COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County has the lowest rise in COVID-19 positive cases in months as local public health officials report 4 new cases, bringing the county’s total to 2-thousand-313 positives. McDowell County reported 8 new cases bringing the total to 875 with one

additional death bringing the total to 28. Caldwell County saw an increase of 18 new cases for a total of 1-thousand-648 and Catawba County with 24 additional cases for a total of 3-thousand-052.

A Burke County news release this afternoon highlights a recent update to the fight against COVID issued by the state department of health and human services.

On Tuesday, the state launched the ‘SlowCOVIDNC’ exposure notification app.

The release says the app will help NC residents slow the spread of the virus by alerting them when they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus.

Reports say it is anonymous and does not collect, store, or share personal information or location data.

It is voluntary to download and is designed to enhance the state’s existing contact tracing efforts.

To learn more about the SlowCOVIDNC app, visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/slowcovidnc.

Spooky Meadows Canceled

Morganton Parks and Recreation Department has canceled Spooky Meadows this year due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

Instead of holding the annual event, the Parks and Recreation Department will hold a drive-thru trick-or-treat event at the Collett Street Recreation Center from 4-7pm on Friday, October 23.

To participate in the drive-thru trick-or-treat at the Rec Center, citizens will need to drive up to the front of the building, receive their pre-packaged bag of candy from a staff member, and drive away.

 Staff will be wearing costumes in order to keep the Halloween spirit alive, and all children participating in the event are encouraged to wear costumes as well.

For more information on the event, contact Morganton Parks and Recreation Department at 828-438-5350.

Spooky Meadows Canceled

Morganton Parks and Recreation Department has canceled Spooky Meadows this year due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

Instead of holding the annual event, the Parks and Recreation Department will hold a drive-thru trick-or-treat event at the Collett Street Recreation Center from 4-7pm on Friday, October 23.

To participate in the drive-thru trick-or-treat at the Rec Center, citizens will need to drive up to the front of the building, receive their pre-packaged bag of candy from a staff member, and drive away.

 Staff will be wearing costumes in order to keep the Halloween spirit alive, and all children participating in the event are encouraged to wear costumes as well.

For more information on the event, contact Morganton Parks and Recreation Department at 828-438-5350.

Death by Distribution

A Marion woman faces a felony charge following an investigation into a drug-related death that occurred in May.

Previous reports reveal 52-year-old Danica Freeman was found deceased inside her residence on Charlie Drive in Marion.

Detectives discovered Fentanyl in her home, and an autopsy confirmed the drug contributed to her death.

An investigation into Freeman’s death led to the arrest of 33-year-old Melanie Lynn Phillips of Apache Path in Marion.

Phillips allegedly sold Freeman the drugs according to a news release issued by the McDowell Sheriff’s Office.

She has been charged with death by distribution, and is confined under a 100-thousand dollar bond.

 

 

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