Chatham County Roundup: Chatham News + Record Reporter Maydha Devarajan

Two food truck employees suffered burns after a gas leak caused an explosion inside their truck at the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival in Pittsboro on Thursday afternoon.

Chatham County Commissioner Katie Kenlan spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 30. She discussed a pair of recent meetings the county commissioners held. The first was a joint meeting with the Siler City Board of Commissioners. The second was a joint meeting with the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners. She discussed the takeaways from both meetings, as well as the similarities and differences in the needs of those two towns. She also discussed upcoming community events and more.

This Week: Born into a blue collar and agricultural clan in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Jim Crawford was the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning his PhD from the University of North Carolina, he taught US and World History at several universities in the piedmont North Carolina for several decades. He served as chairman of the Chatham County board of commissioners, and currently serves as trustee for Central Carolina Community College. He is a firm believer in American democracy and trusts that the constitution will hold firm now as it has in past crises despite the broken, distempered electorate.

The Chatham County fair turned 75 years old last weekend. It is one of the longest-running African American fairs in the country.

Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 16, discussing county news and events. She shared details of a presentation from the United Way about their role in addressing housing affordability in Chatham County. She also discussed highlights from the recent board of commissioners meeting, including discussion of early childhood programs in the county and more. She also previewed this weekend's Chatham County Agricultural and Industrial Fair, which will be the 75th in the fair's history. She shared memories of taking her kids to the fair, and the importance it has for the Chatham community. She noted some of the fairs highlights, including the food, rides, and more.

Tobais Palmer, who grew up in Pittsboro during the 1990s, has seen many changes around town. Now, he is running to be an elected official.

After testing THC-A products purchased at two businesses, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office announced charges against the operators.

This Week: Tami Schwerin is a re-developer of The Plant, taking a cold-war industrial plant and creating a community hub of food, beverage and experiences. Her past experience includes founding a local food, renewable energy and cultural non-profit; Abundance NC. Before that she helped build Chatham Marketplace, a local co-op grocery store. She has served on art and environmental boards of directors. She traveled the world selling software in her younger years and renovated several old broken-down houses. Tami loves a challenge and creating a world that she wants to live in. She grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and loves the south and Pittsboro.  Kyle Shipp serves as the Mayor of Pittsboro, North Carolina, where he focuses on responsible growth, infrastructure, and transparent governance. He previously served as a Town Commissioner and Planning Board member. In his full-time role, Kyle works as an engineer in the data center industry, specializing in industrial control systems. He also serves as Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, supporting youth development across the region. With a background in engineering and a passion for community service, Kyle works to ensure Pittsboro grows in a way that reflects its values and long-term vision.

Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 9, discussing town news and events. He discussed the most recent meeting of the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners, which included a staff update on the Small Area Plan for Chatham Park's South Village. He also discussed the results of a feasibility study for the new Town Hall, gave a local business update, previewed a ribbon cutting for the new skate park, and more.

Former Pittsboro Mayor and host of "On The Porch" on 97.9 The Hill Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, September 3. He discussed real estate trends in Chatham and Orange Counties over the last few months. He also talked about some news and developments in Pittsboro and Chatham County, and more.