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