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Community Corner

Wake County Schools Legal Troubles + Rescue From the Briar

Here's a five-minute guide to everything worth knowing around town today.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Happiness Happens Day,

Today there is news of a fatality that happened on Friday Night, a heroic rescue by Raleigh firefighters, and an exciting look at Monarch Academy. Check out all that, events, and more below.

Today's weather, 8/8: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 89 Low: 73.

Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. A woman died after being hit by a car on Friday night. Jessica Laurel Davis was crossing East Millbrook Road around 11:00 pm, but neglected to yield to the vehicle who had the right of way. The driver, Jose Jamie Moral-Alvarez was charged with driving without a license, failure to reduce speed, and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. A witness said that the woman's coworkers attempted to perform life-saving measures, and the driver left the scene after the crash. (WRAL)
  2. Raleigh firefighters were able to rescue a man who was trapped in a ravine for three days. The family of the 20-year-old sent a letter to firefighters, grateful for their rescue. The man fell into a ravine between Initiative Way and Centennial Parkway at Blair Drive in Raleigh. The area where the man was trapped was a deep briar with thorns that shredded the coats of rescuers. The man is expected to make a full recovery after being released from the hospital on Thursday. (WRAL)
  3. A maintenance technician for Wake County Public Schools is currently suspended after being arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. Stephen Wayne Sharp was arrested Friday for multiple counts of second degree sexual exploitation regarding an incident in February 2018. WCPSS Communication Director Lisa Luten confirmed that no students from the Wake County system were involved in case. (CBS17)
  4. The first recovery high school in Wake County is set to welcome students on August 23. The school is designed to support students, age 13-21, who are struggling with substance abuse. Leah Wright is the founder and executive director of Wake Monarch Academy, and was inspired to create the school after her son struggled with addiction. The school is designed to feel like a home to ensure that the students feel accepted and comfortable. (Spectrum News 1)
  5. A judge has ruled that Wake County Schools inappropriately put a student with special needs in closet 24 times. The student, who parents ask not be identified, was in a behavioral program at Scotts Ridge Elementary for her learning disabilities. The child's mother said that she was taken to a closet in the teacher's lounge, and was barricaded in there for up to an hour and a half on many occasions. The family is seeking change on the federal level, while Wake County Schools released a statement disagreeing with the ruling. (CBS17)

Today in Raleigh

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • It's so fitting that for Happiness Happens Day, we're celebrating in Raleigh. In 2020, Raleigh was ranked the third happiest city in America! (MensHealth)
  • First Friday downtown drew crowds out on Friday night. Infectious disease experts say outdoor settings like the First Friday set up are generally safe. (abc11)

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  • Gutter Cleaners Wanted Charlotte NC! (Details)

Alrighty friends. I don't know about you, but it's so refreshing to know that so many people got to enjoy First Friday in a safe setting. I love that Raleigh is able to host events that showcase the depth of talents and local attractions in our city. I hope we can experience many more fun, safe, family friendly events to come.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Reach out anytime to raleigh@patch.com.

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