The Siler City Town board on Monday voted to reform the town’s controversial sign ordinance.

The board held a public input session in which speakers were given three minutes to voice their opinions about Siler City’s sign ordinance.

Three people addressed the board.

David Harris of Welford Harris Ford in Siler City told the board that his family had been in the process of collecting signatures from business owners throughout the town.

"I’ve been encouraged by proactive approach the board has taken in any communication we’ve made," he said. "I understand how big of a task it is for the town to administer and enforce any ordinance fairly."

Harris added, "The original intent of the sign ordinance was for the general welfare and beautification of the community. I hope we don’t lose sight of the original intent."

The Town of Goldston, the youngest and smallest of Chatham County’s three municipalities, reached a milestone this week.

Tuesday, February 20, marked the 100th anniversary of Goldston’s incorporation.

If you feel you missed the party in Goldston’s honor, don’t worry. You didn’t. That’ll happen later this year.

The Goldston Centennial Committee is planning a big bash in October to celebrate the 100th anniversary event. The celebration will be held in conjunction with Goldston’s popular annual Old Fashion Day street fair.

Despite a relative lack of fanfare Tuesday, the municipality’s momentous anniversary didn’t go unnoticed.

"It’s like a big birthday," said Goldston resident Linda Harris, who is also chairing the Centennial Committee to plan the 100-year festivities. "It’s a big deal."

Goldston Mayor Tim Cunnup shared that enthusiasm.

"We’re certainly excited about our milestone of 100 years of incorporation," Cunnup said.

"We haven’t had a lot of growth," the mayor observed, "but we’re stable. We’ve hung in there. So many little towns have fallen by the wayside."

Goldston has, in its first 100 years of incorporation, remained a modest-sized town. The population today – approximately 375 residents – is virtually unchanged since the 1970 census. Approximately 141 families call Goldston home.

But Goldston’s size is an asset, not a liability, Cunnup observed.

more- See Thursday, February 22 paper: Vol 87, No.12

Folk artists find receptive audience at Fearrington

The Fearrington Folk Art Show (February 17-18) at the Barn is gaining the reputation as the best show of its kind in the country.

Certainly, that is what most of the invited artists believe.

The fifth annual show drew what appeared to be record crowds, if trying to walk in the Barn was any judge of its popularity with visitors.

"Big Chief" of Panama City, FL calls his art "Southern funk."

"I use tin or found objects to paint my art on, any thing to recycle may become art," Big Chief said Saturday.

"The Fearrington folks treat us all really well. They are very supportive of all of us. N.C. is very friendly to me. Coming to this show is like coming to a family reunion."

Kentucky folk art looks a lot like Elvis because of artist Charles Laster. He is obsessed with the singer. He makes "hillbilly art," most of which bears a likeness of Elvis.

"I even named our daughter after Elvis (Ruby Elvis Rose Laster)," he said. "My wife’s real name is Grace Kelly."