By Kevin Roche Be interesting to see if we learn anything about how to deal with future epidemics from the disastrous response to this one. The research is very clear that lockdowns, for example, which were never used before, did…
Chatham County commissioners approve fiscal year 2022 county budget
Pittsboro, NC – On June 21, 2021, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved the county budget for fiscal year 2021-22, which includes slight revisions to the budget proposed by the County Manager’s Office. The budget is based on an…
Free the Smiles Act: Mask decision would be left to local school systems
By Carolina Journal Staff Raleigh, NC – The N.C. House k-12 Education Committee passed a bill Tuesday that would allow the local education authority of each school system to set their own classroom mask policies, rather than allowing it to…
COVID-19 vaccine update: Last chance at Pittsboro StarMed clinics, many local options still available in Chatham County
Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Public Health Department continues to encourage residents to take advantage of the many local options available for the COVID-19 vaccine. photo created by freepik As of Wednesday, June 23, 36,411 Chatham County residents had…
NC Senate budget offers bonuses and raises for state employees, deeper tax cuts for all
By Dallas Woodhouse Raleigh, NC – In a press conference Monday afternoon, Republican state senators presented a state budget proposal they say is grounded in North Carolina’s strong fiscal position after a decade of prudent budgeting. The Senate proposes returning…
Former Chatham County Finance Director Vicki McConnell receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor
Pittsboro, NC – Vicki McConnell, recently retired Chatham County Deputy County Manager and Finance Director, has received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, the highest civilian honor in North Carolina. Chatham County commissioner Mike Dasher presents former Chatham…
Roy Cooper vetoes bill allowing guns in churches on school campuses
By Carolina Journal Staff Raleigh, NC – Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed a bill that would have allowed people to carry guns in a church located on a private school campus when school was not in session. The bill also…
State tax cut a must after North Carolina citizens told to sacrifice
By Ray Nothstine Raleigh, NC – In the name of safety and at times part political theater, North Carolinians spent over a year following stringent emergency orders because of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses shuttered, citizens lost their livelihood, millions eschewed…
Chatham County Public Libraries release Needs Assessment final report
Pittsboro, NC – Results from the 2020 Chatham County Public Libraries Needs Assessment Survey are now available online for public review at tinyurl.com/CCPLFinalReport. The assessment process, which began in July 2020, was conducted by Karen Dash Consulting. The Needs Assessment was…
UNC baseball coach Scott Forbes speaks to coaches at new Seaforth High School
By Gene Galin Pittsboro, NC – On Wednesday, June 16 the Seaforth High School Athletic Department, under the direction of AD Jason Amy held an open house. The meet and greet event was an opportunity for student-athletes and parents/guardians to…
NC Republicans cut a deal on state budget. Will key NC Democrats join, or block teacher raises again?
By Dallas Woodhouse Raleigh, NC – As state budget negotiations get down to the fine details, with an extra $6 billion in over-collected tax revenue on the table, Republicans are moving forward with another conservative spending plan to make key…
Chatham County 4-H offers virtual summer camps
Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County 4-H is excited to offer two virtual programs that are free for youth this summer. The first event, Food Around the World, will be held July 6 -10, 2021. The next event, Cloverbud Puppet Masters,…
Have shell, will travel
By Don Wollum Pittsboro, NC – Turtles are traveling. First year box turtles are now seen traveling to new environments and are extending mate seeking. They mostly travel the morning after a rain fall the day before. Wet grass is…
North Carolina’s charter school law turns 25
By Dr. Terry Stoops Raleigh, NC – This month, North Carolinians will celebrate the silver anniversary of North Carolina’s charter school law. It is a time to celebrate and reflect on how far the movement has come over the last…
Forty years of lighting the way
By N.A. Booko Siler City, NC – It was 1972 when I moved to my present location in Chatham County. I can’t say that everything I had in my house back then is still working. But I can say it…
Chatham Sheriff’s department honors two long-serving deputies, Brad Johnson and David Scott
Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the distinguished careers of two valued employees as they reach retirement. Corporals Brad Johnson and David Scott each began their careers in public service in the early 1980s. Both men…