
Fursday: Meet Demetrius from Saving Grace!
GSD lovers, you’re in luck! We have a truly special boy looking for his forever family. Meet Demetrius, a young adult currently weighing around 59 pounds-we’re working hard to help him regain a few more. Demetrius is active, curious, and walks well on a leash. He loves being outdoors, especially exploring the farm and meeting new friends. This smart and cautious guy just needs a little time to adjust to new surroundings and experiences. Demetrius will thrive in a family that can provide regular exercise and include him in lots of quality family time. He gets along well with other dogs and might enjoy having a companion-but he’s just as happy being your one and only. This guy is a true gem, so don’t wait-submit your adoption request today and give Demetrius the loving home he’s been dreaming of!
*Weekend Host Feedback: “Demetrius was awesome with my 8 year old daughter. We also brought him to an Easter egg hunt with kids and was so gentle with all. He was very good walking. He was good at going to the bathroom no accidents. He was good in the crate. He is such a mush. He loves to cuddle you. He will jump up but just tell him no. Knows sit sometimes and would do great with training. He is such a good dog!”



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 stands out the most is her caring heart for others and determination. She is always up for a challenge. She is currently working to enroll in Advanced EMT to further her career and help the citizens of Wake County! Kaycee’s impact on Wake County is always remembered and never goes unnoticed!”
Thank you, Kaycee, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?

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.
“It was just something that somebody came up with as an idea, and they tried it to see how it would work,” Gaddy said. “And it worked beautifully. It was a very popular program and lasted a long time. But that’s how it started.”
Gaddy was born in Biscoe, North Carolina, attended Guilford College, and served in the U.S. Army. He became a household name across central North Carolina during his years anchoring WRAL’s evening newscasts, known for his calm demeanor and trusted presence.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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 down for a good nap! I’ll be your bestest new bud! Come meet me today!
One volunteer let us know that “Roz loves meeting new people and is great about letting us know when she needs a nap! She seems to be neutral on cats, although she’s only seen them out on walks!”
Kids: 8+ ; Dogs: Possibly dog selective or single dog ; Roz’s Online profile: https://www.apsofdurham.org/dogs/roz/
Photo credits go to Assorted Poppies Photos and our wonderful volunteers


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 in so many ways. Under his leadership we have grown the organization to 5 Fire Stations, 6 Staffed companies, an Administrative Office, an Insurance Class 1 district saving the citizens money and becoming an accredited agency that is recognized nationally. Chief Poole has been an absolute pleasure to work for. He will be retiring at the end of February, and as much as we hate to see him leave the department, we are grateful that he has taken a new position that he will be able to continue to serve the Town of Garner and its citizens, as well as Garner Fire Rescue. I feel confident speaking on behalf of the entire department when I say, we wish you a Happy Retirement Chief, congratulations!
Thank you, Chief Poole, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?

From Ditch Lilies to Showstoppers: Growing Daylilies in North Carolina
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
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.
The daylily is easy to grow and has many uses in the landscape. As you might expect, daylilies need a full sun exposure for the best blooming. That translates into at least 6 hours. They prefer well-drained soil which means level ground is good, however daylilies work well on slopes. They can adapt to most soils and are drought tolerant. Due to their ginormous root system, they can help stabilize the soil to help prevent erosion. They also look good in mixed borders. If you like reliable, this is your plant.
As the name indicates, each individual daylily bloom only lasts a day. Of course there are numerous buds on any healthy plans so you will get weeks of blooming pleasure. There are also reblooming varieties available too.
Your local nursery and plantsmen at the state farmers market will have plenty of information about dayliles and some popular varieties.
When you find the perfect spot in your yard, break up the soil and add some organic matter. If you have your own backyard compost, that will work well for your purpose. The daylily folks recommend planting a foot apart as the foliage and root system both need room. Set each plant’s crown about an inch below the surface. Tamp the soil down to secure your plant and to prevent air pockets. Water the daylilies after planting. Add a couple of inches of hardwood mulch or pinestraw. Continue watering deeply as needed until well established. Daylilies like slightly moist soil. Pay close attention if you plant in the early summer when you are likely to be inspired by the beauty of the flowers. They are usually near their peak around here in mid to late June.
I don’t fertilize anything in my landscape except for the small patch of fescue I have and the one grandiflora rose I maintain because it has extraordinary blooms and is totally reliable. For daylilies, some folks use a balanced fertilizer with low nitrogen and higher potassium and potash, something like Plantone from Espoma in the spring. Generally don’t go overboard with fertilizer especially with a blooming plant.
Daylilies are of course a bulb, so you may want to divide them once in a while to revitalize, move to other parts of your landscape or share with a neighbor. The folks at the Hemerocallis society recommend dividing your plants right after they bloom. Just dig up the whole plant, separate the clumps and get as much soil off the roots as possible. Pull the clumps apart, separate by the roots.
It’s always a good idea to do a little maintenance to your day lilies during and after the blooming season. Remove spent blooms after flowering. In winter, get rid of dead foliage and cut the stakes to the ground.
There are lots of daylily experts around the state. You can check the North Carolina Hemerocallis Society and many local clubs like the Raleigh Daylily Club. Everyone should find a sunny spot in their landscape for these beauties. Don’t be the only person in your neighborhood to be without daylilies, you hear!

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 everyone she meets. She has been through so much as always comes to work and makes others laugh while feeling safe. She will always have your back throughout the most difficult situation you get put in and will always go to bat for the people she loves!”
Thank you, Brittany, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?

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 beyond to help them have the best education and school experience. She helped to create a garden experience for outdoor classroom learning and trying takes each of their individual needs into consideration.”
Holly Potts: “I’m thrilled to nominate my friend Nell for the Gold Star Teacher of the Month! Nell goes above and beyond every day, working tirelessly as the lead teacher for our highest-need special education students. She is not only their teacher but also their voice and advocate, pouring her heart and soul into creating opportunities for them. Nell has written grants to build a classroom garden and has even organized plant sales to raise additional funds, always looking for ways to enrich her students’ experiences. Her journey is truly inspiring—she worked as an instructional assistant for years, then went back to school part-time to earn her degree in special education so she could serve her students as their lead teacher. On top of it all, she’s also the assistant coach for the middle school soccer team! Nell’s dedication and commitment are truly unmatched.”
Mrs. Rushton received a commemorative plaque from Creative Images in Cary, $100 from Crabtree to shop at Auntie Anne’s, and an additional $100 to shop anywhere at Crabtree, a community staple for more than 50 years!

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 him are safe and sound in their homes. As he began his service with the fire department and then gradually became more invested in the medical side of being a first responder, he loves his job and has so much passion for helping others in their time of need. He is looking forward to continuing this line of work until he retires.”
Thank you, William, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?

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 to pal around with too. I’d be a great hiking buddy or nose work teammate. I prefer calm and quiet places over the big city. If you’re a country bumpkin (or one at heart), check me out!
