COVID-19 UPDATE

Caldwell County has learned of its 138th Covid-19 related death.  The Caldwell County Health Department says the patient was between the ages of 50 and 64, was hospitalized and was reported to have underlying health condition.  Caldwell reports seven new cases of Covid-19 Tuesday.  With more than 83 hundred patients now counted as recovered in the county, the active cases count stands at 3 hundred 22, the fewest active cases since mid-July of last year.  Caldwell County reports 23 thousand 5 hundred and 15 does of vaccine have been administered with more than 13 thousand, 7 hundred people partially vaccinated and 9 thousand, 8 hundred and two fully vaccinated.  The Caldwell County Health Department has finished administering the first doses of vaccine to Caldwell County Schools and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute personnel.  The Health Department is continuing to follow state vaccination guidelines and work through their waiting list.  To be added to the waiting list in Caldwell County, call 828-426-8486.  Vaccine is also offered through Caldwell UNC HealthCare and Walgreens Hudson and Lenoir locations.

Burke County is currently at 9 thousand, 5 hundred and 11 positive cases.  These numbers are cumulative cases.  Everyone 65 and older interested in scheduling an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccine in Burke County should call the Community Call Center at 358-4454.  The Health Department advises you to keep calling until you get through to make an appointment.

Hickory Airport Hanger

The City of Hickory and the Burke County Board of Commissioners have approved a memorandum of understanding for a partnership to construct a new 12 thousand square foot airplane hanger at the Hickory Regional Airport in Burke County.  The agreement was announced yesterday.  Per the memorandum, the City of Hickory will design and construct the hangar at an estimated cost of approximately 1 point 2 million dollars.  The hangar is to accommodate three to four large aircraft.  Once the hangar is completed and in operation, Burke County will pay the City of Hickory 50 percent of any additional aircraft property tax revenue above the agreed upon baseline.  The payments will continue until the County ahs reimbursed the City for 50 percent of the hangar's design and construction cost.

 Arrest in Avery Murder Case

A man has been charged with murder in Avery County after deputies say he called 911, reported the shooting and said he would be waiting with a beer. Edward Barnes of Pinola, has been charged with murdering his neighbor yesterday.  He was taken into custody by Avery County authorities.

Fire at Alexander Daycare

Over 30 kids had to be evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a fire at their daycare in Alexander County.  Reports say 39 children and 9 staff members were evacuated from the Small Hands Daycare along Stony Point School Road after flames broke out about 1 p.m.  A person on site said the fire could have started after a cigarette was tossed into some mulch near the school.  The daycare sustained about thirty thousand dollars in damages, no one was injured.  The business has been open for about 25 years.