Updated Friday, Feb. 17, 7:21 a.m.
MI-Connection Communications System said Friday it will “assist” internet customers whose connections have been slow this week because of a damaged network cable over Lake Norman. The company’s chief executive said customers could apply for credits via a special email address set up to handle requests. Read the full story

Updated 1:21 p.m.
MI-Connection Communications System internet customers have faced slowdowns over the past couple of days because of a damaged cable belonging to one of MI-Connection’s network providers. MI-Connection said it has “re-routed” traffic to alternate circuits, which is affecting streaming media, including YouTube, Netflix and other applications. Read the full story

Karen Toney, manager of the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop on Main Street, is a big fan of bubble marketing. She tested out a new machine Tuesday afternoon. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Silliness aside, the Davidson Ben & Jerry’s announced that its 2012 spring Free Cone Day will be Tuesday, April 3, from noon-8 p.m. Mark the date. The shop is at 202 S. Main St., Davidson.

They’ll have some new flavors in the lineup, including Chocolate Nougat Crunch, Banana Peanut Butter, Blueberry Vanilla Graham, Raspberry Fudge Chunk, and a new Vanilla Greek frozen yogurt.

This year’s Free Cone Day will seek donations for Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC). The center began in Davidson in 1980 as the Advisory Council to Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and in 1983 received their first grant from the US Department of Education to provide services to parents and families of children with disabilities.  Today, ECAC has multiple programs and services designed for parents and families of children with and without disabilities, their educators and schools.  ECAC outgrew several downtown Davidson locations and in 1999 moved to their present location on Beaty Street, next door to Ingersoll-Rand.

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Citizens and business owners continue to express frustration and confusion about the revaluation appeals process, and the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce has planned a special Focus Friday meeting Feb. 24 to discuss the issue. At the meeting, Senior Manager with Thomson Reuters Property Tax Services Buck Moody will explain the N.C. property tax appeals process and tax assessment law, and Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte will discuss creating a citizens task force to look at the legislation governing the appeals process. Read the full story

The United Way of Central Carolinas said Tuesday it raised $20.9 million in its 2011 campaign, topping its $20.5 million goal. The organization, which helps fund nonprofits throughout the region, said it was the first time in four years that donations have increased over the previous year. Read the full story

The first residents moved in four years ago at Antiquity Cornelius, between the end of South Street in Davidson and downtown Cornelius. Today, five years after the project was approved, a total of 207 homes or townhomes have been built. Developers now say it could wind up being about half the originally planned 1,000 units. Our reporter Chip Dawson, himself an Antiquity resident, reports today on our Real Estate & Home page.

Pretty, a new beauty and skin care boutique on Main Street Davidson, will hold a formal grand-opening this Saturday, Feb. 11. Meanwhile, Lake Norman Miniature Golf, off Statesville Road in Cornelius, plans to reopen this weekend. And here’s a note for landlords: Davidson College is looking to build its list of rental housing for students. Read the full story

The Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg will host its annual pancake breakfast and Lake Norman talent show this Saturday morning, Feb. 11 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius. Meanwhile, we have a long list of other upcoming fundraisers for area nonprofits. Read the full story