SoDu Morning Brief: Keep an Umbrella Handy
Plus, remembering Durham neighbors who recently passed away in the latest Southpoint Access obituaries.
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☔Today’s South Durham Weather Forecast (Oct. 28, 2025)
Rainy, breezy, and cool. Expect on-and-off rain much of the day with a high near 53°F. A northeast wind around 15 mph will make it feel extra chilly at times, with gusts up to 25 mph. Rain chances ~80%, with 0.50–0.75" of new rainfall possible.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy and damp. Areas of drizzle with periods of rain likely at times. Low around 48°F. NE wind 10–13 mph, gusts to 22 mph. Rain chances ~60%, adding 0.10–0.25" more.
What this means for your day
- Commute: Allow extra time; steady rain + leaves on roads can be slick.
- Kids & activities: Pack raincoats/boots; outdoor practices may be canceled.
- Yard & pets: Secure lightweight decorations; bring cushions inside; quick towel for muddy paws.
Quick checklist
Umbrella • waterproof layer • closed-toe shoes • slower driving pace
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Lack of Quorum Impedes County Meeting
Remember our SoDu We Watch Government article on Monday?
Well, the Durham County Board of Commissioners on Monday night lacked a quorum to officially vote on any matters before it, so those action items are expected to be shifted to the board's next work session in November.
See how Chair Nida Allam opened the meeting in this reel from SeeGov:
Durham Obituaries – Oct. 28, 2025
| Name | Age | Date of Death | Service Details | Funeral Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evelyn Irene Beard Kirk | 90 | Oct. 24 | Private ceremony | Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory |
| Martha Oakley Parker | 67 | Oct. 24 | Services held Oct. 27 | Clements Funeral & Cremation Services |
| Tyna L. Dowdy | 67 | Oct. 22 | No services listed | Holloway Memorial Funeral Home |
| Aniya Mikayla Hawkins | 20 | Oct. 22 | Oct. 31, 1 p.m., Antioch Baptist Church, Durham | Hanes Funeral Chapel |
| Melvin Taaffe Culler Jr. | 81 | Oct. 21 | Services held Oct. 25 | Clements Funeral & Cremation Services |
| Doris Faye McLaurin | 70 | Oct. 21 | No services listed | Holloway Memorial Funeral Home |
| Elise P. Worley | 86 | Oct. 21 | Services held Oct. 23 | Clements Funeral & Cremation Services |
| Jean E. Cozart | 87 | Oct. 20 | Services held Oct. 27 | Holloway Memorial Funeral Home |
| Floyd Curtis Harris | 81 | Oct. 20 | No services listed | Holloway Memorial Funeral Home |
| JoAnn Morton Rozier | 75 | Oct. 20 | Services held Oct. 24 | Hudson Funeral Home & Cremation Services |
| Sharon Williams-Alston | 68 | Oct. 20 | Oct. 29, 12 p.m., Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Durham | Holloway Memorial Funeral Home |
| Roe Jean Evans | 69 | Oct. 19 | Services held Oct. 27 | Ellis D. Jones Funeral & Cremation Service |
| Patricia “Pixie” Geraldine Simpson | 73 | Oct. 19 | Oct. 30, 12 p.m., Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Durham | Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor |
| Letha Allene “Peggy” Morris Stanford | 101 | Oct. 19 | Oct. 31, 11 a.m., Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church, Durham | Clements Funeral & Cremation Services |
| Mae Lawrence | 84 | Oct. 18 | Services held Oct. 24 | Burthey Funeral Service |
| Carl L. Riddle | 91 | Oct. 18 | No services listed | Clements Funeral & Cremation Services |
| Ann Gail (Murchison) Johnson | 87 | Oct. 17 | No services listed | Clements Funeral & Cremation Services |
| Ricky Dixon | 67 | Oct. 16 | Oct. 29, 12 p.m., Burthey Funeral Chapel, Durham | Burthey Funeral Service |
| Jacque Fredrick McAllister | 88 | Oct. 16 | Services held Oct. 25 | Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory |
| Christopher Everette Shrewsbury | 59 | Oct. 16 | Celebration of life at a later date | American Cremation & Funeral Service |
| Ronald “Tony” Lewis Newton | 73 | Oct. 15 | Dec. 6, 12 p.m., West Durham Baptist Church, Durham | Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor |
| Bryant Lamont Fortune | 53 | Oct. 14 | Services held Oct. 22 | American Cremation & Funeral Service |
| Alton Jerome Newkirk | 65 | Oct. 13 | Services held Oct. 25 | Holloway Memorial Funeral Home |
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DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The local public school district wants to fill numerous positions, but is particularly keen to bring in new EC (exceptional children) teachers and transportation workers. Also, DPS offers alternative certification tracks for potential educators coming from fields without a background in teaching.
Durham Public School Lunch Today
All student meals are free. Menus include choice of milk, fresh fruit, and 100% juice. Items subject to change. Get the full week of menus here.
Events In and Around South Durham – Oct. 28
All day
Children’s Take & Make Crafts: Spooky Edition (Durham County Library - South Regional Branch)
Pick up a Halloween-themed craft kit for kids. Great rainy-day activity.
📍 4505 S. Alston Ave.
👤 Families & kids • while supplies last (check branch for availability)
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Durham Board of Adjustment (Durham Government)
Quasi-judicial hearing on variances/appeals - good for neighbors following local development.
📍 101 City Hall Plaza
📝 Arrive a few minutes early for seating/check-in
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Ready, Set, Baby with Family Matters Durham (Durham County Library - Southwest Regional Branch)
Expecting or new parent? Learn the basics and get community resources.
📍 3605 Shannon Rd.
👶 Parents & caregivers
10–11 a.m.
Over 50 Crowd (Durham County Library - East Regional Branch)
A friendly meetup with activities and conversation.
📍 211 Lick Creek Ln.
👤 Adults 50+
If this helps you plan your day, help us keep it free for South Durham.
Quick Day Planner
- Morning: 8:30 a.m. Board of Adjustment (downtown)
- Mid-morning: 10 a.m. Over 50 Crowd (SE Durham) or 10 a.m. Ready, Set, Baby (SW Durham)
- Anytime: Grab the Spooky Take & Make kit for the kiddos
Details can change - peek at the host pages before you go. Want your event listed? Send it to us via our Google Form
📅 More local happenings on the SoDu Events Calendar.
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
What issues around your neighborhood in South Durham should get more attention? Reply to this newsletter and let me know. Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news. You can also submit information via this Google form.
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