New Hanover County Commission

This morning on "The Big Talker FM," New Hanover County Commission Chairman Jonathan Barfield referenced an economic study the county did on the USS Gravely's visit. He said the commission used the study to help justify giving the commissioning committee $25,000 to help host their parties. Problem is, no one knows what study he's talking about. Full story...

New Hanover County is down in the dumps after shutting down its WASTEC facility. Last night county commissioners voted to shut down the trash incinerator after a review of the facility revealed that it was in horrible shape. Full story...

New Hanover County Commissioners made a big decision about the future of the county's trash during their meeting last night. Full story...

With all of the drama and controversy surrounding the New Hanover County Commission, you might wonder if they will ever just get along. Tonight will be the first full County Commission meeting since all of last week's drama. Full story...

"Berger has gone on record of accusing me of stealing his notes. This is harmful to my business and my employees. You could be next. I have asked Wanda for her input. I would appreciate yours. We can discuss tomorrow." Full story...

"All do respect, politicians with nice hair deferring to WID to make decisions hasn't worked out well for the County so I'd rather see the Board of Commissioners make a decision without letting WID drive the bus. Near as I can tell that's the best way to describe NHC policy on non-attainment." - Brian Berger Full story...

Much controversy has surrounded the New Hanover County Commission and their e-mail exchanges this week. After Commissioner Brian Berger publicly accused fellow Commissioner Rick Catlin of holding secret meetings and stealing his notes, Catlin decided to send a few e-mails of his own. Full story...

We found an email on the county server from New Hanover County Commission Chairman Jonathan Barfield to a constituent that says he supports neighborhood schools. Full story...

This has been a stressful and emotional week for New Hanover County Commissioners. An agenda briefing earlier this afternoon was the first time all five have been in a room together since County Commissioner Brian Berger's scathing email, bashing other commissioners. Full story...

Jonathan Barfield is not a fan of neighborhood schools and some school board members say he's threatening their budget to get what he wants. School Board Member Janice Cavenaugh says she feels pressured by statements made by Barfield. Full story...

He said he was unavailable because he had several meetings and had "to iron a shirt." When we asked if we could e-mail him some questions to get some sort of response, he said, "I'd rather not e-mail. The e-mails go everywhere." Full story...

In his short time on the New Hanover County Commission Berger has certainly made his mark; much of it controversial. He's been reluctant to sit down and talk with us about much of that. So after his latest controversy involving an e-mail tirade launched at county staff and fellow commissioners, News Director Scott Pickey and News Content Manager Kevin Wuzzardo decided they would go to Berger. Full story...

We followed up with New Hanover County Manager Bruce Shell today and asked him about the allegations County Commissioner Brian Berger made in an email Monday saying county staff was withholding or filtering information that he requested and approving secret meetings that he was not invited to. Full story...

"It does read like a manifesto," Berger said, "And it is certainly conducive to to creating the perception that I'm a crazy person, because it's typically crazy people that write manifestoes, but I don't live in a log cabin in the woods in Montana." Full story...