COVID Deaths

Burke County Public Health now reports there have been 82 deaths in Burke from COVID-19, three reported Wednesday.

Officials say two individuals were in their 80’s, and one in their 100’s.

A news release states one was hospitalized, while two were not; but all three died from COVID-related complications.

Burke reported a record high number of additional positive cases Wednesday afternoon – 197 since Tuesday, pushing the total case number over the 6-thousand mark.

950 cases are reported to be active and 23 Burke County residents remain hospitalized with COVID.

In McDowell County, health officials reported 47 new positives, and 2 additional deaths Wednesday.

3-thousand-14 residents in McDowell have tested positive for the virus since the pandemic began, and 509 individuals are in quarantine.

Catawba was notified Wednesday of an additional 10 deaths bringing the total to 161. 

147 new cases were reported in Catawba County yesterday with 113 hospitalizations. 

Some 11, 306 people have tested positive for Covid-19 since March and 9,833

have recovered.  Caldwell Public Health reports another death from coronavirus

complications yesterday.  77 patients there have died since the pandemic began

in March.  Caldwell reported 138 new cases Wednesday with 59 hospitalizations. 

5750 people have tested positive for the virus overall with 2931 recovered to

date.

2nd Inmate Dies from COVID-19 

Another inmate at the Alexander Correctional Center has died from coronavirus

complications.  The male, who was in his late 50’s, had tested positive on

December 8^th and entered the hospital.  His condition worsened and he died on

Tuesday, according to the NC Department of Public Safety.  He did suffer

from underlying health conditions.

Vaccine Rollout

Meanwhile, US health officials report a new variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Colorado, while virus hospitalizations across the country remain at record highs.

To combat the virus dilemma, State health experts have announced an updated vaccination plan to align with new federal recommendations.

The plan aims to simplify the vaccine process and continue the state’s commitment to first protect health care workers caring for those with COVID-19, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying from the virus, and those at high risk of exposure.

A news release indicates vaccine supplies are currently limited, forcing states to make the vaccine available in phases.

According to State Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen, it will be several months before vaccines are widely available to everyone.

NC is currently in Phase 1-A in which health care workers fighting COVID-19 and long term care staff and residents are being vaccinated.

Phase 1-B includes adults 75 years or older and frontline essential workers.

Phase 2 of the plan calls for vaccinating adults at high risk for exposure and those with an increased risk of severe illness.

College and high school students 16 or older will receive the vaccine in Phase 3, while Phase 4 allows anyone wanting the vaccine to be vaccinated.

To view the updated vaccine roll out plan, visit ncdhhs.gov/press-releases.

Eviction Moratorium

Governor Cooper has extended NC’s eviction moratorium set to expire today.

In a Wednesday afternoon news conference, the governor announced the moratorium has been extended through January 31^st 2021.

Cooper remarked that too many families are living on the edge trying to do the right thing but left with impossible choices.

The governor says the extension will help them stay in their homes which is essential to slow the spread.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Caldwell Public Health was notified yesterday of 7 additional coronavirus related

deaths.  Six of the patients had underlying conditions.  In addition, the county saw

122 new cases reported yesterday with 61 patients hospitalized.  Catawba

County was notified of one death yesterday bringing the total to 151.  Catawba

recorded 116 new cases of Covid-19 with 106 patients hospitalized.  Overall, 11,

159 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Catawba County since March,

while 8,786 have recovered.

The death toll from COVID-19 in Burke County continues to mount as health officials Tuesday afternoon reported the seventy-eighth and seventy-ninth virus-related deaths.

A news release says one individual was in their 70’s and died at home, while one was in their 80’s, was hospitalized but later died from COVID-19 related complications.

Burke County health officials now report a total of 5-thousand-909 positives, 24 additional cases from Monday.

976 cases are reported to still be active, and 22 Burke residents remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 77 new positive cases Tuesday, and one additional COVID-19 related death.

McDowell’s total cases amount to 2-thousand-967, while 464 residents are quarantined.

Frontline workers in McDowell began receiving the county’s first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Monday during a drive-thru clinic.

21 doses were administered to those workers deemed most at risk for exposure to the virus.

 

Chase and Arrest

A Lenoir man just released from prison leads authorities in Polk County on a high speed chase last week.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on December 22^nd occupied by 38-year-old Joshua Tolbert of Lenoir and 44-year-old Jimmy Mask of Rutherfordton.

Reports indicate Tolbert had been released from a NC prison only three days prior to the incident, while Mask was released in March of this year.

As deputies tried to stop their vehicle, they fled from officers reaching high rates of speed while throwing items from the car.

Officials say the pursuit ended in a field in Spartanburg County where Tolbert and Mask were taken into custody.

Deputies, reports say, found the two were trafficking amounts of methamphetamine as well as psychedelic mushrooms, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Tolbert and Mask were taken to the Spartanburg County detention center to face charges in SC, and will also face extradition back to NC.

Energy Assist

The state’s department of health and human services today announced that beginning Monday January 4^th, households can apply online for the low income energy assistance program and the crisis intervention program.

The low income energy assistance program is a seasonal service that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Applications will be accepted through March 31^st or until funds are exhausted.

The Crisis Intervention Program is a year-round service that assists those who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis due to a life threatening or health related emergency.

Applications will be accepted until June 30^th or until funds are exhausted.

For more information on these energy assistance programs, visit ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services.

Applicants can also call their county department of social services to apply by phone.

 

 

Catawba Coronavirus

Catawba County reported 65 new cases of coronavirus yesterday as those

hospitalized in the county grew to 98.  Catawba recorded its one hundred and

fiftieth death yesterday.  The cumulative total of coronavirus cases now stands at

11,043 in the county with 8,786 patients recovered.  Coronavirus cases continue

to rise in Caldwell County as 3 additional COVID-19 related deaths were reported 

Monday, for a current total of 69. 35 new cases of the virus were reported for a total

of 5,490 with 61 people hospitalized. WSOC-TV reported yesterday some Caldwell 

residents waited in line for up to two hours to get tested.  The positivity rate in Caldwell 

has climbed to above 15 percent.  North Carolina public health officials like to see the

positivity rate at close to 5 percent.

Alexander County Teens Jailed After Robbery Attempt

Two teens are facing common law robbery and first degree burglary charges after

law enforcement reports say they, along with a 17 year old, allegedly broke into a

Gravel Hill Court residence in Alexander County looking to buy drugs from

another teen early Sunday morning.  The teen was at home with parents at the

time.  Officials say the parents chased the suspects out of the house and fired

shots at the suspects’ vehicle.  18 year old Zachariah Canterbury and 18 year old

Christopher Dalton Whorley were later apprehended by officers.  Both are under

one hundred thousand dollar bonds facing their first court appearance today.  A

juvenile petition is being sent to the Juvenile Court Counselor for charges on both

the 17 year old teens involved.

Body Found 

Hickory Police are investigating the death of an unknown white male that was

located around 2 p.m. Monday near 1930 3^rd Avenue Lane Southeast.   Officers

were called to the scene and found a 45 to 55 year old unknown male with

multiple tattoos on his upper body, salt and pepper hair with bald spot and a

short salt and pepper unkempt beard. Police believe the death is not the result of

suspicious activity or foul play.  Anyone with information to the identity of the

victim or incident is asked to contact the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-

5551.

 

COVID-19 Update

On the first workday after the Christmas holiday, COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in Burke and surrounding counties.

Public health officials in Burke report 62 additional positive cases today from Sunday.

Burke’s total now stands at 5-thousand-885 individuals who have tested positive for the virus since March.

One-thousand-141 cases are reported to be active, and 16 Burke residents remain hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials report 58 new positives today; with a total now at 2-thousand-890 cases.

433 people in McDowell remain in quarantine.

Health departments in Burke, Alexander, and Caldwell Counties are reportedly among the smaller facilities to receive the first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week.

Residents living in long-term care facilities in both Carolinas are set to begin receiving the vaccine this week.

Cocktails To Go

The N.C. Sheriff's Association is questioning the legality of how cocktails and other mixed adult beverages can be transported through the carryout service permitted by Gov. Roy Cooper.

Last Monday, Cooper issued Executive Order No. 183, which permits businesses to offer carry-out and delivery of cocktails between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Businesses offering the option must hold permits from the state ABC Commission. The order lasts through at least 5 p.m. Thursday.

Meanwhile, state Treasurer Dale Folwell is citing Cooper's order as another example of the governor giving Council of State members little heads-up when seeking agreement for a statewide order.

Reports say Council members were given from 8:39 a.m. to noon on Monday to determine whether to concur. Cooper announced the order in a statement released at 4:04 p.m. that same day.

Cooper said the executive order "will help people avoid settings that can contribute to increased viral spread, while giving restaurants and bars a financial boost that they need right now."

State law does not permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages while driving.

The sheriff’s association issued a memo clarifying their stance on the governor’s order -

Those beverages that are not in an unopened manufacturer's original container are required to be placed in the trunk of a vehicle or other areas considered by law not to be a passenger area.

Otherwise, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor to have a mixed adult beverage in the passenger area.

Teens Charged

Four teenagers face charges following a domestic situation in Taylorsville Saturday evening.

Around 10:30 pm, Alexander County deputies and Taylorsville Police were called to a residence where shots were reported to have been fired.

Authorities discovered that three individuals forced their way into the home occupied by a 17-year-old and his parents.

A news release says the 17-year-old in the residence was confronted by two 18-year-old olds and a 17-year-old suspect demanding money and property.

Reports say the parents chased the suspects from the home and into a vehicle parked in the driveway, with the father shooting the vehicle several times as it fled the scene.

Hours later, the three suspects were located at another residence in Alexander County.

18-year-old Zachariah Canterbury of Taylorsville and 18-year-old Christopher Dalton Whorley of Seminole Florida were both charged with common law robbery and first degree burglary.

Each was given a 100-thousand dollar bond.

The release says a juvenile petition is being sent to the Juvenile Court Counselor for charges on both 17-year-olds involved.

The investigation is continuing with more charges possible.

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health reported the 77^th COVID-19 related death

on Wednesday. The patient in their 80’s was hospitalized and later died

from COVID-19 related complications. Burke now has 5-thousand-656

total cases of the virus, with 1-thousand-114 active cases and 17 people

hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 45 new coronavirus cases yesterday for

a current total of 2-thousand-730 and 474 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported five COVID-19 related deaths on Wednesday.

Three patients were between 50-64, one was between 65-74 and one was

over 75. Two patients were hospitalized and two were reported to have

underlying health conditions. 106 new cases of coronavirus were reported

for a total of 5-thousand-297 and 61 people are hospitalized.

In Catawba County, 133 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported for

a total of 10-thousand-523, with 88 patients hospitalized.

COVID-19 Memorial

Small Christmas trees stand in front of the Caldwell County Health and

Human Services Building as a memorial to residents who lost their lives

from COVID-19. The display, set up by the Caldwell County Health Department,

will remain up through the first of the year.

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update 

Burke County Public Health reported the 76^th COVID-19 related on

Tuesday. The individual was in their 40’s, was hospitalized, but later

died from COVID-19 related complications. Public Health reported

91 additional cases of the virus, with a total of 5-thousand-633, and

15 Burke residents hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 50 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, for

a total of 2-thousand-685 and 429 McDowell in quarantine.

In Caldwell County, 41 cases of coronavirus was reported for a total

of 5-thousand-191 and 60 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an increase of 128 cases of the virus for a total

of 10,390 with 90 Catawba residents hospitalized.

Caldwell County Trailers Stolen 

Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office investigators are looking for two

stolen trailers. The first, an 18 foot Dovetail trailer hauler was taken

over the weekend from 1019 Zacks Fork Road. The second, a Big Tex

10 XL 12 foot dump trailer with silver rims, was stolen in Northern

Caldwell County from a building on Blowing Rock Boulevard.

Anyone with information may call Detective Morgan at 828-759-1554

or Crime Stoppers at 758-8300.

Railroad Grants  

Short line railroad grants have been awarded in the region. A project

in Caldwell County will install new crossties, switch ties and rail on the

Hickory Runaround siding, renew grade crossings, address drainage

Issues, and improve embankment roadbed shoulders in Burke, Catawba,

and Caldwell Counties. Other projects in the area include, Iredell and

Buncombe counties. The grants are part of the N.C.Department of

Transportation’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program. 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

NC Health officials reported the lowest single-day COVID-19 case numbers in two weeks, while Burke County public health reported lower numbers as well this Monday.

There were 29 additional positives reported from Sunday, with hospitalizations down also – 19 Burke residents remain hospitalized with the virus. 

Burke’s total cases now amount to 5-thousand-542.

Beginning today, the Burke County Health Department will not be performing any COVID-19 testing through January 1^st due to holiday closings.

Testing though will resume Monday January 4^th.

Officials with the Burke Health Department say even though there will be no testing starting today and lasting through new year’s, the staff will continue to receive lab reports and doing contact tracing during the holiday period.

Vaccine 2^nd Shipment

The state is entering its second week receiving and distributing shipments of COVID-19 vaccines; while several area facilities are slated to receive more dosages.

CHS-Blue Ridge in Morganton, Caldwell Memorial in Lenoir, and Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional in Hickory are scheduled to receive 975 units at each facility.

An official with the NC Health and Human Services says the federal government allocated 61-thousand-425 Pfizer doses to NC for the week.

Reports say the allocation is based on county population, number of acute ICU beds for hospitals, and the ability to manage Pfizer’s shipping requirements.

BB Pellet Death

An accidental shooting in Alexander County involving a BB gun killed an 8-year-old boy Sunday.

Reports say the incident happened at a home in the Stony Point community in which two boys, ages 7 and 8, were shooting a BB gun and a pellet rifle at targets near the residence.

The victim, reports say, was struck in the chest with a single pellet shot.

EMS transported the boy to Iredell Memorial, and he was later being transported to Brenner’s Children’s hospital in Winston Salem when he went into cardiac arrest.

EMS personnel diverted to Davie Medical Center where the boy died from his injuries.

Initial findings from the investigation appear to indicate the shooting was accidental; however, investigators continue to look into the incident.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update  

Burke County Public Health on Sunday reported 5-thousand-513

positive cases of COVID-19, up 127 from Friday’s briefing. Active cases

number 1-thousand-157, with 17 Burke residents hospitalized.

In Catawba County, there were 133 new virus cases reported yesterday

for a current total of 10-thousand-164, with 96 people hospitalized.

Caldwell County on Saturday reported 124 additional cases of coronavirus

for a new total of 5-thousand-28, with 48 patients hospitalized.

McDowell County on Friday reported 46 new cases of COVID-19 for a

total of 2-thousand-503, with 381 McDowell residents in quarantine.

DOT Holiday Changes 

NCDOT has suspended most construction activity along its major

highways to keep lanes open for those traveling through the holidays.

The work is shut down from now through the evening of December 29^th

and again from the morning of December 31^st through the evening of

January 5^th.

Also, as part of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, more local and

local law enforcement officers will patrol day and night to catch impaired

drivers behind the wheel throughout the holidays. The annual ‘Boose It

& Lose It’ campaign runs now through January 5^th.

Prison for Conover Man  

A Catawba County was sentenced Friday in federal court for child

pornography. 46-year-old Darren Eugene Matthews of Conover will

serve 78 months in prison, and was ordered to serve a lifetime of

supervised release and to register as a sex offender upon completion

of his prison term.

 

Area COVID and NC Increases

As the NC Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases Friday, at 8-thousand-444, Burke County continues its’ upward trend as well.

Public Health reported 44 new positives yesterday in Burke County, with a new total at 5-thousand-386

1-thousand-159 cases are reported to be active, and 23 Burke County residents remain hospitalized.

In McDowell County, health officials Friday reported 46 new cases, with a total now of 2-thousand-503.

381 people in McDowell County remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an of increase of 96 positive virus cases Friday for a current total of 4-thousand-904, with 48 Caldwell residents hospitalized.

In Catawba County, 240 additional COVID-19 cases were reported Friday for a new total of 9-thousand-910 with 94 patients hospitalized.

NC’s single-day increase Friday doubled a record-day reported a month ago on November 19^th when the state reported 4-thousand-296 new cases.

Gunman Search

The search continues for a Connelly Springs man wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in eastern Burke County.

A news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office says shortly before 1 Thursday afternoon, officers arrived at 4520 Fox Drive to discover the victim lying in the yard at the residence.

Reports say 34-year-old Abel Lee Petty Junior suffered a small-caliber gunshot wound to the abdomen.

 

Burke deputies secured the scene and were told the suspect 33-year-old Kenneth Lee Morgan had fled the scene on foot prior to officers arriving.

Burke County EMS and Icard first responders  treated Petty, who was then airlifted to an area hospital for further treatment. 

The news release indicates Petty and Morgan were acquainted.

Authorities equipped with K-9 assistance searched the surrounding area, but did not locate Morgan.

Following discussion with the DA’s office, detectives obtained a felony warrant for Morgan’s arrest for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill.

Anyone having information about Morgan’s whereabouts should call the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 438-5500.

Lincoln County Rescue

A lost person call in Lincoln County Thursday turned into a swift water rescue of three boys.

The three had become lost in a wooded area in the eastern part of the county as reported to Lincoln deputies just before 5 Thursday afternoon.

Authorities were able to make contact with the boys near a creek; but determined the creek bank was too steep and the brush was too heavy to walk the trio out.

Swift water team members were called in to relocate the boys to the other side of the creek.

The two 12-year-olds and a 13-year-old were then rescued without incident.

There was no report of injuries.

Missing Lincoln Teen Found

A teenager reported missing from her foster home in Lincoln County has been located.

13-year-old Ambreal Renay Watson was discovered at a relative’s home in Gaston County and is reportedly safe.

Watson went missing Wednesday after her foster family noticed she was not in her room.

 

 

 

 

Burke COVID-19 Update

A week away from Christmas Eve and Burke County’s COVID-19 numbers continue to mount – local public health reporting 89 new positives Thursday, with a total in Burke County now at 5-thousand-342.

1-thousand-115 cases continue to be active, and 23 Burke County residents are hospitalized with the virus.

Local and state health experts continue to recommend small gatherings only in celebrating the holidays.

The CDC says the safest way to celebrate is by gathering only with those you live with.

They further state that gathering with large groups, even family that you do not live with can increase the likelihood of virus spread.

WNC Schools in Pilot Program

Western North Carolina school systems have been selected by state health officials to participate in a COVID-19 testing pilot program.

Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, Catawba County Schools, Lincoln Charter School and Madison County Schools are among the 17 school districts and 11 charter schools selected by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

The program is designed to deploy COVID-19 rapid testing in K through 12 public schools where any in-person instruction is occurring.

The program’s goal is to slow the spread by quickly identifying students and staff who may have the virus, especially after the holidays.

State health officials sent the selected schools more than 50-thousand federally funded rapid antigen tests to be used for students and staff who have virus symptoms, or who have had close contact with someone testing positive.

Rapid tests include a nasal swab to detect COVID-19, and provides results in 15 minutes without lab processing.

The testing will be performed by trained personnel.

Traffic Stop Nets Drugs

A Marion man stopped last month for a traffic violation is found to possess drugs.

A news release from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office says 44-year-old Jeffery Todd Ward was driving his pickup November 19^th when an officer stopped him on US 70 East in Nebo.

A search of Ward and his vehicle revealed one gram of heroin, one-point-6 grams of meth, two Oxycodone pills, and drug paraphernalia.

Ward was charged with numerous drug possession offenses, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kidnapping Charge

A Lincoln County man is charged with kidnapping after reports say he threatened family members with a machete.

Lincoln deputies were called to a domestic disturbance on Monday at a residence on Ed Craig Road in Vale.

The mother of the suspect told officers her son was inside the home, armed with a machete, and that five children had locked themselves in a room for protection.

Deputies discovered 20-year-old Michael Alexander Smothers inside with the machete in his hand, refusing to drop the weapon.

The news release says Smothers though allowed the children to safely leave the home without incident.

Smothers continued then to refuse officer’s commands, while reports say lawmen fired upon him using a non-lethal shotgun that uses bean bags.

Reports say several bean bags were fired striking Smothers who fell to the floor, dropping the machete.

The suspect was then taken into custody, and later transported to an area hospital where he was released the next day.

Smothers was charged with kidnapping, assault on a female, assault on a law enforcement officer, and resist delay and obstruct a public officer.

He was jailed under a 122-thousand dollar secured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Public Health officials in Burke County Wednesday reported 65 new positive cases of COVID-19, increasing the county’s total to 5-thousand-253.

1-thousand-84 cases are reported to be active, while 24 Burke County residents remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 22 new positives, with a total now of 2-thousand-419.

476 residents in McDowell County remain quarantined.

The first COVID-19 vaccine in Catawba County was administered Tuesday to a frontline health care worker.

A critical care nurse at Catawba Valley Medical Center received the vaccine along with several of her peers.

Catawba Valley Med Center was among 11 of the NC hospitals to receive the first shipment of the Phyzir vaccine.

The vaccine was approved for emergency use on Saturday.

Reports say the vaccine is not expected to be available to the general public until spring.

 

School Schedule

Burke County Public Schools had a remote day Wednesday due to weather conditions and is on a two-hour delay this morning.

High School exams that were scheduled for yesterday have been rescheduled for tomorrow.

Then high school make-up exams are scheduled for Monday December 21^st.

Monday is also a scheduled remote learning day for all Burke students.

Tuesday December 22^nd begins Christmas break that goes through January 3^rd.

On Monday January 4^th, all Burke students will resume remote learning Plan C.

Remote instruction will continue until at least January 25^th.

The Board of Education is due to meet near that time to discuss learning plans for Burke County Schools going forward.

Most Wanted Nabbed

State and local authorities were able to nab a Valdese man who was on the Burke County Sheriff’s Office ‘Most Wanted List’.

After receiving a tip, Burke detectives and state probation officers arrested 25-year-old Steven Michael Day at a residence off Laurel Creek Street on Monday.

Taken into custody without incident, Day was charged with felonious failure to appear.

He was placed in the Burke County jail and issued a 29-thousand dollar secured bond.

A news release states Day also has pending charges in surrounding counties and additional larceny investigations in Burke.

Facebook Scam

McDowell County authorities report an Old Fort woman has fallen prey to a new scam on social media.

The woman told officers she received a notification on Facebook messenger from what appeared to be one of her friends.

The message advised her of a 100-thousand dollar grant along with a number to call for information.

The victim had communication with the scammers over the following days- eventually giving them eBay cards and personal information.

An investigation showed the friend’s Facebook account had been hacked.

Authorities urge residents not to send money or give out personal information to strangers.

Also research such messages by calling friends to confirm they’ve sent you a message.

Anyone having questions or concerns about possible scams can call their local law enforcement agency.

Marion Drug Arrest

A McDowell County traffic stop results in the arrest of a Marion couple on drug charges.

Just before 1:30 in the morning on November 19^th, a deputy stopped a vehicle on US 221 for traffic violations.

33-year-old Alvin Lee Sisk the third was the driver, and 37-year-old Gwendolyn Elaine Thompson was the passenger; while reports say the officer discovered both had outstanding warrants.

A search of the vehicle, reports say, turned up oxycodone in Thompson’s purse and meth, marijuana, and various pills belonging to Sisk.

Sisk faces numerous drug possession charges, while Thompson was charged with possession of a schedule two controlled substance.

 

 

 Eleven Drug Indictments

Two Maiden residents are among eleven people indicted on drug charges by the Lincoln County Grand jury Monday.

45-year-old Michael Jennings Sturgill of Buffalo Shoals Road is charged with possession of heroin, while 51-year-old Lorie Ann Sprouse also of Buffalo Shoals Road is charged with possession of methamphetamine.

The indictments also included the discovery of a large marijuana grow operation that yielded 55 plants and approximately 3 pounds of harvested marijuana on Car Farm Road in Lincoln County.

Investigators there confiscated four firearms and a large amount of ammunition.

The primary resident at the property, 47-year-old Jack Bates Lewis Junior faces multiple drug offenses and firearm possession charges.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

After seeing triple-digit daily increases for a short time, Burke County Public Health officials reported 38 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Monday.

Burke County's total of positives currently stands at 5-thousand-85.

1-thousand-2 cases are reported to be active, and 22 Burke County residents are hospitalized with the virus.

McDowell County health officials reported 1-hundred-4 new positives Monday, with a total now of 2-thousand-361 confirmed cases, with one additional virus-related death.

418 residents in McDowell are presently quarantined.

Catawba County reported 159 new cases of the virus for a total of 9-thousand-278 with 90 patients hospitalized. In Caldwell County, there were 32 additional cases of coronavirus reported for a total of 4-thousand-386 and 38 people hospitalized, which is the highest number of hospitalizations for a day since the panademic began.

Burke County health department officials remind residents who need a COVID test before the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to contact testing sites to check their modified testing schedules.

Some offices, pharmacies, and testing labs are changing operating hours in the coming weeks due to the holidays.

For a complete list regarding testing recommendations and practices during the holidays, visit the Burke Health department’s COVID-19 webpage and their FaceBook page.

N Liberty Goes Remote

North Liberty School is moving to remote learning as school officials have been made aware of numerous COVID-19 cases.

A news release about the transition to Plan C instruction says the number of positive cases at North Liberty is leading to a staffing shortage, while several classrooms also need to be quarantined.

Remote learning will continue at least through Monday December 21st.

North Liberty principal Lisa Summey notified parents Monday about the positive cases.

North Liberty is the third Burke County school to return to temporary remote learning in the last week due to a discovery of positive cases.

Murder Charge

A Morganton man has been charged with murder following a weekend shooting incident.

According to a Burke County Sheriff’s Office news release, deputies responded to a reported shooting Sunday night just before 9:30 at 1746 Skyland Drive.

Officers found 49-year-old Brandon Charles Adams with shotgun wounds.

Reports say Adams was transported by Burke EMS for treatment, but later died from his injuries.

63-year-old George Lee Allison the third of 1744 Skyland Drive has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting.

Detectives were called to investigate, obtained a search warrant, and discussed their findings with the District Attorney’s office.

Allison is being held in the Burke County jail with no bond.

The investigation continues.

Hickory Man Killed

A head-on collision on Interstate-40 near Asheville late Saturday claims the lives’ of two motorists including that of a Hickory man.

Reports with Asheville Police say officers arrived at the scene between Brevard Road and Hendersonville Road to discover one of the vehicles had been traveling in the wrong direction in the eastbound lane.

47-year-old Joseph Wesley Hyatt of Hickory was reportedly the driver of the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction.

Hyatt died at the scene, while the second driver 19-year-old Blake Daniel Banks of Asheville was transported to Mission Hospital where he also died from his injuries.

A preliminary investigation, reports say, indicates Hyatt was impaired at the time of the collision, but toxicology results are pending.

The accident remains under investigation by the Asheville Police Department’s traffic safety unit.

Shelby Shooting

Shelby Police are investigating an Monday afternoon shooting that left one dead, and another in custody.

Reports say the fatal shooting happened near the Hampton Inn close to the Cleveland Mall.

Officials have confirmed one person has died, and another was placed in handcuffs at the scene.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

The investigation is on-going.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

State health officials released a statement Friday saying ‘We are now seeing the impact of Thanksgiving gatherings’ as numbers of COVID-19  statewide continue to grow.

Burke County Public Health Sunday a total  of 5-thousand-47.

1-thousand-16 cases are reported to be active, while 23 remain hospitalized.

In McDowell County, health officials Friday reported 57 new cases, making their total amount to 2-thousand-257 positives.

420 McDowell residents remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County Saturday reported the 53rd COVID-19 related death, with 39 new cases of the virus and a total of 4-thousand-336.

Catawba County Sunday had an additional 120 cases of coronavirus for a total of 9-thousand-119.

NC Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen on Friday described the number of new cases in the state - as staggering and alarming.

Dr. Cohen pleads with state residents – do not wait until you or your loved one is sick or alone in the hospital, or you are facing the loss of a loved one to wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash your hands often. Act now.

In the statement, Cohen reminded residents too that the Modified Stay At Home Order  was going to effect; requiring people to stay at home between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am.

Businesses including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses, most retail stores and more will be required to close by 10 pm.

In addition, on-site alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 pm.

McDowell Goes Remote

McDowell County Schools returned to remote learning today.

School Superintendent Mark Garrett announced that as COVID-19 numbers are rising.

The school’s webpage indicates 49 active cases in 14 McDowell schools.

Garrett reports students will learn remotely through Christmas break.

He said that community spread and potential exposure is having a large impact on classroom isolations and creating staffing challenges.

Just last week, Hildebran Elementary and Icard Elementary in Burke County transitioned from in-person instruction to remote learning because of positive cases at the schools.

Fatal Wreck

The investigation continues into the fatal wreck Thursday night

off East Meeting Street. The mishap, which occurred after a vehicle fled

at a high rate of speed after being stopped by a Public Safety officer.

The driver, 20-year-old Tiffany Rene Traylor of Hickory, was taken

by EMS for Medflight, but died enroute. A passenger in the rear seat

was pronounced dead at the scene at the scene and another rear

seat passenger was flown by Medflight to Johnson City Medical

Center with traumatic injuries in critical condition. Those names

have not been released. The front seat passenger, 20-year-old

Matthew Lovette of North Wilkesboro was ejected from the

vehicle and taken to CHS Morganton and released the next day.

The Highway Patrol’s crash reconstruction team is assisting

Morganton Public Safety with the incident.

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Four additional COVID-19 related deaths in Burke County as reported Thursday afternoon by local public health officials; with a death toll in Burke now at 75.

Two of the individuals were in their 70’s, while two were in their 60’s.

All four were hospitalized but later died from virus related complications.

Officials say Thursday marks the highest number of deaths having occurred in a single day across the US because of COVID-19, as the death toll tops 31-hundred – more than died on D-Day or 9-Eleven.

Burke County, is currently at 4-thousand-900 positive cases, an increase of 72 positives since Wednesday, with 1-thousand-7 actives and 26 residents hospitalized.

McDowell County Thursday reported 35 new positive cases, and one additional death.

McDowell’s total of positives stands at 22-hundred with 387 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 112 new cases of the virus for a total of 4-thousand-184 with 22 patients hospitalized. And in Catawba County, 127 additional cases of COVID-19 for a total of 8-thousand-593 and 79 people hospitalized.

Icard Goes Remote

Meanwhile, another Burke County school goes remote as officials discover more cases of COVID-19.

A news release states a cluster of at least five or more related positive cases has developed at Icard Elementary School.

All learning at Icard will transition from in-person to remote while the school building is closed through Monday December 21^st.

Icard principal Jeanne Burris notified parents Thursday concerning the positive cases.

According to the release, teachers are communicating with students and family members to provide information as to what to expect while the school is operating under Plan C.

And parents and staff who do not hear from the school nurse should know they have not been exposed.

School officials urge parents to call their child’s physician with questions, or the Burke County Health Department Public Information Line at 828-764-9168.

Meth Charge

A minor traffic accident last weekend turns into a drug arrest for a Morganton woman.

47-year-old Tonya Cook Baker of 906 Jamestown Road told Public Safety officers she was traveling on Sanford Drive when she noticed police lights ahead, attempted to turn around to avoid a checkpoint, and slid off the roadway down an embankment.

As officers approached her pickup, they observed a small safe underneath the truck’s bed on the ground.

An investigation and search of Baker’s vehicle turned up the safe’s key and drug paraphernalia.

Authorities found approximately 190 grams of meth, a small bag of marijuana, and other drug related items inside the safe.

Baker was arrested and charged with driving while license revoked, trafficking methamphetamine, and simple possession of a schedule-6 controlled substance.

She was jailed under a 25-thousand dollar secured bond, with a first court appearance held earlier this week.

Drug Bust

Two Burke County men are detained Wednesday following several weeks of investigation.

Authorities with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and Morganton Public Safety on November 30^th had served a search warrant at 105 B-and-D Avenue in Morganton.

Reports say the search turned up several items used in the distribution of meth, trafficking amounts of meth, and a firearm.

Detectives reportedly determined the home’s occupant 36-year-old Roger Lee Sparks was involved in illegal possession and distribution of meth.

As warrants had been issued for Sparks’ arrest, on Wednesday Deputy US Marshals with the Carolina Regional Fugitive task force located and arrested him at 2800 Icard School Road in Connelly Springs.

A news release says several subjects were also detained during the arrest, while 34-year-old William Douglas Thomas of 7875 Rhodhiss Road barricaded himself inside the home.

Burke deputies responded to assist and determined Thomas had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

For the safety of the public, deputies closed Icard School Road while law enforcement personnel entered the residence.

Thomas was found hiding, but was taken into custody without further incident.

He and Sparks were both taken to the magistrates office, where Thomas was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Sparks was issued numerous drug trafficking and possession charges.

His bond was set at 22-thousand secured, while Thomas’ was set at 11-thousand secured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update and Vaccine

53 new positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Burke County Thursday pushing the total of positives to 4-thousand-828.

Health officials indicate 1-thousand-5 cases are active and 21 Burke County residents are hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 43 new cases, and one additional virus-related death.

McDowell’s total of positives is currently at 2-thousand-165, while 445 residents remain in quarantine.

Relief may be in sight though as the vaccine makes its way to area hospitals.

If approved by the FDA on today, reports say 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine is due to arrive soon at Caldwell UNC Healthcare in Lenoir.

Other hospitals in the area are also on tap to get similar amounts of the vaccine – including Catawba Valley Memorial in Catawba County, and Carolinas Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton.

The state has chosen hospitals to receive the first batch because of their capability for storage.

The Pfizer vaccine reportedly requires steady temperatures of minus-80 degrees Celsius.

Healthcare workers who treat COVID-19 patients will be the first in line to be offered the vaccine.

Officials say they hope to have enough vaccine to begin drive-thru clinics after the first of the year, but they add it could take months before the majority of the population is vaccinated. 

Hildebran Goes Remote 

Hildebran Elementary School transitions from in-person to remote learning after officials report an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Burke County Public Schools was made aware of a cluster of at least five or more related positive cases at the school on Tuesday.

Remote instruction will continue through Monday December 21^st while the school building is closed.

A news release says there will be no activity at the school for at least several days to allow the virus to dissipate.

Hildebran Elementary principal Randy Sain notified parents Tuesday of the positive cases.

The school is working closely with the Burke County Health Department for guidance and to assist in identifying those who may have been exposed to the virus.

Officials say parents and staff who do not hear from the school nurse should know they are not considered to have been exposed.

Parents having questions about their child’s health should contact their physician or the Burke Health Department’s public information line at 828-764-9168.

DNA Found

The discovery of a suspect’s DNA at a crime scene in McDowell County leads to the arrest of an Old Fort man.

32-year-old Jerrid Baston Wells of Old Fort-Sugar Hill Road is charged with larceny.

According to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Wells’ DNA was found at a November 14^th crime scene on Parker Padgett Road where a resident reported the theft of a heat pump, a dump trailer, and a tractor battery.