Community stories in Charlotte

The 2027 CATS Transit Pass Design Contest has concluded with Kristin Lozoya, Ken Knudtsen, and Tyler Baum taking top honors. This year's designs were created by humans, marking a shift from AI-generated artwork seen in previous contests.

Mooresville town leaders have completed renovations and renamed Willow Valley Park to Eastern Heights Park, honoring local history. The park spans 4.2 acres and is one of 17 parks in the area.

Elisabeth Strillacci reflects on the moments of comfort and joy that feel magical in her daily life. From the soothing sounds of the sea to the warmth of a pet, she shares how these experiences provide solace amidst life's challenges.

Four out of six boat ramps at Blythe Landing in Lake Norman are closed due to low water levels. Despite the closures, boaters continue to enjoy the water amid high temperatures.

A local DJ is spotlighting the vibrant Black and queer dance community in Charlotte during a Juneteenth celebration. The event emphasizes unity and joy amidst personal and societal challenges.

A Gaston County police officer is by her newborn daughter's side following a rare diagnosis that necessitated a life-saving transplant. The community is rallying around the family during this challenging time.

Emergency crews are conducting a large-scale water rescue operation at Lake James after a person was reported entering the water and not resurfacing. Multiple agencies are involved in the search, and Duke Energy is assisting by shutting down the water intake near the dam.

Burke County EMS has initiated a water rescue operation near Linville Dam in search of a missing person. The situation is ongoing as rescue efforts continue.

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an active shooter training exercise at the Chester County Government Office. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., involves local EMS and fire departments to enhance community preparedness.

Pineville officials are nearing the reopening of town hall following a crash where a driver crashed into the building in April. Fortunately, there was no structural damage, but the driver did not survive the incident.

As summer approaches, many people engage in various recreational activities that foster community and personal renewal. From outdoor sports to family gatherings, this season offers a unique opportunity for leisure and connection.

A recent fire in Salisbury left families homeless, highlighting how quickly life can change. The author reflects on personal experiences of receiving life-altering news, both good and bad.

Rowan Helping Ministries' Walk Club is making strides in the community by collecting used running shoes for participants in need. A recent member, Shanariah Simpson, highlighted the challenge of finding proper footwear, prompting club members to rally for support.

A Concord resident claims she was forced to move from her campground due to power outages, raising concerns about tenant treatment during the upcoming DaBaby music festival. The situation highlights the tension between event preparations and the needs of local residents.

The Union County skate park will be closing for repairs starting next week. A contractor will address concerns by repairing over 1,500 linear feet of cracks throughout the park.

Bread Riot awarded $10,500 in grants to local farmers at the Salisbury farmers market, supporting agricultural expansion and innovation. Farmers like Mike Miller and Jerrad Jones are using the funds to diversify crops and enhance chicken production.

Mark Lippard entertained families at the Rowan Public Library with juggling and unicycle tricks, concluding a four-day performance series. His engaging show included audience participation and left attendees eager to learn juggling skills.

A flammable aerosol can exploded inside a vehicle in Caldwell County after a child sprayed it while an adult was smoking. One person was hospitalized with burns, and the vehicle sustained heavy damage.

Nexstar Media Group celebrated its annual Founder’s Day of Caring by wrapping over 6,000 diapers for families in Charlotte. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to community service and support.

A Charlotte church has teamed up with the NAACP to introduce a mobile library that will showcase frequently challenged or banned books. This initiative aims to provide educational resources and community programming to promote literacy and access to diverse literature.

The North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation has received a $75,000 grant from The Duke Endowment to restore the Doris rail car, a historic piece of the Duke family's legacy. The funds will be used for necessary repairs and updates to preserve this significant artifact for future generations.

The Kannapolis Parks & Recreation department is launching a Mobile Recreation Van program this summer, providing free recreational activities to children and families. The van will visit local elementary schools on Mondays and Wednesdays, promoting outdoor play and community engagement.

The 24 Foundation's annual Dam-to-Dam event features a daylong paddleboard ride along the Catawba River. Chief Meteorologist Tara Lane and photojournalist Brian Christiansen are participating to support families affected by cancer.

A recent ruling by a North Carolina appeals court has reinforced the powers of homeowners associations (HOAs) to require homeowners to pay dues, even for amenities that are not immediately accessible. This decision could have significant implications for homeowners across the state.

Margaret Kerry, the actress who served as the model for Disney's Tinker Bell, has died at the age of 97 in Wilmington, NC. Her family announced her passing, noting her courageous battle with lung cancer.

The Carlton Family Water Feature at Spencer Town Park in Spencer will open for the season on June 15, providing a cool spot for families. The feature includes a recirculation system to ensure water quality and will operate daily through September.

Essie Academy successfully held its annual fundraiser golf tournament at Corbin Hills Golf Club in Salisbury, attracting 40 participants. The event highlighted community support and contributions towards the school's mission.

The Salisbury Fire Department has announced the promotion of firefighters Jake Richardson, Christian Lambis, and Michael Freeman to the rank of captain. Each was recognized for their dedication and successful completion of a rigorous assessment process.

A Salisbury resident shares heartfelt thoughts on her cousin's daughter's upcoming wedding in Texas, contrasting their lifestyles and wedding traditions. Despite the distance, she expresses her desire to send a meaningful gift to the couple.

Pineville Police Chief Michael Hudgins will retire on July 1 after over three decades in law enforcement. Assistant Chief Corey Copley has been appointed as Interim Police Chief during the transition.