Six suspects have been arrested in Wake Forest as part of a multi-jurisdictional undercover sting operation targeting child sex predators and human traffickers. The December 5 and 6 joint operation involved undercover officers and agents posing as juveniles and traffickers. The suspects solicited the agents for sex or some other purpose, and meetings were set up in various locations throughout Wake Forest where they were taken into custody. The WFPD identified the six suspects arrested (photos attached and charges in parentheses): Police officials say one of the reasons child sex crimes and human trafficking are on the rise is because predators now have access to their victims via home computers and cell phones. As a result, parents should stay vigilant by keeping track of what their children are doing online and off and by asking questions. Parents can also use apps designed to monitor computer use. The Wake Forest Police Department wishes

Several local churches and community organizations will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road. The evening’s theme will center around one of Dr. King’s messages: “Be the peace you wish to see in the world.” In the spirit of the event theme, the Wake Forest MLK Committee will offer creative performance, writing, and art competitions for students in Wake Forest and Rolesville-area schools. Complete contest rules and information, along with the online contest entry form, are available at http://bit.ly/WFMLKCelebration. The competition winners will be recognized during the January 18 program. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Sarah Phelps, the pastor at St. John Episcopal Church in Wake Forest. The Wake Forest MLK Committee is accepting monetary donations from the community to help fund the

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is reminding residents to report crime and suspicious activity to law enforcement before posting the information on social media. Due to the popularity of Facebook and other social media, many people use those platforms to discuss suspicious activity and crime. The problem is that not all who describe such activity online also report it to the police. Simply put – tagging the WFPD on a social media post is not reporting a crime. Not even close. By calling 9-1-1 or 919-556-9111 and reporting the proper way, WFPD can establish credible, official records of what’s going on or what’s happened, along with the sources of the information. It’s also easier than chasing down what are sometimes dubious or fake social media posts. “We understand that most people who post warnings and similar kinds of information on social media are trying to look out for their friends

The holiday season is upon us, and the NCFST’s mobile grocery store is returning to Wake Forest just in time to make your holiday meal shopping easy. Offering fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the NCFST Mobile Market returns to 350 E. Holding Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 3-5 p.m. Open to everyone, the pay-what-you-can mobile grocery store makes fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget. When shopping, there are some limits on the amount of protein, dairy, and eggs a consumer can purchase, but no limits on produce. At checkout, shoppers will be given a suggested total. Shoppers can then pay the full amount, a portion of that amount, or nothing at all. Both cash and card payments are accepted, along with Android/Apple Pay. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/WF_NCFST or email Community Outreach Manager

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., will present “Mesmerizing Magic” featuring Jason Hudy on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Mystery. Intrigue. Comedy. Bewilderment. These are only a fraction of the qualities Jason Hudy delivers in every performance. Guaranteed to amaze and amuse the entire family, “Mesmerizing Magic” will transport you into the intricate world of magic and illusion. Promising to leave you breathless, this spellbinding one-of-a-kind performance will redefine your idea of what a magic show is! Advance tickets are $25 plus tax and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/WFRenCenTix, in person at the RC Box Office, or by calling 919-435-9458. For more information, visit www.wakeforestrencen.org/ or call the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919-435-9458.