Man Missing In Madison County Since Saturday
(Madison County, NC) -- A search is underway for a missing man in Madison County. Phillip Shelton hasn't been seen since he reportedly went out fishing on the French Broad River Saturday. His SUV was discovered at a pull-off area, while friends found his canoe on the shore. Family and friends told WLOS-TV yesterday they've been disappointed in what seems to be a lack off effort by emergency responders in the search.
Emergency Training Underway At Lake Junaluska
(Lake Junaluska, NC) -- Emergency training is underway at Lake Junaluska this week. WLOS-TV says around 100-people from around the state are in the region to practice skills used in various emergency situations. The COVID pandemic forced the cancellation of in-person training over the last couple of years for the All-Hazard Incident Management Team Academy.
Three Arrested After Violent Kidnapping
(Madison County, NC) -- Details are emerging about a gruesome kidnapping in Madison County. The sheriff said yesterday a person was tied down to a chair with barbed wire inside the basement of an East Fork home. The suspects also reportedly carved cross symbols into the victim's face and used a firearm for beatings. Three people were arrested, while the victim was hospitalized yesterday.
Temps Could Break Records In WNC
(Asheville, NC) -- Record high temperatures could hit western North Carolina this week. WLOS-TV says Thursday's predicted high of 78 in Asheville would be a record for February 23rd, and one of the highest temperatures ever in February. It may not feel quite that warm due to breezy conditions. A quick drop back down to 60 is expected by Friday.
Severe COVID Cases Down In Mountains
(Asheville, NC) -- COVID cases don't seem as severe in the mountains. The chief medical officer for AdventHealth told WLOS-TV this week that cases are still widespread, but trips to the ICU have been on the decline in recent weeks. The CDC reports only 16 emergency room visits combined in Buncombe and Henderson County during the latest weekly report. Flu and RSV cases have slipped as well.
Airline Adds New Stop At Asheville Airport
(Asheville, NC) -- A new route is beginning soon out of Asheville Regional Airport. Allegiant announced yesterday it's going to be flying to Phoenix this May. The airline's senior vice president called Phoenix the perfect backdrop for a getaway. Asheville Regional just recorded its highest passenger volume for one-year in 2022, which was also a nearly-30-percent jump from the year before.
Lincoln County Deputy Hit By Car
(Lincoln County, NC) -- A woman is likely facing serious charges for hitting a Lincoln County deputy with her car. The deputy was approaching two women arguing on Highway 73, when one reportedly hopped into her car and drove straight at him last night. Injuries weren't considered life-threatening, but the deputy was taken to the hospital. Investigators later found the suspect, who is expected to be charged with attempted murder.
Search For CMS Superintendent Begins
(Charlotte, NC) -- The search for a new CMS superintendent is underway. A consulting firm started what's expected to be a two-month process on Monday. A representative with the firm told WCNC they hope to find as many as six qualified candidates for the school board to consider. The school district has gone through five superintendents in the last decade.
Gastonia Man Accused Of Killing Son Now On Trial
(Gastonia, NC) -- A trial is underway in Gastonia for a man accused of killing his infant son. Robert Middleton is facing a charge of first-degree murder. The seven-week-old boy died in 2020 after suffering severe head injuries. The child's mother testified in court yesterday, with more questioning coming up today.
Carowinds Holding Job Fair
(Charlotte, NC) -- A Charlotte-area amusement park is hiring for the season. A job fair for Carowinds will last through Friday, with around 300 new employees expected to take a job. The park's employment center is open each afternoon for walk-ins, while potential workers can also apply online. This season will mark the 50th for Carowinds.
Kings Mountain Drive-In Closing
(Kings Mountain, NC) -- A business offering the old-school way to watch a movie is closing in Kings Mountain. The owners of Hound's Drive-In movie theater decided to shut down last week, which ends seven seasons of business. A Facebook post criticized Kings Mountain city council members and Cleveland County members for their lack of support.
Longest-Tenured Panther Signs For 2023
(Charlotte, NC) -- The longest-tenured player for the Panthers is returning next season. Long snapper JJ Jansen signed a one-year deal with Carolina yesterday, which guarantees he'll be back for a 15th season. Jansen has also played in 226 straight games. Frank Reich will be the fourth head coach Jansen has played under with the Panthers.
Wake County Sheriff's Office Orders More Deputies To Middle School After Threats Discovered On Social Media
(Wake County, NC) -- Additional law enforcement officers have been assigned to Wake Forest Middle School today in response to threats received on social media. That according to the school's principal, who said Monday that the threats were also made against "specific members of our school community." Meanwhile, Wake County Sheriff's investigators are still working to determine the source of the online threat.
Search Continues For Shooter Who Killed Elderly Sanford Man In His Front Yard Monday
(Sanford, NC) -- Authorities in Sanford are continuing to search for suspects in the fatal shooting of an elderly man in the front yard of his home Monday. It happened just before 2:30 p.m. on Simmons Street. Another person was shot and wounded, but is expected to survive. The victim, identified as 72-year old Joseph Thomas Smith, was transported to Central Carolina Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sanford police.
School Bus Driver Shortage Expected To Cause More Route Problems For Chapel Hill-Carboro Students Today
(Chapel Hill, NC) -- More delays and absentees are expected today, as a school bus driver crisis continues at the Chapel Hill-Carboro School District. A COVID outbreak has resulted in 24 of the schools 42 drivers being out sick. The situation has forced many parents to find alternate means of transportation to get their children to school. The District issued a statement yesterday, saying priority will be given to routes serving elementary school students and those with special needs.
Sports Betting Bill Expected To Be Introduced In North Carolina House This Week
(Raleigh, NC) -- House committees are expected to begin debate this week on the latest version of a bill that would legalize mobile sports betting in North Carolina. A similar proposal failed by just one vote during last years session. However, Governor Roy Cooper said over the weekend, that he believes there is greater bipartisan support for the proposed legislation this year. If approved, sports betting is predicted to generate between eight-and-24 million-dollars for the state.
Porch Pirates Stealing Packages At An Alarming Rate In Durham
(Durham, NC) -- Durham police are advising residents about a recent rise in porch piracy and package thefts. Figures from the month of January 2023, show at least 27-packages were reported stolen, nearly doubling the number from the same period a year ago. Law enforcement recommend customers request a signature deliver, or have packages delivered to their places of employment.
Duke Downs Louisville 79-62 At Home Last Night
(Durham, NC) -- After just one day of rest, the Duke men's basketball team was back out on the court inside Cameron Indoor Stadium last night for a dominant 79-62 win over Louisville. The Blue Devils were led by Jeremy Roach, who had 14 points and six assists and Kyle Filipowski, who had 13 points and seven rebounds. Filipowski was also named the ACC rookie of the week for the eighth time this season. Last week, he averaged 18 points. eight-and-a-half rebounds and three assists a game.