🌱 Homicide Rate Rises + Winston-Salem Transit Authority Shortages

Hello, neighbors. Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your Wednesday edition of the Winston-Salem Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in town.

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Now, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 92 Low: 72.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 95 Low: 72.

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

1. As of Jul. 21, both of the Triad's largest cities are on track to surpass their yearly records for homicides. Law enforcement officers in Winston-Salem credit trauma surgeons at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for saving lives and preventing a worse homicide problem. The medical center's status as the only level 1 designated trauma center in the Piedmont-Triad contributes to a 25 percent higher survival rate for trauma patients compared to non-trauma centers. (Fox 8)
2. The Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) is facing ongoing problems due to staffing shortages, leading to the cancellation of a bus route recently. The WSTA spokesperson cited difficulties in finding replacements when drivers call out, causing disruptions in service. In addition to staffing challenges, the WSTA is also considering proposals to address behavior issues at the transit center, including adding metal detectors, replacing badge monitors, and increasing officer presence. (WFMY 2)
3. A cyclist named Jerry Crump from Granite Falls was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Airport Rhodhiss Road, near Hickory Airport Road in Winston-Salem on Saturday morning. Crump was biking with Mark Annas, but he was the only one hit by a vehicle from behind at around 6:47 a.m. He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Charlotte-area hospital. The vehicle involved is described as an older model black sedan, possibly a Ford, with damage on its right front bumper, and anyone with information is urged to call *HP and ask for Trooper Lane. (Subscription: Winston-Salem Journal)

Today and tomorrow in Winston-Salem:

Wednesday, July 26

• Lunch & Learn At The Enterprise Conference And Event Center (12:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia At Small Batch Beer Company (7:30 PM)

Thursday, July 27

• Senior Water Fitness Class At Bolton Pool (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Winston-Salem is opening its recreation centers as cooling centers to help people beat the heat. All recreation centers are open to the public, providing a space to cool off in the lobby area. Those experiencing homelessness are recommended to use local day centers located at City with Dwellings and the Bethesda Center for the Homeless, while emergency shelters in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Continuum of Care are low-barrier 24-hour shelters, except for two. Unhoused resources can be found at here. (City of Winston-Salem, NC - Government via Facebook)
• As the school year approaches, it's essential to start planning for after-school care. The Recreation and Parks after-school registration will be opening on Aug. 1, so you can make sure to arrange care for your children in advance. (City of Winston-Salem, NC - Government via Facebook)
• Don't miss the last Fairground Fridays event of the summer, providing a safe space for teens aged 12-18 to spend their Friday night. Held at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds on Jul. 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., teens can enjoy food from the concession stand, dance to music from a DJ, play video games in the showmobile, and hang out with friends. The event is free, and for more information, you can contact Bryce Sherman at bryces@cityofws.org. (City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you around!

— 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.