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INSIDE ▼ Geocaching reaches 25th anniversary PAGE 1B Friday, June 6, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 23
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Oaklore Distilling supports hurricane rebuilding efforts MATTHEWS – Oaklore Distilling Co. announced an initiative to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
For every Oaklore cocktail sold at select participating bars and restaurants in the Charlotte area through June 30, the company will donate $5 to the Community Foundation of Henderson County up to $10,000. The American Whiskey
brand invites patrons across Charlotte to raise a glass for a cause. Participating Charlotte bars and restaurants include: Catalina Kitchen + Bar, CharBar7 (Matthews), CharBar7 (Mint Hill), CharBar7 (Carmel), Dram & Draught, Dressler’s, Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews), Mac’s Speed Shop (Steele Creek), Mac’s Speed Shop (Southend), Mac’s Speed Shop (Lake Norman),
Mac’s Speed Shop (Concord), Napa on Providence, O-Ku, Oak Steakhouse, Reid’s Fine Foods (Southpark), Reid’s Fine Foods (Dilworth), Scissors & Scotch, Vintage Whiskey & Cigar and Yunta. This fundraising effort will aid in rebuilding communities impacted by the storm, with a focus on the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas. This region represents a significant part of Oaklore Distilling
Co.’s future. The company is currently developing Oaklore Ridge, an 87-acre mountain property in the area, which will feature more than six miles of ATV trails, premium mini cabins, a communal home built for gathering and mountain-climate warehousing to age a portion of their barrels of bourbon and rye whiskey. “We believe great whiskey should bring people together,
not just to share a drink, but to lift each other up when it matters most,” said Matt Simpkins, co-founder of Oaklore Distilling Co. “The Lake Lure region is an integral part of our future, and we’re honored to contribute to its recovery and resilience.” In October 2024, shortly after Hurricane Helene powered through the North Carolina mountain towns of Chimney Rock and Lake
Lure, Oaklore Distilling raised more than $50,000 with its Clear the Shelves for Carolina campaign. The company donated 200% of the cost of every bottle sold from its distillery retail shop in Charlotte. “That campaign showed us what’s possible when a community rallies around a cause—and good whiskey,” Simpkins said. On the web: oakloredistilling.com
County leaders update Transit System Plan
CHARLOTTE – The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted May 28 to adopt an updated Transit System Plan.
The plan prioritizes the Better Bus program, which includes microtransit. It also details a phased implementation of the rapid transit corridors. The plan represents a major expansion of transit serving the Charlotte region, including a 50% increase in bus service and 43 more miles of rail services. The decision to approve this plan comes after nearly half a year of public engagement across Mecklenburg County. Four scenarios were developed and presented to the public that included the Better Bus program, Red Line and Gold Line extension. The scenarios varied in the mode and length of the Silver Line corridor and the Blue Line extension. “Through our surveys, 93% of participants indicated that more transit options are needed in Mecklenburg County and the time to act is now,” interim CEO Brent Cagle said. “They also highlighted the need for increased frequency and connections to jobs, housing, education and daily destinations. We believe this updated plan meets the needs shared by our communities, and we applaud the MTC for their continued diligence and support of the communities that we serve.” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said approving
CATS officials have engaged stakeholders in recent years for preferred routes for the Blue Line extension (pictured here) and the Silver Line. CMG file photos
the plan is a milestone in the Metropolitan Transit Commission’s shared vision for the future of mobility in Mecklenburg County. “This plan reflects years of collaboration, community input and a deep commitment to building a more connected, accessible, and sustainable region for generations to come,” Lyles said.
The Metropolitan Transit Commissions, which serves as the governing board for the Charlotte Area Transit System, consists of mayors across Mecklenburg County. Matthews Mayor John Higdon opposed the plan because it did not prioritize building out the Silver Line East toward his town. Higdon said the plan ignores “$40 million-plus
Higdon: ‘MTC has turned its back on Matthews’ By John Higdon Contributor
Editor’s Note: The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted to adopt an updated Transit System Plan on May 28 despite opposition from Matthews. Mayor John Higdon read this statement before voting against the plan. I do not support the proposed Transit System Plan for several reasons. The vision for Matthews has long been one of thoughtful planning and strategic growth, underpinned by investments that position our town as a thriving hub within the county. From fostering a robust business environment to nurturing community spaces and
accessible transportation options, the town’s guiding principles have always been centered on enhancing connectivity and our quality of life. Yet the current direction of this transit plan appears to challenge these foundational priorities. First and foremost, and despite my repeated pleadings to this MTC for over a year now, there has been absolutely no attempt to compromise with Matthews in any way whatsoever on the plan. The MTC has remained steadfast in a support of a severely flawed funding model: a plan that was drawn up by Charlotte business leaders and championed by most town managers, not mine, and then this MTC before even basic costs were known in a classic case
of “shoot, ready, aim.” Under this plan, Matthews light rail passengers will need to travel seven miles outside the town to access the closest station. This plan disregards Matthews’ 30plus years of land-use planning for light rail service to our vibrant downtown, restaurants and businesses, the Novant Medical Center, our Sportsplex, the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association complex, our 15 parks, our celebrated farmers market, CPCC Levine Campus, soon-to-be-built Hendrick Advanced Manufacturing Campus and the Discovery Place Kids Museum. Despite our town representing only a small portion of the Story continues, see MTC page 3A
already spent on the Silver Line East design and the thousands of hours stakeholders spent determining its preferred route and station locations.” Mecklenburg Commissioner Leigh Altman defended the plan, saying it expands bus service to 450,000 more residents across the county. CATS officials say most of the bus portion of the plan will be implemented over the next five to 10 years. Riders can expect to see improved amenities, increased frequency and additional microtransit zones within that period. The Rapid Transit Corridor System plan calls for the following: • Red Line commuter rail from Charlotte Gateway Station to Mt. Mourne in Iredell County. • Silver Line light rail from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Bojangles Coliseum/Ovens Auditorium. • Gold Line streetcar extension from Rosa Parks Place to Eastland. • Blue Line light rail extension from I-485/ South Boulevard to Carolina Place Mall in Pineville. • Future light rail extensions for Silver Line west to I-485 and east to Matthews and Blue Line to Ballantyne, as funding allows, with enhanced bus service in the interim.
Police investigate kidnapping case MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department secured warrants June 2 for a Charlotte man wanted on charges of second-degree kidnapping, stalking and assault by strangulation.
Officers responded to a reported kidnapping after 11 a.m. June 2 at the 1400 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Witnesses told officers that a man forced a woman into a dark-colored BMW sedan and sped away. Police believed the man and woman knew each other. Police sought help from the public by releasing the identities and photos of the suspect and the victim as well as the type of vehicle reportedly used at around 1:40 p.m. The suspect was identified as Logan William Calaway, 23, of
Charlotte, He was described as an American Indian male standing 5-foot-9, with short, curly, brown hair and brown eyes. Police advised the public not to approach the suspect but to call 911. Eighty minutes after the initial release to the public, police said the victim was safely located but Calaway was still at large. Police provided a second update after 9 p.m. June 2, saying officers secured warrants from the Mecklenburg County Magistrate's Office for Calaway’s arrest. The warrants involve charges of second-degree kidnapping, stalking and assault by strangulation. Police encourage the community to call 911 with any information on Calaway’s whereabouts.