Keri Brown
88.5 WFDD
North Carolina, United States
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Past articles by Keri:
Environmental officials look at ways to reduce pollution in Yadkin River, High Rock Lake
State environmental officials recently approved the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basinwide Water Resources Management plan. It lays out a roadmap to address concerns in the watershed, including reducing pollution going into High Rock Lake. → Read More
Guilford County gets OK to proceed with plans to issue $1.7 billion in school bonds
Guilford County now has the green light to move forward with a massive plan to fund school construction. → Read More
Homelessness advocates raise concerns over Greensboro ordinances
Greensboro City Council approved amending three ordinances during a packed meeting this week. Some community members say the changes could adversely affect the city’s most vulnerable residents. → Read More
Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust parting ways with tobacco in investment portfolio
The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust will no longer invest in tobacco. The shift was announced on Tuesday during an event in Forsyth County to celebrate its 75th anniversary. → Read More
Forest acquisition in Stokes County among projects funded through state grants
Several projects in the Piedmont and High Country are getting a boost with grants from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund. One of the largest includes purchasing hundreds of acres near the Dan River in Stokes County. → Read More
Greensboro's first chief sustainability officer discusses climate goals
The City of Greensboro recently hired its first chief sustainability officer. The role will be important in helping the city meet its renewable energy and climate goals. Shree Dorestant has been on the job since early June. She’s no stranger to the city. Prior to her most recent role at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, she worked for Greensboro’s Water Resources… → Read More
NC A&T uses working farm to cultivate climate resilience in agriculture
Researchers at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University are working on studies to help farmers adapt to changing weather. It’s one of several initiatives taking place at the university’s working farm. → Read More
Watauga County Schools increases mental health and student support services
Watauga County Schools kicked off the new academic year with an increase in student enrollment and more programs to serve them. A primary focus for the district is expanding mental health support and access to these services. → Read More
Yadkin County denies rezoning request for rock quarry
A proposed rock quarry in Yadkin County will not take place. The local board of commissioners recently voted to deny a rezoning request that would have paved the way for the project to move forward. → Read More
Former Winston-Salem Councilman indicted by federal grand jury
Former Winston-Salem Council member and State House Representative Derwin Montgomery has been indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud and embezzlement. The 15-count indictment against Derwin Montgomery was handed down in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina on Tuesday. → Read More
Greensboro reinforces safety ordinance with new signage
The City of Greensboro installed new signs at busy intersections to help prevent panhandling or loitering in these areas. Advocates for the homeless say the signs are discriminatory. Greensboro is reinforcing a safety ordinance that’s been on the books. → Read More
Greensboro seeks public comment in police chief search
The City of Greensboro wants public input to help in the search for a new police chief. The process includes a series of virtual meetings that begin this week. Greensboro officials say even before the job posting for police chief is crafted and advertised, they want to get feedback. Three meetings will be held on Zoom this month to collect that information — two this week and one on August 31. → Read More
Report: Visitor spending is up across North Carolina
A new study shows that visitor spending is up across North Carolina. The Triad area saw some big gains. Recovery in visitor spending was felt statewide in 2021 compared to the previous year with all 100 counties seeing increases. Overall, it’s up 45 percent. → Read More
Greensboro secures federal grant for land use study near megasite
The city of Greensboro is looking to build off momentum from Toyota’s electric vehicle battery plant that’s under construction at the nearby megasite. The city was notified this week that it will receive a federal grant to help study possibilities. Greensboro has been awarded an Economic Adjustment Assistance grant of $100,000. The money will be used to conduct a land-use study along the U.S.… → Read More
Group pushes for High Point University to reconsider new law school dean
A left leaning political group launched a campaign that aims to get High Point University to reconsider the leader of its new law school. The university recently announced former North Carolina Chief Justice Mark Martin will be founding dean of the program. Carolina Forward is behind the large billboard that soars over I-74 in High Point. → Read More
Report takes aim at EPA, WFU, and local officials over Weaver fire response
A recent study claims local officials and environmental agencies downplayed hazardous air conditions during the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant fire — and more should have been done to alert the public. → Read More
Report raises questions about air quality during Winston Weaver chemical fire
A new report analyzing raw air quality data in areas around the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant fire is raising questions. Researchers are making several recommendations to environmental officials. The study from the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League claims air quality issues were downplayed by officials during the chemical fire — even when air quality conditions were unhealthy or… → Read More
Forsyth County seeks public input for opioid funds
Local governments across North Carolina are starting to see the first payments from a national multi-billion dollar opioid settlement. Forsyth County officials are seeking public input on how to spend the county's portion. → Read More
State officials approve next phase of Winston Weaver site cleanup plan
North Carolina environmental regulators recently approved the next step in the cleanup process at the former Weaver fertilizer plant in Winston-Salem. More testing will soon take place. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality recently approved a remedial investigation work plan for the Winston Weaver site. Montrose Engineering and Geology submitted the report on behalf of the… → Read More
Carolina Curious: What's the meaning behind those letters on older brick chimneys?
For the latest in WFDD's series Carolina Curious, we head to the Carver School Road community in East Winston-Salem. Listener Kayla Forrest moved to the area a couple years ago and something in the neighborhood caught her eye. “I noticed that when I was walking my dog that there are a number of houses that have letters on them, on the chimneys in particular it seems, so I was just wondering what… → Read More