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INSIDE ▼ Matthews Alive Parade has new route PAGE 2A Friday, August 22, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 34
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Leaders share details about proposed sales tax by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – While town leaders have opposed Mecklenburg County’s proposed 1-cent sales tax, they have expressed interest in ensuring residents are informed about its impact before they vote on the referendum in the November election.
Mayor John Higdon said leaders have asked the town manager to share frequently asked questions about the proposed sales tax on the town website for the sake of transparency. “People are asking a lot of questions about this,” Higdon said. “I think they need to know what they’re voting on.” Higdon shared a draft with commissioners on Aug. 11. While much of the verbiage and numbers came from the City of Charlotte,
according to Higdon, there was some dispute from local leaders on a handful of points. One of them led to a tense exchange between commissioners Mark Tofano and Renee Garner. Tofano said that his understanding of the transit strategy in Matthews was different from what the mayor explained while reviewing the FAQ. Higdon told Tofano there is no intent to
build Bus Rapid Transit in Matthews. Tofano said he heard otherwise in direct conversations with other leaders. “I think this could be cleared up by just asking our public works department,” Garner said, noting NCDOT doesn’t have the money to build dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes in the middle of U.S. 74. Story continues, see SALES TAX page 3A
FENCING STUDENTS GET
WORLD-CLASS COACHING IN MATTHEWS By Steven Ghim Contributor
MATTHEWS – Two fencers stand only meters apart facing each other. They breathe slowly under their masks until they hear en garde (take position), prêt (ready) and then allez (go). Their shiny and shimmering sabers move fast only milliseconds apart until the red buzzer lights up, a point is scored. They go back and forth on a strip 14 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. Each point will be over in a matter of seconds. There will be only one winner. This is saber fencing at its best.
Saber fencing is a fast-growing sport in the U.S. Saber fencers as young as 7 years old take to the bouting strip with full gear. Fencing is great exercise and is great for developing mental prowess. Think of it as an athletic, mental game of chess – but fast! That said, here in Matthews and surrounding areas, young saber fencers are also taking great strides in shaping their futures to hopefully set foot on the world stage. Coach Boris Khurgin, who is the founder and operator of Charlotte Sabers Fencing Academy in Matthews, trains future saber fencers not only for college NCAA placement but also for the sheer joy of seeing his students grow. His fencing journey began in 1971 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. At 24 years old, he was appointed head saber coach at the Olympics Reserve Fencing School in Ukraine. Fencing students train at Crews Recreation Center in Matthews. Photo courtesy of Steven Ghim
Story continues, see FENCING page 3A
Pat’s Place Matthews Latter-day reaches 20-year Saint congregation welcomes new bishop milestone of helping children By Pamela Kitchen Contributor
CHARLOTTE – Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center has been helping children for 20 years.
The center coordinates the investigation and treatment of the most serious cases of child abuse in Mecklenburg County. Pat’s Place provides forensic interviews, medical care, advocacy support and counseling under one roof, at no cost to families. “Reaching 20 years is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to protect its most vulnerable,” CEO Andrew Oliver said. “We’re proud of the thousands of children we’ve met along the way, the partnerships we’ve built, the systems we’ve changed, but our mission is far from over.” The center, which strives to end child abuse and support survivors, has helped more than 11,000 children. Despite its impact, the center is facing funding shortfalls. Over the past four years, the center has lost more than $1 million in recurring federal and state funding.
As demand grows, so does the need for help from the community. In 2023 alone, the CDC estimates that one in seven children was a victim of abuse or neglect. In 2023, an estimated 2,000 children in the U.S. lost their lives because of abuse. In 2024, Pat’s Place opened The Healing Center in west Charlotte, a therapy clinic expanding access to free, evidence-based counseling for children and innovative programs designed to address the long-term impacts of childhood trauma and abuse. “We can’t do this work alone,” Oliver said. “There’s simply not enough public funding to support the full scope of services we are able to provide. That’s why we’re calling on our community, friends, neighbors, businesses and philanthropic partners to get involved. Host a training, organize a snack drive, become a monthly donor or sponsor one of our events. Every contribution makes a lasting impact in the lives of these children.” Visit patsplacecac.org for details on how to get involved or make a donation.
MATTHEWS – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently announced new leadership in the Matthews and Mint Hill area.
Jason Michel, who has led the congregation for the past five years was honored for his faithful service. Ben Burgess has been appointed to serve as the new bishop. Burgess previously served as an assistant to the bishop and as a member of the South Charlotte area council for the Church. He and his wife, Julie, have lived in Mint Hill with their five children for the past 21 years. “I’m humbled by this opportunity and feel honored to serve the families and individuals in this community I love,” Burgess said. “My hope is to help strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ as we worship together.” Burgess selected Patrick
Ben Burgess (center) is the new bishop for the Matthews congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His two counselors are Patrick Beare (left) and Lance Hendricks (right.).
Photo courtesy of Ben Burgess.
Beare and Lance Hendricks as his two assistants. Together, they will lead weekly worship services and minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of their congregants. “We are so grateful that Bishop Burgess, Brother Beare and Brother Hendricks have accepted the call to serve,” said President Bryan Jenkins, who oversees the 12 congregations
of the Church of Jesus Christ in the South Charlotte area. “We look forward to continuing to work together in love and unity in Matthews, Mint Hill, and neighboring communities.” The Matthews Latter-day Saint congregation meets each Sunday at 13925 Thompson Road in Mint Hill at 11:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome to attend.