North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood has brought new meaning to the term "wings of love."

Plans for a mini-casino in downtown Kalamazoo are on hold as the state reviews the project.

KINGSPORT â€" Miller Village Apartments â€" one of the better known apartment complexes in the Model City â€" is receiving a $5.4 million face-lift this year â€" the most significant improvement project at the facility since opening more than 30 years ago.

Youngsters and adults sat in a circle and played African drums, teens sang â€" sometimes checking lyrics on their smart phones â€" while friends played along on guitar and even a few jokes spurred audience laughter during Open Mic Night at Toledo's Deli last Thursday.

One idea in the works would surely find favor among property owners who've had to pay for repairs following a metal theft: The classification of the crime would be based on the metal stolen combined with the cost to repair damage to the property from which it was removed.

Before making the final media rounds to promote his "Woody's Winter Warm-Up" benefit, the Cubs' Kerry Wood stood in the waiting area of the posh 316 Club Barber Spa last week â€" where he would receive a haircut and shave â€" and gave a reality check on his famous 20-strikeout performance.