A guide to
Burke County, North Carolina
2016
W W W . C O M M U N I T Y C O N N E C T I O N S P U B . C O M
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Burke County, NC
INFO, HISTORY, & DEMOGRAPHICS BURKE INFO & HISTORY
Burke County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2010 census, the population was 90,912. Its county seat is Morganton. Burke County is part of the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. The first European settlement in the interior of North Carolina (and what would become the United States) was made by a Spanish expedition in 1567, when they built Fort San Juan at the large Mississippian culture Native American chiefdom of Joara. Present-day Morganton later developed at this site. The Spanish renamed the settlement Cuenca. The following year the Indians killed nearly all the Spanish garrisoned at this and five other interior forts, and burned Fort San Juan. It was two centuries before Europeans tried to settle again this far west in the colony. Indigenous peoples inhabited the interior as well as the coastal areas for thousands of years. Native Americans of the Mississippian culture inhabited the county long before Europeans arrived in the New World. The largest Mound Builder settlement was at Joara, a 12-acre (49,000 m2) site and regional chiefdom near present-day Morganton. It was the center of the largest Native American settlement in North Carolina, dating from about 1000 AD and expanding into the next centuries. In 1567, a Spanish expedition arrived and built Fort San Juan, claiming the area for the colony of Spanish Florida. They had been sent by the governor at Santa Elena (Parris Island) in South Carolina. Captain Juan Pardo, leader of the expedition, left about 30 soldiers at the fort while continuing his exploration. In the spring of 1568 the Indians attacked the
fort, killing the soldiers and burning the fort. Indians killed the garrisons at five other Spanish forts in the interior. Introduction of European diseases caused high fatalities among the Mississippians, and takeover of survivors by larger tribes led to Native American abandonment of the area. Two hundred years passed before the next Europeans: English, Scots-Irish and German colonists, attempted to settle here again. In 1777, Burke County was formed from Rowan County. It was named for Thomas Burke, then serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress (1777 to 1781). He was later elected as Governor of North Carolina, serving from 1781 to 1782. The western Piedmont was settled by many Scots-Irish and German immigrants in the mid-to-late 18th century. They were generally yeoman farmers and fiercely independent. Most Burke families were not slaveholders; however, some researchers have reported that, by 1833, 5000 slaves were mining gold in Burke County (Speculation Lands Collection of the University of NC at Asheville). The 1860 U.S. Census found 9237 persons living in Burke County, which included 2471 slaves and 276 free persons of color. As population increased, the county was divided to form other jurisdictions. In 1791, parts of Burke County and Rutherford County were combined to form Buncombe
Pisgah National Forest, has been described as “the most visible symbol in the region.”
BURKE DEMOGRAPHICS
As of the census of 2000, there were 89,148 people, 34,528 households, and 24,342 families residing in the county. The population density was 176 people per square mile (68/ km²). There were 37,427 housing units at an average density of 74 per square mile (29/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.01% White, 6.71% Black or African American, 0.30% Native American, 3.48% Asian, 0.21% Pacific Islander, 2.17% from other races, and 1.11% from two or more races. 3.57% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. County. In 1833, parts of Burke and Buncombe counties were combined to form Yancey County. In 1841, parts of Burke and Wilkes counties were combined to form Caldwell County. In 1842 additional parts of Burke and Rutherford counties were combined to form McDowell County. Finally, in 1861, parts of Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Watauga, and Yancey counties were combined to form Mitchell County. Burke County citizens participated in the Battle of Kings Mountain, which pitted Appalachian frontiersmen against the Loyalist forces of the British commander Ferguson at Kings Mountain, SC in the American Revolution. Rather than waiting for Ferguson to invade their territory, militiamen throughout the Blue Ridge crossed over the mountains and thus were called the “Over Mountain Men.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 515 square miles (1,330 km2), of which 507 square miles (1,310 km2) is land and 8.0 square miles (21 km2) (1.5%) is water. The county contains portions of two lakes: Lake James along its western border with McDowell County and Lake Rhodhiss along its northeastern border with Caldwell County. Table Rock, a prominent peak in the county in the east rim of Linville Gorge, part of
There were 34,528 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.90% were married couples living together, 11.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.50% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.94. In the county the population was spread out with 24.00% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 13.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 100.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.70 males. The median income for a household in the county was $35,629, and the median income for a family was $42,114. Males had a median income of $27,591 versus $21,993 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,397. About 8.00% of families and 10.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.60% of those under age 18 and 12.50% of those age 65 or over. (Information gathered from wikipedia.com)
Burke County Schools Chesterfield Elementary School
Glen Alpine Elementary School
Drexel Elementary School
Hallyburton Academy
East Burke Elementary School
Icard Elementary School
East Burke Middle School
Jimmy C Draughn High School
Forest Hill Elementary School
Liberty Middle School
Freedom High School
Mountain Crest Elementary School
George Hildebrand Elem. School
Mull Elementary School
2142 Pax Hill Rd Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-3026 100 Alta Vista St Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-3160
3695 East Burke Blvd Connelly Springs, NC 28612 Phone: (828) 397-5541 3519 Miller Bridge Rd Connelly Springs, NC 28612 Phone: (828) 397-7446 304 Ann St Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-5906
511 Independence Blvd Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 433-1310 8078 G Hildebrand Sch Rd Connelly Springs, NC 28612 Phone: (828) 879-95951
302 London St Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 584-0661 205 South Main St Drexel, NC 28619 Phone: (828) 437-4184 205 South Main St Drexel, NC 28619 Phone: (828) 437-4184 205 South Main St Drexel, NC 28619 Phone: (828) 437-4184 529 Enola Rd Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-1330 201 Tennessee St Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-4258
1140 Old Nc 18 South Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-5785
For more schools visit www.publicschoolreview.com
LOCAL HEALTHCARE
B U R K E C O U N T Y, N O R T H C A R O L I N A
911
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES CALL
Carolinas HealthCare Sys. - Valdese 720 Malcom Blvd Connelly Springs, NC 28612 Phone: (828) 580-2251 Carolinas HealthCare Sys. - Morganton 2201 S Sterling St Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 580-5000
Broughton Hospital 1000 S Sterling St Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 433-2111
Blue Ridge HealthCare 695 Fleming Dr Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 580-3278
Burke Primary Care 103 Medical Heights Dr # 201 Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-4211
Mc Dowell Hospital 339 Nebo School Rd Nebo, NC 28761 Phone: (828) 652-5265
RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT Simply Green Recycling Service 152 St Marys Church Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-1277
ZIOOP, Inc. 816 13th St NE, Hickory, NC 28601 Phone: (855) 956-6748
Mountain Recycling 1581 US-70, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 Phone: (828) 397-7493
Sonoco Recycling 261 10th St Pl NW, Hickory, NC 28601 Phone: (828) 327-5701
Republic Services NC South, 2911 NC-18, Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-7940
Lenoir Recycling Center 801 West Avenue NW, Lenoir NC 28645 Phone: (828) 757-2200
• Currently less than 35% of households and less than 10% of businesses in the U.S. recycle. (EPA 2011) • Those levels have barely improved in 15 years despite billions of dollars spent on competitions, symposiums, awareness campaigns and sorting technologies. • The experience at the bin needs to be improved for the general public, which is why we have introduced society-wide standardized labels. • If the US recycling levels can reach 75% it will be the environmental benefit of removing 50 million cars from the road each year and it will generate 1.5 million new jobs. Improving and increasing recycling is one of the greatest opportunities for our environment, our natural resources, and our economy! (recycleacrossamerica.org)
BURKE COUNTY, NC
Community Activities Table Rock Mountain
Table Rock Mountain’s distinctive summit above Linville Gorge can be seen easily from many parts of the North Carolina mountains and foothills. The rocky summit is fun (and easy) to explore. The 2.2-mile roundtrip has some steep climbs, so it’s a bit strenuous. The views of Linville Gorge are spectacular from the 3,930 foot peak. It’s open April-December (the road is closed January-March). For directions and other information visit: http://www.romanticasheville.com/table_rock_mountain.htm
Thermal Valley
Imagine soaring like an eagle high above the earth. Your senses coming alive as you are immersed in the atmosphere. Experience aviation in its purist form. Learn basic flying skills with an USHPA certified tandem hang gliding instructor. Marvel at the South Mountains and the meandering Catawba River. Get a bird’s eye view of Grandfather, Table Rock, and Hawk’s Bill Mountains. Share your experience with your friends and loved ones with an optional HD video of your flight. Thermal Valley - Let us help inspire the bird in you! By Appointment Only - Schedule Today! Thermal Valley 3566 State Rd 1584 Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 758-1441 Email: Lhpearson@hughes.net For more information visit: www.thermalvalley.net
Prices Flights to 1500 ft $145 Flights to 3000 ft $230 Mile high flights $335 Altitude Upgrade $40/500ft
2016 HOROSCOPES
ARIES March 21 - April 19 Your ruler, the rambunctious Mars with a takes-no-prisoners manner, zig zags through the houses of your chart in 2016. He pays special attention to personal growth, love and marriage, and the expansion of philosophy and just regular wandering around. Mars begins the year making direct hits to the house of both one-on-one intimacy, and funds received from other people. He stays on a wild ride through that house for the first eight months of the year with an occasional peek into the house of philosophical thinking. Neptune is his silent partner, bringing a spiritual element to life... a kind of acceptance or “it is what it is” attitude. Jupiter is in the house of the workplace and in this position gives you a sense of purpose, better working conditions, or possibly a new job with increased salary. Since this house is also connected to your health, Jupiter brings you more vitality and physical strength. In September this lucky star moves into the house of marriage and improves on an already blooming love affair or your marriage. If you’re single he has been known to bring that special person to the scene. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 The Fifth House, that place of daring but light-hearted love, creativity, sports, and -- yes -- children, is your key to happiness this upcoming year. The always sultry Taurus has an inner bad boy/bad girl and he or she swims to the surface in 2016, bringing you any number of new and lusty adventures. You’ll be redefining your image, too, with Jupiter in this house, expanding your capacity for love... and that thirst is real. The eternal teacher Saturn is in the Eighth House of intimacy, and it’s cooling off those one-on-one sexy encounters. Now it’s not about sex, it’s about love. Love is in the air all year, Bull, but you will be also dealing with deeper issues. It’s true that our belief system rules our lives, and for you with Uranus in the Twelfth House you are in for an upheaval or reversal in what you believe, as both philosophical and religious ideologies are up for change. With Pluto in the Ninth, some of you may be returning to school, or taking extra academic classes. When these two heavy-hitters, agents of change are in the mix. You are not only ready for change, but celebrating it. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Mercury, your ruler, runs rampant this year and so do you, Gemini. As the year begins he stops in his tracks and reviews his status, and sets a pattern for your behavior for the upcoming twelve months.This year this occasionally superficial but darling rascal makes his list and checks it twice (that is, moves into retrograde motion) four times instead of the usual three. He is a tad more impulsive than usual but the big news is he is taking on Saturn and actually opposing that stern taskmaster all year. During those times when testing is inevitable, there is no end to the targets: romantic unions, friendship, or career. You’ll get in there and dig deep and this could be one of the most transformative years in decades. You want your way this year and will use any means to achieve that end. With Neptune holding tight to your Tenth House you have decided that your career must have more personal meaning, and look for more authenticity in all areas of your life. The largest star in the heavens, Jupiter, is helping you achieve inner peace in the Fourth House, the place of home and family of origin, and in the Eleventh House, too -- bringing new pals your way, and a possible special love interest. CANCER June 21 - July 22 Cancer, you already know that home, career, and love can present the most crucial of life’s continuing challenges, and this year the cosmos decided you need to review or polish each and every one of these categories. You are bonded to the home more than any of the other signs and there could be that first signal in March when a Lunar Eclipse shines its heavy and bright light on your sanctuary. Although this wild card drops a hint about change on the premises as early as March, it isn’t until September that Jupiter moves into the Fourth House and this actually spells out new happenings are eminent.
With your home life it could range from some minor renovation, to someone moving in, to an actual move. But, wait! Change can only take place in accordance with how much insecurity you can tolerate, which, for you, water baby, is minimal. Cancer does love to be safe and this may just be the year you question the caution you’ve been living with. A big change that feels scary at first can turn out great! Then there’s Uranus in the Tenth House of career, promising more rocking and rolling in the area of your work or your image. The last area to be stirred is Pluto still in the Seventh House of total commitment, hammering away at your love life and asking you to be even more true or faithful. It could be that this year, when Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto are up at bat and all will whack that ball out of the park, it’s not personal, it’s business, Cancer. Leo July 23 - August 22 Dramatic, generous, and romantic, Leo, you are everyone’s dream date... and 2016 isn’t any different, except that you could be even more giving. Jupiter, the gift giver, could outdo himself this year with the beautifully wrapped baubles given for no particular reason. He’s in the Second House of you-belong-to-me and there is an abundance of intimacy and good feelings. If you have one -- or if you want one -- a love affair emits the glow that films and novels are born from. The majority of the stars hover around the place that signifies your partner zone, and they are flashing a green light with almost any new idea you conjure up. You could be tempted to totally overlook restrictive Saturn in the place of letting the good times roll. He does keep nudging you in the direction of making a commitment to that long-time love, improving your performance on the job, and keeping a watch on finances. It will become harder and harder to ignore his nudges this year, especially with the wildcard eclipses doing their job. They are shining their light on the financial houses and reminding you to keep it all real and not take unnecessary risks. Overall, you couldn’t ask for a better year to expand on both your emotional happiness and your financial future. Virgo August 23 - September 22 The year begins with the largest star in the heavens, Jupiter, in your own sign and in the house of who you are. What could possibly be the result of this position? Expansion of your personality, emphasis on your own personal growth and happiness, and a general “me, me, me” attitude. You are certainly in for one of the best years of your life, Virgo, and in September this gift-giving star moves into the house of finances and you can also look for expansion in the flow of funds. In direct opposition to all this is Neptune in the house of whom it is we love, possibly ready to blind you to reality... and your ruler Mercury is adding to the confusion. This year is more about an inner journey and possibly remembering or wanting to relive a time when love was wild and wicked and you want more of the same. The eclipses in Pisces and Virgo this year shake up the status quo if you let them as they rattle the houses of Me and You. Libra September 23 - October 22 Your ruler Venus is pushing you this year, as she scoots through all of the twelve signs and then some, waking up old dreams, forgotten talents, and stirring new ambition. By mid-October she’s right back where she started in the house of communication along with sometimes prissy Saturn, who behind the scenes is quietly refining your everyday chatter. Venus ends the year in the house of love and December could be that important month that sees you making an important change. Jupiter lends a helping hand and takes the form of an angel whispering in your ear, and you’ll seem to intuitively know all the right words and moves. In September he moves into your own sign of Libra and you enjoy the limelight fully. Jupiter in Libra opens the door to the good life, and lightens up your personal life as well as your relationships -- both personal and professional. This cosmic gift giver is increasing your self-confidence, your sex appeal, and your charm... and it shows, Libra. You’re magnetic this year. Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Always a force to be reckoned with, Scorpio, you aren’t in the mood to settle in any of the areas of your life this upcoming year. Whether it’s your lover’s intentions, career issues, or that shoved under the carpet family secret everyone’s been whispering about for years, with your ruler Pluto in the Third House, you are aiming for clarity. Never really chatty, you do definitely this year adopt a “take no prisoners” attitude surrounding communication. The wily but wise Pluto literally pushes you to shed light on matters that have been buried. Neptune brings a touch of mystery as well as spice to the Fifth House of the light love affair, or the one-night stand. Here, you bring passion and intensity and could turn a short love story into a 500-page novel. Mars, co-ruler of
2016 HOROSCOPES your chart, plays a big part in your intimate and unsolved mysteries as he begins the year flexing his muscle. He spends the year traversing the most personal sector of your life, shaking it up and one of the many answers you are seeking suddenly is within vision. With Saturn’s influence, whether you are prosperous or not, you feel there is a lack of funds. You want to know what actually belongs to you, whether its hard cash, a trust fund, or that antique trunk that’s been in the family for generations. Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Wow, Sagittarius, in 2016 you could not be more into your own interests and developments if you wanted to. It looks like the stars are giving you a free pass to indulge in your own pleasures and pursuits. Nice! As the year begins, eight of the moving stars are in the eastern hemisphere of your chart, the hemisphere that is all about you and what you want. Saturn, the wisdom figure, is in your sign, and as you indulge yourself totally, you are taking those indulgences seriously. There is nothing trivial about your personal interests this year. It’s the personal stars, though, that add zing to everyday life and they revolve around your love interests. Mercury, Venus, and Mars will be moving quickly through the relationship houses, so that your partner gets some well-deserved attention. The mischievous star Mercury rules the house of love and committed relationships and he stops and starts four times this year, which is out of the ordinary, bringing more of those torrid interludes that you do love. This is the kind of year you may have dreamed about in the past... and here it is in living color, Sag. Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Your ruler Saturn’s two year stay in the lofty Sagittarius is now underway, Cap, and you may have noticed ever so slightly in the past year or two how elements of your life are seemingly fading away. It’s subtle, as if you catch the action out of the corner of your eye, but you are in a finishing up phase, especially in career matters. What is actually happening is you are clearing the decks for a new bigger and better beginning. Those wild-card eclipses in 2015 and into 2016 drop a hint or two about career elevation or change as early as March, but it isn’t until September that Jupiter moves into the Tenth House and actually spells out new happenings that could be eminent. As the year begins you have Pluto in the First House of your chart and there is a new intensity to you personally as well as in both love and career relationships. This is basically a getting-in-touch-with-yourself transit and you could be surprised at your own control issues and how deep they really go. Despite this new awareness you just can’t help yourself, especially in those hot and sexy matters of the heart. You might actually stake a claim this year. Aquarius January 20 - February 18 The always on the move Aquarian plays it true to form in 2016. Uranus, your ruler, still occupying the Third house nurtures your need for constant learning, offbeat conversations, and short journeys off the beaten track. More curious and ambitious than ever, the craving for sexy affairs of the heart is quite strong. Jupiter, the largest star in the heavens, is in the house of intimacy, and in September he enters the house of faraway places and that yearning becomes too strong to ignore. For that single Aquarian who truly follows his heart it could be you find love on foreign soil. To satisfy these desires, even if they are brought down a notch, you may be working harder to attain the necessary funds. With Neptune, the star of illusion, disillusion, and dissolving conditions, in the house of income, you’ll be fine-tuning that area of your life and the last four months of the year could see you not only improving your financial situation but exceeding your expectations.
Pices February 19 - March 20 Here you are in 2016, Pisces, deep into the magic of the once-in-a-lifetime transit of your ruler, Neptune, to your Sun. More than likely you are redefining your romantic world, reshaping your body image, and even contemplating finishing that novel. Although you do have a list of priorities for the year, love is your first concern and your romantic life is on fire! Good times are very much on the agenda with two eclipses in your own sign, and it’s all about you -- what it is you want, whom you love, and what you look like. Behind the scenes and prodding you firmly is the very wily and wise Pluto, taking up residence in one of the health houses. This is the year you begin a stricter and healthier daily regime as the need to take better care of yourself continually grows and you just could become your own project. From January through September it’s all about love, personal pleasure, and your body image. In September these are still priorities but your romantic life becomes lustier and more sex driven, while your mind turns toward finances and career. (astrology.com)
Police & Emergency Services Burke County Sheriff’s Office 1 Bruns Ln, Union, MO 63084 Phone: (636) 583-2560
Valdese Fire Station 60 121 Faet St SW, Valdese, NC 28690 Phone: (828) 879-2103
Morganton Police Dept 304 S College St, Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-1211
Triple Community Fire Dept 505 Mountain View Dr, Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 437-4506
Valdese Police Dept 121 Faet St SW, Valdese, NC 28690 Phone: (828) 879-2102
Chesterfield Fire Station 76 2160 NC-18, Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 433-0357
Glen Alipine Police Dept 103 Pitts St, Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: (828) 584-7279
Icard Township Fire/Rescue Inc. 100 1st Ave NE, Hildebran, NC 28637 Phone: (828) 397-6400
Long View Police Dept 2404 1st Ave SW, Hickory, NC 28602 Phone: (828) 327-2343
Burke County Emergency Services 200 Avery Avenue, Morganton, NC 28680 Phone: (828) 764-9320