SALISBURY -  In some ways it was a typical day for high school students from Cabarrus, Rowan, Kannapolis, Lincoln, and Gaston.  They were playing some video games; actually high tech simulators, doing a little yard work; that is by testing John Deere commercial landscaping equipment, and driving around in a new Hyundai; well, a piece of heavy equipment made by the Korean automaker, so you can tell, it was far from typical.

The students were taking part in Construction Career Day, sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord.

"I thought it was pretty interesting," said Bryce Burns, a senior at West Rowan High School. "You drive three nails and see how fast you can get them in, there was a welding simulation to see how far you can weld, I tested and drove some equipment, hopefully I can use that in the near future."

Why not use it now? Couldn't these students just go from high school straight to work and save the time and expense of a college education?

That's the path many are able to take, but most we found don't want to do that.

GASTONIA, NC (WBTV)- Gastonia
Police are asking for the public's help to identify a gumball machine thief
captured on surveillance video.

Seven locations in Gastonia have been hit by
the thief during the first two weeks of May and several other locations also
have been hit in surrounding cities and Gaston County.

The suspect
is a white male who drives a red Ford Ranger pickup truck with an extended cab,
and is sometimes accompanied by a white female.

While businesses are closed the
suspect breaks-in, takes the machines or smashes the machines and steals the
coins inside. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is
asked to call Gastonia Police Detectives at (704) 866-6880.

Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.

BELMONT, NC (WBTV) - The Belmont Merchants Association has announced its concert schedule for "Friday Night Live". 

May 18th:  Catalinas, with DJ Johnny B
June 1st:  Voltage Brothers, with DJ Darren
June 15th:  Too Much Sylvia, with DJ Buddy Love
June 29th:  The Tams, with DJ Johnny B***
July 13th:  The Embers, with DJ Darren
July 27th:  Band of Oz, with DJ Buddy Love
August 10th:  Coming Up Brass, with DJ Johnny B
August 24th:  Hip Pocket, with DJ Darren
September 7th:  Chairmen of the Board with DJ Buddy Love

Event hours are 7pm to 10pm.  Check us out on Main Street in downtown Belmont.  Bring your family and friends...and come check us out on Main Street in downtown Belmont.  Food and drinks are available for purchase.   Don't forget your lawn chairs!  Free admission!

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