Proposed Chatham County budget retains tax rate while boosting school support
[May 9, 2012] The Chatham County Board of Commissioners received the County Manager’s proposed budget for 2012-13 during its meeting on May 7, 2012. The proposed budget includes no property tax increase, while providing additional funding for various needs, including schools and new or planned facilities. [In News]

Deb McManus leads Jeff Starkweather in NC House seat 54 online poll
[May 8, 2012] In the Democratic party race for the NC House seat 54, Deb McManus leads Jeff Starkweather in an online poll. As on Sunday, May 6, McManus has 110 votes (72 percent) and Starweather has 42 votes (28 percent) . In an online poll The Republican candidate for the seat is Cathy Wright. The unscientific online poll is sponsored by the Chatham Journal newspaper and the Chatham Chatlist. [In News]

Funeral arrangements have been set for Chris Hasbrouck
[May 7, 2012] Christopher Hasbrouck, of Pittsboro, N.C., took part in the Mountain Man Memorial March event at the University of Tennessee in honor of fallen troops on April 20. He apparently became dehydrated and overcome by heat and was taken to UT Medical Center, where he passed away from complications on May 2. [In News]

The primary of all primaries - still not over
[May 4, 2012] Early voting is under way this week in North Carolina’s primary elections. So far there is not much excitement. Sixty-two years ago we had a much different primary and run-off election experience. Voters came out in record numbers. Today, a surprising number of people still remember that election and can tell you how the bitter struggle divided the state. Many of those who “remember” were not yet born in 1950. By D. G. Martin [In Opinion]
Also: NC Book Watch
Also: Our State Magazine

Chatham County Utilities kick off Drinking Water Week on May 7
[May 3, 2012] Chatham County Utilities kicked off Drinking Water Week 2012 on May 7, 2012 with a call to “Celebrate the Essential” throughout Chatham County. Throughout the week, Chatham County Utilities will celebrate by recognizing the essential role drinking water plays in our daily lives, with special attention to water infrastructure, the economy, and careers in the water profession. [In News]

While citizens face financial hardships Pittsboro considers raising taxes and fees
[May 3, 2012] Well, here it is, the end of April. It seems like eons ago, but it was precisely two months ago, February 27th to be exact, when our illustrious elected (and non-elected) officials in our Town of Pittsboro, were so excited when the mid-year 2011-2012 Financial Report was given by the Town Finance Officer at the BOC meeting. By Linda Bienvenue [In Opinion]

Amendment One to Obama’s rescue
[May 3, 2012] Amendment One. Whether it wins or loses, the effort to defeat it could be a crucial factor in a successful outcome for the Obama campaign in North Carolina this fall. Prospects for the effort to defeat the proposed marriage amendment to the constitution are still uncertain, notwithstanding a well-organized and impressive effort on the part of the amendment’s opponents. By D. G. Martin [In Opinion]
Also: NC Book Watch
Also: Our State Magazine

13 million US facebook users don’t use privacy controls and risk sharing updates beyond their “friends”
[May 3, 2012] Nearly 13 million U.S. Facebook users do not use, or are not aware of the site’s privacy controls, according to a new Consumer Reports investigation on Facebook and privacy, potentially exposing personal information beyond their network of Facebook friends. The report also revealed that a projected 4.8 million people have posted about where they planned to go on a certain day, a potential tip-off to burglars, while 4.7 million have “liked” a Facebook page about health conditions or treatments, details that insurers might use against them. [In Living]

My coach did not spit on anybody’s hand
[May 3, 2012] It is too bad that sports reporters and historians at Atlantic Coast Conference headquarters are not reading “ACC Basketball.” This UNC Press book by Sam Walker was published last year and chronicles the game during the conference’s first 20 years. On the other hand, maybe it is a good thing for my old basketball coach, Lefty Driesell. By D. G. Martin [In Opinion]
Also: NC Book Watch
Also: Our State Magazine