🌦️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 61^o and Thunderstorms and Rain.

🎭CORRECTION: Tickets for Preview Shows of Murder on the Orient Express are DISCOUNTED, NOT FREE.

🏃‍♂️Still Time to Register for the PSF 5K Run This Saturday (CHCCS)

🚧Chapel Hill Facess Additional $3M Expense for New Parking Deck

🚔Update: Chapel Hill Amber Alert Leads to Parents' Arrest in Durham

🎭Event Highlight: Stories Bring Us Together - Story Joy Night 2024

❎North Carolina Primaries Set Stage for Gubernatorial Showdown: Robinson vs. Stein

🗓️Chapel Hill Local Events

💫Just for Fun: Hump Day Dad Jokes (You Were Warned)

Upcoming Play Preview Show Tickets are Discounted, NOT Free

Our Bad! We were so excited about the upcoming offering from the renowned Playmakers Repertory Company, that we got a little ahead of ourselves.

We aim to fix that.

The preview shows that will run tonight, March 6th, and Thursday, March 7th, and Friday, March 8th have tickets that are discounted, NOT free as we previously reported in our March 5th issue. We apologize for any confusion this has caused and we will triple-check such details in the future to avoid errors in reporting.

This discount still provides an amazing deal for amazing talent and entertainment, right here in the heart of Chapel Hill! You can purchase tickets here or through the links in the Event section below!

Public School Foundation 5K for Education This Saturday

This Saturday, March 9th, Chapel Hill will host the much-anticipated Public School Foundation 5K for Education. The event, set to begin at 8:30 a.m., invites participants to either run or walk, engaging the community in a fitness challenge that benefits local education. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for teachers and students. This year introduces a 1K Fun Run, aiming to include even more community members in the festivities. The first 2,300 registrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, marking their support for this noble cause.

To register, click this link for the PSF 5K Run.

Chapel Hill to Debate Extra $3 Million for Over-Budget Parking Deck

Chapel Hill is facing a significant increase in the budget for the new East Rosemary Street parking deck, with costs now expected to rise by $3 million, bringing the total to nearly $51 million. Initially projected at $39 million in 2021, the project encountered unexpected challenges, including the discovery of large boulders instead of stable bedrock. Tonight, the Town Council will discuss the escalated costs, which have been influenced by rising material and labor costs, design fees, and unforeseen construction needs. The additional funding will also cover signage, security cameras, and other essentials not included in the original contract. The parking deck, which will offer 1,100 spaces and amenities like a covered porch for food trucks, is part of Chapel Hill's economic development efforts. It's set to open in late May and will be financed through parking fees, lease revenue, and possibly the town's Debt Fund, affecting other town projects.

 Chapel Hill Amber Alert Leads to Parents' Arrest in Durham

In the ongoing case in Chapel Hill, parents Justin Lee Brown and Destinee Ariel Cothran were detained by Durham police on Hillsborough Road, following their attempt to evade a Child Protective Services custody order for their child. Although not initially charged with taking their son, both now face multiple charges, including resisting a public officer and drug possession. Their arrest followed a dramatic statewide Amber Alert issued in late February when they failed to appear at a Chapel Hill pediatrician's office as claimed. The couple's history of drug and traffic offenses has come to light, with Cothran also cited for not supporting her other children. The baby is now under the care of Orange County Child Protective Services.

An Evening of Storytelling Magic with Donna Washington

Northside Elementary has partnered with Flyleaf Books and is gearing up for an unforgettable Story Joy Literacy Night this Thursday, March 7th, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The event promises an enriching evening with master storyteller Donna Washington, who will share her captivating tales and insights as both a storyteller and an author. Her many storytelling recordings have received Gold and Silver Parents’ Choice Awards, Storytelling World Awards, iParenting Media Awards, Children’s Music Web Awards, National Parenting Publications Awards Honors, and others. 

The night will kick off with various pre-show activities, including interactions with Chapel Hill Public Library partners and learning more about AVID Elementary. Attendees can also enjoy a diverse collection of stories from the library and capture memories at a specially arranged green screen photo booth. Check out the event flyer from Flyleaf Books for an opportunity to order a copy of her book personalized with your child’s first name!

The event will be at Northside Elementary School located at 350 Caldwell Street, Chapel Hill, NC.

North Carolina Primaries Set Stage for Gubernatorial Showdown: Robinson vs. Stein

The North Carolina primary elections have concluded, marking significant developments in the political landscape, especially within Orange County. In the race for governor, Republican candidate Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson and Democratic contender Attorney General Josh Stein emerged victorious in their respective party primaries, promising a competitive battle as they head into the general elections. Robinson has declared his commitment to revamping education and the economy, steering clear of politicized agendas to ensure a robust educational framework and economic growth. Conversely, Stein champions a vision for a safer, more resilient North Carolina, with a keen focus on enhancing public schools, community safety, and doing away with divisive political tactics.

In local county races, Orange County's primary election outcomes have drawn attention to the election of school board members and a District 2 commissioner. The election saw Padilla winning a seat, while incumbents Doyle and Moore successfully secured their positions on the Orange County Schools Board of Education. Furthermore, the county's voters have filled a District 2 commissioner role, alongside the school board positions, with two commission races facing no opposition.

In North Carolina, the Republican presidential primary was notably won by Donald Trump, who secured a commanding 74.1% of the vote, far ahead of Nikki Haley at 23.1% and Ron DeSantis with 1.4%. This was part of the larger Super Tuesday event, in which North Carolina played a pivotal role among 15 participating states. The state's allocation of 74 Republican delegates will be influenced by these primary outcomes. These developments underscore the political inclinations of North Carolinians and lay the groundwork for the forthcoming general elections, spotlighting crucial gubernatorial and school board elections.

⬇️Here is what’s going on in the Chapel Hill local area⬇️

Hump Day Dad Jokes

Congratulations! You are half of the way through the week. Here are a few laughs to get you through to the weekend.

• You: Why did you knock on the fridge?  Dad: There could be a salad dressing.

• Dad: I’m afraid for the calendar. You: Why? Dad: Because its days are numbered.

• Dad: What’s brown and sticky? You:… Dad: A stick!

One more…

Dad: What kind of eggs does an evil chicken lay? You: What kind? 

Dad: Deviled Eggs!