Ice Still Problem On Some WNC Roads
(Asheville, NC) -- Ice is expected to cause problems on some roads in western North Carolina again. Any areas where snow melted were expected to refreeze this morning as temperatures dropped into the teens. The state D-O-T is warning drivers to stay off those roads if possible. The agency's communications officer told WLOS-TV that more than 300 employees are working 12-hour shifts to clear things out.
State Lawmakers Could Push Back Primaries
(Raleigh, NC) -- State lawmakers will discuss the possibility of moving back primary elections again this week. The News & Observer reports Senate Republicans want to call a vote tomorrow since there's current legal battles over the newly-redrawn maps. The elections were already previously delayed from March to May. The GOP is trying to make sure there's time to redraw the maps again if the new districts get tossed.
Students Moved To Hotel After Dorm Roof Collapse
(Brevard, NC) -- Inspection crews are still checking out the site of a roof collapse on the campus of Brevard College. It happened in the middle of Sunday's winter storm at the Jones Hall dorm. WLOS-TV reports the college sent 40 residents to stay at local hotels, while the rest are bunking up with friends. There were no injuries in the roof collapse.
Man Found Dead In Canton
(Canton, NC) -- The Haywood County Sheriff's Office is investigating a death. Deputies found a 44-year-old Canton man dead late Sunday night after responding to a report of shots fired. Investigators haven't said whether or not the cause of death was from a gunshot. It's unclear if anyone is facing charges.
Asheville Gas Prices Slightly Down
(Asheville, NC) -- Gas prices are still trending slightly down in the Asheville area. Triple-A reports the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded was three-20 on Monday, which represents a penny-drop from a week ago. It's also five-cents less than mid-December. Price averages in western North Carolina are generally higher than the rest of the state.
Blood Shortage Nationwide
(Asheville, NC) -- A nonprofit serving western North Carolina says blood shortages are being felt in the region and nationwide. A partnership coordinator with The Blood Connection tells the Citizen-Times that donations are dropping amid the pandemic and winter weather. The levels the nonprofit needs to supply hospitals with could drop to 40-percent of what's needed, if current trends continue.
CMS Closes Due To Ice Problems
(Charlotte, NC) -- A number of Charlotte-area school districts are closed today due to potentially dangerous road conditions. Schools for CMS, Gaston County and Union County are among those that will be shut down. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will make the day up on February 21st. Any areas where snow or ice melted onto roads were expected to refreeze this morning as temperatures dropped into the low 20s.
COVID Testing Site Opens At Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC) -- A large COVID testing site is open at Carowinds. MAKO Medical Laboratories started heading up the operation outside the amusement park yesterday. Results are usually available within a day or two. The C-O-O of the North Carolina-based company said they care about keeping the state safe and will continue working around the clock to provide test results.
More Flights Canceled At CLT
(Charlotte, NC) -- Travelers are being urged again to watch out for flight delays in Charlotte. Over 400 flights were canceled yesterday at Charlotte Douglas International Airport due to weather-related concerns from Winter Storm Izzy. More than one-thousand were canceled on Sunday. Any passengers need to check with the airline on potential changes in their flight.
NC Primaries Could Be Delayed Again
(Raleigh, NC) -- State lawmakers will discuss the possibility of moving back primary elections again this week. The News & Observer reports Senate Republicans want to call a vote tomorrow since there's current legal battles over the newly-redrawn maps. The elections were already previously delayed from March to May. The GOP is trying to make sure there's time to redraw the maps again if the new districts get tossed.
Charlotte Emergency Shelters Close
(Charlotte, NC) -- Charlotte's weather emergency shelters are now shut down. WBTV reported 12 people showed up between four locations Sunday night, including two high schools, Central Piedmont and Crews Recreation Center. Expanded occupancy is still being offered at local homeless shelters.
Congresswoman Nominates Cam For High Award
(Charlotte, NC) -- Congresswoman Alma Adams is looking to award Cam Newton for his service in the state. Last weekend, she nominated the Panthers' quarterback for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is given out by the governor. Newton was praised for his longtime charity work in Charlotte.
Black Ice Potential Threat For Some North Carolina Roadways This Morning
(Raleigh, NC) -- Residents and businesses across central North Carolina are being warned once again watch out for black ice on roadways this morning. Lingering moisture and runoff from this weekends winter storms could still be on untreated roads, as well as bridges and overpasses. This, as overnight temperatures plunged back down into the 20's, causing several roads to re-freeze and create potentially hazardous driving conditions. No rain is in the forecast for today.
Delays And Closures For Some Central North Carolina Schools Today
(Raleigh, NC) -- Concerns over possible hazardous driving conditions have prompted a number of Triangle area school districts to either close or delay the start of classes today. They include Chatham County and Chapel Hill Carrboro city schools. Orange and Person County schools will have at-home remote and asynchronous learning today. Vance County schools will be on a two hour delay and classes at Durham County schools will be delayed for one hour. Today will also be an optional remote workday for Chapel Hill Carrboro teachers.
NC Lawmakers Expected To Vote Tomorrow To Push Back Primary Elections
(Raleigh, NC) -- Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly could take up a vote as early as tomorrow on a plan to move this year's primary election back to June. This follows a state Supreme Court order to delay the election until May, so that appeals of lower court rulings in lawsuits challenging recent redistricting maps can be heard. House and Senate Republicans have expressed concerns over not having enough time to re-draw district lines, if the courts strike down the current maps.
State Supreme Court To Hear Appeals In Redistricting Lawsuit Next Month
(Raleigh, NC) -- The North Carolina state Supreme Court has set a February 2nd date to hear arguments in an appeal of a Superior Court ruling that upheld Republican drawn Congressional and legislative district maps. In a statement released last week, the High Court said that the hearing would be virtual because of COVID. All appellant briefs must be submitted by January 28th.
City Of Durham To Vote On Pay Raises For Police And Firefighters Tonight
(Durham, NC) -- At the Durham City Council meeting tonight, members are expected to vote on a resolution that would give police and firefighters a pay raise. The vote comes after a study of 13-neighboring cities and municipalities found that salaries for Durham first responders was significantly lower. If approved, the salary of police recruits would be raised by ten-point-six percent to 42-thousand-500 dollars. New firefighter salaries would be increased by 14-point-three percent to just over 40-thousand dollars a year.