In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 72^o and Mostly Sunny! Enjoy Spring!

📰 Over $5 Million Allocated to Chatham County in Fight Against Opioid Crisis

📰 Carrboro Man Dies in Hit-and-Run; Orange County Suspect Arrested

📰 North Carolina Braces for Childcare Shortage as Federal COVID Aid Dries Up

❎ Continued Poll: Which Orthodontist Would You Recommend?

📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here! Want to nominate a business? Email us at [email protected]

🗓️Upcoming Events 

📢Have an Event You’d Like to Share? Let us know! Click Here to Give Us the Deets!

Over $5 Million Allocated to Chatham County in Fight Against Opioid Crisis

Chatham County in North Carolina has secured over $5 million from the National Opioid Settlement to fight the opioid crisis, with these funds being distributed over 18 years starting in 2022. The county has seen a significant rise in drug-related hospital visits and deaths, with the Public Health Department emphasizing the critical need for enhanced recovery resources. The Sheriff’s Prevention Partnership on Controlled Substances is leading local efforts to curb opioid misuse through public outreach, support for vulnerable populations, and providing lifesaving Naloxone. Future plans include expanding these initiatives to encompass mental health and other substance abuse issues.

Carrboro Man Dies in Hit-and-Run; Orange County Suspect Arrested

On April 15, a devastating hit-and-run incident unfolded on 602 Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro, resulting in the death of a local resident. The victim, 29-year-old Zachary Peeples, suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision and was urgently transported to UNC Hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Peeples succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement responded to the scene in the early morning hours, where they found evidence that later led to the identification and arrest of the suspect. Matthew Harr, a 32-year-old from Hillsborough, has been charged with felony hit-and-run and is currently held without bond at the Orange County Detention Center. As the investigation continues, Carrboro Police are actively seeking additional information and encourage anyone who can assist to come forward.

North Carolina Braces for Childcare Shortage as Federal COVID Aid Dries Up

North Carolina faces a potential childcare crisis with up to 1,500 centers at risk of closing due to the end of federal COVID assistance. Advocates are calling for urgent legislative action to prevent a significant loss of childcare slots and escalating costs for families. The impending challenge has economic ramifications beyond individual households, affecting workforce participation and business operations statewide.

Childcare advocates have declared May 16 as a "day of advocacy," encouraging facilities to close for a day to allow staff to lobby for funding in Raleigh. The future of many childcare centers hangs in balance on May 16, which could see widespread closures. The pandemic prompted Congress to provide stabilization grants to childcare providers nationwide, helping them cover expenses like payroll and rent, while state authorities allocated COVID relief funds to continue support. As the grants are set to expire in June, many childcare programs are facing a fiscal cliff. A recent survey indicated that 29% of childcare programs might shut down once the grants end, potentially affecting 91,660 childcare slots.

New Poll: Who Do You Trust for Your Smile?

Don’t see your favorite smile doctor? We love comments and write-ins! Email us at [email protected]!

Come out to the Tiki Bar for an evening of FUN & Frolic with the Nomads Band!  No cover!

Location of the Event Capt. John’s Dockside Tiki Bar in Cole Park Plaza

Street Address: 11550 US 15 501 Hwy N, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516 (click to navigate in Google Maps on mobile)

Orange County residents will have multiple opportunities to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at several drive-thru events scheduled for this April. On April 18th, from 1 to 4 pm, the Passmore Center in Hillsborough will host one such event, providing a convenient way for locals to rid their homes of unnecessary medications. Following this, on April 27th, there will be two additional opportunities: Wegman’s Grocery Store in Chapel Hill will offer this service from 10 am to 2 pm, and the Walmart in Hillsborough will host a morning session from 9 am to 12 pm.

For those unable to attend these events, Orange County provides a year-round solution through several permanent drop boxes located throughout the area. Residents can find the nearest drop box location by visiting the Orange County website at www.orangecountync.gov/dropboxes. These initiatives are part of the county's commitment to public health and safety by ensuring medications are disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Town Council Meeting

Date and Time: April 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM

Cat’s Cradle

@ The Cave