Victoria Stilwell

Recent articles

UNC student cleared of methamphetamine trafficking charges

Although his charges have been dropped, UNC student Christopher Potts is still reeling from the consequences of being falsely accused of possessing methamphetamine. JUN 2

Year in review: Downtown sees development

Construction continues at the 140 West Franklin development, the latest of two major projects the downtown area has seen in the past year. MAY 11

UNC junior and his housemate charged with trafficking meth

A UNC student and his housemate are in jail after being charged with trafficking of a kilogram of methamphetamine imported from Tanzania, according to Chapel Hill police reports. JUN 2

UNC fraternity fire displaces Sigma Chi members

About twenty men had to find a temporary place to stay after an extension cord sparked a small fire in a Sigma Chi fraternity house bedroom Monday afternoon. APR 14

Sales tax increase on ballot

The Orange County Board of Commissioners decided Tuesday to place a referendum for a quarter-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot. The referendum will allow county residents to vote “yes” or “no” on the tax increase, which was narrowly rejected by voters when the county tried the measure in November 2010. The referendum will appear on the municipal elections ballot later this year rather than the primary elections ballot in 2012 — a plan that caused concern among some residents because voter turnout could be low for the rural residents that opposed the tax in the fall. “I personally would not have confidence in the integrity of the process if it were done during the municipal elections,” said Chapel Hill resident Will Raymond. APR 6

Greenbridge may foreclose

Greenbridge, the 10-story Rosemary Street development that opened last fall, faces the threat of foreclosure by its bank. The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported Friday that the Greenbridge development could foreclose after Bank of America refused to pay $1.6 million in invoices on the project in October. APR 5

Chapel Hill police, UNC urge precaution after break-in cases

After five women woke up to strangers in their bedrooms and with no suspect for the incidents in custody, Chapel Hill and University police are ramping up security measures off campus. Officials said these extra steps are meant to supplement safety advice that should be practiced consistently, but they recognized the ease of neglecting these precautions in day-to-day life. MAR 22

Two more break-ins reported

A male intruder entered two unlocked student apartments early Sunday morning, bringing the total number of similar cases to four since Friday. MAR 22

Police looking for male intruder

Between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. Friday, an unidentified man entered the houses of two groups of students living off campus. Chapel Hill police spokesman Lt. Kevin Gunter said in both cases the man entered through unlocked front doors, after which he entered the bedrooms of three students. He left upon his discovery each time. MAR 22

Early morning intruder enters the off-campus houses of students

An unidentified man entered the bedrooms of three students early this morning after the front doors of two houses were left unlocked, said Lt. MAR 22

Rathskeller opening delayed

The re-opening of the Ramshead Rathskeller will be pushed back at least eight months from its original date after the project owner experienced complications with her construction budget. MAR 9

Local leader dies at age 91

Longtime Chapel Hill resident, community leader and former model Georgia Carroll Kyser died Friday, leaving behind a legacy of beauty, elegance and dedication. Kyser died at her residence at the Cedars of Chapel Hill Retirement Community. She was 91. JAN 19

140 West aims to revitalize downtown area

On the hunt for a condominium, Bill Spiegel first heard about the 140 West Franklin development more than two years ago from an unlikely source: a salesman for Greenbridge, the new Rosemary Street development just blocks away. JAN 10

Rathskeller opening pushed back

Rat packs may have to wait a little longer than originally expected for a Chapel Hill landmark to re-open. DEC 10

140 West construction will begin in January

Although some downtown businesses are still concerned about what a parking-lot-turned-upscale-development might mean for them, town officials are taking measures to allay some of their fears. DEC 7

Orange County schools suffer from dried-up funding

As local and state officials gear up for a third year of heavy budget cuts, many are concerned about what the reductions will mean for academics, staff and the future of N.C.
Orange County Schools alone is projected to lose as much as $7.7 million next year, the combined effect of dried-up stimulus funds and a shrinking state budget. DEC 2

Police respond to domestic dispute, blocking North Columbia Street

The Chapel Hill Police Department responded to a call of domestic dispute in apartments on the 500 block of North Columbia Street around 11:45 a.m., said police spokesman Lt. NOV 23

He's Not Here stays open despite drop in revenue

After spending years away from the helm of his bar, the co-owner of a 39-year-old watering hole has returned in hopes of boosting profits and restoring the local landmark to the success of its glory days. Dave Kitzmiller, 74, said he came out of retirement from his home in Nova Scotia to manage He’s Not Here after he nearly decided to close the bar. NOV 23

140 West development granted zoning permit

Developers of 140 West Franklin received an early Christmas present when the town issued a long-awaited zoning permit, but holiday shoppers could feel a pinch in parking as a result. Ram Development Company cleared the last hurdle standing between it and the start of construction on 140 West on Friday when they received a zoning compliance permit from the Town of Chapel Hill after weeks of delays. NOV 23

Development on Franklin and Church streets gets green light

Developers of the 140 West project received their zoning compliance permit Friday from the Town of Chapel Hill, clearing the last hurdle to start work. The project is being developed by Ram Development Co. and is composed of condominiums, retail and parking. NOV 22