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.