COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County nears the 500 mark, as local health officials report 497 positive cases of COVID-19 in Burke.

Catawba County added eleven new Covid 19 cases yesterday bringing the

County’s total to 255 cases.  Of that number, 97 have recovered and six are

hospitalized.  In Caldwell County, 12 new cases were added bringing their total to

173.  91 have recovered and 5 are hospitalized.  Caldwell County Health said that

many of the people recently tested were asymptomatic.  The news release said

they would be required to quarantine for 10 days.  Yesterday’s drive thru Covid

testing event in Caldwell tested 116 people.  In McDowell County the number of

positive Covid-19 cases has climbed to 73.

Fatal Hit and Run Arrest

A Hickory woman is arrested in a fatal hit and run accident that occurred in Hildebran Monday night.

36-year-old Maria Ann Arteaga was identified by state troopers as the driver in the mishap.

She has been charged with felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired, and driving while license revoked.

Highway Patrol reports say Arteaga was traveling near Happy Day Grocery on US Highway 70-A around 11:15 Monday night when she allegedly collided with a bicyclist.

Arteaga reportedly left the scene.

31-year-old Robert Caine Fox was identified as the bicyclist, who died on scene.

Troopers located Arteaga just after midnight.

According to reports, Arteaga has a lengthy record of driving violations charges for which she has served prison time in 2012; including misdemeanor DWI Level 1, misdemeanor reckless driving, and misdemeanor DWI Level 5.

She is currently being held at the Burke County jail under an 80-thousand dollar bond.

Morganton Mayor Statement

In a statement released Wednesday by Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson, George Floyd’s death is described as tragic and unnecessary – further stating there are no excuses for the actions of the officers involved.

Mayor Thompson goes on to say Morganton will not tolerate the police violence surrounding Floyd’s death, and our community also will not tolerate racism.

Thompson states racism and brutality are contrary to the oath of public service that law enforcement officers swear to uphold.

In his statement, the mayor says he’s thankful for the law enforcement officers within our community and the services they perform; adding that he works closely with police leadership who does not condone, nor tolerate officers who practice criminal behavior.

Thompson stresses the city of Morganton stands against all forms of racism and is resolved to make our community safe for all people of color.

Water System Maintenance

The City of Morganton Water Resources Department will be shutting down the

City’s water treatment plant for several house this weekend for maintenance. 

The plant shutdown will begin at 10 p.m. Sunday, June 7^th and end at 2 a.m.

Monday, June 8^th.  Water Resources does not expect this shut down for

maintenance to cause any issues with water service for customers, but some

customers may experience low water pressure during this time.  If customers

experience any complications, they should call 828-438-5276 to report the

problem.

Fire Inspector Scholarship

Hickory Fire Inspector Thomas Raper has been awarded the North Carolina Fire

Marshals’ Association Educational Scholarship.  Raper was selected based on his

high academic achievements, civic and community involvement and in exhibiting

service commitment to the helping of others.  Raper will be utilizing the

scholarship to attend Columbia Southern University and to complete a Bachelors

in Fire Services Administration with a concentration in Fire Investigations.

Foothills Conservancy Grant

Foothills Conservancy of NC was recently awarded a grant from the Community Forest Program in support of its ongoing Oak Hill Community Park and Forest project.

The grant totaling more than 464-thousand dollars will help the conservancy purchase the remaining 321 acres of the project property situated near downtown Morganton.

On January 28^th, the conservancy purchased the first half of the property 330 acres with funds from private individuals, small businesses, churches and foundation grants.

 ith this current grant from the CFP, the conservancy still must raise 440-thousand dollars by the end of September to purchase the remaining half.

 he conservancy intends to provide a free outdoor recreation space for residents and visitors of Morganton and Burke County.