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Community Corner

🌱 North Carolina Election Unanimously Certified + 'Leading The Pack'

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

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Good Morning Raleigh, it's National Methamphetamine Awareness Day!

There is so much information packed into this edition of the Raleigh Patch Daily! There's a ton of follow-up information to major news stories, and other important things to know about what is happening in the area. Read everything you need and more below, including:

  • Letters to and from Santa in Raleigh/Cary
  • A one-night-only feature of the best work from past and future sessions of the Cary Playwright's Forum at Transfer Co.
  • Lynn Gardner GoFundMe beats goal for recovery donations.
  • CC & Co. returns for classes with councilors present.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 65 Low: 32.

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Here are the top six stories in Raleigh today:

  1. The North Carolina State Board of Elections unanimously voted to certify the results of the general election on Tuesday. Voter turnout for the election was in line with the most recent non-presidential election year, 2018, with the rate of participation around 51% of the voting eligible population. (WRAL) Raleigh's election for mayor received votes for 1,261 different names for mayor via write in votes. Although the write-in candidates do not count in Raleigh, due to candidate filing closing on July 15, Bary-Ann Maldwin, Mickey Mouse, and "your mom" received votes anyway. (WRAL)
  2. On Monday night, Raleigh community members gathered to remember the life of 12-year-old Samantha Briggs who was killed in a hit-and-run on November 26. Briggs was out celebrating her birthday with friends the night of the accident. Family members and community members gathered for a balloon release and family members turned the crash site into a memorial. The family is pleading for the driver to come forward. "Just turn yourself in. I don't hate you at all, but we just want justice for her family." (abc11, CBS17, WRAL)
  3. The Pack of Wolves NIL Collective that pools funds from NCSU boosters for name, image, and likeness deals for athletes, unveiled its "Leading the Pack" program this week. Through the program, players could earn at least $25,000 a piece for doing community service work next year. Several local charities are taking part, including Gigi's Playhouse Raleigh, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County, Dress for Success Triangle N.C., SAFEchild, and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Recent NCAA rule changes allowing players to be compensated for the rights to their names, images, or likeness have allowed the program's creation. (CBS17)
  4. Raleigh's Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen is in dire need, as it serves a growing population of hungry men and women in the area. Last quarter the organization posted a $20,000 loss for the first time since opening in 1980. Executive director Tamara Gregory hopes that the residents moving to Raleigh will help out, as they are a part of the community now themselves. Currently the kitchen has plenty of volunteers and gifts of donated food, but they desperately need financial donations. (WRAL) City of Raleigh leaders are also looking to find more locations for White Flag shelters, as temperatures begin to drop below 35 degrees. Leaders have searched for seven months for a vacant space large enough to hold the 150 beds needed, but have not found such a location. Two churches in Raleigh have stepped up to open their doors, but the county is still short around 50 emergency shelter beds. (WRAL)
  5. The large fire coming from Wall Recycling Raleigh, has lasted at least four days. Residents in the surrounding areas made complaints on Friday as they experienced smoke and ash spreading through nearby neighborhoods. Raleigh crews have responded to at least four calls by residents regarding the landfill fire. The controlled burn permit came from the North Carolina Division of Air Quality, and it is unclear how long the fire will last. (CBS17,WNCT9, WRAL)
  6. Dear Santa mailboxes in Raleigh and Cary have returned for the holiday season. If your family wants to make 100% certain that Santa received your holiday letters, drop it in one of the Raleigh/Cary Parks mailboxes. In both areas, children will receive a response from Santa to confirm receipt of their letters. (abc11, WRAL)

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Today in Raleigh:

Thursday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • I know a lot of you reading this probably are thinking, "Why National Methamphetamine Awareness Day?" I wanted to feature it today, because you really never know when it might affect you, and to those who are impacted, I love to be able to share resources. Read all about what the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is doing to fight the overdose epidemic.
  • Wake County Public Schools is currently taking applications for their magnet programs. The deadline is January 26, and they hosted a fair to show parents what options are available. (CBS17)
  • Lynn Gardner remains in the hospital following the mass shooting in Hedingham on October 13, but the GoFundMe set up to support her recovery, has surpassed its $50,000 goal. (CBS17)
  • CC & Co. Dance Complex is resuming classes this week for the first time since the death of dancer, Hailey Brooks, in the Raleigh Christmas Parade. The dance company will have grief counselors available for dancers, families and staff. (abc11)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— CJ Fullford

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

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