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Community Corner

🌱 Raleigh Leadership Shifts + 36th Annual ABC11 Together Food Drive

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)

Happy National Brownie Day Raleigh!

It's December and all those decisions we made back in November are taking effect! Below I have a small glimpse of all our new elected leaders and their priorities while taking office. There is that and so much more to read up on below, including:

  • Glenwood South residents voice concerns
  • Bingo and Beer for a good cause
  • The city is still looking for resident feedback in greenway plans

But first, today's weather:

A thick cloud cover. High: 63 Low: 47.

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Here are the top six stories today in Raleigh:

  1. The new Raleigh City Council has been sworn in and represents the youngest and most diverse council than ever before. At the city council's first meeting, public engagement and community input was a focus across the board. The council plans to address innovative ways to do public comments at their upcoming retreat. Other council members want to make sure that district-specific issues get addressed like the need for more emergency shelters. (CBS17)
  2. Glenwood South residents voiced concerns regarding the noise levels and violence in the area. Residents acknowledged changes to help address the issues, like additional lights, trash cans, and patrols, but many say it is not enough. Raleigh's Chief of Police Estella Patterson has addressed the concerns, sharing that she has been concerned by the increase in violence and weapons as well. (WRAL) Some of the other highlights from the meeting are featured on the City of Raleigh Facebook page.
  3. Willie Rowe was excited to spend his first day as Wake County Sheriff, and vowed to address staffing levels and community engagement. Rowe said that there were around 40 applications for new positions, and he is eager to get people hired so they can fill vacancies in jails, on the streets and in communities. Rowe has served 28 years with the Wake County Sheriff's Office and believes strong prior work relationships will help him move forward in the new role. (abc11)
  4. The Wake County Board of Education is made up of a majority of new members for the first time in decades. The new members do not represent a significant change in ideology from the prior board, in spite of a contentious election cycle. The current chairwoman, Lindsay Mahaffey and Vice Chairman Chris Heagarty will remain in role. (WRAL)
  5. A Wake County substitute teacher has been charged for taking indecent liberties with students at two high schools. Warrants allege that 20-year-old Raachel Ainsley Beahn was working at Middle Creek and Holly Springs high hchools when she took indecent liberties with a student at each school around November 26. Beahn has been ordered to refrain from contact and stay away from the victims' homes, schools and places of employment.(CBS17)
  6. On Wednesday, the 36th Annual ABC11 Together Food Drive partnered with Food Bank of Central and Eastern Carolina (FBCENC) and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina in Fayetteville. This year's goal is to raise $1.8 million for the food banks. Volunteers say that families who receive the food are often overcome with excitement. According to the food banks, there are 500,000 people struggling with food insecurity in central and eastern North Carolina. (abc11)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Raleigh:

Friday in Raleigh:

  • 15th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market at Gov. James E. Holshouser Building (5:00pm) & Holiday Bizarre at Ancillary Fermentation (5:00pm)
  • Cary Holiday Night Market (5:00pm-9:00pm)
  • Evening with Elves at Marbles Kids Museum (6:00pm-8:30pm)
  • Music Bingo at JoCo Garner (6:30pm-8:30pm) & PourWorks (7:30pm-10:30pm)
  • A Christmas Carol at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (7:00pm)
  • Trap Karaoke at Ritz Raleigh (8:00pm-12:00am), Karaoke Contest at Local Bar Apex (8:30pm), & Karaoke at Brickhouse of Raleigh (9:00pm-1:00am)

From my notebook:

  • It's National Brownie Day and you can get such an incredible variety of brownie options from local bakery, Sweetheart Treats. Even if chocolate isn't your thing, they have a flavor for you.
  • The city is still seeking feedback on the South Park Heritage Walk and the Chavis-Dix Strollway through December 23. (City of Raleigh Facebook)
  • Want to know what North Carolinians care about? Check out the top Google inquiries of 2022! (WRAL)

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

— CJ Fullford

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

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