Winston-Salem Daily Local Headlines: Salem Parkway snag, school board spotlight, and a big Cash 5 win

Local headlines to know

• Salem Parkway reopened after a large tree came down and blocked northbound lanes Sunday night.
• District 1 candidates for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools board are making school safety and student discipline central campaign issues ahead of the election.
• A Winston-Salem resident claimed a $369,896 Cash 5 jackpot, a reminder that online ticket sales are playing a bigger role in how people here buy lottery games.
• Winston-Salem State fell in the CIAA men’s opening round, ending the Rams’ tournament run after a defensive battle in Baltimore.

What’s driving conversation

Traffic disruption on Salem Parkway

A fallen tree forced a temporary shutdown of northbound Salem Parkway between South Stratford Road and Silas Creek Parkway late Sunday. Police said the lanes later reopened, but the incident was a sharp reminder that winter weather and saturated ground can still create sudden hazards for commuters.

School board race: safety and discipline

With the local school board contest drawing more attention this year, candidates in District 1 have been outlining how they would approach campus safety, student behavior, and the district’s code of conduct. The debate is unfolding alongside broader concerns about staffing and resources, and it’s likely to stay front-and-center through Election Day for many Winston-Salem families.

A big Cash 5 win for a Winston-Salem player

A Winston-Salem woman recently claimed a Cash 5 jackpot worth $369,896 after buying a $1 ticket through online play for a February drawing. The state lottery also pointed to local education funding supported by lottery proceeds in Forsyth County, while sharing resources for anyone who needs help with problem gambling.

WSSU’s CIAA tournament exit

In sports, Winston-Salem State’s season took a turn at the CIAA Tournament, where the Rams were held to 55 points in an opening-round loss. While the tournament is in Baltimore, the results still ripple back home — especially for alumni and fans who travel or follow the Rams closely each February.

Sources

• https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/fallen-tree-shuts-down-part-013902141.html
• https://www.wxii12.com/article/wsfcs-school-board-incumbents-safety-code-of-conduct/70486963
• https://nclottery.com/News/2026/2/23/Winston-Salem-woman-wins-369896-Cash-5-jackpot-
• https://theciaa.com/news/2026/2/25/mens-basketball-bluefield-state-controls-its-opening-round-with-65-55-win-over-winston-salem-state.aspx