Garner Fire-Rescue and Town Announce 2026 Firefighters Festival and Downtown Parade

Garner Fire-Rescue and the Town of Garner announced official scheduling and opened public parade and vendor registrations for the 2026 Garner Firefighters Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Centered around historic Fire Station #1 at 503 W. Main Street, the long-standing annual festival celebrates the dedication of local firefighters and emergency personnel while serving as one of the town’s most cherished autumn traditions.

A centerpiece of the festival is the traditional community parade kicking off at 2:00 p.m. along Main Street, traveling west from New Rand Road to St. Mary’s Street, featuring vintage and modern fire apparatus, local civic organizations, school marching groups, and public safety vehicles. Throughout the day, attendees can participate in hands-on fire safety demonstrations, vehicle rescue simulations, children's bucket-brigade challenges, and equipment tours, alongside a bustling street fair of regional craft artisans and food vendors.

The festival provides an invaluable public platform for Garner Fire-Rescue—recently re-accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International—to deliver critical home fire prevention education and recruit volunteer personnel. Municipal organizers have arranged free downtown parking and complimentary shuttle service from First Baptist Church of Garner along Benson Road to accommodate thousands of expected visitors, highlighting the close-knit partnership between town emergency services and Garner residents.

Town of Garner and Public Safety Agencies Hold 9/11 Memorial Observance at Lake Benson Park

On the morning of Friday, September 11, 2026, the Town of Garner joined together with Garner Police Department, Garner Fire-Rescue, Wake County emergency responders, and community residents for the annual 9/11 Memorial Observance ceremony. Held at the Garner Veterans Memorial within Lake Benson Park, the solemn gathering paid tribute to the 2,977 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and honored the extraordinary valor of first responders.

The ceremony featured a formal presentation of colors by a joint public safety honor guard, musical tributes, an opening invocation, and commemorative remarks from local public safety officials and community leaders. Speakers reflected on the lasting legacy of unity, selflessness, and courage displayed on that day, emphasizing the vital importance of instilling those civic values in future generations. Attendees observed moments of silence synchronized with the national timeline of events from that morning in 2001.

Lake Benson Park’s Veterans Memorial served as a poignant setting for local families, veterans, and active-duty public servants to pause and reflect on shared loss and national resilience. Municipal leaders noted that the annual gathering strengthens the deep bond between Garner’s citizens and its frontline emergency personnel, offering a quiet, meaningful space to reaffirm the town’s enduring pledge to never forget the sacrifices made on September 11.

Stanley Cup Makes Special Community Appearance in Garner at Riccobene Associates

On September 8, 2026, Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry announced that the Stanley Cup, professional sports’ most renowned championship trophy, made a rare and celebratory community appearance at the organization’s Garner office. Hosted by founder and CEO Dr. Michael Riccobene, the special event brought together clinical providers, administrative staff, long-time patients, and local Garner residents to view the historic trophy in person and commemorate more than 25 years of local healthcare service across North Carolina.

The visit highlighted the organization’s roots and rapid growth since its inception in 2000, evolving from a single rural dental practice in neighboring Johnston County into one of the Southeast's prominent doctor-led multi-specialty dental organizations with over 100 practices and 1,200 employees. Dr. Riccobene reflected on his early work ethic in his family's bakery washing pots and pans, noting that championship sports and high-quality community healthcare share the core tenets of teamwork, resilience, and mutual dedication encapsulated in "The Riccobene Way."

Bringing one of North American sports' most prized cultural artifacts to Garner created significant excitement for local sports enthusiasts and youth while underscoring Garner’s appeal as a hub for regional business leadership. Team members showcased their tenures with the organization alongside the trophy, illustrating sustainable career development in the local healthcare sector. Community leaders and attendees praised the event for spotlighting how local healthcare partnerships contribute positively to community spirit and local economic vitality.

South Garner High FFA Partners with Washington D.C. Agriculture Students Ahead of National Competition

Credit: FAA - DC FFA students care for ducks and other animals while learning leadership skills.

On September 7, 2026, WUSA highlighted an innovative agricultural education partnership between Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington, D.C., and students at South Garner High School in Garner, North Carolina. The collaborative initiative connects urban high schoolers with North Carolina students from a historically agricultural and rapidly growing community, bridging urban-rural divides ahead of upcoming national FFA competitive events.

The exchange pairs students to explore diverse farming models, sustainable horticulture, and practical animal husbandry. For the visiting urban students who lack everyday exposure to farm infrastructure, collaborating with South Garner peers provides valuable hands-on experience in livestock handling, poultry care (including managing turkeys and ducks), and agricultural problem-solving. FFA educators noted that the program reinforces essential leadership, teamwork, and active listening skills that translate directly into competitive readiness and broader scientific careers.

By serving as an agricultural mentor school, South Garner High underscores the continued vitality of career and technical education (CTE) in southern Wake County. The initiative fosters meaningful cross-cultural connections and breaks down regional stereotypes, demonstrating how agricultural science unites students across differing geographic backgrounds. Participants highlighted that the technical competencies and mutual perspectives developed through the partnership inspire students to pursue advanced pathways in veterinary science, agribusiness, and medicine.

Read the full story here

Karen Padgett Named Recipient of 2026 Stevens Award

Karen Padgett

Post Date: August 26, 2026 12:06 p.m.

A Garner resident with more than four decades of wide-ranging contributions to the community has been selected to be the 2026 recipient of the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award.

Karen Padgett was recognized for her service to the community spanning from her days as an educator to her more recent volunteer work of preserving and telling the story of her hometown and its rich history.

“What makes her especially deserve the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award is not only the length of her service, but the spirit in which she served,” the award nomination says. “Her decades of meaningful service have touched students, civic organizations, cultural institutions, historical preservation efforts and community members. For these reasons, she is highly deserving of recognition with the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award.”

Garner Area Historical Society

In recent years, Ms. Padgett has become best known for her work as one of the founders and key leaders of the Garner Area Historical Society (see her spotlighted in Our State magazine). From 2017 to 2025, she helped build the organization from its inception to the society’s successful creation of the Garner History Museum at the Depot, located in Downtown Garner at 106 Pearl St.

As the society’s first treasurer and vice president, Ms. Padgett provided essential financial leadership and helped create a strong organizational foundation, the award nomination notes. She also built the society’s website, recruited charter board of directors and founding members, supported fundraising efforts, created museum exhibits and arranged tours designed for visitors of all ages, the nomination adds.

“Through these efforts, she helped ensure that Garner’s history would be preserved, shared and celebrated for generations to come,” the nomination says.

Ms. Padgett continues to find new ways to serve the community by connecting Garner’s history to its evolving identity. Earlier this year, she provided essential research and historical context for Garner’s Juneteenth Celebration, which focused on post-Civil War property ownership in the Garner area.

Ms. Padgett's commitment to service goes back to her time as an educator at Garner High where she was class advisor for the Garner High School Class of 1986 and led class officers in activities involving homecoming week, the annual class fundraiser planning and decorating for prom and planning end of year activities.

Later, she helped Miss Garner Pageant Scholarship Association contestants prepare for interviews, chaperoned local events and supported participants at two Miss America Pageants. “Forty years later, one Miss Garner credits her ... encouragement and mentoring as a defining part of her Miss North Carolina experience,” the award nomination says.

Ms. Padgett’s professional background is in education, and some of her volunteer work has focused on education as well. She has volunteered as a teacher and mentor with Communities in Schools at Garner Magnet High School and served for three years on the Board of Directors of the Garner Educational Foundation, helping to bolster local education and community partnerships.

For 14 years at the Chamber of Commerce, she contributed to events and special projects including the Connect conference, Broadway Voices, Summit Awards, Business After Hours and the Chamber's annual meeting.

Ms. Padgett also has past experience volunteering with The Towne Players of Garner, working in ticket sales, as an usher and providing administrative services.

Ms. Padgett currently serves as a home and garden docent at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion, and she was recently appointed to the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission.

Summing up Ms. Padgett’s commitment to the community, the award nomination states, “For many years she has given her time, talents and heart to the Garner community and beyond, not for recognition, but because serving others is a part of who she is."

About the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award

The James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award was established by the Stevens family to recognize individuals who have made substantial, outstanding contributions to the Town of Garner over a period of many years. Preference is given to nominees with 20 or more years of service. Non-residents of Garner are eligible recipients if the award committee determines that they meet the criteria necessary to receive the honor. Individuals also can be recognized posthumously.

Via Town of Garner

Gov. Stein Demands Answers on WakeMed–Atrium Merger Ahead of Key Vote North

North Carolina's governor presses WakeMed leadership on pricing guarantees and board oversight before commissioners decide on the healthcare deal.

A proposed merger between Raleigh-based WakeMed and Charlotte-based Atrium Health is facing sharp scrutiny from state leaders, led by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. Stein’s office sent a formal inquiry to WakeMed leadership posing approximately a dozen critical questions regarding the proposed combination. While the governor lacks formal veto authority over the transaction—which ultimately requires the approval of the Democratic-controlled Wake County Board of Commissioners—Stein’s political influence and prior record on healthcare consolidation give his office significant sway over the proceeding.

Governor Stein approaches the transaction with a long history of overseeing healthcare mergers, having served eight years as North Carolina’s Attorney General before taking office as governor. During his tenure as attorney general, Stein monitored hospital consolidations while advocating for state lawmakers to provide his office with stronger statutory authority to ensure transparency and protect the public interest. Building on this background, his administration's latest inquiry emphasizes that WakeMed’s critical role in regional healthcare demands strict oversight rather than an unexamined transfer of control to Atrium.

The central concerns raised by the governor, alongside other state and local officials, focus on the potential for reduced public oversight, higher patient costs, and the dilution of WakeMed's community-focused mission. Critics, including State Treasurer Brad Briner, warn that similar hospital mergers nationwide have led to inflated healthcare prices and reduced staffing. Furthermore, Stein’s office questioned whether Atrium’s corporate control would dilute county oversight, protect existing levels of charity care for indigent residents, or maintain affordable pricing for the broader public and the State Health Plan.

WRAL: Federal Immigration Agents Plan Raleigh Operations as early as Tuesday (November 18th), Mayor Says

Federal immigration agents are on the ground in Raleigh and plan to conduct operations in the area as soon as Tuesday, according to Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.

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Federal immigration agents are on the ground in Raleigh and plan to conduct operations in the area as soon as Tuesday, according to Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.

Cowell told WRAL News that agents are “already in Raleigh and will be active tomorrow.” The move comes as Border Patrol agents are conducting operations in Charlotte, about 170 miles away.

"We don't know how many law enforcement officers are here," Cowell said in a phone interview with WRAL News. "We don't know how long they're going to stay.

"But, I mean, my sense is that they believe that there are ... folks [who] are here [who] have committed crimes and are in the country illegally, and they will probably going to parts of town where they feel like they can intercept those individuals."

Cowell said her goal is to keep people safe.

"We didn't ask for this presence," Cowell said. "We feel like the Raleigh police are doing a great job here locally."

Cowell noted that Raleigh's violent crime is down 2% and property crime is down 16% from a year ago.

The Department of Homeland Security last weekend arrested more than 130 immigrants in the Charlotte area who are believed to be in the U.S. illegally, the department said. The department sent agents to Charlotte despite objections from city officials, who claim the deployment is unnecessary.

Likewise, Cowell said city officials didn’t request help from federal immigration agents and aren’t a part of their operations. Federal agents have not informed Raleigh officials who they are targeting or when they expect to complete their operations, Cowell said. 

“The police will be doing normal patrols out in the community,” Cowell said. “The biggest message here is that we know some people will be concerned. Some will feel threatened. They can call the police if needed.”

The National Immigrant Justice Center published a list of things people can do to protect themselves and defend their rights if approached by an immigration agent. It includes:

1. Create a safety plan: Identify emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers. Protect your child's school or day care with an emergency contact to pick up your child. Provide authorization in writing for your emergency contact to make medical and legal decisions for your child.

2. Defend your rights: All people in the United States have constitutional protections, including the right to remain silent when questioned or arrested by immigration officers.

Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe provided WRAL News a statement.

"The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has not received any official notification from U.S. Customs and Border Protection," Rowe wrote. "However, if any operation or activity should occur, I kindly ask all residents to refrain from engaging or confronting Border Control personnel and allow them to carry out their official duties.

 "The safety and well-being of our community remains the primary concern of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and we strive to avoid circumstances that may lead to injuries or unnecessary arrests."

NC lawmakers, UNC professor react to immigration agents coming to Raleigh

Gov. Josh Stein provided a statement to WRAL News, saying his office is aware of the reports about Border Patrol bringing its operation to Raleigh.

"I call on federal agents to target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street, going to church, or putting up Christmas decorations," Stein said. "Stop targeting people simply going about their lives because of the color of their skin, as you are doing in Charlotte.

"To the people of Raleigh: remain peaceful, and if you see something wrong, record it and report it to local law enforcement. Let’s keep each other safe."

NCGOP spokesman Matt Mercer also provided a statement.

“If these reports are accurate, it’s a clear sign of the failures enabled by former Gov. Roy Cooper and radical Democrats will finally be taken seriously," Mercer wrote. "Cooper on three occasions vetoed bills to require local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE detainers.

"President [Donald] Trump promised voters his administration would remove violent illegal criminals from our country and he is following through and enforcing the law."

In November 2024 when Cooper was still governor, North Carolina lawmakers voted to override the veto of House Bill 10. It requires sheriffs to work with federal immigration officials to detain people who are in the U.S. illegally in some circumstances.

Under the law, county sheriffs need to hold in detention anyone who is in the U.S. illegally, if federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests it. Most North Carolina sheriffs already did this, but some — including those in Wake, Durham and Orange counties — have argued it’s unconstitutional to hold someone once they’ve made bail.

NBC17: WakeMed Garner shooting: Officer killed, suspect charged after hospital ER gunfire, officials say

By: Starletta Watson, Rodney Overton, Haylee Kennedy, Mary SmithPosted: Nov 8, 2025 / 09:48 AM ESTUpdated: Nov 9, 2025 / 08:02 AM EST

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A Wake County hospital police officer killed Saturday morning in Garner was a “hero” who likely prevented other deaths during a struggle with a gunman who shot the officer and was later charged with his murder, according to Garner Police and WakeMed officials.

According to law enforcement officials, the shooting occurred around 9 a.m. Saturday at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex on U.S. 70.

A statement from WakeMed said that Officer Roger Smith, 59, of Knightdale, died from his gunshot injuries at WakeMed Raleigh on New Bern Avenue. Authorities said a struggle broke out just before Smith was shot in the emergency department lobby.

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‘Shock’ and ‘sadness’ from friends

Steven Moore was a childhood friend of Roger Smith, the two graduating together from Garner Senior High School. The school is now known as Garner Magnet High School.

“It’s just been the whole gamut of shock and disbelief, sadness. Just to think something like that happened in our backyard. You just never think about it,” Moore said.

Friends and support organizations said they were heartbroken over the loss.

“It was just a gut punch, like it always is. You always hope and pray that the officer who is injured in the line of duty is going to pull through, and unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen,” said Lindsay LiCausi, founder of Back the Blue NC.

CBS 17 is working to learn what led up to the struggle between Smith and Martin, while Back the Blue, a non-profit dedicated to helping law enforcement families, is gathering support for Smith’s family.

The group has created a GoFundMe to assist Smith’s family.

“I found out that he was taking care of his elderly mother, and so now my concern is who is going to take care of her and who is going to help step up and support his family now that he is gone,” LiCausi said.

Moore described Smith as the perfect example of what a law enforcement officer should be.

“To me, when I knew him was the epitome of law enforcement. He was compassionate, caring; he wasn’t out here to make a name for himself. He just wanted to do a job and keep the community safe,” Moore said.

As Affordability Impacts Garner, Town Mobilizes to Help Partners Address Food Insecurity

The Town's food drive continues through Nov. 26. We plan to make additional deliveries of donated items to other Garner food pantries, including Community of Hope Ministries ,over the next three weeks.

The six dropoff sites (also listed on the flyer) are Town Hall, the Garner Fire Rescue Administration Building, the Garner NC Police Department, Garner Recreation Center, Garner Senior Center and the Public Works complex. Please look for the green recycle bins and food drive signs at each location.

The Town is collecting nonperishable items such as canned fruits and vegetables, beans, cereal, tuna, pasta, rice, peanut butter and more.

Please check the flyer for a full list of desired items.

Garner Wins Statewide Award for Public Art

Garner Wins Statewide Award for Public Art

Garner’s growing efforts to brighten public spaces with art have earned some well-deserved statewide recognition.

The Town recently received the 2025 North Carolina Great Places for Public Art Award from the American Planning Association-North Carolina Chapter during the organization's annual conference in Charlotte on Oct. 15. 

The award, according to the APA-NC Chapter, “values a community's creative side.” To showcase Garner’s new burst of creativity, Planning Department staff submitted an award package titled Downtown Garner Public Art Initiatives that featured public artworks in the Main Street and Garner Road area.

The award submission highlighted these examples:

• the Wings of Hope sculpture unveiled earlier this year at the corner of Garner Road and Avery Street;

• the In Full Bloom mural on the Full Bloom Coffee building at Main and Purvis Streets;

• the Hidden Figures mural honoring some of Garner’s most venerated Black residents on the Locs, Naturals and More Salon and Academy building at Rand Mill and Main Streets;

• a new sculpture at the corner of East Garner and Auburn-Knightdale Roads commemorating the Auburn community’s railroad heritage;

• newly painted crosswalk art in Downtown in the area around the Garner Recreation Center;

• the Art Around Town initiative featuring 23 works installed in public locations in 2021;

• and the 2018 Pop-Up Art project, which featured fence posts painted by a cross-section of local residents.

“The Town of Garner’s Historic Downtown stands out as a truly exceptional location for public art due to its vibrant visual expression, deep cultural significance and strong community collaboration,” Planning staff said in the award submission. “What distinguishes this area is the intentional and ongoing partnership between the Town, local artists and the community to cultivate a thriving public art scene. Rather than taking a passive approach, the Town of Garner is proactively supporting and expanding public art initiatives as a key element of Garner’s identity and future growth.”

The award submission cites the “collaborative efforts between Town leadership, the Planning Department, the Public Art Advisory Board and the Downtown Garner Association.”

“From large-scale murals that celebrate the town’s cultural and historical roots to interactive projects like painted crosswalks and community art installations, Garner has prioritized accessibility, inclusivity and creativity in the public realm,” the award submission says.

The Town has ramped up its support for public art considerably in the past year. Most notably, in April the Town and Garner’s Public Arts Advisory Board unveiled the Wings of Hope sculpture by local artist Jeff Hurr. Located at the corner of Garner Road and Avery Street near the Garner Performing Arts Center, this sculpture—the first one ever to be funded by the Town—features bold, upward-reaching branches that are grounded in the natural world but reach up toward the heavens. Wings of Hope is the first piece in a planned future sculpture park on the property at Garner Road and Avery Street.

Over on Main Street, two large-scale murals painted in the past six years have become prominent visual landmarks Downtown. The Hidden Figures mural presents a colorful portrait of a young Black woman surrounded by four smaller portraits honoring influential Black residents throughout Garner’s history. The work blends imagery of local Black churches and references Henry Fort’s historic cabinet shop, the first known business to be established in Garner.

Just down the street is the Life in Bloom mural, which showcases North Carolina’s native birds and wildflowers, layered with motifs from Garner’s railroad heritage. The mural quickly became an iconic visual that has appeared in countless social media posts since its completion in 2019.

The Garner Forward Comprehensive Plan promotes an emphasis on the public realm, and Planning staff routinely suggest public art elements in their reviews. One of the recent fruits of these efforts is the abstract metal sculpture at the corner of Auburn-Knightdale Road and East Garner Road that honors the railroad heritage of the historic Auburn community.

The Town Council celebrated receiving the Great Places for Public Art Award at its Nov. 3 meeting. Council Member Kathy Behringer, who heads the Town’s Public Art Advisory Board and has long championed the cause of public art in Garner, said at the meeting, “Public art is a good thing to have. It makes your town look attractive, but it also makes people smile—and that’s what you want.”

via Town of Garner

Garner Election 2025

Election Day is
Tuesday November 4th

Learn more about the candidates, their positions,

and voting information at

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Known Endorsements

Municipal elections are non-partisan, however, candidates are free to seek endorsements and organizations are free to endorse candidates. 

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Wake County Democratic Party Endorsements

Gra Singleton

Kelvin Stallings

Learn more about the candidates, their positions, and voting information at

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Wake County Republican Party Endorsements

Mike McIver

Patricia Uzzell

Learn more about the candidates, their positions, and voting information at

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Garner Citizens for Responsible Growth is a community of our communities, organizing to be heard by the Town of Garner.

Garner Citizens is NON-PARTISAN and NOT AGAINST GROWTH but collectively have serious concerns about HOW Garner is growing and the planning and decision-making being done by the Town.

View fullsize

Poll Philosophy

Those participating in the poll were allowed to select as many candidates as they wanted to (even though only 2 seats are up this election cycle). This was done to let respondents endorse any and all candidates they thought would advance responsible growth practices and policies and give a voice to every respondent.

Percentages are the percentage of respondents that selected that candidate (or option).
 

Top Issues Cited by Respondents

• Responsible Growth and Affordable Housing

• Smart Development and Quality Growth

• Decreasing Taxes and Managing the Town’s Budget and Fiscal Responsibility/Transparency

• Infrastructure Improvements and Preserving the Natural Beauty of Garner

• Stopping the The Park/Village at Garner Station

• Local vs National Nonsense

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Learn more about the candidates, their positions,

and voting information at

Garner Fireman’s Day 2025

Garner’s Annual Fireman’s Festival this year will be Saturday, October 4th from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.

The event will be held at the corner of Benson Road & Main Street. Come help us celebrate this time-honored tradition and enjoy home cooked BBQ, desserts, and other great foods, along with over 50 vendors. Make sure to bring the kids for games, live fire demonstrations and fire safety programs. The trucks will also be on display all day.

The Annual parade route begins at 2PM starting at Benson & Garner Road headed east, right on New Rand Road, then west on Main Street; ending on St. Mary's Street. Live entertainment by local music acts will begin at 3:30 pm and will continue until 6:00 pm. Please visit GarnerFire.com for more information, including where you can park.

Joseph Sample

Joe Sample

November 7, 1942 — September 15, 2025

Joseph T. Sample, longtime resident of Garner, NC, went home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2025, with his last moments spent peacefully in the arms and comfort of his loving wife.

Though Joe was a West Lafayette, Indiana, native and Purdue University graduate, he lived many lives. From his humble farming roots, to spending a few years in Wyoming as a cowboy, to finding his forever home in Garner, where he was later recognized for his outstanding contributions to the town in August 2024 when he received the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award.

Joe Sample was a long-time journalist and kept the residents of Garner up to date on local government affairs and other matters of public interest with his weekly paper, the Garner News. He was a dedicated public servant, holding office as a Town Alderman and later serving on the Garner Fire-Rescue Board of Directors up until his passing. He served as the department's last Board President and was instrumental in merging the department into the town government. During Mr. Sample's 17-year tenure on the board, the Garner Fire-Rescue was internationally accredited, as well as receiving a National Insurance Services Office rating of 1 (ISO-1), one of less than 20 out of 1200 such ratings in North Carolina.

While his accomplishments were great, more importantly, Joe found joy in the little things in life. Happiness to him was waking up early every morning to eat breakfast with friends, being his own boss-and everyone else's boss, eating fruit (he loved fruit), traveling to the beach, feeding the backyard deer and other wild animals, sending silly texts to family and friends, riding his John Deere tractors, watching the news, and most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by and missed dearly by his best friend and wife of 35 years, Angela Sample, and her two daughters, Shawna (Scott) Carroll and Kelli Harnish. Joe and Angela (lovingly referred to as Papaw & Gigi) shared 5 grandchildren together- Sara, Rebecca, Logan (Melissa), Brooklyn, and Braxton, as well as 4 great-grandchildren- Ryan Jo (named after Joe), Aspen, Amari, and one he won't have the chance to meet.

Joe Sample was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn W. Sample and Mary Catherine Sample, as well as his brother James A. Sample. He is survived by two sisters, Louise Hass and Elizabeth (Steve) Yegerlehner, as well as three nephews, one niece, and five great-nieces and nephews.

His visitation was held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Bryan Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd, Garner, NC 27529

His funeral service was held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at Aversboro Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Rd, Garner, NC 27529. The burial will follow the service at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Contributions can be made in Joe Sample's name to: Garner Fire Fighters Association, P.O. 441 Garner, NC 27529

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home - Garner.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Sample, please visit our flower store.

ONE Wake Receives $15,000 Mission Proceeds Grant from Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina

Community organizing collective awarded funding to advance race reconciliation training and collaborative ministry initiatives

WAKE COUNTY, NC – September 9, 2025 – ONE Wake (Organized Neighbors for Empowerment in Wake County), a non-partisan, multi-ethnic community organizing collective, has been awarded a $15,000 Mission Proceeds Grant Phase II from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. The grant will support ONE Wake's race reconciliation training initiatives to strengthen the organization's capacity for authentic multi-ethnic community organizing and collaborative ministry work.

The Mission Proceeds Grant represents funding from the $8.8 million proceeds of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina's sale of its former Diocesan House. Phase II of the program targets explicitly collaborative projects and partnerships that advance the diocese's mission strategy priorities. ONE Wake will use the grant funding to provide race reconciliation training that builds the foundation necessary for effective cross-racial organizing and systemic change work.

"This grant recognition validates the power of collaborative organizing and interfaith partnership," said Stephon Whitley, ONE Wake Lead Organizer. "By investing in race reconciliation training, we're building the foundation necessary for authentic multi-ethnic organizing that can address systemic inequities affecting all our communities. This training is essential for the deep relationship-building work that makes lasting change possible."

ONE Wake, founded in 2020, is an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), the nation's largest and oldest network of local faith and community-based organizations. The collective brings together 38 founding member organizations, including six Episcopal churches: Saint Ambrose (Raleigh), Church of the Good Shepherd (Raleigh), St. John's (Wake Forest), St. Mark's (Raleigh), St. Paul's (Cary), and Trinity (Fuquay-Varina), alongside numerous other congregations, associations, and nonprofits.

ONE Wake focuses on developing community members' skills to identify common problems, create workable solutions, and implement systemic changes that achieve the common good. The race reconciliation training will strengthen ONE Wake's ability to build authentic relationships across racial and ethnic lines, essential for effective multi-ethnic community organizing that can address root causes of inequality. Current organizing initiatives include building affordable homeownership at scale across Wake County and addressing food insecurity that affects millions of children annually.

"What we can do is band with other churches, nonprofits, people of goodwill, and work with government and corporations to create a system in which no one goes hungry," explained The Rev. Jemonde Taylor, rector at Saint Ambrose and a founding member of ONE Wake, illustrating the organization's approach to systemic solutions that require authentic cross-racial collaboration.

The Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, noted in the grant announcement that the Diocesan Council is "deeply encouraged by the faithful and creative ways you are living out the Gospel through this ministry" and believes the work "reflects the spirit of resurrection, reconciliation, and renewal that these Mission Proceeds were intended to support." The Diocese has prioritized racial justice as part of its mission strategy, with Bishop Rodman stating that the funding aims to "make a right beginning as we address and continue to reckon with our racial history."

The Diocese's decision to prioritize collaborative partnerships in Phase II funding aligns perfectly with ONE Wake's community organizing model and commitment to racial justice. The grant selection process evaluated applications based on the strength of partnership and collaboration, clarity and viability of budget, and potential community impact. The funding for race reconciliation training directly supports the diocese's ongoing journey toward "Becoming Beloved Community." It addresses the critical need for racial healing and justice work in effective community organizing.

About ONE Wake ONE Wake (Organized Neighbors for Empowerment) is a non-partisan, multi-ethnic, multi-issue community organizing collective affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation. Founded in 2020, ONE Wake brings together congregations, associations, and nonprofits across Wake County to identify shared challenges and work collectively toward systemic solutions that serve the common good. The organization emphasizes building authentic relationships across racial and ethnic lines as the foundation for effective community organizing. For more information, visit www.onewake.org.

About the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, founded in 1817, encompasses central North Carolina and serves approximately 48,000 communicants through 109 parishes. The diocese is known for its extensive grants program, distributing over $1.2 million annually to support mission and ministry work throughout the region. The diocese has prioritized racial reconciliation and justice as key components of its mission strategy and journey toward "Becoming Beloved Community."

Garner Car Finds Internet Fame on 5000 Mile Cross-Country Journey by Donut Media

Epic new video just dropped on Donut with our pal Justin Freeman. I've been waiting for this ever since I heard about it. This is the first episode of Justin's cross country off-road trip in his '96 Subaru SVX, which until recently was sitting in a Garner backyard. (Source: TriagleRAD).

TriangleRAD is the premier club for owners & fans of the rad automobiles of the '80s & '90s, centered in Eastern & Central North Carolina. Find them on Facebook.

Images via http://www.donut.media/

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The popular YouTube channel Donut recently undertook an ambitious project: preparing a 1996 Subaru SVX for a grueling 5,000-mile cross-country journey, a significant portion of which would be off-road.

The car, which had been left to the elements in a field for years, required a complete overhaul to get it trail-ready.

A major part of the SVX's transformation involved custom fabrication to enhance its durability. The team enlisted a professional fabricator to design and build a custom roof rack, tire carrier, snorkel, and robust front and rear bumpers [02:12].

To protect the car's vulnerable underbelly from rocks and other trail hazards, they utilized advanced 3D scanning technology to create bespoke skid plates [03:26]. These additions were crucial for ensuring the car could withstand the rigors of off-road driving and protect its vital components.

Beyond the structural enhancements, the team made key performance and aesthetic upgrades. They fitted the car with Handcook Dino Pro AT2 Extreme tires, known for their off-road capabilities, while keeping the original OEM wheels to maintain a classic, retro look [05:09].

Under the hood, they performed a significant amount of work on the transmission, replacing the flywheel and clutch to handle the increased demands of off-roading [24:20]. These modifications were essential for the car's functionality and to ensure it could handle the long journey ahead.

Suspension was another critical area of focus. After some initial setbacks, they successfully installed new Field Suspension coilovers, specifically designed for rally and long-travel driving [29:21].

This upgrade was vital for improving the vehicle's handling and comfort over rough terrain. In addition to these major overhauls, the Donut crew also performed routine, but essential, maintenance tasks. They installed a new radiator to prevent overheating and replaced the brakes to ensure the car's stopping power was reliable throughout the long trip [10:42].

Despite facing a few challenges along the way, the team has successfully completed the project, getting the Subaru SVX ready for its demanding cross-country adventure.

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Car lovers in Garner host their own Cars and Coffee every 3rd Sunday in Downtown Garner.

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Judy Bass Selected as Recipient of 2025 James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award

A longtime Garner resident with over 30 years of service to the community has been named the 2025 recipient of the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award.

Judy Bass was recognized for her tireless work preserving Garner’s history, honoring the area’s veterans and creating meaningful and engaging civic spaces.

“Judy Bass has made a lasting and multifaceted impact on the Garner community through decades of volunteer service—most notably, through her leadership in historic preservation by way of the Garner History Museum at the Depot, and her central role in the creation of the Garner Veterans Memorial,” the award nomination said.

“It is a great honor to receive the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award,” Ms. Bass said. “I never imagined that my name would be in the same group as some Garner legends and some of my heroes and friends. An award such as this can be attributed to friends and others who provided support and inspiration along the journey.”

Ms. Bass, who retired as Garner’s town clerk in 2015 after 18 years of stellar, mostly behind-the-scenes service with the Town, is well known in the community for the countless volunteer hours she has devoted toward making two transformational projects a reality.

Garner Veterans Memorial

“Her most visible and lasting contribution is her leadership on the Garner Veterans Memorial project,” the nomination submission said. “Beginning in 2006, Judy served on the steering committee that oversaw every stage of the memorial—from early vision to community fundraising, design and dedication.”

Ms. Bass played a role in helping to raise over $500,000 for the project, working with a brick sale campaign that continues today as part of the Walkway of Honor.

She also helped organize the dedication ceremony for the memorial in May 2013. The event brought together over 1,000 attendees, military flyovers, elected officials and families of veterans. The memorial, and the citizen-driven initiative to get it funded and built, would be a key success story that helped Garner earn All-America City recognition the month after the dedication.

Today, the memorial—with its numerous engraved panels that honor the fallen and offer historical background on America's armed conflicts—is the backdrop for the Garner Memorial Day observance and plays a significant role in the community's Veterans Day and Independence Day events as well.

The memorial, which also features red-clay earthcasts by world-renowned artist Thomas Sayre, has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects-North Carolina and is listed by veterans organizations as a model of respectful civic remembrance.

“Judy’s work to bring the Veterans Memorial to life has ensured that Garner’s heroes are remembered with the dignity they deserve—not just now but for generations,” the award nomination said.

Garner Area Historical Society

Ms. Bass also has been a longtime leader in the Garner Area Historical Society, having served as president and continuing as a board member of the non-profit.

Under her guidance, the organization was able to transform the historic train depot in Downtown Garner into the Garner History Museum. The depot building had been located on Garner Road and was in poor condition. It was moved to a location at the corner of Pearl and Main streets, underwent extensive renovations and opened in November 2021 as the new focal point of the community's history.

After the museum opened, Ms. Bass oversaw the collection and curation of photos, documents and artifacts "that connect generations of Garner residents to the town’s rich past," the award nomination said.

Ms. Bass is currently leading the campaign to restore the interior of the historic railroad caboose next to the museum. Contributions to that restoration effort can be made by visiting garner-area-historical-society.org.

Just recently, Ms. Bass was named to the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, where she will bring a Garner perspective to a body that promotes the preservation of important aspects of local culture, history and architecture.

Ms. Bass' decades of volunteer service to Garner also has included work outside of honoring veterans and preserving our town's history. Through the years, she has been involved in causes such as the Caroline Ball Family Foundation and the Community of Hope Ministries' Garner of Hope.

“Judy’s accomplishments—the founding of the Garner History Museum, the effort to restore the historic Caboose and the creation of the Garner Veterans Memorial—are not simply projects. They are legacies," the award nomination said. "Each represents years of persistence, leadership and coordination, carried out with care and vision. These landmarks serve as daily reminders of Garner’s past and values, and they foster a sense of place and pride for residents and visitors alike."

The award nomination added: “The spirit of this award lies in honoring those whose service is foundational—who help shape the identity of Garner through sustained contributions that stand the test of time. Judy Bass is that kind of person. Her fingerprints are on some of the most cherished and enduring parts of Garner’s civic landscape. She has helped define what Garner values, remembers and celebrates. For all these reasons, Judy Bass represents the very heart of what the James R. Stevens Award was created to recognize.”

About the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award

The James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award was established by the Stevens family to recognize individuals who have made substantial, outstanding contributions to the Town of Garner over a period of many years. Preference is given to nominees with 20 or more years of service. Non-residents of Garner are eligible recipients if the award committee determines that they meet the criteria necessary to receive the honor. Individuals also can be recognized posthumously.

Via Town of Garner

Garner’s July 3rd Independence Day Celebration

Gates open at 5 p.m. on July 3.

This free event features food vendors, kids activities and live music by The Embers and North Carolina Symphony.

The night concludes with the best fireworks show in the Triangle. There's free shuttle service to and from the park from South Garner High School. Get updates on the event at GarnerNC.gov.

Garner Juneteenth Celebration Coming to GPAC June 21st

The Town of Garner and Garner Juneteenth Committee will present the annual Garner Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at Garner Performing Arts Center (742 W. Garner Road).

This free event will feature local choirs, dance and narrative interwoven with documentary-style video segments that explore various aspects of Garner's history through the recollections of those who lived it. Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Mayor Buddy Gupton will make remarks as well.

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History and Background

Galveston 1865

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order.

However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

In the early years

Little interest existed outside the African American community in participation in the celebrations. In some cases, there was outwardly exhibited resistance by barring the use of public property for the festivities.

Most of the festivities found themselves out in rural areas around rivers and creeks that could provide for additional activities such as fishing, horseback riding and barbecues. Often church grounds were the site for such activities.

Eventually, as African Americans became landowners, land was donated and dedicated for these festivities. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jack Yates.

Volunteer : Meals on Wheels

Looking for an opportunity to serve your Garner neighbors?

Consider Meals on Wheels of Wake County

Meals on Wheels of Wake County, provides our homebound and senior neighbors with a nutritious hot meal, along with a check-in and visit. Our services provide the opportunity for seniors to continue living well nourished, independent and safe lives, in their own homes and communities.

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Volunteer

The most convenient and impactful way to help is by becoming a volunteer. Volunteering only requires about 1-2 hours of your day to help feed an older or disabled neighbor in your community. 

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Need Meals?

The goal of Meals on Wheels of Wake County is to nourish and enrich our clients’ lives through the services we provide. Our Home-Delivered Meals program helps our clients maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain living independently by providing nutritious meals, a weekly safety check, and friendly interaction.

Two Garner Residents Earn Their Law Degrees from Campbell University

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Two Garner residents were among the 183 graduates conferred Juris Doctor degrees on Friday, May 9, 2025, during Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law’s 47th hooding and graduation ceremony at the Martin Marietta Center in downtown Raleigh.

They are: 

• Lauryl E. Fright, graduated cum laude and was a member of Campbell University Law Review

• Parissa Y. Sharifyazdi

The Class of 2025 marks the largest graduating class in the law school’s history, said Dean J. Rich Leonard.

“Standing here in my 12th year as your dean, I have enormous confidence in the superb quality of our legal education program,” Leonard told the graduates. “In my final words to this class I love, we have taught you to analyze an issue thoroughly, write persuasively and stand on your feet and comfortably defend your position … Hopefully we have taught you to follow your own moral compass. And we have put you out in this community, in externships, clinics, pro bono initiatives and mentorships to learn how the practice of law works. You are ready. And your skills are desperately needed.” 

North Carolina’s Attorney General Jeff Jackson in his first commencement address in his new role told the graduates his mission was to help them feel a little less anxious about their future including the upcoming bar exam and subsequent job hunt.

“Campbell does the best job of preparing students for the bar exam of any school in the state,” he said. “You are in such a stronger position than I was walking into that test. You are going to be OK…for those of you who don’t have something lined up, if you are applying anywhere in North Carolina, you have an advantage because Campbell Law is widely known and … it’s well regarded.”

Jackson added, “You just ran a three-year long marathon that fewer than half a percent of anyone in our country has ever run. You don’t need to worry about your place in this world, the world needs to worry about you. You’re going to crush it!!

Retiring Dean Emerita and Professor Melissa Essary, in her last official duty for the law school, hooded the graduates.

Find more photos of the ceremony on the law school’s Facebook page at this link and watch the graduation ceremony’s YouTube recording at this link.

ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW  SCHOOL

Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts nearly 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2026, Campbell Law will celebrate 50 years of graduating legal leaders and 17 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.

via Campbell University