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Construction careers and college? Students from several counties get an education

Construction careers and college?  Students from several counties get an education

SALISBURY -  In some ways it was a typical day for high school students from Cabarrus, Rowan, Kannapolis, Lincoln, and Gaston.  They were playing some video games; actually high tech simulators, doing a little yard work; that is by testing John Deere commercial landscaping equipment, and driving around in a new Hyundai; well, a piece of heavy equipment made by the Korean automaker, so you can tell, it was far from typical.

The students were taking part in Construction Career Day, sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord.

"I thought it was pretty interesting," said Bryce Burns, a senior at West Rowan High School. "You drive three nails and see how fast you can get them in, there was a welding simulation to see how far you can weld, I tested and drove some equipment, hopefully I can use that in the near future."

Why not use it now? Couldn't these students just go from high school straight to work and save the time and expense of a college education?

That's the path many are able to take, but most we found don't want to do that.

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RCCC students snag top honors

RCCC students snag top honors

SALISBURY - Rowan-Cabarrus Community College students returned from the 58th Annual North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda Leadership Conference with numerous awards – including first prize in accounting, financial services, small business management, and word processing.

“I am so proud of all of our students who competed at the conference,” said Martha Cranford, Rowan-Cabarrus faculty member and chapter advisor. “I’m proud of our students and would encourage all Rowan-Cabarrus students to consider being part of the PBL organization and compete in state and national competitive events.”

Nine students from Rowan-Cabarrus attended the Phi Beta Lambda Leadership conference in Charlotte late last month. Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) is the largest and oldest student business organization.

More on the male infertility research at UNC Research Institute

More on the male infertility research at UNC Research Institute

KANNAPOLIS - On Monday we brought you the news of the discovery of a clue into what may cause infertility in some men.  On Tuesday we were able to talk to one of the research scientists involved in the study, and the scientist who led the study.

Could the answer to infertility be found at the local farmer's market...maybe, at least for some men.

The research is from a study at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. 

"It is the dream of a scientist who has an interest in the clinical end of it," Dr. Karen Corbin, PhD, RD, told WBTV.  "Is to be able to take something that you see at the bench with a mouse or cell models and look to see if it's happening in humans and use that information to help people."

The research may also be a dream come true for couples dealing with infertility.

Cabarrus Co. moves toward reducing death rate at animal shelter

CABARRUS COUNTY (WBTV) - At one time it meant almost certain death. WBTV reported two years ago that 80 percent of animals sent to the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter were put down.

Now you could say there are a few more lucky dogs (and cats) at the shelter.

Commissioner Bob Carruth tells me after years of work, he finally feels like the county has a plan that everyone can be on board with.

It doesn't mean another animal will never be euthanized, it just means there will be systems in place that will minimize the number of animals that are put down.

Judy Sims, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County says it has been their goal for years to take over this animal shelter and help place more animals with rescue groups.

"We haven't been able to push it through until now," Sims said.

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A model of service: Margaret Cox to retire

A model of service: Margaret Cox to retire

CONCORD - On Thursday, Margaret Cox will turn on the lights in her corner office at Cooperative Christian Ministry for the last time. She’ll interview clients, host meetings and get a lot of hugs. When she turns off those lights at the end of the day, it will be for the last time. After a combined 19 years, Cox is retiring.

The first paid employee of the organization, Cox was hired in November, 1985 as director of the Kannapolis Christian Ministry, which was later combined with CCM. She took some time away from the organization in 1993 after her husband, a Methodist minister, was transferred away from the area. In June, 2001, they moved back to the area and Cox was hired in her current position of Client Service Provider.

“I was very happy to come into a service position,” says Cox. For the past 11 years, she has been helping members of the community through struggles during tough economic times.

In January, Cox decided to retire. “I really had thought I’d work until I was 70 years old,” says Cox. After 19 years, she says it will be different having a day with no plans or structure. Her first order of business will be spending more than 10 days at her beach home in Holden Beach. After that, Cox says she’ll weigh all her options and spend time with her friends and family more. She has one daughter and no grandchildren yet.

Concord to host Marcos Ambrose Days

Concord to host Marcos Ambrose Days

CONCORD - Mayor Scott Padgett is teaming up with NASCAR Driver Marcos Ambrose (Richard Petty Motorsports #9 Ford) for Charlotte Motor Speedway's May Race to Education Program, with hopes of winning up to $40,000 for Cabarrus County Schools.

The #9 Ford will be parked in front of City Hall on Tuesday, May 15 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. At noon, Mayor Padgett will be joined by Charlotte Motor Speedway's Lug Nut and other guests for a special presentation to Cabarrus County Schools.

Charlotte Motor Speedway representatives will give away free race tickets to kids age 13 or younger.

 

Authorities looking for missing couple in Cabarrus County

CONCORD, NC (WBTV)- Sheriff's investigators in Cabarrus County are looking for two teenagers they say ran away together.

Deputies are looking for 16-year-old David Aron Wilder and 17-year-old Miriah Mae Blue of Concord.

The two were last seen together on Friday, May 11 at the Glenn Center Education Facility on Marsh Avenue, according to a news release from the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office.

The two are boyfriend and girlfriend.

Anyone with information about the pair is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 704-920-3000.

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