RALEIGH — Steve Earwood, who in 1992 realized a lifelong dream with his purchase of Rockingham Dragway, was recognized Tuesday, July 23, on the floor of the North Carolina General Assembly for his contributions to the state, Richmond County and the city of Rockingham.

RALEIGH — Republican legislative leaders have reached agreement on a 2019-20 General Fund budget cap of slightly more than $24 billion, shaving about $500 million from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s proposed spending plan.

RALEIGH — State Sen. Tom McInnis was recently appointed to several committees, two of which he will serve as co-chairman.

ROCKINGHAM — Several hundred Richmond County voters cast their ballots on the first day of early voting.

Deputy Elections Director Teresa Smith said there were two people waiting in line when the doors opened at the Cooperative Extension office at 7 a.m. Wednesday, adding that the crowd had been steady throughout the morning and into the early afternoon.

Twenty had voted before 8 a.m. and more than 300 had chosen their candidates by 1:30 p.m. The last voter — No. 549 — walked in with three minutes to spare.