Skies have been sunny with temperatures in the 60s, but winter arrives officially on Thursday, at least according to the calendar.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a warmer and drier winter than average. And forecaster Brad Panovich at WCNC in Charlotte thinks it won’t be quite as cold as last year (a record going back to 1968), but says count on a respectable amount of snow and possibly more ice. In any case, it’s better to hope for the best and plan for the worst, so as not to find yourself unprepared and unsafe.

Get ready. Winterize. Prepare. Get the equipment you need. Read the full story

A Smithville home will get some much needed repairs Friday, April 8, during the third annual Realtors Care Day. Homeowner Walter Smith will join area realtors to work on upgrades to the exterior of his Vivian Lane house.

Hundreds of area realtors will volunteer their time during the all-day event to help 23 area homeowners in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties. The initiative is part of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association’s Housing Opportunity Foundation. Read the full story