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.