94.7 QDR
    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
  • Listen Live

  • Join The Q Crew

  • TikTok

  • X

  • Instagram

  • Facebook

  • Mobile Apps

  • Home
  • Shows
    • Your Q Morning Crew
      • What You Missed
      • QDR Hometown Hero
    • Abby Leigh
      • Fursdays
    • Mad Dawg
    • Steve Maher
    • PineCone Bluegrass Show
    • QDR Homegrown Country
    • Country Countdown USA
  • Contests
    • View All Contests
    • Contest Rules
  • Features
    • Advice
    • Coupons
    • Crossword Puzzle
    • Daily Comic Strips
    • Fursdays
    • Gold Star Teacher of the Month
    • Horoscopes
    • Interviews
      • Exclusive Live Performances
    • News, Sports and Weather
    • Pet Adoption
    • QDR Hometown Hero
    • Live and Kickin’ Fridays
    • Recipes
    • Slideshows
    • Sudoku
  • Events
    • Station Events and Concerts
    • Community Events
    • Submit Your Community Event
    • Photos
  • Connect
    • Contact/Directions
    • 94.7 QDR App
    • Join The Q Crew
    • Advertise
    • Social Media
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
      • YouTube
      • TikTok
  • search

Category Archives: Triangle/Local

Goats on the Go: Raleigh taps four-legged crew to tackle invasive plants at Dorothea Dix Park

Goats on the Go: Raleigh taps four-legged crew to tackle invasive plants at Dorothea Dix Park

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Raleigh’s most unconventional landscaping crew is back at work—this time with hooves on the ground and greenery in their sights.

Goats on the Go has partnered with the Triangle area and City of Raleigh Parks Department to tackle invasive plants at Dorothea Dix Park, enlisting a team of 32 hungry goats to do what machinery often can’t. It’s part of an eco-friendly approach to land management that’s gaining ground—and followers.

“Goats are often used in steep terrains where it’s dangerous or prohibitively expensive to use machines,” said Stephen Paul, director of Goats on the Go Raleigh-Durham. “They love climbing up and down terrain that most of us wouldn’t even attempt.”

Paul moved from Australia to central North Carolina two years ago to launch the company’s Triangle operation. Since then, his goats have handled jobs ranging from residential backyards to city-wide projects like this one at Dix Park.

“Typically, we want to have a big animal impact,” said Paul. “Let’s say, for example, 30 goats can clear an acre in around five to seven days.”

But these goats aren’t just grazers—they’re gaining traction online, too. Paul says their current crew, affectionately called the “a-team,” has helped the business grow in more ways than one.

“We’re on the verge of doing a project with the City of Durham for Juneteenth,” he said. “The goats are definitely gaining notoriety—that’s for sure.”

Still, despite their rising popularity, don’t expect these animals to come trotting over for a pat on the head.

“They’re curious but cautious,” said Paul. “Getting them to move as a group takes a fine balance—you want just enough pressure to steer them without causing stress.”

Goats on the Go has primarily served private homeowners in the past, helping manage overgrown backyards in a sustainable way. But Paul says the company’s reputation for professional service has opened doors to larger municipal projects like this one.

“That’s actually our usual bread and butter,” said Paul. “For the last couple of years a majority of our work has been serving small backyards and as our reputation for a professional and friendly outfit has grown then we’ve been approached by these more established and institutional customers.”

As the goats munch their way through the summer underbrush, they’re not just clearing land—they’re offering a greener solution to land management across the Triangle.

JetZero plans to build $4.7B plant in North Carolina, aims to create 14,500 jobs

JetZero plans to build $4.7B plant in North Carolina, aims to create 14,500 jobs

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — A California-based company plans to build its first manufacturing plant for a next-generation passenger jet in central North Carolina. If successful, the project announced Thursday by JetZero and elected officials would create more than 14,500 jobs in a decade. Gov. Josh Stein called it the largest job commitment in North Carolina history. JetZero is developing a fixed-wing aircraft that would change the shape of passenger jetliners in the sky. The company would build the plant at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. JetZero already has conditional jet purchase agreements with some airlines. The announcement comes with lots of economic incentives that would extend into the 2060s.… Continue Reading

Longtime WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy dies at 93

Longtime WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy dies at 93

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Charlie Gaddy, one of North Carolina’s most recognizable broadcasters and a longtime anchor on WRAL-TV, has died at age 93. Before beginning his television career, Gaddy worked for a time at WPTF, the flagship station of the North Carolina News Network. In a 2024 interview marking WPTF’s 100th anniversary, he recalled the early days of local radio programming, including a show called Ask Your Neighbor.… Continue Reading

Trump says he will ‘liberate’ Los Angeles in speech to mark the 250th anniversary of the Army

Trump says he will ‘liberate’ Los Angeles in speech to mark the 250th anniversary of the Army

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump called protesters in Los Angeles “animals” and “a foreign enemy” in a speech at Fort Bragg as he defended deploying the military on those protesting his immigration enforcement. Trump on Tuesday used a speech ostensibly supposed to be used to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army to denounce the protesters in Los Angeles while repeating his false statements about the 2020 election being rigged and attacking the previous commander-in-chief, former President Joe Biden. Trump has used the recent protests in Los Angeles as an opportunity to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines over the objections of California’s governor.… Continue Reading

Poll shows broad support for vaccines, rising concern over decline in childhood immunizations

Poll shows broad support for vaccines, rising concern over decline in childhood immunizations

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new national poll from the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease reveals strong bipartisan support for FDA-approved vaccines, even as concerns grow over declining childhood immunization rates. Despite lingering mistrust fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans still trust their personal healthcare providers and back continued vaccine development. Experts like Candace DeMatteis say states like North Carolina play a key role in medical innovation—and maintaining public trust and access is essential to protecting public health.
… Continue Reading

Invasive Alabama bass threaten native fish and tournaments across North Carolina

Invasive Alabama bass threaten native fish and tournaments across North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — North Carolina wildlife officials are sounding the alarm about the rapid spread of Alabama bass, an invasive species now disrupting ecosystems and bass fishing tournaments across the state. First found near the Georgia border, the fish has since spread from Lake Norman to rivers and reservoirs statewide—often through illegal introductions by anglers. Biologists warn the species poses a serious threat to native largemouth and smallmouth bass populations, with potential economic impacts for competitive sport fishing. The Wildlife Resources Commission is urging the public not to move fish between lakes and to report sightings as they work to slow the invasion.… Continue Reading

From Ditch Lilies to Showstoppers: Growing Daylilies in North Carolina

From Ditch Lilies to Showstoppers: Growing Daylilies in North Carolina

Our loyal Weekend Gardener listener and friend Steve is the pot master of the universe when it comes to daylilies (Hemerocallis). You may have heard them referred to as “ditch lilies. These perennials originated in China. I must say though, they just love the climate here in North Carolina. There are over 60-thousand varieties with lots of colors from pale yellow to pink to lavender to maroon. They are extremely popular in North Carolina and there are active daylily clubs all over the state including Raleigh. Our friend Steve’s club meets at the Ralston Arboretum. Once upon a time Rufus entered a daylily from his landscape in the club’s marvelous show and won a blue ribbon. You would have thought he had been handed the Nobel prize.… Continue Reading

101 dogs living in packed, filthy conditions removed from North Carolina home

101 dogs living in packed, filthy conditions removed from North Carolina home

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Dozens of dogs found living in packed, filthy conditions have been removed from a North Carolina home. Animal control officers responding to a complaint in Raleigh discovered 101 dogs crammed in stacked cages or roaming in confined quarters on Wednesday. News outlets report the homeowner agreed to relinquish the dogs, along with 21 chickens. The dogs were taken in by eight different shelters and were undergoing medical assessments. The Wake County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says many of the dogs it took in had matted fur as well as skin and dental issues.… Continue Reading

NC By Train celebrates major milestones of Piedmont and Carolinian service

NC By Train celebrates major milestones of Piedmont and Carolinian service

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — NC By Train is celebrating two major milestones—30 years of Piedmont Service and 35 years of the Carolinian—with a special event at Raleigh Union Station and a 30% discount on tickets. NCDOT Rail Division Director Jason Orthner says both lines have transformed travel across North Carolina, with ridership growing by 55% since 2019. As expansion plans look to connect even more cities like Asheville and Wilmington, officials say the future of rail travel in the state is on the right track. … Continue Reading

The International Soccer Tournament kicks off in Cary promising major matches and entertainment

The International Soccer Tournament kicks off in Cary promising major matches and entertainment

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary is buzzing as The Soccer Tournament returns for its biggest year yet, featuring 64 international teams and a million-dollar prize. Scott Dupree of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance says the global event is drawing massive crowds and star talent, all while bringing serious economic impact to Wake County.… Continue Reading

← Older posts

Recent News

Longtime WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy dies at 93

Fursday: Meet Roz from APS of Durham!

Hometown Hero of the Week: Chief Matt Poole, June 11th, 2025

From Ditch Lilies to Showstoppers: Growing Daylilies in North Carolina

Hometown Hero of the Week: Brittany Mitchell, June 4th, 2025

Gold Star Teacher of the Month: June 2025 – Nell “Nellie” Rushton

Hometown Hero of the Week: William Taylor, May 28th, 2025

Fursday: Meet Guthrie from APS of Durham!

Hometown Hero of the Week: Kendall Marley, May 21st, 2025

Meet Illicium: A Shade-Loving Shrub with Personality

  • La Ley 101.1FM

Copyright © 2025 WQDR-FM. All Rights Reserved.

View Full Site

  • Advertise
  • Contest Rules
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Public Inspection File
  • FCC Applications
  • EEO
Powered By SoCast