Tom Kingsley

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Nuclear Plant Receives FBI Warning

By Tom Kingsley | February 5

A local nuclear power plant recently received warning of a possible future airborne terrorist attack as part of an FBI effort to ensure that the nation's 103 nuclear reactors are secure. Although representatives of the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant say they are taking the threat seriously, Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials say the recent warning is only one in a series of advisories and should not be alarming. The NRC issued the Jan.

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Reconstruction Program Earns State Honors

By Tom Kingsley | February 5

The N.C. Association of County Commissioners proclaimed an Orange County program a forerunner in the reuse of valuable construction materials. The deconstruction program, which was initiated by the Orange County Public Works Department, detailed the deconstruction -- rather than destruction -- of the old Orange County High School building that was damaged during Hurricane Floyd.

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Flying Club Not Bound By New Recommendations

By Tom Kingsley | January 14

Federal Aviation Administration security recommendations issued after a recent fatal crash involving a Florida student pilot target flight schools but do not affect flying clubs that also train pilots. The Wings of Carolina Flying Club, formerly the Chapel Hill Flying Club, is one organization that does not have to abide by FAA regulations. Club representatives have not yet decided whether they will implement the new FAA regulations.

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Chapel Hill Theater to Be Expanded, Improved

By Tom Kingsley | January 11

By 2004 Chapel Hill residents might be enjoying a 10-screen multiplex movie theater in place of the Plaza Triple Theatres on S. Elliott Road. The Plaza Theatre, which will be torn down and replaced by a new, larger structure, now offers only five screens. Scott Baldwin, vice president of operations for Eastern Federal Theatres, the company that owns the Plaza, and company representative Bill Wilson said they are planning the expansion to keep up with competition from theaters in Durham and other surrounding areas.

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Student Break Won't Hurt Local Business

By Tom Kingsley | December 6

Sutton's Drug Store, which has been a part of the Franklin Street landscape since 1923, has seen its share of students come and go. But owner John Woodard said the loss of student business during Winter Break doesn't necessarily deal a crippling blow to his establishment. Robert Humphreys, executive director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Commission, said when students depart for the break, the accompanying drop in student business on Franklin Street is offset by local residents. Humphreys added that the drop in student population that occurs during the summer is made up largely throu

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County Creates Transportation Wish List

By Tom Kingsley | December 5

The Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an amended transportation priority list Monday night, giving preference to environmentally sensitive projects. The list encompasses county improvements to highways, transit systems and bicycle lanes, all of which the commissioners hope will ease safety concerns and provide alternatives to automobile travel within the county. Craig Benedict, director of planning and inspections for Orange County, said he was pleased with the approved list.

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Local Charities Need Holiday Help

By Tom Kingsley | November 27

With its trademark red kettles and an army of volunteer bell ringers, the Salvation Army is one of several local charities hoping to finance an array of outreach programs despite the weakened economy. The Salvation Army relies on community support during the holiday season to provide food, clothes, shelter and gifts to those in need. For these organizations, the holidays are generally a time of increased giving by community members in the holiday spirit.

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Council Opposes Advertisements On Local Buses

By Tom Kingsley | November 15

Chapel Hill officials rejected a proposal Monday night to place advertisements on the side of local buses, a decision some Carrboro officials say was made without the appropriate input. Carrboro Board of Alderman member Diana McDuffee said Chapel Hill Town Council members did not seek input from the board or the University before reaching their decision. "We're concerned about (the lack of) unilateral decisions," she said.

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Gist, Herrera, McDuffee Win in Carrboro

By Tom Kingsley | November 7

Incumbents Jacquelyn Gist and Diana McDuffee retained their seats on the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, while newcomer John Herrera slid past incumbent Allen Spalt for the third seat in Tuesday's nail-biting elections. Herrera's victory marks the first time a first-generation Latino immigrant has held a position in municipal government in North Carolina. "We need to have a new voice in Carrboro," Herrera said.

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Franklin Street Club in Works For Older Crowd

By Tom Kingsley | October 26

A multilevel dance club with a high-end martini and cigar bar is in the works for Franklin Street. The club, tentatively dubbed "Skye," is slated to open in the late spring to early summer of next year at 149 E. Franklin St., where Barr-Ee Station was formerly located. Property owner Dan Markscheid said Skye will feature a first-floor dance area, a second-floor cocktail bar and a rooftop level that will offer patrons peace and solace. Markscheid, who also owns Gotham and Alley Oops TreeHouse, said Skye would have its own unique atmosphere.