Chatham Journal: Web Run

Liquor sales election in Chatham causes controversy

Sun, 02 May 2009 13:08:00 GMT

More than 1,400 Chatham County residents have already entered the doors at the Pittsboro Board of Elections office to take part in early voting on a county-wide referendum on mixed beverage sales. And that issue has caused a lot of controversy. If passed, it would allow Steve Cote, co-owner of the City Tap, and others to sell more than just beer and wine; he would be able to sell mixed drinks.

Churches organize in opposition to Chatham liquor law change

Sun, 02 May 2009 13:05:00 GMT

With a vote on sales of liquor by the drink only days away in Chatham County, a coalition of churches has stepped forward to oppose well-organized support for the measure. The Sandy Creek Baptist Association Against LBD was formally recognized as a referendum committee on April 29, according to documents filed with the Chatham County Board of Elections on that date. The two-page filing states that the purpose of the organization is to "oppose referendum."

The land of Plenties

Fri, 09 Apr 2009 07:24:00 GMT

America looks more like Argentina circa 2001 everyday. The town of Pittsboro, North Carolina adopted its own misguided economic stimulus by deciding to revive a local currency called the Plenty next month. In tough times there often emerges a populist temptation to revert to protectionism, but local autarky? The last attempt, six years ago, to launch Plenties failed for obvious reasons. Merchants could not use Plenties to trade with outsiders and Pittsboro's 2,000-odd residents have developed tastes for goods produced outside its borders (probably even from China). So this time the local bank has agreed to exchange Plenties for American dollars (not clear if they will follow a fixed or floating exchange rate regime).

Beating the Odds: Northwood's magical run gave community something to believe in

Wed, 24 Mar 2009 13:12:00 GMT

Despite a 62-50 setback to Shelby in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2-A State Basketball Championship, Russ Frazier still believes his Northwood Chargers accomplished their goal. Sort of. Playing in the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill with die-hard Charger fans rooting for their team the entire way, the Chargers got the entire community excited and gave those fans in attendance plenty of reason to cheer.

Chatham officials stay away from immigration policy forum

Tue, 02 Mar 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Chatham County commissioners did not attend a forum Thursday night on the county’s illegal immigration policy. Commissioners have received threats following their recent decision not to take part in a federal program to identify illegal immigrants among those charged with other crimes.

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Controversy over immigration resolution

Tue, 02 Feb 2009 04:13:00 GMT

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is contracting with North Carolina sheriffs to help identify and arrest illegal immigrants. But the Chatham County Commission, including Chairman George Lucier, passed a resolution discouraging their sheriff from cooperating. "The resolution is simply our opinion, and our opinion is that local law enforcement agencies should not be involved with ICE because it's costly, ineffective -- it's voluntary," Lucier said.

Chatham County counting school bus stop violators

Fri, 06 Mar 2008 15:03:00 GMT

The state stop arm violation count is on next Wednesday, so motorists beware. Chatham County school bus drivers will be documenting the number of motorists who illegally drive past a school bus while the stop arm is deployed. This is part of a national annual event to shed light on the number of violators who put children at risk of being hit or run over as they exit the bus.

How race has changed in Chatham County

Thu, 27 Feb 2008 16:20:00 GMT

There was a time when Norma Boone would not have been welcome at Johnson's Burger Joint in Siler City. This week, the 50-year-old Jordan Mathew High School Principal entered the eatery for only the second time in her life.

Siler City's first latino helps cops communicate

Thu, 27 Feb 2008 16:18:00 GMT

Siler City’s first Latino resident is helping the city's police department bridge the communication gap. Roberto Vasquez became Siler City's first Hispanic citizen back on July 4 1977 after leaving his native El Salvador in search of the American dream.

Despite economic slump, some businesses are thriving

Wed, 29 Jan 2008 20:42:00 GMT

While some mom and pop businesses in Pittsboro struggle during an uncertain economy, others like the Blue Sky Equestrian and Unity Book Store are thriving.

Hanging man figurine causes controversy

Wed, 29 Jan 2008 20:23:00 GMT

Art or hate speech; one Triangle community is calling a hanging man display, racist intimidation. It is a wired, scarecrow-like figurine, suspended from three pieces of wood off of Pittsboro Moncure Road in Chatham County. Residents on the road say a new neighbor whom they have never met, hung a figurine that conjures up painful memories of racist intimidation.

Pittsboro not growing as much as projected

Sat, 25 Jan 2008 22:04:00 GMT

Projected growth in Pittsboro is not in sync with actual growth according to Pittsboro Town Manager William Terry. A slump in the housing market is making it difficult to attract new businesses and industries to Pittsboro because people are holding onto their money.

Housekeeper's record was at hand

Tue, 17 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT

Two elderly victims of fatal beatings at Galloway Ridge retirement community in Pittsboro could have learned -- on their own or with the facility's help -- about the criminal background of the woman charged in their deaths, human services officials and Galloway's executive director said. Jason Crunk, executive director of Galloway Ridge, said Thursday that policies there called for Galloway to run a criminal check on any employees hired separately by residents. Margaret Murta, 92, and Mary Corcoran, 82, died after an attack Dec. 5 in their Galloway apartment. A former employee of the women, Barbara T. Clark, 41, of Pittsboro has been charged in the deaths.

Northwood’s charge ends at Henderson

Fri, 29 Nov 2007 18:03:00 GMT

Pittsboro Northwood got off to a blazing start against host Southern Vance in the third round of the state 2-AA football playoffs Friday night, scoring a touchdown on the opening possession of the game. Unfortunately for the Chargers, it was about the best news they would have all night. O’Darren Gill ran for two touchdowns, caught another one and racked up 115 total yards as the Raiders rallied for a convincing 33-15 triumph.

Jordan-Matthews loses to West Montgomery in football playoffs

Fri, 29 Nov 2007 18:03:00 GMT

West Montgomery rushed for 398 yards to defeat Siler City Jordan-Matthews 27-7 in the third round of the 1-AA state playoffs on Friday night. The Jets (10-3-1) lost twice to their Yadkin Valley Conference rivals this season.