COVID Update

New COVID-19 cases continue to occur as Burke County Public Health reported 42 additional cases since Friday.

Burke’s total now stands at 16-thousand-644, with 146 active cases and 6 people hospitalized.

McDowell County has added 25 cases to their total since Friday.

McDowell’s total caseload is now 8-thousand-968, with 76 residents in quarantine.

The Burke County Health Department and UNC Health Blue Ridge will hold two drive-thru Pfizer pediatric clinics this coming Saturday from 9 am till 11 am.

The clinics will be held at Valdese Express Care 730 Malcolm Boulevard in Rutherford College and at the Burke Health Department 700 East Parker Road in Morganton.

Both locations will be drive-thru only, and appointments are preferred but not required.

To schedule an appointment, visit burkecovaccineclinic.rsvpify.com.

Public Safety Blood Drive

There will be a public safety blood drive at Summit Community Church 407 South Green Street in Morganton Wednesday 11 am till 3:30 pm.

This week’s blood drive supports local law enforcement officials including the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Morganton Public Safety, Burke County EMS, Burke Rescue and the US Marshal’s Service.

The event is open to the public and those donating will benefit the already drastically low blood supply.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Public Safety to schedule an appointment.

Found Dead in Hickory

A man has been found dead inside his Hickory apartment after reports say he was last seen over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Hickory Police reports the 72-year-old man was found in his residence on Preston Ridge off Startown Road after being deceased for some time.

Authorities reportedly are awaiting autopsy results before ruling the death as suspicious.

Officials have not released the man’s name, but also report his car is missing.

Hickory Police are continuing to investigate.

Hickory PACT

The Hickory Police Department’s December traffic enforcement – Pay Attention in City Traffic will concentrate on motorists on Highway 127 from 1^st Avenue Southwest to 29^th Avenue Drive Northeast.

Enforcement will focus on following too closely, distracted driving, speeding and other traffic violations.

Pedestrians are also encouraged to utilize crosswalks safely and to wear reflective materials when walking at night.

Additionally, motorists are urged to be vigilant, aware, and respectful of cyclists on the roadways.

All citizens using City of Hickory roadways are encouraged to remain alert and obey all traffic laws to ensure the safety of all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.