Police Asking For Help To Find Missing Belmont Person

Charlotte Stories
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Police Asking For Help To Find Missing Belmont Person

Police and rescue crews are now actively scouring the Catawba river after a man disappeared from Belmont’s Kevin Loftin Park yesterday morning.

Belmont police arrived at the park’s Boat Landing at around 1:40 p.m. where they discovered an empty wheelchair and several fishing rods and gear, there were a few witnesses at the park, who told police that the wheelchair and fishing gear were there since 7:30am.

The Charlotte Fire Department sent out a dive team to scan the bottom of the river using SONAR equipment.

The dive team and local police have still not uncovered any additional clues.

Police have labeled the incident as a “possible” crime scene as they are still unsure what may have happened to the missing person.

If you have any information about who or where the missing person might be, please call the Belmont Police Department at 704-866-3300.

Charlotte Morning Anchor Totally Loses It After Co-Host Belches Live On-Air

Katherine Miele
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Charlotte Morning Anchor Totally Loses It After Co-Host Belches Live On-Air

On Saturday morning, two Charlotte morning anchors completely lost it after one of them let out an unexpected burp.

WBTV anchor Ben Williamson and co-anchor Lyndsay Tapases were returning from a commercial break when the unexpected gas came up.

“There it went. I knew that was gonna happen, I ate the cobbler. I was feeling it. I was trying to hold it in and that just happened on TV.” Williamson commented.

Tapases then lets out several minutes of uncontrollable laughter, trying her best to regain composure to read the weather;

“I’m surprised that’s never happened to you before with as much food as we eat on this show,” Tapases sarcastically said.

“You’re embarrassing me. Excuse me…Excuse me,” Williamson replied.

Gotta love live TV!

New North Carolina Bill Aims At Drastically Reducing Human Trafficking In Our State

Steve
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New North Carolina Bill Aims At Drastically Reducing Human Trafficking In Our State

human-trafficking-in-charlotteAfter a 62% increase in human trafficking last year, our state is now starting to ramp up the fight.

A new law aimed at cracking down on Human Trafficking has just passed through the NC Senate Committee. Senate Bill 548 would increase the charges for those convicted of human trafficking crimes to a higher class of felony with longer prison sentences, and it would add new regulations for massage therapy businesses in our state to prevent them from being used by human traffickers (most human trafficking brothels across our state are being fronted by massage parlors and spas).

“Illicit massage and body-work establishments are the second leading industry for the prevalence of human trafficking. In North Carolina, we may be particularly susceptible to this abuse of the law,” commented Senator Shirley Randleman.

The new bill would strengthen the N.C. Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy’s licensing process, and any unlicensed massage businesses would be given misdemeanor charges. All sexual activity would also be banned in the licensed businesses.

The bill also requires human trafficking awareness signs to be placed around adult entertainment businesses, businesses that sell alcohol, hospitals, and highway rest stops across the state. The sign would include information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline — 1-888-373-7888 to help victims.

It’s now estimated that at least 1,700 girls are trafficked into sex slavery every year in North Carolina.

What more do you think should be done to stop this alarming trend?

Lidl Just Opened Their First Stores in North Carolina

Charlotte Stories
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Lidl Just Opened Their First Stores in North Carolina

This past Thursday, German supermarket brand ‘Lidl’ opened their first 7 stores in the Carolinas, including in North Carolina’s Kinston, Greenville, Sanford, Rocky Mount and Winston-Salem, and South Carolina’s Spartanburg and Greenville.

Winston-Salem’s grand opening saw large crowds throughout the day;

Lidl now has several new stores under construction around the Charlotte area, including in South End, Rock Hill, and Mooresville. In total, the company plans to open at least 100 stores across the East Coast by the end of 2018, creating over 5,000 new jobs.

Most of the products that Lidl carries are private-label and, according to Lidl, about 50 percent lower than similar products at traditional grocery stores.

They offer a wide selection of organic, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, a unique wine selection, baked goods, and fresh produce.

In other US cities they’ve become a major competitor to both Aldis and Trader Joes.

Are you excited about Lidl’s new Charlotte stores? 

Man Struck By Lightning in Charlotte During Severe Thunderstorms

Charlotte Stories
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Man Struck By Lightning in Charlotte During Severe Thunderstorms
via Lewis Norman
via Lewis Norman

A Charlotte man is now recovering at the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center after being struck by lightning late Thursday night.

He was hit hit at about 8:40pm near the intersection of Freedom Drive and I-85 in West Charlotte, according to Medic:

ligtning-hit-man-in-west-charlotte

It happened during Charlotte’s severe thunderstorms 2 nights ago that produced hundreds of lightning strikes, heavy winds, and driving rain throughout our city.

The lightning strike brought back the memory of two Charlotte teenagers that were struck by lightning last year.

Lightning strikes have been on the rise across the country as both thunderstorms and population numbers are on the rise.

The National Weather Service recently published some myths corresponding facts that many people have about lightning to try to increase safety during storms:

Myth: If you’re caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck.
Fact: Crouching doesn’t make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no good alternative. You are NOT safe anywhere outdoors.

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit an average of 23 times a year

Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.
Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don’t lean on doors during a thunderstorm.

Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.
Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried!

Myth: If you are in a house, you are 100% safe from lightning.
Fact: A house is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity. This means staying off corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and windows. Windows are hazardous for two reasons: wind generated during a thunderstorm can blow objects into the window, breaking it and causing glass to shatter and second, in older homes, in rare instances, lightning can come in cracks in the sides of windows.

Myth: If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.
Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.

Portable lightning detectors are the only sure-fire way of knowing when lightning strikes are close-by, even if you can’t see any clouds or rain.

Click here to see the full list of myths and facts.

Amazon.com Has Just Struck A Deal To Buy Out Whole Foods For $13.7 Billion

Steve
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Amazon.com Has Just Struck A Deal To Buy Out Whole Foods For $13.7 Billion

whole-foods-grand-openingAmazon.com has just announced a deal to purchase of high-end grocer chain Whole Foods for $13.7 billion (paying $42 per share for the publically traded company – almost $9 above yesterday’s closing price of $33.06 per share).

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos commented that, “Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy. Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades — they’re doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.”

Whole Food’s CEO, John Mackey will remain as the head of the company and their headquarters will stay in Austin, TX.

This decision to buy the specialty big-box grocer is in step with Amazon’s recent decisions to expand their home delivery grocery service, AmazonFresh, and their online grocery store, Prime Pantry. Have one of the fastest growing organic grocers in their arsenal will now allow them to link of their delivery and online options with in-person decision making.

What are your thoughts on Amazon buying Whole Foods?

Do you think Amazon is becoming too big? 

Levine Foundation Giving $350,000 Matching Grant To Local Schools

Charlotte Stories
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Levine Foundation Giving $350,000 Matching Grant To Local Schools

levine-foundation-scholarshipThe Leon Levine Foundation announced today it will support Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CIS-Charlotte) by offering a $350,000 matching gift challenge grant over a two-year period. Donations made to CIS-Charlotte by new donors – or donations that represent a leadership level increased gift by a current donor – will be matched dollar for dollar up to $350,000 if made between now and June 1, 2019.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us,” said Molly Shaw, CIS-Charlotte Executive Director. “This grant will have a significant impact on our efforts to support students and strengthen our community. As Charlotte recognizes the need to focus on economic mobility and opportunity, attracting new donors and expanding our individual donor base will allow CIS to deepen our work to help create cycles of generational success. The Leon Levine Foundation continues to set an exemplary standard of intentional and transformational philanthropy.”

CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is an affiliate of the national Communities In Schools network, the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed in life. Locally, CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg provides case management services to 6,000+ students annually in 43 Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools with students who have some of the greatest needs but the fewest resources. An additional 30,000 students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg are supported by CIS each year through school-based programming and volunteer-resource coordination at those same schools. Of the 6,087 students enrolled in CIS during the 2015-16 school year, 99% stayed in school; 96% were promoted to the next grade; and 457 CIS seniors graduated with a high school diploma.

“Over the years we have seen CIS serve as a leader in supporting students and removing barriers that otherwise keep students out of the classroom or not performing up to their potential,” said Tom Lawrence, Executive Director of The Leon Levine Foundation.  “We are excited that CIS has undertaken a forward thinking vision to address each student’s individual needs and look forward to seeing CIS continue to grow to meet the needs of Charlotte students most impacted by poverty.  We’re optimistic that the Charlotte community will rise to the challenge and match this grant by The Leon Levine Foundation.”

For more information about CIS visit cischarlotte.org and for more information about the Leon Levine Foundation visit leonlevinefoundation.org.

Top 10 Things To Do in Charlotte This Weekend

Steve
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Top 10 Things To Do in Charlotte This Weekend

Father’s Day weekend is finally here!

There will be tons of concerts, food trucks, markets, baseball – and even a comicon!

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

#1 HeroesCon 2017

herocon-2017

HEROES CONVENTION was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first and family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors.

For tickets or more info click here.

#2 Rockin’ the Burg Summer Concert

rocking-the-burg-harrisburg

The Summer Rockin’ the Burg is scheduled for Saturday, June 17, 2017. Food trucks on site from 5pm to 9pm. At 7:15pm, Rusty Knox will take the stage. Around 8:15pm, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform. Their performance will end at approximately 9pm. Beer on sale from Cabarrus Brewing and wine from Dover Vineyards will be served from 6:30pm to 9pm , plus interactive community art and an inflatable for the kid’s will make this a fun night in Harrisburg Town Center you don’t want to miss!

For more information click here.

#3 Third Eye Blind & Silversun Pickup

avidxchange-music-factory-headquarters

This coming Friday, Third Eye Blind will be rocking Charlotte at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre at the AvidXchange Music Factory with special guests Silversun Pickups.

For tickets or more information click here.

#4 Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini & Brett Young

verizon-wireless-amphitheatre-incubus

On Friday night (if you don’t like Third Eye Blind) be sure to check out Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini & Brett Young at the PNC Music Pavilion starting at 7:30pm

For tickets or more info click here.

#5 Brew Stash Bash

whitewater-center-river-jam1

The Brew Stash Bash is back, bringing with it the Brew Dash 6K Trail Race, live music, and great beer from all over. A wide selection of regional and national craft breweries will be featured from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, providing tastes of their signature brews. The festival will use a ticket format where guests will be ID-checked and given the opportunity to purchase a sample card, redeemable for samples of beer from the various breweries in attendance. Enjoy yoga in the morning as well live music on Belmont Abbey Island throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

For more info click here.

#6 Queen City Jazz Fest

charlotte jazz festival

If you appreciate long guitar, sax, and piano solos for hours on end, you won’t want to miss this weekend’s Queen City Jazz Fest. It’ll be taking place this coming Saturday at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheater at the Music Factory.

For more information or tickets click here.

#7 Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians

bbt-uptown-charlotte-ballpark2

BB&T Ballpark has been ranked as one of the best in the nation – mostly due to it’s unforgettable view. On Father’s Day Weekend the Knights will be taking on the Indianapolis Indians on Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon (June 16th-18th)

Tickets are now available on TicketNetwork.com

#8 Donuts With Dad

donuts-with-dad

Let’s thank our dads for all they are and all they do. From teaching their kids to protecting their families, dads carry so much responsibility. They deserve a special day of appreciation, and that’s why we’ve invited dads of all ages and their families to our annual Doughnuts with Dads. Spend a special morning with your father or grandfather—or your kids. While you’re here, take the Journey of Faith tour. Enjoy complimentary doughnuts and beverages* beginning at 9:30 a.m. All fathers will also receive a special gift.

For more info click here.

#9 Free Family Movie Night

things-to-do-this-weekend

Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism is offering a Free Family Movie Night featuring Star Wars: The Force Awakens (rated PG13) shown on a large screen outdoors at Cherry Park on soccer field #5. The movie begins at 9PM, but before the movie, games and races for the family will be offered from 7:30 PM – 9 PM. Bring a blanket or chair to this free event.

For more info click here.

#10 Starving Artist Market

16681773_1242926235775730_3255673196141092656_n

This coming Saturday from 2pm-8pm, the Starving Artist Market will be taking place at Lenny Boy Brewing with food trucks and tons of arts and crafts for sale, including; bath products, jewelry, candles, accessories, beadwork, silk screening, wood work, prints, paintings, carvings, gift sets, bakeries, chocolate, pottery, and more.

For more info click here.

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

FAA Now Investigating 2 Men Who Were Flying Drones Uptown Last Night

Steve
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FAA Now Investigating 2 Men Who Were Flying Drones Uptown Last Night

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is investigating two people who were flying their drones last night in Center City Charlotte.

Officers did not offer any further comment about the drone pilots.

Last week, CMPD’s Snoopy helicopter pilots had to take evasive action to avoid the drone as it passed within 20 feet over the crowded BB&T Ballpark.

They sent out this tweet, asking for anyone with information about the illegal drone pilots.

I recently spoke with one of the Snoopy pilots who told me that it’s illegal to fly drones for recreation (without a commercial licence) in Uptown Charlotte, due to its proximity to the airport.

Federal rules prohibit flying over a crowded area, flying over 400 feet in the air, and taking any photos or videos of private property without prior consent.

Over the past couple years, drones have become increasingly popular for amateur photographers and videographers, especially around Uptown:

feels like summer 😎

A post shared by Dj PharmD (@djpharmd) on

Sunset over my favorite Charlotte neighborhood – Historic Fourth Ward.

A post shared by Charlotte Food And Lifestyle (@hungrytotravel) on

How awesome is this city? #charlotteskyline #djiinspire1pro #charlotte #charlottegotalot #drone #dronephotography #dronenc

A post shared by Donnie Jones (@180degreephotography) on

According to the NCDOT, there are now over 20,000 registered drones North Carolina, including those with commercial licenses.

Duke Energy and Siemens Working On Revolutionary $270 Million Natural Gas Plant Upgrades

Charlotte Stories
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Duke Energy and Siemens Working On Revolutionary $270 Million Natural Gas Plant Upgrades

Duke Energy has just submitted plans to the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) for a revolutionary upgrade to its Lincoln County Combustion Turbine (LCCT) power plant. The proposal includes contracting Siemens to build a first-of-its-kind advanced gas turbine unit – a single natural gas unit that would be designed to produce over 400 megawatts of power.

“This unique arrangement with Siemens offers a significant cost savings to our customers while providing one of the most advanced, efficient gas turbine units in the U.S.,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “This new technology will provide us with flexible peaking power needed to complement intermittent solar energy resources for our customers and lower emissions across our fleet.”

“Our cooperation with Duke Energy is a very important step in our roadmap to further drive the efficiency of natural gas generation,” said Willi Meixner, CEO of Siemens Power and Gas Division. “In addition to meeting the needs of Duke Energy customers, the proposed project supports jobs and the Carolina economy.”

via Siemens
via Siemens

The turbine, when complete, will be the most efficient combustion turbine Duke has ever operated. It’s expected to be over 25% more efficient and over 5 times more powerful than all of the 16 turbines it currently runs at the plant (each rated at less than 80 megawatts – 1,200 megawatts altogether).

Construction is expected to start in early 2018 with the new turbine expected to go fully operational at the upgraded plant by 2024.

Duke Energy has not disclosed the estimated cost of the new turbine upgrades, but The U.S. Energy Information Agency now estimates that the  400-megawatt plant upgrades could cost upwards of $270 million.

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