The town’s Board of Commissioners directed staff on Tuesday night to draft an ordinance allowing residents to raise a small number of chickens on their property for pets.

Emily Cole wants to keep chickens and has been lobbying the town to change its ordinance.

Right now, the law requires residents to get the approval of anyone with 500 feet of their property.

For Cole, that means 37 homeowners. Cole told commissioners that’s too restrictive.

“I think having chickens in the back yard as a pet is a fun activity for a family,” said Cole. “In addition, there are other benefits; health benefits because fresh laid eggs are better for you. There are also environmental benefits and I think families should be allowed to take advantage of those benefits.”

Cole presented commissioners with a petition signed by 370 people asking for the ordinance to be changed.  She also gave commissioners a draft ordinance, which would allow hens to be kept, but also prohibit roosters and spell out requirements for how the hens could be kept.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the ordinance in September.

Wake County Public Schools staff hopes to reveal a draft of a school assignment plan for the 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 school years by the end of October. Ten new schools are expected to open during the three year time frame.

Typically, WCPSS has created school assignments on a year-to-year basis.

Chuck Dulaney, assistant superintendent for growth and planning, told the Board of Education Tuesday that the multi-year assignment plan is a step towards better informing families of long-term planning.

"People are always going to speculate when they see a new school starting to built, who's going to go to that school," Dulaney said. "If we can answer that question this winter for the next three years, I think that will provide a lot more confidence."

Dulaney's staff is seeking input on how to assign neighborhoods from groups of administrators, teachers, and parents in the areas where new schools are to open in the coming years.

He said that making assignments is an act of balancing factors such as filling new schools, relieving overcrowding in other schools, and creating economically diverse student bodies.

A draft of the plan is to be presented to the public in October, with informational meetings to follow in November. The school board is expected to review and approve the assignment plans in January 2009.

Mayor Vivian Jones spoke before the board members Monday to urge them to approve the funding, saying that the town has already put about $30,000 towards the celebration, and anticipated chipping in another $50,000. Business sponsors have also contributed tens of thousands of dollars.

A committee is planning a year's worth of events, including a New Year's celebration called First Light Wake Forest, and a Christmas Gala scheduled to be held in the newly constructed town hall.

In previous years, the county board has contributed money for centennial celebrations for the towns of Garner, Wendell, and Zebulon.

The range, located behind the Flaherty Park Community Center, is used by the Wake Forest Police Department for instruction and practice to obtain required firearms certifications. The facility is used about 30 days a year for these sessions.

Town staff is notifying residents so that they are aware there may be some noise in the area during these training sessions.

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Stuart Holden, a midfielder for the U.S. Olympic team, was inspired in part by the memory of a young cancer patient he befriended.

Last week, Holden scored the winning goal in a game against Japan.

“When Stuart scored that goal, we were just as excited and proud and happy for him as can be,” said Bob Piniewski. He added, “I like to think Stuart got a little help.”

Stuart had a special relationship with Bob Piniewski’s son A.J.

“There was a lot of connection there, really,” said Bob.

Back in June of 2007 A.J. was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer.

“The tumors can double in size every 24 hours,” explained Bob.

Within 8 months, the 14-year-old track star, football and soccer player would be gone; but not before he crossed paths with Houston Dynamo soccer players Stuart Holden and Craig Waibel when they came to Texas Children’s Hospital to visit kids in the pediatric cancer unit.

“They would text him, email him, call him,” said Bob. “The three of them hit it off.”

But A.J.’s  deepest bond was with Stuart. After the Dynamos won the Major League Soccer cup, Stuart brought it and his gold medal to A.J.'s hospital room.

“A.J. and Stuart had a chance to hold the cup up and kiss it together. It was a dream come true for A.J.,” said his dad.

Bob said that Stuart took off his gold medal and put it around A.J.'s neck, telling him, 'this is for you buddy.'”

A.J. tried to refuse the medal, but Stuart insisted. A few minutes later Stuart walked out of the room.  Soon thereafter A.J. left Texas Children's Hospital for the last time.

Four months later, A.J.'s dad returned Stuart’s blessing at a cancer fundraising event.

Back when A.J. was eight, he won a gold medal for soccer here in North Carolina.

“As I was finishing up my speech about the medal story, I asked Stuart to come up and I presented him with A.J.’s medal," said Bob.

But the story doesn't end there.  A.J.’s dad wants to use the Web to put Stuart out of a job as far as going to visit cancer kids in the hospital.

“We talked about it with A.J. and told him we'd do everything we possibly could so that no other moms, or dads or kids ever will have to go through this,” said Bob.

The idea is use an online petition to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

“We're trying to collect a million signatures and send them to the major TV networks to get them to produce a special show solely on the problem of childhood cancer,” explained Bob.

He said Stuart Holden's selflessness and friendship with A.J.  made a difference in the Piniewskis' lives at a time when it was critical.

“It helped us through a very difficult time,” he said.

And now, the Piniewskis want to make a difference in the lives of other childhood cancer patients.

“We're devoting all of the time we can spare to spreading the word.”

Talk back to Steve on his blog at: http://blogs.wncn.info/betweenthelines

Eight teams were on the roster to scrimmage at the 2008 Pigskin Kick-Off: Bunn, Clayton, East Wake, Garner, Leesville Road, Louisburg, and defending conference champions Wake Forest-Rolesville.

Thunderstorms rolled through the Wake Forest area early Friday evening, and although the games got off to a soggy start, parents and fans filled the damp bleachers of Trentini Stadium.

"I came out here to support my team, which is the Bunn Wildcats," said student Jon Johnston. "They're excited about the football season starting, and ready for it to start."

WF-R parent Ron Shaw said he was excited to get a first glimpse at the Cougars' competition.

"They've been awesome the last couple of years, and I think this year is going to be equally as good," Shaw said. "It looks like from what I can see tonight, I think Leesville's going to be the one to beat again this year. So we've got our eyes on the green team down there."

A state law exempts county boards from paying sales taxes-- but not school boards. In order to take advantage of the law, currently the school board temporarily transfers ownership of land for new schools to the county to get sales tax reimbursements for construction.

But school board members want to see if a leasing agreement between the boards would make them eligible for the sales tax reimbursement, in order to eliminate the deed transfer process.

The school board wanted to send a joint letter to the Department of Revenue to explore the possibility-- but Wednesday, Joe Bryan, chairman of the board of commissioners, said his board would not sign off on any letter without knowing how much money a leasing model could save.

"That seemed like a pretty simple thing to ask for," Bryan said. "Show us there's a benefit to the taxpayers of Wake County. Show us that, and we'd be happy to send the letter."

School board chair Rosa Gill said the letter was only meant to be an inquiry-- and that costs and benefits could be explored while the boards wait for the state's response.

"It was my impression that we were going to jointly send a letter and ask for a legal opinion," she said. "It was not predicated on the fact we would do a cost-benefit analysis."

Gill said her board plans to send a letter to the Department of Revenue on its own.

Two local chefs will share ideas on how create fabulous dishes from seasonal market fare. Featuring Cindy Karas, local caterer and food writer and Gourmet Sensations and Healthy Vegetarian Alternatives Mike Huber, "A Guy Who Loves to Cook" will share some fabulous ways to spice up the backyard burger and other fun food ideas. The Farmers' Market offers fresh produce, pasture-raised beef, poultry and pork, free-range eggs, fresh and dried herbs, honey, jams and preserves, plus a whole lot more. The Farmers' Market is open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon through November 22. For more information, visit www.wakeforestmarket.org.

Stan Morse, Democratic contender to represent north Wake County in the 40th District seat, has made his campaign brochures into raffle tickets-- in hopes that potential voters read the pamphlets rather than tossing them aside.

Each brochure has a raffle number printed on the back. Morse says the winner, to be chosen at random right before the November election, will get $1,000 to donate to a charity, church, or school.

"People will cut box tops and bottle caps for their church and schools," he said. "So for $1,000, I thought maybe they'd at least hang on to this."

People can also register for a raffle number on Morse's campaign website.

It's another unusual tactic, in what has already been an unconventional campaign. Morse won the Democratic primary election, despite campaigning for and endorsing his opponent.  Morse said he only wanted to run if there was no other qualified Democratic candidate on the ballot.

He now faces Republican incumbent, Rep. Marilyn Avila, who acknowledges Morse's raffle idea is creative.

"This is a serious job though, and I'd really like to get an idea of how he would approach it if he were in my shoes," said Avila. "And that I haven't heard yet, and the voters in the district haven't heard yet."

Presidents of the two institutions, Dr. Jerry M. Wallace of Campbell University and Dr. Stephen C. Scott of Wake Technical Community College, formally signed the TOP partnership agreement at Campbell's main campus in Buies Creek.

Components of the TOP agreement include:

· Upon a Wake Tech student's completion of the Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree program with a GPA of 2.0 or greater, Campbell will guarantee admission and seamless acceptance into the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Business Administration degree programs, in accordance with the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and the NC Independent Colleges and Universities Articulation Agreement.

· Wake Tech students who complete Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs will be allowed to transfer up to 64 credit hours (21 hours general education, 30 hours technical, and 13 hours elective) into Campbell's Bachelor of Applied Science degree program; and will, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, be guaranteed admission into the program at Campbell's main campus, RTP campus, or other extended campuses.

· Campbell will waive the application fee for Wake Tech graduates who meet the requirements for admission.

· Wake Tech students will be allowed to take courses at Campbell as appropriate toward the completion of their associate's degree. (Students will be responsible for the tuition and fees for the Campbell courses.)

· Wake Tech graduates will be eligible to participate in the full range of academic programs and honors programs at Campbell University's main campus.

Tom Harris, Associate Dean of Extended Campuses at Campbell, says the partnership will help associate degree graduates stay on track toward a bachelor's degree in their field without losing hard-earned credit hours. "Many of these students are working adults," Harris notes. "They're seeking a program that will allow the most transferable credits toward their bachelor's degree. Campbell can meet their needs."

Bryan K. Ryan, Vice President of Curriculum Education Services at Wake Tech, agrees that today's students need flexibility. "Wake Tech students balance school with work and family responsibilities," Ryan says. "Programs like this help them stay focused and reach their goals."

Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, president of Campbell University, says the partnership should provide a new opportunity for students to attain their educational and professional goals. "As an institution of higher learning, our purpose is to educate students and prepare them for service in their communities. My hope is that this collaboration between Wake Technical Community College and Campbell University will help these scholars achieve the next step in their educational journey and prepare them for the future."

Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen C. Scott is excited about the partnership with Campbell and believes it reinforces both institutions' commitment to students. "With this agreement, we're showing students that they are most important. As educational institutions, we can eliminate barriers and create pathways that make higher education accessible. In so doing, we honor the hard work and sacrifices of our students, who are bettering their lives and the life of our community."

The Campbell-Wake Tech partnership enhances Campbell University's relationship with the North Carolina Community College System, as a participating member of the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement and the NC Independent Colleges and Universities Articulation Agreement.

About Wake Tech:
Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is a two-year, public institution serving Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding Wake County. It was chartered in 1958 as the Wake County Industrial Education Center and began operation in 1963 with 34 full-time students. In 1964 it was formally dedicated as the W.W. Holding Industrial Education Center. The college grew rapidly, and in 1987 its name was changed to Wake Technical Community College. Wake Tech is part of the North Carolina Community College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

About Campbell University:
Founded in 1887, Campbell University is a private, coeducational institution where faith and learning excel. Campbell offers programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions, with undergraduate,
graduate and doctoral degrees. The University is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Pharmacy and the Divinity School. Campbell University was ranked in the top tier of "best universities in the south offering master's degrees," in U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Colleges (2008 edition), and named one of the "100 Best College Buys" in the nation by Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc.

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During July 2008, Triangle Transit's bus and shuttle service recorded ridership of 108,284. It marks the first month of ridership over 100,000 and helped to boost the month's ridership 50.2% over July 2007. Ridership one year ago was 72,103.

"We're pleased to see that public transit is making a difference," said Triangle Transit Board Chairman Sig Hutchinson. "With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, more and more people are choosing to help their budgets and give transit a try. Our service improvements, including the recent addition of service in Wake Forest, are having a positive impact."

This is the fourth straight month of ridership gains. Ridership in April rose 20.5% over April 2007 with 83,926 riders. May's ridership topped 85,652 for a gain of 14.5% over May last year. During June 2008, Triangle Transit's bus and shuttle service recorded ridership of 97,172, an increase of 30.2% over June 2007's ridership of 74,622.

A person in the Triangle can save more than $8,000 per year annually by taking public transportation, according to a new analysis of gas prices in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). According to APTA's "Monthly Transit Savings Report" a person can save an average of $670 dollars per month based on a gas price of $3.856 as reported by AAA on Friday, August 8.

Triangle Transit connects people and places in a way that is reliable, safe, and easy. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Hillsborough, RDU International Airport, The Research Triangle Park, Raleigh and Wake Forest. In addition to vanpools, ridematching and paratransit services, Triangle Transit provides resources for commuters and hosts GoTriangle.org, the convenient on‑line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle.

For more information, visit www.triangletransit.org or call (919) 485-RIDE.

The range, located behind the Flaherty Park Community Center, is used by the Wake Forest Police Department for instruction and practice to obtain required firearms certifications. The facility is used about 30 days a year for these sessions.

Town staff is notifying residents so that they are aware there may be some noise in the area during these training sessions.

The N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund pays for the tobacco check program to prevent young people from smoking. In North Carolina, surveys show that ninety percent of adult smokers began using cigarettes before age 18. In addition to health issues, experts say the use of tobacco products often leads to other drugs and increases the likelihood of a young person's activity with theft or other criminal activities.

"It's easy for a store clerk to identify an underage person," said Chandler. "A red border around the driver's license means the person is under the age of 18. If you see red, the tobacco sale is dead."

A District Court judge may fine a violator up to $1,000 or order community punishment of up to 30 days if the defendant has no prior convictions. If the clerk does have prior convictions, he or she could be serving time in jail as well. Selling tobacco to an underage person is a Class II misdemeanor.

ALE is the lead agency for the Tobacco Education and Compliance Check Program, and works in partnership with the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services. The N.C. Retail Merchants Association and the N.C. Association of Convenience Stores also supports the tobacco campaign.

ALE, a division of the Dept. of Crime Control and Public Safety, has 117 agents across North Carolina to enforce alcohol and tobacco laws.