Area COVID-19 Update

Burke County Health officials report Wednesday afternoon the addition of seven positive cases of COVID-19 pushing Burke’s total to 218.

The most recent state figures released by the NC Department of Health and Human Services indicate 20-thousand-122 positive virus cases throughout the state, with 702 deaths, and 11-thousand-637 residents presumed recovered.

Due to an overwhelming interest in antibody and COVID-19 testing in Burke beginning this week, local public health officials have announced a testing location change.

On Friday May 22^nd, Psalms and Solid Rock Family Medicine will conduct a first-come first-serve drive-thru COVID-19 antibody testing clinic from 9am till 5pm at Patton High School.

Officials say antibody testing is not appropriate for anyone who is experiencing symptoms consistent with the virus.

Then Friday May 29^th and Friday June 5^th, Psalms and Solid Rock Family Medicine will hold another drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic from 9am to 5pm again at Patton High School.

The clinic is also first-come first serve and is for Burke County residents who are symptomatic, has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, or is a high risk individual.

Directional signs will be posted, and health officials request your patience during the clinics.

Testing may take 2 to 5 days for results.

For additional questions, call Cindy Biddix at 438-1117.

Catawba County has six new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday bringing the total

to 127.  50 patients have recovered and five are currently in the hospital.  On May

22^nd, Catawba County will hold drive thru testing for residents at no cost to the

participant.  Front line workers such as grocery store workers, healthcare

workers, and first responders are encouraged to get tested.  Anyone else who

thinks they may have COVID-19 can be tested, also  The testing will be held in the

back parking lot of Catawba Public Health, 3070 11^th Avenue Drive South East

from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  In Caldwell County there are now 90 confirmed cases of

COVID-19.  52 patients have recovered and 5 are hospitalized.

Morganton House Fire

No injuries in a reported house fire in Morganton earlier this week.

Firefighters responded to 211 Summit Street just after 6 Monday evening to discover smoke coming from the residence.

A news release states Morganton fire officials found fire originating from the kitchen area, possibly from a cooking stove.

Reports say the fire remains under investigation by Morganton Public Safety fire investigators; although it appears accidental.

Damages are estimated at 13-thousand dollars.

Fire officials urge residents to maintain proper clearances around cooking appliances and to never leave a stove unattended while cooking.

McDowell State of Emergency

Heavy rainfall and flooding led McDowell County authorities to declare a local state of emergency on Wednesday.

The declaration was issued for McDowell County, Marion, and Old Fort in the midst of waves of heavy rainfall that had forced evacuations Tuesday evening of two campgrounds- Carolina Emerald Mine Campground and Riverbreeze Campground.

Reports state 11 citizens were actively sheltered in Marion due to the campground evacuations.

McDowell emergency personnel are reportedly on standby to respond to incidents that may develop due to the weather.

Officials warn residents to not attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

The declaration reports as of Wednesday afternoon more than 8-point-5 inches of rain has fallen in the western sections of McDowell.

The flash flood watch continues till 8 this evening. 

Lenoir City Budget

City of Lenoir City Manager Scott Hildebran presented his 20-21 proposed budget

Tuesday night.  There is no increase in taxes or fees in the proposed budget.  The

city tax will remain at .58 cents per 100 dollars in valuation.  The proposed

general fund budget is 17 point 8 million with three fourths of the general fund

spent on police, fire and public works services.

Caldwell Memorial Day Schedule Change

All Caldwell County offices will be closed Monday, May 25^th in observance of

Memorial Day.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, county offices will re-open with

limited public access on Tuesday, May 26^th.  For details on how to access county

services during the pandemic, visit www dot Caldwell County NC dot org.

L-R New Vice-President

Nelson Murphy has been named the Vice President of business and finance at

Lenoir Rhyne University.  Murphy is taking over for Senior Vice President for

Administration Peter Kendall, who is retiring after 15 years of service to LR. 

Murphy comes to Lenoir Rhyne after serving as the executive vice president for

finance and operations at Catawba College.  His new role at LR begins June 15^th.