TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first-ever powered airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, a location they chose because of its strong winds, soft sand, and friendly people.

Speaking of friendly people, today in Top Stories you’ll learn about an Ohio community working to make Christmas a little brighter for North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene.

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We're flying today with Duo Cover from Two Pillars. Check out their product in today's edition.

Rules Relaxed for Temp Housing

A new emergency rule allows property owners in Hurricane Helene-ravaged western North Carolina to bypass the permitting and inspection process for temporary housing.

The rule establishes minimum construction requirements and requires an affidavit signature from property owners acknowledging compliance with the relaxed standards and releasing state and local governments from liability.

Some displaced residents are opting out of rebuilding and choosing to sell their property to the government as part of the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which returns the land to open green space.

In a related development, displaced Asheville residents who need rental assistance may soon get it after the City Council directed $624,000 to that purpose, on top of $1 million approved for it in October.

Duke Study Could Alter Breast Cancer Treatment

A new study by Duke researchers could pave the way for a less invasive treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a precancerous condition known as “stage zero breast cancer.”

DCIS cells are confined inside a milk duct in the breast and have not yet spread to other tissue.

The Duke study looked at two groups of women with low-risk DCIS: those who have surgery and those who monitor the condition via mammograms every six months. Early results suggest the less-invasive monitoring approach may be just as safe and effective as surgery and radiation.

Researchers say about a third of women with low-risk DCIS end up getting a mastectomy—and some even get double mastectomies—out of fear that the cells will spread.

Ohio Town Hosts Christmas for Helene Victims

A couple who own the Castle Noel Christmas attraction in Medina, Ohio, launched an effort to bring 200 western North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene to their town—recognized by HGTV as one of America’s most “Christmassy"—for a weekend of Christmas fun.

To make it happen, Mark and Dana Klaus met with city leaders and civic groups to devise a plan for covering the cost of a Jan. 10-12 visit, complete with bus transportation, motel rooms, entertainment, and meals. The community responded by donating money, food, gifts, and souvenirs.

Plans include dinner at a special event venue, a theater show, a candlelight walk, luminaries, live reindeer, ice carvings, a parade, and a fireworks display.

Donations are still being accepted here.

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➤McDowell County: Police and investigators have made the county’s largest drug bust in history after identifying and charging Greggory Lowery for possession of 110 pounds of methamphetamine and 20 firearms. (More)

➤ Wilson: Residents reported three drone sightings within two hours. One described the drones “as big as cars.” (See Video)

➤ Raleigh: A convenience store owner is on trial for stabbing and killing a customer who stole a Gatorade. (See Details)

➤ Charlotte: A city ordinance could fine residents $50 for leaving their car running while unattended on public property. (More)

➤ Durham: County Commissioner Mike Lee got his commercial driver’s license to help drive school buses during a systemwide driver shortage. (Watch Video)

➤ Brevard: The Transylvania Heritage Museum’s Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum exhibit features Christmas trees and other vintage décor from the 1960s. (See Details)

➤ Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters he would not bench starting quarterback Bryce Young despite a poor performance on Sunday. (More)

➤ Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour received the Order of the Longleaf Pine award from Gov. Roy Cooper in recognition of his “exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.” (More)

➤ The Canes’ new goalie, Dustin Tokarski, allowed only one goal in his first start since the 2023 NHL season, leading to a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. (More)

➤ North Carolina’s high school football state playoffs are Friday and Saturday for all four classes. (See Preview)

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➤ Cherokee Tobacco will invest at least $14 million to build a manufacturing and distribution operation in Caswell County. (More)

➤ Lowe's and local builders are creating 17 tiny homes for Avery and Buncombe County families who lost their residences during Hurricane Helene. NASCAR haulers will transport the homes to the families in time for Christmas Eve. (More)

➤ Greensboro is No. 8 on Realtor.com’s list of cities with the highest projected housing market growth in 2025. (More)

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➤ An Asheville artist found dozens of recoverable art pieces along the French Broad River as a result of Hurricane Helene’s destruction of the River Arts District. Over 40 pieces have been returned to their creators. (More)

➤ An envelope sent by a fireman aboard the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor prior to the Dec. 7, 1941 bombing will be returned to his family in Cary. (See Details)

➤ A list of where to get the South’s best fried chicken includes a Shell Gas Station in Charlotte, and Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Highlands. (See List)

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