Burning Ban

Dry weather conditions have prompted a statewide burning ban in NC.

The NC Forest Service issued the ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits effective at 5 Monday afternoon.

The ban remains in effect until further notice.

The ban comes due to an increased fire risk throughout the state as a forest fire has burned over 1-thousand acres at Pilot Mountain State Park.

The park is expected to be closed all week, as firefighters expect it will take several more days to contain the fire.

Under state law, the ban prohibits all open burning regardless of whether a permit had been previously issued.

Anyone violating the burning ban faces a 100-dollar fine plus more than 180-dollars in court costs.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting forest service officials with enforcing the ban.

Low Income Assist

Beginning today, the Burke County Department of Social Services will begin taking low income energy assistance program applications.

A household that contains someone 60 or older, or a household that contains a disabled person receiving a service through the division of aging and adult services are now eligible.

Everyone living in the home must be included in the application.

All others can apply by January 3^rd.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting a paper application by mail or fax.

Applications can also be dropped off at a local DSS office.

For questions call the Burke Department of Social Services at 764-9600.

New Variant

The new variant of COVID-19 called Omicron is expected to arrive in the US soon; although medical officials say it should not hinder holiday activities for vaccinated North Carolinians.

Infectious disease experts say even if the variant breaks through the vaccines, Omicron is not predicted to render the vaccines ineffective altogether.

They further state it will still largely prevent hospitalization and serious disease, and for those who’ve received the booster they will have even more protection.

Health officials say scientists are already looking into adjusting the vaccine to target Omicron if necessary, but until then it’s important to get a booster shot.

Cohen Resigns

State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen is stepping down from her position; according to an announcement by Governor Cooper.

Reports indicate Cohen met with state health officials this morning to announce her departure.

Cooper has appointed NC’s Chief Deputy Health Secretary Kody Kinsley to succeed Dr. Cohen beginning January 1^st.

Dr. Cohen was appointed to the secretary position by the governor in 2017.

 

 

 

COVID Update

Burke County Public Health Monday reported 103 new cases of COVID-19 since last Monday for a total of 16-thousand-517 cases.

Health officials report Burke is back in a ‘substantial’ rate of community transmission with a current positivity rate at 4-point-5 percent.

According to the state’s vaccination dashboard, the percentage of Burke County residents five years and older fully vaccinated stands at 46-percent presently.

A news release issued states Burke currently has 102 active cases and 12 remain hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 13 new cases of the virus for a total of 8-thousand-906 cases.

61 residents in McDowell remain quarantined.*

The Burke County Health Department will host a vaccine clinic today from 9-4.

Officials there report they will have pediatric Pfizer doses available; as well as first second third or booster doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and J and J.

If interested in scheduling a vaccine, call the Health Department at 764-9150.

Drug Trafficking Sentence

A Morganton woman is sentenced to prison from a 2019 drug trafficking case.

Found guilty of trafficking heroin, 34-year-old Ashley Dawn Ramsey was sentenced in McDowell County Superior Court to serve 7 and one-half to 10 years in prison.

Ramsey was fined 100-thousand dollars and court costs.

In the same case, 33-year-old Jamie Denise Riddle of Nebo was sentenced to serve up to 7 years following a conviction for trafficking meth.

Riddle was also fined 50-thousand dollars and court costs.

In July 2019, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged Ramsey and Riddle as part of an ongoing investigation.

A vehicle occupied by Ramsey and Riddle was stopped by officers after leaving America’s Best Value Inn on US 221 South.

A search of the car turned up 2-point-6 pounds of meth and just over 2 pounds of heroin.

Authorities also seized additional drugs inside their motel room.

Standoff

A Sunday afternoon standoff in Morganton that lasted for more than 5 hours ended with a man being transported to a local hospital.

Reports say Morganton Public Safety officers were summoned to a welfare check at an apartment on Second Street around 1:30.

Witnesses reportedly told lawmen the man had accidentally shot himself before going inside the apartment.

As officers arrived the man refused to come out and had barricaded himself inside the residence.

According to reports, the man began to cooperate with negotiators after about 5 hours at the incident.

Public Safety then was able to enter the home and escort the man to a waiting ambulance without further incident.

Reports state officers discovered numerous firearms in the residence.

Burke County EMS assisted at the scene.

Vale Fire

An early Monday morning fire in the Vale community in Catawba County has destroyed a home.

Fire officials believe the destructive blaze started from an electric space heater.

Multiple fire departments from Catawba and Lincoln counties responded at 4 o'clock  to Phelps Road south of Hickory.

Reports indicate the NC Forest Service was also called upon to assist after the fire spread to a wooded area near the house.

A volunteer firefighter who lived nearby reportedly helped his neighbors escape from the burning home.

No injuries were reported.

 

 

 

Fatal Fire  

A woman died early Thursday morning in a residential fire. The West End

Fire Department responded just before 3 o’clock to 5598 Farris Loop

where the home was fully involved in fire. One person was inside the

residence, unable to escape. Firefighters were unable the rescue

54-year-old Mary Louise Mode, due to the intense fire conditions.

Glen Alpine and Brendletown Fire Departments assisted West End with

mutual aide provided by Nebo, Dysartsville and Marion Fire Departments.

Also assisting the West End Women’s Auxilary, the Fire Marshal’s Office,

EMS, Sheriff’s Office and SBI. The fire originated from a heating source

inside the residence.

Lincoln Prison Sentence  

A Lincoln County Superior Court jury on Wednesday found a Lincoln

County man guilty of first degree murder and possession of a weapon

of mass destruction. 29-year-old Ronald Wayne Vaughn, Jr, was

sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

 

COVID Update

Two additional COVID-related deaths in Burke County as reported by public health officials Monday afternoon; along with 35 new cases of the virus since Friday.

A news release states the two individuals were in their 70’s and 80’s and were both hospitalized.

Burke’s death toll from COVID now stands at 274.

Health officials report Burke is presently at a 3-point-8 percent positivity rate which according to the CDC is a high level of community transmission.

There are currently 97 active cases and 12 remain hospitalized; and a total caseload of 16-thousand-415.

McDowell County reported 23 new COVID cases over the weekend for a total of 8-thousand-869.

82 in McDowell remain quarantined.

The Burke Health Department is hosting a vaccine clinic today from 9 am until 4 pm.

They will not be administering pediatric doses at today’s clinic, but will be giving adults the first, second, third, or booster doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J.

Booster eligibility has now been expanded for anyone 18 years and older as long as it’s been 6 months since the last dose of vaccine.

For those wanting to schedule a vaccine, call the Health Department at 764-9150.

Assault Charges

A McDowell County man faces various charges following a disturbance call in Morganton.

Last Friday, Morganton Public Safety officers responded to 224 Falls Street regarding an armed man holding a woman against her will.

Officers arrived on the scene to locate the woman who had been physically assaulted, while her assailant had left the area.

The victim identified the suspect as 30-year-old Derek Wayne Simmons, who reports say had left the firearm behind.

The weapon was secured by authorities, and the victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment of her injuries.

An arrest warrant was obtained by officers who continued to follow-up at the apartment complex, taking Simmons into custody shortly thereafter without incident.

Simmons was charged with felony possession of a firearm, stalking, and assault on a female.

He was given an initial 20-thousand dollar secured bond for the felony charge, and an additional 10-thousand dollar secured bond for the domestic related charges following a 48-hour hold.

Child Abuse

A Nebo couple is charged with child abuse following a two-month investigation.

29-year-old Michael Allen Cunningham of Scotts Cove Road is charged by McDowell detectives with felonious child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, while 37-year-old Shelby Nicole Weathers of the same address is charged with felonious negligent child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury and felonious accessory after the fact.

In September, McDowell detectives began investigating reports the couple had abused a child between 7 and 16 years of age.

Cunningham was issued a 200-thousand dollar secured bond, and Weathers was given a 75-thousand dollar secured bond.

McDowell County DSS and the South Mountain Children’s advocacy center assisted the sheriff’s office with their investigation.

Lincoln Missing Found

Lincoln County deputies have located a missing woman and her son.

41-year-old Katherine Pell and her 13-year-old son Levi Collins were reported missing last Thursday, but were both located at a Lincolnton residence on Sunday.

Lincoln County officials report the mother and son are safe and in good condition.

Holiday Blood Need

As many prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and look ahead to a busy holiday season, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.

As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year.

The continuing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta cases challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall.

Plus the pandemic caused fewer blood drives at schools and colleges resulting in a 34-percent drop in new blood donors from last year.

Upcoming opportunities to donate –

December 5^th 12:30 till 5 pm at Crosslink Church in Rutherford College and December 8^th 11 am till 3:30 pm at Summit Community Church on Green Street in Morganton.

Donate also at Valley Hills Mall in Hickory November 24^th 10 am till 2 pm; and on November 26^th, December 2^nd, and December 8^th at Valley Hills Noon till 5 pm each day.

 

 

 

Morganton Drugs

A lengthy drug investigation by local and federal authorities ends with the arrest of a Morganton woman.

Officers with Morganton Public Safety, Burke County narcotics, and the US Marshals fugitive task force served a search warrant at 715 Carbon City Road last Friday.

Investigators discovered 11 grams of meth, a small amount of Fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

52-year-old Sherri Yvonne King who resides at the home was arrested.

She was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture and deliver, and maintain a dwelling, vehicle, or place for drugs/controlled substances.

A new release says additional state and federal charges may be forthcoming.

King was placed in the Burke County jail under a 25-thousand dollar secured bond.

Morganton Public Safety was assisted by Burke County EMS in the incident.

Felon Arrest

A Caldwell County man faces numerous drug offenses from a recent arrest; in addition to already having some 113 criminal cases in the state’s court information system.

According to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, narcotics officers began a drug investigation of 39-year-old Jessie Alan Clark of Hudson.

Investigators determined Clark was distributing trafficking amounts of methamphetamine inside Burke County.

On November 10^th, while conducting surveillance on Clark officers surrounded the suspect at the Country Market gas station on Dysartsville Road.

He was taken into custody without incident. Authorities reportedly located one pound of meth, and one pound of marijuana inside the vehicle Clark was driving.

Clark was charged with meth trafficking and various other felony drug offenses.

He received a 201-thousand dollar secured bond with a court date set for December 2^nd.

Clark’s host of previous cases date back to 2003.

The Burke Sheriff’s Office report they will be working closely with the DA’s office to prosecute the cases.

Morganton Public Safety assisted in the investigation.

Caldwell Construction

Construction continues on several new businesses and residential buildings in Lenoir.

A Facebook posting says a company rep for ‘Highway 55’ says they hope to open in December, and a spokesman for Jersey Mike’s Subs say their location at Lenoir Crossings will be open in December as well.

Mavis Discount Tires on US 321 and Kattz Corner apartments on Wilkesboro Boulevard are also coming along on schedule according to the posting.

Meanwhile, the city of Lenoir will soon be undergoing the resurfacing of 13 sections of roadway.

The project is part of the city’s annual resurfacing plan to maintain Lenoir’s streets.

City officials hope that contractors can complete 75-percent of the roads due for paving before winter, because of possible increases in prices next year.

Statesville Stalker

A college grounds-supervisor in Statesville is accused of stalking along with other offenses in a situation involving a young woman.

Reports say a student at Mitchell Community College told Statesville Police on November 15^th she was being stalked by 59-year-old john Phillip Barkley the college’s grounds supervisor.

College officials placed Barkley on administrative leave after learning of the incident.

The student, reports say, told officers the stalking began around the end of October with the suspect allegedly following the student to and from her classes.

Barkley reportedly followed the student also to her vehicle and proceeded to yell at her and beat her car window.

Barkley has been charged with indecent liberties with a student, sexual battery, three counts of misdemeanor stalking, and one count of assault on a female.

He is being held in the Alexander County jail.

Officials say Barkley has been employed as a grounds maintenance supervisor at Mitchell Community College for 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

Mask Policy

The Burke County Board of Education has voted to change its COVID-19 mask policy for students and staff to optional.

At Monday night’s regular meeting, school board members voted in favor of the policy change 5 to 2.

School board chairman Buddy Armour and member Don Hemstreet voted to keep masks mandatory.

The optional change took effect at the beginning of the school day Tuesday; however, masks remain mandatory on school buses because of a federal requirement.

Masks had been mandatory since the beginning of the school year in August.

Ulta Robbed

A man is arrested following a police chase that reportedly began with a robbery at the Morganton Heights shopping center.

On Sunday, Morganton Public Safety charged Jeffrey Barrett with felonious larceny after he allegedly took nearly 7-thousand dollars worth of perfume from the Ulta beauty store.

Reports say officers are still looking for the get-away driver, but they recovered the stolen goods.

Authorities report this is the second incident of theft at the Ulta store in the last month.

Meth Possession

An investigation into possible drug activity leads to the arrest of a Morganton man.

A news release from the Burke Sheriff’s Office says detectives along with Burke DSS officials were called to look into poor living conditions and possible drugs at 1186 McClean Street on November 10th.

Reports show officers made contact with 35-year-old Michael Travis Clark who resides at the residence.

Authorities reportedly located and seized methamphetamine from the home.

Clark was charged with felony possession of meth and held at the Burke County jail under a 5-thousand dollar secured bond.

Marion Man Indicted

A Marion man is indicted on a cruelty to animals charge after investigators say he struck and killed a man’s pet with his vehicle in June.

A McDowell County Grand Jury has indicted 54-year-old Wayne Gilbert Lassiter on one count each of cruelty to animals and habitual felon.

The habitual felon indictment indicates Lassiter has been convicted of multiple robbery and breaking and entering charges dating back to 1996.

Previous reports reveal that William Owensby on June 1^st was walking his dog Polly along his property on US 70 West near Pleasant Gardens.

Reports say Lassiter traveled left of center, running off the roadway, hitting a mailbox and landscaping rocks before colliding with the dog.

Lassiter told officials he must have fallen asleep.

The Highway Patrol charged Lassiter with driving while impaired and Careless and reckless driving.

Days after the incident, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged him with cruelty to animals.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

Burke County Public health Friday reported two additional COVID-19 associated deaths, with both individuals in their 60’s.

A news release indicates both had been hospitalized; Burke’s death toll due to COVID is now at 272.

Health officials also report approximately 69 new cases in Burke since Monday with a current positivity rate at 4-point-4 percent.

Burke’s total is now 16-thousand-292, with 143 active cases, and 12 residents still hospitalized.

Now that children ages 5 to 11 are eligible for the vaccine, the age bracket has been added to the county’s total population count.

The percentage of Burke that is fully vaccinated has now slipped to 44-percent because of the added eligibility among youth.

McDowell County reported 31 new cases of the virus since Monday for a total of 8-thousand-787.

55 remain quarantined in McDowell.

Vaccine Clinics

The Burke County Health Department has teamed up with UNC Health Blue Ridge to offer two drive-thru Pfizer pediatric clinics on Saturday November 20^th and Saturday December 11^th from 9 am till 11 am both days.

Two locations will be available, Valdese Express Care in Rutherford College and the Burke Health Department on East Parker Road in Morganton.

Both locations will be drive thru only.

Appointments are preferred but not required.

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

If you’re interested in getting the pediatric dose of Pfizer and are unable to attend the clinic dates, St Charles Catholic Church in Morganton will be holding a five-week pediatric clinic inside Murray Hall.

Operating hours are Wednesday through Friday 3 to 7 pm, and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm.

WPCC Event

Western Piedmont Community College will be hosting a special event on Thursday, November 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the Michael Helmick Seminar Room located in Moore Hall on the college’s main Campus.

The event will be the launch of PACE: Partnership for Apprenticeship and Continuing Education.

PACE is a partnership between WPCC and local industries: Airlite Nonwovens, Leviton and Meridian Specialty Yarn Group.

The partnership will provide apprenticeship opportunities to workers to enhance their job skills and pay, while earning credit through WPCC.

State and local officials will be in attendance and photo opportunities along with interview opportunities will be available.

For additional information or to make pre-arrangements for special tours or interviews, contact David Biddix, Director of Marketing at 828.448.6416  or Emily Kiziah, Marketing Coordinator at 828.448.3120.

Stabbing

A Tuesday evening altercation in Morganton led to the stabbing of two men.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office reports the two men ages 19 and 20 were stabbed at 334 Walker Road during an argument between two females.

One of the victims was reportedly airlifted to a medical center and was last reported to be in stable condition.

The NC Juvenile Justice was contacted regarding a juvenile suspect involved in the incident.

The Burke Sheriff’s Office and state juvenile justice officials continue to investigate.