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Crowd outside Charlotte tax agencies want reportedly promised money

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Police in Charlotte were called to several locations of a tax service agency after large crowds showed up looking for money they were reportedly promised.

The crowds began to gather at the Instant Tax Service at 1520 West Boulevard in Charlotte on Friday afternoon, as well as the Instant Tax Service location a few miles away on Freedom Drive.

The Better Business Bureau in Charlotte says they have had several complaints about the company at locations in Gastonia, Rock Hill and Charlotte.

The Gastonia location sent out refund checks to customers who filed their 2011 taxes only to have the checks bounce at the bank.

Other locations promised customers their refund checks Friday but no checks were to be found.

Instant Tax Service was accredited by the BBB in January of 2010.

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One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating (a Dan King company)
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Company

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.

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.

Charlotte Super Food Bowl

Charlotte Super Food Bowl

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -  The NFL Former Players Association, Cub Scout Pack #72 and AT-NET Services is hosting the first Charlotte Super Food Bowl. The event will be a chance for those in the community to meet current and past NFL stars. Attendees can play Madden 2012 against the players, receive an autographed football or photo (taken at the event with the players) or listen to a Super Bowl prediction given by the players themselves. All proceeds benefit Loaves & Fishes.

Event Details
Date:  Thursday, February 2nd
Hours:  4pm to 7pm
Admission:  50 pounds of food
Venue:  AT-NET Services
Address:  9625-D Southern Pine Blvd., Charlotte

Need more information?  Please click HERE or call 864.370.8244.

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"Beat the Heat" and get your female cat spayed for just $20

"Beat the Heat" and get your female cat spayed for just $20

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Have you been planning to get your female cat spayed?  If so, make an appointment now and take advantage of special pricing throughout the month of February.  Don't forget to mention "Beat the Heat" when you call!  Funding provided by PetSmart Charities.

Proof of rabies vaccination is required and will be an additional charge if your cat needs a rabies shot.

For more information, please click HERE or call 704.426.1053.

Mecklenburg County manager announces possible sick leave


CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones may be taking a leave of absence for medical reasons.

County spokesperson Danny Diehl confirmed Jones' possible sick leave with WBTV on Wednesday.

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harold Cogdell, Jr. released this statement to WBTV on his situation:

"Our prayers and thoughts are with Harry and his family as he addresses this medical situation. We wish him well and will respect his privacy during this time. I am confident that County Manager Jones has in place contingencies to maintain the smooth operation of County government. He has a very capable executive team and department directors to support the day-to-day work under Mr. Jones' leadership." 

Jones has been serving as county manager since October of 2000.

Copyright 2011 WBTV. All rights reserved.

Woman named to 2 positions with Register of Deeds Association

Woman named to 2 positions with Register of Deeds Association

UNION COUNTY (Union County) - Register of Deeds Crystal Crump has been elected second vice-president of the North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds and re-elected as district chair of District III for the state’s Registers of Deeds Association. 

As district chair, Crump serves as a liaison with the association and other departments within state government. 

District III is comprised of Anson, Cabarrus, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union and Yadkin counties.