NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Nov. 30, 2012--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating on Orange County, N.C.'s general obligation (GO) debt one notch to 'AAA' from 'AA+'. The outlook is stable. At the same time, Standard&Poor's raised its rating on the county's appropriation-backed debt one notch to 'AA+' from 'AA'. The outlook is stable. The upgrade reflects Standard&Poor's assessment of the county's ability to address its capital needs while consistently maintaining, what Standard&Poor's considers, sound operations and strong finances. The rating service also assigned its 'AAA' rating and stable outlook to the county's $13.7 million series 2012 GO refunding bonds. "We believe the strength and stability of the local economy will likely