COVID Update

114 new cases of COVID-19 since Tuesday, as reported by Burke County Public Health officials with the number of total cases rising to 12-thousand-194.

982 of those cases are reported to be active, while 35 Burke residents are now in the hospital with the virus.

Health officials report Burke is at an 11-point-4 percent positivity rate, which means more individuals are being tested, but more are coming back positive than previously.

In a news release from Burke County health, health workers say they’re seeing a spike in cases in the 0-19 age group, as well as the 30-49 year old group.

Officials attribute the spike partially to low vaccination rates, people not remaining at home when sick, and the lack of proper face coverings.

Catawba County reports 398 new cases of COVID in the last week for a total now of 21-thousand-68.

58 individuals in Catawba are hospitalized.

McDowell County saw 67 new cases yesterday for a total of 6-thousand-322.

McDowell reported 3 additional deaths, and 595 remain in quarantine.

At last report, Caldwell County has a total of 10-thousand-516 cases, while 19 are in the hospital.

Should you have questions about the COVID vaccine, call the Burke County Health Department at 764-9150.

Chase Leads to Arrest

A chase earlier this month involving Burke County officers leads to the recent arrest of a Morganton woman.

On August 5^th, a news release from the Burke Sheriff’s office says lawmen observed a vehicle being driven by 34-year-old Katia Christian of 3529 Smith Road.

Officers realized there were warrants for Christian’s arrest for larceny of a motor vehicle.

As deputies attempted to stop her near the intersection of Mount Home Church Road and Old NC 18, she reportedly accelerated toward Enola Road at a high rate of speed, and ran a red light in heavy traffic.

At this point, officers canceled the pursuit and issued a warrant for Christian’s arrest.

Then on August 17^th after following up on leads, lawmen located Christian hiding inside a closet at a Valdese residence.

A stolen Toyota was also discovered outside the home; while meth and drug paraphernalia was seized during her arrest.

Along with drug possession charges, Christian was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, failure to heed light or siren, and driving while license revoked.

In addition she was issued outstanding warrants; including out of county felony indictments for drug possession.

Christian was given a 155-thousand dollar secured bond.

Cooper visits Haywood

Governor Roy Cooper met Wednesday with western NC small business owners and county officials to survey flood damage to the hardest-hit areas from Tropical Storm Fred.

In Buncombe County, Cooper visited Mountain Power Performance in Candler where the owner reports losing everything due to flooding; saying the business was underwater within a matter of minutes.

Cooper told business owners his plan is to request a federal disaster declaration, once damage assessments are completed and submitted to the federal government.

Emergency officials in Haywood County continue to look for one person who is still missing, while five residents lost their lives in the flooding.

Reports say more than 80 water rescues occurred during the weather event.

FHS Senior Night

Freedom High School officials have announced that Senior Night has been rescheduled for Friday September 17^th.

Cheerleading, Band, and Football parents need to arrive by 6:45 that evening.

Officials from Freedom say more details will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.