COVID-19 UPDATE

A 4^th patient has died of complications from Covid-19 in Caldwell County.  The

Caldwell County Health Department reported the patient was between the ages

of 25 and 64 and was hospitalized.  There were pre-existing conditions.  Caldwell

saw the total number of Covid-19 cases in the county increase to 249 yesterday. 

Of that number 6 are hospitalized and 128 have recovered.  Catawba County

reported 35 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday.   Catawba’s total now stands at

459. 15 people are hospitalized and 173 have recovered.  McDowell County saw

an increase of 9 new cases yesterday bringing the total to 153.  McDowell will be

holding testing on June 18^th from three to five p.m. at 174 Trinity Church Loop,

Nebo.  County residents who want to be tested can call the McDowell Health

Department to make an appointment for testing, also. 816 positive COVID-19

cases were reported Monday by Burke County health officials.

Election Information

While voters in the 11^th Congressional District are early voting for the 11^th District

US Congress Republican Runoff, the Burke County Board of Elections is accepting

filing for the Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Two people have filed so far for

the seat currently held by Don Chapman; Shannon Stanbury and Evan Scott

Crawley.  Filing ends at noon on July 2^nd.  The 11^th District US Congress Runoff

election date is June 23^rd.  Burke County is not involved in the runoff due to being

moved to the 5^th Congressional District, but McDowell, Madison, Buncombe.

Mitchell and the counties to the northwest are.

Conservancy Grant

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina was recently awarded a 4 hundred 64

thousand dollar grant from the Community Forest Program in support of its

ongoing Oak Hill Community Park and Forest project.  The funds will help the

conservancy purchase the remaining 321 acres of the project property, situated

near downtown Morganton in Burke County.  The first half of the property, 330

acres was purchased with funds from the private individuals.  The park will

eventually host public trails for walking, running and biking, 

McDowell Thefts

 McDowell County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating suspects involved in separate thefts – one caught on video surveillance.

Reports say someone removed a homemade 4-by-8 feet utility trailer from the parking lot of McCormick Brake and Muffler on US 221 south.

The theft occurred just before Noon on June 7^th and was captured on camera.

Suspects also made off with painting equipment from a disabled vehicle on I-40.

The theft, reports say, happened on June 4^th or 5^th, and included more than 25-hundred dollars worth of paint and hand tools.

Anyone having information about either theft can contact McDowell’s detective division at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

Hickory Road Closure

Hickory Sand Company plans to begin the excavation for a waterline

improvement project today.  A 36 inch encasement will be installed on Lenoir

Rhyne Boulevard SE.  “F” Avenue will be closed on both sides of Lenoir Rhyne

Boulevard SE.  Work zones and detour routes will be established.  The work

should be completed in three weeks.

COVID-19 Update

17-hundred-68 new positive virus cases confirmed Friday in NC marks the highest single-day increase in the number of positives since the pandemic began.

Those figures coming from state health officials and Governor Cooper’s news conference Friday.

NC health officials report that 10-percent of COVID testing performed in the state is coming back as positive; one of the highest percentages in the nation.

In the last 4 days, NC has reported more than 1-thousand positive cases per day.

Officials say the pace of the increase is concerning.

McDowell County reported five additional positive COVID-19 cases Friday bringing

McDowell’s total to 128. Burke County public health Friday afternoon reports

23 additional positive cases amounting to 786 confirmed cases in Burke.

A news release says community spread is coming from those gathering together in large groups for events like family reunions, funerals, church services, choir practice and/or Bible studies in people’s homes, and parties.

The release says whenever residents gather together especially indoors without using face coverings and not distancing themselves, activities like talking, singing, shouting, and laughing will increase the risk of spread like a wildfire.

Governor Cooper says everyone should remember that NC is still under a safer-at-home recommendation.

Just because we can leave home, doesn’t mean we always should.

Catawba Wants More Testing

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is now

recommending more people get tested for Covid-19.  Catawba County says more

community spread is happening there as the new numbers for Covid continue to

rise.  Diagnostic testing is now recommended for:  Anyone with symptoms

suggestive of Covid-19;  Close contacts of known positive cases, regardless of

symptoms; Populations with higher risk of exposure or higher risk of severe

disease if they become infected, if they believe they have been exposed to Covid-

19 regardless of whether they have symptoms of not;  people who have attended

protests, rallies or other mass gatherings.  Diagnostic testing is now widely

available in Catawba County through primary care providers, urgent cares and is

beginning to be offered statewide to some pharmacies.

Assault on Emergency Personnel

A thirty year old Dallas, NC man has been charged with felony assault of

emergency personnel in connection with an incident at the Brendletown Fire

Department.  Jacob Larkin White will make his first appearance in Burke County

court Friday after a fireman attempted to offer assistance to a man, later

identified as White, who was sitting in a vehicle at the Fire Department parking

lot. White declined any assistance, but backed up and pulled off with his vehicle

door striking the fireman.  White was then arrested and placed in the Burke

County Jail under three thousand dollar secured bond.  White was also charged

with additional traffic violations by the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Man Found Dead at State Park

A seventy year old man was found dead on a hiking trail at South Mountains State

Park Thursday afternoon. A researcher with the Park found the unidentified man

on one of the Park’s more difficult hiking trails.  The cause of death will be

determined by the Medical Examiner, but is not thought to be suspicious.  South

Mountain Fire and Rescue, Burke EMS and Burke Emergency Management all

responded to the call.

Hickory Arson Arrest

Hickory Police arrest a man Thursday who allegedly set two fires at separate businesses last month.

28-year-old Marco Antonio Rios is charged with one felony count of burning certain buildings and one felony count of burning personal property in connection with the reported arson that occurred on May 21^st.

Reports say Hickory firefighters responded to Taylor Law Firm on 10^th Avenue Drive Northeast and found the building ablaze, with flames coming from the roof and rear of the structure.

While battling that fire, firefighters were also summoned to Custom Design Group also on 10^th Avenue Drive Northeast and discovered a trash can on fire.

A news release states during an initial investigation, it was determined the fire was intentionally set.

Video surveillance near the fire scene captured a male with dark hair who was later identified as Rios.

He is being held in the Catawba County jail under a 12-thousand-500 dollar secured bond.

Anyone with additional information about the case is urged to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Sex Abuse Charges

A Marion man faces sex abuse charges.

44-year-old Jonathan Francis Schabilion of Four Wheel Drive is charged with second-degree forcible rape and second-degree forcible sex offense.

Reports filed with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say Schabilion is accused of having forcible sexual contact with a 32-year-old woman with whom he is acquainted.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County numbers continue to climb as public health officials say there are now 737 positive cases of COVID-19 in Burke County. Caldwell County recorded 13 new

cases yesterday for a total of 227.  100 patients have recovered and six are hospitalized. In Catawba County, there are 11 new cases of coronavirus bringing the

total there to 338. 143 patients have recovered while 12 patients are hospitalized.

Bars and Gyms to Open

The state senate has passed a bill that would allow gyms and bars to reopen across the state with some restrictions.

Governor Cooper has expressed concerns about the legislation, saying it would make it difficult for health leaders to impose restrictions if there’s another COVID outbreak.

However, lawmakers say they added language to the bill that would allow Cooper the flexibility to close businesses again if he deems it necessary.

In the bill, bars and gyms would be allowed to reopen; extending also to health clubs, fitness centers, yoga and dance studios.

The bill of course awaits the governor’s signature to make it law.

Man arrested in Newton Shooting

A 43 year old Catawba man has been arrested and charged with attempted first

degree murder in the shooting of a 20 year old Newton man on Sarah Avenue.  

Regi nald Lavar Davis was taken into custody without incident at a home on Wash

Gap Road in Newton according to a press release from the Newton Police

Department.  Davis was placed in the Catawba County Detention Center under a

one million dollar bond.  As of Wednesday,  Keshawn Dashay Furgeson  remains

at Wake Forest Medical Center in stable condition.  The shooting happened after

an altercation at a Sarah Avenue home.


Suspect Arrested

A shooting suspect was nabbed by Burke County deputies Tuesday night following a five-hour manhunt in the Nebo area.

Reports say shortly after 5 p.m. McDowell deputies and Marion Police responded to a dispute with shots fired on US 70 East in Nebo.

An investigation revealed 27-year-old Jacob Ballard Hensley and 30-year-old Timothy Ray Noblitt had gotten into an argument inside a Honda van at a residence.

Reports indicate Hensley shot Noblitt in the ankle with a handgun; and then fled the scene on foot.

A news release states he was captured around 10 p.m. Tuesday in a wooded area.

Noblitt was taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville with non-life threatening injuries.

Hensley was charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Arson in Hickory

Hickory Police are searching for a person of interest in a possible case of arson. 

The Hickory Police Department is searching for a male with dark hair and dark

clothing captured on video surveillance in the area of a fire, May 21^st, at 361 10^th

Avenue Drive North East Hickory.  Firemen responded to the 11:20 p.m. call at the

Taylor Law Firm and found the building with visible flames from the roof and rear

of the building.  While firefighters were dealing with that fire, a passerby notified

Hickory Police of another fire at 391 10^th Avenue North East.  Police Officers found

a trash can on fire there.  Anyone who can identify the subject or who has

information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Hickory Police

Department at 828-328-5551.

COVID-19 UPDATES

Area counties are seeing increases in positive Covid-19 cases as more people are

being tested.  Burke County’s total rose to 710 yesterday and McDowell’s cases

rose to 107.  Caldwell County had five new Covid cases on Monday for a total of

214.  100 people have recovered from the virus in Caldwell and six people are

hospitalized.  In Catawba County. Tuesday saw the addition of 17 new cases

bringing the total to 327.  In Catawba, 120 people have recovered and 11 are

hospitalized.

Donation/Antibodies Drive

Donate blood on June 17^th at the Town of Valdese and find out if you have the

Covid-19 antibodies within approximately 48 hours.  This combination blood

drive/ antibody testing is not a Covid-19 diagnostic test.  Positive test results will

not confirm infection or immunity.  The blood drive takes place from 10 a.m. till 3

p.m.

Deputy Cleared

A Caldwell County deputy involved in the fatal shooting of a 28 year old man has

been cleared of any wrongdoing by the District Attorney’s Office.  Deputy James

Curtis had been placed on administrative leave pending the findings of an SBI

investigation into the shooting of Timothy Sides, Jr. that occurred on April 24^th,

2020 on the Miller Hill Road in Lenoir.  The District Attorney’s office said that

following a review of the investigative findings, the use of force was justified.

Hickory Meals Distributed

The City of Hickory Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Department is

partnering with Hickory Public Schools’ Nutrition Services to distribute free grab

n’ go meals for children and teens ages 18 and younger throughout the summer. 

The meals will be available through August 6^th with daily meal service Monday

thru Thursday of each week.  Hickory Public Schools’ Nutrition Services will be

parked at the designated locations for 30 minute intervals to provide meals.  They

will be at the Highland Recreation Center, 1451 8^th Street Drive North East from

10:30 till 11 a.m. ; Kiwanis Park, 805 6^th Street South East from 11:15 a.m. to

11:45 a.m.  and Brown Penn Recreation Center, 735 3^rd Street South West from

noon till 12:30 p.m.  Daily meal service will include a pre-packaged lunch and

breakfast for the following day.

Caldwell Rabies Case

Caldwell County has recorded its fourth confirmed rabies case in the county this

year.  The N.C. State Laboratory notified Animal Control on Monday that a

raccoon tested for the rabies virus.  The raccoon was found in the Oak Hill

Community.  Residents are reminded to keep their pet’s rabies vaccinations

current.  Pets should also wear a collar and their rabies tag when out of doors. 

Animal Control offers one-years vaccinations for 8 dollars.  Pet owners can call

Animal Control at 828-757-8625 and set up an appointment.

McDowell Shooting Investigation

McDowell County investigators are in search of a vehicle whose occupants

might have been witness to a shooting late Sunday night on I-40. Just before

midnight, two Nebo women traveling on I-40 westbound near Exit 90 in a

Buick Encore were met by a barrage of bullets from suspects in a vehicle

from suspects in a dark-colored car with tinted windows. The driver of the

Buick pulled off of Exit 90 and the suspect continued westbound. Detectives

viewed surveillance video from the Exxon station off Exit 90 and saw a car

pull into the parking lot about midnight, immediately after the Buick. The

vehicle of interest is a 2016 to 2020 Honda Civic, silver or gray in color.

Anyone with information is asked to call Captain Shanon Smith at the

McDowell County Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237 or Crime Stoppers at 65-CRIME.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Caldwell County recorded 13 new cases of Covid 19 yesterday bringing the total

to 209.  Of that number, 96 have recovered and six are hospitalized.  In Catawba

County there are 8 new cases of Covid-19.  Catawba County’s total now is 310

with 98 recovered and 9 hospitalized.  That is the highest number of hospitalized

cases so far in Catawba. McDowell County reported four new cases of COVID-19

Monday, bringing McDowell’s total to 107.

The highest 24-hour increase in positive cases of COVID-19 in Burke County to date – with 684 cases.

That’s an increase of 134 cases since the weekend.

Burke County public health officials report the increase is due in large part to increased testing among companies and individuals.

A news release urges citizens to remember that the more testing that occurs, positive cases will continue to increase.

Employees and residents at J Iverson Riddle Center were due to begin testing Monday.

The news release also states the more that people continue to get out in the community; at parties, church gatherings, family reunions, the greater chance for spread.

Health officials continue to encourage residents who cannot stay at home to follow the 3 W’s; wear a face covering, wait 6 feet from others, and wash hands frequently.

Should you have further questions, call the Burke County Public Information line at their new number 764-9168 Monday through Friday 8 am till 5 pm.

After hours and weekends, leave a message and a staff member will call you back.

Schools Reopening Concerns

Governor Roy Cooper has outlined three possible scenarios for reopening schools

in August, but says the North Carolina covid-19 metrics are moving in the wrong

direction to allow schools to reopen without increased safety measures.  The

Governor said three plans are

being looked at.  Plan “A” which is minimal social distancing of students; Plan “B”,

which is moderate social distancing of students, and Plan “C” which is remote

learning.  The final decision on which plan will be adopted will be made and

announced by July 1^st.   North Carolina saw some of its highest Covid-19 numbers

over the weekend.

I-40 Shooting

Two Nebo women traveling on Interstate-40 in McDowell County late Sunday night were fired upon by another motorist.

Reports say shortly before midnight, 22-year-old Shelbi Dillingham and 51-year-old Leann Dillingham were headed west near exit 90 when met by a barrage of bullets from men in a dark-colored car with tinted windows.

The women pulled over while the suspect vehicle continued westbound.

Both were taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying and apprehending the suspects.

Anyone having information should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

Newton Shooting

A man is in stable condition at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center after an

altercation in Newton ended in a shooting Monday.  The 1:15 p.m. incident

happened on the 100 block of Sarah Avenue as a group of men got into an

altercation.  A shot was fired and a man with life threatening injuries showed up

later at Catawba Valley Medical Center.  He was then sent to Wake Forest Baptist

Medical Center.  Anyone with any information into the shooting should call 828-

465-7430.

Prep Sports Can Resume

High School sports are scheduled to resume June 15^th, but with restrictions.

The decision was made by the NC High School Athletic Association’s Board of Directors during a video conference call on Friday.

The current ‘dead period’ will be lifted on the 15^th that began in March and has undergone three extensions due to COVID-19.

Each individual school system will be permitted to make their own decisions regarding when to begin summer activities.

The association has created a guideline plan intended to help school administrators, coaches, parents, students, and communities navigate a gradual reopening of high school athletics.

All teams will be initially allowed to begin limited workouts with monitored training.

Administrators are being told to prepare for the possibility of recurrent virus outbreaks in the coming months.

The association, reports say, will continue to develop policies regarding practice sessions and competition during temporary school closures, the cancellation of contests during the regular season, and parameters for the cancellation or premature ending to post season events.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County nears the 500 mark, as local health officials report 497 positive cases of COVID-19 in Burke.

Catawba County added eleven new Covid 19 cases yesterday bringing the

County’s total to 255 cases.  Of that number, 97 have recovered and six are

hospitalized.  In Caldwell County, 12 new cases were added bringing their total to

173.  91 have recovered and 5 are hospitalized.  Caldwell County Health said that

many of the people recently tested were asymptomatic.  The news release said

they would be required to quarantine for 10 days.  Yesterday’s drive thru Covid

testing event in Caldwell tested 116 people.  In McDowell County the number of

positive Covid-19 cases has climbed to 73.

Fatal Hit and Run Arrest

A Hickory woman is arrested in a fatal hit and run accident that occurred in Hildebran Monday night.

36-year-old Maria Ann Arteaga was identified by state troopers as the driver in the mishap.

She has been charged with felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired, and driving while license revoked.

Highway Patrol reports say Arteaga was traveling near Happy Day Grocery on US Highway 70-A around 11:15 Monday night when she allegedly collided with a bicyclist.

Arteaga reportedly left the scene.

31-year-old Robert Caine Fox was identified as the bicyclist, who died on scene.

Troopers located Arteaga just after midnight.

According to reports, Arteaga has a lengthy record of driving violations charges for which she has served prison time in 2012; including misdemeanor DWI Level 1, misdemeanor reckless driving, and misdemeanor DWI Level 5.

She is currently being held at the Burke County jail under an 80-thousand dollar bond.

Morganton Mayor Statement

In a statement released Wednesday by Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson, George Floyd’s death is described as tragic and unnecessary – further stating there are no excuses for the actions of the officers involved.

Mayor Thompson goes on to say Morganton will not tolerate the police violence surrounding Floyd’s death, and our community also will not tolerate racism.

Thompson states racism and brutality are contrary to the oath of public service that law enforcement officers swear to uphold.

In his statement, the mayor says he’s thankful for the law enforcement officers within our community and the services they perform; adding that he works closely with police leadership who does not condone, nor tolerate officers who practice criminal behavior.

Thompson stresses the city of Morganton stands against all forms of racism and is resolved to make our community safe for all people of color.

Water System Maintenance

The City of Morganton Water Resources Department will be shutting down the

City’s water treatment plant for several house this weekend for maintenance. 

The plant shutdown will begin at 10 p.m. Sunday, June 7^th and end at 2 a.m.

Monday, June 8^th.  Water Resources does not expect this shut down for

maintenance to cause any issues with water service for customers, but some

customers may experience low water pressure during this time.  If customers

experience any complications, they should call 828-438-5276 to report the

problem.

Fire Inspector Scholarship

Hickory Fire Inspector Thomas Raper has been awarded the North Carolina Fire

Marshals’ Association Educational Scholarship.  Raper was selected based on his

high academic achievements, civic and community involvement and in exhibiting

service commitment to the helping of others.  Raper will be utilizing the

scholarship to attend Columbia Southern University and to complete a Bachelors

in Fire Services Administration with a concentration in Fire Investigations.

Foothills Conservancy Grant

Foothills Conservancy of NC was recently awarded a grant from the Community Forest Program in support of its ongoing Oak Hill Community Park and Forest project.

The grant totaling more than 464-thousand dollars will help the conservancy purchase the remaining 321 acres of the project property situated near downtown Morganton.

On January 28^th, the conservancy purchased the first half of the property 330 acres with funds from private individuals, small businesses, churches and foundation grants.

 ith this current grant from the CFP, the conservancy still must raise 440-thousand dollars by the end of September to purchase the remaining half.

 he conservancy intends to provide a free outdoor recreation space for residents and visitors of Morganton and Burke County.

COVID-19 Update

Catawba County recorded the 234 positive case of COVID-19 yesterday.  That

number is up 11 from Sunday.  Of that total, 86 have recovered and five patients

are hospitalized.  Caldwell County’s COVID-19 total increased by 18 yesterday for

a total of 161.  73 of those cases have recovered and four patients are

hospitalized.   In Burke County, an Eastern Burke County Drive Thru Covid-19

testing clinic will be held Wednesday, June 3^rd at East Burke Middle School. 

Testing is only for Burke County residents and those seeking testing should bring

their driver’s license and insurance card if you have insurance coverage. Please do

not line up early, gates will open at 9 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m.  You will stay in

your car for a long period of time so please bring plenty of patience.  There will be

no access to any bathrooms during the testing.

Burke County Health officials Monday afternoon report the sixteenth death in Burke from COVID-19 related complications.

A news release states the individual was in their 30’s who suffered from underlying medical conditions, and had tested positive for the virus.

According to the release, health workers say the cases of community spread continue to rise within the county, as some Burke County residents do not follow the Governor’s Executive Order regarding gathering inside and outside in large numbers.

Such gatherings, the release indicates, potentially continue to spread the infection.

Officials state it remains imperative for those testing positive to stay at home.

Since Saturday in Burke County, there have been 42 positive cases of COVID-19 reported to local health officials; as Burke’s total climbs to 451.

Statewide the latest figures show there are 29-thousand-263 positive cases of COVID-19; while nearly 15-thousand NC residents are presumed recovered.

Case Farms Protest

A group protesting outside a Morganton chicken-processing plant Monday is asking for better working conditions amidst a COVID-19 outbreak.

Reports say members of Asheville Animal Save gathered outside Case Farms to ask for improvements for employees and for the animals there.

A member of the organization stated protesters are in solidarity with the Case Farms employees who have to decide if they want to get sick or if they want to pay their bills.

The state department of health and human services has not released how many cases exist at Case Farms, but stated last month that two cases qualify as an outbreak.

Workers at the chicken processing plant say there are precautions in place including masks and face shields, but they’re still concerned for their safety.

Case Farms employees told reporters the plant intends to conduct widespread testing beginning today.

Caldwell Convenience Site Changes

Caldwell County’s smaller convenience sites now have new operating hours.  The

sites, located at Collettsville, Coy Miller Road, Dug Hill and Morris Creek are open

Wednesdays and Fridays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.    The

sites are four household waste and recycling only.  The following recyclables are

acceptable, newsprint or magazine, clear, green and brown glass, aluminum or

steel cans, plastic drink or milk containers, used motor all, used automotive
batteries.  Items not acceptable at any center other than the landfill are tires, yard

waste, construction or destruction materials, dried old paint, and commercial,

industrial and out of county waste.

YMCA Summer Day Camp

The YMCA of Catawba Valley is expanding their partnership with New Dimensions

Charter School in Morganton by providing a traditional day camp program

beginning June 8^th on the New Dimensions Campus.  In a press release from the

“Y”, the noted community goal this year is to stop summer learning loss.  Summer

camp programs will help bridge the learning loss gap by providing small group

tutoring sessions designed to keep campers on target or exceed grade level

readiness,    The “Y” is also partnering with the US Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention by keeping campers and staff safe.  If you have questions or need

information, visit camp ymcacy dot org or call 828-324-2858

RNC Deadline

The Republican National Committee says it wants to hear from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper by Wednesday on whether the state can fully accommodate the party's national convention in August this summer.

The letter sent Saturday by the RNC Chairwoman to Cooper comes a day after Cooper talked by phone with President Trump about the issue.

The two reportedly disagreed about the viability of a full-fledged convention.

The convention is currently scheduled to begin Aug. 24 in Charlotte.

Trump and Republicans have said they want no coronavirus-related restrictions on attendance or hotel and restaurant capacity.

 Cooper's administration has said it needs details from Republicans on how they plan to hold a convention with up to 20,000 delegates and others safely.

The letter from the RNC states that the party needs to hear from Cooper by Wednesday about the viability of a full convention.

Cooper's press office said Sunday that once they respond to the RNC, they will share the response publicly.