J and J Vaccine

Some Catawba Valley counties are beginning to receive doses of the Johnson-and-Johnson vaccine, although somewhat sparingly.

Reports say NC began receiving its first shipments of the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in the first week of March amounting to 83-thousand doses.

And according to the State Department of Health and Human services, another 11-thousand-500 doses were sent to NC providers this week.

No providers in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba or Alexander counties were given the Johnson and Johnson vaccines by the state until this week reports say.

State officials report Caldwell UNC Healthcare hospital in Lenoir received 600 doses, along with its regular shipments of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Presently, People’s Drug in Taylorsville was allotted 200 doses of the Johnson-and-Johnson.

According to state health officials, the number of providers receiving the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson-and-Johnson vaccines are increasing as more of the state’s residents become eligible to receive it.

Armed Robbery

A bank in downtown Newton was reportedly robbed on Thursday afternoon.

Reports say the incident occurred around 4 pm at the Truist Bank, formerly known as BB&T.

Police officials report the suspect was armed.

No one was injured.

The investigation continues.

Meth on Motorist

An Old Fort man stopped for a traffic violation ends up charged for drug possession.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say officers stopped 57-year-old Edwin Eugene Coleman of Vernon Bradley Road on March 6^th while traveling on US 70 West.

A search of his vehicle, reports say, turned up methamphetamine.

Alexander Co Rape           

Authorities in Alexander County have arrested two people in connection to a reported rape case.

According to a news release from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Josue Vargas Isaias of Wilkesboro and 56-year-old Eloa Garcia Audon of Taylorsville have been placed in custody following an on-going investigation into the case.

Isaias is charged with felony statutory rape of a 13 to 15 year-old, while Audon faces a charge of felony obstruction of justice.

Isaias was issued a 600-thousand dollar secured bond, and Audon received a 50-thousand dollar secured bond.

Both are being held in the Alexander County detention center.