Caldwell & Catawba COVID-19 Update  

Caldwell County reported 12 new cases of coronavirus on Friday,

for a total of 9-thousand-485, with 5 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an increase of 16 new cases of COVID-19,

for a total of 19-thousand-111, with 16 people in the hospital.

No Burning  

North Carolina Forest Service officials urge the public to postpone any

outdoor burning through early June. During the next two weeks as warmer,

drier weather patterns continue, fire danger will be high. More wildfires

have occurred in the state this year, than in all of 2020.

Denver Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Employer  

A Denver man faces prison time for defrauding his former employer

of more than $4 million dollars. 43-year-old Michael Guzman pleaded

guilty, in federal court, to wire fraud, which carries a maximum prison term

of 20 years and money laundering, which carries a statutory maximum of up

to 10 years in prison. Guzman was released on bond following the guilty

plea. A sentencing date has not been set. Acting U.S.Attorney William

T. Stetzer thanked the FBI for their investigation which led to Thursday’s

guilty plea.

Taylorsville Drug Charges  

Two Taylorsville men face multiple drug charges. Hickory Police early

this morning, arrested 39-year-old Jessie Henry Hammer and 32-year-old

Buddy James Hammer, both of Jessie Mays Lane. Charges on both men

number eight. Bond on each set at $300,000 with court appearances

scheduled in July.