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Time running out to get 2011 tax deductions


MORGANTON, NC (WBTV) – Local charities are hoping the last few days of 2011 bring in plenty of contributions as folks scramble to tally up those last minute tax deductions.

For donations to be eligible they must be given to the charity before midnight on December 31.

Contributions by mail must be postmarked by the deadline as well. Dana Elliott who heads up Burke United Christian Ministries said Wednesday his group has seen an increase in donation activity in the past couple of weeks.

"December is always a good month for charities." Elliott thinks most who are contributing now would do so anyway but "The tax deduction is an added benefit."

Beatrice Cox brought in several bags of items to BUCM's Clothing store and got a tax receipt in return. Cox said it is a help but she would contribute anyway.

Charities say the December giving is a tremendous help but want people to realize that the donations are needed throughout the year.

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Many relying less on police, more on personal protection from concealed weapons

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - It's a sign and sound of the times. Chances are someone you know is packing heat. "Most people are scared of something, they hear a bump in the night, they read a crime report, the Lancaster incident."

It might sound cliche, but the reality for many people is that police just can't be everywhere at once. That leads many to places like Carolina Sporting Arms where Donald Ingram is noticing a trend in business.

"Most people don't just want to buy a gun, they want to have it at their disposal; either hidden in their car or on their person when they go shopping somewhere," Ingram said.

To meet that need, Ingram's store offers classes to obtain concealed carry permits. It's a class that is filling up everyday. Numbers obtained from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office certainly point to that.

Child taken from home after "spectacular" drug bust, officers say

MORGANTON, NC (WBTV) - Two people were arrested and a child was removed from a home after officers with the Burke County Narcotics Task Force made what they're calling a "spectacular" drug bust.

A tip led Task Force members to a home on Crestview Street on Thursday.

According to officers, a "sophisticated operation" of marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms were found in the home.

Five pot plants of "tremendous weight" were seized from the house, each plant cover in buds and weighing in at a pound, narcotics officers told WBTV.

Officers said the mushrooms were in good shape, too.

Casey McBrayer and Crystal Crews were both arrested and charged with manufacturing schedule one and schedule 6 drugs (mushrooms and pot) and possession with intent to sell.

Each was placed in jail under a $20,000 bond.

National Wear Red Day is February 3rd

National Wear Red Day is February 3rd

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Go Red For Women is asking women to take action by participating in this year’s National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. Women can wear red in support of the cause, learn more about their personal risk of heart disease, and register for a free red dress pin at GoRedForWomen.org or get involved with local events and the upcoming Go Red For Women luncheon on May 10, 2012. 

For more information, please click HERE or call 704.208.5514.

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Mystery baby found during meth house bust, deputies say

BURKE COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - When investigators busted a meth house in Burke County on Friday, they made the usual arrests and found the usual drugs, sheriff's officials said.

Deputies found $20,000 worth of "high quality" meth, which is  about half a pound, at the home off of Deer Track Street in Southern Burke County.

But, investigators weren't counting on stumbling on a baby they found in the same home.

Deputies say they are now trying to figure out the identity of a baby that was dropped off at the house by "the child's mother" about a week ago.

None of the adults in the home knew the baby's name and none of them claimed the baby, deputies said.

There were also two middle-school age children in the house, but it's unclear if they are related to the baby.

Deputies also seized $3,300 in cash and took a truck. They also found firearms inside the home.

Man arrested after motorcycle chase, crash, sheriff says

Man arrested after motorcycle chase, crash, sheriff says

BURKE COUNTY - A motorcycle chase in Burke County is caught on camera.

It happened Wednesday around 1 p.m. along Highway 70.

A Burke County Sheriff's deputy spotted the motorcycle going 65 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone.

Charlotte Home & Landscape Show

Charlotte Home & Landscape Show

8th Annual Greater Charlotte Home & Landscape Show

January 27, 28, 29 2012  at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

Jan. 27 – 2p-7p; Jan.28 – 10a-7p; Jan.29 –11a-5p

Save Time, Money and Have Fun while you learn about new ideas for your home and landscape.
Experts will showcase the latest in decorating, remodeling, landscaping, and renovating resources.