Haywood Schools Requesting More Money
(Haywood County, NC) -- A western North Carolina school system is looking for more money from the state. The superintendent for Haywood County says the district is lacking around two-million-dollars as enrollment numbers have dropped by 600 in just few years. WLOS-TV says the superintendent is drafting a bill that would secure funding. He added that there might be a decline of potentially 30 teachers while the budget remains this tight.
Asheville Sends Letter Detailing Plans For Tourists
(Asheville, NC) -- Plans are falling into place to keep Asheville's minor league baseball team in town. The High-A organization was informed that it needed to provide Major League Baseball with financial plans to renovate its stadium by this spring, or risk losing the Tourists in Asheville. WLOS-TV reports the city manager sent a letter to the league late last month, detailing the improvements to McCormick Field. Both Asheville and Buncombe County recently agreed to spend money for the renovations.
Spivey Mountain Land Considered For Park Use
(Buncombe County, NC) -- A new park in Buncombe County could be on the horizon. WLOS-TV reports the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is securing funds for 340-acres on Spivey Mountain. The idea is to then donate the land to the county. Buncombe's commission board will vote on a measure to pursue creating a park later this month.
Rock Slide Causes Part Of BRP Closure
(Buncombe County, NC) -- A part of the Blue Ridge Parkway affected by a rock slide in Buncombe County is clear. The National Park Service closed down the parkway between mile posts 393 through 405 yesterday to clean up the mess. No injuries or damages were reported from the slide. BRP's website shows the road closure is no longer in place.
Free Trolley Begins For Asheville's River Arts District
(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville's main arts organization is offering a limited-time trolley in downtown. Arts AVL is partnering with Gray Line Asheville to provide a free ride through the River Arts District. It will be available afternoons and evenings on second Saturdays. The trolley's first day was this past weekend.
Uses Of Asheville Primary School Discussed
(Buncombe County, NC) -- County leaders in Buncombe County are looking into possibilities for an old school. Asheville Primary is currently being used to house the maintenance department and for storage. There are active discussions on turning part of the school into a temporary mobile EMS base. A feasibility study will be completed.
One Dead In East Charlotte Homicide
(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is investigating a homicide in east Charlotte. Officers found a woman dead at the Stone Gate Apartment Complex on Southwood Oaks Lane yesterday. There's no word on how she may have died. A male was detained at the scene.
More Than Dozen Injured In CATS Bus Wreck
(Charlotte, NC) -- Police are piecing together details from a wreck involving a Charlotte Area Transit System bus. MEDIC told WSOC-TV that 15 people were sent to the hospital after a crash at Oakland and Statesville avenues Sunday morning. Most of the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Charlotte-Area Pharmacy To Pay Settlement
(Indian Trail, NC) -- A Charlotte-area pharmacy is facing a large settlement. Medcare Clinic and Pharmacy in Indian Trail was recently ordered to pay a more than 200-thousand-dollar fine. The business was accused of looking for Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements after writing fake prescriptions. Two former employees reportedly informed the government.
Sewage Spills Into Lincoln County Creek
(Lincoln County, NC) -- Lincoln County's health department is advising residents to stay out of area creeks. The notice went out after it was revealed Forney Creek along Little Egypt road was contaminated with 45-hundred gallons of sewage. The water will be tested until it is deemed safe.
Morganton Crews Removing Invasive Trees
(Morganton, NC) -- The city of Morganton is removing a handful of invasive trees. Electric department crews will spend the next couple of weeks taking out Bradford Pears around the Catawba River Soccer Complex and at Gene Turner Field. Shade trees will be planted in their place as a result.
Hornets Win Last Game Of Season
(Charlotte, NC) -- The season is a wrap for the Hornets. Yesterday's 106-to-95 win at Cleveland snapped a four-game losing streak to end the year. Charlotte took two-dozen three-point shots before making one in the game. The Hornets finished with 27 wins and 55 losses, which landed the team in next-to-last place for the Eastern Conference.
Victim Of Grocery Store Stabbing In Raleigh Dies From His Injuries
(Raleigh, NC) -- Police in Raleigh are reporting a man who was stabbed multiple times inside a downtown grocery store last week, has died. Authority confirmed that 27-year old Mark Garrity Jr. passed away over the weekend in the hospital. Investigators say Garrity was stabbed by the owner of Taz's convenience store on Wilmington Street last Thursday, after he was reportedly accused of stealing. There is still no word on whether any charges will be filed. The case remains under investigation.
Man Who Waved Gun At Walmart Customers In Goldsboro Facing Multiple Charges
(Goldsboro, NC) -- A Goldsboro man is facing several charges after he was arrested for threatening customers at a Walmart store. It happened around 3:30 pm Saturday at the store's location on North Spence Avenue. Police say the suspect, 24-year old Keyontae Toomer, pointed a handgun at several people and then tried to flee the scene in his vehicle. There were no injuries. Toomer was later taken into custody and charged with armed to terrorize the public, assault by pointing a gun, child abuse and carrying a concealed weapon. Bond was set at 15 thousand dollars.
Elderly Man Drowns While Working On Beaver Dam In Johnston County
(Johnston County, NC) -- Authorities in Johnston County are investigating an apparent drowning. It happened Sunday afternoon just east of Archer Lodge. Neighbors told sheriff's deputies that the victim, described as an elderly man in his 80's, went to check on an earthen beaver dam when he disappeared under water. His body was later discovered near the area of the dam where he was last seen. Foul play is not suspected.
Patrons Of The Arts Warned To Prepare For A Possible Broadway Theatre Actors Strike
(Durham, NC) -- Theatre goers of the Durham Performing Arts Center and at locations across the country, are being warned about a possible strike if contract negotiations can't be worked out this week. According to the Actors Equity Association and the Broadway League, negotiations are continuing over higher per diem rates to cover the rising cost of housing, food, travel and the overall production of Broadway theatre shows. The Actors Equity union represents around 51 thousand actors, stage managers, producers and other personnel nationwide.
Scotland County Glass Manufacturing Plant Planning 86-Million Dollar Expansion
(Scotland County, NC) -- An Ohio based glass manufacturing company has announced plans to invest nearly 87-million dollars to expand its operations in Scotland County. Pilkington North America, supplies glass and glazing systems for the automotive and architectural industries. Company leaders say the investment into the Laurinburg plant will upgrade equipment and infrastructure, as well as improve safety and production speed.
League Of Legends Ends Two-Day eSports Championship Series In Raleigh
(Raleigh, NC) -- Thousands of eSports fans from around the world crowded the PNC Arena yesterday, for the second day of competitions for the League of Legends Championship Series Spring Finals. The event featured teams of five players who battled it out virtually in a best-of-five. In the end, Cloud 9 beat the Golden Guardians three games to one. Organizers estimated the event had an economic impact of around one-point-six million dollars on the local economy.