VOLUME 8 ISSUE 18 | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023
CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM
Chatham News & R ecord THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL
MATT RAMEY | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Rodeo in Chatham
The Silk Hope Pro Rodeo took place this past weekend on June 23 and 24. You can see more photos from the event on page B10.
Kyle Shipp launches campaign for Mayor of Pittsboro Kyle for Mayor PITTSBORO — Kyle Shipp is thrilled to announce his candidacy for Mayor of Pittsboro and share a bold vision for the future of Pittsboro. As a town commissioner, Shipp gained valuable experience and an indepth understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Pittsboro. Outgoing Mayor Cindy Perry said, “Having served as Mayor for three terms, I wholeheartedly endorse Kyle as the ideal candidate to lead our Town to a prosperous and inclusive future.” Shipp said he “feels ready to take the lead as Mayor, build on past achievements, and shape a future that reflects the aspirations of every resident.” Shipp said he considers his campaign slogan more of a mantra for what lies ahead: “Plan for Pittsboro. Plan for our future. Plan together.” He said he will work with the community and lead Pittsboro towards a prosperous and sustainable future. Plan for Pittsboro Strategic planning is of critical importance in shaping the destiny of Pittsboro. This town is unlike any other, and the plans made today must ensure it remains both economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable. Shipp said he will work hand-in-hand with local experts, businesses and community members to develop a blueprint addressing key areas such as infrastructure modernization, downtown vitality and the preservation of Pittsboro’s unique cultural heritage. “I believe that growth is possible while staying true to the past,” Shipp said. Plan for our future Pittsboro has a rich history and is well-known for its unique character. As the population continues to increase, long-term plans must be made now to ensure that character is preserved, thoughtfully scaled and inclusive of all.
Shipp said his plan focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and creating a business-friendly environment for both new and existing businesses; generating quality employment opportunities for residents. Shipp said he will also hold businesses accountable to Pittsboro’s most urgent priorities: protecting natural resources and delivering affordable housing. Plan together Shipp said he seeks to empower and uplift every resident of Pittsboro. His plan is merely a first draft: the true plan is one made together as a community. “Civic engagement is essential to enhancing the quality of life for all,” Shipp said. Through initiatives that support local arts, culture, and recreation, Shipp envisions vibrant public spaces where residents can gather, connect, and thrive. He said he will continue to cultivate partnerships with community organizations, listen to the voices of residents and champion inclusion, all with the goal of keeping Pittsboro a place where everyone feels valued and welcomed. Shipp said believes that action is inherent in the planning process: make a plan, try the plan, and revise the plan while moving forward. With a proven commitment to transparent governance, fiscal responsibility and community engagement, he said he feels poised to build upon these accomplishments and tackle the challenges that lie ahead. In the coming months, Shipp said he will engage with residents through a series of town hall meetings, neighborhood gatherings, and digital platforms, promoting an inclusive dialogue where all ideas and aspirations for Pittsboro are valued. “With a shared vision and collective action, there is a sustainable future ahead for the town,” Shipp said. He invites residents to get engaged and help plan for the challenges ahead, ensuring that today’s actions benefit generations to come.
LET FREEDOM RING!
How Chatham County is celebrating Independence Day By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record THE FOURTH OF JULY — also known as Independence Day in the U.S. — is widely celebrated across Chatham County with various festivals, church celebrations and firework displays. The News & Record has compiled a list of activities in the county leading up to and on Independence Day residents can participate in. Here’s how Chatham communities are commemorating the founding of the United States.
COURTESY PHOTO
Summer Fest 2023
Summer Fest is one of the events taking place the weekend of July 4.
The Pittsboro Business Association will host its annual Summer Fest starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at the town parking lot across from Postal Fish Company in downtown Pittsboro. Summer Fest will have a dedicated space for children, the Kids Zone, complete with a water slide, a dunk tank, a bounce house, an inflatable axe-throwing lane, an obstacle course and more.
For adult festivalgoers, there are several contests to participate in, from the highly anticipated beard and mustache competition to the newly added amateur BBQ cook-off. There will also be various entertainers at the event, from live musicians to jugglers and balloon animal artists. Food trucks and vendors will be available throughout Summer Fest.
The July 4 Dueling Dogs Seminar Canines can put on their flippers and swim caps in this patriotic aquatic competition in Goldston at the Dueling Dogs Seminar, an all-day affair on Tuesday, July 4, at the Indian Creek K9 Aquatics Center in Goldston. See JULY 4, page A9
AG Josh Stein meets with Chatham leaders to talk law enforcement By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — Many of Chatham County’s elected officials and various municipal administrations came together on Monday afternoon for a round-table discussion with N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein. Stein has served as N.C.’s Attorney General since 2017 and recently announced his 2024 run to take the governor’s seat for the next election. The group came together to discuss various issues facing the criminal justice system — from lulls in the hiring of law enforcement officers to new funds com-
ing from the opioid lawsuit settlements Stein and his office have spearheaded. “We’ve worked with the sheriff … the Chiefs of Police and others in law enforcement to come up with a package to try to help address recruitment and retention challenges,” Stein told the group. Sheriff Mike Roberson was present at Monday’s conversation, and he provided some insight on some of the challenges the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has experienced, specifically in regard to filling vacant positions. “We have 14 certified law enforcement position vacancies,
with no applications, and then we have 13 detention positions open, and we have a couple of applications on that,” Roberson said. “But we’re not getting enough people to apply to even sift through … To be honest with you, we’re behind on the number of deputies that we have. We See STEIN, page A12
$1.00