COVID-19 Update

Two more COVID-19 related deaths reported in Burke County, while positives increase by 96 since Wednesday.

One individual was in their 60’s and one was in their 80’s, and both were hospitalized.

The number of deaths from the virus in Burke total 115 since the pandemic began.

1-thousand-210 cases are reported to be active, and 19 people are hospitalized.

In McDowell County, health officials report 17 additional positive cases, and one death.

Currently in McDowell, there are 4-thousand-186 positive cases.

286 individuals remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported four additional COVID-19 related deaths on Thursday while positive cases increased by 38. Total cases now number 7-thousand-903 and 34 patients are in the hospital.

Catawba County saw an additional 97 positive cases of the virus, for a total of 15-thousand-289 with 106 people hospitalized.

For information about the state’s vaccine schedule, visit the Burke County COVID-19 webpage at burkenc.org/COVID-19.

Drone Locates Missing

Authorities utilized technology to locate an Alexander County man who went missing Wednesday afternoon.

Around 7:15 pm Thursday, Alexander County deputies were called to a residence in the Stony Point area in regard to a missing person.

Family members reported the man had ventured out on an ATV around 4:30, and had not returned home.

Search efforts began by utilizing a drone, recently purchased by the Sheriff’s Office.

Using thermal-imaging, the drone indicated a heat source down an embankment on the property.

Rescue teams located the 78-year-old man and began providing first aid immediately.

He was taken to Iredell Memorial Hospital by EMS.

Multiple emergency agencies from Alexander County assisted in the search and rescue mission.

Lincoln Kidnapping

A Lincoln County man faces numerous charges after allegedly kidnapping a woman from her residence during a domestic situation on Wednesday.

Deputies were called to the home after a woman told officers her 24-year-old daughter had been taken, when a door had been discovered forced open.

An initial investigation revealed the suspect as 27-year-old Travis Aaron Burrage of Denver NC.

Officers began a search for his vehicle, and it was located at 5225 Catawba Burris Road just inside Catawba County.

Reports say the suspect came out of the house followed by the victim.

Burrage was taken into custody without incident, while the victim had sustained a head injury and was treated on scene by EMS.

Armed with a search warrant, detectives recovered a firearm used in the incident.

Burrage was charged with felony kidnapping, felonious restraint, breaking and entering to terrorize, assault on a female, and injury to personal property.

He was jailed under a 200-thousand dollar secured bond.

Detectives from Lincoln and Catawba counties investigated the incident.

 

 WPCC Scholarship

WPCC students will be eligible for a new scholarship this fall.

The Quaker Meadows Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has endowed the scholarship to provide one student 500-dollars annually.

The scholarship will assist Western Piedmont students with expenses while pursuing their academic goals at the college.

Scholarship applicants will submit an application to include a personal essay, demonstrating their goals, honors, and activities.

Students must be currently enrolled in at least six semester hours and have successfully completed American History 1.

Additional application requirements can be found online at wpcc.edu/foundation.

 

Recycling Award

Catawba County has been ranked number-one in recycling statewide by the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service.

Rankings were based on per capita recycling rates for Fiscal Year 2018-19.

Counties were ranked in two ways; the overall recycling rate and the recycling rate for common household materials.

Since 2000, Catawba County has ranked among the top five counties in the state in both categories.

 COVID-19 Update

Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to mount in Burke County with 72 new cases reported Wednesday, with a total caseload now of 8-thousand-419.

1-thousand-181 cases are reported to be active, and 21 Burke residents are hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials reported 17 additional positives yesterday, with one death also reported.

McDowell County's death toll now stands at 60 since last March.

328 McDowell County residents remain in quarantine. 

Caldwell County saw a increase of 50 new coronavirus cases for a total of 7-thousand-865 and 35 people are hospitalized.  

Catawba County reported 210 additional cases of COVID-19 Wednesday for a total of 15-thousand-192 with 103 patients in the hospital.

Cooper Extends Order

Governor Cooper announced Wednesday that the state’s modified ‘Stay at Home’ order has been extended for another month.

The governor states the order will continue until February 28th.

The initial order was set to expire this Friday.

Cooper reports the COVID-19 data remains high, although the data trajectory shared by NC Health Secretary Mandy Cohen is leveling.

The governor says the extension of the order gives NC more time to fight the spread of the virus.

Cooper also extended the eviction moratorium.

Businesses are still permitted to allow to-go and delivery sales for mixed alcohol through March 31st.

Most businesses will be required to close by 10 pm, with onsite alcohol consumption sales ending by 9 pm.

The Stay at Home order requires people to be at home between 10 pm and 5 am.

Marion Fire

A Wednesday pre-dawn fire brought heavy damage to a restaurant in Marion.

Reports say the fire broke out around 1 am at Fat Boys Burritos, gutting the interior.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

There were no injuries reported, and a vacant business next door also sustained damages.

The restaurant’s owner reports he hopes to rebuild and reopen.

Lincoln Arrests

A lengthy narcotics investigation has led to the arrest of two people in western Lincoln County.

According to reports, officers began their investigation into possible drug activity at a Cherryville residence last May.

Authorities conducted surveillance operations and traffic stops that led to the purchase of meth from two individuals at the home.

Officers then were able to obtain a search warrant and arrested 32-year-old Haley Boyles Gantt and 51-year-old Donald Wayne Burton the Second both of Vale.

Gantt and Burton were both charged with felony sell and deliver a controlled schedule two substance, felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, and felony possession of a schedule two controlled substance.

Gantt was placed in custody under a 40-thousand dollar secured bond.

Burton was also charged with felony probation violation and jailed without bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health reported two additional COVID-19 related

deaths Tuesday, for a total of 113. One individual was in their 50’s, one in

their 80’s, and both were hospitalized. Total positive cases of COVID-19

now total 8-thousand-347, with 27 people in the hospital.

McDowell County reported one additional COVID-19 related death, along

with 30 new cases of coronavirus. Total cases number 4-thousand-152, and

312 McDowell residents are in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported two additional deaths due to COVID-19 related

complications, with 11 additional cases of positive COVID-19. That brings

the number of positive cases to 7-thousand-815, with 47 hospitalizations.

Catawba County saw an additional 157 cases of the virus for a current total

of 14-thousand-982, and 102 people in the hospital.

Rutherford Offender Dies from COVID

A Rutherford Correctional Center offender with pre-existing conditions,

who tested positive for COVID-19, has died. The man, in his mid-60’s,

with underlying health conditions, tested positive on January 12th, the

day he was hospitalized. His condition worsened and he died yesterday.

WPCC Program Receives Tool Donation

The Building Construction Technology program at Western Piedmont

Community College recently received a donation of tool bags from Lowe’s

Home Improvement of Morganton. The supplies, valued at almost $1,500

included wrenches, wire cutters, safety glasses and gloves. These bags

will be distributed to Intro to Wiring students and participants in the

Electrician’s Academy this summer.

Newton Man Faces Multiple Charges After Chase

A Newton man faces multiple charges after a brief Burke County chase.

Yesterday, a Burke deputy was on patrol when he attempted to stop a car

on Burkemont Road. The vehicle fled for a short chase before coming to

a stop. The passenger, 24-year-old Austin Michael Neece, exited the vehicle

and led responding deputies on a foot pursuit. After apprehending Neece,

deputies and a Burke K-9, recovered a felony amount of meth and marijuana

along with a firearm discarded during the foot chase. Due to a pending parole

violation Neece was not given a bond. He is scheduled to appear in Burke

County District Court tomorrow.

 

COVID-19 Update

Local public health officials reported 68 new COVID-19 cases in Burke County since Saturday, with a current total of 8-thousand-298 positives.

According to Monday's report, 1-thousand-347 cases are active, and 26 individuals are hospitalized.

Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge officials continue to schedule vaccines for those aged 65 and over for community clinics, but are only able to schedule weekly based on the amount of vaccine received, plus the demand.

The number to call the Community Call Center 358-4454; officials say to keep calling until you can get through to make an appointment.

And even after receiving the vaccine, officials urge the importance of continuing to wash hands often, wear a mask when in public, and continue to social distance from others by staying six feet apart.

Elsewhere, McDowell County health officials report 81 new positive cases today, bringing the total to 4-thousand-122 with 282 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 94 new cases of the virus for a total of 7-thousand-804, with 43 people in the hospital, and Catawba County saw an additional 101 cases of COVID-19, for a total of 14-thousand-825, and 101 patients hospitalized.

MVA Fatality

One person was killed after a two-vehicle collision Monday afternoon on US Highway 70 SE in Hickory, near Everett Chevrolet.

According to Hickory Police, the suspect’s vehicle was traveling east bound and crossed into the west bound lane striking the victim’s vehicle.

61-year-old Leisa Glenn White of Hickory was pronounced dead at the scene.

26-year-old Aaron Lee Walker of Newton was arrested by police on charges of Felony Death by Motor Vehicle, Driving While Impaired, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Careless and Reckless Driving. Walker is being held on a secured bond of $121,5000.

Stolen Debit Card

McDowell County authorities are asking for help identifying a woman who used a stolen debit card that was reportedly taken in October.

Two Burke County women told deputies someone stole their purses and their contents from a vehicle on Toney Road in Marion.

The suspect used one of the victim’s debit cards at a McDowell location on the day of the theft and was caught on video surveillance.

The video capture can be viewed on the McDowell County Sheriff’s website at mcdowellsheriff.com.

Anyone having information regarding the suspect’s identity should call Detective Lambert at 652-2237 or McDowell Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

 

 Deputy Assaulted

Attempting to break up a dispute between two women, a McDowell County deputy sustains an injury.

The officer, reports say, was called to the disturbance on Bulo Carver Road in Old Fort last Friday evening.

33-year-old Melissa Parker Ailes of Old Fort was charged with assault on a government official, after reportedly striking the officer in the face.

Rutherford Shootings

New details have been released in a fatal shooting in Rutherford County that took place last Thursday.

Responding to reports of a man pointing a gun at someone on Doggett Road in Forest City, officers located two males suffering from gunshot wounds in the front yard of a residence.

Reports say 29-year-old Jarvis Cole Tate was pronounced dead at the scene, while 25-year-old Douglas Cole Suhy was transported to an area hospital with a leg wound; treated and released.

Officials believe only Suhy and Tate were directly involved in the shooting of each other, however; an investigation continues.

Meanwhile, Rutherford County authorities are still looking into a suspected murder-suicide that occurred over the weekend in Bostic.

Deputies were dispatched to a welfare check on Robert and Anne Seslar Sunday.

Officers discovered the couple in an upstairs bedroom deceased, suspecting Robert had shot and killed Anne, then killed himself.

Family members told authorities Robert had been suffering from mental issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health reported a total 8,230 positive cases of COVID-19

on Saturday, which is 65 cases up from Friday’s briefing. Active cases number 

1-thousand-548 and 27 patients are hospitalized.

Caldwell County on Friday reported seven COVID-19 related deaths, four over

the age of 75, two between 65-74 and one between 50 and 64. Total positive

cases of the virus number 7-thousand-710 with 46 people in the hospital.

Catawba County Sunday saw an additional 140 cases of coronavirus for a total

of 14-thousand-724, and 107 patients hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 25 cases Friday for a total of 4-thousand-41,

with 332 residents in quarantine.

First NC COVID-19 Variant

The first case of the COVID-19 variant called B.1.1.7,  was reported Saturday

in North Carolina. The variant was identified from a Mecklenburg County adult.

In the U.S., 195 cases of B.1.1.7, had been reported as of Friday. This variant

may be more contagious than other variants. This variant was first detected

in the U.K. in December. Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective

against the new variant.

Rescue Squad Second Theft Suspect Captured

A second suspect wanted in connection with the theft of equipment from

the Burke County Rescue Squad has been captured. 19-year-old Nicholas

Tony Kirk of Morganton, reportedly fled the scene of the theft on St.Mary’s

Church Road. Nick Kirk was also wanted by Morganton Public Safety for

Breaking and Entering, Larceny, and Possession of Stolen Property

charges. The other suspect, Christopher Otstott was arrested Thursday

in the Oak Hill community. One of two ATV’s stolen was located in a remote

area of McDowell County. Up to $30,000 worth of equipment was stolen. 

Hickory Homicide Investigation

A 59-year-old Hickory man is dead after he is found on the sofa of his

residence, deceased from gunshot wounds. The Hickory Police Department

was called early Sunday morning to the home of Marty Lee Brown on

8th Avenue SE, after his wife told officers that she was awakened by two

women who told her that her husband was on the sofa injured. The women

who then left the scene, are not considered suspects. Brown’s wife found

her husband unresponsive. Anyone with information in this case is asked

to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.

 

 

COVID UPDATE

As the number of positive cases in Burke County continues to increase, public health officials report two additional COVID-19 deaths on Friday.

 One individual was in their 50’s, and one was in their 80’s.

They were both hospitalized but later died from virus-related complications.

Health officials report 91 new cases in Burke, with cases totaling 8-thousand-165.

1-thousand-588 cases are reported to be active, and 26 residents are hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 25 new positives Friday with cases totaling 4-thousand-41.

332 residents are still quarantined.

Samaritan’s Purse Hospital

A Caldwell County couple is thankful to be home after battling COVID-19; but reports say they are grateful for the doctors and nurses at the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital in Lenoir.

The field hospital was set up several weeks ago to relieve the burden on hospitals in Lenoir and nearby Morganton, Hickory, and the mountain counties.

Officials say the majority of patients in the field hospital are on oxygen and are being treated for COVID-19 symptoms.

Staff members there are working 12-hour shifts to take care of those in their care.

The hospital has four medical tents with 18 patients separated between male and female wards.

The now-recovered couple treated there say the ‘love of God is all over them’ in referring to the doctors and nurses.

 

Thief Arrested

One man is arrested, while another remains at-large in connection with last week’s equipment theft from the Burke County Rescue Squad on St. Mary’s Church Road.

Reports say Christopher Otstott was arrested Thursday afternoon in the Oak Hill community.

A second man fled into a wooded area and remains on the run.

Otstott was questioned and charged with felony larceny in the incident that resulted in up to 30-thousand dollars worth of rescue equipment being stolen.

Shortly after Thursday’s arrest, one of the stolen ATVs was located in a remote area of McDowell County.

Authorities are still looking for the second ATV that was taken.

Rescue squad members say they’re currently relying on other fire stations and rescue squads to assist with needed equipment.

A generator, radios, helmets and other vital search and rescue essentials were removed in the theft.

Drugs and Guns

A traffic stop in McDowell County for multiple traffic violations leads to an arrest for drugs and a firearm.

Deputies stopped 59-year-old Kevin Brian Loftis of Roy Hollifield Road Marion on January 8^th.

A search of the suspect and vehicle turned up a handgun, nearly 15 grams of meth, and drug paraphernalia.

Loftis was charged with possession of meth, possession with intent to sell or deliver meth, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

Burke County has now passed 8,000 cases of positive COVID-19 since

the pandemic began in March. Active cases total 1-thousand-707, with

29 people hospitalized.

In McDowell County, 40 new cases of coronavirus were reported yesterday

for a total of 3-thousand-964. Four additional deaths were reported for

a total of 58 with 453 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported three deaths, two over 75, with one between

65 and 74. Two had underlying health conditions. 58 additional cases of

the virus brings Caldwell’s total to 7-thousand-564 with 55 people hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an additional 110 cases of the virus Wednesday, for

a total of 14-thousand-281, with 105 patients in the hospital.

Burke Hospice Virtual Grief Program

Burke Hospice & Palliative Care is now offering a virtual grief support

program – Walking Through Grief. Due to restrictions from COVID-19

those faced with loss are having to learn how to handle grief differently

and may feel isolated with their grief. The nine-week program begins on

Thursday, February 4^th and concludes on Thursday April 1^st. The virtual

group will meet weekly at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the families served by

Burke Hospice, the support group is also open to anyone in the community.

For more information, visit www.burkehospice.org.

Drug and Weapon Charges

A Caldwell County man faces drug and weapon charges in Catawba County.

Hickory Police, Wednesday morning, charged 46-year-old Elijah Gibbs of

Lenoir, with Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Possession

with Intent to Manufacture, Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, and Possession

of Firearm by Felon. Bond was set at $140,000.

Asheville Overdose Deaths

The Asheville Police Department is warning the public of a potentially

dangerous batch of suspected fentanyl that may be circulating in the

community. Over a 48-hour period from last Thursday through Saturday,

APD responded to five deaths related suspected overdoses. Anyone with

any information regarding these deaths can contact Asheville Police at

828-252-1110.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Process Changed

The Burke County Health Department has announced a change in the vaccine registration process – to allow more convenient access to secure an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination.

Staff members report the phone system has been altered in order to handle the volume of calls.

Those 65 years or older who wish to get the vaccine, can now call the community Vaccine call center to schedule an appointment at 828-358-4454.

The call center is open Monday through Wednesday 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge, Burke County Public Schools, Burke County Emergency Management, and the Burke County Health Department are working together to distribute vaccines to residents in priority groups 1 and 2 based on the state’s health guidelines.

In a news release, officials report very limited weekly vaccine allocations from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and residents are being vaccinated as the meds are received.

The release states Burke County has thus far received 5-thousand-675 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with dosages distributed to Carolinas healthcare Blue Ridge, the health department, Broughton Hospital, and J Iverson Riddle Center for their employees.

Officials report Burke has more than 83-hundred residents over 75, and just over 13-thousand residents who are between 65 and 74.

Health officials state participants must have an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted.

Son stabs Mother

The female victim who died Monday in a stabbing incident in Catawba County, identified her son as the one who killed her before she died.

The woman killed was later identified as Rebecca Hahn, while reports say she informed deputies her son Billy Hahn had stabbed her.

Reports say the fatal stabbing occurred around 2 am Monday on 16^th Street Drive Northeast.

Officers were then called to 28^th Street Northeast where the suspect was reportedly hold-up in a residence.

Deputies discovered a second stabbing victim inside a vehicle outside the home.

The man, reports say, was transported to an area hospital where he remains in serious condition.

Authorities say they believe the 29-year-old Hahn is responsible for both stabbings, but further say the incidents are not related.

Hahn was taken into custody and charged with murder. He is being held at the Catawba County Detention Center under no bond.

Officials report charges for the second stabbing are pending.

Traffic Stops

McDowell County officers make two arrests during separate traffic stops.

On December 28^th, deputies stopped a pickup truck on North Main Street that had a fictitious tag.

41-year-old Michael Dale Honeycutt of Nebo was driving the vehicle.

Officers found a chainsaw in the truck’s bed that had been reported stolen from Haywood County.

Honeycutt was charged with possession of stolen goods.

Meanwhile, deputies pulled a vehicle over on Nix Creek Road December 30^th because the officer knew the driver had outstanding warrants.

A search of the driver, 27-year-old Kyle Aaron Hollifield of Marion turned up 1 gram of meth.

Aside from the outstanding warrants, Hollifield was charged with possession of methamphetamine.

 

 

COVID-19 Update

10 reported COVID-19 related deaths in the last two days, as Burke County health officials Friday reported the one-hundred-second virus associated death.

According to a news release, the individual was in their 70’s, was not hospitalized but later died from their underlying medical condition.

Burke County is currently at 7-thousand-766 positive cases, an increase of 89 positives since Thursday.

1-thousand-846 cases are reported to be active, while 33 individuals in Burke are hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 59 new positive cases with one additional death Friday.

McDowell presently has 3-thousand-838 positives, and 501 residents in quarantine.

Fatal Shooting

A Bakersville woman is charged with murder in McDowell County after shooting a Marion man to death.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office report says 43-year-old Robin Daniels Eudy is accused of killing her boyfriend 37-year-old Joshua Brandon Pritchard of Wildrose Drive.

Deputies responded to Pritchard’s residence shortly after 8 Thursday evening where they found the victim’s lifeless body sitting inside a vehicle.

An investigation revealed the couple had became involved in a dispute inside the car, that resulted in Eudy shooting Pritchard three times with a handgun.

Hickory Fire Cause

The cause of a fire at an abandoned hosiery mill in Hickory cannot be determined because of the extent of the damage according to investigators.

Officials were able to tell the fire started in the front part of the building but could not say for certain what started the blaze.

Personnel from the Hickory Fire Department and State Bureau of Investigation investigated the fire which destroyed the building on Wednesday.

No one was injured in the fire. A homeless woman who was inside the building was able to get out without injury.

It is not clear who owns the building.

Various online sources indicate the business went into bankruptcy in 2015.

Greenway Addition

Contractors have begun work on a new section of greenway that will connect downtown Morganton to the existing Catawba River Greenway at Catawba Meadows Park.

The new one-mile addition will create a paved path between North Green Street and Alphabet Lane.

The path will then continue along Alphabet Lane and Sanford Drive, before crossing Sanford Drive by way of a pedestrian signaled intersection and connecting to Catawba Meadows Park.

The project is expected to take approximately one year finishing in January 2022.

In order to fund the project, the City of Morganton secured a federal grant through the Locally Administered Project Program, while the city is providing a required 20-percent match.

Total cost of the project including the grant is 910-thousand dollars.

Alexander Fire

An Alexander County couple credits their cat with saving their lives in an early Friday morning fire. 

The fire started shortly after midnight along Greenleaf Circle south of Taylorsville in the Bethlehem community.

The occupants reported they were asleep when the fire started on the rear side of their home.

Reports say Mitsy Hudler was asleep in the living room when she felt something pulling her hair.

When she awoke, her cat Sir Purr was in front of her face as the blaze was spreading quickly.

Hudler states she woke up her boyfriend, and both escaped the burning home as a window proceeded to blow out.

Unfortunately, the heroic feline did not survive the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

 

 

Vaccine for 65-Plus

State health officials Thursday have authorized vaccine providers to vaccinate adults 65 years and older and all health care workers.

A news release says these vaccinations will be followed by frontline essential workers, adults with high risk of exposure and increased risk of serious illness, and then all who wish to take the vaccine.

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states are making the vaccine available in phases.

Currently, Burke and surrounding counties are beginning to move into Phase 1-B after vaccination efforts have initially been geared toward frontline health care workers.

Now with the new state directive issued yesterday, those aged 65 and older may schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination as providers are ready and as they have the vaccine available.

Burke County does not have the ability to expand the 75 plus age group getting vaccinated to include the 65-74 age group. Burke needs to vaccinate more of the 75 plus group before they can include the 65-74 ages due to limited vaccine supply.

To schedule a vaccine appointment for those eligible in Burke County, call 580-6147.

The number is currently manned Monday through Wednesday 8 am to 5 pm.

Catawba County has also established a vaccination appointment line; 828-695-6650.

The line is manned Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Officials anticipate an extremely high volume of calls but report they will be working to schedule appointments for all who are eligible.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge, regardless of having insurance.

For more information on the vaccine, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.

Burke COVID-19 Related Deaths

Nine COVID-19 deaths were reported Thursday by Burke County Public

Health, bringing the county’s total to 101, since the pandemic began in

March. One individual was in their 40’s, two in their 60’s, 4 in their 70’s,

and two in their 80’s, with six hospitalized and three not hospitalized,

before later dying from COVID related complications.

Area COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health reported 44 new cases of COVID-19

Thursday afternoon, with a total now of 7-thousand-677 and 33 people

in the hospital. McDowell County saw an increase of 26 positive cases of

the virus for a total of 3-thousand-779 and 532 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 68 additional cases of coronavirus for a total

of 7-thousand-254, with 49 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 101 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, for

a total of 13-thousand-540, with 107 people hospitalized.

Sex Offenders

A Lincoln County man was arrested Wednesday on child sexual assault charges.

34-year-old Curtis Wayne Johnson of Lincolnton declined to be interviewed by investigators and was detained at his workplace in Gastonia after warrants were issued.

Lincoln County detectives began their investigation in November after receiving information regarding the sexual assault of a 16-year-old child.

Reports say the victim was known to Johnson, and was interviewed at the child advocacy center where she disclosed the assaults.

Johnson has been charged with two felony counts each of statutory rape and taking indecent liberties with a child.

He was jailed under a 40-thousand dollar secured bond.

Meanwhile, a convicted sex offender in McDowell County is charged with a registry violation after failing to report an address change.

34-year-old Christopher Lee England of Habitat Drive in Marion was convicted in 2008 with second-degree sex offense and sexual battery.

After his release from prison in 2014, he is required to report any change of address to local authorities within three business days of moving.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say England registered an address at Mellow Yellow Drive in Marion, but investigators discovered his true residence on Habitat Drive. 

 

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

The Burke County Health Department reports the local vaccination team has made changes to registering for the COVID-19 vaccination.

A news release states if you are 75 or older and were notified by email or phone that you were added to a registration list, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

As of late Tuesday the health department’s release says to, from this point forward, call 580-6147 to schedule an appointment.

Currently, whenever the number is called a message stating the vaccine appointments for the week have been filled; further directing the caller to call back next week Monday through Wednesday 8 am to 5 pm to schedule an appointment.

The release says there is no need to call the health department in that Blue Ridge Healthcare System will be responsible for scheduling community appointments.

Meanwhile, Burke health officials report 74 additional COVID-19 cases; bringing the county total to 7-thousand-619 positives.

1-thousand-810 cases are reported to be active, and 26 people are hospitalized.

Public health officials in Wednesday’s release say the numbers continue to stay high because of holiday gatherings and travel.

McDowell County reports 47 new cases, with two additional deaths.

McDowell now has a total case number at 3-thousand-753.

584 individuals remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported three additional COVID-19 related deaths, with 95 new cases of the virus for a total of 7-thousand-186 and 45 people in the hospital.

In Catawba County, 93 additional cases of coronavirus were reported Wednesday, for a total of 13-thousand-439 and 100 people hospitalized.

McDowell Shooting Suspect Caught

After being on the run for nearly 24 hours, a shooting suspect wanted by McDowell County authorities is now in custody.

51-year-old Robert Luther Dover, Junior of Jacktown Road Marion is now charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Reports say Dover and a 56-year-old Marion man got into an altercation at Dover’s residence around 2 Tuesday afternoon.

According to reports, Dover pulled a gun and shot the man in the stomach.

Dover fled the scene on a motorcycle and remained at large until shortly before 12:30 this afternoon, when he was taken into custody at a residence on Old US 221 South.

The victim remains hospitalized, and the incident is still under investigation.

Hickory Fire

A fire in Hickory early Wednesday has destroyed a former hosiery plant.

Firefighters were called to Highland Avenue in northeast Hickory just after 3.

Reports say upon their arrival, flames were burning through the roof of the old plant.

Investigators report a homeless woman was residing in the building at the time of the fire.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has not been determined.

Hendersonville Wall Collapse

One person has reportedly died, while several others were injured after a retaining wall collapsed Wednesday morning in Hendersonville.

Reports indicate a construction crew was working on a retaining wall bordering a Hajoca Corporation parking lot when the structure collapsed around 9:30.

Hajoca is located off Spartanburg Highway and is a plumbing, supply, kitchen, and bath showroom.

Officials on scene confirmed one person was killed, and several others hurt; two airlifted to Mission Hospital in Asheville, and one taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

Another individual, reports say, was treated on the scene and is expected to be okay.

No names have been released.

Lincoln Shooting

Two Lawndale men have been charged with shooting into an occupied Vale home in November.

26-year-old Seth Paul Franklin turned himself in to Lincoln County authorities Monday.

He was served felony warrants for discharging a firearm into occupied property and conspiracy in connection with the November 1^st incident.

Franklin was jailed under a 25-thousand dollar secured bond.

32-year-old Robert James Waldrop who is in the Cleveland County detention center was also served felony warrants for shooting into an occupied property and conspiracy.

He was placed under a no bond-hold on the Lincoln County charges.

Residents of the home fired upon by Franklin and Waldrop reported they were asleep when gunshots from a passing vehicle struck their home.

No one was injured.

 

 

COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health Tuesday reported a total of 7-thousand-545 positive

COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in March. Active cases number

1-thousand-752 with 34 patients in the hospital.  Three additional deaths were

reported for a total of 92. Two individuals were in their 70’s, one in their 90’s,

all were hospitalized, but died from COVID related complications.

McDowell County reported 61 additional cases of the virus yesterday, for

a total of 3-thousand-706, with 539 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 135 new cases of coronavirus on

Tuesday for a total of 7-thousand-091 with 45 people hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 98 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday for a total

of 13-thousand-346, with 113 patients hospitalized.

Inmates Die from COVID-19 

Two Western North Carolina inmates, with pre-existing medical conditions

have died after testing positive for COVID-19. According to the North

Carolina Department of Public Safety, a Rutherford Correctional Center

offender was hospitalized Monday, when he tested positive for the virus.

His condition worsened and he died later in the day. The man was in his

early-60’s, and had underlying health conditions.

The second death was an Alexander Correctional Institution offender who

tested positive on December 17th, and was hospitalized December 24th.

His condition worsened and he also died on Monday. He was in his mid-70’s

and had underlying health conditions. The Department of Public Safety will

not release additional information due to the family’s right to privacy and

confidential prison offender records.

Marion Man Wanted for Shooting 

McDowell deputies are searching for a Marion man wanted in a Tuesday

afternoon shooting. 51-year-old Robert Dover is charged in connection with

the shooting that occurred just before 2 o’clock on Jacktown Road, in which

one person was injured. Dover was last seen driving a gray 2018 Kawasaki

motorcycle with NC tag 7M-5331. Anyone with information concerning the

whereabouts of Dover is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office

at 652-2235.

 

COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health on Sunday reported a total of 7-thousand-391

positive cases of COVID-19 since the panademic began in March. That

total represents an increase of 113 cases since Friday’s briefing. 38 patients

are in the hospital.

In McDowell County, 48 additional cases of coronavirus were reported on

Friday, for a total of 3-thousand-507, with 540 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 192 new cases of the virus in Saturday’s

report for a total of 6-thousand-914, and 52 people hospitalized.

On Sunday, Catawba County reported 221 new cases of COVID-19 for a current

total of 13 thousand-100, and 115 patients in the hospital.

Long View Arrest

Long View Police responded early Wednesday morning to a breaking

and entering in progress at A-1 Transmission, 1910 1st Avenue SW, Hickory.

Officers found a car with several bags outside the vehicle. Further

investigation revealed a man underneath a truck in the parking lot, evading

detection. The man was identified as Jonathan Todd Griffin. An investigation

revealed that two vehicles at the business had been broken into with items

removed. Griffin was arrested and confined to the Catawba County Detention

Center under a $10,000 secured bond. Additional charges are pending on

Griffin for previous breaking and entering crimes at A-1 Transmission.

New Assistant DA 36^th District

Ryan Hamady was sworn in last week as the newest assistant district

Attorney for the 36^th District, at the Burke County Courthouse. Hamady

will be a Superior Court prosecutor in Burke County.

BRP Repairs at Linville River Bridge  

National Park Service officials announced on Friday that a section of the Blue

Ridge Parkway from Milepost 316.5 to Milepost 317.5 will close as contractors

start a rehabilitation project at the Linville River Bridge. Detour signs will be in

place to direct travelers around this area beginning at Milepost 312.5, routing

visitors around the project site via Highways 181 and 221. Access to the

Linville Falls visitor center, camping, and hiking activities will be available

from the north at Highway 181, near Pineloa. During the project, which is

expected to last through the summer, both lanes from Milepost 316.5 to

Milepost 317.5 will be closed to all activity.