12 INVESTIGATES: Structurally deficient bridges in Richmond area

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 5:38pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- We go behind the scenes with the people who inspect the bridges to take a look at which ones are the worst, the oldest and the ones that are most cracked and crumbling.

The government demands bridge inspections every two years. But for those bridges like we found that have peeling paint, rusted bolts, corroded metal, uneven pavement, even cracks - inspections come annually.

We met with Gary Martin, who is in charge of VDOT's bridge inspecting program, at the Hermitage Road Bridge at Interstate 95 in Richmond and asked them to show us what they look for.

"Maybe even some cracking. You can see there's some additional cracking right here on both sides. So, that's an indication you are having some corrosion on the rebarb," Martin said, as he walked through a bridge inspection.

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MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Save money at RichmondMom.com

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 6:07pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Many parents do their best to save money entertaining and clothing their children. Here is how to save at many local shops around town - and it won't cost you a dime.

It's been five years since Kate Hall created RichmondMom.com as a go-to resource for local parents.

"It's now turned into an online magazine, so we have about 16+ writers who write about all sorts of topics," said Hall.

The site now gets about 200,000 unique visitors a year. Kate is busy with her own three kids, plus she wants to concentrate on writing her own children's books, so she's sold the site to the owners of "Hip to be Round".

"I've always been a supporter of the site, love RichmondMom.com as a reader, I've loved being a partner and a sponsor through Hip to be Round," said new owner Khrista Donahue.

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RVA growth outpaces Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 5:47pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Richmond is growing faster than Chicago, Phoenix and San Diego, according to the latest U.S. Census figures released Thursday. The Capital has the biggest population growth in Central Virginia, adding more than 4,000 people between 2011 and 2012.

According to the census data, Richmond beats most of America when it comes to attracting new residents. The data comes as no surprise to Del. Jennifer McClellan, who said in a phone interview Thursday more and more Virginians are fleeing to Richmond from congested NOVA.

"Richmond has always been on the cusp of greatness, and now we're turning a real corner," McClellan said.

Robert Crum, executive director of the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, agrees with McClellan's outlook.

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12 INVESTIGATES: Tattoo regret

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 11:15pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- A survey by USA Today reveals that Richmond is the third most tattoo'ed city in America. Only people in Las Vegas and Miami have more tattoos than we do.

With so much "ink being done" here, there are bound to be mistakes - or at least regrets. That's where Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Travis Shaw comes in - with his Lutronic "Q-switched laser" that has revolutionized tattoo removal.

As recently as five years ago, laser technology for tattoo removal had a tendency to burn skin, sometimes leaving it discolored or scarred - but no longer.

"It doesn't harm the skin that's around it," said Dr. Shaw. "It only targets the colors that are in the tattoo themselves."

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12 ON YOUR SIDE: Tips for donating safely

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 7:27pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- The aftermath of disasters like the tornado in Moore, OK can bring out the best in people -stories of heroism, of help, of survival... but it can also bring out people who want to take advantage of your generosity. Urgent appeals for donations by phone, email or social media are probably not on the up and up and are likely scammers.

According to the National Weather Service, Moore residents had 36 minutes to get ready for death and destruction in Oklahoma.

The first code red warning sounded at 2:40 p.m. Monday, 16 minutes before the tornado touched down 10 miles west of the city. It reached Moore at 3:16.

"We hope this inspires people in Richmond to take steps to prepare now, whether that's downloading our Red Cross tornado app or just having a conversation with our family about what would they do if a storm did come through Richmond," said Jonathan McNamara with the American Red Cross.

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Devastation in Oklahoma: School safety concerns

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 6:42pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- The small town of Moore, OK is a landscape of flattened homes and debris after being hit by an EF-5 tornado, with winds of at least 200 miles an hour.

The search for the dead and for survivors is nearly complete. The number of dead stands at 24, including at least nine children. Hundreds of people were injured.

Among the most horrifying scenes in the vast destruction were two elementary schools, which took direct hits from the twister - taking some of the youngest lives in this tragedy, but sparing others.

The storm ripped off the roof and knocked down walls, as students and teachers huddled in hallways and bathrooms.

Tornado watches and warnings are common in Virginia -- and the images from Oklahoma are a brutal reminder of the need to be prepared.

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How to help Oklahoma tornado victims

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 9:03am

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Several organizations will allow you to send $10 directly to the Oklahoma disaster zone by sending a text message. The donations will simply be added to your cell phone bill, no credit card information is required. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way.

American Red Cross:
Text REDCROSS to 90999

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma:
Text FOOD to 32333

Salvation Army:
Text STORM to 80888

You can also donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund by clicking here. The Red Cross has also set up a Safe & Well's site to search for missing relatives or friends.

You can also call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.

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