By Steve Ohnesorge - bio l email

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) – There were no huge crowds at the Drum Funeral Home in Hickory Thursday night or Friday afternoon but the chapel inside was never empty as a visitation was held for 10-year-old Zahra Baker. 

She is the little girl who was the focus of massive searches in November until her dismembered  body was found.

Related: Full Zahra Baker case coverage

Inside the chapel, a video montage of photographs of Zahra was shown.  There were flowers on a table as well as small toys and other items that well wishers brought.

Angie Smathers and her friend brought a pink stuffed bear and a small Christmas tree.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A string of severe storms and heavy winds that spawned tornados across the Carolinas Tuesday night, left downed trees and blown-down Christmas displays across the Charlotte-area.

Utility crews were called out to the Stallings area off of Old Monroe Road early Wednesday morning.  WBTV has learned that a tree was knocked down during the storm and blocked at least one lane of the Old Monroe Road.

WBTV has learned that work crews managed to push the tree off the road with a backhoe, which helped to reopen the roadway a short time later.

In Cabarrus County, a first-year Christmas lights display took a hit from the winds.  The Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway had displays blown over during the strong winds.

WBTV's David Whisenant went out to the Speedway and saw roofs blown off of displays in areas like the Bethlehem Village.  Several light displays were also bent during the storm.

MORGANTON - Free diabetes screenings will be offered at the Bost Road Kmart next Monday, December 8.

The screenings will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information, call Cholestcheck at 1-800-713-3301.