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Despite threats, Merry Oaks community persists

In Merry Oaks, the past is part of the present. Few places in the rural South still exist where you can find a preacher whose grandfather grew up a quarter mile from the church. A place where one of the congregation members is the great-granddaughter of someone who built the town; where the church has one unofficial car mechanic; or where every congregation member is just a few degrees of separation from every grave in the nearby cemetery.

Articles by Ben Rappaport
Beal brings ‘pasture to plate’ mission to Siler City
SILER CITY — When his grandfather fired up the smoker, Chris Beal’s mouth would begin to water. The smell of the pork wafted …
Porch stories revealed the Southern women behind American classics
It’s a classic Southern tradition: sipping iced tea or lemonade on the porch and sharing stories until the sun goes down. But …
Pittsboro Elementary teacher removed from position shortly after being reinstated to classroom
PITTSBORO — Chatham County Schools officials say Eric Hudson, a 4th-grade teacher at Pittsboro Elementary, is no longer teaching at …
Teachers, families push against year-round school model, citing accessibility concerns
PITTSBORO — Citing concerns about lack of community engagement and inadequate solutions, community members and teachers voiced …
Pittsboro Elementary teacher removed from position shortly after being reinstated to classroom
Chatham County Schools officials on Friday confirmed Eric Hudson, a 4th-grade teacher at Pittsboro Elementary, is no longer at the …
‘Equity’ in Chatham County Schools isn’t worth squabbling over
In the latest round of the culture wars in school systems across the U.S., “equity training” is a rallying cry for those from both …
Loves Creek cleanup goes beyond the trash
SILER CITY — A toy dump truck, 12 tires and a rusted bike were just part of the trash haul at Loves Creek on Saturday. The …
Davis pleads not guilty
JoAnn Davis, accused in a federal indictment of taking more than $200,000 in kickbacks in her role as the executive director of the …
After-school homework help tutors go above and beyond
Academic support and homework help are integral to what CIS, a nonprofit with the mission of surrounding students with a network of …
Mistakes, pitfalls and lessons: Chatham woman’s battle with lupus inspires memoir
PITTSBORO — It used to be a fascination. Nothing more than an interesting phenomenon to be studied in books and classes. Then, …
Chairperson of Chatham's Democrats stepping down
Liz Guinan, chairperson of the Chatham County Democratic Party, announced she would be stepping down from the position at a virtual …
Mom-daughter blog showcases artsy spirit
PITTSBORO — Creativity bursts at the seams inside Belle Boggs’ Pittsboro home. Paint brushes line the cabinets, books of all kinds …
Local art scene on display for fundraiser
In front of the Bynum General Store, Austin and Sarah McCombie sing about taking risks and giving your heart fully to new passions, …
J-M’s Brady Andrew earns prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship
SILER CITY — In Brady Andrew’s home, learning is paramount. That’s evidenced by his mother being a former principal at Silk Hope …
Local officials discuss legislative priorities for new year
PITTSBORO — Local elected officials from across the county gathered at the Chatham Agriculture & Conference Center on Monday morning …
Chatham Central flautist named to All-District Band
BEAR CREEK — Carolyn England always gravitated to the flute. Her obsession began when she was just 6 and saw someone on TV …
Phase 2 of Plan Moncure underway, community input needed
PITTSBORO — Plan Moncure, the small area plan created to address development related to VinFast and other potential adjacent …
Courts, Sheriff and school system sign Justice Partnership
Alongside educational and judicial stakeholders, Chatham County Schools created and signed a Justice Partnership agreement, with the …
Changes to school calendar considered for 2023-2025
PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Board of Education heard several updates at its February meeting Monday, held at George Moses Horton …
CCS to close K-8 Virtual Academy, cites financial changes
Chatham County Schools announced on Feb. 1 it intends to close its K-8 Virtual Academy at the end of the school year, saying budgetary …