How fast is Google Chrome?

Programmers for browsers like Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Firefox and Google Chrome compete with one another in speed, intuition and stability creating what many tech-savvy blogger refer to as the "browser wars."

Slate, Technology Gear, and Infoworld rank Google Chrome on top.

But to spite all of the critical acclaim, Internet Explorer is the most-used browser on the market at 58%, but it's popularity is rapidly declining. Firefox is IE's closest competitor at 22% and Google Chrome is approaching 10% of the market share.

Bizarre gifts of 2010

So, you have that person in your life that is just plain odd. (That's probably why you like them.) Or perhaps your goal when buying gifts is for the recipient to open it and say "WTF?"

Well, here are the strangest gifts I've found on the internet that you can still get shipped in time for Christmas:

For the handlebar hipster: CARSTACHE



We might all be guilty of having a little hipster trapped inside of all of us. There are some people who push the boundaries though. You know the type, maxed out their credit card at Urban Outfitters, won't stop playing the new Deerhunter album on vinyl, wears stupid ill-fitting sweaters because they're "vintage"....
The carstache is the perfect subtle clue that they're taking this fad just a little too far. And if they don't get the hint they'll probably enjoy the hell out of it. (They even come in different colors)

For the creepy cook: FETUS COOKIE CUTTER



What's the one thing you want to think about when you're eating? That's right, fetuses. Maybe you have a disturbed cousin that listens to death metal, or an aunt that is an avid pro-life supporter... Either way, this cookie cutter is sure to be a hit. And I bet Santa would still gobble down the cookies no matter what they were shaped like. (He is a fattie after all.)

For the lazy college student: GUN ALARM CLOCK



Brilliant. This hands-on alarm clock won't shut up until you shoot the target in the center. No more excuses for missing that 8 am class, or sleeping all day after an alcohol binge. Even better gift if they're into violence or Sarah Palin. BANG!

For the ex-girlfriend: THE GIFT OF NOTHING



You know that there's no one that gets under your skin more than an ex. Well, 'tis the season my friend. Instead of the passive anger this year be extra spiteful and go out of your way to get that not-so-special person absolutely nothing. Extra point if there's an "I'm Sorry" card attached.

For Grandma: THE KNITTED FROG DISSECTION



Do you have that annoying Grandmother who is always trying to teach you how to knit? Well, give her this lovely craft and she's sure to be off your case for a while. Also an option for a science geek. (And only 8 bucks!)

Some other favorites:
THE SNUGGIE-SUTRA
THE DICK TOWEL (As seen on Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
THE BACON WALLET
THE BREATHALYZER KEYCHAIN

Merry Christmas Weirdo!

How to conquer Cyber Monday

While getting up at absurd hours in the morning and fighting hoards of shoppers on Black Friday may your cup of tea, many prefer to stay in their pajamas and take advantage of deals online.

Today is Cyber Monday, and major retailers are offering killer deals.

Here are a few hot gifts that are on sale today only:


Hoodiebuddie is a brand new product that fuses fashion with function. Built-in headphones are a crucial asset for any iPod owner or workout fiend. What better gift for that young, hip person on your list? If you missed the 50% off Cyber Monday deal, you can still get 10% off by "liking" Hoodiebuddie on Facebook.


This year's hot item, the iPad, is 10% off on eBay today.


Urban Outfitters has unique gifts like vintage-styled roller skates and Budweiser Christmas sweaters. Many items are marked down today and shipping is free!


Get your designer shoe and clothing fix! Great site-wide Cyber Monday deals:
Piperlime: 20% off with code LUCKY20
New York & Co.: 50% off and free shipping with code 2757
Eddie Bauer: 30% off and free shipping with code CYBERDAY
Reebok: 40% off entire order and free shipping with code CYBER40
Ross-Simons: 30% off + free shipping with code 30FREESHIP through 12/01/2010
Tommy Hilfiger: 40% off and free shipping.
ZAGG: 50% off sitewide
7 For All Mankind: 50% off sweaters & outerwear w/code WS2010


Giving the gift of an experience is a nice alternative to a material gift. You can give a delicious night on the town to anyone on your list with dining certificates from Restaurant.com, 80% off on Cyber Monday with the code DEAL.

Sites like Groupon offer daily, localized deals on experiences (like hot air baloon rides or salsa lessons) at a discounted rate with the option of giving it as a gift or using it for yourself. You usually have about a deal to use the Groupon. Livingsocial is a similar site offering 1-day deals on restaurants, spas and events.

Jaywalking could get expensive at UNC

A jaywalking fine of $166 goes into effect at UNC, where previously violations were treated with verbal warnings.

The initiative is an effort to improve pedestrian safety.

The UNC Department of Public Safety said that this is not a project to increase revenues, as $141 dollars of the fine will go to court costs.

Be careful when walking around campus as that short-cut to class may cost you.

Change of beats

My apologies about the update lapse.

The blog will switch modes a bit in the coming months. I will no longer be strictly reporting on the Hillsborough area.

However, keep your out for upcoming events coverage and political commentary for the Triangle community right here!

Political pundits speak at UNC

Mark Shields and William Kristol came to Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill on Tuesday, October 5th to Discuss the State of the Union before the mid-term elections.



Though their views are polar opposite, the discussion was educational, not argumentative.

William Kristol is the founder of a D.C.-based political magazine, The Weekly Standard and is a political contributor for FOX News Channel.

Mark Shields is a columnist and commentator. He began writing his now syndicated column as an editorial writer at The Washington Post in 1979. Shields has provided weekly political analysis and commentary on national campaigns for PBS.

After an analytic debate and questions from the audience, the crowd headed to Gerrard Hall for a reception with free food and conversation with the speakers.

Hodding Carter III, University Professor of Leadership and Public Policy, moderated the event.

Hillsborough police request the public's help to investigate car break-ins

Contact: Detective Chip White, Criminal Investigations Division of the Hillsborough Police Department, 732-9381 Ext. 37

The Hillsborough Police Department is investigating 10 motor vehicle break-ins at apartment complexes in Southern Hillsborough.

The incidents occurred between March 19 and April 21 at Ashford Lakes Apartment Homes on Churton Street and Coachwood Apartments on Cheshire Drive. The property theft exceeds $4,000, with damages of more than $8,000. The incidents also have resulted in credit card fraud in Hillsborough, Durham and Raleigh.

The Police Department has obtained surveillance footage of two suspects and their vehicle and is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects. Snapshots of the footage may be viewed on the Town of Hillsborough’s Web site, www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us, and on its government access channel, available on Time Warner Cable Channel 18.

One suspect is a white man about 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 155 to 180 pounds. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck. The second suspect is a white woman about 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 140 to 160 pounds. She has light/medium color hair. The suspects’ vehicle is a gold minivan, possibly a Plymouth or Chrysler.

If you have any information, please contact Detective Chip White by phone at 732-9381 Ext. 37 or by e-mail at police.reports@hpdnc.org. For an immediate police response, call 911.

Last Fridays in Hillsborough starting up again

Hillsborough residents gear up for Last Fridays which take place August through September in downtown Hillsborough and attract crowds from near and far.

“Last Fridays is something we do as a family during the warmer months,” said David Irvin, a 42-year-old Hillsborough resident. “It’s one of the great things about living here, seeing your friends and neighbors while enjoying some great music.”

Elizabeth Read, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough said that she has seen the event grow exponentially over the years.

“This will be our 12th season of Last Fridays and I remember at the first one there were only 100 or so people, but now it is in the thousands,” said Read.

Last Fridays take place over a four-block area around the King Street and Churton Street intersection. The event features live music, an art walk, vendors, and other community activities.

The Hillsborough Art Council sponsors the free concert series and the art walk. Armand Lenchek and Bluesology featuring Will McFarlane will be the headlining musical act.

Local restaurants feature take-out menus so that attendees may eat and socialize out on the lawn.

Weaver Street Market has a band playing on their lawn during last Fridays as well. John Howie and the Sweethearts will be April’s performer.

The town will also hold a pie contest with “celebrity” judges such as Mayor Tom Stevens.

The flavor of the month is chocolate and after the best chocolate pie is awarded, slices will be available for sale as a fundraiser.

Hillsborough Presbyterian Church will sponsor the Decatur Streets Dixie Land Band in front of their church on East Tyron Street.

A live wax museum will take place at the Orange County Historical Museum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and students from Grady Brown Elementary School will be dressed as famous historical characters and attempt to be as still as possible for observation.

“Last Fridays is one of my favorite parts of living in this town,” said Jim Stuart of Hillsborough. “I have never seen another town consistently put on something so great.”

Hillsborough police altered accreditation records

Records tied to the accreditation of the Hillsborough Police Department were improperly backdated to demonstrate compliance with various standards, Town Manager Eric Peterson said Thursday.

Hillsborough names acting police chief

David Trimmer, a 49-year-old commander within the Police Department will serve as the acting police chief when Clarence Birkhead steps down on April 2, said Hillsborough's town manager.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the department through this transition period,” said Trimmer, who is currently commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. “Naturally, I am sorry to see Chief Birkhead go and I wish him the best in his campaign for sheriff. Working for him has been a tremendous learning experience for me.”

Trimmer said his main priority will be to continue providing citizens with the excellent service they have come to expect from their department, which has 32 employees and had a $2.4 million budget in Fiscal Year 2010.

Sgt. Scott Nicolaysen, an investigator with the department, will serve as acting commander of the Criminal Investigations Division during the transition.

“I’m very happy that Lt. Trimmer has agreed to serve as the acting chief of police,” Town Manager Eric Peterson said. “Lt. Trimmer is well respected by the officers and has a great deal of law enforcement experience. The town is extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished law enforcement professional who can step in on the first day and keep things running smoothly for the Police Department.”

Trimmer joined the Hillsborough Police Department in June 2006 as commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. He supervises the department’s investigators and narcotics officers and is the head firearms instructor for the department.

Trimmer started his law enforcement career in 1993 at Duke University Police, rising through the ranks there to lieutenant and serving in investigations and patrol.

Plans for selecting a new police chief are being developed. Replacing a department head position typically takes about six months. The process includes advertising the position, screening applicants, conducting interviews and performing background investigations.

Colonial Inn - Henry appeal, denied

The Hillsborough planning department will pursue legal action against Francis Henry, owner of the Colonial Inn, after the Board of Adjustment ruled against his appeal on March 10.

Under the Prevention of Demolition by Neglect ordinance, Henry was issued an order by the planning department in January 2009 to fix 12 specific items on the Colonial Inn site.

After the allotted time frame in which to complete the orders and numerous extensions for project deadlines, the Hillsborough zoning officer decided that the repairs listed in the order had not been completed.

“The planning board and I are not in disagreement about what we’d like done with the inn, it’s just a matter of how you get around to doing it,” said Henry.

If this citation holds up to legal appeals, Henry could be subject to legal penalties including a court order for the remaining repairs and collection of civil penalties for violation of the ordinance. The fines could be up to $100 a day.

Henry submitted an appeal to overturn the zoning officer’s decision on December 17, 2009.

The appeal was to be heard by the Board of Adjustment on February 10, but Henry did not appear or send a representative. The board unanimously decided to continue Henry’s case until March 10.

Margaret Hauth, planning director for Hillsborough, said this is not the first time that Henry did not participate in the governmental decisions affecting his property.

“Numerous times Francis Henry has had to opportunity to be involved in this process – to ask questions, to clarify expectations and to appeal orders – and he has never clarified any of the misunderstandings that he had,” said Hauth.

Francis Henry bought the property in 2002.

Chair of the board Al Hartkopf said, “He has had ample time to do something to that inn… time is up.”

“These problems have been here for over 60 years,” said Henry in his testimony. “Eight, 10, 12 owners should have been served with this ordinance… but now I am having to deal with all of these complex and ever-changing problems.”

In the town’s Prevention of Demolition by Neglect ordinance, a citizen files a complaint, then a professional investigates the site and a time-line order is given to the property owner.

Joe Rees of 204 S. Hillsborough Ave. initially started the process by sending a letter of complaint on June 29, 2008. The letter stated that Rees cited the owner of the Colonial Inn for allowing the building to fall in disrepair and listed 8 specific violations of the ordinance.

The complaint initiated a town staff investigation that concluded the 12 specific parts of the property that were in violation of the ordinance.

The repair order was issued on January 30, 2009.

Henry said in his testimony at the board meeting on March 10 that he disagreed with the order written by the planning department and that he thought only the repairs listed in the Rees complaint letter were required.

Hauth said that only five out of the 12 items listed in the order were fully complete.

“I have tried to comply to the timing schedule but some things come up unexpectedly in this line of work,” said Henry. “You start on something and then, bam, there is another year of work.”

Dave Remington, planning board representative for the board of adjustment, said that if Henry disagreed with the initial order he should have appealed within 30 days of the order issue date.

“It’s just too late for this,” said Remington.

Henry also said that he had been delayed on the repairs because of the town zoning the building as a residence and his inability to re-zone.

Hauth said that Henry has not applied to re-zone the inn under any other category.

“It’s not the Colonial Inn anymore, it’s not a restaurant, it’s not a lot of things,” said Henry. “The town is stifling me because of the ordinances and the way it is zoned, I don’t know what it will finally become.”

The board decided unanimously against Henry.

“This inn is a town icon, it needs a lot of work and there are certain expectations of the property,” said Hartkopf. “And I think the owner knew that when he bought it.”

Hillsborough police chief to resign

Head of the Hillsborough Police Department, Clarence Birkhead, will step down April 2 to focus on candidacy for sheriff of Orange County.



“I feel that I should devote all of my energies to my campaign. Under the circumstances, I feel it is best for the Town of Hillsborough and my campaign to step down," Birkhead stated in his resignation letter.

Birkhead has been Hillsborough’s police chief for almost five years.

Birkhead said: “During my tenure, the Police Department has markedly improved its service to our citizens. We have experienced successes in all areas of police service. I am confident that I leave the department in a strong position for continued success and excellent service under the leadership of my successor.”

Town Manager Eric Peterson hopes to name an interim chief by early next week.

“We are all thankful for the many improvements Chief Birkhead has made over the past five years to improve the quality of policing that’s been provided to Hillsborough’s citizens,” Peterson said.

The police department said that it would likely be six months before a new police chief is hired.

Plans to be presented for Hillsborough rail station

The Hillsborough Rail Station Task Force will present the proposed plans for about 20 acres of town land March 31 at the Orange County Public Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
This session will allow Hillsborough residents to give input about the land’s use and the proposed plans.

“This has a lot of potential,” said Tom King, Hillsborough senior planner. “It is a great opportunity for that area and for the town as a whole.”

King helped to staff the task force of community members, architects and two participants of Hillsborough Youth Athletics. They have prepared a conceptual land-use and site plan for the 20 acres off Orange Grove Street the town purchased in 2008.

“The proposed use of the land is for a rail station building with space for municipal meetings and potentially a fire station, police station and community arts center,” said King.

The land is located south of the N.C. Railroad line which passes under Churton Street and east of properties along Churton Street, including the Cardinal State Bank and CBS Car Sales.

In addition to the conceptual site plan, the task force has recommended a general transportation network and a set of land-use plans for the “Collins property,” an adjacent tract to the south and behind the Daniel Boone shopping center.

“I would love to see more public transportation options in general offered to area residents,” said Doug Edmunds, a Hillsborough resident. “Depending on which lines the new rail station connects to, I think it would potentially bring more people through the town and help with future business growth.”

Residents are encouraged to attend the public input session on March 31 or to submit comments through the town’s Web site where proposed plans and a comment submission form will be available after the public input session.

King said: “Getting feedback from citizens is important. We want to know how the public wants us to use this space. It is always better to have collaborated with citizens beforehand than have them react later.”

“I love the idea of a community arts center as a hub of social activity near downtown Hillsborough,” said Edmunds. “With our beautiful new library and town office facility, I am more skeptical about the need for additional municipal meeting spaces, but I certainly have no complaint with new fire and police stations.”

Though the task force has a jump start on the planning process, there are still many questions about how it will be funded.

“The town does not have any plans of funding the project through the general funds budget,” said Hillsborough budget and management analyst Emily Bradford.

King said the project must rely on grants, congressional appropriations and stimulus money.

“Unfortunately, there aren’t many grants for building a rail station,” said King. “Projects must be ‘shovel-ready’ before we can receive any stimulus money and we are not even close to that yet.”

The task force plans to present a finalized site plan and report to the town board in late spring.

Sixth water main break in Hillsborough since January

There was a break in the Orange Grove Road water main in Hillsborough Tuesday near Birmingham Drive. This water main has become unreliable and is one of many parts of the town’s water and sewer needs that must be met, according to the 2011 Hillsborough budget priorities.

“This is the sixth water main break since January,” said Assistant Utilities Director Will Baker.

Baker said that the utilities crew was able to isolate the water main break on Tuesday so that it only affected a small portion of the surrounding populous.

“We were without water from the early morning to about 4 or 4:30 p.m. that day,” said Lashay Croaker, a medical technician at Carillon Assisted Living in Hillsborough.



Kenny Keel, the town engineer and utilities director, said that the water main is problematic because it was installed poorly in 1974 over a protruding rock that is causing pressure points on the bottom of the pipe. It is also constructed of a thin-walled plastic pipe that is typically no longer used for water line construction.

Hillsborough’s water and sewer system is more then 100 years old.

“Once you’ve bought the bear you have to keep feeding it,” said Baker, referring to the high cost of maintenance that the system requires.

The estimated cost of a new water main is roughly $200,000 and the water and sewer fund is facing a 22 percent decrease this year in addition to last year’s decrease.

Each main break costs a minimum of $1,500 in labor and materials to repair. Main breaks outside of normal business hours accrue additional over-time labor costs and breaks that require road patching add at least $1,000 per incident.

The town has dealt with the decreased revenue in the past by putting off major projects to avoid raising taxes, said Mayor Tom Stevens.

“This year is going to be difficult,” said Eric Peterson, the Hillsborough town manager. “You can [put off major costs] one year, but you can’t do that another year with as much equipment as we have.”

In addition to the Orange Grove Road water main replacement, other serious water and sewer needs include upgrading the Mayo Street pump station, reconditioning aerators, rehabilitating deteriorated sewer mains and replacing and increasing the size of about 3,500 feet of sewer main line from Gold Park to Exchange Park Lane which is running at capacity and is at risk of overflows.

Baker said the town plans to couple the Orange Grove Road water main replacement with the Mayo Street pump station upgrades.

Keel said about 55 percent of the water project will be funded by the EPA State and Tribal Assistance Grant and the rest will come from the town’s water capital fund. The sewer project will likely be financed with a 5-year loan.

All budget proposals will be subject to approval by the Town Board

The town has made efforts over the years to improve the water and sewer services to its citizens.

“We make dirty movies,” said Baker, referring to the PV inspection camera that films the inside of sewer pipes to check for cracks or leaks, one of the recent inspection equipment investments.

Baker said that the town also issues notices as standard procedure to residents affected by a water main break. After the main is repaired, a chlorine residual test is done to ensure the water is properly disinfected. Then the water is turned back on and a 24-hour bacteria analysis test is started. Notices are passed out informing residents to boil drinking water until the results of the bacteria analysis is complete, after which another notice is issued to inform residents of the results.

While the probability of the bacteria analysis showing unsafe results are extremely rare, Baker said that it is “better to be safe than sorry.”

Burlington is not as diligent as Hillsborough about distributing notices.

William Keene, the water quality production manager for Burlington said, “We don’t usually give out notices.”

Keene said residents were not notified after a recent water main break and that the results of the bacteria analysis were not complete until two days after the incident.

The citizen survey shows that the majority of Hillsborough residents are happy with the quality of water and sewer service.

Water capacity is Hillsborough’s biggest challenge to growth according to Stevens. The current usage of the reservoir in addition to estimated usage of approved projects leaves only enough supply for about 1,900 homes or 1.65 million square feet of commercial space.

Stevens said he anticipates that the town will reach that limit fairly quickly and that it will be decades until an additional reservoir is acquired. The quality and consistency of the town’s water and sewer systems is vital to the town’s overall sustainability.

Town Address: Hillsborough 2010

Frances Dancy, a Hillsborough Town Board member, introduced “the man affectionately known as Mayor Tom,” at the State of the Town address at the Central Orange Senior Center Tuesday evening.

Tom Stevens is serving his third term as Mayor of Hillsborough. His speech Tuesday night reflected what accomplishments the town has made over the last year and the challenges that lie ahead.

Attendees at the event showed their support for Stevens and the vision that he has laid out for the town during his time in office. Stevens said his goals for the town directly reflect citizen feedback.

“I would like to see the town stay small and continue to go green and keep its unique historical character,” said Mary McCarthy, a retired Hillsborough resident.

Stevens said his top level objectives for this year are to improve the town’s services, increase citizen involvement, preserve natural resources, reduce crime, expand recreation and enhance community sustainability.

These goals are influenced by the results of an annual citizen survey that was implemented three years ago.

This year’s results show that the majority of those surveyed feel safe in Hillsborough and believe that the town government is spending their tax dollars wisely.

Clarence Birkhead, Hillsborough chief of police, said, “I read every single one of those comments.”

Birkhead, who recently announced his candidacy for Sheriff, is proud of the double-digit decreases in crime that the town has seen over the last two years.

The survey also echoes some of the challenges facing the town, like the traffic problems on Churton St. and the lack of parking.

Possibly the biggest issue facing the town this year, however, is the 13 percent decrease in revenue for the General Fund and the 22 percent decrease in the Water Fund.

Stevens said that it will be a struggle to try to provide the same quality of services while making budget cuts.

“We’re nervous about the budget,” said Stevens. “I would like to give our hard-working employees the raises they deserve, but I also definitely do not want to raise taxes.”

This challenge adds on to the 18 percent decrease that the General Funds faced last year.

Stevens said he is confident that this year’s projects, such as the completion of Gold Park, are “do-able” with the help of grants.

While Hillsborough may have strong community watch groups and many active volunteers, Stevens’ goal of increased citizen involvement faces many hurdles.

Dancy said, “It is definitely a challenge to get young people involved in local government.”

“There is a big difference in the way we communicate,” said Stevens. “I am just learning how to Tweet after all!”

The audience for the address consisted mostly of town employees and volunteers.

“I wish more people would come to events like this so that they could learn about more ways to get involved,” said McCarthy.

Dancy said: “I feel like the biggest reason more people aren’t involved is time. It is certainly a time commitment when you are part of a board. I know how hard it is to have to worry about going to a meeting when you have dinner to cook. I haven’t even eaten dinner yet!”

Well past 8 p.m., Dancy said she is one of many committed residents of the town and that she is happy to put in the effort if it makes a difference in her community.

Dancy just has one rule, “No politics after Friday!”

Stevens concluded the speech with the sentiment that got him elected, “I am proud that Hillsborough acts as a showcase of what is right about small town America.”

Hillsborough Mayor to give town address Tuesday

Mayor Tom Stevens will deliver the 2010 State of the Town address at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the Central Orange Senior Center.

This fourth annual event is open to the public.

As in previous addresses, the mayor will outline major accomplishments of the last year, where the town is headed and how citizens can get involved.

“Last year was not business as usual for the town,” Stevens said. “And likewise, we can expect 2010 to be both challenging and defining. This will be, in many ways, the year of doing some really big things that people don’t see.”

He noted the town is working on a unified development ordinance as well as a transportation plan, which will build the foundation for a rail station and alleviate traffic on Churton Street.

“We’re laying a lot of the groundwork for things that are going to affect Hillsborough for the next few generations,” the mayor said.

As usual, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Hillsborough’s elected officials and town staff and to provide input about town government. Previous State of the Town addresses have been well attended, and town officials hope this year’s event will draw even more citizens.

“So many people contribute to making Hillsborough a great community,” Stevens said. “This is an occasion not only to discuss the future vision of our town but also to celebrate and acknowledge milestones and accomplishments along the way.”

The Central Orange Senior Center is adjacent to the Triangle SportsPlex at 103 Meadowland Drive off U.S. 70-A in Hillsborough.

Hillsborough has big expenses in the 2011 fiscal year

The town of Hillsborough has mapped out its budget initiatives for the 2011 fiscal year, and they included over $1 million for vehicle replacements.

The replacement of a 21-year-old fire truck for the Orange Rural Fire Department that serves Hillsborough will cost about $1.03 million.

The current fire truck is a 1989 Aerial 272, which has a 75-foot ladder and the ability to hold 400 gallons of water. The truck has outdated safety features and a frame that is too small to hold all of the necessary equipment.



Jeff Cabe, chief of the Orange County Fire Department, said, “I have been with the fire department for 21 years and I remember taking this truck to its first fire.”

Cabe said that the truck is past due for replacement.

“Manufacturers are only required to carry a specific model’s parts for 10 years,” Cabe said. “So we have been scraping for parts to try to maintain the vehicle.”

Emily Bradford, the budget management analyst for Hillsborough, said, “There was no funding for vehicle replacement in last year’s budget or the current budget.”

“We have been putting off these expenses,” said Bradford.

Eric Peterson, the town manager, said: “No vehicle and equipment replacements took place last year as one of the many steps to avoid raising taxes and water/sewer rates. The town did not raise taxes or water/sewer rates last year in the heart of the recession.”

The town took other cost-cutting measures last year including cutting employee raises and deferring and cutting many other project requests like parks, street re-paving and sidewalk construction.

In addition to the fire truck, a 14-year-old “knuckleboom” truck that’s used for bulk item and tree/limb collection needs to be replaced. It has required over $11,000 in repairs over the last two years.

Peterson said, “At $115,000 it is also an expensive piece of equipment, but a critical part of the town's operations. The vehicle's age, repair costs for maintaining the truck in frontline duty, as well as increased down time are three key factors that tell us it's time to replace this vehicle.”

Three police vehicles totaling approximately $91,000 also need to be replaced. One of the vehicles has more than 180,000 miles.

Peterson said that the town has gotten more years and miles out of the vehicles than expected.

However, the current fire truck’s condition could be a safety issue. Cabe said that the truck cannot account for the many of the changes in streetscape over the last 21 years and with all of the new innovations available, the current truck simply cannot do all of the functions needed to serve the community.

“It’s not like our water truck, which if it breaks down is just like you call AAA and that’s it,” said Cabe. “When something goes wrong I could have a guy 75 feet in the air and that’s when injuries happen.”

Right now, the department boasts a 6-to-7 minute response time and usually has about 1400 emergency response calls per year.

“But, if the equipment starts failing, it will be much harder to get help to the scene,” said Cabe.

The Orange Rural Fire Department has also applied for a $400,000 grant to try to offset the cost. These grants are competitive but they have received funding in the past for important equipment like the “air packs” that allow the fire fighters to avoid smoke inhalation.

“We are trying to make a million-dollar project happen without spending that much,” said Cabe.

The total town revenues for Hillsborough in 2010 were down 18 percent from 2009.

The projected expenditure of the 2011 budget is $14.5 million, about half of which is used for water and sewer expenditures.

The total amount of the replacement vehicles therefore comprise about 1/7th of the General Fund budget.

“As far as paying for the items, we will use something called an installment-purchase agreement,” said Peterson. He estimated that the “knuckleboom” will likely be financed over a five-year period and the ladder truck for the fire department would probably be financed over a seven-to-10 year period.

“We just want to continue to work hard and save as much money as we can,” said Cabe. “And if the money doesn’t come we just have to keep doing what we are here to do as best we can.”

“I'd say that we delayed the replacement of both the ladder truck and ‘knuckleboom’ truck for two to three years because … we were able to ‘squeeze’ a few extra years of front line service out of the vehicles, thus helping to avoid tax and rate increases for the citizens,” said Peterson.

Wooden Nickel: The coolest bar you've never heard of

…Unless of course, you’re a Hillsborough native.

In a town with a population of just under 6,000, this bar acts as the neighborhood watering hole where everybody knows everybody and newcomers are welcomed like family.

“People often ask if it’s a family bar,” said Jessica Myers, a bartender at the Wooden Nickel for two years. “We sure fight like brothers and sisters!”

Jackson Keel is a “regular” who has frequented the bar for just over a year.

“I did get kicked out once,” Keel said laughing as he pointed to Drew Bryant, another bartender at the Nickel who has worked there for three years.

“Yeah, I kicked him out,” said Bryant with the geniality and amicability of an old friend.

Stories shot back and forth from the bartenders and patrons recounting good times had at the small pub. One attempt at a bar-top dance ended in a loud crash to the floor and an “insane” Halloween party showed the towns’ creativity.

Just after 8 p.m. the bar was standing-room only. The walls were lined with full tables. A cowboy pin-up girl leaning on a cardboard fence stared down at them from a wall full of old pictures and obscure paintings.

Seated at the bar were regulars that the bartenders call by name. Bryant asked, “Another of the usual?”

“This bar is great because nine times out of 10, I will know exactly what they’re going to order when they walk in,” said Ted Gudeman, a four-and-a-half-year bartender at the Nickel enjoying his night off with fellow Hillsboroughians.

The center of the pub consisted of a thin bar top surrounded by a packed crowd and amidst scattered pint glasses. Loud and lively conversation filled the air.

The Wooden Nickel is owned by Matt Fox, who is well-liked by staff and regulars. Continuing the Nickel’s big, happy family reputation, Fox allegedly got rid of a straggling patron by threatening to call his wife.

“It’s a regulars bar where everybody knows everybody,” said Gudeman.

The bar has 125 different liquors to choose from, including rarities like Pimm’s and Blavod black vodka, seven beers on tap featuring local and regional craft brews as well as popular imports and a diverse wine list that offers something for every imbiber.

The menu is unapologetic and experimental. One patron was warning others about the aftermath involved with a house specialty, the fried banana peppers. A neighbor at the bar ranted about the house-cured smoked salmon sandwich with fried broccoli that he had just devoured.

“The food is always so fresh here too,” said Keel. “Even the wings aren’t frozen.”

This bar doesn’t house the usual counter-top bell to alert bartenders of dishes ready to be served. Instead, the cooks give the back of the shared keg-wall a couple of punches to get the message across.

The bar has been the Wooden Nickel for five years. The Tupelo Tavern was its predecessor, a less-successful bar only open four days a week, covered in carpet and carrying a much more limited bar selection.

“The Nickel is open seven days a week,” said Gudeman. “And we are busy every one of them.”

The characters inside are nothing short of interesting.

“It has a little bit of everything,” said Myers. “It’s a gay bar, it’s a redneck bar… we serve all kinds of people here.”

“It’s a freaking great bar,” said Brian Harper, a Hillsborough resident. “I am from a small town in Wyoming and this reminds me so much of that.” Harper provides medical consultation to injured scuba divers for a living. And “no,” he assured me, he was “not making that up.”

There may be a recession going on, but this pub isn’t feeling the hit.

Myers said that the bar was more seasonally affected than directly reflective of the economy. January is always slow, when people are trying to stick to their New Years resolutions and are feeling fat from the holidays. But by early February, as evidenced by the cozy bar packed shoulder-to-shoulder, everyone has given up on those resolutions and headed back to the Nickel.

“People drink when they’re happy, when they’re sad, when they’re broke and when they’re rich,” said Myers.

The pub is a main social scene in the town of Hillsborough.

“Since I moved here a year ago from Durham this has been my social connection to the community,” said Victoria Flynn. “This is where I met most of my good friends.”

“You’ll never find a place like it,” said Jonathon Whitford, a Hillsborough resident speaking of the Nickel’s unique character.

Gabby Hoyt was born in Hillsborough and after moving away for two years, re-connected with old friends at the Nickel.

“It’s a great place to run into old friends and meet new ones,” said Hoyt, as she pointed affectionately to the people sitting beside her.

Adam Rosemond has been a frequent customer of the Nickel for five years even though he has moved out of the area.

“It’s just a very accepting bar with great service and good beer,” said Rosemond. “What more could you ask for?”

Colonial Inn Update

The Board of Adjustment met Wednesday evening and ruled to extend the appeal of Francis Henry until March, 10.

According to the testimony of Margaret Hauth, Henry only completed five out of the 12 repairs listed on the order issued this time last year.

The appeal was not filed under a lack of funds provision.

Henry did not attend the meeting.

As "one final chance," Henry will be able to present his side of the case to the board on March 10. If he does not attend that meeting, however, they will not postpone it another time.

Colonial Inn Despute Continues

The Hillsborough Board of Adjustment will meet on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. and will review the appeal submitted by Francis Henry of the Colonial Inn, LLC according to its agenda.

The appeal is to the zoning officer’s decision that the repairs completed at the Colonial Inn were insufficient to satisfy the repair order issued pursuant to the “prevention of demolition by neglect” provisions of the zoning ordinance.

The property is located at 153 West King Street in Hillsborough.

Margaret Hauth, Planning Director of Hillsborough, said that after a
complaint arose under the revised ordinance, the planning department gave him a list of 12 repairs to make by the end of last year.

The town has stated that the owner, Francis Henry, needed to bring the building into compliance or that the town would be forced to take legal action.

Henry has filed an appeal and the Board of Adjustment will review it
Wednesday evening.

Henry will be unable to attend the meeting, but the board might decide to grant him an extension in his absence.

Henry purchased the property at a foreclosure auction in 2002.

Currently, the property is zoned as a residential, single-family occupancy.

Henry now lives in the top portion of the inn.

“He has not applied to re-zone the inn for any other use,” said Hauth.

The inn was built in 1838 and throughout the mid-1900s, it served as a boarding residence, tourist hotel and dining facility and attracted visitors from all over.















Nancy Baity, a former Hillsborough resident, is nostalgic about her
memories of the inn.

Baity said: “I used to work at the Colonial Inn as a waitress. I was in the eighth grade, in 1968, before my family moved to Florida. It was my first job ever. I can't believe it's in such disrepair. It has such historical value.”

Pictures of the inn from it’s most flourishing period in the twentieth
century show a two-story, nine-bay façade striking for its balcony
over the whole length of the front porch, both of which are supported by handsome paired columns.

The memory of this historic landmark is now just that for the town of Hillsborough.



What stands now a decrepit building in dire need of repair.

A yellow fungus devours a drainpipe near rows of uneven and decaying siding. Sheets of tar paper bandage old windows and some flaps act as rodent doggie-doors.

Joe Otto, a manger for the visitor’s center at the Alliance for
Historic Hillsborough, said that the inn holds a special place in many residents' hearts

“It is a hot-button issue for many people here in Hillsborough,” said
Otto. “I still hear people reminiscing about eating Sunday brunch
there years ago.”

If the board does rule in favor of the Hillsborough planning staff on
Wednesday they will move forward with legal action.

Goat Patrol Postponed

Due to inclement weather, the goats will not be on the town hall grounds on Feb. 2.
The Tree Board chair has reported that the Goat Patrol is now scheduled for Feb. 11, weather permitting.

GOAT PATROL

The town of Hillsborough has hired the Goat Patrol to remove English ivy on the town hall grounds. The goats will be at the Hillsborough Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2.

The town’s Tree Board decided last year to use the 16-goat team.

Phil Ray, the current chair of the Tree Board and an arborist for Duke Energy, has been serving on the board for 16 years. Ray said that the board wanted to clean up the town hall grounds.

“The Town Hall campus is one of the important historical sites in the town of Hillsborough and it needs some work,” said Ray.

Much like the rest of the state, Hillsborough has an exotic invasive problem. Many species are spreading quickly and choking out native plants.

Ray said, “There are a lot of different invasives around, but Hillsborough definitely has its share of English Ivy. You don’t have to look far to find it. It just takes over. We want to reclaim our town hall campus.”

Ken Hines, public works supervisor of Hillsborough, is the town representative for the Tree Board. Hines said this is the first time the town has used the Goat Patrol. He said he is excited about this option for clearing unwanted plants.

“I have not received any negative feedback from the public in any way,” said Hines.

Peter Grandstaff, a Hillsborough resident, “I’ve always been a fan of goats for sustainable vegetation control, plus what fun for the kids!”

The Goat Patrol is a team of 16 goats who can eat about 1000 square feet of English ivy per day. The goats are hard workers, clearing shrubbery for eight-to-12 hours per day.

Ray said, “They don’t even take a lunch break!”

The Goat Patrol is owned by Alix Bowman, a Durham resident who started the business to provide an environmentally friendly option for weed and shrub problems.

Bowman said: “Goats are good for the job because there is a very small number of plants they won’t eat or shouldn’t eat. They are best for wholesale clearing jobs rather than detailed landscaping because they will pretty much eat everything.”

The goats will be contained in an electric fence and Bowman will stay with them through the course of the day. Bowman said that she usually has to watch the people more than the goats.

“I have to remind people that the goats are there to work and that it’s not a petting zoo,” said Bowman. “Goats are very social creatures and are easily distracted.”

Ray said that the board did explore other options, such as using manpower or herbicide.

“Using manpower to pull the ivy is a very costly and labor-intensive job,” said Ray. “The goats are a much more cost effect option and are more environmentally friendly than using herbicide.”

This isn’t the first time that a city government has hired the Goat Patrol. The town of Carrboro and the town of Chapel Hill have used the goats to clear unwanted shrubbery.

Bowman said: “A lot of people are looking for a more sustainable option. I have been in business for 18 months and it has been well received in the triangle. I have heard only positive feedback.”

“This will be an experiment for us, but we want to see how it all works,” Ray said. “And this also serves as an educational opportunity for the tree board and the Hillsborough residents.”

Hines said, “People are looking forward to having them come and eat the ivy. We’ll just see how it goes. I mean, who doesn’t love goats?”