Jeff Davis photo

For school kids, that is! Monday (August 9, 2004) the Chatham County public school system opened their doors for the 2004-05 year. Kids from kindergarten to high school came in with new clothes, shoes and backpacks. Above, Siler City Elementary first grader Ashley Holt glances back as she walks to class on the first day. Don’t worry Ashley, only 179 more days to go before another school year ends.

By Cara Rotondaro

Following a public hearing Monday, the Chatham County Board of Elections decided to send their findings regarding the July 20 Northwest district water bond vote to the state Board of Election, which will determine whether the vote should be offered once more at the November 2 general election.

Studying maps, placing “imaginary” township lines, and concluding who should have rightfully voted in the Northwest water bond vote took up roughly two hours Monday evening as the three-person Board of Elections examined a protest filed by county resident William Perry.

The board will send its findings to the state board to determine the final outcome.

Enough evidence had been presented to suggest that the vote may have turned out otherwise should all legitimate Northwest district residents voted, said county Board of Elections chair Audrey Poe.   

 more- See Thursday, August 12 paper: Vol 84, No. 37

By Randall Rigsbee

County officials are hopeful they can acquire a right-of-way off US 64 necessary to develop the county-owned industrial property near Wal-Mart, but say that without it, a proposed Industrial park there is likely doomed.

Chatham County economic development director Tony Tucker said last week that the county is continuing to negotiate with the property owner to obtain the necessary easement so the county can access its 457-acre property.

“We’re still hopeful this easement can work out,” Tucker told the county Board of Commissioners on August 2.

The county has a verbal agreement to purchase the easement, Tucker said, but the matter now rests in the hands of the property owner’s attorney.

Tucker said without the easement, the industrial park will be impossible to develop.

“If we can’t get that thing settled, we just need to sell the land,” he said.

more- See Thursday, August 5 paper: Vol 84, No.36

County in good economic condition

By Randall Rigsbee

In a report to county commissioners last week, Chatham County economic development director Tony Tucker said the county in is overall good economic shape.

“We’ve got good news,” Tucker said. “The county is doing very well.”

Tucker reported that several existing industries are planning expansions which will bring more jobs to the county.

Moore’s Machine Company has purchased the old Kyser-Roth building in Goldston and will likely hire an additional 100 “highly-skilled employees” to work in the company’s newly-acquired facility, Tucker said.

Moore’s Machine Company took advantage of the county’s recently-implemented economic development incentive package for existing county businesses.

“This made it possible for them to be able to expand and add these 100 new people,” Tucker said.

more- See Thursday, August 5 paper: Vol 84, No.36