COVID Update

More than 150 new COVID-19 cases in a single day in Burke County as reported by public health officials.

153 cases since Thursday to be exact, with more than 13-hundred cases reported to be active.

Burke’s total cases number 13-thousand-671, with 41 residents remaining hospitalized.

In McDowell County, officials there reported 104 new cases Friday and two additional virus related deaths.

McDowell’s total stands at 7-thousand-319, while 729 are in quarantine.

Governor Cooper spoke Thursday afternoon regarding the state’s current response to COVID-19.

Cooper says the vaccines continue to do their job by stopping most of the severe illness and death; as they remain the best tool to end this pandemic.

The governor went on to address those who are unsure about getting the vaccine to ‘get off social media and get on the phone with your doctor’.

Cooper has also signed an executive order making it easier to get monoclonal antibody treatment by increasing treatment sites.

By preventing COVID-positive patients from developing more severe illness, Governor Cooper says we can save lives and take some of the strain off our hospitals.

Caldwell Drug Arrest

A drug bust in Granite Falls leads to the arrest of five people last week.

A news release from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office says the alleged nuisance residence that supplied heroin and fentanyl to residents of Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties was raided by the Caldwell County SWAT and ICE units on Wednesday.

A search warrant was executed at the home located at 1030 Fence Street.

40-year-old Jarvis McCullough, 24-year-old Michael Davis, 35-year-old Jessica McMahon, and 19-year-old Mikaela Hefner; all four who lived at the home were taken into custody.

All four were each charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, and maintaining a dwelling to keep and store a controlled substance.

Each was jailed in the Caldwell County detention center under a 30-thousand dollar secured bond.

Another individual not living at the residence, 31-year-old John Gerst was also arrested.

He was charged with possession of heroin and maintaining a vehicle to keep and store a controlled substance.

Gerst was jailed under a 10-thousand dollar secured bond.

Reports say agents searched the Granite Falls home and vehicles on the property and seized 4 grams of heroin and an estimated 8-thousand dollars in currency.

9/11 Anniversary

Saturday marked the 20^th anniversary of the terrorist attack that forever changed our country and the world.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed, 400 were police officers and firefighters, in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in NYC, at the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., and in a plane crash near Shanksville, PA.

 

Passengers aboard United Flight 93, heard about the previous airplane attacks and attempted to retake control of the plane from hijackers. As a result, the hijackers dilberately crashed the plane in a Pennsylvania field instead of at their unknown target.

 

On any given workday, up to 50,000 employees worked in the WTC twin towers, and an additional 40,000 passed through the complex.

18 people were rescued alive from the rubble of the World Trade Center site.

The attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11 resulted in the largest loss of life by a foreign attack on American soil.

Fatal Crash

A Clemmons man was killed Thursday afternoon on Interstate-40 in Burke County as he reportedly crashed into a stopped tractor-trailer.

Around 12:30, the State Highway Patrol and emergency officials were called to the accident scene on I-40 west near mile marker 102.

34-year-old Marcus Deal was driving a 2008 Saturn when reports say he left the travel lanes to the right and collided with the tractor trailer that was stopped on the shoulder because of mechanical issues.

Deal died at the scene, and was the only occupant inside the vehicle.

The driver of the truck was not injured.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.

 

 

 

COVID Update

NC health officials Thursday reported a grim milestone has been reached – the number of state residents that have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began has now topped 15-thousand.

Meanwhile public health officials from Catawba County reports this week is the first time they saw deaths among people in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s.

They say during last year’s winter peak in December, the average age of a person who died from COVID-19 was 77; currently in Catawba the average age of those dying from the virus is 59.

And the virus numbers continue to grow – 231 additional cases in Burke County since Tuesday according to public health officials.

Burke’s total is now 13-thousand-518, with 1-thousand-333 active cases.

 41 Burke residents are in the hospital.

 McDowell County reported 32 new cases of COVID yesterday for a total of 7-thousand-215, with 2 additional deaths reported.

746 people in McDowell are currently in quarantine.

Health officials in the Catawba Valley counties agree that this week’s data is a grim reminder that COVID-19 has the upper hand.

Experts continue to encourage those who are unvaccinated to get the vaccine; and for everyone ‘vaccinated or not’ to wear masks when around people you don’t live with, remember to social distance, and practice frequent hand washing.

Burke County health reports 41 vaccines were administered at last week’s vaccine clinic at Fonta Flora brewery, while 5 vaccines were given at Wednesday night’s youth clinic at the Collett Street Recreation Center.

Data indicates about 44-percent of Burke’s population 12 years and older is fully vaccinated.

Presently in Burke, most of the new cases of COVID are among age groups 0 to 19, and 20 to 39.

Cleveland Co Fair

The state’s largest outdoor agricultural fair has again been canceled because of COVID-19 concerns.

The Cleveland County Fair was scheduled to take place September 30^th through October 10^th; however, an emergency meeting by the fair’s board Thursday resulted in the decision to cancel.

Although organizers had planned for additional safety measures, local health and public safety officials considered the severe impact the event could have on the county’s already-strained medical system.

County fair officials say they made the decision with mixed emotions, but look forward to welcoming everyone back to the fair in 2022.

Parker Bond

A woman charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a Hickory furniture plant in January is granted bond in Wednesday’s court appearance.

Tangela Parker and her husband Eric are both indicted for the shooting death of co-worker Michelle Marlow at TCS Designs.

Tangela’s attorney reports she was granted a 250-thousand dollar secured bond along with house arrest.

Charged with murder, Tangela must reside with her parents and have no contact with her husband.

Reports say she will be electronically monitored and can only leave the home for doctor visits, attorney appointments, and court.

Eric Parker is charged with accessory after the fact for helping his wife flee from the crime scene.

The couple eluded arrest for months before being located in July by authorities in Arizona. 

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

New cases of COVID-19 continue to climb in the area and across the state.

The Burke County Health Department’s online dashboard indicates 79 additional cases Wednesday for a total now of 13-thousand-366.

1-thousand-388 cases are reported to be active; while 41 Burke residents are now hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 70 new COVID cases yesterday, and an additional virus-related death.

McDowell’s total is now 7-thousand-183, and 714 residents are quarantined.

NC health officials reported more than 47-hundred new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday statewide, while 3-thousand-790 people are in the hospital.

According to state data, 67-percent of NC’s adult population has received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, and 61-percent is reported to be fully vaccinated.

The State Department of Health and Human services reports seeing a sharp increase in COVID-19 clusters among school sports teams.

From July 1^st to September 2^nd, officials say clusters among school sports teams accounted for 45-percent of all clusters in the state’s middle and high schools; despite most school sports activities not beginning until August.

In a NC news release, health officials report there is an increasing urgency for everyone ages 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Currently, children 17 and younger make up 31-percent of NC’s new COVID-19 cases.

That is the highest percentage since the pandemic began.

Recent studies show that virus spread among teammates often happens off the field; including during practice.

In addition to wearing face masks while indoors, state health officials recommend sports programs practice social distancing when possible, disinfect equipment frequently, and avoid sharing water bottles.

Local Meth Arrest

While checking out a fictitious tag, Burke County deputies nab a Morganton man on drug charges.

On September 1^st, reports say officers were traveling on Spainhour Road when they observed a car displaying a fictitious tag.

Deputies stopped the vehicle being driven by 56-year-old Thomas Joseph Jenkins of Oak Hill Drive.

A news release says an investigation revealed methamphetamine and a 12-gauge shotgun that was seized from the vehicle.

Having knowledge that Jenkins was a convicted felon, deputies placed him under arrest and transported him to the magistrate’s office where he was charged with possession of a schedule-2 substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Jenkins received a 20-thousand dollar secured bond and was held at the Burke County jail with a court date set for September 23^rd.

Conover Shooting Update

A Conover woman charged in the shooting death of her husband appeared in Catawba County District Court Tuesday.

31-year-old Brittney McCleave could receive the death penalty or be sentenced to life in prison according to presiding judge Richard Holloway.

Conover police report receiving a call just after midnight Monday from McCleave saying she had shot her husband.

Officers reportedly found 36-year-old Danta Broome with a gunshot wound at a home on Lylehaven Drive in Conover.

Reports say Broome later died at Catawba Valley Medical Center.

A news release states two children under 10 were at the residence during the incident, and were placed in the care of a relative.

The investigation continues; McCleave will return to court September 28^th.

Meth from Check Point

A McDowell County check-point Tuesday evening results in a drug charge for a Marion woman.

28-year-old Leaira Johnson of Benview Drive approached the check-point being conducted in the Pleasant Gardens area.

Reports say Johnson was arrested on outstanding warrants and deputies located meth on her.

In addition, she was charged with possession with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver meth.

The McDowell Sheriff’s Office also reports the arrest of a Marion man on sex-related charges.

40-year-old Matthew Hughes of Palto Drive is charged with taking indecent liberties with a child.

An investigation showed Hughes allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with an underage female acquaintance.

 

 

COVID Update

The Labor Day holiday in Burke County saw 200 additional cases of COVID-19 as reported by public health officials.

Burke’s total stands at 13-thousand-287, with 1-thousand-354 active cases and still 35 hospitalized.

A news release says the largest amount of confirmed cases is among those 20 to 39 years old, and also those 40 to 59 years old.

McDowell County Tuesday reported 67 new cases from Monday for a total of 7-thousand-113.

644 people in McDowell are quarantined.

Tonight, the Burke County state of Youth will be hosting a vaccine question and answer session along with a vaccination clinic at the Collett street Recreation Center.

The event begins at 5:30 in the basement of the rec center.

Parents and guardians with questions about the COVID vaccine are encouraged to attend.

Those 12 and older are eligible for the vaccine, and no appointment is necessary.

Conover Shooting

A woman has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting early Monday in Catawba County.

Law enforcement officials say Brittany McCleave is charged with murder in the shooting death of a man inside a mobile home in Conover around midnight Monday.

Reports say McCleave was taken to the Catawba County detention center and was scheduled to appear in court yesterday.

Deaf Awareness Month

Governor Cooper has proclaimed September as Deaf Awareness Month to celebrate and raise awareness about people who are hearing-impaired.

This year commemorates 70 years since the first congress of the World Federation of the Deaf was held in 1951.

There are one-point-2 million individuals with hearing loss in NC with a projected increase to one-point-6 million by 2030.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communications in the deaf community, with the face-covering requirement aggravating the ability to communicate.

However, opportunities for creative solutions such as wearing clear masks, using speech-to-text apps and other communication resources have helped deaf individuals to tear down the barriers.

Carbon City Road

Morganton City contractors will be closing Carbon City Road each day this week to repair the entryway and storm drains at Morganton Public Safety Fire Station 2.

The lane closure begins at 8 each morning, with contractors reopening the road once they’re finished each day.

Public Safety officers will be on site to direct traffic around the construction area.

Motorists are urged to use caution in the area.

 

 

 

 

 

Labor Day Warning

The CDC is urging unvaccinated Americans to stay home this Labor Day and not travel.

 Officials with the CDC say those who are vaccinated should travel with precautions and to be aware of transmission risks when making plans.

 Reports say that nearly 62-percent of the country’s population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and that 52-point-6 percent are considered fully vaccinated.

 In a 7-day moving average, the CDC reports that there are nearly 150-thousand new cases daily across the US.

 Health officials further state for those who want to get together with family and friends over the holiday to do so outdoors.

 And for those who must be inside a public place, wear a mask; even those who are vaccinated.

Clergy Bill

Legislation that has received final General Assembly approval will allow clergy members into NC hospitals during a declared emergency like a pandemic.

The Senate gave the final okay to the bill Wednesday and will send it along to Governor Cooper.

The bill would allow ministers to visit a hospital-confined patient as long as they comply with health screenings and other infectious control measures that do not interfere with their religious beliefs.

COVID Update

Only one county in the Catawba Valley area Thursday reporting a change in COVID-19 numbers –

McDowell County reports 67 new cases for a total of 6-thousand-834.

781 people in McDowell are presently quarantined.

McDowell County health officials remind their residents that there are numerous vaccination clinics established throughout the county.

For their location or for questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call the vaccine-call center at 828-803-4552 between 8:30 am and 5 pm daily.

Wednesday’s report from Burke County Public Health showed a total of 12-thousand-867 cases, with more than 13-hundred cases active, and 35 hospitalized.

A reminder of a COVID vaccination clinic hosted by the Burke County Health Department today at Fonta Flora Brewery from 5 to 7pm.

Sex Charges

A cyber-tip from the SBI leads to the arrest of an Iredell County man on sex charges.

The Special Victims Unit of the Iredell Sheriff’s Office received the tip earlier this week that indicated the suspect possessed child porn.

An investigation led to the arrest of 64-year-old Tony Ernest Bunton of Statesville on Tuesday.

Reports say detectives seized several electronics and other items of evidence.

Bunton was taken to the Iredell Detention Center and charged with four counts of felony third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

He was given a 100-thousand dollar secured bond.

 

 

COVID -19 UPDATE

With no end in sight to the rise in COVID-19 cases, a cluster of cases is now reported at a Burke County High School involving a school bus.

A press release from the school system says all students who rode the bus at East Burke High between August 25^th and August 30^th have been quarantined.

Currently 8 positive cases have been reported and 37 students are in quarantine; while 9 students are vaccinated and do not have to quarantine.

Officials say the bus has been thoroughly cleaned, and classes will remain in-person at East Burke, with no plans for remote learning.

School superintendent Dr. Mike Swan reminds students and staff of the importance of following the school’s mask policy while indoors and on buses.

Meanwhile, Governor Cooper has signed a bill allowing NC schools to shift to remote learning should a COVID-19 emergency occur.

The bill states that school districts now have authority to make day-to-day decisions about shifting in-person schools or classrooms to temporary remote instruction if necessary due to virus exposures resulting in reduced personnel or student quarantines.

The bill further states any shift should be reported to the Department of Public Instruction within 72 hours, with efforts to return to in-person instruction to be completed as soon as possible.

In addition, the bill says school districts should vote at least once a month on whether the face-covering policy should be modified – whether optional or required.

COVID-19 numbers continue their upward trend in Burke and surrounding counties as reported by public health officials Wednesday.

Burke reports 247 new cases since Monday for a total of 12-thousand-867.

1-thousand-249 of those cases are currently active and 35 Burke residents are in the hospital.

McDowell County yesterday reports 74 additional cases and 1 death.

McDowell’s current total is 6-thousand-767, and 714 are in quarantine.

Catawba County reports 620 new COVID-19 cases, and 7 deaths in the last week.

Catawba’s total is now 21-thousand 670, and 63 people are hospitalized.

At last report, Caldwell County’s total is 11-thousand-239.

651 COVID cases in Caldwell are active, and 29 remain in the hospital.

Burke County Health Department officials are hosting a vaccine clinic Friday September 3^rd 5 till 7 pm at Fonta Flora Brewery.

 

Firefighter Dies from COVID

The emergency services community along with residents who live in the Catawba Valley is mourning the death of a local firefighter from COVID-19.

Garrett Presnell was a full-time fireman for Black Mountain Fire, while also working part time for several McDowell County departments including Sugar Hill-Montford Cove, North Cove, Pleasant Gardens, and Old Fort.

Presnell was also a member of the Buncombe County Task Force Search and Rescue team that took part in rescue efforts after Tropical Storm Fred.

Fire apparatus, and other law enforcement officials from Catawba, Burke, and McDowell counties lined the overpass bridges along Interstate-40 Tuesday afternoon in honor of Presnell and his family as his body was returned home.

A bass tournament is set for Monday September 6^th from 6 am till 1 pm at Black Bear Landing at Lake James, with monies raised going to Presnell’s wife.

Big Foot Fest Canceled

Another area festival re-scheduled due to the COVID-19 virus – the Western NC Bigfoot Festival held each September in Marion has been postponed until next spring.

Event organizers say the increase in COVID-19 numbers and the continued spread of the virus in WNC has prompted the postponement.

The Bigfoot fest will now take place on May 27^th and 28^th.

The festival began in 2018 after Marion proclaimed Sasquatch as its official animal following a reported sighting in the area that same year.

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Civil Nuisance Investigation  

The 4^th Civil Nuisance Investigation in recent months is being pursued by

the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. This residence is located at 112 William

Parks Lane, Morganton and has been the subject of 34 complaints/calls for

service since 2015. Pursuant to a letter from the Criminal Investigations

Division, the residential owner has agreed to work with the Sheriff’s Office

in pursuing corrective actions. The owner has agreed to allow the Sheriff’s

Office to arrest and prosecute all trespassers on the premises pursuant to

North Carolina General Statute. This matter will be reviewed in 30 days.

Homicide Hit and Run  

A man who was arrested in connection with a Hickory Felony

Hit and Run, faces additional charges after one of the victims,

Jason Michael Foley, died Monday at Wake Forest Baptist Medical

Center. The suspect, Austin Wayne Edmonson was originally charged

with Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting

Serious Injury and Felony Hit and Run, but faces additional charges

of 1st Degree Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to

Kill Inflicting Serious Injury and two counts of Assault with a Deadly

Weapon. He is being held in the Catawba County Jail with no bond.

Officer-Involved Shooting Update  

A man connected with an officer-involved shooting Monday in Caldwell

County, has been identified. 25-year-old Joshua Alan Kirby is currently

listed in critical condition at a Charlotte hospital. The members of the

Lenoir Police Department who fired their weapons during the incident

were identified in a police department news release as, Patrol Sargeant

James Moore, Detective Landon Annas, and Detective Zachary Wickline.

All three members of the department will remain on administrative

leave/assignment pending the outcome of the SBI investigation.

Vale Man Sentenced  

A Vale man will serve a prison term of 17 to 22 years following his

conviction Monday for second-degree murder and first-degree

kidnapping during Catawba County Superior Court. Joseph Wayne

Barker was given an active sentence for the April 2019 shooting

death of his wife, Crystal Johnson Barker, following his guilty plea.