VOLUME 146 ISSUE 43 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023
CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM
C HATHAM NEWS & R ECORD THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Chatham Library to run winter reading BINGO challenge Chatham County Public Libraries will have a Winter Reading BINGO Challenge for children and teens, running from Jan. 2, 2024, through February 29, 2024, at all library branches in the county. Open to participants aged 2-18, the challenge involves picking up a BINGO sheet at any local library branch. By completing a 5-in-a-row BINGO, young readers can earn a free book, available while supplies last. Additionally, all participants who complete at least one BINGO will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to McIntyre’s Books. For a BINGO sheet, visit the Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro, the Goldston Public Library, or Wren Memorial Library in Siler City.
New driving license changes coming for 2024 Teen drivers and parents, changes to the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system are coming on Jan. 1. As of the new year, teens must hold their Level 1 Limited Learner Permit for nine months, increased from the current six months, before taking the road test to obtain a Level 2 Limited Provisional License. “The law doesn’t allow for grandfathering anyone in,” said North Carolina DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin in a press release. “So, if someone completes their six months of Level 1 before year’s end but fails to take their road test by Dec. 29, they will have to wait until nine months to take the test and get Level 2.” The GDL system, in effect since 1997, had a 12-month requirement for Level 2 for most of its existence. This was temporarily reduced to six months during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new law, enacted on May 8, 2023, establishes the nine-month requirement starting in 2024. To obtain a Level 2 license, teen drivers must be at least 16, log 60 hours of driving, pass a road test, and provide printed proof of insurance in their name.
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Considering the options
Chatham Central senior Devonte Johnson scans the court as Seaforth senior Lamar Murray stands ready on defense on December 15, 2023. Chatham Central won 64-57.
Chatham County Leadership Academy graduates 24 students in 2023 class Program fosters local leadership across government and nonprofit sectors
By Jordan Golson Chatham News & Record CHATHAM COUNTY celebrated 24 graduates from its Leadership Academy Class of 2023 on December 7, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to developing local leaders. Since 2002, this unique program has cultivated leadership skills in 405 indi-
viduals, distinguishing itself as a critical stepping stone for county and community leaders. The Leadership Academy, designed for Chatham County employees and extended to local municipality and nonprofit personnel, focuses on enhancing necessary management skills and preparing individuals for increased responsibilities. A notable feature of this program is its instruction exclusively by County employees, many of whom are academy alumni. This approach has proven successful, expanding in recent years to include par-
ticipants from neighboring towns and nonprofit organizations active in Chatham County. “We are so fortunate in Chatham County to have the most talented, hard-working, and passionate people serving our community,” said County Manager Dan LaMontagne in a press release. “The Chatham County Leadership Academy allows our valuable employees to grow both professionally and personally.” This year’s academy recognized Chance Mullis from the Chatham County Planning Department with the Charlie
Horne Outstanding Student award, an accolade chosen by peers and instructors. The comprehensive one-year program includes essential courses such as County Government 101, Supervision, and Business Writing. Participants also have the opportunity to select from electives like Hot Topics, Workplace Safety & Security, and Defensive Driving, catering to a broad spectrum of professional development needs. Town and non-profit employees participate through See LEADERSHIP, page A3
Candidates set for 2024 Chatham elections Chatham News & Record
“Chatham County is my home and I am proud of the progress we have made, especially over the past few years.” State Rep. Robert Reives
ONE OF NORTH CAROLINA’S fastest-growing counties saw varying levels of interest in races for elective office ahead of the 2024 election cycle. Races for two Chatham County Commissioner seats and Register of Deeds saw only one candidate each file for the office, effectively ending the contests nearly a year before the Nov. 5, 2024 general election. In the 1st Commissioner District, incumbent board chair Karen Howard will return for another term. She has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2014. In the 2nd District, Amanda Robertson, currently a member of the county’s planning board, was the only candidate to file. Current 2nd District Commissioner Mike Dasher did not seek reelection to the board. Dasher also current serves as the board’s vice chair. Register of Deeds Lunday Riggsbee, who has been in office since 2014, filed for another term. Races for Chatham County’s delegation to the General Assembly will be contested in November 2024. Democratic state Rep. Robert Reives, the House Minority Leader, filed for another two-year term in Raleigh. He faces Republican Joe Godfrey. “I am proud to file for reelection and continue serving the people of this community in the North Carolina House of Representatives,” Reives said in a statement after he filed for reelection. “Chatham County is my home and I am proud of the progress we have made, especially over the past few years. I look forward to earning the trust See FILINGS, page A9
AP PHOTO
Courtney Steed and Jesse Wimberley talk about the need for controlled burns at his property Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in West End.
Rekindling ‘fire culture’ to help pine trees thrive Prescribed burns clear the ground, leaving tree trunks free to grow By James Pollard for AP/Report for America WEST END — Jesse Wimberley burns the woods with neighbors. Using new tools to revive an old communal tradition, they set fire to wiregrasses and forest debris with a drip torch, corralling embers with leaf blowers. Wimberley, 65, gathers groups across eight North Carolina counties to starve future wildfires by lighting leaf litter ablaze.
The burns clear space for longleaf pine, a tree species whose seeds won’t sprout on undergrowth blocking bare soil. Since 2016, the fourth-generation burner has fueled a burgeoning movement to formalize these volunteer ranks. Prescribed burn associations See BURNS, page A10
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