Receive the morning news briefs delivered to your email inbox every morning. Click here to sign-up.

Guilford County Lifts State Of Emergency, But Recovery Is Far From Over

Guilford County has lifted its state of emergency as crews and volunteers continue the task of cleaning up after the deadly tornado that struck the area over a week ago.

As of Sunday evening the City of Greensboro says 1,800 tons of debris have been cleared so far, and there's plenty more to go.

According to city leaders, the biggest needs right now are tarps, so residents can help shelter themselves from coming inclement weather.

The Interactive Resource Center remains the main drop-off point for donated items. Tarp donations are also being accepted at 322 East Friendly Avenue.

In addition to the resources already committed to recovery, the city is opening two additional relief shelters to help residents with various issues. Those include the Willow Oaks Community Center and the Peeler Recreation Center.

Among other fundraisers already ongoing, there will be a concert called Greensboro Strong this Thursday that's accepting financial donations to assist those affected by the tornado.

Judge Blocks Release Of Police Body Cam Footage In Winston-Salem Shooting

A judge has blocked the release of police body camera footage from a fatal shooting in Winston-Salem.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports Superior Court judge Stuart Albright denied a request by the paper for the release of footage captured by Officer Dalton McGuire during a traffic stop on March 30th. Edward Van McCrae was shot during the incident and later died.

Albright listed several reasons for his decision, including a need to protect an active criminal investigation.

A member of McCrae's family had also requested the footage not be publicly released until family members had a chance to view it.

A recent change in state law requires a judge's approval to release an officer's body cam footage.

Church Vandalized In Winston-Salem

Vandals struck a Winston-Salem church over the weekend. The incident was part of a continuing dispute over the church's “Black Lives Matter” sign.

The sign was stolen and the word “white” was spray-painted on the front door of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Winston-Salem.

Rev. Lisa Schwartz is the pastor. She says the congregation has long worked for civil rights. 

Schwartz is encouraged by the community response to the vandalism. She says people have stepped up to pay for the cost for replacement banners and to have the doors repainted.

Threat Teams, Peer Counseling Recommended For School Safety

Some North Carolina legislators agree public schools will be safer if support professionals are directed to work together to identify troubled youth and young people mentor classmates.

A House subcommittee examining student health issues voted Monday for several recommendations they'd like approved by the General Assembly when it reconvenes next month. House members began meeting in response to the Florida school shootings in February.

One proposed bill requires the creation of "threat assessment teams" covering every school that would identify students who may pose a safety threat to other students or staff and get them help. The measure also would direct the creation of "peer to peer" student counseling programs.

The subcommittee also agrees more school counselors, social workers and psychologists should be hired but didn't give exact numbers.

Former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Pat Taylor Jr. Dies At 94

Former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Pat Taylor has died more than 45 years since serving as the state's second-highest executive branch official.

Taylor died Sunday at his Wadesboro home at age 94. Ken Caulder with Leavitt Funeral Home said Monday that Taylor had been in declining health and under hospice care.

Hoyt Patrick Taylor Jr. joined the state House in 1955 and became House speaker ten years later. In 1968, Taylor was elected lieutenant governor — the same position his father held 20 years earlier.

The younger Taylor lost to Skipper Bowles in the 1972 Democratic gubernatorial primary. He was an award-winning lawyer and Marine Corps veteran. His wife died in 2015.

Visitation is Tuesday at the funeral home, with services Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church in Wadesboro.

300x250 Ad

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate