Keeping hydrail's concept alive here

          We don’t know, for certain, what the future holds for running a commuter train between Mooresville and Charlotte. The economy went south after ambitious plans were unveiled some years ago for a line of commuter trains criss-crossing the greater Charlotte area, so the timetable for beginning commuter rail service is up in the air.

OUR VIEW: Getting behind an All-America effort

Fifty years ago, Mooresville came tantalizingly close to winning a prestigious All-America City award from the National Civic League. The town had trumpeted its many physical and cultural improvements of the past decade in that 1960 application, and it resulted in Mooresville finishing a close second in the competition.

OUR VIEW: Clean, green technology

We hope you will read the column on today's Viewpoint page, written by Mooresville resident Stan Thompson. He is in Istanbul, Turkey, this week for the International Hydrail Conference, furthering the cause of hydrogen technology as a greener way to propel the world's commuter trains.

Telling the truth

Bridge plan on ice, where it belongs

East-west vehicle congestion in the Exit 36 area of I-77 is such that another route for traffic crossing I-77 in Mooresville would be welcome. Nobody disputes that. But a developer's push to have a $9.5 million bridge built to connect Oates Road on the east to Midnight Lane on the west was a bad idea on several fronts.

McHenry, Reagan and the $50 bill

Not to take sides yet in the battle for the 10th congressional district seat, but we have to agree with Republican challenger Scott Keadle in his chiding of incumbent U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry for the latter's efforts to put Ronald Reagan's image on the $50 bill.

Biggest test yet for sheriff?

We're encouraged to see so much interest in local government on the part of would-be candidates. Dissatisfaction with the economy and government – Democrats and Republicans alike -- is driving candidate interest throughout the country.

Revoking bonds was an easy decision

Mooresville commissioners took the proper and necessary action in "calling" a developer's bonds last week because of undone work at two subdivisions.

Money and MI-Connection

The deeper we go into the ownership of MI-Connection, the more we understand the enormous amount of money needed to operate, and grow, a communications system like this.

While we're sleeping

The chase and subsequent manhunt that began at a Wilkes County traffic checkpoint and ended with an Iredell County sheriff's detective being wounded Tuesday morning provides a sobering reminder of the dangers confronting law enforcement officers on a daily basis.

Helmets needed at skate park, too

Mooresville police say they will begin enforcing the "No Bikes" rule at the town's skate park on Iredell Avenue, following complaints from parents of skateboarders.

A healthy debate

The August recess comes at an opportune time for members of Congress — and voters.

Deserved recognition

In the brief but astonishing history of manned space exploration, a mere 500-some of the world's most accomplished scientists, educators and politicians have blasted off toward the Great Unknown.

Throw your hat into the political ring

It's pretty easy to stand on the sidelines critiquing the work of our elected officials.

An honor we all can share

Everyone in Mooresville should be excited -- or at the very least, pleased – about our neighbor Statesville being named an All-America City.

Making sacrifices

As the N.C. General Assembly continues its work to produce a balanced budget, public school districts across the state are continuing to tighten their belts in the face of fiscal unrest — and Iredell-Statesville Schools is no different.

Make a difference

Why would anyone run for a seat on the Statesville City Council?

A bright future

With a small staff and scant resources, Teen Health Inc. continues to make a huge difference in the lives of at-risk adolescents.

Showing we're proud

Enthusiasm for Statesville's All-America City campaign is growing daily.

Home, sweet home

Last week, during a speech to some of Statesville's future leaders, Mayor Costi Kutteh issued an invitation for all those gathered to think long and hard about the place they call home.

Leading by example

Participants in the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Leadership Statesville program have continued an outstanding tradition of completing a worthwhile project aimed at improving the quality of life for area residents.

Penny pinching pays

Iredell County officials have taken no particular pleasure in the budget cuts and staffing reductions mandated by the souring economy and dwindling revenues. We're sure it's been a painful, depressing process.

They need a new home

Have a small building or storefront you want to rent cheaply? A tight-knit group of area military veterans would love to talk to you.

Sharing the burden

In an effort to offset an estimated $3 billion budget shortfall, the governor has ordered all rank-and-file state employees to take a modest pay cut between now and the end of the fiscal year.