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7-Eleven offering 49-cent Slurpees Memorial Day Weekend

7-Eleven offering 49-cent Slurpees Memorial Day Weekend

SOUTHEASTERN, NC (WECT) - Customers can purchase 49-cent medium Slurpee drinks Memorial Day Weekend, beginning Friday, May 24 until Monday, May 27, at any participating 7-Eleven.

According to a news release, 7-Eleven is on a mission to make this summer #AWESUMMER by offering great deals, discounts, coupons and refreshing treats all summer.

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.

How hybrid car owners could pay more to the state

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WECT) – A plan to collect money from certain motorists could put the savings from fuel-efficient cars into the state's budget.

Anyone owning a hybrid car would pay an extra $50 to register and renew the registration for the vehicle, according to the State Senate's proposed budget plan. The fee doubles for electric car owners.

Gabrielle Fuller bought her hybrid for the same reasons more people do: less emissions from the car and more savings at the pump. She said it seems like state lawmakers are punishing people for doing the right thing.

"It's irritating," she said. "I want to save money by having a fuel-efficient car and the government wants to charge me because I'm being conscientious."

The college student balances two jobs. Fuller's owned her Honda Insight for less than a year, and she said she'll definitely buy another hybrid when it's time, regardless of the proposed fee.

Bladen Lakes students aim to help Oklahoma tornado victims

Bladen Lakes students aim to help Oklahoma tornado victims

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Students at Bladen Lakes Primary School are doing their part to help donate to victims of the recent Oklahoma tornado, according to the Bladen County Schools website.

The school will be participating in Crosses for Hope, through the Red Cross. For each $1 donation that’s received, a paper Red Cross with the donor’s name will be on display at the school.

WEATHER: T-storms then a record cold run

Strong wet down bursts are expected as we move throughout the day today as a cold front approaches from the west. 

This front, while not as dangerous as it once was over the southern plains, still will have the ability to produce heavy rain and some gusty conditions.   

Look for a high temperature in the low 80s with some breaks of sun throughout the day.  But, keep the umbrella nearby as a shower could pop up at just about any time.

Friday, the cooler air moving the front will bring breezy conditions to the area.  High temperatures will still touch 80, but lows will free fall to near record levels into the upper 40s on Saturday morning.

Gradually warming weather is expected next week.

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.

Poppies will return to Elizabethtown

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WECT) – After being kicked off the Elizabethtown Walmart property last year, the veterans are back.

On Saturday, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8062 of Elizabethtown will return to distribute poppies in honor of Memorial Day. In exchange for the poppies, the veterans hope to collect donations that will be given to disabled and needy veterans and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.

Despite being removed from the property a year ago, Commander Robert Hester is moving forward and is excited to honor the veterans. He does not anticipate any problems entering its 13th year.

The manager that had the veterans removed is no longer with the company.

The veterans will have a presence in front of the Walmart and Tractor Supply store on West Broad Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WEATHER: Thursday cold front

Some of the showers we had for the predawn hour may return to coastal locations as we head into the late morning and early afternoon hours. 

For the most part, however, will continue to dry things out today and tomorrow with partly to mostly sunny skies through midday Thursday afternoon. 

It's Thursday afternoon that we will have the increasing chance of showers and Thunderstorms over eastern north Carolina as much cooler air ahead of a cold front moves in aloft. 

The front itself is poised to move through during the first half of the day on Friday, bringing showers and thunderstorms. 

The bonus however, is this feature will set us up for some cooler and drier conditions for the Memorial Day weekend.

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.

Sales tax referendum to be added to spring ballot in Bladen Co.

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WECT) – People in Bladen County will get to decide on a proposed tax increase.

Commissioners voted Monday night to add a quarter cent sales tax increase referendum on the ballot in the next spring election.

If approved by voters, the additional money would give the county up to $350,000 in revenue. The money would be used for the capital needs of the Bladen County School system.

Also during their meeting Monday night, commissioners approved a request from the sheriff's office to apply for a federal grant to pay for two additional SROs for the schools.

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.