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INSIDE ▼ Traffic stop leads to stolen vehicles PAGE 3A Friday, April 18, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 16
thecharlotteweekly.com/ucweekly
South Piedmont offers bridge to UNC Charlotte MONROE – South Piedmont Community College and UNC Charlotte recently celebrated the formal signing of their 49erNext agreement, which guarantees South Piedmont graduates admission to UNC Charlotte.
“At South Piedmont, we are committed to providing students with access to opportunity, and today, we are taking that commitment to new heights,” said Michelle Brock, president of South Piedmont. “With 49erNext, we are forging a clear and direct pathway for our students to seamlessly transition to their top transfer destination – UNC Charlotte.” Brock signed the 49erNext agreement alongside UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber on April 4 at South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway campus in Monroe. Through the 49erNext program, students who earn an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Engineering, Associate in Arts–Teacher Preparation or Associate in Science–Teacher Preparation degree are guaranteed admission to UNC Charlotte. UNC Charlotte is South Piedmont’s top transfer institution. In addition to guaranteed admission, South Piedmont associate degree graduates will receive collaborative advising from both institutions, early advising and registration at UNC Charlotte, and support throughout the admissions and financial aid processes. Data shows that 65% of 49erNext students graduate within two years of transferring—26.5% higher than the graduation rate of other transfer students. 49erNext students remain enrolled at a higher rate than their peers.
South Piedmont Interim President Michelle Brock, right, signed the 49erNext agreement alongside UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber at an event held April 4 at South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway campus in Monroe.
Photo courtesy of South Piedmont
Want to learn more?
To be eligible for 49erNext, students must: • Earn a two-year degree from South Piedmont. • Have earned 15 or fewer credits from South Piedmont at the time of enrollment in 49erNext. • Intend to pursue a major offered at UNC Charlotte (excluding architecture, fine or performing arts, graphic design, and nursing). On the web: spcc.edu/co-admission-agreements/49ernext
MONROE – The Monroe Police Department has promoted four veteran officers to key administrative positions.
Tahira Stalberte
Candidates are nominated by NCSPRA members and evaluated based on performance in the areas of leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement. “It’s very special because I am being recognized by my colleagues,” Stalberte said of the award. “This recognition is not just about me. It reflects relationships, collaboration and teamwork.” Stalberte’s leadership has guided UCPS through several successful bond campaigns,
Indian Trail: Paws in the Park
Crooked Creek Park will be filled with pooches and their beloved hoomans at Indian Trail Parks and Recreation’s Paws in the Park. Aside from easy access to Crooked Creek’s dog park, the festival offers games and vendors that would delight the likes of Dorothy and Toto, Scooby and Shaggy, and Turner and Hooch. • When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 • Where: 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail • Details: indiantrail.org Stallings: The Spring Spectacle
Here’s something you don’t see everyday – an alien invasion. The Town of Stallings is injecting its Spring Spectacle with an alien theme. Stallings Municipal Park will transform into Area 50, where children can engage in space-theme activities, crafts and games – maybe even extraterrestrials. The town is partnering with Monroe Science Center and The Schiele Museum of Natural History as well as hosting food vendors like Boss Lady Lemonade, Hungry Howie’s Pizza and Sauce Southern Smoke. • When: Noon to 4 p.m. April 26 • Where: 340 Stallings Road, Stallings • Details: stallingsnc.org Waxhaw: Kaleidoscope Fest
Photos courtesy of City of Monroe
• Lt. Monique Holt was promoted to captain, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this milestone in department history. Holt will assume command of the administration division. A 21-year veteran of the Monroe Police Department, Holt has worked across numerous divisions, including patrol, the school resource officer program, the community service unit and the community intervention team. • Lt. Chad Shoultes was promoted to captain and will lead the patrol division. Shoultes began his law enforcement career in 2001 and joined the Monroe Police Department in 2004. Over the years, he has served in patrol, as a traffic division sergeant and lieutenant, and has overseen specialized programs including the department’s K9 Unit, drone operations and field training.
Additional promotions and internal reassignments have also taken place as the department aligns itself to better serve the growing needs of the community. Barney Malone and Justin Crump have both been promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and assigned to the patrol division. City Manager Mark Watson praised the promotions as an important step in preparing the department for the future. “We are proud to recognize and promote the outstanding leadership within the Monroe Police Department,” Watson said. “These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our community. We’re proud to celebrate these historic milestones and look forward to the continued leadership and innovation these officers will bring to our community.”
Stalberte named School Communicator of the Year MONROE – The North Carolina School Public Relations Association named Tahira Stalberte, of Union County Public Schools, as the 2025 School Communicator of the Year.
Union County festivals have alien, dog & food truck themes Communities in western Union County have built spring festivals around relatable themes such as aliens, arts, dogs, food and movies. The best part is you don’t have to make tough decisions about which one to go to – you can catch them all without having to teleport.
Monroe Police Department promotes leaders Police Chief Rhett Bolen described the promotions as part of strategic planning efforts to build a stronger, more efficient department for the future. “These individuals represent the future of our department,” Bolen said. “Their leadership, dedication and vision will help guide our officers and better serve the residents of Monroe as we grow and adapt to new challenges.” Promotions were as follows: • Capt. T.J. Goforth was promoted to assistant chief of police, making her the first woman in the department’s history to hold this role. Goforth has served the Monroe Police Department since 1997, advancing through the ranks in a wide range of assignments including patrol, narcotics, criminal investigations and the violent crimes task force. She most recently served as a captain and brings over 27 years of experience to her new executive role. “I feel fortunate to have grown up in this community and to give back by serving its members,” Goforth said. “It is an honor to lead and work alongside the dedicated men and women who contribute to this agency’s success.” • Capt. Shannon Huntley was promoted to major, becoming the first woman to hold the rank within the Monroe Police Department. Huntley will lead the department’s special services division, which includes oversight of criminal investigations, the narcotics/violent crimes task force and traffic. Huntley began her law enforcement career in 1996 and joined the Monroe Police Department in 2004.
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most recently securing the passage of a $39.4 million bond package in fall 2024. Stalberte was also recognized for leading several marketing and program campaigns, including the Books and Brackets reading challenge and the Next Stop: TeachUCPS teacher pipeline program. Under her guidance, UCPS’s communications team has strengthened its storytelling, expanded outreach efforts and elevated the district’s brand across multiple platforms. “Ms. Stalberte is a tireless advocate for public education and a driving force behind how we connect with our families and community,” Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said. “She tells our story with purpose, passion and integrity – and Union County Public Schools is better because of her leadership. This recognition is well deserved.” During her acceptance speech, Stalberte ex-
pressed gratitude to her peers, family, superintendent and the UCPS Communications team. She paid tribute to her mentor, Nora Carr, who passed away in June 2023. Stalberte credited Carr for taking a chance on her early in her career and helping shape the communicator she is today. She also used the moment to reflect on the critical role school PR professionals play in today’s public education landscape. “Now more than ever we are needed in our roles and positions,” she said. “There is a lot going on in public education. I say to each of you, you have to be the conscience in the room with your superintendent and your board. Remember your voice matters and you are the ones that tell the story the Story continues, see COMMUNICATOR page 3A
Kaleidoscope Fest is one of the Town of Waxhaw’s signature events. It highlights arts and cultures from around the world at Downtown Park. Main stage performances feature Afro-Caribbean, Bollywood, Irish, Tahitian/Hawaiian and technical-style dance as well as steel drums and an aerial performance. Food trucks of different cultures will also be available. Youth art will also be displayed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at Waxhaw Recreation Barn (5412 Waxhaw-Marvin Road). • When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 10 • Where: 301 Givens St., Waxhaw • Details: waxhaw.com/our-town/ events/kaleidoscope-fest Weddington: Food Truck Fridays
The Town of Weddington offers a reason to visit town hall for non-official business on the first three Fridays in May. The town hasn’t shared event specifics yet but previous years’ events started at 5:30 p.m. and featured vendors specializing in barbecue, pizza and desserts. Expect music and entertainment, too. • When: May 2, 9 and 16 • Where: 1924 Weddington Road, Weddington • Details: facebook.com/townofweddington/ Wesley Chapel: Spring Fling
The Village of Wesley Chapel packs a lot of entertainment in this year’s Spring Fling at village hall. The event includes bounce houses, a foam pit, balloon animals, yard games and a screening of the Disney film “The Jungle Book” (7 p.m.), courtesy of Union County Parks and Recreation. Popcorn and popsicles will be available. The town recommends you bring a chair. • When: 4 to 7 p.m. May 3 • Where: 6490 Weddington Road, Wesley Chapel • Details: wesleychapelnc.com