COVID Update

A rise in COVID-19 cases in Burke County over the weekend with 174 additional positives.

Burke is nearing the 12-thousand mark with a total caseload of 11-thousand-961.

873 cases are reported to be active, and 22 people are hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 165 new cases and one additional death over the weekend.

McDowell’s total is 6-thousand-218 with 492 currently in quarantine.

The FDA Monday approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use by individuals 16 and older; however, the vaccine continues to be available under emergency use for those ages 12 to 15.

The CDC continues to recommend a booster or third dose for those whose immune systems are compromised; to be received at least 28 days after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

Individuals unsure of whether to obtain a third vaccine should contact their physician.

The Burke Health Department provides the Moderna vaccine.

And the Catawba County Health Department reports health officials there are offering Moderna and Pfizer.

Those who fall into the category of immune-compromised, and are interested in a third dose of Moderna can call the Burke County health department at 764-9150 to schedule an appointment.

And those who need the Pfizer booster can call Blue Ridge Urgent Care at 580-3278.

Catawba County public health can be reached by calling 282-2002.

Cleveland County Man Charged

A Cleveland County man now faces federal charges following a threat he made last week near the US Capitol.

49-year-old Floyd Ray Roseberry of Grover made his first court appearance Friday afternoon following his arrest in Thursday’s incident in front of the Library of Congress.

Roseberry was ordered to be held in jail pending a medical evaluation and a status hearing set for this Wednesday.

The judge also appointed a public defender for Roseberry.

He is now charged with felony threatening the use of a weapon of mass destruction and felony threatening by explosives.

Officials report Roseberry claimed to have a bomb and a detonator in his possession during the incident.

Haywood Flooding

Emergency officials in Haywood County have confirmed five people are dead, while one person remains missing from flood waters that ravaged the area last week.

Frank Lauer Senior, Frank Mungo, Franklin McKenzie, Judy Mason, and Charlene Mungo have now been identified.

Search efforts for the one person still missing are ongoing.

The historic flooding happened along the Pigeon River with the community of Cruso especially hard-hit.

More than 250 emergency personnel from across the state were deployed to assist with search and rescue operations.