COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County health officials Thursday afternoon reported the 27^th and 28^th deaths associated with the COVID-19 virus.

A news release from public health states the notifications came in late Wednesday – both individuals reported to be in their 80’s, and both were hospitalized.

The release states one died from underlying medical conditions, while the other died from COVID-19 related complications.

In addition, Burke County reported 30 new positive cases since yesterday with a current total of 1-thousand-587 individuals who’ve tested positive.

Officials in McDowell County reported 21 new positive cases of the virus, amounting to a current total of 484 positive cases.

McDowell County also reported an additional virus-related death on Thursday, bringing their total of those who have died to 11.

In Catawba County, officials report 38 additional positive cases, with a new total of 1-thousand-863 cases since the pandemic began in March

Caldwell County reported 23 new cases for a total, of 1-thousand-71 COVID-19 cases.

477 people have recovered and 19 patients are hospitalized with 12 deaths.

Burke Shooting Update

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Thursday afternoon released the names of the victims involved in Wednesday’s fatal shooting in Connelly Springs.

45-year-old Robert Winston Perkins Junior of 6937 Knob Avenue was discovered deceased at his residence; while his brother 43-year-old Christopher Ronald Perkins of the same address was found suffering from a gunshot.

Christopher Perkins was transported to an area trauma center where he is reported to be in stable condition according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Officers had responded early Wednesday morning to the Knob Avenue residence after receiving reports of yelling, screaming, and gunshots.

Another man and woman reportedly left the initial scene; however, officers have since made contact with both and have conducted interviews with them.

The release states the Sheriff’s Office CID investigators are wrapping up the investigation and will submit their findings to the DA’s office to determine if charges will be issued.

2^nd Hickory Shooting

Meanwhile, a second shooting Thursday morning in Hickory has prompted the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office to believe the two incidents are connected.

Reports say officers were called to the report of a gunshot wound at a residence on 28^th Avenue Northeast.

According to a news release, deputies located a man suffering a gunshot to the knee.

He was transported to Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem for treatment.

Officers stated multiple shots had been fired into the home where the injured man was located.

An older model SUV, possibly a dark GMC Envoy was seen in the area just prior to the incident.

Hickory Police are also investigating another reported shooting into an occupied dwelling that occurred in the 700 block of 7^th Avenue Place Southwest.

Anyone with information about either of the incidents should call Hickory Police at 328-5551 or the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 464-5241.

McDowell Scam

McDowell County authorities are warning residents about yet another phone scam.

The caller advises he is with the US Postal Service and has a check for the person he is calling.

The caller goes on to instruct his victim that taxes on the winnings have to be paid before receiving the check.

The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to not give money or personal information to someone you don’t know.

Obtain a name and number of the caller in order to verify the caller works where he claims.

Anyone with questions or concerns can call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.

Break-In

A Marion man breaks into an acquaintance’s home stealing property, according to reports with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim told officers 25-year-old Justin Ray Messer of Lakeview Drive North broke into his home on Padgett Road taking video game controllers and games, a cell phone, two motorcycle helmets, an airbrush and paint set and a handgun case with magazine.

The homeowner reported he was acquainted with Messer.

Messer was charged with breaking and entering, and larceny after breaking and entering. Some of the property was recovered.

Stolen Truck

Investigators in McDowell County need the public’s help in locating a truck reported stolen Thursday morning, along with the suspect who took it.

An Old Fort man stated someone removed his white 2003 Ford F-250 pickup truck from Parker Padgett Road between 10 last night and 8:30 Thursday morning.

The truck has NC tag DL-4665, has a black flat bet and ‘Get it Done’ stickers on the side doors.

The suspect also took various tools, a pressure washer, a leaf blower, and a knife.

Anyone having information should call McDowell Captain Smith at 652-2237 or McDowell Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Caldwell now has 1 thousand 48 cases of Covid-19.  There are 41 new cases as of Wednesday.  8 of the new patients are under the age of 17 and 4 are between 18 and 24.  Caldwell has 19 patients hospitalized and 4 hundred 77 have recovered.  Catawba Public Health says they have been notified of 28 new cases since Tuesday night.  The total is now 1 thousand 8 hundred 25.  17 of those cases are hospitalized and 1 thousand 4 hundred 83 have recovered.  McDowell County has 28 additional cases for a total of 4 hundred 63.  294 patients are out of quarantine and Foothills Health was notified of two additional McDowell County Covid related deaths bringing the total number to 10. Burke County reported 22 new cases on Wednesday for a

total of 1,557. 336 of those cases have recovered, 8 are hospitalized, and 1,164 are presumed recovered.

Fatal Shooting

An early Wednesday morning shooting in eastern Burke County leaves one man dead, another injured, and two individuals being questioned.

A news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office says officers were called to 6937 Knob Avenue in Connelly Springs to reports of yelling, screaming and gunshots at the residence.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered two men had been shot; while another man involved in the shooting had left the scene with a female.

The release states one man was deceased at the scene, and the other was transported to an area trauma center.

The man who left the scene reportedly turned himself in to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and is undergoing interviews by Burke CID investigators.

Officers have also located the female who left the scene and are conducting interviews with her.

Investigators are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues.

Burke EMS and Lovelady Fire and Rescue assisted Burke and Cleveland Counties’ Sheriffs Offices with the incident.

McDowell Theft

Four McDowell County residents are charged in connection with a reported theft from a US 221 home.

The McDowell Sheriff’s Office reports someone removed several tires and rims, garden tools, and a couple of tool boxes on May 16^th.

An investigation led to the arrests of 50-year-old Theodore Ira Paul Buckner of Nebo, 47-year-old Misty Dawn Frady, 46-year-old Joseph Allen Gardner, and 46-year-old Christopher George Messer all three of Marion.

The four were charged with breaking, entering and larceny.

Meanwhile, the same US 221 resident reported a June 15^th theft of tools, insulation, and household items.

The release says Frady was again implicated in the theft, as she was caught on video at the scene.

State Fair Cancel

For the first time since World War II, the NC State fair has been canceled. 

Fair organizers say the cancelation is because of continued uncertainty of COVID-19 conditions come October.

A report states it costs around 6-point-8 million dollars annually to produce the event.

Officials say they will begin planning for the 2021 state fair in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health has been notified of the 26^th Covid-19 related death. 

The individual was in their 70’s, hospitalized, and died from underlying medical

conditions.  In all, Burke County has recorded 1 thousand 5 hundred 35 cases of

Covid 19 since March.  Caldwell County was also notified of a Covid related death. 

The patient was between the ages of 50 and 64, was hospitalized, and reported to

have underlying medical conditions.  The death is the 12^th so far in Caldwell

County where there are 1 thousand and 7 positive cases.  456 patients have

recovered and 19 are hospitalized.  Catawba County saw the Covid-19 numbers

increase by 30 yesterday for a total of 1 thousand 7 hundred 97.  1 thousand 2

hundred and 41 have recovered and 19 are hospitalized.  McDowell County also

had the report of the 8^th death related to Covid yesterday.  McDowell has 4

hundred 35 positive cases and 283 patients are out of quarantine.

New Alcohol Hours in NC 

North Carolina restaurants have a new mandate from Governor Roy Cooper. 

Executive Order 153 prohibits the sale of alcohol at any restaurant after 11 p.m.

effective this Friday.  Bars will remain closed as well.  The order will not apply to

grocery stores, convenience stores, or any other entity that sells alcohol for off

premises consumption.

Catawba Larcenies

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a recent wave of mail

larceny in the County. According to a release from the Sheriff’s Department, most

of the mailboxes that have been hit have had their flags up and checks stolen. 

Please utilize on line banking to pay bills or hand deliver your checks.  If anyone

has information on possible suspects or video of mailbox thefts, please contact

the Sheriff’s Office at 828-465-9552.

McDowell  Search  

Information regarding the whereabouts of fifteen year old Amanda Nevaeh

Brown of Snyder Drive in Marion is being sought by the McDowell County Sheriff’s

Office.  The teenager was last seen on Tuesday, July 7^th in Old Fort.  She is five

feet, three inches tall, weighing 1 hundred 15 pounds.  She has red shoulder

length hair, blue eyes and a nose piercing.  Tips that lead to her whereabouts

could receive a cash reward.  Contact the McDowell Sheriff’s Department if you

have any information.

Burglary Suspect Arrested

Morganton Public Safety Investigators arrest a man for several

burglaries in the Terrace Place area from July 15^th to July 26^th.

22-year-old Emiya K-Ron Wooten, who was also charged with

crimes for prior burglaries, faces new charges of First Degree

Burglary-2 counts, Felony Possession of Stolen Goods, and Second

Degree Kidnapping. There are additional pending charges in this

case. Wooten was taken to the Burke County Jail under a $100,000

secured bond with a court appearance scheduled for tomorrow.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Investigator

Goforth with Public Safety at 438-5395.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Caldwell County has seen an additional 69 cases of Covid-19 since late Saturday

thru Monday.  The County now has 9 hundred 89 cumulative cases.  4 hundred 56

patients have recovered and 19 are hospitalized.  Brockford Assisted Living has a

total of 65 cases, Caldwell Correctional Facility has 14.  Other outbreaks include

Hickory Falls with 3 cases, Gateway Rehabilitation and Healthcare with 3 cases,

the Shaire Center and Lenoir Health Care with two each.  Catawba County has 17

new cases for a total of 1 thousand 7 hundred 67.  18 are hospitalized and 1

thousand 2 hundred 41 are recovered.  McDowell County received word of two

new Covid-19 associated deaths for a total of 7 deaths.  There are now 4 hundred

30 cases and 2 hundred 72 are out of quarantine. Burke County public health

officials reported 38 new positive cases on Monday, bringing the total to 1,524.

Burke Fatality and Catawba County Accident

An Ohio man was killed Monday afternoon after a wreck on Highway 126.  49 year

old Troy Dean Benson was pronounced dead on the scene of the 2:30 p.m. crash. 

The accident occurred when a Suburban SUV, operated by 48 year old Amy

Burford of Morganton, apparently crossed the center line and hit a motorcycle

operated by Benson.  The Highway Patrol says intoxication and speed do not

appear to be factors in the crash.

In Catawba County, a head on collision on NC Highway 127 in Mountain View

injured one person.  Law enforcement reports indicate a sedan crossed the center

line of the highway around 3 p.m. and struck an SUV.  The driver of the sedan was

transported to a local hospital with injuries.  It is believed that driver could have

suffered from a medical condition.

Maiden Police Need Help in Theft

Maiden Police need the public’s help in identifying two suspects who were seen

trying to pawn a speaker at the Pawn Shop in Hickory.  Two white males, both

believed to be in their twenties, are seen on the store’s security camera with one

of the speakers. One subject has long black hair.  Two speakers and two

microphones were taken from 1st Freewill Baptist Church on Main Street

between July 15^th and 18th.  Anyone having any information about the theft is

asked to call Maiden Police at 828-428-5005.

Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Arrest

A  Crime Stoppers tip led to a surveillance operation that yielded the arrest of a

Gastonia woman.  35 year old Tracy Rae Givens was charged with one felony

count each of trafficking heroin by possession and transport as well as other

felony drug charges.  She was taken to the Harven A Crouse Detention Center in

Lincoln County and placed under a two hundred 25 thousand dollar secured bond.

The operation was conducted on July 25^th and 12 grams of heroin, two grams of  

meth, a fully loaded Smith and Wesson 38 special handgun and US currency were  

seized after a traffic stop.

Remote Open

The Burke County Board of Education has voted for Burke County Public Schools to operate under remote learning between Aug. 17 and Sept. 11.

The vote to revert to Plan C came during a special called meeting Monday.

Due to the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in Burke County, the plan has changed from Plan B, where students would have gone to school two days a week. The Board of Education will revisit the plan before Sept. 14.

In anticipation of remote learning, the district has a plan in place that has already been submitted to the state.

Remote learning involves a combination of online learning, paper packets, videos, phone calls and Zoom sessions. Each student in first through 12th grade will receive a device before Aug. 17.

Unlike when schools were closed in March and emergency remote instruction was in place, student attendance will now be taken and student work will now be required and graded.

For more information, visit the school system’s website at burke-dot-k12-dot-nc-dot-us

Burke EMS UV Install

Pre-hospital care in Burke County has just become safer during the pandemic.

A news release says Burke County EMS has outfitted thirteen of its front-line ambulances with ultraviolet photo-catalytic oxidation units or PCOs.

These PCO units will run between patient calls to disinfect the ambulances.

According to the release, the units create vaporized hydrogen peroxide; while the UV light converts water vapor into oxidizers without involving chemicals or residue.

A couple of independent studies show the units can disinfect at least 96-point-4 percent and as much as 99-point-99 percent of surface contaminating and airborne viruses and bacteria within 24 hours after installation.

The PCO units were sourced by Burke County based company CU Healthy Products.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Area Covid-19 cases continue to climb as Burke, McDowell, Caldwell and Catawba

all saw double digit increases over the weekend.  Burke County now stands at 1

thousand 4 hundred 86 cases of Covid 19.  1 thousand 1 hundred and 27 of those

cases have recovered.  6 patients are hospitalized.  McDowell County saw its

largest one day surge in cases over the weekend bringing the total to 4 hundred

21 cases.  2 hundred 63 patients are out of quarantine, but McDowell County was

also informed of an outbreak at a child care center.  Early Childhood Enrichment

Center in Marion has been closed for two weeks after two children and one

employee tested positive. Caldwell County now has 9 hundred 20 cases of Covid-

19.  Caldwell Public Health was notified of the 11^th Covid-19 related death on

Saturday.  The patient was over age 75 and was not associated with any outbreak

in the County.  Lenoir Health Care meanwhile, has one employee and one

resident testing positive for Covid-19.  The number of outbreaks in Caldwell

County now numbers six.  Catawba County had 30 new cases of Covid 19

yesterday bringing the cumulative total there to 1 thousand 7 hundred 50. 

Hospitalized Covid patients number 18 and 1 thousand 2 hundred 41 cases have

recovered.

US Marshals Arrest Fugitive and Locate Missing Child 

A long distance truck driver, wanted in Citrus County, Florida for Sexual Battery on

a Child under the age of 12, was arrested by US Marshals Agents Saturday around

4 p.m. in Rutherford County, and a 5 year old child, who had been reported

missing in Florida, was located in his truck.   32 year old Rapheal Malik Akbar

Arnold is being held at the Rutherford County Jail without bond, pending his

extradition to Florida. The child, who had been missing for three weeks, was

turned over to the Rutherford County Department of Social Services.  Arnold was

traveling on Highway 74 when he was apprehended by members of the NC

Highway Patrol and the United States Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive

Task Force.

Two Arrested in Burke 

Two Hunter Street residents were arrested by Burke County Sheriff’s Deputies

after a Coca Cola Company employee’s money bag was found missing from his

truck while he was inside a local store restocking shelves.  Marquez Antonia

Lipscomb and Miranda Elizabeth Jackson were arrested after a deputy located a

vehicle, seen passing 3-Way Supply on the store’s security video around the time

the money bag of a Coca Cola employee went missing.  The vehicle was found at a

Hunter Street residence and a search of the vehicle yielded felonious amounts of

narcotics and a undetermined amount of US Currency that tied back to the theft. 

Both were charged and booked into the Burke County Jail.

Caldwell Rabies Case 

Caldwell County has been notified of the 5^th case of confirmed rabies in the

county this year.  A raccoon, found in the Oak Hill community, was submitted for

testing to the State Lab and was infected with the rabies virus.  The Caldwell

County Health Department advises residents to keep their pets rabies

vaccinations current and make sure pets are wearing their rabies tags when out of

doors.  Animal control offers one-year rabies vaccinations for eight dollars.  Pet

owners can call Animal Control at 828-757-8625 to set up an appointment. 

BOE Approvals

The Burke County Board of Education approves a new principal at its meeting today, along with naming some new assignments. 

Dr. Kristin Edwards has been named the coordinator and principal of the new Burke County Virtual Academy.

On July 17^th, the Board approved a back to school plan for the district that includes a hybrid model of two days of in-school learning, and three days of remote learning; plus a total virtual option through the county’s new virtual academy.

School superintendent Dr. Larry Putnam notes there is much to do in preparing for the start of school on August 17^th; adding that unprecedented times call for great leaders.

In other assignments, Karen Goins was named principal of Mull Elementary, Rich Linens – principal of Table Rock Middle School, and Jennifer Hawkins was named Multi-Tiered System of Support Coordinator.

Female Identified

Authorities have released the name of a woman discovered dead Thursday morning along a Morganton roadway.

24-year-old Christina Marie Hernandez of Morganton was found on the side of Golf Course Road near the entrance to Mimosa Hills Golf Course early yesterday.

An investigation indicates Hernandez may have previously been at a residence on Golf Course Road that was located in the county.

33-year-old Joshua Kenneth Epley of 618 Golf Course Road has been arrested in connection with the incident.

He is charged with felony concealment of death and was issued a 10-thousand dollar secured bond. His court date is set for today and the investigation continues.

Murder Suspect Arrested

A murder suspect has been arrested in Lincoln County. Early this morning,

Sheriff’s officers arrested 33-year-old Johnny Ray Cook of Cherryville, at

a relatives’s residence on Shoal Road. He was wanted in the death of

65-year-old Ronald Lee Ewing, who was found deceased in the driveway

at his home on Howard’s Creek Mill. Bond on Cook was set at $150,000

secured.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in Burke and surrounding counties.

Health officials in Burke County reported 28 new cases Thursday, bringing the county total to 1-thousand-438 individuals who’ve tested positive for the virus.

The county’s website shows 74-percent of those are presumed recovered; while 9 remain hospitalized.

Catawba County has been especially hard-hit in the last couple weeks with 41 new cases reported Thursday and an additional virus associated death.

Catawba has a current total of 1-thousand-656 positive cases; 94 of those in assisted living facilities.

McDowell reported 9 new cases on Thursday with a total now of 382 cases, and an additional death.

Caldwell County reported 889 positive cases of COVID-19, up 41 since Wednesday. Of that number, 400 patients have recovered and 16 are hospitalized, although not all of them are hospitalized in Caldwell County.

The Burke County Health Department will be hosting a drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic at the Jonas Ridge Fire Department Sunday August 2^nd from 1 until 4 pm.

Testing is free, but present your insurance card if you have one.

Call 764-9168 to pre-register; however, drop-ins are welcome.

You don’t have to be a Burke County resident to be tested.

Epley Charged

The discovery of a deceased person near the entrance to Mimosa Hills Golf Course early Thursday morning leads to the arrest of a Morganton man.

33-year-old Joshua Kenneth Epley of 618 Golf Course Road has been charged with felonious concealment of death.

A news release states the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Morganton Public Safety after city officers reported the body of a female had been found on the side of Golf Course Road.

An initial investigation revealed the deceased subject may have been at a residence on Golf Course Road inside the county.

Epley was issued a 10-thousand dollar secured bond with a court date set for July 27^th.

The investigation continues.

Drugs and Guns

A Morganton couple faces drug and weapon charges following a weeks-long investigation. 

44-year-old Wayne Patrick McDaniel and 32-year-old Kelly Rae Schreiber both of 4696 Log Hollow Lane were taken into custody July 17^th following a search of their home.

Investigators with the Burke County Narcotics Division found multiple felony amounts of controlled substances, including meth and heroin.

US currency, a stolen firearm, and a weapon of mass destruction were also located.

McDaniel is charged with meth trafficking, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, and possession of a firearm.

He was issued a 50-thousand dollar secured bond.

Schreiber is charged with trafficking opium or heroin with a 5-thousand dollar secured bond.

Both had court appearances Monday.

Freedom Park Track

Morganton crews will begin resurfacing the walking track at Freedom Park Monday July 27^th; temporarily closing the track and public parking lot during the project. 

The other two parking lots at Freedom Park will remain open, as will the tennis courts.

Playgrounds, shelters, and bathrooms at Freedom Park remain closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Call Morganton Parks and Recreation with questions at 438-5350.

911 Hang up

A 911 hang-up call in McDowell County results in the arrest of a Marion man for drug possession. 

While investigating the call, officers located a suspicious vehicle occupied by 24-year-old James Boyd Woodard Junior of Proctors Knob Road.

Reports say Woodard had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, and while being taken into custody he was found with point-60 grams of meth.

Bad Drugs on the Street

Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisnant indicated in a news story on WBTV

yesterday that local law enforcement officers were concerned about some tainted

illegal drugs on the street in Burke County.  There have been four suspected

overdoses in the past 48 hours.  Officers do carry Narcan, a drug that is used to

counter the effects of overdoses. and so far they have been able to revive three

out of the four suspected cases.  Sheriff Whisnant stressed  for people to not use

illegal street drugs.

UNC System Waiving ACT & SAT for 2021  

The University of North Carolina System will not require ACT or SAT test scores on

applications for admission in 2021.  The UNC Board of Governors voted for the

waiver Thursday.  Prospective 1^st year students at any of  UNC’s 16 campus

system have been required in years past to submit test scores from the ACT or

SAT.  Due to uncertainty over Covid – 19, students will not be required to submit

test scores for the 2021 freshman class.  Students can still submit the scores as

part of their application, and they can still be considered, but they will not be 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Catawba County saw an increase of 47 new Covid-19 cases as cumulative totals

there reached 1 thousand 6 hundred 15.  Of that number 1, thousand 2 hundred

41 have recovered and 24 are hospitalized.  Caldwell Public Health was notified

yesterday of the 10^th Covid-19 associated death.  The patient was over age 75 and

was reported to have underlying health conditions.  Caldwell also reports the 5^th

outbreak, this one at Gateway Rehabilitation and Healthcare.  Two staff members

there tested positive.  Caldwell Public Health says all of the residents and staff

have been tested and Gateway is working with them to help stop transmission. 

Caldwell has 848 cases with 400 recovered and 18 hospitalized.  McDowell County

has 8 new cases as of yesterday.  The total there is now 373 with 249 out of

quarantine. Burke County Public Health reports 42 additional cases Wedmesday,

with positive cases in Burke now totaling 1,410.

Caldwell Schools Reopening Plan 

Caldwell County Public Schools will reopen with blended instruction, for those

students who wish to have in person learning, or a full remote option online for

students K-12 to begin the 2020-2021 school year.  To participate in the remote

option, students and families will need to register online at Caldwell Connect

through July 31^st.   For blended instruction, students in grades 2-12 will be

assigned two days a week in class instruction on an “A” or B” schedule.  The

remainder of the week is remote learning. In the blended option, students in

kindergarten or first grade will attend their assigned school four days a week on

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.  A Town Hall meeting to discuss

blended learning for Caldwell County Schools or to ask questions is scheduled

Monday, July 27^th at 5:30 p.m. at Hibriten High School in the auditorium.

Construction Contract Approved

Hickory’s Ridgeview Branch Library will soon be renovated and expanded to

better serve the community.  At the July 21^st City Council meeting, Hickory City

Council accepted the bid and approved the contract with Neil Grading and

Construction Company.  The plans include a new community room that will seat

100 people, a group study room and an exterior courtyard area with separate

entrance to the new community room.

Indictment

An eastern Burke County man is indicted for murder in connection with an assault that took place in May.

Reports say 28-year-old Siegfred Albert ‘Ziggy’ Jackson of Hunterwood Drive was originally charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injuries.

Previous reports from the Burke Sheriff’s Office say Jackson shot 18-year-old Cameron Wayne Dellinger in the head with a crossbow May 13^th.

Dellinger reportedly died from his injuries on June 14^th.

According to reports, Jackson is being held without bond with his next court date set for September 14^th.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health was notified yesterday of the twenty-fifth Covid-19

associated death in Burke County.  The individual was in their 70’s and was

hospitalized and died from underlying medical conditions.  Burke County now has

1,368 cumulative cases.  Of that number 1 thousand and 49 have recovered and 9

are hospitalized.  McDowell County was also notified of a Covid-associated death. 

The Foothills Health District says the patient was a resident of Deer Park Health

and Rehabilitation and is the 4^th death in the County.  365 people have tested

positive for Covid-19 in McDowell County, 15 are residents of Deer Park Health

and 7 are staff members there.  240 patients in McDowell County are out of

quarantine.  Meanwhile Caldwell County has reported the 5^th active outbreak

associated with Covid-19.  The Shaire Center has two employees who tested

positive.  All residents and staff members have been tested and the Center says

they are pleased no residents have tested positive.  Caldwell County has 816 cases

with 395 recovered and 20 hospitalized.  Catawba County saw an increase of 38

yesterday , as the Covid-19 numbers there rose to 1 thousand 5 hundred 68.  952

patients have recovered and 28 are in the hospital.

Drowning Victim Located at Lake James

McDowell County Emergency Management says that shortly before 2 p.m.

yesterday, emergency personnel recovered the body of a man who drowned on

Lake James, Sunday evening.  Crews located the body of forty-five year old

Christopher Michael Morris of Candler in approximately thirty feet of water in an

area west of the Big Island . Morris fell off the bow of a pontoon boat Sunday

evening. Over fifty personnel from nineteen different departments assisted in the

recovery mission which began around 6:22 Sunday evening.  The NC Wildlife

Resources Commission is the main investigating agency.

Lightning Strike  

At least six people were hospitalized yesterday after a severe thunderstorm

rumbled through Avery County causing a lightning strike near a new coaster run. 

Lightning struck the ground near the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner

Elk after the National Weather Service issued the thunderstorm warning around

3:44 p.m.  The ride was closed until Wednesday morning.

Water Pressure Issues 

Water customers in the southern end of Caldwell County can expect low water

pressure today (Wednesday, July 22^nd) as work continues on the water main

break in Granite Falls.  Areas impacted include Dudley Shoals, Grace Chapel,

North Lakes and Granite Falls.  Customers are asked to conserve water over the

next few days and to avoid watering lawns, washing cars, pressure washing and

filling pools.  A boil water advisory is in effect for county water customers in the

southern end of the county.  Water for consumption, should be boiled for at least

one minute or use bottled water.  Infants younger than six months old and

pregnant women should use an alternate water source, like bottled water.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Catawba County reported 47 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday bringing the total

to 1 thousand 5 hundred 30 cumulative cases.  Of that number 9 hundred 52 have

recovered and 33 are currently hospitalized.  Caldwell County reported 38 new

cases Monday bringing the total there to 7 hundred 83 cases.  3 hundred 95

patients have recovered and 18 are hospitalized.  In McDowell County there are

28 new cases of Covid 19 for a total of 3 hundred 49.  2 hundred 36 are out of

quarantine. Burke County reported 7 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday

bringing the county's total 1,327. 9 individuals remain hospitalized.

Missing Swimmer

Authorities in McDowell County continue their search for a missing swimmer at Lake James.

Reports say the man, from Candler, is in his 40’s and went missing near the Big Island shortly after 6 Sunday evening.

Suspecting the man is deceased, rescue workers on the scene say they are in recovery mode; using sonar equipment and drones to find the body.

Emergency crews from Burke, Caldwell, and Henderson Counties are assisting McDowell in the search. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is also assisting.

Veterans’ Treatment Court  

The 36^th Judicial District is one step closer to having a Veteran’s Treatment Court.  

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners approved a request from District

Attorney Scott Reilly in April to submit a grant application to the Bureau of Justice

Assistance.  In addition, a three-day virtual training session for those people and

agencies who will be active participants in the program was recently conducted. 

The Veteran’s Treatment Court is scheduled to begin in January of 2021.  Catawba

will be the fifth county in the state to have a treatment court for veterans.

Wells to Retire 

42 nd NC State Senator Andy Wells of Hickory has announced his retirement from

the General Assembly effective July 27^th.  Wells has served more than seven years

in the General Assembly, one term in the house and 3 terms in the Senate.  Wells

recently ran for the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor but lost in the

primary.  He will retire six months before his term expires.  Well has

recommended current Republican 42^nd District nominee Dean Proctor to fill his

unexpired term.  Proctor will face Democrat Tina Miles in November.

Hickory Launches Online Payment System

The City of Hickory has implemented a more secure, convenient and user-friendly

online payment system for its customers.  The new system includes a “Pay Now”

feature that allows for quick payment without having to register an account and

registered account enhancements such as the ability to view and pay multiple

accounts at once, viewing payment history and consumption information as well

as viewing past billing statements.  The system currently accepts payments for

utility billings including charges for water, sewer, solid waste fees and commercial

waste billings.  In the future, the system will also accept payments for fire and life

safety inspections and permitting fees.

McDowell Stolen

McDowell officers are looking for suspects who made off with more than 35-thousand dollars worth of property from Burma Road east.

Steven Bugenhagen of Asheville reported on July 16^th that someone removed a backhoe, a metal building, two backhoe buckets, up to 30 gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline, a cast iron pot, and a 250-gallon water tank with a metal cage.

The theft reportedly occurred between July 11^th and the 16^th.

Anyone having information should call Detective Watson with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237.

Also in McDowell, an Asheville man is charged with resisting a public officer, driving while license revoked, and reckless driving.

Deputies with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office along with Marion police were conducting a license checkpoint whenever 57-year-old Danny Lee Jones drove up in a work van.

Officers found Jones to be driving without a license and he reportedly became irate when told to pull to the side of the road.

Jones accelerated nearly hitting the deputy, but was stopped without further incident.

Alexexander Assault

An Alexander County woman reports a weekend break-in at her home, and being assaulted by the intruder.

Officers were called to the home in the Hiddenite Community around 2:15 Sunday morning.

Reports state the woman told deputies she was awakened by a male striking her in the face and strangling her.

She also told officers she had been sexually assaulted.

According to reports, the intruder left the residence on foot.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office is offering a 1-thousand dollar reward for information leading to an arrest.

Call the Sheriff’s Office at 828-632-2911 or Crimestoppers at 828-632-8555.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health has been notified of the 24^th Covid associated death. 

The patient was in their 70’s and was hospitalized.  The news release says the

patient died from underlying medical conditions.  Burke now has 1 thousand 3

hundred 20 cumulative Covid-19 cases.  1 thousand 41 people have recovered

and 9 are hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 1 thousand 4 hundred 83 positive Covid-19 cases last

night; an increase of 19 from the previous day.  952 patients in Catawba County

have recovered and 32 are hospitalized.

Caldwell County reported the 9^th Covid-19 related death late Friday.  The patient

was between the ages of fifty and sixty-four, was hospitalized and was reported

to have underlying health conditions.  745 people have tested positive for Covid-

19 in Caldwell County and 384 have recovered.  18 are hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 321 cases as of Friday.  220 patients are out of

quarantine in McDowell County. The third COVID-19 death was also reported Friday.

Burke School Plan

The Burke County Board of Education has approved ‘Plan B’ in a special called meeting Friday.

According to a news release issued by Burke schools, the plan calls for school to start on August 17^th with both in-person and remote instruction.

Parents are allowed the option of allowing their children to attend two days in school, and three days remotely; or they can choose 100-percent remote learning through the Burke County Virtual Academy.

Under Plan B, the at-school instruction will occur on a rotating schedule.

One group of students will physically be at school on Mondays and Thursdays; while a second group of students will physically attend on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Then Wednesday will be a remote day for all students, and a professional development day for teachers.

According to a news release, the mid-week break will give school maintenance officials an opportunity to thoroughly clean the school buildings.

Schools superintendent Dr. Larry Putnam states the goal is to be in school buildings for in-person instruction five days a week for as much of the upcoming school year as possible.

Putnam adds though that until the COVID-19 cases in our area decreases, parents will continue to have options regarding their child’s instruction.

For additional information and updates, visit the Burke County schools website at burke-dot-k12-dot-nc-dot-us and click on COVID-19 Response.

McDowell Courthouse

The McDowell County Courthouse reopened this morning.  The

courthouse was closed on July 10^th due to Covid-19 exposure.  Court sessions will

resume today as originally scheduled.  Any business missed during last week’s

closure will be rescheduled with notices mailed out once new dates are give to

the McDowell Clerk of Court.  Meanwhile, the Rutherford County Courthouse

remains closed.  The complex shut down after a Covid-19 exposure.  Officials with

the courthouse say it is being cleaned.

New Elections Requirements

A new directive from the Executive Officer of the North Carolina Board of

Elections could mean more early voting sites in heavily populated areas, and in

person voting on weekends during the early voting period, October 15^th through

October 31^st.  The mandate cites Covid=19 are the reason for increasing ballot

access to the public.  County Boards have been told to submit their early voting

plans by July 31^st.