COVID Update

Over the weekend, Burke County saw 146 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 14-thousand-935.

The highest increase in cases continues to be among those under 40 years of age.

Public health officials report just over a thousand cases remain active, while 48 residents remain hospitalized.*

Yesterday, McDowell County reported 102 new cases from the weekend and 2 additional virus related deaths.

McDowell’s total is now 8-thousand-101 with 418 people in quarantine.

The Burke County Health Department is also authorized to administer the Pfizer booster.

Call 764-9150 to schedule an appointment and have your vaccination card on

hand.

Health officials announce a couple of up-coming vaccination clinics.

Wednesday September 29^th a clinic will be held at WPCC’s Hildebrand Hall from 9 am to 3 pm. Appointments are not required.

They will be administering the Pfizer; first, second, and booster doses only.

On Friday October 1^st there will be a clinic at Catawba Brewery in Morganton 4 until 7 pm. No appointment necessary.

They will be administering all three Pfizer vaccines, Moderna, and J & J.

Morganton Death

A Morganton man is in custody as a person of interest in connection with the death investigation of a Burkemont Avenue resident.

On Sunday, officers with Morganton Public Safety responded to a cardiac arrest call at 309 Burkemont Avenue where a 67-year-old man was reported to be unconscious and not breathing.

Reports say Jerry Ahmed Corpening was found to be unresponsive and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Authorities began a death investigation in that Corpening had sustained injuries prior to his death reports say.

18-year-old Iziaha Corpening was seen walking from the residence and was arrested by officers a short time later.

He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and placed in the Burke County jail under a 100-thousand dollar secured bond. 

The case is still under investigation and further charges may be pending.

School Threat

Local authorities responded to a threat to a Burke County middle school at the start of the school day Monday morning.

School system officials and Table Rock Middle School were made aware of the threat around 7:45.

A news release says the threat originated on social media and was shared with students, their parents, and school staff members.

Reports say the school’s resource officer and law enforcement officers were contacted as soon as the threat was received and additional lawmen were placed on the school’s campus.

Parents were notified of the situation around 8:15 and were allowed to go to the school to pick up their children.

School principal Rich Linens thanked parents for their patience in dealing with Monday’s situation, further stating that the threat will be fully investigated and resolved.

Pedestrian Killed

A Hickory man walking along a Connelly Springs Road Monday morning was struck and killed by a vehicle.

Highway Patrol reports say 41-year-old Eric Lee Teague was walking near the intersection of Warlick’s Church Road and Wilson Road around 5 when he was hit by a pickup truck.

Teague had reportedly just left a family member’s home.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Charges are not expected against the driver.