Burning Ban

Dry weather conditions have prompted a statewide burning ban in NC.

The NC Forest Service issued the ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits effective at 5 Monday afternoon.

The ban remains in effect until further notice.

The ban comes due to an increased fire risk throughout the state as a forest fire has burned over 1-thousand acres at Pilot Mountain State Park.

The park is expected to be closed all week, as firefighters expect it will take several more days to contain the fire.

Under state law, the ban prohibits all open burning regardless of whether a permit had been previously issued.

Anyone violating the burning ban faces a 100-dollar fine plus more than 180-dollars in court costs.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting forest service officials with enforcing the ban.

Low Income Assist

Beginning today, the Burke County Department of Social Services will begin taking low income energy assistance program applications.

A household that contains someone 60 or older, or a household that contains a disabled person receiving a service through the division of aging and adult services are now eligible.

Everyone living in the home must be included in the application.

All others can apply by January 3^rd.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting a paper application by mail or fax.

Applications can also be dropped off at a local DSS office.

For questions call the Burke Department of Social Services at 764-9600.

New Variant

The new variant of COVID-19 called Omicron is expected to arrive in the US soon; although medical officials say it should not hinder holiday activities for vaccinated North Carolinians.

Infectious disease experts say even if the variant breaks through the vaccines, Omicron is not predicted to render the vaccines ineffective altogether.

They further state it will still largely prevent hospitalization and serious disease, and for those who’ve received the booster they will have even more protection.

Health officials say scientists are already looking into adjusting the vaccine to target Omicron if necessary, but until then it’s important to get a booster shot.

Cohen Resigns

State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen is stepping down from her position; according to an announcement by Governor Cooper.

Reports indicate Cohen met with state health officials this morning to announce her departure.

Cooper has appointed NC’s Chief Deputy Health Secretary Kody Kinsley to succeed Dr. Cohen beginning January 1^st.

Dr. Cohen was appointed to the secretary position by the governor in 2017.