🌱James & Agnes Goldston Charged With Animal Cruelty+Car Thefts Rising

Hello all. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Raleigh Patch newsletter. Let's get this weekend started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today we'll cover...

• Car thefts on the rise.
• Get out and explore.
• James & Agnes Goldston charged with animal cruelty.

But first, today's weather: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 86 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

1. There is an uptick in car thefts in the area and two main car models are being stolen at a high rate of incidence: Kias and Hyundais. According to WTVD-TV, "There's been a 26 percent increase in car thefts for the first quarter of the year [and] 74 of the 386 cars reported stolen this year were Kia's and Hyundai's. Certain models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack safety features that make the cars easier to steal. Thieves are targeting models from 2011 through 2022. The car manufacturers recently announced a free anti-theft software upgrade to help prevent thefts. But a quick call to a local dealership alerted ABC11 to a new struggle. There's a shortage of the supplies needed to upgrade the software." Be aware and be safe! (WTVD-TV)
2. Looking to get out and explore the beauty of nature this season? WRAL News has compiled a list of waterfalls and hidden gems that are worth the trip. Click here for the full list with descriptions. Hope to see you out enjoying the area! (WRAL News)
3. Wake County couple, James and Agnes Goldston, have each been charged with three counts of animal cruelty and communicating threats. The couple who lives in the Black Horse Run subdivision in north Raleigh were arrested Thursday evening. They allegedly poisoned and killed Phillip and Jessica Ridley's dogs, two of which died, and one was hospitalized. According to WRAL News, "After the second and third dogs showed the same symptoms as the first, the Ridleys called law enforcement. The Wake County Sheriff's Office told WRAL News that each dog was evaluated at three veterinarians, and all confirmed the dogs were poisoned. The Ridleys say that the Goldstons were known to poison squirrels with antifreeze. According to the warrants, James Goldston sent threatening letters to the Ridleys, including one that said, "Your daughter is next." "For the past year over a year, they sent us threatening letters in the mail about our animals and our house," Jessica Ridley said. One of those letters, shared with WRAL News, read, "If one or both of these dogs put their paws on my property, I am going to blow their brains out." The Goldstons each posted $30,000 bond and were ordered not to have any contact with the Ridley family. (WRAL News)

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Today in Raleigh:

• AFJROTC Military Ball — Sanderson High (All Day)
• Garden Open House — Carpenter Park (9:00 AM)
• Fairy Garden Creations with REAL Fairy! (9:30 AM)
• Rock the Block (2:30 PM)
• Eduardo's Noche Flamenca at Bond Brothers Eastside (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Downtown Raleigh: "Dance the night away next Wednesday at Live After 5. But the dancing doesn't have to stop when the music does, Downtown Raleigh bars like @neptunes.parlour & @zenithraleigh will keep the party going all evening." (Downtown Raleigh via Instagram)
• Downtown Raleigh: "In an effort to foster an inclusive shopping experience for all market patrons, we are proud to accept SNAP for food & produce purchases. But that’s not all — thanks to our presenting sponsor @bluecrossnc, Double Bucks program provides matching dollars up to $10 per visit! Check out this week’s 20+ vendors." (Downtown Raleigh via Instagram)
• City of Raleigh - Government: "Way to go, Carolina Hurricanes!" (City of Raleigh - Government via Facebook)
• Raleigh Vintage: "Super rare Biba ‘feadsack’ maxi dress will be available this weekend at @acurrentaffair! It’s going to be such a fun weekend; you don’t wanna miss it. 70+ amazing dealers and an amazing vintage community!" (Raleigh Vintage via Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com