Stay-At-Home Order In Place Across State
(Raleigh, NC) -- The statewide stay-at-home order is now in effect. Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all residents to stay on their property unless they need to leave for essential reasons, such as visits for food, medical needs or a job. The mandate began at five Monday afternoon for 30 days, unless otherwise changed. Gatherings of ten or more people are prohibited, while social distancing of six feet is being urged.
Coronavirus Peak Expected In Three Weeks
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Health officials are eyeing three weeks as the date for the peak phase of COVID-19 in western North Carolina. Buncombe County's director of public health emergency preparedness says the phase could then last four to ten weeks, with a strain on medical resources. He said social distancing is the best tool we have right now. Of Buncombe County's 21 coronavirus cases, 16 have recovered so far.
Arson Suspected In Two Fires
(Cherokee County) -- Park rangers are investigating the cause of two large fires in Cherokee County. The Citizen-Times says firefighters were battling blazes over the weekend along Tatham Gap Road near Andrews and in the Nanthala National Forest Tusquitee Ranger District. Both fires were about 40 acres in size. Investigators say they initially believe the cause to be arson. The calendar is in the midst of the spring wildfire season.
Coronavirus Cases Close To 14-Hundred In NC
(Raleigh, NC) -- The number of coronavirus cases in North Carolina is growing closer to 14-hundred. The state's Department of Health and Human Services reported 13-hundred-73 cases as of Monday night, with seven deaths. There are more than five-dozen cases in western North Carolina. More than 160-thousand are reported in the country.
Meadows Begins Chief Of Staff Stint
(Washington, DC) -- A former western North Carolina Congressman is officially beginning his duties as President Trump's Chief of Staff today. Eleventh District Republican Mark Meadows submitted his anticipated resignation yesterday to move into his new role in Washington. Trump chose Meadows to serve in the position in place of Mick Mulvaney. Meadows represented the mountain region for just over seven years, and most recently served as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.
NC Universities Given Admissions Flexibility
(Raleigh, NC) -- Schools in the UNC system are being allowed more flexibility for admissions in fall 2020. The Board of Governors voted yesterday to allow institutions to base admissions on a weighted high school GPA if they wish, but students must still submit a standardized test score. The decision comes as the coronavirus pandemic has caused cancellations of SAT and ACT tests. The UNC system planned on potentially putting the initiative into effect in 2021, but voted to start earlier.
Coronavirus Cases Close To 400 In Mecklenburg
(Mecklenburg County, NC) -- The number of coronavirus cases is growing close to 400 in Mecklenburg County. Statewide numbers reported by the News and Observer last night show there are close to 14-hundred cases statewide, including the deaths of seven North Carolina residents. Nationwide case numbers have topped 160-thousand. Health officials say the peak phase of coronavirus cases in North Carolina is coming in around three weeks.
Two Suspects Charged With Murder For Hit-And-Run
(Gaston County, NC) -- Two women are facing murder charges for a deadly hit-and-run in Gaston County. A woman was reportedly hit on Church Street in Cramerton yesterday afternoon. The suspects were found and arrested. Investigators say the crime happened while a car was being stolen.
Councilman Warns Parks Could Be Closed
(Charlotte, NC) -- Lack of social distancing could soon mean closures for parks around Charlotte. That's what city councilman Tariq Bokhari said yesterday, after a weekend of warm weather and large gatherings outdoors. He told WBTV the parks and greenways have been bombarded with no regard for social distancing over the past two weekends, and closing them down seems imminent. Bokhari says he is all for going outside, but mobbing the parks is not fine.
Two Former Panthers Raise Money For Supplies
(Charlotte, NC) -- Two former Carolina Panthers are teaming up to make a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. Jonathan Stewart and Steve Smith have partnered together with the Smith Family Foundation, Convoy of Hope and Elevation Outreach to provide 40 tons of supplies to the Queen City. Around 35-thousand-dollars was raised in all. The supplies will be spread out to Charlotte's underserved communities.
High Schoolers Help Produce Face Shields
(Charlotte, NC) -- A group of Charlotte high school students is trying to help medical workers in their efforts to fight COVID-19. The Charlotte Latin School recently started an initiative to create face shields using a 3-D printer. Students there have been joined by some from Providence Day School in producing the shields while they are out of the classroom. The project has pulled in over 80-thousand dollars in donations, which could lead to the production of thousands of face shields.
Fayetteville First City In State To Impose A Coronavirus Curfew
(Fayetteville, NC) -- City leaders in Fayetteville have announced plans to impose the toughest coronavirus restrictions in the entire state. A city-wide curfew, set to go into effect Wednesday night at 9 p.m. Mayor Mitch Colvin said the decision was made after his office received numerous reports that included photographs, of social gatherings at parks and other venues, ignoring statewide orders already in effect. Colvin said the curfew will require all residents within the city limits to remain in their homes between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Violators could face fines and possible jail time.
Bus Driver Goes To Work Despite Feeling Symptoms
(Wake County, NC) -- Health officials in Wake County reported Monday that a GoTriangle bus driver has tested positive for the coronavirus. In a written statement, the report said the driver drove the bus from March 18th through the 20th, while experiencing symptoms of the disease. The bus ran on routes 300 and 305 from 5:25 am until 9:25 am and later each day from 3:05 pm until 7:pm. The Health Department advises anyone who rode the buses during those times and are experiencing symptoms, to self-quarantine for at least seven days.
Medical Troops From Ft. Bragg Arrive In NYC
(Ft. Bragg, NC) -- Members of the 44th Medical Brigade and the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command out of Ft. Bragg, arrived in New York City Monday to begin helping hospital workers fight the coronavirus. The estimated 400-troops will help set up alternative hospital sites and treat non-COVID-19 patients. A Ft. Bragg spokesperson did not give a time frame for how long the Medical Brigade will be in New York.
Stokesdale Man Arrested For Murder
(King, NC) -- A Stokesdale man is under arrest on suspicion of murder. Michael Medley was taken into custody yesterday after a standoff and short chase. He's accused of shooting and killing William Bennett, whose body was found Saturday night in the front room of a Stokes County home. An investigation is ongoing.
Four Men Arrested For Violating Stay At Home Order
(Greensboro, NC) -- Four men are under arrest in Greensboro, accused of violating the state's "stay at home" order. The men, ages 23 to 52, were arrested Saturday outside of a women's clinic on Randlemann Road. They were all charged with non-essential travel violations. Two of the four men were also charged with resisting an officer.
Big-Rig Carrying Pigs Crashes In Winston-Salem
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- No one is hurt after a big-rig carrying dozens of large pigs crashed in Winston-Salem. It happened yesterday afternoon on the exit ramp from I-40 to Route 52. Police say the tractor-trailer, which had 86 pigs on it, overturned. They say speed was likely a factor in the wreck.