Monday News

Headline: Burke’s Unemployment Rate Drops

Teaser: “How did Burke County’s unemployment numbers look in March?”

Story:

Burke County saw its unemployment fall again in March.

The county’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.4 percent for the month, down from 4.7 percent in February, according to information from the state’s department of commerce. Burke was one of 98 counties in North Carolina that saw rates decline in March.

Catawba County has had the same rate as Burke for the last two months.

The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metropolitan statistical area also saw its rate drop from 4.7 percent in February to 4.4 percent in March. The Asheville metro also, again, led the way with the lowest unemployment rate at 3.9 percent, while Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 6.6 percent.

The government sector saw the largest job increase between February and March with a gain of 500 workers. The trade, transportation and utilities had a gain of 300 jobs, while the education and health services sector and the leisure and hospitality sector each added 100 jobs over the same period.

The manufacturing sector and the professional and business services sector each lost 100 jobs between February and March.The state unemployment rate for April is expected to be released Friday, May 19.

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Headline: Law Enforcement Torch Run

Teaser: “Local Law Enforcement and Gym Members raise awareness for Special Olympics by running over 22 miles”

Story:

Local law enforcement and gym members teamed up for this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run from Downtown Morganton to the Hickory Police Department to raise awareness for the upcoming Special Olympics.

According to the Morganton News Herald, Officers with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Morganton Department of Public Safety, the Department of Corrections and members with Athletic Performance Lab and CrossFit gathered Friday morning at the Old Burke County Courthouse to participate in the Torch Run and carry the Flame of Hope, which represents Special Olympics, on a 22-mile run.

While the torch is making its way to Raleigh in the month of May, police agencies hold fundraisers to help support the Special Olympics. Morganton Department of Public Safety is selling Special Olympics T-shirts.

The N.C. Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $31 million since 1987 according to their website.

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Headline: Relay for Life

Teaser: “Burke County hosts the annual Relay For Life over the weekend”

Story:

Despite the chilly conditions and rain showers, crowds turned out of the annual Relay for Life event for Burke County on Friday evening at Freedom High School to help raise money for cancer research.   The event also honors those who have been affected by all types of cancer.  This year’s event leaders have a goal of $100,000.00 to reach for cancer research.  Relay for Life has more than 4 million people in 20 different countries participating in the annual event.

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Headline: Color Burke!

Teaser: “Have you noticed painted rocks lying around with positive messages or paintings on them?  If so, you can join in on the fun by participating in the group called Color Burke on Facebook”

Story:

According to a local Facebook Group called “Color Burke!”  The challenge was created in hopes of spreading positive messages around Burke County. The idea is to paint a rock with whatever you choose. You can paint a picture, add a positive message or both. Paint the rock, write Color Burke on the back. CLEAR COAT and then "hide" the rock in plain sight on your daily path where it can be found and brighten another persons day.

The group says anyone can play along.. any age, any talent, just keep it "clean" and positive, no competition and be careful not to place rocks where people may trip or fall.

The group goes on to say:

If you find a rock, post a picture then re-"hide" it somewhere else. The This is fun for groups, family or just as one. Thanks to all that get involved and remember to have fun while we Color Burke.
Color Burke! will have a spirit night at Chick-fil-A on Burkemont Avenue this Thursday night from 5-8pm to raise money for the Mountain Crest Needy children fund.