A new North Carolina bill would mean harsher penalties for dealers who sell drugs to customers who overdose and die.

The new charge called ‘Death by Distribution’ would carry a sentence ranging from 3 and a half to 17 years.

Death by Distribution would not require prosecutors to prove malice or intent to kill.

Representatives from Union and Onslow Counties filed the bill Wednesday.

Reports show that current state laws limit the prosecutor’s ability to charge drug dealers in overdose cases with first or second-degree murder.

Typically, such cases result in involuntary manslaughter charges, which can carry a sentence of just 10 to 20 months.

Under the new bill, a death by distribution charge could be brought against a drug dealer where death results from their distribution of an opioid, meth, or cocaine.

Representatives emphasized the need for the bill in NC is to help fight the growing opioid epidemic.

Atrium Health hospitals have lifted flu restrictions for visitors 12 and under.

The restrictions have been lifted due to the significant drop in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms.

The lift affects all Charlotte-region hospitals including Atrium Health facilities in Burke and Lincoln Counties.

Officials say despite the lift, health officials urge anyone with flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting the hospital to help control the spread of illness.

Restrictions were initially put in place back in February as our area experienced an increase in flu cases.

Maintenance on the bell system at an Alexander County High School triggered law enforcement investigation this morning according to a Facebook posting.

School personnel at Alexander Central executed what they call a ‘code down’ in which administration deems a situation requires students be kept contained in the classroom when possible immediate danger to students or staff is perceived.

Several law enforcement officers responded to assist the resource officers who were already there.

Upon investigation, school officials say the bell system malfunction was caused by maintenance being performed.

Taylorsville Police, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Services assisted at the incident.

Maintenance on the bell system at an Alexander County High School triggered law enforcement investigation this morning according to a Facebook posting.

School personnel at Alexander Central executed what they call a ‘code down’ in which administration deems a situation requires students be kept contained in the classroom when possible immediate danger to students or staff is perceived.

Several law enforcement officers responded to assist the resource officers who were already there.

Upon investigation, school officials say the bell system malfunction was caused by maintenance being performed.

Taylorsville Police, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Services assisted at the incident.