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Deputies: Man reported stolen motorcycle, hid it in storage

LINCOLN COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- A motorcycle and trailer found hidden in a storage unit in Shelby have led to charges against a man in Vale, North Carolina, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

William Minford Chatham, III, 38, was arrested Monday on two charges of felony insurance fraud.  He was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Chatham reported on October 13, that someone stole an enclosed trailer, worth $2,748, and a Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle, valued at $25,000, which was in the trailer.

At the time he told deputies that he kept the trailer parked beside the driveway at his home and it was there around 11:30 p.m. on October 12, when he went out to walk his dog, but was gone when he got up around 6:15 a.m. on October 13, the report states.

Deputies said he then submitted a claim for payment to State Farm Insurance for the missing property knowing the claim contained false information.

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WET’N WILD opens this weekend with all new SOAK ZONE!

WET’N WILD opens this weekend with all new SOAK ZONE!

WET’N WILD EMERALD POINTE, the Largest Water Park In The Carolinas’ celebrates the beginning of summer with a fun-filled family opening on SATURDAY, MAY 25TH at 10:00AM for the exciting 29TH SEASON!  (Opening Weekend is May 25, 26 and 27…operating hours are 10:00am-5:00pm each day.  Open daily beginning Saturday, June 8th, 2013.  Final operating day is Labor Day Monday, September 2nd, 2013)

This season, WET’N WILD EMERALD POINTE proudly announces the introduction of the all-new SOAK ZONE water spray area!  The new half-acre SOAK ZONE attraction includes a 7,000 square foot interactive water play area featuring over 35 different water elements!  SOAK ZONE is designed for exciting water spray thrills for the entire family with specialty themed seating and shaded areas, providing a waterfall of relaxation and fun for ALL ages! 

Senate budget proposal changes SBI

Senate budget proposal changes SBI

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- The North Carolina Senate released its state budget proposal late Sunday night.

It's a  $20.6 billion dollar plan that includes adjustments to Medicaid, education reform, and a big change for the State Bureau of Investigation.

Senate leaders have been looking for ways to trim costs, and to prevent any tax increases, and they're proposing consolidation as a tool to do so.

But the SBI proposal is starting to look like a convoluted case.

Attorney General Roy Cooper stood with a dozen law enforcement officers today to oppose the move. Cooper says putting the SBI under McCrory's control could create a conflict of interest, and that it would cripple the organization's independence and investigative techniques.

The SBI currently handles public corruption cases, and in the past it's investigated more than 500 public officials, including the past two governors' administrations.

Truckin' along in the quest for the checkered flag

CONCORD, NC (WBTV)- It's not the biggest circuit in racing, but it's one these drivers and teams love, even if it takes just about all they have.

"Yes, it's extremely busy, 12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. The business of racing is one side, but then you have to find the funding to do it which takes as much time as running the race team," said Mark Beaver.

Beaver and Tracy Lowe are partners who own MAKE Motorsports. It's based in Shelby, where Mark also runs a bail bond company. Danny Elfland is the driver, but he spends a lot of time working on the truck.

"The only way I was ever able to drive to be in the position I'm in right now is because I'm able to work on the trucks, most of the race cars I've driven I've worked on at the shop," Elfland told WBTV, while preparing the truck to make a qualifying run for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200. "I think it makes a better race car driver to know what you have underneath you.

Deputies: Business owner arrested for buying stolen jewelry

CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- A Shelby business owner was arrested Friday for buying stolen jewelry, according to a report from the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

On May 17, the Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at A Perfect Find in Shelby after receiving information the business was buying jewelry that had been stolen from homes throughout the County.

Following the investigation, deputies said business owner Tiffini Hovis violated North Carolina Statutes 66-169 and 66-170, which govern the buying and selling of precious metals.

Hovis was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice, accessory after the fact, receiving stolen goods, and possession of stolen goods.

Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call Detective Sergeant Mark Craig at (704) 476-3033.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.

Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

The Highway Patrol completed its Operation "Road Watch" campaign after a two-day intensive enforcement effort on I-85 in Cleveland and surrounding counties. 

During the two-day event, which began on Tuesday, May 14, and ended on Wednesday, May 15, Troopers concentrated on commercial motor vehicle violations as well as focused their attention on motorists who were driving aggressively around big trucks, speeding, tailgating, and driving aggressively.

Established in 2007, Operation "Road Watch" was designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety as well as the efficiency of commercial vehicle operations.

Beards keep men young, healthy & handsome

 Beards keep men young, healthy & handsome

Gentlemen, beards aren’t just for hipsters and hippies anymore.

If you want proof the beard is king in Charlotte, stand by any college, or look around any corner uptown: You’ll see full beards on the faces of students and men in their 30s and 40s.

So why the new hankering for heavy stubble?

While some say beards just make a man instantly sexy, researchers discovered there’s more to it than sex appeal.

"There are certainly some benefits to having beards," said dermatologist Dr. Ronea Harris with Presbyterian Dermatology South.

The study from the University of Southern Queensland found stubble or facial hair can improve men's overall health.

"We know that hair bearing areas because of the hair it does tend to protect more from UV light so we don't see as many skin cancers," said Dr. Harris.

The study also says that "all that hair" retains moisture and protects against the wind, keeping you looking young and fresh-faced.