Cary Spotlight | Issue #526

Cary Bakes Millions of Crackers a Day, Tree Pollen Streak Continues, Final Four Showdown

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

📰 Inside the Cheez-It Plant Where Cary Bakes Millions of Crackers a Day

📰 Tree Pollen Streak Continues as Allergy Season Intensifies Across Triangle

📰 Final Four Showdown: Experience vs. Youth, Defense vs. Offense

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You!

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Which country has the most islands in the world?

(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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Inside the Cheez-It Plant Where Cary Bakes Millions of Crackers a Day

The Kellanova Cheez-It plant in Cary has transformed into a model of high-tech manufacturing. Producing up to 14.5 million crackers an hour, the facility has integrated 13,000 data points to monitor every step of the production process, from dough to packaging.

Investments in automation have increased efficiency and product quality while preserving a workforce of more than 700 people.

The plant also serves as a launchpad for local talent, with recent high school graduates filling newly created technical roles. Employees participate in daily product evaluations, ensuring that every Cheez-It—especially those stamped with a “P” for production in Cary—meets the brand’s signature taste and crunch.

With plans for future expansion already in motion, the plant is a testament to how legacy brands can thrive through innovation and local connection. Read Full Report

Tree Pollen Streak Continues as Allergy Season Intensifies Across Triangle

Central North Carolina is experiencing a record-breaking start to allergy season, with grass pollen hitting its highest-ever March levels according to the NC Division of Air Quality. At 21 grains per cubic meter, this year's grass pollen counts are the highest since monitoring began in 1999. While the visible yellow pollen from pine and oak trees continues to coat surfaces, it’s the smaller, airborne pollens from trees like elm, maple, and cedar that are more likely to cause allergic reactions.

Tree pollen levels have stayed consistently high for 15 straight days, intensifying seasonal allergy symptoms for many across the region. Unlike the large yellow particles, these smaller pollens are easily inhaled and often trigger hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

To stay informed, residents can follow daily pollen updates from the Division of Air Quality or access real-time data through their website. Read Full Report

Just curious…

How Are You Handling This Record-Breaking Pollen Season?

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Final Four Showdown: Experience vs. Youth, Defense vs. Offense

Credit: NCAA Men’s Basketball

March Madness has delivered a heavyweight showdown in San Antonio, with four No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four. Florida enters with a reputation for comeback wins and an emerging star in Walter Clayton Jr., while Auburn brings a renewed defensive edge anchored by Johni Broome.

Houston’s veteran roster and perimeter shooting will clash with Duke’s high-octane offense led by freshmen phenoms. The Cougars will try to slow the pace and challenge Duke’s youthful core with physical defense, while Duke looks to continue its march behind one of the most talented rosters in recent memory.

The national semifinals promise intensity, contrasting styles, and potentially historic performances. Whether it’s the experience of Houston or the star power of Duke, the winners Saturday will face off for the title Monday night in what’s shaping up to be a clash of modern college basketball titans. Read Full Report

Which team do you think will win the 2025 Men’s NCAA Basketball National Championship?

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Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (31 Mar 2025)

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

Meme of the Day.
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Thank You!

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Support Cary Local Businesses

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.

April 1st, 2025 (Tuesday)

April 2nd (Wednesday)

April 3rd (Thursday)

April 4th (Friday)

April 5th (Saturday)

April 6th (Sunday)

April 7th (Monday)

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

Indonesia holds the record for the most islands of any country in the world, with over 17,000 islands, of which around 6,000 are inhabited. Spread across Southeast Asia and Oceania, these islands stretch along the equator and make Indonesia the largest archipelagic state globally.

This vast island network includes major landmasses like Java, Sumatra, Borneo (shared), Sulawesi, and New Guinea (shared), offering incredible biodiversity, rich cultures, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and volcanoes.

For more information, visit Indonesia Travel - Official Tourism Website.