Good afternoon neighbors,

I just got back from a “Galentine’s” trip to New York City with my friend and fellow journalist Korie Dean (whose family has Alamance County ties). We explored Brooklyn, ate delicious food, saw Chicago on Broadway, walked through Central Park, and took the Tour at NBC Studios. It was such a great time!

Being back, though, really reminds me how grateful I am to call this place home. I love being able to look up and see actual sky (rather than skyscrapers), being able to get from one edge of the county to the other in under an hour, and all the beautiful backroads that lead to them.

Speaking of connection to this place…

This week, we are diving into the ongoing debate surrounding the beloved Sesquicentennial Park in downtown Graham. Early this morning, city council members met to review submissions from contractors who want in on relocating the park. That's why you're getting this newsletter a bit later than usual.

As many of you know, the city council recently voted 4-1 to move the park from Court Square to behind the Historical Museum. News of the council’s decision, prompted by reports of the park’s sinking foundation, ran into a lot of resistance. Residents and business owners argue the park – in its current location – is vital to downtown, and even the county.  Why, then, not repair rather than relocate?

I took a look at the city council's options and state laws about moving public monuments. I’ve also just added the latest from the special meeting this morning.

Before we get to that, two reminders:

• The Early Voting period runs through Saturday, Feb. 28. Be sure to check this calendar for times and days. You can cast your ballot at any of these polling places in Alamance County:

  • Graham Recreation Center (311 College Street in Graham)

  • Kernodle Senior Center (1535 S Mebane Street in Burlington)

  • Mebane Arts and Community Center (633 Corregidor Street in Mebane)

• The Alamance County Community Budget Input Survey is open until March 31. Public input is a crucial part of the process to ensure the budget reflects the community's priorities. Here’s the link to participate.

Thanks for reading!

This week...

What’s all the fuss about Sesquicentennial Park in Graham? Here’s the latest.

A look at Sesquicentennial Park in downtown Graham from across the street on Court Square at the corner of N Main Street. Credit: Laura Brache / NC Local

At a special meeting on Tuesday, the Graham City Council voted 3-2 to award a contract to a company that submitted an RFQ to move Sesquicentennial Park to a site behind the Graham Historical Museum.

Last month, city council voted 4-1 to move the park from Court Square due to safety concerns at the old site where the park has been sinking into what used to be the basement of a former building. The park, funded by community donations including memorial bricks, commemorates Alamance County’s 150th anniversary.

The council’s proposal and recent decision to move the park has been repeatedly met with resistance from residents, business owners and former city leaders alike. Those in favor of keeping the park in its current location believe it is a vital part of downtown Graham’s culture. It opened to the public in 2001 with community-fundraised memorial bricks and other hyper-local features. Others are concerned about removing nearly 25 parking spaces behind the museum which already lacks sufficient parking and how it’ll affect business and accessibility.

During the public comment section of the February council meeting, some citizens criticized the council’s unwillingness to rescind their decision. Others questioned the finances behind the cost of relocating the park compared to the cost of repairs. Citing state law, one speaker notably challenged the legality of moving or tearing down the park because it is memorial in nature.

Here is an overview of the park’s history, a timeline of the council’s decision to move it, the council’s options against state law, and what’s next for the park.

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Alamance County Commissioner John Paisley Jr. dies

Paisley first joined the board by appointment to fill a vacant seat in 2014. He ran for commissioner in 2020 and again in 2024. He was elected into office on both occasions.

The lifelong Republican also ran in the 2012 judicial elections against incumbent judge Katie Overby, but lost.

Paisley was a attorney by trade and held a private practice in Graham. He was a graduate of Elon University (then Elon College) and Wake Forest University School of Law. He is survived by his wife, adult children and grandchildren.

What happens on the board?

Paisley's term was set to expire in 2028. Remaining members of the board will appoint someone eligible to fill the remainder of the term, according to state law. The person appointed must be a member of the Republican party, like Paisley, and be a current resident of the county.

What's shaping Alamance

A round up of key local headlines (from our partners and other news organizations) that are defining life in Alamance right now.

• Memory of Alamance County lynching victims lingers as coalition educates community (Elon News Network)

• Report: ABSS sees more weapons, but assaults drop (Burlington Times-News)

• Fire station in Gibsonville receives beam from Twin Towers (WFMY News 2)

• Judge Upholds State Limits on 1,4-Dioxane Pollution in Utility Wastewater (The Assembly)

Latest from NC Local

Here is the latest statewide reporting from the NC Local team on the big-picture issues, from data centers to healthcare, that impact us all.

Community spotlight

In this segment, we spotlight one of the neighbors shaping our community's future —brought to you in partnership with The Power + Place Collaborative from Elon University's Center for Design Thinking. Below is an excerpt from the profile. Click the video for more.

Janice Ratliff

“I wish we could respect each other for who we are,

and not what we think they are.”

"Growing up in the Ball Park community of Elon, Janice was always acutely aware of her differences. Segregation was the norm, creating an intense divide among schools and communities.

It was not uncommon for Janice to be the first and only Black administrative assistant where she worked, but her presence paved the way for more conversations and opportunities for people of color.

Janice’s career at Elon University (then Elon College) began when she was asked to interview for Corporate of Education, a position she held for five years. This was the beginning of her selfless dedication to Elon’s students, particularly the Black community, where she acted as a mentor for 35 years. She wore many different hats, working in the Office of Auxiliary Services, Student Health and Wellness, and as the Vice President and the Dean of students. Her commitment to Elon University and the Black student community changed the school for the better, and a building was later renamed in her honor."

Things to do

Here are a few ideas from the Visit Alamance events calendar, plus some other events around the area.

• Burlington City Council
  Tues, Feb. 17 at 7:00 p.m.
  Burlington Municipal Building - City Council Chamber
  425 S Lexington Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215

• Swepsonville Town Council Meeting
  Tues, Feb. 17 at 7:00 p.m.
  Swepsonville United Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall
  1307 East Main Stret, Graham, NC 27253
  

• Get Hiking at Haw River State Park
  Sat, Feb. 21 at 10:00 a.m.
  Iron Ore Belt Access
  6068 N Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27455
  Registration required; $5

• Elon Jazz Festival Concert with Roderick "Rev" Paulin
  Sat, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
  McCrary Theatre at Elon University
  417 N Williamson Avenue · Elon, NC 27244
  Open to the public; tickets $15
  

• Elon Town Council Meeting
  Mon, Feb. 23 at 6:00 p.m.
  Elon Town Hall
  104 S Williamson Avenue, Elon, NC 27244
  
• Village of Alamance Town Meeting
  Mon, Feb. 23 at 7:00 p.m.
  Village of Alamance Town Hall
  2874 Rob Shepard Dr, Burlington, NC 27215
  

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