Local/County

Two raccoons test positive for rabies in Chatham County
[Jun. 30, 2005] Chatham County Animal Control sent two raccoons to the state public health lab last week and both tested positive for rabies. These raccoons were located in the Goldston area and south of Siler City. By Carmine Rocco

Problems at water plant limits water supply
[Jun. 29, 2005] Residents in northern Chatham County are being asked temporarily to turn off the tap when bathing, brushing teeth and washing dishes, and to avoid washing cars and watering lawns. Mechanical problems at Chatham County's water treatment plant are limiting how much water is available to customers east of the Haw River and north of U.S. 64.

Wreck on US 64 closed road and prompted evacuation
[Jun. 29, 2005] At 3:25 p.m. today a truck loaded with explosive materials wrecked on U.S. 64 on the west side of Siler City in front of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. The potentially explosive materials were off-loaded from the scene and residents that were evacuated as a precautionary measure are allowed to return home at this time.

Whooping cough strikes mother and child
[Jun. 27, 2005] Chatham County's first two cases of whooping cough of the year were reported last week. A mother and her infant were diagnosed with pertussis, or whooping cough, which can cause such bad coughing that it can become difficult for babies to eat, drink or breathe.

Local church members spend week volunteering in Arkansas
[Jun. 23, 2005] Seven people from Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Pittsboro, N.C., and Woodhaven Baptist Church in Apex spent a week volunteering with Partners in Hope, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s rural poverty initiative, in Helena, Arkansas. By Carla Wynn
Also: Partners in Hope

Chatham Habitat Home Stores: Getting their acts together
[Jun. 16, 2005] For the past two years, patrons of Chatham Habitat for Humanity's Home Stores have had to do a bit of traveling. The "Original" Home Store has been doing business at 467 West Street in Pittsboro, where its aisles have been crammed with household goods, furniture, and appliances. Meanwhile, " Home Store Too", which opened in 2003, has been selling building supplies, light fixtures, hardware, and plumbing fixtures at its rented quarters on Salisbury Street. By Ruth Leopold

Fearrington women receive awards for volunteer work
[Jun. 16, 2005] Fearrington village residents Amelia Carew and Suzanne North have been honored for their volunteer efforts by UNC Hospitals and the Duke Heart Center. Amelia received the 2005 Elaine M. Hill Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service from UNC Hospitals, and the Duke Heart Center named Suzanne as "Volunteer of the Year."

Going to the US Open? Be aware of road work.
[Jun. 12, 2005] As the U.S. Open approaches, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is working to ensure that motorists are safe during their travels. When planning your trip, be aware of work zones in the following areas from Monday, June 13 through Monday, June 20.

Chatham names new United Way director
[Jun. 7, 2005] Dina Reynolds, former development director of the Chatham County Council on Aging, has been named executive director of the United Way of Chatham County. Reynolds replaces former director Jody Minor, now director of the Mediation Network of North Carolina.

New veterans' memorial dedicated in Goldston
[Jun. 1, 2005] The Goldston Veterans’ Memorial dedication took place on Memorial Day with approximately 800 people – including more than 300 veterans – in attendance. The Goldston Veterans Memorial Committee raised $42,000 to erect the monument.

Good news about never-ending road project?
[May 29, 2005] The work to widen Highway 15-501 in Orange and Chatham counties is well into its fourth year. Officials with the N.C. Department of Transportation have some good news. They say the project may be finished by late August, opening four lanes of highway along the busy corridor. The contractor is even more optimistic, saying work may be finished by August 1.

YMCA branch coming to Pittsboro
[May 18, 2005] The Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA plans to open a Pittsboro facility in the East Street building that houses the Pitt Stop Cafe. The 3,500-square-foot fitness center and community development office should open by July 1

Tractor-trailer carrying chickens overturned near Siler City
[May 10, 2005] A tractor-trailer carrying chickens overturned near Siler City Tuesday morning scattering crates and chickens across the road. A wreck Tuesday morning scattered chicken crates and chickens along the roadside near U.S. 421 and Elmer Moore Road.

National Guard helicopter crashes in Chatham
[May 6, 2005] The two-seat AH-64 Apache helicopter was on a routine training mission when it failed to return to RDU, said Sgt. Brian Christiansen, spokesman for the North Carolina National Guard. The National Guard lost communications with the plane about 8 p.m. The AH-64A Apache attack helicopter went down near Buckhorn Dam on the Cape Fear River on the Chatham-Lee county line with its two-man crew at about 8:30 p.m.