Hometown Hero of the Week: Kaycee Wallace, June 18th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Kaycee Wallace, Wake County EMT. Kaycee was nominated by Connor Holland, who says, “Kaycee has been an EMT with Wake County EMS for nearly 5 years. She is the most hardworking and compassionate person I know. There are many reasons she deserves to be recognized but what…… Continue Reading
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
Fursday: Meet Roz from APS of Durham!
I can tell that 2025 is going to be the Year of Roz! I’m as sweet and enthusiastic as can be! I’m slightly hard of hearing and the good news is that I don’t bark much! I love to snuggle, get affection, eat tasty treats, and explore! I’d like to play ball and then settle…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Chief Matt Poole, June 11th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Chief Matt Poole of the Garner Fire Department. Chief Poole is a very well-known and respected leader in the fire service, state wide as well as along the entire east coast. In his 30-year tenure at Garner Fire Rescue he has excelled the department as a whole…… Continue Reading
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
Hometown Hero of the Week: Brittany Mitchell, June 4th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Brittany Mitchell. Brittany was nominated by Kaitlin Taylor, who says, “Brittany Mitchell is an amazing partner and preceptor. She has taught me many things throughout my career in EMS and shown me how to be a good provider. She also is always willing to help anyone and…… Continue Reading
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: June 2025 – Nell “Nellie” Rushton
Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the Month for June is Nell “Nellie” Rushton, head teacher for special education and assistant coach for the soccer team at Rolesville Middle School. Nell “Nellie” Rushton was nominated by all of the following people: Christine Tassitino: “Nellie cares endlessly for her students and their diverse needs. She goes above and…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: William Taylor, May 28th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is William Taylor, a paramedic for Johnston County Emergency Services. William Taylor, AKA TEX, was nominated by his wife Katlin Taylor, who says, “My husband has been working as a first responder from the young age of 14. He’s dedicated his whole life to making sure others around…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Guthrie from APS of Durham!
If you’ve ever dreamed of a hound dog by your feet baying at the moon, I’m your man! I’m an active, athletic, driven guy. I do best when I have a job to do like tracking a scent or chasing a ball. I’m good at keeping myself busy, but I really enjoy having a human…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Kendall Marley, May 21st, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Kendall Marley, a full-time firefighter with Fayetteville and a part-time firefighter with Clement Fire Department. Kendall was nominated by his mom, Robin Marley, who says, “Kendall began his service when he was 16, following in his Papa’s footsteps with a servant’s heart to help those in need. He…… Continue Reading