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INSIDE ▼ CATS plans fare system changes PAGE 2A Friday, January 23, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 3
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Faith leaders come together to honor MLK Jr. by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Faith leaders throughout the Matthews area prayed together and shared perspectives on Martin Luther King Jr.’s words and legacy Jan. 19 at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
Pastor Larry Whitley served as the host for the 10th annual event, which included uplifting performances of “Ride On, King Jesus,” “The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow,” and
“We Shall Overcome.” “While they were singing that beautiful spiritual song, ‘we shall overcome someday,’ the thought that went through my mind is ‘someday is not a day on the calendar,’” said Pastor Brent Watts, of Abundant Life Church Matthews, during his benediction. “But then the question came, ‘why not today?’ … I pray that when we leave this place today, we would leave here saying, ‘Today is the day that it starts.’” David Christy, pastor of Matthews United Methodist Church, shared verses from Luke
10:25-28, the lead up to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A legal expert asks Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life. When asked for his interpretation of the law, the expert viewed this as to love God and your neighbor. But the expert asked Jesus, “and who is my neighbor?” Christy said that last question wasn’t necessary. Love your neighbor, no exceptions. “When it comes to the work of anti-racism in our culture, I want to submit today that we're suffering from a spiritual parallax that keeps us from getting where we need to be,
Stein holds teacher roundtable at East Mecklenburg High
or at least from what Martin Luther King Jr. called the white moderate,” Christy said. He defined parallax as “the apparent shift in an object's position due to a change in the observer's viewpoint.” Christy connected this with King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” in which the pastor expressed disappointment in the white moderate for preferring the calm of a negative peace over the tension needed to achieve a positive peace of justice. Christy shared King Story continues, see MLK JR. page 3A
Independence linebacker earns award during Mayo Bowl CHARLOTTE – The Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award presented by Dr Pepper was awarded this year to Dallas Brannon, a senior linebacker from Independence High School.
Gov. Josh Stein met with educators Jan. 13 at East Mecklenburg High School. Photos courtesy of Office of Josh Stein
CHARLOTTE – Gov. Josh Stein visited East Mecklenburg High School on Jan. 13 to hear from teachers about the impact of cell phone-free classroom environments.
Last summer, Stein signed into law a bill that established cell phone-free classrooms. The law took effect on Jan. 1, as North Carolina joined 32 other states restricting cell phones in classrooms. “Cell phone-free classrooms enable students to focus on social studies instead of social media and strengthen relationships with their peers,” Stein said. “The teachers I met today are doing their all for their students, making every effort to set them up for success.” In December, the Governor’s Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being released its annual report and accompanying video report highlighting the positive impact of limiting wireless communication devices, including cell phones, during instructional time.
“When classrooms are free from cell phone distractions, students can fully immerse themselves in learning,” said Crystal Hill, superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “It gives them the chance to focus on ideas, connect with peers and engage in meaningful discussions, which helps them build confidence and curiosity – important skills that will serve them well beyond school walls.” During the visit, Stein toured East Mecklenburg’s automotive and culinary education programs, offered in partnership with Central Piedmont Community College. The previous week, Stein announced North Carolina was ranked the Top State for Workforce Development for 2026 by Site Selection Magazine. North Carolina was chosen due to its strong public schools, community colleges, universities and innovative workforce development programs. Stein urged the General Assembly to pass a state budget that invests in North Carolina’s
Gov. Josh Stein toured East Mecklenburg’s automotive and culinary education programs.
teachers and public schools. His proposed 2025-2027 budget includes raising starting teacher salaries to the highest in the Southeast by increasing their average pay by 10.6% and reinstating master’s degree pay. It also invests in more school nurses, counselors and social workers and provides free breakfast in public schools.
Windsor Run finishing up final residence building MATTHEWS – Windsor Run recently announced the construction of its final independent living residence building.
Blueridge Landing, scheduled to open in spring 2026, will bring 97 new homes to the community. “When we welcomed our first residents in 2018, our goal was to meet the tremendous demand for the vibrant Erickson Senior Living lifestyle in this region. We've continued to do just that,” Executive Director Michael Wehrle said. “Over the last seven years, we've constructed nine residence buildings, two clubhouses and a continuing care neighborhood.” The new residences in Blueridge Landing will feature open layouts; modern kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances; full-size, side-by-side washers and dryers; walk-in closets; and updated flooring and light fixtures. Many homes will also include patios, bay windows and screened porches.
This rendering shows what Blueridge Landing will look like at Windsor Run.
Photo courtesy of Windsor Run
“We listened carefully to what our current residents and priority list members enjoy most about the homes already on campus,” Sales Director Ryan Barkley said. “As a result, Blueridge Landing will offer our most popular floor plans, including the one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath Cary and the large two-bedroom, two-bath Washington and Madison designs.” Blueridge Landing will also introduce a new floor plan: the two-bedroom, two-bath
Monroe. This design features a large living room that opens to a porch and bedrooms located on opposite sides of the home. Barbara Malady, one of Windsor Run's first residents, is excited to welcome new neighbors and make more friends. “I enjoy meeting new people,” she said. “Over the years, we've welcomed neighbors from many different places, each bringing new experiences and insights to share.” Malady said Windsor Run has been good about adding amenities and experiences, such as the new walking trail. Blueridge Landing will bring an on-site CVS Pharmacy and a zen garden to the community. “This is an exciting time for Windsor Run,” Wehrle said. “With the opening of Blueridge Landing, we finalize independent living construction and usher in a new phase – one of an established and thriving community.” On the web: ericksonseniorliving.com/ windsor-run/request-form
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Brannon completed 394 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and 1 interception in high school. He is committed to continuing his career next year at the University of Virginia. The Charlotte Sports Foundation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the community chose Brannon from a pool of 21 nominees. The award comes with a trophy and a $10,000 scholarship prize. The Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award is given annually during the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to a CMS senior who displays talent on the football field and a passion for helping his community. The award’s namesake is Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick of Myers Park High School, who fought for the desegregation of North Carolina’s all-star bowl game, the Shrine Bowl. He went on to play football at Purdue and eventually settled in Oregon, where he continued to push for equal rights. Modern-day nominees embody his commitment to excellence on and off the field. “We’re honored to recognize a deserving young man in our community alongside Dr Pepper and Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick,” said Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “Football is more than a game. It’s an opportunity to develop the next generation’s leaders, instilling in them the values that Jimmie embodies.” Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick offered Brannon some advice on his win. “As I look back at my playing career, beyond the athleticism, it is an opportunity to grow and meet new people, new influences, new cultures, just to grow as an individual and to get an overall life experience.” Kirkpatrick said. “I encourage people to don't just be an athlete. Be an all-around great person.” Jeff Smith, division sales manager at Dr Pepper, said his company has given away over $20 million in tuition over the last 30 years. “We are proud and humbled to partner with the Charlotte Sports Foundation to help sponsor the Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award,” Smith said. Since its inception in 2021, Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award winners include: • 2021: Jeremiah Burch Jr., Olympic High School • 2022: Michael JJ Coleman, Butler High School • 2023: Phillip Harris, Butler High School • 2024: Cameron Cyr, Hough High School