Vaccine Appointments Widen In Buncombe
(Buncbome County, NC) -- Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines are opening up this week to more people in Buncombe County. Healthcare workers and residents aged 65-and-over are eligible to sign up for doses, which will be given starting February 1st. Health officials tell WLOS-TV around three-thousand vaccines have been administered so far, with around that many expected to be given this week. The state opened up vaccines for North Carolinians at least 65-years old last week.
Buncombe County Security Tightens
(Buncombe County, NC) -- The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is on high alert in wake of potential armed protests connected to the presidential inauguration. Sheriff Quentin Miller said yesterday the office has communicated with federal and state agencies about possible threats. None have been made in Buncombe County, but an enhanced security plan is still in place. Sheriff Miller is reminding citizens not to be alarmed if there are heightened presences at the courthouse and other locations.
Woman Claims Hostility At Pardee Hospital
(Henderson County, NC) -- A Henderson County woman is claiming she worked in a hostile environment at Pardee Hospital. WLOS-TV reports a complaint was filed in Asheville's federal court earlier this month. Indian Jackson says she was threatened with receiving 50 lashes from a supervisor while she worked as a mailroom manager for the hospital. Pardee UNC Health is disputing the allegation, and says any claims are taken seriously.
State House Rep Positive With COVID-19
(Buncombe County, NC) -- A state House Representative from Buncombe County is positive for COVID-19. Democrat Brian Turner revealed the diagnosis yesterday, saying he's now in isolation for the next ten days. He says he wasn't in the legislative building in Raleigh last week for the first day of the legislative session. No major symptoms have been reported, other than fatigue and congestion.
Habitat For Humanity Accepting Applications
(Asheville, NC) -- Home ownership applications are currently being accepted through Asheville's Habitat for Humanity program. Interested applicants can watch a video overview at Asheville-Habitat-dot-org, since in-person sessions are postponed due to COVID-19. Local residents must earn between 40-to-80-percent of the area's median income to be eligible.
Restaurants Accepting Donations
(Asheville, NC) -- A new fundraising campaign is being set up to help Asheville restaurants. The Asheville Independent Restaurants Association has kickstarted a program called AIRfriends to help businesses heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants usually donate but are now facing hardships during the pandemic.
CMPD Officers, Meck Deputies In DC
(Charlotte, NC) -- The presence of Charlotte's local law enforcement will be felt at the presidential inauguration tomorrow. WBTV reports 90 officers with the CMPD will join 40 Mecklenburg County sheriff's deputies in helping provide security at the nation's Capitol. More than 350 National Guardsmen from North Carolina are also in D.C.
Man Injured In Shooting
(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is investigating a shooting in south Charlotte. Officers found a man injured on Nations Ford Road Monday afternoon. The search for a suspect is on. The injuries to the victim were considered to be life-threatening.
Teen Dies After Being Hit By Car
(Charlotte, NC) -- No charges are expected in the death of a teenage bicyclist in Charlotte. The CMPD says a 14-year-old was riding a bike when he was hit by a car at Freedom Drive and Berryhill Road on Sunday. The teen died from his injuries yesterday. The driver of the car stayed at the scene, and wasn't found to be under the influence or speeding at the time of the accident.
Home Invasion Victim Dies Weeks After Assault
(York County, SC) -- A Christmas home invasion in York County is now being investigated as a homicide. An elderly couple was tied up and beaten at their home in Hickory Grove. Investigators say 72-year-old Sarah Childers died from her injuries last weekend. The FBI recently increased a reward in the case to 20-thousand-dollars, as officials search for three suspects.
Hickory Man Accused Of Killing Mother
(Hickory, NC) -- A suspect is accused of killing his mother in Hickory. Investigators say Billy Hahn, Junior stabbed the woman to death at a home on 16th Street Monday. He allegedly barricaded himself inside another home after stabbing a second victim. A SWAT team was about to arrest him on murder charges.
Hornets' Game Postponed Over COVID
(Charlotte, NC) -- The Hornets' Wednesday night game is being postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The decision was made after positive tests in the Washington Wizards, who were scheduled to tip off against Charlotte at the Spectrum Center. The next scheduled game for the Hornets is Friday night at home against the Chicago Bulls.
People Age 65-And Older To Start Getting Vaccinations Today
(Raleigh, NC) -- Starting today, people age 65 and older in North Carolina will be allowed to receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. However, individuals must first make an appointment before getting their shots. In Wake County, the number to call is (919) 250-1515, or you can go to their website at to register. Across the Triangle, vaccination centers are also open in Durham and Orange counties for the Phase 1b vaccination rollout.
CDC Says Only Third Of Vaccines Sent To North Carolina Have Been Administered
(Raleigh, NC) -- New figures released by the CDC show that nearly one-million doses of the vaccine have been delivered to North Carolina. But of that amount, only around 300-thousand of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been administered. The Agency also reports around 42-thousand people have received both doses required to have the projected efficacy rate of 95-percent.
Raleigh Teen Gunned Down In Front Of House Last Night
(Raleigh, NC) -- Police in Raleigh are investigating a neighborhood shooting that left a 15-year-old boy seriously wounded. It happened Monday night around 7:15 p.m. along the 700-block of Cooper Road near Poole Road. Authorities say the teen was standing near a car when he was struck multiple times by gunfire. The victim was rushed to WakeMed, where he was last reported to be in serious condition. Investigators say the shooting did not appear to be random. So far, no suspects have been arrested.
City Of Raleigh To Participate In Nationwide 'Moment Of Unity' To Honor COVID-19 Deaths
(Raleigh, NC) -- The City of Raleigh today will join the committee planning the inauguration of Joe Biden in hosting a 'National Moment of Unity.' The nationwide event will honor the nearly 400-thousand people who have died as a result of COVID-19 in the United States. Tonight, several buildings in downtown will be illuminated in amber, which is the designated COVID-19 memorial color. Some of the buildings include the Fayetteville Street Towers, the Raleigh Municipal Building and the Governor's Executive Mansion.
Most Triangle Government Buildings Closed Due To Possible Threat Of Violence
(Wake County, NC) -- All Wake County courts will be closed today and tomorrow in an effort to keep people from coming downtown amid the threat of possible violence by armed protesters on Inauguration Day. Raleigh City offices will be closed as well. Some 350 members of the North Carolina National Guard, along with local law enforcement, have been placed on heightened alert around the Capitol in anticipation of any unrest.
Large-Scale COVID-19 Clinic This Week
(Guilford Co., NC) -- The Guilford County Division of Public Health is teaming up with Cone Health to host a large-scale vaccination clinic. It launches today at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. Nurses and CNAs will be able to administer close to 150 vaccines per hour. The vaccines available to folks 75 years and older, and by appointment only.
Gov. Cooper To Illuminate Capitol In Remembrance Of COVID-19 Victims
(Undated) -- Governor Roy Cooper is calling on all counties and municipalities to illuminate their buildings this evening in remembrance of the lives lost to COVID-19. Governor Cooper said he'll light up the Executive Mansion at 5:30 p.m. He's also encouraging churches and houses of worship to ring their bells at that time.
Sen. Tillis Will Not Attend Wednesday Inauguration
(Cornelius, NC) -- Senator Thom Tillis will not be attending President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration tomorrow. That's because he's having foot surgery. The North Carolina Republican said he already shared the news with the Biden team. Tillis said he's looking forward to working with the new administration. He said there will be disagreements, but they'll be respectful.
Surry Co. Emergency Services Director Dies
(Surry Co., NC) -- Surry County's longtime Emergency Services Director John Shelton has died. Officials say Shelton was found dead in his home on Sunday, but no cause of death has been released. Shelton began his 40-year career as a paramedic and worked his way up to department director. In a statement, Surry County officials expressed their gratitude for his service and their sympathy to his family.
Man On Burlington's Most-Wanted List Arrested
(Burlington, NC) -- One of Burlington's most-wanted criminals is behind bars. Police announced the arrest of Jose Flores-Angel yesterday. He's charged with human-trafficking of a child victim and involuntary servitude of a child victim. Flores-Angel is being held on a 65-thousand-dollar secured bond.