Cooper Names New Elections Chair (Raleigh, NC)
Democrat lawyer Joshua Malcolm is the state's new Board of Elections chairman. Governor Roy Cooper appointed Malcolm two days after Andy Penry stepped down following comments he made online criticizing President Trump. The board is in the middle of an investigation into alleged fraud in the ninth district congressional race. Cooper said Malcolm's leadership and experience will help ensure fair and honest elections.
Miller Sworn In As Buncombe Sheriff (Buncombe County, NC)
There's a new sheriff in town for Buncombe County. Asheville Police veteran Quentin Miller took the oath of office in front of a standing-room only courthouse yesterday to become Buncombe's first African-American sheriff. Miller said he was very humbled during the ceremony. He'll be focusing on community outreach and hiring diversity.
Winter Weather In Weekend Forecast (Asheville, NC)
Forecasters are keeping a close eye out for possible winter weather this weekend. It looks like Western North Carolina could experience anything from freezing rain and sleet to snow at some point on Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures aren't expected to climb out of the 40s this week. The National Weather Service is calling for significant snow accumulations in higher elevations.
Woman Allegedly Exposes Child To Narcotics (Asheville, NC)
An Asheville woman is being accused of exposing a one-year-old to narcotics. Investigators said the child was unresponsive and needed medical attention after coming across suspected fentanyl, opiates and heroin. Shamica Robinson was arrested on Friday on charges of felony child abuse. She's expected in court today.
Former WNC Coach Heading To East Carolina (Greenville, NC)
A former Western North Carolina football coach is taking the job as head coach for East Carolina University. Mike Houston coached at Asheville's T.C. Roberson High School for a decade as defensive coordinator and head coach. He was named Area Coach of the Year twice by the Asheville Citizen-Times. He most recently served as head coach of James Madison University and the Citadel.
Clingmans Dome Closed Until Spring (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC )
A popular spot for tourists in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed until the spring. WLOS-TV says Clingmans Dome was originally set to close last Saturday, but it stayed open for the weekend due to warm weather. The observation tower is the highest point in the park at over 66-hundred feet. It will open again on April 1st.
Two Panthers' Coaches Fired (Charlotte, NC)
A four-game losing streak is leading the Panthers to make some internal changes. Defensive line coach Brady Hoke and assistant secondary coach Jeff Imamura were fired yesterday. Head coach Ron Riviera said the moves were necessary to put the team in the best position to succeed. Carolina resumes action on Sunday at Cleveland.
Honeywell To Gain Over 80-Million In Incentives (Charlotte, NC)
Honeywell is receiving over 80-million-dollars in incentives for relocating its headquarters to Charlotte. The technology company plans to bring 750 jobs to the area within six years. Mecklenburg County and Charlotte promised the company around 40-million-dollars combined. The rest of the incentive package is covered by the state.
Greensboro School Locked Down For Man With Guns (Greensboro, NC)
A man is in custody after police found two guns on him at a Greensboro school. Police say 29-year-old Steve Spence of Norfolk, Virginia, entered the Smith High School cafeteria yesterday afternoon. They say he ran after employees asked what he was doing there and the school was locked down. The school resource officer and other cops chased him down and caught him. Police say Spence had another gun in the stolen car he was driving. Investigators think he was targeting someone he had a relationship with.
Petition To Allow Father Of Hania Aguilar To Come To U.S. For Her Funeral (Lumberton, NC)
More than 21-thousand people have signed a petition asking a visa to be granted to the father of slain 13-year-old Hania Aguilar so he can come to her funeral. She was found dead three weeks after her abduction in Lumberton. Now her father in Guatemala needs expedited permission to make it to the United States in time to say goodbye to his daughter. Many people who signed the petition on change-dot-org say they did so because it's just the right thing to do.