Mecklenburg County Issues ‘No Swim Advisory’ For Lake Wylie Due To Sewage Spill

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Mecklenburg County Issues ‘No Swim Advisory’ For Lake Wylie Due To Sewage Spill

Mecklenburg County has just issued a ‘No Swimming Advisory’ for the Paw Creek Cove section of Lake Wylie after a large discharge of raw sewage was detected in the area.

According to Charlotte Water officials, the discharge was caused by sanitary sewer lines that backed up in the West Bloomfield Mobile Home Park. The lines are privately owned.

Cam Coley with Charlotte Water issued a statement about the spill, urging residents to watch what they put down the drain; “A majority of wastewater overflows can be prevented with your help. Anything put in plumbing or a manhole can cause wastewater overflows, spilling raw sewage into your street, your creek or even inside your own home. Even products labeled as ‘flushable’ do not break down in the sewer system and can contribute to clogging.”

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will keep sampling the water until results fall within safe levels, and will lift the swimming ban at that time.

If you live in the area and you are on a well, officials recommend checking to see if your water was contaminated by using a field testing kit, and consider installing a reverse osmosis filter on any faucet used for drinking water.

North Carolina Zoo Announces Name of Baby Rhino Chosen Through Public Poll

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North Carolina Zoo Announces Name of Baby Rhino Chosen Through Public Poll

Last week we asked ya’ll to help pick the name of North Carolina’s newest baby rhino through an online poll.

The North Carolina Zoo is now excited to announce the name of the female southern white rhino calf born at the Zoo on July 2, 2018 has officially been chosen – “Nandi” (Nahn-dee) is now the first rhino born at the Zoo in 41 years, born to mother Linda and father Stormy.

The public was invited to vote on seven names chosen by the Zoo’s rhino zookeepers. Each of the names offered – Nandi, Mamba, Diana, Boadicea, Grace O’Malley, Penelope and Wilhelmina – reflected the theme of strong, female leaders in history, both factual and mythical.

The top three names chosen in the public poll were Nandi, Mamba and Diana. As one last fatherly task, dad Stormy (male rhinos typically play no role in raising offspring) was given the three choices in African inspired custom-made poles spaced several feet apart from each other that were stuffed with Timothy hay – one of his favorite treats.

He immediately trotted over to the pole that was named “Nandi.”

Nandi, which means “a woman of high esteem,” was the Queen of the Zulus and was born in the 1760s. She died in 1827 in the area now known as South Africa. Nandi was the mother of Shaka, King of the Zulus. Shaka is considered by some as one of the greatest Zulu chiefs and African military leaders. There are accounts that his establishment of all-female regiments was influenced by his warrior-mother.

Eleven days after Nandi was born, the Zoo announced the birth of a second female baby rhino on Friday, July 13 to mom Kit and dad Stormy. The Zoo will offer details about her naming process soon.

At the beginning of the 20th century, southern white rhinos were hunted to near extinction for their horns, which some erroneously believe provide medicinal benefits. Rhino horn is constructed from keratin, which is the same material that makes up human fingernails and hair.  There are currently around 20,000 southern white rhinos left in the wild, mostly in the southern Africa region.

Today, populations in the wild still face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss. In addition to their work with the rhinos at the North Carolina Zoo, staff work on projects in several countries in Southern Africa to protect wild rhinos from poaching and save the species from extinction.

The Zoo’s herd now boasts nine rhinos which consist of Stormy and females Linda, Kit, Natalie and Abby, and the two calves. All seven are on public view at our Watani Grasslands 40-acre habitat. Two older rhinos, Stan (male) and Olivia (female) live in an off-viewing retirement habitat.

The Legendary Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Opening Their First North Carolina Location

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The Legendary Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Opening Their First North Carolina Location

One of America’s most legendary ice cream shops just started scooping ice cream in South End for the first time today as part of their soft opening – they’ll hold their official grand opening on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m.

According to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams’ website, it will be their first ice cream shop in the Carolinas, “located on Camden Road in the historic South End development, Design Center of the Carolinas.”

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams was first launched in Columbus, Ohio in 2002 by Jeni Britton Bauer. Her unique ingredients and creations quickly attracted a devote social media following and even landed her a James Beard Award – a true rarity in the ice cream world.

To celebrate their first North Carolina location, they’ll be giving away free ice cream from tomorrow through their grand opening at the following locations;

If you can’t make it to one of the above events, you will still be able to try their ice cream before their grand opening by picking up a pint ($10.99 each) at Publix, Whole Foods, Reid’s, Earl’s, Dean & Deluca, Common Market, Earth Fare and Fresh Market.

Have you tried their ice cream yet?

What are your thoughts?

Video of York County Family Playing In Flooded Storm Drain Going Viral

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Video of York County Family Playing In Flooded Storm Drain Going Viral

A York County resident recently spotted a bizarre sight during Tuesday’s rainstorm – a young family playing in a flooded storm drain in a BiLo parking lot.

“I was driving down the road and happen to look over and see them frolicking in the water. So I had to pull in and see what was going on,” Krysten Jones told me.

After uploading the video to her Facebook page, it quickly spread across the internet. It has over 4,500 shares, 1,000 comments, and it’s already been viewed over 380,000 times;

 

The video was taken in the parking lot of the Bilo on Liberty Street in York, SC;

York County Public Health official noted that flooded areas after a heavy rainfall could contain high levels of bacteria, often coming from animal feces, as well as unknown chemicals and sharp objects submerged in the water – all residents should stay away from flooded areas.

A much better option would be to grab one of those $25 inflatable pools from Amazon – even if you let rainwater fill it up, at least you’ll know you won’t be swimming in animal poop.

Charlotte Police Asking For Help In Finding Ballantyne Bank Robber

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Charlotte Police Asking For Help In Finding Ballantyne Bank Robber

Charlotte police are now asking for the public’s help in finding a bank robber in South Charlotte. The suspect has already been involved in 3 separate Bank of America ATM robberies in Ballantyne over the past few weeks.

CMPD sent out the request for help this week, including pictures and a detailed description of the suspect;

“Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Armed Robbery Unit are requesting the public’s assistance in providing information that will assist them in identifying the suspect involved in a series of armed robberies at the Bank of America ATM, located at 13805 Conlan Circle.

• On July I, 2018, at approximately 11:24 p. m., South Division Officers responded to the Bank of America, located at 13805 Conlan Circle in reference 10 an armed robbery. Upon arrival the victim ad,􀂂sed that a male robbed him at gunpoint while he was attempting to make a deposit into the ATM. (CMPD report 20180701232402)
• On July 10, 2018, South Division Officers responded to the Bank of America on Conlan Circle in reference to a victim being robbed at gunpoint by a male while at the ATM. (CMPD report 20180710233400)
• On July 23, 2018, South Division Officers responded to the Bank of America on Conlan Circle in reference to a victim being robbed at gunpoint by a male while at the ATM. (CMPD report 20180723235401)

At this time. it appears that these three cases are all related. The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male.”

If you recognize the robber or have any additional information about the crimes, please call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Charlotte’s Ninth-Annual Joedance Film Festival Selects 13 Local Films Finalists for 2018

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Charlotte’s Ninth-Annual Joedance Film Festival Selects 13 Local Films Finalists for 2018

The Ninth-Annual Joedance Film Festival, which will be held August 3-4, 2018 at Uptown Charlotte’s Charlotte Ballet, has announced the 2018 lineup with 13 local films.

The 9th Annual Joedance Film Festival will be held Friday–Saturday, August 3-4, 2018 (8-11 p.m.) at Charlotte Ballet, 701 N. Tryon St., beginning a new partnership with the Charlotte cultural gem. The new venue offers Joedance both indoor and outdoor-tented seating, more than doubling the 2017 capacity up to 350. Joedance has sold out every year.

Admission begins at 7:30 p.m. each night. Films begin at 8 p.m. Tickets cost begin at $25 for each night and can be purchased online at www.joedance.org. THE EVENT IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT BOTH NIGHTS.

Joedance ushers in the new era in 2018 with a larger venue and new event management consultant, giving Joedance an opportunity to double attendance, increase contribution to Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital, and ensure the organization’s future and legacy.

The films selected (and the dates they will be shown) follow. (Some films are for Mature Audiences):

2018 Film Selections

FRIDAY, August 3

Trance – Mini Documentary (2:07) Directed by Mike Reda. An amateur fighter describes what it’s like to get into the ring, and what led him to pursue that lifestyle.

For Love (8:00) Written and Directed by Kevin Murray. Matt schleps through his workdays at a local convenience store, mostly unnoticed by his customers, colleagues and to his sorrow, Maddie, the girl of his dreams. Little do they know that Matt single-handedly saves the world from destruction every night as a hero.

Knight Errands (22:53) Produced by Dan Gamber; Written and Directed by Jackie Gamber; Steadfast Archie must complete a risky “to-do” list to prove his virtue, but winning the love of his life might be the death of him.

Auto Repair (9:41) Produced by Elijah B. Moore, Written by Elijah B. Moore and Joseph Fry, Directed by Joseph Fry, Director of Photography Andrew Kennedy. A young actor builds the courage to face his father and share important news with him.

The “Documentary” with George & Monty (7:00) Written and Produced by Jason King and John Schwert; Directed by John Schwert. The rise and fall of George and Monty, from the Funny or Die web series featuring Jason King and John Schwert.

Running Out (8:28) Produced by Juli Emmons; Written and Directed by Christopher Baker. Two brothers, who have grown apart over the years, share a reconnecting phone call.

Goodman (9:21) Produced, Written and Directed by Andrew Huggins. A modern-day adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, “Young Goodman Brown”, from 1835.

SATURDAY, August 4

Ben Burden – “White Lighters” (2:00) Directed by Joshua Yates. A music video based on the phrase, “I’ve been afraid for you.”

T is for Tada (19:33) Produced by Juli Emmons; Written and Directed by Christopher Baker. Three young friends stumble upon an old magician. Then, one friend decides to rob him.

Resolute (5:43) Produced by Ashley Chase; Written and Directed by Paul Duncan. A father faces keeping a promise when an epidemic hits home.

A Chess Player (22:45) Produced by Chip White; Written and Directed by Shea Sizemore. What happens when the one thing you love becomes the one thing you are? This is the story of Tony Summerall and his rise and fall as the world’s greatest Chess Master. From his relationship with his abusive, sports-obsessed father, to the grave consequences of an expected checkmate, to the fraction-of-a-second when one loses the identity they’ve spent a lifetime cultivating. The game may be chess, but the feeling is universal. There’s a little Tony Summerall in all of us!

Earworm (8:24) Written and Directed by Anil Dhokai. After waking up with a song stuck in his head, a man discovers that it comes from an unlikely source.

Companyon -”Sea is for Courage”

(3:25) Directed by Mike Reda. A music video that looks inside the mind of someone, anyone, struggling to find their purpose in life.

Joedance Film Festival showcases short and feature-length films each year. Eligible filmmakers should:

*reside in Charlotte; or

*be originally from Charlotte or

*be connected to Charlotte (films, cast or crew)

There is no fee to submit a film.

Visit www.joedance.org for more film submission details.

All proceeds from year-round Joedance Film Festival events and donations go to support rare pediatric cancer research at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital.

New 75 Acre Adaptive-Reuse Development Coming to North Charlotte

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New 75 Acre Adaptive-Reuse Development Coming to North Charlotte

A New York based real estate firm has recently been buying up land in North Charlotte to build a new 75 acre development.

ATCO Properties & Management, a family-owned business which started in Queens NY in 1922, has been buying up large deeds of land between Statesville Rd and N. Graham St. over the past year:

new-development-in-north-charlotte

Over the past year, ATCO has purchased 1701 N. Graham St., 1801 Statesville Ave., 901 Woodward St. and 9210 Woodward St., 1776 Statesville Ave. for a total of $16.9 million, according to Mecklenburg County tax records.

The properties currently sit in Charlotte’s ‘applied innovation corridor’, according to its 2020 Vision Plan, identifying that part of town to be focused on tech firms and new startup companies.

ATCO noted in a press release that their new North Charlotte development will be an adaptive-reuse project (reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for).

ATCO could not be reached for further comments.

Video of Rattlesnake Swimming Toward Family On North Carolina Lake Now Going Viral

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Video of Rattlesnake Swimming Toward Family On North Carolina Lake Now Going Viral

An Instagram video is now blowing up social media after one of the most terrifying moments imaginable was captured on a North Carolina lake – a rattlesnake skimming across the top of the water toward a boating family with nowhere to run.

Earlier this month, Wayne Robbins and his family were enjoying a relaxing day in the middle of Fontana Lake (about 3 hours west of Charlotte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park), when they spotted a deadly timber rattlesnake ‘swimming’ toward their boat.

The sight naturally caused his kids to scream violently;

As the rattler closed in on the boat, Wayne’s son could be heard screaming “drive now!” As they tried to get the engine in gear, the snake began slithering its way on board, moments before the family was able to scare it away.

According to The Snake Discovery Library, the highly venomous timber rattlesnakes are rarely documented swimming in water, but they can, and will, if scared or chased away by something on land, or in extreme hunting situations.

If you encounter a timber rattler in the water, experts recommend staying as still as you can until the snake swims away.

Charlotte Fire Department Rescues Stranded Workers After Flash Flood (Video)

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Charlotte Fire Department Rescues Stranded Workers After Flash Flood (Video)

Yesterday afternoon, a scrap yard in North East Charlotte experienced a sudden flash flood, damaging property and stranding all the workers inside the building.

According to employees, the entire business and parking lot flooded in less than 5 minutes. The waters rushed in so fast that even cars, equipment, and supplies were flooded in a moments notice;

A rescue crew with the Charlotte Fire Department used a small boat to get across the flood waters and onto the property to rescue the stranded workers.

After all employees were safely transported to dry land, the water level dropped within the next hour.

Officials with the Fire Department say there were no injuries.

This Charlotte-Area Town Was Ranked As One Of The Least Educated in America

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This Charlotte-Area Town Was Ranked As One Of The Least Educated in America

With the fall semester drawing near and higher levels of education correlating with higher median weekly earnings, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2018’s Most & Least Educated Cities in America.

To determine where the most educated Americans are choosing to settle, WalletHub compared the 150 largest U.S. metropolitan statistical areas, or MSAs, across 11 key metrics. The dataset ranges from share of adults aged 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher to racial education gap to the quality of the public school system.

One Charlotte-area town came in almost dead last at #145 out of #150 – Hickory, NC. Charlotte was ranked near the top 3rd at #54 and Durham-Chapel Hill came in at #4;

Source: WalletHub

While Hickory may not be the most educated place, it certainly isn’t a bad place to call home – it was also recently ranked as one of the best small cities in America to move to by National Geographic;

“A thriving 20th-century manufacturing hub for furniture and textiles, Hickory now finds itself heading our list for its hipster-friendly offerings, from tattoo parlors to vintage clothing boutiques. Craft-beer enthusiasts gather at the popular annual Hickory Hops festival featuring more than 50 microbreweries and live music,” the article noted.

What are your thoughts on Hickory, NC?

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