COVID Update

More than 200 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend in Burke County as reported by public health officials.

Total cases in Burke amount to 12-thousand-620 after 203 additional cases have been reported since Friday.

Of those cases, 1-thousand-178 are reported to be active, while 35 Burke residents are hospitalized with the virus.

McDowell County reports an additional 121 new cases from the weekend for a total of 6-thousand-590.

537 in McDowell remain in quarantine.

A couple of vaccine clinics this week – in Hickory today from 10 am until 3 pm at Catawba Valley Community College’s main campus in Room 408.

Tuesday’s clinic will offer Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson depending on availability.

Through today those 18 and older getting their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a 100-dollar card after vaccination.

Plus those who drive others to get the vaccine will receive a 25-dollar card.

And in Morganton Friday September 3^rd  another COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held at Fonta Flora Brewery from 5 to 7 pm.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson will be available.

There is no out of pocket cost at either clinic.

Burke and Hickory Drug Bust

Officers with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and Hickory Police join forces to arrest two men last week following an investigation.

A news release from the Burke Sheriff’s Office says their narcotics investigators, Hickory detectives, and state probation officers conducted the investigation at 104 R and S Circle in eastern Burke on August 23rd.

Authorities reportedly made contact with 21-year-old Yorel Damir Scott of 7th Avenue Southwest in Hickory, along with 18-year-old Tyon Shamr Turner of R and S Circle; along with several others inside the residence.

Officers were able to seize multiple firearms at the home and further placed Turner under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Scott was arrested and charged with possession of meth.

Both men were transported to the Burke County magistrate’s office where they each received a 25-thousand dollar bond.

Officer Involved Shooting

Authorities are currently investigating a reported officer-involved shooting in Caldwell County.

Reports say the shooting took place just after 12:30 Monday afternoon in the 2100 block of Morganton Boulevard.

Lenoir Police, including two undercover officers and a uniformed patrol officer reportedly attempted to stop an imminent threat by an armed subject.

Reports say the officers fired upon the man due to the threat, causing what a press release calls life threatening injuries.

The man was airlifted to a Charlotte hospital; while one of the undercover officers sustained a graze wound.

He was treated at a Lenoir hospital and has been released.

Additional information revealed the suspect had previously stolen a vehicle around an hour before the shooting incident.

The SBI is investigating.

Drug Arrest

The investigation into a suspicious vehicle turns into a drug arrest for a Glen Alpine man.

Burke deputies were called to Deerfield Drive on August 24^th where they found 54-year-old Dave Tillman Webb asleep inside the vehicle.

Reports say officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view plus the auto displayed a fictitious tag.

Webb was taken before the Burke magistrate and charged with possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a 3-thousand dollar secured bond and was held at the Burke County jail.

Webb’s court date is set for September 16^th.

Oktoberfest Canceled

A much-loved annual fall event held in Hickory has been canceled.

Hickory’s Oktoberfest scheduled for October 8^th through the 10^th will not be held this year due to the continued spread of COVID-19.

Officials with the Hickory Downtown Development Association and the Oktoberfest Committee say it was a difficult decision to cancel; however, with the low vaccination rate in Catawba County, the risk was too great in holding a super spreader event.

Event organizers went on to say they could not support putting area health providers and hospitals in a more difficult situation.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

A sad news story, but unfortunately one that is repeated all too often – the death toll in Burke County from COVID-19 continues to rise as newly-reported cases are also on the increase.

Local public health reported that 6 Burke residents died last week from the virus, while 5 were reported to have been hospitalized.

A news release states the victims were in their 40’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

Burke officials reported 84 additional COVID cases Friday for a total of 12-thousand-417.

1-thousand-68 cases are reported as being active, and 35 residents remain in the hospital.

McDowell County Friday reported 73 new cases and one additional virus-related death.

McDowell’s total is 6-thousand-469 and 597 people remain quarantined.

Friday marked the second consecutive day state health officials have reported more than 8-thousand new cases across the state.

State figures reveal also more than 36-hundred hospitalized in NC with the virus, while over 900 are in the ICU.

Vaccine Data

The State Department of Health and Human services has released new data showing that those who are unvaccinated are 15-point-4 times more likely to die from COVID-19.

The recent finding comes as NC hit a pandemic high Friday of 912 adults in ICU beds, and 574 individuals on ventilators.

Data indicates there were 29 deaths among unvaccinated persons younger than 65, compared with one death among vaccinated persons younger than 65 during a four-week time period.

In comparison, there were 30 deaths among unvaccinated persons older than 65, and seven deaths among vaccinated persons older than 65.

The Burke County Health Department will be holding a vaccine clinic at Fonta Flora Brewery in Morganton Friday September 3^rd from 5 to 7 pm.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be available.

WPCC Grant

Western Piedmont Community College is proud to announce the continued funding of its Educational Talent Search Grant.

After receiving a perfect score and applying for a nationally competitive grant, WPCC has received more than 1-point-8 million dollars to be dispersed over the next five years.

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a college access program funded by the Federal Governments Department of Education with the goal to break down barriers that underserved students may encounter on their college journey.

Students must complete an application process and express a desire to attend college. The program grant will continue to serve the need in our community by providing opportunities such as college tours and cultural enrichment experiences for student’s 6^th through 12^th grade in Burke County Schools.

ETS also aims to assist students with time management, test taking, study and organizational skills, in addition to completing college applications, registering for classes, preparing for college entrance exams and applying for scholarships – including federal and state financial aid.

 Area Missing

A Lincoln County teenager reported missing last week has been located and is safe.

Reports say 18-year-old Johnathan Keith Merchant made contact with the detective division with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and is reported to be unharmed.

Elsewhere, Rutherford County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating four people reported missing; three of the missing are children.

The children were last seen Thursday with 28-year-old Brandi Hutchins on Morning Star Lake Road in Rutherford County.

Hutchins is reportedly not the children’s legal guardian.

The missing children are 6-year-old Nicholas Hunt, a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes; 7-year-old Nathan Hutchins, a white male with blonde hair and hazel eyes; and 10-year-old Neveah Hutchins, a white female with brown hair and brown eyes.

Brandi Hutchins is described as a white female, 5 feet tall, weighs 130 pounds and has auburn hair and green eyes.

And in a separate case, officials in Rutherford County are looking for 35-year-old Amber Starr Nunez.

She is a white female, 5 feet 1, and weighs around 140 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Should you have information regarding either case, contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 828-286-2911.

 

 

 

COVID Update

114 new cases of COVID-19 since Tuesday, as reported by Burke County Public Health officials with the number of total cases rising to 12-thousand-194.

982 of those cases are reported to be active, while 35 Burke residents are now in the hospital with the virus.

Health officials report Burke is at an 11-point-4 percent positivity rate, which means more individuals are being tested, but more are coming back positive than previously.

In a news release from Burke County health, health workers say they’re seeing a spike in cases in the 0-19 age group, as well as the 30-49 year old group.

Officials attribute the spike partially to low vaccination rates, people not remaining at home when sick, and the lack of proper face coverings.

Catawba County reports 398 new cases of COVID in the last week for a total now of 21-thousand-68.

58 individuals in Catawba are hospitalized.

McDowell County saw 67 new cases yesterday for a total of 6-thousand-322.

McDowell reported 3 additional deaths, and 595 remain in quarantine.

At last report, Caldwell County has a total of 10-thousand-516 cases, while 19 are in the hospital.

Should you have questions about the COVID vaccine, call the Burke County Health Department at 764-9150.

Chase Leads to Arrest

A chase earlier this month involving Burke County officers leads to the recent arrest of a Morganton woman.

On August 5^th, a news release from the Burke Sheriff’s office says lawmen observed a vehicle being driven by 34-year-old Katia Christian of 3529 Smith Road.

Officers realized there were warrants for Christian’s arrest for larceny of a motor vehicle.

As deputies attempted to stop her near the intersection of Mount Home Church Road and Old NC 18, she reportedly accelerated toward Enola Road at a high rate of speed, and ran a red light in heavy traffic.

At this point, officers canceled the pursuit and issued a warrant for Christian’s arrest.

Then on August 17^th after following up on leads, lawmen located Christian hiding inside a closet at a Valdese residence.

A stolen Toyota was also discovered outside the home; while meth and drug paraphernalia was seized during her arrest.

Along with drug possession charges, Christian was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, failure to heed light or siren, and driving while license revoked.

In addition she was issued outstanding warrants; including out of county felony indictments for drug possession.

Christian was given a 155-thousand dollar secured bond.

Cooper visits Haywood

Governor Roy Cooper met Wednesday with western NC small business owners and county officials to survey flood damage to the hardest-hit areas from Tropical Storm Fred.

In Buncombe County, Cooper visited Mountain Power Performance in Candler where the owner reports losing everything due to flooding; saying the business was underwater within a matter of minutes.

Cooper told business owners his plan is to request a federal disaster declaration, once damage assessments are completed and submitted to the federal government.

Emergency officials in Haywood County continue to look for one person who is still missing, while five residents lost their lives in the flooding.

Reports say more than 80 water rescues occurred during the weather event.

FHS Senior Night

Freedom High School officials have announced that Senior Night has been rescheduled for Friday September 17^th.

Cheerleading, Band, and Football parents need to arrive by 6:45 that evening.

Officials from Freedom say more details will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

A rise in COVID-19 cases in Burke County over the weekend with 174 additional positives.

Burke is nearing the 12-thousand mark with a total caseload of 11-thousand-961.

873 cases are reported to be active, and 22 people are hospitalized.

McDowell County reports 165 new cases and one additional death over the weekend.

McDowell’s total is 6-thousand-218 with 492 currently in quarantine.

The FDA Monday approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use by individuals 16 and older; however, the vaccine continues to be available under emergency use for those ages 12 to 15.

The CDC continues to recommend a booster or third dose for those whose immune systems are compromised; to be received at least 28 days after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

Individuals unsure of whether to obtain a third vaccine should contact their physician.

The Burke Health Department provides the Moderna vaccine.

And the Catawba County Health Department reports health officials there are offering Moderna and Pfizer.

Those who fall into the category of immune-compromised, and are interested in a third dose of Moderna can call the Burke County health department at 764-9150 to schedule an appointment.

And those who need the Pfizer booster can call Blue Ridge Urgent Care at 580-3278.

Catawba County public health can be reached by calling 282-2002.

Cleveland County Man Charged

A Cleveland County man now faces federal charges following a threat he made last week near the US Capitol.

49-year-old Floyd Ray Roseberry of Grover made his first court appearance Friday afternoon following his arrest in Thursday’s incident in front of the Library of Congress.

Roseberry was ordered to be held in jail pending a medical evaluation and a status hearing set for this Wednesday.

The judge also appointed a public defender for Roseberry.

He is now charged with felony threatening the use of a weapon of mass destruction and felony threatening by explosives.

Officials report Roseberry claimed to have a bomb and a detonator in his possession during the incident.

Haywood Flooding

Emergency officials in Haywood County have confirmed five people are dead, while one person remains missing from flood waters that ravaged the area last week.

Frank Lauer Senior, Frank Mungo, Franklin McKenzie, Judy Mason, and Charlene Mungo have now been identified.

Search efforts for the one person still missing are ongoing.

The historic flooding happened along the Pigeon River with the community of Cruso especially hard-hit.

More than 250 emergency personnel from across the state were deployed to assist with search and rescue operations.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

Tragic news as Burke County Public Health reported Friday that the death toll from COVID-19 climbed to 182; as 10 local residents die from the virus last week.

A news release states the individuals were in their 30’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s; while nine of the victims were hospitalized.

Burke reported 421 new cases of COVID last week for a total of 11-thousand-787.

Of those cases, 842 are reported to be active and 22 Burke residents are still hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 63 additional cases Friday for a total of 6-thousand-53.

449 are reported to be in quarantine.

State health officials report more than 66-hundred new cases throughout NC, and some 31-hundred people are hospitalized.

Health officials contend more than 94-percent of recent cases in NC are in those who are not fully vaccinated.

More than 20-thousand North Carolinians have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week.

WPCC Program

For the fifth consecutive year of the partnership, Western Piedmont Community College announces that five students have been selected for a Registered Apprenticeship Program at Continental Automotive Systems, a worldwide automotive products manufacturer, in Morganton.

Pioneering a way for the future, WPCC has partnered with Continental Automotive Systems to provide opportunities for students to earn while they learn.

 Program students pursue their education while also working as full-time employees, receiving a wage progression throughout the Registered Apprenticeship.

The process begins in high school when students are selected based on their interests and abilities.

Continental Automotive Systems works alongside the students while they utilize their hands and take aptitude tests.

At the end of the process, best fit students are selected for the program and typically attend the community college they live closest to. 

All students are hired at an entry technician level. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, students receive a Registered Apprenticeship Card from North Carolina that is a portable credential and can be carried and recognized anywhere in the country.  

For more information on apprenticeships or work-based learning opportunities, contact Michael Daniels, Dean, Applied Technologies at mdaniels@wpcc.edu.  

Red Cross Help

As search and rescue missions continue in parts of western NC, the American Red Cross is working with emergency management to provide community support to those impacted by flooding and severe weather.

Red Cross volunteers are serving meals and providing established shelters for families displaced by weather events.

People can donate to assist those affected by visiting redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Lincoln Theft

Lincoln County detectives are investigating the theft of a pull-behind travel camper.

The camper was reportedly taken from the Riverwalk Apartments storage lot on Thursday.

The camper is described as a 2019 Puma with NC tag CL46694, and is valued at 35-thousand dollars.

Anyone having information about the theft should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

The State Department of Health and Human services Thursday reported 7-thousand-20 new statewide COVID-19 cases – the first time the daily total has topped 7-thousand since late January.

The number of those hospitalized with the virus also increased yesterday to 3-thousand-83; which also compares to late January numbers.

State health department Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen believes if cases continue to increase at the current rate, NC will surpass the January peak in a matter of weeks.

Cohen reports recent data shows unvaccinated residents are more than 4 times or 400-percent more likely to get COVID than people who are fully vaccinated.

Presently, 59-percent of North Carolinians are fully vaccinated.

Virus numbers are still rising throughout the Catawba Valley counties.

Burke County’s dashboard data indicates 68 new cases since Wednesday, for a total of 11-thousand-628.

837 cases are now active, with 22 hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 67 new COVID cases for a total of 5-thousand-990.

419 McDowell residents are in quarantine.

Murder Arrest

An eastern Burke County man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Connelly Springs woman Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence on Coldwater Street around 2:45 yesterday to reports of gunfire.

Once there, officers found 50-year-old Pamela Alice Moses outside her home deceased from probable gunshot wounds.

A news release from the Sheriff’s Office says witnesses at the scene identified the shooter as 49-year-old Johnny Everette Setzer of Icard.

Responding authorities observed Setzer leaving the scene in a vehicle when a chase ensued.

As the chase ended, reports say Setzer jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot.

A nearby resident spotted Setzer and called 911 to inform officers; Setzer was then quickly taken into custody.

Burke County deputies were familiar with Setzer and had been investigating previous crimes he had been connected with this month; including larceny, possession of a stolen vehicle, and larceny of firearms.

In Wednesday’s incident, Setzer was charged with murder and larceny of a firearm; with no bond on the murder charge, and 50-thousand dollar secured bond on the firearm charge.

Capitol Arrest Cleveland Co Man

A Cleveland County man has been taken into custody for allegedly having explosives inside a vehicle parked near the US Capitol Thursday morning.

Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as 50-year-old Floyd Ray Roseberry from Grover.

Officials say the incident began around 9:15 when Roseberry drove his truck onto the sidewalk outside the library of Congress.

Reports say he told an official there that he had a bomb and was holding what the officer believed to be a detonator.

Officials proceeded to evacuate buildings around the Capitol, and positioned snipers to the area.

According to reports, police negotiators continued to communicate with Roseberry in attempts to determine whether he had an operable bomb.

Roseberry cooperated with authorities and gave himself up without incident.

A Charlotte news outlet reports several law enforcement agents were observed at Roseberry’s home in Grover.

Haywood Co Missing

Emergency officials in Haywood County are confirming two people are dead,many individuals remain unaccounted for after floodwaters swept through Tuesday.

Governor Cooper issued a state of emergency Wednesday to assist county officials with securing needed resources and to activate the state’s emergency operations plan.

More than 200 searchers are involved in rescue efforts along the flooded Pigeon River.

NC Emergency Management has deployed personnel from across the state to assist, including swift water rescue teams from Burke County.

Reports say nearly 100 people have been rescued from floodwaters, while searchers are continuing to go home-to-home looking for those still missing.

Medical examiners are working with emergency officials to determine the identity of the two victims.

Weather experts say the record flooding was the result of nearly a foot of rain that fell from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred.

 

 

 

 

COVID Update

The number of patients fighting COVID-19 in intensive care units across NC is reportedly the highest it’s been since the beginning of the year.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported more than 29-hundred people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

They further state that 371 individuals have been admitted with the virus within the past 24 hours.

Of those currently in a hospital, 728 patients are being treated in the intensive care unit – the highest number of ICU patients in the state since January 22^nd.

Numbers of cases and hospitalizations continue to grow in the Catawba Valley counties as well.

McDowell County yesterday reported 52 new cases of the virus with 1 additional death. Total cases numger 5-thousand-923, with 427 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 198 new cases of COVID-19 in the last week for a total of 10-thousand-325.

15 in Caldwell are in the hospital.

Catawba County reported 385 additional cases of the virus this week; with 71 people hospitalized with COVID.

Catawba now has a total of 20-thousand-670 cases.

Burke County on its dashboard data reported 60 new cases since Monday for a total of 11-thousand-560.

Figures show 797 cases as being active, and 22 are hospitalized.

Avery Flooding

More than 100 people were evacuated from three Avery County campgrounds Tuesday evening as flood waters threatened area roadways.

Emergency officials evacuated approximately 120 individuals from the campgrounds along with a portion of Linville Land Harbor in Pineola and a mobile home park near the Mitchell County line.

Tornado warnings had been issued in Avery County, with a flash flood warning as well in effect until 3 Wednesday morning.

Weather officials say the area received up to five inches of rainfall.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from Tuesday night’s incident.

Avery County schools were closed Wednesday, as numerous bridges and roadways were under water for a time, in addition to power outages throughout the county.

Elsewhere reports say some 30 people remain unaccounted for following flooding along the Pigeon River in Haywood County.

Emergency officials say much of the city of Canton was underwater Tuesday evening.