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.