Search For Missing Child | Weather Alert | The Best Place To Do Business | Amazon Locally Voting On Unionization | Animal Shelter Closing

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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.

➡️New Community Survey◀️

NEW!

♦️Wednesday - Events Update Special Edition♦️

♦️Thursday - Real Estate Special Edition♦️

♦️Friday - Where To Find Savings In Wake!♦️

1752 – The first hospital in the United States, Pennsylvania Hospital, was opened by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond.

The History of Hickory, North Carolina

Hickory, NC, located in Catawba County, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The city is known for its furniture industry, strong community values, and deep roots in manufacturing.

Early History (1700s - 1800s)

• The area was originally inhabited by Catawba Native Americans before European settlers arrived in the 18th century.

• German and Scotch-Irish settlers were among the first to establish communities in the region.

• The town was originally called "Hickory Tavern" after a log tavern built beneath a large hickory tree in the 1850s.

• In 1873, the town was officially incorporated as Hickory.

Industrial Growth & The Furniture Industry (Late 1800s - Early 1900s)

• Hickory quickly became a hub for furniture manufacturing, thanks to its access to hardwood forests and railroad connections.

• The Southern Railway helped facilitate trade and industrial expansion.

• By the early 20th century, Hickory had become one of the largest furniture-producing cities in the U.S., a reputation that still holds today.

World War II & Medical History

• During the 1944 polio epidemic, Hickory became known for its "Miracle of Hickory", when citizens and medical professionals built an emergency polio hospital in just 54 hours to treat patients.

• This humanitarian effort remains one of the city's proudest moments in history.

Modern Hickory (1950s - Present)

• The furniture industry continued to thrive but faced challenges due to globalization in the late 20th century.

• Hickory adapted by diversifying into fiber optic cable production, becoming a leader in telecommunications infrastructure.

• The city is home to Lenoir-Rhyne University and continues to be a major player in manufacturing and business innovation.

• In recent years, Hickory has focused on revitalizing its downtown, promoting tourism, and embracing its furniture heritage through events like the Hickory Furniture Mart.

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Weather Alert: Wintry Conditions Expected

A wintry mix is forecast for areas north of Interstate 85 Tuesday morning, with the possibility of snow and ice. Residents are urged to monitor local weather updates and take extra care while traveling.

Amazon Workers in Garner to Decide on Unionization

Employees at Amazon's Garner facility will begin voting on unionization today, with the National Labor Relations Board overseeing the six-day voting process. The results are expected to be tallied on Saturday.

Search Underway for Missing 9-Year-Old Child in Raleigh Area

Authorities and local volunteers are continuing their search for a missing 9-year-old child in the Raleigh area, as concerns grow for their safety. The child, whose name has not been released, was reported missing early this morning after last being seen playing outside near their home.

Family members and neighbors have expressed deep concern, with the child’s disappearance raising alarms in the local community. “We’re doing everything we can to find them,” said the child’s mother, who has been in contact with law enforcement throughout the day. “We just want them home safely.”

The Raleigh Police Department, along with search teams and volunteers, has been scouring nearby parks, woods, and residential areas, distributing flyers and calling for anyone with information to come forward. Local authorities have also requested the public to keep an eye out for anything unusual and to report tips immediately.

“We are treating this case with the utmost urgency,” said Officer Mark Ramirez, the lead investigator on the case. “We ask everyone in the area to be vigilant and help us bring this child home safely.”

Family and friends have also rallied together, organizing a community search. A social media campaign has gained traction, with hundreds of residents offering their help and sharing information in hopes of locating the missing child.

The community is encouraged to stay alert, especially in areas close to the child’s home. Local officials are reminding everyone to contact 911 immediately if they see or hear anything that could assist in locating the child.

As the search continues, residents are holding out hope for a swift and safe return. “We’re praying for a miracle,” said one neighbor, visibly shaken by the news. “We just want the child back with their family where they belong.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Raleigh Police Department at (919) 890-3333 or local authorities.

North Carolina Earns Top Ranking for Business Climate

North Carolina has been named the second-best state for business by CNBC, marking the fifth consecutive year it has earned a spot in the top three. This accolade underscores the state's robust business environment and strong economic outlook.

Wake County Animal Center Closes Temporarily Due to Canine Illness

The Wake County Animal Center has announced a temporary closure for at least 30 days after an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus, commonly known as "Strep Zoo." This highly contagious bacterial infection has already claimed the lives of three dogs, prompting officials to take immediate action to prevent further spread.

With nearly 300 animals currently in their care, the shelter has paused all pet adoptions, owner surrenders, and vaccination clinics. However, they will continue providing essential services such as lost pet assistance and owner-requested euthanasia.

County officials stress that this decision was made to prioritize the health and safety of the animals. "Closing the center is never easy, but it’s necessary to contain this outbreak and protect the pets in our care," said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters.

This isn’t the first time the shelter has had to shut down due to an infectious disease. In late 2023, it was closed for two months to control an outbreak of canine influenza.

Pet owners and community members looking for updates or ways to help can visit the Wake County Animal Center’s official website for more information.

Sweet Cherry Bakery

Apex, NC

Nestled in the heart of Apex, North Carolina, Sweet Cherry Bakery is a family-owned gem known for its beautifully crafted, made-from-scratch cakes. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or baby shower, their custom creations add a special touch to any occasion.

Beyond traditional cakes, Sweet Cherry Bakery caters to diverse dietary needs by offering vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options upon request. Their commitment to quality and flavor has made them a favorite in the Greater Raleigh area.

The bakery operates Monday through Saturday, with varying hours, and is closed on Sundays. They also offer local delivery, making it even easier to enjoy its delicious treats.

For more details or to place an order, visit sweetcherrybakerync.com or call (919) 524-9132.

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A Partial List of Local Events

Explore our complete guide to events happening in Wake County!

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Exploring the Role of Chromium in Weight Loss

Chromium is a trace mineral that has garnered attention for its potential role in weight management. Many supplement manufacturers tout chromium—especially in the form of chromium picolinate—as a natural aid for weight loss. But what does the science say about chromium’s benefits for shedding pounds?

One of the proposed benefits of chromium is its ability to enhance insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and by improving the body’s response to insulin, chromium may help stabilize blood sugar fluctuations. Stable blood sugar levels can reduce cravings and overeating, factors that often contribute to weight gain.

Some studies suggest that chromium supplementation might modestly affect body composition by reducing fat accumulation and even supporting the maintenance of lean muscle mass. The theory is that by influencing how the body metabolizes carbohydrates and fats, chromium could potentially make it easier to manage weight when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Despite these promising mechanisms, the research on chromium and weight loss is mixed. While some clinical trials have noted slight improvements in body composition with chromium supplementation, many studies have not found significant differences compared to placebo groups. This inconsistency in findings indicates that chromium’s effects on weight loss are likely modest at best, and results may vary among individuals.

It’s important to remember that no supplement alone is a magic solution for weight loss. A sustainable weight loss strategy generally involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and lifestyle adjustments. Chromium may offer a small boost in certain cases, but it should not replace a comprehensive approach to health and fitness.

While chromium shows potential in supporting metabolic health by enhancing insulin sensitivity and possibly curbing cravings, more rigorous research is needed to fully understand its impact on weight loss. Individuals interested in adding chromium supplements to their regimen should consult a healthcare professional to ensure it fits safely into their overall health plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or weight loss program.