Cary Spotlight | Issue #122

Cary Businessman's Fall, Poe Hall's Progress, End of an Era at Ashworth Drugs, & Sports Betting Debut

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

📰 Cary Businessman Admits to $1 Million Tax Evasion Scheme

📰 Poe Hall Update: New Phase of Testing and Collaboration with Health Agencies

📰 Hundreds Gather for One Last Hot Dog at Cary's Ashworth Drugs

🏆 North Carolina Bets on the Future: Online Sports Gaming Set to Launch

🏆 Carolina Hurricanes at a Crossroads: Navigating the Trade Deadline with Strategic Finesse

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the U.S. Navy’s first African-American commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral?

A) Samuel Gravely B) Samuel Adams C) John Brown

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Cary Businessman Admits to $1 Million Tax Evasion Scheme

Arturo Barcenas Gonzalez, a Cary businessman, admitted to tax evasion involving more than $1 million.

Operating several businesses, including an insurance agency and a financial services firm, Barcenas submitted a false tax return for 2017 and subsequently failed to file any federal tax returns while continuing to earn substantial income.

The IRS's investigation into his practices, including titling assets under others' names and dealing predominantly in cash, led to his guilty plea.

Barcenas's actions contrast starkly with the compliance of most American taxpayers, drawing criticism from U.S. Attorney Michael Easley for the undue burden placed on honest citizens. Read full story

Poe Hall Update: New Phase of Testing and Collaboration with Health Agencies

Following initial environmental testing at Poe Hall, further assessments are scheduled for early March, with the process anticipated to last several months.

The building will not reopen before the end of 2024, during which time arrangements for the retrieval of items from former occupants will be made.

The NC State University administration is working with health agencies, including NIOSH, which has started a Health Hazard Evaluation for Poe Hall. Updates and recommendations will be shared with the community, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and safety. Read full story

Hundreds Gather for One Last Hot Dog at Cary's Ashworth Drugs

Cary's Ashworth Drugs, a beloved local pharmacy and community gathering spot, reopened temporarily, attracting hundreds of residents eager for one last experience of its famous fountain and to buy a piece of history.

The event was marked by long lines, heartfelt reminiscences from long-time patrons, and expressions of gratitude for the Ashworth family's contributions to the community.

Amidst the nostalgia, attendees enjoyed hot dogs, orangeade, and shared stories of the store's impact on their lives, underscoring the deep connection between Ashworth's and the Cary community. Read full story

"What will you miss most about Ashworth Drugs?"

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North Carolina Bets on the Future: Online Sports Gaming Set to Launch

Starting March 11, North Carolina will introduce online sports betting, projected to generate substantial tax revenue, although not enough to rank among the top U.S. markets.

Initial revenue is earmarked for licensing fees, with significant growth expected in betting handle. The state plans to allocate tax revenue to educational purposes, youth athletics, addiction services, and the general fund, indicating a strategic approach to utilizing these new funds for community benefits. Read full story

Carolina Hurricanes at a Crossroads: Navigating the Trade Deadline with Strategic Finesse

Facing the trade deadline, the Carolina Hurricanes are assessing their roster and financial capacity, considering strategic trades and the futures of significant free agents amidst a tight salary cap.

With the team at a strategic impasse, not clearly positioned to buy or sell, General Manager Don Waddell's experience and strategic thinking are crucial.

The outcome of these deliberations will likely impact the Hurricanes' direction in the near term and their approach to team dynamics and performance. Read full story

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Upcoming Local Events

February 22nd (Thursday)

February 23nd (Friday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A) Samuel Gravely (4 June 1922 – 22 October 2004) Link to Bio

Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. began his illustrious career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1942. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Gravely would go on to be the U.S. Navy’s first African-American commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral. He was commissioned in 1944 and served during World War II onboard USS PC-1264.

After the war, Gravely had a brief stint in the civilian world before he was recalled to active duty in 1949. He would remain on active duty until his retirement in 1980. During the Korean War, he served onboard USS Iowa (BB-61), and later in the 1950s served on USS Toledo (CA-133) and USS Seminole (AKA-104).