DURHAM -- A Sunday morning fire damaged a duplex at 1110 South St., fire officials reported.
Firefighters got the call about 9:39 a.m. and saw "moderate to heavy smoke'' when they arrived, according to Deputy Fire Chief Barry Yeargan.
No injuries were reported.
Yeargan said the fire in a rear bedroom at the one-story, wood frame residential duplex was quickly extinguished. He said firefighters were on the scene 58 minutes.
Cause of the fire is being investigated, he said.
'Try Transit Week' kicks off
Durham -- "Try Transit Week" is now under way in an effort to get more residents to take public transportation.
"Try Transit Week" events include:
- Weeklong Online Scavenger Hunt on Facebook and Twitter. Become a fan of the Durham Area Transit Authority on Facebook. You can win a Carolina Panthers Prize Pack or one of many daily prizes.
- Rack Ride Day on today. Cyclists can board all buses in the Triangle free with their bike and helmet.
- Wednesday is the Stuff-the-Bus Food Drive at McDonald's in downtown Durham from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents are encouraged to donate at least three non-perishable food items or three hygiene items and receive a coupon for an item on the McDonald's menu. Register to win tickets to Carolina Panther's Football game. All proceeds will go to the Food Bank of Central Eastern North Carolina.
- Thursday is fare-free day. There will be a customer appreciation event held at Durham Station, located at 515 W. Pettigrew Street, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come enjoy free ice cream bars, while supplies last, and learn about the valuable services provided by El Centro Hispano, Habitat for Humanity, the City of Durham's Office on Youth, Department of Water Management, and Durham Parks and Recreation.
- Friday is Employee Appreciation Day. Remember to thank your bus operators.
For information about "Try Transit Week," visit www.GoTriangle.org. For information about DATA bus service and schedules, contact (919) 485-RIDE or visit the City of Durham's Web site at http://DATA.durhamnc.gov.
TTA receives stimulus money
DURHAM -- The Obama administration announced Monday $4.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for transit improvements in North Carolina, including money for Triangle Transit Authority.
"Through the Recovery Act, we are creating jobs today in Raleigh and Durham and across America while building a better, more sustainable economy moving forward," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Rebuilding the nation's transportation infrastructure is a key part of a prescription for economic strength."
The Triangle Transit Authority will use $900,000 for the purchase of three 40-foot, heavy-duty, low-floor buses and one van for van pool expansion. The City of Raleigh will use $4 million for the purchase of an operations and maintenance facility.
Granville Habitat hosts event
Oxford -- On Monday, in recognition of World Habitat Day, Granville County Habitat for Humanity will address the lack of decent housing around the world, including the need for affordable housing in Granville County.
This is the second year in a row that Granville Habitat for Humanity has held a World Habitat Day event. The event will be at Vance Granville Community College in Creedmoor from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
This year, there are two themes, "Secure Tenure" and "Neighborhood Stabilization."
According to Habitat for Humanity International, "Secure tenure is the ability to live in a place without fear of eviction. Neighborhood Stabilization includes the various ways affiliates are rehabilitating, renovating, and building sustainable communities."
For additional information on the "World Habitat Day 2009," contact Mark Prokop at 919.693.5694 or visit www.granvillecountyhfh.org.
-- From staff reports
