COVID-19 UPDATE

For the first time in several days, Covid 19 hospitalizations across North Carolina

have decreased.  As of yesterday, 845 people were in NC hospitals due to Covid-

19.  In our area Covid 19 cases are not increasing as rapidly as they were for the

past several weeks.  Burke County now has recorded 873 positive cases as of

Saturday. 

Caldwell County added three Covid-19 cases on Saturday for a total of 302. 

McDowell County recorded 8 new cases on Friday for a total of 166, and Catawba 

County had 11 new cases yesterday for a total of 574.  Avery County, the last

county in the state to have a Covid 19 case, now has 10.  Covid-19 remains a real

threat to area residents though, and people should wear masks when they are

out, especially when they are in a location in which they cannot stay six feet

apart.  Phase 2 runs out in North Carolina on 5 p.m. Friday.  Governor Roy Cooper

will address the state on his plans for the future later this week.

Lincoln County Child Abuse 

A Lincoln County man has been charged in the death of his two-year old son.  54

year old Baron Gerod Charles, Sr has been charged with one felony count of

murder.  Deputies arrested him after the investigation into the death of Jeremiah

Charles who sustained multiple injuries to his face, neck and torso.  Officers were

dispatched to the residence after a call the child was not breathing.  A second

child living in the home has been removed by Lincoln County DSS.  Charles is in

the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center without the privilege of bond with a court

appearance set for today.

GOP Runoff & Precinct Workers Wanted

 The GOP primary runoff for the 11^th US Congressional District is set for tomorrow

Tuesday, June 23^rd.  Lynda Bennett, a Haywood County Real Estate Company

owner, and the top vote getter in the March primary, faces 24 year old Madison

Cawthorn a Henderson County Real Estate CEO.  Bennett, has been endorsed by

President Trump, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Jim Jordan.  She has spent

around 221 thousand dollars for the past two months on the runoff election

according to federal election reports.  Cawthorn, who will turn 25 in August, the

minimum age the constitution requires to hold a seat in the House of

Representatives, has spent around 151 thousand dollars on the runoff.  Polls are

open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In Burke County, meanwhile, the Burke County Board of Elections is looking for

precinct workers for the November 3^rd Presidential Election.  Experience would be

helpful, but not necessary.  Anyone interested should call 764-9010 or go online

to the Burke County website under elections and complete an application.  You

will be contacted by Burke County elections staff.  Burke County is not

participating in the June 23^rd GOP runoff because Burke County has been moved

to the 5^th Congressional District.

Amended SOE

With the onset of summer, Burke County’s State of Emergency declared in March because of the pandemic is being relaxed in relation to outdoor activities.

The amendment signed by Commission Chair Johnnie Carswell states that all outdoor activities considered to be high risk in the Pisgah National Forest, in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, and other areas in Burke shall not be avoided; but rather to use extreme caution when participating in such activities.

Participants are urged to take extra care measures when rock climbing, rappelling, swift water boating, or rafting and zip lining.

Even walking, hiking, backpacking, or camping overnight demands extreme caution to reduce the strain on vital emergency services personnel and other medical staff already busy with the COVID battle.

Effective immediately, the amendment further urges those outdoor enthusiasts to continue practicing virus preventative measures with social distancing.

Bears Sighted

Another word of caution from the US Forest Service regarding the Pisgah National Forest – be on the lookout for black bears.

Forestry officials report bears have been active at Table Rock and at the Old Fort picnic area as well as surrounding areas.

Black bears look for food that campers and trail users bring on their outings.

According to a news release, black bear attacks on people are rare, but such attacks have resulted in human fatalities.

Experts say to avoid attacks, keep dogs on a lease, vacate the area as soon as possible if you spot a bear nearby, but do not run.

Get into a vehicle or secure building.

Additional safety tips – properly store food and scented items in bear-proof containers, clean up food and garbage around campsites, and never leave food unattended.