State of Emergency Declared As Thousands of Acres Continue To Burn Across The Carolinas

Charlotte Stories
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State of Emergency Declared As Thousands of Acres Continue To Burn Across The Carolinas

Western North Carolina is battling a growing wildfire emergency just months after Hurricane Helene’s historic floods ravaged the region.

In Polk County, more than 5,700 acres have burned across multiple wildfires, including the rapidly expanding Black Cove Complex fires, which alone have scorched over 5,500 acres since Wednesday. As of late Monday, the fires were 0% contained.

At least three homes and several other structures have been destroyed, prompting mandatory evacuations across affected areas.

Polk County just released the following map, detailing the evacuation zones:

Emergency crews face additional challenges from leftover debris and damaged roads caused by Helene’s impact in September. The storm left extensive treefall and flooding, complicating access and firefighting efforts.

Currently, 263 firefighters from North Carolina and eight other states are working 12-hour shifts to stop the spread. Meanwhile, fire officials warn that the nearby Table Rock Complex Fire in South Carolina has grown to 2,293 acres and is expected to reach North Carolina soon.

That blaze, which had also been 0% contained as of Monday evening, has burned across the southern slopes of Rocky Mountain and Buzzard Mountain and neared the northern edge of Table Rock Reservoir.

A state of emergency has been declared in Transylvania County, North Carolina, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has also declared a state of emergency for the Table Rock Fire.

Large portions of Western North and South Carolina are also now under a red flag warning:

With containment still elusive, officials are urging residents in fire-prone areas to stay alert and be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari Selected by Trump To Become Deputy Admin of FTA

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari Selected by Trump To Become Deputy Admin of FTA

Charlotte City Councilmember Tariq Bokhari has just been selected by the Trump Administration to become the new deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration – the second highest position at the FTA.

The FTA, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, manages federal transit funding and infrastructure grants.

Bokhari, one of two Republicans on the council, has represented southern Charlotte’s District 6 since 2017.

Known for his disruptive approach and tech-focused ideas, he founded the Carolina Fintech Hub and has consistently advocated for road improvements, law enforcement, and homelessness solutions, often in unconventional means. He proposed a possible tunnel under Charlotte, built by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company, and installing bulletproof shields on city buses.

He often challenged Charlotte’s transit planning process, pushing for transparency and a greater focus on road funding. Perhaps his biggest accomplishments was securing a provision to allocate 40% of new tax revenue toward roads.

Though frequently at odds with city leadership on transportation, Bokhari now takes on a key federal role that could shape the future of transit projects in Charlotte and beyond.

We don’t yet know who will fill his seat on the City Council, but according to State law, it has to be filled by someone from the same political party.

Mountain Island Lake: The Hidden Gem in Charlotte’s Crown

Brian Formato
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Mountain Island Lake: The Hidden Gem in Charlotte’s Crown

Summertime in Charlotte can be quite hot.  Many escape to neighborhood pools, skip town for the beach or head to local lakes.  What might surprise you is that the only lake in the city of Charlotte is the least well known of the three area lakes, Mountain Island Lake.  When people talk about Charlotte’s lakes, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie garner all of the attention. There is a third lake that is in between the other two.

Mountain Island Lake was created first of the three manmade area lakes.  In 1924 the Catawba river was dammed up in Mount Holly, NC to provide hydro power.  This created Mountain Island Lake.  At the southern end of the lake a land mass with some elevation remained above the water level, thus naming the lake Mountain Island after the small island.  Mountain Island lake has 61 miles of shoreline is about 14 miles from end to end.  It serves as the drinking water for the city of Charlotte with the main water intake along the eastern shore of the lake.  Because it supplies the drinking water, the lake has several restrictions.  There are no commercial buildings, no marinas, and no restaurants along the lake.  Much of the shoreline is comprised of nature preserve.  There are additional restrictions on boat sizes on the lake as well. All of this contributes to the pristine nature of Mountain Island Lake.  It is great for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and wake sports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and the latest craze, wakefoiling.  Duke Energy’s Riverbend Steam Station graced the shore of the lake until 2012 when it was retired.  The coal ash ponds were cleaned up and the entire plant was removed.  As a result, Mountain Island Lake is the only area lake without a powerplant, adding to the tranquility of the lake.

There are three public boat ramps on the lake, several kayak/paddleboard put-ins and lots of nature to explore.  Historic Latta Plantation consumes a good section of shoreline and offers visitors access to the lake.  While there are no public swimming beaches there are plenty of places to picnic, fish and hang out along the shore.

Summer weekends can get pretty busy on the lake with boaters congregating at the Mountain Island Sandbar, in Rock Cove and in a cove off Latta Plantation.  A cruise north past the sandbar provides a great ride “up-river” where the lake narrows as it leads to the 73 Sam Furr bridge and the dam to Lake Norman.

There are only a handful of waterfront communities along the shore of Mountain Island Lake making it quite exclusive.  With uptown Charlotte only 10 miles away and the airport less than 15 minutes away, Mountain Island lake offers resort living in very close proximity to the city and major highways.  With Charlotte’s population on the rise, the Mountain Island Lake area has also grown, but not as quickly as other parts of Charlotte making it a great area for prospective home buyers looking for lake living options.

As a resident of Mountain Island Lake for the past sixteen years it still surprises me that so few Charlotteans even know the lake exists.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  The area has seen significant development over the past several years with Corning Optical Communication building their new headquarters in the area along with Riverbend Village that features a flagship Harris Teeter.

With limited lake access and few waterfront homes, Mountain Island Lake provide exclusive lake living.  The premiere neighborhood on the lake is the Overlook which is a 400+ home community that was developed by Crescent in the late 1990s.  The Overlook features 70+ waterfront lots, a private boat ramp, community docks, a boat storage lot, kayak/SUP racks and several other amenities for boaters.  The neighborhood has a large pool, tennis courts, a soccer field, two playgrounds, miles of walking trails, a club house, swim team and monthly community activities.  Because there is only one road in and out of the Overlook community, it is a very safe place for kids to ride their bikes throughout the community and to activities.

Additional neighborhoods include Mountain Island Harbor, Stonewater, Mountain Pointe and Preservation Point.  There are also active lifestyle 55+ communities that include the Polo Club at Mountain Island Lake and Imagery.

The allure of living on a pristine lake within easy commuting distance of a major city and airport, have made Mountain Island Lake an ideal place to raise a family.  What I love most about the lake is the tranquility.  The only thing that might beat watching a beautiful sunset over the lake is a sunrise paddle board venture to start the day.  Blue herring, turtles, deer, eagles and bass are just some of the amazing wildlife that can be seen along the lake.  Calling Mountain Island Lake home is special. There is a great sense of community and the lake has served as a great uniter of the various neighborhoods that grace the shores.

If you have not had the opportunity to visit Mountain Island Lake, I highly recommend a visit.

Panthers Raising Ticket Prices Yet Again, Despite Being Horrible At Football

Charlotte Stories
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Panthers fans are about to face yet another hike in prices for the upcoming season.

Non-premium season tickets will increase by about 6% for the 2025 season (that doesn’t include the nosebleed seats, which will still be about $510 for the season).

The team finished 5-12 in 2024—its seventh consecutive losing season—and hasn’t reached the playoffs since the 2017-18 campaign. Since David Tepper purchased the team in 2018, the Panthers have compiled a 36-80 record.

While some fans may be frustrated by the increase, the Panthers aren’t alone. About 80% of NFL teams that have released pricing information so far have also raised their ticket prices for 2025.

Last season, the Panthers ranked 20th in the NFL for non-premium ticket pricing, a position expected to remain steady this year.

Despite those numbers, the Panthers reported one of the league’s highest season ticket renewal rates in 2024. To reward continued loyalty, the team is rolling out a new PSL Owner Member Benefits Plan for 2025. The plan promises exclusive access, upgraded perks, and personalized features for PSL holders.

The deadline to renew season tickets is May 1.

Registration Now Open for 24th Year of 24 Hours of Booty

Charlotte Stories
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Registration Now Open for 24th Year of 24 Hours of Booty

Registration is now open for the 24th year of 24 Hours of Booty, the signature non-competitive cycling and walking event hosted by 24 Foundation.

This year’s 24 Hours of Booty presented by Levine Cancer Institute will take place from 7 p.m. Friday, July 25 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26 on the “Booty Loop” in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood.

“Join us as we make the twenty-fourth year of 24 Hours of Booty the most impactful yet! Whether you ride, walk, volunteer, or sponsor, your participation helps change the course of cancer,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “We are excited to bring our community together to ride, stride, and celebrate hope, healing, and connection for everyone affected by cancer.”

All cycling and walking participants must register (individually or with a team) online at 24foundation.org. The following are the registration and fundraising requirements:

  • Adult Riders/Walkers (ages 18+): Pay a $75 registration fee and raise a minimum of $400
  • Youth Riders/Walkers (ages 12-17): Pay a $75 registration fee and raise a minimum of $200
  • Child Riders (ages 8-11) and Walkers (ages 4-11): Pay a $50 registration fee and raise a minimum of $50
  • Virtual “UnLooped” registration is $45 for adults and $25 for children (11 and under); no fundraising minimum

Registered in-person participants receive the following: online fundraising tools, access to templates and fundraising ideas, fundraising level incentives, an event T-shirt, full bike and medical support, entertainment, as well as meals, snacks and drinks throughout the event.

24 Hours of Booty is not a race or an endurance event, allowing participants to set their own mileage goals and take breaks as needed. Riders and walkers can get on and off the police-secured course as much as they would like throughout the 24 hours. Child riders (ages 8-11) are permitted on the course during the Survivor Lap (with a parent or guardian) and from 12-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.

Myers Park Traditional School and Queens University of Charlotte will again serve as home to the event headquarters – known as “Bootyville” – where participants camp, eat and recharge when not out on the course.

In the past 24 years, 24 Foundation event participants have raised more than $29 million to support local and national cancer navigation and survivorship programs and services. Local cancer beneficiaries include Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, and several other organizations that are committed to helping those affected by cancer survive and thrive throughout their cancer journey and beyond. For more information, visit 24foundation.org.

Growing NC Wildfires Prompt FEMA Response and Expanded Evacuations

Charlotte Stories
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Growing NC Wildfires Prompt FEMA Response and Expanded Evacuations

Evacuation orders have now increased in North Carolina as several wildfires continue to grow.

Federal firefighting teams, including 25 personnel flown in from Oregon, arrived Saturday to assist local crews in Polk County, North Carolina. The growing emergency prompted the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to declare the 2,000-acre Black Cove Fire zero percent contained as of Sunday.

The Black Cove Fire began last Wednesday in the Green River Gorge, quickly spreading due to dry conditions and steep terrain. Polk County declared a state of emergency that same day. This morning the slight rainfall is helping a bit with the fires, but the rain is expected to be short lived.

Gov. Josh Stein announced Sunday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a grant to support the state’s wildfire response. The funding will help with suppression costs and resource coordination.

Evacuation orders expanded Sunday to include five more roads near the fire zone, as Polk County Emergency Management worked to protect nearby communities.

Officials have still not confirmed any injuries or fatalities from the wildfires.

NC Drug Smuggling Operation Finds Over 50 Lbs of Marijuana, Piles of Cash, and a Gun

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NC Drug Smuggling Operation Finds Over 50 Lbs of Marijuana, Piles of Cash, and a Gun

A week-long drug trafficking crackdown along North Carolina’s I-95 has resulted in seven arrests, major drug seizures, and the recovery of a firearm, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

The coordinated operation, which began Monday, focused on the stretch of I-95 between the Virginia state line and the Halifax/Nash county line, just north of Raleigh. The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office led the effort, working closely with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

Each day, 10 to 12 officers from the three agencies patrolled the busy interstate. Over the five days, traffic stops led to the seizure of more than 50 pounds of marijuana, $230,339 in cash, and a gun. Seven individuals were taken into custody. Their charges ranged from state-level offenses to federal crimes, including one arrest made on a warrant from the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office thanked its partner agencies for their support, including the North Carolina Department of Revenue, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, who all provided assistance throughout the operation.

Police Called On Gastonia Man Squirting Clear Liquid Out of Syringe at Walmart Shoppers

Charlotte Stories
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Police Called On Gastonia Man Squirting Clear Liquid Out of Syringe at Walmart Shoppers

This afternoon police were called to the Walmart on Myrtle School Road after at least 3 shoppers were hit with a mysterious clear liquid that a Gastonia man in pjs was shooting out of a syringe.

Police were called to the scene just after 12pm this afternoon.

Here is the audio about the incident from a police scanner:

Crystal Smith, who was shopping inside the Myrtle School Rd. Walmart at the time was able to quickly snap this image of the suspect:

Police have not yet responded for our request for further information.

We will update this article when we find out more.

Loch Norman Highland Games Returning To The Charlotte Area Next Month

Charlotte Stories
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Loch Norman Highland Games Returning To The Charlotte Area Next Month

The 31st annual Loch Norman Highland Games are returning to Lake Norman (Loch Norman) next month for their 31st anniversary.

The festivities will take place at Historic Rural Hill from April 12–13, bringing a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture to the Charlotte area.

The festival blends traditional Scottish athletic competitions, music, dance, food, and history for a weekend of entertainment and education.

Originating in ancient Ireland around 2000 BC and carried into Scotland by migrating Scotti tribes, Highland Games are among the oldest cultural traditions in the world. The Loch Norman event honors this heritage with a full lineup of traditional “heavy events” like the hammer throw, tug-of-war, and caber toss, as well as competitive Highland dancing and piping.

Other activities will include:

  • Scottish clan society exhibits

  • Longbow and blowgun ranges

  • Battle axe throwing

  • Kilted running races

  • Historical reenactments and hearth cooking

  • Whiskey tastings, NC beer and wine

  • A lively Celtic rock stage and traditional music performances

  • A Sunday church service and educational talks on Scottish history

  • A giant kid’s zone with games and family-friendly fun

Dozens of Celtic-themed vendors and food trucks will be on site offering Scottish fare and unique crafts. As always, organizers encourage community participation, with several competitions and events open to the public.

Located just north of Charlotte, Historic Rural Hill provides a picturesque setting for the event, with rolling fields and lake views creating the perfect backdrop for a weekend immersed in Scottish tradition.

For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit LochNorman.com.

$35 Million in Federal Grants Approved For Charlotte Area Transportation Upgrades

Charlotte Stories
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$35 Million in Federal Grants Approved For Charlotte Area Transportation Upgrades

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) has just approved more than $35.3 million in federal discretionary funds to support 20 transportation projects across Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Union counties.

The CRTPO Board approved the funding during its March 19 meeting. The projects span 14 jurisdictions and include sidewalk expansions, road upgrades, intersection improvements, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and multi-use paths.

As the official Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Charlotte region, CRTPO works in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to ensure proper allocation of transportation funds.

Breakdown of CRTPO Grant Awards by Jurisdiction:

Charlotte

  • NC 16 & Rozzelles Ferry Rd Intersection Improvements – $1,905,277

  • Oakdale Rd Corridor Improvements (Lawing/Miranda Rds and Simpson/Sunset Rds) – $2,595,589

  • Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station (3205 Freedom Dr.) – $667,094

Cornelius

  • Bike and Pedestrian Plan – $120,000

Davidson

  • Davidson Concord Rd Sidepath (South Prong Rocky River Greenway to River Run Neighborhood) – $1,743,770

  • West Branch, Carolina Thread Trail (West Branch Nature Preserve to River Run Neighborhood) – $1,276,363

Huntersville

  • Stumptown Rd Extension (Aberfeld Rd to NC 115) – $6,103,076

  • Oliver Hager Rd Extension & Roundabout at Ervin Cook Rd & S Birkdale Commons Pkwy – $406,000

Indian Trail

  • Indian Trail-Fairview Rd/Younts Rd/Stinson Hartis Rd Intersection Improvements – $5,231,384

  • Indian Trail Rd Improvements (Liberty Ln to Gribble Rd) – $1,321,600

Marshville

  • US Hwy 74 Right Turn Lanes at Marshville Lake Park – $1,613,180

Matthews

  • Moore Rd Sidewalk (Chambers Dr to Royal Commons Ln) – $374,819

  • Sam Newell Rd Multi-use Path (Crown Point Elementary School to Williams Rd) – $397,672

Mineral Springs

  • NC 75 and Potter Rd Sidewalk and Pedestrian Improvements – $804,439

Mooresville

  • North Main St Sidewalk and Crossing (Glastonbury Dr. to East Mooresville Intermediate School) – $1,252,099

  • Rinehardt Rd Sidewalk (Selma Burke Middle School to E Plaza Dr) – $1,275,150

Union County

  • Union County Critical Intersection Study – $160,000

Waxhaw

  • Helms Rd Extension (Waxhaw Parkway West) (Waxhaw-Marvin Rd to NC 16) – $4,923,274

Wesley Chapel

  • NC 84 & Potter Rd/Wesley Chapel Rd Intersection Improvements – $3,101,533

Centralina Regional Council

  • CONNECT Beyond Mobility Hub Guidebook and Training Project – $60,000

Total Funding Awarded: $35,332,319

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