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INSIDE ▼ NCDOT moves forward on express lanes
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PAGE 3A Friday, February 13, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 6
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I-485 Express Lanes set to open Feb. 28 CHARLOTTE – The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to open the I-485 Express Lanes to traffic at 6 a.m. Feb. 28. The express lanes will run 18 miles from I-77 to U.S. 74 in Charlotte.
NCDOT said the project will enhance regional connectivity and reduce travel times for commuters and residents. The toll rates for the I-485 Express Lanes will initially be determined by vehicle length, time of day and the day of the week. Plan a trip with the NC Quick Pass
toll calculator to view toll rates. For the first few weeks, roadway transactions will be manually reviewed to ensure accuracy. This additional review will temporarily delay transactions from appearing on NC Quick Pass accounts for several days after travel. Within 12 months of opening, the express lanes will begin dynamic pricing. The prices will fluctuate based on factors such as the number of drivers in the express lanes and average speeds to ensure traffic in the express lanes maintains a minimum of 45
miles per hour. Drivers will be notified of the price NC Quick Pass account holders will pay on the toll pricing signs prior to entering any segment of the express lanes. Drivers without a NC Quick Pass will pay a higher rate. Visit ncquickpass.com to open an NC Quick Pass account and save 50% tolls. After the express lanes open to traffic, project contractors will continue working to complete final construction activities at various locations along I-485. Drivers can expect to see ongoing activity, including
lighting and signage installation, roadway work and toll technology with intermittent lane closures. Project contractors will continue work on East John Street. Drivers can expect to see intermittent lane closures or shifts while contractors finish asphalt paving and pavement markings. Drivers may see intermittent lane closures along Weddington Road near Fincher Farm Road while contractors install a new signal and finalize work on the interchange.
Bowl Street Pop-Up Market returns April 4
School of Rock Waxhaw celebrates grand opening WESLEY CHAPEL – School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, celebrated the grand opening of its newest location Feb. 7 at 5922 Weddington Road A9 in Wesley Chapel
The Bowl at Ballantyne is a destination for dining, retail, entertainment and community featuring 70,500 square feet of retail space in the heart of Ballantyne. Bowl Street Pop-Up Market is among its most popular events. Svetlana Baker/Northwood Office
CHARLOTTE – The Bowl at Ballantyne announced the return of the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market, a recurring outdoor shopping experience in partnership with Shop Local QC.
Launching April 4, the market will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on The Bowl’s green space and will continue on the first Saturday of each month from April through November. The market will spotlight local artisans, makers and small businesses. Each market will feature a thoughtfully curated mix of handmade goods, specialty items and one-of-a-kind finds, creating an engaging experience for guests of all ages. “Shop Local QC is so excited to bring the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market back to Ballantyne,” said Katie Greder, founder of Shop Local QC. “The Ballantyne community has always shown incredible support for our small business partners, and it means so much to be able to return with an even more exciting vendor lineup. This season, we’re introducing new vendors, welcoming back some of Ballantyne’s favorites and showcasing unique finds that truly make the Bowl Street Market special.” Cayla Stauffer, marketing and events manager
Shop Local QC provides a platform for small businesses to grow while giving the community a fresh and exciting way to shop local at events like Bowl Street Pop-Up Market.
for The Bowl, said the market has become a favorite for visitors and vendors. She added that the collaboration with Shop Local QC reinforces the venue’s support of local entrepreneurs while offering fresh, fun experiences. Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it at The Bowl. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of The Bowl’s restaurants, explore the nearby Stream Park and continue the evening with live entertainment or special events at The Amp or The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
Union County Public Health confirms measles case MONROE – Union County Public Health announced Feb. 9 the first confirmed measles case in Union County in at least 35 years.
The case involves a school-aged child who does not attend school in Union County. The child sought care at American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care in Indian Trail, where measles testing was collected. As a result, individuals who visited AFC Urgent Care, located at 14001 E. Independence Blvd., Suite C, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, between 5:20 and 8:15 p.m. may have been exposed. At this time, this is the only known positive measles case in Union County. The health department found no epidemiological link between the confirmed case and previously reported measles exposures at Shining Light Baptist Academy or the QuikTrip location in Indian Trail. The child’s parent reported no known contact with individuals diagnosed with measles or experiencing similar symptoms and denied travel. Public exposure events were reviewed as part of the investigation. The child associated with this case is outside of the infectious time frame, according to the health department, and no additional isolation
measures are required for the individual. Union County Public Health is working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed and is providing guidance based on vaccination status and risk factors. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. “As measles spreads into our region, we are now seeing confirmed cases locally, which underscores how easily this disease can spread,” said Traci Colley, public health director. “Residents who are up to date on their MMR vaccination are well protected. Based on the most recently available data, this is the first known measles case in Union County in at least 35 years. Public Health remains focused on limiting further transmission and supporting our community with clear guidance and access to vaccination resources.” Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and can linger for up to two hours. Its symptoms can resemble those of other common viral
infections; as a result, public health notifications about potential measles exposure are issued only after laboratory confirmation. Most laboratories take one to three days to confirm measles infection. Union County Public Health shares exposure notifications as soon as laboratory confirmation is received and reviewed in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Health department notes potential measles exposure
Union County Public Health is making the public aware of a confirmed case of measles involving an individual who recently traveled through the region and visited a business in Indian Trail. Individuals who visited the QuikTrip gas station and convenience store at 5650 W. U.S. 74 in Indian Trail on Friday, Jan. 30, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. may have been exposed. The individual entered the store during this time. Anyone who visited the QuikTrip during the specified date and time is encouraged to contact the health department at 704-296-4420 for guidance.
School of Rock Waxhaw is owned by Anne and Steve Alexander, a husband-and-wife team with a deep appreciation for live music and a strong connection to the School of Rock experience. Anne, the general manager of the new school, is a CPA who has worked with companies large and small throughout her career. Steve currently serves as senior director of investor relations for Driven Brands. Their daughter is a previous student of School of Rock North Dallas and a current student at the School of Rock Charlotte location, giving the family firsthand experience with the program’s impact. Though neither owner claims musical talent, their passion for music runs deep. They’ve traveled across the U.S. and Europe attending festivals and shows. “Once we decided to move to Waxhaw, we realized the closest School of Rock was a long commute,” Anne said. “We quickly believed that families in Union County deserved a place where kids could learn music, build confidence and feel part of something special. We’re delighted to bring School of Rock to this community.” School of Rock Waxhaw offers music programs for all skill levels and age groups, from kids as young as 5 years old to adults. Students receive weekly one-onone instruction on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or vocals, and participate in group rehearsals that culminate in live performances at real venues. School of Rock’s performance-based model builds musical skills while fostering life skills like creativity, resilience and teamwork. “School of Rock is thrilled to welcome Anne, Steve, and their team to our growing family of schools,” said Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock. “As parents of a School of Rock student, Anne and Steve have seen firsthand how our performance-based music education builds confidence, collaboration and community.” On the web: waxhaw. schoolofrock.com