Displaying items by tag: july 4

RALEIGH — To ensure the most efficient travel for North Carolina drivers over the July 4 holiday, the N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction projects that cause lane closures on major routes across the state.

ROCKINGHAM — Plans for what is being billed as one of the largest Independence Day fireworks displays in the southeast have been finalized.

HAMLET -- The Hamlet City Council held its July meeting Tuesday night at council chambers located at 201 Main Street in Hamlet.

In the first city council meeting since the cancellation of the Fourth of July events, constituents and city employees filled the chambers to hear a variety of reports of the city's well-being. In an atmosphere that can be defined as "calm, cool and collected," the council was readily prepared to discuss last week's holiday events.

ELLERBE -- Hotdogs, watermelon races and fireworks all symbolize the significance of Independence Day. And for the Ellerbe Lions Club, Tuesday's annual Fourth of July Jamboree was a success at both celebrating and bringing the community closer together.

Hamlet City Manager Jonathan Blanton published an open letter to the citizens of Hamlet and the surrounding communities yesterday on the city's Facebook page, defending the city's decision to cancel July 4 festivities. Below is the complete transcript of that letter:

ELLERBE - With the cancellation of Hamlet's July 4 activities, Ellerbe's 4th of July Jamboree and Fireworks becomes the only Independence Day event in the county today, and it will likely prove to be a huge turnout and success.

The City of Hamlet on Monday announced their event would be cancelled as a result of heightened security concerns related to a recent homicide in the town. City Manager Jonathan Blanton said it was an "important call" to make for the safety of those who may attend.

Briana Goins reports live from Hamlet this afternoon (July 3, 2017) in response to the cancellation of July 4 festivities in Hamlet.

UPDATE: Hamlet City Manager Jonathan Blanton told The Richmond Observer that multiple threats had been received in relation to the recent homicide at a gas station just down the road from where Hamlet's July 4 activities were scheduled to take place, and that the city had to make this call to protect the safety of the large number of people who were expected to attend.

Despite the cancellation of July 4 events in Hamlet, Ellerbe will still host their Jamboree and Fireworks display, all set to be held at Lions Club Park on Cemetery Road.