Every week, 97.9 The Hill WCHL's Aaron Keck chats with the mayors of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, plus the chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. From breaking news to hot-button issues, they cover all the big news, trends, events and developments in one of the most exciting,…
Chapel Hill, NC

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, March 6, discussing town news and events. She talked about election day on Tuesday, and they both reminisced about voting in previous elections. She also talked about an upcoming Black History Month concert that was rescheduled from February. She previewed a Women's History Month event coming up, and more. The post Carrboro: Elections and Voting, Women’s History Month, Kite Flying appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, March 5, discussing town news and events. She talked about the recent meeting of the town council, which saw former local startup Eats2Seats choose Chapel Hill as their headquarters. She also talked about the council's decision to pass a resolution reaffirming the fourth and fifth amendments to the Constitution, previewed some upcoming events, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Election Reaction, Startup Settles in Chapel Hill, Affirming the Constitution appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, March 5, discussing town news and events. She offered reaction to Tuesday's midterm primary elections locally, which saw three fellow board members elected. She also recapped feedback from Commissioners who went to the recent Association of Counties conference in Washington, D.C., and more. The post Orange County: Election Reaction, National Association of Counties appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 3, discussing town news and events. He talked about election day and his experience voting early with his family. He also discussed a bridge closure affecting overnight traffic in Hillsborough. He also gave a preview of the upcoming Hillsborough Town Board of Commissioners meeting next week, previewed some upcoming town events, and more. The post Hillsborough: Bridge Closure, Commissioners Meeting Preview appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, February 27, discussing town news and events. She talked about the rescheduled Carrboro Film Fest happening this weekend at the Drakeford Library Complex, along with early voting wrapping up on Saturday. She also mentioned the ribbon cutting for the Extraordinary Thrift Shop, which is taking over for the Community Worx Thrift shop in downtown Carrboro. She also gave highlights from an event from the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill Carrboro, and more. The post Carrboro: Film Fest, Early Voting, Chamber Event, and More appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, February 26. She discussed the news of a Barnes and Noble coming to University Place later this year. She also talked about the recent Town Council meeting, which saw a recognition of Black History Month, and approval of a couple of developments on Weaver Dairy Road. She also gave an update on the Legion Road property, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Weaver Dairy Road Developments, Black History Recognition, Legion Road Update appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, February 25, discussing county news and events. She talked about the timeline and priorities around the hire of a new county Tax Administrator, outlined some of the upcoming discussions around the county's budget, discussed early voting in our community, and more. The post Orange County: Tax Administrator Hire, Upcoming Budget Decisions, Upcoming Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, February 20, discussing town news and events. She discussed the legislative breakfast that town leaders had with state and U.S. legislators. She also talked about the town council's unanimous decision to delay the East Weaver Street closure pilot after numerous logistical questions from stakeholders. She recapped the rest of the town council meeting, discussed upcoming events, including the rescheduled Carrboro Film Fest, and more. The post Carrboro: Legislative Breakfast, Delaying Weaver Street Pilot, Town Council Meeting appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, February 19, discussing town news and events. She touched on the proposed timeline for the affordable housing project at the legion road property. She also talked about some upcoming progress toward extending some multi-modal paths. She discussed the Rosemary Street closure and the impacts on local businesses, talked about early voting, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Legion Road Timeline, Multi-Modal Upgrades, Rosemary Street Closure appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, February 18, discussing county news and events. She talked about the recent meeting of the county commissioners, which included reports on transit work programs, Orange County Animal Services, the Longtime Homeowner Assistance Program, and more. She also talked about the process for hiring a new Tax Administrator, the early voting period continuing, and more. The post Orange County: Transit Work Programs, Tax Administrator Hire, Early Voting appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, February 17, discussing town news and events. He previewed upcoming meetings of the board of commissioners. He also discussed a large federal grant to help fund a water infrastructure project, looked to some upcoming events, and more. The post Hillsborough: Commissioners Meeting, Federal Funding, Upcoming Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, February 12, discussing town news and events. She recapped the recent town council meeting, which included a presentation on the town's financial report, and an update in the Land Use Management Ordinance rewrite. She outlined some recent federal funding secured for some major projects for the town, and more. The post Chapel Hill: LUMO Update, Federal Funding for Projects, Financial Report appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, February 11, discussing county news and events. She recapped the most recent work session for the board of commissioners, which saw presentations from numerous county advisory boards and commissions. She also talked about early voting, which begins on Thursday, with several locations in Orange County. She encouraged residents to attend Black History Month events and more. The post Orange County: Advisory Board Presentations, Early Voting, Black History Month appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, February 6, discussing town news and events. She talked about the recent meeting of the town council, which saw an update on the town's comprehensive plan. She also talked about the council directing town staff to see if there are more support options for unhoused residents. She discussed some of the town's numerous Black History Month events, talked about the recently refreshed town website, and more. The post Carrboro: Comprehensive Plan, Black History, Refreshed Website appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, February 5, discussing town news and events. She talked about the response and ongoing impacts of our recent rounds of winter weather. She also talked about the upcoming UNC vs. Duke basketball game which takes place in Chapel Hill on Saturday, February eighth. She discussed an upcoming OWASA closure to Rosemary Street, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Weather Response, UNC vs. Duke, Rosemary Closure appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, February 4, discussing county news and events. She discussed the recent snow and cold weather events and the county's response to those events. She also talked about a pair of interlocal agreements discussed at the most recent meeting of the commissioners dealing with school projects, and tax collection. She also previewed the early voting period, which begins next week, and more. The post Orange County: Snow Response, Interlocal Agreements, Primary Election Season appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, January 30, discussing town news and events. She talked about the previous weekend's winter storm, the upcoming weekend's winter storm, and Carrboro Works superior performance through the storm in spite of still not having a home after this summer's flooding. She also discussed a proposed upcoming pilot to "Reimagining East Weaver Street," which would see the block closed to vehicle traffic on weekends for a six month period, and more. The post Carrboro: Storm Response, Carrboro Works, Weaver Street Reimagined appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, January 29, discussing town news and events. She talked about the recent winter weather's impacts on the town and the school schedule. She also responded to recent events in Minneapolis involving the killing of protesters by ICE agents. She talked about some upcoming event and opportunities in the community including Chapel Hill Transit seeking feedback for their next 10-year plan, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Winter Weather, Minneapolis Response, CH Transit Feedack appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, January 28, discussing county news and events. She discussed the county's response to the recent winter storm, and how her role as chair of the commissioners meant more involvement in the various aspects of the county's response. She also talked about the potential for more winter weather this weekend, previewed the next commissioners meeting, and more. The post Orange County: Winter Weather Response, Upcoming Commissioners Meeting appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 27, discussing town news and events. He discussed the current road conditions in Hillsborough, and the town's response to the storm. He also discussed the plan for a meeting of the board of commissioners that was cancelled due to the weather. He also talked about a housing development at Cate's Creek that just broke ground, and more. The post Hillsborough: Snow Storm Response, Board of Commissioners Meeting, Development Begins appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, January 22, discussing town news and events. She talked about the upcoming winter weather and the preparations being made as the town expects snow and ice over the weekend. She also discussed the most recent town council meeting which saw the passage of amendments to the town's Land Use Management Ordinance. She talked about UNC's announced plans for the Carolina North campus, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Storm Prep, LUMO, Carolina North appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, January 16, discussing town news and events. She discussed participation in a protest march in Carrboro last weekend. She also outlined the Poet's Party at the Drakeford Library Complex, as well as previewing next weekend's Carrboro Film Fest at the same location. She also previewed several Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities in our community, and more. The post Carrboro: Protests, Poet’s Party, MLK Preview appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, January 16, discussing town news and events. She shared discussions from the town council's two day retreat last weekend, which included budget talks and more. She also talked about the town's launch of their newly designed website which went live on Thursday. She previewed upcoming weekend events including Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials and more. The post Chapel Hill: Council Retreat, New Website Launch, MLK Day appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, January 14, discussing county news and events. She previewed next week's meeting of the Orange County Commissioners, which will be their first gathering of the year. She also talked about the upcoming Orange County Government Academy, which is currently taking applications. She discussed the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, and more. The post Orange County: Preview of Upcoming Meeting, Orange County Government Academy, MLK Day appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 13, discussing town news and events. He talked about the business of the most recent board of commissioners meeting, which saw a rezoning request for Oakdale Village, and more. He also discussed some upcoming utility work that will close a section of Corbin Street, as well as a New Years Eve automobile accident that saw a cemetery wall damaged on Corbin Street, and more. The post Hillsborough: Oakdale Village Rezone, Utility Work, Cemetery Wall Damaged appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, January 8, discussing town news and events. She talked about the town returning to a more normal schedule after the holidays. They both discussed the challenges around signing kids up for summer camp in the Chapel Hill area. She also talked about the town council meeting from this week which included discussion of amendments for the town's Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO), and more. The post Chapel Hill: LUMO, Summer Camp, Upcoming Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 6, discussing town news and events. He talked about the town's sewer pump station near the Eno River coming fully back online for the first time since Tropical Depression Chantal. He also talked about the process of getting the BRIC funding to have that pump station moved. He looked ahead to the new year for the town, and more. The post Hillsborough: Sewer Pump Station, BRIC Funding, New Year appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, December 18, discussing town news and events. She recapped the recent meeting of Metro Mayors, which was hosted by Chapel Hill. She also took a look back at some of the major stories for the community, including Tropical Storm Chantal, and more. She also reported that the Homestead Skate Park has reopened after being closed for upgrades. The post Chapel Hill: Metro Mayors Recap, Look Back at 2025, Skate Park Opens appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, December 16, discussing town news and events. He discussed the ongoing saga around BRIC funding for local communities, including Hillsborough. He also talked about some recent holiday events, the upcoming Solstice Lantern Walk, and more. The post Hillsborough: BRIC Settlement, Holiday Events, Solstice Walk appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, December 5, discussing town news and events. She outlined the most recent Carrboro Town Council meeting in which the council chose a new Mayor Pro Tem, had a resolution recognizing outgoing council member Randi Haven-O'Donnell, and swore in newly elected members. She also talked about the Carrboro tree lighting this weekend, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade, and more. The post Carrboro: Council Meeting, Holiday Events, Braxton Foushee Day of Service appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell discusses an upcoming town board meeting, ongoing storm recovery, and future holiday events. The post Hillsborough: Chantal Recovery, ICE in the Triangle, and Holiday Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford speaks with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Ahead of her rotating off as board chair, Bedford shares her plans to run for re-election in District 1, as well as shares the other candidates she knows so far. She also discusses what she can […] The post Orange County: CITEL Deal, Finishing Board Chair Duties and Filing Period appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Bell joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, Nov. 25 to detail news around town. The post Hillsborough: Fourth Amendment Rights, Urban Service Boundary and Holiday Service appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, November 21, discussing town news and events. She discussed the most recent meeting of the town council, including the passage of the Downtown Area Plan. She also talked about the recent presence of federal immigration officials in the Triangle, and a resolution passed by the town council in response to that. She also recalled Thursday's ceremony inducting Braxton Foushee into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and more. The post Carrboro: Downtown Area Plan Passes, Supporting Immigrant Communities, Braxton Foushee Honored appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, November 20, discussing town news and events. She discussed the latest on federal immigration action in the community, which as seen no documented cases of arrests in Orange County so far. She also updated the latest from the town council, which included proclamation, a LUMO vote being put off until January, a change to a housing development that will add money to the town's affordable housing fund, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Federal Immigration Action Update, Town Council Meeting Recap, Upcoming Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, November 19. She discussed the reaction to federal immigration officers in the Triangle area, including a statement read at the commissioners' meeting last night. She also talked about a development proposal off NC 86 which was denied by the board. She discussed a facilities upgrade plan, previewed upcoming community events, and more. The post Orange County: Reaction to ICE, Development Denied, Facilities Upgrade appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 18, discussing town news and events. He talked about reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers being in Hillsborough. He also clarified the town's use of license plate reading technology, previewed some upcoming community events, and more. The post Hillsborough: ICE in The Triangle, Plate Readers, Community Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Pro Tem Danny Nowell spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Friday, November 14, filling in for Mayor Barbara Foushee. He discussed the most recent Town Council meeting, which saw discussion of the town’s Unified Development Ordinance, which dovetailed into a discussion of the downtown area plan. He also talked about leaf […] The post Carrboro: Unified Development Ordinance and the Downtown Area Plan appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, November 13, discussing town news and events. She discussed the highlights from the Chapel Hill Town Council meeting from earlier in the week, including an update to the town's formal petition process. She also talked about the Gap in SNAP funding and the ways in which the community came together to fill those gaps. She also previewed upcoming events and more. The post Chapel Hill: Town Council Meeting Recap, Filling the SNAP Gap, and More appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, November 12, discussing county news and events. She talked about the commissioners recent discussion of rural land use. She outlined a plan to sell vacant park land off Millhouse road to a recreation non-profit. She discussed Veterans Day activities in the community, an upcoming "repair cafe" coming to the Whitted Building, and more. The post Orange County: Rural Land Use, Selling Vacant Park Land, Veterans Day appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 11, discussing town news and events. He discussed Veteran's Day, and his participation in an Orange County event earlier in the day. He also discussed cold weather shelters and a food distribution event from last weekend. He talked about the installation UPROAR art in the town's sculpture garden, and more. The post Hillsborough: Veterans Day, Cold Weather, UPROAR Art Installed appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, November 7, discussing town news and events. She recapped Tuesday's municipal election, which saw her reelected to a second term. She also discussed continued uncertainty around federal food benefits amid the government shutdown. She talked about ongoing community outreach efforts around the Downtown Area Plan, upcoming events in Carrboro, and more. The post Carrboro: Election Recap, Food Distribution, Downtown Area Plan appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, November 6, discussing town news and events. She talked about election night, which saw two town councilmembers earn reelection and the election of two first time councilmembers. She also talked about upcoming food distribution events and ongoing effects to community members. She discussed the town's trails reopening several months early after storm damage. She also previewed several upcoming town events and more. The post Chapel Hill: Election Night, Food Access, Trails Reopen appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, November 5, discussing county news and events. She discussed election results from Tuesday's municipal elections, the ongoing uncertainty around food benefits and resources in our community, and the various Veterans Day recognitions happening in our community, and more. The post Orange County: Election Reactions, Food Resources, Veterans Day appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 4, discussing town news and events. He discussed election day in Hillsborough, which will result in his election to a second term as mayor as he is running unopposed. He discussed what he is proud of and what lessons he learned during his first term. He also discussed his vision for Hillsborough during his second. He also shared positive feedback he's heard since the board voted to cancel their contract with Flock Safety, and more. The post Hillsborough: Reelection Night for Mark Bell, Reaction to Plate Reader Cancelation appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, October 30 discussing town news and events. She talked about Halloween in our community, with the Chapel Hill Downtown Halloween expected to continue its trend of being a low key event. She also talked about a housing summit from last week as the town continues to understand the needs of its housings stock. She also discussed food resource opportunities as the threat of federal food benefits ending looms on Saturday. She recognize Dale May as this year's Cal Horton Award Winner, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Halloween Night Downtown, Housing Summit, Food Resources appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 28, discussing town news and events. He recapped the town board of commissioners meeting from Monday night, which saw the board go into closed session to discuss their contract with Flock Safety, who they had contracted to install video license plate readers in town. The board decided to cancel the contract, which they did in open session after concluding the closed session. He discussed the rationale for that choice and the process. He also recapped the River Park Concert, and more. The post Hillsborough: Cancelling License Plate Readers appeared first on Chapelboro.com.