Boston College freshman Becca LaPlante works on one of several homes that are being built in Siler City. LaPlante was one of many that were helping out Habitat for Humanity last week on their Spring Break, building homes for those families in need.

By Randall Rigsbee

A swift but powerful storm blew across Chatham and surrounding counties Sunday night, bringing cooler temperatures, toppling trees, knocking out power and, in a few rare cases, even toppling entire utility poles.

According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, winds in the region reached speeds of 40 to 60 miles per hour.

The mighty storm appeared suddenly early Sunday evening, ushering in a cold front and a lot of violent wind.

A dispatcher on duty Sunday night at Chatham County’s Emergency Operations Center reported that most of the storm damage was downed trees.

No fires related to the storm were reported and there were no reports of storm-related injuries in Chatham County.

There were isolated incidents where damage was more extensive.

Ted Phillips Sr., who lives near the Chatham/Moore county line south of Siler City, was one who experienced the worst of what the storm had to offer.

Phillips likened the noise of the storm to an airplane crashing when high wind gusts tore apart one of his chicken houses, leaving behind a mess of twisted tin.

more- See Thursday, March 11 paper: Vol 84, No. 15

By Cara Rotondaro

Two Chatham County seniors have been awarded prestigious scholarships this year.

Antonio Levon McBroom, a senior at Chatham Central has received both the Morehead Scholarship from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Park Scholarship from North Carolina State University. He now faces the difficult task of choosing between the two.

Casey Renee Perry, a senior at Jordan Matthews, also received the Park Scholarship.  

McBroom is president of his senior class, captain of the varsity basketball team, and step-master, president and captain of the Step Team.

He was also a student tutor and mentor and initiated two organizations, one promoting philanthropy, and the other encouraging personal growth and enlightenment. He plans to major in mathematics education

Perry is currently the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, vice president of the Future Business Leaders, and plays basketball and volleyball. She plans to major in business or pre-law.

47 Parks Scholars were named this year. The award pays for all expenses for eight semesters of college at NC State and includes a stipend for each student to purchase a personal computer.

NC State reports that Parks Scholars have gone on to become Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Fulbright Scholars after their undergraduate years.