NCLM News Release Clearinghouse
10/29/2007 08:16:51 AM -0500
-News Releases organized by General Topic
-News Releases organized by Municipality
Cary's Coleman to leave public service
8/15/2008 - After more than 30 years in local government, Cary Town Manager Bill Coleman, 57, has decided to retire from public service and join the local government group of SAS, where he will use his vast knowledge of governments' inner-workings to help the company devise and implement software solutions for governmental operations. His last day at Cary Town Hall will be October 17, 2008. "I appreciate very much the opportunity I have had to work for the elected officials and citizens of the Town of Cary; Cary is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Coleman. “The Town has been blessed with outstanding leadership, and I am confident that the Mayor and Council, along with the staff, will continue to move Cary forward as the premier community in the country."
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Greensboro Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year announced
8/5/2008 - The Greensboro Police Department's Crime Stoppers Program has named Sgt. James W. Moore as the Officer of the Year. The program gives this award each year at the close of its annual fund-raising golf tournament. Sgt. Moore is the supervisor of the Greensboro Police Department's Warrant Squad, the unit responsible for serving outstanding warrants. In February 2008, Moore's unit, in partnership with the Greensboro News & Record, Guilford County Sheriff's Department and High Point Police Department, began a newspaper series profiling outstanding wanted subjects. Since then, more than 30 wanted subjects have been arrested.
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Take crime prevention to the street with Cary's National Night Out
8/4/2008 - When the sun begins to set on one of the safest large communities in America, Cary police, fire, and EMS officials will travel throughout town to bring awareness to crime prevention and drug abuse in observance of the 25 th National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Make plans to get a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes look at policing by participating in the Town of Cary Police Department's Open House and receive your child ID kit from 6-8 p.m. The Open House is also a great opportunity for all who attend to meet the four-legged members of Cary 's K-9 crew, see the view from inside a police cruiser, and have a peek at the weapons carried by the police force.
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Durham launches speech-enabled feature for website
7/30/2008 - Web site users who have difficulty reading online can now more easily access the City of Durham's Web site thanks to new software technology that reads Web text out loud. Browesaloud, a new technology offered by Texthelp Systems, is now available for download from the City's Web site. When enabled by the user, it reads Web text out loud, making content more readily available to people with learning disabilities and vision problems, as well as those for whom English is a second language.
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Greenville now 10th largest city in the state
7/23/2008 - The U.S. Census Bureau has released its annual population estimates for all cities in the U.S. According to the figures, as of July 1, 2007, Greenville has passed Asheville and Jacksonville to become the 10 th largest city in the state of North Carolina with a population of 76,058; that's an increase of 3.4% above the 2006 estimate (down from the 3.95% growth of 2005 to 2006). “Greenville has been experiencing steady growth for several years,” said City Manager Wayne Bowers. “As a result, the City has added personnel to meet a growing service demand. This fiscal year, the City Council authorized adding nine police officers and a peak staffing EMS crew to address the public safety needs of our community.”
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The Start of Something Green: Fayetteville PWC breaks ground on LEED customer service center (PDF)
7/23/2008 - The Fayetteville Public Works Commission continued its commitment to a sustainable community as it broke ground on its LEED-registered Customer Service Center Wednesday morning adjacent to the PWC Operations Complex on Old Wilmington Road. The 10,000 sq ft. building will be one of the first buildings in Cumberland County to be built to LEED standards and is expected to be open in mid to late 2009. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED is designed to promote design and construction practices that reduce the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.
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Greensboro P.D. receives donation of two Segways
7/23/2008 - Greensboro developer Roy Carroll has donated two Segways to the Greensboro Police Department. Also called “personal transporters,” the Segways will be used as a complement to the bicycle and foot patrols currently operating in downtown Greensboro. The Segways are valued at about $6,000 each. “We are very grateful to Mr. Carroll for this generous donation,” said Greensboro Police Chief Tim Bellamy. “This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished through partnerships between the public sector and private industry.” Carroll, who is the owner of The Carroll Cos., said during a news conference today that he made the offer to the Police Department after learning that other police departments in the state and throughout the country have incorporated the transporters into their patrol operations.
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Greensboro releases crime statistics for first six months of 2008
7/21/2008 - Crime statistics comparing the first six months of 2008 with the first six months of 2007 show that violent crime in Greensboro increased by 1.3 percent, while property crimes increased by 4.6 percent. The Greensboro Police Department released the statistics today. During the first six months of 2008, police investigated 948 violent crimes, up from 936 during the first six months of 2007. Violent crimes include murder, rape, commercial robbery, individual robbery and aggravated assault. Although the number of violent crimes remained relatively constant in the two comparison periods, statistics show a decrease in June 2008, when violent crimes dropped to 143 from a six-month high of 179 in May. Violent crimes peaked at 210 in May 2007.
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Bike racks installed throughout Durham
7/18/2008 - Durham's bicycling enthusiasts now have 67 new bike racks to use throughout the city thanks to a recently finished installation as part of Durham's CityRacks Bicycle Parking Program. "We have received many phone calls and e-mails thanking us for installing the bicycle racks. As I travel around town, I see they are being used," said Dale McKeel, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator with the Transportation Division of the City's Department of Public Works. "This is an important step in the City's efforts to become a more bicycle-friendly community and we're going to continue our progress by installing more racks and lockers at both our public schools and the new Durham Station in the coming year."
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Durham's AAA bond rating reaffirmed
7/16/2008 - Standard & Poor's, Fitch Ratings, and Moody's Investors Service have each re-affirmed their ‘AAA' bond rating for the City of Durham. The ‘AAA' debt rating, the highest rating a municipality can receive, allows Durham to borrow money at the lowest interest rates available. Durham is one of less than 20 cities nationwide that has ‘AAA' ratings from all three major bond rating agencies. “We are extremely pleased to be cited yet again for our strong financial performance due to our conservative fiscal management,” said City Manager Patrick W. Baker. “The ‘AAA' rating is a strong indicator for our citizens that we diligently and efficiently manage their tax dollars. Our ‘AAA' rating allows us to issue GO bonds and provide our taxpayers with significant savings on the interest as we work to improve our community.”
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Newton's Soldiers Reunion planned for August
7/15/2008 - The 119th Annual Soldiers Reunion in Newton, which has become a patriotic tradition for area residents, is almost here. This year's theme is “Preserving Our Freedom,” to pay tribute to U.S. military veterans, and to honor those currently serving in the Middle East. The weeklong celebration, sponsored by the Newton Merchants Association and American Legion Post 16, officially begins on Sunday, August 17, with activities continuing through Thursday, August 21, commonly known as “Reunion Day.” Every year, the third Thursday in August serves as the culmination of the annual event with the Reunion Parade.
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Wilmington's 1898 sculpture installed
7/11/2008 - Atlanta artist Ayokunle Odeleye and his team arrived in Wilmington on July 11 to install the sculptural elements of the 1898 Memorial. Mr. Odeleye and his crew installed six cast-bronze paddles, each reaching 16 feet in height and weighing approximately 1,000 pounds. They will also install two free-standing, curvilinear, faux-stone forms topped with brass plaques which recount the history of the events of 1898 and name the 10 major donors to the project. The City of Wilmington and the 1898 Foundation will host an official dedication ceremony for the park on November 8, 2008.
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Greensboro police to offer free gun locks
7/10/2008
- The Greensboro Police Department will be offering free gun locks during
an upcoming event at the Greensboro location of Gander Mountain. Gun
locks, which are designed to prevent the gun from being fired, are one of
several safety measures recommended by firearms experts. ... “Any
time you hear about an accidental shooting, whether it's involving a child
or an adult, you know it could have been prevented with proper firearm safety,”
said Sgt. Paul Pell of the Greensboro Police Department. “One of the easiest
things a gun owner can do to protect themselves, their children, their friends
and their loved ones, is to use gun locks whenever that firearm is not in
use.”
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7/8/2008 - The City of Durham has received international recognition yet again for its financial accountability and reporting to Durham's citizens. The City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) has been acknowledged for the 23rd consecutive year by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The GFOA is a nonprofit, professional association serving more than 17,000 government finance professionals. The City's Fiscal Year 2006-07 CAFR was recognized with the certificate of achievement, the GFOA's highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting. An impartial panel determined that the report met “the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive ‘spirit of full disclosure' to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.”
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Asheville Fire and Rescue practices fuel conservation
7/1/2008 - Reflecting the public's increasing interest in fuel conservation, Asheville Fire and Rescue has taken several measures to assist in conservation efforts. For many years, fuel conservation and environmental concerns have been part of AFR's decision-making process, whether for buying vehicles or creating work schedules.
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7/1/2008 -- Mayor Kevin Foy accepted the Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of the Town of Chapel Hill during the 2008 Mayors' Climate Protection Awards Program. Sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the awards recognize and honor mayors for outstanding and innovative practices to increase energy efficiency in their cities and to help curb global warming. Chapel Hill was recognized for creating a fare free transit system on a communitywide basis. Since Chapel Hill Transit became fare free in 2001, it has become the second largest transit system in North Carolina. Since that time ridership has risen from 3 million riders a year to more than 6.5 million riders annually projected for 2008. The Chapel Hill community has proven its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and its commitment to alternative forms of transportation through this innovative program.
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Get a little green for your green in Cary's innovative new grass grab
7/1/2008 - As part of its ongoing efforts to lead the state in conserving finite natural resources, the Town of Cary has expanded its nationally-recognized water conservation program to include a one-time $500 incentive per property for the replacement of irrigated turf. An initiative approved by the Cary Town Council on March 13, 2008 as part of four new innovative water conservation measures, the intent of the Turf Buy Back Program is to reduce current outdoor water use and promote water-wise irrigation habits. The program provides incentives to 200 Town of Cary water customers who replace their irrigated turf with one of two water wise landscape options: conversion to natural area or conversion of cool-season grass to warm-season grass. The incentives are offered to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis according to program rules.
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Cary police close curtain on burglaring quartet
7/1/2008 - The Town of Cary Police Department has arrested and charged four suspects who may be linked to 37 larceny and breaking and entering cases that have occurred in Cary since November 2007. “The Cary Police Department's primary objective is to ensure the safety and well-being of those who live in or are visiting our Town. It is rewarding to have apprehended these four suspects who are responsible for such an extensive list of crimes,” said Captain Mike Williams of the Cary Police Department.
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Newton community survey results released
6/30/2008 - Why are you proud of Newton? What time do you shop? Has Newton improved over the last five years? These are but a few of the many important questions that almost 600 respondents answered in the Newton Community Survey. The survey, which contained 22 questions, was developed by City of Newton officials and staff, members of the Newton Area Council (of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce), the Downtown Newton Development Association (DNDA), and the Newton Merchants Inc. with significant assistance from the Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) of Appalachian State University. The total population with access to the survey has been estimated at 10,000; therefore, with 597 completed surveys, the community survey achieved a 6 percent response rate, which the SBTDC says is a favorable response rate for this type of survey. The survey was available online, in the citywide newsletter, and at various businesses throughout the city.
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Newton implements fuel conservation measures
6/30/2008 - With the drastic and continual increase in fuel prices, City of Newton departments have developed and implemented fuel conservation plans which will help address the escalating cost of operating trucks, machinery, and other city-owned equipment. In general, all city departments have devised measures to conserve fuel, which include eliminating unnecessary idling, consolidating trips, utilizing city vehicles only when necessary, maintaining proper driving habits, ensuring vehicle maintenance to increase fuel economy, and utilizing conference calls to replace out-of-office meetings.
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Greenville's GREAT bus system wins award
6/26/2008 - Making safety a high priority has helped the GREAT Bus System win safety awards two years in a row. The Greenville Area Transit System (GREAT) has been awarded the 2007 Safety Award from the North Carolina Public Transportation Association. The award is given for having the fewest at-fault accidents or incidents. GREAT beat out 13 other systems in the category of Urban Fixed Route 999,999 miles or less by having no at-fault accidents or incidents.
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Greensboro provides eight new recycling drop-off points
6/25/2008 - The City of Greensboro now has eight new locations for residents to drop off recyclable items. The new sites are located at seven fire stations throughout the city and one at Costco on Wendover Avenue. These locations provide a safe and convenient place for Greensboro residents to recycle, and bring the total number of City recycling drop-off sites to 17.
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State grant will make Greensboro Colisuem more green
6/20/2008
- The City of Greensboro Field Operations Department has been awarded a Community
Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant worth $18,000 from the NC Division of
Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. The grant will be used
to fund changes that will make the Greensboro Coliseum Complex a greener facility.
Changes include recycling a greater variety and larger amount of materials,
reducing the number of contaminated recyclables, and raising public awareness
of recycling at the Coliseum.
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Almost 100 children enjoy Newton's 'Take a Kid Fishing Day' on June 14
6/17/2008 - The City of Newton Parks & Recreation Department, along with Dick's Sporting Goods of Hickory and Drum's Fish Lake, sponsored the annual Take A Kid Fishing Day on Saturday, June 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Approximately 100 area children participated in the popular event, which was held on Father's Day weekend this year, enhancing the family atmosphere even more. Aspiring anglers were catching fish weighing close to 15 pounds, including carp, bass, catfish, and others. Children in three age divisions were awarded numerous door prizes, as well as rewards for catching the most fish, the largest fish, most unusual fish, and smallest fish.
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Asheville Transit hires new management company
6/11/2008 - Asheville Transit System's infrastructure will be under new management as of July 1. Asheville City Council hired Cincinnati-based management company First Transit, Inc. to hire and supervise drivers, maintain vehicles, and build bus stops. Current drivers are expected to transition to the new management company. Interim Transit Manager Mariate Echeverry is optimistic about the coming change, “First Transit, Inc. runs hundreds of public transit utilities across the county. We selected them over several other companies because of their focus on customer service and safety. They came highly recommended and have an excellent reputation in the industry.”
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Solid waste services vet Foster named Raleigh's Employee of the Year
6/6/2008 - George Foster, a 24-year veteran with the Solid Waste Services Department, today was named the City of Raleigh Employee of the Year. Mr. Foster began his service with the Capital City as a laborer and today has the duties of Yard Waste Center crew supervisor. In making the announcement, City Manager J. Russell Allen said of Mr. Foster: "One thing George cannot do is whine. His coworkers know that for certain, because it can be driving rain, frigid and windy, or still, humid and 100 degrees and George is still 100 percent on the job.'
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Rocky Mount grieves the loss of firefighter Clayton Earl Marrow (pdf)
6/6/2008
- The City of Rocky Mount grieves the loss of RMFD Firefighter and Emergency
Medical Technician Clayton Earl Marrow. Marrow died unexpectedly on the evening
of Wednesday, June 4. He was 29 years old. Firefighter Marrow collapsed at
his Greenville home following a jog in his neighborhood on Wednesday evening.
After attempts to revive him, Marrow’s girlfriend called 911 and began
CPR. Firefighters and paramedics from the City of Greenville Fire & Rescue
Department arrived on the scene and continued efforts to revive Marrow. Emergency
medical treatment was administered to Marrow while en route to Pitt County
Memorial Hospital, where treatment was continued in the hospital’s emergency
care center. Firefighter Marrow was pronounced deceased by doctors shortly
before midnight Wednesday. The cause of death is believed to be heart-related.
“We are all deeply saddened at this tragic and unexpected loss,” said Stephen W. Raper, City Manager. “Firefighter Marrow will be greatly missed by his fellow crew members and by all employees of the Rocky Mount Fire Department. Our entire city organization extends condolences to Clayton’s friends and family.”
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New program encourages Cary citizens to stop flushing water and money down the commode
6/3/2008 - As part of its ongoing efforts to lead the state in conserving finite natural resources, the Town of Cary has begun offering $150 rebates to water customers who replace their older toilets that use between 3.5 and 5 gallons of water per flush (gpf) with new, high-efficiency toilets (HET) that use 75 to 80 percent less water or 1.28 gpf. An initiative approved by the Cary Town Council on March 13, 2008 , as part of four new innovative water conservation measures, the HET Retrofit Rebate Program is aimed at reducing indoor water usage. In its initial phase, the program provides 400 rebates to Cary water customers for replacing their older toilets with WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets in their homes or businesses -- a limit of three rebates per single-family property and five per non-residential property, all issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Cary council renames Kids Together Park in honor of former council member
5/30/2008 - At their regular meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2008, the Cary Town Council honored former District D Council Member Marla Dorrel by unanimously supporting a resolution renaming Kids Together Park, 111 Thurston Drive, as the “Marla Dorrel Park” and naming the Kids Together Park Playground the “Kids Together Playground” at the Marla Dorrel Park. Council member Julie Robison presented the surprise resolution to Dorrel on behalf of the Council in recognition of her love for the community and dedication to the development and continued improvement of Kids Together Park. “There is no greater honor you could give me,” said a visibly moved Dorrel, who was joined at the podium last night by her husband Gary Craven and long-time Cary volunteer Tom Hemrick.
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Greenville holds recycling contest
5/29/2008 - The Kinston Indians are really going to bat to encourage recycling in the city of Greenville. In fact, you could hit a home run and win tickets to an Indians home game by doing something as easy as recycling. During the month of June, all single-family households in the city of Greenville which recycle are eligible to enter to win four tickets to an Indians home game.
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Cary raises awareness about gangs
5/28/2008 - As part of its continuous commitment to keeping Cary one of the safest places to live in America, the Town of Cary has upped the ante on gang prevention and begun a comprehensive publicity campaign to help educate the community about gang activity and gang prevention in Cary. A new Web section as well as public service announcements (PSA), flyers, brochures are some of the tactics the Town will be using to suppress gang activity in Cary. The measures come on the heels of the Cary Town Council's proclamation in support of gang prevention measures, including declaring May 2008 as Youth Gang Awareness and Prevention Month.
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Greensboro provides quality drinking water
5/22/2008 - By the end of next week, Greensboro residents should expect to receive in the mail the annual water quality report, the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments, mandates that all municipal water systems provide a CCR to their customers for calendar year 2007 by July 1, 2008. The CCR provides information about where water comes from, possible substances in the water, and compliance with state and federal limits. It also gives specific public health information, enabling consumers to make informed decisions regarding any potential health risks related to the use of their public drinking water.
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5/21/2008 - The Raleigh City Council voted 7-1 on Tuesday to increase impact fees in order to offset the cost of new development. The council rejected a recommendation from the City's Planning Commission to phase in the higher fees over three years. The new fees take effect on June 1. Funds generated by the City's impact fees, also called thoroughfare and open-space facility fees, are used to help pay for new road construction and park development. The amount of each fee in the proposal approved by the council is proportional to the impacts created by the new development.
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McCoy is Asheville firefighter of the year
5/20/2008 - Asheville Fire and Rescue is proud to announce that on May 15, 2008, Captain Mike McCoy was recognized by the Optimist Club of Asheville as the 2008 Firefighter of the Year. McCoy was recently named Fire Protection Student of the Year by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; he achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average. McCoy has been employed with the city since 1985 and was promoted to Captain in 2000.
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Upcoming forum to educate public about gangs
5/19/2008 - The Greensboro Police Department has scheduled two more of the highly popular Gang Awareness Educational Forums on May 27 and August 26. Parents, grandparents, caregivers and those who work with children and teenagers are encouraged to attend either of these free presentations to learn how to identify the warning signs of gang involvement, as well as how to determine the best course of action to take when faced with this issue.
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Mayo selected as Greensboro's 'Officer of the Year'
5/16/2008
- Greensboro police officer Rob Mayo has been selected as the agency's Officer
of the Year. The award was presented during the Police and Citizen Appreciation
Dinner on May 15, along with numerous other awards given to officers, residents
and businesses who have assisted the Greensboro Police Department during the
past year. A sworn officer since 2002, Mayo is assigned to the Robbery Squad,
a unit that also received an award for its exceptional work in solving a string
of commercial robberies late last year. GPD Sgt. J.J. Sturm, who nominated
Mayo for the award, said Mayo is a role model for other officers.
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Asheville receives award for actions to improve air quality
5/14/2008 - City of Asheville Fleet Manager Chris Dobbins on May 6 accepted the NC Mobile Clean Air Renewable Energy (CARE) award for the city's efforts to reduce transportation emissions. The NC Mobile CARE award is the state's highest recognition for public fleets. The City of Asheville incorporates multiple clean technologies into its fleet mix for a reduction in air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and the use of foreign oil.
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5/9/2008 - It will take about $306 million next year and a tax rate of 33 cents to keep Cary one of the greatest places in America to live, work, and raise a family, according to the Fiscal Year 2009 proposed budget presented by Assistant Town Manager Ben Shivar to the Town Council at its regular meeting last night. The budget, which is 20 percent lower than the current year's adopted budget, includes $166,324,973 in proposed operations spending—a seven percent increase over the current year's adopted operating budget; the $139,403,714 in proposed capital project spending is a 38 percent decrease from the current year's adopted capital budget. Citizens are invited to share their thoughts at either of two budget public hearings to be held as part of the regular Town Council meetings on May 29 and June 12. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 316 N. Academy St., in downtown Cary. Fiscal Year 2009 runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
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New laptops mean more efficiency for police officers
4/30/2008 - New laptops are replacing outdated technology in Greensboro's police cars, and the change will help Greensboro Police officers work more efficiently. The Police Department has leased about 50 Panasonic laptops to replace the MobileVu systems that have been used by the GPD since 2003, said Anita McCoy, network services manager for the GPD. With the new laptops, officers can print e-citations, use CD-based training, and easily connect other equipment to the laptop's USB port – tasks that were not possible with the MobileVu, she said. The new laptops will also enable the Police Department to work toward the installation of in-car cameras, she said.
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May is National Historic Preservation Month (PDF)
4/24/2008
- Citizens in Asheville and Buncombe County will join thousands of
individuals around the country as part of a nationwide celebration of
National Preservation Month in May, 2008. “Preservation Matters
Here” is the theme for this month-long celebration.
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Greensboro police prepare for National Police Week Observance (PDF)
4/24/2008– Greensboro police officers and their counterparts throughout the country are preparing to celebrate National Police Week, May 10-17, to pay tribute to officers who serve our communities and to remember those who have died in the line of duty. “Our officers, and police officers everywhere, take an oath to serve and protect their communities,” said Greensboro Police Chief Tim Bellamy. “The men and women who take this oath are dedicated, committed, extraordinary people who work hard every day to uphold laws and to make our communities safe for everyone.”
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Greensboro's ‘Community Night Out' program success leads to expansion
4/18/2008–
After three months of increasing success during its weekly Community Night
Out program, the Guilford County Police Athletes and Activities League (G-PAL)
is hoping to expand the program to Peeler Recreation Center. The Community
Night Out program connects neighborhood residents with the Greensboro Police
Department and the local faith community to provide children of all ages 'somewhere
to go, something to do, and someone to be.' Community Night Out is offered
every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Windsor Recreation Center, 1601 E. Lee
St.
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Poll shows Triangle voters aware of shortage, willing to 'Slow the Flow'
4/18/2008 - A poll conducted by OnPoint Polling and Research found that registered voters in the Triangle are overwhelmingly aware of the area's water shortage and are willing to do their part to save water. OnPoint Polling donated the public opinion survey to the Raleigh City Council-appointed Water Conservation Council, which is working to promote water conservation. The Water Conservation Council has kicked off a water conservation education campaign with its "Slow the Flow" logo that was designed gratis by Clean Design. The poll found that 93 percent of respondents claimed they had recently taken steps at home to reduce water use.
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Greensboro Hope Project outreach efforts get boost from grants
4/15/2008– Generous grants from two local organizations will jump-start the community outreach efforts of the Hope Project, an initiative that seeks to steer young adults away from gang-related activity. The Weaver Foundation and the Greensboro Grasshoppers will provide $300,000 each during the next three years, for a total grant amount of $600,000. The grants will be announced during the April 15 City Council meeting.
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Greensboro lifts mandatory water restrictions (PDF)
4/10/2008 - Effective Friday, April 11, 2008, the City of Greensboro is lifting mandatory water restrictions. Due to improving water supply conditions, water restrictions will move from Mandatory Stage IIA to Voluntary Stage I. A full description of these stages can be found in Chapter 29.5 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances, and customers can find a summary of the current stage at www.greensboro-nc.gov/water.
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The City of Asheville awarded $400,000 EPA Brownfields grant to assist
in redevelopment of potentially contaminated sites (PDF)
4/9/2008 - The United States Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the City of Asheville a $400,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to expand economic development and technical services provided by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council Regional Brownfields Initiative (RBI). The City and RBI will use the funding to directly assist prospective developers of Brownfields properties in the City's River District. Brownfields are underutilized or abandoned properties that have actual or perceived contamination.
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Durham
debuts new technology to help citizens address neighborhood disrepair
4/9/2008 – Durham residents interested in serving as extra eyes for
City government now have their chance thanks to new technology designed to
help the community prioritize its immediate, street-level needs. The City
of Durham is debuting Computerized Neighborhood Environment Tracking –
or ComNet – that enables neighborhoods to use easily operated handheld
computers with digital cameras so that street level conditions, such as pot
holes, illegal dumping, weedy lots, litter and vacant houses, can be quickly
captured, recorded and prioritized for action.
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4/8/2008 – In an ongoing effort to balance the impacts of growth with desired service levels, the Cary Town Council has unanimously approved an increase in water and sewer development fees to 75 percent of the maximum allowable fees effective on July 1, 2008; this translates into a an average seven percent increase over the existing fee for water and an average 31 percent increase over the existing sewer fee. While the $374 fee for an irrigation meter remains the same, the Council approved a first-time meter fee for reclaimed water meters of $187, which is 50 percent of the current potable irrigation meter fee. The Council also voted unanimously to keep transportation impact fees at current levels, which are already among the highest in the Triangle. The decisions were made at the Council's regular meeting on Monday, April 7, 2008.
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New study confirms benefits of the “Asheville Project”
4/1/2008 - A recently published study in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association demonstrates the continued success of the “Asheville Project” health care model. The study of more than 600 individuals in two health plans (City of Asheville and Mission Hospitals) showed that the program of pharmacist-directed medication management improved clinical and economic outcomes for people treated for high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol over the six-year study period.
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Asheville PD to destroy firearms obtained in ‘gun buyback' (PDF)
3/31/2008 – Asheville police on Wednesday will destroy 302 guns that were turned in by the community during the “gun buyback” program held in December. Guns will be destroyed beginning at about 10 a.m. at Biltmore Iron and Metal Co., 1 Meadow Road. Biltmore Iron and Metal has agreed to help the police department with this task, which requires, on average, 15 tons to 25 tons of pressure to cut up a single gun. Guns made of stainless steel have to be cut up manually with a saw.
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Citizens give Cary high marks in 6th satisfaction survey
3/27/2008 - The results are in and the marks are high in the Town of Cary's 2008 Biennial Citizen Satisfaction Survey, which gave a group of Cary residents the opportunity to voice their opinions on more than 50 questions about their government and community -- from sense of safety and community appearance to Town employees' customer service, quality of life, one-stop voting, taxes, and much more. Since its inception in 1998, the Town of Cary has been using its biennial survey to help provide guidance or where it can make improvements in its service to and services for citizens.
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Greensboro, universities to conduct new “State of Human Relations” study
3/27/2008–
Ten years ago, the City of Greensboro's Department of Human Relations produced
a “State of Human Relations” (SOHR) that examined the challenges facing Greensboro
as it entered the 21st Century. This year, a new report will be produced to
examine the current issues in human relations and to determine what progress
has been made in the last decade. Like its predecessor, this study will be
a collaboration between the Human Relations Department, the City's Human Relations
Commission, and the Commission on the Status of Women.
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Woven
tree of recycled techno-garbage to be constructed at Durham Earth Day festival
3/26/2008
- North Carolina installation artist Dan Brawley will reuse your old wires
and turn them into art at Durham’s Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April
19 from noon – 6 p.m. at Durham Central Park, 502 Foster Street. Brawley
created a metal armature that contains dozens of areas to be woven, during
a brief residency at Duke University Art Department's Sculpture Studio. The
public is invited to participate in the project by donating wires and taking
part in the weaving process. No experience required - everyone is an artist
at the Durham Earth Day Festival.
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Asheville Water Resources Department distributes 10th annual water quality report (PDF)
3/25/2008 - The City of Asheville is releasing its tenth annual Water Quality Report, a federally-mandated "report card" designed to educate customers on what is in their drinking water. The City of Asheville is pleased to report the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined the city's drinking water continues to surpass all Safe Drinking Water Standards. The report is available at http://www.ashevillenc.gov/water on the Water Resources Department home page.
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Raleigh council lays markers for easing water restrictions, crafting permanent measures (PDF)
3/18/2008 - Recent rains prompted conversation today among the members of the Raleigh City Council as to when to lift the present water conservation standards and what measures should be adopted after the drought has passed. The council gave City Manager J. Russell Allen the authority to go to Stage 1.5 conservation measures when Falls Lake 's water supply pool climbs to 90 percent. The supply pool currently is at 73.9 percent. The City Manager also was given authority to revert to Stage 1 conservation measures when the supply pool reaches 100 percent.
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3/17/2008 - On Thursday, March 20, 2008, the City of Durham will celebrate Arbor Day with a special tree planting event that begins at 10 a.m. in Trinity Park, located at the corner of West Trinity Avenue and Watts Street, Durham. As part of the planting event, sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts using trees donated by the Trinity Park Neighborhood Association, approximately 150 local school children from nearby Watts Elementary School will work with the City's Urban Forestry Division of the Department of General Services to plant two oak trees inside the park.
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Greensboro third-graders to receive Dogwood seedlings for Arbor Day
3/14/2008 - On Wednesday, March 19, more than 6,000 dogwood seedlings will be given to Guilford County third-graders to celebrate Arbor Day. The school that plants the largest percentage of Arbor Day seedlings will win a pizza party for all the third-graders in their school and a tree will be planted on their school grounds. “This project is a great way to replace some of the trees we have lost over the years and instill environmental stewardship into the minds of young children,” explained Mike Cusimano, the Urban Forester for the City of Greensboro.
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Cary to celebrate 'Sunshine Week'
3/14/2008 - As part of its strong and ongoing commitment to openness and transparency, the Town of Cary has joined the nation in celebrating Sunshine Week – a national initiative to promote the importance of open government and freedom of information; this year's week is March 16-22. “Here in Cary , the sun shines not just in March but each day as we focus on providing outstanding service to our citizens,” said Town Clerk Sue Rowland. “Even though we work hard on accessibility and transparency, we want citizens to let us know of any issues they encounter since, despite our best efforts, there will surely be opportunities for us to improve.”
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Greensboro water restrictions relaxed one stage
3/11/2008
- Effective immediately, the City of Greensboro is altering its mandatory
water restrictions based on improving water supply conditions. Water restrictions
will go from Mandatory Stage IIB to Mandatory Stage IIA. A full description
of these stages can be found in Chapter 29.5 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances
and customers can find a summary of the IIA stage at http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Water
. The basic difference is that broadcast irrigation (sprinkler systems
and hose end sprinklers) is now allowed one day per week and home
car washing is also now allowed anytime. The one day per week that Greensboro
residents can use sprinklers is the day of their garbage service; commercial
and customers outside the City may use sprinklers on Wednesdays.
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Major sewer repairs completed in Wilmington
3/10/2008 - Repairs to the Northeast Interceptor (NEI) force main were completed on March 7, and the city has already requested that the ongoing moratorium be lifted. The improvements consisted of three major projects. The first project was to relocate more than a mile of the NEI that previously ran through Hewlett's Creek. The second project upgraded the Hewlett's Creek pump station on Pine Grove Drive and the Bradley Creek Pump Station on Oleander Drive. Both of those projects were finished in February. The third project, which involved repairing nearly one-half a mile of the NEI in the Greenville Loop Road area, was completed on Friday, March 7.
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Asheville announces new energy coordinator
3/6/2008 - The city of Asheville joins only a few other cities in the country to have a full-time staff member focused on sustainability initiatives. Maggie Ullman joined the city of Asheville as energy coordinator in January. Her primary focus areas are to ensure the city meets its greenhouse gas reduction goals and to create an energy management plan. Ullman has already initiated an LED lighting pilot project for the Civic Center parking deck and applied for a $750,000 grant to retrofit all city buildings with energy efficient lighting. Technology improvements are just one part of the energy management plan. The plan will focus equally on technology, conservation and sustainability management practices. “Environmental sustainability through conservation and organizational efficiency is a responsibility of our organization to our community, and that core value is not just mine, it is shared from the top down,” Ullman enthusiastically noted.
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High Point announces 3,100 jobs in 2007 (PDF)
3/5/2008 - The High Point Economic Development Corp. announced today that nearly 3,100 jobs were created or announced in High Point in 2007. The news came as the High Point EDC presented its 2007 annual report – High Point : Leading the nation in attracting new industry. That jobs announcement came two days after Site Selection magazine and N.C. Governor Mike Easley announced that the Greensboro / High Point MSA is ranked #1 in the nation for attracting new industry, for regions with a population of 200,000 to one million. This is the second year in a row that the magazine has ranked the region #1. In 2006 and again in 2007, High Point led the way, out-performing larger entities and helping the region earn that top accolade.
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Durham Fire Department stresses fire safety precautions during drought
3/5/2008 - Before Durham residents toss that next cigarette or throw out hot charcoal, the City of Durham Fire Department (DFD) wants them to use common sense and exercise the proper precautions, especially in light of Durham's extreme dryness thanks to one of North Carolina's longest-running droughts. DFD officials are warning citizens to use extra caution and not discard lit cigarettes into any dry areas. Residents should also be careful not to discard ashes, charcoal or any heated materials where dry straw, pine cones, and pine needles are located.
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Greenville to host youth leadership conference (PDF)
3/5/2008 - The Greenville Youth Council will bring together high school students from around the city to discuss many problems facing teens. The Council is planning to hold a Youth Leadership Conference on Saturday, March 8, 2008. Council members hope to create a dialogue and interaction between presenters and students as well as make students aware of the impact that drugs, underage drinking, and gangs have on their lives and their families'.
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Greenville to offer home ownership series (PDF)
3/4/2008 - The City of Greenville is continuing is series of educational forums for homeowners with a workshop on personal budgeting. Financial Services Manager Kimberly Branch will facilitate the March 26th workshop. One of the goals of this workshop is to present current and potential homeowners with information on how to budget their finances so that they will not find themselves in a foreclosure situation.
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Cary welcomes WINK to the web for real-time traffic information around the clock
3/4/2008 - As part of its continuing commitment to creating innovative technological solutions to meet the needs of citizens, the Town of Cary has launched the “ wink -Cary Traffic Info” Web site at wink.townofcary.org that links motorists to real-time traffic conditions in Cary 24 hours a day; the new interactive Web site delivers reliable, timely and accurate information for area motorists. With just a few clicks, users can access a bird's eye view of traffic cameras at key intersections in Cary and retrieve up-to-the-minute information on incidents that could affect travel in Cary.
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Asheville to hold Public Artist of the Year dedication ceremony (PDF)
3/3/2008 - Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy will dedicate the first Public Artist of the Year sculpture Deco Gecko on Tuesday, March 11 at noon in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Joining Mayor Bellamy will be Kenn Kotara, Chairperson of the Asheville Public Art Board and local sculptor Harry McDaniel, recipient of the 2008 Public Artist of the Year award. The Public Artist of the Year award is a program spear-headed by the City of Asheville Public Art Program to commission new art for public spaces in Asheville.
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Durham's Great American Cleanup begins March 1
2/28/2008 - It's now easier than ever for Durham residents to clean up their homes and neighborhoods thanks to the City of Durham's Annual Great American Cleanup.
On most Saturdays throughout March, residents will have the chance to swap reusable items and dispose of accumulated household debris at the City's Waste Disposal and Recycling Center. This year's event, sponsored by the City's Departments of Neighborhood Improvement Services and Solid Waste Management, will be held from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Waste Disposal and Recycling Center on March 1, 8, 15, 29, 2008. March 22 is the only Saturday this event is not open due to the Easter holiday weekend.
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Town of Cary honors volunteers
2/28/2008 - At a banquet on Tuesday, February 26 honoring hundreds of citizens who volunteer to help with Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) programs each year, the Town of Cary announced the winners of ten special annual awards for outstanding service.
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Newton's Roberts receives Contribution Award (PDF)
2/27/2008 - Newton City Clerk Beunice R. “Bootsie” Roberts was honored at the Sixth Annual CVCC Multicultural Celebration in Honor of Black History Month on Tuesday evening, February 26. Mrs. Roberts was one of two recipients of the CVCC Foundation's “Outstanding Contribution” Award for her significant role in promoting diversity in the community.
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Greensboro Midnight basketball program to begin
2/26/2008 - Studies have shown that teens and children often become involved in illegal activities when they have a shortage of positive role models and too much idle time. Greensboro Police Officer Alex Ricketts is hoping to steer Greensboro teens away from problem behaviors by encouraging them to participate in a midnight basketball program, beginning Friday, February 29. “This program is designed to provide our youth with a safe place to have fun and interact with positive role models,” Ricketts said. “This is a positive step our community can take to keep our young people active and safe and away from negative influences that can be so enticing to a bored teen.”
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Greenville launches Small Business Plan competition (PDF)
2/25/2008 - The Redevelopment Commission of Greenville is launching a business plan competition to help entrepreneurs start or expand small businesses in West Greenville. People who have an idea to start a small business, or entrepreneurs who currently operate a small business but want to expand it, are invited to participate. Winners of the competition will receive a $15,000 grant in the form of a 3-year, deferred loan that will be forgiven if the business operates in West Greenville for three years.
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Asheville offers streamlined access to information (PDF)
2/22/2008 - The Asheville Police Department introduces a new tool offering streamlined access to information regarding criminal incidents in the city. The new feature, a part of the city's award-winning mapAsheville online service, provides criminal incident information within a geographic context. Both map-based views and tabular reports are offered. The goal of the mapAsheville–Crime Mapper is to give users the ability to query, view, and research statistics about “Part 1” criminal incidents within Asheville , such as homicides, assaults, burglaries and vehicle thefts. People can use Crime Mapper to search for statistics in a variety of ways, including by neighborhood.
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Nags Head establishes beach nourishment fund (PDF)
2/20/2008 - The Town of Nags Head announces that its Board of Commissioners has approved the establishment of a beach nourishment trust fund account and an interest bearing account for holding beach nourishment-earmarked conditional
donations and gifts from private entities/citizens.
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Cary extends suspension of outdoor automated watering through March (PDF)
2/19/2008
- With the region continuing to experience an exceptional drought, the Town
of Cary is once again extending its ban on using irrigation systems, sprinklers,
or other automated watering devices for all Cary commercial and residential
utility customers through at least March 31. The ban on automated outdoor
watering does not apply to reclaimed water system customers or citizens who
irrigate with wells or from lakes. Hand watering, pressure washing, and car
washing are still allowed any day of the week, but the Town is urging everyone
to continue to be conscientious about water usage.
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Durham creates development web portal
2/15/2008 - The Durham development community now has a single source to go to on the Web for information on local ordinances and ordinance changes, procedures and land use information. Durhamdevelopment.org is a single entry point for all development related activities on the Web, linking development departments, the Land Development Office, ordinances and standardized information.
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Nags Head water tower now part of history; watch it come down online
2/13/2008 - A well-known landmark, the water tank located at the Nags Head municipal complex at 5401 S. Croatan Highway, was dismantled on February 11, 2008. Built in 1963 for approximately $52,000, the 300,000 gallon elevated water storage tank nobly withstood the test of time and weather, acting as the Town’s first formal water system, replacing previously used private wells.
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Unity Day Celebration attracts large crowd (PDF)
2/11/2008 - Pastor Dan Martin was completely surprised on Sunday, February 10, at the City of Newton Unity Day Celebration as he was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Unity Day Award by the city's Human Relations Council. Approximately 250 to 300 people attended the annual event at the Newton-Conover Civic & Performance Place.
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Newton's Stedman honored as Main Street champion (PDF)
2/8/2008 - On Thursday, January 31, Newton Mayor Pro-Tem Anne Stedman was honored as a 2007 Main Street Champion at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Rocky Mount. Stedman was selected for this special recognition by Downtown Newtown Development Association in appreciation of her exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process.
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Durham 911 Center issues warning for analog cell phone users
2/8/2008 - As cellular phone service providers prepare to shut down their analog phone systems within the next two weeks, Durham analog users should make plans now to upgrade their cell phones since they will no longer have service, including the ability to dial 911, after February 19.
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2/6/2008 - The Town of Cary's “Dynamic Duo” will become the “Fantastic Four” this weekend as Officer Seth Everett and his four-legged partner Axle hit the streets for the first time as the Town's new K9 team. By doubling the size of its K9 officer program, Cary will be able to provide canine assistance seven days a week and expand coverage of its program. K9 teams assist in locating missing persons, recovering evidence, searching for narcotics, and apprehending criminals.
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Asheville P.D. posting prostitution arrests on website (PDF)
2/6/2008 - Beginning today, the Asheville Police Department will begin posting arrests made in prostitution stings online in its new Police Blotter. The photos to be posted over the next several weeks resulted from five undercover operations from Jan. 12 through Feb. 1. The page will be updated with the arrests made in these and future operations.
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Cary crime statistics now just a click away
2/5/2008 -Crime information in Cary is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week thanks to the Town's new interactive crime map section at Maps Online that enables citizens to instantly review what types of crimes are occurring and in what locations in Cary. Prior to implementing the time-saving application, citizens requested reports in person at the police department and waited for them to be produced and mailed. Now, a clear and easy to understand map of crime statistics is accessible around the clock.
"One of the most effective deterrents to crime is an aware and involved citizenry, and we believe that this new tool will go a long way in helping citizens help us keep Cary one of the safest places to live and work in America," said Police Chief Pat Bazemore.
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Cary recognized for environmental protection (PDF)
1/31/2008 - A recognized champion for environmental preservation and protection, the Town of Cary has once again received the Local Erosion and Sediment Control Program Award among the state's large programs; the award was presented to the Town by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sedimentation Control Commission and Land Quality Section during the annual awards program on Wednesday, January 30 in Southern Pines. This marks the third time that the Town of Cary has received the recognition since the award's inception 11 years ago.
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Charlotte seeks input on police chief search (PDF)
1/31/2008 - The City of Charlotte is reaching out to citizens as part of the search for the next police chief. The City’s Human Resources Department is soliciting public input, which will be used to develop a profile for the new chief. The final candidate will replace Darrel Stephens, who announced his retirement in November.
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Greensboro plans public open house on transportatin plans (PDF)
1/28/2008 - The Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) announces a public open house to consider the future of transportation in the Greensboro area. It is an opportunity for residents and interested parties to learn about transportation plans and programs and to give comments that may be incorporated into transportation plans.
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Cary begins sewer and water improvements as part of downtown streetscape project (PDF)
1/28/2008 - As part of the Downtown Cary Streetscape Project, the Town of Cary is moving forward on the $2.6 million to replace and upgrade existing water and sewer lines within the Streetscape project area to meet future capacity needs and lower future maintenance and construction costs. The Town will begin conducting sewer system investigations and utility depth locations in downtown Cary today, including locating existing sewer service lines.
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New solid waste guide available in Guilford County (PDF)
1/28/2008 - Residents of Guilford County and all its municipalities now have a new guide to help them properly dispose of household trash and other unwanted items: the Guilford County Solid Waste Services Guide. "This guide is designed to be a simple and easy tool we can all use to make sure we dispose of our trash in the right way," said Merle Green, Health Director, Guilford County Department of Public Health. "We want everyone to use this guide to help improve the health, safety and beauty of our county."
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Cary woman reunited with her stolen puppy (PDF)
1/25/2008 - “LuLu,” the female Golden Retriever puppy stolen during a home burglary on East Cornwall Road in Cary on January 14, 2008, has been returned to her owner. The owner, Andrea Sexton, was reunited with LuLu on January 24, 2008 after receiving a phone call from a woman who said the dog she had been given as a gift looked like the one Sexton was missing.
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Forward-thinking Cary to launch unprecedented land banking initiative (PDF)
1/25/2008 - In keeping with their commitment to proactive, comprehensive planning for the future, the Cary Town Council has approved an innovative land banking program that will reserve land now for future public purposes such as schools, post offices, parks, greenways, open space, community centers, and fire stations. Cary becomes one of the first municipalities in the state to implement a systematic land banking program, which will enable the acquisition of land now at what is likely a lower price and set it aside for planned future needs when land will be more scarce and expensive.
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Kannapolis chosen to present at Alliance for Innovation conference in June (PDF)
1/24/2008— The City of Kannapolis has been selected by the Alliance for Innovation to present at the 2008 Transforming Local Government Conference. The City was selected from a pool of applicants across the U.S. , based on the efforts Kannapolis has made to transform its economy. The City's application was recognized for a commitment to excellence and innovation. The Alliance for Innovation also selected Kannapolis for redefining the conventional style of local governance.
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Asheville P.D. offers pedestrian safety tips (PDF)
1/23/2008 - Downtown Asheville is a very walkable section of our city, but it can be dangerous when drivers and pedestrians don't follow basic safety rules. The Asheville Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit and Patrol Division are joining together to make sure citizens stay informed and safe when walking and driving in the community.
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Asheville city council to host community goal setting forum on Jan. 29 (PDF)
1/22/2008 - Asheville City Council is hosting a community goal setting forum on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Randolph Learning Center located at 90 Montford Ave. Council members will use the community input to help determine goals and priorities during the city's upcoming 2008-09 budget process.
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Cary returning to normal following wintry weather (PDF)
1/17/2008 - Town of Cary A-Team Snow Fighters remain on stand-by just in case slick spots develop on the clear but cold Cary roads following today's wintry weather that hit the Triangle. “When precipitation began falling this morning, our crews promptly began spreading additional brine on bridges,” said Public Works Director Mike Bajorek. “We will continue to monitor road conditions throughout the night, and crews will be ready to respond in case any slick spots develop before the Friday morning commute.”
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Cadets to graduate from APD Police Academy
1/11/2008 - The Asheville Police Department will mark the graduation of 26 cadets who have successfully completed the department's police academy in a ceremony at 2 p.m. Jan. 25 in Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College 's Ferguson Auditorium. Police Chief Bill Hogan, Vice Mayor Jan Davis and City Manager Gary Jackson will speak at the ceremony, which will also include the APD's Honor Guard and the A.C Reynolds High School Madrigal Singers.
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Bazemore to permanently head Cary P.D. (PDF)
1/11/2008 - Town Manager Bill Coleman has selected Patricia Holland Bazemore to serve as the community's 18th Chief of Police, effective today. Bazemore, 45, was hired in 1986 as a Cary patrol officer by Chief John Boles. She was the department's first female sergeant, first female lieutenant, first female captain, and first female major. She became Cary 's first Deputy Chief on August 31, 2003 and has twice served as the Town's Interim Police Chief. She replaces Scott Cunningham, who left the position in December.
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Betty LaVette to headline Cary's MLK Dreamfest celebration (PDF)
1/9/2008 - She has been hailed as one of the greatest soul singers in American music history, and now Cary is pleased to welcome Bettye LaVette to the Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., on Saturday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the annual MLK Dreamfest Celebration that will also feature dramatist Mike Wiley and Vision United.
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Newton clerk attains CMC designation
1/9/2008 - Newton City Clerk Beunice R. “Bootsie” Roberts has earned her Certified Municipal Clerk designation after fulfilling all the requirements of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) program. Mrs. Roberts has served as City Clerk since December 24, 2005. She successfully completed 120 hours of education at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Government in 2007, and completed an extensive application process with the IIMC to become a Certified Municipal Clerk.
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Newton's Lane wins Lab Analyst of the Year award
1/9/2008 - Jennifer Lane, an 11-year employee with the City of Newton, has been selected for the 2007 Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award by the North Carolina Section of the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Association (NCAWWA-WEA).
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Newton's Wilson named NCWOA's 'Operator of the Year'
1/9/2008 -For his years of dedication and service to the waterworks industry, City of Newton Public Works & Public Utilities Director Martin Wilson earned the N.C. Waterworks Operators Association's (NCWOA) most prestigious title – the 2007 “Operator of the Year” award. The award, established in 1958, is annually presented to one operator in the State of North Carolina for outstanding ability and devotion to the art and science of water supply and purification.
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1/8/2008 - The Greensboro Youth Council (GYC) will hold auditions for the 2008 Artistry Awards talent competition on Saturday, February 2 nd at the Cultural Arts Center in downtown Greensboro . Auditions are open to individuals or groups in the categories of creative writing, drama, visual art, print art, vocal, instrumental and dance.
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Greensboro Youth Council students receive Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PDF)
1/8/2008 - Ten Greensboro Youth Council volunteers have been honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service. Created by the President Council Service, this award was “created to express thanks and honor Americans who, through demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.”
These students have given over 250 hours back to the community through the Greensboro Youth Council. The Greensboro Youth Council is a volunteer organization for high school students in Guilford County that teaches leadership, responsibility, parliamentary procedure, and the importance of being involved in the community. ...
Raleigh Mayor pursues multiple measures to promote conservation (PDF)
1/7/2008 - Mayor Charles Meeker is asking all Raleigh water customers to limit their water consumption to no more than 25 gallons per day, install low-flow devices by March 1 and to use rain barrels for irrigation. These conservation measures are among several that the mayor presented today at a city hall media conference focusing on saving Raleigh 's water supply through this historic drought.
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Join the Durham city council for coffee and conversation
1/4/2008 - In February and March, Durham City Council will host a series of community meetings entitled, “Coffee with Council.” These face-to-face meetings with residents will be held throughout the city and are designed to give citizens the opportunity to provide direct input to council members on budget items for the upcoming 2008-2009 fiscal year.
The topics of discussion include: public protection, economic development, water and sewer utilities, quality-of-life issues and any other services offered by the City.
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Greensboro Youth Citizen's Fire Academy accepting applications (PDF)
1/4/2008 - The Greensboro Youth Council ( GYC ), a Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department program, and the Greensboro Fire Department partner together for the fifth annual Youth Citizen's Fire Academy (YCFA). The program is designed to give teens insight into the challenges facing today's firefighters and learn about fire department operations.
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Greensboro kicks off every other week recycling campaign (PDF)
1/3/2008 – Beginning January 28, 2008, the City will begin servicing residential recycling containers every other week instead of weekly. This change allows the City's recycling collection program to operate more efficiently.
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Local burning ban lifted (PDF)
1/2/2008 - Within the City of Asheville, open burning is not allowed, except for small campfires or with a burning permit. A burning ban had been issued on October 15, 200 7 by the Division of Forest Resources and was enforced by the Asheville Fire & Rescue Department for the City of Asheville. However, due to an improvement in local weather conditions, the recent burning ban has now been lifted. Gov. Mike Easley has announced that N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Bill Ross will temporarily lift the ban on open burning for all 100 counties in North Carolina at 5 p.m. today.
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Durham's comprehensive gang assessment report now available online
12/20/2007 – Earlier today, members from both the Durham City Council and the Durham County Board of County Commissioners received a Comprehensive Gang Assessment Report and adopted a strategy to address the gang-related problems in the City of Durham and Durham County based on the report's recommendations.
The report was jointly funded by the City of Durham Police Department and the Durham County Sheriff's Office. Authors Deborah Lamm Weisel, director of Research on Policing with the School of Public and International Affairs at N.C. State University, and James C. “Buddy” Howell, a senior research associate with the National Youth Gang Center, conducted the assessment and compiled a list of recommendations on how the City and County should move forward.
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10/25/2007 -- Although composting leaves is the better choice for the environment, many people prefer to put their leaves out for curbside collection. Making this fall's collection a little greener are five new biodiesel-powered leaf loaders, the latest equipment purchased under the Town of Chapel Hill's "Green Fleets" Policy. ...
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NEWS RELEASES ORGANIZED BY GENERAL TOPIC
Awards/Certifications
-Greensboro Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year announced
-Durham's AAA bond rating reaffirmed
-Durham finance department earns reporting award
-Chapel Hill awarded Outstanding Achievement in Climate Protection
-Greenville's GREAT bus system wins award
-Solid waste services vet Foster named Raleigh's Employee of the Year
-Cary council renames Kids Together Park in honor of former council member
-McCoy is Asheville firefighter of the year
-Mayo selected as Greensboro's 'Officer of the Year'
-Asheville receives award for actions to improve air quality
-New study confirms benefits of the “Asheville Project”
-Citizens give Cary high marks in 6th satisfaction survey
-Newton's Roberts receives Contribution Award (PDF)