Area COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health has reported two additional deaths that

were COVID-19 related and both died from COVID-19 complications.

The 42^nd death was an individual in their 90’s, not hospitalized, and

the 43^rd death was a person in their 80’s and was hospitalized before

dying. Burke County reported 21 new cases on Tuesday for a total of

2309. In McDowell County, the Health Department reported 10 new

cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of positives to 867.

Caldwell County reported 6 additional cases Tuesday for a total of

1,630 with Catawba County reporting 15 new cases of COVID-19 for

a cumulative total of 3,028.

Grants to Area Park and Rec Depts

Several area communities have been awarded grants for parks and

recreation projects. Governor Cooper announced on Monday that

grants were awarded to fund projects across the state, including

recipients in Watauga, Iredell and Caldwell counties. The Granite

Falls Recreation Center Expansion was awarded a grant of $250,000.

In Iredell County, the Recreation Center was awarded $425,000 and

in Watauga County, the Boone Greenway Skate Park was awarded

a grant of $72,500. The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, which

awarded the grants, is administered through the state Division of

Parks and Recreation.

Tree Planting

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is partnering with the City

of Morganton for a tree planting Friday at Catawba Meadows Park.

The free event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a free

lunch will be provided. Volunteers must be 16 or older and will be

responsible for placing an assortment of maple, oak and dogwood

trees into pre-dug holes and re-packing loose soil. Disinfectant

spray, hand sanitizer and masks will be provided, but volunteers

are encouraged to bring their own as well.