Quick hits: Wild horses, an overdue apology and more on tolls

Wild horse fund may cause confusion
"Members of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund say a similar agency being created across the state line in Virginia may end up generating more confusion than advocacy for the Outer Banks herd," according to the Elizabeth City Daily Advance.

"A bill introduced by Delegate Terrie Suit, R-Virginia Beach, in the Virginia House of Delegates would award state funding to aid a nonprofit group called the Wild Spanish Mustangs Fund.

"According to Suit's office, the nonprofit's funding would pay the medical fees as well as the costs of corralling Corolla horses that stray across the state line into Virginia. The funding would also pay for repairs to any fences that needed mending to keep the horses confined to North Carolina.

"Karen McCalpin, director of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund in Currituck, said she was taken aback when she heard about Suit's legislation. The Wild Spanish Mustangs Fund apparently made no contact with the Wild Horse Fund, which has been given stewardship over the herd, prior to seeking the legislation in Virginia. ..."

Wilmington race riot apology might come
"The history published last year on the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot is causing action in other parts of the state - including a likely apology from the N.C. Democratic Party and a call from the NAACP for the state legislature to act," according to the Wilmington Star-News.

"On Saturday, the party's executive committee will consider a resolution that would apologize for the organization's part in the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot, which saw a white supremacist movement use violence and intimidation to drive black leaders and white allies from office and the community.

"State Chairman Jerry Meek said the apology, which would likely come in a formal resolution of the party's 700-member executive committee, was inspired by the history released last year by a commission created by the General Assembly to study the event.

" 'I thought it was a good idea,' Meek said of writing a draft resolution of apology. 'I think moving forward often requires a sober reflection on the past.' ..."

Turnpike Authority considers toll roads
"The North Carolina Turnpike Authority board will meet at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday to discuss several projects across the state, including possible toll roads," according to News 14 Carolina.

"In order for motorists to drive on free roads, the state has to come up with $60 billion. Officials say tolls could help pay for about 50 to 60 percent of that cost and could help speed up the process of building new roads.

"Some say playing the waiting game until funds are available to build free roads, traffic congestion in the fastest growing areas could turn into a nightmare. ..."