Record #:

2496

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

Health maintenance organizations are forcing many Triangle area hospitals to cut costs through such approaches as shorter patient stays and job reductions. For patients, loss of registered nurses and other care givers could be critical.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 13 Issue 37, Sept 1995, p13-14, 16, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Medical care--Cost of

Record #:

2606

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

Margaret Nygard, who died in 1995, was for thirty years a tireless fighter in protecting the Eno River Valley against urban encroachment and unsound environmental policies.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 13 Issue 47, Nov 1995, p9, il, por Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Eno River; Environmental protection--Citizen participation--Durham; Nygard, Margaret Jacqueline Cruden (Rodger), 1925-1995

Record #:

2942

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

In 1989, Jerry Brantley, a pilot with the N.C. Department of Commerce, was fired for reporting illegal activity and safety violations in the department. While lower courts support his appeal, the state has appealed the case to the N.C. Supreme Court.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 14 Issue 4, Jan 1996, p7-9, por Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Brantley, Jerry; Whistle blowing--Raleigh; North Carolina. Dept. of Commerce

Record #:

27342

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

As Durham County commissioners prepare to decide on a school merger plan to submit to the State Board of Education, debate remains from the two opposing sides. Durham County commissioners Deborah Giles and Ellen Reckhow are interviewed and explain their positions. Giles is in favor of a plan that guarantees minority representation on the school board while Reckhow is in favor of board members being elected through “at-large” elections.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 9 Issue 47, November 20-26 1991, p8-9 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

School boards--Laws and legislation; Educational change--Durham County

Record #:

27343

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

The article draws attention to the working conditions of some migrant workers in North Carolina. Some employers lure primarily homeless or drug addicted, African-American men with promises and keep them as indentured workers. If they attempt to leave the workers’ camps, they are often physically threatened. Abuses also include inadequate housing and below minimum wage pay. There is not enough oversight of these camps according to advocacy groups in North Carolina.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 9 Issue 46, November 13-19 1991, p6-8 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Migrant laborers; Employee rights

Record #:

27471

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

The ArtsCenter in Carrboro is on the verge of bankruptcy after accruing $500, 000 in debt. Several employees, contractors, and creditors have not been paid for months. All staff has been laid off and the center may have to permanently close. The problems at the ArtsCenter are a result of weak leadership and management.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 8 Issue 28, August 1-7 1990, p7-9, 11-12 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Carrboro, Non-profit organizations; Bankruptcy

Record #:

27509

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

Last February, the state Environmental Management Commission adopted regulations to control 105 toxic air pollutants. This should reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals through air pollution. However, the state lacks money to implement the protection program and rules allow businesses to petition and avoid compliance. These problems and loopholes may see little actual change in air quality over time.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 8 Issue 50, December 12-18 1990, p8-9 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Pollution--Laws and legislation; Public health laws; Air--Pollution

Record #:

28152

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

A new airport is being planned for Orange County. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill would benefit most from the airport, but would be good for the county as well. However, university leaders and county leaders are fighting over control of the proposed airport. Both sides have not been consulted about plans, accusations about backroom deals have been made, and there is debate over the cost, location, and economic impact.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 25 Issue 40, October 2008, p31 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Airports; Orange County--Politics and government; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Record #:

28310

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

Governor Mike Easley and the state legislature recently agreed to an incentive plan to keep Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in North Carolina and keep its Fayetteville plant open. Previous incentive plans were designed to lure companies to North Carolina or help existing companies expand rather than move elsewhere. This new precedent may have the state paying companies to stay based on a mere threat of leaving. This will likely lead to more companies to ask for the Goodyear treatment and the whole situation is likely to get out of hand.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 24 Issue 37, September 2007, p14 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

North Carolina--Economic policies

Record #:

28320

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

The Triangle area is in the middle of a drought and many individuals and local officials are ignoring the problem. Many residents are ignorant of their responsibility to their community. The problem also is showing how the overall demand for water is finally catching up with the supply which has been brought on by increased growth and a lack of planning. Officials need to develop long-term plans to deal with the problem.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 24 Issue 41, October 2007, p17 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Water supply; Drought; Research Triangle Metropolitan Area--Description

Record #:

28364

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

The need for affordable housing often conflicts with the desire of neighborhoods to control the residents who live there. This problem is growing in Raleigh, and many feel they are being forced out of neighborhoods in the city because they are not like their wealthy, white neighbors. Landlords who rent houses and their tenants are frequently targeted in neighborhood groups. Both sides speak out about the growing problem.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 10 Issue 7, February 1992, p8-11 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Neighborhoods--Raleigh; Housing

Record #:

28375

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

Residents in Orange County are struggling with growth. The planned University Station development project is being opposed by many citizens for its lack of rural character, how it may affect the environment, its burden on local schools, and the costs which the county may have to cover to make the development a reality. The timeline and plans for the development are also detailed.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 10 Issue 47, November 1992, p9 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Orange County--Economic conditions; Development--North Carolina

Record #:

28377

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

Cash Michaels is the winner of a 1992 Independent Citizen Award. Michaels is an investigative reporter, disc jockey, talk-show host, photographer, and African-American community activist driven to serve people who have no voice. Michaels feels the obligation to tell the truth and to effect change in his community.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 10 Issue 48, November 1992, p11 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Citizenship awards; Political activists--Research Triangle Metropolitan Area; African American journalists

Record #:

28408

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

The Northampton Citizens Against Pollution are winners of a 1993 Independent Weekly Citizen Award. The group recently defeated attempts to locate a hazardous-waste incinerator in their county. Industrial hog farms may be the next target of the group as the grassroots organization is committed to changing the way government and business is conducted in Northampton County.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 11 Issue 47, November 1993, p10 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Citizenship awards; Political activists; Hazardous waste

Record #:

28413

Author(s):

Burtman, Bob

Abstract:

The co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Dolores Huerta, is interviewed. Huerta talks about organizing with the UFW in North Carolina, unionizing workers, public exposure to farm issues, and working with farmers who practice sustainable agriculture.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 12 Issue 5, February 1993, p7 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Agricultural laborers; United Farm Workers; Labor unions-organizing