VOLUME 147 ISSUE 42 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024
CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM
BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO
Champs!
UNC celebrates after defeating Wake Forest 1-0 to win NCAA Women’s College Cup soccer final on Monday, adding to the team’s storied resume. It was the 22nd NCAA Tournament title in school history.
New commissioner: Climate change BRIEF biggest challenge facing Chatham this week the
Bishop tapped by Trump for OMB post Washington, D.C. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated outgoing Congressman Dan Bishop to be deputy director for budget at the Office of Management and Budget. Bishop lost the N.C. Attorney General race to Rep. Jeff Jackson last month.
Durham man charged with burning American flag pulled from flagpole Washington, D.C. Federal authorities have charged a man with burning an American flag in Washington, D.C., during protests in July. Michael Snow Jr., of Durham, is charged with destruction of federal property. The flag was pulled down at Columbus Circle, in front of Union Station, by demonstrators calling for an end to the war in Gaza.
No more recounts in Supreme Court race, protests ahead Raleigh A partial hand recount failed to suggest the trailing Republican candidate could overtake the Democratic incumbent in the state Supreme Court race. Associate Justice Allison Riggs maintained a 734‑vote lead over Jefferson Griffin following a machine recount completed last week. Griffin asked for the partial hand recount, which wrapped up Tuesday and saw Riggs gaining votes. The state election board heard arguments Wednesday on protests filed by Griffin and GOP legislative candidates.
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Amanda Robertson, doubled down on her climate change platform after being sworn in
By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — Chatham County’s newest commissioner looks to be going all-in on her green platform. At its Dec. 2 regular business meeting, the Chatham County
Board of Commissioners swore in reelected commissioner Karen Howard as well as new commissioner Amanda Robertson. Robertson replaced outgoing board chair Mike Dasher as the District 1 representative. “I want to first thank all of you for being here tonight,” Robertson said. “It’s really an honor. I know there’s really nothing on the agenda other than this, so I know I speak for both Karen and me when I say thank you for being here. I’m deeply grateful to all of
my family, friends, supporters and advisors. I’m excited, a little nervous and so grateful to serve and work as your commissioner alongside those who stand with me in the service. Thank you for placing your trust in me.” Robertson, who platformed heavily on sustainability, environmentalism and greengrowth, went on to reaffirm her campaign stances after being sworn in.
“The greatest challenge facing humanity in all our generations is climate change, and we have much work to do in the world, in the state and right here in Chatham County.” Commissioner Amanda Robertson
See CLIMATE, page A7
Food pantries merge as hunger needs grow A new farmers market program will double SNAP benefits for local produce By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record SILER CITY — Two major food assistance organizations in Chatham County have an-
nounced plans to merge. West Chatham Food Pantry and Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA) will combine operations effective July 1, 2025, unifying their shared mission of creating a hunger-free community. The merger will establish a new choice pantry at West Chatham Food Pantry’s current location in the Chatham Trades
building on Old U.S. 421 in Siler City. This permanent site will expand food accessibility while offering nutritious options tailored to clients’ needs and preferences. By pooling resources, the merged organization aims to strengthen sustainable food assistance across Chatham County through increased resourc-
Bear Creek man charged in shootings that wounded 3 The incident was initially reported as road rage By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record SILER CITY — Michael Darren Sharpe, 46, of Bear Creek was arrested by Chatham County Sheriff’s deputies on multiple felony charges following shootings at his residence that left three people wounded. The victims were transported to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill with nonlife-threatening injuries. Deputies initially responded to Murphy’s gas station on New Chatham Road in Siler City around 6 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of gunshots fired into a moving vehicle. While the incident was first reported
as road rage-related, investigators later determined the shootings occurred at Sharpe’s home on Highway 902 in Bear Creek. A search warrant executed at the residence on Saturday yielded evidence tied to the shooting. Sharpe faces seven counts of felony discharging a weapon into a motor vehicle, three counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and one count of felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Additional charges include four counts of misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun and misdemeanor injury to personal property. He is being held on a $1 million secured bond and is scheduled for his first court appearance Jan. 6, 2025, in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro.
Michael Darren Sharpe faces seven counts of felony dis charging a weapon into a motor vehicle and other charges.
es, expanded programs, and combined expertise to address residents’ urgent and evolving needs. “This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry,” said Randy Lindley of West Chatham Food See FOOD, page A2