Chatham Co. kidnappers ID'd as illegal aliens | School board Dems reject people's choice of "Lizard Lick" | Nepotism in Franklin Co.?
No. 114 — Mar. 2-Mar. 8, 2025
School board Democrats reject democratic choice for new Wake Co. school
'Marshburn Road' picked over 'Lizard Lick' for new Wake elementary school name - WRAL
A new Wake school won’t be named Lizard Lick. Here’s why board rejected name. - N&O
As part of the process for opening a new elementary school in eastern Wake County, the school board surveyed the community regarding three possible choices for the school's name: Fall Branch, Marshburn Road, and Lizard Lick.
The community responded by a large margin, with 52% choosing Lizard Lick, and Marshburn Road receiving the second most with 25%.
Nonetheless, the school board voted to select the people's second choice on a party line vote over concerns that Lizard Lick, the name of the unincorporated community the school will be located in, has too much association with Lizard Lick Towing, a reality TV show based on the eponymous local business which aired from 2011 to 2014.
Cheryl Caulfield, the Republican school board member representing the district where the school will be located, voted against the undemocratic decision: "I’d hate to go back on that after we gave them the choice of giving their opinion."
Pair charged with kidnapping 15-year-old from Siler City identified as illegal aliens
Siler City kidnapping suspects denied bond, judge cites public threat - WRAL
Ronny Suarez and Saul Ramirez Guevara have been charged with the abduction and sexual offenses related to a fifteen-year-old girl who was found by police last week after being missing for seven days.
Although her disappearance from Siler City was initially believed to be voluntary, a statewide Amber Alert was issued after the State Bureau of Investigation was able to conduct electronic surveillance and gather additional information.
The teen was found in nearby Asheboro with Suarez, while Guevara was found and arrested in Kinston.
Suarez, from Venezuela, has an outstanding warrant for removal from our country, and is also currently facing unrelated kidnapping and assault charges in Colorado.
Saul Ramirez Guevara, from El Salvador, is also reportedly in the country illegally after having been previously deported in 2015.
Guevara and Suarez are being held without bond after a ruling by a Chatham County judge.
Protest Watch
Bunn Police officer's departure raises accusations of nepotism
At Monday's board of commissioners meeting, the Town of Bunn issued a statement in response to claims of corruption regarding the dismissal of a speeding ticket allegedly given to the nephew of an elected official, and the departure of the police officer who made the citation.
On November 14, 2024, Bunn Police Patrol Officer Phyllis Johnson issued a civil citation for driving 37 mph in a 25 mph zone to Randall White, who is claimed to be the nephew of Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White.
According to the town's statement, the Police Chief withdrew the citation after the driver complained to town staff, because Johnson was not radar certified.
However, in a notarized statement dated the following day, Johnson clarified that she did not issue tickets based on radar, but instead based on familiarizing herself with the time taken to drive between town landmarks at the speed limit.
Two complicate matters further, the town's statement claimed that Johnson was not retaliated against because of the citation, but instead had resigned two weeks before to take a position at another department.
Johnson's own niece has made a post on social media confirming her resignation on February 17th, but claims it was due to the fact that Johnson, a black woman, "refuse[d] to work for a racist," namely Chief Joseph Goodrow, a white man.
Yet, an image shared online appears to show a "Letter of Caution" from the police chief dated February 28, 2025, after Johnson's reported resignation, warning her about violating policy by "speaking with members of the Bunn Community concerning unsubstantiated claims concerning another employee."
Ahead of Trump address, hundreds protest in ‘People’s Picnic’ at North Carolina Capitol - NC Newsline
On Tuesday, Protesters gathered at the state capitol for a "picnic" following up on the previous two "50501" protests against the Trump administration, including anti-Trump, anti-Musk, and pro-Ukraine messaging, as well as at least one protester wearing a "Delay, Defend, Depose" shirt in reference to the assassination of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Hundreds rally in downtown Raleigh to protest Trump-Musk cuts to science research funds - N&O
On Friday, an unrelated (but also nationally organized) group of anti-Trump protesters gathered to specifically protest the Trump administration's cuts to science-related grants.
Speakers included Democratic Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who represents most of Wake County in the 2nd congressional district.