Burke County families will have a chance to pick up free health resources, meet pediatric experts and let their children burn off energy at a community wellness event March 7 in Morganton.
Operation Kids Health, hosted by Mountain View Pediatrics, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Foothills Higher Education Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Organizers say the event is designed as a one-stop hub for children’s health, safety and wellness, bringing together health care providers, child-focused organizations, and other community partners under one roof.
Families can expect interactive health and wellness stations, child safety demonstrations, and educational materials, along with fitness activities, games, and prizes. Nearly every table will offer hands-on learning opportunities and free take-home items, according to organizers.
Children will also have photo opportunities with a superhero or princess, and there will be drawings for gift baskets and other giveaways while supplies last.
Operation Kids Health is funded through a grant from The Industrial Commons. Organizers said that support allows families across Burke County and the surrounding region to access wellness resources, screenings, and educational materials at no cost.
“Operation Kids Health is about strengthening families and building a healthier community,” event organizers said in a statement. “We’re grateful to The Industrial Commons for helping make this event possible and to all our partners who share our commitment to supporting local children.”
In addition to games and giveaways, families will be able to connect with experts in pediatrics, nutrition and mental health. Organizers describe the event as family-friendly and welcoming, with opportunities for caregivers to gather information and ask questions about their children’s health and development.
The Foothills Higher Education Center frequently hosts regional education and workforce events. On March 7, it will shift its focus to children’s health and family wellness. The center is at 2128 S. Sterling St., Morganton.
Families, caregivers and community members are encouraged to attend. Organizers say the more tables families visit, the more resources and activities they will discover.
— AVN
Obituaries
Belva Jean Owen Childress
Belva Jean Owen Childress
FOR THE PAPER
Belva Jean Owen Childress, 78, of Morganton, passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, service, and deep devotion to her community.
Born Sept. 23, 1947, in Transylvania County to Lois Hall Owen and Conway Owen, Belva was a bright light from an early age. After graduating high school in South Carolina, she went on to earn recognition for her grace and poise as the winner of the Miss Easley beauty pageant and runner-up in the Miss South Carolina beauty pageant.
Belva was known professionally as a talented Rustic Furniture and Architectural Installations Designer, a career that reflected her natural creativity and eye for beauty. Her work, featured in prestigious homes throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the 2008 HGTV home, showcased her passion for design and her ability to transform natural materials into unique, inviting works of art.
Above all, Belva was a beloved member of her community and the warmest of souls. She is survived by her son, Rob Childress; her daughter, Tracy Primeau; her brother, Shirle Owen; her sister, Joyce Owen Tanner; and her sister-in-law, Margaret Owen. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Nathan Taylor, Tamara Taylor, and Kristain Primeau; and her treasured great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Levi, Addalyn, Caden, Luke, Bella, Lilly, Bryson, and Ember.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois Hall Owen and Conway Owen; and her siblings, Truitt Owen, Billy Owen, Linville Owen, Sylvia Owen Galloway, Sue Owen McCall, and Leon Owen.
Belva’s heart for service was evident throughout her life. She volunteered in Hurricane Hugo cleanup efforts and faithfully served at the MANNA FoodBank for more than two decades. Deeply rooted in her faith, she was actively involved in her church, God’s Way Fellowship in Balsam Grove.
Belva Childress will be remembered for her radiant spirit, her artistic talents, and the love she poured into her family and community. Her light lives on in the many lives she touched and in the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who surrounded Belva with comfort and dignity in her final days. They extend special thanks to the dedicated staff at Cranberry House in Newland, and to the caring team at Medi Home Hospice, whose kindness, attentiveness, and gentle support meant more than words can express.
A memorial service to celebrate Belva’s life will be held Friday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and honor the beautiful life and legacy she leaves behind.
Cindy Epley
Cindy Epley
Cindy Epley, 68, of Morganton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Hertford County, N.C. on May 18, 1957, she was the daughter of Marvin and Sarah Lovins.
Cindy grew up in Lenoir and graduated from Patterson High School in 1975. She then graduated from pharmacy school at UNC Chapel Hill in 1980, and she married her husband, Randy, on June 6, 1981.
Her career as a pharmacist consisted of working at Broughton Hospital and Jones Drug, but her main focus was being a mother to her daughters, Katie and Paige.
Cindy was an active member of Mt. Home Baptist Church. She loved playing the piano at church and had a special love for the youth girls she taught in Sunday school.
Cindy enjoyed attending Carolina Hurricanes hockey games, spending time with friends and family at Sunset Beach, N.C., and she loved spending time with her granddaughters, June and Abigail.
In addition to her parents (Marvin and Sarah Lovins), those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 44 years, Randy Epley; daughters, Katie Trexler (Josh) and Paige Epley (fiancé, Jake Blackman); granddaughters, June and Abigail Trexler; brother, Greg Lovins (Claudine); sister-in-law, Debbie Epley (Eddie Shelton) and grandson, Ethan Shelton; nieces, Caroline Morgan (Landry) and Mary Coleman (Garrett); and numerous cousins and extended family.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Mt. Home Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the church with the Rev. Ethan Cromer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Home Baptist Church, 2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, N.C. 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.
Community_news
NC Community Foundation awards $200K to Burke County groups for hurricane recovery
Burke County’s long-term Hurricane Helene recovery efforts will receive a $200,000 boost as part of a $9 million round of grants awarded across western North Carolina.
The North Carolina Community Foundation announced it has distributed 108 grants from its Disaster Relief Fund to support housing repair, rental assistance, hunger relief, and mental health services following the storm.
Among the local recipients is the Burke Long Term Recovery Group, which was awarded $100,000 for staffing and administrative expenses to help coordinate recovery efforts in Burke County.
The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina also received a $100,000 grant to rebuild recreation infrastructure along Wilson Creek, a popular outdoor destination that supports tourism and local economies in Avery, Burke, and Caldwell counties.
Overall, the grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 and focus primarily on 16 counties most severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, including Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Rutherford, and Watauga.
A total of $1.5 million was directed to long-term recovery groups, which are locally led coalitions that coordinate case management and resources for affected individuals and communities.
NCCF accepted applications for long-term recovery funding in the fall. More than 300 organizations applied, requesting more than $25 million in assistance. Applications were reviewed by more than 30 people from Western North Carolina who provided feedback on regional needs.
“The scope and scale of requests highlight the significant challenges still facing western North Carolina,” Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, president and CEO of the North Carolina Community Foundation, said in a statement. “We’re grateful to be able to support the organizations doing this work and appreciate the thousands of donors who have contributed to the Disaster Relief Fund.”
Other regional grants include $100,000 to High Country United Way, serving as fiscal sponsor for the Watauga Long-Term Recovery Group, to support well and septic repairs for survivors in Watauga County.
“We are deeply appreciative of the North Carolina Community Foundation for this investment in our community’s recovery after Helene,” said Rebecca Hall, executive director of High Country United Way. “In close partnership with the Watauga Long-Term Recovery Group, this support helps us move resources where they matter most.”
To date, contributions to the NCCF Disaster Relief Fund total more than $33 million, with nearly $21 million awarded.
Foundation officials said grantmaking will continue in the months and years ahead, including a focus on future disaster preparedness.
Burke County law enforcement officers will be recognized March 14 at an annual banquet in Morganton honoring those who protect the community and give back beyond the badge.
The 4th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, from 6-11 p.m. in the banquet room at the Foothills Higher Education Center, 2128 S. Sterling St.
Hosted by Burke LEAF, the event supports law enforcement officers, deputies and troopers serving Burke County.
Organizers say the evening will recognize not only those who protect local residents but also those who volunteer their time and contribute to the broader community.
Sponsors will attend a cocktail reception and silent auction before dinner, drinks and dancing. A guest speaker and formal recognition of officers are also planned.
Retired Chief Jason Whisnant will serve as guest speaker. Chris Jernigan, a Morganton City Council member and executive director of Southmountain Children and Family Services, will act as master of ceremonies.
Music and entertainment will be provided by DJ Drew Parham of Charlotte’s Mix 107.9.
Dinner will be catered by Countryside Catering Services and will include beef tenderloin, grilled Italian chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, pasta salad, rolls and appetizers. Dessert will be provided by Jamie’s Cakes.
Professional bartenders Joe Belanger and Heather Baker will serve beer, wine and spirits. Photography for the evening will be handled by Pamela Baker Photography.
In addition to ticketed attendance and sponsorships, organizers encourage those unable to attend to support the event by donating a gift or service for the silent auction.
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