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INSIDE ▼ News Briefs PAGE 2A
OCTOBER 21
3B SEE MORE ON PAGE 2B Friday, October 17, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 42
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Waxhaw seeks feedback on Autumn Treasures By Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
WAXHAW – After successfully hosting another Autumn Treasures, the Town of Waxhaw is asking residents to give feedback on the fall festival. One of the biggest changes with this year’s event was that it was condensed into one day. Carving a day off Autumn Treasures was one of a few budget cuts town commissioners made June 24 to get the 2025-26 tax rate to $0.29 per $100 of assessed property value. After the event, Waxhaw Mayor Robert
Murray asked followers of his campaign Facebook page if Autumn Treasures should be one day or two days. Within 24 hours of the post, eight people said they preferred a two-day festival. Four said they were fine with one day. A couple commenters noted that two days would have accommodated families that are involved in sports or would have offered vendors more flexibility. On the other hand, a couple of the commenters were aware of the financial implications of a two-day festival. “Unfortunately, these events do not pay for themselves,” Murray replied to one of the
commenters. Representatives from the Waxhaw Parks and Recreation Department told commissioners in June that the two-day festival costs about $95,000. The children’s zone alone costs about $33,800. Commissioners removed the carnival rides and reduced the children’s zone budget to $10,000 before voting to shorten the festival to one day. Staff estimated in June that trimming a day off the festival would reduce costs by about 30%. The town posted an online survey to its Facebook page (@townofwaxhawnc) on Oct. 11,
PLAYMAKERS BRING AGATHA CHRISTIE CLASSIC TO THE STAGE
The cast of “Murder on the Orient Express,” dressed in period costume by Tina Taylor, includes (top from left), Aaron Zimmerman, Marissa Romanoff, Rahman Williams, Matt Kiem, Nicole Iancu, Bob Billinger, (bottom from left) Ben Vernes, Jade Ware, Jamie Hutteman and Cindy Carter. Photo courtesy of Union County Playmakers
MONROE – Union County Playmakers will perform Agatha Christie’s classic, “Murder on the Orient Express,” over two weekends this month.
Erica Owens not only directs the show, filled with twists and turns, but also designed the sets depicting a luxurious train full of passengers. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the
Orient Express in its tracks. By morning, an American tycoon is discovered dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the killer in case he or she decides to strike again. First produced in 2017, award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig added a bit of
contemporary humor to Agatha Christie’s well-known mystery. Catch the show at 7 p.m. Oct. 17,18, 24 and 25, and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26 at Benton Heights Elementary Performing Arts Center on Cherry Street in Monroe. Tickets cost $19 for adults and $17 for seniors and students. Buy them at unioncountyplaymakers.org or at the door.
Monroe hosts state transportation leaders at airport MONROE – The City of Monroe welcomed state transportation leaders this week as the North Carolina Department of Transportation launched a statewide tour of airports, beginning at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airpor.
NCDOT Board of Transportation Chairman Tony Lathrup, Board Member Lisa Mayor Pro Tem Surluta Anthony believes Mathis and Deputy Secretary Julie White the sky is the limit for Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport. “You would be amazed at were among those touring the airport. equipment, staff, capabilities and daily “We had a very exciting meeting with rep- our operations,” she said. Here, Anthony sits between resentatives from NCDOT and the FAA,” NCDOT Board of Transportation Chairman Tony Mayor Pro Tem Surluta Anthony said. “Each Lathrup and City Manager Mark Watson.. Photo team member, an expert in their field of air- courtesy of City of Monroe port operations and development, was complimentary about our airport as they shared bulk hangar space. data and information about funding opporThe group also reviewed state and federal fundtunities that will help strengthen our airfield, ing opportunities available to general aviation lengthen the runway, and more.” airports. Discussions centered on the airport’s inno“The relationship with the NCDOT and Divivative business model, which leverages private sion of Aviation is very important to Monroe,” City investment to construct new hangars and op- Manager Mark Watson said. “Their partnership erate aviation-related businesses through land helps strengthen the Charlotte-Monroe Executive leases with the city. Additional revenue sources Airport’s role in supporting jobs, attracting investinclude fuel sales and the lease of tie-down and ment and driving economic growth for our city
and region.” The Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport features a 7,001-foot runway, U.S. Customs and Border Protection services, and 13 public and private hangars. Plans are underway for a future air traffic control tower. “Our proximity to Charlotte, the city’s proactive and positive approach to supporting existing and new industry, and an unwavering commitment to customer service make us one of the top general aviation airports in North Carolina, and the only one with a U.S. Customs office,” Council Member James Kerr said. By the numbers
According to state reports, Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport ranked second among North Carolina’s general aviation airports by total operations in 2024. City officials said the airport remains on track to hold that position this year. Of airports that serve only general aviation with no commercial or military components, Monroe ranks second behind Johnston County Airport. • 34,935 landings; 36,693 takeoffs • 2,046 go-arounds; 2,149 overflights
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asking people to rate their festival experience on a scale of 1 to 5 and to write in suggestions to improve it. The survey also asked about the mode of transportation people took to get to the festival, such as shuttle, personal vehicle, ride share or walking. There was some discussion in June about potentially reducing the cost the town pays for the shuttle service. Another question on the survey asked how people felt about the children’s area being in Downtown Park as opposed to the rest of the festival along Main Street.
Atrium Health Union to integrate AI into nurse workflows MONROE – Atrium Health Union will use a $100,000 award from the American Nurses Credentialing Center to integrate artificial intelligence into nurses’ workflows. While this means the arts council will be relocating, the city and arts council remain committed to ensuring the arts continue to thrive in Monroe and Union County. “The city values its long relationship with the arts council and is pleased to provide space for its operations,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “Moving forward, the use of the Ellen Fitzgerald facility for city operations ensures city staff can continue delivering quality services without the city taking on additional debt. It is always a balance to meet service needs, make the best use of existing facilities and support community providers.” The city’s partnership with the arts council dates back to 1980. Over the years, this collaboration has included office and program space, grant support and opportunities to work together on city events. For the past two years, the arts council has been housed at the Ellen Fitzgerald facility, where expanded gallery exhibits, workshops and free space for arts groups to rehearse, meet, teach and perform have enriched the community. Both organizations are exploring new opportunities for a permanent home for the arts council that will allow it to continue serving the community. “We’re proud of our long partnership with the City of Monroe and grateful for the opportunities this space has provided,” said Melanie Miller, executive director for the arts council. “When change occurs, so do new avenues for growth and impact. As we plan for our next chapter, we look forward to continuing to cultivate and celebrate the arts in Monroe and throughout Union County.”