Former Administrators Sentenced Today
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Several former Buncombe County administrators are set to be sentenced in federal court today. Wanda Greene, Jon Creighton and Mandy Stone have all pleaded guilty to fraud charges in connection to a kickback scheme with a contractor for county work. That contractor is also scheduled to be sentenced today. Former county manager Greene is asking for leniency with a four-year-sentence, which has been opposed by a U.S. attorney.
Walmart Evacuated After Bomb Threat
(Weaverville, NC) -- A western North Carolina Walmart is reporting its second bomb threat this month. The store in Weaverville's Northridge Commons off I-26 was evacuated yesterday. Investigators gave the all-clear after a few hours. The store evacuated in a separate bomb threat on August 13th, which also turned out to be a false alarm.
Former Buncombe Commissioner Running For State Rep
(Henderson County, NC) -- A former Buncombe County commissioner is making another run for a state House seat. Republican Tim Moffit announced this week that he's bidding to be state representative for District 117, which includes northern Henderson County. The seat is being vacated by Republican Chuck McGrady. Moffit represented south and west Buncombe in the state House for two terms, but since moved out of that district.
Asheville OK's Bus Purchases
(Asheville, NC) -- The city of Asheville is making plans to add seven buses to its transit system. WLOS-TV says the council announced at its Tuesday meeting that it will spend just over seven-million-dollars to purchase the hybrid diesel buses over three years for Asheville Redefines Transit, or ART. About 75-percent of that comes from federal funding, with the rest being a city match.
Virginia Man Wanted For Bank Robbery
(Hendersonville, NC) -- A Virginia man is the suspect in a Hendersonville bank armed robbery. Officers are looking for Jon Johnson for holding up the TD Bank on Greenville Highway last week. He is allegedly wanted for robberies in several southeastern states.
Sub Shop Donates To Fire Department
(Alexander, NC) -- A fast food chain is helping out an Asheville-area fire department. Firehouse Subs is gifting more than 38-thousand-dollars from its public safety foundation for the purchase of a manual defibrillator and two automated defibrillators. They'll go to the French Broad Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Customers are able to donate locally by rounding up to the nearest dollar at Firehouse.
Second Suspect Charged In New Year's Day Murder
(Charlotte, NC) -- A second suspect is being charged with murder for Charlotte's first homicide of 2019. The clock had just turned over to the new year three hours before Carnis Poindexter was shot in the Derita neighborhood. One suspect was charged and arrested earlier this year for murder. The CMPD says 20-year-old Ronald Benbow was charged with murder yesterday.
Trump Schedules NC Rally
(Fayetteville, NC) -- President Trump is rallying in North Carolina next month. A "Keep America Great Again" rally begins at 7 p.m. on September 9th at the Fayetteville Regional Airport. Trump tweeted last week that he would be campaigning for ninth district congressional candidate Dan Bishop soon, but there was no mention of the race or candidate in the announcement. Trump for President's COO says the president will be celebrating his achievements and accomplishments.
Stricter Security At Monroe High After Gun Found
(Monroe, NC) -- A gun discovery is leading to stricter security at Monroe High School. A student was taken into custody yesterday after officers searched a book bag and found a loaded gun. Monroe's communications director says there will be three to five additional officers on the campus today. There were no reports of guns on the campus at all last school year.
Rivera Expects Cam To Start Season Opener
(Charlotte, NC) -- Panthers' coach Ron Rivera expects Cam Newton to be back behind center for the season opener. The quarterback suffered a foot sprain on the third drive of last week's preseason game against the Patriots. Newton was throwing the ball yesterday and held a workout. The season opener is one week from Sunday against the Rams.
Two Arrested After One Man Shot In Gastonia
(Gastonia, NC) -- Gastonia police are investigating a shooting that injured one man yesterday. Officers say two cars drove away from the scene on Newcastle Road. One driver took the victim to the hospital, while two suspects were riding in the other car. Those suspects were arrested and another is at-large. The victim was seriously injured.
Biden In Charlotte Area Today And Thursday
(Charlotte, NC) -- Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is in the area over the next two days. NBC Charlotte is reporting the former vice president will be in Charlotte tonight for a finance event. He's then scheduled to head up a town hall in Rock Hill on Thursday morning beginning at eleven. It will be held at the John W. Martin Gymnasium at Clinton College.
Johnston Co. Public Schools Superintendent Retiring
(Smithfield, NC) -- The superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools is retiring. Dr. Ross Renfrow's retirement will be effective after school today. The surprise announcement was made last evening following a special session meeting of the board of education. Renfrow's retirement comes during an investigation of the athletic department at Clayton High School which resulted in the reassignment of Clayton principal Dr. Bennett Jones.
President Trump To Hold Rally In Fayetteville
(Fayetteville, NC) -- President Trump is coming to Fayetteville. The President will hold a Keep America Great rally at Fayetteville Regional Airport next month. The rally is set for 7 o'clock in the evening on Monday, September 9th. Trump said last week that he'll be helping with Republican state Senator Dan Bishop's campaign.
Gas Leaks Reported In Johnston
(Undated) -- Everyone is expected to be okay after three gas leaks. Gas leaks were reported in Johnston, Wake and Durham counties yesterday. The one in Johnston County was caused by crews working on a widening project at N.C. Highway 42 at Buffalo Road. At least two-dozen homes had to be evacuated in Durham following a Piedmont Natural Gas leak with a firefighter needing treatment for heat exhaustion.
Advance Auto Parts Moving Corporate Headquarters
(Raleigh, NC) -- Advance Auto Parts is moving its corporate headquarters. The auto parts retailer announced yesterday it will take over nearly 220-thousand square feet over seven floors in Kane Realty's newest North Hills tower. The tower will be renamed the Advance Auto Parts tower. The move of the company's current headquarters out of office buildings off East Millbrook Road is scheduled to happen in the latter half of next year.
Man Accused Of Busting Through High Point PD Cruiser Window
(High Point, NC) -- A man is accused of smashing his head though the window of a High Point police cruiser. It happened around 6 p.m. yesterday near the intersection of West Green Drive and Trinity Avenue. Police say the suspect was driving a stolen car and then fled after crashing into another vehicle. When he was eventually taken into custody, police say he smashed out the rear window of the cruiser with his head. He is currently being treated at a hospital.
Woman Accused Of Burning House Down, Killing Pets
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- A Winston-Salem woman is under arrest after, police say, she set fire to her house while her family was still inside. It happened July 24th at a house on Ginger Drive. Police say Ella Lynn Richardson and her 69-year-old mother, Ella Cottrell Richardson, as well as their four pets, were still inside when the house burned down. Both women were seriously hurt, and all four pets died. The daughter was arrested yesterday on suspicion of arson, attempted murder and animal cruelty.
Eden City Manager Pleads Guilty To Larceny, Resigns
(Eden, NC) -- Eden city's longtime manager is resigning after pleading guilty to felony larceny charges. Stephen Corcoran worked as the city manager for about 18 years. He pleaded guilty yesterday morning in superior court. Corcoran was charged for altering his three children's timesheets over the course of several years.
Pres. Trump Plans Visit To NC
(Fayetteville, NC) -- President Donald Trump will rally supporters in North Carolina next month. The President announced yesterday he's hosting a "Keep America Great" event on September 9th at the Fayetteville airport. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will campaign at an event in Charlotte today.
High Point Man Charged With DWI After Crash
(Thomasville, NC) -- A High Point man is facing drunk driving charges after crashing into two vehicles and sending one of them into the front porch of a home. The incident unfolded around 4:30 Monday afternoon on Joe Moore Road in Thomasville. Police say two people were injured. Richard Reitzel was arrested for DWI and failure to reduce speed.