A national statistic-gathering company gives NC and Burke County a failing grade for social distancing.

According to the company called ‘Unacast’, the state’s score has dropped to an “F”.

Unacast says the “F” comes in the category of there NOT being less than 55-percent of non-essential visits, and in NOT having less than a 40-percent decrease in personal encounters.

The scores are comparatively-based on the nationwide rate.

Unacast reportedly uses geospatial human mobility insights to show the change in non-essential visits made, and average mobility throughout the area before and during the virus outbreak.

The company then compares gathered data to other parts of the country, and considers the number of positive cases the area has when determining a score.

Other counties in NC receiving an “F” include Catawba, Lincoln, and Cleveland.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Burke County is now 104. McDowell County has 25,

Caldwell County 35, and Catawba County with 53 positive cases.

Statewide as of Thursday  according to the NC department of health and human services – 10-thousand 509 positive cases, with 378 people having died from the virus.

A news release from Burke County officials states a public information line continues to be manned Monday through Friday 8am till 5pm.

Should you have questions or need additional information, call the info line at 764-9388.

Meanwhile, the Burke County Emergency Operations Center has a community resource coordinator who is securing resources to be used by local residents who may be in need.

The coordination involves those within the local community interested in volunteering, and identifying food sources that residents can access.

Should you know a Burke County resident in need of food, contact the resource coordinator Melissa Estep at 764-9383 or by email at Melissa-dot-estep@burkenc.org.

A McDowell County man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.

30-year-old Mitchell Gilliland of Nebo will serve 148 months in prison, and an additional five years under court supervision.

At today’s sentencing hearing, a review of the case showed Gilliland was pulled over by a Marion Police Officer in May 2019 for speeding and other traffic violations.

Reports say officers searched his vehicle and located a half pound of meth, a loaded firearm, and more than 34-thousand dollars in drug proceeds.

A news release says Gilliland has multiple felony convictions and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Last October, Gilliland pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth.

He is currently in federal custody without the possibility of parole.

Along with Marion Police, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security aided in the investigation.

Rutherford County authorities are looking for a missing teen who was reported missing Monday, returned that same evening, but is now missing again.

Reports say 16-year-old Jasmine Nicole Williamson left her Forest City residence on Harris Henrietta Road Wednesday on foot traveling in an unknown direction.

She is described as having medium curly red hair and blue eyes.

Anyone having information about her whereabouts should call the Rutherford County 911 Center at 828-286-2911.

Lieutenant Gary Massey retired on Thursday from Morganton Department of

Public Safety after 27 years of service. Massey began his career with Morganton 

Public Safety in December 1992, as a law enforcement officer.

NASCAR announced on Thursday that the Cup Series will resume on Sunday

May 17^th at Darlington Speedway. Darlington will host a Cup Series race just

three days later on May 20^th. The Charlotte Motor Speedway will have its

Coca Cola 600 Cup Series race on Sunday May 24^th, and the Speedway will

host its second race just three days later on May 27^th. Two Xfinity races and one

Gander Truck event will take place at those tracks during that time period.

No races have been scheduled after May 27^th, and no fans will be allowed to attend.