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Community Corner

🌱 Gabriel Torres' Family Receives Funds + Cary Park Project Status

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

(Patch Media)

Happy Valentine's Day Raleigh!

This edition of your Raleigh Patch is short and sweet, perfectly compact enough to allow you to catch up and get moving on your Valentine's Day plans. Catch up on everything, including:

  • NCSU Chancellor issues statement
  • House of Love (Sneak Peek)
  • What's going on with gas

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and mild. High: 65 Low: 48.


Business owners and marketers in Raleigh: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.


Here are the top five stories today in Raleigh:

  1. The family of fallen Raleigh police officer Gabriel Torres received funds from the GoFundMe that was organized by Back the Blue NC. Officer Torres was killed during the Hedingham mass shooting on October 13 and Back the Blue NC stepped in to set up a GoFundMe for the family. As of Sunday, more than $146,000 was raised for the family. On Saturday, Back the Blue NC presented the funds to Jasmin Torres, Gabriel's wife. (CBS17)
  2. Yesterday, Chancellor Randy Woodson released a statement regarding the death of a female student on campus at NC State. In the statement, Woodson wrote, "No matter the cause, the loss of a friend, a roommate, a classmate, hurts deeply and can seem overwhelming to cope with." The school will hold another Wellness Day on February 16. (WFMY2, WRAL)
  3. The Downtown Cary Park project is getting close to completion, with construction set to be complete by the end of the summer. The park project is funded through bonds, and they hope it will be a national draw. The park will have playgrounds, green space, a pavilion for concerts, a market space with grab-and-go items, and more. (CBS17)
  4. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is hosting an event on Wednesday that hopes to bring diversity to outdoor access. The event is a part of the Triangle Land Conservancy's Wild Ideas series, and it is the first time the expo has been held since the pandemic. The program will have speakers and give minority farmers a pathway to purchase farm land. (Spectrum News 1)
  5. Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe has reinstated wellness calls for seniors in the county. The program returns today with a cost-effective format that will not cost the sheriff's office or taxpayers any extra. Seniors who sign up will receive automated calls beginning at 9 a.m. and if they do not respond, steps will be taken to verify their safety. They will also send seniors cards and other check ins throughout the year. At its launch the program will serve 100 seniors in Wake County and grow from there. (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh:

Wednesday in Raleigh:


From my notebook:

  • It's Valentine's Day and if you're all alone, the Wake County Animal Center can help you change that with their Valentine's Adoption Special! (CBS17)
  • If you're looking to participate in the NHL Fan Fest, here's a run down from abc11 of all the things that are taking place. (abc11)
  • Check out what is happening with gas prices in the area, as prices dropped slightly over the past week. (CBS17)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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

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