Midterm Elections Decided Today In NC
(Asheville, NC) -- North Carolina voters are heading to the polls today to help decide midterm elections. The director of Buncombe County Election Services told WLOS-TV that as many as 35-thousand people are expected to show up locally. Around 500 workers will be manning voting locations in Buncombe. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 tonight.
WNC Schools Re-Opening After Illnesses
(Jackson County, NC) -- Two western North Carolina school districts are expected to open again today after a deep cleaning. Jackson County and Cherokee Central schools initially shut down due to absences caused by increasing illnesses. Jackson's superintendent says principals and assistant principals were having to cover classroom assignments due to absences.
Man Sentenced To Life For McDowell County Murder
(McDowell County, NC) -- A McDowell County man is heading to prison for murder. WLOS-TV reports 85-year-old Carroll Franklin Eckard was shot to death inside his home in August 2020. He earned a Purple Heart for serving in the Vietnam War. The suspect was sentenced to life without parole on Friday after pleading guilty.
Buncombe County Encourages Green Lights For Vets
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Residents and businesses in the Asheville area are being encouraged to shine a green light for veterans this week. Buncombe County is taking part in a nationwide initiative called Operation Green Light, which focuses on support for those who have served the U.S. The effort lasts through the 13th.
Reparations Committee Considers Projects
(Asheville, NC) -- A reparations commission in Asheville is finalizing recommendations for the local community. The committee met last night to discuss short and long-term goals. WLOS-TV says some of the suggestions could include vouchers for housing or investing. The commission's goal is to increase business and ownership opportunities for Black residents.
NC Arboretum Opens For Holiday Event Soon
(Asheville, NC) -- Holiday lights are about to shine at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. The annual display will be open to visitors from November 18th through December 31st. Tickets for vehicles including all passengers are available for a single price. The event is the largest fundraiser for the arboretum.
Woman Reports Sexual Assault At Hotel
(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is investigating the sexual assault of a hotel employee. A woman was reportedly attacked at a hotel along Memorial Parkway late Saturday night. The police department released surveillance footage yesterday of the suspect.
CMPD Investigates Homicide
(Charlotte, NC) -- A homicide is being investigated in north Charlotte. Officers told WSOC-TV a man was shot to death during an argument in front of a home on Drury Drive yesterday. The CMPD has identified a suspect. Accounts from witnesses are encouraged.
Algae Bloom Detected In Lake Wylie
(Charlotte, NC) -- Some harmful algae is present in Lake Wylie. Mecklenburg County water officials say a harmful bloom has been found in two areas in the Steele Creek area this week. Visitors are being asked to avoid swimming, boating or fishing in the affected areas. The places to avoid are along Strollaway Road and Red Fez Club Road.
CATS Considers Alternate Plans To Silver Line
(Charlotte, NC) -- The Charlotte Area Transit System is looking at changes for its Lynx Silver line proposal. WCNC reports the agency is considering a reroute to align with the Blue or Gold line as a money-saving measure. A station relocation from Bojangles Coliseum to behind Ovens Auditorium is a possibility as well.
Teen Struck By Car, Killed In Chester County
(Chester County, SC) -- A teen is dead in a Chester County pedestrian accident. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says the 18-year-old and another teen were struck while walking near Meadowbrook Road last night. The second teen and the driver were taken to the hospital for injuries.
Walker To Start For Panthers
(Charlotte, NC) -- PJ Walker will be back behind center for the Panthers. Interim head coach Steve Wilks says Walker will start at quarterback for Carolina when the team plays Atlanta on Thursday night. Baker Mayfield entered last weekend's game against the Bengals after Walker went just three-for-ten in the first half.
Federal Monitors In North Carolina Today To Make Sure The Election Goes Smoothly
(Raleigh, NC) -- The Department of Justice has deployed federal monitors to serve as poll watchers in 24-states during the mid-term elections today, including here in North Carolina. The DOJ says their job will be to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws, as well as guard against the potential for voter intimidation at some ballot locations. In North Carolina, the monitors have been sent to Harnett, Wayne, Alamance, Columbus and Mecklenburg Counties.
Orange County Prosecutors Release Identity Of Boy Charged As An Adult In The Deaths Of Two Teenagers
(Orange County, NC) -- Authorities in Orange County on Monday, revealed the name of the suspect accused in the deaths of two teenagers back in September. Seventeen year old Issiah Ross will be transferred over to a state Superior Court where he will be tried as an adult. Ross has been formally charged with two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark. His first court appearance is scheduled for later this month.
Rocky Mount Woman Found Dead Inside Burning Car In Her Own Driveway
(Rocky Mount, NC) -- Police in Rocky Mount are investigating the gruesome discovery of the body of a woman inside a burning car Monday morning. Firefighters responded to a call around 6:45 am of a vehicle ablaze in the driveway of a home on Hawthorne Road. Inside was the victim, identified as 64-year old Linda Brown, who was already dead. Investigators are working to determine if the fire and death was accidental or intentional.
New CDC Map Shows Flu Cases Exploding Across North Carolina
(Raleigh, NC) -- A new map released by the CDC Monday shows new cases of the flu in North Carolina are continuing to increase at an alarming level. During the week ending October 29th, hospitals across the state reported more than 27-hundred people were treated for influenza. State health officials blame the explosive increase on low vaccination rates, not wearing masks and not social distancing.
Durham City Council Establishes Rules For Outdoor Drinking Inside Social District
(Durham, NC) -- At the Durham City Council meeting last night, members voted to approve an ordinance setting rules for outdoor drinking within the City's newly created Social District. Under the ordinance, patrons will be able to drink alcoholic beverages at city owned parks and properties, including the Black Wall Street Gardens, Durham Central Park and CCB Plaza. The Social District is expected to officially open on December 1st.
Regular Season Men's College Basketball Began Last Night In The Triangle
(Durham, NC) -- Across the Triangle, regular season play got underway last night in men's college basketball. Coach Jon Scheyer led his Duke Blue Devils to an easy 71-44 victory over Jacksonville to begin his first full season as head coach. While number one ranked North Carolina, who returned with four starters, had a tougher time against CBI champs UNC Wilmington, finally pulling away late in the second half to win 69-56 in Chapel Hill. And, NC State had outstanding play from Terquavion Smith, who led all scorers with 26-points for an impressive 99-50- win over Austin Peay.
Guilford Sheriff's Office to Meet with Superintendent About School Fights
(Greensboro, NC) -- A sharp increase in the number and frequency of fights at Guilford County Schools are leading to a pow-wow with the schools superintendent and law enforcement. Captain Brian Hall tells WGHP-TV members of the Guilford County Sheriff's office will sit down with Dr. Whitney Oakley Wednesday to talk about ways to stop physical violence. The schools reported 49 fights to resource officers throughout the entire year. This year, the 14 schools combined have already reported 50 fights.
Lexington Inmate Escapes; Only Wearing One Shoe
(Lexington, NC) - State police are looking for a man who escaped from the Davidson Correctional Center Monday morning. Officials say inmate Johnny Porche escaped by jumping a fence. He's white and 46-years-old and was only wearing one shoe as well as white kitchen pants, a green shirt jacket, and a grey t-shirt. Porche was serving a three-year sentence for felony breaking and entering and a probation violation. He was scheduled to be released in February 2023.
Woman Dies In Kernersville Shooting
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- The Forsyth County Sheriff says a woman has died in a shooting in Kernersville early Monday morning. Deputies were called to a home on Weatherton Drive to find two people shot. An unidentified 53-year-old woman was dead and a male in his 50s was taken to the hospital. Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough says they are pursuing leads in the case but haven't publicly identified the suspect. He also says there's no threat of danger to the rest of the community from the suspect.
Last Link Of Interstate 74 And VA Line Opened
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- State transportation officials say the last link for the Interstate 74 Northern Beltway is now open. A ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed drivers to the area Monday morning. Speakers at the event say the beltway opening will help provide economic support for businesses and people, in addition to easing traffic in Forsyth County. State officials say work will continue on the beltway's eastern and western sections.