Fourth graders at Coddle Creek Elementary School put Mooresville’s new mayor on the spot this week, peppering him with questions about taxes, the perks of his office and — what else? — apartments and traffic.

Three months ago, the town’s long-anticipated East-West Connector project was dead in the water.

Not anymore, thanks to two substantial state grants recently awarded to the town.

Local and state public officials are waiting in anticipation as the acquisition of two Iredell County hospitals hinges on a decision that could come down as early as tomorrow.

While the world waits in anticipation for Santa and his reindeer to take to the skies, Mooresville’s new mayor spent today touching base with town staff, making sure everything is in place for St. Nick’s fly-through tomorrow night.

For decades, people have been making memories while braving wind and weather — sometimes sleet and heavy rain — to watch the Downtown Mooresville Christmas parade.