Charlotte-based Whistle Express has just signed a deal to acquire Take 5 Car Wash from Driven Brands. Upon closing of the sale, the combined entity will operate 530 locations across 23 states, making it the largest express car wash company in the United States. 

“Take 5 Car Wash is an extraordinary brand with a great team, and by combining our strengths, we’re primed to transform the industry and claim our spot as the go-to car wash destination in the U.S.,” said Jose Costa, CEO of Whistle Express Car Wash. “Our goal is simple – to deliver unparalleled service and an unforgettable experience to every customer who visits.”

In addition to re-branding all Take 5 Car Wash locations as Whistle Express, the company is also planning significant investments across four key areas to improve operations:

• State-of-the-art wash technology with significant upgrades to wash tunnels, tire shine applicators, industry-leading ceramic paint protection applicators, vacuums, mat cleaners, and other important customer features.
• User-friendly mobile application technology that lets users easily manage memberships, earn loyalty rewards and access wash services at any of its locations. This seamless integration of technology ensures that customers enjoy a hassle‐free experience from start to finish.
• Best-in-class membership programs, including special perks and complimentary on-site services, including mat cleaning, air fresheners and detail supplies.
• Eco-friendly sustainability practices, including Whistle’s commitment to water reclamation, recovering up to 85% of the water used per wash and reducing water consumption by 91% compared to a typical home car wash.

With warmer months approaching, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is renewing its call to “Fight the Bite,” urging residents to take preventive action against tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses. The campaign relaunch coincides with April’s designation as Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month.

In 2024, North Carolina reported more than 900 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. Ehrlichiosis made up 38% of reported tick-borne infections, while Lyme disease accounted for 33%. These illnesses can lead to fever, rashes, flu-like symptoms, and severe complications if left untreated. Prompt medical attention and antibiotics can effectively treat most cases.

To raise awareness, NCDHHS invited K-12 students to submit original artwork for a statewide poster contest. Winning illustrations, to be announced in late April, will be used by schools and health departments to promote prevention strategies.

Preventing Tick-Borne Illnesses

Ticks thrive in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas. The state health department recommends several protective steps:

• Use EPA-approved repellents with DEET or picaridin on skin; treat clothing with 0.5% permethrin.

• Check for ticks after outdoor activity and remove them promptly.

• Maintain your yard by trimming bushes, removing leaf litter, and mowing grass regularly.

Mosquito Dangers and Prevention

North Carolina frequently reports cases of West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis. Between 2003 and 2023, the state ranked second nationally for La Crosse virus infections.

To lower the risk of mosquito and pest exposure:

• Apply EPA-approved mosquito repellents and treat gear with permethrin.

• Ensure window and door screens are intact; use air conditioning if available.

• Eliminate standing water weekly from birdbaths, buckets, gutters, and other containers to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

While some mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and malaria are acquired through international travel, NCDHHS encourages anyone planning trips to speak with a healthcare provider about region-specific prevention, including vaccines.

For more resources and updates, including contest results, visit the NCDHHS “Fight the Bite” webpage.

Charlotte is in for a treat this weekend as both the Pink Moon and blue sparkling Lyrid meteor shower light up our night sky.

The first official full moon of spring, known as the Pink Moon, will rise on Saturday evening, glowing orange as it ascends above the eastern horizon around 8:23 pm, just after sunset.

The Pink Moon name comes from Phlox Subulata, a wildflower with vibrant pink petals that traditionally blooms this time of year, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

To see the most detail and brightness of the upcoming Pink Moon, NASA recommends finding a clear eastern horizon just after sunset. Urban light pollution may obscure the view, so darker locations outside of city limits will offer the best experience.

Meteor Showers Up Next

For those craving even more cosmic action, the Lyrid meteor shower begins April 17 and is expected to peak between April 21 and 22. While generally producing 10 to 20 meteors per hour, Lyrids are famous for occasionally producing dazzling “bolts of blue.”

Shortly after the Lyrids, the Aquariid meteor shower will kick off April 19, peaking between May 5 and 6. Though this shower favors viewers in the Southern Hemisphere, Carolinians may still catch a few meteors if skies are clear.

Whether you’re admiring the full moon this weekend or chasing shooting stars later this month, April offers a stellar lineup for skywatchers in the Queen City.

Residents within 10 miles of Duke Energy’s Catawba Nuclear Station and McGuire Nuclear Station can expect to hear emergency sirens today, as routine testing takes place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Officials from Duke Energy confirmed that all 89 outdoor warning sirens in the area will sound for periods lasting between five and 30 seconds. Some sirens may activate more than once during the test window.

Authorities emphasized that no public action is required, and the testing is strictly part of normal maintenance to ensure sirens operate properly in the event of a real emergency.

The sirens are an important part of the area’s emergency alert system. However, hearing a siren does not mean residents should evacuate. If unsure whether the alert is part of a drill or an actual emergency, residents are urged to tune into local radio or television stations. These stations would interrupt normal programming to provide real-time instructions in the event of a true emergency.

To stay informed, residents can also use the “Know Your Zone” feature in the South Carolina Emergency Manager mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The tool helps identify individual emergency zones based on location.

What to Do During a Real Emergency

In an actual emergency, residents may be directed to either shelter in place or stay inside based on the situation.

Shelter-in-place guidelines include:

• Close all windows and doors.

• Turn off HVAC systems and close air intakes.

• Move to an interior room with few or no windows.

• Bring pets inside and use stored food and water.

• Use text messaging to communicate and conserve battery power.

Emergency officials stress that staying calm and following instructions is key during any event. For up-to-date guidance, residents should listen to emergency alert stations or check local news outlets.