Mecklenburg County Flood Mitigation Program Facing Challenges

Friday, June 14th, 2013, 7:32pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Gripping electronic images stored on Tim Trautman's desk top offer a compelling visual narrative into the hardship that high water brings to some of Charlotte's most flood-prone neighborhoods.

The pictures reveal standing water at many homes.

He works with Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services.

Many vulnerable houses may remain in harm's way, because federal dollars normally used to demolish them are dwindling.

"What we've been able to do is take 25 cents and what we've been able to do is take 75 cents from the federal government to make that a dollar," Trautman said.

Remember the Doral and Caviler apartments?

The mix of federal dollars combined with local storm water fees allowed parts of the complex to be bulldozed.

Eloise McClary lives on Seldon Avenue it is a place with a history of flooding. She said, "If it gets too high. I know that I have to leave."

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Hay! It's Farm Day at Charlotte Nature Museum

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Friday, June 14th, 2013, 3:38pm

Hay! It's Farm Day at Charlotte Nature Museum

Straight from the horse’s mouth, local farms and their animal residents have a very important job when it comes to what ends up on your dinner plate. Dig into the fun of farming when Charlotte Nature Museum hosts its June Creature Feature, Farm Day, Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Whether you’re a kid of the human or goat variety, you probably enjoy munching fruits and nibbling veggies. When these wholesome foods come straight from the fields in your community, not only are you helping local farmers but you’re probably grazing on very fresh food.

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Minorities combat obesity epidemic

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Friday, June 14th, 2013, 1:53pm

Obesity rates continue to rise in the US across all demographics.

But African-Americans and Hispanics are still the most affected according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

The current obesity rate of Mexican-American adults is about 41 percent, higher than the overall national average of about 36 percent of Americans who are obese.

African-Americans have the highest obesity rates at almost 50 percent.

"My mom died of diabetes and high blood pressure and cholesterol and I got to a point where I was almost 300 hundred pounds," said Louis DesChamps.

For African-American women, the numbers are especially dramatic.

Four out of five are obese.

"I was definitely considered overweight and obese," said Kiera DesChamps.

Witnessing the health problems their families suffered, Louis and Kiera took control of their weight.

"I've lost 75 pounds since November so I'm excited," said Louis.

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How to make a miniature garden

Submitted by Joe Hester, Community News Producer

Friday, June 14th, 2013, 8:00am

The Reedy Creek Nature Center is inviting the public to an indoor gardening class this weekend.

Participants have the opportunity to create a miniature garden from recycled materials and small plants

Gardeners of all ages can join the fun at the Reedy Creek Nature Center, located at 2900 Rocky River Road in Charlotte, Sunday June 16, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.

The cost is free, and the program is open to the public. Materials are provided.

To register, call the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 704-432-6460.

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Charlotte park reopens after man found dead

Submitted by Nick Needham on Thursday, June 13th, 12:56 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Police have reopened a Charlotte park after a missing man was found dead Thursday morning.

Police closed Reedy Creek Park around 9:30 a.m.

A 61-year-old man committed suicide, police say. He was reported missing by family members on Wednesday night.

The park is heavily wooded and lies off of Rocky River Road in northeast Charlotte.

Park officials say the park was reopened by 12:30 p.m.

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Extension of unemployment benefits to expire June 30

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013, 7:48pm

Extension of unemployment benefits to expire June 30

The North Carolina Division of Employment Security is reminding people that the Federal extension of benefits, better known as the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, will expire at the end of the month.

The unemployment measure was designed to help the State repay $2.5 billion owed to the federal government for paying jobless benefits more quickly by cutting future maximum weekly jobless benefits from $535 to $350. Recipients will only receive benefits for 20 weeks, instead of 26.

Because of this change, thousands of people are expected to turn to human services for help.

"Anyone in human services is concerned.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg School to start summer schedule

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013, 1:49pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is moving to its summer schedule starting next week.

Beginning Monday, June 17, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will follow its four-day work week schedule through Friday, Aug. 9.

The auxiliary services department reported $439,000 in savings last year due to limited use of utilities on Fridays.

Most district offices and departments will be open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the summer.

There will be some exceptions to ensure support for Project Leadership and Investment for Transformation (L.I.F.T.) schools which will operate on a continuous learning calendar beginning in July.

During the week of July 1-5, CMS offices will operate on an 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. schedule, with July 4 as a holiday. In addition, specific school sites will be operating throughout the summer for various programs.

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