Get ready for more ways to watch first-run movies or TV series such as “True Blood” or “Game of Thrones.” MI-Connection Communication System on Wednesday unveiled a new service that lets HBO and Cinemax subscribers on the town-owned cable network watch programs on any of their devices – from TVs to computers to tablets. Read the full story

Karen Bentley

Karen Bentley, Mecklenburg County Commissioner for District 1, will be the guest speaker at the next Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Focus Friday issues session this Friday, June 21. Bentley will give an update on Mecklenburg County issues, including the status of a possible re-do of the 2011 property revaluation, the search for a new County Manager, Public Access Swimming, and the County Budget.

The monthly Focus Friday meetings are open to all chamber members and guests and include a question-and-answer session. The program is sponsored by DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net. Read the full story

Following is a letter to parents from the head of one our local PTAs, Debra Cassidy at Bailey Middle School. It comes as the Mecklenburg County Commission considers its proposed 2013-14 budget, including school funding. The county commission meets Thursday night.

This time of year always brings much discussion and distress as budget decisions are made regarding funding for our schools. Not only do we have the local issues of CMS requesting approval of their budget from County Commissioners, but we also have the State Legislature making budget decisions as well. Read the full story

Winners of special awards from the Lake Norman Chamber’s leadership program were Tim Holder – Vice President of Sales and Economic Development for EnergyUnited, Sally Ashworth – Executive Director of Visit Lake Norman, Tricia Sisson – Co-owner of The Range at Lake Norman and Huntersville Deputy Police Chief Michael Kee. They received the first Leadership Lake Norman L.A.K.E. Award from Chamber President & CEO Bill Russell.

The Lake Norman Chamber recently honored graduates and alumni of its Leadership Lake Norman leadership training program. The chamber also picked the area’s top small business of the year – Currents magazine. Also below, a note about the next Focus Friday issues session on June 21, featuring District 1 County Commissioner Karen Bentley giving an update on local issues including the county budget, the search for a new county manager and public swimming on Lake Norman. Read the full story

The Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization voted unanimously Wednesday night to add the N.C. DOT’s proposed I-77 widening project to the region’s long-range transportation plan and priority list. The vote was uneventful, but the meeting wasn’t, as toll opponents packed a meeting room in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center continuing their fight against the widening project. Read the full story

SOURCE: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a proposed 2013-14 budget request of $365.9 million from Mecklenburg County. The budget request identifies greater choice for students and increased capacity for technology as two key areas of focus, reflecting input from students, parents and the public in general. The district also identifies stronger partnerships with business, the faith community and local organizations as a top priority. Read the full story

The rain broke enough Monday to let the sun shine through on Lake Davidson. Jack McCall took the photo from his home at Spinnaker Point. (Jack McCall photo)

Updated 6:27pm
By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

After several days of heavy rain, water levels around Lake Norman are above normal, prompting warnings this week from officials who manage safety on the lake. Duke Energy said it is boosting flows at its dams in the Catawba River basin, and urging lakeside residents to beware of flooding in low-lying areas.

The National Weather Service reported Tuesday morning that some residents along the river were being evacuated, especially in the area between Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake.  Fire officials said Tuesday night that about 40 homes in the Riverside community in northwest Charlotte were evacuated.

Meanwhile, the Lake Norman Marine Commission is asking boaters to avoid big wakes near shore. Read the full story

Updated 4:30pm
There was no disagreement in the N.C. House of Representatives  Wednesday: Mecklenburg County needs to correct its flawed 2011 property revaluation.  In a unanimous (116-0) afternoon vote, legislators approved House Bill 200, which requires the county to re-do its most recent assessments.
Read the full story