Use caution if you drive this morning. There are reports of downed trees and flooded roads including a closure of Interstate 40 West. Check drivenc.gov for the latest road information. Do not drive into flooded roads.

Did you know that someone is always working at the Water Treatment Plant? Report water and sewer emergencies by calling the plant at 919-732-3621.

Fellows from Lead for North Carolina, an AmeriCorps and UNC School of Government program, visited the town today to learn about town operations. The visit included talks with town leadership and a tour of the Town Hall Campus, including the town's public art installations.

Water and sewer rates each increased by 7.5% on July 1. The changes will be seen on bills received in August. The increases are needed to help cover the costs of treating and distributing drinking water and collecting and treating wastewater. Read more: www.hillsboroughnc.gov/Home/Compone...

Work to detect unseen leaks in Hillsborough’s water distribution system is expected to start July 20 and continue through the end of August. The Raleigh-based firm McKim & Creed will perform the work, which will include water mains and the public portion of the water service lines to meters.

Did you know that the town has a year-round watering schedule to help manage water demands? Hillsborough water customers who irrigate should follow the year-round watering schedule. Irrigate only between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. to reduce evaporation.

An estimated 38,400 gallons of untreated sewage were discharged over the weekend near Odie Street due to a fence post stuck in an 8-inch sewer main on Daye Street. Hillsborough utilities workers found and stopped the spill Monday morning. Learn more: buff.ly/sEhtYzv

Looking for a new career? The Town of Hillsborough will join other city, town and county government employers for a combined career fair for local government. The Local Government Career Expo will be 1-4 p.m. Aug. 29 at the McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman St. in Raleigh. Read more: buff.ly/k18wC2C

The North Carolina Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution hosted a grave marking ceremony at the Old Town Cemetery on Saturday. Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell participated as one of the speakers.

As we struggle through the dog days of summer, please don't forget to leash your dogs and clean up pet waste when using public spaces. Pet waste bags and receptacles are available on Riverwalk, at town parks and throughout downtown Hillsborough.

Be sure that you do by registering or updating your contact information in the Everbridge platform. If you are a Hillsborough water customer, select the checkbox for Hillsborough water and sewer alerts in the Community Alerts section. buff.ly/7hDgptO

Natural disasters can happen any time, so always protect your home and belongings with insurance for homeowners or renters. Don't forget flood insurance if there's any possibility that your home could flood!

Tropical Storm Chantal stalled over the Hillsborough area one year ago, leading to severe property damage in the town. The town’s financial and physical recovery is in progress, including planning for physical structures to withstand severe weather. Read more: buff.ly/rQjja3g

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is asking the public to prioritize projects for the state's next 10-year transportation capital plan. Indicate your priorities and submit comments on the interactive prioritization map: buff.ly/ZGgDLUM

Communications Specialist JC Leser-McMinn reviews the town's two enterprise fund budgets.

Missed the flag parade? Join us for the laser light show, starting at 9 p.m. in River Park!

Happy Independence Day from the Town of Hillsborough! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the declaration’s signing with a free public festival from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. today in River Park. Read more: buff.ly/tANPruS

Communications Specialist JC Leser-McMinn reviews the town's general fund budget.

The North Carolina Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution society will host a grave marking ceremony to honor five American patriots at the Old Town Cemetery 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11.

Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic downtown Saturday during Hillsborough's Independence Day celebration. The free public festival will take place all day in River Park. See the news release for free parking options and details about activities, arts vendors and live music.

The Town of Hillsborough begins Fiscal Year 2027 on July 1. The new year marks the first day of fee and rate changes and funding assignments approved in the town’s adopted budget. Read more: www.hillsboroughnc.gov/Home/Compone...

See or create public art at the Art and Graffiti Park near the Skate Spot in Cates Creek Park, 1445 Cates Creek Parkway. Learn more: buff.ly/nGsHQSz

Learn about Hillsborough's water treatment process and what’s in your water in the latest annual water quality report. buff.ly/XebXvzs

Heat and little rain can add up to a lot of algae — and that can affect the taste and smell of drinking water. Hillsborough staff have increased the carbon in the water plant’s filtration process. A water pitcher with activated carbon also may help at home. The water remains safe. buff.ly/jIIVXj4

Prepare for hurricane season by learning the Ready, Set, Go emergency alerts that Orange County and its towns will use when conditions could lead to evacuation or other protective actions. GET SET alerts will be from OC Alerts. GO alerts will be a wireless emergency alert. See more: buff.ly/s2XwZdr

Town of Hillsborough offices will be closed Friday, July 3 for Independence Day. Residents whose garbage and yard waste are normally picked up on Fridays will receive service on Monday, July 6. Read more: buff.ly/jAjbGKC

Retired Hillsborough Canine Officer Vader died earlier this month. The 13-year-old, Slovakian-born Czech Shepherd died peacefully June 8, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Read more: buff.ly/VfnXdiB

Last night, the board approved a yearlong moratorium on data center development, two rezoning requests and a special event permit for Hog Day. Mayor Mark Bell recognized the recent death of former Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford. Read more: buff.ly/Rmx8Q1V

Drought conditions have worsened despite rainfall. Orange County is experiencing exceptional drought, the highest designation. Please conserve water and heed Hillsborouygh's year-round restrictions for watering plants. Additional restrictions have not started. See rules and updates: buff.ly/dek2rcY

Celebrate National Pollinator Week this week, June 22-26, and consider the benefits trees provide to pollinators. Read more: buff.ly/WbKSPtD