Behind the lights: faces of the fair

Awash in blinking lights, airbrushed scenery, and faux-food, it is easy to become swooned by the fantasy of the State Fair. It is a carefully executed promised land flowing with milk and honey (not to mention fried pies, over-sized meat portions and an unholy amount of sugar). In this temporary microcosm of smoke and mirrors, the real personality can be difficult to see.

Council reverses Berkshire Downs annexation, may delay tiered water rates

The Raleigh City Council decided to rescind the annexation of the Berkshire Downs neighborhood at today’s council meeting. The city had annexed the property earlier this year. Councilors also voted to delay the tiered water rates because of problems implementing the system and increase rates in the interim. The council will have to have a second vote at their next meeting to finalize the water rate hike and tiered rate delay.

Raleigh puts its two cents in for Falls Lake water quality rules

Raleigh City Council approved a proposal to the state that could govern nutrient levels in Falls Lake. The plan includes regulations to control nitrogen and phosphorus in Falls Lake, which is considered an impaired water-body under the Clean Water Act. The Falls Lake Stakeholders, which includes Raleigh city government, developed the nutrient management plan to recommend to the state Environmental Management Commission next year as it develops environmental rules for the lake. If approved, the rules could go into effect in 2011. Inter-governmental cooperation is crucial, according to Upper Neuse Riverkeeper Alissa Bierma, since Falls Lake is in more that one city and more than one county.

September 9 Blotter

Early this morning, someone broke into Angelo’s Restaurant at 200 E Martin St. stealing an unknown amount of money. Police recovered two bloody five dollar bills. UPDATED: Police are looking for a man who robbed a bank on North New Hope Road today.