COVID Update

Holiday gatherings are apparently showing up in the latest COVID figures throughout the Catawba Valley.

On the Burke County health department’s online dashboard, 283 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the last two days.

There are now 411 active cases, and 12 Burke residents are in the hospital.

Catawba County reports 245 new cases in the last week with 48 hospitalized.

Caldwell County saw an additional 239 cases of the virus, and 14 residents remain in the hospital.

In McDowell County, there have been 53 additional cases since Monday, and 236 are presently quarantined.

NC health officials Wednesday reported nearly 94-hundred new COVID cases statewide and more than 21-hundred people throughout the state are hospitalized because of the virus.

Blood Donations

The American Red Cross says their blood supply is lower than it’s been in years and is desperate for donations.

Officials state the holiday season always leads to a drop in donations but this year it’s been worse and the demand is up.

Red Cross workers say that someone in the US needs blood every two seconds; and during the holidays, accidents come at a higher level due to kids being out of school and family travel.

Workers also stress the need for donations due to ongoing health issues that people endure.

Those who would like to donate can make an appointment on redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

 Lost Cove Fire Update

The Avery County wildfire in the Lost Cove area is now estimated at 1-thousand acres, and is now 60-percent contained.

The latest update from fire officials says firefighters are currently patrolling and monitoring the fire perimeter.

Some light rain fell on the fire area, with additional rainfall expected.

Officials say the outlook of firefighting operations beyond Wednesday will depend on whether enough rainfall occurs to fully extinguish the blaze.

Emergency closures of some trails in the area remain in place.

The US Forest Service assisted by Collettsville and Linville Fire Departments are on the scene of the wildfire.

Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Caldwell Rabies

Caldwell County health officials are reporting the county’s fourth confirmed case of rabies for the year.

A news release says the state’s lab notified Caldwell animal control that a skunk submitted for testing was infected with the rabies virus.

The skunk was found on Power Drive in Granite Falls and was sent for testing after coming into contact with a dog.

The dog received a booster rabies vaccine and is under observation for 45 days.

Rabies is fatal and can also be transmitted to people; making the rabies vaccine a state requirement for cats and dogs.

Rutherford Co Arrest

A Rutherford County man faces charges after lawmen find the partial remains of two people on his property Monday.

Reports say officers were responding to a call about two possible deaths at a residence in Forest City.

Authorities report the discovery of remains and personal belongings of 44-year-old Jason Van Dyke who lived with the suspect on the property.

Investigators also found the remains and personal belongings of 42-year-old Tracey McKinney of Ellenboro.

McKinney had been reported missing by her family earlier on Monday.

34-year-old Matthew Thomas Cooley has been charged with one count of homicide in the death of Van Dyke.

He is also charged with two counts of dismembering or destroying human remains, and two counts of failing to notify law enforcement of the deaths.

Cooley has not yet been charged with homicide in connection with McKinney’s death.

Reports state an autopsy on the victims is scheduled for tomorrow.

Cooley is currently being held in the Rutherford County detention facility with no bond.

 

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Lost Cove Fire

The Lost Cove fire has grown to an estimated 700 acres as the wildfire continues to spread with low intensity.

The fire is burning in the Wilson Creek watershed in the Grandfather Ranger district in Avery County.

Containment remains at 20-percent.

The fire was reported on Christmas Eve and has now progressed downhill from Timber Ridge to the south and east.

Officials report the fire is primarily burning through leaf litter at low to moderate intensities.

Firefighters report they expect the fire to continue to grow within the Lost Cove Wilderness Study area until significant rain is received.

No homes or structures are currently threatened.

Emergency closures of some trails in the fire zone remain in place.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

COVID Treatment Paused

In a news release from Caldwell County health officials, the assistant secretary for preparedness and response announces the organization is pausing allocation of some monoclonal therapies used to treat patients who test positive for COVID.

The therapy has been paused pending updated data from the CDC.

According to the FDA and Preparedness and Response officials, the particular monoclonal antibodies may not work against current circulating COVID variants, including Omicron, which continues to increase across the US.

In the news release Caldwell County states based on the federal changes and recommendations, the Caldwell health department along with EMS personnel will provide monoclonal treatments on a limited basis; while continuing to monitor the most current federal and state guidelines.

Meanwhile, state health officials report nearly 37-hundred new COVID-19 cases today statewide.

Officials further report almost 2-thousand residents in NC are hospitalized with the virus.

Tuesday’s daily percent of positive tests reported in the state is 21-point-9 percent.

Marion Sex Crime

A Marion man has been found guilty in McDowell County Superior Court of sex crimes involving an underage girl.

52-year-old Joseph Guzman of Robin Drive pleaded guilty, reports say, to indecent liberties with a child.

He was given a 19 to 32 month suspended sentence, with a credit for 168 days time served.

Guzman will serve 48 months supervised probation, and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Guzman also pleaded guilty to felony disseminating obscenity, and issued a 5 to 15 month suspended sentence; with an additional 48 months supervised probation to follow the initial judgment.

In August, a detective with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reportedly charged Guzman after an investigation revealed he had inappropriate sexual contact with a teenage female acquaintance, and had sent her obscene photos to her phone.

12/28/2021 PM

A Lincoln County teenager has been arrested on outstanding armed robbery charges from Mecklenburg County, and a robbery of a Denver convenience store.

Officers were called to the store in Denver around 3 Tuesday morning to a reported armed robbery.

Store clerks told deputies a lone gunman entered the store wearing all black clothing and brandishing a gun.

The suspect described as a white male reportedly demanded the clerk place money from the cash register in a grocery bag.

The man then left the store, ran across the parking lot and fled in a silver passenger car.

Then around 6:30 a.m., Charlotte Mecklenburg officers assisted by Lincoln County deputies were serving three outstanding warrants on a Lincoln resident for robbery with a dangerous weapon at convenience stores in Charlotte.

Officers arrested 18-year-old Abdel Lagueb who also confessed to the Lincoln convenience store robbery that occcured Tuesday morning.

He is currently being held in the Mecklenburg detention center under a 75-thousand dollar bond.

Lagueb will be charged with common law robbery in connection with the incident.

 

 

 

COVID Update

The increase in new COVID-19 cases hasn’t taken a break for the holidays –

According to the latest figures from Burke County’s online dashboard, there have been an additional 85 cases since this time last week for a total of 17-thousand-67.

255 cases are reported to be active, while 9 Burke residents remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 62 new COVID cases since Friday and one additional virus-related death.

183 people in McDowell are quarantined.

McDowell is currently at a 6-point-8 percent positivity rate, with a total of 9-thousand-303 cases since the pandemic began.

Marion New Years 

One of the southeast’s most unique New Year’s Eve celebrations takes place in downtown Marion.

At midnight, a gold nugget descends from the sky into a pot of gold to ring in 2022.

The City of Marion began its annual nugget drop in 2007 in recognition of McDowell County’s gold heritage.

Other events Friday evening include an urban hike through several downtown Marion neighborhoods, highlighting the city’s iconic homes and stories of former owners.

The hike starts at 7 pm and is expected to last about 2 hours, and participants are urged to wear comfortable walking shoes.

No advanced registration is required.

Then at 7:30 and 10:30 pm, the McDowell Historical Society will host a Ghost Walk. Tickets are 12-dollars for adults and 8-dollars for kids 12 to 18; while those under 12 are free.

The walks should last about an hour and 15 minutes.

The event also features kid’s games, a costume contest, scavenger hunt, and carriage rides.

For more about the New Year’s Eve event checkout Marion Rotary’s Facebook page.

Shelby Sex Charge

A Shelby man will spend decades in prison followed by a lifetime on the sex offender registry for having sexual encounters with an out-of-state teen through a messenger app.

35-year-old Kenneth Ricky Ingle Jr. was sentenced to a prison term of 20 years, and supervised release following his release from custody.

Court documents indicate Ingle used the Kik messenger app in August 2020 to engage in sexual communications with a 14-year-old girl in Florida.

He was then arrested the following October and charged with four counts of using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.

Ingle reportedly accepted a plea offer earlier this year and was sentenced last week.

He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to a federal prison facility once one is designated.

 

 

 

 

Lost Cove Wildfire  

The U.S.Forest Service issued an emergency closure

for some trails in the Pisgah National Forest due to

the Lost Cove Fire in the Wilson Creek area. The fire

is located near Bee Mountain, 10 miles southeast of

Linville. The fire, reported Friday afternoon, was

estimated in a Sunday news releases at 350 acres and

10% contained. Trail closures include, Huntfish Falls,

Darkside Cliffs, Lost Cove Loop, and Timber Ridge,

including portions of the Mountain to Sea Trail between

Roseboro and Pineola Roads. The public is asked to

avoid the Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area until the

fire is contained. U.S.and North Carolina Forest Service

firefighters are responding with support from Linville

and Collettsville. The cause of the fire is under

investigation, but is suspected to be human caused.

Hickory Man Charged with Probation Violation  

A Hickory man is charged with multiple Felony

Probation Violation offenses and Failing to Appear

charges. 43-year-old David Lee Brendle was charged 

Sunday by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office with

3 counts of Felony Probation Violation and 7 counts

of Failing to Appear in court on various charges.

Bond was set at $85,000 with a first court appearance

scheduled for Thursday.

Asheville Pedestrian Fatalities  

Asheville Police continue to investigate two recent

pedestrian fatalities. The first on December 14^th at

6:27 p.m.,involved a car driven by Brenda Pace traveling

west on Long Shoals Road, which struck Charles Call, who

was attempting to cross the road. Call was wearing dark

clothing and was not walking in a marked crosswalk.

The second pedestrian fatality occurred on December 20^th

at 10:39 p.m., when a truck operated by Jeremiah

Shiver, was traveling west on Tunnel Road near Riceville

Road, hit Stephen Funk, who wearing dark clothing and

walking across the intersection. Traffic Safety Unit

officers encourage drivers to be mindful of intersections

and roadways where pedestrian traffic is heavy.

Iredell Bridge Replacement  

NCDOT has closed a road in Iredell County until next

summer. Jennings Road is closed in both directions

between Gethsemane and Mount Vernon Church roads

while crews replace the bridge over Olin Creek. The

work is expected to be complete by late July. Traffic

is detoured to Mount Vernon Church, Friendship

and Gethsemane Roads.

 

Numerous Charges on Conover Man 

A Conover man faces numerous charges after a Tuesday

arrest by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. 31-year-old

Terry Kenneth Ross was charged with Felony First Degree

Burglary, Felony Breaking and or Entering, two Meth Charges,

Maintaining a Vehicle, Dwelling or Place for Controlled

Substance, Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction and

Possession of Firearm by Felon. Bond was set at $390,000

with his next court appearance scheduled for December 30^th.

Rape Suspect Arrested by Asheville Police  

Asheville Police on Thursday arrested a rape suspect. Detectives

charged 69-year-old James Brown of Asheville with Second

Degree Forcible Rape and he was booked into the Buncombe

County Detention Center under a $200,000 bond. Asheville

Police continues to investigate similar cases of sexual assault.

Anyone who may have been a victim or has information related

to a similar incident can contact Asheville Police at 828-252-1110.

Wire Theft from House 

An Iron Station man has been charged with stealing

wire from a residence under construction. Lincoln

deputies on December 14^th, were dispatched to the

2700 block of West NC 27 Highway, where they

discovered that wiring in the crawl space had been

cut. Damage was estimated at about $1,000.

50-year-old Michael Wayne Rich reportedly

confessed to the larceny, according to the Lincoln

County Sheriff’s Office, and was placed in the Harven

A. Crouse Detention Center. 

 

Hinson Murder Case Update  

Burke detectives have received additional information in

connection with a 40 year old murder case. Today

marks the 40^th anniversary of the death of 19-year-old

Rhonda Hinson who was shot and killed. A press release

Wednesday from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office

indicates that the additional data provides a new line

of information.

Highway Projects Halted  

Most state road construction projects will be suspended

for the holidays. NCDOT plans to open lanes that have

been closed for construction through the evening of

Tuesday December 28^th and again from Friday December

31^st through Tuesday January 4^th. Exceptions include

bridges being replaced, long-term construction that

cannot be temporarily removed and highway work that

does not impact travel. The heaviest traffic is expected Monday.

 

COVID Death

COVID-19 reportedly claims another life in Burke County as reported by public health officials.

The individual was in their 60’s and had been hospitalized.

The recent death marks the 277^th virus-related passing to occur in Burke.

Local health officials urge those who are sick with any COVID-like symptoms to stay home and avoid visits with family and friends to reduce the chance of passing infection.

On Monday Governor Cooper and state health officials issued a strong public health warning heading into the holidays – saying they anticipate the omicron variant will soon severely strain hospitals as it becomes the dominant variant.

In place of mandates, NC officials are hoping additional testing resources and a strong informational campaign aimed at the 62-percent of unvaccinated individuals will work.

Overall, recent figures show 73-percent of the state’s adults have gotten at least one COVID shot and 69-percent have received at least two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of the J&J.

However, early studies indicate the vaccinated still need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing an omicron infection.

Repairs Close Library

Scheduled repairs, inside and out, will temporarily close the Morganton branch of the Burke County Public Library beginning Saturday January 8^th.

The library will be closed to the public for approximately two weeks.

The closure will allow inside renovations upstairs and downstairs, including painting the lobby, the Kistler wings, and the circulation desk area.

The downstairs staff areas and study rooms are due to get replacement flooring.

Exterior improvements will begin in mid to late January on the library with wood and fascia replacements, new gutters, and exterior paint.

During the interior renovations, library customers can obtain materials through curbside service.

Online programs will continue and staff will be available by phone and email.

Customers may have to utilize the handicapped- accessible library entrance on the lower level due to the exterior renovations.

For more details on the renovations visit the library’s website at bcpls.org or check their Facebook page for updates.

Help ID Suspect

Authorities need the public’s help in identifying a trespasser in Marion.

A resident of a mobile home park on US 70 West in the Pleasant Gardens area told McDowell County deputies that on December 14^th an unknown white female wearing a mask forced her way inside of her home.

Reports say the suspect cursed the victim’s daughter inside the residence before apparently being scared off by the family dog.

The suspect was wearing glasses, a necklace with a gold charm, and had a tattoo on her left ring finger.

She was reportedly driving a black four door car.

Anyone with information about the female suspect or her whereabouts should call McDowell detective Ballew at 652-2237.

Rutherford Co Missing

Rutherford County officials continue to look for a teenage girl reported missing earlier this month.

15-year-old Katelynn Anne Bodford went missing from her Bostic home in early December.

Reports say authorities suspect Bodford may be in Caldwell County in the company of a black male named Kenathan McGuire.

Bodford is described as a white female with blue eyes and long straight brown hair.

She is 5 feet 1 and weighs 168 pounds.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has issued a missing poster for Bodford.

Anyone having information regarding Bodford’s whereabouts should contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 828-286-2911.

Missing Teen Safe

Lincoln County detectives located a teenager reported missing on Sunday.

The news did not indicate specifics; however, 16-year-old Isaiah Richardson reportedly returned home sometime Monday and is reported to be safe.

It was the second time in less than a week Richardson had been reported missing.

 

 

 

COVID Advisory

Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human services Dr. Mandy Cohen has issued an advisory urging citizens to get COVID vaccines and boosters in the fight against the Omicron variant.

The advisory indicates cases are rising throughout NC due to the Delta variant, but the highly contagious omicron is spreading rapidly and is further expected to cause the highest rates of COVID in the coming weeks.

Cohen states in the advisory with the holidays approaching and people gathering, it is critical and urgent to act now to protect yourselves and others.

According to Cohen, vaccinating and boosting against COVID-19 remain the most effective ways for people to protect themselves from serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

Early evidence shows that boosters provide a significant level of protection against Omicron.

The advisory includes guidelines for those traveling for the holidays and gathering for celebrations.

Visit online covid19.ncdhhs.gov for details.

COVID Update

Locally, Burke County Public Health reports 65 new cases of COVID since Friday for a total of 16-thousand-982.

252 cases are reported to be active and 10 remain hospitalized in Burke.

Burke is currently at a positivity rate of 6-point-02 percent.

McDowell County reports 45 new cases over the weekend for a total of 9-thousand-166.

152 residents are in quarantine.

Fatal Crash

A two-vehicle crash in Alexander County has claimed the life of a Lenoir woman.

On Friday afternoon around 3:20, the State Highway Patrol reports an eastbound driver traveling on US 64 near Caldwell Pond Road crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a westbound motorist.

The westbound driver identified as 34-year-old Heather Regina Hanck proceeded to run off the roadway and overturned.

Reports say Hanck died from her injuries, while the other driver, 39-year-old Anna Wallace was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Troopers are consulting with the Alexander County DAs office concerning possible charges. 

Marion Wreck

A head-on collision in Marion Thursday resulted in two drivers being transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville.

The mishap occurred on the US 221 bypass near the Tate Street intersection.

The Highway Patrol reported 71-year-old Johnny Lister of Marion was traveling the wrong way on the bypass and crashed into another vehicle driven by 30-year-old Josh Lowery of Nebo.

Lister and Lowery both sustained non-life threatening injuries according to emergency personnel.

McDowell EMS, McDowell Rescue, Marion Fire and Marion Police assisted troopers on the scene.

Shoe Donation

Four schools in the Burke County Public Schools system recently received a donation of 120 new pairs of tennis shoes – all thanks to a church youth group.

A press release says the youth of North Morganton United Methodist Church raised more than 6-thousand dollars to purchase the shoes by hosting a bake sale and creating ornaments for sale.

The donated shoes will go to Hillcrest Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Walter Johnson Middle School, and Table Rock Middle School.

Schools superintendent Mike Swan says ‘to see the generosity from our community brings so much joy not only to me, but to our students that it directly impacts’.

Lincoln Co Missing

Lincoln County detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teenager.

Deputies were dispatched Sunday to a residence on Hudson White Trail in Lincolnton in regard to a runaway juvenile.

The grandmother told officers her 16-year-old grandson was picked up on a previous missing person report from December 17^th, returned home, and left again approximately five minutes later.

Isaiah Richardson is described as a black male, 5 feet 4, and weighs around 170.

He has black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and shoes.

The press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office states anyone who harbors a runaway juvenile could be subject to criminal charges.

Anyone having information on Richardson’s whereabouts should call the Lincoln Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050.

 

 

 

 

COVID Surge

Health experts are warning that the highly contagious COVID-19 variant Omicron is expected to cause the greatest surge in virus infections to date within the coming months.

The CDC and the state’s department of health and human services are therefore urging people to get the COVID vaccine, and whenever eligible get the booster to help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

Early evidence suggests that Omicron is two to three times more contagious than the Delta variant, making it four to six times more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus.

Officials say once Omicron is in a community, it’s nearly impossible to contain; making vaccines and boosters essential in protecting people from severe illness.

A study released last week estimates COVID-19 vaccines prevented more than 1 million additional deaths and more than 10 million additional hospitalizations in the US through this November.

COVID Update

Although the current positivity rate has dropped slightly, Burke County still remains in a high rate of community transmission for COVID-19, according to the CDC.

Burke’s positivity rate fell from 6-point-1 percent to 5-point-7 percent, with 111 new cases of COVID.

Burke’s total stands at 16-thousand-917, with 236 active cases reported, and 10 residents hospitalized.

According to the state’s vaccination dashboard, the percentage of Burke County residents five years and older who are fully vaccinated remains at 47-percent.

Booster vaccines are recommended for those who are 16 and 17; as they are only eligible to receive the Pfizer booster with parental consent.

And a holiday scheduling change for COVID testing – the only days to get a test through the Burke Health department will be today and Tuesday December 28^th.

Regular testing schedules will resume the week of January 3^rd.

Elsewhere in the Catawba Valley, Caldwell County reported 80 new cases and two COVID-related deaths since Wednesday.

McDowell County saw 74 new cases since Monday, with 140 still in quarantine.

Robbery Suspect

Local authorities are looking for a suspect wanted in connection with an armed robbery.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office reports Oak Hill Grocery on NC 181 was robbed at gunpoint around 9:35 December 9^th.

A news release describes the suspect as a black male, approximately 6 feet 2, weighing 300 pounds.

Reports say the man got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Anyone having information about the case is urged to call the Burke Sheriff’s Office at 438-5500 or Morganton/Burke Crimestoppers at 437-3333.

All Crimestoppers tips are anonymous, and anyone with information leading to an arrest may receive a cash reward.

Found Not Guilty

A Catawba County jury has reportedly found a man not guilty in connection with a 2015 shooting death.

According to Hickory Police reports, 23-year-old Octavis Sentex Geter was found by authorities on the side of the roadway on June 6^th 2015 after being shot and left to die.

Police report Geter was located on 2^nd Street Southeast in Hickory around 2 that morning.

Reports say he was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries.

Three days later, police charged Jamar Franklin Robinson with first degree murder after he turned himself in to authorities.

On Thursday, a jury found Robinson not guilty of the charges.

Stolen Patrol Car

An Alexander County Sheriff’s deputy sustained injuries Friday as a suspect stole a patrol car and crashed into him.

Reports say the incident took place following a chase that ended around 3 am on Antioch Church Road.

Officers had attempted to stop a suspect that was speeding near Taylorsville.

Authorities report the suspect was driving at speeds topping 100 miles per hour, when they deployed stop sticks.

As the chase ended, the suspect exited his car and jumped into a deputy’s patrol car and rammed into another deputy’s car.

The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Tony Timothy Martin of Taylorsville.

Martin was charged with flee/elude arrest with motor vehicle; larceny of a motor vehicle; assault with deadly weapon on law enforcement officer; assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury; four counts of resist/obstruct/delay; two counts of injury to personal property; and numerous traffic offenses.

The deputy, reports say, suffered a minor head injury.

The SBI and Taylorsville Police are assisting with the investigation.

Reward for Info

The US Marshal’s Office is offering a 5-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting death of a Shelby teenager.

16-year-old Skyteria Poston was killed in a drive-by shooting November 9^th in the area of Roberts and Martin Streets.

Warrants for first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into occupied property have been issued for Santana Almont Eaves Junior of Shelby.

Anyone having information on Eaves’ whereabouts is urged to call Shelby Police at 704-484-6845 or Crimestoppers at 704-481-TIPS.

 

 

 

 

 

NC COVID Increase

Reports say a second case of the omicron variant has been detected in NC, although state health officials have not said where.

Last week, the state’s first reported omicron case was detected in a UNC Charlotte student.

NC health officials say by far the Delta variant of COVID continues to be the dominant concern, and new numbers Thursday show most of the state’s 100 counties fall into the high rate of transmission.

Burke County is one of the high transmission counties with a positivity rate of 6-point-1 percent at last report.

Health officials report that omicron may be more contagious, but currently the vast majority of cases involve the delta variant.

Officials with the state’s department of health and human services say the omicron variant is expected to take over though with more people gathering and traveling for the holidays.

Experts say people can celebrate the holidays safely by keeping gatherings small, getting tested, wearing a mask, and getting vaccinated.

WPCC Food Pantry

Western Piedmont Community College in partnership with Burke United Christian Ministries has opened a food pantry on campus.

The pantry is stocked with refrigerated and non-perishable items along with paper products and utensils.

The new resource will allow students access to the pantry anytime campus building are open.

Stating the benefit of the new food resource, pantry organizers say many students are on campus all day and may need a snack or meal to get them through their classes.

Donations were collected in a campus-wide food drive to help support the new pantry along with a film screening hosted by Burke United Christian Ministries.

Retail Crime

‘Smash and Grabs’ and organized retail crime will not be tolerated in NC – that was the message voiced Thursday by representatives of the state’s retail merchants association, the state conference of district attorneys, and various law enforcement organizations.

A news release stresses the organizations and its members will work collectively to prevent these crimes and make certain this criminal activity is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Throughout the country in recent weeks, retailers have experienced organized retail crime rings that target their stores and steal thousands of dollars worth of goods; often smashing windows and display cases and assaulting store personnel.

The news release further states that many retailers who struggled to stay in business during the height of the pandemic are just now getting back on their feet while trying to work through labor shortages, supply chain issues and new COVID variants.

And it’s unfortunate these retailers are now having to guard against organized retail crime gangs that target their businesses.

Rutherford Co Thieves

One is in custody, and another remains on the run in Rutherford County as officers there report the two were caught stealing from a dead man’s home.

Authorities were called to the residence Wednesday and found Doyle Dezio and William Harrill actively trespassing and stealing property in the Bills Creek area.

The Rutherford Sheriff’s Office describes Dezio and Harrill as repeat offenders.

Reports say deputies arrived to find a truck filled with items from the deceased man’s home.

Deputies also discovered catalytic converters that had been removed inside the truck.

Dezio was reportedly arrested on scene, but Harrill fled from authorities.

The two have been charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, safe cracking, possession of a firearm by a felon, and larceny of motor vehicle parts.

Anyone having information about Harrill’s whereabouts should contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers at 828-287-8477.

Sex with Inmate

A Gastonia woman serving as a prison guard at the Lincoln County Correctional Center is facing charges following an investigation.

26-year-old Ashley Danielle Hubbard has been charged with engaging in sexual activity with an inmate.

The Lincoln Sheriff’s Office had received a report of the relationship on November 2^nd, leading to Hubbard’s arrest last Monday.

Hubbard was jailed under a 25-hundred dollar secured bond.

 

 

 

 

School Grants  

Four area school systems have been awarded grants

for coding and mobile app development. According to

a news release from Burke County Public Schools, the

grant extends opportunities for students to engage in

computer science through coding. Burke County Public

Schools, as well as McDowell County Schools and Catawba

County Schools received $52,000 each and Caldwell

County Schools was awarded just over $76,500.

COVID  

Since Friday, 164 COVID cases have been reported,

according to a Wednesday news release. Eight Caldwell

residents are in the hospital.

The Burke County dashboard indicates 229 active cases

with 10 people in the hospital and McDowell County

reported 105 citizens in quarantine.

Caldwell News  

In Caldwell County news, County Manager Donald Duncan

recently selected Jimmy Harrison to serve as Deputy County

Manager. Prior to being named Deputy County Manager,

Harrison served as Human Resources Director, a position

he held for more than 8 years.

And Lenoir City County has approved more renovations at

the Lenoir High School Auditorium. The improvements will

help the City rebrand the venue as The Campus at the

Historic Lenoir High School and bring more events into

Downtown Lenoir, according to City of Lenoir news release.

 

COVID Update

The uptick of new COVID cases in Burke County continues as public health reports 113 new cases since Monday.

Burke’s total now stands at 16-thousand-757, with 217 cases active, and 6 residents hospitalized.

Health officials say Burke is currently at a 4-point-9 positivity rate, which according to the CDC is a high rate of community transmission.

McDowell County Friday reported 47 new cases of the virus since Monday for a total of 9-thousand-fifteen.

105 residents in McDowell are in quarantine.

Meanwhile, Mecklenburg County officials have confirmed a student from UNC Charlotte has tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Reports say though the student was isolated and has recovered.

The student is the first known confirmed case of the omicron variant in NC.

Drug Trafficker

A traffic violation stop leads to drug charges for an Old Fort man.

Reports with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office say 47-year-old Christopher Calvin Basham was pulled over November 3^rd on Sugar Hill Road.

Officers discovered a trafficking amount of meth inside his vehicle.

Basham was charged with two counts of trafficking in meth, possession with the intent to sell or deliver, possession of meth, and maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance.

He was given a 100-thousand dollar secured bond.

City Walk Ribbon Cutting

This week, the public can celebrate the grand opening of the first completed segment of the Hickory Trail – the City of Hickory invites all to the ribbon cutting for the City Walk and the dedication of the pedestrian bridge across NC 127 Thursday December 16^th.

The ceremony takes place at 5 pm on the western side of the NC 127 bridge on the City Walk trail.

Immediately following the ceremony, the city will ‘Light it up for Rudy’ at 5:30 as the City Walk bridge is illuminated for the first time and officially named and dedicated as the Rudy Wright bridge in honor of late Hickory mayor Glen Rudolph Wright Jr.

Wright served as Hickory mayor for 16 years .

For more information about City Walk and the Hickory Trail, visit craftinghickory.com.

Asheville Murder Charge

A Louisiana man is charged with murder in the October death of an Asheville man.

29-year-old Roy Tyler Forbes has been apprehended in Louisiana on unrelated charges and also faces Asheville Police charges of first degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm.

Forbes is accused in the death of 40-year-old Benjamin Lee Hoffman whose body was found in the Swannanoa River in mid-October.

He is currently in custody in the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Rutherford Co Stabbing

Rutherford County authorities are looking for a suspect following a fatal stabbing Thursday night.

According to reports, officers responded just after 11 o'clock to Bills Creek Road in the Lake Lure area in regard to a subject who had been stabbed.

Deputies located the victim identified as Reginald Randy Vess lying on the ground near a logging trailer.

EMS personnel reportedly arrived on the scene and pronounced Vess deceased.

Reports state the suspect Nicholas Dewayne Smith had fled the scene before deputies arrived.

A warrant for Smith’s arrest has been issued.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone having information on Smith’s whereabouts should call Rutherford County Crimestoppers at 828-286-8477.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woman Charged

A woman has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a man whose body was discovered Monday in a Hickory apartment complex.

Reports with Hickory Police say Bryana Martines is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a stolen vehicle.

She was reportedly booked into the Catawba County jail under no bond.

Previous reports say the 72-year-old man identified as Robert Bruce Godfrey was found deceased inside his apartment at Preston Ridge off Startown Road.

Godfrey’s vehicle had also been stolen and was recovered by Charlotte Mecklenburg Police in the possession of 28-year-old Abraham Adon of Fort Mill.

Adon is currently being held in SC awaiting extradition for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is urged to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Hickory Shooting

Authorities in Catawba County continue to search for suspects wanted in connection with a Wednesday evening shooting in Hickory.

Hickory Police were called to the 800 Block of First Street Southeast to a reported shooting just after 11 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers found 26-year-old Michael Emmanuel Tucker sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound.

Tucker was initially transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center, and later air-lifted to Carolina’s Med Center where he remains in critical condition.

Reports say the initial investigation revealed that Tucker had left his apartment to travel to a nearby convenience store prior to gunshots being fired.

Reports further state it appears the suspects fired multiple shots into Tucker’s vehicle from the roadway.

Anyone having information about the incident should call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Vang Sentenced

A Hickory man receives a prison term of up to eight years after pleading guilty to drug charges.

39-year-old Peng Vang will also be required to pay a mandatory fine of 50-thousand dollars for trafficking and selling meth.

Reports say Vang sold meth to an undercover officer from Caldwell County in July 2019 in the parking lot of a business in Hickory.

A week later, the officer made another purchase of a trafficking amount of methamphetamine from Tucker while at a Hickory residence.

The case was investigated by Hickory Police.

 

 

 

State Supreme Court Suspends Candidate Filing 

Filing for all offices for the 2022 primary election was

suspended Wednesday by the North Carolina Supreme

Court. According to a State Board of Elections news

release, this includes filing for rescheduled municipal

contests, and any separate filing period in January

for those contests. The Supreme Court also pushed the

date of the primary and rescheduled municipal elections

to May 17^th, from the original date of March 8^th. Dates

for a new filing period have not been set.

Burke COVID-19 Deaths  

Burke County Public Health reported 2 additional deaths

on Wednesday, bringing the total to 276. The two were

in their 50’s and 70’s and were hospitalized prior to

passing from COVID-related complications.

Felony Laceny in Gator Thefts  

A Connelly Springs man is charged with felony larceny

in connection with the thefts of two Gator UTV’s from

the East Burke High football offices. Jessie James Shull

could face additional charges after the Burke County

Sheriff’s Office findings are scheduled to be turned over  

to the District Attorney’s Office. One of the UTV’s was

recovered in Vale with the other found in Catawba County.

The Catawba Sheriff’s Office assisted Burke in the case.

John Howard Promoted to Lenoir Police Lieutenant 

John Howard has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant in

the Lenoir Police Department Patrol Division. Lieutenant Howard

joined the City of Lenoir Police Department in 2007 and has

14 years of service. Prior to joining the City ‘s Police Force,

Lieutenant Howard served 4 years with the U.S.Marine Corp

and was in the Enduring Freedom Conflict in the Middle East.

Winter Weather Preparedness Week  

This is Winter Weather Preparedness Week and Governor

Cooper is asking citizens to plan and prepare now.

Meteorologists expect the state to see warmer and

drier conditions than normal, but this does not mean that

wintry precipitation will not develop across North Carolina

this winter, leading to icy roads and other hazards.