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.