COVID-19 Trending Down In NC
(Asheville, NC) -- COVID-19 trends are looking a bit better in North Carolina. Statewide hospitalizations dropped under one-thousand for the first time in recent weeks on Sunday. Mission Health's chief medical officer told WLOS-TV yesterday that hospitalizations in the system are now averaging around 30 people per day, which is a drop from the 40s over the past few weeks. He said it's attributed to social distancing and the wearing of face masks.
UNC Chapel Hill Going Remote After COVID-19 Clusters Found
(Chapel Hill, NC) -- Learning is already changing at a large North Carolina university due to COVID-19 concerns. Administrators at UNC-Chapel Hill are moving to complete virtual classes beginning tomorrow after four coronavirus clusters were identified on-campus over the weekend. Around 350 students on and off-campus are in quarantine. Students will be able to move out of on-campus housing with no penalty if they wish.
Stabbing Injures One In Asheville
(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville police are investigating an early Monday morning stabbing. One person was assaulted near the bus stop at the corner of Bartlett and Ora streets. The victim was treated at the hospital for injuries that weren't considered to be life-threatening. WLOS-TV reports the Asheville Police Department has investigated nearly 40 stabbings so far in 2020.
Buncombe County IDs COVID-19 Diagnosis In Student Athlete
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Buncombe County Schools is confirming a COVID-19 case in a student athlete. The district revealed yesterday a student at Owen High School tested positive in late June while taking part in football workouts. Asheville City Schools shut down workouts earlier this month after four athletes from both the high school and middle school tested positive. The state's athletic association issued a moratorium Friday for scheduling, so that the board can evaluate details on each fall sport.
Utilities Disconnection Ban Ends Soon
(Raleigh, NC) -- North Carolina residents struggling to pay their power bills are reminded to take action soon. The statewide moratorium on disconnection bans amid the coronavirus pandemic runs up on September 1st. Duke Energy urged its customers again yesterday to inquire about setting up a payment plan, or have balances paid up-to-date within 30 days of the moratorium's end. The utilities commission reported in July that over one-million customers would have faced a shut-off if not for the disconnection ban.
Innsbruck Mall Under New Ownership
(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville's Innsbruck Mall property is under new ownership. Court records reveal the deed was transferred yesterday to Sky King Inc., which is affiliated with Ingles. The Citizen-Times says a hotel will be built in the parking lot. There's no specific plans for the rest of the property.
Lincoln County School Closes Over COVID-19 Scare
(Lincoln County, NC) -- A Lincoln County school is already shutting down temporarily over COVID-19 concerns. Administrators decided yesterday to close Iron Station Elementary School through the end of the month after a possible cluster was identified among staff members. A deep cleaning will be completed next week before teachers are allowed back inside. Students will learn virtually until returning on August 31st.
Two Dead After Home Catches Fire
(Lincolnton, NC) -- Police are investigating the deaths of two men found in a burning Lincolnton home. Officers say one man called 911 to tell police his son threatened to kill him with a machete. Emergency officials arrived to the East Catawba Street home to find it on fire Sunday afternoon, with the son dead inside. A 20-year-old man died after being rushed to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The SBI is helping Lincolnton police figure out how the fire started.
Gun Shop Owner Offering Locks After Child Shootings
(Charlotte, NC) -- A Charlotte gun shop owner is offering to help out in the wake of three child shootings in the last week. One small child died, while two others were injured after the kids got hold of unsecured guns and fired accidentally. The CMPD is already warning Charlotte residents to lock up their guns. The owner of Hyatt Gun Shop told NBC Charlotte he's willing to give out cable locks for free, so that gun owners can lock up their firearms away from children.
Utilities Disconnection Ban Ends Soon
(Raleigh, NC) -- North Carolina residents struggling to pay their power bills are reminded to take action soon. The statewide moratorium on disconnection bans amid the coronavirus pandemic runs up on September 1st. Duke Energy urged its customers again yesterday to inquire about setting up a payment plan, or have balances paid up-to-date within 30 days of the moratorium's end. The utilities commission reported in July that over one-million customers would have faced a shut-off if not for the disconnection ban.
Deputy Helps Save Choking Student
(Union County, NC) -- A Union County deputy is being credited with saving a choking student. It was during breakfast yesterday at Wingate Elementary School when a young student had an emergency in the cafeteria. WSOC-TV reports Deputy A.J. Wallace used his training to help dislodge a piece of food to save the student, who appeared to be okay after a check with the school nurse. Sheriff Eddie Cathey said school resource officers wear many hats, as they are there to help with all kinds of emergencies.
Harnett County Board Revises Learning Model To Remote Only
(Harnett County, NC) -- Members of the Harnett County Board of Education have voted to hold classes online through September 28th. The District had initially planned to open the new school year with a hybrid model of in-person classroom instruction and virtual learning. At its regular meeting Monday, the Board decided to revise the plan out of increased concerns over the possible spread of COVID-19.
Record Setting Number Of North Carolina Voters Requesting Absentee Ballots
(Raleigh, NC) -- Requests for absentee ballots in the state of North Carolina are reportedly at an all-time high. State election officials report that, as of Monday, 232-thousand voters have requested absentee ballots, an increase of 900-percent over the same period in 2016. In Wake County, which has the largest number of registered voters in the state, over 42-thousand people have requested absentee ballots. That compares to just over three-thousand four years ago.
Stein, Other Attorneys General Considering Lawsuit Against Trump And DeJoy Over USPS
(Raleigh, NC) -- Attorney General Josh Stein has been in discussions with Attorneys General in at least a half dozen other states reviewing legal options against the Trump administration over recent changes within the U.S. Postal Service. Stein said Monday that he and his colleagues are considering a possible class action lawsuit against the federal government in an effort to halt new operational changes imposed by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Changes that could slow mail service leading up to the November presidential election.
Glitch Hinders First Day Of School Across NC
(Guilford Co., NC) - Today is a fresh start for students across North Carolina who were blocked from online learning yesterday. The News & Record says a glitch in the NC EdCloud portal temporarily blocked several students and teachers from getting online. The company says service was restored by noon. Several districts throughout the state, including Guilford County, are starting their year online. The school board voted last month to hold virtual classes, with plans to reconsider opening campuses in late October.
Two People Killed In Crash In Davidson Co.
(Davidson Co., NC) - Two people are dead after a crash in Davidson County. It happened just before six o'clock yesterday afternoon on Highway 109, near Earnest Smith Road. Highway patrol responded to the scene. There's no word yet on the names of victims or what caused the crash. An investigation is ongoing.
Free COVID-19 Testing Offered in High Point
(High Point, NC) - Free COVID-19 testing is being offered in High Point this week. Drive-thru testing will take place at the High Point YMCA on West Westwood Avenue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. StarMed Healthcare in Charlotte is hosting the event. Testing is open to everyone in the community.