🌱 Bus Driver Shortage + Bus Route App + Two More Suspects Arrested

Hello all. I'm here with your Friday edition of the Winston-Salem Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Warmer with a t-storm or two. High: 80 Low: 69.
• Saturday: Sunshine, pleasant and warmer. High: 89 Low: 71.

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

1. As students in the Piedmont Triad prepare to return to school, several school districts are facing challenges due to open bus driver positions. Districts like Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools and Alamance Burlington Schools are dealing with shortages of school bus drivers, leading to changes in routes and schedules. Despite the difficulties caused by the shortage, districts are working to ensure safety and efficiency, with Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools mapping out new routes and encouraging parents to track buses using the "Here Comes the Bus" app. Districts are actively hiring and training new drivers to address the staffing gap. (Fox 8)
2. Did you experience ground movement on Aug. 3 around 9:58 a.m.? At least four people in and around the Winston-Salem area reported 'light/weak shaking' on Thursday morning. If you felt this possible quake or live near the epicenter, you can fill out a report here. (Volcano Discovery)
3. Two additional individuals, Andre Lamont Barber (19) and Rahquane Daijon Miller (18), have been arrested in connection with the shooting of a 12-year-old boy in Winston-Salem, bringing the total number of suspects to five. Police have indicated that they are no longer seeking any other individuals related to the incident. Barber is facing charges including assault with a deadly weapon, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, and maintaining a vehicle, while Miller is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana. The shooting occurred on Jul. 6, and the injured child is expected to recover. (Fox 8)

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Today and tomorrow in Winston-Salem:

Friday, August 4

• Bowling Green Hot Rods Vs. Winston-Salem Dash At Truist Stadium (7:00 PM)
• Gears & Guitars 2023: Streets Of Fire At 4th Street, Downtown Winston-Salem (7:00 PM)

Saturday, August 5

• Southeast Crab Fest At Bolton Park (1:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
• Gears & Guitars 2023: Fondos, Criterium Racing & Live Music At Bailey Park (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss out on the 2023 Forsyth Championship! Register before Aug. 11 at 5:00 p.m. on WePLAY.ws for the event taking place on Aug. 18-19. For more information, contact forsythchampionships@cityofws.org. (City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks via Facebook)
• Starting on Saturday, Aug. 5 pools in Winston-Salem will begin closing as fall is soon approaching. Check out a list of city pool closures at the link. (City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks via Facebook)
• Due to staffing shortages, the Winston-Salem Police Department has implemented 12-hour shifts for its officers, according to Assistant Chief Katie Allen. The department aims to ensure the safety of Winston-Salem residents and is exploring alternative personnel allocation methods in response to the situation. (WXII 12)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll be in your inbox soon with your next 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.