Extend the life of your vehicle

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 19th, 8:00 am

In the 1960s and 70s, many automobile odometers did not even read beyond 100,000 miles.

But now, thanks to tougher quality standards and post-recession financial concerns, Americans are driving their cars longer than ever before.

Jeff York is one of them. He's working hard on his pick up, determined to keep it on the road as long as possible.

"I've always bought something a year or two old and let someone else take that initial hit," said York.

Dishing out the money for a new car is not an option, so he's holding on to it.

"I think people are trying to hold on to their money a little more," added York.

The part owner of Mecklenburg Fleet & Automotive Repair said he sees others do the same thing.

"We see a lot of cars five years old with over 100,000 miles on them and 15 years ago just that didn't happen."

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Asthma and allergies may worsen in summer

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 18th, 8:26 am

Matthew Sparks has had coughing and wheezing fits since he was three years old.

The 16 year old also deals with difficult allergic episodes during certain times of the year.

"For a while it seemed like every year we'd find a new trigger," said Matthew.

"I'm definitely allergic to cats, pollen also triggers my allergies, dust mites, and I'm somewhat allergic to dogs."

Contrary to popular belief, experts say seasonal allergies and asthma attacks don't only strike in the spring and fall months

"Charlotte is one of those cities where pretty much its ten month allergy season. Because we have the trees in the spring, we have the grass in the summer and then we have the weeds in the fall and as you know we usually have a very short winter."

Allergist and immunologist Dr. Maeve O'Connor's says grass pollens and mold spores are the most common allergy triggers during the summer.

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NASCAR driver accused of stealing competitor's vehicles turns himself in

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Monday, June 17th, 2013, 9:30pm

MOORESVILLE, NC (WBTV)- A NASCAR driver turned himself in to authorities after arrest warrants were issued for him and a business partner. Investigators say they stole at least seven vehicles from a competitor.

According to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, warrants were issued for driver Mike Harmon and business partner David Novak Monday afternoon.

Each man is wanted on breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.

Harmon turned himself in to Cleveland County authorities Monday around 5 p.m. He then posted a $10,000 bond, for both charges combined.

WBTV was there as deputies recovered two cars and five trucks from Harmon's two garages in late May. Deputies say Harmon stole the cars from racer Jennifer Jo Cobb at the end of last year.

The vehicles were seized from Harmon's shop in Mooresville, and from a storage facility in Catawba County, officials told WBTV.

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Looking for love? Online romance scams target women

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Monday, June 17th, 2013, 3:12pm

Looking for love? Online romance scams target women

Looking for love online? A "buyer beware" warning for you. FBI statistics show that women ages 50 and older are the biggest victims of online romance scams.

Internet Crime Complaint Center says the victims are usually sucked in by a fake profile on dating site and talked into handing over thousands of dollars in cash and gifts.

Last week, Scott Campbell, the so-called "playboy con man," was arrested in Florida.

According to the Department of Financial Regulation, Campbell sold fictitious investments to dozens of women.

Authorities say he met most of those women online, under the guise of a romantic relationship.

After meeting women on sites like Match.com, they say Campbell would convince his victims to fork over money for his musical talent search business.

"What they create is not only a fake profile but a fake business that looks legitimate but it really isn't," said author and relationship expert Charles A. Johnson.

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Second suspect arrested for Statesville Murder

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Monday, June 17th, 2013, 10:41am

STATESVILLE, NC (WBTV)- Officials in Iredell County confirm that Pennsylvania state police arrested DeWayne Pickett on Saturday about 6:30 p.m.

Pickett is the suspect for the murder of Dante Stokes who was shot last month on Raleigh Avene.

Investigators say that Pickket is currently in Monroe County Jail.

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Middle school student charged with threatening President during school visit

Submitted by Nick Needham on Friday, June 14th, 5:00 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- A 14-year-old male student was detained the day before President Barack Obama was scheduled to make an appearance at a Mooresville school last week.

The Mooresville Police Department says the teen is a student at Mooresville Middle School and Tweeted that he would shoot the president if he came to his school.

Mooresville police held the teen at the request of the U.S. Secret Service for 5 days in a juvenile detention facility. The teen was arrested and is charged with communicating threats.

Police say he will have to appear in court on the charge.

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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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