Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell about the recent anniversary of Tropical Storm Chantal. Emergency responders took on thousands of calls and made dozens of rescues the night of the intense flash flooding. Saunders shares some of his lasting memories from the response, as well as takeaways that the Emergency Services department and county government have from the experience. That includes improve backup options during high volumes for 911 calls, better water gauges at the community’s rivers, and improving regional communication. Saunders also shares his perspective on how Chantal is an example of the importance of getting flood insurance across the county.

On Air Today features interviews and conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community — including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community. Here past interviews on-demand on Chapelboro, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Amanda Robertson on Chantal Anniversary and NACoChair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners Amanda Robertson joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, July 7.
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Hillsborough: Storm Anniversary and Impacts, NCDOT Projects and 18th Century GravesHillsborough Mayor Mark Bell speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, July 7.
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The Morning News: Remembering Chantal, Remembering Jamezetta BedfordIn today's news: local residents continue picking up the pieces, one year after their homes were damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal.
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The Morning News: One Year After ChantalIn today's news: local businesses discuss their year-long recovery process, on the first anniversary of Tropical Storm Chantal.

Orange County Reports First Fatality From Storm; Shelter Opens for Flood VictimsAs the area continues assessing storm damage and waiting for high waters to recede, Orange County opened a public shelter at Smith Middle School.

Local Gov. Services in Orange County Closed on Monday After Flooding, Road DamageSeveral typical local government services in Orange County are delayed or closed entirely on Monday, July 7 as the area continues responding and recovering from flash flooding and storm damage from Tropical Depression Chantal. Under the state of emergency issued on Sunday night, the Orange County government said all of its offices and facilities will […]

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On Air Today: OC Sheriff Charles Blackwood, Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders, and PIO Alicia StemperCharles Blackwood, Kirby Saunders, and Alicia Stemper join 97.9 The Hill on Monday, August 19 to talk about last week's local manhunt.

After Review, Orange County Says Boom in Hillsborough Was 2.2 Magnitude EarthquakeUPDATE: On Friday, the Orange County government said the U.S. Geological Survey completed a review and determined the loud noise ultimately was a small earthquake.
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