‘Spirits’ return to downtown during tour

If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall, then don’t miss the Spirits of Wake Forest ghost walk in downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., in partnership with Firebox Theatre Company, these tours will be offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, from September 28 through October 28, according to the following schedule: Tickets are $15 each and go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 5, at noon at https://bit.ly/SpiritsofWF. Please note: Tickets are non-refundable/non-transferable and must be purchased in advance. Tours will take place rain or shine. Tours are recommended for ages 8 and up, but younger children are welcome at their parents’ discretion. Any attendees under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Downtown Wake Forest’s buildings and sidewalks have seen well over 100 years of history, and they have some spooky stories to tell! Join WFD, Inc. and Firebox Theatre Company’s incredible cast of

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Normalize AI at RenCen Oct. 5

Normalize AI is a unique event aimed at equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools to leverage AI for their advantage.   The event will feature a keynote speech by the renowned Stefan Youngblood, followed by a panel discussion with four successful business owners who are already utilizing AI.   The event is scheduled for October 5th, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Renaissance Center in Wake Forest. Attendees will not only enjoy a delicious breakfast, but will also have the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations with experts in the field. AI is transforming the way we do business, and this event will provide you with the necessary information to stay ahead of the curve.   Don’t miss out on this cutting-edge event. Register now to secure your spot! Tickets are $55 for chamber members, $70 for nonmembers. To reserve your seat, call or email Julie Kruse-John at

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Enter Public Art Selfie Contest now

The Public Art Commission is promoting the October 7 Community Celebration of the Arts and raising awareness about Wake Forest’s amazing array of public art by hosting a “Public Art Selfie Contest.” Through Thursday, Oct. 5, Wake Forest residents and families are invited to take selfies in front of works of public art, then share their photos through the online form on the Town website at https://bit.ly/WFCelebrationoftheArts. Each week, we’ll post on the Town of Wake Forest Facebook page the pictures we’ve received that week and upload them to our online photo gallery. The submitted photos will also be included in a photo slideshow unveiled during the Community Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 7. Everyone who enters the contest will be entered in a prize drawing for “Downtown Dollars” during the event.  Please note: You do not have to be present to win. To learn more about Wake Forest’s

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Fall Classic Pickleball Tourney Oct. 6-8

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department and the Wake Forest Pickleball Club will host the Wake Forest Third Annual Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament Friday-Sunday, Oct. 6-8, at the Flaherty Park Tennis Complex, 1226 North White Street. The entry fee is $45 per player, plus $10 for each additional event. No registrations will be accepted on the day of the tournament. Complete tournament details, including registration information, are available at https://bit.ly/WFPickleball. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 27. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Sandy Brasseale at 501-772-7439 or sandybpickleball@gmail.com. ###

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Mental Wellness Fair at RenCen Oct. 21

The Town of Wake Forest and several community partners will host a Mental Wellness & Self Care Fair Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. Free and open to the public, the event is designed to raise awareness about mental wellness and share information about programs, services, and resources available to loved ones who may be suffering from untreated or undertreated mental illness. Led by Commissioner Nick Sliwinski, the fair will feature presentations on a variety of topics by experts from several local mental health organizations. Several vendors will also be onsite from organizations, agencies, and non-profits that provide services in the areas of mental health, health care, social services, and more.  This event is open to all – whether you need help or want to know how to support those who do. Preregistration is encouraged – but not required –

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The Growth Rate

Based on the July, 2023 Monthly Development Report, WF Planning Updated September 25, 2023 The updated Wake Forest population as of January 1, 2023 was 54,274. In 2021 the population was 50,244. The best current estimates are that between seven and eight people move to town each day. How rezoning and development requests are now heard Planning Director Courtney Tanner gave this response to a query: All legislative cases (rezonings) have a public hearing at the Commissioner meeting and a public comment session at the Planning Board. A special use permit has a public hearing at the Commissioner meeting. Administrative (correct zoning and comply with the UDO) cases are approved at the staff level. What town board approval means now Senior Planner Patrick Reidy explained what the town board’s approval of new subdivisions means under the new state and town requirements. “They approved the conditional rezoning/master plan. Both projects will

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Town commits to building S-Line station

Tuesday evening, September 19, the Wake Forest Town Board unanimously committed to building a station on the future S-Line between Richmond and Raleigh and in the shorter time frame, a possible/probable commuter rail line between Henderson and Raleigh. The station will be on a historic site, the South White Street parking lot where the Seaboard freight station once stood. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will oversee the S-Line Mobility Hub Program helping each town along that rail line with federal grants for the planning and construction costs for the hubs (stations) with the towns providing a 20 percent match. Mayor Vivian Jones pointed out Wednesday that NCDOT has applied for that grant from the federal government but has not received it yet. With the unanimous vote Tuesday, the town pledges to contribute $3.3 million to receive $13.2 million in federal funds. The town will pay in increments as the

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Final power rate increase to be this month

The second and final rate increase of the year for Wake Forest Power residential customers will take effect in September. In March, confronted with spiraling equipment and materials costs and major supply chain issues following a string of mild winters, and facing a potential deficit of as much as $12 million over the next three to four years, the Board of Commissioners voted to raise residential rates 9.5 percent in both April and September. September’s rate increase means that a customer using an average of 910 kWh per month who is now paying $135.75 a month ($1,628.96/year) will pay nearly $13 more per month ($148.58/month and $1,782.94/year). Despite this year’s two rate hikes, the September increase will mark only the fifth time since 2008 WFP has raised electric rates. A division of the Town of Wake Forest, Wake Forest Power operates as an enterprise system which means no taxpayer dollars

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Commissioner candidates at forum Sept. 23

The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee will host a Board of Commissioners Candidate’s Forum Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 South Brooks Street. The six candidates vying for three seats on the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners will be present, including Tom Ballman, Ben Clapsaddle, Faith Cross, Joe Kimray, Jim Thompson, and Adam Wright. The forum will be in two parts. From 6 to 7:15 p.m. there will be questions for the candidates posed by the chairman of the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee Brian Pate followed from 7:15 to 8 p.m. by time when audience members may speak with the candidates and ask their own questions. The event is free and open to the public. Seats will be filled on a first-come basis. Wake Forest residents who are unable to attend the forum can watch a rebroadcast

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Tree Trail Trek at Joyner September 23

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department and the Neuse River Hawks Conservationists are partnering to commemorate the “Year of the Trail” by hosting a “Tree Trail Trek” Saturday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. The event will feature NRHC volunteers stationed at 20 different trees along the trails at Joyner Park sharing information and answering questions about a variety of native trees and their value to wildlife, including Water Hickory, Southern Magnolia, Loblolly Pine, Sassafras, Pecan, Tulip Poplar and Longleaf Pine. Designed to encourage physical activity and engage individuals and families in an outdoor adventure that fosters a meaningful connection to Joyner Park’s natural environment, the Tree Trail Trek is free, and no registration is required. Anyone interested in participating should begin at the kiosk adjacent to the entrance to the Joyner Park parking lot and follow the directional signs. For

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