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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.

Downtown Statesville kicks off Spring Art Crawl

Downtown Statesville kicks off Spring Art Crawl

Downtown Statesville is kicking off its Spring Art Crawl this weekend.

The juried art exhibit showcases as many as 50 artists in over 28 different shops scattered throughout the heart of Downtown Statesville.

Art lovers can catch the display at West Broad Street in Downtown Statesville, Friday  April 19, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Parking is available on the street and in 10 public lots throughout the business district.

The event is free and open to all ages.

For more information on the exhibit, call 704-878-3436.

Deputies: Woman had 10 balloons of heroin in stomach from Mexican Cartel

Kerri Leigh Riley, 28

IREDELL COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- A Troutman woman was arrested along with two others on drug charges after she swallowed ten balloons full of heroin, according to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives received information from various sources that the trio was connected to the distribution of heroin from Charlotte through a Mexican Cartel.

After hours of surveillance Lance Gabriel Sigmon, 35, and Kerri Leigh Riley, 28, were stopped and detained after returning from a purchase of heroin in Charlotte, from cartel members, deputies said.

During the course of the investigation, two grams of heroin were found in their home on Goodman Road in Troutman. There were also numerous items of drug paraphernalia and $3,218 in cash located inside the bedroom of the home.

While interviewing Riley, deputies found that she had ingested approximately 10 balloons of heroin weighing 10 grams, the report states.