• The StarNews has a good summary of the issues getting the most attention in Pender municipal races. Burgaw Mayor Pete Cowan defends the town’s acquisition of a $600,000 fire truck to protect an expected industrial plant that never materialized. Opponent Elaine Tyson says she favors scouting locations for a new youth recreation center, even though Cowan observes that there’s no money available for the project. Meanwhile, taxes and annexation are big issues in Surf City politics these days. Beach nourishment is the hot topic in Topsail.

• The Daily News has more coverage of the voter-registration controversy in North Topsail. Ten individuals whose residency was challenged failed to show up at an Onslow Board of Elections hearing and will be blocked from voting in upcoming elections.

• If you haven’t already had your fill of the details and commentary about Wilmington mayoral candidate Paul Knight’s lawsuit against the StarNews to discover the identity of an online critic, WWAY has a good summary here. The gist:

Knight says he’s determined to learn the author’s true identity and find out if there’s any connection to Mayor Bill Saffo’s re-election effort.

“I believe that once I find the true identity to this person, and can track the dots that the line may lead back to my opponent’s campaign,” Knight said.

Mayor Saffo has not returned our calls for comment.

Since Knight filed the lawsuit, the Star News has removed the comments from its website. Despite a subpoena from Knight the Star News would not reveal any information pertaining to the anonymous poster.

Executive Editor Robyn Tomlin said the information is protected by the first amendment. The paper would only turn over information if someone threatens physical harm or a court orders it.

• Wrightsville residents should check out the Lumina News coverage of the recent candidate debate at the Blockade Runner.

• Carolina Beach residents can watch their local candidate forum here, care of the Island Gazette.

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