Governor Cooper’s statewide Stay at Home Order until April 29^th goes

into effect today at 5 p.m. The order reduces the size of gatherings to

10 people. Essential businesses will continue to operate while

prioritizing social distancing measures. The order directs people to stay

at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to

help a family member, and directs everyone to stay at least six feet apart

from each other.

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in Western North Carolina

and Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee are temporarily

shutting down trailhead facilities and other access points to the

Appalachian National Scenic Trail to prevent groups from congregating

and to protect public health and safety.

Morganton Public Safety is cancelling all fire station visits. This includes

previously scheduled meetings, car seat safety checks, training, public

functions, and tours of entrance into the stations.

A Morganton man is charged with felonious assault with deadly weapon

with intent to kill or inflicting injury. Just before 6.a.m. Saturday, Burke

deputies responded to the parking lot of Burke Baptist Church after

receiving a 911 call regarding an assault. A male victim had apparent

stab wounds to his face and eye. Deputies and a Criminal Investigations

detective went to the scene of the assault on Jenkins Road and arrested

23-year-old Emillio Jesus Villiarreal. He was confined at the Burke

County Jail under a $100,000 secured bond and has a first court

appearance scheduled for today.

For those who think they may have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms, the CDC recommends they stay home and call their doctor for medical advice.

Most people who get coronavirus will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care.

The state’s department of health and human services say whenever people with mild illness leave their homes to get tested, they could expose themselves to COVID-19 if they do not already have it.

And if they do have the virus, they can give it to someone else including those who are at high risk and health care providers.

In addition, because there is no treatment for coronavirus, a test will not change what someone with mild symptoms will do.

Supplies and testing need to be preserved to allow health care providers to treat the seriously ill and those in high-risk settings like nursing homes or long term care facilities.

Although most virus cases include mild symptoms, it can make some very ill, or for others it can be fatal.

According to the CDC, those at higher risk for severe illness include those 65 years and older, those who live in a nursing home or long term care facility, those that have a high risk condition such as chronic lung disease, asthma, heart disease with complications, a compromised immune system, or severe obesity.

Other underlying medical conditions placing people at a higher risk are diabetes, renal failure or liver disease.

For those concerned about symptoms of COVID-19, health officials urge them to call their doctors.

Five new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Catawba County, bringing the county’s total of cases to 9.

A news release reports Catawba County Public Health received the positive test results overnight and immediately began investigating.

The release says two of the new cases are close contacts of known cases.

Two are hospitalized, two are isolated at home, and one has recovered.

At last report, there have been 400 people tested in Catawba County with 112 negative results, and the remaining number pending results.

The state highway patrol reports a pedestrian was struck and killed by a car Wednesday evening in Catawba County just before 9.

The pedestrian identified as 38-year-old Adam Darrell Mullins of Conover was walking with traffic when hit by the vehicle on Emmanuel Church Road in Newton.

Reports say Mullins was wearing dark clothes.

Troopers say the driver of the car is not expected to be charged.

 NC’s off-highway (OHV) vehicle trail systems will be temporarily closed until May 15^th.

Among the closings is the Brown Mountain OHV on Brown Mountain Beach Road in Burke County.

Officials report use of the OHV trails places a strain on emergency resources, especially search and rescue crews at a time when these resources are already limited within the local communities.

The trail’s closing will be re-evaluated May 15^th.

In light of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, a McDowell County industry has restructured its production line.

Kitsbow in Old Fort normally manufactures cycling apparel and accessories for bicycling enthusiasts.

For the last few days, Kitsbow has been making personal protective equipment to be used by first responders, paramedics, and other health care workers.

Published reports say the company is now making both reusable masks and face shields.

Kitsbow officials report they reached out to local emergency workers to see if there was a need for the product – resulting in an outpouring of orders for the protective gear.

Company officials say they have heard from hospitals, doctors, and charitable organizations.

For more information about the company and their personal protective gear, visit kitsbow-dot-com online.

New cases of Coronavirus were reported Wednesday in McDowell and

Caldwell counties. The McDowell County Health Department was notified

by LabCorp that one resident tested positive. The case is linked to out of

state travel. The individual is in isolation.

In Caldwell County, the Health Department in collaboration with Caldwell

UNC Health Care, announces two new positive cases. Patients have been

instructed to remain in isolation.

The Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office has announced no written burning permits will be issued statewide until further notice.

Permits can still be obtained online though by visiting ncforestservice-dot-gov-slash burn permits.

First cases of coronavirus were reported Tuesday in Burke, McDowell

and Caldwell Counties. The Burke County Health Director was

notified by the State Lab that two people tested positive for COVID-19.

One is a Burke County resident and one is a resident of another NC

County . The individuals are in isolation.

In McDowell County, the Foothills Health District announced that

two people tested positive for COVID-19. Health Department

Officials believe that the first individual who tested positive was

exposed to the virus during an out of state trip. The second individual

had close contact with the first patient, who traveled out of state.

Both patients and their family are quarantined at their home and are well.

And the Caldwell County Health Department, in collaboration with

Caldwell UNC Health Care announced the county’s first positive case

of COVID-19. The patient has been instructed to remain in isolation

until they are fever free for 72 hours without medication and/or symptom

free for seven days.

Also on Tuesday, Governor Cooper requested a major declaration for the

State due to the continuing impacts of COVID-19 on North Carolina.

In requesting the major disaster declaration, the Governor asked the

federal government to provide individual assistance for those affected,

including crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and

Small Business Administration assistance, among other programs.

The Burke County Medical Society and Carolinas Health Care System Blue Ridge have teamed up to offer free thermometers to families receiving free meals through Burke County Public Schools.

The thermometers will be available beginning Tuesday at the eight local school food distribution sites.

The Thermometers are intended for any community member who does not currently have a working thermometer in their home.

One of the symptoms of the coronavirus health workers screen for is temperature.

The definition of fever is a reading of 100-point-4 degrees or higher when taken under the tongue.

Health experts say knowing the specific temperature is imperative for clinicians to be able to make appropriate decisions for patients.

Thermometers are also available at the Burke County Health Department, several physician offices, urgent cares, emergency departments, EMS, churches and homeless shelters.

The Burke County Medical Society is a community-based organization of physicians and physician assistants who work closely with the NC Medical Society on a variety of healthcare advocacy projects.

Governor Roy Cooper announced Monday that he will be signing an executive order that will close all public K-12 schools until May 15^th.

The governor says the May 15^th date was decided by looking at public health guidance from the CDC.

Cooper also reported unemployment claims had soared to over 100-thousand last week, with 87-percent of those related to COVID-19.

In his executive order, the governor has also called for the closing of hair salons, barber shops, gyms, movie theaters and similar businesses by 5 pm on Wednesday.

He states restaurants and bars can remain open, but only for delivery or take out meals.

Grocery stores will also remain open for business, while Governor Cooper urges citizens to refrain from over-shopping.

Three new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Catawba County bringing the county’s current total of cases to 4.

Catawba County health officials received the positive test results Monday prompting an immediate investigation.

They report two cases are from contact with known cases elsewhere; however, the cause of the third remains under investigation.

All three patients are reported to be doing well in home isolation.

Public Health is working to identify close contacts who may be affected and is further advising them on appropriate monitoring and testing.

Pinecrest Senior Living Center in Hickory is the site of Catawba County’s first coronavirus case announced last Friday.

The Catawba Health Director reports the center has taken precautions to prevent spread of the disease.

At last report, the resident from the retirement facility was hospitalized in isolation.

Investigators with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office are looking for teenage runaway stepsisters.

15-year-old Kayla Faye Montaigne and 14-year-old Shane Star Bulluck left their Hankins Road home Sunday evening just before 7 and haven’t been seen by family members since.

Montaigne is white, 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, has blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

Bulluck is white, is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 110 pounds, has hazel eyes, and long straight brown hair.

Anyone having information concerning their whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.

The City of Morganton declared a state of emergency effective as of 8 a.m. Friday –in response to recent declarations made by Governor Cooper and the federal government.

The declaration allows city officials to take proactive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

As of 5 pm Friday, Morganton City Hall was be closed to the public and will remain closed until further notice.

City Hall will operate by appointment only during normal business hours for critical matters that cannot be completed online or over the phone. 

Although, employees will still be working in City Hall conducting regular business with customers via telephone, email, fax or other virtual means.

According to a news release, all other city facilities are closed to the public as well.

Catawba County Public Health officials announce their first case of coronavirus – an individual who resides in an assisted living facility.

Officials report the patient is hospitalized and is doing well in isolation.

A news release reports public health in Catawba County are working to identify those who may have been in close contact with the patient, and to further advise them on appropriate monitoring and testing.

Experts say protective measures may include temperature and symptom checks, quarantine, and/or testing.

255 people in NC have tested positive for coronavirus, as of Sunday morning.

Treasury officials announce that the deadline for filing US income taxes has been moved from April 15^th to July 15^th.

Officials report they are extending the deadline at President Trump’s direction to allow taxpayers and businesses the additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.

Administration had announced earlier in the week that it would delay payments, a move officials say would leave 300-billion dollars in the economy at a critical time.

People expecting a tax refund are encouraged to file now to receive timely payment.

Reports say the extension applies only to federal returns, and it will be up to the states whether to move back their deadlines.

Effective today, Burke County Government Offices will temporarily limit public access to non-emergency facilities until further notice.

According to a news release, an appointment will now be required to enter a government office.

The policy is in keeping with state and federal recommendations related to COVID-19, and does not apply to Burke County Emergency Services.

Should you need to make an appointment at a particular county government facility, Burke County’s non-emergency departments and their phone numbers are listed on the county’s website at burkenc.org.

Also, the Burke County Department of Social Services urges residents needing to apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, or Daycare to fill out an application and turn it in.

A social worker will make contact with the individual regarding the application by telephone.

Persons can also apply online at epass.nc.gov.

For special assistance, Work First, or to see a worker for other programs, make an appointment by calling 764-9600.

To report suspected abuse, or neglect of a child or adult call 764-9631; or if the situation warrants call 911.

Burke County Public Schools reports the system continues to feed thousands of students as the statewide school closure goes on due to the coronavirus situation.

On Wednesday alone, a total of 4-thousand-630 meals were handed out through the county’s various school sites and school bus distribution locations.

A news release issued Thursday states the school district wants to expand past the county lines.

Schools Superintendent Larry Putnam is opening Burke’s feeding program to children ages 18 and under in surrounding counties.

Putnam states the children are welcome to visit one of the schools feeding sites or meet a bus at one of the stops and grab a lunch for the day and breakfast for the following day.

For a list of school sites and bus delivery routes, visit the schools website at burke.k12.nc.us, or if you have questions about meals call 433-8047.

NC residents are being encouraged to call NC 211 for free confidential help regarding needed resources during the virus pandemic.

NC 211 is an information and referral service that families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services resources within their community.

The number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and resources are available in most languages and for the hearing impaired.

Officials say information includes things such as food distribution sites, drive through testing locations, closures of community resources, and other services available in their area.

NC 211 cannot provide direct medical services though, as coronavirus can only be diagnosed by a health care expert.

Simply dial 211 or TTY 888-892-1162.

As of Thursday morning, according to the state’s department of health and human services, NC has 97 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The US Attorney’s office says scammers are using the COVID pandemic to create fear and take advantage of victims.

Officials are warning people to stay vigilant – criminals are currently using fake charities, crowd-funding sites and mobile apps under the guise of preventing coronavirus.

Some scammers are claiming to have a cure or remedy for the virus; that claim is completely false.

Testing and vaccine information will come directly from CDC leaders.

Individuals need to make certain that they don’t give out any credit card information, any checking information, or any type of wiring information unless they absolutely know for sure who they’re dealing with.

Also be cautious of direct emails, phishing scams, and robotic calls.

Local and state experts say they’re monitoring websites and businesses for price gouging and misinformation.

If you suspect a scam, report it online at Ic3.gov.

Local agencies are coming together with a common goal – to serve you whenever we face a challenge.

That statement coming from Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant in a press release issued Wednesday regarding service to the community in light of the coronavirus.

Whisenant says Burke County Emergency Management has implemented an incident command team utilizing first responders, law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel to naturally come together as they have in past incidents.

In the release, the Sheriff asks for patience, understanding, and assistance during this time as he requests citizens comply with the prohibition of mass gatherings, social distancing, and other requests aimed at preventing and spreading the virus.

Sheriff Whisenant adds that if an officer’s physical presence is not needed, reports can be taken by telephone.

He further states when an officer does respond, they’ve probably already been in multiple situations and have interacted with many other people; therefore, the Sheriff encourages citizens to meet the officer outside your home to reduce the chance of exposures.

Lastly during this incident, Sheriff Whisenant encourages Burke citizens to quote ‘seek some unique opportunities to enhance the well-being of ourselves, our families, and especially the lives of others’. 

A Burke County jury deliberated less than half an hour in convicting a Morganton man of first-degree murder Tuesday.

27-year-old Darius Heasley King was given a life sentence after being found guilty in the 2018 death of 57-year-old Hubert Roland Hunter Junior.

Reports say King had gone to Hunter’s apartment to confront him about money he allegedly owed King.

An altercation reportedly broke out between the two, in which reports say King assaulted, strangled, and cut Hunter.

King initially denied his involvement, but later admitted he was involved; although he claimed it was in self-defense.

Morganton Public Safety and the SBI investigated the case.

The City of Marion facilities are now closed to the public through at least Sunday March 29^th.

Officials there are encouraging the public to conduct business using the City Hall drive-thru and drop box, by telephone at 652-3551, fax, or by email.

The City facility closure will not apply to public meetings, if held at city facilities.

Also, Marion’s DMV office is closed until further notice.

Citizens are urged to use online services when possible.

 The City of Lenoir has joined Caldwell County and others in declaring a state of emergency.

The declaration went into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday; joining others who have already made declarations – Catawba County, Alexander County, Marion, McDowell County, and Watauga County.

In addition, Lenoir has closed City Hall to the public; conducting all business by phone, email, fax, or by other virtual means.

Lenoir’s recreation centers are also closed.

In the meantime, the Caldwell County Health Department has opened its Health Information line to provide the latest information about COVID-19; 828-426-8456.

Burke County Public Schools will open 5 daycare sites on Thursday at

Drexel, Hildebran, Mountain View, Salem and WA Young elementary

schools. The sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children ages

5 to 12 years. If your child is not currently enrolled in a Burke County

Public Schools daycare site, registration will be open and on site with

immediate services available. You also have flexibility in choosing your

site. Your child does not have to be enrolled in one of these schools to

attend daycare. There will be mandatory monitoring of students’ health

each day. BCPS will abide by the CDC recommendation and not keep not

more than 10 people in an area. This is a fluid situation and may change as

needs arise and are assessed. Also, Hillcrest Elementary has been added

as a feeding site seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit the

BCPS Website and social media sites for more information.

The Burke Senior Center in Morganton and the East Burke Senior Center

in Hildebran will be closed to the public effective Thursday thru March 31st

at which time they will evaluate the situation and determine if conditions

allow them to reopen. The Congregate Nutrition site in Valdese will close at

noon Friday until further notice. They will provide participants the option to

drive by and pickup a hot meal onsite at the Valdese location beginning

Monday. Home delivered meals will continue to be delivered by volunteers

and staff as long as possible. At this time, there are no changes to Meals On

Wheels for volunteers. Any changes will be posted on Facebook and website.

Effective Wednesday, some local non-essential surgeries, procedures, and ambulatory appointments will be re-scheduled.

Following the guidelines from the US Surgeon General and the American College of Surgeons, Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Novant Health will be communicating with their patients to reschedule these particular appointments.

Any emergency and essential services will continue though as scheduled.

Health officials say rescheduling the non-emergency procedures will minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus among patients, visitors, and health care providers.

They report it also allows each health care system to conserve critical resources and focus care on those that need it most.

NC Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force held a media briefing Tuesday announcing a new executive order- all restaurants and bars are closed as of 5 pm Tuesday for dine-in customers.

According to the restaurant’s particular policies, take out and delivery orders will continue.

Many local eateries are offering curbside pickup for take out orders.

The Governor’s executive order also includes an expansion of unemployment insurance to help NC workers affected by the closings.

According to the order, those who lose employment or have a reduction in hours because of the virus will not have to wait a week to apply for benefits, nor will they have to seek other employment during this time.

The state department of health and human services reports 40 people in NC have now tested positive for coronavirus.

Several western NC towns and counties have declared a state of emergency because of coronavirus concerns.

The city of Marion and McDowell County, the town of Weaverville and Mitchell County entered into a declaration Tuesday morning.

Governor Cooper previously declared a state of emergency for the entire state on March 10^th.

McDowell County Emergency Management has opened a non-emergency call center for questions concerning COVID-19.

The hotline number is 828-559-9683 with hours from 8 am until 8 pm.

Officials stress the hotline is for non-emergency information for the public concerning the virus; and as always if you have an emergency call 911.

The City of Morganton announces closings due to concern about the

spread of COVID-19 in the community. Details on closures include:

 1. All City of Morganton indoor recreation facilities are closed until

April 17^th, with all City athletic programs also cancelled. This will

affect both the Collett Street and Mountian View Rec Centers as well

as the Aquatic Center. All scheduled activities held at these facilities

are canceled for the next 30 days.

 2. City of Morganton outdoor parks will remain open, but restrooms at

City parks will be closed.

 3. The City of Morganton Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp

scheduled for April 13-17 at Mountain View Recreation Center, and

the Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4^th at Catawba Meadows Park

are both canceled. Planned Senior Trips to The Cove on March 26^th and

Old Salem on April 16^th are canceled.

 4. All events and meetings at the Morganton Community House have been

canceled for the next 30 days.

 5. CoMMA has canceled the remainder of its 34^th season.

 6. The City of Morganton is suspending late fees and disconnection of

utility services for nonpayment for the next 30 days. Customers can still

pay their bills online at morgantonnc.gov, by using drop boxes located at

the front entrance and back parking lot, or by using the drive-thru at

City Hall.

 7. At this time, City officers will remain open for business, and garage

collection will operate on a normal schedule. Utilities, Streets, Public

Safety, and Sanitation departments all continue to operate as normal.

 8.The City of Morganton still plans to hold the Morganton City Council

meeting on April 6^th.

 9. The City of Morganton respectfully asks anyone who is ill or sick to

stay home. Customers are encouraged to practice social distancing and

conduct any business with the City by phone by calling 437-8863.

Burke County Public Schools has opened seven grad-and-go feeding

locations, The schools that will be open for food distribution through the

car rider lines from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday are:

 1. Table Rock Middle

 2. Liberty Middle

 3. Mountain View Elementary

 4. Valdese Elementary

 5. East Burke Middle

 6. Ray Childers Elementary

 7. George Hildebrand Elementary

On Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the meals will be

available through the car rider lines of East Burke Middle, Valdese

Elementary, Mountain View Elementary and Table Rock Middle,

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an

unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the

Coronavirus outbreak. In the Greater Carolinas region, 116 blood drives

have been cancelled, resulting in nearly 4,000 fewer blood donations.

Healthy individuals are needed now to donate, by visiting

RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling

1-800-RED-CROSS or use the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Morganton Public Safety is warning of a SCAM Alert. If the number

1-888-226-0078 calls you, claiming they are Duke Power or City of

Morganton Electric, it is a false number. They will try to ask you for

payment over the phone and they may threaten disconnection for a past

or late bill, but this is a SCAM. 

The Center for Disease Control recommends for the next 8 weeks,

organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone

in-person events that consist of 50 or more people throughout the U.S.

Governor Cooper on Saturday ordered all K-12 public schools in the state

to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to COVID-19. The

Executive Order also bans gatherings of more than 100 people. As of

Sunday, North Carolina had 32 cases with one in Watauga County. Public

Schools close starting today, for at least two weeks. The Governor has

appointed an Education and Nutrition Working Group to develop a plan to

ensure that children and families are supported while schools are closed.

In Burke County, a special called meeting today of the Board of Education

addressed COVID-19. In addition, WPCC cancelled classes this week, but

expect classes to resume in an online format on Monday, March 23^rd, with

limited attendance on campus.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a temporary suspension,

until further notice, to limit persons within the jail. This suspension will

include visitation of persons in custody, programs involving persons coming

inside the jail, and religious services. Remote visitation will continue to be

available as well as attorney visits.

Burke County Public Schools are targeted in a cyber threat over the weekend.

A news release states the school system learned that it was the subject of a ransom-ware cyber attack Sunday evening.

The release says the school’s technology team immediately started assessing damages and executing safeguards to contain the attack and prevent further incidents.

In turn, technology officials contacted the proper authorities who are investigating the attack.

In addition to law enforcement, cyber security experts are assisting along with the state department of information technology and the state department of public instruction.

The release reports the cyber attack has created some inconveniences such as lost access to some documents and data; however, no sensitive information has been compromised.

Due to the nature of the investigation, Burke County Public Schools is not allowed to share specific details regarding the attack.

A reported death at a Connelly Springs motocross track Sunday is ruled accidental by authorities.

A news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office says the incident occurred at Lost Valley Motorsports Park at 8092 Hoyle Farm Road in the South Mountains area of Burke.

A witness told officers the 27-year-old victim was attempting a jump on his bike whenever he went about 20 feet into the air, landed on his front tire, throwing him over the handlebars.

The witness stated the victim did not respond afterward, but first responders began immediate life saving efforts.

Burke County EMS and the Medical Examiner’s office assisted at the scene.

An Old Fort woman uses a car as a weapon in an argument with her husband Saturday.

Deputies in McDowell County were called to Grove Street in Marion to the domestic dispute.

They discovered 52-year-old Teresa Brown Thompson of Woodsong Drive in Old Fort had gotten into the argument with her husband William striking him with her car.

Officers charged her with assault with a deadly weapon.

Elsewhere in McDowell, two probationers face additional drug charges after a search of their residence turns up meth.

State probation and parole officers searched the home of 30-year-old Nathaniel Reid Bright and 35-year-old Allen Samuel MacJarrett both of Lake Mountain Drive Marion.

Authorities found a small amount of meth and drug paraphernalia.

An I-40 motorist attempting to give roadside assistance to another driver becomes the victim of an assault Sunday evening.

Tyler Wayne Boone told officers with Morganton Public Safety he had stopped to assist an older white female who stated she was having issues with a tire as a white van was parked on the highway’s shoulder.

Boone reported he looked at the tires and they were fine – whenever two men appeared and began to assault him; one of the suspects armed with a tire iron.

A news release says the two told Boone to give them everything that he had.

Reports say Boone proceeded to defend himself and thought he had broken the arm of one of the suspects.

Boone managed to get to his car to flee the scene.

He described one of the men as having no teeth, short hair, and having a tattoo of a skull with ace of spades for eyes.

The other suspect is described as having numerous tattoos, pierced ears, and in his mid twenties.

Boone suffered minor injuries consistent with an assault according to the release.

The case has been turned over to the Burke Sheriff’s Office as it was determined the incident occurred inside the county.

Reports further state the white van had a license tag with TAZ3 as the first digits.

Anyone having information about the incident should call the Burke Sheriff’s Office at 438-5500 or Morganton/Burke Crimestoppers at 437-3333.

Governor Roy Cooper assures North Carolinians that our state is prepared for the corona virus dubbed COVID-19.

Cooper reports local health department officials are working to identify exposures to help contain the illness.

A man in Wake County who had traveled to Washington state has tested positive for the virus but continues to do well at home in isolation according to officials.

The governor says the state’s task force and state agencies are working closely with local health officials and others to quickly identify and respond to cases that may occur.

Atrium Health infection prevention says no one should panic over the virus and that prevention is much like what we do every flu season.

They say people can protect themselves by frequent hand washing, staying three to six feet away from others who are sick and avoiding handshakes for now.

Also those with flu-like symptoms should stay away from elderly people and avoid hospitals and waiting rooms if possible.

A Morganton woman with an outstanding warrant for arrest is also charged with drug possession by Burke County authorities.

Last Friday, reports say a Burke deputy observed 44-year-old Lisa Rhom Barlow of 1080 Lloyd Beaver Road at a convenience store off Jamestown Road.

The officer realized Barlow had an open warrant for failure to appear/failure to comply when he approached her.

During a search as part of her arrest, the deputy found meth in her possession.

Barlow was then charged with meth possession and received an 18-thousand dollar secured bond.

She was held at the Burke County jail with a court date set for March 20^th.

A couple of community reminders –

Contractors begin installing a new water line on Rader Circle in Chesterfield Friday.

The installation is expected to take roughly a month.

Officials say no customers are expected to lose water during the installation.

Once the project is complete, the new water line should decrease the amount of water line breaks and repairs that occur in the area.

Should customers experience a loss of water service during install, call the City of Morganton Water Resources Department at 438-5276.

And –

City Walk contractors will conduct construction testing at the NC 127 pedestrian bridge in Hickory next week.

The testing requires the closure of the inside northbound lane o NC 127 between First Avenue Northeast and First Avenue Southeast on Monday March 9^th from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm.

The work zone will be clearly marked while drivers are reminded to exercise caution and follow signage when traveling through this area.

The City of Morganton’s newest road is now open to traffic

Officially named Albert Tron Boulevard the road connects South Sterling Street to West Parker Road.

Following several months of construction, the road opened last Friday.

Construction was funded primarily by a 2017 Appalachian Regional Transportation Grant of just over 1-point-3 million dollars with more than 173-thousand dollars in additional funds approved by the Morganton City Council.

Morganton officials report a hotel developer has purchased land along Albert Tron for a future hotel to be built behind Sonic.

Some four acres remain available for purchase and development along the new road.

Longhorn Steakhouse is the first business in the newly developed area and construction on the restaurant is close to completion.

Two Morganton residents are among those arrested Saturday in a break-in and theft from a Lincolnton home.

37-year-old Ann Marie Smith of Antioch Avenue and 36-year-old Randy Clayton Owens of Duckworth Avenue were each charged with felony breaking and entering, preparation to commit burglary or house break-ins, and larceny after breaking and entering among several other theft related charges.

40-year-old Natasha Leanne Sigmon of Newton was also arrested and faces the same charges.

Reports say the Lincolnton home was unoccupied at the time of the break-in.

Officers arrived to find two of the suspects outside the house, while a third person was sitting in a pickup truck that had been loaded with items and covered with a tarp.

The suspects told deputies they demolished and cleaned foreclosed and seized properties however, they did not have permission to be on the property.

Stolen items including antiques valued at more than 24-hundred dollars were recovered.

Smith, Owens and Sigmon were all three jailed under a 23-thousand-500 dollar secured bond each.

A Marion man is charged with car theft in connection with an incident that occurred last September.

Daniel Thrall of Nebo had reported someone sole his 2004 Ford Crown Victoria from the parking lot of Dollar General in Nebo.

A handgun and two crossbows were inside the stolen auto.

An investigation led authorities to arrest 26-year-old David Lee Cyburn of Lentz Road on February 12^th.

Along with vehicle larceny charges, Clyburn was charged with larceny of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm.

Reports say the vehicle and some of the stolen property inside the vehicle was recovered.

A Hickory woman is charged with assault during an altercation among neighbors in a mobile home park in Lincoln County over the weekend.

Tina Marie McDaris was transported to a local hospital where tests revealed she had a skull fracture.

Reports say 51-year-old Carolyn Renee Leatherman struck McDaris multiple times with a baseball bat.

Officers charged Leatherman with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

She was placed in custody under a 20-thousand dollar secured bond.

Meanwhile, the landlord for the properties 60-year-old Ricky Toney was charged with felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was jailed under a 10-thousand dollar secured bond.