Cary Spotlight | Issue #270

NC Quick Pass Updates, Chancellor Woodson Retires, School Fire Watch, & Cary's Jurassic Park Fun

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)

📰 NC Quick Pass Introduces New Account Options and Cost Savings

📰 NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson Announces Retirement After 14 Years

📰 Inspection Prompts Fire Watch Across Wake County Schools

🐦 Downtown Cary Hosts Thrilling "Jurassic Park" Screening and Activities

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the most popular national park in the United States?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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In the morning traffic

NC Quick Pass Introduces New Account Options and Cost Savings

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has updated the NC Quick Pass system to offer more convenience and savings for drivers.

The new NC Only account provides a 35% discount on tolls without requiring a transponder, making it ideal for those who primarily use local toll roads.

The initial prepaid balance for all new accounts has been reduced from $20 to $10. Additionally, the system will now assess the minimum balance required for toll payments on a monthly basis to better match customers' travel habits.

These changes aim to make the NC Quick Pass more accessible and cost-effective for users. Read Full Report

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NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson Announces Retirement After 14 Years

Dr. Randy Woodson has announced his retirement as Chancellor of North Carolina State University, effective June 30, 2025.

Since taking office in 2010, Dr. Woodson has led significant advancements at the university, implementing two major strategic plans that enhanced student success, organizational excellence, faculty investment, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

His tenure saw notable increases in graduation rates, research funding, and national rankings. A successful fundraising campaign and substantial endowment growth also marked his leadership, resulting in greater visibility and higher student application rates.

Dr. Woodson's legacy is characterized by his integrity, intelligence, and passion for higher education, leaving a lasting impact on the university. Read Full Article

Inspection Prompts Fire Watch Across Wake County Schools

In an unexpected development, the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) has announced that all its schools are now operating under a fire watch. This precautionary measure follows a recent inspection that revealed modifications to fire alarm panels in over two dozen schools, raising concerns about the system's alert capabilities.

The North Carolina State Fire Code mandates a fire watch, requiring a designated individual to monitor buildings for any signs of fire continuously. This step ensures that despite any technical issues, safety protocols remain robust.

The inspection found that while the primary fire alarm functions—such as sounding alarms and activating sprinklers—were not compromised, the systems' ability to notify staff about maintenance needs had been altered. The fire watch will remain in place until all fire alarm systems across the district are thoroughly tested and certified by an independent fire inspection company.

Under these procedures, designated staff members will patrol school buildings, vigilantly watching for any signs of fire. These individuals will not perform other duties during their watch and will maintain detailed logs of their observations, submitting daily reports to the WCPSS Risk Management and Safety Department. In case of a fire, they will alert building occupants and call 911 immediately.

WCPSS has assured parents and staff that these measures are strictly precautionary and underscore their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students and employees. Read Full Article

Credit: Bond Park in Cary, NC

Downtown Cary Hosts Thrilling "Jurassic Park" Screening and Activities

Downtown Cary Park is set to host an evening of adventure tonight, July 19, with a screening of "Jurassic Park," courtesy of The Cary Theater. Starting at dusk, the classic dinosaur film will be shown, promising a thrilling experience for attendees.

Before the movie, activities will begin at 6 p.m., including amber rock-making crafts, photo opportunities with a Jurassic Park Jeep, and a dinosaur-themed scavenger hunt. Food trucks such as Bobasaur, Virgil's Jamaica, and Chick-N-Que will offer dinner options, while Market 317 will provide snacks and The Bark Bar will serve beverages.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees should bring their own chairs and blankets for comfort. Downtown Cary Park is dedicated to ensuring all guests have a positive experience and offers accessibility services through an event accessibility form. Read Event Info

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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.

July 19th (Friday)

July 20th (Saturday)

July 21st (Sunday)

July 22nd (Monday)

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

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, renowned for its boundless biodiversity, mist-covered mountains, and well-preserved historic settlements. Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the park offers a stunning display of wildflowers in spring and vibrant fall colors. It is a haven for hikers with over 800 miles of trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. The park's diverse ecosystems and rich cultural history make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

For more information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including visitor guides and activities, you can visit the official National Park Service website.