Quick hits: Charlotte studio gets two Grammys, and deal ends 'Road to Nowhere' standoff

Charlotte studio gets 2 Grammys

"A Charlotte-area producer and sound engineer received Grammy awards during the streaming webcast prior to the 58th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony Sunday," says the Charlotte Observer.

"Producer Cedric Thompson and sound mix engineer Glenn Tabor picked up awards for their work on vocalist Heather Headley's 'Audience of One,' which was named Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. They also received the Best Traditional Gospel Album award for 'Oh Happy Day,' a compilation featuring Jon Bon Jovi, Patti Griffin and Queen Latifah.

"Also, Charlotte trumpeter Ashlin Parker received a Grammy as a member of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. The 15-piece ensemble's latest release 'Book One' received the trophy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble. ..."

Deal ends 'Road to Nowhere' standoff

"The federal government has agreed to pay $52 million to Swain County, settling a 67-year conflict over a promised but never built mountain road, Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., said Tuesday," according to the Observer.

"Swain County commissioners are expected to approve the agreement on Friday. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Gov. Bev Perdue will appear at a signing ceremony in Bryson City planned for the next day.

"The dispute dates to World War II, when the government quickly built the Fontana Lake hydroelectric project in North Carolina's western tip.

"The government moved 600 families off mountain land that the lake would flood. It also vowed to build a new road to compensate for taking thousands of acres off the county's small tax base.

"The government started construction - but then stopped in 1972 - of what became known as the seven-mile 'Road to Nowhere.' ..."

(Sign photo courtesy of Western NC Attractions.com)

Quick hits: Grammy nominations for memorable N.C. music and grants for memorable N.C. vistas

Grammy nominees include some N.C. faces
" ...North Carolina 'American Idol' alumnus Chris Daughtry heads up a large group of nominees with four each, a pack that includes Akon, Bruce Springsteen and Feist," writes the News & Observer's David Menconi. "Daughtry's nominations include a nod for best rock album, but he was snubbed in the best-new-artist category.

"Also on the North Carolina 'American Idol' tip, High Point's Fantasia picked up a nod for best contemporary R&B album.

"Durham-based Merge Records earned its second-ever nomination, for Arcade Fire for best alternative album. Former Chapel Hill resident James Taylor's 'At Christmas' picked up a nod for best traditional pop vocal album. ..."

Grant will help protect scenic vistas
"There's good news on the horizon for motorists who like to take the long way occasionally, just to enjoy the gorgeous Tar Heel landscape," writes the Greensboro News & Record.

"The Conservation Trust of North Carolina recently was awarded a grant of $252,000 from federal highway officials for coordinating efforts to preserve scenic vistas along such routes as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway and Grassy Island Crossing.

"The statewide conservation group and nine local land trusts will use the money from the Federal Highway Administration to 'identify, map and prioritize key parcels' along 560 miles of scenic byways. ..."