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Tropical Storm ELSA Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
July 8, 2021
13,460 Covid Deaths in NC.

56% Vaccinated with One Dose/53% Fully Vaccinated.

8,989,636 Total Doses Administered.
WRAL Weather App
Download WRAL Weather App to see if stormy weather on its way:  

Kelly Family
Please Donate to help the Kelly family, whose house burned down a few weeks ago in the Providence Community.  We pray for the Kellys.

BREAKING NEWS
Tropical Storm ELSA Arrives in North Carolina.  Flash Flooding Warning in Triangle with 1-3 inches of rain expected.
(See ELSA Section Below)
North Carolina Draws Second $1 million Lottery Winner!
WCPSS Year-Round
Wake County Year-Round Schools Start Today

Parkside Elementary Starts at 9:15 am
NHL Stanley Cup
The Tampa Bay Lightning, defeating the Montreal Canadiens, won the Stanley Cup.  
Euro Final
England Plays Denmark in Euro Final. 
Tropical Storm ELSA Moves into North Carolina
My Message (Included in my Weekly Update):
 
Outer bands of rain from Tropical Storm Elsa started moving into the North Carolina Sandhills around 5 a.m. According to the 5 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, the center of the storm was located about 50 miles south of Columbia, South Carolina. Elsa was traveling northeast at 18 miles per hour.

The storm is expected to quickly continue its way up through North Carolina, tracking just west of Interstate 95. The biggest chance for severe storms and spin up tornadoes is to the east of the center of Elsa.

Elsa remains a weak tropical storm with sustained winds at 40 miles per hour. Central North Carolina is not under any tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings (a tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast). However, a flash flood watch is in effect Thursday from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. for the entire region.

Elsa is expected to dump between 1-3 inches of rain (with isolated areas getting as much as 6 inches of rainfall) in central North Carolina and bring wind gusts as strong as 50 miles per hour in spots.  

As the day progresses, the rain spreads north across the Triangle with the entire region seeing rain and storms by the afternoon.

Peak wind gusts Thursday will happened between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. south of Wake County. Areas north of Wake County can expect the strongest winds between 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Elsa will move through North Carolina fairly quickly. The majority of the storm will be into Virginia by 9 p.m.
DUKE ENERGY MESSAGE ON ELSA (From Marty Clayton)  
Duke Energy’s meteorologists are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa and its potential impacts to our area.

As part of our preparation, we’re communicating with customers in the area to prepare and have a plan if an outage occurs. We’ve made calls to medical alert and critical care customers.We’ve emailed customers with resources and reminders. We are checking equipment, supplies and inventories to ensure we have adequate materials to make repairs and restore power outages. 

We appreciate your support sharing this information with the community:
  • Visit our Storm Center for tips on ways to stay safe before, during and after severe weather hits. 
  • If you experience an outage, please report it on our website or through our mobile app, text OUT to 57801, or call 800.419.6356. 
  • Stay informed – make sure you are signed up to receive Outage Alerts and bookmark our Outage Map to stay updated on estimated restoration times. 

Duke Energy maintains a detailed storm response plan. Today, more than 900 line technicians, service crews and other personnel are available to respond in those communities where storm-related outages are mostly likely to occur; an additional 500 workers are prepared to travel from other locations across the Carolinas to support restoration work, if needed.  
  • With storm-related outages expected to be more severe in Duke Energy’s Florida service, the company has deployed 400 Carolinas-based contract line and other support workers to support restoration efforts there. 
  • With nearly 1,500 line technicians, service crews and other personnel remaining in the Carolinas, the company is adequately staffed to respond to outages, should they occur in the Carolinas.  
July 7 India Covid Roundtable A Success! 
India: 3.7 million cases/405,000 Deaths.  

Check out Vetted Non Profits to donate to at https://www.nytimes.com/article/india-covid-how-to-help.html

Thanks for joining the India in Covid Crisis Roundtable at Wake Tech RTP (10908 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville, NC 27560) with special guests, Swadesh Chatterjee, Chair US India Friendship Council, and US Congressman David Price (Congressional District 4) and US Congresswoman Deb Ross (Congressional District 2).  
During this Roundtable, we discussed the US Government Response, address community concerns, and share ideas on how we can help India through the crisis.  
Check out Live Stream "India Covid Crisis Wake Tech Swati Girglani" at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/337344601324232
Check out John Chambers Podcast on India with Mukesh Aghi, CEO, US-India Partnership Forum
Check out The Urgent Need to Help India in its Fight Against the COVID-19 Pandemic with Mukesh Aghi of United States Strategic Indian Partnership Forum– Episode 8 of “Chambers Talks"​, a Podcast Series Hosted by John Chambers, former CEO Cisco Systems.


If you would like to help India, please visit pbs.org or nytimes.com for a list of vetted organizations accepting donations for medical and other greatly needed supplies. We cannot rest until the entire world gains control over the COVID-19 crisis.
Congresswoman Ross Hosts Clean Tech Panel at Wake Tech RTP
Thanks to Congresswoman Ross and Dr. Ralls for hosting a Clean Tech Roundtable at Wake Tech RTP on July 8th.  It was great to hear from market leading companies like Duke Energy, RTI, ABB, SAS, NC State and others leaders on what we can do in North Carolina to be a leader in sustainability, renewable energy, and to do our part to achieve zero carbon emissions.  I was honored to provide a local government perspective to the Panelists. I will be coming to Town Hall with more ideas.
Congresswoman Deb Ross Proposes Bi Partisan Bill to Protect Dreamers 
My Message: 

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, a Wake County Democrat, introduced the bipartisan legislation along with Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Young Kim, R-Calif.

Through the legislation, the child dependents of long-term visa holders, also called "documented Dreamers," would gain a pathway to obtain permanent residency, or a green card, so long as they have lived in the United States for 10 years and graduate from a college or university.

Under current immigration law, dependents of H1-B holders, like spouses and children, can obtain H-4 status. That allows them to stay in the United States for the same length of time as the H1-B holder.

To maintain H-4 status, children of H1-B visa holders must be unmarried and under the age of 21. After that, they age-out of that temporary legal status. This prompts many to return to native countries that they may barely know.

According to the bill's sponsors, over 200,000 children and young adults are living in the United States as dependents of long-term non-immigrant visa holders.

"These individuals grow up in the United States, attend American schools and graduate from American universities. Because they have maintained legal status, Documented Dreamers are not eligible for protection under DACA or the work authorization that comes with it," a spokesperson for Ross said in a press release.

I am working on arranging a Virtual Fireside Chat/Radio Interview with Congresswoman Ross on this issue in the next week or ten days. 
Morrisville Receives All America City Award at Family Fest
ALL AMERICAN CITY AWARDS PRESENTATION AT July 3 FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL
My All-America City Message: 

Thanks to everyone who came out to the July 3 Family Fest!

In the evening, it was an honor for our Town to accept an All-America City Award from the National Civic League.  We were presented with a Plaque and once again, thanks to all of the Citizens, Staff, and the Council for getting us to be an All-America City.  

The future looks very bright for our Town!  
Awards Ceremony
Keynote speaker: Erika Poethig, Special Assistant to President Biden for Housing and Urban Policy, Domestic Policy Council, The White House. The moment we’ve all been waiting for, the announcement of the 2021 All-America City Awards!
USA Womens’ Cricket Finishes T1 Qualifier in Morrisville!
My Message on Making Morrisville into the Cricket Capital of the US:

It was a great weekend of world class cricket in Morrisville this weekend as we hosted USA Womans Cricket for in the Qualifier Rounds.  Congratulations to the Eastern Zone Team, who won this round.
Next round is for the Eastern Team to go on to play in the Nationals being held in Florida Aug 2-8. From there the National team will be selected to play in World Cup qualifiers to be held sometime in September v Canada, Argentina and Brazil.

A special thanks to USA Cricket, Jerry Allen from Parks and Recreation, Asia Sheikh, Supriya Desai, Rupali and all of the Volunteers, the Triangle Cricket League and all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make this Tournament a Success!

We are on our way to becoming the Cricket Capital of the United States!

See my July 4th Edition for my ideas on how we can transform our Cricket Presence in the US!
My Fireside Chat with USA Womens Cricket Captain Shebani Bhaskar:
THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE July 4th Week
News in Morrisville:
Town Meetings 
July 8 - 6:30 p.m. Planning & Zoning Board

July 8 - 6:30 p.m. Senior Advisory Committee

July 13  6:00 p.m. Town Council Meeting.  
Email Public Comments to publiccomments@townofmorrisville.org by 3 pm.  Streamed at www.townofmorrisville.org!  
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements

Work on the south side of Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Misty Groves Circle) in connection with the road widening operations will continue. The temporary shoring work for the culvert is ongoing.

Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in this area between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.

For current project details visit: https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
The July 3 Morrisville Family Fun Festival was a Blast!
Thanks for attending our July 3 Family Fun Festival which included live music and entertainment, magic shows, carnival games, food trucks, family-friendly games, prize giveaways, Morrisville’s small businesses, Town project information displays, and more. I will be showcasing some of the Small Businesses in my next few newsletters!

A laser light show on Town Hall Drive concluded the evening!
July Neighborhood Street, Parking Lot, and Sidewalk Repairs
Throughout July, the following street sidewalks and parking lots will receive repairs and maintenance. Work progress and upcoming paving activities will be listed on the Town website and posted to the Town’s social media pages. The sidewalk repairs are currently underway to remove over 560 trip hazards. Residents may be asked to move their vehicles in advance of repair work. For questions, contact the Morrisville Public Works Department by calling (919) 463-7070.

  • Preston Grande: Grattan Court, Truhart Way, Trellingwood Drive, Preston Grande Way, Ridge Creek Drive
  • Waltons Creek: Waltons Creek Road, Fairwood Drive
  • McCrimmon at the Park: Dyersville Drive, Corwith Drive, Fulbright Drive, Bidwell Place, Addenbrock Drive
  • Parking lots: Morrisville Community Park, Church Street Park, Shiloh Park, and Town of Morrisville administration buildings on Town Hall Drive
Morrisville’s July 11 Pop-Up Dog Park Registration Open
Registration is open for the Sunday, July 11 "pop-up" dog park at Morrisville Community Park! Participating dog owners must register in ActiveNet and fill out a waiver prior to participating. Click here to visit the Town’s webpage for additional information, future dates, rules, requirements, and forms.
Green Drive & Fairview Avenue Stormwater Project Commences June 28
The Green Drive & Fairview Avenue stormwater project will commence construction on Monday, June 28. Work will start on Fairview Avenue and will continue for approximately two months and move to Green Drive for another two months. The project aims to reduce flooding in the area by upsizing culverts. Questions about the project can be directed to the Stormwater Division by calling (919) 463-6191 or clicking here.
Western Wake Farmers' Market is Open Year-round
Come out to the Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., for healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses! Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to learn about the WWFM, to see a complete list of local vendors, for special event dates, and to learn more about how you can support your community by shopping local. Sign up for the weekly WWFM newsletter sent out on Friday mornings! Email debbie@wwfm.ag to subscribe!
National News
Tropical Storm Elsa
Tropical Storm Elsa dumped heavy rain on the Southeast and prompted warnings as far north as Massachusetts.
Covid Delta Variant
Delta is now the dominant variant of the virus in the U.S., the C.D.C. estimates.

A study from Israel found that the Pfizer vaccine was effective against it.
President Biden
President Biden plans to direct federal regulators to crack down on noncompete clauses to bolster worker power
Former President Trump
Donald Trump sued Facebook, Twitter and Google to restore his accounts. His political operation immediately began fund-raising off it.
Global News
HAITI IN CRISIS
Haitian officials said the police killed four people and arrested two others suspected in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, but didn’t name them.  Moïse’s wife, Martine, was also shot. She is in critical condition, an ambassador said.  Moïse had shown signs of authoritarianism, refusing to leave office and trying to rewrite the Constitution. Thousands of Haitians had protested.  Claude Joseph, the interim prime minister, said he would run the country and placed Haiti under a form of martial law.   Haiti has struggled to recover from an earthquake in 2010. Armed gangs control parts of the capital, and poverty and hunger are on the rise.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 13th, 6pm - Town Council Meeting
July 13th Town Council Meeting 6 pm

Submit Public Comments to publiccomments@townofmorrisville.org.

July 14 Morrisville First Responders Lunch
July 14 Morrisville First Responders Lunch  11:30- 1pm  

July 27th NC RIOT Augmented Reality Challenge
July 27th NC RIOT Augmented Reality Challenge at Meymandi Hall!

Immersive augmented reality technology experiences, a pitch contest with up to $40k up for grabs, an all-star panel of judges, craft beer, augmented reality artists and more!

Register in advance at https://bit.ly/RYRfinalpitch
Radio / TV
Radio Nyra
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio Nyra for another update on local issues.

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
POD TV
Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.

OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
My Weekly Update:
NC Covid Dashboard:
13,460 Deaths / 56% in NC vaccinated with one dose and 53% Fully Vaccinated.

Biden Administration reaches 67% Adults Vaccinated by July 4th and continues with aggressive Vaccination Campaign.
 
Total Doses Administered: 8,989,636

Second Vaccine Lottery and scholarship winners will be selected on July 7

  • For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.  
  • Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.    
  • For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.    
  • 1,516,310 applied for UI Benefits, 996,757 Paid Benefits, $12.4 Billion Payments Issues.  

Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/

For Covid 19 Testing Sites in Wake County, please visit http://www.wakegov.com/covidvaxandtest/Pages/default.aspx.  

451 new COVID-19 cases were reported in North Carolina on Wednesday.

The percent of positive tests in the state is at 4.8%.

415 people are currently hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

56% percent of the adult population is vaccinated with at least one dose.

13,460 deaths have been reported in North Carolina since the start of the pandemic.

Cases:
+ 451 Newly reported Cases  
+ N.C. = 1,016,262 Cases (Deaths = 13,434) 
+ 415 Hospitalized   
4.8 % Positive Rate

+ Wake County = 90,468 Cases (Deaths = 737)

+ US = 33.7 million cases/ 605,000 deaths 
+ India = 30.7 million cases/405,000 Deaths. 
+ Worldwide = 184 million cases/ 3.98 million deaths 
Office Hours
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com