WATER HAZARD: Former Gov. Mike Easley's office intervened on behalf of an exclusive golf club that needed millions of gallons of water during a devastating drought. The club had given Easley a free membership worth $50,000. (N&O)

HARRELL REPLACED: Chris Heagarty, a former director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, will replace Ty Harrell in the state House. Harrell resigned last month to address a campaign finance investigation. When a legislator resigns, his or her party picks the successor. (N&O)

IN THIS CORNER: Lawyer Kenneth Lewis held a public kick-off for his campaign to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate on Sunday. Lewis and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall are running for the right to challenge U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Winston-Salem Republican next year. (N&O)

HAPPENING TODAY: Burr, who needs to raise his profile to take on his Demoratic challengers, is holding an economic development summit in Durham.

The leaders of an exclusive golf club waived monthly membership dues for former Gov. Mike Easley while he was in office, granting the Democratic governor a $50,000 benefit over eight years that he did not disclose.

Members at the private Old Chatham Golf Club near Research Triangle Park include many prominent business and political figures, some of whom Easley appointed to high-level positions during his two terms as governor.

The club's president confirmed in an interview that Easley's dues were waived.

The Old Chatham deal adds to questions about benefits the former governor accepted while in office. State and federal authorities have been investigating reports related to Easley and free flights, his family's use of cars and the purchase of a coastal lot at a favorable price, as well as records that show the governor was involved in the creation of a job for his wife at N.C. State University. (N&O)