Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/514143
May 20-26, 2015 UCW 9 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Fox Tests Positive For Rabies After Approaching Two People The State Public Health Lab in Raleigh reported positive rabies results this morning in a fox picked up May 13 on Trout Creek Road, off Cliffdale Road. The fox attempted to attack two people at two different addresses within close proximity. The fox approached a person at Kings Lynn Loop who was checking for mail. The animal attempted to bite the man's ankle, but did not break the skin. The fox then attempted to bite a woman as she was walking to her car on Trout Creek Road. Animal Control captured and euthanized the fox so it could be tested for rabies. Both individuals have been notified to seek medical advice. Animal Control officers are in the area alerting citizens. This is the fifth case of rabies in the county for 2015. All pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets. If pets are not vaccinated or are due for a booster shot, they should be taken to a local veterinarian for rabies vaccination immediately. The first sign of rabies in animals is a change in behavior. Animals may become aggressive, attacking for no reason, or they may become very quiet. Wild animals can lose their fear of people and act tame. Rabid animals may walk in a circle, drag a leg, or fall over. Some cannot swallow so they are not able to eat or drink and often drool. Animals usually die within a week after first becoming ill. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal: · Immediately wash the wound under running water for at least 10 minutes with lots of soap. Seek medical attention/advice. · Call Animal Control at 321-6852 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call the Sheriff's Office at 323-1500 after 5 p.m., weekends and holidays. · Go to the emergency room. It is also important to vaccinate your pets for rabies and keep their shots current. Pet owners are reminded that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies, as required by state law. Pet owners are subject to a fine of $100 for each unvaccinated dog or cat. Pets must be vaccinated when they reach the age of four months. City and County Discuss Homelessness Initiatives The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and Fayetteville City Council met jointly to discuss homelessness. Both the City and County have identified reducing homelessness as a strategic objective. During the three-hour session, the boards developed a list of potential initiatives to address homelessness in the next year. Denise Neunaber, executive director of the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness, and AnneMarie Maiorano, Wake County's division director of housing and community revitalization, spoke to the boards about practices being used in Wake and other counties to reduce homelessness. Warren Miller, president of Fountainworks Inc., facilitated the discussion between the elected boards, which resulted in a list of short-term actions for the local governments to consider in addressing homelessness. The list included establishing a designated point-person to facilitate coordination of homeless efforts throughout the community, as well as developing a multi-service intake process for identifying homeless individuals and referring them to the appropriate resources, with the longer-term goal of establishing an intake center. A homelessness analysis and needs assessment was completed in November for the Continuum of Care and Cumberland County Community Development Department. The boards recommended additional resource analysis, as well as developing a clear definition of who needs assistance and including those who are within 30 days of being homeless. The boards directed City and County staff to work jointly to prioritize the actions outlined and develop projects accordingly. City Manager Ted Voorhees and County Manager Amy Cannon said they have included funding in their FY2016 recommended budgets for homelessness projects. Cape Fear Studios presents ~ Things I've Made with Wood