Friday, August 10, 2007

Quick hits: Canes and Caswell

Dry N.C. begs for a hurricane
"If you're looking for a sign that the drought is nothing to trifle with, consider the fact that some people have begun uttering the unthinkable," writes the News & Observer.

" 'It's one of those years where people actually wish for a hurricane,' said Keith Edmisten, a cotton specialist with N.C. State University's crop science department. 'It's not a good thing to say. But it's that bad.'

"On Thursday, the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council released a map showing all but six of the state's 100 counties in some stage of drought. The map shows a state increasingly under the grip of a merciless heat wave. And there is more bad news.

" 'There appears to be very little relief in sight,' said Woody Yonts, chairman of the advisory council. 'Our water supplies are starting to feel this.' ..."

A Caswell celebration
"Kinston will be bursting with activity beginning Sunday as the community welcomes visitors from throughout the state, including former governors, Masons and even modern-day descendants of Gov. Richard Caswell," writes the Free Press.

"Caswell, who died in 1789, was elected as the first governor of North Carolina in 1776. The Maryland native held the position until 1780 and was elected again to serve from 1784-1787.

"Jo Huettl said Wednesday that the eight-member Lenoir County Colonial Commission and a 50-member steering committee have spent about a year preparing the celebration. Huettl is the head of the Colonial Commission.

" 'We’re honoring him because he had never really received any recognition,' Huettl said. ..."

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