Latest news with #NorthCarolinaGeneralStatute
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Winston-Salem State University student wanted in dorm shooting turns himself in
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A Winston-Salem State University Student who was wanted on charges related to a shooting that took place in a residence hall has turned himself in, according to the Winston-Salem Police the scene, officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound in a study room inside the dorm. The victim is not currently a student at WSSU. Investigators say that a fight is what led to the victim being shot. After an 'extensive investigation', the WSPD's Gang Unit, Gun Crime Reduction Unit and Violent Firearms Investigation Team conducted two search warrants on campus over the weekend, leading to the seizure of: 9 pounds of marijuana A gun THC edibles Cash Various items of drug paraphernalia As a result of the investigation, warrants were taken out for 19-year-old Ja'lon Stallings, a current WSSU student.. Investigators say that Stallings turned himself into authorities on Monday night. He is being charged with the following: Felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill Felony robbery with a dangerous weapon Felony discharge a firearm on educational property Felony discharge a firearm from within an enclosure to incite fear Misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia Misdemeanor possession of marijuana Stallings is being held without bond. WSSU released the following statement on Monday afternoon before Stallings turned himself in: As many of you are aware, a shooting occurred on our campus the evening of Friday, April 11, at approximately 6:34 p.m. The incident took place in Rams Commons 3, one of our residential facilities. The victim, a male who is not an enrolled student at Winston-Salem State University, sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital. We are grateful that his injuries were not life-threatening, and he is now on the road to recovery. Our thoughts and concern are with him and his family as he continues to heal. At this time, the suspect remains at large. The Winston-Salem City Police Department (WSPD), the lead investigating agency, has identified the suspect as Ja'lon Stallings, a current WSSU student. Law enforcement, including the WSPD and WSSU Police, are actively investigating the matter and working diligently to locate the suspect. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to provide any support necessary to assist in their investigation. In addition to facing criminal charges, swift disciplinary actions will be taken against the suspect in accordance with university policy. Let me be clear: The illegal possession of a weapon on university property is both a violation of state law – North Carolina General Statute §14-269.2 – and a direct breach of our institutional values and code of conduct. We will respond firmly and decisively in every instance. While this incident is both troubling and unacceptable, we are grateful for the quick actions of our campus police and local authorities. Our campus was immediately placed on lockdown after the incident and remained so until law enforcement deemed it safe to reopen. We are actively reviewing safety protocols and increasing security presence to further protect our campus. Counseling and support services are also available for anyone in need during this time. Winston-Salem State University is stronger than any one incident, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment. WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, J.D. This is the second shooting on campus this semester. WSSU has strict policies against guns on campus, and anyone who brings a gun on school property is charged with a class I felony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Legal action against a Brunswick beach town is on hold. Here's why.
A lawsuit between a Brunswick beach town and third generation property owner is left in suspense after a scheduled court hearing was cancelled. The town of Holden Beach and resident Lisa Ragland were scheduled for a preliminary injunction hearing on April 14, 2025. Both parties requested dismissal before the hearing. However, Ragland requested to dismiss the lawsuit with the option it could be refiled. Here's what to know. Ragland has voiced concerns about the town's government by filing a civil suit against the town of Holden Beach through the Brunswick County Superior Court Division on Jan. 30, 2025. Her case argues the board acted without a quorum during the Jan. 28, 2025, special meeting because only three out of six board members, Commissioners Tracey Thomas, Rick Paarfus and Tom Myers, were in attendance and took action. Ragland believes the three commissioners violated state law, despite the town maintaining they did not act unlawfully, and requests the board's actions on Jan. 28 be "invalidated." The civil case also requests the quorum section of the town of Holden Beach Charter be amended to reflect the North Carolina General Statute, which states that a quorum is when a majority of the board and the mayor are present. On April 4, the town filed a motion to dismiss Ragland's complaint and first amended complaint requesting a hearing to follow or precede the preliminary injunction hearing that was scheduled. Ragland on April 11 requested to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. This allows her to refile the action within a year, if she chooses. Previous coverage: Brunswick beach town doubles down after being served civil suit 'Flipped upside down': Meet the woman leading a lawsuit against a Brunswick beach town The town filed voluntary dismissal of the case "for lack of standing and for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted," as stated in the town's motion to dismiss. A memo in support of the town's motion to dismiss was submitted on April 10 in the afternoon, Town Attorney Sydnee Moore said. On April 11, Ragland filed a notice of voluntary dismissal. She said her dismissal stems from a new finding. After further research, Ragland discovered the town does not have to change its charter, just an ordinance. The charter looks to an ordinance, amended in 2007, to decide how many board members make a quorum. Ragland said the ordinance is invalid and that her discovery was too late and could not be added to the civil complaint. Ragland said repealing the ordinance to the North Carolina General Assembly will be more cost efficient and quicker than going through the court process. However, the town board must take action to repeal the ordinance through the general assembly. "I wanted the opportunity to resolve this at a lower cost option for the taxpayers," Ragland said. On March 18, the town board approved a budget amendment. The amendment moved $50,000 from the fund balance to the professional services fund to pay for professional services through the end of the fiscal year. "To my knowledge, it was not earmarked for a specific purpose," Moore said. Though Ragland wanted to save the town money, Moore said funds are still being spent to cover lawsuit fees. "At the time the notice of voluntary dismissal was filed, the town was already legally obligated to pay the funds for hours expended for the preparation of subpoenaed materials, motion to dismiss, memo in support thereof, and in preparation for the preliminary injunction hearing previously scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025," Moore said. STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area's latest Brunswick County news by signing insp for the Brunswick Today newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. Local state representatives, including Rep. Charlie Miller and Sen. Bill Rabon, have been contacted about her concerns and the invalid ordinance, Ragland said. "If the town does not repeal the ordinance, the general assembly will make them repeal the ordinance," she said. If the town does not take steps to voluntarily repeal the ordinance within 60 days, Ragland said she will go to the general assembly for help and refile the action. "I'm not backing down," she said. Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@ This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Lawsuit against Holden Beach, NC, dropped but could be refiled
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
Principal, teaching assistant suspended after allegations of child abuse at Sedge Garden pre-K program, WS/FCS says
KERNERSVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — A pre-k program run by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools must answer to the state after allegations of child mistreatment. According to a statement released by the school district, 'The NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) has issued a special provisional license to WS/FCS for the Sedge Garden Pre-K Program for six months due to failure to meet childcare facility requirements. 'WS/FCS will ensure it meets all the requirements in the state's corrective action plan. The district has already taken steps to ensure an appropriate environment for Pre-K students, including addressing personnel issues and retraining staff. WS/FCS is also cooperating with law enforcement on this matter.' The case is linked to a teaching assistant who has been accused of mistreating students. The teaching assistant was suspended without pay and removed from the classroom in late November 2024 when the allegations came to light. 'She was temporarily serving as a long-term substitute at Sedge Garden at the time of her suspension,' the school district said. The principal of Sedge Garden Elementary, Angela Reeves, has also been suspended with pay while the school district investigates. According to a letter dated March 14, 2025, during nap time, the staff member, who has not been criminally charged, 'forcefully restrained a child, grabbed and lifted a child by the arm, kicked a child, yelled and spoke harshly to children, covered and wrapped a child's head with a blanket and pushed the head down with her foot.' NCDHHS said that Reeves was aware of this behavior, did not report it and 'did not take steps to ensure the safety of children.' Thomasville mom urges parents to research day cares after abuse allegations; 'Would have never went to that day care' NCDHHS visited on Dec. 3 after being made aware of the allegations against the teaching assistant and visited again on Jan. 16, 2025, stating that 'all staff members for the licensed Pre-K program did not have signed acknowledgments of the facility's discipline policy on file, a violation of Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) regarding operational and personnel policies. In addition, staff members failed to complete incident reports on multiple occasions when children received injuries, a violation of Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(e) regarding emergency medical care.' Ultimately, NCDHHS 'confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment. Under North Carolina General Statute § 110-105.6, child maltreatment occurring in a child care facility is a violation of North Carolina licensure standards and licensure laws.' The accused teaching assistant is now disqualified by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. She 'may not be employed by or seek to be employed by a child care facility, own or operate or seek to own or operate a child care facility, be a member of the household of a family child care home or center located in a residence, be present in a child care facility when children are in care or participate in a subsidized child care program.' 'We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children. We do not condone the use of physical force against our students. The behavior described in the complaint goes against our policies, standards, and values as a district, and is contrary to the very clear expectations we have for our staff,' said Superintendent Tricia McManus in a release provided by the school. 'We are grateful to those who reported the issues in this case.' Additionally, the NCDHHS has paid several subsequent visits to the facility since these complaints. On March 4, they visited the facility to follow up on a self-reported complaint after a child escaped from a pre-K classroom and was in an unfenced play area by themself for an undetermined amount of time. According to paperwork, school administrators said there was a 'glitch' with their cameras, causing footage to jump in time for around an hour, so they were unable to see when the child escaped their classroom. A teacher and assistant principal went out to get the child, who was playing basketball alone wearing only one shoe. The teacher stayed with the child while the assistant principal looked for the child's teachers in the pre-K classroom. The child's teachers reportedly had not realized that the child was missing. A teacher and substitute both said that the child had previously tried to leave the classroom and that they had thwarted those previous attempts. They described this particular day as 'chaotic.' 'Ms. Reeves stated that, at the end of the day when the child was picked up, she and the preschool teacher met with the child's parent to discuss the incident that occurred that day. Ms. Reeves stated that the parent appeared fine and did not have any additional comments or concerns about the incident,' the document said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Yahoo
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office urges visitors, staff to comply with security rules following recent rise in weapons found
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office is urging visitors and staff at the courthouse to be mindful of security rules following a recent rise in seized weapons. As outlined on the Mecklenburg County courthouse website, firearms and other prohibited items are strictly forbidden. Security screenings including metal detectors and live-scan images are in place to prevent weapons from entering the building. False bomb threat delays Charlotte-bound flight The courthouse security policy includes: Firearms, knives, and sharp objects are prohibited. Any suspicious items may be subject to examination before entry is permitted. All visitors must pass through a metal detector. Those carrying metallic items, including belts and steel-toed shoes, may be subject to additional screening. You may also be scanned with a wand by a deputy to pinpoint the location of metals. Electronic devices (laptops, tablets, and cell phones) are allowed but may need to be turned on for inspection. No photography, filming, or audio recording is allowed without prior written approval. The following items are prohibited:• Alcoholic Beverages• Audio/Video Recording Equipment• Brass Knuckles• Bullets• Corkscrew• Fishhook• Fork (Metal)• Glass Container• Guns (ALL)• Handcuff Key• Knitting/Sewing Items• Knives (ALL)• Kubatons• Large Safety Pin• Laser Light• Leatherman• Letter Opener• Meat Thermometer• Metal Pick• Nails/Screws• Paint• Paint Scraper• Painters Hook• Pepper Spray• Putty Knife• Razor Blade• Scissors• Tasers/Stun Guns• Tools (ALL)• Wire Hangers The sheriff's office wants people, including courthouse employees, to be aware of what personal property they have in their possession as they try to enter the building, to prevent further violations. 'If the rules cannot be followed, we may need to consider taking a step further and instead of issuing citations, arresting those who bring firearms into the courthouse. It is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in violation of North Carolina General Statute 14-269.4,' Sheriff McFadden said. 'We can't read people's minds or intentions, but we can enforce the rules that are in place to protect everyone.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
