Punxsutawney Phil  2/2/21 Morning

Direct from Gobber’s Knob, for the 135^th time, Punxsutawney Phil

was awakened this morning to see whether it will be an early spring

or more winter ahead. Phil cast his shadow, meaning 6 more weeks

of winter.

COVID-19 Update

Since the last news release issued last Thursday, Burke County Public Health on Thursday reported 174 new positive cases of COVID-19.

Burke County is currently at 8-thousand-689 positives; 1-thousand-102 cases are reported to be active, and 10 residents are hospitalized.

Health officials report the increase in cases from last week is a result of a backlog retrieved from the state’s electronic disease surveillance system.

Yesterday’s news release also says the local health department and Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge were notified to expect a reduced amount of vaccine for the next three weeks.

The health department will only receive 200 first doses, while the hospital will only receive 500 initial doses – forcing vaccine appointments to fill up quickly.

Officials say those 65 and older wanting the vaccine should call the Community Call Center at 358-4454 and keep calling until you’re able to get through.

Officials also ask that you NOT call the health department to schedule an appointment.

Meanwhile, McDowell County health officials reported 60 new cases Monday with a total of 4-thousand-280 positive cases, with reports too of an additional death.

238 McDowell residents remain quarantined.

Caldwell County reported 35 new cases of coronavirus for a total of 8-thousand-007 with 30 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an increase of 133 cases of COVID for a total 0f 15-thousand-619 and 119 people are in the hospital.

Fatal Wreck

A head-on collision on NC 181 Sunday claimed the lives of two Morganton residents.

Highway Patrol reports say 84-year-old Glenda Brittain Kelly was traveling south in a Chevrolet mini-van when she crossed the center line striking a Kia passenger car just after 6:15 p.m.

Kelly was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Kia, 58-year-old Daphne Kincaid Beam was transported to Carolinas Healthcare Blue Ridge Morganton where she later died, reports say.

Troopers do not know what caused Kelly to cross the center line, but do not suspect impairment.

Flare Gun Injury

A Caldwell County teenager remains in critical condition, while another teen faces charges following a shooting involving a flare gun.

Caldwell deputies say the 15-year-old injured boy is recovering after 18-year-old Timothy Sanders reportedly fired a flare gun into his mouth.

Officers say the injured teen’s condition is preventing them from learning more about what happened.

Reports say he has already undergone several surgeries at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.

Sanders has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Detectives continue to work to determine the motive behind the shooting.

Fourth Shooting Arrest

A fourth suspect has been arrested in an Old Fort shooting that took place on New Year’s Day.

McDowell County deputies were called to the January 1^st shooting call around 1:40 am on Harlowe Noblitt Road.

20-year-old Jacob Levi Hensley of BR Drive Marion has been charged with going armed into the terror of the public, disorderly conduct, and assault by pointing a gun.

Reports say Hensley and three others previously arrested became involved in a altercation with the victim.

Hensley fired a shot from a handgun, reports say, and the others vandalized the victim’s vehicle.

CityWalk Progress

The first of two pedestrian and biking bridges planned along Hickory's City Walk has been completed.

Mayor Hank Guess and Councilwoman Jill Patton noted the opening of the bridge over Third Street NW just west of Union Square in Facebook posts on Friday.

Hickory Communications Specialist Sarah Killian said no part of the pedestrian and biking path, which is funded through the $40 million bond referendum, will officially open until all sections are finished.

Barricades were removed from the Third Street pedestrian bridge but it still has some remaining items to be completed officials report.

Although there may be access to the City Walk, it will not be officially open until all work is completed.

The city expects the trail to be finished by late this spring. 

Among the items that remain incomplete include the second pedestrian bridge farther east over N.C. 127, a traffic circle and additional sections of sidewalk. 

Neill Grading & Construction Co. has a $14.3 million contract with the city to complete the work. 

Sex Charges

A Rutherfordton man is charged with numerous sex offenses against minors dating back to the 1980’s.

According to reports, 85-year-old Claude Linden Keever faces charges in both Polk and Rutherford Counties.

In Polk County, Keever is charged with two counts of felony indecent liberties with a child and one count of first-degree statutory sex offense.

He is scheduled to appear in Polk County court Monday February 22^nd.

In Rutherford County, Keever is charged with seven counts of felony indecent liberties with a child.

His next court appearance in Rutherford is scheduled for March 24^th.

The investigation continues involving the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the NC State Bureau of Investigation.