Cary Spotlight | Issue #239

Joro Spiders Are Back, New Traffic Lights, Heat Wave Advisory

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

😀 Quote of the Day

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

📰 Joro Spiders Return to North Carolina: What You Need to Know

📰 Long-Awaited Traffic Lights Set to Enhance Safety at Wake County Intersection

📰 Heat Wave Puts Over 75 Million Americans Under Alert

🚨The Cary Police Department Crime Data

🏆 North Carolina Courage Signs Australian Defender Charlotte McLean

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who was the first woman to fly a fighter jet in combat?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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The Joro spider Credit: Clemson University

Joro Spiders Return to North Carolina: What You Need to Know

Joro spiders, native to Asia, have appeared in North Carolina earlier than usual this year.

These spiders, active during the summer, are known for their large size, with leg spans up to four inches, and their extensive webs, sometimes reaching 10 feet. 

While they may seem intimidating, Joro spiders are not harmful to humans or pets. They are shy, and their venom is only potent enough to subdue small insects. The spiders disperse by ballooning, a process where young spiderlings emit silk strands and are carried by the wind, often leading to the misconception that they fall from the sky.

Residents are unlikely to encounter them indoors, and if found, Joro spiders can be relocated or eliminated without significant concern. Read more

Long-Awaited Traffic Lights Set to Enhance Safety at Wake County Intersection

The intersection of U.S. 264 Alt. and N.C. 39 near Zebulon's Five County Stadium, notorious for traffic accidents, will soon have traffic lights to enhance safety and traffic management.

The current setup, with stop signs in only one direction, has led to numerous accidents and close calls. Local commuters have witnessed many incidents, and the community has welcomed the installation of the new traffic lights, which are expected to be operational in a few weeks.

The lights are part of an agreement with nearby Sidney Creek developers and were expedited after a severe accident. Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation recorded 44 crashes at this intersection between 2018 and 2022, highlighting the urgency for this improvement. Read More

Fountain in the park.

Heat Wave Puts Over 75 Million Americans Under Alert

Over 75 million people in the U.S. are experiencing extreme heat alerts as a heat wave moves eastward, affecting regions from the Midwest to New England. Phoenix, where temperatures reached 112 degrees Fahrenheit, has seen the hottest start to June on record and has opened over 100 cooling centers to aid residents. New Mexico and southern Colorado are also facing severe heat.

Southern California firefighters have contained a significant wildfire north of Los Angeles after a weekend of rapid growth due to high winds. Amidst rising temperatures, concerns over extreme heat and wildfire smoke are growing, prompting the Center for Biological Diversity to petition FEMA for recognition of these conditions as major disasters.

In contrast to the heat, the northern Rockies are experiencing late-season snow, with significant snowfall expected in higher elevations around Glacier National Park.

Meanwhile, the central Gulf Coast faces threats of heavy rain and flash flooding as an active hurricane season looms. Read More

Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (17 June 2024)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

North Carolina Courage Signs Australian Defender Charlotte McLean

The North Carolina Courage have signed Australian defender Charlotte McLean on a two-year deal through the 2025 NWSL season.

McLean, who excelled at Sydney FC, earning Player of the Year honors for 2023-24, is set to join the Courage upon approval of her P-1 Visa. Her debut for the team will align with the secondary transfer window opening on August 1.

McLean's impressive record includes three Premierships, two Championships, and key contributions to Sydney FC's top defensive standing. She made 74 appearances, achieved 38 clean sheets, and showcased strong defensive metrics, making her a valuable addition to the Courage. Read full article

Credit: Town of Cary, NC

All this June celebrate the colors of Pride with activities and events in Cary. Events include The History of PFLAG in Cary -The Sally Zumbach Story on June 18 at the Page-Walker; Pride Cary Night Market at Downtown Cary Park on June 22; Allies and Icons Pride Film Festival at The Cary Theater; Pride Through the Decades, an art exhibition at Cary Arts Center and more. Learn more

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

June 18th (Tuesday)

June 19th (Wednesday)

June 20th (Thursday)

June 21st (Friday)

June 22th (Saturday)

June 23rd (Sunday)

June 24th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

Brigadier General Jeannie Leavitt made history as the first woman to fly a fighter jet in combat. She broke this significant barrier in 1993, paving the way for future generations of female fighter pilots. Her trailblazing career includes numerous accolades and leadership positions within the United States Air Force.