Man Killed in Head-On Crash in Catawba 

A man has been killed in a head on collision involving a tractor/trailer in Catawba

County.  Police reports say the two vehicle accident occurred around noon

yesterday on Highway 70 between Conover and Claremont.  The accident

occurred when a pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided with the

tractor/trailer head-on.  Highway 70 was closed for hours while officers

investigated.

I-40 Bridge in Catawba To Be Repaired 

The North Carolina Department of Transportation will close a section of I-40 in

Catawba County beginning Thursday night for several nights to resume

emergency work on the Old Shelby Road Bridge.  The bridge ‘s damage was the

result of a vehicle crash last week.  Traffic will be detoured around the worksite

near Exit 121 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m..  Work should be completed by August 3rd.

Catawba Authorities Search for Missing Man 

Catawba County authorities are searching for a missing Dad of three.  Law

enforcement reports say 29 year old Anthony John Jaworsky went missing July

13^th.  Reports say he was headed to Burke County to see some friends.  A couple

of days later, Jaworsky’s car was found abandoned on I-40 in Iredell County. 

Catawba, Burke, Iredell and SBI agents are all searching for Jaworsky. 

Woman with Child at B&E

A woman and her child are discovered by McDowell County authorities at the scene of a recent break-in.

On June 21^st, officers were called to the reported break-in on Nix Creek Road.

Once there, deputies found 28-year-old Jenny Annette Skidmore Reel of Marion at the scene and further learned she had gone into the home and stolen medication, a power saw, jewelry and other items.

Reports say Reel had her 7-month-old son with her during the theft.

She has been charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule-2 controlled substance, and child abuse.

Drug Indictments

The Lincoln County Grand Jury on Monday indicted ten people on a number of drug charges.

A press release says the charges stem from an on-going investigation into heroin and meth trafficking in and around Lincoln County; including focusing on street level dealers.

Those indicted, reports say, were attempting to distribute large quantities of heroin, meth crack cocaine, and pain pills.

The indictments include a total of 29 charges of trafficking heroin, the sell and possession of meth, trafficking crack cocaine, the sell and delivery of pain pills, and one person charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

The names of those indicted will be released upon their arrests.

Hepatitis Outbreak

According to the State Department of Health and Human Services, NC has surpassed 1-thousand reported cases of Hepatitis-A since a national outbreak began in 2017.

Reports say 63-percent of cases have required hospitalization, while 16 people have died.

Since 2017, the CDC has received more than 41-thousand reports of Hepatitis A; as cases in NC have increased significantly since August 2020.

State health officials are working with local health departments to coordinate outreach events and provide hepatitis A vaccine to those at risk.

A free vaccine is available at local health departments to those in high risk groups including people with underlying conditions.

Wednesday July 28^th is World Hepatitis Day – an opportunity to increase awareness and encourage health and safety for those at risk for, and living with hepatitis.