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Good morning neighbors,
Starting off with some news from the campaign trail: The Alamance County Democratic Party has selected Burlington City Councilmember Ian Baltutis to run in November’s N.C. House District 63 race. Baltutis, a former mayor, will replace Whitney Olive on the ticket and run against Republican Ryan Moffitt.
Six-term incumbent Republican Stephen Ross announced in December he would not seek reelection, as first reported by The Alamance News. Baltutis (who told me he just sold Persnickety Books back to previous owner Shawna Gentert!) doesn’t have to resign from his seat on council unless he wins the election, per council rules.
"Civic engagement" isn't just about voting in November. It’s also knowing how our community operates, funds its schools, and supports our neighbors each and every day.
Last night, residents from the Morrow Mill Road and surrounding areas once again asked county commissioners to enact land use regulations – and with it a moratorium on currently planned developments – in their efforts to stop at least two proposed large subdivisions near Saxapahaw. Combined they could total more than 1,000 homes.
In today’s featured story, we’re breaking down the proposed Alamance County budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. County Manager Heidi York has proposed a $239.1 million budget that would keep school funding level but includes a property tax increase and the elimination of 50 vacant jobs.
It’s important to note that at this stage, the budget is a proposal, meaning the community still has a say before the commissioners’ final vote on June 15.
The Alamance Fabric is hosting a virtual county budget Q&A and “fact check” with York on Facebook Live this Thursday at 10:30 a.m. We know midday meetings and evening public hearings don't work for everyone's schedule. If you can't watch the Q&A live, drop your questions in this form, and we will ask them for you.
It's not just the county making tough financial choices. Local municipalities are also deep in budget season. Here’s where to find information about their proposed budgets between now and June:
On another note, I’ll be at the first Fourth Fridays in Downtown Burlington this week. Come say hi!
Now, let’s get to it. |
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The county manager’s recommended budget proposes a 2.25-cent property tax increase. Commissioners plan to vote on June 15. |
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SUPPORT THE ALAMANCE FABRIC |
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Your gift ensures that Alamance Fabric and NC Local can make complex policies understandable for Alamance residents. Every contribution helps readers stay informed, engaged and connected.
NC Local is an IRS-approved tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. |
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A round up of key local headlines (from our partners and other news organizations) that are defining life in Alamance right now. Articles with an asterisk (*) beside them are behind a paywall. |
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Here is the latest statewide reporting from the NC Local team on the big-picture issues that impact us all. |
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Republican leadership announce a possible state budget deal but are still ironing out the details. Gov. Josh Stein calls for more Helene recovery funding while legislators consider clawing back funds. |
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NC lawmakers say they are closer to a budget deal after months without a comprehensive budget. Here’s what we know so far, plus how to weigh in with your perspective. |
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SUPPORTED BY |
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The Alamance Community Foundation |
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We're grateful to The Alamance Community Foundation for financial support for The Alamance Fabric's community spotlight section.
Interested in becoming a sponsor for our newsletter? Contact us. Check out our current sponsors and view our funding policy, which states that NC Local retains full editorial responsibility. |
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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 a profile. Click the video for more. |
“Adapt to the situation.” |
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Patty Holmes is a determined and inspiring mother who has overcome immense challenges to achieve her goals, serving as a source of strength for those around her.
At 27, she made the difficult decision to cross the U.S. border illegally, hoping to stay for a year, earn money, and return to Mexico to start a business. Pregnant at the time, she attempted the journey with her 7-year-old daughter but was forced to send her ahead with someone else. Though she deeply regrets that decision, they were later reunited in the desert. After a long and arduous journey, Holmes, her daughter, and her then-husband safely arrived in Graham.
Raising her daughters alone, Holmes made the brave choice to report her ex-husband to the police when he became a danger to her oldest daughter, despite her fear of deportation. She put her children’s safety above all else.
Through every hardship, Holmes remained resilient, eventually gaining U.S. citizenship. Though she had to adapt to a new culture — learning the language, laws, and way of life — she remains proudly Mexican, carrying deep love for her home, her people, and her heritage. |
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Patty Holmes is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program educator
at the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Alamance County Center. She is the founder of nonprofit organization Empodera-Te Latina. |
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Whether you’re searching for family-friendly fun, a way to support local creators, or to get civically involved, here are a few ideas. |
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Special Meeting: Town of Haw River Budget Presentation
Tuesday, May 19 at 6 p.m.
Haw River Municipal Building
403 E. Main St., Haw River, NC 27258
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Burlington City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m.
Municipal Building
425 S. Lexington Ave., Burlington, NC 27215
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Swepsonville Town Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m.
Swepsonville United Methodist Church
1307 E. Main St., Graham, NC 27253
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Portraits of Hope - Pet Portrait Exhibit of BAS Adoptable Animals
Through May 29
Mebane Arts and Community Center
633 Corregidor St., Mebane, NC 27302
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Burlington Artists League's Local Vibes Exhibit
Through June 26
Alamance Arts
213 S. Main St., Graham, NC 27253
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Alamance County Budget Q&A and Fact Check with County Manager Heidi York
Thursday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Virtual
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Fourth Fridays Concert Series
Friday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Historic Depot
200 S. Main St., Burlington, NC 27215
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Want to make local journalism better for North Carolinians? |
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