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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Hank's Downtown Dive Review
📰 News: Cary Crews Clear Roads After Three Weeks of Winter Storms
📰 News: Minor Midweek Snow Chances for Wake County
📰 News: Snow Fun Turns Risky as Hospitals See Surge in Injuries
😄 Meme of the DayJust for Laughs
🎁 Your gift fuels local fun: Show Your Support
📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Scroll or Skip to your favorites.

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Question: How many US state names begin with "New"?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Hank's Downtown Dive Review

Hank's Downtown Dive is one of the local food places 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.

Hank's Downtown Dive in downtown Cary is a bohemian neighborhood spot serving creative cocktails and seasonal dishes like their famous gluten-free fried chicken, brisket tacos, and crispy eggplant in a cozy, stylish setting that's far from an actual dive.

Check out their menu on their website: Hank's Downtown Dive

Address: 111 E Chatham St, Ste A, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Hank's Downtown Dive (30 Votes)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (12)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 😊😊😊 I might give it a try (18)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:

“Nice atmosphere; delicious food. The only area in which it failed when I visited was the cocktail. I could make a better one myself.”

“All the small plates are always amazing, I recommend doing tapas style and getting a few to share! Everything is so fresh, the atmosphere is classy but cozy, the drinks are great, and the service has always been top-notch. Best nicer sit-down restaurant in DT Cary, in my opinion!”

Hank's Downtown Dive

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

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Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.

FOOD ASSISTANCE CONCERNS?

Meet the Mama Edna Project as seen on Cary Spotlight

Got gently used furniture, tools, or kitchen gadgets? Instead of tossing them out, donate them to the Mama Edna Project and turn your pre-loved goods into meals for neighbors in need. Want to shop instead? Every purchase supports local hunger relief programs.

Mama Edna’s Thrift Shop

📍 1393 Maynard Rd SE Cary, NC 27511 | ☎ 919- 649-0678
🌐 The Mama Edna Project | Facebook Page

Cary Crews Clear Roads After Three Weeks of Winter Storms

A series of back-to-back winter storms in January left roads across Wake County coated in snow and ice, but Cary Public Works crews have now cleared most major routes. Staff members have worked for up to three weeks straight, often staying overnight in hotels or work facilities to ensure continuous service. Trucks deployed brine and salt ahead of each storm and plowed through hazardous conditions, despite the risks of operating large vehicles on icy surfaces.

Crews put in 12-hour shifts, with full staffing during both day and night. Their efforts helped clear major roads efficiently, with the sun aiding the melting process. With primary routes addressed, attention has now turned to residential streets to prepare for waste collection and other town services.

The Cary Public Works Department emphasized its commitment to public safety, urging residents to be patient as teams continue working through remaining weather-related issues. Coordination with emergency services and other departments remains ongoing to keep essential services running smoothly.

Just curious…

Minor Midweek Snow Chances for Wake County

Just days after digging out from a significant winter storm, parts of central and northern North Carolina may see another brief round of snow this week. A weak weather system is expected to pass through the area between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with a chance for light rain to change into snow as temperatures dip below freezing.

Forecast models indicate only a trace to one inch of snow could fall, and the system is not expected to cause major disruptions. The event differs from last weekend’s storm, which followed an ice storm and resulted in substantial snow accumulations. While some models support a brief changeover to snow, others are less certain, and confidence in widespread snowfall remains low.

Still, residents are encouraged to monitor updates in case conditions shift. The potential for a light coating of snow exists, especially overnight, before temperatures rise into the upper 30s and low 40s on Thursday.

Snow Fun Turns Risky as Hospitals See Surge in Injuries

Winter weather has brought a significant increase in emergency room visits across central North Carolina, with sledding emerging as a major source of injuries. WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department reported that nearly half of its cases over the past weekend were related to sledding, as children sustained broken bones, head injuries, and other trauma.

UNC Health estimates a tenfold rise in overall injury visits tied to recent snow and ice. Emergency physicians point to common issues like hidden ice patches, loss of balance, and high-speed sled collisions as leading contributors. Adults have also suffered fractures and head injuries from unexpected slips on icy sidewalks and driveways.

Health officials are reminding residents to wear helmets during outdoor winter activities and to carefully inspect sledding areas for potential hazards. With snow beginning to melt, the risk may decrease, but slick surfaces remain — and the call for caution continues. Read Full Report

Meme of the Day.
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Feb 3 - Feb 9, 2026

🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

Today: Art Cart 12PM-3PM
Today: Yoga 6PM-7PM
Wednesday: Portraits of Resistance and Resilience: Honoring African American Women with Wake County Roots 9AM-5PM
Wednesday: Tai Chi: Downtown Cary Park 6:30PM-7:30PM
Thursday: Learn to Square Dance (No Charge!) 7PM-8:30PM
Thursday: Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30PM-8:30PM
Friday: Cooking Demo: SoulFULL Celebrations 6PM-8PM
Friday: Meet the Artist: Sid Thakur 6PM-8PM
Friday: Cary Apex Piano Teachers Association present 7PM-8:30PM
Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
Saturday: Gold Medal Games 1PM-5PM
Sunday: Sunday Sound Bath 4PM-5:30PM
Monday: Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet 2PM-8PM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Four

There are four US states that begin with the word "New":
1. New Hampshire
2. New Jersey
3. New Mexico
4. New York

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