🌱 BEAR Team Update + WFU New Development + Missing Autistic Teen

Hello all. I'm here with your weekend edition of the Winston-Salem Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 85 Low: 64.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 91 Low: 70.

Here are the top three stories today in Winston-Salem:

1. The Winston-Salem city council recently heard an update on the city's BEAR response team. This team operates out of the fire department and consists of seven crisis counselors that respond to non-violent mental health issues, substance abuse, and domestic disputes as an alternative to law enforcement. Director Kristin Ryan said that from May 15 to Aug. 7, the BEAR team had 526 calls and conducted 132 follow-ups. The BEAR program is a one-year pilot program that was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, and has received praise from Fire Chief Trey Mayo for the work it has done so far. (Triad City Beat)
2. Wake Forest University is partnering with developers and the City of Winston-Salem to bring new construction to the Deacon Boulevard area. The university owns property near Allegacy Stadium and wants to create a mixed-use project. The proposed new development would include restaurants, housing, and retail. (WXII)
3. The Winston-Salem Police Department is asking for the public's assistance as they search for a teen that has been missing since Wednesday, Aug. 16. Jahnill Pond, 16, was last seen around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and is thought to have walked away from his home on Meredith Woods Lane. Pond is autistic and also goes by the name "Pondie." Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Winston-Salem Police Department at 773-7708. (WFMY News 2)

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Today and tomorrow in Winston-Salem:

Saturday, August 19

• Morris Day & The Time At Winston-Salem Fairgrounds (7:00 PM)
• Movies In The Park At Miller Park (7:00 PM)

Sunday, August 20

• Winston-Salem Open: Session 2 At Wake Forest University (1:00 PM)
• The Heavy Heavy With Joelton Mayfield At The Ramkat (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has announced the lineup for the next two Amplify concerts. On Aug. 24, De La Funk will take the stage with Cats in Stereo and Joy & the Experience. On Sep. 7, Janice Price, Liv Douglas, and ZMC will perform. Shows start at 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds Place Theatre. (Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County via Facebook)
• There's still time to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Theatre Alliance! Shows have been added for this weekend and next weekend. Click here for tickets. (Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance via Facebook)
• Corporal Reynolds with the Winston-Salem Police Department was recently named Investigator of the Year at the North Carolina Gang Investigator's Annual Conference. This award is given to individuals who demonstrate excellence and creativity while investigating gang activity. (Winston-Salem Police Department via Facebook)

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• As temperatures increase, so does roach activity! (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. See you all soon for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.