(4.27.12) Coastal residents prod feds for offshore energy survey
WILMINGTON — North Carolinians told federal representatives Thursday that the nation needs to take stock of its oil and natural gas reserves off the Atlantic Coast as a way to bring jobs and revenue to the state and promote energy independence. “We need to begin now,” New Hanover County Commissioner Jason Thompson told a hearing held by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
(4.27.12) Lawmakers say city ‘jumping the gun’ on annexation
WILMINGTON — Republican state lawmakers say the city of Wilmington is wasting taxpayer dollars by providing services to the Monkey Junction area, where residents have been on a roller-coaster ride through the battle over annexation. City leaders, after a recent court ruling, are operating under the belief that Monkey Junction is now part of the city.
(4.26.12) Wilmington’s red light cameras to stay for now
WILMINGTON— Wilmington’s red-light cameras will likely survive in next year’s city budget. But they still face possible elimination at the state level. City council members have said they support the program, which was included as a possible cutback in a March budget presentation Deputy City Manager Tony Caudle made to council.
(4.25.12) State sees more whooping cough cases
WILMINGTON — Pender County health officials are urging county residents to get vaccinations for pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, after an uptick in cases of the contagious disease was seen in North Carolina. A March 15 memo from the Women’s and Children’s Health Section of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services urges health care providers to provide the vaccine to at-risk groups.
(4.25.12) N.C. residents get chance to sound off on seismic testing
WASHINGTON — With the federal government now open to the idea of drilling for oil and natural gas off the East Coast, North Carolina residents will get their first chance on Thursday to offer opinions about seismic testing along their coastline. A public hearing scheduled in Wilmington is one of eight meetings that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is holding on the rules that would govern any such search for energy reserves.
(4.23.12) Pantano targets Rouzer’s ratings
WILMINGTON — The Republican primary race in the 7th Congressional District is all about who is more conservative – Ilario Pantano or David Rouzer. Both Rouzer and Pantano have tried to paint their opponent as a big spender, and both talk regularly about cutting spending, lowering taxes and decreasing government regulation on businesses.
(4.23.12) Gov. Perdue, legislators still at odds over ferry tolls
RALEIGH — Gov. Bev Perdue will readily comply with any new legislation that orders her to start collecting higher tolls on North Carolina ferries, her legal adviser says. Mark A. Davis, the Democratic governor’s general counsel, said Perdue used power given her by state law when she announced a one-year moratorium on new ferry tolls that were ordered last year in the state budget.
(4.23.12) New Hanover commissioner candidates told to keep quiet
WILMINGTON — The four Democrats and six Republicans vying to serve on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners have many opinions about county issues, but speaking their minds about a cement plant proposed for Castle Hayne could put them in a position they might regret if elected. During a recent meeting with candidates, County Attorney Wanda Copley informed them that a quasi-judicial process for considering special-use permits meant elected officials had to act as impartial and fair judges in the matter.
(4.23.12) GOP candidates fight a fierce battle for District 7 nomination
FAYETTEVILLE — Two years ago, when Republicans surged into power in the U.S. House, Democratic Rep. Mike McIntyre held onto his seat for an eighth term with 54 percent of the vote. It was his closest race as an incumbent in a district that no Republican has won since 1868. But this year, with a redrawn 7th District designed to send a Republican to Congress, party front-runners Ilario Pantano and state Sen. David Rouzer are battling to earn the GOP nomination in a primary that has the ferocity of a November race.
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