Cary Spotlight | Issue #481

Kickstart Consulting and Martial Arts, Cary Police Arrest NC State Project Manager, Public Hearing Set for Proposed Buffer Reduction

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Beverly!

🧭 Discover Cary: Kickstart Consulting and Martial Arts

📰 Cary Police Arrest NC State Project Manager in Child Exploitation Case

📰 Cary High School Sports: What’s Streaming

📰 Public Hearing Set for Proposed Buffer Reduction at 336 Chestnut Walk Drive

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Who was the first African American woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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Editor’s Note: What I am jamming while putting together today’s issue. Enjoy!

Ready to Shop for a Cause?
Turner Creek Elementary’s Yard Sale Fundraiser isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about making a difference! This special event helps fund the 5th-grade class trip to Kure Beach, ensuring that all students, teachers, and chaperones can attend without financial barriers.

📅 February 15-16, 2025
 10 AM - 2 PM
📍 306 Capistrane Dr, Cary, NC 27519

Email Kelley to donate items: [email protected]

Every purchase and donation helps! Want to take part? Stop by, spread the word, or bring items to contribute. Let’s make this a success for our students!

Kickstart Consulting and Martial Arts

Summary

In this episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, Dr. Chris Coetzer interviews Kevin Spruill, founder of Kickstart Consulting Services, who shares insights about his business focused on helping small and medium enterprises with HR and operational challenges.

Kevin discusses his unique approach to consulting, which includes offering martial arts training as a team-building activity. He emphasizes the importance of empowerment in both business and martial arts, drawing from his personal experiences to inspire others.

Keywords: business consulting, small business, HR operations, martial arts, team building, empowerment, entrepreneurship, Kickstart Consulting, Cary, North Carolina

Takeaways:

  • Kickstart Consulting Services targets small and medium businesses.

  • Many small businesses fail within their first two years due to mismanagement.

  • Kevin's martial arts training offers a unique team-building experience.

  • The consulting services are tailored to meet the specific needs of clients.

  • Empowerment is a core philosophy in both Kevin's martial arts and business practices.

  • Networking with local businesses has been beneficial for Kevin's consulting.

  • Kevin's personal experience with being robbed inspired his martial arts journey.

  • The consulting approach is akin to progressing through martial arts belts.

  • Kevin aims to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively.

  • The conversation encourages small business owners to reach out for support.

What to do next:

Need expert guidance on scaling your small business or improving team engagement? Kevin is here to help. Take the next step toward success by connecting with Kickstart Consulting Services today. Begin your journey to business growth and empowerment by visiting Kevin’s website.

Kevin wants to connect with fellow small business owners!
📩 Website: www.kickstartservices.org

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We’d love to hear from you! Let us know how aware you are of Kickstart Consulting Services, a business dedicated to helping small and medium enterprises with HR and operational challenges:

How Familiar Are You with Kickstart Consulting Services?

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Cary Police Arrest NC State Project Manager in Child Exploitation Case

Jonathan Bell, a project manager at NC State University, has been charged with 22 felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, including eight first-degree charges. The investigation began last year when a Google tip alerted authorities to potentially illicit online activity.

Cary Police arrested Bell on Wednesday, and he is now being held on a $500,000 secured bond. Court records indicate that some of the material recovered allegedly involved a child as young as two years old.

Bell was previously charged with one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor in September and released on a $250,000 bond at that time. The prosecution states that the case remains under active investigation, with additional evidence emerging in recent months.

His defense attorney contends that Bell has fully cooperated with authorities throughout the process. If convicted, his most serious charges could lead to a maximum sentence of more than 19 years in prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for next month. Read Full Report

Cary High School Sports: What’s Streaming

The NFHS Network, offers live and on-demand streaming of high school sports across 27 different sports. Learn more and stream events.

You can save time and use our link to events for the next 7 days:

  1. Cary High School (Upcoming Streaming Events)

  2. Panther Creek High School (Upcoming Streaming Events)

  3. Green Level High School (Upcoming Streaming Events)

  4. Green Hope High School (Upcoming Streaming Events)

  5. Cary Academy (Upcoming Streaming Events)

  6. Anthens Drive High School (Upcoming Streaming Events)

  7. Middle Creek High School (Upcoming Streaming Events)

Just curious…

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Public Hearing Set for Proposed Buffer Reduction at 336 Chestnut Walk Drive

The Cary Zoning Board of Adjustment will convene on March 3, 2025, to consider a variance request related to a streetscape buffer requirement at 336 Chestnut Walk Drive. The request, submitted by Autumnwood Homeowners Association of Cary, Inc., seeks a reduction of approximately 18.5 feet from the 80-foot buffer mandated by the Cary Land Development Ordinance (LDO). If approved, the adjusted buffer would have a variable width, with the narrowest portion measuring 61.58 feet.

The hearing will be conducted as a quasi-judicial proceeding, meaning all testimony must be sworn under oath. Residents and other interested parties may attend and speak on the matter at the Town Hall Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.

For those seeking additional information, Cary’s 311 service is available within town limits, or 919-469-4000 for callers outside Cary.

Just curious…

We’d love to hear from you! What’s most important to you when it comes to Cary’s growth and development?

What Matters Most in Cary’s Development?

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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.

February 15th (Saturday)

February 16th (Sunday)

February 17th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Question 👇👇👇

Ava DuVernay made history as the first African American woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards with Selma (2014). The film, which chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the 1965 Selma voting rights marches, received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling. DuVernay has continued to break barriers in the film industry, directing impactful projects like 13th and When They See Us, which explore racial injustice in America.

For more information, visit: Academy Awards - Ava DuVernay.