A 4-month-old girl from Alexander County, reported missing earlier, was found safe in West Virginia Thursday.

Circumstances surrounding her disappearance involve the infant’s father 48-year-old Carl Lee Dotson of Taylorsville who failed to appear in court Tuesday on assault charges.

Reports say when officers arrived at his home to take him into custody, Dotson, his girlfriend Brandi Risden and their infant daughter were all missing.

Documents indicate there is a domestic violence protection order filed by Risden against Dotson.

Authorities say Risden was allegedly expected to testify against Dotson in court.

Officials say the child was dropped off in West Virginia with family members.

Dotson and Risden were last known to be in a burgundy ’95 Dodge pickup with NC tag FAN-3221.

Those having information concerning the case are urged to contact the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office.

Catawba County has confirmed their first case of rabies this year.

Catawba County Animal Services received a call from a Maiden resident Tuesday whose dog attacked a raccoon in his yard.

The raccoon was sent to the state public health lab in Raleigh.

Catawba officials received word back on Thursday that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.

Animal Services further advised the citizen to provide a rabies booster for the dog, and to keep the canine under observation for 45 days as required by law.

Officials remind pet owners that rabies is present in the local wild animal population, and is therefore a threat to pets and humans year-round.

The best way to protect your pets from rabies is to have them properly vaccinated for rabies.

The Town of Catawba is the first and only municipality in Catawba County to participate in the 2019 Urban Archery Program.

Town leaders approved the ordinance that allows property owners within town limits to bow hunt deer during a special season on their property, or another property with written consent from the owner.

All state wildlife resource commission hunting rules and regulations apply, along with  bag limits.

The program is reportedly primarily used to reduce deer-related collisions.

DOT reports there were 162 animal versus vehicle collisions in Catawba County in 2016.

The urban season usually occurs in January and February each year, and the 2019 dates are January 12^th through February 17^th.

For information about Catawba’s Urban Archery ordinance, call 241-2215.