CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — A state scholarship aimed at giving the children of disabled veterans a chance at a college education is facing budget cuts, leaving students wondering what’s next.

In June, ABC11 reported that the North Carolina Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans was cutting its program for future applications for children of disabled veterans in Tier 2, which covers veterans 20-90% disabled.

Now, ABC11 has learned that cuts are going a step further. Current scholars are learning their benefits will be cut beginning the spring semester, prorated by 25%.

Victoria Morales still remembers learning her UNC dreams would become a reality thanks to her dad’s service. Her dad is fully disabled.

“He was relieved that his service actually meant something for his kids,” she said. “Giving that amount of time to something, believing so hard in your government and so hard in the things it can do for you, be promised that your children will be taken care of, and then when you’re daughter’s almost done, it’s just over now.”

The cut for current scholars is leaving students and their families figuring things out, including William Dishmon and his dad.

“He had to quit his job, and it was hard for him to find, you know, a lower-stress job for him. But it was a big impact on our family,” Dishmon said.

Isabella McGee’s sister couldn’t get the scholarship because of the cuts to future scholarships, and now she’s wondering if she can finish nursing school with the scholarship she has.

“Honestly, it’s just the uncertainty because we don’t know what the next semester’s going to look like, we don’t know what senior year’s going to look like, and that just puts an excess stressor on our life on top of being a student,” McGee said.

In the meantime, students had a message for lawmakers: To not turn their backs on those who served.

“To lawmakers. I would say fulfill your promise. We, the people, are being affected by this. And this is real. This is a real situation that will affect multiple students across North Carolina,” Dishmon said.

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol celebrated the graduation of 55 new troopers.

The ceremony was held at Shepard’s Church in Cary. The 166th Basic Highway Patrol School graduates completed a rigorous 15-week training program covering firearms, vehicle operations, crash investigation, emergency response, physical fitness, de-escalation, and state law.

Chief Justice Paul Newby administered the oath of office, while Governor Josh Stein, the guest speaker, commended the graduates for their dedication to public service.

“It takes a special person to work in law enforcement,” Stein said. “I thank each of you for your commitment to protecting the public and will continue to advocate for the pay and respect law enforcement officers deserve.”

Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, praised the graduates for their determination and character.

“Their willingness to earn the title of Trooper reflects their desire to serve the communities of this state,” he said.

The new troopers will begin their field training on December 10 at their assigned duty stations.

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Lincoln County man was sentenced this week for the death of a 63-year-old woman in October of 2023.

Michael Steven Ricker has been charged with the death of Lesa Armstrong Rose, his girlfriend’s mother. He was also out on bond at the time for shooting and injuring her father.

He pled guilty to a charge of second-degree murder, amended from the original charge of first-degree murder.

Riker was sentenced to 397 to 489 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections with 760 days credit for time served.

In related charges from Catawba County that will run concurrent with the Lincoln County charges are 84 to 113 months for discharging a firearm into an occupied property and 96 to 125 months for attempted first-degree murder.