COVID Update

More than 200 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend in Burke County as reported by public health officials.

Total cases in Burke amount to 12-thousand-620 after 203 additional cases have been reported since Friday.

Of those cases, 1-thousand-178 are reported to be active, while 35 Burke residents are hospitalized with the virus.

McDowell County reports an additional 121 new cases from the weekend for a total of 6-thousand-590.

537 in McDowell remain in quarantine.

A couple of vaccine clinics this week – in Hickory today from 10 am until 3 pm at Catawba Valley Community College’s main campus in Room 408.

Tuesday’s clinic will offer Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson depending on availability.

Through today those 18 and older getting their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a 100-dollar card after vaccination.

Plus those who drive others to get the vaccine will receive a 25-dollar card.

And in Morganton Friday September 3^rd  another COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held at Fonta Flora Brewery from 5 to 7 pm.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson will be available.

There is no out of pocket cost at either clinic.

Burke and Hickory Drug Bust

Officers with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and Hickory Police join forces to arrest two men last week following an investigation.

A news release from the Burke Sheriff’s Office says their narcotics investigators, Hickory detectives, and state probation officers conducted the investigation at 104 R and S Circle in eastern Burke on August 23rd.

Authorities reportedly made contact with 21-year-old Yorel Damir Scott of 7th Avenue Southwest in Hickory, along with 18-year-old Tyon Shamr Turner of R and S Circle; along with several others inside the residence.

Officers were able to seize multiple firearms at the home and further placed Turner under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Scott was arrested and charged with possession of meth.

Both men were transported to the Burke County magistrate’s office where they each received a 25-thousand dollar bond.

Officer Involved Shooting

Authorities are currently investigating a reported officer-involved shooting in Caldwell County.

Reports say the shooting took place just after 12:30 Monday afternoon in the 2100 block of Morganton Boulevard.

Lenoir Police, including two undercover officers and a uniformed patrol officer reportedly attempted to stop an imminent threat by an armed subject.

Reports say the officers fired upon the man due to the threat, causing what a press release calls life threatening injuries.

The man was airlifted to a Charlotte hospital; while one of the undercover officers sustained a graze wound.

He was treated at a Lenoir hospital and has been released.

Additional information revealed the suspect had previously stolen a vehicle around an hour before the shooting incident.

The SBI is investigating.

Drug Arrest

The investigation into a suspicious vehicle turns into a drug arrest for a Glen Alpine man.

Burke deputies were called to Deerfield Drive on August 24^th where they found 54-year-old Dave Tillman Webb asleep inside the vehicle.

Reports say officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view plus the auto displayed a fictitious tag.

Webb was taken before the Burke magistrate and charged with possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a 3-thousand dollar secured bond and was held at the Burke County jail.

Webb’s court date is set for September 16^th.

Oktoberfest Canceled

A much-loved annual fall event held in Hickory has been canceled.

Hickory’s Oktoberfest scheduled for October 8^th through the 10^th will not be held this year due to the continued spread of COVID-19.

Officials with the Hickory Downtown Development Association and the Oktoberfest Committee say it was a difficult decision to cancel; however, with the low vaccination rate in Catawba County, the risk was too great in holding a super spreader event.

Event organizers went on to say they could not support putting area health providers and hospitals in a more difficult situation.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

A sad news story, but unfortunately one that is repeated all too often – the death toll in Burke County from COVID-19 continues to rise as newly-reported cases are also on the increase.

Local public health reported that 6 Burke residents died last week from the virus, while 5 were reported to have been hospitalized.

A news release states the victims were in their 40’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

Burke officials reported 84 additional COVID cases Friday for a total of 12-thousand-417.

1-thousand-68 cases are reported as being active, and 35 residents remain in the hospital.

McDowell County Friday reported 73 new cases and one additional virus-related death.

McDowell’s total is 6-thousand-469 and 597 people remain quarantined.

Friday marked the second consecutive day state health officials have reported more than 8-thousand new cases across the state.

State figures reveal also more than 36-hundred hospitalized in NC with the virus, while over 900 are in the ICU.

Vaccine Data

The State Department of Health and Human services has released new data showing that those who are unvaccinated are 15-point-4 times more likely to die from COVID-19.

The recent finding comes as NC hit a pandemic high Friday of 912 adults in ICU beds, and 574 individuals on ventilators.

Data indicates there were 29 deaths among unvaccinated persons younger than 65, compared with one death among vaccinated persons younger than 65 during a four-week time period.

In comparison, there were 30 deaths among unvaccinated persons older than 65, and seven deaths among vaccinated persons older than 65.

The Burke County Health Department will be holding a vaccine clinic at Fonta Flora Brewery in Morganton Friday September 3^rd from 5 to 7 pm.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be available.

WPCC Grant

Western Piedmont Community College is proud to announce the continued funding of its Educational Talent Search Grant.

After receiving a perfect score and applying for a nationally competitive grant, WPCC has received more than 1-point-8 million dollars to be dispersed over the next five years.

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a college access program funded by the Federal Governments Department of Education with the goal to break down barriers that underserved students may encounter on their college journey.

Students must complete an application process and express a desire to attend college. The program grant will continue to serve the need in our community by providing opportunities such as college tours and cultural enrichment experiences for student’s 6^th through 12^th grade in Burke County Schools.

ETS also aims to assist students with time management, test taking, study and organizational skills, in addition to completing college applications, registering for classes, preparing for college entrance exams and applying for scholarships – including federal and state financial aid.

 Area Missing

A Lincoln County teenager reported missing last week has been located and is safe.

Reports say 18-year-old Johnathan Keith Merchant made contact with the detective division with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and is reported to be unharmed.

Elsewhere, Rutherford County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating four people reported missing; three of the missing are children.

The children were last seen Thursday with 28-year-old Brandi Hutchins on Morning Star Lake Road in Rutherford County.

Hutchins is reportedly not the children’s legal guardian.

The missing children are 6-year-old Nicholas Hunt, a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes; 7-year-old Nathan Hutchins, a white male with blonde hair and hazel eyes; and 10-year-old Neveah Hutchins, a white female with brown hair and brown eyes.

Brandi Hutchins is described as a white female, 5 feet tall, weighs 130 pounds and has auburn hair and green eyes.

And in a separate case, officials in Rutherford County are looking for 35-year-old Amber Starr Nunez.

She is a white female, 5 feet 1, and weighs around 140 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Should you have information regarding either case, contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 828-286-2911.

 

 

 

COVID Update

114 new cases of COVID-19 since Tuesday, as reported by Burke County Public Health officials with the number of total cases rising to 12-thousand-194.

982 of those cases are reported to be active, while 35 Burke residents are now in the hospital with the virus.

Health officials report Burke is at an 11-point-4 percent positivity rate, which means more individuals are being tested, but more are coming back positive than previously.

In a news release from Burke County health, health workers say they’re seeing a spike in cases in the 0-19 age group, as well as the 30-49 year old group.

Officials attribute the spike partially to low vaccination rates, people not remaining at home when sick, and the lack of proper face coverings.

Catawba County reports 398 new cases of COVID in the last week for a total now of 21-thousand-68.

58 individuals in Catawba are hospitalized.

McDowell County saw 67 new cases yesterday for a total of 6-thousand-322.

McDowell reported 3 additional deaths, and 595 remain in quarantine.

At last report, Caldwell County has a total of 10-thousand-516 cases, while 19 are in the hospital.

Should you have questions about the COVID vaccine, call the Burke County Health Department at 764-9150.

Chase Leads to Arrest

A chase earlier this month involving Burke County officers leads to the recent arrest of a Morganton woman.

On August 5^th, a news release from the Burke Sheriff’s office says lawmen observed a vehicle being driven by 34-year-old Katia Christian of 3529 Smith Road.

Officers realized there were warrants for Christian’s arrest for larceny of a motor vehicle.

As deputies attempted to stop her near the intersection of Mount Home Church Road and Old NC 18, she reportedly accelerated toward Enola Road at a high rate of speed, and ran a red light in heavy traffic.

At this point, officers canceled the pursuit and issued a warrant for Christian’s arrest.

Then on August 17^th after following up on leads, lawmen located Christian hiding inside a closet at a Valdese residence.

A stolen Toyota was also discovered outside the home; while meth and drug paraphernalia was seized during her arrest.

Along with drug possession charges, Christian was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, failure to heed light or siren, and driving while license revoked.

In addition she was issued outstanding warrants; including out of county felony indictments for drug possession.

Christian was given a 155-thousand dollar secured bond.

Cooper visits Haywood

Governor Roy Cooper met Wednesday with western NC small business owners and county officials to survey flood damage to the hardest-hit areas from Tropical Storm Fred.

In Buncombe County, Cooper visited Mountain Power Performance in Candler where the owner reports losing everything due to flooding; saying the business was underwater within a matter of minutes.

Cooper told business owners his plan is to request a federal disaster declaration, once damage assessments are completed and submitted to the federal government.

Emergency officials in Haywood County continue to look for one person who is still missing, while five residents lost their lives in the flooding.

Reports say more than 80 water rescues occurred during the weather event.

FHS Senior Night

Freedom High School officials have announced that Senior Night has been rescheduled for Friday September 17^th.

Cheerleading, Band, and Football parents need to arrive by 6:45 that evening.

Officials from Freedom say more details will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

A rise in COVID-19 cases in Burke County over the weekend with 174 additional positives.

Burke is nearing the 12-thousand mark with a total caseload of 11-thousand-961.

873 cases are reported to be active, and 22 people are hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 165 new cases and one additional death over the weekend.

McDowell’s total is 6-thousand-218 with 492 currently in quarantine.

The FDA Monday approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use by individuals 16 and older; however, the vaccine continues to be available under emergency use for those ages 12 to 15.

The CDC continues to recommend a booster or third dose for those whose immune systems are compromised; to be received at least 28 days after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

Individuals unsure of whether to obtain a third vaccine should contact their physician.

The Burke Health Department provides the Moderna vaccine.

And the Catawba County Health Department reports health officials there are offering Moderna and Pfizer.

Those who fall into the category of immune-compromised, and are interested in a third dose of Moderna can call the Burke County health department at 764-9150 to schedule an appointment.

And those who need the Pfizer booster can call Blue Ridge Urgent Care at 580-3278.

Catawba County public health can be reached by calling 282-2002.

Cleveland County Man Charged

A Cleveland County man now faces federal charges following a threat he made last week near the US Capitol.

49-year-old Floyd Ray Roseberry of Grover made his first court appearance Friday afternoon following his arrest in Thursday’s incident in front of the Library of Congress.

Roseberry was ordered to be held in jail pending a medical evaluation and a status hearing set for this Wednesday.

The judge also appointed a public defender for Roseberry.

He is now charged with felony threatening the use of a weapon of mass destruction and felony threatening by explosives.

Officials report Roseberry claimed to have a bomb and a detonator in his possession during the incident.

Haywood Flooding

Emergency officials in Haywood County have confirmed five people are dead, while one person remains missing from flood waters that ravaged the area last week.

Frank Lauer Senior, Frank Mungo, Franklin McKenzie, Judy Mason, and Charlene Mungo have now been identified.

Search efforts for the one person still missing are ongoing.

The historic flooding happened along the Pigeon River with the community of Cruso especially hard-hit.

More than 250 emergency personnel from across the state were deployed to assist with search and rescue operations.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

Tragic news as Burke County Public Health reported Friday that the death toll from COVID-19 climbed to 182; as 10 local residents die from the virus last week.

A news release states the individuals were in their 30’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s; while nine of the victims were hospitalized.

Burke reported 421 new cases of COVID last week for a total of 11-thousand-787.

Of those cases, 842 are reported to be active and 22 Burke residents are still hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 63 additional cases Friday for a total of 6-thousand-53.

449 are reported to be in quarantine.

State health officials report more than 66-hundred new cases throughout NC, and some 31-hundred people are hospitalized.

Health officials contend more than 94-percent of recent cases in NC are in those who are not fully vaccinated.

More than 20-thousand North Carolinians have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week.

WPCC Program

For the fifth consecutive year of the partnership, Western Piedmont Community College announces that five students have been selected for a Registered Apprenticeship Program at Continental Automotive Systems, a worldwide automotive products manufacturer, in Morganton.

Pioneering a way for the future, WPCC has partnered with Continental Automotive Systems to provide opportunities for students to earn while they learn.

 Program students pursue their education while also working as full-time employees, receiving a wage progression throughout the Registered Apprenticeship.

The process begins in high school when students are selected based on their interests and abilities.

Continental Automotive Systems works alongside the students while they utilize their hands and take aptitude tests.

At the end of the process, best fit students are selected for the program and typically attend the community college they live closest to. 

All students are hired at an entry technician level. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, students receive a Registered Apprenticeship Card from North Carolina that is a portable credential and can be carried and recognized anywhere in the country.  

For more information on apprenticeships or work-based learning opportunities, contact Michael Daniels, Dean, Applied Technologies at mdaniels@wpcc.edu.  

Red Cross Help

As search and rescue missions continue in parts of western NC, the American Red Cross is working with emergency management to provide community support to those impacted by flooding and severe weather.

Red Cross volunteers are serving meals and providing established shelters for families displaced by weather events.

People can donate to assist those affected by visiting redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Lincoln Theft

Lincoln County detectives are investigating the theft of a pull-behind travel camper.

The camper was reportedly taken from the Riverwalk Apartments storage lot on Thursday.

The camper is described as a 2019 Puma with NC tag CL46694, and is valued at 35-thousand dollars.

Anyone having information about the theft should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

The State Department of Health and Human services Thursday reported 7-thousand-20 new statewide COVID-19 cases – the first time the daily total has topped 7-thousand since late January.

The number of those hospitalized with the virus also increased yesterday to 3-thousand-83; which also compares to late January numbers.

State health department Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen believes if cases continue to increase at the current rate, NC will surpass the January peak in a matter of weeks.

Cohen reports recent data shows unvaccinated residents are more than 4 times or 400-percent more likely to get COVID than people who are fully vaccinated.

Presently, 59-percent of North Carolinians are fully vaccinated.

Virus numbers are still rising throughout the Catawba Valley counties.

Burke County’s dashboard data indicates 68 new cases since Wednesday, for a total of 11-thousand-628.

837 cases are now active, with 22 hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 67 new COVID cases for a total of 5-thousand-990.

419 McDowell residents are in quarantine.

Murder Arrest

An eastern Burke County man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Connelly Springs woman Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence on Coldwater Street around 2:45 yesterday to reports of gunfire.

Once there, officers found 50-year-old Pamela Alice Moses outside her home deceased from probable gunshot wounds.

A news release from the Sheriff’s Office says witnesses at the scene identified the shooter as 49-year-old Johnny Everette Setzer of Icard.

Responding authorities observed Setzer leaving the scene in a vehicle when a chase ensued.

As the chase ended, reports say Setzer jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot.

A nearby resident spotted Setzer and called 911 to inform officers; Setzer was then quickly taken into custody.

Burke County deputies were familiar with Setzer and had been investigating previous crimes he had been connected with this month; including larceny, possession of a stolen vehicle, and larceny of firearms.

In Wednesday’s incident, Setzer was charged with murder and larceny of a firearm; with no bond on the murder charge, and 50-thousand dollar secured bond on the firearm charge.

Capitol Arrest Cleveland Co Man

A Cleveland County man has been taken into custody for allegedly having explosives inside a vehicle parked near the US Capitol Thursday morning.

Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as 50-year-old Floyd Ray Roseberry from Grover.

Officials say the incident began around 9:15 when Roseberry drove his truck onto the sidewalk outside the library of Congress.

Reports say he told an official there that he had a bomb and was holding what the officer believed to be a detonator.

Officials proceeded to evacuate buildings around the Capitol, and positioned snipers to the area.

According to reports, police negotiators continued to communicate with Roseberry in attempts to determine whether he had an operable bomb.

Roseberry cooperated with authorities and gave himself up without incident.

A Charlotte news outlet reports several law enforcement agents were observed at Roseberry’s home in Grover.

Haywood Co Missing

Emergency officials in Haywood County are confirming two people are dead,many individuals remain unaccounted for after floodwaters swept through Tuesday.

Governor Cooper issued a state of emergency Wednesday to assist county officials with securing needed resources and to activate the state’s emergency operations plan.

More than 200 searchers are involved in rescue efforts along the flooded Pigeon River.

NC Emergency Management has deployed personnel from across the state to assist, including swift water rescue teams from Burke County.

Reports say nearly 100 people have been rescued from floodwaters, while searchers are continuing to go home-to-home looking for those still missing.

Medical examiners are working with emergency officials to determine the identity of the two victims.

Weather experts say the record flooding was the result of nearly a foot of rain that fell from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

The number of patients fighting COVID-19 in intensive care units across NC is reportedly the highest it’s been since the beginning of the year.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported more than 29-hundred people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

They further state that 371 individuals have been admitted with the virus within the past 24 hours.

Of those currently in a hospital, 728 patients are being treated in the intensive care unit – the highest number of ICU patients in the state since January 22^nd.

Numbers of cases and hospitalizations continue to grow in the Catawba Valley counties as well.

McDowell County yesterday reported 52 new cases of the virus with 1 additional death. Total cases numger 5-thousand-923, with 427 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 198 new cases of COVID-19 in the last week for a total of 10-thousand-325.

15 in Caldwell are in the hospital.

Catawba County reported 385 additional cases of the virus this week; with 71 people hospitalized with COVID.

Catawba now has a total of 20-thousand-670 cases.

Burke County on its dashboard data reported 60 new cases since Monday for a total of 11-thousand-560.

Figures show 797 cases as being active, and 22 are hospitalized.

Avery Flooding

More than 100 people were evacuated from three Avery County campgrounds Tuesday evening as flood waters threatened area roadways.

Emergency officials evacuated approximately 120 individuals from the campgrounds along with a portion of Linville Land Harbor in Pineola and a mobile home park near the Mitchell County line.

Tornado warnings had been issued in Avery County, with a flash flood warning as well in effect until 3 Wednesday morning.

Weather officials say the area received up to five inches of rainfall.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from Tuesday night’s incident.

Avery County schools were closed Wednesday, as numerous bridges and roadways were under water for a time, in addition to power outages throughout the county.

Elsewhere reports say some 30 people remain unaccounted for following flooding along the Pigeon River in Haywood County.

Emergency officials say much of the city of Canton was underwater Tuesday evening.

 

 

 

Masks Mandatory in BCPS  

The Burke County Board of Education voted Monday night to make face

coverings universal indoors for all teachers, staff and students in K-12

schools, regardless of vaccination status. This vote rescinds the board’s

previous decision that had made face coverings optional in schools.

The board also voted to give Burke County Public Schools administration

the authority to implement universal masking indoors. Due to current

federal mandate, face coverings also are required on yellow school buses

and activity buses.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting, Dr. Karen Auton was selected

as assistant superintendent of Burke County Public Schools effective

September 1^st. According to a news release from the school system, Auton

is the first female assistant superintendent in Burke Public Schools history.

McDowell State of Emergency  

A State of Emergency has been declared by McDowell County, Marion

and Old Fort due to flash flooding and wind damage associated with the

remnants of Fred. Emergency personnel across McDowell responded to

calls for downed power lines and trees, mudslides and other calls for

assistance. Please call your utility company to report a power outage

not 911.

Earthquake  

An earthquake hit Western North Carolina just before 9:30 Tuesday

morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 2.7 magnitude

quake was located 3.5 miles north of Morganton and had a depth

of 7 kilometers.

EMS Program  

Burke County Emergency Medical Services has been selected to join

the Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators Plus Program, an advanced

pediatric training and education program developed by researchers at

the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine in partnership with the NC Office

of EMS and funded by the EMS for Children Innovation and Improvement

Center. Twelves EMS agencies throughout the state, including Burke and

Caldwell, were selected following an application and interview process.

The Program begins September 1^st and runs for 2 years. 

Caldwell Vaccine Clinics  

The Caldwell County Health Department will hold two mobile vaccine

clinics this week. On Thursday, the Health Department, in partnership

with JBS and Lenoir Parks and Rec, will host a clinic from 3 till 5 at the

Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Lenoir. On Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m.

the Health Department, along with West Caldwell Health Council, will

hold a vaccine clinic at Hudson Methodist Church, 383 Main Street.

Appointments are not needed for the mobile vaccine clinics, however,

the department requires appointments for vaccines during its regularly

scheduled hours. To schedule an appointment, call 828-426-8400.

 

COVID Update

More COVID-19 cases reported in Burke County over the weekend; 34 additional cases since Friday as reported by public health officials.

Burke reports a total of 11-thousand-500 cases, with 732 cases reported to be active and 17 still in the hospital.

Officials report Burke is currently at an 11-point-5 percent positivity rate – meaning more individuals are being tested and more are coming back with positive results than previously.

The CDC is now recommending those with moderate to severe compromised immune systems to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine following the initial two doses.

Health experts report these individuals are especially vulnerable to the virus because they are more at risk of serious or prolonged illness.

In order to receive a third dose from the Burke health department, a note from your primary doctor is required.

If you do not have a primary care doctor, call the health department for assistance at 764-9150.

WNC Drugs and Guns

A McDowell County man is among those charged after an investigation into drugs and guns in Western NC, while a Burke County woman is still being sought by authorities.

Federal officials report the multi-agency investigation into meth trafficking and illegal firearm possession has led to federal charges against 25 individuals.

28-year-old Justin Carroll Gibson of McDowell County is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Gibson’s conspiracy charge reportedly carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Reports say on Sunday, federal, state, and local law enforcement arrested 19 of those charged.

Two defendants are currently in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody to face charges.

Four defendants, including 27-year-old Lindsay Nicole Cobb of Burke County have not been arrested yet.

Over the course of the investigation, officers seized meth, more than a dozen illegally possessed firearms, various types of ammunition, and more than 12-thousand dollars in drug proceeds.

McDowell Scam

A caller impersonating a sheriff’s deputy is trying to scam McDowell County residents out of money.

Reports say the caller identifies himself as a McDowell lieutenant and proceeds to tell the resident that they need to pay a fine or go to jail.

The sheriff’s office reports their officers would not call residents to request money.

Anyone with questions or concerns should call the McDowell Sheriff’s office at 652-2235.

Drowning

One person died Sunday as the result of a drowning at Lake James.

McDowell County Emergency personnel report they were called to a private dock in the Goodman Cove area.

According to reports, the person jumped from a dock into the water and never resurfaced.

Officials say the victim was recovered in approximately 25 feet of water.

The McDowell Sheriff’s office was assisted by McDowell EMS, numerous area fire departments, McDowell rescue, McDowell Emergency Management, and NC Wildlife.

Rutherford Murder Update

A suspect sought in a Rutherford County homicide that took place last month has been located and arrested in Florida.

Authorities located Andrew Franklin Hodge on Friday and have charged him with murder and for shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Hodge was wanted for the July 27^th murder of Thomas Liebel of Forest City.

Officials report he will soon be extradited back to Rutherford County.

 

Hamby Arrest

A Connelly Springs man now faces numerous drug offenses including trafficking.

Reports with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office say 31-year-old Jordan Yates Hamby of 2275 Shady Grove Road is charged with meth trafficking, possession with intent to manufacture sell and deliver meth, and possession of a schedule-2 substance.

On August 8^th, state probation and parole officers along with narcotics investigators conducted an investigation on Walker Chapel road where they made contact with Hamby.

Officers were able to seize 156 grams of meth and drug paraphernalia after searching Hamby reports say.

He received a 100-thousand dollar secured bond.

WPCC New VP

Western Piedmont Community College announces Cynthia Davies as Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development.

Davies joins WPCC with an extensive background serving in community colleges for 24 years and most recently served as Dean for the School of Academic Advancement at Greenville Technical College.

Davies will begin her role on today.

While serving in her role at Greenville Technical College, Davies was recognized as the Educator of the Year in the Administrator Category for South Carolina in 2020

 

 

COVID Update

On Wednesday North Carolina health experts reported the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in 6 months; with yesterday’s additional cases amounting to nearly 5-thousand.

Reports say more than 23-hundred of the state’s residents are hospitalized; while 586 individuals are in ICU beds across the state.

Officials report that 94-percent of the new cases are persons who are not fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, figures on the Burke County health department website show Burke with a total of 11-thousand-197 total cases; with 640 cases reported to be active and 17 residents in the hospital.

McDowell County reported 25 new cases of the virus Wednesday.

254 individuals are in quarantine.

Caldwell County reports 192 new COVID-19 cases in the last week for a total of 9-thousand-976.

10 people in Caldwell are in the hospital.

And Catawba County saw 323 new cases this week for a total of 20-thousand-285.

16 are hospitalized in Catawba County with the virus.

Meth Arrests  

Two people are charged with trafficking meth after a vehicle stop

Monday night in Morganton. Public Safety Officers conducted the stop

at 2302 South Sterling Street and observed drug paraphernalia in the

vehicle. According to a news release, officers located over 39 grams of

Meth, 4 grams of Marijuana, controlled substances, and $1,700 in cash.

Brittany Nichole Woody and Jesse Wayne Douglas were arrested and

each received a $50,000 secured bond. Woody was given an additional

$8,000 secured bond due to Two Orders For Arrest. Both have court

appearances scheduled for today.

 CVCC Transfer Agreement with Montreat in Criminal Justice

Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory has announced a new Direct

Transfer Agreement with Montreat in the area of Criminal Justice. This will

allow graduates who earn an Associates in Applied Science in Criminal Justice

Technology from CVCC to transfer to Montreat in the School of Adult and

Graduate Studies to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

For more information contact Sherry Herman at 327-7000, ext 4050 or

visit www.cvcc.edu. 

Lincoln Drug Arrest  

A Western Lincoln County woman was arrested Tuesday afternoon

after a drug investigation that began last fall. Narcotics investigators on

October 12^th arrested a suspect leaving a woman’s home in Crouse. During

the traffic stop officers reportedly seized 70 grams of heroin. Officers

continued surveillance for several months and after two heroin undercover

purchases, an arrest was made Tuesday of Kristen Denise Hamrick, in the  

Lincolnton Walmart, where officers seized 6.7 grams of heroin. Bond on

Hamrick was set at $251,000 secured.

 

 

 

Avery Murder

A live-in caregiver has been charged with the murder of an Avery County woman.

53-year-old Elizabeth Katherine Carserino, also known as Elizabeth Freeman, was taken into custody by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Saturday on outstanding warrants from Avery County on charges of identity theft, larceny of a motor vehicle, and financial card theft.

She was then turned over to Avery County authorities for an additional charge of murder in the death of 70-year-old Lynn Gay Keene.

Family members reported Keene missing on July 30^th, after having not seen her since June 14^th.

A search of her home led investigators to human remains found entombed in concrete in the basement of the residence.

An autopsy revealed the remains were that of Keene and that she did not die of natural causes.

Deputies then identified Freeman as a suspect.

She had been hired by Keene’s family as a live-in caregiver.

As investigators searched for Freeman, they discovered surveillance at a Marion store showing her driving Keene’s car and using one of her bank cards.

Reports say lawmen suspect someone else may have been involved in the murder.

Driver Kills Dog

An impaired driver hits and kills a dog in the yard of an Old Fort residence.

Reports say 54-year-old Wayne Gilbert Lassiter of Justice Road in Marion is charged with cruelty to animals in the June 1^st incident.

A resident reported he was walking with his dog outside his US 70 West residence when the car driven by Lassiter traveled through his yard and struck and killed the dog.

According to reports, officers discovered Lassiter was driving while impaired.

Also, McDowell officers discovered a sleeping man inside a stolen vehicle parked at a Dollar General.

Deputies had been responding to a reported domestic dispute early last Thursday on US 221 North.

While searching for suspects, they found 25-year-old Cory Douglas Wilde sleeping in the back of a Ford Taurus parked at the business.

Officers learned the vehicle had been stolen from Knoxville.

Wilde was then charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Boone SOE

The town of Boone will soon require masks indoors after declaring a State of Emergency due to rising COVID-19 cases.

The requirement goes into effect today at 5 pm and shall remain in effect until further notice.

The declaration calls for customers, employees, and those inside a public establishment to wear a face mask or covering, while also observing social distancing.

The penalty for violating the mask requirement carries a class 2 misdemeanor.

Lincoln Drug Charges

A traffic stop in Lincoln County leads to the arrest of a Gastonia man on illegal drug charges.

Reports say 27-year-old Marcos Joel Gamboa was pulled over on July 29^th by Lincoln narcotics investigators and patrol officers.

Authorities located six ounces of heroin with an estimated street value of 21-thousand-500 dollars.

Gamboa was arrested and taken before the magistrate on charges of trafficking heroin by possession, trafficking heroin by transport, and trafficking heroin by manufacturing.

He was placed in custody under a 210-thousand dollar secured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

Statewide C19 Increases

New daily COVID-19 cases in NC topped 4-thousand Thursday for the first time since February.

Yesterday, Governor Cooper held a COVID-19 briefing sharing numbers that the pandemic is indeed reaching heights it hasn’t seen in months.

Cooper is not instituting any new restrictions or mandates presently, further emphasizing that vaccinations are our way out of the pandemic.

The governor is also encouraging school boards to ask their staff and eligible students to get the vaccine.

Cooper stated over the past couple of weeks, NC has seen a 42-percent increase in first doses.

In Burke County, health officials say the local vaccination rate is still hovering around 36-percent for those fully vaccinated.

Local officials attribute the increase in cases to restrictions being lifted, kids attending summer camps, and family vacations.

To learn about available vaccination options, call the Burke County Health Department at 764-9150.

Hickory Man Killed

A Hickory man was killed early Wednesday morning in a one-car accident in Statesville.

The NC Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred on Interstate-40 East near mile marker 143.

36-year-old Keith Donte Hutchison was reportedly driving a 2005 GMC Envoy when he ran off the right side of the roadway, struck the guardrail causing him to over-correct leftward into the median, and overturned.

Troopers say he was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected.

Hutchison died at the scene.

The initial investigation indicates driver inattention as a contributing factor.

Medals Stolen

Caldwell County authorities are looking for a man wanted for breaking into the home of a deceased veteran and taking his war medals.

Reports say deputies have identified the suspect as 31-year-old Charles Aaron Carr who is wanted on charges of obtaining property under false pretenses.

Detectives say he took two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and other items from the home, and proceeded to trade one of the Purple Hearts for a two-liter bottle of Code Red Mountain Dew.

According to reports, the purple hearts have been recovered but lawmen are still looking for the other stolen medals.

The medals were awarded to Daniel Laws who spent two tours in Vietnam.

Investigators say an ATV was also taken from an outside shed at the residence, and are hoping to track it down to get further information into the case.

Should anyone have information on Carr’s whereabouts or anything connected to the case, contact the Caldwell Sheriff’s office at 757-1300.

Marion Assault and Thefts

A domestic disturbance in McDowell County results in charges for a Marion woman.

Deputies were called to the incident August 1^st on Lucky Street where they found 33-year-old Hilary Brooke Inman of Buck Creek Road in an altercation with another subject.

An investigation showed Inman assaulted a man at the residence; and whenever he attempted to call 911 for help, she took his phone away from him.

Inman was charged with simple assault and interfering with emergency communication.

McDowell County deputies are also involved in a search for suspects who have stolen property from the McDowell Parks and Recreation twice in recent days.

On the first occasion, someone broke into a facility outbuilding between July 30^th and August 2^nd and removed two chainsaws.

Then between August 2^nd and 3^rd, thieves made off with two weed trimmers and a leaf blower from the same outbuilding.

Anyone having information about the thefts should call Detective Hicks at 652-2237.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update  

Burke County Public Health on Wednesday reported 10-thousand-916

cumultative cases of COVID-19. There are about 401 active cases.

McDowell County yesterday reported 27 new cases of the virus for a total

of 5-thousand-455, with 181 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported a total of 9-thousand-976 cases of COVID-19

on Wednesday, with 10 patients in the hospital.

Catawba County yesterday reported 201 new cases since the last report,

for a total of 19-thousand-962, with 10 patients hospitalized.

Another Drug Arrest for Valdese Resident

A Valdese resident faces a felony meth charge for the second time since

May. On Friday, NC Probation Officers and Sheriff’s detectives conducted

an investigation at 3644 Tom Deal Avenue. According to a press release

from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, detectives seized meth and drug 

parapharnalia and arrested 43-year-old Johnnie Denise Hickman. On

May 26^th, officers initiated an investigation at the same address and

located meth, other controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and a

large quantity of US currency. Hickman was charged then with Trafficking

in Meth and other drug offenses. A third investigation at that address on

July 22^nd, was conducted concerning two stolen motorcycles that were

seized. That investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

WNC Native Named SHP Lt Colonel  

The State Highway Patrol announced the promotion Wednesday of

a Western North Carolina native, Major Daryl B. Conley, to the rank of

lieutenant colonel effective August 9^th. Lt.Col. Conley is a native of

Rutherford County, and began his career in 1996 as a trooper in Burke

County. He has served in multiple supervisory positions across the

state including Hickory and Newton.

 

COVID Death and Update

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout the state and country, Burke County Public Health Tuesday reported another virus-related death.

Health officials report the individual was in their 50’s and was hospitalized.

Burke’s death toll now amounts to 171.

Tuesday’s figures from the database on the county’s website show Burke with 41 additional COVID-19 cases since Monday for a total of 10-thousand-828.

400 cases are reported to be active, and 14 are hospitalized.

McDowell County Tuesday afternoon reported 25 more cases of the virus from Monday for a total of 5-thousand-428.

154 McDowell residents are in quarantine.

NC Vax Incentive

As part of its effort to help protect more of the state’s residents against COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant, NC will soon be offering 100-dollar summer cards at some vaccine sites.

A news release states the money cards will help residents to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.

Beginning today through August 31^st, the 100-dollar summer cards are available to those 18 and older who get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a participating site; while supplies last.

In addition to the summer card, NC continues to offer 25-dollar cards to those who drive others to their vaccination appointments.

They receive the 25-dollar card each time they drive someone to a first-dose appointment at the completion of the vaccination.

Reports show that more than 61-percent of NC adults have received at least one vaccine dose.

Health officials say in Western NC, new cases have risen about 50-percent; while the Delta variant is responsible for 80-percent of new cases.

Those interested in the 100-dollar summer card or driver’s card should call 888-675-4567 to find a participating vaccination site.

Hot Car Event

Statistics reveal that an average of 39 children across the US die annually from heat exposure while inside a vehicle.

To help prevent such a tragedy, the NC Department of Insurance and the Office of the state fire marshal are hosting a ‘hot car event’ Thursday August 5^th from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm at the McDowell Recreation Department at 25 Academy Street in Marion.

Thursday’s event is sponsored by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and McDowell Parks and Recreation.

State officials will be on hand to demonstrate how quickly the temperature in a car can rise.

NC ranks 6^th in the nation for heatstroke deaths in children under the age of 14.

Free refreshments will be on hand at the event, while the recreation department will offer free swimming from 11am to 4pm.

Hickory Memorial

A Hickory community came together Monday evening to honor the memory of a teenage girl who was killed in a hit-and-run incident Saturday.

Reports say 17-year-old Brianna Page was walking to work at a Bojangles restaurant on 20^th Street in Hickory early Saturday when she was struck and killed.

18-year-old Cesar Lozano Mendoza of Hickory is charged in the case.

The group of mourners came together to pray, light candles, release balloons, and sing Amazing Grace.

Mendoza was issued a 15-thousand dollar bond that he reportedly was able to post shortly after being taken into custody.

He initially fled the crime scene, but turned himself in to authorities about 11 hours after the crash.