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Good morning neighbors,
Our area is entering yet another week of high fire risk due to drought and other favorable conditions for fire to spread, according to the N.C. State Climate Office. Given the forecast, officials suggest avoiding outdoor burning and taking extra precautions to prevent any fire from spreading. My colleague in Western North Carolina, Lilly Knoepp, reported several fires were contained across the state last week.
Also last week, the Alamance-Burlington School System sent county leaders a request for a $4.6 million budget increase for the 2026-2027 school year. The proposed budget goes to county commissioners next. The county manager’s recommended budget will be presented on May 18. You can read more about the county’s budget process and a timeline with key dates here.
Meanwhile, in Graham, things continue to take shape for a new downtown park, which city council members approved in February instead of restoring Sesquicentennial Park. Assistant City Manager Aaron Holland presented the city's proposal to convert the city parking lot next to Roasted Coffee Depot into the “new Elm Street Park.” Part of his presentation included renderings of the park, submitted with a certificate of appropriateness (COA) application to the board at last Tuesday's Historic Resource Commission meeting. The board approved the COA with conditions, specifically requiring a flat-pitched roof for the proposed pavilion and the use of local native trees and plants. The move gives the city the green light to continue building the park.
Alamance County had its first No King’s Rally in Burlington this weekend, joining hundreds of cities nationwide, including dozens across our state, to protest the Trump administration. This is the latest in a series of rallies that have taken place since 2025, started by two political organizations, the 50501 movement and Indivisible. |
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"Diane Heath, lead organizer of the No Kings Rally in Burlington,
reported an official count of 1,100 participants.
It was a joyful, powerful day in the Burlington City Park."
– Frankie Blackburn, NeighborUP Southern Alamance |
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Lastly, we are giving you a quick look this week at one of the nation’s most recognizable travel centers: Buccee’s. The gas station giant will open eight new sites in the next two years, including the one in Mebane. Read more below.
As always, thanks for reading. |
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A rendering of the massive Buc-ee's gas station center approved by the City of Mebane in early 2024 faces delays and persistent pushback. (Credit: Kimley-Horn / Buc-ee's) |
Where will it be?
North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s travel center is slated for 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road in Mebane. It’s in N.C. Commerce Park, where companies like Walmart, Amazon, UPS and Lidl have warehouses and distribution centers.
What is the need?
There are currently two other travel centers and truck stops along Trollingwood-Hawfields Road: A Love’s and a Pilot, across from the proposed Buc-ee’s. Another Pilot and a Flying J travel center are located at the next exit, on I-40 westbound.
At approximately 75,000 square feet in size, with 120 gas pumps and more than 600 parking spaces, the Buc-ee’s location is expected to be massive compared to its competitors. And it’s not even the largest one in the country, according to Southern Living.
Why is it delayed?
It’s still not clear what’s causing the hold up. The Alamance Fabric asked Buc-ee’s about what caused the delay announcement, where construction stands, whether the company has faced any difficulty working with the cities of Mebane and Graham due to their ongoing water treatment plant litigation, and why this location was chosen considering there are other nearby travel centers. Read the full story... |
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Invest in North Carolina's local news.
The Alamance Fabric and NC Local are powered by readers like you. |
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What's shaping Alamance |
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A round up of key headlines from local news organizations that shape life in Alamance right now. |
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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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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. |
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Lorena Meza Lara
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“The more we show each other respect, the more unity there will be.”
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"Lorena Meza Lara is originally from a small town in Mexico where the culture was rich and the community small but tight. When Meza Lara’s family moved to the U.S, they were split up into different states and lost their sense of unity.
Meza Lara found herself seeking that same unity she had before. She found this through connecting with the local Latinx community at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. No matter which country the church members came from, Meza Lara felt that connection and sense of belonging amongst them.
Hoping to foster that same community for local children, Lorena continues to advocate and participate in efforts that build bridges between different people."
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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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Uncle Eli's Quilting Party and Potluck
Thursday, April 2 at 8:30 a.m.
Eli Whitney Recreation Center
4110 E. Greensboro-Chapel Hill Highway, Graham, NC 27253
Free, Open to the public
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Alamance Plaid Day
Saturday, April 4 at 1 p.m.
EM Holt Elementary
4751 NC-62, Burlington, NC 27215
Free
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Strolling Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4 at 1 p.m.
Downtown Graham
1 S.E. Court Sq., Graham, NC 27253
Free
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County Commissioners Work Session
Monday, April 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Alamance County Office Building
124 W. Elm St., Graham, NC 27253
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Burlington City Council Work Session
Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m.
Municipal Building
425 S. Lexington Ave., Burlington, NC 27215
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Mebane City Council Meeting
Monday, April 6 at 6 p.m.
Municipal Building
106 E. Washington St., Mebane, NC 27302
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Gibsonville Board of Aldermen Meeting
Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Gibsonville Town Hall
129 W Main St, Gibsonville, NC 27249
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