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INSIDE ▼ Wesley Chapel crowd learns about coyotes
DON’T MISS OUT!
Upscale Estate Sale in Weddington Chase Salesend of NC & SC 10/31 and 11/1 Quality 9am to Estate 3pm. High Our Mission: housewares, At Quality Estate Sales of NC & SC, we aim to minimize your stres furniture, holiday, clothing, streamlineshoes, the entire jewelry estate sale process. We are committed to providing a high and more. professional sale experience with the least amount of confusion for our buyers
value for your items. 7300 Stonehaven Dr, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Our Services:
Visit www.qualityestatesalencsc.com for • Free Consultation: We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your pictures and more information.
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Friday, October 31, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 44
Staging & Pricing: Our team stages the sale to showcase each item in its and prices each item individually with careful attention to its value. Auctions & Marketing: We provide advanced marketing, including socia ensure maximum visibility. Debris Removal: We handle debris removal before and after the sale. Personalized Services: Each estate sale is customized to meet your speci Professional Staff: Our experienced team manages all aspects of your sa Insured & Bonded: We are fully insured and bonded for your peace of m
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Monroe gets $1.34M in funding to prep industrial site Why Choose Us? •
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MONROE – The City of Monroe will receive more than $1.34 million through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s Selectsite Readiness Program.
The funding will support key improvements at one of Monroe’s industrial sites. The city’s application was approved for $1,341,205, which includes $1,048,216 for site clearing and $292,989 for water system upgrades. The EDPNC board also announced that Monroe will receive automatic
consideration for an additional $1.56 million in future site grading when more funding becomes available. “We are grateful for the state’s confidence in our vision and excited to deliver results,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “This investment strengthens Monroe's foundation for future growth, enhances our ability to compete for high-quality manufacturing projects and supports the long-term vitality of our local economy.” The North Carolina General Assembly
established the Selectsite Readiness Program in 2023 to help communities prepare mid-sized industrial properties (less than 1,000 acres) for large-scale, advanced manufacturing projects. Funding may support grading, clearing, infrastructure or engineering improvements. “Selectsite funds are necessary to continue development of these critical sites,” Mayor Robert Burns said. “City council and I are committed to working with our state’s legislative leaders to ensure future funding opportunities are available.”
Professional Staging: We ensure your items shine when displayed in the environment. Immaculate Presentation: We make sure your home looks its best befor Respectful & Community-Focused: We treat your home and neighborh utmost respect. Expert Guidance: We provide in-depth instructions to ensure everything smoothly.
Teresa Campo, director of the Office of Economic Development, described the grant as a vote of confidence in Monroe’s economic Our Promise: We are dedicated to maximizing the value of your items while m development efforts. process as stress-free as possible. Since 2013, we have built a reputation for pro “Being chosen again integrity, and exceptional results. positions us to attract Contact Us: Christine Boskovich Christine@QualityEstateSaleNC new investment, create(661) jobs305-5226 and continue to build a strong future for our people,” Campo said. “This recognition affirms that Monroe is “We Sell Everything, But the House! not only ready for growth but ready to lead in shaping North Carolina’s next generation of advanced manufacturing opportunities.” On the web: DevelopMonroe.com •
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Habitat launches Hammer and Hope Apprenticeship Program
Union County leader provides context on UCPS funding By Melissa Merrell Contributor
Teresa Campo, director of the Monroe Office of Economic Development, explains the labor market and workforce in Monroe. Photo courtesy of the City of Monroe
MONROE – The City of Monroe celebrated the launch of a new apprenticeship program that will offer hands-on, paid learning opportunities to help residents develop skills and connect with in-demand career fields.
The Hammer and Hope Apprenticeship Program, led by Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity, is part of Monroe's Good Jobs Great Cities 'MonroeWorks' initiative. It focuses on building stronger futures through workforce development, apprenticeships and collaboration. The program launched during a Hammer and Hope event Sept. 25 at Habitat for Humanity’s Union-Anson County offices. Attendees included: • Teresa Campo, director of the Monroe Office
of Economic Development. • Dennis Baucom, construction management technology program lead at South Piedmont Community College. • Dora Devarie, veteran career advisor and business services representative with NCWorks. All three represent member organizations of Monroe’s Good Jobs, Great Cities Cohort, a collaborative group working to connect residents with training and career opportunities. “Hands-on training, paid career opportunities and long-term pathways in the construction industry continue to diversify and strengthen Monroe’s position as a hub for workforce development and economic growth,” Campo said. Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity has been an important partner in the
MonroeWorks initiative since its inception and other partner organizations, such as Common Heart and the Community Shelter of Union County, also participated in the event, sharing insight on their workforce support programs. “This program reflects what our MonroeWorks initiative is all about,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “Building strong partnerships that help people gain real skills and create lasting careers.” Residents can learn more about local apprenticeship and workforce opportunities by visitingMonroeWorks.org. Interested participants may also contact Russell Carpenter, director of apprenticeships and work-based learning at South Piedmont Community College, at rcarpenter@spcc.edu or 704-290-5892.
Duke Energy helps assemble storm kits CHARLOTTE – More than 300 Duke Energy employees joined the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and the American Red Cross of North Carolina on Oct. 15 to assemble 7,000 storm kits for families across 24 counties in the Carolinas.
The event earned a Guinness World Record for the most people assembling disaster preparedness kits simultaneously, according to Duke Energy. Louis Duke, director of the Duke Energy Foundation, said the kits contained shelf-stable food and emergency preparedness items. “By this weekend, these kits will be on the shelves in the [Second Harvest] Food Bank distribution sites and food pantry network across 24 counties,” Duke said. “This whole region is going to benefit from these boxes, and we know that they’re going to be in the hands of folks who need them very soon, ensuring that families are storm ready and that matters a lot to Duke Energy.”
This year, the board of county commissioners significantly increased funding to Melissa Merrell Union County Public Schools – approving nearly $9 million more than last year, for a total of $160 million. From our earliest budget discussions in April, the county was transparent that the district’s full request would require a tax rate increase. During a public hearing in June, board of education members and UCPS senior staff publicly confirmed that the $8.8 million in additional funds would be sufficient to provide a $1,000 increase to the teacher supplement and provide funding for other projects, as requested. It is also important to note that, under North Carolina law, county commissioners have no authority to direct how the board of education allocates the county funding it receives. As the former chair of the board of education, I fully support our teachers and am still shocked that the $1,000 supplement increase has not yet been provided. This increase would bring the total county supplement to $7,341 and move our teacher supplement from #37 to approximately #18 in the state. I am hopeful that the board of education will approve the teacher supplement increase at its November meeting and make it retroactive to July. Melissa Merrell chairs the Union County Board of Commissioners.
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Duke Energy worked to ensure families are prepared for storms by assembling disaster preparedness kits. Photo courtesy of Duke Energy
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Early voting wraps up in Union County on Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 for Election Day. Learn more about voting at unioncountyncelections.gov.