Uptown Charlotte Nightclub’s Accusations of Racism Now Going Viral

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Uptown Charlotte Nightclub’s Accusations of Racism Now Going Viral

One of Uptown Charlotte’s newest nightclubs is now in hot water after a post accusing them of racism went viral.

The post, which includes a video and picture, detailed the account of Ashley Ellis Sisco and eight of her friends who felt they were turned away from the Epicenter’s Kandy Bar due to their race.

Her post has already been shared over 71,000 times in less than 24 hours:

Several commentators on her post told of similar experiences, and pointed to the night club’s main promo video on Youtube, and the video’s seeming lack of racial diversity:

We’ve also discovered a few other instances of visitors who felt they were turned away due to their race on Yelp reviews posted before this past weekend’s events:

Read India H.‘s review of Kandy Bar on Yelp

Read M L.‘s review of Kandy Bar on Yelp

This morning Kandy Bar posted several more racially diverse images on their Twitter account:

And also Retweeted this former patron’s post:

Leslie has since gotten several dozen replies and has since posted this:

UPDATE 5:20pm: Kandy Bar Charlotte has just released this statement on their Facebook Page:

Have you ever visited the Kandy Bar?

Please let us know your experience in the comments below:

800-lb Gator Captured in South Carolina Lake

Steve
-
0
800-lb Gator Captured in South Carolina Lake

When veteran gator hunter Jonathan Smith heard rumors of a monster gator living in a South Carolina lake, he decided to take his boat out with his fiance, Melissa Davis, to see if he could find it.

They launched their boat early Saturday morning on Lake Marion for the first day of gator season. At about 3pm, Melissa spotted the massive alligator and was able to catch it with a hook and gator line. After a fight that lasted several hours, Jonathan shot the tired creature with a bow and arrow.

The 806-pound, 12 foot-10 inch alligator is now one of the largest ever caught in the state of South Carolina.

Two other recent records include a 1,025 lb alligator captured by Massachusetts woman six years ago, and a 755-pound gator captured last year – both were found on South Carolina’s Lake Marion.

Jonathan Smith now plans on stuffing his gator and donating the meat to charity.

Charlotte’s Top Dental Office Just Celebrated A Major Milestone

Steve
-
0
Charlotte’s Top Dental Office Just Celebrated A Major Milestone

skyview-dentistry-1-year-anniversarySkyview Dentistry is celebrating it’s one year anniversary in the Epicentre, a remarkable feat for any new business. The local startup went out on a limb when they chose to locate on one of the top floors of our city’s entertainment hub, but the gamble really seems to be paying off for them.

They’ve already managed to earn a spot on Elevate Lifestyle Magazine’s “Best of The City” list, and continue to maintain a perfect 5 star rating on Yelp – which is especially impressive considering how much most people hate the dentist.

Their two biggest keys to success seem to be their forward-thinking use of technology and their focus on the patient experience. Dr. Byrd’s vision for the practice was, and continues to be, to provide first class care in a relaxing and spa-like environment.

Each patient sits in a memory foam massage chairs, and can watch their favorite Netflix shows on Smart LED monitors with noise-canceling headphones. They use the latest dental technology such as low radiation digital X-rays and laser dentistry. Their high tech Solea laser allows them to fill cavities without anesthesia (the dreaded shot) and the noisy drill.

They also continue to find powerful ways to support and engage Charlotte’s local community.

Never a dull moment at the @epicentrenc 😂 #SkyviewDentistry #Epicentre #ChiuhauhaRace #wow #WeHaveAWinner

A video posted by Skyview Dentistry (@skyview.dentistry) on

Namasté and whiten your teeth! 😁 #SkyviewDentistry #EpicentreDentist #Arrichion #Fahrenheit #yelpcharlotte #YelpFitClubCLT

A photo posted by Skyview Dentistry (@skyview.dentistry) on

A night of high-end fashion, luxury cars and beautiful people. #skyviewdentistry #epicentredentist #uptowncharlotte #fashiondlux

A photo posted by Skyview Dentistry (@skyview.dentistry) on

They are now offering free teeth whitening to all first time guests, schedule an appointment or find out more on their website here.

Charlotte Area Transit System Warns Against Riding Light Rail With Samsung’s Note 7 After Fire

Steve
-
0
Charlotte Area Transit System Warns Against Riding Light Rail With Samsung’s Note 7 After Fire
via Facebook - Nathan Dornacher
via Facebook – Nathan Dornacher

Leaders at the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) have just issued a warning against any Samsung Galaxy Note 7 owners from riding on the light rail or on buses, or from being in public facilities.

The warning was issued just 1 day after the US Government issued an official public recall of all devices.

In the statement, CATS officials note:

“Safety is our number one priority. CATS strongly urges riders not to use or charge the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile device on trains, buses or at stations or facilities. CATS encourages customers to be responsible and follow the manufacturer’s advice to turn off the Galaxy Note 7. This is particularly important when riding a transit system that transports thousands of citizens daily. Thank you for being a partner in safety.”

Samsung began mailing out the phones toward the end of August – they were expected to go on sale in stores on September 2nd, but sales were halted after reports of fires began to come in.

Here is one of the many examples of the Note 7 catching fire:

If you own a Samsung Note 7, you can find out if you need to refund and exchange your phone on their website here.

Please help spread the word.

State Boundary Between North and South Carolina Might Shift – Causing Issues For Homeowners And Businesses

Katherine Miele
-
0
State Boundary Between North and South Carolina Might Shift – Causing Issues For Homeowners And Businesses

carolina boundary disputeThe state boundary between North and South Carolina around Gaston and Union Counties is now one of the most contested issues that both state legislatures are trying to resolve.

When the border was last marked, in 1772, they used rocks, cut marks in tree trunks, and fence posts, but obviously most of those landmarks are long gone.

Researchers combed through old records and century-old boundary surveys to determine where the true borders should now be, and in many places, it’s much different than where they currently are. That process was finished several years ago, but leaders still can’t figure out how to move properties from state to state without causing major headaches.

If the currently proposed state boundary passes the Senate – and then wins approval from the N.C. House, the South Carolina legislature and both states’ governors – 16 South Carolina homeowners and several businesses will find themselves in a new state.

The Lake Wylie Mini Mart is in one of the stickiest situations that would be affected by the new boundaries.

The gas station draws North Carolina customers who want to take advantage of South Carolina’s lower fuel taxes and legal fireworks laws

The new boundary falls just south of the gas station, putting it in Gaston County, a dry county that doesn’t allow beer sales in unincorporated areas.

The latest compromise that was approved by the Senate Finance Committee several weeks ago still moves the Mini Mart into North Carolina. But it would be allowed to continue charging South Carolina’s gas tax rate, and it could still sell fireworks and alcohol.

The governors of both states will have to sign the agreement before the state line change can be ratified.

For those people who will find themselves residents of a new state, there are still issues about taxes, school attendance, voting and more.

Lawmakers hope to work out a compromise within the coming weeks.

 

Charlotte Baby Born Premature At 24 Weeks Weighing Just 1lb

Steve
-
0
Charlotte Baby Born Premature At 24 Weeks Weighing Just 1lb

baby-born-prematurelyFinn Koenig is now a healthy and active miracle child. The young toddler was born last year nearly 14 weeks premature at Carolinas Medical Center – he was born after only about 24 weeks of development, weighing in at just under 1 pound.

After a routine ultrasound at 22 weeks, doctors discovered significant complications in the pregnancy and little Finn had an emergency birth at only 24 weeks.

He was quickly whisked to the neonatal intensive care nursery where the skilled staff at the Levine Children’s Hospital used the most advanced technology to keep him alive.

113 days after his premature birth, doctors felt comfortable enough to send him home, and now about 6 months later, little Finn is healthier than ever.

The Koenig family recently launched a fundraiser for the Pierces Project, a non-profit fund managed by Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation designated to support families of extremely premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Charlotte, NC.

finnsmallandbig-57b645da171a4“Hi I’m Finn and I was born as a 1lb 10oz micro preemie at 24.6 weeks in March 2015. I fought 113 days in the NICU of Levine’s Children Hospital and there is a lot to tell you about it. My parents were pretty devastated about my early exit and absolutely not prepared for my stay in the NICU. There was very little hope until someone delivered a little bag to their hospital room and ultimately gave my parents the hope that we would all leave the hospital together. You wonder who’s bag that was? It was a information package from Pierces Project. That package showed them that there is light at the end of the tunnel. From there we started our journey to discharge, and it wasn’t always a smooth ride since preemies are notoriously bad drivers. During that time we met some very special people; words cannot express the gratitude we feel for them. It was Pierces Project, the doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and other preemie parents who helped us through the tough times. The NICU is not a happy place but you can have a happy ending and the support we received played a big part in reaching that end. I hope I’m able to raise a little bit of money so that other preemies and their parents get the same support as I did. Thank you all for everything…”

If you’d like to find out more about their fundraiser, or if you’d like to donate, you can click here.

Top 10 Things To Do In Charlotte This Weekend

Steve
-
0
Top 10 Things To Do In Charlotte This Weekend

This weekend is going to be incredible! There will be tons of football, live music, carnivals, curling, and more!

Here are the top 10 things happening around the Charlotte region this weekend:

#1 Professional Bull Riding

The ‘Major Leagues’ of bull riding has picked Charlotte as one of its premier stops on the national championship circuit.

The competition will take place at the Spectrum Center (formerly known as the Time Warner Cable Arena) in Uptown Charlotte on the weekend of tonight and tomorrow night (9/16-9/17).

For more information or for tickets click here.

#2 Heart, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts & Cheap Trick

heartjoancheaptrick-coming-to-charlotte

Some of the greatest bands of the past few decades are coming to Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion tonight (9/16) at 6:30. Heart is among the most commercially enduring hard rock bands in history. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

For more info click here.

#3 5th Annual East Coast Greek Picnic 

greek-picnic-in-charlotte

The Charlotte Greek Picnic has recognized the endless possibilities to provide an experience that will centralize, revitalize and embrace all Greek-based fraternities & sororities along the east coast. The annual event creates an atmosphere to congregate, celebrate, give back, reunite and network.

For more information or for tickets click here.

#4 Cabarrus County Fair

cabarrus-county-fair

The Cabarrus County Fair is taking place this weekend – it will include all your favorite carnival rides and some of the best and weirdest foods in the region.

For more information click here.

#5 Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr & Maddie and Tae

brad-paisley-in-charlotte

One of America’s greatest country singers is coming to the PNC Music Pavilion this coming Saturday night.

For tickets or more info click here.

#6 Charlotte Roller Girls vs. Appalachian Roller Girls

charlotte-roller-girls

Tomorrow night, September 17, will be your next chance to see the hard-hitting roller derby action that the Charlotte Roller Girls bring to the Queen City.

For more info or tickets click here.

#7 Charlotte Curling Rocktoberfest

charlotte-curling-rocktoberfest

Charlotte Curling is kicking off their 2016-17 season with two weeks of Learn to Curl events! Last year, their one-day Rocktoberfest celebration was so popular that they decided to celebrate for 14 days this season – festivities will kick off this Sunday, Sept. 18th.

For more info click here.

#8 Charlotte 49ers vs. Eastern Michigan

charlotte-uncc-home-openers

Tomorrow night the Charlotte 49ers will take on Elon for their first home game of the season. Kickoff will be at 9pm.

For more info or tickets click here.

#9 Carolina Panthers vs San Francisco 49ers

panthers stadium charlotte

The Panthers will be playing their first regular season home game this coming Sunday at 1pm vs. the 49ers.

It’s expected to be in the high 80s with clear skies for kickoff so it should be a perfect day to beat San Francisco!

Tickets are still available here (starting at $69 each).

#10 National Welcoming Week Kickoff

charlotte-welcoming-week

‘Welcoming America’ is returning to Charlotte this year for a week long series of events and festivals throughout our region to celebrate ‘National Welcoming Week’.

The focus of the events is to bring awareness to other cultures living in our city, as well as to provide a more welcoming atmosphere to people from those other cultures.

This weekend the following 5 ‘welcoming’ events will be taking place:

SANGAMITHRA FOOD STALL AT INDIA FESTIVAL
SEP 17 2016 – 10:00AM TO SEP 18 2016 – 6:00PM
Charlotte, North Carolina

Festival of India is conducted every year to showcase the culture and heritage of India. Locals gather to experience and enjoy the rich history and tasty aroma of India.

LA CELEBRACIÓN DEL ESPIRITÚ

SEP 17 2016 – TO 3:00PM

Charlotte, North Carolina

Join LaCa Projects and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

THE 22ND FESTIVAL OF INDIA
SEP 17 2016 – 12:00PM TO SEP 18 2016 – 12:00PM
Charlotte, North Carolina

Prepare to be dazzled by the richness of Indian Culture! For the last twenty years this event has drawn thousands of visitors from the Charlotte area. This is a great family event where students will find the event educational while adults will find it entertaining.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN STREET FOOD FESTIVAL

SEP 17 2016 – 12:00PM TO 6:00PM

Charlotte, North Carolina

The 3rd annual Southeast Asian Street Food Festival is a grassroots community event. Foodies, family, and community members can attend this event for free. Come hungry! All proceeds benefit the SEAC youth program, which serves low-income youth development in Charlotte.

OURBRIDGE OPEN HOUSE AND INTERNATIONAL POTLUCK

SEP 18 2016 – 3:30PM TO 7:30PM

Charlotte, North Carolina

We will celebrate Welcoming Week with the families of over 70 refugee and immigrant children! Join us for our traditional international potluck and Open House while learning about ourBRIDGE for KIDS after school and summer programs.

If you think other events should be on this list or future lists, let us know – Scott@CharlotteStories.com

Cabarrus County’s Largest Building Permit Was Just Issued For A Massive New Solar Farm

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Cabarrus County’s Largest Building Permit Was Just Issued For A Massive New Solar Farm

midlands solar farmCabarrus County’s largest building permit this summer was for a massive new solar array to be built in in Midland, NC.

It will be the county’s first large-scale solar farm, and one of the largest in the state.

Strata Solar LLC was issued a $3.5 million building permit for a 95.5 acre solar panel installation on a piece of land that was previously zoned for agriculture.

The new farm will produce 22 megawatts, enough energy to fully power about 3,000 homes per year. This clean energy will offset more than 1 billion total pounds of CO2 in our atmosphere.

They project that the farm will last at least 50 years without needing major repairs and upgrades.

Please share;

New Laws Effective October 1st Give Cyclists More Freedom and Safety in Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
-
0
New Laws Effective October 1st Give Cyclists More Freedom and Safety in Charlotte
via Richard Masoner
via Richard Masoner

A new North Carolina law, effective on October 1st, will give cyclists more freedom and motorists more clarity as to how to share the road with bikes.

The following is included in North Carolina’s new HB959 (House Bill 959):

  • Cyclist may use full lane
  • Vehicles can legally pass on a double solid line
  • Vehicles must give 4 feet when passing or it’s considered Reckless Driving

 

The new bill came about after groups like BikeWalk NC put increased pressure on state legislature to make cycling safer throughout the sate – especially given the fact that an average of 19 cyclists die and more than 600 are hurt on North Carolina streets and highways each year.

As the law currently stands, if the center line is solid white or double yellow, drivers who pass cyclists would be passing illegally.

On Oct. 1, the state law will change so drivers will have the ability to pass slower-moving bicycles or mopeds in no-passing zones – as long as the motorist gives at least 4 feet of space to the cyclist.

The new bill also includes stiffer penalties, higher fines, and a greater chance of losing your driver’s licence for violations against cyclists.

ACC Canceling Charlotte’s Football Championship Due To HB2

Steve
-
0
ACC Canceling Charlotte’s Football Championship Due To HB2
via Flickr user 'antisocialdalek'
via Flickr user ‘antisocialdalek’

The ACC has just released a statement saying they will be pulling all their neutral site championships out of the state of North Carolina because of House Bill 2 (HB2). This includes moving the ACC championship football game that was set to be played at the Bank of America Stadium on December 3rd.

This would have been Charlotte’s 6th year of hosting the game, and it was set to be played in the Queen City every year through 2019 (and most were hoping that it would continue even beyond that).

In their official statement they note, “As members of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the ACC Council of Presidents reaffirmed our collective commitment to uphold the values of equality, diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination. Every one of our 15 universities is strongly committed to these values and therefore, we will continue to host ACC Championships at campus sites. We believe North Carolina House Bill 2 is inconsistent with these values, and as a result, we will relocate all neutral site championships for the 2016-17 academic year. All locations will be announced in the future from the conference office.”

North Carolinians on both sides of HB2 are furious at the announcement. Many who want the HB2 law changed feel that punishing citizens isn’t the way to go.

The Panthers even released a statement which basically says that they’ve always allowed transgender individuals to use the bathroom which they identify with, and that they will continue to stand against discrimination of all forms at the Bank of America stadium:

Those who don’t want to see any changes made to HB2 are even more upset at the ACC leaving.

The NC Values Coalition just released the following statement: “Today there are too many politicians willing to abandon their closely held beliefs and principles in the face of adversity. People want leaders who will stand up for what is right. How much is it worth to prevent the sexual assault of one little girl in a public bathroom or locker room? That is the question that State Senator Tamara Barringer ought to ask herself. North Carolina has stopped a dangerous local government trend to sacrifice the safety, dignity, and privacy of our children in public bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers just to advance a progressive sexual agenda. The ACC and NCAA announcements are an attempt to force the State of North Carolina to sacrifice our children’s safety on the altar of political correctness, and legislators who voted to stop this trend should think twice before they abandon our children.”

We posted a poll on our Twitter, and so far, out of 600 votes, 45% agree with them leaving, and 55% think the ACC should stay:

Do you think the ACC should pull out? Please comment below with your thoughts:

1...1,2601,2611,262...1,314Page 1,261 of 1,314