State Senate Passes Bill To Pay Bonuses For Finding Job
(Raleigh, NC) -- A bill that will pay unemployed workers to find a job is moving to the state House. The North Carolina Senate passed a measure yesterday which gives an 800- or 15-hundred-dollar bonus, while a similar bill is being introduced to Congress by North Carolina Representative Ted Budd. The idea is to help businesses who are having trouble filling positions, as the state's labor force has dropped by nearly 100-thousand over the last year. A proposal to add a minimum wage increase in the bill was shot down.
Former District Attorney Assigned As Court-Appointed Counsel
(Asheville, NC) -- A former western North Carolina district attorney is back at work. Buncombe County's chief public defender gave the go-ahead in late May for Greg Newman to serve as a court-appointed defense attorney in Asheville. Newman was removed from office this spring for misconduct while he served as chief prosecutor for Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties.
Faith Leaders Gather In Asheville Over Brown Shooting
(Asheville, NC) -- Faith leaders want more answers in the shooting death of Andrew Brown, Junior. A group gathered in downtown Asheville Tuesday afternoon, as part of an organized rally with several other North Carolina cities. Brown was shot to death by deputies in Elizabeth City in late April. The rallies were a call for more transparency and accountability in the shooting.
Developer Withdraws Asphalt Plant Rezoning Request
(Henderson County, NC) -- The future of a proposed asphalt plant in Henderson County is uncertain. County commissioners were set to vote on a zoning request at a special called meeting last night until the application was withdrawn by the developer just hours before. The project has received opposition from a group called Friends of East Flat Rock, who have been concerned over potential traffic, noise pollution and property values. There's no word on why the application was pulled.
Buncombe County Considering Property Tax Hike
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Buncombe County commissioners are set to consider a property tax increase as part of the new budget. The two-cent jump would add around 200-dollars on a median-priced home in the Asheville area. The board discussed the possibility this week of providing a Homeowner Assistance Support program for those below a certain income level. A vote on the budget is coming up July 1st.
Black Mountain Man Received French Legion Of Honor
(Black Mountain, NC) -- A Black Mountain man is the recipient of France's highest order of merit. World War Two vet Earl Snypes was given the French Legion of Honor yesterday for his service in the 26th Infantry of the U.S. Army. The 96-year-old previously received three Bronze Service Stars. Former president and World War Two General Dwight Eisenhower was also a recipient of the Legion of Honor.
County Passes Budget With Reduced CMS Funding
(Mecklenburg County, NC) -- Millions in funding is being withheld from CMS in Mecklenburg County's budget. Commissioners passed the county's two-billion-dollar spending plan by a seven-two vote last night. County manager Deana Diorio proposed several weeks ago to leave out 56-million-dollars for the district unless a plan can be presented to help low-performing schools. The board of education is planning to dispute the withholding.
Two Arrested For Gastonia Murder
(Gastonia, NC) -- Two suspects are in jail for a Gastonia homicide. Firefighters found a man shot to death inside a car parked on East Ozark Avenue on Memorial Day. Gastonia police arrested two Lincolnton men on charges of first-degree murder. Investigators told the Gaston Gazette they believe the victim was living in the car.
Woman Caught Smuggling Drugs Through Charlotte Airport
(Charlotte, NC) -- A suspect is facing charges for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs through Charlotte Douglas International Airport. CMPD officers decided to search the 56-year-old woman's belongings after someone reported she was trying to hide something this week. They found two kilograms of cocaine. The woman reportedly confessed to smuggling the drugs out of Jamaica.
Topgolf Opening Another Charlotte Location
(Charlotte, NC) -- Another Topgolf location is launching in the Queen City. More than 100 hitting bays will be open in the University City North neighborhood on Friday. The company is still hiring to fill some of the 500 positions it will take to operate the business. Another Topgolf is already open in southwest Charlotte.
Clinton Group Pushing For Bridge To Be Renamed In Honor Of Fallen Police Officer
(Clinton, NC) -- A small demonstration was held outside the Clinton City Hall Tuesday evening. The group is pushing members of the City Council to approve a resolution that would rename a bridge in honor of a Clinton police officer who was killed in the line of duty back in 1991. Officer Donald Tucker, who was shot to death during an undercover drug operation, is the only law enforcement officer in the Clinton Police Department to ever be killed in the line of duty. Family and friends have requested that the Highway 421 bridge be named after Tucker. The resolution failed to get the unanimous vote needed in order for the bridge to be renamed.
Three Teenagers Facing Charges Related To Beating Death Of Elderly Raleigh Man Inside Cemetery
(Raleigh, NC) -- A total of three teenagers are now in custody in connection with the fatal shooting of an elderly man inside a Raleigh cemetery last Friday. Nineteen-year-old Johnathan Villanueva-Galer was arrested Tuesday. He, along with 18-year-old Maria Pena-Echeverria and an unnamed 16-year-old, are accused in the brutal beating of 69-year-old James Taylor at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery near the campus of NC State. Taylor was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. Echeverria and Galer have both been charged with murder.
House Committee Begins Debate Over Massive Flood Mitigation Bill
(Raleigh, NC) -- Debate began in the North Carolina House Tuesday over a bill that would shore up roadways, beaches, rivers and other low-lying areas of the state in an effort to combat flooding. The Disaster Relief and Mitigation Act would spend a total of 220-million dollars on building new levees and repairing old dams as part of a plan to address flooding prevention and mitigation efforts. Supporters say the project would help the state get out of the costly cycle of spending after natural disasters.
Plane Crash Reported In Stokes Co.
(Stokes Co., NC) -- One person is dead and another is badly hurt after a plane crash in Stokes County. It happened yesterday evening in Pinnacle, off Volunteer Road. The F-A-A says a single-engine plane crashed in a field. One person was killed, and a second person was airlifted to the hospital. Both the F-A-A and the N-T-S-B are investigating.
Mom Speaks Out After Guilford Co. Classroom Attack
(Guilford Co., NC) -- The mom whose daughter was attacked in a classroom at Southern Guilford High School is speaking out. Danielle Campbell tells "FOX 8 TV" she wants the suspects arrested. Six students and two adults are accused of attacking the 14-year-old girl on May 25th. Three of them attended SGHS, and the other three went to different schools in the area. Guilford County sheriff's officials expect all eight of the suspects to turn themselves in today.
Greensboro Recruiting For Its Cultural Commission
(Greensboro, NC) -- The City of Greensboro is looking for people to be a part of its new Cultural Affairs Commission. Residents are invited to apply at www-dot-Creative-Greensboro-dot-com. Applications are due by Friday, June 25th.
Carolina Theatre Announces Ghostlight Concert Series.
(Greensboro, NC) -- The Carolina Theatre in Greensboro is brining back its iconic Ghostlight Concert Series. It kicks off on June 17th with the Sistars of Juneteenth. The summer series features four shows. Tickets are on sale at Carolina-Theatre-dot-com.