ICA member Nancy Oates partnered with longtime journalist Don Evans to launch Chapel Hill Watch (www.chapelhillwatch.wordpress.com), a blog about politics and business in Chapel Hill. The site posts an editorial or news item Monday through Friday, often expanding on topics brought up at Town Council meetings.

The site has garnered attention from WCHL news radio, The Daily Tar Heel and other blogs. By filling holes left by the diminishing resources of newspapers, the blog aims to keep residents informed of the town’s economic health, how taxpayer money is spent and policy decisions under consideration by town government.

“A town thrives on vigorous debate,” Oates said. “Chapel Hill Watch provides a platform for citizens to make their voices heard.”