News

Truckin' along in the quest for the checkered flag

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 4:37pm

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.

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Deputies: Business owner arrested for buying stolen jewelry

Submitted by John Cominsky on Friday, May 17th, 2:59 pm

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.

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Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 2:39pm

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.

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Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 12:05pm

Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Severe weather season is underway in the Carolinas and the National Weather Service is looking to train severe weather spotters in our area.

The first of two classes in our area will be offered Thursday evening, May 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Iredell County Agriculture Center. Classes are about two hours long and covers the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure and how to identify potential severe weather features.

The class is free, but you will need to register by calling 704-878-5097. For directions and more information, click here.

The next class will be offered in Union, SC on Tuesday, May 21st.

For more information on the SKYWARN program, click here.

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NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 1:50pm

NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

A bill broadening so-called conscience protections and the number of employers who can refuse to provide contraception services in health insurance coverage has been approved by a North Carolina House committee.

The bill approved Wednesday allows any medical professional to refuse to participate in an abortion and allows any business to refuse to provide contraception coverage on religious or moral grounds.

The bill expands so-called conscience protections beyond doctors and nurses to include people such as pharmacists and technicians.

The contraception provision expands existing law that exempts religious organizations to any private or nonprofit company.

The bill also outlaws health care plans that include abortion services from future online marketplaces of private plans offered under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Opponents say the bill tramples women's rights.

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Newton-Conover wins 2A state golf championship

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013, 5:20pm

Southern Pines, NC (WBTV)- For the first time in school history, Newton-Conover has won the 2A state golf championship. They claimed the title by just 4 shots over North Lincoln who finishes as the runner up for the 2nd straight year.

Shelby finished in 3rd, Salisbury finished in 4th, and Cuthbertson finished in 10th.

Newton-Conover would be led by Alex Hefner. He would go on to win the individual state title after a 2 day total of 142. He would win by 2 shots over Kaleb Lester from Carrboro.

Other local golfers who finished in the top 10 include Maiden's Thomas Lilly and Salisbury's Eric Edwards (tied for 3rd), Shelby's Elliott Grayson (6th), North Lincoln's Alston Taylor (tied for 7th), Newton-Conover's Trey Burton and North Lincoln's Grant Studdard (tied for 9th).

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Changing overtime pay for some workers?

Submitted by Dedrick Russell on Thursday, May 9th, 6:42 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- There could be a new way to pay employees who work for the private sector. Members of the House have passed a bill to change overtime pay. The law would give employees the option to either get overtime pay or comp time.

Republican Congressman Robert Pittenger favors the bill and thinks this will empower families to take time off when needed - time that will best fit their schedule.

"You may have young kids at home," Pittenger said. "Or go to a soccer game and you may need to go to the dentist or you have aging parents. This is a good bill for hard working American families. It gives those choices back to the families and employees."

While Pittenger thinks this will help families, some hourly workers are not so sure.

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