Jeff Woodall

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Signs cry Wolff, unsure which

By Jeff Woodall | April 23

With the upcoming primary elections, campaign signs are springing up everywhere. This year, signs reading "Wolff for commissioner" are advertising Democratic primary candidate Mary Wolff. She will face her husband, Kevin Wolff, in the general election if she wins the primary. Many see the signs, which don't specify which Wolff to elect, as helping both candidates simultaneously in their campaigns for the county Board of Commissioners. The Wolffs' strategy could give them a significant advantage in getting better name recognition with the county.

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Hopefuls differ on county transit

By Jeff Woodall | April 23

Developing transportation will be a focal point in the upcoming elections for the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Although the drought, pollution and education have been at the forefront of local issues, many candidates are advocating increasing the reach and efficiency of the area's bus and train systems. "It isn't just an issue of coordinating public transportation in Orange County," said Bernadette Pelissier, a candidate for the at-large seat. "It's about creating a regional plan that will connect everyone in this area."

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Aldermen to consider trail expansion funding

By Jeff Woodall | April 15

Plans to expand the Bolin Creek greenway trail into Carrboro will move forward tonight if the Board of Aldermen accept funds needed to begin planning. The proposed greenway, a multipurpose park trail, could be backed by federal funding and would extend the trail north along Jones Creek. "Greenways encourage people to be more physically active, and they promote the walkability of communities," said Brendan Moore, facilities administrator for Carrboro.

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Orange BOE Reviews Proposed Budget

By Jeff Woodall | March 18

The Orange County Board of Education reviewed the superintendent's proposed budget for next year on Monday. Superintendent Patrick Rhodes requested a budget increase of 8 percent from last year - to about $1.8 million - because the district's primary mission is a commitment to instruction, he said. Rhodes said it was "a modest request." Orange County schools are expected to have more than 7,000 students next year, and the proposed budget would allow $8,796 per student.

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Mentoring program seeks volunteers

By Jeff Woodall | March 17

Through a local mentoring program, Andrew Teras has gained a new perspective on the community. Teras, a business school student, mentors an 11-year-old in the Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate Program. "There is a lot of culture to this town that students will get to know through the program," he said. "It's a great reward and a chance to learn about the local flavor and what's going on in Chapel Hill." The program working with students in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is looking for volunteers.

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Feeling the beat

By Jeff Woodall | February 28

Audio slideshow The auditorium at Frank Porter Graham Elementary was invigorated Wednesday by fourth-grade students' dance performances. fall. Titled "A Celebration of Africa", the students' routine was choreographed to depict the beauty of African culture and wildlife.

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County implements outdoor burning ban

By Jeff Woodall | February 25

In reaction to the widespread drought, Orange County has placed a ban on outdoor burning. The ban was created in response to a statewide statute regarding outdoor burning. The N.C. Division of Forest Resources called for a statewide open-burning ban Feb. 14, along with the cancellation of all burning permits. Under the new law, no burning is allowed 100 feet or more from an occupied dwelling. The statute was put in place after 423 fires across the state the weekend of Feb. 8 resulted in the destruction of 10,146 acres.

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Hillsborough residents want new sidewalks, old trees

By Jeff Woodall | February 21

Hillsborough residents met Wednesday to discuss a town project that will place new sidewalks throughout the community. The meeting was the next step in a three-phase, 20-year project approved by the Hillsborough Town Board of Commissioners in 2006 to make the town more walker-friendly. The meeting was held at Hillsborough Elementary School, which is located in the community where the first phase will occur.

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Orange County commissioners lay out waste transfer site criteria

By Jeff Woodall | February 12

Orange County Board of Commissioners identified Monday specific criteria they will look for in selecting a location for the new waste transfer site.

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Plan to benefit Orange County farmers

By Jeff Woodall | January 29

Area farmers told the Orange County Board of Commissioners Monday that they are being overlooked in the county's comprehensive plan. Orange County residents voiced their opinions at a public hearing at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. The Board of Commissioners is reaching the final phases in drafting a comprehensive plan that will guide county growth until 2030. Residents from every corner of the county expressed ideas for future improvement in county education, development, property taxes and environmental health.