State reports more than 200 wildfires in past week

State officials say dry air and high winds in recent days have sparked an unusually high number of wildfires in North Carolina.

State and local firefighters battled 211 wildfires from the coast to the mountains last weekend. Those fires burned nearly 678 acres. The No. 1 cause of wildfires in North Carolina is human carelessness.

“People need to use common sense if they intend to burn yard debris such as sticks and leaves,” said Wib Owen, North Carolina’s state forester. “Check the weather report to be sure that conditions will allow for safe burning and only burn when winds are light. Do not burn on windy days and if unsure, call your local fire department to see if they think it’s a good idea to burn that day.”

DMV offices will be closed Monday

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reminds drivers that all driver license offices will be closed on President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 21, for an update of the National Driver Registry. The system update will affect driver licensing transactions around the country throughout the President’s Day weekend, but is expected to curtail business in North Carolina for just one day.

Drivers requiring a new or renewed driver license, learner permit, commercial driver license, or ID card should plan visits to the driver license office at other times. Driver licenses may be renewed up to six months prior to the birthday renewal date. Appointments for driver improvement clinics will not be accepted on Feb. 21; however, hearings already scheduled to take place at driver license offices will be held.

During the closure, the state’s driver license examiners and other employees will report to work to undergo additional training required by computer upgrades and changes to federal requirements.

The closure will not affect license plate agencies that register and title vehicles, including the DMV-run agencies in Raleigh and Charlotte. Applications for duplicate licenses and ID cards, usually available by applying online, may continue to be submitted through the DMV website.

All offices are expected to reopen for business at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Questions about DMV services may be directed to (919) 715-7000.

Hagan will serve as co-chair of Third Way

U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) announced that she will serve as an honorary co-chair of Third Way, a prominent policy organization committed to promoting effective, moderate solutions to our most pressing national challenges.
“I am honored to work with Third Way and other moderate members of Congress to advance sensible, bipartisan solutions that will strengthen the economy and move North Carolina and our country forward,” said Hagan. “North Carolinians are sick of Washington partisanship. Working together, we can move away from the polarization that has caused so much gridlock on Capitol Hill to create a business climate in this country that allows for job creation and economic growth.”
Hagan, who recently joined the Senate Banking Committee, is also a co-chair of Third Way’s new Clean Energy Innovation Project, which supports investing in research and development for American-made clean energy.

CWS boys and girls basketball games canceled

This just came across my e-mail: The C.W. Stanford Middle School boys' and girls' basketball games originally scheduled for today, Tuesday, Dec. 14, are canceled and they have not been rescheduled at this time.

Obama administration seeks to keep NC teachers working

From the White House:

Obama Administration Presses to Keep North Carolina Teachers Working

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With state and local budget shortfalls threatening the jobs of hundreds of thousands of educators in North Carolina and across the country, the Obama Administration is pressing Congress to approve emergency funding to keep them on the job.

“It is crucial that we keep our teachers in the classroom,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said.  “Our teachers are vital to our students’ success, our economy’s success, and our nation’s success.  We must act now to prevent teachers from being laid off and ensure that America’s students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in the 21st century.”

The economic downturn has placed massive strain on state and local budgets.  As education makes up one of the largest single items in state budgets, schools, classrooms, and teacher jobs have been targeted for significant cuts.  Such a massive loss of jobs will impact students through reductions in core class time, overcrowded classrooms, shortened school calendars, cuts to afterschool programming, fewer early childhood opportunities, and reduced access to college counselors and school nurses.

In response, the Obama Administration is pressing Congress to approve $23 billion in emergency support to preserve education jobs across the country.  This funding will keep teachers in the classroom at all levels, including post-secondary, while helping to sustain meaningful and necessary reforms underway in public education.  The President also is urging Congress to approve $1 billion to preserve early childhood education jobs to ensure that young children do not lose services critical to their learning and well-being.

According to provisional estimates by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, this funding will support the jobs of approximately 300,000 educators, including approximately 10,340 in North Carolina.

“As state lawmakers and school districts across the country are finalizing their budgets for the coming year, we must act quickly and responsibly to offer the assistance they need – to keep our teachers teaching, keep our students learning, and keep our economy growing.  Investing in education now will help tens of millions of students become more productive citizens and positively affect America’s long-term fiscal health,” Secretary Duncan said.

releases from Joe Phelps and Keith Cook

Final two presses releases for the filing season. I'm sure we'll get more statements, though, as the election cycle heats up!

Here's one from former Hillsborough Mayor Joe Phelps, who is running for the Board of County Commissioners:

Today I filed to run for The Orange County Board of County Commissioners, at large seat. After the constant urging from many voters over many years, I believe now is the time to offer my service to the residents of Orange County as a candidate for County Commissioner.  It would be my honor and a true privilege to serve the citizens of Orange County as their commissioner.

I was born in 1950 to Margaret Walker Phelps and the late Marvin Phelps , both native to Orange County. My Father was a farmer and mother taught in the Orange County school system for over 25 years. I have 2 sisters Elaine Marinucci and Rachel Hawkins. Rachel still lives in the Hillsborough area.  I feel very fortunate to have grown up on the family farm,  located on Hwy 57, north of Hillsborough.  In 1968, I graduated from Orange  High School.  After attending Campbell College and the Technical Institute of Alamance earning a degree in business, I came back to my love of the family farm which I managed for over 15 years. I also owned and operated a concrete delivery company serving Orange County.  After obtaining my real estate license, I worked for several local companies before starting Phelps Realty which I own and operate at the present time.

I have been active in public service on volunteer boards both at the county level and for the Town of Hillsborough. I was elected and served as the Mayor of Hillsborough for two terms from 2001 to 2005.

As a successful business owner, I understand what it takes to succeed even during the current economic downturn. Like a private business, strong county government requires strong business practices. I would bring a fresh face with more than 30 years of business experience to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

I am concerned about the ever increasing property tax burden on Orange County citizens. Almost every year for the past 20 years the county commissioners have increased our property taxes.  Rather than continuing to increase taxes on Orange County homeowners, our commissioners need to focus on creating a strong commercial tax base.  We need to focus on creating a detailed plan for economic development.  The Orange County Economic Development Department is the vehicle through which this could be accomplished. In order to make this important goal a reality, I pledge to work closely with and direct the Economic Development Department to aggressively pursue environmentally friendly, sound economic development opportunities. 


The Orange County School System and its excellent teachers deserve a great deal of credit for my success in life.  I appreciate the high level of funding that our county passes along to our school systems.  Despite this high level of county funding, our school systems face ever shrinking budgets.  With more resources from sound economic development, maintaining and improving our school systems would be a much easier task.

I believe my daily interaction with county residents will help me bring to the Board the concerns and problems facing our citizens.  I look forward to the chance of helping Orange County become an even better place to live and raise a family.

Here's former Board of Education member and NOETF supporter Keith Cook's statement:

After receiving many calls from friends and supporters to run again for the Orange County Board of Education and spending time deliberating and praying about the future and how this would impact my life, I decided to move forward with my candidacy and file for one of the four school board positions.

For 10 years, beginning in 1994, I was a dedicated school board member who worked hard to improve the future of our children in the Orange County school district.

As most people know, I lost my re-election bid in 2004 as an incumbent member of the Orange County Board of Education because of the graduation speech I used at Cedar Ridge High School. That fateful night is one that will never be forgotten by me or my supporters.

If I could turn back the hands of time to reverse my actions that night I would----It was never my intent to hurt the first-ever graduates of Cedar Ridge High School, their families, the school district or our community.

What I did cause this great school community a lot of embarrassment and for that I am truly sorry. I'm not perfect, but who is? I have indeed grown from that experience.

I am passionate about the Orange County Schools and I love this community and what it stands for with all my heart. For those reasons, I continue everyday to demonstrate my commitment through my words, my deeds and my service.

Over the years, I've been a strong advocate for children and I am extremely passionate about ALL children getting a sound, quality education and the skills they need to be successful adults.

As a potential school board member I want to see continued focus on the district's efforts  to reduce the dropout and suspension rates. Furthermore, I believe we need to have more meaningful  deliberate ways to raise academic performance for ALL children, and close the  achievement gap among our minority students. Hiring highly qualified teachers and support staff from diverse backgrounds and giving our current professionals  the administrative backing they need to do their jobs well is also a priority.

Helping the district achieve fiscal accountability in these tough economic times is a challenge. I will work diligently to help our schools find the needed funds to continue moving forward.

As a candidate for the Orange County Board of Education, I promise to be dedicated and committed to educational excellence through my experience, my leadership and my service to all and not a few, and through collaboration with anyone who wants to improve the future of our students.

(more) election press releases

Here are some more press releases from school board hopefuls.

From Donna Dean Coffey, former budget director:

On Tuesday, February 23, 2010, Donna Dean Coffey announced her plans to run for a seat on the Orange County Board of Education. She released this statement.

"As a society, we are facing some of the most challenging times in history — balancing ever increasing needs with strained financial, capital, and human resources. The County County Board of Education is no exception. To that end, we must be wise and informed stewards with what is available to  us. With almost thirty years of experience in local government budgeting, finance, and policy development, I believe I will be a very valuable asset to the District on this front."

"Other key priorities for me include:
    • Proactive, open, and clear communication
    • Provide avenues that encourage more students to stay in school and graduate
    • Ensure students, teachers, parents, and staff have access to tools necessary for future
         success in a diverse world and ever-changing economy
    • Provide safe, modern, and health learning environments
    • Strengthen collaborative relationships with local, regional, and State partners

"We are fortunate to live in a community that places great value on education. Over the last several months, I have listened as many Orange County residents, parents, teachers and students have spoken to me about our school district. It is clear everyone places a high priority on providing the best possible educational opportunities for all our children. It is also clear Orange County Schools faces many challenges. I believe my experience, desire to learn, willingness to listen, and dedication to our children and community will allow me to contribute a great deal to the Orange County Board of Education.

"Excellent school systems are the backbone of fruitful communities. I believe the Orange County School District has all of the components to be successful — excellent students, dedicated teachers, committed parents, and a professional administration. I would be honored to serve as a leader on this education team. Feel free to contact me at coffey4ocs@gmail.com."

Donna  Dean Coffey, 50, recently had the opportunity to retire from Orange County Local Government after almost thirty years of public service. During her tenure, she served in a number of positions with her must recent appointment being Budget Director — a position she held for more than twelve years. As she transitions into this news chapter of her life, Coffey is interested in opportunities that allow her to make the most of her life experiences and professional knowledge, skills and abilities.

Long time residents of Orange County, Coffey and her family live in the Efland/Cedar Grove area. Her husband, Kevin, is a retired Army veteran. Her oldest children, Kasey Dean and Austin Coffey, attend Orange High School while her youngest daughter, Korie Dean, is a fifth grade student at Hillsborough Elementary. She and her family actively participate in various church, school, and community events.

Additional Information

    Education and Professional Development    • Completion of Orange County's "Leadership Challenge," March 2008.
    • Municipal and County Administration Class, School of Government, Chapel Hill,                 North Carlina, May 1992.
    • Attended North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 1988 though             1990. Public Administration.
    • Graduated, Alamance Community College, Graham, North Carolina, 1977 though                 1979. A.A.S. Accounting.

    Professional Memberships
    • Former Member and Treasurer, North Carolina Local Government Budget Association
    • Former Member, North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association
    • Former Member and Budget Reviewer, Government Finance Officers Association
    • Former Member, Public Education Steering Committee, North Carolina Association of         County Commissioners
    • Former Member, Taxation and Finance Steering Committee, North Carolina                         Association of County Commissioners
    • Former Member, Municipal and County Administration Alumni Association

Community Involvement• Parent Volunteer, Hillsborough Elementary School and Orange High School
• Youth Group Volunteer, Walnut Grove United Methodist Church, Hurdle Mills
• Youth Leader, Hummingbirds 4-H Club
• USO, Raleigh Durham International Airport

Here's one from Central Elementary School PTSA president Laura Nicholson:

PTSA president to run for Orange County School Board, sees fiscal responsibility, increased communication, community involvement and transparency as key issues.

Local community volunteer and parent advocate Laura Nicholson announced Monday that she is seeking a spot on the Orange County School's (OCS) Board of Education.

With the challenges that the district and the community face in light of the current economy and resulting tightening budget, Nicholson believes that she can bring to the table a fresh voice and new perspective on how best to handle these challenges.

Laura draws from her experience working throughout the Northern Orange County community. Most recently, she started the OCS Parent Council, a group that unites individual school PTA's and advodates for children throughout the district. Nicholson currently serves as PTSA President at Central Elementary School and has worked tirelessly to start an afterschool science club for K-2 students and other programs aimed at helping all students succeed at CES. Laura has been instrumental in increased Parent Involvement at Central, uniting parents, and boosting PTSA membership. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the CHTOP Headstart/More at Four programs and has held events to benefit local fire departments and other non-profit organizations.

Nicholson's work as a business manager for a pharmaceutical wholesaler means that she is no stranger to dealing with complex issues and a multi-million dollar budget. She is also a proud parent of three children, two of which attend Orange County Schools.

Laura Nicholson is running for OCS School Board on a platform of fiscal responsibility, increased communication, community involvement, and transparency. She is committed to uniting parents throughout the community and to ensuring that all parents have access to the information and decisions made by the School Board.

For more information, please visit Laura's website at www.lauranforschoolboard.com or email lauranforschoolboard@gmail.com.

Here's one from current board chair Anne Medenblik:

Anne Medenblik, chair of the Orange County Board of Education, has filed to run for a second term to fill one of the four vacant seats on the school board. She resides north of Hillsborough with her husband and two children who attend high school in the district. She states she is running for this public office because she remains committed to public education in Orange  County. “It’s a great place to live. We love the schools in the Orange County district, and I am willing to make a commitment to give back to a community that provides a quality education for my children. Serving on the board has allowed me to honor that commitment.”  
As a school volunteer she has served on PTA’s, coordinated read-a-thons and book fairs, and recently coached a Battle of the Books team at Central Elementary School. Her experience as a teacher and parent has provided an understanding of the character and academic development of children, while her background in accounting has been helpful in analyzing the district’s $60 million dollar budget.

 She has served as a Girl Scout leader, member of the district’s Middle School Task Force and School Health Advisory Council, and is familiar with the time commitment and learning curve necessary to be an effective board member.

She believes in:

•       Promoting excellence in education by recruiting and retaining excellent teachers
•        Continuing support for the purchase and implementation of technology in our schools
•        Engaging the community in support of schools
•        Continuing the progress in closing the achievement gap
•        Improving the learning climate to elevate student achievement for every child

“We have to provide a quality education for each and every child in our school system while at the same time face a shrinking budget. It is a challenge, but not an impossible one. The data shows we are making progress and experiencing many successes along the way. I look forward to seeing that trend continue.”

Last but not least, here's one from former library director and Board of Education member Brenda Stephens:

"I want to serve on the Orange County Board of Education because I want to be a part of a process that will make a difference for our young people. We all know that education is one important predictor of future success and I believe that most parents want success for their children. This is our common ground. I have the skills, leadership abilities, life experiences, and desire to help make this a reality for our community.

Our attention should remain on the fundamentals which has brought us success in the past and will continue to provide success in the future.

election 2010 press releases (so far)

Here's the press release from Deborah B. Brooks, who is running for Register of Deeds:

I am please to announce that I am filing today (Feb. 8, 2010) for the office of Register of Deeds of Orange County.

I have lived in Orange County all of my life (53 years) and have worked in the Register of Deeds Office since 1975 (34 years). The Register of Deeds is one of the most important elected positions in local government with high standards and high responsibility. The safety and integrity of your land and vital records depends on an experienced and competent leader in the Register of Deeds office. I pledge to every citizen of Orange County that I have the experience, competency and integrity to maintain and enhance this office. I would be honored to serve as Register of Deeds of Orange County.

We face a time when every service offered by local government must be cost efficient while meeting the needs of citizens. Staffing and technology must provide effective opportunities to enhance our service while saving the taxpayer money, and that's the strategy I will use, along with a total commitment to protect the integrity of your records.

If you have any questions or concerns about our office or my candidacy, please feel free to contact me. (E-mail: dbrooks16@nc.rr.com)

Rep. Bill Faison also released a statement about his candidacy:

Bill Faison filed Monday, February 8, 2010, for a fourth term in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Bill lives on in Cedar Grove located in northern Orange County with his three sons.  He has represented House District 50, which is all of Caswell County and approximately 75% of Orange County, following redistricting six years ago.

Bill is very active in the Legislature currently serving as Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means – Broadband Connectivity Committee, Vice Chairman of the House Committees on Agriculture, Public Utilities and Judiciary III, and a member of the House Committees on Insurance and Finance. Moreover he is the Chairman of the House Select Committee on High Speed Internet Access in Rural and Urban Areas, and the Chairman of the House Democrats Business Caucus. Additionally he serves on the House Select Committees on 911 Funding Use and Coyote Nuisance Removal.

Bill says, “I am very proud to represent all of the people of our District in the Legislature. I have introduced and gotten passed a number of laws that help both our community and our State. Moreover I have steered good legislation through and have blocked some bad legislation that would have hurt folks”. Bill has either sponsored or cosponsored new laws that improve and promote education and healthcare, raise teacher and state employee pay, promote new jobs, increase the minimum wage, protect the community from sexual predators, expand elder care, protect the environment, and make sure that folks who are disadvantaged have an opportunity for education and State contracts. He has voted for legislation that prohibits illegal aliens from holding State jobs. Bill says, “I have worked hard to promote education while fighting those who try to raise taxes.”

Bill says, “I am committed to representing our community in the Legislature. These are tough times. We need someone in Raleigh who understands our needs and can fight for change to help the folks in our community. This is why I am running again for my seat.” 

Two candidates for the Board of County Commissioners released statements. Here's Alice Gordon's:

Today (Feb. 8, 2010) Alice Gordon announced her re-election campaign for Orange County Commissioner in District 1, representing the Chapel Hill and Carrboro area.

She said she is running because she would like to build on her contributions to county government, and cited environmental advocacy, regional transportation, and school excellence as three areas in which she has made a difference.

She will work on these and other county issues in a fiscally responsible way and strive to maintain important county services that support our core values, while recognizing that the county has significant budget constraints.  The county must increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, and strive to streamline county services to reduce expenses.

Commissioner Gordon is a dedicated advocate for our environment.  To date, the county's award-winning "Lands Legacy" resource conservation program, which she was instrumental in creating, has protected over 2500 acres, including land for parks, farmland preservation, and protection of our water and other natural resources.  Her focus now
will be the wise use of our water resources, so that we have clean water that is fairly allocated.  She will also work for the completion of planned recreation and park facilities when financially possible.

As chair of both the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro metropolitan transportation planning organization and Triangle Transit, she has advocated for improving public transit in the region.  The TTA bus route between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, which she helped to
develop, is one of Triangle Transit's most successful routes. Recently she helped lead the effort to create the award winning regional long range transportation plan for the Triangle, which has received national recognition.  In the future she will continue this work to promote effective public transit, and other efforts to achieve clear air and energy efficiency.  This work on transportation will also complement her other efforts on behalf of our older and younger residents.

Commissioner Gordon will continue her strong commitment to excellent schools.  She supports the Schools Adequate  Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO), and also believes that more attention should be directed to improving older school facilities.  She believes the most
pressing public education issue is to continue school excellence in a climate of scarce resources, and she supports our public libraries and their role in life long learning.

She will encourage and support green businesses for the county, "Buy Local" efforts, and sustainable development, building on the county's assets as a great place to live.  She believes that working for a vibrant economy in a socially and environmentally responsible way is an important part of her job as a commissioner.

 Commissioner Barry Jacobs also sent over a statement:

Serving as an Orange County commissioner has been an honor and a privilege. After careful consideration, and at the generous urging of friends, supporters, and colleagues, I have decided to seek re-election in that capacity.

We face a tremendously unsettled economic landscape and a period of significant transition within Orange County government. I believe my experience, willingness to listen, and commitment to seeking collaborative, creative solutions are well suited to guiding us through these challenging times.

I remain firmly committed to quality public education and environmental stewardship; to social justice and a compassionate safety net for those least able to help themselves; to government that is cost-effective and customer-oriented; to meaningful support for sustainable economic development; and to proactive partnerships within and beyond our county in education and library services, transportation and national resource protection, agricultural enhancement and solid waste management, land-use planning and improved service delivery.

Over the coming weeks and months I will share fresh ideas on how to approach the challenges  and opportunities that confront us, just as I have through 25 years of leadership as a citizen-volunteer and public servant.

For the Orange County Board of Education, two candidates also sent over releases. Here is incumbent Debbie Piscitelli's:

Debbie Piscitelli will seek a second term on the Orange County School Board. She is a long-time OCS volunteer who is a mother of two boys currently attending CW Stanford Middle School.

“I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve our community as a member of our school board.  It has been a wonderful experience meeting and working with the talented and committed people in this district and I would like to continue this work as we prepare our students for the future.”

Dr. Piscitelli, a pharmacist and medical writer, completed post-doctoral training at Duke University Medical Center. She has stressed the use of data to guide decision-making on district issues.

“Over the past four years, I have brought a scientific view to the board.  We have improved our use of data to evaluate student performance and district programs. In these economic times we must continue this approach to assure the taxpayers we are wisely using our limited resources.”

“As we make those difficult decisions, we need to remember that we are educating the whole child while educating all children.  Academic performance is paramount; additionally, we must remember our students are learning valuable skills participating in co-curriculum programs such as athletics, cultural arts, and agriculture. We have over 7000 students:  all with individual needs. We have students who struggle academically, students who have special needs, students whose native language is not English, students who are part of an achievement gap, and others who are academically advanced and need additional services to be challenged.  We must be committed to all our students.”

Piscitelli also believes that communication is critical and this is an area where the district must improve. “With the technological advances in communication, our responsiveness to our parents, guardians, and the community should be better. If a parent requests information or has a concern, we should acknowledge them and promptly respond.”
She can be contacted at dapocs@nc.rr.com or on Facebook at Deborah Piscitelli.

Hillsborough Elementary School PTA member Will Atherton also threw his hat in the ring:

Will Atherton has announced that he will run for Orange County School board.  Will, along with his wife Allyson and two children, has lived in Orange County for over 8 years and reside in Hillsborough.  Both children attend elementary school in Orange County and are active in community events and local sports organizations.

In December 1997, Will completed his Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Technology at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Will received his Master’s degree in Network Engineering from North Carolina State University in May 2003.

During his twelve years of employment with IBM, Will has been named Master Inventor, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Senior Member, Senior technical staff member, and has received numerous outstanding technical achievement awards. Will is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, A+ industry standard certified for computer support technicians and currently holds eleven U.S. patents.  With his experience, Will brings a unique view to problem solving, data analysis and a deep technical background that will benefit the Orange County School system’s current financial and educational challenges.

Will’s background in education, as a student, instructor and higher education teacher, would allow him to bring a more defined focus on the overall education of all the children in Orange County, focusing on accountability in the classroom, school administration and Central Office practices.

Community involvement has always been a high priority for Will.  For the past 8 years he has served on board of directors for the Churton Grove Homeowners’ Association.  He was recently named as a chair-member for the Sportsplex Community Advisory Committee for the Orange County Board of Commissioners.  Will is an active participant in Orange County Schools as a volunteer in the classroom and at school events, and is a member of the Hillsborough Elementary School PTA.  Outside of school sponsored events, Will is also involved with local sports organizations as a volunteer and coach in HYAA and Upward sports.

Key areas of interest include:

Education accountability
Accountability with regular assessments & reviews
Fostering proven programs
Focusing on closing the achievement gap
Evolve programs for at-risk kids
Cultivate educational environments for all children and staff
Promote policies to ensure a safe and secure learning environment
Commitment to quality
Develop policies that address changing needs of all children
Listen, be responsive and proactive to all citizens’ concerns
Focus measurable results in the classroom and in the Central Office
Fiscal responsibility
Realistic budget planning
Ensure focus on education for all children
Ensure sustainability

Willforschools.com (website will be running soon)
 

cancellations

The following press release just came across our e-mail. I imagine it means all evening and weekend events are canceled in the district. I know for sure the Hillsborough Elementary School movie night is postponed until next Friday. Let the cancellations begin!

“URGENT!!” 
   …FYI…
   Due to the INCLEMENT WEATHER coming into our area tomorrow, the OCS Board of Education has CANCELLED ALL PRACTICES and ATHLETIC EVENTS for Friday, January 29th & Sat., January 30th (entire weekend!) 

**ALL of OHS & CRHS Basketball Games are CANCELLED for Friday, Jan. 29th  -  and are NOT Rescheduled at this time.  [Please watch the OCS Athletic Calendars (on the OCS Website), and all updates & rescheduled athletic events will be posted on each schools’ Jan. & Feb. Calendars, …as soon as the Final Rescheduled information is received.

**Sat., Jan. 30th – ‘CAROLINA 9 – 1A/2A Conf. Wrestling Tournament is also CANCELLED & IS Rescheduled for Sat., February 6th, @ CRHS – Weigh-Ins start @ 9:00 a.m. & the Wrestling will start @ 10:00 a.m.

   Thank for your Patience!!
    …We are terribly sorry for any inconvenience that this might have caused for you and your family!  Have a Nice & Very Safe Weekend ahead!

UPDATE at 10:10 a.m.: The Eno River Farmer's Market will not hold a market Saturday. They'll be back next Saturday at the Public Market House from 10 a.m. to noon.

UPDATE at 10:14 a.m.: The Hillsborough Town Board's retreat will be postponed until next weekend.

UPDATE at 12:40 p.m.: Via OCMLibrary's Twitter feed: "Friends of the Library has rescheduled the Bargain Book sale to February 6th 10am - 4pm due to weather. More info: http://bit.ly/bFU2KD"

UPDATE at 12:42 p.m.: The following just came across our e-mail, from the IRS:

GREENSBORO- Due to the forecast calling for possible severe winter weather conditions, the IRS has cancelled special Saturday hours at 5 of 7 locations in the Carolinas this weekend.

These special hours were originally scheduled to provide help to taxpayers who earned less than $49,000 in 2009 by determining if these taxpayers are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and offering them free tax preparation assistance and electronic filing.

“In the interest of both the safety of taxpayers and our employees, the IRS has cancelled Saturday hours at locations in the Carolinas where there is a potential for hazardous winter weather,” said Mark Hanson, IRS spokesperson for the Carolinas.

The following offices, previously scheduled to be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, will be closed:
Charlotte,  NC
Greensboro,  NC
Hickory,  NC
Raleigh,  NC
Greenville,  SC

The following IRS offices will be open as originally scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday:
            Wilmington,  NC
            Charleston,  SC

The address for IRS offices may be found here: http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html.

All seven IRS locations listed above are scheduled to be open for special Saturday hours again Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide the same free services to qualifying taxpayers who made less than $49,000 in 2009.

Eligible taxpayers who are unable to get free services from IRS offices during normal business hours or during special Saturday hours held at some locations may want to consider using the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.  Community organizations throughout the Carolinas participate in VITA where IRS-trained volunteers help prepare and e-file tax returns for qualifying taxpayers.

To find the nearest VITA site, call the United Way at 2-1-1, the AARP at 1-888-227-7669, or the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Taxpayers eligible for EITC may also want to consider using IRS Free File to prepare and e-file their federal income tax return online at no cost.  Visit www.irs.gov/freefile for more info.

UPDATE at 2:13 p.m.: The Hillsborough Visitors Center will be closed Saturday and Sunday.

UPDATE at 4:41 p.m.: Here's Hillsborough's emergency preparedness site, for more information: http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/content/emergency-information.

Also, our advertising manager just came back from Home Depot, and she said the whole Hampton Pointe shopping centre is a hot mess, with a line to get out the goes passed the traffic circle. Good luck if you have to get in or out of there.

2010 census road tour heading to chapel hill

Just in case anyone was interested:

National 2010 Census Road Tour Heads to UNC vs. Ga. Tech Game
Fans Invited to Participate in Interactive Experience that Brings 2010 Census to Life

What:    The nationwide 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour will stop in Chapel Hill, N.C., for the North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech men’s basketball game. Fans are invited to learn about the census through an educational, engaging and interactive experience that brings the 2010 Census to life — creating a “portrait of America.”

               The Road Tour’s national vehicle, nicknamed “Mail It Back,” began its cross-country tour last week from New York City to exhibit at more than 800 events nationwide. The Road Tour will attempt to motivate America’s growing and increasingly diverse population to complete and mail back the 10-question census form when it arrives in mailboxes March 15-17.
         
When:    Saturday, Jan. 16, following the basketball game, approximately 4 p.m.

Where:   Adjacent to Dean E. Smith Center on UNC campus on William Blythe Drive
                Chapel Hill


For more information about the 2010 Census and the Road Tour, please visit 2010census.gov
and follow us on Twitter (@2010Portrait), Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube (/uscensusbureau).

DTCC library patrons not affected by security breach

This just came across my e-mail:

Durham Tech Library Patrons Not Affected by Security Breach

(DURHAM, N.C.) – Durham Technical Community College’s library patrons
are not affected by the library computer security breach the North
Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) recently announced. The breach
was caused by unauthorized access to a computer server that hosts
library patron information. When the Community College Libraries in
North Carolina (CCLINC) recommended that all of the state’s community
colleges cease storing Social Security numbers in patron records in
2007, Durham Tech followed the recommendation and discontinued using
them. The college has never recorded driver’s license numbers for
library use purposes.

According to Irene Laube, assistant dean for the Durham Tech’s library
services, college staff members examined every patron record and removed
all Social Security numbers before July 1, 2007. “Because of the
measures we had already taken, Durham Tech’s library patrons were not at
risk of having any personal information compromised by this incident,”
she said.

Although some of the state’s community college libraries stored Social
Security and driver’s license numbers in their patron records, NCCCS
officials do not believe this data was accessed. The NCCCS library
server provides a data entry system for cataloging and tracking library
materials for 46 community college libraries. The server is accessed by
more than 270,000 patrons. NCCCS officials think the recent compromise
was limited to the operating system and the installation of “chat”
software. The affected colleges are notifying 9,000 patrons of the
security breach.

FYI: Stanford field day canceled

This just came across my e-mail:

ATTENTION:
C.W. Stanford Middle School - Field & Maintenance Workday – (which was originally scheduled for tomorrow, Sat., Oct. 10th) is CANCELLED for tomorrow, Due to the Treatment of the playing fields. We will reschedule at a later date!

More (minor) changes coming to solid waste services

Some small changes are coming to county solid waste customers, and it only affects those in Carrboro and Chapel Hill town limits, meaning Hillsborough is not affected. Which is why it's on the blog but not in the paper. From Solid Waste:

Beginning Monday September 14 about 10,500 households within town limits of Carrboro and Chapel Hill will have a new curbside recycling day.
There will be no change in service for 7,700 homes, including all households within the Town of Hillsborough. Affected households are being mailed a postcard alerting them to the change. Signs will be posted at key intersection of impacted areas.
Route information will be posted on the County's web page www.co.orange.nc.us/recycling.
"Over the past ten years the differential growth in our communities has resulted in a significant imbalance in the number of households serviced each day," explained Gayle Wilson, Solid Waste Management Director. "As a result of the current uneven geographic distribution of the units serviced on any one day, present routes are inefficient and have become operationally impractical. The expansion of collection programs to include mixed paper in 2006 and now corrugated cardboard in 2008 has resulted in each household generating more recyclable material. This has put pressure on the current collection system and has exposed the need to perform this reroute to increase efficiency."
Rerouting the urban curbside program will help make collection more efficient, rebalance the work-load, and help to ensure the best service for our citizens. A comprehensive outreach effort to publicize the reroute will make the transition relatively smooth. The majority of the costs for this outreach campaign will be paid for by curbside contractor Waste Industries.
Impacted households are evenly distributed throughout Carrboro and Chapel Hill while the service day for households in the Town of Hillsborough will not be effected. This reroute will end the informal practice of having recycling collection and trash collection take place on the same day for residents of Carrboro. There has been no effort, past or present, to coordinate the trash collection day and recycling day in the two other municipalities, and the need to maintain this routing practice for Carrboro is no longer practical as it has become counter productive to the creating the most efficient routing.

As many might have noticed, this is not the only change coming to Solid Waste services in the county. A week from Sunday, the Bradshaw Quarry Solid Waste Convenience Center (or BQSWCC, as the kids call it) will be closing permanently. Residents are still urging commissioners to reconsider the "permanently" part.

rural tour

State Superintendent June Atkinson — along with federal officials — will be in Richmond County to discuss issues affecting people living in rural areas.

(I know it's not as interesting as the Castillo updates, but it's something.)

Anyway, here's the statement from the Department of Public Instruction:

State Superintendent Atkinson to Attend Community Forum with US Education Secretary

State Superintendent June Atkinson will attend a Community Forum with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Richmond Community College (Richmond County) on Monday, Aug. 17 from 1-3 p.m.

The forum also will include U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and is part of the Obama Administration's Rural Tour, which is giving national leaders an opportunity to talk with citizens about efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America, including rural education and workforce development.

The event will be held in the Robert L. and Elizabeth S. Cole Auditorium and Community Center on the college campus. Citizens are invited to attend the event and provide their ideas and ask questions about rural education and workforce development. Tickets and reservations are not required for this event.

Superintendent Atkinson has been focusing on workforce preparedness since the spring. She convened the State Superintendent's Career-Ready Commission in April to develop recommendations on issues pertaining to workforce development, workforce education and economic development in North Carolina. The commission is reviewing current and future labor market needs for the next decade, considering the role of entrepreneurship in economic development and examining workforce development and education with an international perspective.

"I look forward to listening to the views of citizens and leaders in the Richmond County area," Atkinson said. "Meeting the educational and economic needs of rural communities is an important element to building a strong 21st century economy in North Carolina."

For more information, please contact the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction"s Communications division at 919.807.3450.

ncdpi requesting some title i waivers

From the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:

PUBLIC NOTICE

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Seeks Comment on its Request for Waivers to Federal Education Law, Title I, Part A

Public Notice is hereby given that the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction plans to submit a request for several waivers to the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. These waivers will allow local education agencies flexibility with Title I, Part A, funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The waivers being requested include:

WAIVERS OF TITLE I, PART A STATUTORY AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (SES) AND PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE

• Waivers of the Prohibition on Approving Schools and LEAs in Improvement, Corrective Action, or Restructuring as SES Providers

• Waivers to allow a LEA to offer SES in addition to public school choice to eligible students in Title I schools in the first year of school improvement

WAIVERS RELATED TO TITLE I, PART A ARRA FUNDS

• Waivers to allow exclusion of Title I, Part A ARRA funds in “set-aside” calculations

• Waivers to allow exclusion of Title I, Part A ARRA funds in determining the per-pupil amount for SES

The public is invited to review and comment on these waiver requests by August 21, 2009. Interested persons may present their written comments to:

Donna Brown, Section Chief
Program Monitoring
6351 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6351http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Email: dbrown@dpi.state.nc.us

To learn more about Title I, here is a link to No Child Left Behind, Title I, Part A, legislation.

For plain English, try this link.

For information from NCDPI, go here.

in brief

Welcome to August, everyone.

Josh is sitting in court today for the Castillo trial.

I'm working on a few things, trying to get call backs and tie up the loose ends on stories I'm working on.

Though this is not specifically our area, I thought some of you out there might be interested in the following press release, which just came across our e-mail:

Local Band & Club Hold Fundraiser for Durham Women Killed in Car Wreck

Friends of Julie Hatch and Jonel Hoogterp, two Durham women killed in a July 25th car wreck in Michigan, have planned a fundraiser for the women on Friday, August 7th at Club Steel Blue in Durham.

Friends and family established a fund for the women soon after the accident and approached the local band, Sudden Affair, about the possibility of turning its August 7th show at Steel Blue into a fundraiser. Sudden Affair's front-woman and songwriter, Andi Morgan, and Steel Blue owner, Diane Graves, who both share several friends with
Hatch and Hoogterp, were happy to make the change and worked quickly to make necessary adjustments.

"I only met Julie a couple of times and unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet Jonel, but I understand they were both wonderful people who touched the lives of many, including several close friends of mine," Morgan said. "I hope we are able to raise a substantial amount of money that can help offset the burden and loss already placed on the families," she added.

The car accident, which occurred July 25th at a family reunion in Michigan, killed 31-year-old Julie Hatch instantly and left her partner, 26-year-old Jonel Hoogterp, in critical condition. Hoogterp passed away Friday, July 31st after nearly a week in a medically induced coma at Marquette General Hospital in Michigan. Hoogterp did not have medical insurance.

The show will be held Friday, August 7th at Steel Blue, located at 1426 S. Miami Blvd. in Durham. Doors open at 8 p.m. and all door proceeds will be donated to the families. Admission is $3-15, depending on what guests wish and are able to give. Donations to The Jonel Fund can also be made online at www.nodcraft.com/thejonelfund.html. For more information about Steel Blue or Sudden Affair, visit them online at www.clubsteelblue.com and www.reverbnation.com/andimorgan.

physicals for local high school athletes

I got some information on physicals for high school athletes today. The first is from UNC for free physicals. I'm checking with the media contact to find out if Orange High School students will be getting the same treatment. The second is from Orange County Schools about physicals in Hillsborough.

UNC Orthopaedics to provide free physical exams to local high school
athletes

WHO: An estimated 450 high school athletes from the following Orange County schools: Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High School,Carrboro High School, Cedar Ridge High School, Northwood High School.

WHAT: UNC Orthopaedics physicians will provide free pre-participation physical exams to high school athletes.

WHEN: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29.

WHERE: The UNC Orthopaedics clinic in the Ambulatory Care Center at 101 Mason Farm Road on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus.

BACKGROUND INFO: UNC Orthopaedics anticipates doing nearly 450 pre-participation physicals that evening, and will have more than 15 attending and resident physicians on site doing the work. Without such an opportunity, these athletes would likely have to pay approximately $100 each for a physical exam.

In addition, UNC Orthopaedics provides these athletes with on-field physician coverage for home football games at each of these schools,access to the UNC Orthopaedics Prompt Care Clinic, and their trainers have 24-hour access their trainers have to UNC sports physicians.

From OCS:

SPORTS PHYSICAL’S Opportunities:
1.) The Hillsborough Family Medical Group on 101 East Corbin Street, Hillsborough, NC will be offering Sports Physicals on a regular basis. You can call their Medical Office @ #919-643-7603 & make an appointment for a Sports Physical. The everyday Cost of a Sports Physical is $35.00, (NO Insurance claims will be filed.)

2.) The Orange Family Medical Group on 210 S. Cameron Street, Hillsborough, NC will be conducting Sports Physicals: July 23rd, 28th & 30th - from 4:00–7:00 p.m. (at their clinic). Cost: $35.00 [No Appointments Necessary.]

**Please Bring your Physical Form for the Physician to complete on the back side. (Make sure to remind the Athlete & their Parents to complete & sign the front page of their physical form prior to the sports physical date.)