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INSIDE ▼ Whiskey distillery expands distribution PAGE 3A Friday, August 8, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 32
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Baucom running for N.C. House District 55 MONROE – Union County Commissioner Clancy Baucom announced he is running for N.C. House District 55, a seat held by N.C. Rep. Mark Brody, who is not seeking re-election.
Baucom, a Union County native, has served as a Union County commissioner for nearly two years. “The municipalities around here are strong, and I now want to serve Union and Anson counties from the state level,” Baucom said. “I will work closely with the Union and Anson County delegations, local elected officials and the people of District
55 to ensure our values and interests are well represented in Raleigh. Generations of my family are from here, and I’m personally invested in its prosperity.” During his time as a commissioner, Baucom has provided tax incentives to attract businesses, supported a program to bring a clean and increased water supply to residents, and ensured farm land was preserved. As someone who grew up on a farm and as a professional horticulturalist, agriculture is one of his top priorities. “We need to ensure foreign
enemies are not buying our farmland and that domestic interests do not buy farmland we need for food production,” Baucom said. “Any growth should be measured and balanced with our farmers in mind, and the need for all of us to have access to healthy, local food.” Baucom’s other top priorities include election integrity, religious freedom, fewer business regulations and Second Amendment rights. As a pro-life Christian, he also supports the unborn and pregnant women in crisis through funding for pregnancy care centers.
Baucom also plans to work to acquire funding for District 55 rural communities to improve emergency services. Baucom was at the General Assembly recently to support Union and Anson delegation members as they voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes. “Currently the NC House does not have a supermajority, and I intend to keep this seat not only red, but ensure District 55 has a transparent, honest voice who will put the people and interests of Union and Anson counties before politics,” Baucom said.
Union County Commissioner Clancy Baucom and his wife, Kim, visit the N.C. General Assembly. Baucom is running for the N.C. House District 55 seat.
Photo courtesy of Clancy Baucom
24 Hours of Booty raises $1.69M in 24th year CHARLOTTE – 24 Hours of Booty celebrated its 24th year with $1.69 million raised to date to help support cancer survivorship and patient navigation programs. Since its inception in 2002, the event has raised more than $30 million to change the course of cancer.
“We are so grateful to every rider, walker, runner, rucker, volunteer, survivor, sponsor and supporter who showed up with heart and purpose – even in the heat – to help us make an immediate impact in our cancer community,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “The funds raised will fuel essential cancer navigation and survivorship programs across the region.” The event brought together 1,100 registered participants and 109 teams from 23 states and three countries. They cycled, walked, ran or rucked July 25 and 26 through Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood. When not on the course, participants hung out in “Bootyville” (the Queens University of Charlotte soccer field) for camping, food, fun and camaraderie. There was also an ‘UnLooped” version of the event where participants created their own virtual 24 Hours of Booty experience from afar. 24 Foundation prepared for the summer heat. Cooling measures included misting fans, hydration stations, a fan wall, ice baths from Sauna Culture and 24-hour on-site medical support managed by the Charlotte Fire Department. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers were stationed along the course to ensure the safety of participants and direct motorist traffic. Hundreds of 24 Hours of Booty volunteers powered the event. Funds raised support local cancer beneficiaries, including Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Donations are still being accepted for 2025 and can be made online at 24foundation.org. The top fundraising award winners include: • Team Amwins was the top team with $176,355, followed by GreerWalker
Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation, describes 24 Hours of Booty as “a movement rooted in resilience, connection and compassion.” Photos courtesy of 24 Foundation
($78,138) and ASSA ABLOY ($69,795). • Katie Bleau broke the event record for individual fundraisers at $131,860, followed by Gary Parker ($32,570) and Perrin Desportes ($29,875). • Will Jones was the top youth fundraiser with $14,275, followed by Anna Tabor ($8,560) and Emily Walker ($5,580). • Sam Mazoway was the top child fundraiser with $16,825, followed by Patrick Reen ($6,000) and Leighton Jones ($3,645). Levine Cancer Institute was the event’s presenting sponsor. Several other companies supported the cause. Next year’s event will take place July 24 and 25.
ATI Specialty Materials fulfills South Piedmont sees spike development agreement MONROE – The City of Monroe presented an economic development incentive check to ATI Specialty Materials on July 7, recognizing ATI's fulfillment of an $11 million development agreement with the city.
ATI produces titanium and superalloys used in the aerospace, power generation and defense industries. ATI has facilities across the world. Its Monroe facility is a key part of the company’s global specialty materials operations, where advanced forging technologies are used to shape titanium and nickel-based superalloys into high-performance components. These precision-forged materials are critical for applications in aerospace jet engines, defense systems and industrial power generation. “We're proud to have ATI as part of our community, as they provide high-quality jobs and support a strong workforce of skilled trades professionals," City Manager Mark Watson said. Under its economic development agreement with the city, ATI has agreed to invest up to $11 million in new taxable
building improvements, machinery and equipment over five years, beginning in 2021. The firm fulfilled its incentive requirements for this payment for 2025. “I believe this incentive program is money well spent on ATI,” Mayor Robert Burns said. “The return on city investment in jobs and tax receipts and its attraction for other companies to come to Monroe is invaluable.” On the web: www.developmonroe.com Leaders weigh in
• "ATI is a major specialty metals manufacturer in the metal industry. We are privileged they have plants here in our great city. Our incentive grant will help strengthen their position in the metal market as they continue to produce high-quality products." – Mayor Pro Tem Surluta Anthony • "ATI has long been a powerhouse in our city, fueling America’s aerospace industry with advanced materials while creating quality jobs right here at home. This is why Monroe is the city where heartland meets high tech, as companies like ATI turn innovation into opportunity for all.”
in early enrollment applications
Mayor Robert Burns, Council Member Franco McGee, City Manager Mark Watson, Assistant City Manager Lisa Hollowell, Assistant City Manager Jeff Wells, and Strategic Projects Manager Teresa Campo met with ATI Vice President of Finance Darren Fell, Senior Director of Human Resources Connie Smith, Director of Human Resources Julie Hunter, Controller Allison Leonard and Senior Process Leader of Human Resources Shelia Singleton to present the incentive check and see the campus. Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
– Council Member Franco McGee • "ATI has a long history of investing in Monroe’s economy. This $11 million investment continues that long history. Thank you, ATI for contributing to Monroe’s economic development in the past and future." – Council Member Julie Thompson
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College is seeing an increase in interest from high school students seeking a head start on their college and career goals.
Applications to South Piedmont Community College’s Career & College Promise program have increased by 35.43% for the 2025 terms, compared to the previous academic year. Through Career & College Promise (also known as dual enrollment), eligible high school students earn college credits while also completing their high school diplomas. Tuition for these students is waived. The program saves students and their families time and money as they progress toward their higher education or workforce goals. The college received 1,078 applications for Career & College Promise enrollment for spring 2025 through fall 2025, up from 796 applications submitted between spring 2023 and fall 2024. Marsha Thomas, director of secondary education Story continues, see ENROLLMENT page 3A