Charlotte Observer

Mecklenburg Commissioners Approve 2.35-Cent Tax Increase

David Perlmutt/Charlotte Observer — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:15:04 +0000

Mecklenburg commissioners formally approved a $1.7 billion budget with a 2.35-cent tax rate increase Tuesday night, but not without great theater – and rhetoric.

During the pre-vote debate, commissioners evoked the names of Caesar, Jesus and LBJ. Democrats chided Republicans for their inclination to “cut, cut, cut” to avoid tax hikes.

Republicans sniped at Democrats for going on a spending spree to fund their favorite programs.

DNC: Nearly $500,000 Of Equipment Was Lost Or Stolen In Charlotte

Steve Harrison/Charlotte Observer — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:09:31 +0000

To stage last year’s Democratic National Convention, the local host committee raised millions of dollars, much of it for computers, phones and other communication devices.

Now it appears a sizable amount of that equipment was lost, stolen – or perhaps kept by the staffers it had been assigned to.

The Democratic National Committee said it recently sent the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department a spreadsheet detailing $496,000 worth of missing equipment. CMPD created an incident report in May.

Bold Visions Compete For Eastland Mall Redevelopment

Steve Harrison/Charlotte Observer — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:36:35 +0000

Two developers have offered bold visions for what the closed Eastland Mall could become.

One proposal focuses on building movie studios while another would create an entertainment complex with a ski slope, ice skating rink and skateboard park.

Both developers, who submitted formal proposals to the city of Charlotte on Friday, also envision residential and retail construction in later phases.

Where Is Queen Charlotte? Holding Court In Yard Between Parking Decks

Sarah Ellis/Charlotte Observer — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:41:20 +0000

Queen Charlotte isn’t greeting visitors to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport terminal these days. But she’s not hiding – she’s just keeping watch from a new location.

The airport’s iconic statue of the city’s royal namesake has been temporarily relocated. It has been moved from its home of more than 20 years in front of the terminal while the airport undertakes several long-term construction projects.

NC Files Second Ash Suit Against Duke Energy

Bruce Henderson/Charlotte Observer — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:57:32 +0000

North Carolina has filed a second lawsuit against Duke Energy in a move that puts the state’s claim that coal ash poses a threat to Charlotte’s water supply before a Mecklenburg County court.

Last week the N.C. Division of Water Quality amended an existing complaint, about ash stored at Duke Energy Progress’ Asheville power plant, to include the Riverbend plant near Charlotte.

On Friday, the division filed a separate lawsuit in Mecklenburg County Superior Court solely about Riverbend, which is operated by Duke Energy Carolinas.

CPCC Grad's Journey Was Arduous

Pam Kelley/Charlotte Observer — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:11:35 +0000

Students attend Central Piedmont Community College for many reasons, but the story of 20-year-old Riyam Al Ghrary’s journey to CPCC surely ranks among the most harrowing.

It began in Iraq, about six years ago, on the day she was kidnapped. It will culminate Thursday evening, as she accepts her diploma at Bojangles’ Coliseum, one of about 1,900 graduates, the largest number in CPCC’s 50-year history. She was student body vice president and a scholarship winner. She’s graduating with a 4.0 average.

State Bar Claims Former Judge Bill Belk Lied About Health Insurance

Michael Gordon/Charlotte Observer — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:16:48 +0000

Former Mecklenburg County District Judge Bill Belk, already banned from holding judicial office, now faces possible punishment from the North Carolina State Bar.

On Aug. 23, Belk will appear before the bar’s Disciplinary Hearing Commission on charges he lied during a 2009 investigation into his possible misconduct while he sat on the bench.

Unsealed Documents Shine Light On NASCAR Leader's Holdings

Ames Alexander and Gavin Off/Charlotte Observer — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:43:03 +0000

Newly unsealed documents in the divorce case of NASCAR Chairman Brian France provide a rare glimpse into how much money the privately held racing organization has generated for the France family.

France’s assets totaled more than $550 million in 2005, according to a financial statement included in the 1,500 pages of documents.

Owned and controlled by the France family, NASCAR paid Brian France more than $9 million in 2004, the documents show.

Emergency Officials Warn Residents On Catawba River About Rising Water

Joe Marusak and Cleve R. Wootson Jr./Charlotte Observer — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:14:57 +0000

Residents along the Catawba River should remain vigilant through tonight for rising waters caused by this week’s heavy rains, Duke Energy and emergency management officials warned.

A road in Charlotte was blocked Tuesday and firefighters were going door-to-door warning people about flooding along the Catawba River.

Man Accused Of Using Van To Drag Donkey On Paved Road

Steve Lyttle/Charlotte Observer — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:53:14 +0000

A Lincoln County man faces misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after he allegedly used his van to drag a donkey down a road Thursday evening in the northwest part of the county.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says Richard Ricky Hudson, 68, was arrested and charged with conveying animals in a cruel manner. He was released on $4,000 bond late Thursday.