County News Archive – 2007

Wake Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Southern Wake County Residents, 12/27/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of the intersection of Yates Mill Pond Road and Olde South Road. A case of rabies was confirmed Thursday, December 27, 2007, in a fox killed by a resident in this area on Christmas Day. Fortunately the dog that interacted with the fox, and was exposed to the virus, had been vaccinated against rabies and only required a rabies booster. Had the dog not been current with vaccinations, it would have been euthanized or quarantined for six months.

Wake Buildings, Properties Go Tobacco-Free Jan. 1, 12/27/2007 All Wake County buildings will be tobacco-free starting January 1, 2008. The ordinance, recently approved by the Board of Commissioners, includes all buildings owned, leased or occupied by the County, including the courthouse and parking decks. Established smoking areas in County buildings will no longer be available.

Adopt a Pet: Remember Pets as Gifts Require Love and Responsibility, 12/19/2007 Interested in adopting a pet this holiday season? Officials with the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center want to remind citizens the shelter offers ways of making sure that animal lovers are remembered this holiday. Gift certificates can be purchased so that the right owner is matched with the right pet. One can also donate supplies used in providing care to the remaining homeless animals such as newspaper, paper towels, pet food, cat litter and pet shampoo.

Wrap-Up the Holiday Season by Recycling Waste, 12/18/2007 From wrapping paper to Christmas trees, Wake County citizens can recycle a variety of celebration waste during the annual Holiday Wrap Up Recycling Event. Residents can recycle wrapping paper, trees, gift boxes and greeting cards at the five Convenience Centers listed below, Wednesday, December 26, 2007 through Sunday, January 13, 2008, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Convenience Centers will be closed one-half day on Christmas Eve and all day for on Christmas.

Public Forum Scheduled Regarding Pilot Program For Instant Runoff Voting In The Town Of Cary, 12/07/2007 The Wake County Board of Elections is honoring a request by the Town of Cary to move the location of the public forum on Instant Runoff Voting to Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy Street, Cary. The forum will be held in the Council Chambers on Thursday, January 17, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wake's Business Advisory Council to Hold Open House Dec. 6, 12/05/2007 The Wake Area Business Advisory Council (BAC) will hold its annual open house on Thursday, December 6, 2007, from noon to 2 p.m. at The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, 800 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh.

Wake County Awarded $676,899 for HIV Testing And Patient Care, 12/05/2007 Wake County Human Services announced the acceptance of a $676,899 grant from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services for treatment and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The funds will be used to provide testing, patient care and prevention programs within the County and will be available to all residents, including inmates.

Caroling, Candlelight, Horse-Drawn Carriages Take You Back In Time, 12/03/2007 Experience the holidays around the world at Historic Oak View County Park during the Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour on Saturday, December 8, 2007, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Toy Donations Needed for Wake Foster Care Program, 12/02/2007 Wake County Human Services Foster Care Program needs new unwrapped toys as holiday presents for children from infancy to 18 years old, and is collecting contributions from now until Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Triangle Aquatic Center, located at 275 Convention Drive, Cary.

Board Elects Commissioner Bryan as Chair; Ward as Vice Chair, 12/02/2007 The Wake County Board of Commissioners today elected Joe Bryan as its new chair and Betty Lou Ward as vice chair, effective immediately, for a one-year term. The chair presides over Board meetings and represents the County in an official capacity at community, business and other functions.

Wake County Gets $505,103 Grant to Fund Gang Prevention Program, 12/02/2007 Wake County Board of Commissioners today accepted a $505,103 John Rex Endowment Grant to fund the County’s "Youth Leaders in Action Academy." The purpose of the Academy is to prevent gang involvement among the County’s youth by offering alternative activities that build personal development and marketable skills. The grant, which will be administered by Wake County Human Services, also assists those youth, their families and other community leaders adopt pro-social values, become engaged in positive youth development programming, and produce valuable service in their communities.

Wake Libraries' Announce December Events, 11/30/2007 A list of favorite December events scheduled for Libraries' across Wake County.

Wake Parks Bring Wildlife and the Holidays Together, 11/28/2007 Wake Parks Bring Wildlife and the Holidays Together For A Month of Sharing, Learning and Nurturing Mother Earth!

Register of Deeds Launches Electronic Recording of Documents, 11/27/2007 On Wednesday, November 28, 2007, the Wake County Register of Deeds office will begin electronically recording, or eRecording, official documents via the Internet, making Wake County one of only two counties in North Carolina to offer the eRecording service.

Convenience Centers Announce Holiday Closing Schedule, 11/21/2007 Wake County’s 11 Solid Waste Convenience Centers will have limited hours during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Centers will be closed Thursday, November 22, 2007, for Thanksgiving and Tuesday, December 25, 2007 for Christmas. All Convenience Centers will close at noon on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, 2007.

Fire Marshal Urges Caution When Frying Turkeys, 11/20/2007 Wake County Fire Marshal Ray Echevarria is urging residents to be extremely careful Thanksgiving if they choose to use a turkey fryer. The recent popularity of the large fryers has lead to an increase in fires caused by their use.

Revaluation Shows 43% Average Increase in Property Values from Eight Years Ago, 11/19/2007 Real estate in Wake County has appreciated at an average rate exceeding 5% a year, for an average total increase in value of 43% over the last eight years, Wake County Revenue Director Emmett Curl said today. That is similar to average increases in property countywide as a result of revaluations in 1992 and 2000, Curl said.

Gurley Delivers State of Wake County Address, 11/19/2007 In his State of the County address today, Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tony Gurley highlighted programs, partnerships and people that are building the foundations for the future of the capital county and providing its quality of life today.

Teen Talk 2007 to Focus on Sexual Health, 11/15/2007 Teenagers (14 to 19-years-old) and their families are invited to join Wake County health education professionals for 12 hours of fun on Friday, November 16, 2007, at the Wake County Commons Building located at 4011 Carya Drive, Raleigh. From 7:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, food, freebies and frank talk about sex are on the agenda at the Teen Talk Lock-In 2007!

Stormwater Task Force Presents Recomendations to Prepare for the Future, 11/13/2007 The Wake County Stormwater Management Task Force (SWMTF) today presented its recommendations and five-year implementation plan to the Wake County Board of Commissioners during its work session. The Task Force, chaired by Commissioner Kenn Gardner, will ask the Board of Commissioners (BOC) to accept nine recommendations to ensure public safety and prepare Wake County for future growth at the regularly scheduled BOC Meeting November 19. Today’s work session was an opportunity for Commissioners to gain in-depth knowledge about the SWMTF recommendations and ask detailed questions prior to the regular Board meeting.

Wake Human Services to Honor Family Caregivers at Nov. 29 Banquet, 11/09/2007 Wake County Human Services will honor more than 20 family caregivers during its first annual Family Caregivers Recognition Banquet on Thursday, November 29, from 4-6 p.m., at the Swinburne Human Services Building, 220 Swinburne St., Room 2132, in Raleigh.

Celebrate Geographic Information Systems Day, 11/06/2007 The public is invited to learn how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are being used to map crime, manage coastal areas and protect public health at the Capital Area GIS Showcase. The Showcase will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Bicentennial Plaza, across from the North Carolina Museum of History at 5 East Edenton Street in Raleigh. The event is free and school groups grades three and above are encouraged to visit.

County, Partners Seek Public Feedback on Future Little River Reservoir, 11/02/2007 The Wake County Planning Department, along with community partners, is hosting a series of community meetings to answer questions and get feedback from property owners in the vicinity of the Little River Watershed in eastern Wake County. The second of four planned meetings will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, at the Wendell Community Center, located at 601 W. Third St. in Wendell.

Flags to be Lowered in Remembrance of Sheriff Baker, 11/01/2007 In remembrance of former Sheriff John Baker Jr., the Wake County Board of Commissioners has requested that all North Carolina State flags at Wake County facilities be flown at half-staff beginning at noon today (Thursday, November 1, 2007) for a period of one week.

Wake County EMS to Coordinate Training Nov. 3 for National Medical Disasters, 11/01/2007 Wake County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will coordinate the work of more than 24 local agencies in a National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) drill on Saturday, November 3, 2007, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) Cargo Operations Area.

Wake Book Sale Returns: November 14-18, 2007, 10/31/2007 Purchase great books at a great price, while helping Wake County's Library System, at the 2007 Wake County Library Book Sale. The annual library book sale will be held November 14-18, 2007, at 4121 New Bern Ave., Raleigh in the former Super Kmart. Over 500,000 books will be available for purchase.

Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Garner Residents, 10/31/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of Middleton Road near the intersection of Rand Road and Benson Road in Garner, N.C.

Wake County Water Conservation Continues, Despite recent rains, Wake County is working to conserve and protect the existing water supply in the interest of public health and safety. The County has recommended policies to reduce water use in Fire Department training, wash Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicles less frequently and discontinue outdoor irrigation.

Conserve Safely: Don't Reuse Gray Water, 10/26/2007 Over the past several months, many citizens have increased their conservation efforts as Wake County moved from a moderate to severe to exceptional drought. Conserving water protects the existing water supply as a means of protecting public health and safety. While most of these efforts are to be commended, some well-intended conservation measures can be dangerous.

Public Meetings To Address Little River Water Supply Project, 10/26/2007 The Wake County Planning Department, along with community partners, is hosting a series of community meetings to answer questions and get feedback from property owners in the vicinity of the Little River Watershed in eastern Wake County. The first of four planned meetings will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, October 29, at the Wake County Eastern Regional Center, located at 1002 Dogwood Drive in Zebulon.

Knightdale 4-H Club Draws Record Crowd, 10/22/2007 http://wake.ces.ncsu.edu/he Knightdale High School "Every Sister Help a Sister" 4-H Club drew a crowd of 65 young women to their first meeting on September 13, 2007. The next meeting will be held on October 25, 2007. Founded last winter, the club was designed by students to give them a place to discuss issues that matter to them and learn life skills, particularly those related to leadership development, self-esteem and self-awareness.

Wake County to Offer One-Stop Services to Homeless Citizens, 10/22/2007 Wake County Human Services will participate in Project Homeless Connect Raleigh on Thursday, October 25, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. This event is part of the national Project Homeless Connect, a one-day one-stop event focused on providing homeless men, women and children with much-needed services. Dental, housing and employment services are some of the areas where people need help in order to move towards self-sufficiency.

Wake County Human Services Kicks Off New Era of Service, 10/15/2007 Wake County Human Services (WCHS) will take the next step of implementing its innovative Professional Learning Community concept October 15, at 9 a.m., at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center in Raleigh. The event will serve as a kickoff for the formal implementation of WCHS Professional Learning Communities. County Manager David Cooke; Maria Spaulding, the founding director of Wake County Human Services; Human Services Board members and Director Ramon Rojano will attend.

Free Depression Screening to be Offered in English and Spanish, 10/11/2007 Wake County Human Services will host Depression Screening events as part of National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 11, 2007. The purpose of this event is to offer free, anonymous screenings for the community and raise awareness of depressive and manic-depressive illnesses and their treatment.

Flu Shots Now Available in Wake County, 10/08/2007 Wake County Human Services kicked off the 2007 flu and pneumonia prevention season with "Flu Shot Saturday" on October 13 in Clinic E of the Wake County Human Services Sunnybrook Building.

Wake to Kick Off Winter Community Programs, 10/08/2007 The weather is not yet frightful, but Wake County Human Services’ Office of Community Affairs is heating up its seasonal winter programs during the month of October.

Board of Elections to Conduct Sample Audit, Count Instant Runoff Ballots if Needed, 10/08/2007 The Wake County Board of Elections (BOE) will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, to conduct the requisite sample audit. In each election a sample audit of two precincts is required by N.C. State statutes. The meeting will take place in the ground floor conference room of the Waverly F. Akins Wake County Office Building, located at 337 S. Salisbury St. in Raleigh.

Heritage Day to Celebrate Wake County's Unique History, The State Fair is coming! Get in the fair spirit by attending Wake County Heritage Day, Saturday, October 6, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Historic Oak View County Park.

Volunteers Needed For Big Sweep, 10/04/2007 You are invited to join hundreds of Wake County volunteers to clean up 11 watersheds, streams, lakes, rivers, wetlands and high ridges, on Saturday, October 6. The effort is part of the annual North Carolina Big Sweep. All 100 counties in the State and approximately 90 countries worldwide participate in Big Sweep every fall as part of the International Coastal Cleanup.

Wake Annual Report Highlights Foundations for the Future, Beginning today, more than 240,000 copies of the 2007 Wake County Annual Report and Map are being distributed to citizens in newspapers and through parks, libraries and human services centers.

Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Rolesville Residents, 10/04/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of Blueberry Court and Watkins Farm Road in Rolesville. Anyone bitten or scratched by unknown animals should immediately call Community Health at 250-4462.

New Instant Runoff Voting Pilot to be Used in Cary, 10/2/2007 On Election Day, Tuesday, October 9, Cary voters will be the first in North Carolina to use instant runoff voting. As part of a pilot program, voters will be asked to rank the candidates for each Town Council seat in their order of preference, up to three candidates.

Horror Writing Tips, Open Mic Night and Managing Finances at Wake County Libraries in October, 10/02/2007 Bring your family and enjoy a twilight stroll of storytelling through the Enchanted Forest on Friday, October 5th, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the East Regional Library in Knightdale. Listen to renowned storytellers Angie Stephens, Judy Packer and Ron Jones and see many characters from fairy tales. Merry music from Jimmy Magoo will entertain families along with treats inside the library. Tours through the forest will start every 15 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Families should bring flashlights and wear warm comfortable clothing. Strollers are okay, but not pets. In inclement weather, storytelling will be inside the library. This free event is sponsored by Target. For more information, please visit www.wakegov.com/libraries or call 217-5300. East Regional Library is located at 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale.

Wake County Launches Prescription Drug Discount Card, 10/01/2007 Wake County today launched a discount card program to help consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs. The county is making free prescription drug discount cards available to all citizens as part of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Drug Discount Card Program.

Absentee Voting By Mail Ends Tuesday, Oct. 2; One-Stop Early Voting Continues, 10/01/2007 Wake County residents who want to vote by mail only have until Tuesday, October 2, to request a ballot. The voter (or a near relative) may send a written request for an absentee ballot to the Wake County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 695, Raleigh, N.C. 27602. The letter must include the voter’s name, date of birth, home address, address where the ballot should be mailed (if different than the residence address), daytime telephone number and the voter’s signature.

Rebecca Brenner and William Speller Smith Jr. Named Wake County 2007 Volunteers of the Year, 09/28/2007 Rebecca Brenner, a dedicated student and top fundraiser for mental health research, has been named the 2007 Wake County Larry B. Zieverink Volunteer of the Year. William “Bill” Speller Smith Jr., an avid reader and coordinator of the Wake County Public Libraries booksale, has been named the 2007 Wake County Government Volunteer of the Year.

CFAC Presents School Facilities Report, 09/19/2007 The Wake County Citizens’ Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) presented the School Facilities Report at a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education on Wednesday, September 19, 2007.

Top Paramedics Honored in Promotion Ceremony Sept. 21, 09/19/2007 Wake County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) promoted 20 paramedics to Field Training Officer (FTO) status and four FTOs to Senior FTOs on Friday, September 21.

West Regional Library to Mark Milestone Sept. 16, 09/14/2007 The public is invited to celebrate West Regional Library's one-year anniversary on Sunday, September 16, 2007, from 2-5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Public Comment Invited on Ward PCB Cleanup Plan Through October 4, 09/13/2007 The public is invited to comment on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed plan to cleanup Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) downstream of the Ward Transformer site. Public comments will be accepted through October 4, 2007.

Job Seekers Encouraged to Attend Job Area Fair Sept. 18, 09/13/2007 If you're in need of a job or interested in changing careers JobLink may be able to help. The 2007 Fall Capital Area JobLink Career Fair will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McKimmon Conference Center in Raleigh.

Voter Registration Deadline September 14, 09/13/2007 Friday, September 14, is the last day to register to vote, update your address or change affiliation for the October 9 countywide election. The voter registration form must be postmarked by, or hand delivered to, the Wake County Board of Elections by this date.

'Starting Your Own Business' Seminar at North Regional Library Jan. 11, 2005, 09/10/2007 Are you planning to start your own business – or have you already started? Are you wondering what kind of business expenses you can deduct on your tax returns? What about your home office, auto expenses, mileage, travel, entertainment and meals? Come to a program at North Regional Library to find answers to these and other business questions.

From Field to Food: A Fall Harvest Celebration Sept. 15, 09/07/2007 Wake County’s Historic Yates Mill County Park will hold its second annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 15, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park is located at 4620 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh. The event will feature demonstrations, contests and activities for the entire family.

Neuse River Stakeholders Paddle Their Way Toward Clean Water Initiatives, 09/04/2007 The Wake County Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee and County staff have worked with the City of Raleigh, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the Trust for Public Land and the Triangle Land Conservancy to plan a Neuse River Paddling Event for Thursday, September 6.

Wake County Announces Eighth Annual Dog Walk and World Rabies Day, 09/03/2007 As part of World Rabies Day on Saturday, September 8, 2007, Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center is working with Garner Animal Control, local veterinarians and the NCSU vet school to coordinate ten rabies clinics across the county. This includes the County's annual Dog Walk from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Historic Oak View County Park located at 4028 Carya Drive in Raleigh.

Changes to Voting Locations in Raleigh and Cary, 08/24/2007 The Wake County Board of Elections has established five new voting places in Wake County for the following precincts in Raleigh and Cary.

Wake Human Services Buildings, Property to Go Tobacco-Free Jan. 1, 2008, 08/24/2007 The Wake County Human Services and Environment Services Board voted to implement a "100 percent tobacco-free campus" policy for all Human Services buildings and surrounding property, approving the measure during its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, August 23, 2007. The new policy goes into effect January 1, 2008.

Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Wake County Residents, 08/23/2007 A bat found in a Wake County home tested positive for rabies today (August 23), and two people may have been exposed to the virus. Although neither person was injured, both will need to receive post-exposure rabies vaccinations.

Bryan Elected Second Vice President of North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, 08/20/2007 Wake County Commissioner Joe Bryan has been elected 2nd Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).

Public Meeting Scheduled on EPA Proposed Cleanup Plan for Ward Transformer Facility, 08/13/2007 The public is invited to a public meeting to present the Proposed Plan for Operable Unit 1, to be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at the Hilton North Raleigh located at 3415 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, North Carolina, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Spot the Tot to Promote Safety In and Around Vehicles Aug. 14, 08/10/2007 Wake County Human Services, in partnership with Safe Kids Wake County, will present "Spot the Tot" Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wake County Human Services, 10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh.

Heat Emergencies Soar with Temperature, 08/10/2007 As temperatures hover around record highs in the area, Wake County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is being dispatched to numerous heat-related emergencies. Comparisons to last year's heat waves show a dramatic increase in heat-related dispatches this year.

Wake County Parks: Compost Magic, Hawk Eyes and Fishing Fun!, 08/09/2007 Wake County Parks are hosting an assortment of fun activities for people of all ages this summer.

Summer 'White Flag' Initiative Offers Heat Relief to Homeless Individuals, 08/07/2007 With a daytime heat index expected to be greater than 100 degrees through Friday, the White Flag Network is offering heat relief to homeless persons.

People Need to Take Precautions in Hot Weather, 08/07/2007 It's hard to ignore the fact that it's hot! At least through Friday the Triangle is dealing with excessive heat that could cause health problems for anyone, but especially for the elderly, young children, individuals who already have health problems, and those who work outside.

Take Special Care of Pets in Hot Weather, 08/07/2007 Summer can mean special care for pets. Excessively high temperatures and humidity, parked cars, jogging, beaches, swimming pools and the wind in yhour face can be hazardous to your pet's health. The following list provides pointers for taking good care of your pets when it's hot.

Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Garner Residents, 08/06/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of Raynor Road and Twain Drive in Garner, near the intersection of White Oak Road and Raynor Road.

Wake County Assists National Food Recall, 08/02/2007 Wake County, in cooperation with state agencies, is urging consumers, food merchants and food service establishments to take heed of a national recall of potentially contaminated canned foods. County environmental health specialists and public health officials are working to inform citizens about the recall, which has been expanded and also includes some pet foods.

Eva Perry Library Reopens, 07/20/2007 Join other Wake County library patrons in celebrating the grand reopening of the Eva H. Perry Regional Library, Saturday, July 21, 2007, at 10 a.m. in Apex. Library staff will celebrate the renovated facility with cake, balloons, bookmobile tours, face painting, door prizes and books.

Wake Animal Center Sees Increase in Parvovirus, 07/16/2007 The Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center is experiencing a busier-than-normal parvovirus season, prompting officials to urge citizens to make sure their dogs are vaccinated against parvovirus and to recognize its symptoms.

Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Garner Residents, 07/16/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of Rand Road in Garner, between Ten-Ten Road and Route 50.

Wake County Building Inspector Named the Best in North Carolina, Don Boelter, Wake County's Chief Building Inspector, is the best at what he does, according to his peers with the N.C. Building Inspectors Association. Boelter was named recently as North Carolina Building Inspector of the Year during the group's June 27, 2007, state conference in Wilmington.

Give a Million Patriotic Thanks at Historic Oak View on Saturday, 07/03/2007 If you're looking for new ways to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, why not write a letter to a serviceman or woman? Or maybe see if your child would like to draw a picture? Historic Oak View County Park will collect letters and drawings for military personnel as part of its post-Independence Day celebration Saturday, July 7, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Candidate Filing Period Shortened by Legislature, 07/03/2007 Candidates for the October and November 2007 municipal and Board of Education elections will have only two weeks to file for candidacy pursuant to revised N.C.G.S. §163-294.2(c). The filing period begins Friday, July 6, 2007, at noon and ends Friday, July 20, 2007 at noon.

Wake Fire/Rescue Division Lists Fireworks Safety Tips, Scheduled Displays, 07/02/2007 Every year, fireworks or resulting fires injure more than 11,000 people. More than half of these injuries occur during the first week of July. Summertime should be a time to have fun. To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Wake County Department of Public Safety strongly recommends that you attend a public display and LEAVE THE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS!

Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Garner Residents, 06/29/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of the Rolling Hills Estates subdivision in Garner. The Rolling Hills Estates subdivision is located off of Rand Road, between Ten-Ten Road and Route 50. A case of rabies was confirmed this morning in a fox that exposed a dog in this area earlier today. Fortunately the dog had been vaccinated against rabies and only required a rabies booster. Had the dog not been current with vaccinations, it would have been required to be euthanized or quarantined for six months.

Visit Oak View for a Post Independence Day Celebration, 06/28/2007 Do you want to celebrate the Fourth of July but are unable to attend events in the middle of the week? Or are you just looking for another opportunity to celebrate America? Historic Oak View County Park gives you one more chance to celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 7, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Smoothie Fun, Adopt a Pet, Visit an Exhibit at Wake County Libraries in July, 06/28/2007 Wake County Public Libraries are hosting an assortment of fun activities for people of all ages this summer.

Gardner Promotes Large Urban County Priority Needs In Washington, 06/21/2007 Wake County Commissioner Kenn Gardner this week joined a team of elected and appointed officials representing the nation's largest counties to encourage members of Congress and the Bush Administration to fully support their federal funding priorities and help them better understand the needs of urban counties. The Capitol Hill and White House meetings were part of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Large Urban County Caucus "fly-in" held June 19-21 in Washington, D.C.

Wake Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Raleigh/Garner Residents, 06/20/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of the Colonial Heights subdivision, at the intersection of St. Patrick Drive and Fayetteville Road, south of Garner. A case of rabies was confirmed this morning in a raccoon killed by a dog in this area Tuesday, June 19, 2007.

Wake Commissioners Adopt $920-million FY '08 Budget, 06/19/2007 The Wake County Board of Commissioners on Monday adopted a $920-million budget for fiscal year 2007-08 that emphasizes education, mental health and public safety programs, and would raise taxes 4.4 cents.

Lake Crabtree Kayaker Qualifies for U.S. Team, Will Compete at World Championships in Hungary, 06/15/2007 Lake Crabtree County Park kayaker Abel Hastings has earned a spot on the U.S. team and will soon compete in the world championships.

Wake County Offers Teen Pregnancy, STDs Workshop, 06/08/2007 Wake County Human Services will present a seminar on "My Body, My Choice, My Future" for male and female teens and their parents Saturday, June 9, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wake County Commons Building, 4011 Carya Drive, Raleigh.

Summer 'White Flag' Initiative Offers Heat Relief to Homeless Individuals, 06/06/2007 The White Flag Network has announced its plan to serve homeless persons who are medically at-risk due to significant respiratory, cardiac or other disease and who need shelter from the extreme heat this summer.

Wake Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Apex Residents, 06/06/2007 Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of the Sedgemoor subdivision off of Ten Ten Road (between West Lake Road and Graham Newton Road) in Apex. A case of rabies was confirmed this morning in a raccoon killed by a dog in this area yesterday. The dog has not been vaccinated against rabies and will, therefore, have to be euthanized or quarantined for six months.

Cool for Wake Program Provides Heat Relief; Wake EMS Offers Heat Stress Tips, 06/06/2007 Low-income individuals who are unable to cool their homes during extreme heat conditions may qualify for Wake County's Cool for Wake program. Through September 1, 2007, Cool for Wake will provide free fans to qualified individuals.

Wake County Names Warren New County Attorney, 06/04/2007 Scott Warren has been named the new Wake County Attorney, Vice Chairman Paul Coble of the Wake County Commissioners announced today.

Public Hearings for Proposed Wake County FY 2008 Budget June 4, 06/01/2007 The Wake County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings regarding the proposed Wake County fiscal year 2007-08 budget on Monday, June 4, 2007. The first public hearing will be during the regular Board of Commissioners' meeting at 2 p.m. in the Wake County Courthouse, Board Room, Room 700. The second hearing begins at 7 p.m. in the Commons Building, Wake County Office Park, 4011 Carya Drive, Raleigh.

Wake County Names Esqueda New Environmental Services Director, 06/01/2007 Thomas (Tommy) C. Esqueda has been named the new Wake County Environmental Services director, County Manager David Cooke announced today. Esqueda, 45, will begin work with the County Monday, June 18, 2007.

Summer Fun at Wake County Public Libraries: Authors to Wizards to Yarns, 06/01/2007 Wake County Public Libraries are hosting an assortment of fun activities for people of all ages this summer.

June 6 Career Fair Scheduled at Wake Tech Community College, 05/31/2007 Individual jobseekers from the community and students at Wake Technical Community College will have the opportunity to meet with potential employers during the Regional JobLink Career Fair at the Wake Tech Student Services Building Wednesday, June 6, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Representatives from more than 50 companies will be on hand to share employment opportunities.

Wake County Public Libraries Offer Summer Mystery Contest for Teens, 05/31/2007 If you're a teen wondering how to spend your summer break, why not try solving a mystery in cyberspace and potentially winning some fantastic prizes? Instead of the traditional reading program, 15 of the libraries in the Wake County Public Library System are offering teens an exciting online experience.

Presentation Today on Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, 05/30/2007 Media will have the opportunity today to cover and ask questions about extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Harris Lake County Park Closed Saturday, Reopens Sunday, 05/30/2007 Harris Lake County Park will be closed to the public Saturday, June 2, 2007, for the annual Progress Energy - Harris Plant Family Day. The park will reopen on its regular schedule Sunday, June 3, at 8 a.m. For more information, please call Harris Lake County Park at 919-387-4342.

Wake County Employees Honored for Their Service, 05/29/2007 Wake County managers and the Board of Commissioners recognized several County employees for their accomplishments during the fourth annual Garland H. Jones Excellence in Public Service Awards picnic held Friday, May 25, 2007, at Historic Oak View County Park in Raleigh.

Harry and the Potters to Rock at North Regional Library June 4, 05/24/2007 If you're one of thousands who have become enchanted with the Harry Potter series, you now have an opportunity to rock to music inspired by the fictional character. Harry and the Potters will bring their unique style of "Wizard Rock" to the Wake County North Regional Library on Monday, June 4, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. It will be the band's only appearance in North Carolina this year as they embark on their 2007 summer tour.

Recommended 2007-08 Budget Includes 3.6-Cent Tax Increase to Fund Education, 05/21/2007 The proposed Wake County fiscal year 2007-08 budget emphasizes education, mental health and public safety programs, and would raise taxes 3.6 cents.

Wake County Manager to Present FY '08 Budget May 21, 05/21/2007 County Manager David Cooke will present the Wake County Fiscal Year 2008 Recommended Budget on Monday, May 21, 2007, to the Wake County Board of Commissioners. The presentation will occur during the Commissioners' regular meeting at 2 p.m., in Room 700 of the Wake County Courthouse, 335 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh.

Cameron Village Regional Library to Host Panel Series with North Carolina Authors, 05/17/2007 Kick off your summer reading with 12 North Carolina writers. During June, the Wake County Cameron Village Regional Library will host three panel discussion s with North Carolina writers.

Historic Yates Mill County Park to Host Community Picnic May 19, 05/17/2007 In celebration of the Historic Yates Mill County Park's one-year anniversary, the park is hosting a community picnic on Saturday, May 19, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to "escape the daily grind" and be a part of the event. The park has had a very successful first year, and will soon welcome its 100,000th visitor.

Wake County Celebrates EMS Week May 20-26, 05/15/2007 The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at its May 7 regular meeting declaring May 20-26, 2007, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week -- joining local governments across the United States in National EMS Week activities and ceremonies. Wake County has planned activities to teach the public about safe, healthy living and to recognize outstanding service by EMS providers.

Wake Board of Elections to Meet May 14 for Vote Count, 05/11/2007 The Wake County Board of Elections will meet Monday, May 14, 2007, to perform a "hand-to-eye" count from a randomly chosen precinct in the recent Fuquay-Varina election. This is a post-election ballot sample count, not a recount. The meeting will be at noon in the ground floor conference room of the Waverly F. Akins Office Building, 337 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh. Public notice is required for the "hand-to-eye" count, which is a new legislative requirement [GS 163-182.2(b)(1a)].

Wake County Teaches Dog Bite Prevention Tips, 05/11/2007 Before school ends in June, a group known as People and Animals Together (PAT) hopes to reach over 8,000 children in kindergarten through second grade in Wake County Public Schools. School-based nurses are using a videotape (Bow Wow "Ow") and accompanying curriculum to teach children how to interact with dogs.

Eastern Wake County Gang Prevention Forum May 17 in Knightdale, 05/10/2007 People living in Eastern Wake County will have an opportunity next week to discuss and develop community solutions to gang problems. The Gang Prevention Community Forum on Thursday, May 17, 2007, is the second of two forums designed to prevent the growth of gang activity in Eastern Wake County. The forum will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Faith Baptist Church at 2728 Marks Creek Road, between Wendell and Knightdale.

Newly Expanded Southgate Library Now Open!, 05/09/2007 Wake County Commissioners and the Library Commission invite the public to visit the newly expanded Southgate Branch Library, located at 1601-14 Cross Link Road in the Southgate Plaza Shopping Center in Raleigh. The library reopened May 8, 2007.

Rabies Clinics 4/28 and 4/30/07 - Vaccinations $5 Each, Wake County rabies clinics have been a big success this year, with 1,030 animals vaccinated so far at four clinics. Pet owners have two more opportunities to have their dog or cat vaccinated -- Saturday, April 28, 2007, in Raleigh or Monday, April 30, 2007, in Wake Forest.

Housing Fair for Renters and First-Time Homebuyers Set for May 4, 05/01/2007 Looking for a new home? Wake County is sponsoring the 2007 Housing Fair: Our New Home/Nuestra Casa Nueva on Friday, May 4, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wake County Commons Building. The new director of Wake County Human Services, Ramon Rojano, will kick off the fair with a welcome address at 10:30 a.m.

Wake Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Rolesville, Zebulon Residents, 04/30/2007 A recent confirmed rabies case in a raccoon found near the intersection of Mitchell Mill Road and Pulley Town Road between Rolesville and Zebulon has prompted local health officials to issue a rabies notice for residents and visitors. On Sunday, April 29, 2007, a dog came into contact with a raccoon that was found the next day to be rabid. Residents are urged to be cautious in this area.

Antique Automobile Show at Historic Oak View County Park May 5, 04/29/2007 When was the last time you saw a Cord, Franklin, McLaughlin, Packard or Studebaker? Relive automobile history at the Triangle Chapter Meet of the Antique Automobile Club of America on Saturday, May 5, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Historic Oak View County Park.

Step Back in Time April 28 at Historic Oak View Park, 04/26/2007 Historic Oak View County Park invites you to step back in time for A Turn-of-the-Century Outing in the Park Saturday, April 28, 2007. Enjoy fun family activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and live music with the Cary Town Band from 11 a.m. to noon.

Eva H. Perry Regional Library Closed for Renovations until mid-July, 04/25/2007 The Wake County Eva H. Perry Regional Library in Apex is closed for renovations as of April 25, 2007. The library will be closed through mid-July 2007.

Celebrate Songbirds at Blue Jay Point County Park April 28, 04/25/2007 Bird lovers of all ages are invited to a free festival celebrating International Migratory Bird Day Saturday, April 28, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Blue Jay Point County Park.

Updated Report Compares Wake School Construction Costs to Schools Nationally; New Finding to Guide Recommendations, 04/23/2007 Wake County's Citizens' Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) received an updated version of a construction-cost study April 23, 2007, that shows the Wake County Public School System's total project cost per square foot is higher than average for its elementary and high schools, and slightly lower than average for middle schools, when compared with similar school districts nationally.

Celebrate Earth Day at Harris Lake County Park April 21, 04/17/2007 Harris Lake County Park will hold its seventh-annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 21, 2007, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the whole family out to enjoy all the fun activities, crafts, exhibits, music and more!

County Showcases New Vehicle Tracking System, 04/16/2007 The new Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) system for Wake County emergency response and law enforcement vehicles was introduced Monday, April 16, 2007, at the Wake County EMS Training Center located at 4011 Carya Drive in Raleigh.

Blue Ribbon Committee Earns Statewide Recognition, 04/16/2007 The Blue Ribbon Committee on the Future of Wake County, a group of 65 business and community leaders that met for seven months in 2006 to study long-term infrastructure needs of the County, was one of nine county programs from around the state to win a 2006 Outstanding County Program Award from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).

JobLink Career Fair April 18 at McKimmon Center, 04/13/2007 Individuals seeking employment will have the opportunity to meet with potential employers during the JobLink Career Fair, Wednesday, April 18, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh.

Child Health Programs Earn State Award, 04/13/2007 Wake County Human Services' Child Health Clinics and Child Service Coordination Program have earned a North Carolina child health best practice award for improving health services to families with young children. The Wake County programs were among 10 award winners chosen from across the state by the Children and Youth Branch of the N.C. Division of Public Health.

Crime Prevention Seminar in Apex April 22, 04/12/2007 The Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center will host a Refuse To Be A Victim® crime prevention seminar Sunday, April 22, 2007, at 1 p.m. The four-hour seminar costs $20 and is open to the public. Preregistration is required. Registration forms are available online at www.wakegov.com/firingrange or through Eric Shuford at 919-303-5192 or eshuford@earthlink.net.

Public Invited to April 17 Information Session on PCB Removal Plan, 04/12/2007 The public is invited to participate in an availability session to be held by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, at the North Raleigh Hilton, 3415 Wake Forest Road, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Commissioner Harold Webb Receives Congressional Gold Medal, 04/12/2007 Wake County Commissioner Harold Webb received the Congressional Gold Medal on March 29, 2007, for his service to the country during World War II as a Tuskegee Airman. The nearly 400 surviving airmen received the nation's highest civilian honor at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.

Eastern Wake County Gang Prevention Forum April 19 in Knightdale, 04/10/2007 Everyone living in Eastern Wake County is invited to learn about gangs and the gang presence in the region at a Gang Prevention Community Forum on Thursday, April 19, 2007, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Faith Baptist Church, 2728 Marks Creek Road in Knightdale. Next Thursday's meeting is the first of a two-part forum during which community members will identify and discuss critical issues related to gangs. The second part of the forum, which will be May 17, will focus on ideas for solving gang problems.

Barwell Road Walking Trail to Open April 12, 04/10/2007 The Barwell Road Walking Trail will open Thursday, April 12, 2007, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. The one-half-mile walking trail is possible because of a North Carolina Division of Public Health Eat Smart Move More  grant to increase opportunities for physical activity and healthier eating.

Fuquay-Varina Voters May Vote Early for May 8 Bond Referendum, 04/05/2007 If you reside within the town limits of Fuquay-Varina, Friday, April 13, 2007, is the last day to register or to change your party affiliation or address if you wish to vote in Fuquay-Varina Bond Referendum on May 8, 2007. The voter registration form must be postmarked by/or hand-delivered to the Wake County Board of Elections by that date.

Cardiac 'Saves' Hit All-Time High; Wake's Rate in Top 3 Nationally, 04/04/2007 One out of every three -- 34% -- of the people who suffered treatable cardiac arrest in Wake County in 2006 survived to return home from the hospital, up from 19% in 2004 and 28% in 2005, according to Wake County EMS system data.

County Approves Joint Purchase of 270 Acres of Open Space, 04/02/2007 At its April 2 meeting, the Wake County Board of Commissioners approved three partnership agreements for the purchase of nearly 270 acres of open space located in Wake County. The County and its respective partners will split the purchase price of each property, with County funding coming from its Open Space Initiative, financed by 2004 bond proceeds.

Sheep Removed from Apex Residence Due to Neglect, 03/26/2007 Officers from the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center removed a flock of approximately 80 sheep from a residential lot in Apex town limits March 26, 2007, after receiving complaints that the animals were neglected and in poor health.

County Offers Rabies Vaccination Clinics at Six Sites April 19-30, 03/23/2007 To help protect you and your pets, the Wake County Animal Care, Control & Adoption Center is offering rabies vaccinations at six different sites around the County between April 19-30, 2007.

Cornerstone Homeless Services Center to Host Veterans 'Stand Down' March 22, 03/15/2007 Homeless veterans will have access to more than two dozen service providers on Thursday, March 22, 2007, at the Cornerstone Homeless Services Building, 220 Snow Ave.

Firearms Training Center Offers First Steps Rifle Course March 13, 03/08/2007 Learn the FIRST Steps in the proper use of a rifle. The Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center, 3921 Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, Apex, is offering a First Steps Rifle Course on Tuesday, March 13, from 5-9 p.m.

Community Assessment Points Out Opportunities, Challenges, 03/07/2007 At the recent Wake County Community Assessment Action Planning Forum, more than 150 community leaders identified four areas as the most urgent and encompassing issues for the next four years. Included in their top priorities are affordable housing for low-income families, obesity and poor physical health, the community impact of the closure of Dorothea Dix Hospital, and juvenile crime, including gangs.

Committee Seeks Public Input Feb. 27 on School Construction Topics, 02/22/2007 The Citizens' Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) is soliciting feedback from Wake County citizens regarding school construction practices at a public hearing, on Tuesday, February 27, from 5-7 p.m., at N.C. State University's McKimmon Center, Gorman Street in Raleigh. Refreshments will be served, and attendees are encouraged to stop by anytime during the two-hour event to offer comments.

Firearms Training Center Offers Course March 3 on Personal Protection in the Home, 02/21/2007 /firingrange/xperts agree that the most important factor in surviving a criminal attack in your home is to have an overall safety strategy before you need it. The Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center, 3921 Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, Apex, is offering the National Rifle Association’s Personal Protection in the Home course on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Libraries to Host Themed Programs Feb. 22, March 8 for Wake Reads Together, 02/15/2007 As a part of the ongoing 2007 Wake Reads Together countywide community reading program, Wake County Libraries will present two ancillary programs in upcoming weeks, on February 22 at Cameron Village Regional Library and on March 8 at North Regional Library. Both programs relate to themes in this year’s book, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, by Kentucky novelist Kim Edwards. Both programs are free and the general public is invited to attend.

'Mill as Muse' Art Display Debuts Feb. 16 at Historic Yates Mill County Park, 02/13/2007 Long a place of business and community gathering place, Yates Mill has also served as a source of artistic inspiration over the years. This Friday, February 16, 2007, from 6-8 p.m., Historic Yates Mill County Park hosts the "Mill as Muse" art reception at the park’s A.E. Finley Center for Education and Research, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh.

Bond Rating Agencies Affirm Wake County's Triple-A Rating, 02/12/2007 Wake County continues to impress municipal bond rating agencies, and taxpayers will reap the rewards. With the final rating coming in Friday, February 9, 2007, the country’s three largest municipal bond rating agencies have affirmed the County’s triple-A rating. The County has received the highest possible rating from Moody’s since 1973, from Standard & Poor’s since 1983 and from Fitch since 2000.

West Regional Library Programs Help You ‘Keep More Green’, 02/08/2007 Interested in keeping more green – in your yard as well as your wallet? Then don’t miss two upcoming programs at West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary, on February 12 and 16, 2007.

Register by Feb. 9 for March 6, 2007, Zebulon Bond Referendum, 02/07/2007 If you reside within the town limits of Zebulon, February 9, 2007, is the last day to register, change your party affiliation or your address if you wish to vote in the Zebulon Bond Referendum on March 6, 2007. The voter registration form must be postmarked by or hand delivered to the Wake County Board of Elections by that date.

Celebrate Black History Month with Quilts Feb. 11 at Cameron Village Library, 02/06/2007 The Cameron Village Regional Library will host a program on quilting in the African American tradition on Sunday, February 11, 2007, at 2:00 p.m.

Animal Care Center Offers Cold-Weather Tips for Pets, 02/05/2007 Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center is urging pet owners to take a few common sense precautions to safeguard their pets against bitter cold temperatures.

Recycle Phone Books at 21 Drop-off Sites Now Through May 4, 2007, 02/05/2007 Wake County Solid Waste Management is kicking off its annual Telephone Book Recycling Program as new directories from various companies are arriving on doorsteps. In 2007, 21 drop-off sites are available for residents and businesses to recycle old phone books -- the program runs from Monday, February 5, through Friday, May 4. A list of the locations can be viewed online at www.wakegov.com and will be posted at all Solid Waste Management facilities.

Ramon Rojano Named New Human Services Director, 02/05/2007 Ramon Rojano, with more than 25 years of senior-level experience in human services and local government management – primarily in Hartford, Conn. -- has been named Human Services director for Wake County, County Manager David Cooke said today.

White Flag Program Offers Refuge From The Cold, 02/01/2007 Agencies providing shelter for homeless individuals have implemented the "White Flag" system as of Wednesday, January 31, and extending through February 1 or until inclement weather ends. The White Flag program allows designated homeless shelters to provide capacity beyond the norm.

Report Compares Wake School Construction Costs to Schools Nationally, 01/31/2007 In a report released today, an independent study found that the average cost of school construction in Wake County for elementary and middle schools is comparable to that of similar school districts in North Carolina and across the United States. Wake County high schools cost slightly more to construct. The critical need to provide schools for 8,000 new students yearly, while maximizing cost efficiencies, prompted the Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee, or CFAC, to commission the Construction Cost Analysis with DeJong Inc. and Summit Consulting Services LLC.

Free Flu Shots Available at Wake County Human Services, 01/26/2007 Wake County Human Services will be offering free flu shots to anyone who has not yet been immunized this season. Beginning on Monday, January 29, and continuing every weekday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free flu shots will be available in Clinic E of Human Services Center-Sunnybrook, 10 Sunnybrook Road (next to WakeMed), Raleigh. No appointment is needed, so don’t wait any longer -- get your free flu shot today!

Blue Jay Point to Host Winter Open House Feb. 3, 2007, 01/25/2007 Come out to Blue Jay Point County Park Saturday, February 3, 2007, from 2-4 p.m., as Blue Jay hosts its 8th annual Winter Open House, "Healthy Places, Healthy People."

Historic Oak View Exhibit Explores Pastimes from the Past, 01/24/2007 No matter what your elders may have told you, life 100 years ago wasn’t all work and no play. "Let’s Play: Pastimes from the Past," a traveling exhibit at Historic Oak View County Park, offers an intriguing look at the ways Americans enjoyed their leisure time at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit runs February 3 through April 28, 2007, and is free and open to the public.

South Raleigh Library to Reopen this Spring as Southgate Branch, 01/23/2007 South Raleigh Library has closed its doors for a much needed renovation and expansion project. The library, located at 1601-14 Cross Link Road, will reopen this spring with a new name, Southgate Library, featuring more than twice the space, more staff, more computers and a story time area.

Citizens Urged to Test Homes for Radon, Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in U.S., 01/22/2007 Wake County Environmental Services is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a nationwide campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of radon exposure and to encourage them to take action to protect their homes and families. The County is encouraging residents to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Month in January.

Local Emergency Planning Committee Offers Free Training Feb. 8 in Emergency Response, Safety and Environmental Issues, 01/17/2007 Business owners, educators, public safety professionals and many others will have the opportunity to learn about important environmental, safety and emergency response issues that affect them – including information on terrorism, hazardous materials response and management, environmental issues and security measures – at an upcoming free conference February 8 in Raleigh.

Wake County Public Libraries Invites Residents to ‘Read Together’; Kickoff Event Jan. 21, 01/16/2007 The kickoff program for the 2007 Wake Reads Together community reading initiative will be Sunday, January 21, at 2 p.m., at the newly relocated and expanded North Regional Library, 7009 Harps Mill Road in Raleigh.

Spay Day Targets Low-Income Pet Owners Feb. 26-28, 01/16/2007 The Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center is expanding its annual Spay Day event with more opportunities for free and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. The County has contracted with three local veterinarians to perform surgeries on-site from February 26-28, and with another 10 vets to provide services during the month of March.

North Regional Library Reopens Jan. 20 in New Location, 01/11/2007 North Regional Library is opening its doors with pizzazz on Saturday, January 20, at 2:00 p.m.: a fanfare by the Leesville Road High School Brass Quintet will accompany the ribbon cutting by special guests. The library’s new location is 7009 Harps Mill Road, near the intersection of Falls of Neuse and Newton roads in North Raleigh.

Wake County Courthouse 4th-Floor Courtrooms Move to 2nd Floor Beginning Jan. 2, 2007, 01/03/2007 Courtrooms and associated offices formerly located on the 4th floor now occupy new space in the Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh, effective January 2, 2007.

County Awards Environmental Education Grants to 14 'Feed the Bin' Schools, 01/09/2007 In fall 2006 the Wake County Solid Waste Management Division awarded 14 environmental education grants to local public schools through the "Feed the Bin" recycling program. The grants will fund an array of activities including a Science Enrichment Day, a field trip to study human impact on local rivers and streams, and a worm bin to learn about composting. Many schools plan to purchase library resources to teach students and teachers about environmental issues and recycling.

2007 Motorsports Expo Takes Checkered Flag Saturday, Jan. 6, 01/04/2007 The 2007 Making Magic Motorsports Expo will be held this Saturday, January 6, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in Dorton Arena on the N.C. State Fairgrounds. This unique one-day fundraising event will bring together the world of Motorcycle Racing, NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).

Wake Reads Together 2007 Explores Family Secrets, 12/27/2006 Customers of Wake County Public Libraries have voted for the book everyone will be reading and talking about in early 2007. The winner, from a field of 10 entries, is “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter,” by Kentucky author Kim Edwards.

Cameron Village Library Hosting National Grants Workshop Feb. 26-March 2: Getting the Biggest Buck for Your Bang, 01/05/2007 To help members of the nonprofit community and government agencies decipher the intricacies of the grant-seeking process, the Cameron Village Library’s Nonprofit Resource Center (NRC) will host the Grantsmanship Training Program, February 26 – March 2, at Cameron Village Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh.

Weeklong Literary Festival Begins Jan. 13 in Holly Springs, 12/21/2006 Come to a weeklong celebration of books and reading, words and writing! The newly opened Holly Springs Library and Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., will host a Literary Festival January 13-19.

It's Not Too Late for Flu Shots, Wake County Human Services will be holding a special Saturday Flu Shot Clinic on January 6, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn Tips for Compiling Family History at Historic Oak View County Park Jan. 13, 01/05/2007 Your ancestors don’t have to be famous to have an interesting story! Come to Historic Oak View County Park for Preserving Your Family’s History Day, Saturday, January 13, 2007, from 1-3 p.m., and learn helpful hints for compiling your family’s past and secrets to archival quality scrapbooking.