Question: Simone Biles was the first woman to do what in official competition?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Cary Helps Supply Durham Water as Drought Drains Reservoirs
As Durham continues to grapple with drought conditions and declining reservoir levels, the city has turned to Cary for additional water from Jordan Lake to help protect its supply.
Durham officials say the city's primary reservoirs, Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, are currently just over half full. Lake Michie stands at about 40 percent capacity, while Little River is at roughly 60 percent. Based on current usage, officials estimate the remaining supply could last about three months without significant rainfall.
To help extend that timeline, Durham is now receiving an allocation of water from Jordan Lake through the Town of Cary. The arrangement provides an additional source of water as regional drought conditions persist across central North Carolina.
Durham remains under Stage 2 water restrictions, which prohibit sprinkler irrigation and the washing of vehicles and hard surfaces. Restaurants may only serve water upon request, and residents are being encouraged to reduce water use by taking shorter showers and limiting unnecessary consumption.
City officials say conservation efforts will be critical in the coming months. If conditions worsen and reservoir levels continue to fall, Durham could move to Stage 3 restrictions, which would further limit non-essential outdoor water use.
For Cary residents, the situation highlights the importance of regional water partnerships and the role Jordan Lake plays in supporting communities across the Triangle during periods of drought.
How concerned are you about local water supplies if dry conditions continue?
We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…
Our Trash, Our Choice
From Cary Spotlight Issue #969
Wake County's landfill clock is ticking. With the South Wake Landfill expected to reach capacity sometime between 2040 and 2045, county officials are actively gathering public input through their Beyond the South Wake Landfill Study — and Cary Spotlight readers had plenty of opinions on what should come first.
We asked: Wake County says the South Wake Landfill could reach capacity by 2040–2045. What should be the top priority? Here's how the votes landed:
♻️ Expand recycling programs — 25.00%
🔬 Invest in new waste management technologies — 25.00%
📚 Focus on education and reducing waste at the source — 25.00%
❓ I need more information before deciding — ~16%
🌱 Increase composting and food waste collection — ~6%
💬 Other (please specify) — ~3%
A three-way tie at the top tells its own story: Cary readers aren't waiting for a single silver bullet. Whether it's better recycling infrastructure, smarter technology, or simply changing habits at the source, the message is clear; doing something matters more than debating which something is best.
County officials are still hosting public information sessions in Cary and Raleigh, and residents can weigh in online at wake.gov/BeyondtheSWLF.
One thing's certain: when it comes to trash, nobody wants to kick the can down the road forever.
Think You Know Cary's Best Burger?
When it comes to burgers in the Cary area, our readers don't mess around. We asked, you voted, and the results are in — along with a passionate wave of write-ins that made clear this town takes its patties seriously.
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill ran away with the crown, capturing more than a third of the vote and proving that its loyal fanbase is as reliable as its kitchen. Here's how the full results shook out:
🏆 Abbey Road Tavern & Grill — 33.70%
🍔 Corbett's Burgers & Soda Bar — ~21%
🍔 Other (reader favorites) — ~16%
🍔 Bad Daddy's Burger Bar — ~11%
🍔 Shake Shack (Cary) — ~11%
🍔 Crosstown Pub & Grill — ~8%
🍔 BurgerFi (Waverly Place) — ~4%
🍔 Buffalo Brothers — ~2%
🍔 Backyard Bistro — ~1%
The "Other" category drew a lively crowd of write-ins, with readers shouting out Chargrill, Tribeca Tavern ("great homemade burgers"),
Hickory Tavern ("Don't miss the BOGOF on Mondays"),
Five Guys,
The Albatross Golf Pub,
Peck and Plum,
New York Butcher Shoppe near Maynard & Chapel Hill Rd,
Town Hall, and even Outback Steakhouse.
Readers weren't shy about sharing their enthusiasm — or their loyalty:
"Love the food and atmosphere at Abbey Road. It's a favorite of mine."
"Abbey Road really knows how to cook a burger!"
"Tribeca Tavern has great homemade burgers."
"Surprisingly, it is Hickory Tavern. Don't miss the BOGOF on Mondays."
"New York Butcher Shoppe, near Maynard & Chapel Hill Rd Intersection. This is a new family owned business worthy of a spotlight! It's part butcher & wine shop, restaurant and wine bar all rolled into one. It's become a fav neighborhood hang. Their burgers are amazing!!!"
One reader did note with some amusement: "Notice, there were no votes for McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's or Hardee's :-)" — which, fair point.
Whether you're a tried-and-true Abbey Road loyalist or still working your way through the write-in list, one thing is certain: Cary is not a town that settles for a mediocre burger.
Just curious…
Which Cary restaurant gets your vote for the best Mexican or Tex-Mex food?
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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Saturday: ACTING OUT 1PM-3PM
• Saturday: Juneteenth Celebration 4PM-9:30PM
• Saturday: NC Symphony Summerfest: Mozart by Moonlight 6PM-9:45PM
• Sunday: Art Cart: Father’s Day 10AM-1PM
• Monday: Fairy Frames 6PM-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: land a Yurchenko double pike vault
Simone Biles was the first woman to successfully land a Yurchenko double pike vault in official competition, a historic feat she debuted at the U.S. Classic. Because of this groundbreaking achievement, the move is officially named the "Biles II" in the women's Code of Points.
For more information, Simone Biles becomes first woman to land Yurchenko double pike vault in competition