Caitlin McGinnis

Nushmia Khan, Ryan Kurtzman ·

Nushmia Khan, Ryan Kurtzman

News

Orange County residents debate benefits of urbanization

By Caitlin McGinnis | December 1

According to a recently released census database, this urbanization is not exclusive to Livengood’s neighborhood. The data shows that in little less than 30 years, Orange County’s population has grown by more than 53,000. And the number of private nonfarm establishments has almost tripled, marking the transformation of an area that once spanned a mere 72 acres.

Thelbert Greene, 60, just recently began to read three syllable words. Greene, who is dyslexic, was not able to read until he was paired with a tutor at the Orange County Literacy Council last year. The council aims to achieve 100 percent adult literacy in the county.

Nushmia Khan

News

60-year-old man learning to read

By Caitlin McGinnis | November 16

At 60 years old, Thelbert Green, has just learned to read his first three-syllable word: fantastic. Green, who is dyslexic, has been working with the Orange County Literacy Council for the last two years to become literate. The Orange County Literacy Council, which was created in 1984, aims to achieve 100 percent adult literacy in the county. Currently, 12 percent of the county population has significant literacy needs.

Henry Johnson, who lives on Rogers Road, tests water in his backyard. He said it looks normal and “tastes all right.” His kids won’t drink it.

Cameron Brown

News

Rogers Road community fighting for cleaner water

By Caitlin McGinnis | November 9

Henry Johnson’s children refuse to drink the water that flows under their house on Rogers Road. Johnson was recently chosen as one of eight potential recipients of a $75,000 community development block grant to connect houses in the Rogers Road community to public water lines.

News

Chapel Hill Transit meets with public to discuss challenges

By Caitlin McGinnis | October 26

Monday’s meeting is the first in a series seeking input for developing a five-year improvement plan for the transit system. Ellen Perry, who has cerebral palsy and is the founder of Advocacy in Action in Carrboro, was one of many citizens who offered complaints and suggestions to Chapel Hill Transit officials at a public input meeting Monday night.

Children and parents of Carrboro Elementary School take part in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday morning. This is the sixth year Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools has participated in the event.

News

International Walk to School Day goes local

By Caitlin McGinnis | October 6

A parade of parents, children and dogs walked from Carrboro Town Hall to Carrboro Elementary School in an effort to promote environmentally friendly transportation.

News

140 West project has funds, still waiting on building permits

By Caitlin McGinnis | October 4

After seven years of planning, the 140 West Franklin project has acquired the funds it needs to move forward but is still waiting for the town’s final stamp of approval.

David Hernandez delivers a package and talks with Raymundo Arenas, employee of La Potosina, a Latino market on Rosemary Street.

Stephen Kirsch

News

With good and bad results, the Orange County Hispanic community opens more businesses

By Caitlin McGinnis | September 26

Gloria Gonzalez managed the Don Jose Tienda Mexicana in Carrboro for seven years before her boss sold her the store. “He made a lot of money in the construction business, but he couldn’t run a business,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez is just one example of a growing population of Latino business owners. The U.S.

Melissa Abbey

News

Butch Davis' son quarterback at local high school

By Caitlin McGinnis | September 14

DJ Khaled’s “All I Do is Win” blared through the speakers of East Chapel Hill High School’s stadium as the varsity football team lined up for passing drills. At first glance, most people wouldn’t know UNC head football coach Butch Davis’ son, Drew Davis, is the quarterback of the team.

BJ Dworak

News

The Daily Tar Heel celebrates move to a new off-campus home

By Caitlin McGinnis | September 8

The Daily Tar Heel staff and community members gathered Wednesday to cut a long Carolina blue ribbon commemorating the newspaper’s downtown office. Officials and staff from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce sponsored the celebratory event.

News

All up in your business

By Caitlin McGinnis | July 17

Part of a monthly update on local business. This month, Piola and Five Guys locations open. Also, Papa John’s has been renovated and Gumby’s has a new owner.