Remote Learning Due to Weather

As the remnants of Hurricane Zeta passes through the area, schools have

returned to remote learning for all students today.  Hickory City Schools, Burke

County Schools, Caldwell County Schools, Catawba County Schools, Newton-

Conover City Schools and McDowell County Schools will all provide remote

learning. Meanwhile, McDowell Tech announced a two-hour delay today.

One Stop Voting

Burke County has passed the 51 percent mark as nearly 16 hundred voters cast

early ballots yesterday.  Including absentee by mail, that means some 31

thousand 2 hundred and 88 people have already voted in the November 3^rd

General Election.  Catawba County has voted fifty point eight percent of the

registered voter list for 55 thousand and 18 ballots.  Caldwell County has voted

53.6 percent of registered voters, and McDowell County has voted 45 point 1

percent of registered voters in that county.  State wide over fifty percent of the

registered voters have voted.    Early voting continues thru Saturday.

COVID-19 UPDATE 

Catawba County Public Health was notified yesterday of 66 new cases of Covid-

19.  The cumulative total of Covid-19 cases in the county now stands at 4

thousand 4 hundred and 9.  30 patients are hospitalized and 3 thousand 7

hundred and 84 patients have recovered.  Caldwell County has 48 new cases of

Covid-19.  The Health Department says 2 thousand 5 hundred and 21 people have

tested positive for Covid-19 since late March.  18 patients are hospitalized and 1

thousand 6 hundred and 88 have recovered.

Burke County public health reports the fourth COVID-19 related death in the last two days, while positive cases continue to soar. Wednesday's reported death marks the 58th virus associated death in Burke. The individual was in their 80's, was hospitalized when they died from COVID-19 complications. 32 new cases were reported with a total of 3-thousand-33. 

Meanwhile, Governor Cooper held an afternoon press conference Wednesday to announce the signing of a new executive order in addressing how COVID-19 is adversely affecting some residents.

The executive order will prevent evictions for those NC residents unable to afford rent.

Cooper says otherwise as many as 250-thousand people may be evicted by January.

The order builds on the CDC’s federal eviction moratorium that requires landlords to ensure tenants are aware of CDC protections and how to claim them.

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

As the number of positive cases of COVID-19 continues to rise daily, Burke County public health says Burke is currently at 2-thousand-977 positive cases, an increase of 24 cases since Sunday. 396 cases are active, 2-thousand-508 cases are termed recovered, and 5 individuals remain hospitalized.

98 new Covid-19 cases have been reported since late Saturday in Caldwell County. 

That total marks the highest number of cases in a single report for the county.  All

together, 2 thousand 4 hundred 66 people have contracted Covid-19 in Caldwell. 

16 hundred and 7 have recovered and 19 patients are hospitalized.    The Caldwell

Health Department learned of the 31^st Covid-19 related death yesterday.  The

patient was over the age of 75 and had been hospitalized with underlying

conditions.  Catawba County reported 73 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday for a

cumulative total of 4 thousand 3 hundred and one.  32 patients are hospitalized

and 3 thousand 2 hundred and 47 patients have recovered. McDowell County reported

 26 new positive cases Monday with 128 still in quarantine.

Early Vote 

Early voters continue to go to the polls in our area during one stop voting.  Burke

County saw some two thousand additional votes cast yesterday at the 5 early

voting sites.  Burke now stands at 44 percent of the registered voters who have

cast ballots for the November 3^rd General Election.  That means 25 thousand 4

hundred 93 people have already voted.  46 thousand 9 hundred 63 people have

voted in Catawba County which represents 43.3 percent of the registered voters

in the county.  46.7 percent of Caldwell County’s voters have cast ballots for 25

thousand 3 hundred and 38 votes.  And McDowell County stands at a 37.9

percent turnout rate with 11 thousand 2 hundred and 84 votes.  Early voting

continues today through Saturday.

Federal Fugitive

A traffic stop in McDowell County leads to the arrest of a wanted federal fugitive.

A Sheriff’s deputy stopped 27-year-old Chandra Danielle McCool of Old Fort for an expired driver’s license October 13^th.

Upon checking for outstanding warrants, the officer discovered McCool was a federal probation absconder.

Once taken into custody, a search of McCool, her vehicle and belongings turned up meth, suboxone, clonazapam, marijuana, and a defaced handgun.

She now faces numerous drug related charges along with possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a gun with an altered serial number.

Conover Shooting Update

A second suspect in last week’s fatal Conover shooting is being investigated.

According to reports, the unnamed suspect has not been charged, as authorities are in consultation with the district attorney’s office to determine which charges apply to the suspect’s involvement.

A previous news release from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office say Samuel Hernandez-Loza was discovered deceased from a gunshot on White Tail Circle in Conover October 19^th.

Tony Marshall Shook was arrested that day and charged with murder in connection with the incident.

He is being held without bond with a court appearance scheduled for November 10^th.

Authorities say charges concerning the second suspect most likely won’t be addressed until the grand jury convenes in November.

 

 

 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Health has reported 2 thousand 9 hundred and 47 cumulative cases

of coronavirus.  2 thousand 4 hundred and 68 patients have recovered while 5

patients are hospitalized.  McDowell County reported 16 new cases of coronavirus

Friday for a cumulative total of 1 thousand 1 hundred 89.  1 thousand and 21

patients are out of quarantine.  Catawba County reported 10 new cases of

coronavirus yesterday for a cumulative total of 4 thousand, 2 hundred and 28.  35

patients are hospitalized.  3 thousand, 2 hundred 47 patients have recovered. 

And Caldwell County reported 10 new cases of coronavirus for a cumulative total

of 2 thousand 3 hundred 68.  16 patients are hospitalized and 1 thousand 5

hundred and 59 have recovered.

Voting Wrapup

Burke County voters turned out in large numbers to the one stop voting sites

Saturday, as nearly fourteen hundred people cast ballots for the November

General Election.  Some 44 percent of Burke County’s registered voters have

already cast ballots, either through one stop voting or absentee.  That means 25

thousand, 4 hundred and 93 voters have already voted.  In Caldwell County, some

46.7 percent of the registered voters have cast ballots, for a total of 25 thousand,

3 hundred and 38.  37.9 percent of McDowell County’s registered voters have cast

ballots, for a total of 11 thousand 2 hundred and 84.  And in Catawba County,

approximately 41.8 percent of registered voters have voted, for a total of 45

thousand 2 hundred and 45, excluding Sunday’s vote.  Early voting continues

through Saturday, October 31^st.

McDowell Runaway

McDowell County authorities are looking for a 17 year old last seen at her

residence on Hoyles Orchard Road in Old Fort last Thursday.  Shelby Joann

Harwood was last seen around 4:30 p.m.  Law enforcement reports say Harwood

is a white female, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 1 hundred 50 pounds. 

She has brown hair and hazel eyes.  Anyone knowing her whereabouts should call

the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

As state officials on Wednesday announced that NC will remain paused in Phase 3 for three more weeks to monitor viral trends, numbers in the continue to build.

Burke County Public Health reported 34 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday afternoon.

Burke’s total of positive cases of COVID-19 now stands at 2-thousand-893.

425 cases are active, 2-thousand-396 cases are reported as recovered, and 6 residents remain hospitalized.

Health officials in McDowell County reported 15 additional cases Thursday, bringing the county total to 1-thousand-173 positives.

Caldwell County reported the 2nd outbreak at the Shaire Center after the first outbreak of

4 cases was closed on August 20th. The Shaire Center now has 7 new cases of COVID-19.

Caldwell added 49 new cases of the virus yesterday, for a new total of 2-thousand-307.

Catawba County added 67 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 4-thousand-121.

Shooting Leaves One Critical

An early morning shooting Thursday at a Hickory apartment leaves one critical, and the suspect apprehended in the afternoon.

Hickory officers arrived at 2830 12^th Avenue Southeast to find 32-year-old Winter Devonne Brooks of Hickory suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Reports say Brooks was able to tell police she was shot by her boyfriend, 34-year-old Andrew Mungro of Hickory.

At 12:30 p.m Thursday, Mungro was taken into custody by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after a deputy conducted a traffic stop of the suspect vehicle.

Police reports state Mungro left the scene of the shooting in a 2004 gold Chevrolet Trailblazer, armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

He is currently being held in the Catawba County jail without bond; charged with felony kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Brooks was taken to CMC Charlotte, where reports list her in critical condition but stable.

A news release states a 12-year-old child was also at the residence at the time of the shooting but was not injured. 

Anyone having additional information about the incident should call Hickory Police at 828-328-5551.

Meth Trafficking Conviction 

A federal jury, sitting in Statesville has convicted a 37 year old Fresno

California man in connection with the distribution of meth via the US Postal

Service and FedEx and money laundering.  David Alexander Moralez, Jr. has been

detained pending sentencing, at which time he faces 10 years in prison and up to

20 years in prison for money laundering.  According to evidence presented at trial,

law enforcement in Newton and Hickory seized two pounds of meth during

controlled buys on December 18^th and 19^th of 2018.  The meth was also trafficked

to other locations throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. 

Girlfriend Choked

A Marion man is arrested for choking his girlfriend and interfering with 911.

McDowell deputies were called to a reported domestic disturbance at an Old Fort residence at 4 am on October 15^th.

An investigation revealed 33-year-old Thomas William Dalton had choked his girlfriend during a dispute, and when she called 911, he had reportedly grabbed the phone from her and ran into the woods.

Dalton was later taken into custody and charged with assault by strangulation, and interfering with emergency communication.

 

 

 

 

Burke Reports 52^nd Covid-19 Associated Death

Burke County Public Health has been notified of the 52^nd Covid-19 related death

in Burke County.  The individual was in their 90’s and was not hospitalized when

they died from Covid-19 related complications.

Area Covid-19 rates are continuing to increase.  Burke County’s cumulative

case numbers now stand at 2 thousand 8 hundred and 59 cases. Catawba

County saw 47 new cases yesterday for a cumulative total of 4 thousand-54

31 patients are hospitalized and 3 thousand 2 hundred and 47 patients have

recovered. Caldwell County reported 56 new cases Wednesday for a

cumulative total of 2 thousand 2 hundred and 58.  More than 3 hundred 50

positive cases have been reported in the county in the last 14 days. 1 thousand 4

hundred and 76 patients have recovered and 14 patients are hospitalized. And

McDowell County reported 20 new cases yesterday for a total of 1 thousand 1

hundred and 58.  9 hundred 80 patients are out of quarantine.

Claremont Woman Charged With Murder

A twenty-two year old Claremont woman has been charged with murder in the

death of her infant.  Aaliyah Nicole Mungro was arrested after an investigation by

the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Claremont Police.  On

October 17^th the two month old boy was found unresponsive by his father. 

Mungro was placed in the Catawba County Detention Facility and denied bond.

Funding Received for Treatment Court 

The 36^th Prosecutorial District has been allocated funding for the establishment of

a treatment court.  The grant funds, from the Bureau of Justice Administration,

will be used to fund a court coordinator, court-associated operating costs,

equipment expenses, program materials and drug testing.  The total amount

allocated will be 3 hundred 39 thousand, 3 hundred and 23 dollars over a period

of three years.  The Veterans’ Treatment Court is scheduled to begin in April 2021. 

Catawba will be the 5^th county in North Carolina to have a treatment court for vets.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to mount in Burke County – Public Health officials reporting 21 new positives Tuesday, with a total of 2-thousand-838 cases.

390 of the total cases are active, 2-thousand-384 have recovered, and 11 people remain hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials reported 10 additional positive cases with

McDowell’s total of positives – 1-thousand-138.

125 cases are in quarantine, while 981 are out of quarantine.

Recent numbers released by public health in Catawba County on Tuesday indicated more than 4-thousand cases diagnosed since the pandemic began.

Caldwell County reported 11 new cases on for a total of 2-thousand-202,with

80 people released and counted as recovered.

Icard Elementary COVID

Burke County Public Schools was made aware Tuesday of a cluster of at least five or more related positive COVID-19 cases at Icard Elementary School.

 As a result, Icard Elementary School will move to Plan C instruction until Thursday, Nov. 5th; which means all learning at Icard will move from in-person to remote while the school is shut down.

There will be no activity at the school at least for several days to ensure adequate time for the virus to dissipate from the air.

 Once that time period is up, the custodial team will move in to start the thorough sanitation process.

School officials made parents aware of the positive cases today; giving them the e option of checking out their students early, if they wished, but the Icard buses did run on their normal afternoon schedule to accommodate families who did not have alternative transportation and childcare options in the middle of the afternoon.

The school is working closely with the Burke County Health Department for guidance and to identify anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Just as with individual cases, if a child was identified as having had close contact and exposure, the school nurse notified the parents. Parents who do not hear from the school nurse should know their child is not considered to have had close contact. Parents who have questions about their child's health, can contact their physician or the Burke County Health Department Public Information Line at 828-764-9168.

MDPS Arrest Suspect

Morganton Public Safety has arrested a Burke County man wanted in connection with a Lincoln County shooting that took place last Friday.

51-year-old Terry Lee Peeler of Wards Gap Road Connelly Springs was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

He is accused of shooting his nephew Jimmy Drew Peeler using a shotgun during an altercation at Halfway Supply on NC 18.

The victim was transported to a Shelby hospital, treated for his injuries, and released later in the weekend.

Reports further say Terry Peeler fled the crime scene and was chased by a vehicle driven by Jimmy Frank Peeler Sr.

The two vehicles wrecked on Highway 10 in Cleveland County with both drivers running from the scene.

Terry Peeler eluded lawmen, while Jimmy Frank Peeler received treatment for a leg injury.

Morganton Public Safety received information that Terry Peeler was in a room at Carolinas Healthcare in Morganton.

He was arrested without incident early Sunday morning.

In addition to the Lincoln County charges, Peeler was served outstanding warrants for felony larceny and misdemeanor larceny.

Peeler was placed in the Burke County jail under a 105-thousand-500-dollar secured bond.

Voted Best Place to Live

The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area known as the Catawba Valley has earned bragging rights as a home for retirees and families, and is becoming a destination for young professionals.

Our area was voted 49^th among the 150 ‘Best Places to Live in the US’.

The poll was part of an article included in the recent issue of US News and World Report.

The article noted the region’s growing businesses, restaurants, outdoor recreation, moderate climate and affordability.

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to steadily increase in our area.

Burke County health officials Monday afternoon reported 23 new positives since Sunday, bringing the county’s total to 2-thousand-817.

Recent figures indicate 410 cases are active, 2-thousand-344 cases are reported as recovered, and 11 individuals remain hospitalized.

In McDowell County, public health reported 25 new positive virus cases with a total now of 1-thousand-128 positives.

114 cases are in quarantine, and 982 are out of quarantine.

Catawba County reported 61 new cases Monday for a total of 3-thousand-977

and 48 additional positive virus cases were reported in Caldwell County for a new total of 2-thousand-191.

 

NC health officials have announced a new rent and utility assistance program.

The Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions or HOPE program will provide rent and utility assistance to low and moderate income renters who have fallen behind because of COVID-19.

The program can provide up to 6 months rent or utility assistance.

You can apply for the program online by visiting nc211-dot-org-slash-hope, or you can call 2-1-1 between 7 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday.

Alexander Rape Arrest

A suspect believed to have been involved in a July rape of an elderly woman in Alexander County has been arrested.

35-year-old Julius Santez Williams of Yadkin County was taken into custody Friday in Newton.

Reports say Williams faces felony charges including first degree rape, first degree burglary, first degree kidnapping and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.

The charges stem from a reported home invasion July 19^th in the Hiddenite Community in which the elderly victim was sexually assaulted.

Authorities in the case received information that Williams was in the Newton area last Friday.

Officers located him near Jaycee Park; Williams led lawmen on a short foot chase before being taken into custody.

He was jailed under a secured bond of 1-million-225-thousand dollars.

Newton Police and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office assisted Alexander County lawmen.

Blue Ridge Search

Search and rescue efforts continue in the shining rock area of the Pisgah National Forest for a missing Asheville man.

27-year-old Chad Seger was last known to have been in the wilderness area October 12^th.

He was reported missing by his family Friday October 16^th.

On the third day of searching, teams from Alabama and Georgia alongside numerous regional teams are assisting Haywood County officials.

As of this morning, searchers haven’t gained any credible sign or sighting of Seger.

Authorities have posted flyers along trailheads about the missing man; also noting that Seger suffers from mental illness and may be evasive.

Officials are concerned as well about the cold temperatures overnight in the Pisgah Forest; with hypothermia possibly a life threatening danger.

Anyone who may have seen Seger in the last week, or if you have information on his whereabouts, contact the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office at 828-452-6600.

 

Conover Shooting

A man is discovered shot to death Monday morning in Conover, while Catawba County authorities search for two suspects.

Reports say the shooting happened around 3 in a home along White Tail Circle.

When deputies arrived, they discovered 28-year-old Samuel Loza inside with a gunshot wound, who reports say died at the scene.

Lawmen haven’t reported details in the incident, but do believe two suspects were involved and left the crime scene before they arrived.

Investigators say they are looking for a man and a woman.

The man is described as being 40 to 50 years old, tall with dark hair and facial hair.

The woman is between 20 to 30 years old, has blonde hair and was last seen wearing a gray Calvin Kline hoodie.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout the Catawba Valley region –

Burke County health officials reported 23 new positives Thursday, bringing the county’s total to 2-thousand-743.

The latest figures show 411 cases are active, 2-thousand-270 are recovered, and 9 remain hospitalized.

In McDowell County, a news release from public health reports 9 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday.

McDowell’s total is now 1-thousand-87; with 103 in quarantine and 953 out of quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 22 new cases Thursday, with a total now of 2-thousand-84 positives.

In Caldwell, 844 cases are active, 1-thousand-188 are recovered, and 12 individuals are hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 49 new positives for a total of 3-thousand-777.

State health officials report Thursday as the highest single-day increase in new COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in March.

New positives statewide total 2-thousand-532, 18 more deaths were reported, and 1-thousand-140 residents are hospitalized across NC because of the virus.

Caldwell  DA’s Office Closed

The Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office has been closed after an employee

tested positive for Covid-19.  Court settings in Caldwell County were closed 

yesterday and the employee and other staff members of the DA’s office were sent

home to begin quarantine procedures.  The Caldwell County Health Department

was notified about the exposure as well as the Administrative Offices of the

Courts in Raleigh.  Court settings in Caldwell County will continue with assistant

district attorneys from the Burke and Catawba offices handling courtroom duties

in the absence of Caldwell staff members.

First Day Early Voting Turnout

North Carolina voters turned out in droves on the weather-friendly first day of the

early voting period Thursday.  Nearly 2 hundred 72 thousand ballots were cast

across the state as of 7:30 p.m.  That number easily surpasses the first day of early

voting in 2016 when about 1 hundred 66 thousand ballots were cast statewide. 

Also yesterday, nearly 5 hundred 33 thousand mail in ballots had been accepted

in North Carolina.  Henderson County led the state as nearly 19 hundred voters

had cast ballots by six p.m….the most of any site in the state.

Health Guidelines for Voters

While early voting began Thursday in NC, state health officials have released guidelines for voters and polling locations.

Residents who plan to vote in-person should wear a face mask and keep it on throughout the voting process, stay 6 feet apart from others while at the polling location, and wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after voting.

At the polls, masks are required and voting places must have enough masks to provide one to anyone who doesn’t have one.

Election workers must routinely clean and disinfect high-touch areas especially during peak voting times.

NC Health Secretary Mandy Cohen says everyone should make their voting plan, and just like going to the grocery store, wear your mask and wait apart from others.

Nebo Man Killed

A Nebo man was struck and killed on US 321 Wednesday morning after leaving the scene of a previous rear-end collision.

43-year-old Jason Sheh Ali was driving a 2009 Pontiac when reports say he ran into the back of a 2007 Honda stopped at the Mission Road intersection.

Reports indicate Ali briefly spoke with the driver of the Honda and another witness to the mishap before walking into the southbound lanes of US 321 where he was struck by another vehicle and killed.

No charges are expected.

RMC Technologies

RMC Advanced Technologies, a subsidiary of NanoXplore headquartered in Montreal, is expanding its Newton facility.

Over the next three years, RMC plans to create 49 new jobs and invest a minimum of 7-million dollars in new facility construction, machinery and equipment.

A news release states salaries for new employees will vary by position and experience; with an overall average salary higher than the Catawba County average wage.

The company plans to hire a variety of employees for the new manufacturing operation in areas of production, maintenance, quality management, and supply chain logistics.

Hiring is expected to begin early 2021.

The Newton operation will continue to produce body and hood components for major North American truck and bus manufacturers.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID19 UPDATE

The second COVID-19 related death reported in Burke County this week marks the 51^st virus associated death since the pandemic began.

Health officials say the individual was in their 90’s, and was not hospitalized when they died from COVID-19 complications.

Burke is currently at 2-thousand-720 positive cases, an increase of 24 positives.

Recent figures show 389 cases are active, 2-thousand-262 cases are recovered, and 7 individuals are hospitalized.

In McDowell County, health officials report an additional virus-related death bringing the number of deaths there to 31.

McDowell is currently at 1-thousand 78 positive cases, an increase of 12 positives since Tuesday.

119 people remain in quarantine, while 928 are out of quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 50 new COVID cases for a total of 2-thousand-62 while Catawba County reported 47 additional cases for a new total of 3-thousand-728.

Austin named POA

Burke County Public Schools has named Walter Johnson Middle School Principal Lora Austin this year’s district Principal of the Year.

A news release from the school system reports Austin’s fellow Burke schools principals nominated her for the honor, and she was chosen following an interview panel session.

Austin has a degree in elementary education, a master’s in middle grades education and an add-on master’s in school administration.

She began teaching in Caldwell County and then moved to teach at Walter Johnson the second year it was open.

After extensive educational duties again in Caldwell, Austin returned to Burke County in 2013 and has served for seven years as principal at Mountain Crest/Hillcrest Elementary, East Burke Middle School, and now at Walter Johnson Middle.

Human Remains Found

Investigators continue to work a scene in Old Fort where human remains have been recovered.

A news release says a resident who lives in the area found skeletal remains in a wooded area off Lavender Road Tuesday.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the discovery through a Crime Stoppers tip just before 11 Tuesday morning.

Authorities continue to examine the scene, and the remains have been sent for an autopsy to determine a positive identification.

Alexander Co Shooting

A Taylorsville man has been arrested after lawmen say he shot and killed his mother at a residence in Alexander County Wednesday morning.

Reports say officers confirmed the son identified as 36-year-old Christopher Lee Brown is in custody after his mother was fatally shot.

Upon arrival at the home on Harbert Mountain Road, deputies officers found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds, who died at the crime scene.

According to reports, Brown left the scene in his vehicle while still armed.

After a time, officers apprehended Brown and charged him with first-degree murder.

He is being held without bond at the Alexander County Detention Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE 

Catawba County was notified of 50 new Covid-19 cases Tuesday as the

cumulative total for the County climbed to 3 thousand 6 hundred and 81.  3

thousand and 43 of those patients have recovered and 21 patients are currently

hospitalized.  Burke County reported 2 thousand 6 hundred and 96 cumulative

cases yesterday with 9 patients hospitalized.  2 thousand 2 hundred and 47

patients have recovered.  McDowell County reported 19 new Covid-19 cases

Tuesday for a cumulative total of 1 thousand and 66 patients.  9 hundred 28

patient are out of quarantine.  And Caldwell County had an increase of 9 Covid 19

cases yesterday for a total of 2 thousand and 12 cases.  1 thousand 1 hundred 88

patients have recovered and 9 are hospitalized.

Shooting in Conover

A shooting in Conover remains under investigation today.  A man, at a residence

on 1^st Avenue South in Conover, was shot in the face and taken to the hospital by

a private car.  The residence was near Conover School, which was placed under a

temporary lockdown during the investigation.  Officers are trying to determine

what happened.

Mobile Home Damaged

A mobile home in Catawba County was heavily damaged yesterday as a pickup

truck slammed into it.  No one inside the home at the time of the accident

that happened off Kool Park Road was injured.  The driver of the vehicle was

taken to an area hospital.  A medical issue was thought to

have caused  the accident, but  no official word on the cause of the accident has

been released.

Caldwell EMS Involved in Accident

A Caldwell County ambulance, transporting a patient by emergency traffic to an

area hospital, was involved in a motor vehicle accident Monday night around

8:45.  The EMS vehicle was hit at the intersection of Hickory Boulevard and

Pinewood Road in Granite Falls.  2 EMS technicians and a patient were on board

the vehicle.  3 people were transported to the hospital with injuries that varied

from minor to moderate.  Two of those transported were EMS personnel.  Both

EMS workers have been released from the hospital, while the driver of the

transfer truck and the driver of the passenger truck declined treatment at the

scene.

Proposed Merger

Two hospice organizations are exploring the possibility of becoming

one organization. The boards of directors have approved the decision

for Burke Hospice and Palliative Care and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative

Care to integrate. A timeline has yet to be finalized but the legal

partnership is expected to occur in 2021. A new name would be announced

for the group should the two providers combine into one. According

to a press release, there are no plans to close any of the locations and

infrastructure details are still being determined.

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 continues to take its toll on Burke County residents as local health officials Monday reported the fiftieth virus-related death.

A news release says the individual was in their 90’s, and was hospitalized when they died from COVID-19 related complications.

The number of positive cases in Burke County totals 2-thousand-686 now, an increase of 25 positives since Saturday.

391 cases are reported to be active, 2-thousand-231 have recovered, and 9 are hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials reported an increase of 22 positives Monday, bringing the number of total cases to 1-thousand-47.

89 remain in quarantine, and 928 are out of quarantine.

Caldwell County reported the 30th death with the patient over the age of 75

and reportedly had underlying medical conditions. Caldwell had an additional

47 cases reported Monday for a total of 2-thousand-3.

Catawba County reported 40 new cases of the virus Monday for a total of

3-thousand-631, and 3 additional deaths bringing the total to 60.

Armed Robbery

Two men have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery of an eastern Burke County gas station last week.

38-year-old Yia Vang of Morganton and 36-year-old Nohsher Chiah of Fletcher have both been charged with felony robbery with a firearm.

The two men reportedly robbed the Valero gas station on South Center Street in Hildebran.

The store clerk told officers an Asian man came into the store, showed a handgun and demanded money.

The man then left the store in a blue Toyota car with a male driver according to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators recovered video surveillance of the robbery and were able to find the suspect’s vehicle the next day.

Chia and Vang were arrested from evidence found in the car.

Vang was issued a 100-thousand dollar secured bond, while Chiah was held without bond.

Drug Suspect Flees

Wanted on outstanding warrants, a suspect flees from officers in McDowell County and is later found to possess drugs.

28-year-old Cody Allen Metcalf of Marion fled on foot from deputies September 29^th on US 221 North.

Once officers caught up to Metcalf, reports say he continued to resist arrest.

Authorities also searched him and his belongings and discovered point-20 grams of meth and a suboxone pill.

Metcalf was then charged with possession of meth, possession of a schedule-4 controlled substance, and resisting a public officer.

Alexander Stabbing

An altercation between two individuals in Alexander County Sunday leads to a stabbing.

Reports say authorities responded to a residence on Stony Point School road around 11 pm Sunday.

Upon arrival, officers found a victim bleeding from a neck injury.

The victim told lawmen he had been in a verbal disagreement with an individual that had escalated into the assault.

The victim and another witness at the scene told authorities that the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Paul Mitchell Vaughn of Maiden had left on foot.

Officials with the state highway patrol were able to locate and arrest Vaughn.

Officers found Vaughn to be in possession of a knife, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.

Vaughn was jailed and charged with multiple offenses under a 134-thousand dollar bond.

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

McDowell County reported on Friday that the coronavirus has surfaced in the county's detention center, where one staff member and one inmate have both tested positive. McDowell County reported six new positive cases Friday, bringing the county's total to 1-thousand-25.

Burke County reported on Saturday 24 additional cases of COVID-19, for a total of 2-thousand-661.

Caldwell County on Saturday reported 33 new cases of COVID, bringing the total to 1-thousand-956.

Catawba County reported on Sunday 45 new cases of COVID-19, for a county total of 3-thousand-548.

Hickory Shooting Update

Hickory Police continue to search for two suspects wanted in connection with an early morning shooting Thursday.

Reports say around 12 am Thursday, Nicholas Zachary Rozzelle was walking in the 100-block of 18^th Street Northwest when he was confronted by two unknown black males with handguns.

The suspects, reports state, demanded Rozelle hand over his money along with other possessions.

A news release says one of the suspects shot Rozelle as he attempted to reach into his back pocket to remove his wallet.

The two suspects then fled the area on foot.

Authorities describe the shooter as a black male in his late teens to early twenties, is approximately 5-feet-9, has a slender build and is bald.

The second suspect is a black male in his late teens to early twenties, is approximately 5-feet-9, has a slender build with short dreads.

Anyone having information regarding the investigation should call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Lincoln County Fire

A popular Lincoln County athletic club sustained significant damage in a fire Friday morning.

Fire officials say Westport Swim and Tennis Club in Denver was fully engulfed in flames upon their arrival.

The two story building suffered damage to the top and bottom floors.

No injuries were reported.

An investigation continues.

Inmate with Drugs

McDowell County detention officers discover drugs on an inmate last month.

Reports say 45-year-old Monica Renee Holman of Marion was being booked into the McDowell jail September 26th when officers discovered 1-point-6 grams of meth in her possession.

Holman was then charged with possession of meth and possession of a controlled substance in jail.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Numbers remain on the increase in Burke County as COVID-19 positive cases grows by 25 since Tuesday, with a total now of 2-thousand-579.

341 of those cases are reported to be active, 2-thousand-172 have recovered, and 10 people remain hospitalized – according to the latest figures on the county’s website.

McDowell County public health reports 8 new positive cases Wednesday, with a total of 1-thousand-7 positives.

133 individuals there are in quarantine, and 844 are out of quarantine.

Caldwell County reported a cluster at MDI, the fifth business with five cases or more of COVID-19 to be identified.

Meanwhile, the Burke County Health Department will be hosting one more drive thru flu clinic this week at their location on 700 East Parker Road in Morganton.

The clinic will be today from 3 until 6 pm – appointments are preferred but drive ins are also welcome.

Kidnapping Update

McDowell County detectives have now spoken to a Spruce Pine woman previously believed to be a kidnap victim.

Lawmen report 23-year-old Vidalia Jane Freeman is not in any danger at this time.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office had stated Freeman was last seen around 10 Monday night at a Marion residence on Old Toms Creek Road.

Authorities believed she may have been abducted; however, detectives were able to speak with her on Wednesday.

Hickory Utility Assist

Hickory residential utility customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for utility assistance.

The funding assistance comes through a partnership program between the City of Hickory and Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry.

Hickory entered into the agreement in July to make use of Community Development Block Grant funding from the CARES Act for just under 156-thousand dollars to make emergency grant payments for utility bills on behalf of needy households.

The grant payment period was extended from 3 months to 6 months with capped funding per household at 100-dollars.

For more information about the program and detailed eligibility requirements, contact the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry at 828-327-0979.

 

 

 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

Occurrences of death from the coronavirus continue to rise in Burke County, as health officials reported Monday, the 48^th COVID-19 associated death.

A news release states the individual was in their 70’s and was not hospitalized when they died from underlying medical conditions.

Burke County public health reports an increase of 32 positive cases since Saturday, pushing the total number of positives to 2-thousand-524.

330 cases in Burke are active, 2-thousand-136 are reported as recovered, and 9 are hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 22 new positive cases Monday, with a total of 992 positives.

Another individual in McDowell, reports say, has died from COVID-19 bringing the death toll there to 29.

Catawba County reported 12 new positive cases of COVID-19 yesterday with a total of 3-thousand-361.

Caldwell County confirmed an outbreak Monday, at Focus Behavioral Health's Burkwell residential facility with six cases linked to the outbreak. Caldwell reported an additional 38 positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 1-thousand-818 positives.

Flu Shot Clinics

And as the pandemic lingers, it’s hard to believe it’s already time to begin thinking about getting the flu vaccine.

The Burke County Health Department is hosting drive thru flu shot clinics this week at their location at 700 East Parker Road in Morganton.

The first clinic is today from 3 until 7 pm, then another on Wednesday from 9 am until Noon, and lastly on Thursday from 3 until 6 pm.

Appointments are preferred but drive ins are welcome.

Have your Medicaid and/or Medicare Part B or Blue Cross Blue Shield cards with you at the flu clinic.

If you do not have these types of insurance, the flu vaccine will cost 30-dollars.

Health Department officials say there is a limited supply of the vaccine, but will be giving them at the outdoor drive thru clinic as long as they last.

To complete paperwork before arriving at the clinic, visit burkenc.org-slash-1221-slash-health-hyphen-department.

Bring the completed flu consent form with you to the clinic.

Escapee Captured

An escapee from the Catawba County Correctional Center was apprehended by Hickory Police early Monday morning.

Reports say 49-year-old Johnny Setzer was arrested on D Avenue Drive Southeast after allegedly stealing a car in Maiden.

Setzer, reports say, was injured during the escape attempt while climbing over razor wire.

He was transported to a local hospital for cuts to his hands.

Setzer reportedly tried to flee from the Newton-based facility around 7 a.m. Monday.

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Maiden Police, the Department of Corrections, and Catawba County EMS assisted at the arrest scene.

WNC Fire Depts

Sunday was the official start to Fire Prevention Week across the country as sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.

Volunteer fire departments in 3 western NC counties were on Monday presented with more than 200-thousand dollars in ceremonial checks by the Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey.

Causey visited departments in Cleveland, Rutherford, and Polk counties to hear concerns from firefighters.

The theme of this year’s campaign – ‘Serving up fire safety in the kitchen.’

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

Established in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association is devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burke COVID

As NC moves into Phase 3 of the reopening process today at 5pm, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Burke County continues to mount.

A news release issued by public health officials Thursday afternoon show Burke with a total of 2-thousand-451 positives; an additional 25 cases from Wednesday.

In the release, local officials sternly warn residents to avoid community spread by remaining at home when sick.

The release says quote, ‘We are six months into this pandemic and the state is trying to reopen businesses and return to some type of normal, but we will not be able to keep things open if residents who are sick continue to go out and pass COVID-19 along with other infections…’

Officials go on to say ‘It is extremely important for those who are sick with any infection including COVID-19, those who have been in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, or anyone who has been tested for COVID-19 and waiting on test results to stay at home and not be around other people for any reason.’

In Thursday’s release, Burke County health workers urge everyone to do their part, whether they believe in this infection or not, so others will not get sick.

Burke currently has 315 active cases, 2-thousand-67 recovered, and 6 hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 12 new positive cases, for a total 962 cases.

McDowell health officials continue to monitor 3 separate outbreaks in the county; at 2 long term care facilities, and at the Marion Correctional Institution.

Caldwell County reported 12 new cases of COVID for a total of 1-thousand-725, with

Catawba County recording 47 additional cases for a total of 3-thousand-254.

August Unemployment Rates

The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro unemployment rate for August

was 6.8 %. Area county rates include Alexander at 6.4%, Avery 5%,

Burke at 6.3%, Caldwell 7.3%, Catawba 7% and McDowell at 5.9%.

Watauga County was one of two counties with the lowest rate in

August at 4.6%, according to figures released Wednesday by the

North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Area Distributor Expands

An area wholesale grocery distributor plans to invest $120 million to

expand its services and operations, creating 111 jobs. Governor

Cooper announced on Wednesday, that Merchants Distributors, LLC.,

anticipates adding about 200,000 square feet to its Caldwell County

facilities. Although wages for the new jobs will vary depending on

position, the average salary will be more than $51,000, above the

current average wage in Caldwell County of just over $40,000.