Remembering Five Houston Firefighters Killed in 2013 Southwest Inn Fire
On May 31, 2013, a five-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn on the Southwest Freeway drew crews from Houston Fire Department Stations 51 and 68. It would become the deadliest incident in the department's history. As firefighters worked to search and suppress the blaze, the roof collapsed, trapping crews inside.
Four firefighters were killed that day. A fifth, Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling, lost both legs in the fire and died in 2017 from complications related to his injuries.
We remember Captain Matthew Renaud, Engineer Operator Robert Bebee, Firefighter Robert Garner, Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, and Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling.
They sacrificed everything. We will never forget.
Personnel listed by station:
- Robert Bebee — Station 51
- Matthew Renaud — Station 51
- Anne Sullivan — Station 68
- Robert Garner — Station 68
- "Iron Bill" Dowling — Station 68
Southwest Inn — May 31, 2013.
| May 31, 2026 at 3:20 PM |
Wake County student Brecken Patterson wins National PTA Reflections award
Wake County Public Schools in Apex, North Carolina, announced that Brecken Patterson of Middle Creek Elementary is the district's first National PTA Reflections award winner for his short film "Creeper's First Day of School," which earned the Award of Merit and will be featured in the National PTA's virtual exhibit, and he also received the 2025-2026 Wake County PTA Art Reflections Certificate of Achievement in the Film Production category.
| May 31, 2026 at 12:20 PM |
Wake County Veterans Stand Down Set for June 6
The Wake County Veterans Stand Down will be held Saturday, June 6, at William Peace University in Raleigh, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering free meals, health screenings, housing, legal aid, showers, clothing and other services with no appointment and no cost to participate.
| May 31, 2026 at 12:20 PM |
Wake County seeks precinct officials for 2026 General Election
Wake County's Board of Elections in Raleigh, North Carolina, is inviting residents to apply to serve as precinct officials for the 2026 General Election, a role that includes training, site setup, operating voting equipment and assisting voters, and offers a firsthand view of the preparation and teamwork behind Wake County elections.
| May 31, 2026 at 12:20 PM |
Wake County wraps early voting; Election Day prep underway
Wake County, North Carolina, reports that early voting has wrapped and supply distribution is under way as chief judges collect precinct materials for Election Day, with polling place information and sample ballots available at ReadyToVote.com.
| May 30, 2026 at 9:20 PM |
Wake County school counselors gather for annual conference
Wake County Public Schools in Apex, North Carolina, gathered school counselors from across the district for their annual conference to celebrate their data-driven, schoolwide work that supports academics, attendance and behavior, while noting the profession's shift from 'guidance counselors' to 'school counselors'.
| May 30, 2026 at 9:20 PM |
Wake County Explains Tornado Watch and Warning During Preparedness Week
Wake County Government in Raleigh, North Carolina, says during Severe Weather Preparedness Week it will explain the difference between a tornado or severe storm watch and warning in sandwich terms and invites the public to learn more about preparedness and participate in this week's tornado drill with Wake County staff, with a link at https://bit.ly/40KFyrz.
| May 30, 2026 at 9:20 PM |
Wake County Celebrates Arts in Our Schools Month
March is Arts in Our Schools Month, and Wake County Public School System says the arts are a core subject in its strategic plan, including music, visual arts, theater and dance, with the district planning to highlight students and the arts’ impact throughout the month.
| May 30, 2026 at 9:20 PM |
Apex Foundation honors two Felton Grove High School teachers
Apex Foundation in Apex, North Carolina, highlighted two Felton Grove High School educators—Jessica Flegel, English II PLC teacher leader and intervention specialist, and Jillian Placko, an advocate for students with special needs—on Shoutout Tuesday, with thanks to sponsors including FRESH Local Ice Cream and McDonald's.
| May 30, 2026 at 9:20 PM |
Wake County Public Schools to host Spring Job Fair Saturday
Wake County Public Schools in Apex, North Carolina, will host its Spring Job Fair Saturday, March 14, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., offering opportunities for teachers, instructional assistants, transportation staff and Child Nutrition Services, with principals, district hiring managers and staff from several departments in attendance; registration is at https://bit.ly/46KYMRj.
| May 30, 2026 at 9:20 PM |