COVID-19 UPDATE

The number of new COVID-19 cases in the area continues to be fairly low as compared to previous months during the pandemic.

Burke County Public Health reported 17 additional cases Friday; total cases now at 9-thousand-644.

280 of those cases are reported to be active, while 3 Burke residents are in the hospital.

For the first time in a long while, McDowell County reported no new cases.

McDowell’s total cases number 4-thousand-851, while 61 people remain quarantined.

Caldwell County reported 21 new cases of the virus for a total of 8-thousand-875, with 16 people in the hospital.

Catawba County saw an increase of 27 additional cases of COVID-19 for s current total of 17-thousand-568, with 20 patients hospitalized.

Caldwell Schools Reopening

Board members in Caldwell voted to return all students in grades K-12 to the classroom on a modified Plan A schedule – four days a week with Wednesdays reserved as a remote learning day.

Caldwell County's reopening goes into effect Monday April 12^th.

Deputy Assaulted

A McDowell County officer was assaulted after a suspect led him on a foot chase.

Reports say the deputy attempted to stop 43-year-old James Kevin Beaver of Old Fort on March 16^th for driving while license revoked and for multiple traffic violations.

Beaver reportedly jumped from his vehicle and fled into a wooded area.

Once the officer apprehended him, Beaver became combative and assaulted the officer.

Beaver was charged with fleeing to elude arrest, assault on a law enforcement officer, and resisting a public officer.

Marion Meth Arrest

A disturbance call turns into drug charges for a Marion man.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say deputies responded to the reported disturbance on Owl Hollow Road on March 6^th.

Once in the area, lawmen located 59-year-old Kevin Brian Loftis of Roy Hollifield Road.

Reports say meth was found in Loftis’ possession.