Wake Forest Power (WFP) recently implemented a new Outage Management System (OMS) that utilizes one phone number to make reporting power outages and other issues easier. The new OMS will also allow WFP to introduce an online outage map later this year. Featuring Interactive Voice Response (IVR), WFP’s new automated phone system allows customers to dial 919-435-9478 to report a power outage, make a payment, start/stop service, reconnect electric service, and report a street light outage. Previously, customers had to call a different number to report outages. WFP officials say having one number for customers to call 24 hours a day simplifies the outage reporting process and enhances the overall customer experience. Later this year, WFP will introduce an outage map on the Town of Wake Forest website (wakeforestnc.gov). The tool will assist in keeping WFP customers informed of outages and the status of those outages. It will also show

On Monday, Feb. 26, the Wake Forest Police Department received a report of a bear sighting in E. Carroll Joyner Park at 701 Harris Road. Although no one captured a photo or video, the bear was described as a cub which means its mother was likely nearby. According to the NC Wildlife Commission, bears tend to be shy and non-aggressive toward humans. However, a bear will be defensive when protecting their young or a food source or if they are startled. Although bears tend to avoid confrontations with humans in most cases, here are additional steps you can take to avoid problems with them: Finally, though it may be “easier said than done,” if you see a bear, stay calm. They are usually wary of people – unless humans feed or provoke them. Never approach, surround, or corner a bear. If it changes its natural behavior because of your presence,

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council will host the 2024 Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo Saturday, March 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. The event is free and open to everyone. Over 20 area minority and women-owned businesses are expected to participate in the expo designed to increase recognition and opportunities for minority and women business owners in our community. Local businesses already scheduled to participate include Aging Care Matters, Ataraxis Travel, Body20, Cryo Wake Forest Recovery & Wellness Spa, Kwench Juice Café, Remarkable Reflexology LLC, and Well Kept Brands. To view a complete list of participating businesses, visit https://bit.ly/WFMinorityWomenOwnedBusinessExpo.  According to a 2023 report, of all US businesses, only 2% are Black-owned, just 6% are Hispanic-owned, and only 5% are women-owned. The 2024 Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo will bring enterprising professionals together from the Wake Forest community to network and showcase their

In December 2023, the Town of Wake Forest purchased 8.3 acres of land adjacent to Devon Square and E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. On March 2, the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host the second public meeting to solicit input from residents concerning the proposed construction of a skate park, pump track, and basketball court on this property. The Saturday, March 2, meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the Walker Room at the Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road. The Walker Room is located on the second floor of JPCC. Both meetings will have the same format and content. Each will include a brief presentation, followed by an open discussion where attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share suggestions. Town staff, members of the PRCR Advisory Board, and representatives from Kimley Horn will be on

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering withPlay4Life Comics to host a Comic Book & Toy Expo Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St. Free and open to everyone, the expo will feature over 20 vendors of your favorite pop culture nostalgia offering for sale vintage comics, rare action figures, popular Pokemon cards, and more. The PRCR Department has scheduled future Comic Book & Toy Expos on June 19 and November 9. For more information, email Community Center Supervisor Grayson Pridgen at 919-554-6726 or gpridgen@wakeforestnc.gov.

The Rotary Club of Wake Forest announces its 2nd annual Cars and Carnivores Street Festival featuring a steak cookoff competition, car show, vendors and food booths on Saturday, March 23, 2024, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. in historic downtown Wake Forest.   Following last year’s success, the free street festival on Brooks Street and Owen Avenue combines a love for classic cars with the passion for grilling while raising funds to pay off past-due medical bills for local cancer patients.   “Our inaugural event raised enough money to erase the medical debt of 26 local cancer patients through our partnership with WakeMed Health & Hospitals,” said Johnny Whitfield, Wake Forest Rotary club president. “We believe alleviating financial stress for cancer patients and their families during difficult times is important in our community. By entering the car show and steak cookoff, becoming a sponsor, attending our free street festival and buying lunch from our

Wake Electric members are invited to the electric cooperative’s annual meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, in the auditorium at Louisburg College. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Join other Wake Electric members in reviewing the business of your co-op, receive free gifts and get a chance to win $1,000. Wake Electric’s business is providing electricity, but our heart is empowering our members and building the communities we serve. Cooperative businesses are not-for-profit and exist to provide exceptional service to members, rather than to make a profit. At Wake Electric, we: ** Provide payment assistance to members in need. ** Award $70,000 in teacher grants each year. ** Support local nonprofits with quarterly grants through the member-funded We Care Foundation. ** Award scholarships for local students to attend basketball camps at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill. ** Hold three gift card drawings annually for students who make at least one

Wake Electric members are invited to the electric cooperative’s annual meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, in the auditorium at Louisburg College. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Join other Wake Electric members in reviewing the business of your co-op, receive free gifts and get a chance to win $1,000. Wake Electric’s business is providing electricity, but our heart is empowering our members and building the communities we serve. Cooperative businesses are not-for-profit and exist to provide exceptional service to members, rather than to make a profit. At Wake Electric, we: ** Provide payment assistance to members in need. ** Award $70,000 in teacher grants each year. ** Support local nonprofits with quarterly grants through the member-funded We Care Foundation. ** Award scholarships for local students to attend basketball camps at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill. ** Hold three gift card drawings annually for students who make at least one

On March 3, 2024 women who are active duty or veterans of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast  Guard and National Guard will be honored at a reception hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 187 of Wake Forest. The Salute begins at 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 187, 225 E. Holding Avenue, across the street from the Wake Forest Post Office. The servicewomen will be greeted by a saber team from the Wake Forest High School JROTC. The event will include entertainment, refreshments, swag bags, door prizes, recognition of your service to the people of the United States and camaraderie with fellow servicewomen. For further information, contact the Auxiliary at unit87alaux@gmail.com or through Facebook at American Legion Auxiliary Unit 187. ###

The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2024 Meet in the Street. The 42nd anniversary of Meet in the Street, presented by Allison Caudle with Southern Lux Living and coordinated by the Wake Forest Area Chamber, will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in downtown Wake Forest.  This premier arts & crafts, music and food festival will include more than 100 artisan booths featuring handmade items for sale, dozens of food trucks, live music throughout the day on two different stages, a children’s village filled with activities for kids, and more. Admission is free. Interested in being part of this event? The application window is NOW OPEN for 2024! Click the appropriate application below to download a fillable PDF application. Arts & Crafts VendorsFood VendorsNonprofits (Chamber member exclusive)Festival Business Booths & Sponsorships ###