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.