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INSIDE ▼ Native proud to serve in the Navy
OCTOBER 21
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Friday, October 3, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 40
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Police make death by distribution arrest following overdose MONROE – The Monroe Police Department arrested Amber Nabia Gingham, 38, of Monroe, on charges of death by distribution in connection to the fatal overdose of Johnny Reyes-Matos.
Police responded at 7:11 a.m. July 20 to a 911 call reporting an unconscious victim at a home on Caleb Street. Reyes-Matos was pronounced
dead despite lifesaving efforts. The cause of his death was determined to be a drug overdose. Investigators determined Amber Gingham was the person who supplied the narcotics that led to Reyes-Matos’ death. They obtained an arrest warrant for Gingham. She was taken into custody on Sept. 23 and placed in the Union County Detention Center
without bond. Police said at the time of her arrest, Gingham was out on bond for multiple felony drug charges stemming from an Aug. 28 narcotics investigation at her home. During that investigation, detectives charged Gingham with maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances; possession of marijuana; possession of
drug paraphernalia; possession of a controlled substance inside a jail facility; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine; and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver controlled substances; Anyone with additional information regarding the case is encouraged to call police at 704-282-4700.
WAXHAW MOMBIES
Flash mob evolves into supportive nonprofit
Student faces charges after false 911 call WEDDINGTON – Union County 911 received a call from a cell phone at 3 p.m. Sept. 25 within Weddington Middle School reporting that a student had been shot on campus.
You never know where the Waxhaw Mombies will pop up. Their fun attitudes are highly contagious. Photos courtesy of Dayna Corcoran
WAXHAW – There’s a phenomenon in Waxhaw that occurs every October when moms become zombies. And they love to dance.
The Waxhaw Mombies formed in 2022 as a community dance group dying to get out of the house. They now perform 15 times a year at events across the Charlotte region. The group has evolved in other ways. Two months after the Waxhaw Mombies first performed, one of its members became a survivor of sexual assault. Members rallied around her, providing support and prayer. Members went on to create the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault (SASA28173.org). The nonprofit has supported more than 1,200 survivors. The sisterhood provides
Members of the flash mob launched the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault. The nonprofit supports victims of sexual assault in several ways, including care packages. The group has an Amazon Wish List, in which the community can donate supplies.
emergency care kits, free self-defense classes and a supportive network. The Waxhaw Mombies plan
on performing Oct. 24 at Carolina Scoops Ice Cream in Pineville and Oct. 25 during Fright Night
in downtown Waxhaw. Search for Waxhaw Mombies on Facebook to keep up with the group.
UCPS unveils modern logo, replacing 20-year-old design MONROE – After two decades with the same logo, Union County Public Schools is debuting a new look.
The logo includes a green graduation cap, representing the ultimate academic achievement in K-12 education. “It honors our past and current achievements as a high-performing school district, as we build a future for innovation and collaboration,” Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said. UCPS is also rolling out a new tagline: “Educate • Innovate • Graduate.”
Each word represents a key part of the UCPS experience: • Educate – Deliver high-quality, personalized instruction that builds strong foundations, critical thinking, leadership and practical skills outlined in its Portrait of a Graduate and through other instructional opportunities. • Innovate – Engage students through technology, creativity and real-world experiences while supporting staff growth and involving parents to strengthen learning for all. • Graduate – Ensure every learner has access to
meaningful pathways leading to college, career, military service or technical training. The new logo and tagline comes as UCPS offers 44-plus Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, 30 dual language programs and 24 academies. Specialty schools and academies include Agrotechnology (AgTech) Academy, Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, Central Academy of Technology and Arts, Health Sciences Academy, Sustainable Energy Academy and Union County Early College.
The school resource officer was on-site when the call came in. In less than four minutes, additional deputies arrived to safeguard the school. The campus was searched but no weapons were found. The sheriff ’s office determined that no shooting had occurred and the call was a false report. The sheriff’s office determined the 911 call came from a 13-year-old inside the school. The student has been charged with a felony for making the false report. His identity cannot be released due to his age. Charges will be processed through the Department of Juvenile Justice. The sheriff ’s office encouraged parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of making false threats. Such crimes carry legal and personal consequences. “Let me be clear, we have zero tolerance for anyone who makes false threats against our schools,” Sheriff Eddie Cathey said. “These hoaxes/false reports will be investigated aggressively, and those responsible will face serious consequences. They create panic, disrupt learning and divert emergency resources away from where they may be truly needed.” Cathey said he was proud of the rapid response and professionalism of his staff as well as the partnership with Union County Public Schools to keep students and staff safe. He thanked parents for their understanding as lockdowns took place as students were scheduled for dismissal. “Parents should feel confident knowing that their children are safe and that the safety protocols in place worked exactly as designed,” Cathey said.
GRADES K-12 OPEN HOUSES OCTOBER 24, 9:30 AM & NOVEMBER 18, 6:30 PM Register at carmelchristian.org/starthere • Where Minds Engage, Lives Change and Hearts Serve.