Cary Spotlight | Issue #347

Hurricane Support from NC State, Zimmerman Legacy Celebrated, NC's Coolest Creation Revealed

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Quote of the Day

📰 Wake County Man Faces Over 40 New Child Sex Crime Charge

📰 NC State Rallies for Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief

📰 Winners Announced for 2024 ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’

🎖️ History Preserved: The Zimmerman Legacy and Cary Spotlight’s 200th Edition Honor

😋🍴 Savor Cary: Tribeca Tavern

☀️ Cary NC Weather

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

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the first Hispanic woman to win an Academy Award for acting?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Wake County Man Faces Over 40 New Child Sex Crime Charges

Patrick Wayne Lewter, 44, of Willow Springs, NC, is facing a total of 50 charges after new warrants were issued by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, bringing over 40 additional felony charges against him.

These new charges, which include statutory rape and human trafficking of a child victim, are linked to incidents from 2019, 2021, 2023, and two from 2024. Previously, Lewter was charged with six counts of child sex crimes in early August, stemming from a separate incident.

According to prosecutors, all charges are connected to one victim. Lewter, who was denied bond on the earlier charges, is scheduled to appear in Wake County Court to face the additional allegations. Read Full Report 

Credit: NC State University

NC State Rallies for Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief

Following a catastrophic storm that ravaged western North Carolina, NC State has stepped up to assist in the recovery efforts. The storm, which brought 30 inches of rain over three days, left major towns like Asheville and Boone without power, water, and communication services. With over 160 fatalities in North Carolina, the storm’s impact on the region's economy, especially in sectors like agriculture and tourism, is still being assessed.

Despite sustaining little damage at its Raleigh campuses, NC State’s research stations in the affected areas are now serving as hubs for distributing supplies and supporting relief efforts.

Volunteers from NC State have also been deployed to assist in the recovery, while campus-wide donation drives have been organized to collect essential goods for those in need. This response echoes the university’s long-standing commitment to supporting North Carolina during times of crisis, as it continues to play a central role in the region’s recovery process.

To help students, faculty and staff at UNC System schools Appalachian State, Western Carolina and UNC Asheville, donations can be made to three specific emergency funds:

Donations can also be made directly to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.

Winners Announced for 2024 ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’

The N.C. Chamber has revealed the winners of the 2024 ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’ competition, which celebrates innovation and excellence in the state’s manufacturing industry.

Honda Aircraft Company’s HondaJet Elite II, manufactured in Greensboro, won in the medium-to-large business category. Charlotte-based Piedmont Pennies secured the title in the small business category with their Original Sharp Cheddar Biscuit Bites.

Launched in 2020, the competition highlights the importance of manufacturing in North Carolina’s economy, which contributes 17% of the state’s gross product and employs more than 10% of its workforce.

Holly Springs-based CSL Seqirus, a key player in flu vaccine production, was also recognized for its contribution with Flucelvax, representing the Triangle area. Read Full Story

Start The Quiz

Feeling Zen or just getting by? Take this fun quiz to find out where your life is in balance and where things might be a little off-kilter. It’s fast, easy, and might even make you laugh. Ready to see how you stack up?

History Preserved: The Zimmerman Legacy and Cary Spotlight’s 200th Edition Honor

Gus Zimmerman, a loyal reader of the Cary Spotlight, has reached an impressive milestone—200 editions, earning him the title of "Silver Milestone Maverick." His connection to the newsletter runs deep, influenced by his family’s rich history.

Zimmerman has dedicated himself to preserving the memory of his grandfather, John B. Kane, who served in World War I. Kane’s service during the war became a defining narrative for Zimmerman’s family, and Gus is determined to keep that legacy alive.

In celebrating Zimmerman’s readership, Cary Spotlight also honors the personal histories that shape its community members, emphasizing how the past continues to live through those who carry its stories forward.

Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Zimmerman relocated to Cary, NC, in 2002 with the BASF company. After retiring in 2017, he and his wife published his grandfather's memoirs from World War I. Kane, a draftsman from Philadelphia, was one of the first members of the American Army Graves Registration Unit 301, where he plotted the graves of fallen soldiers, establishing the first American cemeteries on foreign soil.

Written in 1940 for his then 10-year-old daughter, Kane's memoir, "The Khaki Road of Yesterday," recounts his wartime experiences, including a brief romance in France and a commendation from General Pershing for his bravery under heavy shell fire and gas. The memoir, a family treasure kept in a desk drawer for 77 years, was finally published in 2017. The release was commemorated with an interview by Joel Brown of ABC News during Veteran's Day that year.

Zimmerman's story not only highlights his grandfather's service and the preservation of history but also serves as a testament to the enduring impact of personal narratives.

The Cary Spotlight celebrates Zimmerman's loyalty and shares this story to inspire others to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who served in World War I.

Just curious…

Credit: Tribeca Tavern

Savor Cary: Tribeca Tavern

Tribeca Tavern is one of the restaurants that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Savor Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. We will share the results of this reader poll in an upcoming issue. Checkout their menu on their website: Tribeca Tavern

Tribeca Tavern

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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Cary Spotlight’s “Savor Cary” giveaway, a new initiative designed to highlight Cary's vibrant dining scene. Subscribers can enter to win a local dining experience by referring new readers to our newsletter.

You can choose from a selection of dining experiences valued at $100 (Dine-in Gift Card). Next drawing: 24 Oct 2024.

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.

October 4th (Friday)

October 5th (Saturday)

October 6th (Sunday)

October 7th (Monday)

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

Rita Moreno became the first Hispanic woman to win an Academy Award for acting in 1962, earning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in West Side Story. 

Moreno's portrayal of the vibrant and strong-willed character was widely celebrated, and her win marked a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood for Hispanic performers. Throughout her illustrious career, Moreno has continued to break barriers, becoming one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) status.

For more information about Rita Moreno and her achievements, you can visit the Academy Awards page on Rita Moreno.