COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County is reporting 1019 cases of Covid-19 on Monday.  According to the

Burke County Health Department, 768 of those cases have recovered.  5 patients

are hospitalized.  Catawba County had 32 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday

bringing the total to 808.  338 patients have recovered in Catawba and 15 are

hospitalized.  In Caldwell County there are now 410 cases of Covid 19.  220

patients have recovered and 14 are hospitalized.  All patients associated with

Sawmills Fire and Rescue has now recovered.  Meanwhile Brockford Inn Assisted

Living had 47 total cases.  32 patients are residents and 15 are staff.  McDowell

County had 15 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday.  The total there is now 218 with

123 out of quarantine.

Fugitive Arrested in Caldwell County

A 33 year old man, wanted by the New York Police Department for a shooting

that occurred in the Bronx on May 15^th of this year, was arrested yesterday in

Caldwell County.  Jacqual Coward was wanted for attempted 2^nd degree murder in

the shooting of his friend.  Additionally, Coward was found to have two 

outstanding warrants for arrest in North Carolina for failure to appear o narcotics

and driving charges that date back to 2009.  Coward was arrested by the Lenoir

Police Department on information from the United States Marshals Service

Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.  He was placed in the Caldwell County Jail

where he was served with the warrants.

2 Correctional Center Inmates Captured

Two Catawba County Correctional Center inmates, who disappeared after 9p.m.

last Thursday, have been captured.  28 year old Nhia Vue and 35 year old Juan

McDonalds were captured without incident around 12:30 p.m. yesterday at the

Baymont by Windham Hotel in Hickory.  Vue, who was serving a 7 year, 9 month

sentence for drug trafficking was scheduled for release in 2025.  McDonalds who

was serving a 3 year 5 month sentence for speeding to elude arrest was

scheduled for release in November of this year.  Both will now face escape

charges.

Valdese Residents Arrested in Catawba 

Two Valdese residents were arrested on drug charges after inoperative tail lights

on their vehicle resulted in a traffic stop on Highway 70 South West in Catawba

County.  31 year old Johnny Allen Wade was charged with possession with intent

to sell or deliver meth, possession of Schedule 2 and Schedule 4 narcotics and

placed in the Catawba County Jail under 22 thousand dollar secure bond.  27 year

old Ashley Dawn Palmer faces the same drug charges, as well as failure to appear

charges and felony probation charges.  She received a 22 thousand dollar secured

bond on the drug charges, and a fifty thousand dollar secured bond on the failure

to appear charges ,as well as a five thousand dollar bond on felony probation

charges.  Deputies seized 11 grams of meth, 6 opiate pills and a small amount of

cash in the traffic stop.

Heroin Seized in Catawba

Catawba County deputies stopped a vehicle on Springs Road Sunday morning for

a revoked registration plate and found heroin.  33 year old John David Swink of

Conover was arrested after he stopped his vehicle and fled the scene on foot. 

Officers found 25.48 grams of heroin, .25 grams of meth and drug paraphernalia

on Swink and in his vehicle.  He was charged with felony drug charges as well as

fleeing to elude of arrest and felony probation violation.  He was placed in jail

under a one hundred fifty thousand dollar secured bond.

Allison Arrest

A Marion man observed by authorities behind a business in pre-dawn hours earlier this month faces drug charges.

Officers were reportedly patrolling US 70 East and noticed someone behind JB Galaxy’s on East Court Street just before 2 am on June 8^th .

The man was identified as 47-year-old Jerry Dean Allison of Ridge Street.

A search of Allison revealed drug paraphernalia and 2 grams of meth.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County was notified of the 20^th Covid-19 related death on Friday.  The

patient was in their 40’s and hospitalized and died from complications associated

with underlying medical conditions.  Yesterday, Burke County recorded a total of

998 Covid-19 cases since the virus began in March.  Of that total, 752 have

recovered and six are hospitalized.  Caldwell County had 15 new cases over the

weekend bringing the total there to 399.  191 patients have recovered and 13 are

hospitalized.  The Brockford Assisted Living Facility has seen the Covid-19 total

increase there to 32 residents and 16 staff members.  In Catawba County, 30 new

cases were added bringing the total to 776.  328 patients have recovered and 13

are in the hospital.  McDowell County saw an increase of 7 cases over the

weekend, bringing their total to 203.  133 patients have recovered.

Currently there are 890 Covid-19 patients hospitalized in North Carolina Hospitals. 

The North Carolina Hospital Association says they have the ability to flex up to 35

hundred plus licensed ICU beds if necessary.

Courthouse Drama  

The Morganton Department of Public Safety, with assistance from other Burke

County law enforcement agencies, was able to deescalate a tense situation

Saturday centering around the Confederate Memorial Statue on the Old Court

House Lawn.  A rumor, circulated on social media Saturday, indicated some

groups were going to meet on the Square to take down the statue, which contains

the names of Burke County’s Confederate dead.  Supporters of the statue, who

surrounded the monument in an attempt to prevent the event, were met by

other protesters who wanted to have their voices heard on the matter. 

Individuals in both groups were armed.  Law enforcement was able to keep the

two groups apart and disperse the crowd without incident.

Courthouse Drama  6/29/20  ER  Morning

The Morganton Department of Public Safety, with assistance from other Burke

County law enforcement agencies, was able to de escalate a tense situation

Saturday centering around the Confederate Memorial Statue on the Old Court

House Lawn.  A rumor, circulated on social media Saturday, indicated some

groups were going to meet on the Square to take down the statue, which contains

the names of Burke County’s Confederate dead.  Supporters of the statue, who

surrounded the monument in an attempt to prevent the event, were met by

other protesters who wanted to have their voices heard on the matter. 

Individuals in both groups were armed.  Law enforcement was able to keep the

two groups apart and disperse the crowd without incident.

Names Added to Most Wanted

Two people were added Friday to the list of Burke County’s Most Wanted.

50-year-old Johnny Allen Kaylor of Mount Gilead Church Road in Connelly

Springs is charged with two felony drug offenses and a felony Fail to Appear.

28-year-old William Charles Church, Jr. of 39^th Street NW in Hickory, is

charged with Probation Violation. Anyone with information is asked to

contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 438-5500 or Morganton-Burke

Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.

Burke Drug Arrests

Two Morganton residents face drug charges after a search of a Pea Ridge

Road residence. On June 23^rd, State Probation and Parole Office and Burke

Sheriff’s Office detectives initiated an investigation at a Pea Ridge Road

residence. Officers reportedly located a substantial amount of meth, along

with a Schedule 4 Controlled Substance and items of drug paraphernalia.

30-year-old Tiffany Samantha Whitney was charged with Felony Trafficking

Heroin, and Felony Possession of Schedule 4 Controlled Substance. Also

charged with Felony Possession of Schedule 4 Controlled Substance was

30-year-old Michael Allen Benfield. They are both scheduled to appear in

court on July 16^th.

Catawba Drug Arrests

A search warrant in Catawba County leads to trafficking charges. On Thursday

Deputies and Investigators executed the search warrant at a residence on

Shady Valley Lane in Claremont. The Sheriff’s Office reports that 74 grams of

meth was located along with four hydrocodone pills and over $5,600 in

U.S. currency. 47-year-old Brian Blake Blackburn and 32-year-old Candy

Kiziah, both of the Shady Valley Lane residence were arrested and are facing

felony charges.

Silver Alert for Hickory Woman

The NC Center for Missing Persons issued a Silver Alert Saturday night for

A missing endangered woman, 28-year-old Summer Hope Eckert, who was

Last seen on Sulfer Springs Road in Hickory. She is described as a white

Female, 5 feet 3 inches, weighs 220 pounds with brown hair and eyes.

Eckert may be traveling to Cherokee County in a 2005 Grey Ford F-150,

With NC License Tag FAM-3898. Anyone with information may contact

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-465-3112.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County’s Covid-19 number climbed to 969 yesterday.  Statistics on the

Burke County Health Department facebook page indicate 675 of that number

have recovered.  5 patients are currently in the hospital.  In Catawba County, 30

new cases were added yesterday for a total of 669.  303 patients have recovered

in Catawba and 12 are hospitalized.  Caldwell County has 14 new covid-19

patients as of yesterday bringing the total there to 342.  13 patients are

hospitalized.  Brockford Inn Assisted Living Facility had six new  Covid-19 positive

tests yesterday bringing the total at that facility to 8.  And in McDowell County,

there were two new cases yesterday for a total of 196.  106 patients have

recovered in McDowell County.

NC Mask Controversy  

At 5 p.m. today , North Carolinians age 11 and older will be required to

wear masks, as required by Governor Roy Cooper, but the enforcement of that

edict is not at all clear.  A growing number of Sheriff’s in North Carolina say they

won’t be enforcing the mask policy, some in our area.  Already the Iredell County

Sheriff and Catawba County Sheriff say the mask order is non-enforceable. 

Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown says the Sheriff’s Department encourages all

citizens to take the precautions they feel necessary to protect their families and

themselves, but his office will not be criminally enforcing the mask order.  In

Burke County, Sheriff Steve Whisnant says the Executive Order issued does not

authorize law enforcement personnel to criminally enforce the face covering

requirements against individual workers, customers or patrons.  However, they

will be enforcing trespassing laws, if someone refuses to wear a mask on the

premises of a business and refuse to leave.  North Carolina is one of three

Southern states requiring masks due to Covid-19.

COVID Hospitalizations

North Carolina had 891 Covid-19 patients hospitalized yesterday.  In Wednesday’s

address Governor Roy Cooper said hospitalizations had been increasing over the

past 30 days.  The North Carolina Hospital Association says the State’s hospitals

can flex up to 3,514 licensed ICU beds across the state.

Bojangles Video  

A Facebook video has resulted in the firing of some workers and an apology from

Bojangles.  The video shows workers spitting in the kitchen at a Bojangles on 302

Blowing Rock Road in Lenoir.  Bojangles management says the workers have been

fired and they are sorry for anyone offended by the video.

Meth Charge 

McDowell County Sheriff deputies have arrested a Paxton Creek Road resident

after a search of her home turned up meth.  25 year old Alisha Danielle Pitt’s

residence was searched by sheriff’s deputies and probation and parole officers.  1

gram of meth was found.  She was charged with possession of meth and

possession of drug paraphernalia.

Food Truck

During a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday at the Olive Hill Resource Center, members of the Burke County Board of Education, along with officials from Blue Ridge Healthcare and Carolinas Healthcare declared the new Burke County Public Schools Food truck open for service.

The state of the art professional grade food truck will begin rolling into neighborhoods July 7^th to feed local students.

Aside from the summer feeding program, the truck will be utilized during the regular school year for field days, sporting events, and other special school events.

A news release says it can also serve as a classroom on wheels for high school culinary students.

Beginning July 7^th, the new food truck will be delivering meals to children 18 and younger on Tuesdays and Fridays at three Morganton locations.

The truck is scheduled both days at Hillcrest Elementary at 11am, at PPG Paint store at 11:45, and Walker Road Baptist Church at 12:30.

COVID-19 UPDATE

NC is pausing to remain in the ‘safer at home’ Phase 2 for the next three weeks; while wearing a mask is mandated when in public places.

That word coming from Governor Cooper in Wednesday's media briefing.

Masks will be required, according to the briefing, in public spaces indoors and outdoors, and when unable to distance 6 feet away from others.

The governor says there are exceptions to wearing a face covering – they will not be required for children under 11, or for those at home or outdoors exercising who are able to practice social distancing.

In regard to the new mask requirement, Cooper states it’s been added so the state will not go backward, and to stabilize our numbers so we can safely ease restrictions, and most importantly to get our children back in school.

An announcement concerning schools is due from the governor next week.

The Phase 2 extension goes into effect Friday and will last until July 17^th; at which time the governor says he hopes to be able to further ease restrictions.

Currently the state reports 56-thousand-174 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 while 906 people across NC are hospitalized with the virus.

Burke County has recorded 948 Covid 19 cases as of yesterday.  Catawba County

added 24 new cases yesterday for a total of 639.  303 have recovered and 12

patients are hospitalized.  Caldwell County added 5 new cases yesterday for a

total of 328 confirmed cases.  178 patients have recovered and 12 are

hospitalized.  And in McDowell County, six new cases were added yesterday for a

total of 194.  89 patients are out of quarantine there.

Barn Fire  

A barn fire on Lloyd Hoke Drive late yesterday afternoon caused parts of Springs

Road to be closed for a period of time.  The blaze, which was believed to have

been started by a backfire from a lawn mower/tractor, was called in shortly

before 6 p.m..  By 6:15 p.m.  requests for tankers and mutual aid from fire

departments across Catawba County were issued.  No word on any damage

at this time.

Medical Ministry Receives Recognition 

Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry has announced that the on-site

Medical Clinic recently received the 2020 Standards Gold Rating from the National

Association of Free and Charitable Clinics from their Quality Standards Program. 

The Hickory Clinic provides holistic healthcare services as well as a Hep C clinic. 

Specialty care for patients includes Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology,

Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, Gynecology, Counseling, Dental

care and more.  In 2019, 2,751 patients visited the clinic.

CVCC Thermal Cameras 

CVCC has debuted four strategically placed cameras on their campus for the

purpose of temperature checks during this time of Covid-19.  Approximately ten

people can be scanned through the cameras in 30 seconds.  If a student, faculty or

staff member has a temperature of more than 100 degrees, they are escorted to

an isolation area and asked to leave campus and seek medical attention. The

cameras cost six thousand dollars each and were purchased through CARES

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

Forest City Shooting

A suspect is now in custody in connection with a shooting in Forest City that left a 7-year-old girl in critical condition.

On Tuesday, officers responded to the report of a child who had been shot inside of a car on Oak Street.

As officers arrived, Aaliyah Norris was discovered with a single gunshot wound to her head.

She was airlifted to Spartanburg Regional Hospital, where she remains critical.

26-year-old Shaquille Mashon Francis of Forest City has been taken into custody and charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, discharging a weapon into occupied property inflicting serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm within the city limits.

Francis is being held in the Rutherford County Detention Center under a 1-million dollar secured bond.

An investigation continues.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Catawba County recorded 15 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday bringing the total

to 615 people who have tested positive since the Covid outbreak in March.  275

of those patients are recovered and 11 people are hospitalized.  In Caldwell

County, an additional 12 cases of Covid 19 were found on Tuesday.  The Caldwell

County total is now 323 with 171 recovered.  12 patients are hospitalized

although all are not hospitalized in Caldwell County. In Burke County, 932 positive

cases are reported.

Arrests in Catawba  

Two people were arrested in Catawba after a traffic stop on Highway 10 and 5^th

Street South West.  26 year old Cameron Scott Alfaro of Newton was charged

with misdemeanor impersonating a fireman or emergency personnel and four

counts of unlawful possession of red lights.  39 year ole Leslie Chevonne Stout

was arrested on a parole violation, as well as possession of cocaine and cocaine

related paraphernalia.  Stout was placed in the Newton Detention Center under

six thousand dollar bond on the drug charges and no bond for the parole

violation.  Alfaro was placed under a twenty-five hundred dollar bond. 

Emergency lights, emergency sirens, fire department insignias and apparel were

all found in the car.

Deputies Search for Two  

Two persons are being sought in Catawba County after a shooting and a police

chase.  Deputies say a man was shot in the leg by a person in a truck that sped

away.  The man was on his porch Tuesday afternoon on Winebarger Street in

Conover when the shooting happened.  Officers chased the truck that was also

involved in a wreck along Highway 16 as they attempted to elude police.  The

chase ended on Smithfield Drive when the two suspects jumped from the pickup

truck and ran off.  

Cawthorn Wins Primary  

Henderson County Real Estate CEO Madison Cawthorn has captured the

Republican nomination for the 11^th Congressional District after yesterday’s

primary runoff election.  The twenty-four year old  Cawthorn, , won around 65

percent of the vote in the 17 western North Carolina counties that make up the

11^th District.  He defeated Lynda Bennett, who received the largest number of

votes in the March primary.  Bennett had been endorsed by President Trump,

former US 11^th District Congressman and current White House Chief of Staff Mark

Meadows,  Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Jim Jordan.  Cawthorn will face

Democrat nominee Moe Davis in the November election.

Tuttle DWI

Hickory High School principal Rebecca Tuttle pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in Tuesday’s sentencing hearing in Catawba County District Court.

Published reports say 36-year-old Tuttle was sentenced to complete 24 hours of community service within 60 days, a year of unsupervised probation, and was told to  surrender her driver’s license for one year.

According to police reports, she had hit a parked vehicle on January 4^th, while her blood alcohol level was recorded as twice the legal limit.

Following her arrest, Tuttle was suspended from her position.

She is due to return in her role as principal at Hickory High on July 1^st.

McDowell Shooting

McDowell County authorities have charged a Marion woman with obstructing justice following a June 9^th dispute and shooting.

Officers responded to a Nebo residence to reports of shots being fired, where they discovered 30-year-old Timothy Ray Noblitt of Marion suffering from a gunshot wound to his ankle.

An investigation revealed 27-year-old Jacob Ballard Hensley of Nebo was the suspect in the incident, who was later captured in Burke County after fleeing the crime scene on foot.

29-year-old Tiffany Dawn Milam of Faith Baptist Church Road has now been charged after allegedly assisting Hensley in leaving the scene.

Reports further say she had not been truthful with officers about the shooting incident.

Controlled Burn

The City of Lenoir Fire Department will conduct a controlled burn today at 213 Sunset Street as a training exercise.

The  scheduled burn will allow some 12 to 15 firefighters the opportunity to train in a controlled atmosphere, and will also assist the property owner with demolition.

Nearby residents can expect to see smoke in the area during the exercise.

COVID-19 UPDATE

For the first time in several days, Covid 19 hospitalizations across North Carolina

have decreased.  As of yesterday, 845 people were in NC hospitals due to Covid-

19.  In our area Covid 19 cases are not increasing as rapidly as they were for the

past several weeks.  Burke County now has recorded 873 positive cases as of

Saturday. 

Caldwell County added three Covid-19 cases on Saturday for a total of 302. 

McDowell County recorded 8 new cases on Friday for a total of 166, and Catawba 

County had 11 new cases yesterday for a total of 574.  Avery County, the last

county in the state to have a Covid 19 case, now has 10.  Covid-19 remains a real

threat to area residents though, and people should wear masks when they are

out, especially when they are in a location in which they cannot stay six feet

apart.  Phase 2 runs out in North Carolina on 5 p.m. Friday.  Governor Roy Cooper

will address the state on his plans for the future later this week.

Lincoln County Child Abuse 

A Lincoln County man has been charged in the death of his two-year old son.  54

year old Baron Gerod Charles, Sr has been charged with one felony count of

murder.  Deputies arrested him after the investigation into the death of Jeremiah

Charles who sustained multiple injuries to his face, neck and torso.  Officers were

dispatched to the residence after a call the child was not breathing.  A second

child living in the home has been removed by Lincoln County DSS.  Charles is in

the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center without the privilege of bond with a court

appearance set for today.

GOP Runoff & Precinct Workers Wanted

 The GOP primary runoff for the 11^th US Congressional District is set for tomorrow

Tuesday, June 23^rd.  Lynda Bennett, a Haywood County Real Estate Company

owner, and the top vote getter in the March primary, faces 24 year old Madison

Cawthorn a Henderson County Real Estate CEO.  Bennett, has been endorsed by

President Trump, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Jim Jordan.  She has spent

around 221 thousand dollars for the past two months on the runoff election

according to federal election reports.  Cawthorn, who will turn 25 in August, the

minimum age the constitution requires to hold a seat in the House of

Representatives, has spent around 151 thousand dollars on the runoff.  Polls are

open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In Burke County, meanwhile, the Burke County Board of Elections is looking for

precinct workers for the November 3^rd Presidential Election.  Experience would be

helpful, but not necessary.  Anyone interested should call 764-9010 or go online

to the Burke County website under elections and complete an application.  You

will be contacted by Burke County elections staff.  Burke County is not

participating in the June 23^rd GOP runoff because Burke County has been moved

to the 5^th Congressional District.

Amended SOE

With the onset of summer, Burke County’s State of Emergency declared in March because of the pandemic is being relaxed in relation to outdoor activities.

The amendment signed by Commission Chair Johnnie Carswell states that all outdoor activities considered to be high risk in the Pisgah National Forest, in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, and other areas in Burke shall not be avoided; but rather to use extreme caution when participating in such activities.

Participants are urged to take extra care measures when rock climbing, rappelling, swift water boating, or rafting and zip lining.

Even walking, hiking, backpacking, or camping overnight demands extreme caution to reduce the strain on vital emergency services personnel and other medical staff already busy with the COVID battle.

Effective immediately, the amendment further urges those outdoor enthusiasts to continue practicing virus preventative measures with social distancing.

Bears Sighted

Another word of caution from the US Forest Service regarding the Pisgah National Forest – be on the lookout for black bears.

Forestry officials report bears have been active at Table Rock and at the Old Fort picnic area as well as surrounding areas.

Black bears look for food that campers and trail users bring on their outings.

According to a news release, black bear attacks on people are rare, but such attacks have resulted in human fatalities.

Experts say to avoid attacks, keep dogs on a lease, vacate the area as soon as possible if you spot a bear nearby, but do not run.

Get into a vehicle or secure building.

Additional safety tips – properly store food and scented items in bear-proof containers, clean up food and garbage around campsites, and never leave food unattended.

COVID-19 UPDATE

36 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Catawba County yesterday.  The new

total is 516 cases.  Of that, 231 patients have recovered while 15 are hospitalized. 

In Caldwell County, 9 new cases were reported yesterday.  152 patients have

recovered and 5 have been hospitalized.  In Caldwell County a court employee

tested positive for Covid-19.  As a result, all court employees have been tested as

a precaution, and the courthouse has been sanitized.  The Courthouse remains

open for business according to the Caldwell County Health Department.  In

McDowell County there are now 159 cases of Covid-19.  67 patients are out of

quarantine in that county.  Lincoln County recorded the first Covid-19 related

death on Wednesday.  The individual was in their 80’s and had previous

underlying health conditions. In Burke County, 11 additional positive cases of

COVID-19 brings the county's total to 853.

Shooting Victim Identified  

Catawba County authorities have identified the man shot in an officer involved

shooting Thursday morning as thirty-five year old Buddy Edward Weeks.  Weeks

was wanted on 3 counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of

larceny of a motor vehicle, felony breaking and entering, larceny of a firearm and

possession of stolen firearms and stolen goods. The U.S. Marshalls Service had

requested assistance from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office as they served the

search warrant on Week’s residence on Saddleview Court in Maiden.  The report

says Weeks exited  the home with a handgun and knife, re-entered the home, and

later exited the house with a rifle.  At that time, he was shot by a US Marshall. 

The State Bureau of Investigation and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Internal

Affairs Division are investigating. 

11^th Congressional District  Voting

If you live in the 11^th Congressional District you can early vote again today for the

Republican nominee for the US Congress seat held previously by Mark Meadows. 

Madison Cawthorn is in the runoff with Lynda Bennett.  One will be chosen to

face Democrat Moe Davis in November

Man Sought by Caldwell Emergency Management  

A 78 year old Caldwell County man is the subject of a search by Caldwell County

Emergency Management .  Caldwell County authorities said that Billy Joe Lipford

of the Bradford Mountain Road walked away from his home Tuessday around 4

p.m..  Lipford is believed to have dementia.  He is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs

about 155 pounds, and was last seen wearing a long sleeve plaid shirt, gray or

black pants and brown wingtip shoes.  He has good mobility and only wears

glasses to read.  If you are aware of his whereabouts, please call 911.

Mask Requirement

People will be required to wear face coverings in Boone starting this weekend –

That according to a news article in the Watauga Democrat.

Reports say in a 3-2 vote on Tuesday, town council amended Boone’s state of emergency declaration by adding that face masks are mandatory with some exceptions.

The amendment calls for people to wear face coverings at public businesses – with exceptions for those who may have health issues related to wearing a mask.

The exception rule also applies to people at restaurants who are eating and drinking at their tables, and children younger than 10 years of age.

Anyone caught not wearing a mask may be cited, but not before being made aware of the requirement and given a verbal warning for the first offense.

The amendment takes effect at 9 am Saturday.

At a press briefing earlier this week, Governor Cooper says he and his staff are looking at a statewide requirement for face masks.

The governor reports whether it’s a law or store requirement, wearing a face covering whenever around others slows the spread of the virus.

Stolen Car

McDowell County Sheriff’s Officers are on the lookout for a stolen car.

The car’s owner, Justin Beltranponce of Marion told deputies someone took his white 2006 Mazda 6 after it had become disabled on the side of Nix Creek Road.

Reports say the theft occurred sometime between June 9^th and 12^th

Anyone with information about the stolen auto or suspect is urged to call Detective Watson at 652-2237 or McDowell Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

COVID UPDATE

Caldwell County saw the number of Covid 19 cases increase by 23 yesterday as

there are now 277 cases in the County.  134 patients have recovered.  Catawba

County had an increase of ten cases yesterday.  The total number of Covid-19

cases in Catawba now numbers 480,  230 of those cases have recovered and 14

patients are hospitalized.  McDowell County added 5 new cases yesterday for a

total of 158.  55 patients there are out of quarantine.

Catawba Arrest

A 52 year old Mountain View man has been arrested in connection with a burned

ambulance owned by the CVCC Paramedic Training program.  Paul Peter Lavoie

has been charged with breaking and entering a vehicle and burning personal

property.  He was placed in the Catawba County Jail under a fifteen thousand

dollar secured bond with a first court appearance set for today.

Old Soldiers Reunion Cancelled 

An event on the City of Newton’s calendar since 1889 has been cancelled this year

for the 1^st time since the polio epidemic of the 1940’s.  The Old Soldiers Reunion

Parade will not be held this year.  Parade organizers cite Covid-19 as the reason

for cancelling this year’s parade.  A Reunion Service to pay tribute to veterans will

be held at 4 p.m. on August 20^th at the Old Courthouse in downtown Newton.

Silver Alerts

Silver Alerts were issued Wednesday for two individuals in Cleveland and

Rutherford Counties. Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for 54-year-old

Catherine Blanche Deery, last seen in Charlotte. She is a white female, 5 feet

2 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds with blond hair and green eyes. She is

missing from 4922 Ellenboro Road in Mooresboro. Anyone with information

should call the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4822.

In Rutherford County, a Silver Alert was issued for 56-year-old Bernard Leroy

Kauffmann. He is a white male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 120 pounds and

has short brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone having any information should

call the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 828-286-2911.

Murder Suspect Sought

Asheville Police need the public’s help in locating a person of interest in a

stabbing. Officers Monday afternoon responded to 1460 Patton Avenue and

found 66-year-old Michael Eugene Hirt with multiple stab wounds. He was

taken to Mission Hospital where he died from his injuries. Police are looking

for 55-year-old Todd Nathan Housel, who has been charged with first degree

murder. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs

162 pounds and has blond hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information should

call Asheville Police at 828-252-1110.

Hit and Run Suspect Wanted

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of 44-year-old

James Monroe Sheets of Taylorsville in reference to a felony hit and run incident

which occurred on Highway 90 West near Emma Brooke Lane last night, where

Aapedestrian was struck. Sheets is described as a white male, 5 feet 7 inches,

weighs 180 pounds and has brown hair and eyes. Anyone with any information

can call the Sheriff’s Office at 828-632-2911 or Crime Stoppers at 632-8555.