CATS Bus Crashes Into CMS Bus This Morning in South Charlotte

0

This morning a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus crashed into a Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) bus at the corner of Randolph Road and Aylesford Road.

According to the Charlotte Fire Department, the driver of the CATS bus had a medical emergency while approaching the intersection, ran the red light, and crashed into the CMS bus. The CATS driver, 1 CATS bus rider, and CMS driver were all rushed to the hospital. The CMS bus was transporting 7 school children, who were unharmed in the accident and have now been returned to their parents.

CMPD has now closed the surrounding inbound lanes while they conduct a full investigation of the incident.

18th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival Starts Next Month

0

Celebrate the roots of modern music with infectious rhythms, soulful sounds, and high energy performances at the Arts Council of York County’s 18th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival. Party in the park with Carl Ratliff at Baxter Village’s Springmaid Park, 980 Market St., Fort Mill, SC from 6 – 9 PM on Thursday, October 6.

Get your groove on with Groove Masters’ hot jazz and smooth soul sounds at Clover’s Larne Building, 103 N. Main St., Clover, SC on Thursday, October 6 from 7 – 10 PM. On Friday, October 7, the Blues & Jazz Festival’s signature Old Town Crawl returns to Rock Hill where festivalgoers can enjoy live music by 12 acts at 11 of Old Town restaurants & venues throughout the night. | https://www.yorkcountyarts.org/bluesandjazz

The 18th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival
October 6 & 7, 2022 | Rain or Shine

KICKOFF | BAXTER VILLAGE
Thursday, October 6, 2022 | 6 – 9 PM | FREE
SPRINGMAID PARK at BAXTER VILLAGE | 980 MARKET STREET | FORT MILL, SC
Sponsored by OTS Media Group, WRHI, Interstate 107, 90s on 94.3, 104.1 The Bridge
Carl Ratliff

KICKOFF | CLOVER
Thursday, October 6, 2022 | 7 – 10 PM | $10
LARNE BUILDING | 103 NORTH MAIN STREET | CLOVER, SC
Sponsored by OTS Media Group, WRHI, Interstate 107, 90s on 94.3, 104.1 The Bridge, Town of Clover/Gallery 120
Groove Masters | https://www.reverbnation.com/groovemasters

OLD TOWN CRAWL
Friday, October 7, 2022 | 7 – 11 PM | $20 wristband
OLD TOWN ROCK HILL, SC | EAST MAIN & CALDWELL STREETS
The festival wristband gets festivalgoers into all 11 venues all evening long.
Sponsored by OTS Media Group, WRHI, Interstate 107, 90s on 94.3, 104.1 The Bridge • City of Rock Hill • Comporium • Kathie Brabham-Dalton & Harry Dalton • Old Town Association • Caroline Rust Ward & Alf Ward • Williams & Fudge

Player 1 Up
Sponsored by Comporium
Buff Dillard | https://buffdillardmusic.carrd.co

The Gathering Space
Sponsored by OTS Media Group, WRHI, Interstate 107, 90s on 94.3, 104.1 The Bridge
Plair | http://www.plair.net
Opening Act: Kaydence Day | https://www.kaydenceday.com

Tom S. Gettys Center | Courtroom
Sponsored by City of Rock Hill
Weekends |  https://www.facebook.com/WeekendsBandSC

Caldwell Courtyard
Sponsored by Old Town Association
Mellogroove | https://www.facebook.com/mellogroovesoul/

Rock Hill Brewing Company
Jay the Blues Thriller | https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.tennant.73

The Flipside Restaurant
Sponsored by Kathie Brabham-Dalton & Harry Dalton

The Mercantile HQ
Cambria Hotel | 354 Skybar
Cambria Hotel | Lobby
Judith Porter Jazz
Knowledge Perk
Sponsored by Williams & Fudge
Willie Walker & Conversation Piece | https://williewalkerconversationpiece.bandzoogle.com/home
The Common Market
Cloud City Jazz
TICKETS
Festivalgoers are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. Advance tickets are available through Thursday, October 6 – online: https://www.yorkcountyarts.org/bluesandjazz, in person: 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC; or by phone: (803) 328-2787.

NC Disability Council Opening Applications for Roommate-Matching Service Project

0

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) is seeking proposals for an initiative that will establish a roommate-matching service, platform, or portal that will help individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities ( I/DD) and their families find suitable and sustainable living arrangements, specifically a compatible roommate or a live-in caregiver in North Carolina.

North Carolina has experienced a caregiver/Direct Support Professionals (DSP) crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic where DSPs could not work for health and safety reasons or took higher-paying jobs. This initiative will help by:

  1. Establishing a roommate-matching service, platform, or portal that will help individuals with I/DD both lower their housing costs and find a compatible roommate who may also serve as a caregiver, a Direct Support Professional (DSP), a friend, a mentor, and more.
  2. Providing education on the potential tax and other benefits for live-in caregivers living with a person with I/DD as well as education on the benefits and other factors for people with I/DD to consider when choosing to live with a roommate.
  3. Helping stabilize the DSP crisis in North Carolina by providing opportunities for individuals with I/DD to live with their DSP or caregiver and have the support they need at home instead of relying on DSPs and caregivers who may come work in the home only whenever they are available.
  4. Help stabilize the DSP crisis in North Carolina by providing opportunities for individuals with I/DD to live with their DSP or caregiver and have the support they need at home instead of relying on DSPs and caregivers who may come work in the home only whenever they are available.

The Council will be having a Bidders’ Workshop on July 12 at 3pm via Zoom for those interested in applying.  Anyone interested in attending should RSVP by e-mail at RFAinfo@nccdd.org by July 11, 2022. The deadline to apply for this Request for Application (RFA) is August 31, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

Information on steps to apply can be found here. Applications are welcomed from any university, non-profit, for-profit or government agency that demonstrates that their agency is qualified, responsible, and capable of conducting the activities described.

For more information, visit https://nccdd.org/roommaterfa

Key Qualities to Consider when Selecting an Online Perya Website

0

It is the digital age. Unlike before, it is possible to play your most preferred Perya games using any device, whether using a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or computer. Players have limitless access to quality and multiple Philippine’s famous perya games. Every enthusiast of this game can easily access it online anywhere, anytime. They can use any device as long as they can access the internet. How exciting is this?

However, players are advised to choose their online Perya website keenly. Although the best websites like GoPerya are keen to offer the best services to players, some don’t follow the industry standards; hence players stand to lose. Besides, many online gaming websites provide perya games. But how can you tell whether such a website is the best for you? Continue reading. 

Below are the top qualities that every online gaming website should exhibit. They include;

  • Solid Security 

Top security is a pivotal quality that every online perya website should show. Players should consider this vital feature before using any online gaming website. Once you decide to play online games, you will connect and share your info and ledger with the gaming provider. Avoid joining such a platform unless you’re guaranteed and assured that this data is completely safe and secure from any unapproved access. 

Before choosing your online gaming provider, inquire whether they have an SSL certification and top security protocols. 

Top perya website like GoPerya uses “HTTP,” web page URL showing top security. Such a website guarantees players that their information is encrypted and secure. 

  • Array Of Games

Consider a gaming website that offers an assortment of quality perya games. First, check your favorite games and explore the other options available. This way, players can enjoy the game they are familiar with and, at the same time, eliminate boredom and exhaustion from playing the same game over and over again. Instead, players will have an exciting time and still enhance their skills and abilities by playing other games. A website with a vast selection of games helps you foster your online gaming abilities. 

  • Multiple Payment Options 

Online gaming providers present have different proposals for the player. This is among the many benefits why players opt to play perya online. Unlike gaming on a physical casino, online websites allow you to use bank transfer, pay via visa, debit or credit card or even use crypto or e-wallet to pay for your gaming services. Therefore, before signing up on any online gaming website, ensure that they offer you a variety of payment methods. This will allow you to make your deposits and withdraw your wins without delays. 

  • Terms and Conditions 

 Before you join any online GoPerya website, please learn the terms and conditions. Make sure you comprehend every detail. Different sites offer great incentives to attract and reward loyal website users. But learning what you need to do to withdraw your bonuses and wins is important. That way, you eliminate the frustrations that come as a result of delays or losing your wins. 

Besides, find a website that has a remarkable reputation. Check reviews or talk to other players. Their insights guide you to make an informed choice. 

 

Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Sub-contractor and Audit

0

An audit verifies your records, business operation, and accounts to get the actual insurance exposure and premium. Audits ensure the accuracy of the amount paid and its proper coverage. According to the workers’ compensation act, the insurance service provider has the legal right to do audits to ensure that employers pay the accurate premium. However, payroll verification is the most crucial step to prepare for your Workers’ Compensation Insurance Audit.

Workers’ compensation insurance and the subcontractor

Employers use many safety and security measures to offer a safe workplace to employees. But even with the best efforts, injuries on-site are inevitable. Workers’ compensation insurance is a way of providing financial security to injured employees who suffered job-related injuries.

When an employee gets injured, the employer has to hire someone to substitute for their work. A subcontractor is a person who is employed as a helping hand to get the job fulfilled. Subcontractors don’t have fixed wages. They get paid as per their work. They are an addition to the company, like an additional pair of hands with a verbal or written contract. As a result, they are not considered employees of the company. A subcontractor is only considered and covered under worker’s compensation insurance if they do some essential tasks.

What happens when a subcontractor gets injured?

Who will bear the medical and other expenses if the subcontractor gets injured? Is it the employer? 

A subcontractor is usually not covered under the compensation insurance coverage. Your company premiums will be higher if you provide shelter to a temporary worker. The solution to all these problems is always hiring a subcontractor with their work comp. insurance. Ask for their Certificate of Insurance, which is a proof that the company or the person has a work comp. insurance coverage. This certificate has details like the insurer and policyholder’s name, the policy’s type and duration, policy number, etc.

If a subcontractor has this certificate, it will always protect the employer from surprise costs. In addition, it will neither affect the payroll nor the premium. Moreover, if a subcontractor’s position is well defined in the company and has coverage, the worker’s compensation insurance audits process will be more streamlined.

An employer should always do these three things at the time of hiring

  1. Communicating to the contracted employees that they need a certificate of insurance before starting work. It is best not to hire contractors without a work comp certificate.
  2. Collect the COI and look for all the essential details, like the policy’s validity. Ensure it is valid for the period they will work for your company.
  3. Check that the subcontractor is registered with the state.

It will not be good if you learn at the last moment that your subcontractor doesn’t have worker’s compensation insurance coverage. It will add an extra expense to your pocket. 

Audit Tips to Keep in Mind

Prepare for your Workers’ Compensation Insurance Audit in advance. The best way to prepare for an auditing process is to organize each document and keep the required information handy. Create a checklist regarding employees, owners, certificate verification, and other vital data. Have accurate information, whether it is going to be a field audit or a phone audit. Nowadays, online premium audits have become much more popular. It makes the process smooth and allows policyholders to do things faster. 

Conclusion

It’s never late to move towards a streamlined and smooth auditing process. Workers comp audits are necessary for getting the exact figures you are paying, so that your employees are fully covered as per their job and getting appropriate benefits. These two things can only be ensured by proper annual workers comp audits. Therefore, always cooperate with the auditors and maintain records properly for everyone’s benefit.

NFL Players and Weed: Questions and Answers

0

What is the NFL’s drug policy?

Can NFL players smoke weed?

Which NFL athletes consume cannabis?

How does marijuana help NFL players?

What’s the future for the NFL and weed?

Draft day for cannabis

As the cannabis industry shines positively within many states, rules are easing up for athletes. The National Football League (NFL) is trying to understand the medical benefits of marijuana but can NFL players smoke weed?

Despite its many reported advantages, cannabis is still considered a performance-enhancing drug in the professional sporting scene. The NFL is beginning to lean toward pro-marijuana efforts after passing new policies.

Current and retired football players are more confident speaking about the plant’s healing properties. Former NFL stars may have grown Haze weed seeds, while others have opened up cannabis-inspired businesses.

Many questions surround the NFL and marijuana. Let’s touch on how these players handle their marijuana and career without getting burned.

What is the NFL’s drug policy?

Implementing a strict drug policy is a priority for the National Football League. NFL players who were smoking weed during on-seasons faced harsh penalties in the past. Prolonged suspensions or final dismissals were standard. 

Thanks to the revised Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) implemented in March 2020, the rules changed for footballers who use marijuana. 

Players may now consume cannabis wisely and within the set boundaries of the policy. The NFL shifted the threshold for a positive THC test from 35 to 150ng/ml. Athletes who register over this limit receive a fine rather than a suspension.

During the off-season, conveniently commencing on April 20th (just in time for 420 celebrations), players indulge in marijuana without fear. Testing still takes place during this time, but not for THC.

Could NFL management’s relaxed drug policy stem from the impact they felt at a financial level? Suspending their best athletes surely had some effect on their bottom line.

They’ve made better choices for their players. The NFL is starting to see the canna light, and things are moving forward in the weed vs. ball debate.

Can NFL players smoke weed?

NFL weed smokers can enjoy their favorite herb responsibly during off-seasons. Instead of ending football players’ careers, the NFL has adopted a more strategic way of dealing with athletes who consume marijuana. 

Rather than a suspension after the first four positive tests, they hand over fines of up to three weeks’ pay. These penalties depend on the number of violations.

Should any athlete surpass the 150ng/ml THC level after multiple times, a panel of medical experts reviews their case. This committee decides if the player should enter an intervention program for substance abuse.

Footballers who refuse to participate in testing or clinical care may still face suspensions.

NFL players can freely smoke weed throughout their break from April 20th–August 9th. Once training commences, testing for the cannabinoid starts. 

Which NFL athletes consume cannabis?

Many US states are easing restrictions on cannabis laws, but not all. As a result, NFL players are mindful of the rules and regulations within their residing states. 

Unfavorable stigma still sticks to weed and people who consume it. Current offensive tackle for the Houston Texans, Laremy Tunsil, felt the raw end of this stick during the 2016 draft day.

A video showing him puffing on a marijuana-infused bong while wearing a gas mask went viral. This clip cost him his fifth-place acquisition. 

Some footballers who smoke weed still have to hide behind shields. Most athletes who openly speak about using medical cannabis for chronic pain are now off the field. Former player Martellus Bennet believes that around 89% of NFL competitors consume marijuana.

Other weed-loving retirees couldn’t wait to show the world how using cannabis before, during, or after ball time helped them. They ventured off and started marijuana businesses.

  • Ricky Williams (running back)
  • Tavarres King (wide receiver)
  • Rob Sims (guard)
  • Calvin Johnson (wide receiver)
  • Marshawn Lynch (running back)
  • Terrell Davis (running back)

Other former NFL athletes who smoke cannabis and advocate for improving its position in society are:

  • Josh Gordon (wide receiver)
  • David Irving (defensive tackle)
  • Randy Moss (wide receiver)
  • Martavis Bryant (wide receiver)
  • Shaun Smith (defensive end)
  • Bo Scaife (tight end)

How does marijuana help NFL players?

Athletes worldwide declare how cannabis helps them manage sports injuries. NFL players put their bodies through strenuous training before taking their skills to the yard.

Footballers face torn muscles, tendons, ligaments, broken bones, and head injuries. The constant hurling into one another and running at full speed across the field puts immense pressure on their bodies.

Besides the physical pain, many players deal with sleepless nights due to anxiety, mental fatigue, and stress. Consuming marijuana may alleviate these ailments.

Players like Rob Gronkowski, a former NFL tight end, announced in 2019 that he relies on CBD for aches and pains.

What’s the future for the NFL and weed?

Is there a permanent spot for marijuana in the NFL to replace opioids as a healing aid? The future certainly does look bright when spending millions of dollars on research.

On February 1st, 2022, the NFL announced its interest in further researching the potential medical benefits cannabinoids have on pain management. The league tasked the University of California San Diego and the University of Regina with the inquiry.

This study is a positive step toward the possibility of many other sports institutes following suit.

Draft day for cannabis

Marijuana’s place in the NFL is gaining momentum. From revised drug policies to cannabis research teams, it’s getting sweeter for footballers. 

The new policies encourage responsible marijuana consumption. With a research program underway, CBD prescriptions could replace unfavorable opioids in the future.

A simple answer to can NFL players smoke weed? Yes, as long as they follow the league’s rules.

Douglas Kester

Douglas Kester, a cannabis growing expert at I49 Seed Bank. He has been working in the weed industry for more than 10 years. During that period, he built up a vast experience and depth of expertise in this field. Douglas has a detailed understanding of every aspect of marijuana, from its cultivation and species to the effects it brings. He’s also up to date on all the cannabis-related legislation nuances.

ACC Just Announce Plans To Move Their Entire Headquarters to Charlotte

0

Today the ACC officially announced they will be moving their entire headquarters for the first time in their nearly 70 years history from Greensboro to Charlotte. They will build their new headquarters in Legacy Union’s Bank of America Tower in Uptown Charlotte.

“Today is a transformational day for the ACC and for our 15 world class institutions. We truly appreciate the state of North Carolina for its dedication to keeping the conference headquarters in the state, and the Charlotte leadership for their commitment and ongoing partnership,” Commissioner Jim Phillips announced in a statement. “After a comprehensive, inclusive and deliberate process, the Board decided that Charlotte – an amazing and vibrant community – not only meets, but exceeds, the needs of the ACC. Our new home will provide both known and unknown benefits to our student-athletes, member schools and conference office staff. The decision to relocate from Greensboro was a difficult one, and the entire city and its first-class representatives will always hold an incredibly special place in the history and legacy of the ACC.”

The ACC already has a long and storied history in the Queen City, hosting 11 ACC Football Championships at the Bank of America Stadium, 13 ACC Basketball Tournaments at the Spectrum Center, and 2 ACC Baseball Championships at Truist Field.

What do you think about the decision to move here? 

Blue Nile Opening First Carolina Showroom in South Park

0

Online jewelry and diamond ring brand, Blue Nile, will be opening its first North Carolina showroom this week in SouthPark.

The diamond powerhouse first launched online 20 years ago as a discounted e-commerce diamond retailer, and has since grown into one of the biggest jewelry suppliers in the world.

Their new SouthPark showroom Blue Nile’s showroom will allow guests to touch and feel some of their unique designs, and to create a custom piece of jewelry using their Build Your Own Diamond Jewelry Tool.

For additional information on Blue Nile, visit www.bluenile.com.

City of Belmont’s 2022 Pops Concert Series Starts This Week

0

Mark your calendar for the return of the Thursday Night Pops concert series! The limited concert series returns to Stowe Park this fall. Bring your family and friends downtown Belmont to shop local, order take-out from one of many downtown restaurants, and enjoy laid-back music in the park.

The 2022 schedule includes four concerts held every Thursday from September 22nd – October 13th. The concerts will be held under the covered pavilion in Stowe Park from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The first Thursday Night Pops concert also kicks off with the Belmont Farmers Market. Be sure to visit the farmers market on Glenway Street from 3:30pm – 7:00pm before making your way to Stowe Park for a performance by Underhill Rose on September 22nd. Come back September 29th, for a performance by the Park Brothers and a pop-up affordable art sale hosted by the Gaston County Art Guild. Catch performances by Courtney Lynn & Quinn and Melonbelly the first two Thursdays in October. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Stowe Park for a laid-back evening of great tunes and cold drinks. Primal Brewery and Belmont Brewing will be on site. Support local by ordering from one of many downtown restaurants before heading to Stowe Park for the show.

For more information visit cityofbelmont.org/Thursday-night-pops.

Schedule:

September 22             Underhill Rose
September 29             The Parks Brothers
October 6                   Courtney Lynn & Quinn
October 13                 Melonbelly 

Top 5 flavors from New Hyde IQ Disposable Vapes

0

Vaping has changed the way how people not only see light nicotine smoking but also how they consume it. The market is full of brands, and the brands are full of different flavors.

It works really well as every person has a unique taste and can get introduced to vaping through their favorite flavors. So, disposable vapes are the most convenient devices to get started with vaping. 

One can get a wide range of flavors in disposable pens, from strong menthol and tobacco to sweet fruity, and creamy flavors. However, as these are disposable, ensure to discard them safely after your e-juice flavor is exhausted.

So, here, we will be discussing the best 5 flavors from the new line of Hyde IQ disposable bar that you must try as soon as you can!

Top 5 flavors of New Hyde IQ Disposable Vapes 

The brand Hyde always comes with the most interesting and fun flavors. To decide on a few of the first ones to experiment with, the following is a list of the 5 best flavors from this new line of IQ vapes!

  1. Cranberry Lime Fizz

A single puff of this flavor will send you to an exotic holiday site for the summer. This flavor would be great for a vaping newbie who likes tangy and sweet flavors. 

It has the rich whiff of cranberries, which is sweet but slightly bitter. Added to that is the refreshing kick lime gives you. 

So, just like the cocktail, this will be a flavor to remember. Packed together in a fizzy combo, this Hyde flavor is a must-try.

2. Blue Razz Ice 

While fruity flavors are great, you should never limit yourself to them, as vaping offers a lot more to you. 

However, if you still wish to play it safe with an average leap, Blue razz ice is the one for you! 

Although it sounds pretty hardcore, it really is not. This e-juice flavor includes a shocking mix of menthol and creaminess, which gives you a pretty sweet puff. But it also maintains the coolness of ice, which improves your vaping experience even more. 

3. Peach Blueberry

If aesthetics are important to you, this flavor’s disposable vape from Hyde will immediately catch your eye. It has stylish hues of pink and metallic violet blended together in a lovely purple. And it complements the lovely flavor too! 

It will give you an almost candy-like sweetness that will leave a great aftertaste in your mouth for a long time. It is great for both new and old vapers and might become one of your favorite flavors ever.

4. Mystery Mix

Just as the name gives away, this flavor is mysterious. No one can really tell what all this flavor constitutes. 

It might taste fruity but not fruity enough to be peach or watermelon. It does have creaminess, but it is not exactly an ice cream flavor because of its controlled sweetness. 

So, you better find out yourself by trying out this flavor full of possibilities brought to you by HydeFlavors!

5. Jungle Juice

Last but not least, Jungle Juice is the flavor you have got to try! As wild as its name sounds, it is pretty accurate in terms of the ingredients of the juice. It is made up of orange, pineapple, strawberry, and menthol. 

Thus, one citrus, one tropical, and one berry fruit come together to give you a combination of great flavors with the coolness and freshness of menthol.

Conclusion

Although we have only mentioned 5 flavors here, you should move out of your comfort zone and experiment with multiple flavors offered by Hyde! Until you try them, you will not know what your taste really is like.