Bethany Chafin
Verified
Assistant News Director @885wfdd, Public Radio for the Piedmont
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Bethany Chafin
Surry County and Mount Airy declare States of Emergency due to flooding Original
Surry County has declared a State of Emergency after heavy rainfall over the weekend caused major flooding, including flash floods, throughout the county. Mount Airy was particularly affected and has also declared its own State of Emergency. Officials say it’s some of the worst flooding to hit the area in decades. In a statement, the Mount Airy Rescue Squad says Saturday night/Sunday morning it deployed all rescue boats and rescue vehicles as well as other resources and performed.
Nine injured in Greensboro shooting Original
Nine people were injured in a Greensboro shooting early Sunday morning. It took place at 1:50 a.m. at Royal Banquet Hall on West Gate City Boulevard. According to a press release from the Greensboro Police Department, victims include a 15-year-old and three 17-year-olds. All are expected to survive. Officers who arrived on the scene arrested two males in the vicinity. GPD has not released charges yet. Officials say police had been dispatched to the same location earlier Saturday night.
Winston-Salem Police file first charges in Leinbach Park shooting Original
Law enforcement officials say they’re no longer seeking any suspects in the shooting at Winston-Salem’s Leinbach Park on Monday,but the investigation is ongoing. The police department has charged 18-year-old Joel Michael Gamble-Toliver with Felony Child Abuse.
Full November SNAP benefits could arrive this weekend in North Carolina Original
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says full SNAP benefits for November could be distributed as early as this weekend. The department received word Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will fully fund the program this month. Enrollees received partial payments on Friday morning. NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai says officials are working quickly to supply the remaining funds. More than 586,000 North Carolina families rely on the benefits.
Loaded weapon found at High Point Central High School
School officials found a loaded handgun at High Point Central on Thursday morning. A 16-year-old student was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on educational property, possession of a handgun by a minor and carrying a concealed gun. According to the High Point Police Department, a staff member discovered the handgun wrapped in a sweatshirt inside a backpack when the student walked through a weapons detection scanner.
Carolina Curious: What is the history of Lexington barbecue?
Lexington has a famous way of preparing barbecue, slowly pit-cooked over wood coals, served with a tangy vinegar-based “dip” instead of a thick barbecue sauce. For this week's Carolina Curious, listener Tyler Foster wanted to know how this tradition got started. So, WFDD's Paul Garber takes a delicious dive into Piedmont barbecue’s origin story. When this Curious question rolled in, I knew my first call would be to John Shelton Reed.
Carolina Curious: What's known about Edward R. Murrow's roots in Guilford County?
With the new play, "Good Night, and Good Luck," war correspondent Edward R. Murrow is back in the public dialogue. George Clooney portrays the pioneering broadcast journalist in his Broadway debut. WFDD’s Sheila Thrower pointed out that Murrow is originally from Guilford County. In this week’s edition of Carolina Curious, Bethany Chafin looks into his roots and early days in the Piedmont. The first thing to know is that Edward R. Murrow wasn’t always an Edward.
Carolina Curious: What professions are most common among state legislators?
The North Carolina General Assembly is currently in session, considering bills on a variety of issues that could shape residents' future. For this week's Carolina Curious, WFDD's DJ Simmons was wondering: What professions are most common among state legislators? An analysis shows the three job sectors most members come from are business, law and real estate.
Carolina Curious: What does a county manager do?
For this week’s Carolina Curious, a Forsyth County resident wanted to know more about the role of a county manager – what does this position do exactly? To find out, WFDD’s Bethany Chafin spoke to someone with plenty of knowledge. No two days in the life of a county manager are the same. That’s according to Shontell Robinson, who has held the post for Forsyth County since July of last year.
'All the Beauty in the World': Patrick Bringley reflects on a decade of observations as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Skip to main content Patrick Bringley All the Beauty in the World metropolitan museum of art WFDD Book Club 0:00/6:57 There was an error loading the media player. This Saturday, the WFDD Book Club will discuss All the Beauty in the World. Meetings are at Scuppernong Books and Book Ferret at 11:00 a.m. WFDD Editorial Director Bethany Chafin recently spoke with author Patrick Bringley about his memoir that documents 10 years as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Gov. Cooper and the head of FEMA address recovery efforts in western North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper and other officials including the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gave a press briefing at Asheville Regional Airport Monday. The leaders outlined the number of people working to provide aid in the region, spoke about opening roads, efforts to reach communities, and the fact that there are still search and rescue operations occurring.
Keynotes and school visits kick off Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors
The 19th annual Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors kicks off Thursday evening and continues through the weekend. The first Bookmarks Festival was held in Old Salem in 2004. Today, it’s the largest annual book festival in the Carolinas. Before heading into Saturday’s events, participating authors will be visiting 40 area schools, and interacting with thousands of students.
Keynotes and school visits kick off Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors
The 19th annual Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors kicks off Thursday evening and continues through the weekend. The first Bookmarks Festival was held in Old Salem in 2004. Today, it’s the largest annual book festival in the Carolinas. Before heading into Saturday’s events, participating authors will be visiting 40 area schools, and interacting with thousands of students.
Small plane performs emergency landing on I-840 in Greensboro
A single-engine small plane experienced a mechanical failure and was forced to do an emergency landing on Interstate 840, also known as the Greensboro Urban Loop, Wednesday evening. The plane landed on I-840 westbound at the I-73 juncture. According to the city and the Greensboro Police Department, a vehicle made contact with the plane once it was stationary. One of the two plane passengers was transferred to a hospital with minor injuries. The occupant of the vehicle was not injured.
Final application period begins for schools and government entities to have photo IDs approved for voting
A new application period begins today for eligible schools and government agencies to have their photo IDs approved for voting. The state Board of Elections says this is the last opportunity to apply before the November 5th election later this year. This will be the first general election under the new photo ID requirement. A free photo ID can also be obtained at county boards of elections or from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
Shontell Robinson named new Forsyth County manager
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has named a new county manager. Following a nationwide search, Deputy County Manager Shontell Robinson will be promoted and step into the role beginning July of this year following the retirement of Dudley Watts.
Edwin G. Wilson, beloved Wake Forest University professor and Provost Emeritus, has died
Wake Forest University retired professor of English and Provost Emeritus Edwin G. Wilson has died. Affectionately known as “Mr. Wake Forest,” Wilson served as the university’s first provost from 1967 to 1990 and was a pivotal figure in the community. During his leadership tenure, a faculty committee voted to end segregation and the university established the Wake Forest University Press. As an English professor, he inspired thousands of students with his teachings on British romantic poetry.
Carolina Curious: What happens to the animals that called Kaleideum North home?
0:00/1:44 There was an error loading the media player. It’s time for this month’s edition of Carolina Curious. Today’s query is a timely one, and it comes from Winston-Salem listener Christina Soriano who asks: "Will Kaleideum downtown be the new home for the animals that once lived at Kaleideum North?" Last week was a big one for the experiential learning museum. After years of planning, moving, new construction and more, its grand opening took place on Saturday.
New Child Behavioral Health dashboard compiles critical statewide data
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released a new Child Behavioral Health Dashboard. The online tool includes information on things like the percentage of children across the state diagnosed with depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, and substance use disorder. Metrics also include emergency department numbers. Denise Price is the behavioral health services director with Forsyth County.
Carolina Curious: Are church bells ringing less in downtown Winston-Salem?
Church bells have been ringing in Winston-Salem since at least the early 19th century, when Home Moravian Church first installed its bell. But listener Phil Archer told Carolina Curious he hasn’t been hearing the usual chimes much lately. “It seems like something that brings pleasure and unites us all for a moment hearing the same thing," he said. "A lot of work went into designing those things. Are they used more seldom now?” We made some calls to track down the answer.
RSV has likely peaked in Triad as flu and COVID-19 cases increase
As respiratory viral season picks up, local infectious disease expert Dr. Christopher Ohl gave an update Friday on what health care providers are seeing. The three major viruses circulating include the virus known as RSV, influenza or the flu, and COVID-19. "COVID's going up fairly quickly, and flu's going up fairly quickly, but RSV fortunately is a bit on the decline," he says. Tests are available for both the flu and COVID.
Two years after opening, Guilford County Behavioral Health Center sees urgent-care services highly utilized
The Guilford County Behavioral Health Center opened in Greensboro in 2021 to provide services for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a mental health crisis. One of the goals is for it to be a more suitable location for those who might otherwise end up in an emergency room. The center’s most utilized service is for walk-in urgent care — it sees 300 to 400 people a month in this capacity.
Carolina Curious: Why is it called a 'Candle Tea' when coffee is served?
Skip to main content One of the traditions in the Triad that signals the holidays are upon us is the Moravian Candle Tea held in Old Salem. In the latest installment of our series Carolina Curious, listener Lydia Ingram wants to know why exactly it’s called a “tea” when instead, it’s a sweet coffee that visitors enjoy during this seasonal event. We take a look back to find out. The Candle Tea has been a tradition for over 90 years now.
Man charged after Holocaust memorial vandalized in Greensboro
Greensboro police have charged 22-year-old Nile Christian Harvey in connection with the vandalism of a Holocaust memorial in Greensboro’s LaBauer Park, where a swastika was drawn on the sculpture. The artwork is called “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots.” It was modeled after a photo of five women in Latvia just before they were executed. It's described as the first women’s Holocaust memorial in North Carolina.
Carolina Curious: Is North Carolina still southern?
Over the last decade, the percentage of North Carolina's population that was born out of state has grown steadily. A listener recently asked: Can North Carolina still be considered southern? For the latest installment of Carolina Curious, WFDD's DJ Simmons looked into demographic changes in the state, and what has helped it to maintain its southern identity. Around 100 years ago, nearly all North Carolinians were natives.
NPR releases its 2023 Books We Love list
NPR NPR Books We Love 0:00 There was an error loading the media player. At the end of the year, Santa isn't the only one making a list. NPR has released its compilation known as "Books We Love" since 2013. This year it's over 350 titles sourced from your favorite NPR personalities and those whose voices you might not hear, but whose work, you certainly have — editors, producers, and more. The list is displayed as an interactive webpage with cover images, filter options, and blurbs.
Amid uptick in RSV cases, Cone Health announces new restrictions at some locations
Due to an increase in RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, the Cone Health system announced new masking requirements and visitor restrictions at some of its locations Tuesday. Starting Wednesday, November 15, visitors in areas that care for infants and children at Alamance Regional Medical Center and The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital will be required to wear masks. Children 12 and under will not be allowed to visit most labor and delivery units, neonatal intensive units and special care units.
Carolina Curious: Why are large trees falling down along streets in Winston-Salem?
0:00 There was an error loading the media player. Every October, flecks of red, gold, and orange flicker in autumn sunlight in the leafy canopies above the streets of Winston-Salem. Recently though, a listener noticed breaks in certain canopies. She asked Carolina Curious: “Why have so many large trees fallen over this year in Winston-Salem, especially near Robinhood Road and Reynolda Road?” WFDD’s April Laissle took a walk with a tree expert to find the answer.
Carolina Curious: Are large trucks required to have a cover to prevent littering?
It may have happened to you — you’re driving down the highway and suddenly you see debris fly out from a large truck ahead of you. For this installment of Carolina Curious, listener Cortney Chappell wants to know why sometimes these types of vehicles don’t have a cover on the back to keep litter from falling out. As it turns out, this kind of thing is regulated under North Carolina state law and the language around it is pretty clear.
Bethany Chafin
Bethany joined the staff of WFDD in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University and focused on Anglo-Irish writing.
Vice President Kamala Harris stops at N.C. A&T on 'Fight For Our Freedoms' college tour
Vice President Kamala Harris visited North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Friday as the second stop on her “Fight For our Freedoms College Tour” which kicked off this week at Hampton University in Virginia. She was met by a cheering crowd in the Corbett Sports Center.
Human Interest | 88.5 WFDD
Human Interest WFDD Wins Four Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards 88.5 WFDD was recognized by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for its coverage of last year's Winston Weaver Fertilizer Plant fire with four Regional Edward R. Human Interest Let's Talk About It: Wading into the woke debate On this month's episode of Let's Talk About It, dia Human Interest Feline fine: giving cats a second (or third) chance in life.
Books | 88.5 WFDD
Today, we're bringing you the final installment of our space summer series ... with the end ... of EVERYTHING. Will the universe end in a huge cosmic unraveling? A slow and lonely dissolution? Or a quantum-level transition that breaks the laws of physics? Theoretical astrophysicist Katie Mack breaks down three possible scenarios for how the universe as we know it will finally come to an end. To celebrate the end of our Space Camp series, we also made a QUIZ! Check it out at npr.org/spacecamp. Questions?
Housing | 88.5 WFDD
Skip to main content Winston-Salem Housing Authority sees room for improvement after latest federal review by DJ Simmons and The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem, or HAWS, saw improvements in its federal review but officials cautioned improvement was still needed in a board meeting Tuesday. Summerfield debates proposed development, could see de-annexation by Bethany Chafin In a town north of Greensboro, there's a heated debate between those in favor of new development and those who are not.
Race | 88.5 WFDD
Education Race With affirmative action out, North Carolina's flagship school bars use of race, sex in admissions by Associated Press Weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down their school’s race-conscious admissions plan as violating the Constitution, the board of North Carolina’s flagship public university has voted to strictly bar the use of “race, sex, color or ethnicity” in admissions and hiring decisions.
Greensboro | 88.5 WFDD
Arts, Music & Culture North Carolina is celebrating its under-told stories with public art by David Ford A new mural was recently unveiled in Greensboro to recognize the role Indigenous people have in the area. It’s a collaborative project led by a Native American artist whose family, like dozens of others, originally migrated in the 1960s to the region.
WS/FCS receives grant to clean site of new Brunson Elementary
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will receive nearly $750,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in order to prepare the site for the new Brunson Elementary School. The funding is part of a multipurpose grant from the agency’s Brownfields Program, which provides assistance in assessing and safely reusing properties “contaminated by prior industrial use.” The site was formerly a Thomasville Furniture plant on the north side of Winston-Salem.
Summerfield debates proposed development, could see de-annexation
by Bethany Chafin In a town north of Greensboro, there's a heated debate between those in favor of new development and those who are not. Conversations have been going on for years about whether Summerfield will be the site of new townhomes and apartments. Without an agreement, there's now the possibility that the land could be de-annexed by the state in order to move forward. WFDD's Bethany Chafin spoke with reporter Ren Larson of The Assembly about her in-depth look at this community.
WSSU and UNCSA collaborate to create new virtual reality training for nursing students
Winston-Salem State University and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts have partnered to create a new virtual reality training program for nursing students. The VR training was incorporated into WSSU’s curriculum in late April. Chancellor Elwood Robinson praised the collaboration in a press release and cited its significance for the school as one of North Carolina’s highest producers of nurses.
Marshall Aerospace selects Greensboro for new facility that will bring 240 jobs
An aerospace company based in the U.K. is making Greensboro the home of its new aircraft maintenance and engineering facility. Marshall Aerospace made the announcement Tuesday. The move is expected to create 240 jobs and an investment of $50 million. The company works on civil and military aircraft platforms providing engineering, support solutions, and services.
New kiosk at Forsyth County Department of Public Health adds another option for COVID-19 testing
Winston-Salem residents have a new way to get COVID-19 testing — a kiosk outside of the Forsyth County Department of Public Health. There you can find collection kits with instructions. Once the test is completed, it’s deposited in the kiosk. Samples are delivered to a lab and results are available by text or email within a day or two. Forsyth County Public Health Director Joshua Swift says he heard about the opportunity at a monthly leadership meeting in Raleigh earlier this year.
Film documenting 500-mile "Journey to Salem" debuts on PBS
Skip to main content by Bethany Chafin In 2021, in celebration of Salem Academy and College’s 250th anniversary, a group of five alumnae walked 500 miles from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They were recreating the 1766 journey by a group of 18 Moravian women and two Moravian men that led to the establishment of the oldest educational institution for women and girls in the country.
Winston-Salem hires director for team that will respond to certain mental health calls
The city of Winston-Salem recently hired a leader for a new team that will respond to certain emergency calls. The group is called the BEAR Team, which stands for Behavioral Evaluation and Response. Kristin Ryan will lead crisis counselors who will respond to non-violent mental health calls. The seven-member BEAR Team is a pilot program, funded by money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Dream Center Campus in east Greensboro will be a hub for innovation and education
Technology Education Business by Bethany Chafin A new and innovative collaboration is underway at Gateway Research Park in East Greensboro. It will be called the Dream Center Campus, and the mixed-use facility will include three main initiatives: a new data center, an innovation center for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a flexible co-working space for Guilford County Schools (GCS). This is ImpactData’s first Dream Center.
Greensboro Urban Loop to open Monday
The final section of the Greensboro Urban Loop is set to open Monday. The new section runs between North Elm Street and U.S. 29. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold a ceremony marking the occasion. Speakers include Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan, as well as North Carolina Senators Gladys Robinson and Phil Berger among others.
Region sees wave of COVID, but flu and RSV cases on the decline
The region is currently experiencing another wave of COVID-19 cases. Novant Health Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. David Priest said at a press briefing Tuesday that this was not unexpected. "As we know, people have been traveling and getting together in groups indoors as we do during this time of year.
Greensboro opens new Safe Parking site for those experiencing homelessness
by Bethany Chafin The City of Greensboro has opened a new space to assist those experiencing homelessness. It's called Safe Parking and is geared toward people living out of their vehicles who need a place to park overnight. The space is located at 3910 Clifton Road in Greensboro, off of Wendover Avenue, and has room for up to 35 cars. Liz Alverson is the homeless prevention program coordinator for the city.
Nurse-Family Partnership of Forsyth County celebrates 10 years
A community health program that supports new mothers celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Nurse-Family Partnership of Forsyth County is part of an evidence-based national model. It works by linking low-income new moms-to-be with a registered nurse for regular home visits and check-ins during the course of a pregnancy and throughout a child’s first two years.
Krispy Kreme announces expansion in Winston-Salem
by Bethany Chafin Krispy Kreme is expanding its operations in Winston-Salem. On Tuesday the company announced 180 new jobs and an investment of $5.8 million over the next several years in order to support its Branded Sweet Treats line. In a press release from Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. Krispy Kreme’s Global President and COO Josh Charlesworth says the company remains committed to the city where it was founded in 1937.
Guilford County seeks proposals to address juvenile crime prevention
by Bethany Chafin Guilford County is looking to fund programs that serve at-risk youth. The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) released their request for proposals on Monday. The county anticipates just over $1.2 million in funding will be available from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. But the money is contingent on a local matching grant.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Bethany
Contact Bethany, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack