Deep-fried turkey has quickly grown into a southern Thanksgiving favorite. While this creation may be delicious, cooks may be sacrificing safety for good taste.

If you plan to use a turkey fryer, the Charlotte Fire Department offers the following safety tips: 

• Turkey fryers should be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• To avoid oil spillover, don't overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders when touching fryer handles.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• Never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer.

 For more holiday cooking safety tips, click here. 

Citizens are invited to an open house for the South Corridor Light Rail Line and Infrastructure Projects.  Attendees will be able to ask questions and get the latest information on light rail, roads, sidewalks, water and sewer construction, transit-oriented land use and economic development opportunities in the South Corridor. 

Tuesday, November 15, 3 - 8 pm
South Corridor Construction and Information Center
4035 South Blvd.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) invites the community to attend public meetings for the proposed Northeast Corridor Light Rail Project:

Tuesday, December 6 at 6 pm
University Place Hilton Hotel
8629 JM Keynes Dr.
Fountain View Room (Lobby Level)
Stations: City Blvd. – I-485/N. Tryon

Wednesday, December 7 at 6 pm
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 Sugar Creek Rd.
Fellowship Hall
Stations: 9th St. – Tom Hunter

For more information, call 704-336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.

Are you looking for a new pet?  Animal Control invites potential pet owners to an Adoption Fair:

Saturday, November 12
10 am - 3 pm
Pet Essentials at Stonecrest Village
7926 Rea Rd.

A variety of animals eligible for adoption will be on hand.  For more information, call 704-336-3786.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Animal Control Division in partnership with the Humane Society of Charlotte is proud to announce the opening of the Gary T. deLisser Spay Neuter Clinic, 8315 Byrum Dr.  This clinic provides spay and neutering surgeries to animals eligible for adoption from Animal Control.

The new facility features more space for adoptable dogs to be viewed by potential owners, state-of-the-art dog kennels, radiant heated floors, ventilation systems and automatic pet watering in each dog run.

For more information about Animal Control, click here. 

City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24.

On Thursday, November 24, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Gold Rush, the Charlotte Trolley and express service will not operate on that day.  On Friday, November 25, CATS will operate on a regular schedule.  Gold Rush services and Arrowood Shuttle also will operate on a regular schedule.  The Charlotte Trolley will operate according to its Friday schedule.

Solid Waste Services will not operate on Thursday, November 24.  Thursday customers will receive service on Friday, November 25; Friday customers will receive service on Saturday, November 26.

It's the time of year when leaves fall and homeowners rake them into piles in the yard.  Help protect the environment by properly disposing of yard waste.

The City's Storm Water Quality Ordinance prohibits the disposal of yard waste down storm drains, in creeks and on creek banks.  The storm drainage system flows directly to our creeks and lakes without any treatment.  When leaves are blown into the streets or piled on stream banks, they become a storm water pollutant.

To properly dispose of leaves, Solid Waste Services suggests that homeowners place leaves in a clear plastic bag at the curb for pickup.  Dark bags also may be used but must not be tied.  Yard waste will be collected during normal routes.

For more information on how to prevent storm water pollution, visit http://stormwater.charmeck.org.  To learn more about yard waste collection, visit http://curbit.charmeck.org.

If you are looking for a hassle-free way to get to Charlotte Bobcats games, hop aboard, sit back and let the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) deliver you right near the action without having to worry about traffic or the cost of parking your car nearby.

CATS' Gold Rush Center City Circulator operates for all Bobcats games.  The Orange Line and Red Line provides service starting 90 minutes before the game and an hour after the game.

The Charlotte Trolley operates on its regular schedule, and additional trolleys run between South End and the Center City to provide service to customers 30 minutes before and after Bobcats games and arena events. 

To learn more, call 704-336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.

Tune in to The Government Channel – Cable 16 for the latest government news and information.

City Source – Thursday, November 10 at 5:30 pm
This week, view the public artwork at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena, and learn why Charlotte was named one of the top cities for youth.  Also, find out how to protect your pets and yourself from rabies.

To learn more about The Government Channel, visit http://govchannel.charmeck.org.