CORNELIUS – The NCDOT’s plan to widen I-77 with toll lanes could mean high tolls, continued congestion on the busy thoroughfare and unnecessary spending on tolling-related infrastructure, the head of anti-toll group Widen I-77 told a packed meeting room at Cornelius Town Hall Thursday night. Kurt Naas also said the group plans to seek a court injunction to halt the project. See the full story on CorneliusNews.net.

One of the major questions from critics of the NCDOT’s plan to use toll lanes to widen I-77 north of Charlotte has been whether a scaled down version of the project might qualify for funding under the state’s new road project ranking criteria. On Thursday, NCDOT officials provided a more detailed answer to that question, providing a “hypothetical scoring” of the project. The short answer: Even under the state’s new system, I-77 in the Lake Norman area still wouldn’t outrank other projects in the Charlotte area. Read the full story

Updated Friday, 8:25am
By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

DAVIDSON – After months of struggling to raise money, the Cornelius-based Community Arts Project said Thursday it will shut its doors next month, after more than 15 years. The nonprofit said it will continue its summer classes, but dissolve on Aug. 31.

The organization blamed “diminishing contributed and earned income” for its demise. Read the full story

For those inquiring about about police cars on Old Meeting Way in the Exit 30 area Wednesday afternoon and evening: Police were investigating a death there. They found nothing suspicious and said there’s no danger to the public. Read the full story

With all seats under the tent taken, many stood outside for the McEver Reunion Program following a hot dog dinner

The McEver Field Reunion of 2014 is now in the history books!  Thanks to year long planning by Andy Beard and numerous volunteers, the reunion this past Tuesday, July 22, was a great success! Read the full story

NCDOT chief Tony Tata (center) spoke to reporters at Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. At left is Ned Curran of Charlotte, chair of the NC Board of Transportation. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

CHARLOTTE – State officials in Raleigh have taken a lot of heat lately over plans to widen I-77 north of Charlotte by hiring a private contractor to build and operate toll lanes. So on Wednesday, they came to Charlotte to promote the plan, arguing yet again that given a shortage of funds, it’s the best way to deal with congestion immediately, instead of 10 or 20 years from now. Read the full story

This week in church news, Dr. John Rowe is leaving the Davidson United Methodist Church’s Counseling Center after 17 years to go into private practice. Davidson College Presbyterian Church is hosting a seminar by Elizabeth Hinson Hasty, author of “Beyond the Social Maze;” St. Alban’s Episcopal Church is changing Sunday worship hours; and Community in Christ Lutheran is preparing for VBS. Read on for details: Read the full story

Davidson Police enjoyed a quiet week from July 14 – 20, with only two minor traffic accidents and a drop in traffic citations. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s office issued another alert for a woman missing since late May. Read on for details and a summary of this week’s traffic enforcement. Read the full story