Month: April 2024

6. Recreational cannabis remains unlikely in NC

In recent years, more and more states have made the decision to legalize, regulate and tax recreational cannabis products — despite federal prohibition — but North Carolina isn’t one of them, and the General Assembly doesn’t appear to be favorably inclined to support such measures despite the filing of a House effort last year. “I […]

Written by on April 11, 2024

7. UNC’s plan to install license plate readers sparks privacy concerns

UNC-Chapel Hill is rethinking campus security after the fatal shooting of Professor Zijie Yan last semester. The university has announced plans to install license plate readers on campus. The university recently entered a new contract with Flock Safety, a private company, to install 23 license plate reader cameras around campus. Even before the August 28th […]

Written by on April 11, 2024

8. County prepares for forever chemical abatement

Surry County Public Works Director Jessica Montgomery presented some of her top requests for the coming budget cycle Tuesday night in Dobson. She was ahead of the curve when she said policy changes regarding forever chemicals were on the way and her budget needed to increase to cover those costs. She requested an increase to […]

Written by on April 11, 2024

9. McGregor needs municipal support, says Hopper

The Henderson City Council met on Monday at a new spot — McGregor Hall. Executive and Artistic Director Mark Hopper gave a presentation and delivered a dire message — if the facility doesn’t receive financial help, it won’t survive past its 2025 loan service payment. Hopper requested $75,000 annually from the city towards that obligation. […]

Written by on April 11, 2024

10. State Supreme Court skeptical of mandatory buffer for Orange County horse farm

Questions during oral arguments Wednesday suggest the North Carolina Supreme Court does not favor mandating a 30-foot buffer between an Orange County subdivision and a neighboring horse farm. Plaintiff Alison Arter sued the county and property owners involved with the Array subdivision in 2021. She argued that county rules mandated the buffer because of her […]

Written by on April 11, 2024

2. Smokies’ first dispensary to open: Cherokee’s long-awaited marijuana venture to finally generate some green

The path to cannabis legalization on the Qualla Boundary has been riddled with roadblocks, some of which the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians painstakingly navigated around, some of which it has bulldozed. Now, everything will come to a head on 4/20 when Qualla Enterprise’s new marijuana dispensary will host its grand opening and begin selling […]

Written by on April 10, 2024

3. New industrial megasite proposed in Davidson County

Davidson County officials have cleared the way for another megasite in hopes of luring yet another large industrial development project to the Triad. The Davidson County Board of Commissioners voted Monday night to approve rezoning 761 acres off U.S. 64 southwest of Thomasville to light industrial use. Property owner Phillip Corriher of Charlotte now has […]

Written by on April 10, 2024

4. Voter defamation case before NC Supreme Court this week

The outcome of a lawsuit appeal coming before the North Carolina Supreme Court this week could determine whether politicians can be held liable for defamation when they make false allegations of voter fraud. Former Gov. Pat McCrory‘s legal team and a group of Virginia attorneys accused about 600 voters in 37 counties of voter fraud […]

Written by on April 10, 2024

7. Greensboro police issue support for mayor’s call for nightclub, promoter regulations

The Greensboro Police Department issued a statement supporting Mayor Nancy Vaughan’s efforts to hold promoters more accountable citing recent incidents in the city. WFDD file photo. The Greensboro Police Department issued a statement Friday voicing support for Mayor Nancy Vaughan’s efforts to hold event promoters more accountable. According to the news release, police allege that […]

Written by on April 10, 2024

8. Brought to light, Taylortown digs up water issues

The water infrastructure in Taylortown is receiving some much-needed attention after newly hired town staff discovered the cause of water meter issues. According to Town Administrator Carolyn Cole who was hired early this year, the water meters in town have not been used correctly since their installation. So far, the reason for the confusion has […]

Written by on April 10, 2024