Women's Clothing Boutique Near Me Fuquay Varina, NC

RALEIGH, N.C.(WNCN) — The U.S. 401 Corridor Study Team is looking for feedback for a new set of improvement recommendations for sections of a busy highway.

The study includes 19-miles of U.S. 401 from Banks Road in Wake County south through the Town of Fuquay-Varina to the N.C. Highway 210 and U.S. Route 421 intersection near Lillington in Harnett County.

The study is focused on improving existing U.S. 401 and exploring alternative alignments for the a future portion U.S. 401. Planner say improvements to existing portions of U.S. 401 and existing area roadways will be prioritized and completed before any work is done on a potential future portion of U.S. 401 is planned built.

A top goal of the project is to reduce congestion and increase vehicle capacity in an increasingly growing part of the Triangle. The project also hopes to encourage economic development in the corridor and to accommodate more modes of transportation like buses, bikes and pedestrians.

For the section in Wake County, planners are additional lanes in the segment that runs from Banks Road to N.C. 55 and through a portion that runs from Judd Parkway SW to the Harnett County line. Multi-use paths or sidewalk and bicycle lanes are recommended throughout the corridor.

Additional lanes and a reduction in speed limit are recommended for some parts of U.S. 401 in Harnett County. More signals and redesign of three railroad crossings are also recommended in this area.

Planners are also recommending additional lanes in the area of U.S. 401 near NC 55, Angier Bypass, and NC 210. They also recommend a continuation of the Angier Bypass.

A public input meeting was scheduled for Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Fuquay-Varina. A virtual Ask a Planner session is scheduled for later this week. Click here for information on that meeting. You may also click here to give your input through the survey.

The project team is available to answer questions. Send an email to US401CorridorStudy@PublicInput.com or call 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 4800 when prompted.

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WTVD) -- If you want to see the residual impacts of the Triangle's rapid growth, you don't need to go far.

Less than 20 miles south of Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina's population has more than doubled since the 2010 census. The town's estimated population was roughly 18,000 people in 2010, which has ballooned to more than 40,000. Mayor Blake Massengill said the town's never been more prosperous, and that's due in part to all the growth around them.

"All ships rise with the rising tide. You know, good things happen there," Massengill said. "And so what's good for us is good for our neighbors and what happens in a neighboring community is good right here, too."

SEE ALSO | ABC11 tracks growth across the region through Boomtowns

Aviator Brewing is an example of that success. The business, which started as a brewery, has grown to fill space on both sides of Broad Street and boasts a BBQ restaurant, tap house, beer shop and pizzeria. Their owner, Mark Doble, is now building a new manufacturing and entertainment complex just down the street from their cluster of restaurants.

"The growth in Fuquay-Varina has been crazy over the last 15 years that we've been in business. So when we see growth, we grow with it," Doble said.

Lights Unlimited, Inc. is also enjoying the rapid growth. As a provider and installer of light fixtures, they've worked with many of the new developments recently constructed in the town.

"All the homes are going up a lot around here. So everybody's coming in to upgrade lighting," said Josh Skula, whose family owns the business.

SEE ALSO | Zebulon works to enhance business community as population increases

Skula said the continued construction of homes is great for business, but it can be a little challenging for traffic.

"They're doing a great job of trying to accommodate that but it's definitely still something that needs to be addressed, I believe because it's 5 o'clock traffic. It don't matter if it's 10 a.m., it's 5 o'clock traffic in Fuquay," he said.

There's even more on the way. A massive, mixed-use development off of Judd Parkway is already under construction, and an expansive retail area isn't far behind it.

"The Gold Leaf Crossing project is breaking ground this summer. That's a new high-end retail commercial project, has nearly 1 million square feet of retail, is bringing in retail opportunities that we don't have in Fuquay-Varina," said Massengill.

SEE ALSO | 'Leaps and bounds.' Angier embracing growth, challenges offered

By Pat Welter, WRAL Sports multimedia journalist

Fuquay-Varina, N.C. — "Seniors it's going to go fast, this is your last first practice," Jeb Hall said to a group of about 100 high schoolers in football pads and practice jerseys. "Fly around, have fun and let's make some good memories."

Hall is entering his 19th year with the Fuquay-Varina High School football program and has been head coach since 2013. In his experience, the 105 kids they have out for practice on the first day will dwindle after some of the newcomers realize what it takes to win.

"Right now, we are trying to see what it means to them," Hall said. "Some have been here all summer, quite a few this is the first time we've seen them.

"Usually, day one and two you find out who really wants to be here."

The Bengals are coming off a 6-5 season and first-round playoff exit, in which they lost by one point. Their five losses were by an average of 4.8 points.

"It's the little things!" Hall yelled at his team after halting a conditioning drill because too many people were stepping on the starting line and not behind it. "Little problem, turned into a big problem!"

One player whose dedication and attention to detail Hall doesn't have to question is senior captain Malcolm Ziglar.

"It's nice as a coach having a guy like that," Hall said. "Talented, respectful, good leader."

The once tall, skinny freshman is now a physical specimen as one of the top recruits in the state of North Carolina. His primary position is safety, but he also plays receiver and wing back for the Bengals.

"Bitter sweet to be out here, first official day of practice," Ziglar said. "Bitter because it's my last first practice of high school. Lot of these kids I've grown up with, played with forever."

It's hard to imagine a guy with Ziglar's size and speed didn't receiver his first Power Five offer until January, but once the first one came in from Vanderbilt some of the top programs in the country followed. South Carolina, Clemson, Notre Dame and Penn State to name a few.

"Whenever it gets too much, just power your phone off," Ziglar said about the recruiting attention. "Sometimes, it's good to have no phone, be around family, be around friends and just enjoy high school."

Ziglar is doing his best to enjoy the present, but he has his future planned now as well. In July, he committed to the University of North Carolina. The Tar Heels were his favorite team growing up, but he tried to not let fandom influence his decision.

"Really just sit down and say, 'Just because this is my favorite school when I was younger doesn't mean it's the best school for me,'" Ziglar said. "[It] just happened that it was and it panned out.

Of course, if you believe in fate, Ziglar to UNC was predestined a decade ago.

UNC lands commitment from Malcolm Ziglar, 4-star safety at Fuquay-Varina

At Optimist Club Farm in Apex, you'll find plenty of open fields, which means you'll find football. On a hot August evening, hours removed from Ziglar's high school practice, his North Carolina Tar Heels key chain is resting in the grass. He's out on the field in his UNC hoodie and shorts only he's not playing. He's coaching.

"Back pedal, there you go, plant!" Ziglar said while running a defensive back drill for the Fuquay-Varina area East Wake Football youth league team. Ziglar is volunteering his time with the kids, but he's also helping his dad.

"Come on, come on, all the way to the line," said Sharndell Ziglar, who goes by Sean, as he helped a kid finish a conditioning drill.

"Coaching has always been my passion so it's been great to be out here," Sean Ziglar said. "Working with the kids and helping the parents. Teaching them to love the game like I do."

Sean Ziglar played high school football in Virginia and is the head coach of the team "Strong Center for Excellence." He's able to volunteer his time now, but when Malcolm was a kid, he'd spend months at a time away.

"I would go to the grocery store and have a [child] strapped to me, one on the cart, one walking beside me," Malcolm's mother, Ty Ziglar, remembered. "So, you know it was hard."

Sean is a retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class.

"I wouldn't change anything about my story," Sean Ziglar said. "The Navy was great to me, I think it made us who we are."

Sean Ziglar served 20 years in the Navy. He was deployed three different times over seas. In 2013 he was serving a 10-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea when he was given a gift. He got to come home early.

"I remember telling the kids, 'we're just going down to the field to be honored' because it was Veterans Day weekend at Carolina," Ty Ziglar said. "That's all that they thought."

It was a home football game versus Virginia and Sean Ziglar had already been home for a few days. Ty Ziglar reached out to the University of North Carolina, Sean's favorite team, in hopes of creating a special moment, even though that meant keeping his return a secret from the kids.

"I'd always seen those homecoming videos done, but I didn't know about how to go about making that happen," Ty Ziglar said. "A few weeks later [UNC] reached out to me and I developed this amazing relationship with [Senior Associate Athletic Director] Rick Steinbacher, who helped me coordinate and then make it happen that game day.

Ty Ziglar took the field with Malcolm and the rest of her children Matthew, Breana and Reagan. They were greeted by a video message from Sean Ziglar on the jumbotron.

"Hello, wife and kids," Sean started on the pre-recorded message that appeared to be from the Naval carrier. "Daddy loves you, be smart, listen to Mommy," Sean Ziglar continued when the signal started to cut out.

"They made it look like the video was messing up," Sean Ziglar remembered. "They pointed them toward the end zone and that's where I was walking out at."

"Guess what your dad is home, and he's home for good!" The PA announcer exclaimed to a loud cheer from the crowd as Sean revealed himself walking out of a tunnel in the end zone. All of the kids and Ty ran to him. Malcolm got there first showing a burst of speed that could have gotten him an offer then and there.

"Malcolm runs and leaps in my arms," Sean said. "[It was a] great day."

"Honestly, I forget I was at the game," Malcolm Ziglar remembered. "It was just a very family environment moment, knowing the family was going to be back to one as a whole."

As part of Malcolm Ziglar's commitment announcement, he used the video of the homecoming in a tweet.

"For UNC to do that thing for my dad and then to end up being able to commit there," Malcolm Ziglar said. "[I am] really just appreciative of the whole staff and the whole community of UNC for everything they've done."

"I love that, it speaks to my husband coming home and for Malcolm to feel like Carolina is home for him and I felt that way," Ty Ziglar said. "He finally came to me and told me where he was going and I told him I feel like this is home for you. This is where you're supposed to be."

Sean Ziglar sacrificed a lot of his kid's childhood's for the good of his country. With Malcolm Ziglar playing close to home, he's thankful he can be a part of this next step.

"I've missed some time and missed some games and now I don't want to miss any," Sean Ziglar said. "So, being able to catch games at that level, it'll make it all seem like it was worth it."

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WNCN) — Hundreds of people walked across Fleming Loop Park in Fuquay-Varina Saturday evening for the annual Out of the Darkness Walk, which raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Those participating are hoping they can make an impact in the fight to prevent suicide.

“Back in 1996, I lost my son Torian by suicide,” said Kathy Williams.

Since that tragedy, Williams has been an advocate for battling suicides.

“This mother has been doing the work since then,” raising awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention, “We did not know the signs and symptoms of mental illness or depression. I believe that’s what led to his suicide, and he didn’t talk about it, and of course, at that time, we didn’t talk about it. So that’s another reason I do what I do.”

Walking alongside her family, Williams joined many others who have been impacted by suicide.

The annual event is a key fundraising effort for the Central Carolina chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the world. With that research, we’ve learned most of what we know about suicide prevention,” said Katie Rich, a North Carolina board member with the organization.

The fight for suicide prevention has had amplified meaning over the last couple of years, with the COVID pandemic having a drastic impact on many people’s mental health.

“Events like these, I get goosebumps because it’s people who have all been touched by suicide coming together. Human connection is the one thing we need as a species,” Rich said.

It’s a feeling echoed by Williams.

“It lets you know one thing, that you’re not alone, that it’s still happening, but also that people care and that something can be done about, we can prevent suicide.”

This year’s event has raised more than $54,000.

In addition to research, AFSP also provides resources for people of all ages across the Triangle. If you, or someone you love is in crisis, you can get help by dialing 9-8-8, the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

This is a modal window.

No compatible source was found for this media.

Voters in Wake County towns consider tax rate hikes for parks

A combined $200 million worth of parks and recreation bonds are on the ballot next month. It would pay for new parks, greenways and community centers.

Voters in Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs and Wendell will decide whether the upgrades are worth paying a higher tax rate.

WRAL News Brief

Watch More

Voters in all three towns will vote on the bonds on Nov. 7.

Proposed park upgrades in Fuquay-Varina

For example, funding is on the ballot to transform the 170-acre Hilltop Needmore Park and Preserve in Fuquay-Varina, a former golf course, into a park with new ballfields and pickleball courts.

“Bonds are the most efficient, cheapest way we can borrow money as a town to pay for projects to happen,” said Fuquay-Varina Mayor Blake Massengill.

A $60 million bond would pay for those upgrades and renovations to the community center..

A new 70-acre park, indoor sports complex and greenway are also part of the bond. It would increase the tax rate by 8 cents. It adds up to about $224 more a year for the average homeowner.

“Within 5 years, all of these types of projects can be under construction and our citizens can be enjoying them,” Massengill said.

Proposed park upgrades in Holly Springs

“Our youth sports leagues are really maxing out in terms of the number of teams we can put in because we don’t have the facilities to be able to manage,” said Holly Springs Parks and Recreation Director LeeAnn Plumer.

Holly Springs’ population has doubled since the last parks bond in 2011. U.S. Census Bureau data shows Holly Springs has about 45,945 residents as of July 1, 2022.

In April 2010, Holly Springs had 24,661 residents.

“Families that have been attracted here are now bringing their parents down, and our senior population is growing,” Plumer said. “We want to make sure we can provide those services, whether they be social activities or physical activities, to everybody in the community.”

In Holly Springs, proposals include a multi-generational indoor rec center, pickleball courts, basketball courts, a splashpad and a skatepark. All are part of a new park that would be paid for by a $100 million bond.

It would cover 56 acres of land across from Holly Springs High School on Cass Holt Road.

The bond would also pay for new outdoor basketball courts and dugout renovations at Womble Park and upgrades to Sugg Farm Park and the Cultural Center Theatre.

A 5-cent tax rate increase would cost the typical Holly Springs household roughly $187.68 per year.

“Holly Springs is a growing community,” Plumer said. “It’s a special place, and in order to meet the demands of our businesses and residents, we need to plan for today and the future.”

Proposed upgrades in Wendell

Together, Wendell’s parks and transportation bonds are $50 million. The parks bond would pay for a new athletic field complex and a new recreation center plus expand the Buffalo Creek and Main Street Greenways.

The tax rate increase would cost the typical homeowner about $165 more a year.