Burke County health officials report the fifth local resident to die from COVID-19.

A news release says the woman, in her 70’s, had been hospitalized and passed away Wednesday morning from virus-related complications.

According to the release, the patient also had underlying medical conditions.

Burke currently is reporting 63 positive cases.

McDowell County reports an additional positive virus case since Tuesday, bringing the county’s total to 19.

NC health experts say the state has not yet reached its peak of the COVID-19 virus.

Officials continue to urge residents to maintain stay-at-home efforts and social distancing.

The state’s department of health and human services is monitoring outbreaks and hotspots.

Reports indicate as many as 40 nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state have positive cases.

Data from Wednesday shows NC has 5-thousand-123 positive cases, and 117 virus-related deaths.

The Burke County Board of Education is currently accepting applications for a position on the Western Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees.

Applications will be accepted through Thursday April 30^th at 5 pm.

Those interested can pick up an application from the Office of the Superintendent at 700 East Parker Road Morganton, or visit the school’s website at burke-dot-k12-dot-nc-dot-us.

Completed applications along with a resume should be returned to Linda Huffman, Burke County Public Schools, P.O. Drawer 989 Morganton 28680.

The position is a four-year term that becomes effective July 1^st.

The Caldwell County Board of Elections has named a new director.

After having served as the board’s chief deputy director for eight years, Chad Barnes has recently assumed his new position.

In a news release, Barnes says his goal is to provide fair and accurate elections and to maintain integrity in the voting process.

Barnes says too he looks forward to working with both the county Republican and Democrat chairs.