By Bob Tolley

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- I appeared before the city commission on Tuesday night in an effort to have them internally address the ongoing problems over at the CRA. I also made one final attempt to have our elected officials request an independent forensic audit of the CRAs' books by the state auditors, all to no avail.

Riverside community in mourning

EDGEWATER -- City Councilman Ted Cooper died this morning at Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach after a massive coronary. He was 61.

The city released a statement this afternoon stating in part, "With great sadness the City of Edgewater announces the passing of City Councilman Theodore 'Ted' Cooper after a sudden illness."

Cooper's sudden passing at 11 a.m. was met with sadness.

"It's just shocking -- because Ted really cared," Councilwoman Gigi Bennington told NSBNews.net. "He was a very colorful member of our council."

Bennington said that although Cooper was hospitalized for a couple of days last month for a heart ailment, his passing today was unexpected: "Ted died of a massive coronary. He was outside his home talking to a neighbor when he fell over. I'm just having a hard time knowing he's gone."

New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer, shown at right, has been silent on a $20,000 grant approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency for CRA board member Chad Schilsky with the mayor's Barringer Construction for Schilsky's restaurant, That's Amore. Schilsky's grant has been rescinded, but leaves open a host of ethical questions, including why a sitting mayor would put himself in such a precarious situation to begin with. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A $20,000 grant approved by the New Smyrna Beach City Commission for CRA board member Chad Schilsky, that included money going to Mayor Adam Barringer's family construction business, has been voluntarily rescinded. At least that's the official line being given by city officials.

The mayor has remained publicly silent on the issue and has refused NSBNews.net's numerous calls and e-mails for comment with his city-issued cell phone and designated e-mail. He has also refused comment when asked in person.

By DOROTHY L. HUKILL

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to take part in the New Smyrna Beach Christmas Parade. I love seeing our community come out and enjoy a fun afternoon together.

This Saturday, I'll be riding in the NSB parade again. But I don't want to be there by myself - I want you ride in the car with me, as my guest! I hope you're ready to feel the holiday spirit, because this week we're selecting one NSBNews.net reader at random to come along for the ride.

OAK HILL -- Four motorists lost their lives on Interstate 95 in Volusia County during the Thanksgiving weekend, the last two a husband and wife Sunday afternoon just north of Maytown Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A woman was killed Saturday night near Ormond Beach and an Edgewater man near that city earlier that afternoon.

Congratulations to Peter Mallory, my fellow writer and colleague at NSBNEWS.net, on being named an award-winning blogger for 2011 by the Florida Press Club.

During this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I want to take the time to let you know what i am thankful for. First and foremost, I'm thankful for my husband who puts up with my cattitude and kitty comings and goings at all hours, any day, any time.