So what does the business community think of the proposal to turn over ownership of schools from the Wake County Board of Education to the Wake County Board of Commissioners?

During last week's joint meeting, Joe Bryan, commissioners chairman, brought up the 2008 proposal from the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce for the school board to give up school ownership to the county. Bryan then brought up the results of a more recent survey conducted by the Chamber.

“Surveys done recently through the Chamber suggest a large group of the population sees that is the best model for the county to own, build and maintain schools and it also improves potential passage of the school bond issue," Bryan said.

This Friday, Sept. 28, is First Responders Appreciation Day and businesses across Wake County will be saying thank you with freebies and discounts.

Among the freebies being offered are free coffee and free bowling, including shoe rental.

Discounts on everything from restaurant meals to massages and go-kart racing are also being offered.