New Train Station | Emergency Alert | Principle Resigns | Job Fair | Brrr!!️

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🤣Chuckle - Laughter is good for the soul.

☁️Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🧑‍💼On this day in history

🆕Wake County, 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.

➡️New Community Survey◀️

1937: Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first U.S. President inaugurated on January 20, following the passage of the 20th Amendment, which moved the inauguration date from March 4.

On January 20, 1711, a pivotal event occurred during Cary's Rebellion, a key moment in North Carolina's early history. Led by Thomas Cary, the rebellion challenged the authority of Deputy Governor Edward Hyde. The uprising was fueled by tensions between the Quaker and Anglican communities, with Cary advocating for the Quaker faction. The conflict reached its peak near the Chowan River, where Cary's forces clashed with Hyde’s loyalists. While the rebellion was eventually quelled, it exposed deep religious and political divisions and left a lasting impact on the governance of the colony.

Wake Forest Awarded Federal Grant for Train Station Development

Wake Forest has secured a $13.2 million federal grant to design and construct a new downtown train station, a major step forward for local transportation infrastructure. This initiative forms part of the larger S-Line passenger rail corridor project, which aims to enhance connectivity throughout central North Carolina.

The planned "mobility hub" will act as a central node for multiple transportation modes, including the anticipated S-Line passenger rail service, scheduled to launch in 2030. The hub is designed to provide last-mile solutions for travelers, seamlessly integrating public transit, walking, biking, and ride-sharing options.

Preliminary designs for the two-story building include indoor and outdoor waiting areas, a ticket counter, restrooms, a café, and approximately 1,500 square feet of leasable space for businesses. Additionally, plans include a pedestrian bridge over the tracks to connect with a drop-off and pick-up zone on East South Avenue, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the downtown area.

The federal grant of $13.2 million, supplemented by $3.3 million in local funding, will finance the final design, land acquisition, and construction of the train station. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will oversee the administration of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant allocated to Wake Forest.

NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins underscored the importance of the project, stating, "This grant will enable us to deliver safer and more reliable transportation options for all North Carolinians." Wake Forest Mayor Vivian A. Jones expressed her gratitude, highlighting that the grant ensures essential resources to create a mobility hub designed to accommodate diverse transportation needs for rail passengers.

This project represents a crucial component of the S-Line corridor enhancement, which envisions faster passenger rail connections between Raleigh and Washington, D.C. In December 2023, NCDOT received a $1.09 billion federal grant to initiate the first segment of the S-Line, connecting Raleigh to Wake Forest, with rail service to the town projected to begin by 2030.

The new station is expected to drive economic growth in Wake Forest by attracting businesses and generating jobs both during the construction phase and beyond. Additionally, the project aligns with environmental goals by encouraging public transit use, which helps reduce carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and air pollution.

Town officials have planned a series of public meetings to gather community input and keep residents updated on the project’s progress. Mayor Jones emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, "We want this to be a project that everyone in the community feels connected to and proud of."

The $13.2 million grant represents a transformative milestone for Wake Forest, symbolizing the town’s dedication to growth, sustainability, and innovation. As the project moves forward, the new train station is set to become more than just a transportation hub—it will stand as a testament to the town’s bright and connected future.

System Error Sends Emergency Alert Across Wake County

Wake County, NC—A system error mistakenly sent an emergency alert intended for the Zebulon area to all Wake County residents. The unexpected alert left many confused about the nature and location of the reported emergency.

County officials quickly clarified that the alert was issued in error and was not relevant to the entire county. The incident occurred during a routine test of the emergency notification system, which inadvertently triggered a countywide alert.

The Wake County Emergency Management team has issued an apology for the confusion and assured the public that an investigation is underway to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Residents are advised to rely on verified communication channels for accurate updates during emergencies.

The Principal of East Wake Magnet High School Resigns

The principal of East Wake Magnet High School has resigned after an investigation revealed that incidents involving a violent teacher were not reported as required. The oversight has raised serious concerns regarding the school's leadership and its adherence to safety protocols.

Wake County school officials have assured the community of their commitment to student safety and are currently revising policies to address such issues in the future. The district is now in the process of selecting a new principal to lead the school.

Wake County Detention Center to Hold Job Fair

Wake County, NC—The Wake County Detention Center is hosting a job fair this week to recruit for various open positions within the facility. The fair is designed to attract qualified candidates for roles in security, administration, and other key areas of operations.

County officials are focused on hiring individuals dedicated to upholding safety and security standards at the facility. The event will offer a chance to learn about available positions, the hiring process, and the benefits of working with Wake County.

The job fair is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or corrections. It will be held at the detention center.

Girl Scout Cookie Season is Here!

It’s the most delicious time of the year—Girl Scout cookie season! Now through the end of March, Girl Scouts are out in full force selling their iconic cookies. Whether you love Thin Mints, Samoas, or Trefoils, there’s a favorite for everyone.

Look for cookie booths at local stores, shopping malls, and community events, or find a Girl Scout troop selling door-to-door. You can even order online via the Girl Scout website for convenient delivery.

Support a great cause and enjoy some sweet treats—get your Girl Scout cookies today!

Chinese Lantern Festival Sets New Attendance Record

The Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary has achieved a new attendance milestone, drawing more than 249,000 visitors from across 50 states and six countries over the past eight weeks. Organizers are celebrating the event’s success and its significant cultural impact on the local community.

Discover a Hidden Gem at

Over The Falls in Wake Forest, NC

If you're looking for a fantastic dining experience in Wake Forest, North Carolina, look no further than Over The Falls. Nestled in the heart of this charming town, this delightful restaurant offers a perfect blend of delicious food, warm ambiance, and exceptional service.

Whether you're craving fresh seafood, juicy steaks, or savory comfort food, Over The Falls has something to satisfy every palate. Their diverse menu features locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each dish is bursting with flavor and quality. Plus, their cocktail menu boasts refreshing, expertly crafted drinks, ideal for enjoying on the cozy patio or inside by the inviting fireplace.

Not only is the food top-notch, but the atmosphere is perfect for any occasion. From intimate dinners to family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends, Over The Falls provides the ideal setting for all occasions. And with its convenient location near beautiful Falls Lake, you can enjoy a scenic view as you dine.

If you're in Wake Forest, don't miss out on this hidden gem. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Over The Falls is a must-try for anyone who loves great food, great company, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Location: 419 S Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC

Visit Over The Falls today, and experience the perfect blend of taste and tradition in Wake Forest, NC!

We’d like to feature you and your business here in our next issue of Wake Forest News and Events! It’s Free!

🎈🎈Family Friendly Activities

🎈🎈Free and Almost Free

🎈🎈Historical Sites

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🎈🎈Comedy Clubs, Local Music, and more!

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Lapiplasty

A Breakthrough in Non-Invasive Bunion Treatment

Bunions, painful and often troublesome, have traditionally been treated with invasive surgeries that involve long recovery times. But now, a groundbreaking non-invasive procedure called Lapiplasty is changing the way bunions are treated.

Lapiplasty is an advanced procedure that directly targets the root cause of bunions—bone misalignment—rather than just removing the bump. This technique realigns the entire joint, bringing it back to its natural position. With a smaller incision and less disruption to surrounding tissue, the procedure is minimally invasive, resulting in less pain, reduced swelling, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Patients undergoing Lapiplasty typically experience less discomfort and can return to their daily routines faster. It's especially beneficial for those with moderate to severe bunions, offering durable results and a lower chance of the bunion returning.

This innovative approach has garnered attention for its effectiveness in treating bunions with minimal downtime, making it an appealing alternative to the longer recovery times associated with traditional surgical methods.

Taco Soup Recipe

A hearty and flavorful dish, taco soup is a perfect comfort food that's quick and easy to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)

• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for extra spice)

• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the Onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.

3. Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat and onions. If you’re using homemade taco seasoning, add it now. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and broth. Stir everything together.

5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it longer, or add a little more broth if it gets too thick.

6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add chili powder, salt, and pepper to adjust the flavor to your liking.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious taco soup!

We would love to feature you and your favorite recipe in the next issue of Wake Forest News and Events newsletter. Please fill out the attached form and submit your recipe. We look forward to hearing from you