Last Night’s Extreme Storms Caused Tornadoes in Hickory and Flooding in Boone

Steve
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Last Night’s Extreme Storms Caused Tornadoes in Hickory and Flooding in Boone

Yesterday afternoon the majority of North and South Carolina was placed under a tornado watch as severe thunderstorms quickly formed.

Charlotte experienced some extreme winds and heavy rains, but the hardest hit areas seem to be between Hickory and Boone where tornadoes and flash flooding caused millions of dollars of damage and left thousands without power this morning.

In this video you can see trees being ripped apart in Hickory, NC by the extreme winds;

The Hickory airport experienced some of the worst damage from the storm, with planes and cars tossed around and 2 hangers ripped apart;

The extreme weather also toppled hundreds of trees throughout the Hickory region;

Highland School Apartments

A post shared by Jamie Fox (@jamie.fox.71216141) on

While tornadoes and extreme winds were destroying many parts of Hickory, NC, heavy rains were causing flooding in the mountains.

Here’s a video of the beginning of the flash flooding on the campus of App State in Boone, NC;

By the time the rains stopped, many areas of the city were under water;

#flashflood #boonenc

A post shared by Matthew Vollenweider (@matthewvollenweider) on

According to Duke Energy’s outage map, there are still over 78,000 people around the greater Charlotte region affected by power outages from last night’s storms;

Did you experience any damage or power outages from last night’s storms?

Little Big Burger Is Giving Away 600 Free Burgers For Their Grand Opening in Charlotte

Steve
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Little Big Burger Is Giving Away 600 Free Burgers For Their Grand Opening in Charlotte

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOTR) has officially announced the grand opening of Charlotte’s first Little Big Burger.

The iconic Portland burger joint is opening their first East Coast location in Charlotte’s Prosperity Village Square just off Interstate 485.

They’ll be celebrating their grand opening by giving free burgers to the first 600 customers this coming Thursday, Oct. 26th.

Rich Adams, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Burger Company, the parent company of LBB, commented, “We are excited to launch our first little big burger outside of the Portland market. I am confident that Charlotteans will soon be raving about the quality of our burgers, truffle fries, and root beer floats.”

The restaurant held a soft opening this past Saturday and has already received over a dozen 5-star reviews;

I stopped by this afternoon for my own preview of the new restaurant.

Their menu was refreshingly simple;

and the atmosphere was welcoming and open, with the vibe of a classic Carolina burger joint;

They even hired local graffiti artists Matt Hooker and Matt Moore to hand-paint 2 of the walls;

I ordered the little big cheeseburger with blue cheese and a side of truffle fries – the burger was fresh and juicy, and the fries were extra crispy with a uniquely addicting truffle flavor;

Check them out for yourself this coming Thursday, October 26th from 11am until they run out of burgers.

If you’re one of the first 600 people in the door – your burger’s free!

Earthquake Struck NC’s Mount Mitchell Golf Course Last Night

Steve
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Earthquake Struck NC’s Mount Mitchell Golf Course Last Night

A magnitude 2.5 earthquake was just reported by the USGS about 22 miles north of Asheville, NC last night at 2am. The quake’s epicenter was 8 miles under the Mount Mitchell Golf Club in Burnsville, NC.

No major damage has been reported by any news outlets around Asheville or Mount Mitchell.

The quake was reportedly felt as far away as Gastonia;

Our state has a long history of experiencing earthquakes – the largest was a magnitude 5.1, recorded back in 1916, according to the USGS.

Even in the past 30 days, the Blue Ridge Mountains have experienced a total of 7 quakes, with last night’s being the largest (and closest to Charlotte):

Tornado Watch Issued For Charlotte Region

Steve
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Tornado Watch Issued For Charlotte Region

The National Weather Service has just issued a tornado watch for the greater Charlotte region.

According to the report released this afternoon, “Thunderstorms will intensify gradually this afternoon along and ahead of a cold front moving from Georgia into western South Carolina and North Carolina. The storm environment will be favorable for both supercells in the broken band of storms, and ahead of the band, as well as mesovortices embedded in the line. These circulations will be capable of producing a few tornadoes and damaging gusts through this evening.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles northwest of Greensboro NC to 50 miles south southwest of Orangeburg SC.”

The tornado warning is now in effect until 9pm this evening.

High winds and heavy rains will also make driving difficult this evening.

Stay indoors if at all possible.

After The Panthers 3-17 Loss To The Bears, Fans Now Calling For Shula’s Termination

Steve
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After The Panthers 3-17 Loss To The Bears, Fans Now Calling For Shula’s Termination

Year after year the Panthers have the talent and the team spirit to put together a championship season, but things always seem to fall apart.

After yesterday’s disastrous 3-17 loss to the Chicago Bears, many Panther fans finally had enough.

There’s a growing sentiment that the coaching staff is to blame – especially offensive coordinator Mike Shula.

Yesterday, several fans created an online petition calling for the firing of Shula. In just over 12 hours, the petition gathered 861 signatures, just 139 short of its goal of 1,000.

The petition states, “What happens is, during clutch times when we need a yard or two, good ole’ Shula loves to just throw the game right then and there.”

If you’d like to add your name to the list, you can sign the petition here.

What are your thoughts on the Panther’s coaching staff and the 2017 season so far?

This Charlotte Zip Code Has Been Ranked One Of The Hottest In America

Steve
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This Charlotte Zip Code Has Been Ranked One Of The Hottest In America

Realtor.com has just announced their rankings of the hottest zip codes for 2017, and one area in Southwest Charlotte has landed near the top.

Out of a total of the 32,000 zip codes that were analyzed, Charlotte’s 28273 was ranked #30 (up from #41 last year).

The rankings were based on how long it takes properties to sell in each ZIP code, and how frequently homes there are viewed on realtor.com, according to the report.

“Millennials are the largest generation in U.S. history, and they are flexing their muscle when it comes to the housing market,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist of realtor.com®, in a statement. “Increasingly, the hottest housing markets are the ones that appeal to millennial preferences, and right now the standouts are relatively affordable suburbs with local ‘it’ factors such as hiking trails, great restaurants, and nightlife. With the largest cohort of millennials turning 30 in 2020, we can expect these types of areas to stay in demand in the years to come.”

Charlotte’s 28273 is located in the Steele Creek area. It has a racially diverse population of 33,755 people, including 33.41% Black, 32.55% White, 6.79% Asian, 0.87% Native American, and 0.06% ‘Other’, with a median age of 33.5 (current US median is 37.4), according to BestPlaces.net.

Last month, the median sales price increased by 9.2%, to $225,000, as compared to September of 2016.

With the continued growth of Carowinds, the Arsley development, and the recent addition of Charlotte’s first Topgolf facility, things are only looking up for 28273!

Massive Recall On Dozens of Frozen Vegetable Brands Issued by FDA

Steve
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Massive Recall On Dozens of Frozen Vegetable Brands Issued by FDA

A massive recall has just been issued by the FDA on dozens of frozen vegetable brands that were packaged or processed at Mann Packing.

According to the press release, “The recalled product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”

The recall has been issued for the following products with “best if used by” dates from October 11 to October 20:

Brand Product Description UPC Code
Archer Farms Broccoli Slaw 12 OZ bags ‘085239343142
Broccoli Cauliflower Florets, 12oz bags ‘085239341148
Broccoli Florets 12oz bags ‘085239319147
Broccoli Medley 12oz Bags ‘085239339145
Brussels Sprouts, 12oz bags ‘085239301142
Shaved Brussels Sprouts, 9oz bags ‘085239193143
Cauliflower Florets, 10oz bags ‘085239030141
HEB Broccoli Carrots, 12 OZ bags 4122097508
Broccoli Cauliflower, 12 OZ bags 4122097503
Broccoli Florets, 12 OZ bags 4122097505
Broccoli Slaw, 12 OZ bags 4122097512
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, 10OZ bags 4122065112
Veggie Toss Kit Caulibit Mushroom Sauce, 11oz bags 4122017706
Caulibits Chopped Cauliflower, 14oz bags 4122009327
Cauliflower Florets, 10 OZ bags 4122032278
Fiesta Salad, 12 OZ bags 4122097501
Power Slaw, 10 OZ bags 4122083223
Stir Fry Medley, 12 OZ bags 4122097504
Vegetable Medley, 12 OZ bags 4122097506
Little Salad Bar Broccoli Florets, 12 OZ bags ‘041498216030
Broccoli Slaw, 12 OZ bags ‘041498216047
Mann Mann’s Brussels Sprouts, 2LB bags ‘716519020308
Mann Mann’s Broccoli Cole Slaw, 1 lb bags ‘716519011009
Mann’s Broccoli Cole Slaw, 12 oz bags ‘716519013072
Mann’s Culinary Cuts Shaved Brussels Sprout, 9 oz bas ‘716519067013
Mann’s Family Favorites Broccoli Carrots, 12 oz bags ‘716519013058
Mann’s Family Favorites Broccoli Cauliflower Florets, 12 oz bags ‘716519013034
Mann’s Family Favorites Broccoli Cauliflower Florets, 16 oz bags ‘716519012174
Mann’s Family Favorites Broccoli Wokly, 1 lb bags ‘716519010163
Mann’s Family Favorites Broccoli Wokly, 12 oz bags ‘716519013010
Mann’s Family Favorites Brussels Sprouts, 12 oz bags ‘716519010354
Mann’s Family Favorites California Stir Fry, 1 lb bags ‘716519012181
Mann’s Family Favorites California Stir Fry, 12 oz bags ‘716519013065
Mann’s Family Favorites California Stir Fry, 2 lb bags ‘716519020186
Mann’s Family Favorites Vegetable Medley, 1 lb bags ‘716519012150
Mann’s Family Favorites Vegetable Medley, 12 oz bags ‘716519013041
Mann’s Family Favorites Vegetable Medley, 2 lb bags ‘716519020155
Mann’s Fiesta Vegetable Tray, 35.5 oz tray ‘716519088728
Mann’s Fiesta Vegetable Tray, 35.5 oz tray ‘716519020490
Mann’s Kale Beet Blend, 8 oz Bags ‘716519000270
Mann’s Nourish Bowl Cauli Rice Curry, 11 oz Tray ‘716519036897
Mann’s Nourish Bowl Monterey Risotto, 8.75 oz Tray ‘716519036798
Mann’s Nourish Bowls Bacon Maple Brussels, 7.15 oz Tray ‘716519036941
Mann’s Nourish Bowls Sesame Sriracha, 12 oz Tray ‘716519036811
Mann’s Nourish Bowls Southwest Chipotle, 10.5 oz trays ‘716519036859
Mann’s Nourish Bowls Southwest Chipotle, 2-10.5 oz trays ‘716519036958
Mann’s Power Blend, 10 oz bags ‘716519013119
Mann’s Power Blend, 20 oz bags ‘716519000416
Mann’s Rainbow Salad, 12 oz bags ‘716519013089
Mann’s Vegetable Tray, 2.5 lb tray ‘716519014079
Mann’s Broccoli Florets, 3 lb bags ‘716519030113
Mann Culinary Cuts Mann’s Culinary Cuts Cauliettes Chopped Cauliflower, 14 oz bags ‘716519069017
Mann’s Culinary Cuts Shaved Brussels Sprout, 9 oz bas ‘716519067013
Mann’s Family Favorites Mann’s Family Favorites Cauliflower Florets, 10 oz bags ‘716519014031
Mann’s Snacking Favorites Mann’s Snacking Favorites Cheddar Pretzel Veggie Tray, 19.6 oz tray ‘716519020445
Mann’s Snacking Favorites Honey Turkey Cheddar, 20.3 oz Tray ‘716519020483
Mann’s Snacking Favorites Hummus Tray, 16.5 oz trays ‘716519014758
Mann’s Snacking Favorites Veggie Hummus Tray, 16.5 oz tray ‘716519020582
Mann’s Snacking Favorites Veggie Ranch Tray, 16.5 oz bags ‘716519020575
Signature Farms Meat & Cheese Tray, 36 OZ trays ‘021130110964
Broccoli Cauliflower Florets 4/28 OZ bags ‘021130984497
Broccoli Cauliflower Florets 6/12 OZ bags 021130983407
Broccoli Slaw 12 OZ bags 021130983391
Broccoli Stir Fry 28 OZ bags ‘021130984459
Broccoli Florets 12 OZ bags ‘021130983407
Broccoli Stir Fry, 12 OZ bags 021130983322
Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip, 24 OZ. trays ‘021130299553
Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip, 24OZ (NS) trays ‘021130299553
Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip, 54 OZ. trays ‘021130299560
Vegetable Medley, 28 OZ bags ‘021130984466
Vegetable Medley, 12 OZ bags 021130983322
Veggie & Hummus Tray (NS), 16.5OZ trays ‘021130984282
Veggie & Hummus Tray, 16.5 OZ trays ‘021130984282
Trader Joe’s Kohlrabi Salad Blend, 10 OZ Bags ‘0058 6146
Walmart Broccoli Cauliflower Florets, 12 OZ bags ‘681131328852
Broccoli Florets, 32 oz bags ‘681131122344
Broccoli Florets, 12 OZ bags ‘681131328845
Broccoli Slaw, 16 OZ bags ‘681131148207
Stir Fry Medley, 12 OZ bags ‘681131457460
Cauliflower Florets, 10 OZ bags ‘681131091381
Cauliflower 6/16 oz bags ‘681131122320
Super Blend, 10oz bags ‘681131148368
Vegetable Medley, 2LB bags ‘681131457378
Vegetable Medley 9/12 OZ WM ‘681131328791
Cross Valley Farms Shaved Brussels Sprouts, 2 lb bags
Cauliflower Florets, 3 LB bags
Spiral Cut Kohlrabi, 2 LB bags
Superfood Slaw, 2 LB bags
Mann Mann’s Broccoli Florets, 3 lb bags
Mann’s Broccoli Florets, 6/3 lb bags
Broccoli Cole Slaw, 4×3 lb bags
Cauliflower Florets, 2/3 LB PIZZA CUT, bags
Mann’s Broccoli Florets, 3 lb bags
Mann’s Family Favorites Cauliflower Florets, 3 lb bags
Veggie Power Blend 4/2 LB SS
Cauliflower Florets 2/3 LB MIN bags

 

Mann Packing is currently contacting all stores to make sure all recalled items are removed from store shelves.

If you’ve already purchased any of the recalled products listed above, please do not to eat them. You can return them to the store for a full refund.

If you have any other questions, you can contact Mann Packing at 888-470-2681 or visit veggiesmadeeasy.com/products.

West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Fort Mill – Pesticide Will Be Sprayed Around Baxter Village

Steve
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West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Fort Mill – Pesticide Will Be Sprayed Around Baxter Village

A case of the West Nile virus has just been confirmed in York County.

Officials have not released the name of the infected person, or where exactly they were bit, but they have announced they will be spraying mosquite pesticide within a one-mile radius of the intersection of Mills Ln. and North Sutton Rd. in Fort Mill’s Baxter Village.

A commercial pesticide will be sprayed in an “ultra low-volume manner” using one ounce of product per acre, according York County officials. They will be using Gregory Pest Solutions to spray around Baxter Village using a truck-mounted sprayer.

The spraying will start at about 8 p.m. on Oct. 22 and is expected to finished up the morning of the 23rd.

The pesticide that will be used is reportedly not harmful to people, pets, other insects or gardens (unless you have an organic garden).

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has officially confirmed 17 human cases of West Nile virus in the state of South Carolina.

“Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. About one in five people infected becomes ill within two to 14 days with symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and occasionally nausea and vomiting. Often they experience sensitivity to light and inflammation of the eyelids. Some may have a rash,” according to SCDHEC.

They also released the following video about the disease in South Carolina:

Besides the commercial spraying around Baxter Village, health officials are also recommending that residents of York County help reduce the mosquito population by spraying any standing water and wet areas of their yards with natural mosquito repellant.

Charlotte City Councilwoman Up For Reelection Compares Donald Trump To Hitler on Twitter

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte City Councilwoman Up For Reelection Compares Donald Trump To Hitler on Twitter

Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield tweeted out a controversial tweet yesterday comparing President Donald Trump to Hitler.

At around 11:00 a.m. she sent out a Tweet saying;

“For all who read about Hitler you are now living how he reigned in #45 #DraftDoger #ClinicalSociopath #ASKAboutYemen #IdiotinChief”

The term ’45’ is what many people are using to refer to Donald Trump, as he is the 45th president of the United States.

Mayfield then sent out another tweet about an hour later, referring to our 45th president as a “Disgrace to the Nation,” including a link to the tweet where Donald Trump tweeted out an edited video where he body-slams CNN;

After dozens of responses on Twitter, phone calls, and E-mails, Mayfield released a public statement about her tweet, giving more reasoning for her comparison, but not backing down from it in any way;

 

“My anger and passion when tweeting was directed to those that continue to make excuses for a man who is leading our Nation in a divisive direction. His policies, the creation of the “Birther movement”, executive orders and continual mistreatment of marginalized communities has quickly eroded the landscape of civility and civil discourse in our society.

I value the diversity of my community, work to be inclusive and give voice to those that are not at the table and bring equity to this City that I love.

While my words chosen have offended some, my intent was to bring attention to the continued crisis that we face each day while this president is leading us. My post angered some and I stay in a state of anger every day I watch the news and this like many posts was shared to shine a light on hypocrisy and the discourse rising in our Nation.”

To view her full statement in PDF form click here.

Mayfield is currently up for reelection against Republican candidate Daniel Herrera for Charlotte City Council District 3.

Polls for early voting are now open – you can find out more about the election for City Council, our new Mayor, and other positions here.

What do you think about Mayfield’s tweets?

Should elected officials have the same degree of freedom of speech as private citizens? 

Top 10 Neighborhoods With The Best Value in Charlotte

Steve
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Top 10 Neighborhoods With The Best Value in Charlotte

best-home-values-in-charlotteTrulia recently released the result of a massive new study where they calculated the top 10 best value neighborhoods in the 100 biggest metro areas around the country. The used average listing prices, along with custom measurements of entry-level affordability, school information, crime statistics, commute times, and neighborhood amenities to determine the rankings.

“To make our list, neighborhoods had to score well in our categories, and even those that did were cut from our list if they had outliers such as high crime, but that doesn’t mean they don’t come with flaws. Some are near freeways and airports and may be noisy. Others are far away from city centers where commutes are longer.”

Most of the median home values in Charlotte’s best value neighborhoods were higher than $200,000 (except for Lake Park in Union County, which has a median home price of just over $198k). Birmingham, Ala., had some of the lowest priced median values, ranging from $52,000 to $57,000, and San Francisco had the highest median values, all at over $1 million.

The following are Trulia’s top 10 “best value” neighborhoods across the Charlotte market and each’s rank, according to Trulia:

(Each category for each neighborhood received a 1-10 score)

top-10-best-value-neighborhoods-in-charlotte

#1 (tied) Steele Creek (Charlotte)

Median home value: $212,207
Affordability score: 6
Restaurant score: 1
Commute score: 4
School score: 5
Crime score: 10

#1 (tied) The Heathers (Matthews)

Median home value: $216,110
Affordability score: 5
Restaurant score: 3
Commute score: 3
School score: 5
Crime score: 10

#3 Brandon Oaks (Indian Trail)

Median home value: $238,826
Affordability score: 5
Restaurant score: 4
Commute score: 3
School score: 4
Crime score: 7

#4 (tied) Highland Creek (Charlotte)

Median home value: $227,870
Affordability score: 5
Restaurant score: 1
Commute score: 5
School score: 5
Crime score: 10

#4 (tied) Sedgefield (Charlotte)

Median home value: $274,246
Affordability score: 4
Restaurant score: 9
Commute score: 10
School score: 8
Crime score: 6

#4 (tied) Farmwood (Mint Hill)

Median home value: $265,742
Affordability score: 4
Restaurant score: 2
Commute score: 2
School score: 5
Crime score: 9

#4 (tied) Versage (Mint Hill)

Median home value: $251,106
Affordability score: 4
Restaurant score: 5
Commute score: 1
School score: 6
Crime score: 6

#8 Crismark (Indian Trail)

Median home value: $246,346
Affordability score: 5
Restaurant score: 3
Commute score: 1
School score: 4
Crime score: 7

#9 Lake Park (Union County)

Median home value: $198,170
Affordability score: 6
Restaurant score: 2
Commute score: 2
School score: 2
Crime score: 7

#10 Sardis Woods (Charlotte)

Median home value: $204,069
Affordability score: 6
Restaurant score: 5
Commute score: 4
School score: 8
Crime score: 8

To find out the best valued neighborhoods in the other 100 top metro areas around the US, you can see Trulia’s full report here.

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