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.