Traffic light to be installed at Forest Hills intersection

Prizes to be awarded for holiday decorations

By Rose Hooper

A new traffic lights is scheduled to be installed at the intersection of North Country Club Drive and N.C. 107. Former village Mayor Irene Hooper told the new board last week that the lights should be installed within the month.

"We really need stop lights there," Hooper said. "There's so much traffic in that area and most people never signal, so you don't know which way they are going. With the increase in the student body at Western, the traffic problem will only increase."

Since its incorporation in 1997, the village council has sought to have a light installed at the Forest Hills intersection.

"We've worked hard to get this," said Hooper, who cited the board's diligence in pursuing the light. She also cited the cooperation of the local Department of Transportation division for its feasibility study and placement of the project in its budget and on its schedule.

"I spoke with Conrad Burrell," Hooper said of the Jackson County's state DOT board member. "He told me that the materials have been ordered, and the traffic light at the corner should be installed within the month."

In other Forest Hills news, residents of the village have an added incentive to decorate for the holiday season.

This year, for the first time ever, winners in the holiday decorating contest will be awarded prizes. Prizes will be given for first-, second- and third-place and be will donated by Mad Batter Bake Shop, Soul Infusion Tea House and Zoo Video.

Judging will take place this Saturday, Dec. 15, beginning at 5:15 p.m. A member of the Jackson County Arts Council will judge the decorations with winners announced on Friday, Dec. 21, at the village Christmas party, which will be held at the University Inn from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Back to Archive: 12/13/01.