Area Covid Weekend Wrapup

Catawba County Public Health was notified of 14 new Covid 19 cases yesterday

bringing the cumulative total to 3 thousand, 1 hundred and 44.  Of that number 2

thousand 7 hundred and 60 have recovered and 15 patients are hospitalized. 

Burke County reported 2 thousand 3 hundred and 68 cumulative Covid-19 cases

yesterday.  2 thousand and 52 have recovered and 8 are hospitalized.  Caldwell

County reported six new Covid-19 cases yesterday for a cumulative total of 1

thousand 6 hundred 66.  9 hundred 98 patients have recovered and 22 are

hospitalized.  McDowell County reported 14 new Covid-19 cases Friday for a

cumulative total of 8 hundred 96.  8 hundred and six patients are out of

quarantine.

Two Shot in Hickory

Two people were shot, one fatally, outside an apartment complex in Hickory early

Sunday morning.  Hickory Police were called to 98 3^rd Avenue South East around

2:22 a.m. where they found 20 year old Armstrong Shadrac Seme injured from

multiple gunshot wounds. Catawba EMS transported Seme to Frye Regional

Medical Center where he later died.  28 year old Jalen Michael Marquis Shade of

Hickory was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center by bystanders prior to

the police arrival.  Shade was transferred to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

where he is listed in stable condition.  Witnesses state three black males in dark

clothing and Covid like face masks approached Jalen Shade as he stood outside

the Sunny Valley Apartments.  One male engaged in conversation with Shade

before shooting him several times.  Armstrong Seme, who was a bystander, was

struck  by multiple shots.  Anyone having any information or who could identify

the suspect should contact the Hickory Police Department.  Authorities are

looking for a black male, about 5 feet 7 inches tall last seen wearing dark clothing

and a dark colored Covid style face mask.

Sexual Misconduct Charge

A 37 year old Connelly Spring man has been arrested and charged with felony

indecent liberties with a child.  Jim Ping Hung was arrested at his residence Friday

without incident and placed in the Burke County Jail under a 25 thousand dollar

secured bond.  The NC Department of Health and Human Services Child

Protective Services reported the allegations of sexual misconduct on a five year

old child.  The Sheriff’s Department investigated and a warrant was issued.  Hung

is due to make his first appearance in court today.

Valdese Trick or Treat

The annual Valdese “Treats in the Streets” will take place on Friday, October 30^th

from 4-6 p.m. with a new twist.  Valdese will feature several stops spread

throughout the town hosted by local merchants, attractions and town

departments where little ghosts and goblins can drive thru and get treats without

getting out of their cars.  Attendees are encouraged to tour in their most amazing

costumes, or even better with decorated vehicles.  All participating stations will

be featured on an interactive map shared at townofvaldese dot com by October

26^th, along with other Covid safe events.