Lake Norman’s Annual Paddle-Fest Is Here

Katherine Miele
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Lake Norman’s Annual Paddle-Fest Is Here

Lake Norman’s annual Paddlefest, hosted by Lake Norman Paddleboard Co, Carolina Adventure Guides, in partnership with the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation and SweetWater Brewing Company will be held on August 28th.

The event will kick off starting at around 2pm with paddleboarding action until about 4pm, after which there will be tons of food, music, and games at Lake Norman’s Rusty Rudder.

There will be a $25 Paddleboard rental fee, or you can bring your own paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or floatie.

lake norman paddleboardIf you’ve never tried your hand at paddleboarding, Lake Norman Paddleboard Co is now offering a 54% off deal on Groupon for all of their lessons – you can book a lesson for before or even during tomorrow’s paddlefest (click here for more info). 

Catawba Riverkeeper Donations will be accepted at checkout – and there will also be raffle tickets for a chance to win the Sweetwater Paddleboard pictured to the right.

You can find out more on their Facebook Event page here.

$12 Million Apartment Complex Being Built By The City of Charlotte To House The Homeless

Steve
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$12 Million Apartment Complex Being Built By The City of Charlotte To House The Homeless

charlotte homeless apartmentsAn alliance of local non-profits and city organizations, led by the Urban Ministry Center, have announced that they will be moving forward with a new 120 unit apartment complex off Wilkinson Blvd. to permanently house the chronically homeless in Charlotte (the project was originally announced last August).

The new development is part of a larger plan, called Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg, launched 2 years ago by Mayor Clodfelter. The plan has a goal of completely ending chronic homelessness in Charlotte by the end of 2016, but since the new apartment complex won’t be finished until 2018, they may need to extend that goal.

The Urban Ministry Center also announced the completion of 35 additional apartments for Moore Place, a transitional apartment complex on North Tryon St. that’s already received national attention for getting mentally ill and disabled people off the streets.

Last year, UNC Charlotte researchers compiled data that showed Moore Place would reduce local taxpayer costs associated with the homeless by $2.4 million in its first year. This was based on the assumption that it currently costs the tax payers of Charlotte $40,000 per year for each homeless person for emergency healthcare and law enforcement services.

Mecklenburg County still has 345 chronically homeless people waiting to be housed, and potentially thousands more who have not been identified or are in transit.

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CMS Still Needs To Hire 114 More Teachers Before School Starts In 12 Days

Charlotte Stories
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CMS Still Needs To Hire 114 More Teachers Before School Starts In 12 Days

cms needs more teachersIn a press conference today, CMS HR Officer Avery Mitchell discussed the large amount of vacancies still left to fill at CMS for both teachers and bus drivers.

“With more than 12 days to hire prior to the students’ first day of school, we have 114 teacher vacancies,” Mitchell commented.

Given that’s only about 1 percent of their total teaching workforce, school leaders are hopeful that the positions will be filled soon.

They also need an additional 90 certified bus drivers, and until those positions are filled, they’ll have to rely on temporary drivers for each route.

Superintendent Ann Clark also discussed the district’s transgender anti-bullying policy, and the fact that they will not be allowing students to use bathrooms based on their gender expression. She noted that following the recent Supreme Court ruling in Virginia, all CMS students will be required to use the restrooms and locker rooms that align with their biological gender.

Clark also introduced a new K-9 employee for the school system that will help with drug detection. “Gage is our K-9 partner; he’s a beautiful 2-year-old lab. He’s the newest and probably youngest member of CMS,” she commented.

Gage has been extensively trained to sniff out marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and meth outside of backpacks, lockers, and cars.

If you’d like to apply for any of their open teaching or bus driving positions, you can apply on their job board here.

Please help spread the word:

 

Top 10 Things To Do In Charlotte This Weekend

Steve
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Top 10 Things To Do In Charlotte This Weekend

This weekend is going to be incredible! There will be tons of food trucks, live music, parades, football, baseball, and guns!

Here are the top 10 things happening around the Charlotte region this Weekend;

#1 Charlotte Kickoff Night

charlotte catholic high school kickoff

This coming Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, a few of the biggest Charlotte high school football match-ups will kick off the beginning of Charlotte’s high school football season.

The first match-up will be Charlotte Latin versus Providence at 2 p.m.  Next up, the Mustangs of Myers Park will take on the Charlotte Country Day Buccaneers at approximately 5 p.m.  The final game of the night will kick at 8 p.m. as Charlotte Catholic faces Charlotte Christian.

Tickets are $10 for all three games, for more info click here.

#2 Needtobreathe

need to breathe charlotte

The Grammy nominated Christian rock band, originally from Seneca, South Carolina will be coming to Charlotte’s AvidXchange Amphitheatre tomorrow night as part of their latest national tour.

For tickets or more info click here.

#3 Keith Urban, Brett Eldredge, & Maren Morris

keith urban charlotte

Keith Urban, the legendary country music singer and American Idol judge will be coming to Charlotte along with Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris to rock the PNC Music Pavilion stage tomorrow night.

For tickets or more info click here.

#4 Bill Maher Live

bill mahar in charlotte

Bill Maher is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, media critic, and television host, best known for the HBO political talk show Real Time with Bill Maher.

This he’ll be coming to Charlotte this coming Friday night at Ovens Auditorium to do his stand-up routine.

For tickets or more info click here.

#5 Dixie Gun & Knife Show

gun and knife show

The Carolina’s Largest Gun and Knife show is coming to the Park Expo this Saturday and Sunday.

Check out a massive selection of antique and modern guns, as well as military surplus and accessories, hunting, camping, and outdoor recreational equipment.

For more info click here.

#6 Triple C Brewing Anniversary Party

triple c brewery anniversary party

This coming Saturday, August 20th Triple C will be celebrating their 4th Anniversary. The taproom will be open from noon to 9pm with Papi Queso Food Truck, Bleu Barn Bistro, New Wrap Order and King of Pops Charlotte.

For more information click here.

#7 Charlotte Open Air Market

charlotte open air market

Charlotte’s biggest open air market this weekend will be taking place at the old Eastland Mall site Saturday and Sunday from 7am-5pm.

It will feature hundreds of local vendors, farmers, and craftsmen selling everything you can imagine.

For more information or tickets click here.

#8 Prosperity Village Food Truck Rally

prosperity-village-food-truck-rally

Prosperity Village is hosting a massive food truck festival this coming Saturday from 4pm-9pm. Leashed dogs are welcome and you can bring your own beer or wine. The festival is sponsored by Google Fiber.

For more info click here.

#9 Bank of America Gay Pride Parade

Charlotte gay pride parade

This coming Sunday from 1-3pm, the Gay Pride Parade will be marching through Uptown Charlotte from 9th and N. Tryon Sts.

For more information or to submit a float contact info@charlottepride.org

#10 Charlotte Knights Vs. Buffalo Bisons

bbt-uptown-charlotte-ballpark2

The Charlotte Knights will be taking on the Buffalo Bisons this coming Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights at the now famous BB&T ballpark in Uptown Charlotte

For more information or for tickets to any of the games click here.

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

The Time Warner Cable Arena Is Officially Changing Its Name

Charlotte Stories
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The Time Warner Cable Arena Is Officially Changing Its Name

spectrum center uptown charlotte nc

Starting this season, the Charlotte Hornets will no longer be playing at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Their home will now be called the ‘Spectrum Center’.

The Hornets held a press conference today where they officially announced the new name.

The name change is due to Time Warner Cable’s buyout this past May by Charter Communications Inc..

At the time of the buyout, the company announced that they will be changing the Time Warner Cable brand name to Spectrum, due to the bad reputation Time Warner has developed through poor customer service and continual service issues.

chartercommunicationsThe Time Warner Cable Area will be re-branding itself sometime between now and the start of the upcoming Hornets season in October. The re-branding will include exterior and interior signage, as well as all brochures and marketing material.

The arena’s name change will come several months before residential customers notice the new name – your ‘Time Warner Cable’ service will not switch over to ‘Spectrum’ service until sometime next year.

Now that Charter has bought out Time Warner, they stands among the largest television providers in the country, along with Comcast (CMCSA), AT&T (T, Tech30) and Verizon (VZ, Tech30).

What do you think about the takeover? Do you think it will impact Google Fiber’s upcoming dominance of the Charlotte market?

 

Mac’s Speed Shop About To Open Their 7th Location In Matthews NC

Charlotte Stories
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Mac’s Speed Shop About To Open Their 7th Location In Matthews NC

Macs speed shop matthews

Mac’s Speed Shop just announced they will be opening their 7th Carolina location this coming fall in Matthews.

They opened their first location in Charlotte’s South End, and quickly expanded to Steele Creek, Lake Norman, Fayetteville, Greensboro and most recently, Greenville, S.C.

The BBQ chain will now be leasing a spot in the heart of downtown Matthews at 142 E. John Street:

mac speed shot matthews nc

The company recently took home the first place trophy in Charlotte’s Beer Bourbon and BBQ, and placed 5th at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (a global BBQ competition with almost 300 teams coming from as far away as Australia, Poland, Italy, and New Zealand).

Are you excited about Macs coming to Matthews?

Want more bbq? Check out our list of the top 10 bbq spots in the Carolinas here.

New Laws Could Force Gastonia’s Tattoo Artists Out Of Town

Steve Peters
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New Laws Could Force Gastonia’s Tattoo Artists Out Of Town

new gastonia tattoo lawsThe Gastonia City Council just met today to discuss changes to the cities Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that would significantly limit how tattoo parlors conduct business.

In June, The Council told staff to draft new zoning language to provide oversight of local tattoo businesses.

As the ordinance now stands, Gastonia only allows “tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments” to operate in its Urban Mixed Use District (applying only to select areas along West and East Franklin Boulevards).

Several tattoo parlors that currently operate in those areas are currently free to do business as they please.

Local Fox Station WJZY spoke with Gastonia’s Ink Link, a tattoo parlor that’s been in Gastonia for 20 years and now fears they many not be able to meet the new requirements:

The changes to the ordinance would include the following restrictions:

  • Tattoo parlors must only operate during the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • The total size of the facility must be a minimum of 3,000 SqFt
  • Artists will only be allowed to cater to “by-appointment” customers (no ‘walk-ins’)

Some of the city council members are protesting the new law, arguing that if other businesses can be open passed 9 p.m., there’s no reason that tattoo parlors shouldn’t as well.

What do you think about the new restrictions? 

Frankie’s Fun Park Just Purchased 18.6 Acres In Huntersville

Charlotte Stories
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Frankie’s Fun Park Just Purchased 18.6 Acres In Huntersville

frankies fun park huntersvilleThe parent company of Frankie’s Fun Park (The Godley Group) just purchased a large section of Huntersville’s new Bryton Town Center, with likely plans to build a new Frankie’s Fun Park.

The Carolina-based chain features mini golf, go karts, laser tag, arcades, shops, and restaurants.

Frankie’s Fun Park currently has locations in Raleigh, Greenville, Charleston, and Columiba – this would be their first Charlotte area location.

According to Mecklenburg County Tax records, a newly formed company called ‘Godley Group of Charlotte LLC’, (a subsidiary of the Charleston-based Godley Group) just purchased a 18.6 acre section of the new ‘Bryton Town Center’ mixed-use development at the corner of Everette Keith Road and Bryton Corporate Center Drive in Huntersville.

The property was purchased for $2.4 million from Bryton Town Center developer American Asset Corporation.

AAC has built several of Charlotte’s other well-known developments, including; the Arboretum in South Charlotte, the Whitehall complex (with the world famous spinning head), and Huntersville’s new NorthCross.

Placing amusement facilities in mixed-use developments seems to be an increasing trend in Charlotte, as AAC is also bringing the wildly popular TopGolf complex to its Whitehall development and the SkyHigh facility was recently built next to Carolina Place Mall.

Are you excited about a Frankie’s Fun Park coming to the Charlotte region?

Rock Hill Man Arrested For Playing Pokemon Go While Driving

Steve Peters
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Rock Hill Man Arrested For Playing Pokemon Go While Driving

pokemon go drivingA Rock Hill man was just arrested by police after drinking, driving, and playing Pokemon Go in the parking lot of the Pump House Restaurant.

Police were walking through the parking lot when they noticed the man driving erratic, they flashed their strobe light at him to get him to pull over.

After interrogating him, they discovered he had a couple beers and was frustrated at not catching a rare pokemon.

The driver told police that he became angry at “Pokemon Go” after a “Snorlax” escaped his pokeballs, according to a Rock Hill Police report.

The police gave him a breathalyzer test, but he didn’t drink enough to fail it.

He was then charged with reckless driving and “wanton disregard for the restaurant property,” according to the police report.

The Pokemon Go game was first launched about a month and half ago and has been spreading like wildfire all over the Charlotte region ever since.

Charlotte’s Historic Johnson C. Smith University Is About To Celebrate It’s 150th Year of Higher Education

Steve
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Charlotte’s Historic Johnson C. Smith University Is About To Celebrate It’s 150th Year of Higher Education
Johnson C. Smith recently hosted the U.S. Paralympic Trials
Johnson C. Smith recently hosted the U.S. Paralympic Trials

johnson c smith 150 yearsThis coming school year will officially be the 150th year of operation of one of America’s most prestigious black colleges in America.

Today at a special press conference, they revealed a special emblem for this monumental year.

JCSU President Ronald Carter talked about how much the school has achieved throughout the past 150 years.

“All you have to do now is travel down Trade Street, Beatties Ford Road, see all the developments there. Come on campus. Our vision has now become a reality,” he commented.

Immediately after Carter’s address, faculty and staff all released 150 gold and blue balloons in unison to celebrate the momentous occasion.

U.S. News & World Report recently ranked JCSU 19 out of 80 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America.

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