Record #:

27847

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival in Chatham County is raising money to buy the land it currently leases. The nonprofit that produces the festival cannot afford the land but does not want to leave. The festival is growing each year and its lease is almost up. The problem is explored and compared with other national festivals who have experienced similar issues.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 6, February 2010, p39 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Festivals; Traditional music; Ecology

Record #:

28049

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

Abortion protesters in Raleigh recently targeted students on the sidewalk outside Enloe High School. Many students were upset at being targeted by protesters and with the material protesters gave them to read on abortions. The subject of the pamphlets is discussed by area experts. The protesters did not violate any laws as the sidewalk considered off-campus, but some students are appealing to local leaders to prevent the protests from taking place before school.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 49, December 2010, p9 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Abortion--Moral and ethical aspects

Record #:

27832

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

Controversy has surrounded Chatham County’s school board race. An error was made when drawing lines for the Board of Education Districts 13 years ago and was recently corrected. This change will affect the race for seats on the school board. The Board of Education has asked county commissioners to re-draw the districts. This would require the General Assembly to amend state law to change the rules on re-drawing districts and the changes may not happen before the election. Maps included in article.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 4, January 2010, p7 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Chatham County; School boards; School boards--Laws and legislation

Record #:

15633

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

SCAAP is a federal program administered through the Bureau of Justice Assistance that provides funds to local law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement receives the money to jail undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of one felony or two misdemeanors. Congress is proposing cutting the program by more than 60 percent by 2012.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 23, June 2011, p13, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Immigration--Laws and legislation; Law enforcement--Finance

Record #:

15627

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

In Orange and Guilford Counties, neighbors are fighting landfill expansions. Cowell examines the problems with continual expansion of landfills in North Carolina, especially in low-income, minority communities.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 27, July 2011, p15-19, map, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Landfills--Orange County; Landfills--Guilford County

Record #:

27998

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

A new wastewater treatment plant that will serve Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and Holly Springs will be built in New Hill near the town’s historic district. Many of the residents of New Hill won’t be able to use the plant and will have to continue to run on septic systems. The town of New Hill is primarily African-American and the residents closest the plant are majority retirees and elderly. Residents of New Hill express their frustration and discuss their battle against the construction of the plant.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 32, July 2010, p14-19 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Wastewater management; African American communities

Record #:

27956

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

Area residents held a protest outside of Urban Outfitters in Durham. The protest was held in response to the company’s marketing strategies and the demographic they sell to. Amy Lambert led the protest saying that the company encourages women to eat less to fit into their clothing. The image the company suggests women should fit encourages eating disorders and unhealthy living.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 23, June 2010, p17 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Eating disorders; Body weight

Record #:

27914

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

The expansion of US Highway 64 could further pollute Jordan Lake. The expansion could also uproot Chatham County businesses as they move to accommodate the new expanded road. The road would run from Pittsboro over Jordan Lake to Apex and Cary and would be designed to speed up travel time from Charlotte to Raleigh. The state does not currently have the funding to pay for the expansion and it does not have a plan to work with the federal environmental regulations governing Jordan Lake.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 17, April 2010, p5-7 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Roads--Design and construction; Highway planning--North Carolina

Record #:

28046

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

New Hill Community Association is the winner of a 2010 Indy Citizen Award for their positive contribution to society in the Triangle area. The association is fighting Western Wake Partners who want to put a wastewater treatment plant in the tiny, unincorporated, historically African-American town. Both black and white residents have joined forces to fight the project. The project would serve Cary, Apex, and Morrisville, but not New Hill and there are options to place the plant away from residents which are not being considered.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 47, November 2010, p21 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Wastewater management; Citizenship awards; Community organization

Record #:

27833

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

The Raleigh Institute of Contemporary Art is now open. The new art school’s model of instruction is to have new artists learn alongside working artists. These local working artists teach students in the studio and focus their instruction on practical instruction and not classical training. The center was founded by Raleigh artist Mia Yoon. The school will focus on conceptual art, assemblage of found materials, urban art, visual journalism, collage, drawing, graphic design, photography, and more.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 4, January 2010, p21 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Art centers--North Carolina

Record #:

15632

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

In 2009, the board of commissioners for Chatham County unanimously adopted a resolution acknowledging that undocumented immigrants live in and contribute to their communities. The resolution went on to ask the local law enforcement decline to enter into agreements with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. Recent voting to rescind this resolution is causing problems associated with racial profiling, civil rights violations, and immigration concerns.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 23, June 2011, p11 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Immigration--Laws and legislation

Record #:

27955

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

The state Senate passed bill S 1209 which places a 14-month moratorium on cities and towns who wish to build their own high-speed broadband networks. The bill hurts many rural communities that the telecommunications companies have not served with high-speed internet. Lobbyists for the telecommunications companies worked hard to support the bill and the companies have contributed to bill sponsor Sen. David Hoyle D-Gaston’s campaign efforts. The bill will now head to the house where it is expected to pass.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 23, June 2010, p11-13 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Telecommunications--Laws and legislation; Internet service--Rural areas

Record #:

27863

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

Many people with eating disorders are exhausting their savings for treatment and some are dying from a lack of insurance coverage. Insurers often do not cover treatment for eating disorders. Area resident Amy Lambert details her struggle with the disorder and its financial burden. Chase Bannister who directs the Carolina House in Durham explains what his treatment facility does to help and Tori Toles of UNC’s Eating Disorder Program also discusses the problems for those wanting treatment.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 8, February 2010, p5-7 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Eating disorders; Insurance, Health

Record #:

13935

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

Lincoln Heights is a historically African American community located outside the Roanoke Rapids corporation limits. For the past seventy years the city has regularly dumped its garbage there in three landfills; the city does not provide Lincoln Heights with trash service. Although two of the landfills have since closed, the residents are still living among the dumps. Cowell discusses this problem and the waste transfer station that the city proposes to build there.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 7, Feb 2011, p17-21, il, map Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Refuse and refuse disposal--Roanoke Rapids; African American neighborhoods--Halifax County; Lincoln Heights

Record #:

27977

Author(s):

Cowell, Rebekah L.

Abstract:

Sludge from wastewater treatment plants is often applied to farmers’ fields as a free fertilizer. However, sludge poses health and environmental risks as its contents are unregulated. The sludge begins as human waste, manufacturing chemicals, and landfill runoff and after being applied to a farm field, it can be ingested by livestock or absorbed in crops. The contents of sludge are discussed and researchers and farms discuss the effects sludge can have on farms, people, and the environment.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 30, July 2010, p14-17 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Fertilizer industry; Environmental protection--Citizen participation; Public health