In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Kathy!

📰 Wake County Drug Bust Uncovers Massive Fentanyl Seizure, Highlights Crisis

📰 Murder Investigation Unfolds in Cary as Authorities Release New Information

📰 Reader Poll Results: How Do You Feel About Cary’s Annual Water Disinfection Change?

⭐ Look Up! Seven Planets Align Tonight—Next Chance in 2040

🧭 Discover Cary: Zest Sushi and Small Plates Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Who was the first Black golfer to win the Masters Tournament?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Song of the Day - Editor’s Pick

Meme of the Day.
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Wake County Drug Bust Uncovers Massive Fentanyl Seizure, Highlights Crisis

A significant law enforcement operation in Wake County has led to 17 arrests and the confiscation of illicit substances, firearms, and assets. The DEA’s "Exploding Kilo" initiative, carried out Wednesday morning, resulted in the seizure of 55 guns, hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, and a lethal quantity of fentanyl—enough to cause nearly 70,000 fatal overdoses. Authorities have called it one of the most extensive drug busts in North Carolina history.

The scale of the operation highlights the state’s ongoing battle against fentanyl, which has become the leading cause of overdose deaths. North Carolina sees an average of nine fentanyl-related fatalities per day, with over 37,000 deaths from drug overdoses recorded between 2000 and 2022. While national data suggests a decline in overdoses from late 2023 into 2024, addiction recovery experts stress that access to treatment remains a key factor in saving lives.

Healing Transitions, a local recovery center, has seen a rise in individuals seeking help, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Increased availability of medications like methadone and Suboxone, along with expanded distribution of naloxone—the overdose reversal drug—has contributed to a decrease in overdose deaths. However, experts warn that more resources and community support are needed to maintain progress in addressing substance use disorders.

For those in need of assistance, recovery services and harm reduction programs continue to provide vital support across the region. Read Full Report

Murder Investigation Unfolds in Cary as Authorities Release New Information

Investigators have released additional information about the homicide of Rebecca Rene Carter, the manager of CubeSmart self-storage in Cary, who was found dead in her apartment on Trinity Road last Wednesday. Her boyfriend, Travis Wynton Huff, has been charged with her murder.

Search warrants detail that Huff admitted to strangling and stabbing Carter following an argument that escalated into violence. After the attack, he left the scene and later returned with a friend, where they reportedly used crack cocaine while Carter’s body remained in the bedroom.

Huff eventually called 911 to report the crime, telling the operator that he had killed her. When police arrived, they found Carter with the weapon still in her chest. Investigators also discovered that Huff had texted her employer to say she was sick, in an apparent attempt to prevent suspicion when she did not report to work.

Huff remains in custody and faces serious legal consequences, including the possibility of life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted.

Read Full Article

Reader Poll Results: How Do You Feel About Cary’s Annual Water Disinfection Change?

Last week, we asked Cary Spotlight readers how they feel about the town’s annual water disinfection process. The results show a mix of opinions, with some residents unaffected while others take extra steps to address the taste and odor. The Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility will conduct its annual water disinfection switchover from March 1 to April 10, 2025.

Key Findings:

• 31.58% (6 out of 19 voters) said they don’t like the change and actively filter or improve their water due to taste and odor concerns.

• Several respondents noted a noticeable chlorine smell or taste but did not find it to be a major issue.

• Some expressed health concerns about how the change might impact their home, health, or sensitive systems.

• A few voters did not notice any difference in their water.

• Some respondents were unaware of the disinfection change and found this information new.

Solutions: How Cary Residents Can Improve Water Taste & Quality

If you're sensitive to the chlorine taste or smell, here are some simple filtration solutions that can help:

1️⃣ Use an Activated Carbon Filter

• Pitcher filters (e.g., Brita, PUR) remove chlorine and improve taste.

• Faucet-mounted filters provide instant chlorine reduction.

• Refrigerator water filters also help if you use your fridge's water dispenser.

2️⃣ Let Your Water Sit Before Drinking

• Fill a glass container and let it sit uncovered for several hours or overnight.

• Chlorine naturally dissipates over time, reducing odor and taste.

3️⃣ Boil Water Before Use

• Boiling for 5 minutes can help remove chlorine faster.

• Allow the water to cool before drinking.

4️⃣ Install a Whole-House Filtration System

• If you're particularly sensitive to water changes, consider a whole-house filtration system to remove chlorine from all taps, showers, and appliances.

5️⃣ Shower with a Chlorine-Reducing Filter

• If you have skin sensitivity or dry hair, a showerhead filter can help reduce chlorine exposure.

Takeaway:

While the annual switch to free chlorine disinfection is a routine process, the poll results indicate that a significant portion of residents take steps to adjust their water quality. If you’re noticing a difference, simple filtration solutions can help improve taste and odor.

Residents with concerns or persistent discoloration can contact 311 or visit carync.gov/waterchange for further information.

Look Up! Seven Planets Align Tonight—Next Chance in 2040

A rare astronomical event will take place this evening as seven planets—Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars—align in the night sky. This type of planetary alignment is uncommon, and the next occurrence won’t take place until 2040.

While all seven planets will be in formation, only four—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars—will be bright enough to see without equipment. Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope, and Saturn will be challenging to observe due to its proximity to the Sun.

Stargazers hoping to catch a glimpse should head to an area with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the horizon. The best time to observe the alignment will be shortly after sunset.

This planetary parade offers a rare chance to witness an extraordinary celestial display before it disappears for another 15 years.

Zest Sushi and Small Plates Review

Zest Sushi and Small Plates is one of the local restaurants nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. Here are the results from our last reader poll (see below). Check out their menu on their website: Zest Sushi and Small Plates

Address: 175 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results (Issue # 444)

Zest Sushi and Small Plates (7 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (please share your recommendation) (4) 🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (3)

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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 28st (Friday)

• GLOW (All Day)

• Joely C. Rogers: Night Creatures 6PM-8PM

• Scripture: Seed of Hope 6PM-8PM

• Lisa Carl: Encaustic Painting Demo 6PM-8PM

• Cary Apex Piano Teacher's Association presents Around The World in 88 Keys 7PM-8:30PM

• Jason Adamo Presents: North Carolina Songwriters in the Round 7PM-10PM

March 1st (Saturday)

• GLOW (All Day)

• NC Symphony: The Ring Without Words 12PM-6PM

• Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM

• Yoga 8AM-9AM

March 2nd (Sunday)

• GLOW (All Day)

• Deconstructing "A Hard Days Night" with Scott Freiman 2PM-3PM

March 3rd (Monday)

• GLOW (All Day)

• Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board 5:15PM-7:15PM

• Information Services Advisory Board 6PM-8PM

• Zoning Board of Adjustment 6:30PM-8:30PM