COVID-update

Public health in Catawba County Sunday reported 2-thousand-728 positive cases of COVID-19. 12 people are still hospitalized, and 48 individuals have died.

McDowell County Friday afternoon reported a second outbreak of the virus at a long term care facility.

Public health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak at Cedarbrook Residential Center in Nebo and following procedures to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

McDowell County has a total of 792 positive cases, with 61 individuals still in quarantine.

Burke County public health Friday afternoon reported the 37th COVID-19 associated death in the county. As of Saturday, Burke had 2-thousand-95 positive cases of COVID.

Caldwell County, as of Friday had 1-thousand-476 positive cases of COVID-19.

SHP Campaign

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program, more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide and the state highway patrol are participating in the Booze It and Lose It campaign throughout the Labor Day holiday.

Roads are typically congested over the holiday weekend, and troopers say that makes sober driving even more important.

In addition to watching for impaired or drunk drivers, officers will also focus on speeding, aggressive driving, and driving while distracted.

Officials say motorists should expect to see a lot of law enforcement on the roadways over the weekend.

Last year, statistics show the NC highway patrol responded to more than 13-hundred crashes throughout the Labor Day weekend.

Of those crashes, 94 occurred due to alcohol or drug impairment.

The Booze It and Lose It campaign began Monday and concludes on Sunday September 13^th.

Morganton Playground Opens

Morganton Parks and Recreation opened the city’s playgrounds and splash pads on Saturday. The splash pads are set to remain open through the month.

City officials remind visitors that while some recreation amenities reopened, practicing the three W’s is of the utmost importance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – wear your mask, wash your hands, and wait at least six feet apart from others.

Park restrooms reopened as well, and city staff are sanitizing parks and facilities daily while using a third party company to deep clean facilities being used.

For additional information, contact Morganton Parks and Recreation at 438-5350.

Additionally, Morganton City offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day.

Trash pickup is on a one-day delay all week.

Stolen Signs

Lincoln County authorities are investigating recent numerous complaints regarding stolen political signs.

The Lincoln Sheriff’s Office reports the complaints have come from both the Democrat and republican parties over the past few weeks, and involve mostly presidential signs.

Home security systems have captured some of the sign thefts.

The NC General Statute regarding sign regulation states it is a Class-3 misdemeanor for a person to steal, deface, vandalize or unlawfully remove a political sign.