By Bill Willcox

Redistricting plan up for vote Dec. 3

By Randall Rigsbee

During a Monday nigh public hearing on a plan to redraw the county's residency districts for voting, several speakers praised the plan but panned the timing.

Commissioners recently voted 3-2 to conduct the hearing plan aimed at making districts more equal in population than those districts which were redrawn by the previous Board of Commissioners in 2006.

Commissioners will vote on the redistricting plan on December 3, according to vice chairman, George Lucier, who presided over the Monday meeting in the absence of chairman Carl Thompson.

Monday night, commissioner heard comments from seven speakers.

more- See Thursday, November 22, 2007 paper: Vol 87, No.51

A Pittsboro resident has filed a challenge with the Chatham County Board of Elections regarding the outcome of the race for one of three seats on the Pittsboro Town Board.

After a recount of the Nov. 6 votes last week by the Board of Elections, only three votes separate Hugh Harrington, who had 484 votes, and Michele Berger, who had 481, according to final election tallies.

Pittsboro resident Timothy Keim, who shares an address with Berger, filed the challenge with the county Board of Elections last Thursday, the last day a challenge could be filed.

Keim is asking for a new election.

The Board of Elections scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, November 20, at 5:30 p.m. to conduct a preliminary hearing on the matter.

County elections director Dawn Stumpf said the challenge involves a number of concerns, including allegations of "vote buying" and allegations that people were entering polling places more than once.

"The protestors believe there were enough irregularities that it could change the winner," Stumpf said.

Election law requires the board to conduct a preliminary hearing to determine if the challenge meets the requirements of the law, Stumpf said.

If the board determines a new election is in order – as protestors are requesting – the board must ask the state Board of Elections to make that determination.

 more- See Thursday, November 22, 2007 paper: Vol 87, No.51

Jeff Davis photos

With the warmer temperatures last week, Zach Gardner, left, decided to get outside and enjoy the weather while he could. So he picked up his banjo and used the swing to get some practice time in. Claris Criscoe used the time to listen in while the two were swinging in Siler City. With the up and down temperatures we’ve had, we’re sure the two will keep a close eye on the weatherman next time.

Several hundred Chatham residents gathered this past Sunday for Virginia Cross Elementary School’s formal ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony.

The theme of the day, not surprisingly, was "dedication," the dedication, going back months and years, of the many people who made the opening of the new school possible.

Virginia Cross herself, according to her many admirers at the celebration, has embodied dedication throughout her life. She taught third graders at Siler City Elementary School for 52 years and is now, though retired, working as a tutor at the school named in her honor.

The program began in front of the new building with a surprise. Principal Julie Vandiver, after welcoming the crowd, unveiled a large photographic portrait showing Cross engaged in conversation with three students.

Lawrence Price had created the appealing image. Price apparently was serving as principal of Siler Center Elementary School at the time Cross retired. When he led Cross over to take a close look, she was clearly delighted. The portrait will hang permanently at the school, while Cross will keep a smaller version of her own at home.

About ten students stepped forward to assist School Board Chair Norman Clark with the actual ribbon-cutting. Young Chuck Cheek, with Clark’s help, actually got to wield the big scissors.

Clark invited the many onlookers inside and they filled the school cafeteria to capacity for an almost hour-long program.

Clark commented that he had never before presided over the opening of a new school and he was thrilled to have the opportunity to do so.

He noted that it was important to remember that a school is much than a building and that the school community already developing at Virginia Cross Elementary will ultimately determine its future.

Rev. Jim Wall, Pastor of Siler City First Baptist Church, which Cross attends, gave the invocation, saying that so many people being present testified to their love and appreciation of Cross and the many others who contributed to creating the school.

 more- See Thursday, November 22, 2007 paper: Vol 87, No.51

Christmas is looming on the horizon and that means parades to celebrate the season will be held soon in Pittsboro, Siler City, Goldston and Bennett.

The first parade will be the Goldston Christmas Parade, which is planned for December 1 at 11 a.m.

Traditionally, the Goldston parade is held on the first Saturday in December.

"The parade will line up on Manchester Drive at 10:30 a.m., so those who have floats need to be there and ready to go," said Steve Cunnup, who is helping organize the event. "The parade will end on the south end of town."

Pittsboro’s Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, December 2 at 3 p.m. downtown.

The parade, which will consist of floats from local businesses and organizations, will travel down East Street and will commence with a celebration at the General Store Café.

more- See Thursday, November 22, 2007 paper: Vol 87, No.51