Burke County health officials report the fourth COVID-19 related death in the county.

A news release states the resident, who passed away Monday, was in her 90’s and had underlying medical conditions.

Reports say Burke is holding at 60 positive cases.

A public information line has been established for Burke County citizens having virus-related questions; 764-9388 Monday through Friday 8am till 5pm.

Catawba County reports two new positive cases bringing Catawba’s total to 38.

At last report, NC has 5-thousand-24 residents testing positive for the coronavirus with 108 deaths statewide.

Burke County Public Schools has received two grants totaling 6-thousand dollars to help purchase masks for the district.

Each grant was for 3-thousand dollars; one from the Community Foundation of Burke, and the other from Duke Energy Foundation.

A news release reports all school employees are wearing masks while working.

Along with social distancing the masks are a measure employees are utilizing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In the release, Schools Superintendent Dr. Larry Putnam thanks school nurse Miranda Michaels for securing the masks and organizing their distribution, along with Director of Student Services Dr. Mike Swan for his work in securing the grants.

The report of a suspicious person at a Burke County mobile home park leads to a drug seizure and arrest.

Last Monday April 6^th, Burke sheriff’s deputies located a female at the J and R mobile home park on NC 18-US 64 initially reported as being a suspicious subject.

The female identified as 31-year-old Mary Elizabeth Brown of 304 Arnold Drive Morganton was searched and discovered to possess meth.

Brown was arrested on meth possession charges and confined at the Burke County jail under a 3-thousand dollar secured bond.

Her court date is set for April 29^th.

McDowell County authorities need the public’s help in locating a stolen SUV, and with identifying the suspect.

Wanda Jones of Marion told officers on April 6^th that someone had taken her silver 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer from an area on US 221 North where it had became disabled sometime on March 16^th.

Anyone having information about the theft or suspect should call McDowell detective Watson at 652-2237 or McDowell crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

A public reminder –

Services provided by Valdese public works may be delayed because of operational changes brought on by COVID-19.

This includes brush and rough trash pickups.

Town of Valdese urges their customers to be patient during this time.

To submit a request for pickup, visit their website at town-of-valdese-dot-com.