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Community Corner

🌱 Bail Reforms + Land Preservation + Judge Lee Removal Questions

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

Christina Fullford's profile picture
Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Maryland Day Raleigh!

First, today's weather:

Times of sun and clouds. High: 64 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. Beginning on April 1, Wake County will be implementing new bail reforms to cut down on the number of people held in jail while awaiting trial. A committee of judges, elected leaders, and community advocates released a report on how to reduce the number on Thursday. The recommendations include lowering minimum bonds for some offenses and making sure people are represented during their first appearance before a judge. (Spectrum News 1)
  2. On Monday, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to permanently preserve a Zebulon sheep farm and prevent future development. The county will protect the land through a conservation easement, a voluntary legal agreement that permanently limits the use of the land to protect its value. (INDY Week) That decision is significant for Wake County as many local farmers feel they are being pushed out and other Wake County residents are fighting back on development proposals.
  3. Questions have arisen after an announcement on Tuesday that Superior Court Judge W. David Lee was removed from overseeing the Leandro lawsuit. After Lee retired, he applied to be an emergency judge and has served in that capacity since 2016. On Monday he got a call informing him his role would be reviewed. On January 23, Lee turned of age for mandatory retirement, but as he was already a retired emergency judge, and it uncommon or unheard of for a judge to be removed from a case simply for age. (WRAL)
  4. As the problems on Glenwood South have come to light, a Raleigh police lieutenant says that they will have more officers patrolling the area. Police Chief Estella Patterson allocated more officers to the area on Friday and Saturday nights with some officers on special assignment patrolling side streets and parking lots for firearms. (WRAL)
  5. Wake County Public Health is reporting a rise in syphilis cases, largely among teens and young adults. The rise is consistent with numbers across the nation and the health department says that education is the key to decreasing numbers. In 2021, Wake County reported 362 cases and young adults and teenagers had more reported because they were more symptomatic cases. (CBS17)

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Today in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Maryland Day and while that is far from Raleigh, we are also home to so many transplants. If you're from Maryland and want a small taste of home, head to Morgan Street Food Hall where you can get the best fried fish at Oak City Fish & Chips.
  • The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking anyone to report Hellbender and Mudpuppy sightings this year, to get a clearer picture of their population. (abc12)
  • The Blood Connection will be at Brier Creek Commons today from 12:00pm-5:00pm, you can sign up to donate blood ahead of time here.
  • Blush Cowork is open and hosting a Free Co-working Day from 8:00am-5:00pm today, with childcare for $10 per child.

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— CJ Fullford

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