Jeff Davis photo

By Randall Rigsbee

Now that voters in two of three county water districts have approved a water bond measure, county officials say the next step – early sign-up for county water service - is vital to making extension of the county’s water system a reality.

County officials have already started some of the preliminary paperwork involved in seeking loans from the United States Department of Agriculture to help pay for the system expansion.

“The sign-ups. That’s the important thing now,” Board of Commissioners chairman Tommy Emerson said in a Tuesday interview.

County officials are asking that residents in the Southwest and Southeast water districts – where the bond measures were approved by voters in last Tuesday’s primary election – promptly return their water sign-up agreements to the county’s Public Works department.

more- See Thursday, July 29 paper: Vol 84, No.35

Chatham County residents can expect to receive their 2004 county tax bills as early as next week, according to tax administrator Kim Horton.

The earlier mailing date should give taxpayers more time to prepare and budget for payment by the due date, January 5, 2005, according to county officials.

 The tax rate of 64.64 cents per $100 will not change.

 Upon receiving their bills, taxpayers should carefully review them and notify the Tax Office of any problems as soon as possible, Horton urges.

The county allows an exemption from the solid waste fee when a dwelling is uninhabitable or has been vacant for more than two years. To be eligible for the exemption, taxpayers must file an application with the Tax Office by January 5, 2005. Fees will not be waived for applications received after this deadline.

Taxpayers will also find an insert in their bills with information about the County’s Waste Management program.

If real property has been sold since January 1, 2004, the seller should send the tax bill to the new owner immediately.

The Tax Office offers several methods of payment. One method allows taxpayers to pay their bill in installments. The Tax Office accepts partial payments which are mailed in (P.O. Box 697, Pittsboro, NC  27312) or brought to the Tax Office in Pittsboro. If making a partial payment, please include your account number on your check.

more- See Thursday, July 29 paper: Vol 84, No.35

By Cara Rotondaro

A man and woman are in custody after an attempted armed robbery in Bennett and an armed robbery in Biscoe last Thursday afternoon and an extensive manhunt involving officials from several counties.

Saipen Cherdon Williams, 35, of Fayetteville was captured Thursday evening.

Lee Andrew Alston Jr., 31, of Robbins, was apprehended at approximately 5a.m. Friday.

Williams and Alston have been identified as suspects in both crimes, Chatham County law enforcement authorities said.

Authorities originally believed that it was two men who had robbed the North Main Street Branch of Fidelity Bank in Biscoe at approximately 4:30 p.m. Thursday, escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Chatham County officials reported that a male and a female had attempted to rob the First Bank in Bennett at about 3 p.m. on the same day.

Authorities believed that the two incidents were related, and that a third male might be involved, according to Chatham County Sheriff’s reports.

Further investigation revealed Friday that Williams and Alston were the only two involved in the incidents.

Lt. Doug Stuart of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office reported on Thursday evening that the two had attempted to rob tellers at First Bank in Bennett.

more- See Thursday, July 29 paper: Vol 84, No.35