COVID Update

Burke County Public Health Monday reported 103 new cases of COVID-19 since last Monday for a total of 16-thousand-517 cases.

Health officials report Burke is back in a ‘substantial’ rate of community transmission with a current positivity rate at 4-point-5 percent.

According to the state’s vaccination dashboard, the percentage of Burke County residents five years and older fully vaccinated stands at 46-percent presently.

A news release issued states Burke currently has 102 active cases and 12 remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 13 new cases of the virus for a total of 8-thousand-906 cases.

61 residents in McDowell remain quarantined.*

The Burke County Health Department will host a vaccine clinic today from 9-4.

Officials there report they will have pediatric Pfizer doses available; as well as first second third or booster doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and J and J.

If interested in scheduling a vaccine, call the Health Department at 764-9150.

Drug Trafficking Sentence

A Morganton woman is sentenced to prison from a 2019 drug trafficking case.

Found guilty of trafficking heroin, 34-year-old Ashley Dawn Ramsey was sentenced in McDowell County Superior Court to serve 7 and one-half to 10 years in prison.

Ramsey was fined 100-thousand dollars and court costs.

In the same case, 33-year-old Jamie Denise Riddle of Nebo was sentenced to serve up to 7 years following a conviction for trafficking meth.

Riddle was also fined 50-thousand dollars and court costs.

In July 2019, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged Ramsey and Riddle as part of an ongoing investigation.

A vehicle occupied by Ramsey and Riddle was stopped by officers after leaving America’s Best Value Inn on US 221 South.

A search of the car turned up 2-point-6 pounds of meth and just over 2 pounds of heroin.

Authorities also seized additional drugs inside their motel room.

Standoff

A Sunday afternoon standoff in Morganton that lasted for more than 5 hours ended with a man being transported to a local hospital.

Reports say Morganton Public Safety officers were summoned to a welfare check at an apartment on Second Street around 1:30.

Witnesses reportedly told lawmen the man had accidentally shot himself before going inside the apartment.

As officers arrived the man refused to come out and had barricaded himself inside the residence.

According to reports, the man began to cooperate with negotiators after about 5 hours at the incident.

Public Safety then was able to enter the home and escort the man to a waiting ambulance without further incident.

Reports state officers discovered numerous firearms in the residence.

Burke County EMS assisted at the scene.

Vale Fire

An early Monday morning fire in the Vale community in Catawba County has destroyed a home.

Fire officials believe the destructive blaze started from an electric space heater.

Multiple fire departments from Catawba and Lincoln counties responded at 4 o'clock  to Phelps Road south of Hickory.

Reports indicate the NC Forest Service was also called upon to assist after the fire spread to a wooded area near the house.

A volunteer firefighter who lived nearby reportedly helped his neighbors escape from the burning home.

No injuries were reported.

 

 

 

Fatal Fire  

A woman died early Thursday morning in a residential fire. The West End

Fire Department responded just before 3 o’clock to 5598 Farris Loop

where the home was fully involved in fire. One person was inside the

residence, unable to escape. Firefighters were unable the rescue

54-year-old Mary Louise Mode, due to the intense fire conditions.

Glen Alpine and Brendletown Fire Departments assisted West End with

mutual aide provided by Nebo, Dysartsville and Marion Fire Departments.

Also assisting the West End Women’s Auxilary, the Fire Marshal’s Office,

EMS, Sheriff’s Office and SBI. The fire originated from a heating source

inside the residence.

Lincoln Prison Sentence  

A Lincoln County Superior Court jury on Wednesday found a Lincoln

County man guilty of first degree murder and possession of a weapon

of mass destruction. 29-year-old Ronald Wayne Vaughn, Jr, was

sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

 

COVID Update

Two additional COVID-related deaths in Burke County as reported by public health officials Monday afternoon; along with 35 new cases of the virus since Friday.

A news release states the two individuals were in their 70’s and 80’s and were both hospitalized.

Burke’s death toll from COVID now stands at 274.

Health officials report Burke is presently at a 3-point-8 percent positivity rate which according to the CDC is a high level of community transmission.

There are currently 97 active cases and 12 remain hospitalized; and a total caseload of 16-thousand-415.

McDowell County reported 23 new COVID cases over the weekend for a total of 8-thousand-869.

82 in McDowell remain quarantined.

The Burke Health Department is hosting a vaccine clinic today from 9 am until 4 pm.

They will not be administering pediatric doses at today’s clinic, but will be giving adults the first, second, third, or booster doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J.

Booster eligibility has now been expanded for anyone 18 years and older as long as it’s been 6 months since the last dose of vaccine.

For those wanting to schedule a vaccine, call the Health Department at 764-9150.

Assault Charges

A McDowell County man faces various charges following a disturbance call in Morganton.

Last Friday, Morganton Public Safety officers responded to 224 Falls Street regarding an armed man holding a woman against her will.

Officers arrived on the scene to locate the woman who had been physically assaulted, while her assailant had left the area.

The victim identified the suspect as 30-year-old Derek Wayne Simmons, who reports say had left the firearm behind.

The weapon was secured by authorities, and the victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment of her injuries.

An arrest warrant was obtained by officers who continued to follow-up at the apartment complex, taking Simmons into custody shortly thereafter without incident.

Simmons was charged with felony possession of a firearm, stalking, and assault on a female.

He was given an initial 20-thousand dollar secured bond for the felony charge, and an additional 10-thousand dollar secured bond for the domestic related charges following a 48-hour hold.

Child Abuse

A Nebo couple is charged with child abuse following a two-month investigation.

29-year-old Michael Allen Cunningham of Scotts Cove Road is charged by McDowell detectives with felonious child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, while 37-year-old Shelby Nicole Weathers of the same address is charged with felonious negligent child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury and felonious accessory after the fact.

In September, McDowell detectives began investigating reports the couple had abused a child between 7 and 16 years of age.

Cunningham was issued a 200-thousand dollar secured bond, and Weathers was given a 75-thousand dollar secured bond.

McDowell County DSS and the South Mountain Children’s advocacy center assisted the sheriff’s office with their investigation.

Lincoln Missing Found

Lincoln County deputies have located a missing woman and her son.

41-year-old Katherine Pell and her 13-year-old son Levi Collins were reported missing last Thursday, but were both located at a Lincolnton residence on Sunday.

Lincoln County officials report the mother and son are safe and in good condition.

Holiday Blood Need

As many prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and look ahead to a busy holiday season, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.

As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year.

The continuing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta cases challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall.

Plus the pandemic caused fewer blood drives at schools and colleges resulting in a 34-percent drop in new blood donors from last year.

Upcoming opportunities to donate –

December 5^th 12:30 till 5 pm at Crosslink Church in Rutherford College and December 8^th 11 am till 3:30 pm at Summit Community Church on Green Street in Morganton.

Donate also at Valley Hills Mall in Hickory November 24^th 10 am till 2 pm; and on November 26^th, December 2^nd, and December 8^th at Valley Hills Noon till 5 pm each day.

 

 

 

Morganton Drugs

A lengthy drug investigation by local and federal authorities ends with the arrest of a Morganton woman.

Officers with Morganton Public Safety, Burke County narcotics, and the US Marshals fugitive task force served a search warrant at 715 Carbon City Road last Friday.

Investigators discovered 11 grams of meth, a small amount of Fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

52-year-old Sherri Yvonne King who resides at the home was arrested.

She was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture and deliver, and maintain a dwelling, vehicle, or place for drugs/controlled substances.

A new release says additional state and federal charges may be forthcoming.

King was placed in the Burke County jail under a 25-thousand dollar secured bond.

Morganton Public Safety was assisted by Burke County EMS in the incident.

Felon Arrest

A Caldwell County man faces numerous drug offenses from a recent arrest; in addition to already having some 113 criminal cases in the state’s court information system.

According to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, narcotics officers began a drug investigation of 39-year-old Jessie Alan Clark of Hudson.

Investigators determined Clark was distributing trafficking amounts of methamphetamine inside Burke County.

On November 10^th, while conducting surveillance on Clark officers surrounded the suspect at the Country Market gas station on Dysartsville Road.

He was taken into custody without incident. Authorities reportedly located one pound of meth, and one pound of marijuana inside the vehicle Clark was driving.

Clark was charged with meth trafficking and various other felony drug offenses.

He received a 201-thousand dollar secured bond with a court date set for December 2^nd.

Clark’s host of previous cases date back to 2003.

The Burke Sheriff’s Office report they will be working closely with the DA’s office to prosecute the cases.

Morganton Public Safety assisted in the investigation.

Caldwell Construction

Construction continues on several new businesses and residential buildings in Lenoir.

A Facebook posting says a company rep for ‘Highway 55’ says they hope to open in December, and a spokesman for Jersey Mike’s Subs say their location at Lenoir Crossings will be open in December as well.

Mavis Discount Tires on US 321 and Kattz Corner apartments on Wilkesboro Boulevard are also coming along on schedule according to the posting.

Meanwhile, the city of Lenoir will soon be undergoing the resurfacing of 13 sections of roadway.

The project is part of the city’s annual resurfacing plan to maintain Lenoir’s streets.

City officials hope that contractors can complete 75-percent of the roads due for paving before winter, because of possible increases in prices next year.

Statesville Stalker

A college grounds-supervisor in Statesville is accused of stalking along with other offenses in a situation involving a young woman.

Reports say a student at Mitchell Community College told Statesville Police on November 15^th she was being stalked by 59-year-old john Phillip Barkley the college’s grounds supervisor.

College officials placed Barkley on administrative leave after learning of the incident.

The student, reports say, told officers the stalking began around the end of October with the suspect allegedly following the student to and from her classes.

Barkley reportedly followed the student also to her vehicle and proceeded to yell at her and beat her car window.

Barkley has been charged with indecent liberties with a student, sexual battery, three counts of misdemeanor stalking, and one count of assault on a female.

He is being held in the Alexander County jail.

Officials say Barkley has been employed as a grounds maintenance supervisor at Mitchell Community College for 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

Mask Policy

The Burke County Board of Education has voted to change its COVID-19 mask policy for students and staff to optional.

At Monday night’s regular meeting, school board members voted in favor of the policy change 5 to 2.

School board chairman Buddy Armour and member Don Hemstreet voted to keep masks mandatory.

The optional change took effect at the beginning of the school day Tuesday; however, masks remain mandatory on school buses because of a federal requirement.

Masks had been mandatory since the beginning of the school year in August.

Ulta Robbed

A man is arrested following a police chase that reportedly began with a robbery at the Morganton Heights shopping center.

On Sunday, Morganton Public Safety charged Jeffrey Barrett with felonious larceny after he allegedly took nearly 7-thousand dollars worth of perfume from the Ulta beauty store.

Reports say officers are still looking for the get-away driver, but they recovered the stolen goods.

Authorities report this is the second incident of theft at the Ulta store in the last month.

Meth Possession

An investigation into possible drug activity leads to the arrest of a Morganton man.

A news release from the Burke Sheriff’s Office says detectives along with Burke DSS officials were called to look into poor living conditions and possible drugs at 1186 McClean Street on November 10th.

Reports show officers made contact with 35-year-old Michael Travis Clark who resides at the residence.

Authorities reportedly located and seized methamphetamine from the home.

Clark was charged with felony possession of meth and held at the Burke County jail under a 5-thousand dollar secured bond.

Marion Man Indicted

A Marion man is indicted on a cruelty to animals charge after investigators say he struck and killed a man’s pet with his vehicle in June.

A McDowell County Grand Jury has indicted 54-year-old Wayne Gilbert Lassiter on one count each of cruelty to animals and habitual felon.

The habitual felon indictment indicates Lassiter has been convicted of multiple robbery and breaking and entering charges dating back to 1996.

Previous reports reveal that William Owensby on June 1^st was walking his dog Polly along his property on US 70 West near Pleasant Gardens.

Reports say Lassiter traveled left of center, running off the roadway, hitting a mailbox and landscaping rocks before colliding with the dog.

Lassiter told officials he must have fallen asleep.

The Highway Patrol charged Lassiter with driving while impaired and Careless and reckless driving.

Days after the incident, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged him with cruelty to animals.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

Burke County Public health Friday reported two additional COVID-19 associated deaths, with both individuals in their 60’s.

A news release indicates both had been hospitalized; Burke’s death toll due to COVID is now at 272.

Health officials also report approximately 69 new cases in Burke since Monday with a current positivity rate at 4-point-4 percent.

Burke’s total is now 16-thousand-292, with 143 active cases, and 12 residents still hospitalized.

Now that children ages 5 to 11 are eligible for the vaccine, the age bracket has been added to the county’s total population count.

The percentage of Burke that is fully vaccinated has now slipped to 44-percent because of the added eligibility among youth.

McDowell County reported 31 new cases of the virus since Monday for a total of 8-thousand-787.

55 remain quarantined in McDowell.

Vaccine Clinics

The Burke County Health Department has teamed up with UNC Health Blue Ridge to offer two drive-thru Pfizer pediatric clinics on Saturday November 20^th and Saturday December 11^th from 9 am till 11 am both days.

Two locations will be available, Valdese Express Care in Rutherford College and the Burke Health Department on East Parker Road in Morganton.

Both locations will be drive thru only.

Appointments are preferred but not required.

To schedule an appointment visit burkecovaccineclinic.rsvpify.com. online.

If you’re interested in getting the pediatric dose of Pfizer and are unable to attend the clinic dates, St Charles Catholic Church in Morganton will be holding a five-week pediatric clinic inside Murray Hall.

Operating hours are Wednesday through Friday 3 to 7 pm, and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm.

WPCC Event

Western Piedmont Community College will be hosting a special event on Thursday, November 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the Michael Helmick Seminar Room located in Moore Hall on the college’s main Campus.

The event will be the launch of PACE: Partnership for Apprenticeship and Continuing Education.

PACE is a partnership between WPCC and local industries: Airlite Nonwovens, Leviton and Meridian Specialty Yarn Group.

The partnership will provide apprenticeship opportunities to workers to enhance their job skills and pay, while earning credit through WPCC.

State and local officials will be in attendance and photo opportunities along with interview opportunities will be available.

For additional information or to make pre-arrangements for special tours or interviews, contact David Biddix, Director of Marketing at 828.448.6416  or Emily Kiziah, Marketing Coordinator at 828.448.3120.

Stabbing

A Tuesday evening altercation in Morganton led to the stabbing of two men.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office reports the two men ages 19 and 20 were stabbed at 334 Walker Road during an argument between two females.

One of the victims was reportedly airlifted to a medical center and was last reported to be in stable condition.

The NC Juvenile Justice was contacted regarding a juvenile suspect involved in the incident.

The Burke Sheriff’s Office and state juvenile justice officials continue to investigate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids Vaccines Data

Officials with the state’s department of health and human services report a small percentage of NC parents had their children vaccinated in the first days COVID-19 shots became available for kids age 5 to 11.

Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a news conference Wednesday that more than 24-thousand children in the age group were vaccinated within the first five days; representing less than 3-percent of the nearly 900-thousand kids who are now eligible.

Cohen further encouraged parents to discuss their concerns about the vaccine with their child’s pediatrician.

Reports show NC will soon have received more than 486-thousand vaccines aimed at children 5 to 11, and doses are widely available throughout the state.

Cohen also encourage the state’s adult population who received a single shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine at least two months ago to get a booster now.

And those adults who got the second Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago and meet certain requirements are urged to get a booster of the same, although there is the option to mix vaccines. 

For questions about the children’s vaccine or the adult booster, call the Burke County health department at 764-9150.

Hky Road Closure

City Walk contractors in Hickory will close Second Avenue Northeast from NC 127 to Main Avenue Northeast/Third Avenue Northeast next week.

The closure will allow workers to complete construction of the new roundabout.

The road will be closed beginning Monday November 15^th at 9 am and will last through 3 pm on Friday November 19^th.

Drivers should use Fifth Avenue Northeast to navigate around the closure.

Detour routes though will be clearly marked.

Asheville Murder

New information is released about the murder of a man whose body was found in the Swannanoa River in October.

Asheville Police confirm that 40-year-old Benjamin Lee Hoffman the second was shot to death.

Hoffman’s body was pulled from the river along Azalea Road on October 18^th.

Authorities suspect though Hoffman was killed much earlier in the month.

No one has been charged in his death.

Another body had previously been recovered in the same area October 2^nd.

Two people have been charged in that case with the recovery of 19-year-old Jose Ramirez.

Lawmen say the two cases are not likely connected.

Anyone with information about the Hoffman case can call Asheville Police at 828-252-1110.

Shelby Drive By

Shelby lawmen continue to search for a suspect wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting that killed a teenage girl Tuesday.

According to reports with the Shelby Police, investigators have obtained warrants for first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into occupied property for 20-year-old Santana Eaves Junior of Shelby.

Eaves allegedly fired the shot that killed a 16-year-old girl in the area of Roberts Street and Martin Street.

Following the shooting, reports say she was taken to Atrium Health Cleveland where she was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities expect additional charges to be filed.

Anyone having information on Eaves’ whereabouts should call Shelby police at 704-484-6845 or Crimestoppers at 704-481-TIPS.

 

 

 

 

 

Man Found Deceased 

A deceased male was found in Eastern Burke County late Friday

afternoon. Search crews located the male in a creek near the area

of Highway 70 and East Burke Boulevard. A positive identification

was made by the Burke County Medical Examiner’s Office of 51-year

old Kao Hang of Morganton, who died from blunt force trauma to

the neck resulting from a high fall.

Multiple agencies assisted, including the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency

Management, EMS and Rescue, Icard Township and Rescue, Rhodhiss

and Drowning Creek Fire Departments and the SBI.

September Unemployment  

The September unemployment rate for the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton

metro area was 3.5 percent. Area county rates include Alexander at 3.2%,

Avery 2.9%, Burke, McDowell and Catawba 3.5% and Caldwell 3.7%,

according to figures released Thursday by the North Carolina Department

of Commerce.

Prison Term for Newton Man  

A Newton man was sentenced Monday during Catawba County Superior

Court following a second-degree murder conviction. 35-year-old Justin

Drew Dalton was given an active prison term of 26 to 32 years , after he

pleaded guilty in connection with the 2019 shooting death of Emden Lee

Syres, Jr. In addition to murder, Dalton also pleaded guilty to larceny of

a motor vehicle.

New Catawba Correctional Center Warden  

Timothy Mayor has been named the new warden of the Catawba

Correctional Center in Newton. Mayor had been serving for the past

year as associate warden at Catawba Correctional.

 

Death by Vehicle Charge

A Catawba man has been charged in connection with a motorcyclist’s death that occurred in Hickory last month.

On October 23^rd, 23-year-old Cofield Ray Alexander Bost was driving south on Startown Road in a 2000 Chevrolet SUV when he merged into the left lane from the right lane; crashing into a motorcycle driven by 56-year-old Daniel Coley of Maiden.

Coley was taken to a Charlotte hospital, but died from his injuries the next day.

Reports say Bost told Hickory Police he was having vehicle problems and merged into the left lane to access a service station.

He has been charged with death by vehicle.

Sex Charge

Burke County authorities have arrested a Lenoir man on sex charges.

A news release from the sheriff’s office says on October 18^th, the criminal investigation division received a report of a possible sexual assault involving an adolescent.

An investigation led officers to 56-year-old Raymond Edward Harmon Junior of Hollywood Ridge Road Lenoir.

A warrant was issued Tuesday for Harmon’s arrest for charges of misdemeanor sexual battery.

He was placed in the Burke County jail under a 2-thousand dollar secured bond with a court date set for January 10^th 2022.

Hickory Centennial

The Hickory Landmarks Society, Hickory Community Theatre and the City of Hickory will host the Old City Hall Centennial Sunday November 7^th .

The event celebrates the 100^th year since the dedication of the former Hickory Municipal Building in 1921.

The former Hickory Municipal Building, also known as the ‘Old City Hall’ was authorized, planned, and constructed beginning in 1920.

It originally contained city administrative offices, Hickory Council chamber, the fire and police departments, the jail, the water department, the city court, and an auditorium.

The celebration takes place at the Hickory Community Theatre building at 30 Third Street Northwest in downtown Hickory.

Doors open Sunday afternoon at 2, with the program starting at 2:30.

Local COVID

According to the online dashboard maintained by the Burke County Health Department, there have been 30 new cases of COVID-19 reported since Monday.

Burke’s total is now 16-thousand-161.

221 cases are active, and 12 residents remain hospitalized.

Fall Back Time

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday morning at 2:00, so remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

In addition, area fire fighters encourage residents to make another change that could save your life – change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Officials say changing these batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce tragedy.

Statistics show that a working smoke alarm nearly cuts in half the risk of dying in a home fire.

If a resident does not have an alarm and can’t afford one, they should contact their local fire department for assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update  

Burke County Public Health was notified on Tuesday of 3 individuals

who died from COVID-19 related complications bringing Burke

County’s total to 270. The individuals were in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

The Health Department also notified Burke County Public Schools

of a cluster at Valdese Elementary.

Since Monday in Caldwell County, 119 COVID-19 cases have been

reported with 12 people hospitalized.

And now children  5-11 years old can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all

children 5-11 get the vaccine. Visit MySpot.nc.gov to fine a location.

Heroin Traffickers Arrested in Catawba County  

Two heroin traffickers are arrested in Catawba County after a traffic

stop. On Monday, Narcotics Division investigators seized 10 grams

of heroin during the stop along Highway 16 South at the Buffalo

Shoals Road intersection. According to the Catawba Sheriff’s Office,

two Conover residents, Michael Eugene Brown Jr. and Jonathan

Lynn Sorrels were arrested at the scene. Bond on Brown was set at

$54,000 secured, with Sorrels bond set at $60,000 secured.

N.C. 127 Road Closure  

Hickory city contractors will close N.C. 127 this weekend in connection

with construction activities related to the City Walk project. N.C. 127

will be closed between First Avenue SE and First Avenue NE from

5 a.m. Saturday, through 6 a.m. Monday. Detour routes will be established

and clearly marked.

 

Municipal Election Races  

Election Day 2021 saw some new winners for the Burke County Board of

Education. In the Central District, Tiana Sims was victorious over Buddy

Armour. For the Eastern District, Leslie Ritchie Taylor won against Scott

Lambert. In the Western District, the two seats available went to Aaron

Johnson and Jane Sohovich.

In the race for Mayor in Valdese, Charles Watts was victorious over

Jim Jacumin. For Ward 3, Rexanna Lowman got the win.

For Mayor in Connelly Springs, Dennis Seagle defeated Johnny Berry.

In the Alderman race for 3 seats, Terry Childers, Carroll Turner and

Jeffrey Beck were victorious.

For Rutherford College Mayor, Yates Jensen won over Mike Duncan.

For 3 Council seats, Kress Berry, Starr-Nell Bowman and Zachary Cagle

received the most votes.

Check the Facebook page of The Big Dawg 92.1 for additional winners

in other counties.

 

 

 

Lenoir Shooting

Two people are dead and an infant is in critical condition following a noontime shooting in Lenoir on Monday.

Lenoir Police were dispatched to the shooting incident on North Willow Street.

Upon arrival, officers discovered two adults and an infant child suffering from gunshot wounds.

EMS personnel transported the three to a local hospital where 24-year-old Anthony Maurice Stevenson Junior and 21-year-old Shantel Leighann Harper died from their injuries according to a press release.

The infant child was airlifted to CMC Main and remains in critical condition.

Preliminary information and evidence gathered at the crime scene suggests that the three are related, and the shooting occurred following a domestic disturbance.

The investigation into the case is active and ongoing.

Anyone having information about the incident should call Lenoir Police at 757-2104.

 

Operation Game Over

A joint crackdown on illegal drug, gun and gambling activities in Lenoir resulted in 40 arrest warrants.

Called ‘Operation Game Over’ a dual operation between Lenoir police and state ALE officials targeted two Lenoir convenience stores.

Reports say there had been citizen complaints about Gamewell Superette on Morganton Boulevard and Fastop on Blowing Rock Boulevard.

Whenever a search warrant was executed at Gamewell Superette, authorities report employees at the store were accused of distributing meth and heroin to customers.

The 40 arrest warrants that were secured contained charges ranging from felony gaming and carrying a concealed weapon to trafficking in opium.

30 of the 40 suspects have been arrested.

Gamewell Superette’s alcohol license has been suspended for 30 days during the investigation reports say.

Prison Sentence

A Hickory man is sentenced to spend the remainder of his life in prison after a Catawba County jury found him guilty on two counts of first degree murder.

32-year-old Arsenio Dewayne Curtis was convicted in the deaths of a Claremont couple that occurred more than five years ago.

Curtis was given two consecutive life sentences without parole Friday at the end of a week-long trial in Catawba County Superior Court.

A news release says Curtis was found guilty of his role in the March 2016 home invasion and shooting deaths of 34-year-old Mark Anthony Wilson and 39-year-old Deidra LaCarol Ramseur at the couple’s home on Rest Home Road in Claremont.

He was also found guilty of first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Curtis received a sentence of 9 to 12 years for those crimes to be served consecutively to the life sentences.

COVID Update

72 new COVID-19 cases reported in Burke County since last Thursday bringing the county’s total to 16-thousand-131.

A news release indicates 225 cases remain active while 14 Burke residents are still in the hospital.

Burke’s positivity rate continues to decline with a current rate at 4-point-9.

McDowell County reported 12 new cases Monday, for a total of 8-thousand-727.

69 residents in McDowell are quarantined.

Caldwell County saw 64 new cases of the virus since Friday for a total of 15-thousand-553. 9 in Caldwell are hospitalized.

Last Friday, the FDA approved emergency authorization of Pfizer’s vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

The dose is a third of a regular dose and will be given in two doses three weeks apart.

The CDC’s advisory committee is scheduled to meet today to give their final approval.

Health departments throughout the Catawba Valley region will begin administering the children’s vaccine once state directions and orders have been received.

 

 

 

Death Investigation

Authorities in McDowell County are involved in a death investigation after finding a man deceased inside his Old Fort home.

A news release from Wednesday afternoon states McDowell deputies were called to a Griggs Road address late Tuesday night.

Reports say officers found the body of 31-year-old DeAngelo Maurice Rushing.

The release says an investigation into Rushing’s death is underway, and there is no threat to the community.

Hickory Fatality

A Hickory man was killed Wednesday evening in a two-vehicle mishap.

55-year-old James Nelson Poovey Junior was reportedly driving north on NC 127 in Hickory around 7.

Highway Patrol reports indicate Poovey drove left of center and collided with a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Hannah Ollis of Granite Falls.

Poovey died on the scene reports say while Ollis sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers say Poovey was not wearing a seatbelt.

Mountain View firefighters assisted at the scene.

Sex Charges

A couple is facing sex crime charges in Alexander County.

According to the Alexander Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Colan Lewis Swink of Newton is charged with 109 felony counts of sex acts by a substitute parent or custodian, along with 25 felony counts each of statutory rape and sex offenses.

Reports say 49-year-old Tammy Reedy Brown of Taylorsville is also charged with one felony count of conspiracy of a sex act by a substitute parent or custodian.

A news release says Swink is accused of committing the crimes while he and Brown were living together in Taylorsville.

His bond was set at 5-million dollars secured, Brown received a 75-thousand dollar secured bond.

The Catawba County Sheriff’s office assisted in the investigation.

App State Employee Accused

An Appalachian State University employee has been accused of hiding a cellphone inside an all-girls dorm.

College police received a report on October 15^th that a phone was in the third-floor bathroom in Eggers Residence Hall.

The girls-only dorm is filled with mostly freshmen.

According to reports, 49-year-old Jerry Alan McGlamery of Wilkes County has been charged with secret peeping after officials seized the phone from the vent inside a bathroom.

McGlamery works with the school’s facilities operations department and was taken into custody October 22^nd.

Reports say he has been placed on investigatory leave and is not allowed back on campus.

The investigation continues.