Traffic

Part of Sharon Amity Road to close for repairs today

A portion of South Sharon Amity Road will be closed today so crews can repair a railroad crossing, city transportation officials say.

CSX Railroad is expected to close the 1500 block of South Sharon Amity between Delane Avenue and Montague Street, near Sharon Memorial Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists will still be able to access businesses in the area, according to the Charlotte Department of Transportation.

To get around the closures, drivers are asked to take Randolph, North Wendover and Monroe roads. Signs will be posted to help navigate traffic, though congestion and delays are expected.

CATS bus service also will be affected, according to CDOT. April Bethea

Schools

Charlotte students at White House Science Fair

A love of science and problem-solving brought four Charlotte students to President Obama's doorstep Tuesday for the second annual White House Science Fair.

Four Charlotte teens were invited to attend: freshmen Emily Ashkin, Matthew Howard and Alexander Roupas of Providence Day School and freshman Kayla Burriss of East Mecklenburg High.

Ashkin, Howard and Roupas had won the state and southwest regional 2010-11 eCybermission competition for their project - an inexpensive water purification system for underdeveloped nations.

Burriss, who wants to be an environmental engineer, is part of East Meck's new Academy of Engineering. Caroline McMillan

Crime

Man accused of killing parents in Ellerbe home

A 44-year-old man is accused of shooting his parents to death at their home in Ellerbe.

Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons Jr. identified the victims as Edwin Arthur Richardson, and his wife, Margaret, both 69.

Edwin Anthony Richardson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Clemmons said.

Last June, the elder Richardson took out a warrant against his son for communicating threats and "assault by pointing a gun." The charges were dismissed. April Bethea

Pets

Dogs from Stokes breeder brought to Charlotte

The Humane Society of Charlotte took in 33 dogs rescued Tuesday night from an alleged puppy mill in Stokes County.

Authorities raided a breeding business called Dan River Bullies in Danbury, just north of Hanging Rock State Park and about 100 miles northeast of Charlotte, according to media reports. More than 150 dogs were seized. It's unclear whether the owner will be charged.

Most of the dogs brought to Charlotte appeared to be in good condition; some had severe eye conditions, and one dog's jaw was broken as the result of rotted teeth.

Anyone who wants to help can donate supplies to care for the dogs. The Humane Society says it needs puppy pads, canned dog food, food for nursing mother dogs and gallon-sized freezer bags for food storage. The items can be dropped off 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week at the Humane Society shelter on Toomey Avenue in Charlotte. Meghan Cooke