Body Found at Catawba River

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of a body Friday along the Catawba River.

A news release from the Sheriff’s Office says the body is that of an unidentified male who was found along the river bank in the Carbon City area.

Reports say the body appears to have been there around 10 days and the cause of death has not been determined.

Morganton Public Safety, the Burke County Rescue Squad, and the Medical Examiner assisted the sheriff’s office at Friday’s incident.

COVID Update

Burke County’s COVID-19 positivity rate continues to steadily decline; Burke is currently at a rate of 4-point-92 percent.

Burke has seen 44 new cases of the virus since Thursday; approximately 101 new cases since Monday for a total of 15-thousand-953.

There are 369 active cases ad 26 remain hospitalized.

A news release says public health officials are seeing the highest increase in birth to 59 year olds.

The percent of Burke residents 12 and older who are fully vaccinated remains at 49-percent.

McDowell County reported 10 new cases Friday for a total of 8-thousand-658.

139 remain quarantined.

Caldwell County Friday reported 60 new cases of COVID since Wednesday for a total of 15-thousand-364.

12 residents from Caldwell are in the hospital.

Fatal Bus Crash

A three-car crash involving a school bus claimed the life of a Newton man Thursday afternoon in Catawba County.

Highway Patrol reports say the collision happened around 3:15 at the intersection of Highway 16 and EP Street Extension in Newton.

Troopers say a Bandys High school bus was traveling through the intersection when the driver of a 2008 Toyota ran a red light striking the bus.

The impact caused the bus to roll on top of a 2018 Hyundia.

Reports say Willis, the driver of the Toyota, died on the scene of his injuries.

According to the Highway Patrol, the bus driver and driver of the Hyundia sustained non-life threatening injuries.

There were no students on the bus at the time of the accident.

Sentenced to Prison

A Nebo man has received a prison sentence after pleading guilty in McDowell County court on trafficking charges.

Marvin Donald Branch the second will serve an active sentence from 18 to 23 years following his conviction for 2 counts of meth trafficking.

Detectives with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office had been investigating Branch for illegal drug activities.

Detectives and Marion Police officers seized 60 grams of meth from Branch during a vehicle stop in April 2020.

Then the following December, detectives searched Branch’s home at 5334 US 70 East and seized 522 grams of meth, 40 grams of heroin, US currency, and several firearms.

Marion Police, SBI agents, and the McDowell DA’s office assisted the McDowell Sheriff’s office with the case.

 

 

COVID Update

As active cases and hospitalizations in Burke County due to COVID-19 continue to decline, Public Health Thursday sadly reported 17 recent virus-related deaths.

A news release says the victims were in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 80’s and 90’s.

Sixteen were hospitalized and all died from COVID related complications.

Burke has seen 57 new cases of COVID-19 since Monday for a total of 15-thousand-909.

438 cases are active, while 26 people are still in the hospital.

McDowell County reported 16 new cases yesterday for a total of 8-thousand-648.

145 residents remain in quarantine.

Body Found

The search for a missing person in Burke County has been connected with the recent discovery of a body inside an 80-foot well in Connelly Springs.

Since August 12^th, a news release from the Burke Sheriff’s Office reports deputies had been on the lookout for 56-year-old Howell Thomas Buchanan of Washboard Lane in Morganton.

Buchanan had not been seen for some time and could not be located at his last known addresses.

Investigators have since conducted interviews and searches that led them to a fresh dig site on Old NC 18.

On Monday, authorities ordered an excavation at the site and Buchanan’s body was found and estimated 15 feet deep inside the well.

Following interviews, Buchanan’s ex-girlfriend 46-year-old Donna Hagy of Morganton was arrested; along with 41-year-old Dwayne Alan Smith of Connelly Springs.

Hagy and Smith are both charged with concealment of death; Hagy placed in custody under a 50-thousand dollar secured bond, and Smith confined with a 75-thousand dollar bond.

According to the news release, information gathered by officials led them to believe the person who killed Buchanan died days after killing him.

Evidence also led investigators to suspect Buchanan was killed in an accident involving blunt force trauma and strangulation prior to his concealment in the well.

The SBI assisted Burke investigators in the case.

Sex Offender Charged

An out-of-state sex offender has been charged by Morganton officers with failing to register a new address.

Investigating a tip, Morganton Public Safety officers learned 44-year-old Dennis Hubbard previously of Bluefield had been living at a residence within the Morganton Housing Authority on Wrighton Street.

Officers discovered Hubbard had been living at the residence and had not registered his new address with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office or West Virginia State Police.

Hubbard was not listed on the lease and was staying with another party at the Morganton location.

Hubbard was taken into custody under a 5-thousand dollar secured bond.

LE Impersonator

Hickory Police are looking for a suspect wanted for impersonating a law enforcement officer early Thursday morning.

Reports say around 3 to 3:30, the suspect conducted a vehicle stop on someone on Highway 321 in Hickory near James Oxygen Supply.

The person posing as an officer is described as a white male in his 30’s, is around 5 feet 8, medium build, has a long dark beard, and was wearing a uniform and was armed.

The suspect was driving a black SUV equipped with blue lights in the windshield.

Anyone who can identify this person should call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morganton Man Charged with Murder 

A Morganton man has been charged with Murder. Just after 2:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Burke deputies were dispatched to Royce Drive, to a reported

shooting. Deputies located Brandon Chase Jones in the basement of the

house without a pulse. Burke County EMS arrived and pronounced Jones

as deceased. Subsequent to an investigation by Burke detectives and in consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, 56-year-old Rodney Howard

Sanders was charged with Murder. He is being held at the Burke County

Jail under no bond, with a District Court appearance scheduled for today.

The investigation is continuing. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office was

assisted by Drexel Police and Burke EMS.

COVID-19 Update  

Burke County Public Schools was informed by the Health Department

on Wednesday of a cluster of 5 positive COVID-19 cases at Ray Childers

Elementary School. According to a Public Schools press release, 37 people

are quarantined and it involves 2 different classrooms on the same

grade level.

McDowell County reported 14 new COVID cases yesterday, with 185

residents in quarantine,

Caldwell County on Wednesday reported 112 virus cases and 4 COVID

related deaths since Monday. 12 Caldwell residents are in the hospital.

Catawba County yesterday reported 304 COVID-19 cases in the past week

with 29 residents in the hospital.

Catawba Drug Search  

Two Catawba County residents are charged with Felony Trafficking

Marijuana. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office assisted Maiden Police

with a search warrant at 8 East Holly Street. Among the drugs reportedly

found were 101 pounds of packaged Marijuana and 15 grams of Cocaine

along with two assault rifles, one pistol and about $9,000 in cash. Arrested

were 22-year-old Christian Chase Parker of Maiden and 21-year-old

Alexis Susan Lineberger of Sherrill’s Ford. The investigation is continuing

by Maiden Police with additional charges anticipated.

 

COVID Update

In the battle against COVID-19, Burke County Public Health reports the daily positivity rate continues to steadily decline.

According to the CDC daily percent tracker, less than 5-percent is considered low risk of transmission; whereas Burke is currently at a 5-point-6 percent positivity rate.

Active cases and hospitalizations in Burke are also declining; in Monday’s news release, there are 467 active cases and 29 hospitalizations.

Health officials report 53 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend with the highest increase within the birth to 19 year old age bracket.

Burke’s total caseload is now 15-thousand-852.

49-percent of Burke residents 12 and older are now reportedly fully vaccinated.

McDowell County yesterday reported 33 new cases, with one additional COVID-related death.

McDowell’s total is now 8-thousand-612 with 165 individuals in quarantine.

Governor Bill

Governor Cooper signed a bill into law on Friday creating visitation rights for patients and requires healthcare facilities to follow federal visitation guidelines.

The No Patient Left Alone Act lifts visitation restrictions imposed on healthcare facilities during the early phase of the COVID pandemic; that forced many people to die alone.

The Act becomes effective November 1^st and states patient visitation rights in healthcare facilities will not be impacted during declared disasters and emergencies.

Reports say violation of these rights would result in facilities being given a warning initially and 24 hours to allow the visitation.

If the facility still refuses to comply, the facility will be fined 500-dollars a day for each incident.

Hudson Shooting

An altercation in Caldwell County Friday evening left one dead and another seriously injured.

Officers say the argument between two men broke out just after 8:30 on Hickory Boulevard before moving to the Dollar General parking lot in Hudson.

According to reports, 44-year-old Terry Dale Hefner of Hickory and 33-year-old Jody Shane Maltba of Lenoir began shooting at each other.

Hefner was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Maltba, reports say, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Carolinas Med Center.

The investigation continues.

No Charges for Officers

District Attorney Scott Reilly said Monday the two Hickory police officers who shot a man accused of armed robbery and kidnapping will not face charges.

Hickory police officers Josh Null and Richard Bortnick were placed on administrative leave while the SBI reviewed the shooting of 42-year-old Gregory Ray Cribb.

The shooting took place near the Corner Pocket Lounge on September 30^th, after Cribb made verbal threats and advanced toward lawmen.

The report from Reilly says it was determined there was no criminal misconduct on behalf of any Hickory police after meeting with SBI investigators and reviewing bodycam footage and video surveillance.

Cribb is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping.

He is being held at the Catawba County Jail under a 65-thousand dollar bond.

 

 

 

COVID Update

Burke County public health reports a lower positivity rate in testing local residents for COVID-19.

A news release states Burke is still at a high rate of transmission, but currently has a 6-point-08-percent positivity rate.

Burke reported 32 new cases Friday, and 166 additional cases since Monday.

Currently health officials are seeing the highest virus increases in birth to 19 year olds: 41 new cases, 20 to 39 year olds: 35 new cases, and 40 to 59 year olds: 55 new cases.

According to the release, the percent of individuals 12 and older who are fully vaccinated in Burke County has increased to 48-percent.

Burke’s total of COVID-19 cases stands at 15-thousand-799 with 41 residents still hospitalized.

McDowell County Friday reported 14 new cases and one additional virus-related death.

McDowell’s total is 8-thousand-579 with 207 individuals in quarantine.

Withers Sentenced

A Hildebran man has been sentenced to a prison term following his conviction for attempted murder and other charges.

28-year-old Brendan Marshall Withers will serve 17 to 23 years after pleading guilty to attempted murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of first-degree kidnapping.

Reports show Withers, in April 2018, held three former co-workers at gunpoint while robbing them, and binding their hands with tape in Catawba County.

He then forced them into a vehicle and drove them to Granite Falls.

According to reports, one of the victims tried to disarm Withers inside the vehicle when Withers shot the victim and then fled on foot before eventually surrendering himself to law enforcement.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation with assistance from several other area law enforcement agencies.

Marion Meth

Two Marion residents are charged with drug trafficking and possession following an investigation into illegal drug activity.

On September 29^th, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police, and SBI agents served a search warrant on Eldleweiss Drive.

The search reportedly turned up trafficking amounts of meth.

65-year-old Winston Bo Webster Senior and 25-year-old Savannah Michelle Jimison were both arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses.

Caldwell Rabies

Caldwell County reports its third confirmed rabies case of the year.

On Friday, the State Lab notified Caldwell Animal Control that a skunk submitted for testing was indeed infected with the rabies virus.

A news release says the skunk was found on Addison Lane in the Grace Chapel community when it made contact with a dog.

Not only is this the third case of rabies in Caldwell for the year, but the second in the Grace Chapel area.

Lincoln Double Arrest

A couple was arrested in Lincoln County this week following an altercation involving gunfire.

Deputies responded to shots fired at a convenience store on Maiden Highway Tuesday.

Officers learned one of those involved had left the scene and went to her residence, while the other individual was walking along Car Farm Road.

Lawmen located 34-year-old Zakari David Glode who told officers he met 34-year-old Molly Marie Cate at the convenience store to allegedly return several vehicle titles that belonged to her.

Reports say an altercation between Glode and Cate resulted in a shot being fired from a pistol.

No one was injured in the incident. Cate was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and placed in custody under a 15-thousand dollar secured bond.

Glode was served with a string of outstanding warrants, and placed in custody under a 182-thousand dollar secured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 numbers continue to steadily climb as counties in the Catawba Valley are still seeing increases.

Burke County dashboard figures show a total case number now at 15-thousand-767, with 89 new cases in the last two days.

603 cases are still active, while 41 Burke residents remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 32 new cases Thursday for a total of 8-thousand-565.

222 individuals in McDowell are quarantined.

Caldwell County reports 108 new cases of COVID in the last week for a total of 15-thousand-33.

27 people in Caldwell are still in the hospital.

And Catawba County saw 391 new cases of the virus in the last week for a total there of 24-thousand-471.

Catawba still has 46 hospitalized with COVID-19.

Patton Lockdown

A Burke high school was placed on soft lockdown for a short time Thursday morning.

Patton was under a soft lockdown beginning just after 8 o'clock because of a threat circulated on social media, reports say.

School officials declined to release specifics of the threat, but did determine a short time later that the threat was not credible.

A press release says a student became uneasy after seeing the social media post, and further alerted school officials.

Patton was then placed on soft lockdown with school resource officers alerted to the situation, and extra officers on campus.

The threat was investigated, and was determined to be an old post that had originated in Arizona. Reports say Patton High was not involved or mentioned in the post.

The lockdown ended shortly after 9 am.

Thursday marked the second time in three weeks that a Burke school was placed on lockdown due to an online threat.

Fatality

A Newton man was killed Wednesday in a single-car crash in Catawba County.

Reports with the State Highway Patrol say the crash occurred shortly after 9 Thursday morning on NC 150 near Grassy Creek Road.

A ’93 Ford dump truck was traveling west, crossed the center line, ran off the roadway and struck several trees.

The driver, 72-year-old Curtis Junior Miles died at the scene according to the investigating trooper.

Reports indicate there may have been a medical condition that caused the collision.

Flu Shots

With cooler weather on the way, area health officials say now is the time to get an annual flu shot.

Typically, flu season begins circulating in higher numbers from October to May.

Although it is a common illness in the fall and winter months, the flu can cause serious health complications, even death.

Last year, masking, distancing, and other measures to prevent COVID-19 helped reduce the spread of the flu, as our area experienced few cases.

It’s especially important to get the flu shot, health experts say, as those who receive the shot are less likely to contract the flu.

Also those who do get the flu are less likely to experience serious complications that may require hospitalization once immunized.

This helps the medical system avoid becoming overwhelmed with both COVID-19 and flu cases at the same time.

Flu shots are available at many physician offices and pharmacies throughout the Catawba Valley.

For those who do not have a medical provider or who wish to obtain the flu shot at Public Health, contact your local health department.

 

 

 

Catawba Company Expanding  

McCreary Modern, a private-label manufacturer of residential furniture

is expanding the company’s Maiden’s campus with a new 80,000 square

foot centralized sewing operation. According to a Tuesday news release

from the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, the new

construction is in addition to planned expansions underway at the Maiden

framing plant and woodworking plant in Lenoir. The two expansions and

new sewing facility are expected to add 100 jobs to McCreary Modern’s

1000-employee workforce.

Updated City of Morganton Websites  

The City of Morganton recently launched 6 new websites. According to

a news release from the City, the new websites have a completely

overhauled design, are more user-friendly, navigate intuitively and

have updated features. The City paid for the new sites using CARES Act

dollars. The new websites will have the same domain users are already

used to visiting.

Prison For Lenoir Man  

A Lenoir man was sentenced last week in federal court for embezzling

from his former employer. 55-year-old Richard Allen Clark was given

a prison term of 48 months following his conviction in the Western

District of North Carolina. Clark was also ordered to serve three years

of supervised release and pay $980,000 as restitution to his victims

and almost $195,000 to the IRS. Clark, as an office manager for two

family-owned businesses in Lenoir from 2013 to 2019 embezzled

more than $ 1 million dollars from his employers.

Drexel Man Faces Multiple Charges  

A Drexel man faces multiple charges in Catawba County. 31-year-old

Jonathan Michael Stanley was charged by the Catawba County Sheriff’s

Office on Monday with Failing to Appear on charges of Possession of

Meth and Drug Paraphernalia along with charges of Felony Probation

Violation and Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle. Bond was set at

$153,000 with a first court appearance scheduled for November 15^th.

 

COVID Update

Late Friday, Burke County Public Health reported the deaths of 7 local residents as a result of COVID-19, bringing Burke’s death toll to 246.

A news release says the individuals ranged in age from their 50’s to 70’s.

Five of the seven victims had reportedly been hospitalized.

Over the weekend, there have been 86 new cases of the virus according to the online dashboard for a total of 15-thousand-633.

Currently, there has been a drop in active cases; Burke now has 649 active cases with 41 individuals still hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 56 new cases over the weekend and 2 additional virus-related deaths.

McDowell’s total is presently 8-thousand-503, with 236 residents in quarantine.

Remains Found

Local authorities discover human remains in a wooded area inside Burke County over the weekend.

A news release from the Burke Sheriff’s Office on Saturday says local residents off Oak Drive in Drexel found what appeared to be human remains.

The Burke County Criminal Investigation Division, the SBI, and the Medical Examiner were called to the scene and the remains were verified as being human.

The release says the remains were recovered by the Sheriff’s Office and SBI officials and will be further submitted for forensic analysis.

Authorities are investigating reports of missing persons in the area.

Truck Stolen

Deputies with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office are looking for suspects involved in a theft from a Marion junk yard.

Reports say a white 2004 GMC Sierra flat bed truck was taken from Ray Roland’s junk yard sometime between September 27^th and 28^th.

The victim is offering a 1-thousand dollar cash reward for anyone that can help to locate the vehicle.

Anyone having information about the theft should call Detective Lambert at the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237.

Body Found at Parkway

An investigation is on-going following the discovery of a body near a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook.

Reports say a man’s body was found Saturday below the Yadkin Valley Overlook.

A press release from parkway officials says preliminary information gathered by investigators does not suggest any necessary concern for public safety, and that the incident is not related to any other ongoing investigations.

National Park Service officials along with SBI agents are continuing an investigation.

Siren Tests

A reminder from Burke County Emergency Management – there will be an outdoor emergency siren test at both the Bridgewater and Rhodhiss hydro stations Wednesday at Noon.

The tests are scheduled to last no longer than three minutes.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

In Friday’s media release, Burke County Public Health reported 51 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 15-thousand-547.

18 of the new cases are among those 20 to 39 years old, and 19 of the additional positives fall between the 40 to 59 age bracket.

750 cases are reported to be active, and 41 Burke residents are in the hospital.

The health department’s online dashboard indicates there has now been a total of 246 deaths in Burke, when a check of Thursday’s total was 239.

McDowell County reported 25 new cases Friday for a total of 8-thousand-447.

289 residents remain in quarantine.

Burke Drug Arrest

A Connelly Springs man is charged with various drug offenses after attempting to conceal the drugs from authorities.

According to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and state probation officers initiated an investigation at 4650 Mount Hebron Avenue on September 30^th.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with 53-year-old Kevin Lee Huffman and several others behind the residence.

Reports say Huffman allegedly ran into an outbuilding in an attempt to hide something.

Lawmen seized over an ounce of meth, drug paraphernalia, and hydrocodone from inside the outbuilding.

Huffman was then arrested and charged with felony trafficking in meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simple possession of a schedule two controlled substance.

He received a 30-thousand-dollar secured bond with a court date set for October 18^th.

Trafficking Arrest

A Valdese woman stopped by officers for a traffic violation ends up with drug trafficking charges.

On Thursday investigators with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Mourglea Avenue being driven by 28-year-old Savanna Nichole Wood.

 A news release states a search of her car produced a trafficking amount of opiates.

Wood was arrested for felony trafficking in opium or heroin and served with a warrant for arrest at the Burke Magistrate’s office.

She was placed in the Burke County jail under a 5-thousand-dollar secured bond.

Prisoner Hangs Himself

A prisoner awaiting sentencing in Lincoln County dies after hanging himself in his cell Thursday night.

Detention Center staff discovered 61-year-old Randy Rinck Senior unresponsive about 11:30.

Lincoln County EMS were called to the scene but were unable to revive Rinck.

The incident is being investigated by the SBI.

Lincoln Sex Charge

A Lincolnton man is charged with sexual exploitation of a child.

While investigating cyber tips, Lincoln County detectives learned that a local resident had downloaded child pornography.

When contacted by authorities, 39-year-old Brian Allen Smith admitted to downloading the material.

Smith was charged with third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and jailed under a 10-thousand dollar bond.

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program helps state and local law enforcement agencies provide an effective response to combat internet crimes against children.

 

 

 

COVID Update

Online figures show just over 100 new cases of COVID-19 in Burke County in the last two days.

The dashboard manned by Burke County Public Health indicates 105 new cases since Tuesday for a total of 15-thousand-496.

800 cases are reported to be active, and 41 Burke residents are still hospitalized with the virus.

In McDowell County, health officials report 25 new cases for a total of 8-thousand-422.

321 in McDowell remain quarantined.

Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioTech announced Thursday that the companies have officially submitted their request to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

The companies stated they’ve received positive results from the trial on September 20^th which included more than 22-hundred young participants.

The FDA is expected to take several weeks going through the data before possibly issuing an emergency use authorization.

Rain Impact

The Catawba Valley counties saw massive amounts of rainfall Thursday morning and into the afternoon hours, while life-threatening flash flooding caused the issuance of a State of Emergency in McDowell County.

In McDowell, emergency officials reported more than 80 swift water rescues as homes were flooded and roads became impassable.

The McDowell Board of Commissioners issued a state of emergency around Noon as heavy rains continued to produce landslides, power outages, and road closures.

Burke County’s Director of Emergency Management Mike Willis reports Burke’s biggest impact was seen in the City of Morganton with storm drains unable to handle the volume of rainfall in a short period of time.

Willis says swift water rescue personnel were placed on standby; however, fortunately no rescue situations were reported.

The National Weather Service reports some 6 to 7 inches of rainfall occurred in areas of the foothills.

Fatal Wreck

A crash along Interstate-40 in Asheville Tuesday evening has claimed the life of a former Burke County resident.

Authorities with Asheville Police confirm 21-year-old Sara Rae Harris Key of Oak Grove Kentucky was killed when her vehicle crashed near mile marker 53 in east Asheville.

Officers report Key’s vehicle was traveling west when the mishap occurred, but traveled to the eastbound side of the interstate.

Key’s facebook page states she was originally from Morganton.

Caldwell Rabies

Caldwell County marks its second confirmed case of rabies this year.

The state’s lab notified Caldwell Animal Control Thursday, that a skunk submitted for testing was indeed infected with the rabies virus.

The skunk was found in the Grace Chapel community when it came in contact with a kitten.

To protect your pets, make sure their rabies vaccinations are current. Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.

Caldwell Animal Control is holding a rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday October 23^rd from 1 until 4 pm at the Health and Human Services Building in Lenoir.

One and three-year vaccinations will be offered at a cost of 7-dollars.

Iredell Charges

A couple has been charged with felony concealment of death after a newborn baby was found buried in a shallow grave behind an Iredell County home.

Reports filed with High Point Police on September 4^th say 21-year-old Olivia Billington, while in the company of 19-year-old Alex Best, gave birth to an infant boy while in High Point.

Authorities say no medical treatment was sought by the pair, and on September 6^th Best allegedly took the deceased baby to his home in Iredell County where he buried it on his property.

An autopsy was reportedly conducted on the infant; findings were inconclusive.

High Point’s Special Victims Unit was initially made aware of the incident on September 7^th.

 

 

COVID-19 Update  

McDowell County reported 25 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday

for a total of 8-thousand-397, with 398 residents in quarantine.

In Caldwell County since Monday, 158 cases of the virus and 3 COVID

related deaths, with 28 residents in the hospital.

Caldwell Smartphone App  

The Caldwell County Health Department has released the organization’s

new smartphone app. The app offers quick access to items of public

interest and is easy to use. The app is available to download for free in

the App Store and Google Play. Search “Caldwell County Health, NC” to

download the app.

Man Sentenced in Lincoln County  

A man pleads guilty to Assault and Robbery Tuesday in Lincoln County

Superior Court. 35-year-old Bill Joe Franklin III of Cherryville pled guilty

to robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy and attempted first

degree murder in connection with the robbery and beating of an operator 

of Corner Market on Confederate Road in Lincolnton in 2019. Franklin was

sentenced to 372 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $9,000. 

 

COVID Update

Less than 50 new cases of COVID-19 in Burke County Tuesday as indicated by the Health Department’s online dashboard.

49 additional positives reports show, now amounting to 15-thousand-391 as Burke’s new total.

Figures show 867 cases remain active while 41 are still hospitalized.

McDowell County yesterday reports 30 new cases for a total of 8-thousand-372.

373 residents in McDowell are quarantined.

Murder Suicide Determined

The shooting death of a Newton couple has been ruled a murder – suicide by investigators.

Authorities discovered the bodies of 55-year-old Cindy Hull and 58-year-old Larry Brigham Friday night inside the offices of the Observer News Enterprise in Newton.

Hull and Brigham had both been reported missing earlier in the day, while the pair was found fatally shot inside the newspaper office after officers discovered their vehicles in the parking lot.

Earlier reports state the victims had been in a dating relationship, and authorities say the shootings appear to be an incident of domestic violence.

The investigation is ongoing however; anyone having information about the case needs to contact Newton Police at 465-7430 or the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 465-8340.

Gibbs Sentenced

A Newton man is sentenced to a prison term of five to seven years this week during Catawba County Superior Court.

24-year-old Jakaylan Gibbs pleaded guilty to the attempted trafficking of opiates by sale.

Reports say the offense occurred in July 2019 when an undercover officer purchased heroin from Gibbs at a local restaurant.

The substance was tested by the US Drug Enforcement Administration and came back positive for fentanyl.

Newton Police was the investigating agency.

Prison Name Change

A prison in Swannanoa is slated for a name change to better reflect diversity.

The Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women is becoming Western Correctional Center for Women.

The name change comes after a review of the historical aspects of all state-owned or operated facilities.

The prison in Swannanoa is one of five in the state to get a name change.

According to the State Department of Public Safety, Swannanoa Correctional’s name was tied to the construction of the Swannanoa Tunnel that resulted in the deaths of numerous black offender laborers.

Prison officials say the change aims to better reflect the state’s diversity without negative historical connotations.

Plane Crash

A small plane crash killed two people in Western NC over the weekend.

Officials report a private single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside just north of Andrews on Sunday.

According to authorities, The Beechcraft B-35 had taken off from Western Carolina Regional Airport just before 8 Sunday evening, and within minutes Atlanta air control received a distress signal from the plane.

Multiple agencies searched for the downed aircraft throughout the day Monday, and crews located the wreckage Tuesday.

The plane’s two occupants were found to be deceased.

Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the crash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

Burke County recorded 123 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, with the highest increase still among those under 40 years of age.

As part of the weekend’s additional cases though, 31 positives were reported in the 40 to 59 age bracket.

Burke’s total is now 15-thousand-342 while 895 cases are reported to be active, and 41 Burke residents remain in the hospital.

Public health officials report they administered 72 vaccinations this past Friday at the Catawba Brewery vaccine clinic, and 54 vaccinations at last week’s WPCC clinic.

Currently in Burke County, 47-percent of the population 12 and older is fully vaccinated.

Missing Couple Found Dead

The search for a missing couple in Catawba County ends after both were discovered shot and killed at a Newton newspaper office.

Around 11 Friday night, officers with Newton Police and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office found both of the missing person’s vehicles in the parking lot of the paper office.

Upon investigation, the officers located the bodies of 55-year-old Cindy Hull and 58-year-old Larry Brigham, who reports say had been in a dating relationship.

Police officials say the incident appears to be isolated; however, an investigation continues.

Anyone having information about the case should contact Newton Police at 465-7430 or the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 465-8340.

Officer Involved Shooting Update

An update to Hickory’s officer-involved shooting that took place last Thursday night –

Hickory Police on Friday obtained warrants on 42-year-old Gregory Ray Cribb for felony robbery with a firearm or dangerous weapon and felony second degree kidnapping.

A news release says charges were obtained after authorities learned Cribb attempted to rob and then detained an employee of Skill Fish Arcade.

Cribb was apprehended at the nearby Corner Pocket Lounge after allegedly threatening officers.

Reports say Cribb advanced toward officials, prompting two Hickory officers to discharge their weapons injuring the suspect.

Warrants have not been served against Cribb as he remains in stable condition at Carolinas Med Center.

Laundrie WNC Search

The search for a ‘person of interest’ that’s gained national attention has made it to Western NC.

Haywood County authorities say they have received a number of calls regarding sightings of Brian Laundrie over the past several days.

The Haywood Sheriff’s Office reports each report has been thoroughly investigated with no areas of concern discovered.

Laundrie is the fiancé of Gabby Petito whose body was found near the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, a month after she was reported missing.

Her death has been ruled as a homicide.

Many NC residents have reportedly called in sightings to local law enforcement agencies, claiming to have spotted him on the Appalachian Trail.

Authorities in Watauga and Avery Counties report they’ve been in contact with the FBI and are following up on tips that appear legitimate.

 

 

COVID Update  

Burke County reported 6 COVID-related deaths on Friday, with the

individuals in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. That brings the total deaths

in Burke to 239 since the panademic began. Active cases number 951,

with 74 new cases reported on Friday.

In McDowell County, 28 new cases of the virus reported Friday, with

1 additional virus related death. 419 McDowell County residents are in

quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 161 COVID cases on Friday since Wednesday.

25 Caldwell residents are in the hospital.

BCPS Principal of the Year  

East Burke Middle School Principal Keith Recker has been named the

2021-22 Burke County Public Schools Principal of the Year. Recker came to

Burke County in 2015 as the assistant principal at Drexel Elementary and

then principal at the school. In 2019 Recker was named principal at East

Burke Middle.

August Unemployment Figures  

The August unemployment rate for the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro

area was 4.1 %. Area county rates include Burke, McDowell and Catawba

at 4.1, with Caldwell County’s rate at 4.4 %. Avery and Ashe were two of

the four lowest counties in August with an unemployment rate of 3.4%,

according to figures released last week by the NC Department of Commerce.

LJSP Scam  

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is warning residents

of a flyer scam. The flyer is advertising an event at Lake James State Park

October 23^rd and 24^th, billed Octoberfest. The scammer is requesting money

for small business owners, artists, etc. to set up a booth at this “festival”,

which is not actually scheduled at Lake James at all. You are advised to not

engage with the scammer in any way.

PACT  

The Hickory Police Department’s October traffic enforcement, will be

located on Highway 70 SE from Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard to 10^th Avenue

Drive SE. Enforcement will focus on following too closely, distracted

driving, speeding and other traffic violations.

 

COVID Update

The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Burke County as the online dashboard indicates 66 new cases on Thursday.

Burke’s total is now 15-thousand-146, with 993 cases reported as being active.

Online figures show a decline in hospitalizations; 41 Burke residents are in the hospital.

The majority of new virus cases are still being reported among those under the age of 40.

McDowell County reports 38 new cases of the virus for a total of 8-thousand-239.

434 McDowell residents are in quarantine.

Burke Health Department officials say they are now administering booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine to those who are eligible.

Booster doses can be given at a minimum of 6 months from the second dose.

Call the Burke Health Department at 764-9150.

Also health officials will hold a COVID-19 vaccination today from 4 to 7 pm at the Catawba Brewery in Morganton.

Appointments are not required.

All three types of the vaccine will be available; along with the Pfizer booster dose.

If getting the booster, be sure to have your vaccination card with you.

Cleveland Co Incentive

Cleveland County health officials have announced a new COVID-19 vaccine incentive program.

Beginning October 4^th, any Cleveland County resident 12 years old or older who receives a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a 50-dollar Visa gift card.

Reports say Commissioners authorized the use of grant monies to make the incentive program possible.

According to Cleveland County health officials, only 49-percent of those 12 or older in the county are fully vaccinated.

The vaccination average across NC currently stands at 61-percent.

Weapon and Drugs at Schools

A weapon and drugs were found on Hickory school students in separate incidents this week.

At Hickory High, a student was charged with having a weapon on school grounds as reported by Hickory Police.

According to authorities, the weapon was a 5-inch fixed blade M-tech knife.

Reports say the student that was charged did not threaten anyone with the knife before police took possession of it.

And at Northview Middle School, a student was charged with possession of a schedule-6 controlled substance.

Officers found the student with point-16 grams of marijuana.

Corning Expansion

Cable manufacturing company Corning will create 200 new jobs and invest 150-million dollars as part of an expansion of its operations at the Trivium Center in Catawba County.

The county’s governing bodies jointly approved a total of up to 8-point-2 million dollars in incentives.

Governor Cooper’s office, reports say, reports Corning stands to receive an additional amount up to 2-million dollars in state incentives over the next 12 years.

New positions will average a minimum salary of 55-thousand, which is 11-thousand more per year than the county’s average wage.

Corning will have to create the new positions by the end of 2024.