The Chatham News

Jeff Davis photo

A little help from my friend . . .

And there were a lot of friends! The annual Siler City Relay For Life was held Friday night at Jordan-Matthews High School with a record-breaking event. Walkers converged on the track and walked and walked . . . and walked some more. Tents lined the sidelines filled with food, baked goods and plenty of drinks that kept folks not only busy selling, but busy eating. And all went to a good cause! Above Samantha Poteat, left helps out her mom, Jennifer, as they light luminaries during the 9:15 pm ceremony. After they were all lit, the lights went out with the track and part of the bleachers section lighting up the night sky..

Board OKs new regs on landfills

By Melissa Ledgerwood

The Siler City Board of Commissioners approved the town’s proposed landfill ordinance as written Monday, despite a recommendation made by the Siler City Planning Board to increase residential setbacks.

Last month, Planning Board members agreed that the 1,000-foot setback between landfill operational activities and residential wells and property lines was not sufficient.

As a result, the Planning Board recommended that the town board approve the proposed landfill ordinance with an additional separation of 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet.

Although the 1,000-foot setback is more than what is recommended by the state, Jack Meadows, director of planning and community development, said Monday it is similar to what is required by other municipalities.

Mayor pro tem John Grimes reminded commissioners that they were not voting on whether or not to put a landfill on Airport Road.

“We’re voting on rules, regulations and requirements,” he said.

Commissioner Sam Adams said he thought the 1,000-foot setback recommended by the planning staff was excessive because it is two times what is recommended by the state.

more- See Thursday, May 6 paper: Vol 84, No. 23

Relay for Life surpasses goal

By Melissa Ledgerwood

Although the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Siler City has come and gone, the benefits of the money raised will be felt throughout the rest of the year.

“Chatham County shows their stuff,” said Betty Terry, who oversees accounting for the Siler City event.

Siler City’s goal for 2004 was $125,000. According to Terry, the town has surpassed that amount with donations rolling in daily.

The event began with a torch run through town. Television personality Cindy Farmer with Fox 8 TV lit the flame of hope while Danny Spivey sang a song of inspiration.

“Hold out your candle for all to see,” Spivey sang. “Carry your candle unto the darkness. Take your candle and go light your world.”

Farmer, who was diagnosed with cancer when she was 20 years old, shared her survival story with Relay participants.

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift—that’s why it’s called the present,” Farmer said.

Relay Chair Terrie McLaurin encouraged people to donate every penny they can.

“I hope in 20 years we’ll have another cause to relay for—and not cancer,” she said.

This year’s survivor tee-shirts had the phrase “Celebrate Life” printed on the back.

In a devotional, the Rev. Herbert Lowry asked Relay participants to celebrate life as people of hope.

“If God is for us who could be against us,” he asked the crowd. “In all things, oh God, you are never changed.”

more- See Thursday, May 6 paper: Vol 84, No. 23

2004-05 budget has two-cent tax hike for town spending

By Melissa Ledgerwood

The tax rate is expected to rise in Siler City, according to town manager Joel Brower.

The budget for the fiscal year 2004/2005 was discussed among commissioners during Monday night’s town board meeting.

Brower said the proposed budget totals $8,857,995, which is a 4.8 percent, or $402,578, increase over last year.

According to the town manager, the budget as proposed represents a tax increase of $.02 to $.43 per $100 of assessed value.

Necessary repairs, maintenance requests and sidewalk improvements account for 3.4 percent of the 4.8 percent proposed increase.

Brower said the town plans to improve the sidewalks on West Eleventh and West Raleigh Streets.

The town also intends to clean, paint and apply waterproof treatments to the exterior of Town Hall, which hasn’t been done in more than 10 years, he continued.

Other reasons for the proposed increase include the addition of one permanent full-time position at the Siler City Fire Department, a two percent cost of living adjustment for all town employees and various pieces of equipment needed for town staff.

more- See Thursday, May 6 paper: Vol 84, No. 23

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