New Bern residents may have noticed a change in their city tap water which, as one resident pointed out vividly but probably hyperbolically, suddenly tastes like shit. Beginning on April 16 and continuing until June 18, the city changed the disinfectant used in the water treatment process from chloramines to free chlorine. The city started using chloramines as a secondary disinfectant starting in 2010. This involves adding a small amount of ammonia after water is chlorinated. Compared to free chlorine, chloramines form fewer chemical byproducts, improve taste and odor, and last longer in the water system to prevent bacterial growth. But! “It is customary forRead More →

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County transportation projects were awarded six of the seven highest scores for statewide projects as N.C. Department of Transportation updates its State Transportation Improvement Plan. Craven County’s highest-scoring new transportation project is a railroad crossing improvement at U.S. 70, with construction penciled in to begin in 2028. It scored higher than a Havelock Bypass, construction of which is scheduled to begin in 2020. In scoring transportation projects, 40 percent of the funding goes to statewide projects, and 30 percent each for regional and division priorities. The state’s seven highest-ranking highway projects are, in order: Build 4th runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Mecklenburg County, $500,000 – Score: 99.64Read More →

The Board of Aldermen got their first look at a proposed $125 million spending plan that keeps the wheels rolling at City Hall without costing constituents a penny more — but that could change by the time the budget is approved next month. The board met Tuesday and spent just over an hour hearing an overview of the fiscal year 2019 spending plan draft, which as presented is a1.91 percent increase over this year. Here are areas that may cost citizens more: The board may consider moving sanitation out of general fund. It is running $193,000 in the red, subsidized by general fund. Includes leafRead More →

Misc. stuff and fun facts: First, what’s up with City Manager Mark Stephens’ lapel pin? (See picture, left) Paint Your Heart Out is looking for volunteers, donations and sponsorships. Contact Landa Gaskins, Community Development Coordinator, Phone (252) 639-7586, or email  Community Health Fare Saturday, April 28, noon-3 p.m., Omega Center. Water and sewer revenues are down because of conservation, but treatment costs are increasing. Maola was a major customer the city lost, affecting revenue. Ad valorem tax rates in the area: .52 Greenville, .65 Goldsboro, .66 Kinston, .52 Washington, .59 Havelock, .485 Wilmington, .555 Wilson, .46 New Bern, the lowest in the area. Ad valorem taxes bring in $1.37 million to NewRead More →

By FRANK TAYLOR Carolina Public Press More than a week after the arrests of some 40 people in Western and Central North Carolina, additional accusations of improper behavior against federal immigration agents continue to stir tensions. A lawyer claims agents refused to let him talk with his clients while they were being processed in Hendersonville on April 14. Also in Hendersonville, immigrant advocates organized a protest at a public park on Friday where federal agents and members of local law enforcement were having a picnic. In both cases, a spokesman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency responded with a version of facts or perspectivesRead More →

N.C. Rep. Mike Speciale of New Bern, who is running for reelection in the Republican primary, posted a long response on Sunday night to opposition from a fellow conservative who is not even on the ballot. Speciale tore into Tyker Gonzales, a Cove City resident who advocates on behalf of independent farmers and humane treatment of animals. As Speciale tells it on his Facebook wall, “A lady by the name of Tyker Gonzales is having a hard time grasping the facts about a puppy mill bill from six years ago. “She has chosen to make my debate on the House floor against this bill an issueRead More →

Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow (ACT) will host the 3rd Annual Brews & Bites on Friday, April 27 from 5-10:00 p.m. The event will be located at the end of Broad Street beside the Neuse River, and will feature good music, great food, craft beer and wine. Attendees will enjoy a beautiful evening on the river’s edge sampling unique local craft brews and delicious offerings from area food trucks. As an added bonus this year, guests will experience great live music from local band Hot Buttered Grits. Brews & Bites was created as a community event to raise awareness for ACT’s efforts to protect andRead More →

Note: Links have been added. Links expire when a new agenda is posted.   CITY OF NEW BERN BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL COURTROOM 300 POLLOCK STREET 1. Meeting opened by Mayor Dana E. Outlaw.  Prayer Coordinated by Alderman Kinsey.  Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Roll Call. CONSENT AGENDA 3. Considering Adopting a Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-19 At this meeting, the City Manager will present the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019.  Budget workshops are scheduled for May 1st and 2nd.  Following those workshops, a public hearing will be held asRead More →

City of New Bern News Release New Bern Parks & Recreation is looking for artists who need studio space.  The Artist in Residence program offers emerging to mid-range local artists the opportunity to work in an open studio with public interaction.  The open studio space is located at 408 Hancock St., formerly the New Bern Firemen’s Museum. The open studio space, located downtown, gives artists an opportunity to be a part of a growing art scene and to bring culture and vibrancy to our community.  Artists can apply for a rented studio space by completing an application. If approved, they’ll have access to 96 squareRead More →

Sputtering debate over NC internet access may have new urgency By KIRK ROSS Carolina Public Press A new report shows the uneven spread of high-speed internet technology across rural and urban areas of North Carolina.  Courtesy of the North Carolina League of Municipalities Talk of spreading broadband internet access to the far reaches of North Carolina as an economic development engine and an equalizer in the education divide is as old as dial-up service and squawking modems. A legislative proposal to overhaul North Carolina’s broadband rules may accelerate the long-sputtering debate over the state’s role in ensuring access to high-speed internet service. Also pushing the conversationRead More →