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.