COVID-19 UPDATE

A 4^th patient has died of complications from Covid-19 in Caldwell County.  The

Caldwell County Health Department reported the patient was between the ages

of 25 and 64 and was hospitalized.  There were pre-existing conditions.  Caldwell

saw the total number of Covid-19 cases in the county increase to 249 yesterday. 

Of that number 6 are hospitalized and 128 have recovered.  Catawba County

reported 35 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday.   Catawba’s total now stands at

459. 15 people are hospitalized and 173 have recovered.  McDowell County saw

an increase of 9 new cases yesterday bringing the total to 153.  McDowell will be

holding testing on June 18^th from three to five p.m. at 174 Trinity Church Loop,

Nebo.  County residents who want to be tested can call the McDowell Health

Department to make an appointment for testing, also. 816 positive COVID-19

cases were reported Monday by Burke County health officials.

Election Information

While voters in the 11^th Congressional District are early voting for the 11^th District

US Congress Republican Runoff, the Burke County Board of Elections is accepting

filing for the Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Two people have filed so far for

the seat currently held by Don Chapman; Shannon Stanbury and Evan Scott

Crawley.  Filing ends at noon on July 2^nd.  The 11^th District US Congress Runoff

election date is June 23^rd.  Burke County is not involved in the runoff due to being

moved to the 5^th Congressional District, but McDowell, Madison, Buncombe.

Mitchell and the counties to the northwest are.

Conservancy Grant

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina was recently awarded a 4 hundred 64

thousand dollar grant from the Community Forest Program in support of its

ongoing Oak Hill Community Park and Forest project.  The funds will help the

conservancy purchase the remaining 321 acres of the project property, situated

near downtown Morganton in Burke County.  The first half of the property, 330

acres was purchased with funds from the private individuals.  The park will

eventually host public trails for walking, running and biking, 

McDowell Thefts

 McDowell County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating suspects involved in separate thefts – one caught on video surveillance.

Reports say someone removed a homemade 4-by-8 feet utility trailer from the parking lot of McCormick Brake and Muffler on US 221 south.

The theft occurred just before Noon on June 7^th and was captured on camera.

Suspects also made off with painting equipment from a disabled vehicle on I-40.

The theft, reports say, happened on June 4^th or 5^th, and included more than 25-hundred dollars worth of paint and hand tools.

Anyone having information about either theft can contact McDowell’s detective division at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

Hickory Road Closure

Hickory Sand Company plans to begin the excavation for a waterline

improvement project today.  A 36 inch encasement will be installed on Lenoir

Rhyne Boulevard SE.  “F” Avenue will be closed on both sides of Lenoir Rhyne

Boulevard SE.  Work zones and detour routes will be established.  The work

should be completed in three weeks.