The Burwell School Historic Site, 319 N. Churton St., presents a new temporary exhibit entitled Around the Town: The Burwell’s Hillsborough. The exhibit highlights a view of Hillsborough in the year 1839, four years after the Burwell family moved to the town and two years after Mrs. Burwell opened her landmark school for young ladies.
Based on a map drawn by William H. Bailey, who himself married a Burwell School student, this unique exhibition shows the recognizable roads, landmarks, offices and residences of Hillsborough’s most prominent residents. In the 19th century, Hillsborough remained at the center of political activity, attracting lawyers, doctors, politicians and merchants, many of whom were friends of the Burwell family. The exhibit interprets the relationships between the Burwell family, the Burwell School students and the town residents. The exhibit features the original Bailey map, medical instrument case, jeweler’s tweezers and other key photographs, newspaper articles and artifacts from this critical time in Hillsborough’s history.
Join the Burwell School Historic Site for this exciting opportunity to see Hillsborough during the time of the Burwell family, their neighbors and friends who would become so prominent in North Carolina’s history.
Our business hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibit and free docent-led tours will be available during these hours, and you can find our special event calendar listed on our website, www.burwellschool.org or call (919) 732-7451 for more information.
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Showing posts with label hillsborough. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hillsborough. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2012
Hillsborough Tourism Board requests proposals for 2012 Tourism Grant
The Tourism Board, on behalf of the Town of Hillsborough, is requesting proposals from nonprofit agencies and civic groups to establish programs to promote and support tourism and visitor services within Hillsborough. Funds are to be allocated from monies collected by the 1 percent prepared food tax.
Completed applications are due by 3 p.m. Monday, April 2.
The Tourism Board will review applications and make recommendations for grant awards to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners based on availability of funds and other criteria.
For further information, click on 2012 Tourism Grant Application information.
Completed applications are due by 3 p.m. Monday, April 2.
The Tourism Board will review applications and make recommendations for grant awards to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners based on availability of funds and other criteria.
For further information, click on 2012 Tourism Grant Application information.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Hillsborough to disinfect water with chlorine, flush lines through March
The Town of Hillsborough will use chlorine instead of chloramines, a compound of chlorine and ammonia, to disinfect public drinking water in March.
In addition, town employees will flush and perform basic maintenance to fire hydrants in the town’s water system, beginning March 1.
Chlorine disinfection
The annual change to chlorine helps ensure a high level of disinfection in the community’s water mains. North Carolina regulations require Hillsborough and other utilities that normally use chloramines for disinfection to use chlorine for one month each year. The City of Durham, Orange Water and Sewer Authority and other municipal public water systems in the region also typically use chlorine instead of chloramines for disinfection in March.
Some customers may notice that Hillsborough’s drinking water will have a chlorine taste or odor in March. However, the water will be safe to drink.
Customers who use Hillsborough water for special purposes or for processes involving careful control of water characteristics are encouraged to get advice from an appropriate technical source—such as a filter vendor or service company—about whether and how to make adjustments to their use of Hillsborough water during the one-month period when chlorine is used for disinfection.
The town began using chloramines in July 2005. Disinfection with chloramines has improved the taste, odor and overall quality of the town’s drinking water. Before 2005, Hillsborough used gaseous chlorine for disinfection.
Customers are invited to contact the town with any questions or comments about the use of chlorine in March and about the characteristics of Hillsborough’s drinking water. Contact Water Plant Superintendent Russell Bateman by email or phone at (919) 732-3621.
Hydrant flushing
Customers also may see Hillsborough crews releasing water from fire hydrants and some water system valves in March. This flushing of the water mains will ensure water with chlorine goes through the entire system. The flushing helps remove sediments, improving the water system’s circulation and water quality,
The town typically flushes hydrants twice a year. About 6 million gallons of water—six days of supply—will be used. Staff will open each hydrant to flush the water system. They also will lubricate hydrants and identify any follow-up repair needs. The inspections and maintenance should be complete by March 31.
During the process, town personnel may be required to trim plantings or remove other items to ensure that adequate access to the hydrants exists for emergencies and maintenance.
Residents may be asked to relocate plants and other items in street rights-of-way where necessary to provide a clear, 3-foot-wide area around a hydrant. The town encourages everyone with hydrants—whether private or in adjacent street rights-of-way—to ensure the hydrants are accessible.
Plants relocated in the right-of-way should not interfere with the visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and traffic signs and should not interfere with utilities or street drainage. Property owners should obtain permission from the town before making landscape improvements within the street right-of-way.
Opening the hydrants might cause some temporary cloudiness or discoloration of water. Discoloration can occur because small particles of iron and manganese that have settled in a water main may be stirred up. The discoloration does not make water unsafe to drink, but it could discolor fabric. Similarly, when air bubbles enter the water system during the hydrant flushing, they may cause cloudiness in drinking water.
If discoloration or air bubbles appear in the water, customers should run cold water in a bathtub for a few minutes until the water and/or air bubbles clear. If the water does not clear within five minutes, contact the town at (919) 732-2104 during normal business hours or at (919) 732-3621 for emergencies during nights and weekends.
In addition, town employees will flush and perform basic maintenance to fire hydrants in the town’s water system, beginning March 1.
Chlorine disinfection
The annual change to chlorine helps ensure a high level of disinfection in the community’s water mains. North Carolina regulations require Hillsborough and other utilities that normally use chloramines for disinfection to use chlorine for one month each year. The City of Durham, Orange Water and Sewer Authority and other municipal public water systems in the region also typically use chlorine instead of chloramines for disinfection in March.
Some customers may notice that Hillsborough’s drinking water will have a chlorine taste or odor in March. However, the water will be safe to drink.
Customers who use Hillsborough water for special purposes or for processes involving careful control of water characteristics are encouraged to get advice from an appropriate technical source—such as a filter vendor or service company—about whether and how to make adjustments to their use of Hillsborough water during the one-month period when chlorine is used for disinfection.
The town began using chloramines in July 2005. Disinfection with chloramines has improved the taste, odor and overall quality of the town’s drinking water. Before 2005, Hillsborough used gaseous chlorine for disinfection.
Customers are invited to contact the town with any questions or comments about the use of chlorine in March and about the characteristics of Hillsborough’s drinking water. Contact Water Plant Superintendent Russell Bateman by email or phone at (919) 732-3621.
Hydrant flushing
Customers also may see Hillsborough crews releasing water from fire hydrants and some water system valves in March. This flushing of the water mains will ensure water with chlorine goes through the entire system. The flushing helps remove sediments, improving the water system’s circulation and water quality,
The town typically flushes hydrants twice a year. About 6 million gallons of water—six days of supply—will be used. Staff will open each hydrant to flush the water system. They also will lubricate hydrants and identify any follow-up repair needs. The inspections and maintenance should be complete by March 31.
During the process, town personnel may be required to trim plantings or remove other items to ensure that adequate access to the hydrants exists for emergencies and maintenance.
Residents may be asked to relocate plants and other items in street rights-of-way where necessary to provide a clear, 3-foot-wide area around a hydrant. The town encourages everyone with hydrants—whether private or in adjacent street rights-of-way—to ensure the hydrants are accessible.
Plants relocated in the right-of-way should not interfere with the visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and traffic signs and should not interfere with utilities or street drainage. Property owners should obtain permission from the town before making landscape improvements within the street right-of-way.
Opening the hydrants might cause some temporary cloudiness or discoloration of water. Discoloration can occur because small particles of iron and manganese that have settled in a water main may be stirred up. The discoloration does not make water unsafe to drink, but it could discolor fabric. Similarly, when air bubbles enter the water system during the hydrant flushing, they may cause cloudiness in drinking water.
If discoloration or air bubbles appear in the water, customers should run cold water in a bathtub for a few minutes until the water and/or air bubbles clear. If the water does not clear within five minutes, contact the town at (919) 732-2104 during normal business hours or at (919) 732-3621 for emergencies during nights and weekends.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Orange County residents will receive Pauli Murray Human Relations Awards Sunday, Feb. 26
The Orange County Human Relations Commission will host the Pauli Murray Human Relations Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 26. The event will be held in the Central Orange Senior Center Ballroom at 103 Meadowlands Drive from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Pauli Murray Award is presented annually by the Human Relations Commission to an Orange County youth, an Orange County adult and an Orange County business that have served the community with distinction in the pursuit of equality, justice and human rights for all residents.
This year’s ceremony will include musical entertainment, poetic recitals by the Sacrificial Poets, the winners of the Human Rights Student Essay Contest reading their winning essays and the recipients of the Pauli Murray Human Relations Award being recognized.
The public is encouraged to attend this community event. A reception will follow the ceremony.
For more information, call (919) 245-2487.
The Pauli Murray Award is presented annually by the Human Relations Commission to an Orange County youth, an Orange County adult and an Orange County business that have served the community with distinction in the pursuit of equality, justice and human rights for all residents.
This year’s ceremony will include musical entertainment, poetic recitals by the Sacrificial Poets, the winners of the Human Rights Student Essay Contest reading their winning essays and the recipients of the Pauli Murray Human Relations Award being recognized.
The public is encouraged to attend this community event. A reception will follow the ceremony.
For more information, call (919) 245-2487.
Friday, February 10, 2012
NCDOT awards $2.9 million contract to resurface roads in Orange County
The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to resurface nearly eight miles of roadway in Orange County.
The $2.9 million contract was awarded to Rea Contracting, a division of Lane Construction Corp. of Charlotte. Work can begin as early as April 2 and is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 10.
The following roadways will be resurfaced:
• .83 miles of U.S. 15/501 from just east of Erwin Road to the Durham County line;
• 1.6 miles of N.C. 86/Martin Luther King Boulevard from Estes Drive to Franklin Street;
• .47 miles of S. Greensboro Street from Main Street to Rand Street;
• 1.5 miles of N. Greensboro Street/Hillsborough Road from Lorraine Street to Main Street;
• 1.5 miles of Seawell School Road from High School Road to Estes Drive;
• .8 miles of Seawell School Road/High School Road near Homestead Road; and
• 1.2 miles of Orange High School Road from the U.S. 70 Bypass to Miller Road.
Resurfacing these sections of roadway will extend the lifespan of the pavement, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists.
This is one of 31 contracts totaling $85.5 million awarded by Conti for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 7.5 percent, or about $7 million, below NCDOT estimates. Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in January of 2009, NCDOT has awarded 472 highway contracts totaling $3.6 billion to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to jobs and educational opportunities.
For more information about funding for infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, as well as other NCDOT projects and activities, visit www.ncdot.gov.
The $2.9 million contract was awarded to Rea Contracting, a division of Lane Construction Corp. of Charlotte. Work can begin as early as April 2 and is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 10.
The following roadways will be resurfaced:
• .83 miles of U.S. 15/501 from just east of Erwin Road to the Durham County line;
• 1.6 miles of N.C. 86/Martin Luther King Boulevard from Estes Drive to Franklin Street;
• .47 miles of S. Greensboro Street from Main Street to Rand Street;
• 1.5 miles of N. Greensboro Street/Hillsborough Road from Lorraine Street to Main Street;
• 1.5 miles of Seawell School Road from High School Road to Estes Drive;
• .8 miles of Seawell School Road/High School Road near Homestead Road; and
• 1.2 miles of Orange High School Road from the U.S. 70 Bypass to Miller Road.
Resurfacing these sections of roadway will extend the lifespan of the pavement, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists.
This is one of 31 contracts totaling $85.5 million awarded by Conti for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 7.5 percent, or about $7 million, below NCDOT estimates. Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in January of 2009, NCDOT has awarded 472 highway contracts totaling $3.6 billion to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to jobs and educational opportunities.
For more information about funding for infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, as well as other NCDOT projects and activities, visit www.ncdot.gov.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Hillsborough performing smoke testing on sewer lines
The Town of Hillsborough has started smoke testing of sewer mains in West Hillsborough.
The testing, which is performed periodically throughout the town, is being conducted from Hassell Street west to Nash Street and from Calvin Street north to Queen Street. The testing will continue the week of Feb. 6.
During the testing, smoke is blown through the sewer main to help utilities employees search for cracks and broken pipes that typically wouldn’t be seen otherwise. The smoke appears out of the ground where problems are. Smoke also may appear from manholes and sewer cleanouts—capped pipes that provide access to sewer lines—and from the roof vents of houses and business buildings as the smoke travels into service lines as well.
Residents who find smoke inside their houses or in their yards during the testing should call a plumber as the smoke may be an indication of a bad joint or a broken pipe that should be repaired. Smoke in the house during the testing also could indicate a dry trap in a sink or a bathtub that is not used frequently. Running water through the drain will fill the trap and should stop the smoke. Typically, a sewer odor emanates from a pipe with a dry trap.
For more information about the testing, contact Utility Maintenance Supervisor Sammy Lankford at (919) 732-9459.
The testing, which is performed periodically throughout the town, is being conducted from Hassell Street west to Nash Street and from Calvin Street north to Queen Street. The testing will continue the week of Feb. 6.
During the testing, smoke is blown through the sewer main to help utilities employees search for cracks and broken pipes that typically wouldn’t be seen otherwise. The smoke appears out of the ground where problems are. Smoke also may appear from manholes and sewer cleanouts—capped pipes that provide access to sewer lines—and from the roof vents of houses and business buildings as the smoke travels into service lines as well.
Residents who find smoke inside their houses or in their yards during the testing should call a plumber as the smoke may be an indication of a bad joint or a broken pipe that should be repaired. Smoke in the house during the testing also could indicate a dry trap in a sink or a bathtub that is not used frequently. Running water through the drain will fill the trap and should stop the smoke. Typically, a sewer odor emanates from a pipe with a dry trap.
For more information about the testing, contact Utility Maintenance Supervisor Sammy Lankford at (919) 732-9459.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Hillsborough seeking bids for pump station replacement project
The Town of Hillsborough is seeking bid proposals through 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, for the construction of the Elizabeth Brady Pump Station replacement.
The work will include constructing a duplex submersible wastewater pumping station with standby power as well as a gravity sewer and forcemain.
A pre-bid conference will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Town Barn. Attendees will have the opportunity to present questions, obtain clarifications and inspect the project site. Attendance is recommended.
Sealed bid proposals will be accepted at Town Engineer Kenny Keel’s office on the Town Hall campus, 101, E. Orange St. The Town Barn is located on the campus. Parking is accessed from E. Corbin Street.
Contract documents may be obtained from Duncan-Parnell—4275 Regency Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 or 336-855-1211—or ordered online at dpibidroom.com, accompanied by a nonrefundable deposit of $100.
In addition to the Hillsborough engineer’s office, documents will be on file for viewing at the following locations:
• Associated General Contractors offices in Raleigh and Charlotte
• McGraw Hill Dodge’s website
• HCAC/iSqFt. Plan Room in Raleigh
• The office of the project’s engineer, Davis-Martin-Powell & Associates in High Point.
For more information, view the Notice to Bidders on the Bid Postings page of the town’s website.
The work will include constructing a duplex submersible wastewater pumping station with standby power as well as a gravity sewer and forcemain.
A pre-bid conference will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Town Barn. Attendees will have the opportunity to present questions, obtain clarifications and inspect the project site. Attendance is recommended.
Sealed bid proposals will be accepted at Town Engineer Kenny Keel’s office on the Town Hall campus, 101, E. Orange St. The Town Barn is located on the campus. Parking is accessed from E. Corbin Street.
Contract documents may be obtained from Duncan-Parnell—4275 Regency Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 or 336-855-1211—or ordered online at dpibidroom.com, accompanied by a nonrefundable deposit of $100.
In addition to the Hillsborough engineer’s office, documents will be on file for viewing at the following locations:
• Associated General Contractors offices in Raleigh and Charlotte
• McGraw Hill Dodge’s website
• HCAC/iSqFt. Plan Room in Raleigh
• The office of the project’s engineer, Davis-Martin-Powell & Associates in High Point.
For more information, view the Notice to Bidders on the Bid Postings page of the town’s website.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Hillsborough seeks help stopping metal thefts
The Town of Hillsborough is asking residents to be on the lookout for anyone who may be stealing manhole covers, storm grates or meter box lids.
Two manhole covers were stolen in separate incidents in January from behind Heritage Apartments in southern Hillsborough. The covers weigh about 100 to 120 pounds and are valued at an estimated $100 each. Their removal poses a safety risk because of the danger of someone falling into the holes and being injured or killed.
Late last year, steel storm grates also were stolen from around Hillsborough, with a total value of $1,900. One grate was stolen from the Kerr Drug parking lot on U.S. 70 in November, and four were stolen from College Park Drive in the Waterstone development in October.
Residents are asked to call 911 immediately if they see someone removing a manhole cover, storm grate, valve box or meter box lid who does not have a Town of Hillsborough uniform or vehicle with the town logo. Residents are asked to try to get the vehicle’s license plate number if possible.
Two manhole covers were stolen in separate incidents in January from behind Heritage Apartments in southern Hillsborough. The covers weigh about 100 to 120 pounds and are valued at an estimated $100 each. Their removal poses a safety risk because of the danger of someone falling into the holes and being injured or killed.
Late last year, steel storm grates also were stolen from around Hillsborough, with a total value of $1,900. One grate was stolen from the Kerr Drug parking lot on U.S. 70 in November, and four were stolen from College Park Drive in the Waterstone development in October.
Residents are asked to call 911 immediately if they see someone removing a manhole cover, storm grate, valve box or meter box lid who does not have a Town of Hillsborough uniform or vehicle with the town logo. Residents are asked to try to get the vehicle’s license plate number if possible.
Hillsborough’s loose leaf collection ends
Loose leaf collection has ended in Hillsborough. Residents are asked to bag leaves for collection until the loose leaf season begins again in November.
Also beginning Feb. 1, brush will be collected once every two weeks until November when the loose leaf season starts again.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
A maximum of 10 biodegradable bags per property will be removed each collection day. Until November, leaves also should be placed in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb.
Bulk items collected once a month
As a reminder, the town now collects bulk items once a month during the second full week of each month. The items—which include furniture, mattresses, appliances and water heaters—should be placed at the curb no earlier than one week before collection.
Bulk items that are too bulky, heavy or cumbersome may require payment of a fee based on the nature and amount of the materials and the estimated time required to perform the service.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines at (919) 732-1270, Ext. 78.
Also beginning Feb. 1, brush will be collected once every two weeks until November when the loose leaf season starts again.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
A maximum of 10 biodegradable bags per property will be removed each collection day. Until November, leaves also should be placed in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb.
Bulk items collected once a month
As a reminder, the town now collects bulk items once a month during the second full week of each month. The items—which include furniture, mattresses, appliances and water heaters—should be placed at the curb no earlier than one week before collection.
Bulk items that are too bulky, heavy or cumbersome may require payment of a fee based on the nature and amount of the materials and the estimated time required to perform the service.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines at (919) 732-1270, Ext. 78.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Burwell School Historic Site re-opens for 2012
The Burwell School Historic Site, 319 N. Churton St., will re-opened today—Wednesday, Feb. 1—for the 2012 season. Free docent-led and self-guided tours of the buildings and grounds will resume during business hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
The site’s free docent-led tours highlight life at the Burwell School from 1837 to 1857 when it was home to the Burwell family, the enslaved members of the Burwell household and the students of the Burwell's landmark school for young women.
To learn more about tours, special events and programs offered at the Burwell School Historic Site, visit www.burwellschool.org or call (919)732-7451.
The site’s free docent-led tours highlight life at the Burwell School from 1837 to 1857 when it was home to the Burwell family, the enslaved members of the Burwell household and the students of the Burwell's landmark school for young women.
To learn more about tours, special events and programs offered at the Burwell School Historic Site, visit www.burwellschool.org or call (919)732-7451.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Four-way stop being installed at U.S. 70 Business and Lawrence Road in Hillsborough
On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the N.C. Department of Transportation will modify the intersection of U.S. 70 Business at Lawrence Road in Hillsborough to install a four-way stop.
The work will be done between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Different lanes will be closed as the work progresses.
Stops signs now halt traffic on Lawrence Road. This work will involve adding stop signs on U.S. 70 business as well as pavement markings on both roads.
This intersection is being converted to a four-way stop following an NCDOT investigation that found traffic volumes, crashes and other factors warranted installing the additional stop signs.
If inclement weather affects the area, NCDOT will postpone making the changes until the weather permits.
As drivers approach the intersection, they are advised to follow these right-of-way rules:
• The first vehicle to the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet arrived;
• When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way;
• The vehicle with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right;
• When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must wait. The driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way; and
• Even with the right of way, remember to use the appropriate turn signals and be careful to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians.
For information on navigating four-way intersections, consult the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook. To get a copy, call 1-877-DOT-4-YOU or visit the website.
For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit online or follow NCDOT on Twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. Then, bookmark it to save for future reference. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.
The work will be done between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Different lanes will be closed as the work progresses.
Stops signs now halt traffic on Lawrence Road. This work will involve adding stop signs on U.S. 70 business as well as pavement markings on both roads.
This intersection is being converted to a four-way stop following an NCDOT investigation that found traffic volumes, crashes and other factors warranted installing the additional stop signs.
If inclement weather affects the area, NCDOT will postpone making the changes until the weather permits.
As drivers approach the intersection, they are advised to follow these right-of-way rules:
• The first vehicle to the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet arrived;
• When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way;
• The vehicle with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right;
• When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must wait. The driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way; and
• Even with the right of way, remember to use the appropriate turn signals and be careful to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians.
For information on navigating four-way intersections, consult the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook. To get a copy, call 1-877-DOT-4-YOU or visit the website.
For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit online or follow NCDOT on Twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. Then, bookmark it to save for future reference. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro poets place in annual state-wide contest
The Poetry Council of NC—a self-supporting, all-volunteer nonprofit organization founded in 1949 to foster a deeper appreciation of poetry in the state—has announced the winners of its annual poetry contests. Judges were permitted to select first-, second- and third-place winners as well as up to three honorable mentions in each contest category with the exception of the book contest, which has no third-place winner. Some judges elected to name fewer winners.
All winners will receive their awards—including cash prizes for first, second and third place—at Poetry Day, held at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory on April 14. Winning poems will also be published in the Council’s annual awards anthology, Bay Leaves, and winning poets will be invited to read their poems at Poetry Day.
An additional category for Performance Poetry is judged and awarded at Poetry Day. Information on any of the contests, Poetry Day and the Poetry Council is available at www.poetrycouncilofnc.wordpress.com.
Susan Spalt of Carrboro took first in the humorous verse contest with her poem Where Time Does Not Fly, and Barbara Brooks of Hillsborough took second in humorous verse with her piece The Voice. Joanna Catherine Scott of Chapel Hill received an honorable mention in the book contest for her work An Innocent in the House of the Dead.
The complete list of category winners and judges is as follows:
Ellen Johnston-Hale (humorous verse):
JUDGE: Gloria Alden, Southington, Ohio
First: Where Time Does Not Fly by Susan Spalt, Carrboro
Second: The Voice by Barbara Brooks, Hillsborough
Third: Arctic by Lisa Zerkle, Charlotte
Honorable mention: Black Friday by Doris Dix Caruso, Burlington
Honorable mention: Patience by Jane Shlensky, Bahama
Honorable mention: I Think They Got It! by Janet Ireland Trail, Greensboro
Oscar Arnold Young (book contest):
JUDGE: Paul Hostovsky, Medfield, MA & Ron Moran, Simpsonville, S.C.
First: The Swing Girl by Katherine Soniat, Asheville
Second: Lie Down with Me by Julie Suk, Charlotte
Honorable mention: Rendering the Bones by Susan M. Lefler, Brevard
Honorable mention: An Innocent in the House of the Dead by Joanna Catherine Scott, Chapel Hill
Gladys Owings Hughes Heritage (free verse):
JUDGE: Darnell Arnoult, Harrogate, Tenn.
First: Babies Hurtling Several Stories by Ross White, Durham
Second: Daddy Imagines a Good Death by JS Absher, Raleigh
Third: The Museum of Broken Things by Jane Shlensky, Bahama
Charles Shull (traditional poetry):
JUDGE: Paul Bone, Evansville, Ind.
First: Facts about Early America by Ross White, Durham (rhyming couplets)
Second: Basic Bad Day by Peg Russell, Murphy (terza rima)
Third: Featured Reader by Alice Osborn, Raleigh (sestina)
Honorable mention: On a Recent Engagement by Michael A. Moreno, Rockville, Md. (sonnet)
Honorable mention: Water the Lover by Ellen Summers, Greensboro (sonnet)
James Larkin Pearson (free verse):
JUDGE: Felicia Mitchell, Emory, Va.
First: Address to Monarchs by Ross White, Durham
Second: My Mother’s Lake by Ann Campanella, Huntersville
Third: What Burns for Light by Lisa Zerkle, Charlotte
Honorable mention: Circumventing the Circumference by Terry Collins, Mount Airy
Honorable mention: Things Fall Out of My Father by Robert Moyer, Winston Salem
Honorable mention: The Lesbians Next Door by Alice Osborn, Raleigh
Charlotte Young (elementary school):
JUDGE: David Roderick, Greensboro
First: Jupiter by Sydney Campanella (home-schooled), Huntersville
Second: Light Saves Us by Paige Morrison (North Forest Pines Elem.), Wake Forest
Third: Blue by Joellen Callahan (North Forest Pines Elem.), Wake Forest
Honorable mention: Doves by Sonja Woolley (Episcopal Day School), Southern Pines
Honorable mention: Nature Walk by Lilly Corcoran (Episcopal Day School), Southern Pines
Carol Bessent Hayman (middle school):
JUDGE: David Roderick, Greensboro
First: The Pledge of Sausage by Devon Stocks (Clarkton School of Discovery), Clarkton
Second: Pumpkin Patch by Kenneth More (Clarkton School of Discovery), Clarkton
Sam Ragan North Carolina Connection (high school):
JUDGE: Natasha Trethewey, Decatur, Ga.
First: Lesson of the Lark by Maggie Apple of North Guilford High School
Second: Jennifer Comerford of North Guilford High School
All winners will receive their awards—including cash prizes for first, second and third place—at Poetry Day, held at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory on April 14. Winning poems will also be published in the Council’s annual awards anthology, Bay Leaves, and winning poets will be invited to read their poems at Poetry Day.
An additional category for Performance Poetry is judged and awarded at Poetry Day. Information on any of the contests, Poetry Day and the Poetry Council is available at www.poetrycouncilofnc.wordpress.com.
Susan Spalt of Carrboro took first in the humorous verse contest with her poem Where Time Does Not Fly, and Barbara Brooks of Hillsborough took second in humorous verse with her piece The Voice. Joanna Catherine Scott of Chapel Hill received an honorable mention in the book contest for her work An Innocent in the House of the Dead.
The complete list of category winners and judges is as follows:
Ellen Johnston-Hale (humorous verse):
JUDGE: Gloria Alden, Southington, Ohio
First: Where Time Does Not Fly by Susan Spalt, Carrboro
Second: The Voice by Barbara Brooks, Hillsborough
Third: Arctic by Lisa Zerkle, Charlotte
Honorable mention: Black Friday by Doris Dix Caruso, Burlington
Honorable mention: Patience by Jane Shlensky, Bahama
Honorable mention: I Think They Got It! by Janet Ireland Trail, Greensboro
Oscar Arnold Young (book contest):
JUDGE: Paul Hostovsky, Medfield, MA & Ron Moran, Simpsonville, S.C.
First: The Swing Girl by Katherine Soniat, Asheville
Second: Lie Down with Me by Julie Suk, Charlotte
Honorable mention: Rendering the Bones by Susan M. Lefler, Brevard
Honorable mention: An Innocent in the House of the Dead by Joanna Catherine Scott, Chapel Hill
Gladys Owings Hughes Heritage (free verse):
JUDGE: Darnell Arnoult, Harrogate, Tenn.
First: Babies Hurtling Several Stories by Ross White, Durham
Second: Daddy Imagines a Good Death by JS Absher, Raleigh
Third: The Museum of Broken Things by Jane Shlensky, Bahama
Charles Shull (traditional poetry):
JUDGE: Paul Bone, Evansville, Ind.
First: Facts about Early America by Ross White, Durham (rhyming couplets)
Second: Basic Bad Day by Peg Russell, Murphy (terza rima)
Third: Featured Reader by Alice Osborn, Raleigh (sestina)
Honorable mention: On a Recent Engagement by Michael A. Moreno, Rockville, Md. (sonnet)
Honorable mention: Water the Lover by Ellen Summers, Greensboro (sonnet)
James Larkin Pearson (free verse):
JUDGE: Felicia Mitchell, Emory, Va.
First: Address to Monarchs by Ross White, Durham
Second: My Mother’s Lake by Ann Campanella, Huntersville
Third: What Burns for Light by Lisa Zerkle, Charlotte
Honorable mention: Circumventing the Circumference by Terry Collins, Mount Airy
Honorable mention: Things Fall Out of My Father by Robert Moyer, Winston Salem
Honorable mention: The Lesbians Next Door by Alice Osborn, Raleigh
Charlotte Young (elementary school):
JUDGE: David Roderick, Greensboro
First: Jupiter by Sydney Campanella (home-schooled), Huntersville
Second: Light Saves Us by Paige Morrison (North Forest Pines Elem.), Wake Forest
Third: Blue by Joellen Callahan (North Forest Pines Elem.), Wake Forest
Honorable mention: Doves by Sonja Woolley (Episcopal Day School), Southern Pines
Honorable mention: Nature Walk by Lilly Corcoran (Episcopal Day School), Southern Pines
Carol Bessent Hayman (middle school):
JUDGE: David Roderick, Greensboro
First: The Pledge of Sausage by Devon Stocks (Clarkton School of Discovery), Clarkton
Second: Pumpkin Patch by Kenneth More (Clarkton School of Discovery), Clarkton
Sam Ragan North Carolina Connection (high school):
JUDGE: Natasha Trethewey, Decatur, Ga.
First: Lesson of the Lark by Maggie Apple of North Guilford High School
Second: Jennifer Comerford of North Guilford High School
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Mayors, Orange County officials help survey homeless
Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens, Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton, Orange County Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier and Chapel Hill Town Council will survey Orange County’s homeless population to find the most vulnerable and target them for a quick housing solution as part of the national 100,000 Homes Campaign (www.100khomes.org) locally sponsored by United Way of the Greater Triangle.
The officials will help out Tuesday, Jan. 24, at various county locations. Kleinschmidt, Chilton, Pelissier and Rich will will be at S. Human Services Center in Chapel Hill at 3:45 a.m. while Stevens will be at S. Country Inn & Fairview Baptist Church in Hillsborough at 5:30 a.m.
The mayors and others will join trained volunteer teams, which will leave their locations at 4 a.m. and head to the areas where homeless are currently bedding down on the streets of Orange County. The Triangle is one of 110 cities/areas across the United States working with the 100,000 Homes Campaign to house 100,000 homeless by 2013. The surveys will assess chronic issues among the homeless and help those in dire need of attention find shelter and medical care as well as other services.
The officials will help out Tuesday, Jan. 24, at various county locations. Kleinschmidt, Chilton, Pelissier and Rich will will be at S. Human Services Center in Chapel Hill at 3:45 a.m. while Stevens will be at S. Country Inn & Fairview Baptist Church in Hillsborough at 5:30 a.m.
The mayors and others will join trained volunteer teams, which will leave their locations at 4 a.m. and head to the areas where homeless are currently bedding down on the streets of Orange County. The Triangle is one of 110 cities/areas across the United States working with the 100,000 Homes Campaign to house 100,000 homeless by 2013. The surveys will assess chronic issues among the homeless and help those in dire need of attention find shelter and medical care as well as other services.
Loose leaf collection in Hillsborough ends this month
Loose leaf collection of leaves in Hillsborough will end Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Beginning Feb. 1, residents should place leaves in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb. A maximum of 10 bags per property will be removed each collection day.
Also beginning the first week in February, brush will be collected once every two weeks until the loose leaf collection season starts again in November.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
Residents may receive a free sample of twine to be used for bundling small amounts of brush. Stop by Town Hall at 101 E. Orange St. or at Town Hall Annex at 137 N. Churton St.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to all residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines by at (919) 732-1270, ext. 78.
Beginning Feb. 1, residents should place leaves in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb. A maximum of 10 bags per property will be removed each collection day.
Also beginning the first week in February, brush will be collected once every two weeks until the loose leaf collection season starts again in November.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
Residents may receive a free sample of twine to be used for bundling small amounts of brush. Stop by Town Hall at 101 E. Orange St. or at Town Hall Annex at 137 N. Churton St.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to all residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines by at (919) 732-1270, ext. 78.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Orange County Child Support Offices relocating
Over the weekend of Jan. 28, Orange County Child Support Services will relocate services.
The child support office on N. Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. Child Support Services will reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the new location in the Orange County West Campus Office. The office building is located at 131 W. Margaret Lane between the library and the parking deck in Hillsborough. Child Support offices will be in the lower level of the building.
Orange County Child Support strives to strengthen the family potential for economic independence and self-sufficiency. Primary services include locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity for children born outside of marriage and establishing and enforcing child support orders.
The move is part of Orange County government’s continued plan to consolidate services into Orange County-owned facilities.
As with several facilities in the general location, free public parking is available for government services visitors in spaces 40 through 80 of the ground level of the parking deck.
For additional information, contact Janet Sparks at (919) 245-2178.
The child support office on N. Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. Child Support Services will reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the new location in the Orange County West Campus Office. The office building is located at 131 W. Margaret Lane between the library and the parking deck in Hillsborough. Child Support offices will be in the lower level of the building.
Orange County Child Support strives to strengthen the family potential for economic independence and self-sufficiency. Primary services include locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity for children born outside of marriage and establishing and enforcing child support orders.
The move is part of Orange County government’s continued plan to consolidate services into Orange County-owned facilities.
As with several facilities in the general location, free public parking is available for government services visitors in spaces 40 through 80 of the ground level of the parking deck.
For additional information, contact Janet Sparks at (919) 245-2178.
County commissioners to meet
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute, the Board of County Commissioners provides notice of the following event. A majority of the Orange County commissioners may attend this event, making the event subject to open meetings laws.
Members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, along with other elected officials, have been invited by Judge Joe Buckner to attend a tour of the Hillsborough courthouse. The tour will be held Monday, Jan. 23, at 9 a.m. starting at the district court judge’s office at the Orange County Courthouse, 106 E. Margaret Lane.
It is possible a quorum of the members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners may be present at this event.
Members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, along with other elected officials, have been invited by Judge Joe Buckner to attend a tour of the Hillsborough courthouse. The tour will be held Monday, Jan. 23, at 9 a.m. starting at the district court judge’s office at the Orange County Courthouse, 106 E. Margaret Lane.
It is possible a quorum of the members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners may be present at this event.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Holiday, decorative items on ground should be removed from Hillsborough cemetery
The Town of Hillsborough asks residents to remove all holiday decorations, including poinsettias, by Feb. 10 from gravesites in the Town Cemetery.
Items left beyond this time will be removed.
Other decorative items placed on the ground should be removed by March 1 due to grounds maintenance between March 1 and Nov. 1. These items include artificial flowers, plastic flower vases and wreaths.
Residents are permitted to place small flags in the ground around gravesites during the weeks of Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Items left beyond this time will be removed.
Other decorative items placed on the ground should be removed by March 1 due to grounds maintenance between March 1 and Nov. 1. These items include artificial flowers, plastic flower vases and wreaths.
Residents are permitted to place small flags in the ground around gravesites during the weeks of Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
100,000 Homes Campaign volunteers needed
The national 100,000 Homes Campaign is a grassroots effort to find and place the most vulnerable, long-term homeless individuals into 100,000 households across the country by July 2013. To learn more about the campaign, please click here and be inspired by these powerful videos: 100K Homes Introduction and 100K Homes Registry Week/
As part of Common Ground’s 100,000 Homes Campaign, the United Way of the Greater Triangle, the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness and the Wake County Partnership to End Homelessness are planning a week-long effort called Registry Week to identify and help persons who are homeless obtain and sustain permanent housing.
The goal of Orange and Wake Counties’ Registry Week is to create a by-name registry of people living on our streets and in shelters, enabling us to prioritize those who have significant medical issues and have been homeless the longest. The vulnerability index is administered in the form of a survey, which captures a homeless individual’s health and the duration of his/her homelessness. This ranking allows those with the most severe health risks to be identified and prioritized for housing and other support. What we learn together during Registry Week will help us reduce chronic homelessness in Wake and Orange counties.
The campaign is recruiting dedicated volunteers to canvass streets and shelters to survey the most vulnerable homeless individuals and families. To ensure the most accurate count possible, we will survey individuals during the early morning and evening hours for three consecutive days. The survey findings will be presented at a community debriefing at the conclusion of Registry Week on Friday, Jan. 27.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Sunday, Jan. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Participate in a mandatory volunteer training session at the New Hope Fire Station, 4700 N.C. 86 South in Chapel Hill
Monday, Jan. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Survey homeless people staying in shelters in Orange County.
Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Survey unsheltered homeless people at meal distribution locations in Hillsborough and Chapel Hill.
Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 24 and 25, from 4 to 7 a.m.
Take to the streets to survey Orange County’s homeless; we kindly ask that volunteers commit to participating both mornings.
As part of Common Ground’s 100,000 Homes Campaign, the United Way of the Greater Triangle, the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness and the Wake County Partnership to End Homelessness are planning a week-long effort called Registry Week to identify and help persons who are homeless obtain and sustain permanent housing.
The goal of Orange and Wake Counties’ Registry Week is to create a by-name registry of people living on our streets and in shelters, enabling us to prioritize those who have significant medical issues and have been homeless the longest. The vulnerability index is administered in the form of a survey, which captures a homeless individual’s health and the duration of his/her homelessness. This ranking allows those with the most severe health risks to be identified and prioritized for housing and other support. What we learn together during Registry Week will help us reduce chronic homelessness in Wake and Orange counties.
The campaign is recruiting dedicated volunteers to canvass streets and shelters to survey the most vulnerable homeless individuals and families. To ensure the most accurate count possible, we will survey individuals during the early morning and evening hours for three consecutive days. The survey findings will be presented at a community debriefing at the conclusion of Registry Week on Friday, Jan. 27.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Sunday, Jan. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Participate in a mandatory volunteer training session at the New Hope Fire Station, 4700 N.C. 86 South in Chapel Hill
Monday, Jan. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Survey homeless people staying in shelters in Orange County.
Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Survey unsheltered homeless people at meal distribution locations in Hillsborough and Chapel Hill.
Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 24 and 25, from 4 to 7 a.m.
Take to the streets to survey Orange County’s homeless; we kindly ask that volunteers commit to participating both mornings.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Hillsborough police, UNC Habitat to resume tutoring Jan. 23
Free tutoring sessions offered by the Hillsborough Police Department and UNC Habitat for Humanity will restart Jan. 23.
The sessions—available to youths in Orange County Schools—will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday at the Community Policing Substation, 501 Rainey Ave. UNC students will offer tutoring in all subjects except computers.
The Police Department and UNC Habitat began offering the free tutoring in 2008.
For more information or to register, contact Cpl. Tereasa King at (919) 732-2441, ext. 26.
The sessions—available to youths in Orange County Schools—will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday at the Community Policing Substation, 501 Rainey Ave. UNC students will offer tutoring in all subjects except computers.
The Police Department and UNC Habitat began offering the free tutoring in 2008.
For more information or to register, contact Cpl. Tereasa King at (919) 732-2441, ext. 26.
Hillsborough starts team aimed at alcohol law enforcement
The Hillsborough Police Department—in a partnership with the Orange County ABC Board and the Northern Orange Partnership for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth—has started an Alcohol Law Enforcement Response Team to focus on alcohol-related crimes enforcement.
The eight officers currently on the team have received additional training, including training on ABC laws and procedures; constitutional law and search and seizure; party dispersal; campus law enforcement options; and documentation and report writing. The ALERT officers will focus on:
• DWI and alcohol-related traffic enforcement
• Compliance operations targeting sales to underage buyers
• ABC enforcement
• Party response
• Public and youth education.
For more information, see the Jan. 11 edition of the News of Orange,
The eight officers currently on the team have received additional training, including training on ABC laws and procedures; constitutional law and search and seizure; party dispersal; campus law enforcement options; and documentation and report writing. The ALERT officers will focus on:
• DWI and alcohol-related traffic enforcement
• Compliance operations targeting sales to underage buyers
• ABC enforcement
• Party response
• Public and youth education.
For more information, see the Jan. 11 edition of the News of Orange,
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