Family Says Body Of Missing Asheville Man Found
(Asheville, NC) -- The search for a missing Asheville man appears to be over. Gabriel Focaracci was last seen leaving his home in late June, while his car was discovered a couple of weeks later in McDowell County. The 20-year-old's family revealed on social media that his body was found yesterday afternoon. Details into the discovery are limited.
Jackon County SROs To Have Body Cams
(Jackson County, NC) -- Security is increasing at Jackson County public schools. WLOS-TV reports all school resource officers, in addition to all deputies, are being equipped with body cameras. Those cameras at school will only be turned on in cases of necessary intervention. A judge will rule if footage needs to be released to the public.
Madison County Superintendent Backs Rifles For Officers
(Madison County, NC) -- Madison County's superintendent is standing behind a decision to arm officers with rifles. The sheriff said this summer that all school resource officers will have AR-15 rifles, which will be locked in a safe when needed. The decision was fueled by the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas more than two-months ago. Superintendent Dr. Will Hoffman said yesterday the officers have his trust, as well as the board of education's and the public.
Buncombe County Hiring Detention Officers
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Detention officers are needed in Buncombe County. The sheriff's office held a hiring event yesterday in downtown Asheville, as nearly 30 positions need to be filled. Starting pay begins at just over 22-dollars-an-hour. A sheriff's captain told WLOS-TV that becoming a detention officer gives an employee a good chance of upward mobility for other jobs.
Pickleball Coming To Woodfin
(Asheville, NC) -- Pickleball is coming to the Woodfin community. The Citizen-Times reports two new courts are opening up for players this month, as part of a pilot program to gauge public interest. Pickleball players have recently started attending Asheville City Council meetings to gain support for the sport, but no designated park has been set aside yet. The sport is considered by some to be the fastest-growing in the country.
Haywood Sheriff Sending Armor To Ukraine
(Haywood County, NC) -- Some equipment from the Haywood County Sheriff's Office is going to help Ukraine. Commissioners approved last month to send older body armor to support the country in its battle against Russia through Samaritan's Purse. One deputy says the armor is obsolete and heavier than what's used now, but it may play a role in protecting people.
Epicentre Up For Auction Today
(Charlotte, NC) -- Charlotte's one-time entertainment hub in uptown is up for auction today. The Epicentre property is on the block today after the owners defaulted on an 85-million-dollar loan. The area opened in 2008, but recently hit struggles that were worsened by the COVID pandemic. The auction has already been delayed twice.
Charlotte Murder Suspect Killed In Officer Shooting
(Charlotte, NC) -- A Charlotte murder suspect is dead in an officer-involved shooting. The SBI revealed yesterday that the man was shot and killed after pulling a gun out on law enforcement at a Clemmons gas station last Friday. The suspect had been wanted for an alleged murder at an apartment complex in west Charlotte on August 3rd.
One Injured In Interstate Shooting
(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is investigating an interstate shooting. One person was rushed to the hospital after reportedly being shot on I-485 near Brookshire Boulevard early Monday afternoon. Injuries were considered life-threatening. Officers are looking for a suspect.
Charlotte Area Stores Fined For Overcharging
(Charlotte, NC) -- Some large stores in the Queen City are being fined for overcharging. The state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has accused the Target near Northlake Mall and four Walmarts of errors in price-scanning during the second quarter of 2022. Errors were allegedly found at more than 60 stores in 32 counties across North Carolina.
Company Adding Hundreds Of Jobs In Charlotte
(Charlotte, NC) -- A company is adding 350 jobs in Charlotte. The Bank of London announced yesterday it would open a global services and platform hub by 2026. Mayor Vi Lyles said yesterday that Charlotte continues to demonstrate it is the epicenter of where finance and technology converge. The bank will be located at One Independence Center.
County Employee Fired After Jail Smuggling
(Mecklenburg County, NC) -- A Mecklenburg County employee is accused of giving a cell phone to an inmate. Investigators say a healthcare services provider was fired yesterday for allegedly bringing contraband into the county's detention center. The sheriff said that type of illegal activity won't be tolerated.
Panthers Preparing For Preseason Game
(Charlotte, NC) -- The Panthers are preparing for the beginning of preseason play. Carolina players are preparing at Wofford College in Spartanburg ahead of Saturday's game against Washington. Coach Matt Rhule says all four quarterbacks could play in the game against the Commanders on the road.
Kenly Residents Tell City Council They Want Their Own Police Department
(Kenly, NC) -- Dozens of concerned citizens packed the city council chambers in the town of Kenly Monday night, as leaders hosted their first public hearing since the entire police department resigned two weeks ago. Mayor Tooie Hales told the crowd that police responsibilities are temporarily being handled by the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, while a committee is in the process of being formed to search for a new police chief. Former Police Chief Josh Gibson and four full-time officers resignations became effective on August 2nd. They all blamed new Town Manager Justine Jones for creating a toxic work environment.
Slain Wake County Sheriff's Deputy To Be Laid To Rest Today
(Wayne County, NC) -- Celebration of life services will be held today at Mt. Olive University's Kornegay Sports Arena for slain Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Sergeant Matthew Fishman. The 38-year old husband and father of two was shot and killed last week while attempting to serve an involuntary commitment warrant. Two other deputies were also wounded. The Wayne County Sheriff's main office will be closed today in honor of Sergeant Fishman. Also, U.S. Highway 117-northbound between Mt. Olive and Dudley, will be closed from 10:45 am until 3:00-pm today. The funeral begins at 11:00-am.
Novavax Vaccine Now Being Administered In Wake And Durham Counties
(Raleigh, NC) -- Health department clinics in both Wake and Durham counties began distributing the new Novavax COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. It is the fourth vaccine brand to be approved by the FDA and CDC. Manufactured by Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies at Research Triangle Park, the two-dose Novavax uses a protein based therapy, which doctors say also helps to prevent other diseases like Hepatitis B, the Flu and Shingles.
Cost To Completely Rename Ft. Bragg Will Be Over Six Million Dollars
(Ft. Bragg, NC) -- The Pentagon's Naming Commission says it will cost more than six-point-three-million dollars to completely change the name of Ft. Bragg to Ft. Liberty. The North Carolina army base, named in honor of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, is among nine military installations across the country that will undergo name changes by January 1st, 2024. The estimated cost to rename all nine bases is more than 21-million.
Durham County Commission Approves Six Million To Purchase Old Boys And Girls Club Building
(Durham County, NC) -- In a controversial move, the Durham County Commission on Monday, approved six-million dollars for the purchase of a building to house Bull City United. The building on Pettigrew Street, which was once the location of the Boys and Girls Club, will now become the headquarters of the violence interrupters organization that focuses on mediating and preventing gun violence. The decision to purchase the building was passed by a unanimous vote.
Five ACC Schools Named In Preseason Football's USA Today Coaches Poll
(Raleigh, NC) -- On Monday, NC State received its highest preseason football ranking in school history, by coming in at number 13-in the USA Today 2022 Preseason Coaches Poll. The ACC places a total of five teams in the coaches poll, with Clemson ranked the highest at number four, followed by Wolfpack at 13, Pittsburg at 16, Miami at 17 and Wake Forest at number 19. NC State quarterback Devin Leary has been named the ACC's 2022 preseason player of the year.
Alcohol Permits Suspended at Greensboro Bar
(Greensboro, NC) -- State alcohol law enforcement officials have suspended the alcohol permits of a local bar near after several shootings. The ABC Commission has charged Blind Tiger owner Bradford McCauley of Winston-Salem with failing to superintend and hiring unlicensed armed security. Manager Donald Beck Junior of Greensboro also was charged. The bar is also under investigation by the city's Safety Review Board.
Wake Forest Baptist Church to Dissolve
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Officials say Wake Forest Baptist Church will soon close its doors for good. Its pastor says no official shut-down date has been set for the church, which has been an influential voice in social justice issues for many years. A news release states the congregation will continue to worship on campus at Davis Chapel in the interim. The church was established in 1835 on campus, a year after the school was founded.
Universal Free School Lunches Come To An End
(Greensboro) -- School lunches will no longer be free for all students when the new school year starts in a few weeks. During the pandemic, schools provided free meals to all students in North Carolina, regardless of their family's financial status. But the federal government's most recent budget cuts involved some pandemic-related spending, including the National School Lunch Program. Families will once again have to apply to take part in the program that offers free or reduced cost meals to students.
Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation Open New Facility
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- A new facility for the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem, or AARF, is set to open Tuesday on Thurston Street. Officials say AARF's new building will provide the nonprofit group with more capacity for adoption events, dog washing facilities and more space for community events. Executive Director Mitchell Currin says in a news release they'll also be able to isolate sick animals and provide more intensive veterinary care, including future surgical procedures.
Cheapest Gas in the State Found in Greensboro
(Greensboro) - Gas prices are falling across the Triad Area, but especially in Greensboro. Industry officials say market prices fell almost 17 cents last week, and the average is 3-dollars and 72-cents per gallon in the city. That's a penny per gallon less than the average across North Carolina. On Sunday, price watchers say Shannon's Stop & Shop on West Gate City Boulevard posted gas for three-12 per gallon.