High Winds Hit WNC, AVL Looks at Tourism Dollar Shift,Shoe Thief on the Run

State Continues To Urge Residents In Coronavirus Preparations

(Raleigh, NC) -- The state is asking North Carolinians to continue planning for the possibility of a coronavirus outbreak. There are around 60 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S., but none in North Carolina. The state's health services department is coordinating with the CDC, as well as state and local partners, to prepare for a potential spread. President Trump called the risk low yesterday, crediting travel restrictions in place. He's also put Vice President Pence in charge of the national response.

No Body Found In Search For Missing Toddler In NC

(Wilkes County, NC) -- The search for a missing 15-month-old girl from Tennessee is continuing after the investigation moved into North Carolina yesterday. Evelyn Boswell has been missing from her home in Blountville, Tennessee since December but was only reported missing last week. Crews searched a pond near the Shepherd Crossroads community in Wilkes County yesterday, but the sheriff said it was inconclusive. The girl's mother Megan Boswell has been arrested for allegedly lying to police.

No Charges For Former Asheville High Principal

(Asheville, NC) -- The case is closed against a former Asheville High principal. Jesse Dingle was placed on administrative leave in mid-December after being accused of a sex offense with an adult. The Asheville Police Department told the Citizen-Times yesterday that investigators and the DA's office decided not to charge him. Dingle resigned after the investigation began.

City Officials Consider Shift Tourism Funds

(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville city officials are looking at the possibility of shifting tourism funding. Mayor Esther Manheimer said this week it might be a good idea to use tourism-related money for things like infrastructure or transit improvements. Asheville's six-percent hotel room tax pulls in around 25-million-dollars a year, which goes back into tourism promotion and other local profits that generate tourism. A change in how the money is allocated would take help from state lawmakers.

Thief Steals Shoes Worth Thousands

(Asheville, NC) -- A suspect is on the loose with three pairs of expensive shoes stolen from an Asheville store. Investigators say a masked man robbed an employee of Sole 82 at gunpoint on Tuesday night. The man got away with three pairs of Travis Scott special edition Nike SB Dunk Lows. The price tag comes in at a hefty 72-hundred dollars.

Expect High Winds Today In WNC

(Asheville, NC) -- Snow is leaving the mountains this morning, but the cold is here to stay for a few days. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for a handful of counties in western North Carolina until noon. The biggest impact today will be high wind combined with cold temperatures across the region. Gusts are expected to reach 40 and 50-miles-an hour throughout the day.

NBA Suspends Hornets' Guard

(Charlotte, NC) -- The NBA is suspending Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk. The league announced yesterday Monk violated its anti-drug program, but gave no specific details on the infractions. He averages just over ten points and almost three rebounds per game. The Hornets' organization said they don't condone his behavior, but will support him during this time. He won't return until the NBA deems he is in compliance with its policies.

CMPD Urging Gun Owners To Be Responsible

(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is continuing to urge gun owners to be responsible. The department told WBTV this week that over 100 of the 250 stolen guns seized so far this year have been taken out of cars. Gun owners are encouraged to place their weapon in a safe or lock box, even if you have to leave it in a car. Violent and repeat offenders are most likely to use stolen guns when committing a crime.

NASCAR's Newman Returns To Racing Shop After Injury

(Concord, NC) -- Roush Fenway Racing is welcoming back NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. He made a visit to the team shop in Concord yesterday, where the crew gave him a standing ovation. It was the first time Newman stopped by Roush Fenway since he suffered an injury in the Daytona 500 on February 16th. There's no timetable for his return to the track.

Iredell Deputies Looking For Car In Road Rage Shooting

(Mooresville, NC) -- Investigators are continuing to look for a car involved in a Mooresville road rage shooting. The suspect shot a man in the abdomen after he pulled into a random driveway on Cornelius Road on Sunday. The Iredell County Sheriff's office released a photo of the suspect's car yesterday, which deputies say is a silver 2008 or newer Kia Forte. The victim is in stable condition after having surgery for serious injuries.

Two Area Chefs Nominated For James Beard Award

(Charlotte, NC) -- Two Charlotte-area men are on a short list for the award for best chef in the southeast. Greg Collier and Joe Kindred are two of 20 semifinalists for the 2020 James Beard Foundation Award. Collier is chef and owner of Uptown Yolk in Charlotte, while Kindred is owner of his namesake restaurant, Kindred, in Davidson. The winners of Best Chef Southeast and other categories will be announced on May 4th in Chicago.

Republicans Issue Urgent Plea For Appeals Court To Rule On Voter ID Law

(Raleigh, NC) -- A group of Republican lawmakers have asked that the North Carolina Court of Appeals immediately hear arguments over the state's controversial 'Voter ID' law. The request is for the judges to issue a ruling on whether the law can be enforced, while a suit challenging its constitutionality is ongoing. Earlier this month, a three-judge state superior court panel ruled that the law should have been blocked a year ago due to its intent to harm African American voters.

Husband To Appear At Hearing On Blunt Force Trauma Beating Death Of Wife

(Nash County, NC) -- A man charged with capital murder in the death of his wife is scheduled to appear before a Nash County judge today. Rexford Lynn Keel is accused of killing 38-year old Diana Keel by use of blunt force trauma and stabbing. The woman was first reported missing last March. Her body was found about a week later in a wooded area near Tarboro. An autopsy report said the cause of death was extensive skull fractures and multiple stab wounds.

New Multi-Use Development Inside RTP Announced

(Durham County, NC) -- Plans for the redevelopment of parts of the Research Triangle Park were unveiled Wednesday. The 'Hub RTP' will be a multi-use community inside the park that will include retail, residential and office space, as well as a four-star hotel. The more than 200-existing businesses inside the park have agreed to pay a special tax to help finance the project. Durham County will contribute about 20-million.

Teen Pleads Guilty To Shooting Deputy During Fight

(Harnett County, NC) -- A North Carolina teenager has pleaded guilty to attempted murder charges in connection with the shooting of a Harnett County sheriff's deputy two years ago. Eighteen-year-old Mario Garza was accused of shooting Corporal James Cook in the face while the officer was attempting to arrest him in 2018. The officer had to undergo several surgeries after the shooting. Garza is expected to be sentenced to between 13-and-16 years in prison.

Treasurer For Meat Packers Union Sentenced To Prison For Stealing Dues

(Tar Heel, NC) -- The former secretary treasurer of the Smithfield Foods Union in North Carolina has been ordered to spend the next six months in prison. Forty-nine-year-old Terry Slaughter was accused of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars in union dues and spending the money on things like guns, electronics, groceries and furniture. Slaughter pleaded guilty to the charges last year. He's also been ordered to pay back over 63-thousand dollars.

No Body Found In Search For Missing Toddler In NC

(Wilkes County, NC) -- The search for a missing 15-month-old girl from Tennessee is continuing after the investigation moved into Wilkes County yesterday. Evelyn Boswell has been missing from her home in Blountville, Tennessee since December but was only reported missing last week. Crews searched a pond near the Shepherd Crossroads community yesterday, but the sheriff said it was inconclusive. The girl's mother Megan Boswell has been arrested for allegedly lying to police.

Bernie Rallies In Winston-Salem Today

(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Bernie Sanders is bringing his campaign to Winston-Salem this morning. The Democratic presidential candidate will be at the C.E. Gaines Center at Winston-Salem State University for a rally ahead of Super Tuesday. Doors open at ten this morning for the 11:30 event. The Vermont Senator visited Goldsboro yesterday. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar will be at a rally this afternoon in Raleigh.

Triad Schools Prepare For Potential Coronavirus Spread

(Guilford County, NC) -- Schools in the Triad are taking proper precautions in case of a coronavirus outbreak. Guilford County Schools told FOX8 that the district will advise principals weekly on possible signs and symptoms. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools officials are soon expected to meet with the health department. North Carolina's health services department is coordinating with the CDC, as well as state and local partners, to prepare for a potential spread.

Suspect Accused Of Assaulting Pastor

(High Point, NC) -- A suspect is facing charges for allegedly assaulting a pastor in High Point. Investigators say Grosjieon [[ grow-shawn ]] Moore was attacked while working at the homeless shelter for Open Door Ministries last Friday. He was flown to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to be treated for several facial fractures. The suspect was arrested for assault on Tuesday.

Dash Extend Safety Nets At Stadium

(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Minor league baseball fans are expected to be a little safer from the dangers of foul balls at BB&T Ballpark this season. The Winston-Salem Dash announced yesterday that 40-foot high safety netting has been extended to cover all fixed seats down the first and third-base lines. Team President C.J. Johnson says they're focused on providing a safe and fun experience for the fans. The first home game of the 2020 season is April 16th.


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