It took Sam Rayburn and FDR to make rural power possible By Carol Pelosi (The second of three parts.) “I’m going back to Muscle Shoals, Times are better there, I’m told.”             – Doc Watson singing “Deep River Blues” While people in towns and cities enjoyed electric lights, modern bathrooms, radios and vacuum cleaners, 6 million of America’s 6.8 million farms were powered by muscle. And for more than a decade, the dam at Muscle Shoals, Alabama stood as a symbol of that darkness. The dam had been built by the federal government during World War I at a cost of $145 million to make ammunition, nitrates and fertilizer. After the war, proponents of electricity for rural America wanted to use the dam to produce some of that power. But the privately owned utility companies were very powerful – and very rich because pyramids of ownership allowed them to siphon

The Wake Forest Gazette asked Chris Terrell, the electric utility director, some questions this week about Wake Forest Power’s plan to convert all its lines from pole supported to underground, a project he told the town board and staff at the recent retreat was 50 percent complete. The Gazette asked if Wake Forest Power will include the secondary lines, those connected to the house or business. “We are only looking to convert the primary (feeder lines) underground. The secondary lines will be dealt with case by case. Examples of this can be seen on the part of White Street closest to the post office,” Terrell responded by email. In other words, homeowners may have to bear the cost if they want their lines underground and protected. An ice storm like the one the town experienced in the 1980s or another Hurricane Fran can tear your service connection from the side

The Wake Forest Woman’s Club is sponsoring a Chili & Soup Dinner and Raffle on Saturday, February 24, 4 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall Post 187, 225 E. Holding Avenue, Wake Forest.  Soups offered are choice of Chicken Vegetable, Broccoli Cheddar, Lentil Chili (vegetarian and gluten free), and Beef Chili. All dinners are $12.00 and include choice of soup or chili, corn muffin, drink and cookie. Take out orders are $12.00 for 32 ounce/quart containers.  Dinner tickets, take out soup and raffle tickets can be purchased through the club website at www.wake-forest-womans-club.com The Wake Forest Woman’s Club works to strengthen the community and enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. ###

The 2024 primary election is Tuesday, March 5. Early voting begins Thursday, Feb. 15, and continues through Saturday, March 2, at the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., and 12 other locations throughout Wake County. The Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries from residents and candidates concerning rules for political signs. Although temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues are permitted, a combination of state law and municipal code regulates how political signs may be displayed within Wake Forest. To ensure these conditions are met, adherence is required to the following regulations establishing the duration, size, placement, and illumination of political signs: Duration  Placement  Size  Illumination  Thank you in advance for your cooperation in ensuring your campaign workers are aware of these regulations. Please be advised that the Town will remove signs and issue notice of violations for signs that do not comply with law. Our goal is to be fair and impartial in administering these rules.