On our Food & Dining page this week, a though-provoking report on “What will it take to support local food networks?” including an interview with local food entrepreneur Christy Shi, of Know Your Farms LLC.

Meanwhile, Davidson Chocolate Co. is expanding despite the still shaky economy. The company Wednesday announced plans for a second location.

Also, in our Dining News column, we learn about Restaurant X’s new menu – which was prompted in part by patrons. Also, other local food news, including Davidson Farmer’s Market’s upcoming salsa competition.

Report shows growth in commercial business at the town-owned cable system, but competition too.

MI-Connection Communications System’s $15.5 million budget for the coming year will have to wait another week for approval, until after Mooresville passes its town budget. Meanwhile, a board meeting Thursday morning also brought news that the company has expanded its commercial business in recent months. Read the full story

Don’t forget to stop by your voting precinct today and VOTE in the May primary if you are a registered voter.  Today’s Second Primary is to pick a Democrat to run for U.S. Senate in November with a choice between Elaine Marshall and Cal Cunningham. Also, Republicans in U.S. House District 12 (including Davidson) will vote between two potential challengers for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Mel Watt.  See you at the polls between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Today Around Davidson has a few post-Father’s Day notes about dads George Pusack and Bruce Wright.  In addition we say good-bye to Scott Sherrill who leaves at the end of this month for studies in Chapel Hill. Read the full story

New 2 You, a new women’s clothing consignment boutique clothing, will open July 5 in South Main Square shopping center. Meanwhile, Lake Norman Realty is hosting a business networking event and ribbon cutting at its newest location, the former Market Properties at, 310 S. Main St. Also below, a list of business events.

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Meet Frank Albert, owner of the new All Strings Attached violin shop in South Main Square. In The Guide, CLICK HERE>

Frank Albert (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Davidson has a reputation as a music town, from live local bands at Summit Coffee to great concerts on the Davidson campus and Village Green to the variety of music instructors in and around town. Now, two music entrepreneurs are starting specialty businesses here to tap into the area’s passion for music. Read on for news about All Strings Attached Violin Shop and Billy Jones’s BirdsNest music studio, a Davidson Historical Society party on the porch of the historic Houston house, to celebrate a big birthday for the Needlecraft Center on Main Street, and a first birthday for local weekly newspaper Lake Norman Citizen.
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2 citizens spoke at public hearing. Also, GM tells board growth is continuing, and system may not need all of 2010 subsidy.

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

MOORESVILLE – The MI-Connection Communications System board of directors voted Thursday to send Davidson and Mooresville a recommended 2010-11 budget of $15.5 million, including a formal request for a subsidy totaling $6.46 million. But in a bit of good news, the board heard that growth this spring is continuing, and the company may not need all of the $576,000 subsidy it requested for the current fiscal year.

The news and budget vote came during the board’s regular monthly meeting Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at MI-Connection headquarters in Mooresville.

RELATED NEWS: Bill at N.C. legislature would limit towns’ broadband efforts.

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The Design Review Board got its first look Wednesday at drawings for a proposed Walgreens pharmacy and office building off I-77 Exit 30. See more on our Real Estate page, CLICK HERE>