COVID-19 UPDATE 

Catawba County was notified of 50 new Covid-19 cases Tuesday as the

cumulative total for the County climbed to 3 thousand 6 hundred and 81.  3

thousand and 43 of those patients have recovered and 21 patients are currently

hospitalized.  Burke County reported 2 thousand 6 hundred and 96 cumulative

cases yesterday with 9 patients hospitalized.  2 thousand 2 hundred and 47

patients have recovered.  McDowell County reported 19 new Covid-19 cases

Tuesday for a cumulative total of 1 thousand and 66 patients.  9 hundred 28

patient are out of quarantine.  And Caldwell County had an increase of 9 Covid 19

cases yesterday for a total of 2 thousand and 12 cases.  1 thousand 1 hundred 88

patients have recovered and 9 are hospitalized.

Shooting in Conover

A shooting in Conover remains under investigation today.  A man, at a residence

on 1^st Avenue South in Conover, was shot in the face and taken to the hospital by

a private car.  The residence was near Conover School, which was placed under a

temporary lockdown during the investigation.  Officers are trying to determine

what happened.

Mobile Home Damaged

A mobile home in Catawba County was heavily damaged yesterday as a pickup

truck slammed into it.  No one inside the home at the time of the accident

that happened off Kool Park Road was injured.  The driver of the vehicle was

taken to an area hospital.  A medical issue was thought to

have caused  the accident, but  no official word on the cause of the accident has

been released.

Caldwell EMS Involved in Accident

A Caldwell County ambulance, transporting a patient by emergency traffic to an

area hospital, was involved in a motor vehicle accident Monday night around

8:45.  The EMS vehicle was hit at the intersection of Hickory Boulevard and

Pinewood Road in Granite Falls.  2 EMS technicians and a patient were on board

the vehicle.  3 people were transported to the hospital with injuries that varied

from minor to moderate.  Two of those transported were EMS personnel.  Both

EMS workers have been released from the hospital, while the driver of the

transfer truck and the driver of the passenger truck declined treatment at the

scene.

Proposed Merger

Two hospice organizations are exploring the possibility of becoming

one organization. The boards of directors have approved the decision

for Burke Hospice and Palliative Care and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative

Care to integrate. A timeline has yet to be finalized but the legal

partnership is expected to occur in 2021. A new name would be announced

for the group should the two providers combine into one. According

to a press release, there are no plans to close any of the locations and

infrastructure details are still being determined.

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 continues to take its toll on Burke County residents as local health officials Monday reported the fiftieth virus-related death.

A news release says the individual was in their 90’s, and was hospitalized when they died from COVID-19 related complications.

The number of positive cases in Burke County totals 2-thousand-686 now, an increase of 25 positives since Saturday.

391 cases are reported to be active, 2-thousand-231 have recovered, and 9 are hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials reported an increase of 22 positives Monday, bringing the number of total cases to 1-thousand-47.

89 remain in quarantine, and 928 are out of quarantine.

Caldwell County reported the 30th death with the patient over the age of 75

and reportedly had underlying medical conditions. Caldwell had an additional

47 cases reported Monday for a total of 2-thousand-3.

Catawba County reported 40 new cases of the virus Monday for a total of

3-thousand-631, and 3 additional deaths bringing the total to 60.

Armed Robbery

Two men have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery of an eastern Burke County gas station last week.

38-year-old Yia Vang of Morganton and 36-year-old Nohsher Chiah of Fletcher have both been charged with felony robbery with a firearm.

The two men reportedly robbed the Valero gas station on South Center Street in Hildebran.

The store clerk told officers an Asian man came into the store, showed a handgun and demanded money.

The man then left the store in a blue Toyota car with a male driver according to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators recovered video surveillance of the robbery and were able to find the suspect’s vehicle the next day.

Chia and Vang were arrested from evidence found in the car.

Vang was issued a 100-thousand dollar secured bond, while Chiah was held without bond.

Drug Suspect Flees

Wanted on outstanding warrants, a suspect flees from officers in McDowell County and is later found to possess drugs.

28-year-old Cody Allen Metcalf of Marion fled on foot from deputies September 29^th on US 221 North.

Once officers caught up to Metcalf, reports say he continued to resist arrest.

Authorities also searched him and his belongings and discovered point-20 grams of meth and a suboxone pill.

Metcalf was then charged with possession of meth, possession of a schedule-4 controlled substance, and resisting a public officer.

Alexander Stabbing

An altercation between two individuals in Alexander County Sunday leads to a stabbing.

Reports say authorities responded to a residence on Stony Point School road around 11 pm Sunday.

Upon arrival, officers found a victim bleeding from a neck injury.

The victim told lawmen he had been in a verbal disagreement with an individual that had escalated into the assault.

The victim and another witness at the scene told authorities that the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Paul Mitchell Vaughn of Maiden had left on foot.

Officials with the state highway patrol were able to locate and arrest Vaughn.

Officers found Vaughn to be in possession of a knife, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.

Vaughn was jailed and charged with multiple offenses under a 134-thousand dollar bond.

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

McDowell County reported on Friday that the coronavirus has surfaced in the county's detention center, where one staff member and one inmate have both tested positive. McDowell County reported six new positive cases Friday, bringing the county's total to 1-thousand-25.

Burke County reported on Saturday 24 additional cases of COVID-19, for a total of 2-thousand-661.

Caldwell County on Saturday reported 33 new cases of COVID, bringing the total to 1-thousand-956.

Catawba County reported on Sunday 45 new cases of COVID-19, for a county total of 3-thousand-548.

Hickory Shooting Update

Hickory Police continue to search for two suspects wanted in connection with an early morning shooting Thursday.

Reports say around 12 am Thursday, Nicholas Zachary Rozzelle was walking in the 100-block of 18^th Street Northwest when he was confronted by two unknown black males with handguns.

The suspects, reports state, demanded Rozelle hand over his money along with other possessions.

A news release says one of the suspects shot Rozelle as he attempted to reach into his back pocket to remove his wallet.

The two suspects then fled the area on foot.

Authorities describe the shooter as a black male in his late teens to early twenties, is approximately 5-feet-9, has a slender build and is bald.

The second suspect is a black male in his late teens to early twenties, is approximately 5-feet-9, has a slender build with short dreads.

Anyone having information regarding the investigation should call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Lincoln County Fire

A popular Lincoln County athletic club sustained significant damage in a fire Friday morning.

Fire officials say Westport Swim and Tennis Club in Denver was fully engulfed in flames upon their arrival.

The two story building suffered damage to the top and bottom floors.

No injuries were reported.

An investigation continues.

Inmate with Drugs

McDowell County detention officers discover drugs on an inmate last month.

Reports say 45-year-old Monica Renee Holman of Marion was being booked into the McDowell jail September 26th when officers discovered 1-point-6 grams of meth in her possession.

Holman was then charged with possession of meth and possession of a controlled substance in jail.

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Numbers remain on the increase in Burke County as COVID-19 positive cases grows by 25 since Tuesday, with a total now of 2-thousand-579.

341 of those cases are reported to be active, 2-thousand-172 have recovered, and 10 people remain hospitalized – according to the latest figures on the county’s website.

McDowell County public health reports 8 new positive cases Wednesday, with a total of 1-thousand-7 positives.

133 individuals there are in quarantine, and 844 are out of quarantine.

Caldwell County reported a cluster at MDI, the fifth business with five cases or more of COVID-19 to be identified.

Meanwhile, the Burke County Health Department will be hosting one more drive thru flu clinic this week at their location on 700 East Parker Road in Morganton.

The clinic will be today from 3 until 6 pm – appointments are preferred but drive ins are also welcome.

Kidnapping Update

McDowell County detectives have now spoken to a Spruce Pine woman previously believed to be a kidnap victim.

Lawmen report 23-year-old Vidalia Jane Freeman is not in any danger at this time.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office had stated Freeman was last seen around 10 Monday night at a Marion residence on Old Toms Creek Road.

Authorities believed she may have been abducted; however, detectives were able to speak with her on Wednesday.

Hickory Utility Assist

Hickory residential utility customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for utility assistance.

The funding assistance comes through a partnership program between the City of Hickory and Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry.

Hickory entered into the agreement in July to make use of Community Development Block Grant funding from the CARES Act for just under 156-thousand dollars to make emergency grant payments for utility bills on behalf of needy households.

The grant payment period was extended from 3 months to 6 months with capped funding per household at 100-dollars.

For more information about the program and detailed eligibility requirements, contact the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry at 828-327-0979.

 

 

 

 

 COVID-19 UPDATE

Occurrences of death from the coronavirus continue to rise in Burke County, as health officials reported Monday, the 48^th COVID-19 associated death.

A news release states the individual was in their 70’s and was not hospitalized when they died from underlying medical conditions.

Burke County public health reports an increase of 32 positive cases since Saturday, pushing the total number of positives to 2-thousand-524.

330 cases in Burke are active, 2-thousand-136 are reported as recovered, and 9 are hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 22 new positive cases Monday, with a total of 992 positives.

Another individual in McDowell, reports say, has died from COVID-19 bringing the death toll there to 29.

Catawba County reported 12 new positive cases of COVID-19 yesterday with a total of 3-thousand-361.

Caldwell County confirmed an outbreak Monday, at Focus Behavioral Health's Burkwell residential facility with six cases linked to the outbreak. Caldwell reported an additional 38 positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 1-thousand-818 positives.

Flu Shot Clinics

And as the pandemic lingers, it’s hard to believe it’s already time to begin thinking about getting the flu vaccine.

The Burke County Health Department is hosting drive thru flu shot clinics this week at their location at 700 East Parker Road in Morganton.

The first clinic is today from 3 until 7 pm, then another on Wednesday from 9 am until Noon, and lastly on Thursday from 3 until 6 pm.

Appointments are preferred but drive ins are welcome.

Have your Medicaid and/or Medicare Part B or Blue Cross Blue Shield cards with you at the flu clinic.

If you do not have these types of insurance, the flu vaccine will cost 30-dollars.

Health Department officials say there is a limited supply of the vaccine, but will be giving them at the outdoor drive thru clinic as long as they last.

To complete paperwork before arriving at the clinic, visit burkenc.org-slash-1221-slash-health-hyphen-department.

Bring the completed flu consent form with you to the clinic.

Escapee Captured

An escapee from the Catawba County Correctional Center was apprehended by Hickory Police early Monday morning.

Reports say 49-year-old Johnny Setzer was arrested on D Avenue Drive Southeast after allegedly stealing a car in Maiden.

Setzer, reports say, was injured during the escape attempt while climbing over razor wire.

He was transported to a local hospital for cuts to his hands.

Setzer reportedly tried to flee from the Newton-based facility around 7 a.m. Monday.

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Maiden Police, the Department of Corrections, and Catawba County EMS assisted at the arrest scene.

WNC Fire Depts

Sunday was the official start to Fire Prevention Week across the country as sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.

Volunteer fire departments in 3 western NC counties were on Monday presented with more than 200-thousand dollars in ceremonial checks by the Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey.

Causey visited departments in Cleveland, Rutherford, and Polk counties to hear concerns from firefighters.

The theme of this year’s campaign – ‘Serving up fire safety in the kitchen.’

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

Established in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association is devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burke COVID

As NC moves into Phase 3 of the reopening process today at 5pm, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Burke County continues to mount.

A news release issued by public health officials Thursday afternoon show Burke with a total of 2-thousand-451 positives; an additional 25 cases from Wednesday.

In the release, local officials sternly warn residents to avoid community spread by remaining at home when sick.

The release says quote, ‘We are six months into this pandemic and the state is trying to reopen businesses and return to some type of normal, but we will not be able to keep things open if residents who are sick continue to go out and pass COVID-19 along with other infections…’

Officials go on to say ‘It is extremely important for those who are sick with any infection including COVID-19, those who have been in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, or anyone who has been tested for COVID-19 and waiting on test results to stay at home and not be around other people for any reason.’

In Thursday’s release, Burke County health workers urge everyone to do their part, whether they believe in this infection or not, so others will not get sick.

Burke currently has 315 active cases, 2-thousand-67 recovered, and 6 hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 12 new positive cases, for a total 962 cases.

McDowell health officials continue to monitor 3 separate outbreaks in the county; at 2 long term care facilities, and at the Marion Correctional Institution.

Caldwell County reported 12 new cases of COVID for a total of 1-thousand-725, with

Catawba County recording 47 additional cases for a total of 3-thousand-254.

August Unemployment Rates

The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro unemployment rate for August

was 6.8 %. Area county rates include Alexander at 6.4%, Avery 5%,

Burke at 6.3%, Caldwell 7.3%, Catawba 7% and McDowell at 5.9%.

Watauga County was one of two counties with the lowest rate in

August at 4.6%, according to figures released Wednesday by the

North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Area Distributor Expands

An area wholesale grocery distributor plans to invest $120 million to

expand its services and operations, creating 111 jobs. Governor

Cooper announced on Wednesday, that Merchants Distributors, LLC.,

anticipates adding about 200,000 square feet to its Caldwell County

facilities. Although wages for the new jobs will vary depending on

position, the average salary will be more than $51,000, above the

current average wage in Caldwell County of just over $40,000.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

20 new positive cases of COVID-19 Wednesday as reported by Burke County public health officials pushing the current total in Burke to 2-thousand-426 positives.

302 cases are active, 2-thousand-66 are recovered, and 7 remain hospitalized according to figures on the county’s website.

McDowell County reported 10 new positive cases, with a total of 950 positives.

A news release says 105 are in quarantine and 817 are out of quarantine.

Autumn Care of Marion is the scene of another COVID-19 outbreak in McDowell.

3 staff members and 3 residents there have tested positive for the virus.

Also public health continues to investigate an outbreak at the Marion Correctional Institute where 6 staff members have tested positive.

 Caldwell County reported the 29th COVID related death, as the patient was between the

ages of 65-74 with underlying medical conditions. Caldwell reported 22 new positive cases on Wednesday for a total of 1-thousand-713 with Catawba County reporting as additional 33 new cases for a total of 3-thousand-207.

Car Fire and Death

An investigation continues into the death of a person whose body was discovered inside a burned camper Tuesday in the WalMart parking lot.

Morganton Public Safety officers and firefighters were called to the fire scene last night just after 7.

Upon their arrival, reports say the recreational vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.

Once the outside of the RV was extinguished, firefighters made their way inside the vehicle where they found the deceased individual.

Morganton’s Criminal Investigations Division then responded to the scene for further investigation.

Officials say they will release updates in the case as they become available.

Phase 3 Begins

NC moves to Phase 3 of reopening later this week as announced by Governor Cooper.

Wednesday’s announcement comes just days before Phase 2-point-5 was set to expire.

Phase 3 begins Friday October 2^nd at 5 pm and goes through Friday October 23^rd.

The governor states that during Phase 3, the at-risk population is still safer at home, as he urged everyone over 65 and those with health risks to take responsibility in their choices.

With Phase 3, bars, movie theaters, and outdoor amusement parks may reopen; but with restrictions.

Bars may operate ‘outdoors only’ at 30-percent of outdoor capacity or 100 guests – whichever is less.

And the 11 pm curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption at restaurants and outdoor bars remains in place.

Movie theaters may open indoor spaces to 30-percent capacity or 100 seated guests whichever is less.

Outdoor amusement parks will now be able to open at 30-percent occupancy.

Likewise, smaller outdoor entertainment venues may operate outdoors at 30-percent capacity or 100 guests, whichever is less.

Larger outdoor venues with seating greater than 10-thousand may operate with 7-percent occupancy for spectators with other safety measures.

And Phase 3 continues mandatory face coverings for everyone over the age of 5.

Asst. Superintendent Move

Burke County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. David Fonseca will be assuming a new position beginning November 1^st.

A news release issued Wednesday says Fonseca has been selected as the next superintendent of Martin County Schools.

Fonseca came to Burke’s school system in 2015 from Watauga County Schools where he also served as assistant superintendent.