Burke County is experiencing a late summer rise in COVID-19 infections that have led to quarantining and masking, with additional preventive measures being discussed by medical leaders. During heat waves, similar to the one we all just experienced in Burke County, people gather indoors to take advantage of the air conditioning. Fold into that the start of Burke County public schools (always an incubator for colds and flu) and you have a recipe for infection spread. From accounts, this strain has been milder and has not sent infected residents to hospital intensive care units.

Thursday was about as beautiful a day as western North Carolina can offer in early spring. It had to be pretty close to perfect for officials …

The health and economic tolls of COVID-19 linger despite the end of shutdowns and mask mandates. The residual effects can be seen in classroom…