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Community Corner

🌱 911 Response Time Improvement + Shoot-Out Hits Sleeping Boy

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy National Thank a Mail Carrier Day Durham!

First, today's weather:

Breezy and mild with rain. High: 66 Low: 30.

Here are the top five stories in Durham today:

  1. On Wednesday the North Carolina Commission for Public Health unanimously voted against requiring COVID-19 vaccines for high school seniors. The decision came after hundreds signed a UNC petition asking for schools to require 17-year-olds to have the vaccine, and dozens were present to protest the potential mandate. (Spectrum News 1)
  2. Although the Durham 911 call center is still facing staffing shortages, call-answer times have improved to 86% answered in 10 seconds. The improvement is reflected in its January numbers even through approximately half of the operational staff positions have not been filled. Durham Tech is still working to create their own 911 academy to help with the staffing issues. (WRAL)
  3. The Durham Fire Chief has reached out to the Winston-Salem Fire Chief to offer assistance with drone assets. Four members of the Durham Fire Department went to aid Winston-Salem on Wednesday, bringing two thermal imaging capable drones and a command vehicle. The drones will allow firefighters to keep an eye on spots of concern and especially helpful as there are chemicals involved. (CBS17)
  4. A 13-year-old boy was struck by a stray bulled amidst a shoot out in a Durham apartment complex. The boy was hit in the leg while sleeping late Wednesday night, and is expected to be OK. Neighbors in the Bentwood Park Complex stated that shootings happen "at least once a week." (WRAL)
  5. A Durham Public School teacher Turquoise Parker, who you may remember as the teacher who raised $100,000 to feed students over the holidays, is excited to teach during Black History Month. As the debates around Critical Race Theory continue, Parker emphasizes that "We teach the truth. Clearly if critical race theory is a topic right now, then clearly we are doing our jobs." (abc11)

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Today in Durham:

Bonus: Weekend Best Bets by WRAL

From my notebook:

  • It's National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, and while it might not scream Durham, what's more local than your mailbox? If you choose to thank your mail carrier in gift form, make sure you're familiar with the USPS's tipping and gift-receiving policy.
  • Seth Thomas of Durham survived a lightning strike and will be starring in a national Super Bowl advertisement this year. (abc11)
  • The cost of roses are increasing, so if you're trying to think outside the box, here are some local Valentine's Day gift ideas. (WRAL)
  • Moon Dog Meadery has opened in Durham, just below Joe Van Gogh Coffee shop on Broad Street. (Spectrum News 1)
  • Saltbox Seafood is offering a special menu in honor of Black History Month, with a new dish featured each Wednesday in February. (WRAL)

Loving the Durham Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— CJ Fullford

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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