COVID-19 UPDATE

The first week after the Thanksgiving holiday, and positive cases of COVID continue to mount in Burke County.

Local public health officials report 52 new cases since Sunday in Burke, with positives now totaling 4-thousand-244.

848 cases are active, while 18 Burke residents are hospitalized with the virus.

McDowell County saw an increase of 95 cases of the virus for a current total of

1-thousand-820 with 248 individuals in quarantine.

In Caldwell County, 58 new cases of coronavirus for a total of 3-thousand-571. Two additional COVID-19 related deaths were reported today. Both patients were over 75 with reported underlying health conditions.

54 cases were reported today in Catawba County for a total of 7-thousand-126 with 61 patients hospitalized.

Outbreak at Rutherford Health Department

The Foothills Health District on Saturday reported an outbreak cluster

of COVID-19 in the Rutherford County Health Department with

18 positive employees. According to Public Health Director Karen

Powell, all regularly scheduled clinics this week have been canceled.

Statutory Rape 

A man has been charged with Statutory Rape. Last week, Morganton

Public Safety arrested 27-year-old Anasatacio Mejia in connection with

the statutory rape of a 15-year-old girl, who has given birth after an

initial investigation from April 2019. Mejia was placed in the Burke County

Jail under no bond with a court appearance scheduled for today. The

investigation is ongoing. The Burke County Child Advocacy Center

assisted with the investigations.

Fire Fatality  

A Denver man died in an early Friday morning mobile home fire. Just

after 3 o’clock, East Lincoln and Denver Fire Departments were dispatched

to 7835 Water Oaks Drive. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire

and during a search of the residence, the body of 41-year-old David

Thomas Sherrill was located. He was the only occupant of the mobile

home. No foul play is suspected and the fire is still under investigation.

The Lincoln County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office and SBI also

assisted at the scene.

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County public health reports the sixty-seventh COVID-19 related death in Burke.

The individual, reports say, was in their 70’s and was hospitalized when they died from virus-related complications.

Meanwhile, the number of positive cases in Burke increased by 52 Tuesday afternoon, bringing the county total to 3-thousand-974 positives.

713 cases are active, while 14 local residents are hospitalized.

In McDowell, health officials report 25 new positive cases, with a total of positives amounting to 1-thousand-667.

221 McDowell residents are in quarantine.

Mask Mandate

The governor’s newest executive order goes into effect this afternoon at 5 which tightens the mask mandate for NC residents.

In a news release from the Burke County Health Department, some things to remember about the new order –

A face covering is required in all indoor settings if there are non-household members present regardless of the distance between.

Face coverings are still required in outdoor settings if individuals are unable to stay more than six feet away from non-household members.

Face coverings are now required while exercising inside indoor gyms and fitness facilities.

In restaurants, guests are required to wear face coverings at their table unless actively eating or drinking.

Retail businesses with more than 15-thousand square feet of interior space must have workers at each public entrance who shall be responsible for enforcing the face covering order, as well as ensuring the emergency maximum occupancy requirement.

Customers using public transportation can be denied service for those refusing to wear a face covering.

And the executive order’s face covering requirements are now enforceable by law enforcement.

Lenoir Drug Arrest

A traffic violation turns into a drug arrest for a Lenoir woman.

29-year-old Elizabeth Jane Lewis faces multiple felony drug charges following a traffic stop last Friday.

A report from the Lenoir Police Department says officers executed the stop, while K-9s alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics.

During a search of the vehicle, police located fentanyl, xanax, US currency, and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Lewis was taken into custody, reports say, and was found to also be in possession of point-8 grams of meth – discovered on her person prior to booking.

Total value of seized drugs; 48-hundred dollars, according to the state drug guidelines.

Lewis was issued a 40-thousand-300-dollar secured bond.

More charges are pending.

Truck Stolen

Authorities are looking for a truck that was stolen from a Marion business on Monday.

An employee of Cumberland Gravel and Sand on Old Glenwood Road told officers someone took the gray 2011 Ford F-150 from the business.

Four impact guns, an industrial welder, air compressor, and other tools were stolen as well.

Anyone having knowledge of the theft, the suspect, or whereabouts of the stolen goods should call McDowell detective Lambert at 828-652-2237 or McDowell Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE 

Burke County Public Health reported the 66th COVID-19 related death Monday. The patient in their 90's was hospitalized and later died from COVID-19 related complications. 41 new positive cases were reported in Burke, with 705 cases active and 14 residents are hospitalized. Burke total is now at 3-thousand-922.

McDowell County saw a near-record jump with 58 new cases of the virus, bringing the county's total to 1-thousand-642, with 190 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported the 40th COVID-19 related death, with the patient between the ages of 65-74, was hospitalized and with underlying health conditions. 43 new cases of coronavirus were added for a total of 3-thousand-285.

In Catawba County 60 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported Monday for a county total of 6-thousand-424.

Statewide figures show the largest number of virus-related hospitalizations Monday afternoon at 1-thousand-601 – the most since the pandemic started in March.

Governor Cooper's Executive Order

With COVID-19 numbers rising, Governor Cooper has issued an amended executive order tightening the statewide mask mandate.

The governor Monday afternoon said the statewide mask mandate has been in effect since June, and is the best way to fight the pandemic.

The governor’s amended order allows law enforcement to cite an individual for not complying with the mandate; and also to charge a business for failure to enforce the mask rule with their employees and/or clients.

The new order states individuals should wear a mask whenever with someone they don’t live with – at work, at the gym, at a store or restaurant, and at school.

Cooper stresses the next couple of weeks will be critical in reviewing data as to what the next move will be, and whether the state will again see more restrictions.

The new order goes into effect Wednesday at 5 pm prior to Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday shopping.

Traffic Stop

A traffic stop in McDowell County turns up drugs and a weapon last month.

62-year-old Francis Jackson Junior of Marion was a passenger inside a vehicle stopped for multiple traffic violations on October 20^th.

A search of Jackson and his area in the car turned up point-30 grams of meth, 1-point-6 grams of marijuana, and a knife.

Jackson was then charged with possession of meth, possession of up to one-half ounce of marijuana, and carrying a concealed weapon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health reported Sunday that the county currently

has 3-thousand-881 positive cases of COVID-19, up 95 from Friday’s

briefing. Officials also remind residents to plan to get a flu shot to reduce

the number of flu cases in the area as well as COVID-19.

Caldwell County on Saturday reported 10 additional cases of coronavirus

for a total of 3-thousand-242. 

On Sunday, Catawba County saw 99 new cases of COVID-19, for a

current total of 6-thousand-364.

And in McDowell County on Friday, 22 new cases of the virus bringing

the total there to 1-thousand-584 positives.

Lenoir Man Charged in Morganton Shooting

A man is shot after a motor vehicle crash in Morganton. Public Safety

Officers arrived in the area of Hogan Street and Valdese Avenue, just

before 7 p.m.Friday, and found 21-year-old Zion Peterson bleeding.

According to a Public Safety crime release, Peterson and 21-year-old

Mykel Bennett had been involved in a drug transaction, where weapons

were shown, followed by a struggle while Bennett was driving. The

vehicle struck a utility pole, and a struggle continued as both men

exited the vehicle. Bennett is reported to have then discharged his

rifle, striking Peterson twice in the leg. Peterson was later released

from CHS Morganton after treatment. Bennett was arrested and

placed in the Burke County Jail under a $50,000 secured bond with a

court appearance scheduled for today.

Missing Rutherford Man 

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in

finding Daryl Jamichael Price, who was last seen Friday in the Ellenboro

Area. Investigators are also trying to locate Delarrio Goode and Lakelia

Ann Dickey who are suspects in the disappearance of Price. Goode and

Dickey have current warrants issued on other matters. Anyone with

information is asked to call Rutherford 911 Communications at 286-2911. 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County’s virus numbers continue to rise as state health officials Thursday reported NC’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 positives.

A news release from local public health officials reported 56 new cases in Burke County pushing the total number of positives to 3-thousand-734.

In Burke, 636 cases are active, while 17 are now hospitalized.

Statewide, 4-thousand-296 new cases were reported Thursday.

The record-high day follows several days of increasing trends in new cases, the percent of tests proving positive, and hospitalizations.

State figures also reveal a higher number of residents visiting emergency departments with COVID-like symptoms.

NC health officials advise people to avoid travel over Thanksgiving and only gather with those in your household.

Officials also recommend wearing masks during gatherings, celebrate outdoors if possible, arrange tables and chairs to be physically distance if attendees are not in the same family unit, and keep the Thanksgiving event small with one person serving instead of buffet style.

College students returning home for the holiday are urged to get tested before going home.

If you need to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test, call the Burke County Health Department at 828-764-9150.

Federal Sentence

A Marion man with an extensive criminal history is sentenced to more than a decade in prison in federal court.

A news release says 43-year-old Jonathan Brooks Floyd was sentenced to 178 months amounting to more than 14 years for the charge of possession with intent to distribute meth.

Following his prison sentence, Floyd will also be subject to five years of supervised release.

Court documents say officials became aware in November 2019 that Floyd was trafficking meth.

A news release states a search of Floyd’s home turned up over 625 grams of methamphetamine and five firearms.

Floyd pleaded guilty to the drug charge last June, while previous convictions in NC including being a habitual felon contributed to the court’s sentencing.

According to reports, Floyd is currently in custody and will be transferred to the federal Bureau of Prisons once a federal facility is designated.

Assault Arrest

A Marion man is charged 5 months after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home and assaulting her.

Reports from the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say 51-year-old Theodore Scott Owenby of Zion Hill Road broke into the residence on June 5^th causing damage to the door, and further grabbed the female around her neck.

According to reports, the woman who was assaulted was acquainted with Owenby.

Earlier this month, Owenby was arrested for assaulting officers and resisting arrest; at which time he was also served with outstanding warrants for breaking and entering, assault on a female, and injury to real property.

Lincoln Child Assault

A Lincolnton man has been charged in connection with a child sexual assault that occurred last month.

Lincoln detectives reports receiving word from the local child advocacy center October 22^nd that a 14-year-old female had disclosed the sexual assault during an interview with officials.

The alleged incident occurred at a residence the victim was visiting, and the victim and suspect did not know each other reports say.

30-year-old Erick Richard Cardenas was interviewed by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office officials on Thursday and admitted to the assault.

Cardenas has been charged with indecent liberties with a child and jailed under a 20-thousand dollar secured bond.

He will have his first court appearance today.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

New cases of COVID-19 continue to saturate the Catawba Valley area as the Thanksgiving holiday is rapidly approaching.

Public health officials in Burke County reported 71 new positives Wednesday, with a total case number of 3-thousand-678.

603 cases are reported to be active, while 11 residents remain hospitalized.

Catawba County officials reported three additional COVID related deaths Wednesday; for the second day in a row.

Catawba is currently designated as an orange level alert; showing substantial community spread.

Officials there reported 67 new cases, with a total of 5-thousand-991.

McDowell County reported 11 new positive cases with a total of 1-thousand-530.

202 McDowell residents remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 36 new cases of the virus for a total of 3-thousand-140

and two residents at Gateway Rehabilitation & Healthcare tested positive.

Elsewhere, Alexander County is currently seeing critical community spread, with a reported 17-percent positivity rate – presently the highest in the state.

Pair With Drugs

A pair of Marion residents was caught with drugs at a McDowell County license checkpoint.

55-year-old William Darrell Clark was charged with possession of a schedule two controlled substance, while 48-year-old Patricia Annette Chester was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Reports say both were passengers inside a car stopped by officers at a license checkpoint October 31^st.

A search of the vehicles occupants revealed 2 and one-half methadone wafers on Clark, and paraphernalia among Chester’s belongings.

The State Highway Patrol issued multiple citations on scene as well.

Conover Fatality

A two-vehicle crash in Conover Tuesday claimed the life of a motorist.

Reports indicate a box truck and a pickup truck collided on Thornburg Drive just before 5:30 p.m.

The driver of the pickup was killed in the accident.

Conover firefighters and Catawba County EMS responded to the scene.

Conover Police continue to investigate.

Tree Lighting Canceled

Rising COVID-19 concerns causes the cancellation of yet another holiday favorite -

The City of Hickory has decided to cancel the Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled for Friday.

Officials say the decision was a difficult one; however, in light of the Governor’s most recent briefing designating Catawba County’s status for substantial community spread, canceling the event is in the interest of public safety.

A news release says Santa will instead make a surprise visit to magically light the tree in the near future that will be shared on the city’s website and through social media.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday

for a current total of 3-thousand-607. Active cases number 562, with

10 patients hospitalized.

McDowell County added 17 cases of the virus for a total of 1-thousand-519.

191 people remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 42 new cases of coronavirus for a new total of

3-thousand-104, with 20 people hospitalized.

And 111 new cases of COVID-19 reported Tuesday in Catawba County for

a total of 5-thousand-924, with 45 patients hospitalized.

Marion Woman Wanted for Questioning

Hickory police officers are looking for a Marion woman that is a

Person of interest in a suspicious fire there. 33-year-old Rachael

Jane Hughes, who has a possible Styles Cove Road address, is wanted

For questioning in the arson case. She is described as a white female,

5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 133 pounds and has brown hair and blue

Eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jessie Hicks

With the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237 or McDowell

Crime Stoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463).

Statewide Recount

The Burke County Board of Elections will conduct the statewide

re-count for the Office of NC Supreme Court Chief Justice Seat 01.

That will begin tomorrow at Noon, at the Board of Elections Office.

 

COVID-19 update

Burke County Public Health Monday reported the sixty-fifth COVID-19 related death.

The individual was in their 90’s, was hospitalized, and later died from virus-related complications. Burke County’s numbers of positives indicates 90 new positives since Saturday., for a current total of 3-thousand-591. 

Local officials say the jump in numbers is due to several factors –

Increased testing within the county as there are now 22 permanent testing sites in Burke.

Time between notification between the testing sites and health officials.

Community spread and household contacts that continues to drive positive numbers up.

Residents who continue to gather in groups of more than 10 indoors without physically distancing or wearing masks  and

People who continue to go to work, events, church and other places within the community when they are sick, thus spreading the infection.

 In Caldwell County, an outbreak at a long care facility, with Brookdale reporting 3 staff and 1 resident testing positive for COVID-19. 74 new cases were reported Monday for a current total of 3-thousand-62. The 39th COVID-19 related death was reported with the individual over the age of 75, had been hospitalized, and with underlying health conditions.

Catawba County reported 91 additional cases of the virus for a total of 5-thousand-813.

And in McDowell County 44 new cases of COVID-19 and a tota; of 1-thousand-502.

Stolen Motorcycle

Two Nebo men have been charged in connection with the recent theft of a motorcycle.

McDowell County deputies were searching the Wheeler Drive residence of 29-year-old Mitchell Ray Roper and 34-year-old Jonathan Carl Ross for an unrelated case and found the motorcycle, a 2018 Suzuki which had been reported stolen in Shelby.

Roper and Ross were charged with possession of stolen goods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health reported 26 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday for a cumulative total of  3-thousand-501 positive cases; with 12 remaining hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials Friday reported 21 new positives, and one additional virus-related death. McDowell's positive total now number 1-thousand-458, with 160 residents in quarantine.

Catawba County on Sunday reported 56 additional cases of coronavirus for a current total of 5-thousand-722 and 44 patients are hospitalized.

In Caldwell County Friday, 34 new cases of COVID-19 were reported for a new total of 2-thousand-988 with people hospitalized. The Health Department learned of a cluster of cases at CCC & TI in Hudson as five students in the women's basketball program tested positive. All team activities have been suspended until further notice. Also, an outbreak reported at Comserv Playmore Residential Facility, where three staff members and two clients tested positive for COVID-19.  

Burke County health officials in Friday’s news release reminds residents of the Governor’s new executive order that goes into effect that day.

No gatherings can exceed the established limits of the order – 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.

Officials further stress that outdoor activities are always preferred over indoor, since being outdoors can help reduce the spread of the virus.

Student With Gun

A Lincoln County middle school student, reports say, took a gun with him onto school campus Thursday morning.

A news release says the 8^th grade student accidently took the firearm from home and discovered it whenever he opened a medical bag that he is required to carry at East Lincoln Middle School.

The 13-year-old informed his teacher that the gun was inside the bag, and further told school officials he didn’t know how the weapon got there.

Reports say the school resource officer secured the gun, while officials confirm the weapon was at no time displayed in the classroom, and that no students were ever in danger.

One of the student’s guardians told officials she had placed the gun in the medical bag over the weekend when the family had gone to ride ATVs at Brown Mountain, and she had forgotten to remove it.

The matter concerning the student will be turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice; while the guardian was issued a citation for failure to store a firearm to protect minors.

 

 

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 COVID-19 UPDATE

The number of COVID-19 cases in Burke drops to below 20; while the state reports the highest one-day increase of positives since the pandemic began.

Burke County is now up to 3-thousand-390 positive cases, an increase of 17 cases since Tuesday, according to a news release from Burke Public Health officials.

Of that total, Burke has 497 active cases, 2-thousand-824 cases having recovered, and 10 residents who are still hospitalized.

3-thousand-119 positive cases were reported statewide Wednesday, with hospitalizations in NC at 1-thousand-246, and positive testing climbing to 7-point-9 percent.

State health officials have advised people to avoid travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, and only gather with people in their household.

McDowell County reports 12 new positive cases and two additional virus-related deaths, with a total of 1-thousand-416, and 158 residents remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported the 37^th and 38^th COVID-19 related deaths, with both over the age of 75. New positive cases reported in Caldwell totaled 19 for a new total of 2-thousand-916.

In Catawba County, 56 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday for a current total of 5-thousand-368.

Hallyburton Academy Closes

A local elementary school transitions to remote learning this week following reported COVID-19 exposures.

Hallyburton Academy will follow Plan C instruction until November 19^th.

Officials with Burke County Public Schools say the building is closed for cleaning, while those who were exposed have been quarantined or isolated.

Parents were made aware of the situation on Monday reports say.

In addition, officials report students or staff members who had close contact with individuals testing positive will be notified.

Parents having questions about their child’s health are encouraged to contact their doctor or call the Burke County Health Department’s Public Information Line at 828-764-9168.

Shelby Homicide

A man was found dead Tuesday evening inside a car in Shelby, and authorities continue to look for a suspect.

Police responded to reports of shots being fired in the 800 block of Charles Road.

Upon their arrival reports say they located a 25-year-old black man in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in a wooded area off the roadway.

Police reports indicate the man was the sole occupant in the car.

Investigators say they are running down some leads and speaking with witnesses, but they have no suspects yet.

The name of the deceased is being withheld until the family can be notified.

 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health reported the 64th COVID-19 related death on Tuesday. The individual in their 60's, was hospitalized and later died from COVID-19 related complications. Burke's current total number of positive cases is 3-thousand-374 with 9 patients hospitalized.

Caldwell County reported the 35th and 36th COVID-19 related deaths yesterday, with both over the age of 75, were hospitalizedand reported to have underlying health conditions. 20 new positive virus were reported for a total of 2-thousand-897.

Catawba County reported an additional 88 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 5-thousand-312 and in McDowell County had 24 new cases of coronavirus for a total of 1-thousand-404.

Burke CET Ranking

Career and Technical Education students in Burke County receive state

rankings. A recent released ranking lists Public School CTE students 12^th

in the number of credentials earned; 13^th in the state based on the number

of credentials earned as a percentage of CTE course enrollment aligned;

and as 1 of 4 districts out of 115 in North Carolina to place in the top 15

in both categories. Students completed CTE courses in subjects such as

fire fighting, health care, construction, foods and Microsoft Office with

credentials which are endorsed by business and industry and document

student mastery of skills required for employment and advancement in

a career. Over 2,900 Burke students enrolled in CTE courses.

Veterans Day Closings

Morganton City Hall and City facilities will be closed today, in

observance of Veterans Day. There will be no garbage collection

today, with trash pickup operating on a one-day delay for the

rest of the week.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Most of the positive cases of COVID-19 are because of community spread due to all types of gatherings such as recent Halloween parties, sports activities, and close contacts with other household members – that word coming from Burke County health officials as positives continue to mount.

Officials reported 34 new positive cases Monday, with a current total of 3-thousand-338.

Of that total, 459 cases are active, 2-thousand-787 are recovered, and 8 are still hospitalized.

Local public health in a news release, urge residents not to attend gatherings of any kind, especially when they’re sick.

The release goes on to say as we move into the holiday season where social gatherings are normally held between family, friends, and neighbors, remember all gatherings pose a risk for virus transmission, including the flu.

State health officials recommend having a screening for COVID-19 three to four days ahead of time for those planning to attend or host a gathering.

Also, health experts warn against participating in the traditional Black Friday shopping where customers gather in large groups waiting for the store to open or are in crowded stores for extended periods.

Any large gathering of people poses an increased risk for spreading the virus.

McDowell County reported 41 new cases for a total of 1-thousand-380. There was an additional virus-related death and 123 McDowell residents remain in quarantine.

Caldwll County reported the 34th COVID-19 related death Monday. The patient was over 75 and hospitalized with underlying health conditions. 46 new virus cases were reported for a county total of 2-thousand-877.

In Catawba County, 53 additional COVID-19 cases were reported Monday for a county total of 5-thousand-224.

Lenoir Rhyne Remote

Due to a substantial increase in COVID-19 in Catawba County, students at Lenoir Rhyne University are now learning exclusively online.

Students there are also being urged to move home early if possible because of the growing case count.

School officials say before classes began they required all students and faculty to take a COVID-19 test before arriving on campus.

Since then, school leaders report the university was averaging 6 to 9 cases a week, and only recently an uptick of about 9 to 12 cases weekly which they believed was manageable.

However, there has been a 300-percent increase in positive cases overall in Catawba County.

Banner Elk Fire

One person died in an early Sunday morning house fire in Avery County.

According to fire officials, the fire was reported just before 7 am in Banner Elk.

Reports say fire apparatus experienced difficulties in getting to the scene because of limited access for the tankers.

Two of the home’s occupants escaped with minor injuries reports say, while one person was discovered deceased inside.

The residence received heavy damages. The Red Cross is assisting the family.

Lincoln Shooting

Lincoln County deputies continue to investigate a Thursday shooting incident.

35-year-old Thomas Mathis of Lincolnton told officers he and 36-year-old Cody Johnson of Vale were involved in a physical altercation at Johnson’s home.

During the fight reports say, 28-year-old Katie Lattimore of Shelby shot Mathis in the abdomen.

Officers stopped Lattimore as she was trying to leave the scene and charged her with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Two days following the incident, Lincoln deputies and Longview Police arrested Lattimore at a location in Catawba County.

She was taken into custody under a 50-thousand dollar secured bond.

Mathis was transported to Atrium Health Cleveland where he was treated and released the next day.

Shelby Police served him with an outstanding warrant for breaking and entering a motor vehicle that occurred a day prior to the shooting.

As a convicted felon Cody Johnson was served a search warrant for his home, after which deputies located a handgun and meth.

He was then charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and jailed under a 20-thousand dollar bond.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Caldwell County Public Health reported the second highest single day cases of Covid-19 since March on Friday.  83 new cases were reported, where 2 thousand

8 hundred and 31 people have contracted the virus.  19 patients are hospitalized

in Caldwell County and 18 hundred and 64 patients have recovered.  Burke

County is reporting 3 thousand 3 hundred and 4 cases of the virus with six

patients hospitalized and 2 thousand 7 hundred and 51 people recovered. 

Catawba County reported 45 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday for a cumulative

total of 5 thousand 1 hundred and 71.  51 patients are hospitalized in Catawba

County and 4 thousand 1 hundred and 30 patients have recovered. McDowell County

reported 15 new positive cases Friday, for a total of 1-thousand-339 with 

119 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Armed Robbery Arrest

A Catawba County man accused of the theft of two vehicles and an attempted

theft of another, was arrested yesterday after a multi county chase.  Thirty-nine

year old Keith Allen Willis, Jr. was arrested after he was spotted by deputies in a

stolen vehicle, taken from a woman by knifepoint in a parking lot of a gas station

near Oxford School Road and Interstate-40.  Deputies chased Willis from Springs

Road in Hickory into Alexander County before apprehending him.  Willis is also

accused of the Friday afternoon theft of a truck from a Northeast Hickory

business, and the attempted theft of another vehicle from a gas station parking

lot in Catawba the same day.

Blue Angel Comes In Today

The City of Hickory will welcome the Hickory Aviation Museum’s latest addition to

its permanent aircraft collection, Blue Angel Number 5.  The plane is scheduled to

arrive at the Hickory Airport around 12:30 p.m. today.  The plane had originally

been scheduled to arrive on Friday, but due to the approaching Tropical Storm

Eta, the time table was moved up.  The Hickory Aviation Museum is located at the

Hickory Regional Airport and is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m.; Saturdays

from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Masks are required of

all visitors over 5 years of age.  Admission is free.  The indoor museum and gift

shop are currently closed to the public.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke Public Health reports 30 new positive cases of COVID-19 Thursday afternoon, with Burke’s total of positives now at 3-thousand-251.

Figures from the county’s website shows 481 cases as active, 2-thousand-683 as being recovered, and 7 as being still hospitalized.

In McDowell County, 8 new positive cases were reported, with a total of 1-thousand-324 positive cases. 112 McDowell residents remain in quarantine.

Catawba County reported an additional 106 new virus cases for a total of 4-thousand-986. And in Caldwell County, 19 new cases of COVID-19 for a county total of 2-thousand-727.

Holiday Gathering Tips

With Thanksgiving only three weeks away, Burke County public health officials issue reminders to those engaging in social gatherings.

Officials stress private or public gatherings between family members, friends, and neighbors pose a risk for transmission of COVID-19 along with the flu.

No gatherings can exceed the current limits within the Governor’s Executive Order of 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors.

Health experts say outdoor activities are always preferred over indoor events to help reduce the virus spread.

Officials recommend everyone wear face coverings at indoor gatherings and physically distanced from others at least six feet.

In a news release, public health urges residents to follow the basics – Do not host or attend a gathering if: you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you are waiting on COVID-19 test results, you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you have been told by a medical authority to quarantine or isolate, or you have been possibly exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Social gathering guidelines have been posted on the Burke County Health Department’s Facebook page.

 

Child Abductors

A Morganton couple was charged last month with child abduction after authorities found a missing child at their home.

A release issued by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy went to the Scott Road home of 36-year-old Jonathan Paul Holtsclaw and Samantha Leigh Bowman on October 9^th looking for the child.

The release indicates the investigation determined the child was a runaway, and Holtsclaw and Bowman told the officer they had not seen the child.

Then reports say deputies returned to the residence the following morning and located the child.

Both Holtsclaw and Bowman were charged with one felony count each of abduction of children, and were each issued 20-thousand dollar secured bonds.

They will both appear in court December 7^th.

  

Suspect Caught on Scene

Deputies in McDowell County nab a suspect at the scene of the crime.

On October 8^th, officers were called to a break-in in progress at a residence on Airport Road in Marion.

Upon arrival, lawmen found 50-year-old Kevin Gordon Elliott of Marion at the crime scene, with obvious signs he had broken into a pool house.

Nothing was reported missing; Elliott was charged with breaking and entering.

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

The number of COVID-19 positive cases continues to grow daily, while public health officials report two more virus related deaths in Burke County.

According to a news release issued Wednesday, officials report the sixty-second and sixty-third COVID deaths to occur in Burke since the pandemic began in March.

One individual was in their 70’s, was hospitalized, but later died from virus related complications.

The second person was in their 80’s, was not hospitalized, but died from COVID associated complications.

24 new positive cases were added to Burke’s tally, bringing the county’s total to 3-thousand-221 positives.

The latest figures show 481 cases are active, 2-thousand-664 are reported as recovered, and 6 remain hospitalized.

In McDowell County, public health reports 14 additional positives; bringing the total number of positives to 1-thousand-316.

130 individuals in McDowell remain in quarantine.

In Caldwell County, the 33rd COVID-19 related death was reported, with the patient between the ages of 65 and 74, was hospitalized, and reported to have underlying health conditions. Thirty new cases were reported in Caldwell yesterday and twenty patients are hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an increase of 49 COVID-19 cases Wednesday for a cumulative total of 4-thousand-880. 44 patients are hospitalized.

Shelby Man Sentenced

A Shelby man has been sentenced to a prison term for his involvement in a pair of robberies – one in Burke, and the other in Catawba County.

20-year-old Kamau Jarek Clark pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, as well as two counts of second-degree kidnapping.

Clark was sentenced Tuesday in Burke County Superior Court to an active prison term of five to seven years.

One of the robberies took place in Newton on June 12^th 2019, while the other took place in Morganton the following day.

In both instances, report say Clark and co-defendants held employees of two businesses at gunpoint and robbed them of cash, while also stealing money from the businesses.

Clark also received a pair of suspended sentences of 27 to 45 months each for the kidnapping charges to be served consecutively if he violates terms of his probation.

Deputies Assaulted

Two recent incidents in McDowell County have led to deputies being assaulted.

51-year-old Theodore Scott Owenby of Marion is charged with three counts of assault on a government official and one count of resisting a public officer.

McDowell deputies responded to a domestic dispute around midnight November 1^st at Owenby’s residence.

Officers had discovered there were three outstanding warrants for Owenby’s arrest .

When they arrived on scene and attempted to take him into custody, reports say Owenby began fighting and assaulted three officers.

In a separate incident 50-year-old Scott Lee Parry of Marion was charged with resisting a public officer, communicating threats, and assault on a government official.

An officer reportedly responded to Parry’s home because of a loud music complaint.

As the officer arrived and advised the suspect to turn the music down, Parry became belligerent and struck the deputy in the head.

Reports say other officers then arrived on scene and took Parry into custody.

Woman Charged  As Accessory to Murder

A 34 year old woman has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder in

connection with the homicide of Samuel Antonio Hernandez Loza.  Sheala Diane

Layell was arrested by Catawba County law enforcement officers and placed in

the Catawba County Detention Center under a 75 thousand dollar secure bond. 

Tony Marshall Shook remains in custody charged with the murder of Loza.  No

bond has been set for him at this time.  The homicide appears to be narcotics

related according to a press release from the Catawba County Sheriff’s

Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heavy Area Election Turnout 

Over 76 % of registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s general

election in Burke County. With all 33 precincts reporting, 44,398 people

voted out of 58,308 registered voters.

In McDowell County, with 17 precincts reporting, 23,006 people had

voted out of 29,895 registered voters, which is almost 77%.

Catawba County reported that 83,047 people voted out of 108,862 registered

voters. Out of 40 precincts reporting, about 76.3% of registered voters

had cast ballots. And in Caldwell County, 77.7% of 54,771 registered

voters had cast ballots, which means 42,555 people voted, with all 20 precincts

reporting.

Burke Election Results

Jeff Brittain, Scott Mulwee and Johnnie Carswell were the leading

vote getters for three seats available for Burke County Commissioners.

Brittain led the way with about 24.4%, followed by Mulwee at around

23.6% and Carswell about 22.9%. Other candidates receiving votes

include Dorian Palmer with 10.3%, Diane Ervin Conley about 10.2%

and Matthew Lucas Church with around 8.7%.

In the State Senate race District 46, Warren Daniel received over 68%

of the vote, with Edward Phifer at about 32%.

For State House District 86, Hugh Blackwell recorded almost 70% of

the vote, with Cecilia Surratt around 30%, and in State House District 112,

David Rogers had almost 78% of the vote with Ed Hallyburton at about

22% of the vote.  

Prison Sentences  

A Taylorsville man was given a prison sentence of 10 to 13 years after

he pleaded guilty to various charges Tuesday, during Catawba County

Superior Court. 27-year-old De Andre Jerome Mack was convicted for

attempted first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, assault by

strangulation, assault inflicting serious injury and misdemeanor assault

on a governmental official.

In another case Tuesday, 46-year-old Carl Reese Bullabough of Hickory

was sentenced to 44 to 65 months in prison, after being convicted of

assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury,

assault by strangulation and communicating threats.

 

Election Day Tips

The NC State Board of Elections has a few tips for today’s voters.

Polls across the state are open until 7:30 p.m. and voters still in line at 7:30

will still be able to cast a vote. Keep in mind, lines tend to be longer before and after normal business hours.

You are required to vote at your designated precinct, that you can find online by visiting the State Board of Elections website and go to ‘Voter Search’ or ‘Polling Place Search’. You can also find sample ballots through the Voter Search tool

online, and remember that same-day registration is not available today.

If you’re not registered to vote, you will not be able to vote today..

Voters are not required to show a photo ID to vote in this year’s general election.

And finally to protect all involved, masks and hand sanitizer will be available to all voters, and remember to observe social distancing practices while at the polls.

COVID-19

COVID-19 claims two more Burke County residents as local positive cases continue to climb.

In a news release, public health officials report the fifty-ninth and sixtieth deaths in Burke.

The release reports both were hospitalized when they died from virus related complications; one in their 60’s, and one in their 50’s.

There are currently 3-thousand-173 positive cases in Burke; up 78 positives since last reported on Friday.

According to the release, the increase is due to late reporting to the electronic data surveillance system from new testing locations.

In Burke, 422 cases are active, 2-thousand-635 cases are termed recovered, and 6 remain hospitalized.

Officials with the Burke County Health Department in Monday’s release are encouraging parents to make sure their children’s immunizations and school health assessments are up to date, even though they’re not in school full-time.

According to the release, there has been an extension provided under executive order 172 to allow families time to obtain all outstanding immunizations and health assessments before the December deadline.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for immunizations or school health assessments, call the health department at 764-9150.

Theft Arrest

A Marion man is charged in connection with property theft that occurred in July.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say an Asheville man told officers on July 16th that someone removed a backhoe, a metal building, diesel fuel and gasoline, a cast iron pot, and a water tank from a field on Burma Road East in Marion.

Investigators received information that 54-year-old James Andrew Johnson of Sugar Hill Road had taken some of the items.

Johnson was charged with stealing the metal building, the water tank, and cast iron pot.

Value of stolen items was 20-thousand-500 dollars.

The metal building was recovered; however, the remaining items are still missing.