Whisnant Awarded WPCC Alumnus of the Year  

A Morganton Public Safety Captain has been named the Western Piedmont

Community College Alumnus of the Year. Jason Whisnant was given the

2020 award that provides recognition for exceptional achievement by former

students of WPCC. Whisnant received an Associate of Applied Science in

Criminal Justice from the college  while working full-time. He completed a B.S.in

Human Services from Gardner-Webb and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling  

and Ed.S from G-W. Whisnant also serves on the Burke Substance Abuse

Network committee and Morganton Human Relations Commission along with

other volunteer work.

Booze It & Lose It Campaign  

You are reminded to never drive if impaired. That is the message of the

Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s 4^th of July Boose It & Lose it campaign,

dubbed ‘Operation Firecracker’. The campaign, which runs through July 4th,

aims to prevent alcohol-related crashes by targeting impaired drivers. Law

enforcement agencies in all 100 counties will conduct sobriety checkpoints.

Drug and Firearm Charges  

A Hickory man faces drug and firearm charges. Search warrants were

executed Saturday at residential properties on 28^th Street NE in Hickory,

where investigators seized 241 grams of meth and 5 firearms. 40-year-old

Bobby Postel Bumgarner was arrested and received a secured bond of

$170,000. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the case

by the Catawba Special Tactics and Response Team, along with the Hickory

and Long View Police Departments.

Convicted Felon Faces Gun Charge  

A convicted felon in McDowell County is found to be in possession of

a stolen gun. A Morgan Road resident reported to the Sheriff’s Office on

February 23rd that someone broke into his home and stole property,

including a German revolver. An investigation led to 57-year-old William

Ray Riddle of California Avenue, Marion, who was reportedly in possession

of the firearm and had sold it.

 

Blood Shortage

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage – negatively affecting blood product availability across the country.

Donors of all blood types; especially type O and those giving platelets are urged to make an appointment to donate to help ensure hospital shelves are stocked over the Fourth of July holiday and beyond.

As a result of the blood shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, further delaying crucial patient care.

Summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, but this year is more challenging as many are getting COVID-19 vaccinations and returning to activities they couldn’t enjoy last summer – leading to lower donor turnout.

Several opportunities to donate in July in McDowell County –

July 3^rd noon till 4:30 at Walmart on Sugar Hill Road, July 12^th Noon to 5 at Glenwood United Methodist Church at 1385 Old 221 South, and July 14^th 1:30 until 6:30 pm at the Marion Community Building 191 North Main Street.

Schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Elections Delayed

Municipal elections originally scheduled for later this year have been officially delayed until 2022 for more than 30 municipalities across NC; including a portion of Burke and Catawba counties.

Legislation delaying the elections became law today according to a press release.

The release states the delay will allow affected municipalities to consider revising their electoral districts based on new population numbers from the 2020 US Census.

The City of Hickory and the Town of Longview are two of the locations where delays are imposed; affecting Burke and Catawba elections.

Under the new law, terms of mayors and council members in the affected municipalities will be extended until their successors are elected in 2022.

Candidate filing periods for the delayed elections will be held either in December 2021 or January 2022, depending on when each municipality completes the redrawing of its districts.

For 2022 only, the law removes the prohibition on voter registration between the first and second primaries.

Eligible voters who register after the date of the first primary may vote in the second primary.

Voters may not change their party affiliation between the first and second primary.

Hickory Fire

An outdoor grill left unattended is to blame for a fire at a Hickory townhome complex just before Noon Monday.

Hickory firefighters were called to Bradford Square Townhomes on 15^th Avenue Northeast to find smoke coming from the two-story multi-unit complex.

A working fire was discovered on a deck at the rear of the complex.

Two units were affected by the blaze displacing a total of four residents.

Damage was considered to be moderate and there were no injuries reported

Firefighters determined the cause to be unintentional and ignited from hot coals that were left in a charcoal grill.

Fire personnel remind residents to never leave a lit grill unattended that is still hot or smoking.

And to make sure charcoal ashes are out by soaking them with water before discarding them or leaving them.

COVID Update

Public health officials Monday afternoon reported 13 new cases of COVID-19 in Burke County for a current total of 10-thousand-419.

The latest Burke data shows 140 cases remain active, while no local residents are presently hospitalized with the virus.

Catawba County reported 15 new cases for a total of 19-thousand-422 positives.

9 in Catawba remain in the hospital.

McDowell County health officials report 4 new cases of the virus bringing the county’s total to 5-thousand-197.

McDowell has 24 residents now in quarantine.

At last report, Caldwell County has a total of 9-thousand-620 COVID-19 cases with 4 individuals hospitalized.

 

 

 

 

 

Fireworks Shortage

A national fireworks shortage may take some of the ‘spark’ out of your Fourth of July celebrations this year.

Officials say it’s a global supply-chain problem stemming from the pandemic, with the biggest issue being a back-up in shipping and lack of storage containers.

Fireworks vendors say last year the industry boomed because of COVID-19, with those in lockdown putting on their own fireworks displays at home.

This year however, the low stock of fireworks due to shipment delays has vendors encouraging those wanting fireworks to get them early and not wait until the last minute.

And if you’re fortunate enough to acquire some of these hard-to-get fireworks, Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant reminds residents that as enjoyable as they are to watch, fireworks can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.

In a news release from the Sheriff’s Office, the US Consumer Product and Safety Commission reports there are nearly 13-thousand emergency-room treatable injuries associated with fireworks each year.

Sheriff Whisenant urges citizens to never give fireworks to small children and always follow package instructions. Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution. Make sure the person lighting fireworks wears eye protection. Store fireworks in a cool dry place away from children and pets. Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials, and stay at least 500-feet away from professional displays.

By following a few simple precautions, Sheriff Whisenant adds the Fourth of July holiday can be happy, enjoyable, and safe for everyone.

Kittens at Animal Services

Burke County Animal Services currently has ‘kittens galore’ at their facility.

And they’re looking for members of the community to volunteer their time and homes to foster these kittens; even if it’s only for one night.

It’s free – all supplies are provided and if you have a bathroom, an office, or a spare bedroom; officials say you have plenty of space to foster.

Volunteers are also needed to assist at the shelter.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older, but there are some programs that allow for those under the age of 18 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To foster, or for more information about volunteering with Burke Animal Services call 764-9588.

Hickory Police Cruiser Lights

Whenever driving at night in Hickory, motorists may notice police cars using solid blue lights.

As part of Hickory Police’s ongoing Pay Attention in City Traffic initiative, officers are using their solid blue cruiser lights as a way of deterring crime and increasing visibility on heavily-traveled streets and roads.

A news release says motorists do not need to stop or yield to patrol vehicles using the solid lights during routine patrol.

Officers though will continue to activate flashing lights and sirens during emergency situations and traffic stops in which citizens are required to stop or yield the right of way.

Authorities say the patrol cruiser light utilization has been initiated in other areas across the nation with positive results.

BC Republican Event

Hopes for nice weather Saturday by the Burke County Republican Party as it will be hosting a grillin’ and chillin’ family fun day from Noon till 4 pm.

The public is invited to the free event that will be held at the Catawba Meadows Park.

Refreshments will be on hand – free hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and drinks will be available until supplies are exhausted.

And there will be a corn hole tournament, along with music, an exotic bird exhibit, bouncy houses, and face painting for the kids.

Motorcycle Fatalities

A two-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle killed two people along the Blue Ridge Parkway Tuesday.

Park officials report the mishap occurred around 5 pm near Milepost 450.

70-year-old Larry McElroy and 71-year-old Brenda McElroy both from Williamson Georgia were traveling southbound on the motorcycle when officials report they crossed into the northbound lane inside a curve and struck an oncoming van.

Reports say an off-duty firefighter and a doctor who had come upon the wreck scene performed CPR on the motorcyclists; however, both died at the scene.

Those inside the van were reportedly uninjured.

Park officials continue to investigate.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

COVID-19 numbers are remaining steady as we near the end of the month.

Catawba County reported 11 new cases of the virus Wednesday for a total of 19-thousand-392, with 9 people in the hospital.

McDowell County reported 4 new cases yesterday for a total of 5-thousand-187.

21 people in McDowell are in quarantine.

No new reports from Burke or Caldwell Counties; Burke has a total of 10-thousand 372 cases and Caldwell 9-thousand-581.

Fatal Wreck

An early Wednesday morning car crash in Catawba County claims the life of a mother and son.

Just before 5:30 am on NC 16 near Mount Ruhama Church Road, reports say 20-year-old Allison Faith Presley of Indian Trail was driving north when she crossed the center line in her 2007 BMW, and collided head-on with a southbound 2018 Toyota truck.

Reports say the pickup then traveled off the road, overturned, and came to rest on its side.

Presley and her 3-year-old son Aiden were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say the child was restrained in a car seat that was improperly installed inside the car.

The 30-year-old driver of the pickup sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Initial reports regarding the cause of the accident states Presley may have fallen asleep while driving.

Missing Man Found

A McDowell County man has been located unharmed according to authorities with the Sheriff’s Office.

78-year-old Norman Robinson left on foot Tuesday afternoon and was found Wednesday.

McDowell authorities thank the public for their assistance.

Meanwhile, McDowell officials are looking for a 17-year-old last seen at his Marion residence on Airport Road Tuesday evening.

Mason Beshear is white, stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 145 pounds, and has curly red hair, has several facial tattoos, one on his neck, and one on his right forearm.

Anyone having information about his whereabouts should contact the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.

Parkway Closure

Blue Ridge Parkway officials have announced the extension of a partial closure of a campground due to continued bear activity.

Officials say they are extending the existing temporary prohibition on tents and soft-sided campers at the Mount Pisgah Campground until July 1^st.

The partial closure was initially scheduled to end today.

A bear attack on a teenage girl June 18^th prompted the closure.

Officials say one particular young bear has established a pattern of entering occupied campsites, and coming too close to campers while taking food.

The temporary ban on certain types of camping gear is expected to be lifted July 1^st pending dissociation of bear presence.

Park officials report they will honor existing reservations during this period at other Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds and at Mount Pisgah after July 1^st.

 

 

 

 

 

Burke School Bus Driver Class  

The next Burke County Public Schools school bus driver class is set for

next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 till 3 each day, at the

Olive Hill Resource Center on West Concord Street in Morganton.

Starting pay for bus drivers is $15.65 per hour. For more information

or to register call the Bus Garage at 437-4770.

Detention Construction Completed  

Construction has been completed of the expansion project at the Catawba

County Detention Facility. A commemoration was held Tuesday for the

project which was planned to coincide with the closure of the Burke Catawba

District Confinement Facility in Morganton. The expansion increased the

Catawba County facility’s bed count from 259 to 5789 and was budgeted

at $33.1 million dollars.

Mayor Gibbons Named Vice Chair  

Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons has been selected as vice chair of the North

Carolina Mayors Association Board of Directors. Mayor Gibbons will

serve a one-year term helping to lead the organization and its 11-member

board.

Missing McDowell Man  

McDowell County authorities are looking for 78-year-old Norman

Robinson, who left on foot from Maple Hill Road in P.G. about 3pm

on Tuesday. Anyone that sees Robinson, who suffers from dementia,

or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at

652-4000.

 

Area COVID

10 additional cases of COVID-19 over the weekend in Burke as reported by public health officials.

Burke’s total now stands at 10-thousand-372 with 121 cases reported to be active, and 5 hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 8 new cases for a total of 19-thousand-373.

9 in Catawba remain in the hospital.

McDowell County saw 6 new cases Monday for a total of 5-thousand-179.

13 in McDowell are quarantined.

No new report from Caldwell County.

Their last reported total was 9-thousand-581 cases of COVID-19.

Strawberry in Marion

Former major league baseball great Darryl Strawberry made a recent stop in McDowell County.

Last Thursday, Strawberry shared his story of redemption to a crowd at Big League Camp off Yancey Road in Marion.

The event was a fundraiser for Freedom Life; a ministry that aims to help the misguided return to the right path.

Strawberry struggled with multiple addictions that impacted his baseball career.

He has now been in the ministry for 17 years.

Juneteenth  

Governor Cooper on Friday proclaimed June 19^th as Juneteenth Day in the

state, honoring the oldest known commemoration of the abolition of slavery

in the U.S. On Saturday, there was a Juneteenth celebration at COMMA,

which was co-sponsored by the Burke County Branch of the NAACP and

the City of Morganton’s Human Relations Commission.

Grant Requests  

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved grant requests

Last week, for several Western North Carolina communities. A $160,000 grant  will support the expansion of a building in Spindale for Fountain Electrial,

which plans to add 30,000 square feet to the existing facility, create 32 jobs

and invest over $1 million dollars. In Statesville, a $1 million dollar grant

will support a planned expansion by Doosan Portable Power, which plans

to purchase land for an additional 80,000 square feet of space for

warehousing, creating 102 jobs and investing over $41 million.

In Ashe County, a grant of $584,034 will help the County support a newly

created 41-acre industrial park.

 

 

 

 

Drawing Eligible

State residents vaccinated by the Veterans Administration and through the Tribal Health Program are now eligible for the 4-million dollar summer cash and college tuition drawings being launched by Governor Cooper.

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen states veterans vaccinated through the VA and American Indians vaccinated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are now included in the drawing.

Four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win 1 million dollars each and four residents ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for a college education.

The first drawings occur Wednesday June 23^rd.

Entries closed at midnight.

The 4-million dollar summer cash and college drawings will take place every other week until August 4^th.

Area COVID

17 new cases of COVID-19 last week in Burke County as reported by local public health officials Friday, brought Burke’s total to 10-thousand-362.

121 cases are reported to still be active, while 5 in Burke are hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 5 new cases for a total of 19-thousand-365.

8 Catawba residents are in the hospital.

Caldwell County remains at 9-thousand-581 COVID cases with 4 people hospitalized.

McDowell County reported no new cases Friday with a total at 5-thousand-173.

9 in McDowell remain in quarantine.  

Martha's Park

The city of Morganton and the Morganton Service League held a ribbon cutting Thursday to mark the completion of renovations and the install of new equipment at Martha’s Park.

Park renovations began near the end of 2020 and were just recently completed.

New features at the park include a new main playground structure, American with Disabilities Act compliant playground equipment, and a wide variety of playground equipment for all ages.

Martha’s Park originally opened in 1972 as ‘The Children’s Park’ and was renovated in the early 2000’s.

The park was renamed in memory of Martha Phifer.

Gas Thief

A Marion couple returns to their home on Greenlee Road to find a suspect in their barn.

On June 6^th after being in the barn, a man identified as 39-year-old Kevin Joseph Needle of Wilkesboro reportedly stole a gas can, jumped in his vehicle and sped away toward the US 221 bypass.

Marion Police spotted the suspect running into a wooded area on Ridley Street.

County and city officers conducted a short manhunt and located Needle hiding in thick brush.

Needle was charged with breaking and entering, larceny, and resisting a public officer.

 

 

 

 

 

Area COVID

The latest figures released by the Burke County Health Department shows Burke with a total of 10-thousand-356 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started.

Currently, 122 cases remain active, and 5 Burke residents are in the hospital.

Caldwell County reported 15 new cases Thursday for a total of 9-thousand-581.

4 in Caldwell are hospitalized.

Catawba County reports 10 additional cases of the virus with 11 remaining in the hospital.

Catawba’s total now stands at 19-thousand-360.

McDowell County saw four new cases yesterday for a total of 5-thousand-173.

9 people in McDowell are in quarantine.

Burke’s community drive-thru COVID vaccination clinic today from 9 to 11 am at Valdese Weavers.

First and second doses of the Moderna vaccine will be administered.

Walk-ins are welcome.

Budget Meeting

The Morganton City Council will hold a special meeting Monday evening in order to hold a public hearing concerning the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2021/2022, and to vote on the adoption of the budget.

The meeting will take place in council chambers at Morganton City Hall at 305 East Union Street at 6 pm.

Newton Wreck

A multi-vehicle crash in Newton Thursday sends four motorists to area hospitals – three of those reported to have been critical.

The accident happened at the intersection of West 7^th Street and Northwest Boulevard.

Investigators reported two people were transported to Winston Salem; one to Wake Forest Baptist Med Center, and the other to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital.

The victim taken to Brenner’s, reports say, was one of three people in a driver’s education vehicle affiliated with Catawba County Schools.

The other two injured victims were transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center.

No word on current conditions of those involved.

Newton Police, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the State Highway Patrol, Newton Fire, and Catawba County EMS responded to the scene.

Suspicious Vehicle and Drugs

The investigation of a suspicious vehicle by McDowell deputies results in the discovery of drugs.

Officers responded to the parking lot of the Tate Street Welcome Center just before 5 am on May 30th.

Reports say they found 52-year-old Robert Luther Dover Junior of Jacktown Road in Marion to be the car’s driver, and at his feet in the vehicle’s floorboard a bag of a white crystal substance.

Further investigation of the substance revealed it to be methamphetamine.

Dover was charged with meth possession.

 

 

 

 

Area COVID and Death

A fourth person has now died in Burke County this week from COVID-19 complications bringing the county’s virus death toll to 169.

Public health officials reports the person was in their 70’s and was not hospitalized.

Burke has a total of 10-thousand-353 confirmed cases, with 124 cases active, and 4 hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an increase of 13 new cases for a total of 19-thousand-350.

10 people in Catawba County remain in the hospital.

4 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Caldwell County for a total of 9-thousand-566.

5 in Caldwell are hospitalized.

McDowell County reportED 2 new cases Wednesday for a total of 5-thousand-169.

The Burke County Health Department is hosting a community COVID vaccination drive-thru clinic Friday June 18^th.

The clinic will be held in the parking lot of Valdese Weavers from 9 till 11 am for first or second doses of the Moderna vaccine.

Register online for an appointment at myspot.nc.gov or walk-ins are welcome.

COVID-19 Variant

State health officials report an increasing urgency for NC residents to get vaccinated as the more dangerous new ‘Delta’ variant is rapidly spreading in the US, and in NC.

The CDC has classified the Delta variant as a ‘variant of concern’ because it spreads faster than current virus variants.

Early studies from the United Kingdom have also shown a possible increased risk of hospitalization in those infected with the Delta variant.

Health experts say getting a vaccine is the best way for people to protect themselves from COVID-19.

More than 140 million Americans have now been vaccinated.

Reward Offered

A reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest of a man in Iredell County who authorities say is ‘armed and dangerous’.

31-year-old Tyrell Daniels is wanted on murder charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Statesville during the early morning hours on June 8^th.

Investigators have not released the victim’s name nor a motive for the shooting; however, lawmen say the incident may be related to another shooting in Statesville.

Officials say Daniels has a criminal history, including convictions for assault with a deadly weapon.

Reports also say Daniels has made threats against law enforcement officers in the past.

The US Marshal’s Office is offering a reward of up to 3-thousand dollars for information that leads to Daniels’ arrest.

Anyone who sees Daniels or knows his whereabouts should call the Iredell Sheriff’s Office at 704-878-3100.

Truck Break In

A Marion man recently observes his truck being broken into by a homeless man.

The Epley Drive resident told McDowell County officers that he had caught the man while breaking into his truck on May 22^nd.

Deputies later identified the suspect as 62-year-old Gerald Wayne Noblitt.

He was charged with breaking or entering a motor vehicle.

Hickory Paving

As part of the City Walk project in Hickory, contractors will be making crosswalk improvements and doing resurfacing on Main Avenue Northwest and Northeast from Second Street Northwest to the NC 127 bridge.

The work will continue with intermittent road closures until the resurfacing is complete.

Work in this particular area should take several weeks and may temporarily impact on-street parking along Main Avenue NW and NE.

Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling through the work zone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Burke County COVID-19 Related Deaths  

Burke County Public Health on Wednesday reported two additional COVID-19

related deaths. Both individuals were in their 60’s and hospitalized, but

later died from COVID-19 medical complications. There are now 168

COVID-19 related deaths in the county since the panademic began.

$200,000 Grant from Duke Energy to NCSSM-Morganton  

A $200,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will support the science

curriculum at the new Morganton campus of the School of Science of Math

that will open in the fall of 2022. The grant will help fund science textbooks 

for the  STEM-focused high school. 

Man Awarded Citizen Citation for Service  

Morganton Public Safety awards a Citizen Citation for Service. On June 1st,

Nathan Mosteller was traveling along with South Sterling Street when he

noticed two Public Safety Officers in a physical confrontation. Mosteller

reportedly pulled over and assisted the officers by holding the suspect’s

legs as they continued to try to take him into custody. The officers were

able to secured the suspect and take him into custody. Chief Tony

Lowdermilk recognized Mosteller, Monday, for providing assistance to

officers without regard to his personal safety. 

Case Farms Scholarships  

Case Farms announced on Monday that nine children of employees

have received $31,500 in scholarships in 2021. The program recognizes

the student’s dedication to academics and the community. Five students

are children of Morganton employees with another student who has

a parent that works at the Shelby feed mill. The J.LeRoy Cook Memorial

Scholarship Program, to date, has awarded $204,500 in scholarships

to 67 children of Case Farms employees.

 

Area COVID and Death

Burke County’s death toll from COVID-19 climbed by one Monday afternoon as public health officials report 166 residents have now died from the virus.

A news release says the person was in their 40’s and was not hospitalized.

Burke also saw an increase of 15 cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, for a total of 10-thousand-345.

123 cases are currently active, while 6 people are in the hospital.

Caldwell County reported 4 new cases yesterday, for a total of 9-thousand-566 cases.

5 in Caldwell are hospitalized.

12 new cases reported in Catawba County Monday bringing the county’s total to 19-thousand-325.

9 in Catawba remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reported a total caseload of 5-thousand-166 last Friday.

Shooting Case Closed

A shooting case in which a Conover man died outside a Hickory nightspot on Valentine’s Day has been ruled closed according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Monday.

A press release from February states 34-year-old Jordan Ramseur opened fire on a group of people outside the Stump Event Center in Hickory.

Witnesses told authorities Ramseur retrieved a gun from his car after being involved in a fight.

Ramseur was reportedly shot and killed by someone in the parking lot.

Another person was shot in the leg with non-life threatening injuries.

Upon an investigation, officials with the Catawba Sheriff’s Office conclude Ramseur was the first to fire his weapon.

Their findings were then turned over to the DA’s office.

The person who shot Ramseur was not charged, and their name will not be released by authorities.

Drug Charge

An Old Fort woman wanted on an outstanding drug charge is found in possession of additional drugs.

On May 25^th, McDowell deputies stopped a vehicle because of multiple traffic violations.

39-year-old Tina Marie Bielski was a passenger inside the car and was found to be hiding meth underneath her seat.

She was charged with meth possession and served with an outstanding warrant for trafficking in opium or heroin.

City Closures

Construction this week in the city limits of Morganton will be temporarily closing some traffic lanes.

Several lanes of traffic downtown will be closed through Friday to allow completion of construction work on traffic islands surrounding the courthouse square.

Closures will include inside lanes closest to the courthouse on South Green Street and South Sterling Street as well as both lanes of East Meeting Street.

Motorists are encouraged to practice caution in these areas.

Normal traffic resumes Friday when the work is completed.

Also, Freedom Park is closed to the public today through Thursday as contractors are resurfacing the park’s entryway.

City officials say the public will not be allowed access to the park until Friday.

Prisons Hiring

The Department of Public Safety will host hiring events for two correctional facilities today.

Correctional officer positions are available at both Foothills Correctional Institution in Morganton and at Marion Correctional Institution.

The hiring event is from 9 am until 8 pm, with same-day offers made to those who qualify.

Computers will be available for candidates to complete applications on-site but candidates are strongly encouraged to complete applications at ncdps.gov/careers before attending.

For those who cannot attend, contact a recruiter via email at recruiters@ncdps.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCSSM Announces Corning Donation 

The North Carolina School of Science & Math-Morganton, announced on

Thursday, a $100,000 donation from Corning, to support information

technology at the school, which is under construction. In addition to the

IT infrastructure, Corning will provide technical training and on-site

engineering support for faculty and staff along with internship opportunities

and leadership training for students. Corning employs more than 4,500

in North Carolina. NCSSM-Morganton is slated to open in 2022 to its first

class of residential students.

WNC Main Street Designations  

Numerous Western North Carolina Communities have been designated as

a 2021 Accredited Main Street America program. This accreditation is Main

Street America’s top tier recognition. Among the WNC communities earning

accreditation for their 2020 performance, Boone-Hendersonville-Hickory-Lenoir

Marion-Morganton-Newton-Rutherfordton-Shelby and Spruce Pine.

Prison Sentence for Hickory Man  

A convicted felon was sentenced last week in federal court on drug

and gun charges. 26-year-old Wilburn Jonathan Wilson was given

a sentence of 132 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.

According to court records, law enforcement learned that Wilson was

selling firearms illegally in and around Catawba County and possessed

and distributed meth in the Hickory area, along with other charges. The SBI,

Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Hickory Police Department and Long View

Police Departments assisted federal and other agencies in the case.

SOE Extended

Governor Cooper Friday afternoon extended the state’s COVID-19 state of emergency until at least the end of July.

Cooper notes tremendous improvements with fewer cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and safety restrictions; but further states he is focused on getting residents vaccinated, boosting the state’s economy and protecting unvaccinated people from the virus.

The governor says Friday’s executive order extending the state of emergency is essential for those efforts.

The governor’s office says under the state of emergency, NC has easier access to federal funding, and schools can follow uniform safety measures.

Reports say the state of emergency also allows flexibility within the state’s department of health and human services to authorize additional staff to administer vaccines and COVID-19 testing.

A news release says the governor and state health officials continue to monitor state trends and review actions of other states with plans to continue lifting restrictions as more people are vaccinated.

 

Governor’s Incentives

Governor Cooper Thursday afternoon announced an incentive for NC residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine –four 1-million dollar cash drawings in hopes of boosting the state’s overall vaccination percentage.

Over the next three months, four NC residents will win a million dollars each for having gotten at least one vaccine.

For residents receiving a vaccine and those who’ve already been vaccinated who are 18 and older are eligible and will be automatically entered.

North Carolinians 12 to 17 years old who have gotten at least one shot are automatically entered into four drawings to pay 125-thousand dollars for a college education at a school of their choice.

The first drawing will be on June 23^rd and will occur every other week until the last one on August 4^th.

The drawings will take place every other Wednesday and as an extra incentive for anyone getting their first shot today and going forward will be entered twice for each drawing.

State health officials report NC has recently fallen behind the national vaccine average with only 54-percent of adults who have gotten at least one dose.

That percentage is in comparison with nearly 64-percent of adults nationwide according to data with the state department of health and human services.

WNC Blood Demand

Blood donation-bank leaders in Western NC say our area is experiencing an emergency blood shortage – donations are the lowest they’ve been in 60 years.

Officials say demand is up from residents who are undergoing elective surgeries that they delayed because of the pandemic.

They further state the usual number of blood donors is down as well; making it critical for people to give blood if they’re able.

Withh historically low donor turnout, the executive director of the American Red Cross for WNC, Megan Robinson says as people return to a pre-pandemic life, donating blood has taken a backseat.

Officials state if the low donation trend continues, hospitals may begin to see blood rationing.

Murder Victim IDed

Authorities in Iredell County release the name of a man killed earlier this week, while lawmen continue to search for the suspect.

20-year-old Zion Treyshaun Gaither of Hickory was pronounced dead at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville early Tuesday morning.

Officials are on the lookout for 31-year-old Tyrell Daniels in connection with Gaither’s death.

According to reports with the Iredell Sheriff’s Office, Daniels has made threats against law enforcement in the past, and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Daniels has a criminal history including several felony convictions for first-degree burglary, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, and assault.

Should anyone have information about his whereabouts, they are urged to contact the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office at 704-878-3100.

McDowell Theft Attempt

A McDowell County pair is charged in connection with trying to steal a dirt bike last month.

Deputies were called to River Hills Park in Marion May 21^st to discover a male suspect had fled into the woods, while witnesses had stopped a female driving a moped that had dropped the man off.

 The pair was identified by officers as 33-year-old Jessica Dawn Morgan of Old Fort and 34-year-old Cody Cheyenne Vance of Marion.

Reports say Morgan became irate with a deputy and was taken into custody on the scene, while officers located Vance several hours later.

Both were charged with attempted larceny.

In addition, Morgan was charged with resisting a public officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNIX Packaging Hiring in Morganton  

UNIX Packaging, a family business, specializing in packaging beverages

is currently recruiting over 100 jobs in Morganton. The starting pay is

$15 per hour.  The project investment is upwards of $55 million dollars

and the company is anticipating their first bottle run in July. You can

apply in person at 100 Ceramic Tile Drive.

Old Textile Mill Renovation  

An old textile mill in Valdese will transform into a 60-unit housing

development along Main Street. A grant by Asheville based non-profit

Dogwood Health Trust to Northwestern Housing Enterprises, will create

affordable housing for 60 families. Construction is expected to begin

this summer, with an anticipated completion date of early 2024.

Dogwood is contributing $2 million dollars toward the $12.3 million

dollar renovation project. 

McDowell Wanted Man  

McDowell County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for 26-year-old

Cody Lee McKinney, who is wanted for questioning regarding a

disturbance with gunshots fired. McKinney was last seen leaving

the Nix Creek and Timber roads area on foot. He could be armed

so residents should be cautious and alert. Call the Sheriff’s Office

at 652-4000 if you see McKinney. 

 

COVID-19

New cases of COVID-19 in our area remain low to stable – at last report, only two Burke County residents remain hospitalized with the virus.

Burke has a total of 10-thousand-312 cases of COVID-19.

McDowell County’s latest total holds steady at 5-thousand-164.

Catawba County reported 15 new cases of the virus yesterday, for a total of 19-thousand-297.

Catawba still has 6 people in the hospital.

And Caldwell County reported 9 new COVID cases Tuesday afternoon for a total of 9-thousand-551.

There are three Caldwell residents still in the hospital.

The Burke County Health Department has announced a couple of upcoming vaccine clinics.

A walk-in COVID vaccine clinic will be held in conjunction with a local blood drive at Salem United Methodist Church on Salem Road from 2:30 to 5:30 pm tomorrow.

The clinic will be held in the church fellowship hall and no appointment is necessary to get the vaccine.

Then, a community vaccination drive-thru clinic will be held in the Valdese Weavers parking lot Friday June 18^th 9 am till 11 am for first or second doses of the Moderna vaccine.

You can register for an appointment online at myspot.nc.gov or walk-ins are welcome.

New Burke Superintendent  

The Burke County Board of Education Monday, selected Dr.Mike Swan to

serve as Superintendent of Burke County Public Schools. He is a 23-year

veteran educator with the school system and has served in various roles

including, teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Student Services,

assistant superintendent and interim superintendent. Dr. Swan, who was

chosen from a field of 13 applicants, was given a four-year contract.

Two Area Teachers Win New Tools  

Two area teachers are among four statewide to win tools to enhance

learning about space exploration. Andrea Gladden of East Burke Middle

and Vanessa Lail of Grandview Middle in Hickory won space exploration

bundles valued at $5,000 each. 27 educators statewide applied for the

competition by writing two paragraphs about what space exploration

means to them and what winning these bundles would provide to

their counties. The competiton was a joint effort of the North Carolina

Business Committee for Education, the Public Consulting Group and

Aldrin Family Foundation.

Murder Suspect Sentenced  

A Hickory man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury found

him guilty of two counts of accessory before the fact to first-degree murder

in connection with the deaths of two people more than 5 years ago.

29-year-old Jordan Alexander Rivera was given two consecutive life

sentences on Monday, in Catawba County Superior Court. Rivera was

found guilty for his role in the March 12th, 2016, home invasion and

shooting deaths of Mark Anthony Wilson and Deidra LaCarol Ramseur

at the couple’s home on Rest Home Road in Claremont.