Articles by Caitlin Mcginnis

Plan for universal pre-K in Orange County struck down

A plan that would provide pre-kindergarten classes to all 4-year-olds in Orange County was struck down last week because of significant cuts in the county’s budget.

And the way the county budget looks, there isn’t a good chance universal pre-K will be instituted next year, either.

Chapel Hill town buildings could soon get an environmental makeover.

A 19-year-old burn patient wore a cap and gown as he walked down the hospital hallway, past his family, high school administrators, doctors and nurses, to receive his high school diploma.

Last month, for the first time in the 28-year history of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center, a graduation ceremony was held for burn survivor Ryan Frias.

'Frank' art gallery hopes to buck trend

Town officials say the poor economic climate won’t affect their most recent attempt to revive downtown.

The first recipient of a town loan for art businesses, a gallery called FRANK, is set to open in the coming months at 109 E. Franklin St.

Early season expectations drew a steady clientele wanting Carolina shirts and basketball jerseys for local retailers.

But as the basketball team lost games, customers came less often.

“This season, sales are definitely down. Business is not good,” said Chapel Hill Sportswear Manager Holly Dedmond.

Let there be light

Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, a couple of choirs and a 22-foot tall tree lit by energy-efficient LED lights filled the courtyard next to University Baptist Church Sunday night.

The University Baptist Church hosted the fifth annual community tree lighting sponsored by the Town of Chapel Hill.

Organizers cancel Human Rights Day

The first attempt at establishing a Human Rights Day for Chapel Hill and Carrboro failed.

Judith Blau, director of the Chapel Hill and Carrboro Human Rights Center, located at Abbey Court condominiums, said the event was canceled because of fear of low attendance.

Voter turnout increases slightly

Potentially due to the highly contested Chapel Hill mayoral race, voter turnout this year slightly increased despite the expected lag that comes after a presidential election.

Voter turnout increased from 15.58 percent in the last municipal elections in 2007 to 16.75 percent this year.

Irish pub to join Franklin

The walls of 206 W. Franklin St. are currently bare save for a few T-shirts featuring Irish witticisms.

Soon the space will be filled with antique wall crests and a bar, transplanted directly from pubs in Dublin.

Dave Magrogan, creator of Kildare’s Pub, goes to Ireland and looks for bars going out of business or selling off items so he can create authentic pubs in the U.S.

The bar will officially open in November.

Magrogan said he began working in the restaurant business when he was 12 years old. He worked through college waiting tables and bartending.

Chapel Hill awarded federal stimulus funds

The Town of Chapel Hill is beginning to see the first of government stimulus funds after a lengthy application process.

The town applied for 17 stimulus-funded grants, said Ken Pennoyer, business management director for Chapel Hill.

So far, approximately $9.4 million has been awarded to the town, he said.

“Anybody is able to apply for these grants,” said Pennoyer. “Depending on each project, we are competing against other local governments, nonprofits or for-profit enterprises.”

Articles by Caitlin Mcginnis

Most Read Today

Breaking News

The Daily Tar Heel newsletter