Plan to allow alcohol sales at stadium seats clears hurdle at NC capitol

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 6:03pm

Plan to allow alcohol sales at stadium seats clears hurdle at NC capitol

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)- North Carolina lawmakers are moving closer to relaxing rules for selling beer to seated fans at stadiums.

The House on Monday gave initial approval to a bill permitting alcohol sales in the seating areas of professional ballparks with a capacity of at least 3,000. Current law allows for in-stand sales only at venues of at least 60,000 seats.

The bill passed narrowly and will have to return for another vote. Opponents argued the bill will encourage greater consumption.

Another bill allowing retailers to stock beer in larger, refillable containers passed with little debate. The bill is aimed at helping the state's craft brewers, who often package their product in containers of up to 64 ounces. The containers known as "growlers" are not allowed to be sold at grocery stores.

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The feud is over: Alcoa and Stanly County reach agreement

Submitted by David Whisenant

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 4:45pm

The feud is over: Alcoa and Stanly County reach agreement

ALBEMARLE - After spending several years and thousands of dollars opposing the corporate giant, officials in Stanly County now say they will no longer fight Alcoa's efforts to be re-licensed to run a series of hydroelectric dams on the Yadkin River.

The 3-2 vote came Monday night in Albemarle after Alcoa presented a new settlement plan that some say will have a wide ranging impact.

"The timing was right for both the county and Alcoa and that we can work together to build the partnership and move forward to the betterment of the citizens," Stanly County Manager Andy Lucas told WBTV.

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Secretary of State launches mobile website

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 1:56pm

Secretary of State launches mobile website

The North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office has launched a mobile version of the Department’s website.

The mobile site, m.sosnc.com, allows anyone to search the SOS Corporations, Lobbying Compliance, UCC Debtor, Federal Tax Lien, and Charitable Solicitation Licensing databases from web-enabled smartphones or tablets.

After searching in one of the databases, users can simply pull up PDFs of filings.

“This puts a wealth of searchable data literally in the hands of SOS customers who need to access the site on their smartphones and tablets in order to save time and money,” Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall said Tuesday. “Making these databases accessible on mobile platforms is an important step in keeping pace with how our customers are accessing information.”

To try out the mobile site on your web-enabled smartphone or tablet, just go to m.sosnc.com.

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Staying ahead of the storm

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 10:39am

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- A series of deadly storms that pummeled the Midwest combined with the recent rain in Charlotte and surrounding areas reminds us that hurricane season is here.

"It's not if you're going to have severe weather, it's when you're going to have severe weather," said WBTV meteorologist Al Conklin,

Getting the latest warnings when storms are headed your way, and knowing what to do before, during and after a disaster hits are all key to staying safe.

"You have to have a weather safety plan," said Conklin.

"In other words know what your risk is."

First thing - keep up with the forecast.

"Stay on top of the situation by monitoring WBTV and if you can't, then mobile phone is the way to go," added Conklin.

The WBTV weather app is free.

It will give you warnings, alerts and keep you updated on information so you'll know what's going on.

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Grab a partner for a better workout, experts say

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Monday, May 6th, 2013, 10:18am

Grab a partner for a better workout, experts say

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- When the alarm goes off at 6 a.m., getting out of bed and heading to the gym may seem like an impossible task.

Good news!

Recent studies have found that exercising with a small group boosts motivation and it's more fun than doing it alone.

"The whole accountability piece of the pie really helps," says Barb Christie.

We all know the benefits of exercise both body and mind.

Everydayhealth.com says group exercise often leads to better results, especially if you are trying to accomplish a goal.

"The biggest benefit to group training is the comradery and how people can push to achieve more," says Rick Anderson the owner of www.fitnesstogethercharlotte.com.

Your buddies or trainer also can help motivate you on those days when you really don't feel like exercising.

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Ex-Panther John Kasay will be Wingate University Commencement Speaker

Submitted by Jeff Atkinson, Wingate University

Monday, May 6th, 2013, 10:03am

Ex-Panther John Kasay will be Wingate University Commencement Speaker

WINGATE, NC (Jeff Atkinson/Wingate University) - Former Carolina Panthers kicker John Kasay will deliver the commencement address at Wingate University on Saturday, May 11.

Graduation exercises begin at 9 a.m. in the University's Academic Quadrangle.

Kasay, one of the original members of the Panthers, is the team's all-time points leader. He played in the NFL for 21 years on three different teams.

Kasay played 15 seasons with Carolina, four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and one season with the New Orleans Saints.

During his career, Kasay scored 1,970 points. Only seven NFL players have amassed as many points as him.

Kasay graduated from the University of Georgia in 1991 with a degree in Journalism. He and his wife Laura live in Charlotte and have four children.

This year marks Wingate University's 117th Commencement. Two honorary doctorates will be awarded during the ceremony.

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Harris Teeter launches donation campaign to support USO, WWP

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, 2:25pm

Harris Teeter launches donation campaign to support USO, WWP

Today Harris Teeter launched a donation card campaign to support both the United Service Organizations (USO) and Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), two organizations committed to supporting our troops and their families.

During the month of May, Harris Teeter customers at every Harris Teeter location will be able to make $1, $3, or $5 donations to Support Our Troops at checkout. Similar community-based donation card campaigns hosted by Harris Teeter have raised more than $500,000 in a given month; the first annual Support Our Troops campaign raised over $445,000. Harris Teeter is proud to support both the USO and WWP during this May campaign and is thankful for both the involvement of its associates and its customers as well as the good works of both nonprofit partners.

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