THURSDAYS TOGETHER WITH YOU

More than half a million North Carolina taxpayers got incorrect tax bills

[WRAL] The Department of Revenue in North Carolina is facing a crisis as its aging tax system continues to generate incorrect tax bills. Over 526,000 taxpayers who paid their taxes late received bills with a 10% penalty instead of the correct 5%. The error stems from a legislative change in 2022 that lowered the penalty rate but was not properly implemented in the system. The department, aware of the issue since late 2022, has been manually intervening by sending out incorrect bills with accompanying letters explaining the mistake and assuring refunds for overpayments. However, this approach has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about the public's ability to discern the error and the potential for a similar problem in the future. The Department of Revenue aims to resolve the issue by January 2024, but a more complex change to the Late Tax Payment Penalty Rate in 2024 poses additional challenges for their outdated system, with no clear solution in sight.

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Invasive tick found in 19 states, including North Carolina

[MyFox8]

Residents should be aware of the rapid spread of the Asian longhorned tick, an invasive species that has been making its way across the state, posing a threat to both livestock and wildlife. Initially arriving in the U.S. in 2017, this tick has been found in several North Carolina counties, including Davidson, Surry, Wilkes, and others, as well as in neighboring Virginia. Unlike native ticks, the Asian longhorned tick has the alarming ability to reproduce without a mate, laying up to 3,000 eggs at a time. This prolific reproduction can lead to exponential population growth, putting animals at risk of severe anemia and even death due to blood loss. While the ticks seem less attracted to humans, they exhibit a preference for livestock and wildlife, including cattle, deer, horses, goats, and various other animals.

If you encounter an Asian longhorned tick on yourself, another person, or an animal, it is essential to promptly remove it and contact the health department or veterinarian for further guidance. Livestock owners are advised to reach out to their state or local agriculture office if concerned about the impact on their animals. The situation calls for heightened awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the potential risks associated with this invasive tick species.

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Holiday Craft Market to benefit WECHS

WECHS PTSA is hosting a holiday craft market on 11/18 from 10-4. It will be inside on the North Campus of Cape Fear Community College. This event supports the students and teachers at the Wilmington Early College High School. Student ambassadors will be volunteering at the event, so anyone can stop by and learn more about the free, public high school while they shop. The goal of the market is to highlight WECHS and to connect our community with local artisans. We have about 30 vendors this year and we will also have multiple food trucks throughout the day.

Vendors

Alamada • Agua Viva Craft Studio • Avonya's Blends, LLC • Azaria • Black Girl Magic Market • Coastal Sea Glass Recycling • Colors of Life • Cozy Lagoon • Critters Give Love • Dancin' Seasonal Creations, LLC • Dragonbreath Candles, LLC • Gina's Goods • iSpeak Tees, LLC • Kat's Got You Covered • Mission Made Jewelry • Movement Peace Art by Dawn • Pippi's Jewelry Designs • Popcorn Love • RedShelf Co. • Scott's Shell Crafts • Sewful Creations • Smooth as Glass Studios • Sugar Shack Creations • Sunny Soap • Sweet Candy Lotus, LLC • Surf City Sips • Wilmington Art Gallery

Surf Forecast

THU AM: 1-3 ft - CHOPPY | PM: 2-3+ ft - CHOPPY
FRI AM: 3-4+ ft - CHOPPY | PM: 4-5 ft - CHOPPY
SAT AM: 3-4+ ft - CLEAN | PM: 2-4 ft - CLEAN

provided by Swell Info

Weather Forecast

THU 16 Mostly Cloudy | 72°/62° | PREC 17% | ENE 13 mph
FRI 17 Showers | 72°/59° | PREC 58% | ENE 12 mph
SAT 18 Partly Cloudy | 73°/43° | PREC 8% | NW 11 mph

Provided by weather.com

Tide Forecast

THU NOV 16

• Low Tide at 5:26 AM, 0.23 ft

• High Tide at 10:52 AM, 4.82 ft

• Low Tide at 6:28 PM, 0.50 ft

• High Tide at 11:10 PM, 3.96 ft

FRI NOV 17

• Low Tide at 6:14 AM, 0.25 ft

• High Tide at 11:47 AM, 4.73 ft

• Low Tide at 7:19 PM, 0.54 ft

SAT NOV 18

• High Tide at 12:10 AM, 3.89 ft

• Low Tide at 7:09 AM, 0.29 ft

• High Tide at 12:59 PM, 4.63 ft

• Low Tide at 8:14 PM, 0.54 ft

Provided by Marineweather.net