North Carolina Lottery Winners | New Wake Projects | The Wake Ride To Now Cost $2.50 | New Local Events

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🤣Chuckle - Laughter is good for the soul.

☁️Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🧑‍💼On this day in history

🆕News - Stay in the know.

🎙️Events - Don’t miss out on the fun.

🏃‍♀️‍➡️Health - Important information on health and wellness

🧑‍💼Featured Business - Let’s support our local small businesses.

🍳What’s Cooking - Tried and true recipes from my grandmother.

1813: British troops burned Buffalo, New York, during the War of 1812.

Wake Forest is Poised for Significant Growth in 2025 Through Various Partnerships and Initiatives:

Go Wake Forest On-Demand Transit Service: Launched on October 1, 2024, this micro-transit service offers residents and visitors flexible transportation within the town limits and parts of Wakefield. Operating Monday through Saturday, it provides a convenient alternative to fixed-route bus systems. While currently free, a $2.50 fee for rides in unincorporated areas will be introduced on April 1, 2025.

Economic Development Forum 2025: The Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership and the Wake Forest Area Chamber will co-host the 2025 Economic Development Forum. This event will feature keynote speakers discussing the town's economic growth and future opportunities.

Grove 98's Phase III Expansion: Scheduled for completion in 2025, the final phase of Grove 98 will introduce new businesses, including dining options, personal care services, and a fitness facility. This expansion will enhance local amenities, create job opportunities, and boost the municipal tax base.

Pickles and Play Expansion: Founded in Wake Forest, Pickles and Play, a premier pickleball and social recreation brand, is expanding its footprint across North Carolina. Through partnerships, such as with EPIC Physical Therapy, the brand aims to make pickleball a vibrant, inclusive part of the Triangle area, fostering community engagement beyond the courts.

North Carolina Lottery Winners

The North Carolina Education Lottery has recently celebrated several significant wins across the state. Here are some notable winners:

• James Vandling: After an initial $500 win, Vandling purchased a second ticket that secured him a $1 million prize.

• Jerry Hicks: A master carpenter from Banner Elk, Hicks found $20 on the ground and used it to buy an Extreme Cash scratch-off ticket, winning a $1 million prize. He chose the lump sum payment, receiving $429,007 after taxes.

• Cristen Breton: From East Spencer, Breton won a $2 million prize from a $20 Platinum scratch-off ticket. Opting for the lump sum, he took home $858,006 after taxes.

• Cathy Noe: A resident of Newport, Noe won her second six-figure lottery prize in less than a year, securing a $346,088 jackpot from a $1 Cash 5 ticket. After taxes, she received $247,456.

• Carletta Woodall: Woodall won $343,099 through a $1 online lottery game. After federal and state taxes, she took home $245,360.

These stories highlight the diverse backgrounds of lottery winners in North Carolina and the varying prizes they've claimed.

The Thrill of Thrifting

How to Find the Best Bargains and When to Shop

In recent years, thrifting has evolved from a niche pastime to a mainstream trend, driven by a mix of environmental awareness, economic savvy, and a desire for unique fashion. Whether you're a seasoned treasure hunter or a newbie, understanding the secrets of thrifting can help you find incredible deals while making a positive impact.

Thrifting offers something for everyone: the eco-conscious shopper reduces waste by embracing secondhand items, the budget-conscious consumer saves money, and the style-savvy individual discovers one-of-a-kind pieces. With rising awareness about fast fashion’s environmental toll, more people are turning to resale shops, vintage stores, and online thrift platforms as a sustainable alternative.

1. Know Your Stores: Different thrift stores have different vibes. Some specialize in vintage clothing, others focus on household goods, and some mix everything together. Research local shops to find ones that align with your needs.

2. Go Often: Inventory in thrift stores changes rapidly. Visiting frequently increases your chances of stumbling upon amazing finds.

3. Inspect Before You Buy: Carefully examine items for stains, tears, missing buttons, or other issues. Some flaws can be fixed, but others may not be worth the effort.

4. Learn the Tags: Many thrift stores have color-coded tags that indicate sales or markdowns. Familiarize yourself with the store’s system to maximize savings.

5. Be Open-Minded: Thrifting is as much about discovery as it is about shopping. Don’t limit yourself to a strict list—you never know what treasures you might find!

6. Try Things On: Sizes can vary widely, especially for vintage clothing. Take the time to try items on to ensure a good fit.

7. Ask About Restock Days: Many stores restock on specific days of the week. Shopping soon after restocking gives you first pick of new inventory.

8. Shop Off-Season: Look for winter coats in the summer and swimsuits in the winter. Off-season shopping often yields the best deals.

Midweek: Mondays through Wednesdays are often quieter, giving you a more relaxed shopping experience and better access to fresh stock.

Morning Hours: Early birds catch the worm, and this is especially true for thrifting. Shopping in the morning means you’ll face less competition and fresher selections.

End of Month: Many stores receive donations at the end of the month when people declutter, leading to new and exciting finds.

Holiday Weekends: Thrift stores frequently hold sales during long weekends, offering discounts on already low prices.

Beyond the savings, thrifting is a rewarding experience. There’s a thrill in finding that perfect dress, a rare collectible, or a piece of furniture that just needs a little TLC to shine again. It’s also a way to contribute to a more sustainable future by giving pre-loved items a second life.

So next time you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, decorate your home, or just indulge in some retail therapy, skip the mall and head to your nearest thrift store. You might be surprised by what you find!

Visit our all-new online calendar of events. Check it often for updates and new events in the area.

Old Fashioned Cream Corn Casserole

Ingredients

• Cooking spray or butter, for the baking dish

• (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels

• 8 ounces sour cream (1 cup)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn

• 1 (8.5-ounce) box Jiffy corn muffin mix

  Instructions

  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8x8-inch or other 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. Melt 8 tablespoons unsalted butter in the microwave in a large microwave-safe bowl. (Alternatively, melt on the stovetop and transfer to a large bowl.) Set aside until warm to the touch. Meanwhile, drain 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels.

  3. Add 8 ounces sour cream and 2 large eggs to the butter and whisk to combine. Add the corn kernels and 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn and stir to combine. Add 1 box Jiffy mix and stir until well combined. Pour into the baking dish and smooth the top.

  4. Bake until the casserole is puffed, slightly browned, and the center is firm, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.