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Charleston by train? NCTM offers new excursion

Charleston by train?  NCTM offers new excursion

SPENCER - The N.C. Transportation Museum offers a chance for passengers to take a train trip to one of the south’s loveliest and most historic cities.  This three day, two night excursion to Charleston, S.C., the “Lowcountry Limited” happens May 17-19.   

The Lowcountry Limited is one of two Spring excursions hosted by N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation and the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society.  The “Capital City Special,” a trip to Washington, D.C. in April is already sold out.  The “Lowcountry Limited” has tickets on sale and is a great opportunity for a unique journey as the weather warms.

These spring excursions are a great complement to the extremely successful fall excursions offered by the museum each year. They differ, however, in that they are extended weekend overnight trips, truly allowing the visitor to delve into all each destination has to offer.

Free shredding event Saturday

Free shredding event Saturday

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- The Better Business Bureau is offering a free, on-site, document shredding for individuals and small businesses this weekend.

It's part of the BBB's nationwide "Secure Your ID" day.

The shredding event is happening Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Providence High School on Pineville-Matthews Road.

There is a limit though: four large bags or boxes per car.

Not sure what to keep and what to shred? BBB has a records retention guide.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.

Measles outbreak reported in 2 NC counties

Measles outbreak reported in 2 NC counties

RALEIGH, NC (WBTV)- Public health officials from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services are working with local health departments to investigate an outbreak of measles.

To date, seven cases have been identified in residents of Stokes and Orange Counties, according to a news release from the NC Department of Health and Human Services. 

Local public health departments are contacting other people who might have been exposed to these cases and providing vaccine to limit the spread of infection.

"Measles is very uncommon in North Carolina, so many people aren't aware of the symptoms," said Dr. Laura Gerald, State Health Director. "Measles spreads quickly, particularly in children and adults who aren't vaccinated.  We want to make the public aware of this outbreak so individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their families."

Man arrested for not doing work he was paid for, deputies say

Man arrested for not doing work he was paid for, deputies say

A man was arrested in Iredell County after being paid for work that he didn’t complete, according to a report from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

On April 2, deputies received a report in reference to failing to complete work after being paid.  The case was assigned to a detective with the Economic Crimes Unit to be investigated.

The victim reported to the Sheriff’s Office that she paid Shawn Kaiser, 41, of Mooresville, to install yard lighting at her home and that he did not do the work as agreed upon.

The victim stated that she had written Kaiser personal checks on March 7 and 8, and found that they had been cashed on the days they were written, for a total of $1,050, deputies said.

Kaiser told the victim that the work would be completed on March 15.

Detectives arrested Kaiser on April 11, and charged him with failing to complete work after being paid.

 He was taken to the Iredell County Jail and placed under a $1,000

Police warn: Beware of transient contractors

Police warn: Beware of transient contractors

Spring is in the air as we watch the trees start to bud, flowers begin to bloom and the robins return to start nesting.

Spring is also the time for Transient Contractors to return in their attempts to take advantage of unwary or vulnerable consumers.

The standard attempt is a knock on your door and a person standing there trying to sell you a service.  

Typical scams are repaving or sealing driveways, roof repairs or house painting.   

IRS offers tips for taxpayers who missed the tax deadline

The IRS has some advice for taxpayers who missed the tax filing deadline.

  • File as soon as possible. If you owe federal income tax, you should file and pay as soon as you can to minimize any penalty and interest charges. There is no penalty for filing a late return if you are due a refund.
  • Penalties and interest may be due. If you missed the April 15 deadline, you may have to pay penalties and interest. The IRS may charge penalties for late filing and for late payment. The law generally does not allow a waiver of interest charges. However, the IRS will consider a reduction of these penalties if you can show a reasonable cause for being late.
  • E-file is your best option. IRS e-file programs are available through Oct. 15. E-file is the easiest, safest and most accurate way to file. With e-file, you will receive confirmation that the IRS has received your tax return.

International Festival celebrates cultural diversity

International Festival celebrates cultural diversity

Mitchell Community College is hosting its International Festival this week.

The Festival features a parade of nations for children, cultural table exhibitions, food sampling and traditional clothing.

International music and dancing are the day's entertainment.

Those wishing to learn more about other cultures can catch the fun at Mitchell Community College, located at 500 West Broad Street in Statesville, Friday April 19, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

The event is free and open to all ages.

For more information on the Festival, call 704-978-1321.