COVID Death

As Burke County approaches 10-thousand COVID-19 cases, local public health officials Thursday afternoon reported an additional virus-related death.

A news release says the individual was in their 30’s and was hospitalized.

The virus death toll for Burke now stands at 155, while the total of positives for COVID-19 is 9-thousand-996.

Figures show 236 cases are active, and 6 Burke residents are hospitalized.

In McDowell County, 5 new cases of the virus were reported yesterday for a total of 5-thousand-54.

75 people in McDowell are in quarantine.

Boone Shooting

A heartbreaking story from Watauga County as two deputies are killed Wednesday during a standoff; while the suspected gunman shot to death two others inside a home, and himself before the incident came to an end.

Watauga County deputy Logan Fox died at the scene reports say, and Sgt. Chris Ward died from his injuries after being airlifted to Johnson City Med Center.

A third officer with Boone Police was also shot; however, the bullet reportedly struck the helmet he was wearing preventing serious injury.

The standoff began around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, and ended just before 11 p.m. on Hardaman Circle near Boone.

Officers were initially called to the residence to perform a welfare check.

The suspect that reportedly shot the deputies had also killed two civilians that were inside the home. They were identified as the suspect, 32-year-old Isaac Alton Barnes and his mother, 61-year-old Michelle Ligon and step-father, 58-year-old George Ligon. 

Agencies from across the state assisted Watauga County Wednesday including Morganton Public Safety, Hickory Police, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Avery County Sheriff’s Office, and the NC Highway Patrol.

Student Aid

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human services has announced it’s expanding eligibility for food assistance benefits to help college students who are struggling to buy food and stay in school during the pandemic.

Some NC college students will now be eligible to receive assistance through the Food and Nutrition Services under a temporary change of benefits.

The assistance provides ongoing relief as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020 and runs through June 30^th of this year.

College students and others can determine if they are eligible to apply for food assistance online at ncdhhs.gov/assistance or contact the local department of social services.

Drug Possession

McDowell County deputies responding to a suspicious activity call discover a Marion man in possession of drugs.

On April 8^th, the officer was called to Hall Estates Drive and was allowed into a residence where he found 55-year-old Roy Eugene Watts sitting in a chair with a bag of meth on his lap.

A search of Watts also turned up heroin, pills, and drug paraphernalia.

Watts now faces numerous charges including possession of heroin, possession of meth, possession with intent to sell or deliver meth and possession of a Schedule 4 controlled substance.

Lincoln Drugs

A lengthy drug investigation led by Lincoln County authorities results in the arrest of two Lincolnton men and the seizure of a sizable amount of drugs.

The Lincoln Sheriff’s Office and DEA members searched two suspect residences earlier today and came away with 29 pounds of marijuana, more than two pounds of heroin, and over two pounds of cocaine.

Reports say officers also seized a large number of pills believed to be fentanyl and a large amount of US currency.

38-year-old Eder Delgado and 32-year-old Francisco Villanueva-Salas were both arrested and charged with a multitude of drug charges.

Both men are in custody in Lincoln County under a 1-million dollar secured bond each.

Catawba County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the operation.

 

 

 

 

#

 

Governor's New Executive Order

NC Health officials announced Wednesday afternoon that masks will no longer be required outdoors, but they will continue to be required indoors.

In a press conference, Governor Cooper says the new executive order will go into effect this tomorrow.

In addition, the order allows the mass gathering limit to increase to 100 people indoors, and 200 outdoors.

The announcement comes just one day following the CDC’s easing its guidelines on masks being worn outdoors.

Cooper and health experts say the indoor mask mandate will remain in place until two-thirds of the state’s population ages 16 and older is vaccinated.

Currently, 49-percent of those 18 and older in the state have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and nearly 40-percent have been fully vaccinated.

The governor said the plan to lift social distancing, capacity and mass gathering limit requirements by June 1^st still stands, regardless of vaccination numbers.

McDowell Man Facing Assault Charges

A disturbance in McDowell County turns into an arrest and charges for a Marion man.

Deputies were called to the domestic dispute on Rockhouse Road April 24^th shortly after midnight.

An investigation revealed 39-year-old Michael Boggs had assaulted a woman and a teenage male at a home.

Boggs was charged with assault inflicting serious injury, assault inflicting serious injury with a minor present, and child abuse.

Teen Arrest after Chase

A 17-year-old has been arrested after Iredell County lawmen say he led officers on a chase and fired a gun at them early Wednesday morning.

Reports say the incident began when a resident reported a breaking and entering of motor vehicles in Mooresville.

Once on scene, officers observed two suspect vehicles leaving the area at high speeds.

Authorities attempted vehicle stops; however, both drivers refused to stop reports say.

Stop sticks were used to halt one of the cars, at which time the driver used his vehicle to sideswipe the police car before shooting at the officer.

Other officers assisted and the teen driver and passenger were taken into custody.

The 17-year-old driver’s name is not being released, but he is being charged as an adult with numerous offenses.

Officers say the investigation into the second vehicle involved is ongoing.

Standoff in Watauga Over 

The standoff in Watauga County ends with the suspect reportedly

killing himself. The man, inside a home on Hardaman Circle in Boone

had reportedly shot two deputies Wednesday morning. Sargeant

Chris Ward, died after being airlifted to Johnson City Medical

Center. The second deputy, Logan Fox, who was inside the home, also died,

according to the Watauga Democrat. Deputies had originally responded

to the home for a family welfare check.

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health reported 215 active COVID-19 cases on

Tuesday, with a total of 9-thousand-967 positives, and 5 Burke

residents are in the hospital.

McDowell County reported 9 new cases of coronavirus yesterday for

a total of 5-thousand-34, with 70 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 23 new cases of the virus, for a

total of 9-thousand-247, with 4 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 24 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, for

a total of 18-thousand-441, and 14 people are in the hospital.

Foothills Conservancy Grant  

Morganton-based Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has received

a grant of about $243,000, to build the first segment of The Wilderness

Gateway State Trail in McDowell County. The funds will be used to

construct a 6.8 mile portion of Segment 3, a planned 30 mile-total section

of trail that lies largely within McDowell County and dips into Rutherford

County. Its route is located in the 7,000-plus acre Box Creek Wilderness.

The grant is from the State Division of Parks and Recreation’s

Recreational Trail Program.

Drug Charges on CS Man 

A Connelly Springs man faces multiple drug charges after a search of his

residence. Burke deputies on Friday, uncovered more than a pound of

meth along with drug paraphernalia and stolen property from the home

of 50-year-old Allen Lee Henson of Laurel Creek Street. He posted bond

of $100,000 secured and was released. Morganton Department of Public

Safety, NC Probation and Parole and NC State K-9 assisted the Burke

County Sheriff’s Office.

Warrant Service Leads to MDPS Drug Arrest  

A Morganton man faces drug charges after a warrant search. Morganton

Public Safety Investigators and Officers reportedly located about 50 grams

of Fentanyl, 2 firearms, and an undisclosed amount of cash at the residence

on Kela Drive. 23-year-old Charles Rodell Kincaid III, was placed in the Burke

County Jail under a $100,000 secured bond and was charged with three

drug offenses. Morganton Department of Public Safety was assisted by the

Burke County Sheriff’s Office and Burke County EMS.

 COVID-19 UPDATE

24 new cases of COVID-19 in Burke County over the weekend for a total of 9-thousand-966 positives as reported by local public health officials.

220 cases are reported to be active, while 9 Burke residents are in the hospital.

McDowell County yesterday reported 12 new cases of the virus; bringing the county’s total to 5-thousand-25.

Currently, 61 residents in McDowell are in quarantine.

Caldwell Shooting

A toddler is dead, while his mother and father sustain injuries in a triple shooting in Caldwell County.

Authorities say the two year old died from injuries after his father shot him, and the child’s mother before turning the gun on himself.

The incident happened Friday night at a home in the Cajuh’s Mountain community.

Investigators suspect the boy’s father first shot his girlfriend, and the boy came into the room.

The child was then shot, and his father then shot himself.

The two-year-old was airlifted to an area hospital but was pronounced deceased.

His mother was treated and released from a Charlotte hospital.

The father was taken to an Asheville hospital where he is reported as stable.

Officials say upon his release, he will be charged with murder and attempted murder.

McDowell Assault

A domestic dispute leads to charges for a Marion man.

McDowell County deputies were called to Patches Drive on April 6^th to a reported breaking and entering.

The officer discovered 36-year-old Timothy Ray Noblitt having a dispute with the resident.

Noblitt reportedly assaulted a female and then tried to break inside the house when she locked herself inside.

He is now charged with attempted breaking and entering, and assault on a female.

 

 

 

Caldwell and Catawba COVID-19

Caldwell County reported 35 new cases of coronavirus on Friday for

a total of 9-thousand-204, with 3 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an increase of 28 new cases of COVID-19 Friday

for a total of 18-thousand-361, with 14 people in the hospital.

East Union Street Construction 

Morganton city crews are closing the 100 block of East Union Street today

through Friday from 7am to 3pm to perform construction on the traffic

islands surrounding the courthouse square. The left lane of North Green

Street closest to the Courthouse, beginning at its intersection with East

Meeting Street, will also be closed. When crews are finished working each

day, they will reopen the 100 block of East Union Street and left lane of

North Green Street until resuming work the next day. This work is part

of the ongoing renovations to the Courthouse Square.

Linville Gorge Camping Permits 

Permits are required to camp in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area on

Friday and Saturday nights and holidays beginning Saturday through

May 31^st. Permits may be reserved by telephone only with the Linville

Gorge Information Cabin closed. To reserve a permit call 652-2144.

Demand is high so expect the phone line to be frequently busy. A group

may have up to 10 people.

 COVID-19 UPDATE

31 new cases of COVID-19 since Monday as reported by Burke County Public Health bringing the county’s total to 9-thousand-942 positives.

The latest figures show 246 cases are active, and 8 Burke residents remain hospitalized.

McDowell County yesterday reported two additional cases of the coronavirus for a total of 5-thousand-13 cases, with 72 McDowell residents in quarantine.

In a news release from the Burke County Health Department, officials encourage those 16 and over to take the COVID vaccine to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Those interested in getting the vaccine this week should visit myspot.nc.gov to find locations within Burke and surrounding counties to schedule an appointment. 

For those without internet access, call the Burke County Health Department at 764-9150 and dial 0 to speak to the operator for assistance.

Murder Arrest

A man is now charged in Wednesday’s murder of a 7-year-old boy in Hickory.

23-year-old Douglas Mason Wilson of 13^th Street Southeast Hickory was reportedly taken into custody at a Catawba County hotel just before 8 Thursday evening.

Reports say Wilson was initially arrested on unrelated warrants issued by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and later charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Zakylen Greylen Harris.

Hickory Police responded to the report of a shooting into an occupied vehicle on Tate Boulevard in which Harris had sustained a gunshot wound to his neck while riding with his mother and siblings.

The boy was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Harris’ mother, reports say, told officers while driving she had unintentionally cut off Wilson’s vehicle he was driving by pulling into the lane in front of him prior to the shooting.

Wilson is being held at the Catawba County detention facility with no bond.

The investigation continues.

Pair Arrested

McDowell County officers arrest a Spruce Pine couple on drug charges after finding the two passed out inside a car.

On April 4^th, deputies found a vehicle parked at the Tate Street Welcome Center with 37-year-old Jeremy Hensley and 38-year-old Miranda Medford both passed out, and had to be awakened by officers.

A search of the car and suspects turned up meth, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Hensley was charged with meth possession, and resisting a public officer after initially giving the deputy a fictitious name.

Medford was charged with possession of meth, possession of up to one-half ounce marijuana, and possession of drug and marijuana paraphernalia.

Missing

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a woman reported missing on Thursday.

36-year-old Lisa Leona Stepp was last seen April 5^th.

She is white, has blond hair and blue eyes; and is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 150 pounds.

Anyone with information about Stepp’s whereabouts should call the Rutherford Sheriff’s Office at 828-286-2911.

 

 

 

CHS Blue Ridge Change

CHS Blue Ridge Healthcare is announcing its intentions to separate from Atrium Health to facilitate a partnership with UNC Health.

The board of directors from Blue Ridge and UNC have announced the approval of a non-binding letter of intent to form the union.

The proposed partnership between Blue Ridge, with facilities in Morganton and Valdese, and UNC Health aims to enhance the quality of healthcare in the Unifour region.

If finalized, Blue Ridge would become part of NC’s leading public academic healthcare system that includes 12 other hospitals and hundreds of clinics throughout the state.

According to a news release issued by CHS Blue Ridge, officials say they hope to finalize the partnership later this year pending further board approvals and standard regulatory review.

To learn more about the proposed partnership between Blue Ridge and UNC Health, visit blueridgehealthforward.org.

Assault Charge

A Morganton man is charged with assault after his victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment. 

Morganton Public Safety officers on Wednesday morning just after 5:30 were called to Stonebridge Drive to the reported assault with a knife.

A news release says upon their arrival, they discovered the victim with a deep facial laceration.

Reports say she was transported to CHS Morganton; while the suspect had reportedly left the scene before authorities arrived.

The suspect identified as 40-year-old Erik Bradley Brittain was located and arrested a few hours later.

Brittain was charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

He was placed in the Burke County Jail under a 50-thousand dollar secured bond.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the State Department of Probation and Parole assisted Morganton Public Safety.

Morganton Fire

A Morganton home sustained extensive damage as the result of a fire on Tuesday.

Firefighters and Public Safety officers responded to 543 Rockyford Street around 4:15 p.m.

According to a news release; as units arrived, smoke and flames were coming from the residence.

Morganton firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in around 30 minutes.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation by public safety’s criminal investigations division.

The American Red Cross assisted the home’s occupants.

Kings Mtn Shooting

A 17-year-old was reportedly shot and killed in Kings Mountain Wednesday evening.

Just after 7:15, authorities say they found the teenager with numerous gunshot wounds on Redwood Circle.

Reports say he was taken to a Gastonia hospital where he died.

20-year-old Richard Brown Junior has been arrested and charged with murder.

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

The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information should call Kings Mountain Police at 704-734-0444.

Hickory Homicide Investigation 

Hickory Police continue to investigate a shooting, where a 7-year-old

was fatally wounded. Officers responded just after 11 p.m.Wednesday

to the 1900 block of Tate Boulevard SE, where the child was struck in

a vehicle, driven by his mother. Zakylen Greylen Harris was taken by

EMS to Catawba Valley Medical where he was later pronounced

deceased. Two other children, ages 6 and 1 were in the vehicle. The

suspect vehicle was described as a small dark colored SUV, with

possible multiple occupants and a white female with blond hair in

the front passenger seat. Anyone with information is urged to contact

Hickory Police at 828-328-5551.

 

 

 

   

 

 

Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions

Governor Cooper Wednesday afternoon announced plans to lift all mandatory social distancing, as well as capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1st.

State health officials reported NC has had more than 952-thousand-500 COVID-19 cases with 1-thousand-963 new cases reported statewide since Tuesday.

Currently, 1-thousand-168 people are hospitalized and 12-thousand-480 NC residents have died.

However, numbers released from the CDC and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show NC is among the states with the fewest virus-related deaths and fewest job losses per capita.

As of yesterday, almost half of the state’s adults have had at least one shot, and more than a third are fully vaccinated.

Cooper further states with the number of vaccinations completed, the state’s public health experts believe we will have enough protection across our communities to be able to live more safely and begin to put the pandemic behind us.

The governor says he plans to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May.

Truck Theft Arrests

A pickup truck theft last December in McDowell County has been solved with five suspects arrested.

A Nebo man had reported that someone stole his ’83 Chevrolet truck from Mary’s Lane in Marion.

An investigation led to the arrest of 23-year-old Alexander Cain of Nebo, 44-year-old Brandon McNeil of Marion, 29-year-old Mitchell Roper of Marion, 47-year-old Joel Smith of Nebo, and 47-year-old James Woodard of Marion.

All five face various charges in connection with the theft.

Reports say the truck had been disassembled.

Baby Shot

A stray bullet from a reported altercation in Shelby Tuesday night entered a home injuring an 8-month-old baby.

The shooting took place just after 10:15 at a residence on Putnam Street.

As officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the child had been struck by a bullet that had traveled through an outside wall and into the home.

Reports say the baby girl was rushed to Atrium Health Cleveland and later airlifted to Carolinas Med Center in Charlotte.

There have been no arrests in the case; however, detectives are actively investigating the incident.

Anyone having information about the incident is urged to call Shelby Police at 704-484-6845.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update 

Burke County Public Health reports 256 active cases of COVID-19

for a total of 9-thousand-913 positives, with 11 patients hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 11 new cases of the virus on Tuesday, for

a total of 4-thousand-990, with 69 people in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 22 cases of coronavirus for a total

of 9-thousand-153, with 4 people in the hospital.

Catawba County reported 41 new cases of the virus for a total of

18-thousand-269, with 7 patients hospitalized.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports

that about 47 percent of state residents are partially vaccinated with

the COVID-19 and 35 percent of citizens are fully vaccinated.

Nebo Man Wanted  

McDowell County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a fugitive.

28-year-old Nickolas Hall of Tatertown Road, Nebo, is wanted on

break-in and theft charges and is also wanted in McDowell and Burke

counties for traffic violations. Anyone with information is asked to

call Lt.Manis at 652-2237 or Crime Stoppers at 65-CRIME.

Poetry Contest Winners

The Second Annual Poetry Contest winners have been announced, to

coincide with April being National Poetry Month. Youth awards went

to Samantha Weinbrock  of Lenoir – 1st place, K. Brooks of Morganton

2nd place, and P.Nelson of Morganton – 3rd place.

Adult winners included Kyra Freeman of Morganton – 1st place,

Kristen Richardson of Morganton – 2nd place, and Adam Scott of

Morganton – 3rd place. The contest is sponsored by the Morganton

Cultural Arts Commission, in partnership with Adventure Bound Books

and Redhawk Publication. 

WPCC Trustee Position Open

The Burke County Board of Education is accepting applications for a position

on the Western Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees, with applications

accepted through 5 p.m. May 4th. Applications can be found on the website

burke.k12.nc.us. The 4-year term is effective July 1st.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

The number of deaths in Burke County due to COVID-19 rose by three over the weekend for a total of 154.

A news release issued Monday afternoon says the three were in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s and were all hospitalized.

Public health officials report an increase of 13 cases since Friday In Burke, for a total of 9-thousand-911 COVID-19 cases.

Figures show 273 cases are reported to be active, and 9 people remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 15 new virus cases yesterday for a total of 4-thousand-979 positives.

58 residents in McDowell are still in quarantine.

Hiker Killed

Local and state emergency personnel were called to Linville Gorge over the weekend where a man reportedly fell 40 to 60 feet to his death.

Rescue crews responded to the Babel Tower area around 12:30 Saturday afternoon to the report of a long fall.

After hiking along the trail for about a mile, officials found the victim deceased.

Emergency officials report the man had been hiking with his son, and had apparently decided to climb part of Babel Tower without using ropes.

The US Forest Service continues to investigate the incident.

The NC Helo Aquatic Rescue Team assisted Burke EMS and Burke Emergency Management, along with Burke County Rescue, Avery and McDowell Counties, and NC Emergency Management.

Withholds Evidence

The owner of a Caldwell County country store has been arrested for withholding evidence in the March 28^th shooting of his dog Rocky.

Bruce Morrison Gray was arrested for withholding video evidence of the incident – video revealing Rocky charged and lunged aggressively at the man charged in the shooting Joshua Wayne Hawley of Burke County.

The dog Rocky was described as a mascot at Betsey’s Olde country store in Collettsville.

Hawley initially left the scene following the shooting but was later found and admitted to killing the dog.

He was charged with felony cruelty to animals and given a 10-thousand dollar bond.

Reports say Gray had the video detailing Rocky’s attack on Hawley, but failed to turn it over to investigators.

He has now been charged with felony obstruction of justice and issued a 20-thousand dollar bond.

 

Drugs on Probationer

A Marion man already on probation is found with drugs in his possession.

On March 31^st, McDowell Sheriff’s Office deputies and State Probation and Parole searched the residence of 46-year-old Jerry Chris Trantham on Owl Hollow Road.

Authorities discovered meth, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Trantham was charged with numerous drug possession charges.

 

COVID Relief Available

Most NC families with children received an automatic 335-dollar COVID-19 relief payment last fall to help with virtual schooling and childcare costs.

Eligible families who did not receive those funds have another chance to apply through May 31^st 2021.

The 335-dollar payments are for individuals with a dependent child who was 16 or younger at the end of 2019.

For those who did not file a 2019 state tax return because gross income for the year did not exceed the state’s filing requirements for their filing status may still be eligible for the payment if applied for by May 31^st.

If you have already received the grant, you are not eligible to re-apply.

The State Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging families who have not already done so to take action before the deadline.

Go to ncdor.gov/extracredit for details and to apply.

Chase

A vehicle chase through three counties Wednesday evening leads to a wreck and to the arrest of a Burke County man.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., Lincoln County officers attempted to stop a car that had been reported as stolen from Caldwell County.

As a deputy pulled in behind the car, reports say the driver accelerated leading officers into Cleveland and Burke Counties.

Deputies lost sight of the vehicle on Pine Ridge Drive in Burke and began a search of the area.

Authorities later discovered the vehicle’s driver had fled on foot after leaving the car on Pine Mountain Drive.

A resident of the area reportedly told lawmen a man had walked out of the woods and offered to pay for a ride out of the area.

Deputies shortly thereafter found the man hiding underneath a bridge and took him into custody.

The suspect identified as 34-year-old Stephen Brett Dellinger of George Hildebran School Road was charged with fleeing to elude arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle, and driving while license revoked.

He was also served with outstanding warrants from Catawba County for failure to appear on shoplifting and larceny charges.

Dellinger was jailed in Lincoln County under a 19-thousand dollar secured bond.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office assisted Lincoln authorities in the incident.

Knife Dispute

A domestic dispute in McDowell County Wednesday results in weapon charges for a Marion man.

Just before 11 pm, deputies were called to the dispute on Hankins Road involving 28-year-old Jacob Channing Cable and a 70-year-old man.

Reports say Cable brandished a knife and cut the man on the chest causing minor injuries.

Additionally, Cable broke a door and windows in the home.

He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, injury to real property, and second-degree trespassing.

City Walk Bridge

The second set of wooden arches for Hickory’s City Walk pedestrian bridge is scheduled to be installed this weekend.

The work will close NC 127 between First Avenue Southeast and First Avenue Northeast from 6 am Saturday through 6 am next Monday.

Detours will be clearly marked and motorists are urged to use Fourth Street and the one-way pairs to navigate around the closure.

For information about the City Walk project, visit craftinghickory.com.

 

 

 

Schools Lockdown

As local authorities searched for a man armed with a handgun, two Burke County elementary schools were placed on a soft lockdown on Wednesday.

School officials report WA Young and Glen Alpine elementary schools were advised by law enforcement to observe a soft lockdown around 12:30 p.m.

Reports say the lockdown was lifted around an hour later at 1:30.

Officials with the school system state all students and staff were safe inside the schools, and that parents received phone notification of the situation.

According to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, a man identified as 46-year-old Craig Herman Lytle was armed and had pointed the firearm at a resident living in the Powerhouse Road area.

The investigating officer also discovered several fires that had been set in the area, and Lytle is a person of interest in setting the fires.

Lytle is described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 196 pounds. He has long brown hair and was wearing a black bandana and green BDU pants.

Emergency officials say Lytle was last seen on Arney Drive off Powerhouse Road just outside the Glen Alpine town limits.

Law enforcement continues to look for Lytle while urging residents to not approach the suspect, but call 911 or the Burke Sheriff’s Office at 438-5500 if you see him.

McDowell Wanted

Authorities in McDowell County are on the lookout for a Marion man who fled during a traffic stop Tuesday night.

42-year-old Jeremy Wayne Parker was stopped in Old Fort for multiple traffic violations.

After finding meth, pills, and drug paraphernalia reports say the officer charged Parker with numerous drug offenses.

Parker who initially gave the deputy fictitious ID information fled into the woods after the traffic stop and remains at large.

Parker’s passenger 29-year-old Haley Helms of Marion also received drug trafficking and possession charges.

Anyone having information about Parker’s whereabouts is urged to call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.

Nebo Drugs

Both occupants inside a vehicle stopped at a license checkpoint in Nebo now face charges.

Shortly after 9 pm April 6^th, officers with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office and the NC Highway Patrol were checking motorists at the intersection of Harmony Grove and Fairview Roads.

Reports say 43-year-old Wesley Rogers of Bostic approached the checkpoint with 43-year-old Tommy Burleson of Marion as his passenger.

Rogers was reportedly driving with a suspended license and is currently on probation.

Officers reports say could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

A search of the suspects and vehicle turned up meth and marijuana.

Rogers and Burleson were each charged with two counts of trafficking in meth and one count of possession of up to one-half ounce marijuana.

Rutherford Drug Bust

Three people have been arrested and charged following an investigation into meth distribution in Rutherford County.

Authorities there report receiving information that the suspects were distributing meth from a home in Ellenboro.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit assisted by Forest City Police seized more than 451 grams of methamphetamine, a pistol, over 5 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

James Wilson, Holly Edmonds, and Meranda Dotson were all charged with trafficking meth and conspiring to traffic meth.

Wilson and Edmonds were also each charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, while Edmonds was additionally charged with maintaining a vehicle to traffic meth.

Dotson’s bond was set at 250-thousand secured, Edmonds was secured at 330-thousand, and Wilson’s at 400-thousand dollars secured.

Missing Found

A missing teenager from Lincoln County has been located in Buncombe County.

The US Marshal’s Service informed Lincoln authorities Tuesday that they had located Navaeh Rollins at her grandparent’s home in Asheville.

She was turned over to the Buncombe County Department of Social Services.

Rollins had been reported missing after she finished her shift at McDonald’s on Highway 16 in Denver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update 

Burke County Public Health reports 241 active cases of COVID-19 for

a total of 9-thousand-846, with 6 patients hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 6 new cases of coronavirus yesterday for

a total of 4-thousand-941, with 45 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 10 cases of the virus for a total of

9-thousand-68, with 6 people in the hospital.

Catawba County reported 25 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, for a total

of 18-thousand-83, with 18 patients hospitalized.

Freedom High will be hosting a Moderna vaccine clinic tomorrow for

ages 18 and older, and a second clinic Saturday, for the Phizer vaccine for

ages 16 and older. Many appointments are available by calling 358-4454.

Hildebran Mountain Fire  

Crews responded early Tuesday morning to a fire in the George Hildebran

area of Burke County. George Hildebran Fire Rescue, along with the North

Carolina Forest Service responded to Hildebran Mountain about 1:15.

The News Herald reports that helicopter drops and firefighters on the

ground fought the fire, with crews returning today to continue efforts.

Hickory Checkers Fire  

Hickory firefighters responded about 8:30 Tuesday morning to a fire

at Checkers, 1304 2nd Street NE. No injuries were reported and damages

were considered major to the inside of the building. Fire investigators

determined the cause of the fire to be cooking inside. Catawba County EMS

and the Hickory Police Department assisted with traffic control.

Prison Sentence for Burke Man  

A Connelly Springs man will spend 28 to 35 years in prison following

his conviction Monday, in Burke Superior Court, for two counts of

second-degree murder and two counts of robbery with a dangerous

weapon. Brian Jerome Robinson entered a guilty plea in connection

with the September 2016 deaths of Spencer Jermaine Murray and

Albert Alexander Austin. Two other co-defendants - Icy Chenell Gooden

and Brandy Nicole Davis – already have entered pleas for their involvement

and are serving active prison sentences.

Rutherford Highway Dedication  

NCDOT leaders and Rutherford County Board of Commissioner members

attended a highway dedication on Monday. Walter Dalton, Lieutenant

Governor from 2009-2013, now has a 5.8 mile stretch of of U.S.74 from

U.S.221 to the Polk County line named for him. Dalton is a Rutherford

County native, and has served in the N.C.Senate, as well as President

of Isothermal Community College.

 

 

McDowell Tornado

The National Weather Service at Greenville-Spartanburg has confirmed an EF-Zero tornado struck McDowell County Saturday night.

Reports say the tornado touched down along Muddy Creek Road in Dysartsville and then ended one minute later in Nebo.

The weak tornado reportedly damaged the underpinning of a mobile home and partially blew a window from its frame on the same property.

The twister also tore the roof off of a shed, uprooted trees, and snapped some other smaller trees.

The weather service also detected some damage around the tornado’s path that was likely caused by straight-line winds.

McDowell County Emergency officials report winds Saturday evening were estimated at 80 miles per hour.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

New Catawba Facility

A new manufacturing facility is slated to open in Catawba County soon.

Gusmer Enterprises Incorporated will become the fifth tenant in the Trivium Corporate Center.

Gusmer Enterprises plans to construct a 135-thousand square foot manufacturing facility to produce liquid filtration media and devices used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries; including products used in the production of COVID-19 treatments.

Over the next five years, Gusmer plans to create 73 jobs and invest a minimum of 38-point-2 million dollars in new facility construction, machinery, and equipment.

The company will be hiring a variety of positions including production, maintenance quality, and engineering.

Hiring is expected to begin later this year through 2023.

Iredell Shooting

A man is dead while another is in custody following a Friday night shooting in Iredell County.

Iredell officers were called to a residence off Rock Springs Road near the Harmony area just after 8:15.

Upon their arrival, reports say they found James Henry Potts of Statesville lying in the yard at the home.

Potts had been shot several times and reportedly died at the scene.

Witnesses identified the shooter as being a relative of the deceased – Noah Franklin Potts who fled the crime scene on an ATV.

Deputies later found the suspect and also found a pistol in the ATV.

Potts was charged with felony first-degree murder and is being held without bond.

Checkpoint Drugs

A license checkpoint in McDowell County last month results in another drug arrest.

On March 29^th, a Ford Mustang that approached officers at the intersection of Nix Creek Road and Veteran’s Drive smelled of marijuana.

An occupant of the vehicle 20-year-old Deven Taylor Ramsey of Nebo was charged by deputies with possession of a synthetic cannabinoid, possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana and possession of less than 1 and one-half ounces of marijuana.

Reports say a search of Ramsey and the vehicle turned up THC wax, a dab pen, and marijuana.

Stolen Trailer

McDowell County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen utility trailer.

Reports say the 5-by-12 foot custom-built trailer was taken from property on Old Fort-Sugar Hill road sometime between January 7^th and February 21^st.

The side rails of the trailer, which was painted blue, also serve as ramps.

Anyone having information about the theft should contact McDowell detective Lambert at 652-2237 or call Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

 

COVID Death

Burke County’s death toll from COVID-19 stands at 149 now as local public health officials report the latest person to die from the virus.

A news release says the individual was in their 70’s and had been hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 5 additional positive cases Thursday for a total of 4-thousand-919 cases.

Presently, there are 40 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 18 new cases of the virus for a total of 9-thousand-41, with 9 people in the hospital.

Catawba County saw an increase of 30 cases of COVID-19 for a total of 17-thousand-995 with 18 patients hospitalized.

HS Graduations

Officials with the Burke County Public Schools have announced that area high schools are planning to hold traditional in-person graduations in May.

A news release indicates graduation ceremonies will take place indoors for Burke Middle College, Hallyburton, Patton, and Draughn; while Freedom and East Burke are both scheduled to hold outdoor ceremonies with a backup rain plan.

Officials state the events will still follow current CDC guidelines and meet state regulations on crowds and social distancing.

Families will sit together in designated areas, with individual health screenings upon entry, and masks will be required.

Graduation for Burke Middle College is May 24^th, May 26^th for Hallyburton Academy, East Burke, and Freedom; and May 27^th for Draughn and Patton.

Theft Arrest

A Catawba County man is now in custody and faces multiple felony charges in a 2019 break in and theft in Lincoln County.

The Lincoln Sheriff’s Office received reports of storage units in Maiden being broken into in August and December of 2019.

A news release says evidence collected at the scene led to a suspect – 41-year-old Alvin Jack Johnson.

On Wednesday, Johnson was arrested by a Lincoln County detective, assisted by NC Probation and Parole and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.

Johnson is charged with six felony counts of breaking and entering, five felony counts of larceny after breaking and entering, and five felony counts of possession of stolen goods. 

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

Arson Charge

A Marion man is charged with first-degree arson in connection with a fire that occurred on March 20^th.

Reports with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office say a small fire broke out on the back porch of a home on Red Oak Drive in Nebo.

The suspect, 59-year-old Kevin Brian Loftis of Roy Hollifield Road was seen leaving the house shortly after the fire started.

Also in McDowell –

A license checkpoint turns into an arrest for a Marion motorist.

On March 24^th, reports say McDowell deputies along with the state highway patrol had set up a checkpoint at the intersection of Deer Park and Harmony Grove Roads.

24-year-old Cory Tyler Woodard of Deer Park Resort Drive Marion came through the checkpoint without a valid driver’s license, and authorities learned he also had outstanding warrants.

Upon searching Woodard, officers also discovered methamphetamine.

 

 

 

COVID Death

Burke County’s death toll from COVID-19 stands at 148 now as local public health officials reported the latest person to die from the virus on Wednesday.

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

The latest figures released show Burke with a total of 9-thousand-770 cases of COVID-19.

McDowell County reported 5 additional positive cases yesterday for a total of 4-thousand-914 cases.

Presently, there are 44 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Vaccine Clinics

The Burke County vaccination team will be hosting two COVID-19 vaccination clinics next week.

The vaccine is now available to all adults, but you must have an appointment to get vaccinated.

The first clinic will be Thursday April 15^th at Freedom High School.

Officials will be distributing the Moderna vaccine which is approved for those 18 and older.

The second clinic is Saturday April 17^th also at Freedom.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at Saturday’s clinic which is approved for those 16 and older.

The vaccine is free, and no insurance or ID is required.

You do not have to be a Burke County resident to make an appointment.

Local health officials report there are many available appointments.

Schedule your vaccine appointment by calling 358-4454 or visit chsbr.org/vaccine online.

 

Caldwell Child Health Fair

The Caldwell County Health Department will host the 2021 Child Health and Safety Fair Wednesday April 14^th 5:30 till 6:30 pm.

The event will be held in the parking lot of the Health and Human Services building on Morganton Boulevard in Lenoir.

During the free event, parents can drive through the area stopping at each agency table for educational material and prizes for young children.

Some of the participating agencies include Caldwell County Safe Kids, local law enforcement, Caldwell EMS and fire departments, Caldwell Health Department and many more.

The fair is held annually during the ‘Week of the Young Child’ and is geared toward parents and their children ages birth to 5 years.

The rain date for the fair is April 21^st.

For more information, contact Anna Martin at 828-426-8415.

Drug Possession

A Marion man admits to possessing drugs that McDowell County officers seized in a search almost two years ago.

On April 18^th 2019, a McDowell deputy and Marion Police assisted state probation and parole with a search of a Fairview Park Lane residence.

The search, reports say, turned up methamphetamine.

At the time, authorities arrested the occupant of the home 63-year-old Sandra McKinney Capps who was on probation.

During a recent court appearance, 55-year-old Steve Allen Buchanan of Green Meadow Lane testified the drugs found on Fairview Park Lane in 2019 belonged to him.

Buchanan was charged with meth possession and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance.

Vale Man Found

A Vale man who was previously reported as missing has been located safe in Jacksonville.

39-year-old Travis Michael Reilly had been reported missing after he was last seen April 1^st traveling to Lincolnton to return items to a store.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their help.