COVID Update

Burke County’s COVID-19 cases continue to multiply as health officials reportED 184 additional cases since Tuesday; and according to a news release 112 new cases just since Wednesday.

More than 13-hundred-60 cases are reported to be active, while 48 residents are hospitalized.

Burke’s total stands at 14-thousand-202 cases, with health officials saying the largest increase in cases is amongst those under 40.*

McDowell County reported 47 new cases of COVID Thursday afternoon, and 3 additional virus-related deaths.

McDowell’s total is now 7-thousand-589 with 543 still quarantined.

Remains Found

A teenager has been charged after the remains of an infant were found buried in a shallow grave behind an Iredell County home.

19-year-old Alex Holden Best was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Iredell detention center where he was charged with felony conceal or fail to report the death of a child.

Earlier this month, the Iredell Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a body possibly buried behind a residence on Tomlin Mill Road.

Reports say the body had been brought to the home from another location in High Point.

After investigators obtained a search warrant, officials reportedly discovered the grave with a box inside holding the remains of a small infant.

According to reports, authorities have also located a female in High Point who is also connected with the incident.

She and Best were both interviewed by investigators.

Best was issued a 10-thousand-dollar secured bond. An investigation continues.

Hickory Road Closure

City contractors in Hickory will close NC 127 Saturday to complete electrical work and other construction activities related to the City Walk project.

NC 127 will be closed between First Avenue Southeast and First Avenue Northeast from 5 am to 6 pm Saturday.

Drivers should use Fourth Street Northwest and Southwest and the one-way pairs to navigate around the closure.

Detour routes will be established and clearly marked.

Grant Supports Burke’s Industrial Commons 

A $500,000 grant was recently awarded to The Industrial Commons by

the Asheville-based Dogwood Health Trust. This grant will help bolster

the foundational work that The Industrial Commons is doing to create

more minority-owned and employee-owned and operated businesses

in Western North Carolina. The Industrial Commons works primarily in

Burke County and in the manufacturing sector. The Dogwood Health

Trust, a private foundation, states that its sole purpose is to dramatically

improve the health and well-being of all people and communities of

18 counties and the Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina.