North Carolina Man Open Fires On Army Station After Being Rejected For Service

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Yesterday a North Carolina man open fired on a Greensboro Army recruiting station after being rejected for service.

According to police, 36-year-old James Alexander Cooper has now been charged with 6 counts of assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm into occupied property, discharging a firearm in city limits, and carrying a concealed weapon.

A spokesperson for the Army said that no one was injured during the shooting and that the front of the building and the main entrance was damaged.

Employees at the Greensboro Army recruiting office worked remotely on Tuesday and returned to work at the damaged offices on Wednesday.

Cooper is now awaiting trial at the Guilford County Jail on a $260,000 bond.

Protesters in N.C. Urge Federal Court to Prohibit Use of Pepper Spray for Crowd Control

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In a new court filing on Friday, groups leading the October 31 ‘I Am Change’ march to the Polls in Graham, N.C., which was disrupted by police violence, amended their complaint in federal court.

The complaint in Justice for the Next Generation et. al v. Johnson, et al. urges the court to prohibit officials from using pepper spray to disperse peaceful protestors and adds additional plaintiffs to the case. The amended complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the ACLU of North Carolina, and attorneys Jason Keith and Ben Crump.

“The right to vote and the right to assemble are cornerstone principles that lie at the heart of our democracy. We will continue to fight against unconstitutional and unlawful attacks on these rights,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “The actions of officials were intended to silence, marginalize and render voiceless Black activists seeking to advance the cause of justice in their community. The court must rule hold law enforcement accountable for using pepper spray to disperse peaceful demonstrators and issue a decision that recognizes their constitutionally-protected civil rights.”

The complaint includes the assertion that the acts of police violence against peaceful marchers on the last day of Early Voting violate the First and Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, the Voting Rights Act, and The Klan Act of 1871, which prohibits violence, intimidation, and harassment of anyone attempting to exercise their right to vote.

“It is unacceptable for people peacefully marching to the polls to be met with police violence,” Kristi Graunke, legal director for the ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation. “The use of chemical weapons on peaceful marchers, including children, is abhorrent, and we are hopeful that the court will recognize the need to prevent this type of violence from happening again.”

Read the complaint here.

Construction Begins At Charlotte’s Newest Master-Planned Village

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Construction has officially begun on a sprawling new master-planned village on the East side of Charlotte near the intersection of 485 and Rocky River Road. It will soon join the ranks of Baxter, Birkdale, and Ballantyne Villages.

MPV Properties, TRI Pointe Homes, and Taylor Morrison broke ground this week on the first phase of Farmington Village.

“The TRI Pointe Homes team is excited to bring its new home designs to life in Farmington where residents can enjoy beautiful community open spaces and walkability to dining and entertainment,” states Gray Shell, Division President of TRI Pointe Homes.

According to a press release from MPV Properties, Farmington Village will eventually include at least 300 townhomes, 300 luxury apartments, 36 single-family homes, and over 500,000 square feet of commercial space with a theater, retail, medical, and general office space, and a hotel.

The first model homes are scheduled to be completed by next fall and the first retail shops plan on opening in early 2022.

If you’re thinking about moving in or around the new Farmington Village area, let us connect you with a top Charlotte real estate agent in the area by filling out the form below:

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

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    Realtor.com has announced their rankings of the hottest zip codes in the country, and one area in Southeast Charlotte has landed near the top.

    Out of a total of the 32,000 zip codes that were analyzed, Charlotte’s 28212 was ranked #22 in America.

    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 next year, we can expect these types of areas to stay in demand in the years to come.”

    Charlotte’s 28212, which includes the Idlewild, Wynnwood, and North Sharon Amity neighborhoods, was ranked just behind Montclair, NJ and Tracy, CA.

    Realtor.com’s Top 50 Hottest ZIP codes

    Hotness Rank
    Zip Code
    Zip Name
    1 49505 Grand Rapids, MI
    2 68144 Omaha, NE
    3 83704 Boise, ID
    4 66203 Shawnee, KS
    5 14609 Rochester, NY
    6 48154 Livonia, MI
    7 02176 Melrose, MA
    8 76018 Arlington, TX
    9 03045 Goffstown, NH
    10 80916 Colorado Springs, CO
    11 46804 Fort Wayne, IN
    12 19030 Fairless Hills, PA
    13 99205 Spokane, WA
    14 02048 Mansfield, MA
    15 43230 Columbus, OH
    16 94546 Castro Valley, CA
    17 95630 Folsom, CA
    18 38134 Memphis, TN
    19 01453 Leominster, MA
    20 95376 Tracy, CA
    21 07043 Montclair, NJ
    22 28212 Charlotte, NC
    23 55428 Minneapolis, MN
    24 67212 Wichita, KS
    25 40242 Louisville, KY
    26 14227 Buffalo, NY
    27 78750 Austin, TX
    28 79707 Midland, TX
    29 46322 Highland, IN
    30 53220 Milwaukee, WI
    31 93612 Clovis, CA
    32 22152 Springfield, VA
    33 78233 San Antonio, TX
    34 45248 Cincinnati, OH
    35 04106 South Portland, ME
    36 93312 Bakersfield, CA
    37 95687 Vacaville, CA
    38 13219 Syracuse, NY
    39 27704 Durham, NC
    40 44685 Uniontown, OH
    41 44720 North Canton, OH
    42 44212 Brunswick, OH
    43 97267 Portland, OR
    44 94954 Petaluma, CA
    45 63119 Saint Louis, MO
    46 23226 Richmond, VA
    47 53714 Madison, WI
    48 83202 Pocatello, ID
    49 27616 Raleigh, NC
    50 95973 Chico, CA

     

    Homes for Sale in 28212 have a median listing price of $194,900 and a price per square foot of $117. There are 84 active homes for sale in 28212, which spend an average of 57 days on the market.

    Charlotte Stories is continually partnering with the best real estate agents in every part of the Charlotte region.

    If you’re thinking about moving in or around Charlotte, let us connect you with a top agent in your area by filling out the form below:

      3 Top Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

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      Finding a job you love is something we all dream of — but getting to that point can feel impossible at times. With this simple guide, you can approach your application with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for the most common problems you might face.

      We’re covering three important stages of getting a job: background checks, resumes/CVs, and interviews. By following our top tips, you’ll know everything that could go wrong and how to fix it. It’s easy to make a great impression on potential employers and showcase all your skills with the right know-how!

      1. Background Checks

      Many people applying for jobs or starting a new one are confused by background checks. So what does a background check consist of, and how will this impact your chances of job success?

      A background check is an investigation of your past and may consist of several fields. For example, a common background check for most jobs is of education, criminal record, and previous employment. You need to be aware that these things are being checked and what they’re looking for to avoid spending time applying for a job that you’re not eligible for. Or, you should be prepared to answer any questions about any criminal record you might have and how you’ve overcome your past misdemeanors.

      Although it’s legal for potential employers to ask you about the previously mentioned issues, there are limits. For example, you can’t be asked about your medical history during a recruitment process unless in exceptional circumstances like the military. You also can’t be discriminated against or asked additional questions because of your race, ethnicity, religion, or any similar category.

      2. Resumes and CVs

      While not every role has a resume-checking stage, as some now use application forms, but many do. So, your task is to compose a resume that best reflects your achievements in relation to the job you’re applying for, and sets you apart from other candidates.
      The most important thing to consider when submitting a resume or CV is to showcase why you’re a good fit for the role. If you have relevant experience or qualifications move them to the top of the page. You also need to keep it short and sweet — two A4 pages will usually do.

      3. Interviews

      Most jobs require you to have an interview as part of the application process. This can be anything from a formal face-to-face discussion to an informal video chat. Some may also take the form of group assessments, where you’re expected to work with other candidates on a task. Practically everyone find interviews nerve-wracking, but it helps to get prepared with a few simple steps:

      •  Dress The Part. Wearing smart, clean clothes signals to your potential employer that you’re mature and professional. Although the exact outfit you pick might vary depending on the role and company you’re targeting, be sure to pay close attention — even if it’s a video interview.
      • Act Confident. A key saying in the industry is fake it ‘til you make it! If you can, make eye contact, smile, and remain calm and collected. Remember, if you’ve gotten this far, you’re clearly an able candidate. This is different from being cocky — remember you’re dealing with professionals and be humble yet proud of your achievements.
      • Be Prepared. Before your interview it’s a good idea to practice some answers to the ⦁ most common questions that could come up. Even if they aren’t relevant on the day, this exercise helps to remind you of your skills and experience.
        Go Grab Success!

      Now you know what to do, you’re ready to smash any job application and get that career you’ve always wanted. Trust in your ability and go in prepared, and you’ll be where you want to be in no time.

      Top Attractions in North Carolina

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      North Carolina is a fabulous state to visit, with huge forests for hiking and camping in, observation towers, restaurants with seriously delicious foods, and many other attractions to enjoy. Thinking of taking a trip there? Don’t forget to take along drinks, a charger, and some elastic bandages, just in case. (As they say, better safe than sorry!) Here are some adventures you’ll want to include in your vacation itinerary.

      Clingman’s Dome 

      Clingman’s Dome is the highest part of the Smoky Mountains. It spans both Tennessee and North Carolina, and has a huge observation deck, with a dome-shaped cover – but that’s not where the mountain got its name. The name was culled because of the shape of the top of the mountain, which looks somewhat like a dome. 

      Pisgah National Forest

      Pisgah National forest is a stunning space filled with tall, huge trees, massive climbing rocks and fun hiking trails. It also has an information center and store. The name ‘Pisgah’ actually means ‘summit’ in biblical language, and the name is quite apropos, since Pisgah National Forest is in the thick of the Appalachian Mountains!

      Sliding Rock

      Don’t miss this one! The sliding rock is a beautiful waterfall, but besides for that, it’s kind of like a sliding pond, but it’s 60 feet long – you can slide all the way down the waterfall, into the pool at the bottom. This is a fabulously popular attraction! It’s located in Pisgah National Forest.

      Battleship North Carolina

      This is the first such battleship built for the US Navy. It’s a huge, huge battleship, and an amazing piece of history. If you’re a military history buff, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this! It has a souvenir shop so you can get yourself a memento to always remember this awesome battleship.

      Bodie Island Lighthouse

      The Bodie Island Lighthouse was built way back in 1872, but (not to worry!) has been renovated since them. It’s located on Hatteras Island, one of the barrier islands of North Carolina. It’s over 150 feet tall, and has over 200 steps. 

      These are just a few fabulous attractions in the Old North state. North Carolina has many more attractions, too! If you love hiking and enjoy nature, and are looking to vacation somewhere, North Carolina’s a great place to go!

      Cleveland County Sporting Goods Worker Arrested After Killing Shopper Who Set Off Alarm

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      A Cleveland County sporting goods employee has just been arrested for murder after a shopper set off the alarm while exiting Dunham Sports in Shelby, and was then chased and shot by the employee.

      According to the Shelby Police Department, 22-year-old Jacob Wesley Isenhour of Grover, NC was arrested yesterday afternoon and charged with First Degree Murder, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Discharging a Firearm Inside City Limits.

      Police say that Bryan Allen Francis walked out of Dunham’s Sports at about 1pm when the security alarm starting going off. Isenhour then chased after Francis through the parking lot and into a wooded area where shots were fired.

      Isenhour is currently being restrained in the Cleveland County Detention Center with no bond. His current court date is set for next Tuesday.

      Winter Conditions Bringing Ice, Sleet, and Possible Snow To Charlotte Region Tonight

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      Charlotte might see its first official snowfall of the season tonight as precipitation is likely and temperatures could dip below the freezing mark in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

      The National Weather Service has now issued the following winter weather advisory for the Charlotte region:

      WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
      NOON EST WEDNESDAY...
      
      * WHAT...Freezing rain is expected, mixed with snow and sleet at
        times early in the morning. Total snow accumulations less than
        one inch and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch.
      
      * WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon EST Wednesday.
      
      * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
        conditions could impact the morning commute.

      According to Weather Underground, we will see the highest chance of freezing rain and icy conditions from 5am-8am tomorrow morning.

      If you moved here from Ohio or New York (like myself), you may be rolling your eyes, but if you’re from Florida or California, you might need to make some changes to prepare for the coming winter temperatures.

      To prepare your car, top off all your fluids, especially your oil, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. You’ll also want to check your tires and make sure your air pressure is over 32 PSI.

      To prepare your home, make sure to drain all fountains and exterior water fixtures. Always let at least one of your faucets drip to avoid freezing pipes. Consider buying a humidifier if you’re sensitive to dry air. If you have an older home with older windows, investing in some shrink film insulation will save you a ton on your heating bill.

      To prepare yourself, buy some thermal gloves, a warm hat, and a winter jacket. If you’re going to spend any length of time outside, you may even want to consider buying an electric heating jacket.

      If you have a pet – make sure to read our article about how to keep your furry friend warm!

      South Carolina Ranked As 2020’s 5th Most Rule-Defiant State in America

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      We’ve all heard that “rules are meant to be broken,” but some of us take that aphorism too far.

      In a year of excessive disobedience — people refusing to wear masks and even presidential candidates ignoring debate protocols, for example — it’s fair to wonder where Americans flout the rules more than others.

      As we look ahead to 2021 with an eye toward positive change, the website LawnStarter compiled a list of 2020’s Most Rule-Defiant States.

      They compared the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia across 31 key indicators of rule-breaking behavior, from underage drinking to illegal gambling to the prevalence of COVID-19.

      South Carolina ranked as the 5th most ‘rule-defiant’ state in the nation, while North Carolina was shown to be much more compliant, coming in at 39th:

      The Incredible History of Charlotte’s Atherton Mill Might Surprise You

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      atherton mill charlotte

      Atherton Mills is now one of Charlotte’s largest retail centers with it’s recent $100 million expansion, but it wasn’t always a retail hub.

      The incredibly rich history of Charlotte’s Atherton Mill started in 1892 when construction first began. The mill was the very first factory in Charlotte’s first streetcar community – Dilworth. It paved the way for an incredible period of growth for what was then known as South Charlotte.

      history of charlotte's atherton millOver the next couple decades this area would flourish with massive textile-related factories, turning the city of Charlotte into the undisputed textile capital of the southern Piedmont.

      The Atherton Cotton Mills was the first mill established by the D.A. Tompkins Company – a pioneering developer that eventually constructed all or portions of 100 cotton mills around the country.

      The Atherton Cotton Mills facility also has incredible architectural significance. This well-preserved factory, recently converted into condominiums, clearly represents in its basic form, materials, construction, and restrained design elements textile mills erected throughout Charlotte and the region during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

      The mill was one of the first to incorporate the “slow burn,” “standard mill construction” promoted by the New England Mutual fire insurance companies – what this means is that in a fire, the stair tower, for example, could be closed off from the main facility, thus confining the spread of flames. The hardwood floors and thick structural timbers would char but retain their strength rather than collapsing as iron did in intense heat. The rows of windows along the long brick walls of the mill provided air and natural light for the men, women, and children who typically labored 60 hours per week producing yarn at the Atherton plant.

      Over the years the buildings has had a variety of owners and housed hundreds of various businesses, but on the inside a lot of the interior details are still the same as they were over a 100 years ago.

      the history of atherton mill

      Stop into Vin Master (once the mill’s loading dock) and you can see the original floor to ceiling windows that were built to provide natural light for workers as well as a large scale that was used to weigh cotton.

      This city is fully of rich history!