In today’s episode of Good Morning Wake County, Steve brings you three stories of quiet strength and unexpected comebacks, from a historic wool mill in Minnesota to a mother’s long-awaited graduation in Alabama, and a talent-filled triumph right here in Wake County, North Carolina.

We begin in Faribault, Minnesota, where the Faribault Woolen Mill, founded in 1865 and once shuttered after 144 years, has roared back to life thanks to former Dairy Queen CEO Chuck Mooty and a merger with American menswear company CircleRock. What started with knocking on doors and asking, “Do you remember how this machine works?” became a full revival of a piece of American manufacturing history.
🎩 Source: Forbes – Faribault Mill Is An Inspiring Story Of Industrial Rebirth

Then we head to Gadsden, Alabama, where Candida Pedro Aguirre, a mother of three, finally walked the stage in cap and gown at Gadsden State Community College, nearly 12 years after giving birth just months before her original high school graduation. Her story of perseverance, mentorship, and a scholarship surprise will stay with you.
🎓 Source: Gadsden Messenger – Candida Aguirre earns diploma and scholarship

Finally, Steve shines a light on Wake County’s own brilliance. Raleigh recently ranked #2 for “talent density” in the South, thanks to steady performance in STEM education, patents, and innovation infrastructure. With neighbors like NC State, Wake Tech, and startups in RTP and Fuquay-Varina, it’s no surprise our region is quietly shaping the future.
🧠 Source: CommercialCafe – Southern US Innovation Hubs: The Top 20 Cities Ranked

Plus — stick around to hear today’s Dad joke and a few ways you can help keep this good news flowing.

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Meet Jevin Millsaps, an 8-year-old from Axtell, Texas, who’s turning roadside cans into a retirement plan and a vending machine business, with a little help from KCEN News reporter Brandon Cote.

Then, travel to Redding, California, where students at Parsons Junior High are changing lives just by telling the truth at their school’s ROAR Assembly.

And in Mercer County, New Jersey, The College of New Jersey and the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber are helping teens turn big ideas into real businesses through the state’s first Young Entrepreneur’s Academy.

These are feel good news stories about courage, community, and the power of believing in a kid before they believe in themselves. Good news, good stories, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest change starts small.

🎩 Sources:

• Jevin’s story: KCEN News, reporter Brandon Cote – https://www.kcentv.com

• ROAR Assembly: KGET News – https://krcrtv.com/news/local/parsons-junior-high-students-inspire-peers-with-stories-of-triumph-over-adversity

• YEA! in Mercer County: Community News – https://www.communitynews.org/business/first-young-entrepreneurs-academy-in-nj-comes-to-mercer/article_db0c9244-67fe-448

  
  

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Today on Good Morning Wake County, we take you from a missing tortoise named Tank in Greenfield, Illinois to the streets of Raleigh, where law enforcement officers ran for the Special Olympics. Then we head west to California for the inspiring story of Trevor Turner, a former inmate turned award-winning college graduate, before coming home to Raleigh to remember Eliza Craven and the $2.5 million gift that will help other families facing childhood illness. These are stories of good, stories of heart… and the kind of feel-good news that stays with you.

🎧 Featuring:

• Tank the Tortoise 🐢 (Greenfield, IL)

• Wake County Special Olympics

• Trevor Turner (Bakersfield College, CA)

• Amanda & Lee Craven + Transitions LifeCare (Raleigh, NC)

• Team Speedy Sloth + Eliza Alice Craven Pediatric Fund (Duke University, Durham, NC)

  
  

🔗 SOURCES & LINKS

Tank the Tortoise – First Alert 4:

https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/05/28/illinois-town-comes-together-find-missing-tortoise/

Torch Run / Special Olympics:

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/wake-county-law-enforcement-runs-through-rain-to-benefit-nc-special-olympics/

Trevor Turner, Bakersfield College Grad:

https://www.bakersfield.com/bakersfield-life/bakersfield-matters-bc-grad-defies-odds-earns-collegiate-recognition-with-inspiring-story/article_b47665db-424d-4ac8-8555-f5d02d1dff75.html

Eliza’s Story / Transitions Kids

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/raleigh-nc/eliza-craven-10806995

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/the-whole-family-is-the-patient-childrens-hospice-program-in-raleigh-receives-2-5-million-gift/

https://www.supportdukehealth.org/site/TR/Angels/AngelsAmongUs?pg=team&fr_id=2621&team_id=30983

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