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INSIDE ▼ A look at N.C. House races
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PAGE 2A Friday, January 30, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 4
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Matthews Police arrest 9/11 hero in fire investigation MATTHEWS – A leader within Matthews Fire & EMS, who was a first responder of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, faces Peter William Blaich criminal charges in connection with a structure fire Jan. 12 at 9550 E. Independence Blvd.
The Matthews Police Department arrested Peter William Blaich, 54, on charges of burning of certain buildings, a Class F felony. The address matches that of an unoccupied
building that used to house Boston Market. Police partnered with the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office on the investigation. Matthews officers presented evidence to the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Office for review. The magistrate’s office determined there was probable cause to charge Blaich with burning of certain buildings and issued a warrant for his arrest. Police took Blaich into custody on Jan. 23. Blaich is celebrated as one of several New York City firefighters who responded to planes hitting the World Trade Center on Sept. 11,
2001. Since retiring from the New York City Fire Department and relocating to the Charlotte area, he’s been the subject of multiple 9/11 remembrances. The Carolina Panthers even invited Blaich to beat the Keep Pounding drum before a game held on Sept. 11, 2022. Matthews Fire & EMS announced Blaich's hire in July 2024 as one of three battalion chiefs brought on in anticipation of the opening of Fire Station No. 3. Battalion chiefs are leaders who oversee shifts. The Town of Matthews released the following statement Jan. 23 acknowledging the arrest of “a town employee.”
In keeping with policy, the town said it placed the employee “on leave pending the completion of an administrative investigation.” “The charges involve an individual employee and do not reflect the values, standards or professionalism of Matthews Fire & EMS, and the town continues to have full confidence in the department and its leadership,” according to the statement. “As this is an ongoing legal matter and criminal investigation, the town will not comment further at this time.” The Matthews Police Department said this was an active and ongoing investigation.
SHINE Musical ANSWER Scholarship Theatre students offers assistance to moms earn rave reviews
ANSWER Scholarship awarded these mom awards during the 2025-26 year. Photos courtesy of ANSWER Scholarship
SHINE Musical Theatre received an award that recognized students’ acting, teamwork and growth as performers. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Academy of Music
MATTHEWS – SHINE Musical Theatre, a division of Charlotte Academy of Music, traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, from Jan. 15 to 17 to participate in the Junior Theater Festival.
ANSWER scholars gather for a fall festival.
CHARLOTTE – ANSWER Scholarship is accepting applications from moms in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties in need of financial assistance for college.
Scholarships are open to mothers who have at least one school-age child from pre-K to 12th grade living at home. Candidates can seek: • A first-time bachelor’s degree in any subject. • An associate degree in nursing from any community college in the Carolinas. • Additional associate degrees at Central Piedmont Community College, including
ANSWER graduates celebrate mission accomplished.
business and accounting, construction and trades, design and architecture, engineering, healthcare, information technology, and mathematics and science. Scholarships are up to $5,500 annually for a four-year degree and up to $2,750 annually for an associate degree. ANSWER Scholarship offers scholarships toward any remote four-year degree from any accredited, non-profit college or university in the Carolinas. “We realized that mothers really wanted, and often needed, the convenience of fully online classes to make their education possible,” Founder Susan Andersen said.
ANSWER scholar moms also receive a volunteer mentor that offers support and guidance on balancing family, work and school. They also have access to professional development workshops on networking and other essential workplace skills. More than 150 moms have received a total of $951,502 in college scholarships from ANSWER Scholarship since the organization’s founding in 2006. The application deadline is Feb. 28. Visit https://answerscholarship.org/ scholarship-requirements to learn more or apply.
Common Heart opens registration for Hunger Walk INDIAN TRAIL – Common Heart’s Hunger Walk serves as a visual reminder that hunger exists in the community, according to Executive Director Keith Adams.
“With every step, we’re able to turn compassion into real, life-changing support for our neighbors,” Adams said. “It’s such a simple but powerful way for families, friends and walking teams to take action and help ensure none of our neighbors go hungry.” The 10th annual fundraiser will be held March 1 at Crooked Creek Park in Indian Trail. Registration costs $35 for adults and
$15 for children ages 12 and younger. A family discount of $125 is available for households of five or more. Register at commonhearthungerwalk.org. Participants are encouraged to collect donations to help feed families experiencing food insecurity. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising teams and individuals. Common Heart said a $35 donation provides a week’s worth of groceries for one family facing food insecurity. The food pantry network serves about Story continues, see WALK page 3A
Common Heart will hold its 10th annual Hunger Walk on March 1. Here is a scene from the 2025 event. Photo courtesy of Common Heart
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The troupe presented an adjudication piece from Roald Dahl's “Matilda The Musical JR.” and earned one of the festival’s top honors, the Excellence in Acting Award. Cast members Gwyn Clark and Miriam Lee were named Junior Theater Festival All-Stars, a select group of outstanding performers. “What a beautiful company,” said Taylor Iman Jones, a Broadway actor who has starred in “SIX” and “Hamilton.” “It is clear that they are learning and growing from each other and their teachers. I was so inspired after watching their performance, and felt very lucky to have worked with them.” Rob Rokicki, educator and Broadway composer/ lyricist of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” said SHINE Musical Theatre did an excellent job with a challenging piece. “It was a joy to watch,” Rokicki said. “There was fantastic acting and specific characterization. You can tell this program is developing smart and savvy performers who can tackle big shows. Musically, they were lovely and the acting work was thoughtful and smart.” Sammy Lopez, producer and co-founder of P3 Productions (“How to Dance in Ohio”), also enjoyed the performance. “The production allowed students to perform with confidence and a strong sense of joy in the story,” Lopez said. “The presentation demonstrated a program that nurtures confident performers and joyful storytelling.” SHINE students also participated in acting, dancing and music workshops led by Broadway professionals. The troupe was led by directors Marissa Hertzfeld and Brandy Caton. Charlotte Academy of Music provides opportunities for students to explore their artistic potential through individualized music instruction, ensemble experiences and creative arts programming. SHINE Musical Theatre extends this mission into the theatre arts through classes, workshops, and productions. This was the group's first time at the Junior Theater Festival. SHINE is looking forward to participating in Junior Theater Festival again next year.