Jeff Davis photo

Lined up at the polls . . .

Relay fundraising is second highest in nation

By Melissa Ledgerwood

Chatham County ranked second in the nation per capita regarding the amount of money raised during Relay for Life events.

Chatham County Relay for Life committee members from Pittsboro and Siler City received the news October 22 at a two-day Relay University training/banquet in Raleigh.

Committee members accepted a plaque from American Cancer Society representatives.

Pittsboro Relay for Life co-chair Claire Wilson said receiving the national award gave her “the goosebumps.”

In 2004, Pittsboro raised more than $185,000 for the Relay for Life and Siler City raised more than $136,000.

“It’s awesome how relatively small communities like Pittsboro and Siler City could raise that much money,” she said.  “You just don’t think of a community our size winning a national award.”

During the two-day event, which included Relay committee members from eastern North Carolina, chairs and co-chairs attended leadership training workshops.

“We learned how to be better leaders,” said Wilson, who has co-chaired the Pittsboro Relay with Carol Esau since it started in 2002.

Committee members also learned about cancer research  funded by the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Nicholas Oberlies of Research Triangle Institute gave a presentation on his research regarding mushrooms and how they can be used in cancer treatments.

“It was interesting to actually meet somebody local who is researching cancer,” Wilson added.

Wilson said the county, which ranked third in the nation in 2003, is shooting for number one in 2005.

more- See Thursday, November 4 paper: Vol 84, No.49

By Cara Rotondaro

There were lengthy campaigns, closely fought races, and finally, there was patience as Chatham County residents waited anxiously on Tuesday night, but finally, around 4 a.m. Wednesday morning unofficial 2004 election  results for Chatham County were completed. 

After county election officials tabulated votes from each of the 22 precincts in the county and adding absentee (including One-Stop early votes) ballots,  the winners in the Chatham County races were: Mike Cross for the County Commissioner District Two seat, Bob Atwater for NC Senate, District 18, and Reba Thomas for Register of Deeds. 

The northwest water bond did not pass.

Chatham County residents flocked to the polls on Tuesday in what many election officials described as an abnormally high turnout. Roughly 30 percent of registered voters in the county voted early as well.  

In the race for the NC Senate seat in the 18^th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Chatham, Durham and Lee counties, Chatham County Commissioner Bob Atwater won the race against Republican Christine Mumma and Libertarian John Guze.

According to the State Board of Elections, Atwater received 39,314 votes when all three county’s votes were counted, Mumma received 28,012, and Guze 1.047.

Atwater received 57 percent of the vote amongst Chatham County voters alone.

Atwater talked to supporters outside the General Store Café in Pittsboro store while votes were being counted Tuesday night.

“It’s been a long campaign. I’m pleased. It certainly looks promising,” he said, adding that he appreciated support from many Chatham County residents.

more- See Thursday, November 4 paper: Vol 84, No.49

Judge Buckner urges action on judicial center

By Randall Rigsbee

Chatham commissioners have long known that when it comes to building a new county judicial center in Pittsboro, it’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when.

On Monday, Chief District Court Judge Joe Buckner urged commissioners to begin the process sooner rather than later, noting that the court system is already in a “crisis” where space is concerned in Chatham County.

And if commissioners began the process this week, Buckner said, the county would still be “two years away from turning dirt.”

Buckner, speaking with commissioners during a work session, said the courts are coping.

“We’re doing our best to manage,” Buckner said.

But the judge noted that with court in session every day of the week in Chatham County and with the county continuing to experience large growth, the space issue is becoming more and more pronounced and he suggested commissioners begin the planning process for a new facility.

more- See Thursday, November 4 paper: Vol 84, No.49