Durham activist to challenge Allison for Committee chair
FROM CORRESPONDENT VRIGINIA BRIDGES Community activist Melvin Whitley plans to run for chair of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, saying he wants to restore respect to the 75-year-old organization. “The correction has to be made at some point, and why not now?” said Whitley, 61. Whitley would have to win enough votes at a Dec. 10 meeting to unseat Lavonia Allison, the Committee’s chairwoman since 1997. Allison said she didn’t have time to comment Wednesday. Whitley wants the Committee to focus on dilapidated housing, illiteracy and drugs in the community. Many of Durham’s black elected leaders including M

Today in The Durham News
Here's a look at today's local headlines: THE NEW HAYTI: We understand the skepticism surrounding the latest plans for a revitalized Rolling Hills/Southside area just south of the downtown loop. But they said American Tobacco would never happen. Read Jim Wise's story on last week's community meetings. TURKEY TIME: Durham churches and charities are preparing to feed a record number of meals this Thanksgiving, as the recession puts more local people in financial straits. Stan Chambers reports how one Bull City police officer is giving back. YOUTH FLUKE? Remember last year's election? The energy, the enthusiasm the turnout? My View columnist A.J. Donaldson, a gra

Flu vaccinations Tuesdays and Thursdays
The Durham County Health Department is giving H1N1 flu vaccinations for those in the high-risk groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays through December at its office, 414 E. Main St. Vaccinations will be given by appointment: call 560-7882. There is no charge for the treatment.  

Quote for the evening
After hearing about police frustration over stopping criminal goings-on around the intersection of South and Enterprise streets near the Durham Freeway, City Councilman Mike Woodard summed up the situation with a quote from his Uncle Buster: "It's hard to cut grass in a graveyard because you don't get any help from the residents."

Suspect sought in attempted robbery at Walmart
Durham police  are trying to identify a suspect in an Oct. 5 attempted armed robbery inside Walmart at 1525 Glenn School Road. The suspect was described as a black male approximately 6 feet tall with a slim to medium build. He was wearing a black Avirex jacket with designs on it, a green shirt, blue jeans and green and white Nike Air Force shoes. The suspect demanded money, at knifepoint, from a female customer in a clearance area about 9 a.m. When victim screamed and fought with the suspect, he left the store without taking anything and rode away in a white, 4-door vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Walcutt at 560-4281, ext. 29