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.