Easter COVID

With the Easter season upon us, health care officials are concerned about rising COVID-19 cases.

CDC officials are still cautioning against non-essential travel, and some health experts in Western NC say it’s still possible that we could see another surge in cases like we did over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Experts go on to say that the key is getting everyone vaccinated that wants to be vaccinated.

Health officials say even though the weather is warmer and even if you are vaccinated, you should still follow safety measures – continue to wear a mask, wash hands frequently, and continue to keep 6 feet of distance from others especially if going to a large gathering.

According to the latest data on Burke County’s website, there are 9-thousand-702 total cases of COVID-19 with 231 cases termed active and one resident in the hospital.

McDowell County reports 6 new cases for a total of 4-thousand-885 cases and 34 in quarantine.

Sex Offense Charges

A Candler man is charged by McDowell County authorities with numerous child sex offense charges.

27-year-old Tommy Lee McKinney is charged with four counts of first-degree statutory rape and three counts each of statutory sex offense with a child 15 or younger, incest with a child younger than 13, and taking indecent liberties with a child.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say McKinney is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a teenage girl from late 2020 to earlier this year.

Lincoln Traffic Stop

A traffic stop in Lincoln County Monday leads to the arrest of a passenger on outstanding warrants and other charges.

Although the driver of the car gave officers a valid driver’s license, reports say a passenger in the vehicle gave lawmen a fictitious name, and further produced an ID for that person.

A deputy recognized the individual and ran a check on her that revealed she was wanted on outstanding warrants in Cleveland and Gaston Counties.

The passenger was then identified as 22-year-old Cynthia Diane Chavis of Crouse and was charged with felony identity theft, resisting a public officer, and giving false information to an officer.

She was also served with numerous outstanding warrants including larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and conspiracy.

Chavis was jailed in Lincoln County under a 27-thousand-500 dollar secured bond, and also ordered held for Cleveland County authorities.

Statesville Kidnapping

Four people face kidnapping charges in connection with taking a 15-year-old girl from Statesville to Florida.

A news release indicates Statesville Police were called to a home on March 13^th  to investigate a report of a teenage girl who had ran away from home.

Officers reportedly searched the home and areas that the girl was known to visit but did not locate her.

An investigation later revealed the teenager had been taken to a home in Pasco County Florida by 77-year-old Paul Wayne Thompson of Statesville.

Further investigation showed other relatives of Thompson’s assisted the youth and obstructed police efforts to find her.

On March 17^th, authorities located the residence in Florida, Thompson reportedly answered the door to deputies, and admitted she was in the house.

Thompson remains in custody in Florida charged with felony abduction of a child, felony conspiracy to abduct a child, transporting the child out of state, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

He is awaiting extradition back to NC.

Also charged were 43-year-old Laurie Thompson and 24-year-old Skyler Haneline both of Olin, and 45-year-old Lewis Lyons of Statesville.

Each are charged with felony conspiracy to abduct a child, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, and resist obstruct delay a law enforcement officer.

Their bond was set at 5-thousand dollars each.

The teenager was brought back to Statesville immediately after being located.

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

13 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday as reported by Burke County Public Health officials bringing the county’s total to 9-thousand-700.

237 cases are reported to be active, while one Burke resident remains hospitalized.

The Burke County vaccination team will be hosting two local clinics for those essential workers still in need of a vaccination.

The clinics will be held tomorrow from 8 am till Noon, and again from 4 till 8 pm at Freedom High School.

You can schedule your appointment online at chsbr.org/vaccine, or you can call the health department to schedule at 764-9150 and choose O to speak with the operator.

All adults 16 and older will be eligible for the vaccine starting April 7^th.

Meanwhile, McDowell County reported 9 new COVID-19 cases Monday; with 28 still in quarantine.

McDowell’s total stands at 4-thousand-879.

Hickory Men Sentenced

Two Hickory men were sentenced last week for selling stolen firearms.

A US District Judge sentenced 35-year-old Gevon King to 144 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered 22-year-old Michael Williams to serve 72 months in prison and two years under court supervision.

Court records reveal King and Williams took part in the unlawful sale of numerous firearms some of which were stolen from November 2019 to July 2020.

Records further state that Williams was responsible for several vehicle break-ins in Burke County from which firearms were stolen and that King conspired with Williams in the sale of the guns.

In November 2020, both King and Williams pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license.

King also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, while Williams pleaded guilty to possession and sale of stolen firearm.

King is currently in federal custody, and Williams was released on bond and will be ordered to report to a federal facility once one is designated.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation along with the SBI, Hickory Police, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Maiden Shooting

A double-shooting that took place in Catawba County Friday night remains under investigation.

Officers were called to the incident just before 9:30 off Ramseur Road in Maiden.

Reports say as deputies arrived, they discovered a man and a woman had been shot multiple times.

The woman was reportedly airlifted to a Charlotte hospital, while the man was taken by ambulance to a Lincoln County hospital.

Both remain hospitalized in serious condition at last report.

Authorities have charged Dimitrius Williams with two counts of attempted first degree murder in connection with the shooting.

He is currently jailed without bond.

Foot Chase

The driver of a motorcycle who failed to stop at a McDowell County license checkpoint now faces drug charges.

44-year-old Brandon Kyle McNeil of Finley Road in Marion reportedly approached the NC 226 South checkpoint on his motorcycle March 13^th but didn’t stop reports say.

An officer followed McNeil and found his motorcycle wrecked on Jacktown Road.

Reports say McNeil fled on foot and was apprehended a short time later.

A search of the suspect turned up meth and drug paraphernalia.

McNeil was charged with possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to heed a blue light and siren.

Stolen ATV

Authorities in McDowell County are on the lookout for a stolen ATV and the person who took it.

Reports say the green 2010 Honda Rancher TRX420 four wheeler was taken from a Deacon Drive business in Marion sometime between 2 pm Saturday and Monday morning.

Anyone with information about the crime should contact McDowell Detective Lambert at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

Fatal Wreck

A two-vehicle accident in Lincoln County Friday afternoon claimed a pair of lives, and seriously injured another.

Investigators with the NC Highway Patrol say around 1:10 pm Friday, a Chevrolet Avalanche driven by Alexander Hickman was headed west on Campground Road.

Officers say he crossed the center line crashing head-on into an eastbound GMC Yukon.

The driver of the GMC, Boyce Moore and his passenger Michael Spillars both died on the scene.

Hickman was flown to a Charlotte hospital with life threatening injuries.

The initial investigation indicates reckless driving on Hickman’s part to be a contributing factor in the accident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health officials Friday afternoon released an updated COVID-19 case count; Burke now has a total of 9-thousand-687 positive cases – that’s 32 additional cases since Monday.

Latest figures show that 261 cases are reported to be active, and 2 Burke residents remain in the hospital.

McDowell County health officials reported 3 new cases Friday for a total now of 4-thousand-870 cases.

35 individuals in McDowell are in quarantine.*

Meanwhile, people in Group 4 – adults 16 to 64 years old who are at high risk for exposure and increased risk of severe illness, along with homeless persons, and those who are incarcerated are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The rest of Group 4 including other essential workers and people in close group living settings will become eligible Wednesday March 31^st, while all adults 16 and older will be allowed the vaccine on April 7^th.

In Burke County, you can schedule a vaccine appointment by calling 828-358-4454 or go online to chsbr.org/vaccine.

Executive Order In Effect

The new executive order easing some COVID-19 restrictions in NC is now in effect.

Last week Governor Cooper announced the order which went into effect at 5 Friday afternoon, and expires on April 30^th.

Retail stores, salons, and museums are a few of the businesses that are allowed to resume full capacity, with physical distancing measures and face coverings still required.

Restaurants, gyms, amusement parks, wineries, and other specified businesses can open to 75-percent capacity; while bars, movie theaters, sports arenas and auditoriums can open to 50-percent capacity.

The state’s department of health and human services Dr. Mandy Cohen reports NC is in a promising place; with virus key metrics improving and vaccinations increasing, the easing of restrictions are being guided by science and data.

 

NC 181 Fatality

A Morganton woman was killed Thursday afternoon in a one-car crash on NC 181.

Reports with the NC Highway Patrol say around 2:20 , 43-year-old Carrie Collins Ollis was driving south in a Toyota four-runner when she ran off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected; causing her to cross the center line then running off the left side of the highway, and striking a utility pole and embankment.

The collision further caused the utility pole to fall into the road striking a northbound vehicle being driven by 19-year-old Mandi Lowe of Morganton.

Lowe was not injured according to reports.

Ollis died from her injuries, reports say, while being transported to the hospital by Burke County EMS.

The investigating trooper reported Ollis was not wearing a seatbelt, and impairment was not suspected.

Thursday’s torrential rainfall and slick road conditions could have been a factor in the accident authorities say.

Oak Hill Fire and Rescue and Burke REACt assisted at the scene.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

According to the dashboard figures on the county’s website, Burke County now has 9-thousand-674 confirmed cases.

267 cases in Burke are still considered as active, while 2 people are still hospitalized.

McDowell County reported only 3 new cases Thursday for a total of 4-thousand-867 positives.

38 residents in McDowell are quarantined. 

Good news reported yesterday for individuals wishing to get the COVID vaccine that haven’t yet been able to.

Governor Cooper announced that the state has gotten more supply of the vaccine than anticipated.

Therefore, the biggest change for NC residents is that beginning April 7^th, all adults in the state will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Swan Named Interim Superintendent 

During Thursday’s Burke County Board of Education meeting, the

announcement was made naming Dr. Mike Swan as interim superintendent.

of Burke County Public Schools. Swan moved to the county in 1998, and has

served in various roles, including teacher, assistant principal, principal,

Director of Student and Family Services and assistant superintendent.

He succeeds Dr. Larry Putnam, who will become executive vice president at

Catawba Valley Community College.

Kidnapping Charge

A brother and sister have been arrested following the issuance of an Amber Alert for a missing 14-year-old girl in Caldwell County Tuesday.

Reports state Austin Ryan Setzer and Autumn Bryce Setzer are both charged with first-degree kidnapping and breaking and entering.

Authorities in Caldwell County report the girl was found safe and in good condition in Lenoir.

The Amber Alert was canceled less than an hour after it was issued Tuesday evening.

According to officers, Austin Setzer was arrested under a 250-thousand dollar bond; while Autumn Setzer received a 100-thousand dollar bond as an accomplice in the incident.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone having additional information about Tuesday’s abduction to call them at 828-757-1400.

Pot Bust

A multi-agency traffic checkpoint in McDowell County turns up a drug arrest.

McDowell deputies, the State Highway Patrol, and SBI agents conducted the checkpoint March 9^th at the intersection of Zion Hill and Epley Roads.

Reports say as 22-year-old Lucas McHone of Marion pulled up to the checkpoint, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana.

Following a search of his vehicle, authorities charged McHone with possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hickory Stabbing

A man is reportedly in critical condition following a stabbing incident at a Hickory motel Thursday.

Hickory Police report the stabbing resulted during an altercation between a father and son at the Quality Suites.

Reports say the victim was transported by Catawba County EMS to an area hospital.

No charges have been filed.

Police continue to investigate.

Lincoln Drugs

Lincoln County narcotics officers have charged a Vale man with trafficking illegal drugs.

Last Monday, officers reports say observed a hand-to-hand transaction in the parking lot of a Lincoln County business.

Investigators made contact with 71-year-old Ray Wylie of Vale and 26-year-old Trenton Carver of Lincolnton.

Officers recovered US Currency and a trafficking amount of hydrocodone.

An investigation revealed that Wylie had sold the narcotics to Carver.

Wylie was arrested and charged with trafficking by sell and deliver, trafficking by transport, and trafficking by possession.

He was placed in custody under a 75-thousand dollar secured bond.

Carver was taken into custody Wednesday on a charge of trafficking in opium or heroin.

He was released on bond.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health reported a virus-related death Wednesday as the county’s COVID-19 death toll is at 147.

A news release states the individual was in their 70’s, and was hospitalized.

Current figures on the county’s website shows 9-thousand-669 total cases, with 266 being active, and 3 Burke residents hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 3 new COVID-19 cases yesterday for a total number at 4-thousand-864.

51 people remain in quarantine.

Caregivers Resource

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday announced a new phone service helpline for family caregivers in North Carolina caring for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  The Caregiver Navigator, a service of Project CARE is a first port of call for caregivers with unmet needs. Caregivers, professionals and the general public can call the Caregiver Navigator toll-free at 844-728-0191 from anywhere in the state to get answers to all sorts of questions. At the beginning of 2019, the Alzheimer’s Association projected that 479,000 family caregivers would care for people with dementia in North Carolina, putting in a staggering 545 million hours of unpaid care. And by the end of 2020, many of these same caregivers had an added challenge: dealing with the risk of COVID-19 and the social distancing and loneliness that came with it. Community resources were and remain harder to find for these caregivers, but the Caregiver Navigator can link them into a network of resources, including caregiver and dementia education, respite and support groups.   For more information about the Caregiver Navigator, call 844-728-0191 or email DHHS.caregiver@dhhs.nc.gov. Jail Employee Fired

A Burke County jail detention officer has been terminated following an investigation for reported excessive use of force. 

48-year-old Ravi Patel of Morganton was issued a criminal summons Tuesday for simple assault.

According to a news release issued by the Burke Sheriff’s Office, the summons named the former detention officer as assaulting a person in custody by pushing the individual while he was handcuffed behind his back.

The release states the investigation into allegations was opened by the jail captain on January 30^th, while Patel was placed on suspended leave with pay February 2^nd pending an internal investigation.

Reports say Sheriff Whisenant requested the SBI conduct an independent investigation with the DA’s office to prosecute any criminal violations that were revealed.

The SBI reportedly turned their findings over to the DA’s office resulting in Wednesday’s charge.

Patel’s case is pending trial in NC District Court in Morganton May 17^th.

Pedestrians Struck

A pair of pedestrians has been transported to a local hospital, reports say, after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon in downtown Morganton.

The collision reportedly occurred at the intersection of South Sterling and West Union Streets, where sidewalk access is closed due to the construction on the old courthouse square.

Public safety officers report the two transported to Carolinas Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton both suffered head injuries in the accident, although it’s unknown how severe.

Reports say the driver was not injured.

Morganton Public Safety continues to investigate.

Burke EMS and Burke County Rescue responded to the scene.

Hickory Men Sentenced

Two Hickory men have each been ordered to serve prison terms in separate incidents.

36-year-old Nathaniel Kirby could spend up to 14 years in prison following his conviction for criminal charges tied to the exploitation of minors.

Kirby pleaded guilty as charged with no plea offer or agreement from the State to nine counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Kirby’s sentence stems from a November 2019 incident in which Hickory Police received a cyber tip and tracked an IP address to Kirby.

A search warrant allowed officers to seize multiple electronic devices from his home, and further to the discovery of thousands of pornographic images of children.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Antonio Kee will serve six to nine years imprisoned after a conviction for possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, and admission of habitual felon status.

Records show that an informant in June 2018 told Hickory police officers that Kee was selling drugs from a particular location.

An undercover officer went to the location, made a purchase from Kee; leading to his arrest.  

Reports say Kee’s prior felony convictions date back to 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update 

Burke County Public Health reported 276 active cases of COVID-19 on

Monday, with a total of 9-thousand-655 cases since the panademic began.

Three Burke residents are in the hospital.

McDowell County saw an increase of 7 cases of coronavirus, yesterday, for

a total of 4-thousand-858, with 45 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 20 new cases of the virus for a current total of

8-thousand-895, with 15 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County saw 38 additional cases of COVID-19 for a new total of

17-thousand-606, with 18 people in the hospital.

Hospice Grant

Burke Hospice & Palliative Care recently received a grant from the J.Alex

and Vivian G.Mull Foundation. The grant of $2,200 purchased bathing

equipment for the organization’s inpatient unit. The funds were used to

buy two shower chairs and materials for the unit.

McDowell Arrests 

A Burnsville man is charged with possession of methamphetamine in

McDowell County. About 11 p.m.March 7^th, a McDowell deputy was

patrolling on U.S.70 West and stopped a vehicle for reported traffic

violations. The driver, 50-year-old Wesley James Presnell, was wanted in

Caldwell County. Deputies, while taking Presnell into custody for the

outstanding warrant, located meth in his possession.

Also in McDowell County, a deputy about 9 p.m.on March 18^th, was in the

area of Nix Creek and Zion Hill roads and saw a motorcycle that he had stopped

the day before. The operator, 31-year-old Joshua Kyle Sluder of Lake Lure,

led the deputy on a pursuit, before stopping at a residence on Timberwolf

Lane and was taken into custody on various driving charges.

DOT Roadway Work  

DOT closed a section of a Catawba County road, yesterday, for a weeklong

maintenance project. A section of the 21^st Street Drive Southeast Extension

between U.S.70 and Startown Road closed, and is scheduled to reopen on

March 29^th. Crews will be filling a grassy area at the center of the roundabout

with concrete, weather permitting. Traffic will be detoured to Startown

Road and U.S.70 and motorists should expect some delay.

Vale Arrest  

A Vale man was arrested on Sunday for a True Bill of Indictment

handed down by a Lincoln County Grand Jury on March 15^th.

54-year-old Michael Anthony Rednour of Howard’s Creek Mill Road

was taken into custody by Lincoln deputies without incident. The

BOI involves charges of trafficking in meth, possession with intent to

sell and deliver meth and maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of

sell, store and manufacture meth. Bond was set at $150,000 secured

with a court appearance scheduled for March 30^th.

 COVID-19 UPDATE

The number of new COVID-19 cases in the area continues to be fairly low as compared to previous months during the pandemic.

Burke County Public Health reported 17 additional cases Friday; total cases now at 9-thousand-644.

280 of those cases are reported to be active, while 3 Burke residents are in the hospital.

For the first time in a long while, McDowell County reported no new cases.

McDowell’s total cases number 4-thousand-851, while 61 people remain quarantined.

Caldwell County reported 21 new cases of the virus for a total of 8-thousand-875, with 16 people in the hospital.

Catawba County saw an increase of 27 additional cases of COVID-19 for s current total of 17-thousand-568, with 20 patients hospitalized.

Caldwell Schools Reopening

Board members in Caldwell voted to return all students in grades K-12 to the classroom on a modified Plan A schedule – four days a week with Wednesdays reserved as a remote learning day.

Caldwell County's reopening goes into effect Monday April 12^th.

Deputy Assaulted

A McDowell County officer was assaulted after a suspect led him on a foot chase.

Reports say the deputy attempted to stop 43-year-old James Kevin Beaver of Old Fort on March 16^th for driving while license revoked and for multiple traffic violations.

Beaver reportedly jumped from his vehicle and fled into a wooded area.

Once the officer apprehended him, Beaver became combative and assaulted the officer.

Beaver was charged with fleeing to elude arrest, assault on a law enforcement officer, and resisting a public officer.

Marion Meth Arrest

A disturbance call turns into drug charges for a Marion man.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say deputies responded to the reported disturbance on Owl Hollow Road on March 6^th.

Once in the area, lawmen located 59-year-old Kevin Brian Loftis of Roy Hollifield Road.

Reports say meth was found in Loftis’ possession.

 

 

J and J Vaccine

Some Catawba Valley counties are beginning to receive doses of the Johnson-and-Johnson vaccine, although somewhat sparingly.

Reports say NC began receiving its first shipments of the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in the first week of March amounting to 83-thousand doses.

And according to the State Department of Health and Human services, another 11-thousand-500 doses were sent to NC providers this week.

No providers in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba or Alexander counties were given the Johnson and Johnson vaccines by the state until this week reports say.

State officials report Caldwell UNC Healthcare hospital in Lenoir received 600 doses, along with its regular shipments of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Presently, People’s Drug in Taylorsville was allotted 200 doses of the Johnson-and-Johnson.

According to state health officials, the number of providers receiving the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson-and-Johnson vaccines are increasing as more of the state’s residents become eligible to receive it.

Armed Robbery

A bank in downtown Newton was reportedly robbed on Thursday afternoon.

Reports say the incident occurred around 4 pm at the Truist Bank, formerly known as BB&T.

Police officials report the suspect was armed.

No one was injured.

The investigation continues.

Meth on Motorist

An Old Fort man stopped for a traffic violation ends up charged for drug possession.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say officers stopped 57-year-old Edwin Eugene Coleman of Vernon Bradley Road on March 6^th while traveling on US 70 West.

A search of his vehicle, reports say, turned up methamphetamine.

Alexander Co Rape           

Authorities in Alexander County have arrested two people in connection to a reported rape case.

According to a news release from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Josue Vargas Isaias of Wilkesboro and 56-year-old Eloa Garcia Audon of Taylorsville have been placed in custody following an on-going investigation into the case.

Isaias is charged with felony statutory rape of a 13 to 15 year-old, while Audon faces a charge of felony obstruction of justice.

Isaias was issued a 600-thousand dollar secured bond, and Audon received a 50-thousand dollar secured bond.

Both are being held in the Alexander County detention center.

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

16 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Burke County Wednesday as reported by local public health staff, bringing the county’s total number to 9-thousand-608.

Of the total, 245 cases are reported to be active and 5 Burke residents remain in the hospital.

Health officials in McDowell County reported 10 new cases for a total of 4-thousand-845 positives.

84 McDowell residents are still in quarantine.

State health officials gave the go-ahead to begin vaccinating a large part of those in Group 4 yesterday.

People 16 to 64 years old at a higher exposure risk and who have an increased risk for severe illness are now eligible.

The group includes those who are in a homeless situation and those who are incarcerated who have not been vaccinated.

The rest of group 4 includes other essential workers who will become eligible April 7^th.

Burke Native in Two Sports Hall of Fames Has Died 

A Burke County native, who was an All-ACC basketball player in the

early 1960’s, has died at the age of 81. Art Whisnant from Icard, played

at South Carolina from 1959-1962. He was second team All-ACC in 1960

and 1961, and first team in 1962. Whisnant was selected to the USC

Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001 and the South Carolina Athletic Hall of

Fame in 2016. He was the grandfather of Masters and U.S.Open champion

Dustin Johnson. No cause of death was listed in the release from

USC Sports Information.

DVO Violator

A Marion man already under a domestic violence protection order faces additional charges following an incident in February.

Last September, the protection order was issued against 31-year-old Alexander Paul Moore of Whataway Drive at the request of a Marion woman.

Reports say Moore violated the order twice on January 7^th when he went to the victim’s home on separate occasions; once crawling through a window with the intent of terrorizing her.

Then January 31^st, the woman awoke to find Moore in her bedroom where he physically assaulted her reports say.

Then February 1^st, Moore again went onto the victim’s property twice.

Moore is now charged with five counts of violating a domestic violence protection order, and one count each of breaking and entering to terrorize or injure, first degree burglary, and domestic criminal trespass.

Drive-By Shooting

A reported drive-by shooting in Rutherford County leaves one person dead Tuesday night.

Officers with Spindale Police say the incident occurred around 10:30 outside of a residence in the area of Academy Street.

According to police reports, the victim was identified as Marcus Obrian Young of Spindale.

Young died from his injuries at the scene.

Officials say no arrests have been made yet.

The SBI has been called in to assist with the investigation.

Anyone having information should call the Spindale Police Department at 828-286-3464.

Lincoln Drive By

Meanwhile, Lincoln County authorities continue to investigate a drive by shooting that occurred in Lincolnton Tuesday night as well.

A homeowner on Long Meadow Lane told officers he heard a series of shots fired around 10 o’clock.

Early Wednesday morning, the resident discovered bullet holes had gone through a glass storm door and wooden storm door at his home, along with shots fired into his vehicle.

Reports say deputies recovered shell casings near the home.

No one was injured in the incident.

Detectives urge anyone with information to call the Lincoln Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050.

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE 

Burke County Public Health reported 264 active cases of COVID-19

on Tuesday. Total positive cases numbered 9-thousand-592, with 5 Burke

residents in the hospital.

McDowell County saw an increase of 6 cases of coronavirus yesterday,

for a total of 4-thousand-835, with 74 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 14 new cases of the virus with a new total

of 8-thousand-835, with 14 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 38 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of

17-thousand-490, and 28 people are in the hospital.

Burke Schools Go In-Person April 12th

The Burke County Board of Education decided at Monday’s board

meeting to return all students, PreK thru 12th grade, to Plan-A

full in-person learning, five days a week, starting Monday April 12th.

Freedom Football Games Postponed

Freedom announced on Tuesday that due to COVID related circumstances

both the varsity and JV games scheduled this week with South Caldwell

have been postponded. A makeup date will be announced when confirmed.

Freedom will still have the Homecoming ceremony Friday night at 7, to

recognize the 2021 Homecoming Court. Plans are for an open gate, with

COVID guidelines and restrictions in place. The gate will open at 6:30.

Meth Trafficking Charge on Nebo Woman 

A Nebo woman has a meth trafficking charge added to previous drug

offenses. 25-year-old Kayla Michelle Bates was originally charged in

January with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana,

and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance after

authorities searched her house on Scotts Cove Dive. Further investigation

by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office led to the additional charge.

Burn Tips

March through May is generally recognized as spring wildfire season

in North Carolina, a period when conditions are more favorable for

wildfire. Here are some tips from the N.C.Forest Service to protect

property and prevent wildfires:

Consider alternatives to burning:

Check local burning laws:

Make sure you have a valid permit

Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris:

Stay informed about the weather and possible weather changes:

Be sure you are fully prepared before burning:

Stay with your fire until it is completely out:

To learn more go online to www.ncforestservice.gov

 

COVID-19 UPDATE 

Burke County Public Health reported 43 new positive cases of COVID-19 over the weekend for a total of 9-thousand-579 cases in Burke.

265 cases are active, with 3 Burke residents in the hospital.

McDowell County reported 16 new cases Monday for a total of 4-thousand-829 positives.

68 residents are still quarantined.**

Beginning Wednesday, state health officials will open vaccinations to part of Group 4- adults 16 to 64 years of age who are at high risk for exposure and increased risk of severe illness.

Those with high risk medical conditions, those who are homeless, and incarcerated people who have not yet been vaccinated will then be able to register for an appointment.

The rest of Group 4 which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7^th.

Chase

A multi-county chase last Friday morning ended with the arrest of a Connelly Springs man.

A news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy observed a pickup truck without a tag traveling on NC 18 South.

As the officer attempted to stop the vehicle as he turned onto St. John Church Avenue, the truck driven by 41-year-old Jimmy Frank Peeler of 7012 Rhoney Road sped up.

Other deputies assisted in the chase that lasted around 25 minutes in southern Burke and into parts of Lincoln, Catawba, and Cleveland Counties with speeds reaching up to 90 miles per hour.

The release says Peeler ran out of roadway, where he jumped and ran leading officers on a short foot chase before being taken into custody.

Peeler was found to possess a modified 12-gauge single-shot shotgun, a gram of meth, and a smoking pipe.

At the time of his arrest, Peeler was under active probation with previous probation revocations.

His felony arrests include possession of a schedule two controlled substance, speeding to elude arrest, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Peeler was jailed under a 43-thousand dollar secured bond and was scheduled to appear in court yesterday.

Trespassing Leads to Drugs

A reported trespassing incident leads Burke officers to arrest a Morganton man on drug charges.

Reports say deputies were called to a residence on Spann Hill Road in Connelly Springs March 5^th to a trespassing complaint.

Once on scene, authorities made contact with a male suspect identified as 36-year-old Matthew Joe Propst of 5958 Pealot Drive.

As officers were speaking with Propst, they observed him attempt to remove something from his pocket; later identified as meth.

Propst was placed under arrest for possession of a schedule two substance.

He was held at the Burke County jail under a 3-thousand dollar secured bond with a court date set for March 29^th.

McDowell Drugs

In McDowell County, officers search a vehicle to discover it contained drugs. 

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say 26-year-old Ricky Keith Capps of Ashworth Road Marion was stopped February 28^th on US 70 West for multiple traffic violations.

The vehicle search turned up morphine pills.

Capps was charged with possession of a schedule two controlled substance.

Sex Charges

A Marion man faces multiple sex charges following alleged inappropriate contact with a teenage girl in 2019.

35-year-old Robbie Eugene Shumate of Hicks Chapel Road has been charged with statutory rape and statutory sex offense with a child less than or equal to 15 years of age, and taking indecent liberties with a child.

In addition, Shumate faces charges in a separate case.

On February 17^th, while in custody at the McDowell County jail Shumate allegedly threw an unknown liquid on a sheriff’s office employee.

He was then charged with malicious conduct by a prisoner.

 

 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

A single-digit increase in COVID-19 cases Thursday, as Burke County Public Health reported nine additional positives.

Burke is currently at 9-thousand-534 cases, with 273 still active, and 2 residents hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 10 new cases yesterdayday for a total of 4-thousand-804 positives.

107 McDowell residents remain in quarantine.

Thursday marked a year since the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID as a worldwide pandemic.

Vaccine Clinic

The Burke County COVID-19 vaccination team will hold a mini-clinic this afternoon 1 until 3:30 for residents who are eligible to receive the vaccine in groups 1 through 3.

This includes healthcare workers, long term care workers and residents, and behavioral health staff.

Anyone 65 and older regardless of chronic conditions is eligible.

Today'sclinic will also assist frontline essential workers including grocery store workers and those who sell medicines.

Food distribution workers are eligible, as the group includes restaurant workers, farm workers, and food processing workers.

Those serving in government and community services, health care, public health, along with public safety and transportation are eligible as well.

If you are part of these aforementioned groups and have yet to receive your vaccine, call the Burke County Health Department at 828-764-9226 to schedule an appointment for today’s clinic.

Appointments are first come, first served.

Group 4 Vaccine

And as NC receives additional vaccine, Governor Cooper has moved up the next group in line for the shots.

At a Thursday afternoon news conference, the governor said the state will start vaccinating some people in Group 4 beginning March 17^th – a week ahead of schedule.

Officials with the state’s department of health and human services say they are seeing vaccine supply improve in hopes to keep ahead of schedule.

As Group 4 begins, it will include people who are homeless, prisoners who have not yet been vaccinated, and people aged 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Additional essential workers including retail employees, those in public works, and people in financial service will also be allowed to get the vaccine.

School Bill Passes

NC Public Schools have 21 days to open full time for grades Kindergarten through 5^th, as set forth by the passage of State House Bill 220 Thursday morning.

Bill 220 requires grades K-5 to open full time for students under Plan A in-person instruction.

The previous Senate Bill 37 was less strict in that it allowed the targeted age group to remain in Plan B if chosen by the district.

 Bill 220 also allows district flexibility to choose between Plan A for grades 6 to 12, or to move to hybrid learning under Plan B. 

Thursday’s House vote came about through negotiations between legislative Republicans and Governor Cooper, as the bill received Senate approval Wednesday.

Reports indicate Cooper is prepared to sign the bill.

Districts have 21 days to comply with the law, but they can make changes before the deadline.

 

 COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday for a current total of 9-thousand-525 positives.

279 cases remain as active, and one Burke resident, reports say, remains hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials yesterday reported 4 new cases, for a total of 4-thousand-794.

116 residents in McDowell are in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 11 new cases of the virus for a total of 8-thousand-794, with 16 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an increase of 27 cases of coronavirus Wednesday, for a total of 17-thousand-334, with 23 people in the hospital.

Iredell Fire

Firefighters in Iredell County continue to investigate a massive fire at a Statesville store Tuesday night.

The fire broke out around 9 p.m. at Crazy David’s Discount Variety store on Sheldon Avenue.

As firefighters made it to the scene, reports say they were met with heavy smoke coming from the store and flames shooting from the roof and windows.

Officials say it took fire crews more than four hours to bring the blaze under control.

Multiple fire agencies were called in to assist the Statesville Fire Department.

No injuries were reported.

The incident remains under investigation.

Ice Cream Shop Closing

A well-known McDowell County family business is closing after 66 years.

The Jack Frost Dairy Bar posted on social media that it will not reopen this spring, because ‘it is simply time.’

Jack Frost opened in 1954 and the tradition continued through the years of hand-stirring every batch of its ice cream.

 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

Caldwell County has learned of its 138th Covid-19 related death.  The Caldwell County Health Department says the patient was between the ages of 50 and 64, was hospitalized and was reported to have underlying health condition.  Caldwell reports seven new cases of Covid-19 Tuesday.  With more than 83 hundred patients now counted as recovered in the county, the active cases count stands at 3 hundred 22, the fewest active cases since mid-July of last year.  Caldwell County reports 23 thousand 5 hundred and 15 does of vaccine have been administered with more than 13 thousand, 7 hundred people partially vaccinated and 9 thousand, 8 hundred and two fully vaccinated.  The Caldwell County Health Department has finished administering the first doses of vaccine to Caldwell County Schools and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute personnel.  The Health Department is continuing to follow state vaccination guidelines and work through their waiting list.  To be added to the waiting list in Caldwell County, call 828-426-8486.  Vaccine is also offered through Caldwell UNC HealthCare and Walgreens Hudson and Lenoir locations.

Burke County is currently at 9 thousand, 5 hundred and 11 positive cases.  These numbers are cumulative cases.  Everyone 65 and older interested in scheduling an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccine in Burke County should call the Community Call Center at 358-4454.  The Health Department advises you to keep calling until you get through to make an appointment.

Hickory Airport Hanger

The City of Hickory and the Burke County Board of Commissioners have approved a memorandum of understanding for a partnership to construct a new 12 thousand square foot airplane hanger at the Hickory Regional Airport in Burke County.  The agreement was announced yesterday.  Per the memorandum, the City of Hickory will design and construct the hangar at an estimated cost of approximately 1 point 2 million dollars.  The hangar is to accommodate three to four large aircraft.  Once the hangar is completed and in operation, Burke County will pay the City of Hickory 50 percent of any additional aircraft property tax revenue above the agreed upon baseline.  The payments will continue until the County ahs reimbursed the City for 50 percent of the hangar's design and construction cost.

 Arrest in Avery Murder Case

A man has been charged with murder in Avery County after deputies say he called 911, reported the shooting and said he would be waiting with a beer. Edward Barnes of Pinola, has been charged with murdering his neighbor yesterday.  He was taken into custody by Avery County authorities.

Fire at Alexander Daycare

Over 30 kids had to be evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a fire at their daycare in Alexander County.  Reports say 39 children and 9 staff members were evacuated from the Small Hands Daycare along Stony Point School Road after flames broke out about 1 p.m.  A person on site said the fire could have started after a cigarette was tossed into some mulch near the school.  The daycare sustained about thirty thousand dollars in damages, no one was injured.  The business has been open for about 25 years.