
Each week, News on The Hill engages in conversation with Chatham County leaders for the Chatham County Roundup. Featuring Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp, Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard, On The Porch host and real estate expert, Randy Voller, local government officials and other community members, the segment spotlights the latest news from around the region.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, August 12, discussing town news and events. He discussed the recent passage of truck prohibition on Hillsboro St. and Sandford Rd., as the 15-501 truck route now diverts vehicles with more than three axles around downtown. He also talked about some policy updates, position changes, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, August 5, discussing count news and events. She discussed some recent fatal accidents on Harris Lake and Jordan Lake in Chatham County, and how the recreation that comes with having large bodies of water also comes with risk, and extra investment and preparedness from the county. She also discussed a plan to update the inventory of natural spaces in Chatham County as the county looks to preserve more of those areas during continued development of the county. She talked about an upcoming county climate retreat and further community conversations around what land should be preserved, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Siler City Mayor Donald A. Mathews
Siler City Mayor Donald Mathews joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, July 30 for the “Chatham County Roundup.”
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Chatham County Roundup: Mike Zelek and Alec Higgins of the Public Health Department
Chatham County Public Health Department Director Mike Zelek and Population Health Data Scientist Alec Higgins join 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, July 29.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, July 22, discussing county news and events. She discussed her participation in the National Association of Counties conference last week. She also gave highlights of the most recent meeting Chatham County Board of Commissioners, including a streamlining of boards and committees, the results of a community health assessment, a proclamation honoring Drake Powell, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on Storm Recovery, Land Purchases
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 the Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, July 16, discussing town news and events. He talked about the damage caused by Tropical Depression Chantal, and a new website the town set up to gather resources for residents who need it. He also discussed a couple of recent land purchases approved by the Town Board, including one near downtown for a new Town Hall, and one near Pittsboro Elementary School that will expand McClanahan Street Park, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on the Disney Development, ABC Store Opens
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 the Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 24, discussing town news and events. He talked about cooling centers being activated with the extreme temperatures this week. He also gave us the latest on Disney’s Asteria development. He talked about the ribbon cutting at a new ABC Store in town, the master planning for a new park, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 18. She discussed the passage of the budget for Chatham County, including what she is most proud of in the budget. She discussed the latest on Wolfspeed as that company cuts positions as part of a Chapter 11 restructuring. She also talked about new “Welcome to Chatham County” signs that will be put on 15-501, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Former Pittsboro Mayor and ‘On The Porch’ Host Randy Voller
Randy Voller — a realtor and former mayor of Pittsboro — joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, June 11 for the “Chatham County Roundup.”
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp Talks Budget, Parks, and More
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 10, discussing town news and events. He talked about the passage of the town’s budget, including highlights. He also discussed the town’s athletic facilities and parks priorities, including over 70 acres the town received from a developer to create a park near The Plant that would include a greenway connecting to downtown. He also gave updates on some other development projects around town and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Commissioner Karen Howard Talks Budget and More
Chair of the Chatham Count Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 3, discussing county news and events. Karen was on the phone from Medellin, Columbia, for vacation. She talked about the beauty of the city and its waterfalls and restaurants. She discussed the latest on the county’s proposed budget, which the commissioners expect to pass at their next meeting. She also discussed the origin of an interlocal agreement with Pittsboro which cedes some former downtown county property to the town. She talked about a recent federal sustainability grant the county received, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chamber President and CEO Rebecca Dickenson
Chatham County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rebecca Dickenson spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday May 28. She discussed her first eight weeks in the new role, her background working with the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, the challenges and opportunities of how large Chatham County is, and more. She also discussed the Chamber moving to a new location, an upcoming Chatham Count bus tour, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 27, discussing town news and events. He talked about a new ABC store opening on the North end of town; news signs directing 15-501 traffic around downtown; the water merger with Sanford is about to get more literal, as a 36 inch forcemain all the way to Sanford is set to begin construction in July, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard on Budget and More
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 20, discussing county news and events. She discussed the County Manager Bryan Thompson’s proposed budget for the next year. That discussion includes the adjusted tax rate, schools funding, funding of non-profit organizations in the community, and more. She also discussed other feedback received from the community, upcoming events, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Former Pittsboro Mayor and “On The Porch” Host Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor and host of “On The Porch” on 97.9 The Hill, Randy Voller joined 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 14. He discussed recent real estate trends in Chatham and Orange counties. He also discussed some of the recent high profile guests he has spoken with on “On The Porch.” He talked about some news and events around Chatham County, including the importance of residents paying attention to budget decisions made by local leaders, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Budget Updates, Downtown Work Plan, Local Land Use Authority
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 13, discussing town news and events. He discussed the latest on the Pittsboro budget, including no property tax increase. He also discussed the downtown work plan, a resolution passed in support of local land use authority, police week, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard from Washington, D.C.
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 6. She joined via phone from Washington, D.C. for an economic conference. She discussed the tone and purpose of the conference, including leaders showing a recognition of the importance of addressing affordable housing, and the challenges presented by the current administration’s economic policy. She also discussed the first look at Chatham County’s budget proposal for next year, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 22. She discussed the recent meetings of the Chatham County Commissioners, which saw discussion of opioid settlement money, discussion of climate action, farmland preservations grants, and more. She also talked about the county’s switch over to Tri-River Water managing the county’s water, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: “On The Porch” Host and Former Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor and host of 97.9 The Hill’s “On The Porch,” Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 9. He discussed real estate trends in Chatham, Orange, and Durham Counties. He talked about the recent “Hands Off 25” rallies, which included an event in Pittsboro. He also talked about the importance of remaining engaged in local government budget conversations, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 8, discussing county news and events. She discussed the recent “Hands Off 25” Rally that took place nationwide, including an event in Pittsboro. She also talked about the county’s property revaluation, the county’s budget, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Budget Retreat, No Expected Tax Increase, ClydeFest
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 1, discussing town news and events. He discussed a recent budget budget retreat for the town board, and shared that a tax rate increase is unlikely this year. He also discussed some long-term spending projects factoring into the town’s budget, and more. He discussed the upcoming ribbon-cutting for a refurbished Clyde Jones mural, the upcoming ClydeFest at the Ag & Conference Center on April 13, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 18, discussing county news and events. She discussed Monday’s meeting of the county commissioners which included a lengthy consent agenda. That included an approval for a Baldwin Township EMS station, an update on affordable housing efforts, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on New YMCA, More
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 11, discussing town news and events. He discussed the business of the board of commissioners meeting on Monday night, including an update from the Boys and Girls Club, a police update, and the latest on affordable housing in Chatham Park. He discussed the new Chatham Park YMCA, which has a ribbon cutting scheduled for Wednesday morning. He previewed the upcoming NC Main Street Conference, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Shatease Bland and James Tiger from Chatham County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Technician Shatesase Bland and On Site Wastewater Supervisor James Tiger spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, March 5. They discussed the importance of well owners regularly testing their water. They talked about how many people currently test, what is the process for getting that testing done, what resources are available to residents, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 4, discussing county news and events. She discussed a recent legislative breakfast with the county’s representatives at the General Assembly. She discussed a recent rejected rezoning request for a megachurch that has resulted in a lawsuit against the county. She also discussed upcoming events at the Chatham Community Library, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Tia Brown and Amanda McNamara from Chatham County Public Health Department
On this edition of the Chatham County Roundup, Andrew is joined by the Chatham County Public Health Department to discuss substance abuse in the county. Tia Brown, Youth Health and Tobacco Initiatives Lead, and Amanda McNamara, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator joined News on The Hill on Thursday, February 27. They discussed recent efforts to reduce substance abuse in the county, resources available to residents, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, February 18, discussing county news and events. She discussed the recent board of commissioners meeting which was postponed, and what business will be moved to the next meting. She discussed the many programs that might be affected by a freeze in federal funding, specifically through the lens of economic development. She also talked about County land in downtown Pittsboro as the town attempts to expand the size of their downtown, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, February 11, discussing town news and events. He discussed the recent Town Board of Commissioners meeting, which included recognition for the Communications and Emergency Management Department, a revamp of the town website, and a new map that shows future developments coming to Pittsboro. He also talked about a discussion of affordable housing in Chatham Park, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the Commissioners Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, February 4, discussing county news and events. She talked about he flurry of executive orders upending funding and how that could affect county services. She also discussed updates on various economic development projects around the county, including the VinFast site near Moncure. She also discussed the Wolf Speed plant in Siler City, which continues to move ahead of schedule. She talked about Black History Month and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Former Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor and “On The Porch” host Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, January 29. They discussed the latest news and events in Pittsboro and Chatham County. They also discussed real estate trends in the area and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 28. He discussed more details on a couple of housing developments on the East side of Pittsboro. He also discussed 50 acres of land that UNC Health owns with the long-term intent of building a hospital on the site. He talked about the upcoming small area plan for Chatham Park’s South Village, a future town park, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Karen Howard Talks Snow, Funding School Capital Needs, Parker’s Ridge Park
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard Spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, January 22. She talked about the snow in Chatham County, which cut the Board of Commissioners meeting short on Tuesday night. She talked about the work that did happen at that meeting, including allocating ARPA funds for some school capital projects, and the development of Parker’s Ridge Park near Moncure. She discussed other county news and events and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 14. He discussed the recent meeting of the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners, which saw the board sign off on two conditional rezoning requests, one of which includes a future town park and fire station. He also talked about the town’s experience with the recent snowfall, some upcoming town events, and other town news.
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Chatham County Roundup: Commissioner Karen Howard on Budget Retreat
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, January 8. She discussed this week’s budget retreat for the Chatham County Commissioners, as they prepare for the upcoming year. She talked about emerging trends and surprises as the budget retreat enters its third day. She talked about Chatham County’s Commitment to the arts, the continued necessity to balance the county’s ongoing growth, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, December 18. She discussed the recent meeting of the Chatham County Commissioners. Included in that meeting were presentations on climate change, agriculture, aging, and possibly establishing a domestic violence shelter in the county. She also discussed upcoming holiday closures and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, December 17, discussing town news and events. He talked about the recent downtown parking study the town had completed. He discussed a climate action plan proposed from the Central Pines Regional Council. He also talked about the recent Pittsboro Holiday Parade, previewed other upcoming holiday events for Pittsboro, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, December 3. She discussed the recent organizational meeting for the Chatham County Commissioners. She also talked about Chatham County’s Aging Plan, which is seeking feedback from residents. She discussed upcoming holiday events in the community, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: “On The Porch” Host and Former Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller
“On The Porch” Host and former Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, November 27. He discussed the latest trends in the residential real estate market in Orange and Chatham Counties. He also discussed a new charter school, Granite Charter Academy, that has been approved for Northern Chatham County. He talked about Chatham County passing a Unified Development Ordinance, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Director of Communications and Emergency Management Colby Sawyer
Director of Communications and Emergency Management for the Town of Pittsboro Colby Sawyer spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 26. He the recent tree-lighting event in downtown Pittsboro, as well as upcoming closures for town offices during the holiday. He also talked about other upcoming holiday activities in Pittsboro. He also discussed a recent trip to western North Carolina to assist with emergency management and recovery from Hurricane Helene, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Alecia Marsh and Jiona Mills from Chatham County Public Health Department
Chatham County Public Health Department Child Care Health Consultant Alecia Mills and Community Engagement Specialist Jiona Mills spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, November 20. They discussed youth mental health in Chatham County, including the numerous ways the public health department helps support children and families in mental health. They discussed resources, support, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 19. She discussed a recent meeting on the county’s capital improvement plan. She also talked about the vote ton adopt the county’s Unified Development Ordinance. She also discussed the board recognizing Commissioner Mike Dasher who was attending his final meeting as a commissioner. She also discussed the opening of the New Hampton Inn in Pittsboro, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp speaks over the phone with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, November 12 ahead of the town’s commissioners meeting set for the evening. Shipp details some of the agenda items, including updates on a major NCDOT project in north Pittsboro and significant funding help for streetscape work around the historic downtown. He also shares a recap of a special event honoring veterans, and specifically a local World War II veteran, last week. Finally, Shipp previews a bevy of ribbon-cutting events coming in the next week or two: a new hotel, a formal dedication for a pop-up park, and a local business celebrating its new ownership.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on the State of the Town
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 29. He talked about his experience at this past weekend’s Pittsboro Street Fair. He also discussed the recent inaugural State of the Town event and speech, including some of the standout items in the address. He also shared yesterday’s joint meeting of the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners and the Chatham County Commissioners, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Chatham Co. Public Health Department
Information and Communication Specialist for Chatham County Public Health Department Kyle Chambers and Clinic Director Zach Deaton spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 16. They talked about flu season in Chatham County, the importance of vaccines, how to protect yourself with rest and nutrition, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell over the phone on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
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Chatham County Roundup: “On The Porch” Host Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor and Host of “On The Porch” Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 9. They discussed recent trends in the real estate market, recent news from Pittsboro, the upcoming election, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Commissioner Karen Howard on Tri River, UDO, and More
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 8. She discussed the recent meeting of the Chatham County Commissioners, that included the next steps on a possible water merger with Tri-River Water from Sanford. She also talked about the county’s continues process in updating their Unified Development Ordinance. She also talked about upcoming community events and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Sheriff Mike Roberson on Western North Carolina Relief
Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 1. He discussed his trip to Henderson County where he met with the local sheriff to discuss what aid they need in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. He also discussed next phases in the recovery process, how folks locally can help, what lessons this teaches us for our own community, and more.
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Chatham County Roundup: Kyle Shipp on Public Art, Agricultural Fair, Business Ribbon Cutting
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 24. He discussed the several public art pieces that are going up around Pittsboro, including two sculptures recently purchased by the town. He also talked about this past weekend’s Chatham County Fair, which will be celebrating its 75th year next year. He talked about a ribbon cutting at a new business just south of town, and more.
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