Burke County hospitals have implemented a flu policy that began Wednesday..

Atrium Health is restricting hospital access for visitors 12 years old and younger at all of its’ greater-Charlotte area in patient hospitals.

The restrictions are a result of the growing prevalence of flu cases in the region according to a release from Atrium.

Carolina’s Health Care System Blue Ridge Morganton and Valdese hospitals are included in the restrictions.

Atrium officials also urge those having flu-like symptoms to help control the spread of illness by not visiting patients in the hospital while symptoms persist.

A traffic stop nets a meth possession arrest for McDowell County officers.

42-year-old Sonia Renee Strickland of Gable Drive in Marion was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for traffic violations.

Reports say Strickland was found with 1-point-85 grams of meth.

Meanwhile, McDowell investigators need the public’s help in identifying a man believed to have passed a fraudulent check at a Marion store on New Year’s Day.

Reports indicate the suspect entered Shuford’s Convenience on US 70 West, bought cigarettes, a drink, and snacks and gave the cashier a check for 322-dollars and 78 cents.

Officials say it was obvious the check had been altered.

Anyone having information about the incident or identity of the suspect should contact McDowell detective Ballew at 652-2237.