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INSIDE ▼ Hilary Duff among upcoming concerts
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PAGE 2B Friday, February 20, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 7
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Cousins face off in UCPS Spelling Bee MONROE – Samantha Jaicks, a fourth-grader from New Town Elementary School, correctly spelled oviparous to win the 2026 Union County Public Schools Spelling Bee.
Samantha found herself in a tense, 28-round showdown Feb. 10 against her cousin, Emanya Sibu of Sun Valley Middle School. Emanya also happens to be a two-time champion. Samantha, who studied for months with her cousin, said sharing the stage with Emanya made the experience even more meaningful. “She’s always beating me in spelling,”
Samantha said with a laugh. “So, to finally be here with her and to win feels really good.” “I feel happy,” Emanya said with a smile. “I’m excited for her.” The competition put students from across the district to the test with a challenging lineup of words. As the rounds progressed, spellers navigated terms like squall, katana, airborne and aphasia, with each correct response narrowing the field. By the final rounds, it was clear the competition had become a family affair. Emanya is no stranger to high-pressure moments. Known for her calm presence
and love of words, she once described studying as “tedious and hard” but said the thrill of being on stage makes it worthwhile. “Being up there is so much fun,” she said. “I just like words, all of them.” Samantha impressed the audience with her calm focus, expertly navigating challenging words she loves, including tricky French terms like déjà vu, before securing the championship. Samantha will advance to the regional spelling competition through Scripps, representing UCPS on a larger stage, with Emanya cheering her on.
Samantha Jaicks will represent Union County Public Schools in a regional spelling competition. Photo courtesy of UCPS
Dunkin’ visits children’s hospital
Love letters found in attic reveal a Southern romance CHARLOTTE – Author Catherine Metzger unveils a 1920s romance preserved in more than 700 letters discovered in her family’s attic.
Dunkin’ mascot Sprinkles spread cheer recently at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Photos courtesy of Dunkin’
CHARLOTTE – Dunkin’ spread extra love to patients at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in honor of Valentine’s Day with an afternoon of sweet treats and fun.
Dunkin’ mascot Sprinkles surprised pediatric patients with heart-shaped donuts, Valentine’s Day MUNCHKINS Tins, coloring activities and $625 in promotional gift cards. The Dunkin’ Community Cruiser also stopped by to surprise hospital staff with complimentary coffee and Dunkin’ promotional gift cards. “We’re honored to give back to the incredible individuals who do so much for our community,” said Emilly Bartels, Dunkin’ field marketing manager. “Bringing a little extra joy to them and a holiday celebration to Levine Children’s pediatric patients was a meaningful way to spread love. We were delighted to create a little sweetness to help brighten their day.” Dunkin’ pledged to donate $2 from every Valentine’s Day MUNCHKINS Tin purchased to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, helping bring joy to children battling hunger or illness nationwide.
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital staff get a treat from the Dunkin’ Community Cruiser. The Dunkin’ team offered a heartfelt thank-you to caregivers and team members whose dedication makes a difference in the community every day.
Dunkin’ mascot Sprinkles offers children treats and hugs at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.
Patients and staff at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital were treated to some snacks from Dunkin’.
Waxhaw updates rules for bicycles, e-bikes to improve safety WAXHAW – Waxhaw commissioners updated town regulations Feb. 10 governing the operation of bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, skateboards and other regulated devices on streets, sidewalks, parks and greenways.
The changes prioritize pedestrian safety, protect accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and establish standards as the use of e-bikes and other motorized devices continues to increase. Streets
Bicycles, e-bikes and other regulated devices may be operated on public streets and must follow all traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles, except where otherwise provided. • Operators must ride as near to the right side
of the roadway as practicable. • Operators must not ride more than two abreast on a public roadway, except on designated bicycle lanes or paths. Sidewalks
Under the updated ordinance, pedestrians always have the right-of-way on sidewalks, parks and greenways. Sidewalks are intended primarily for pedestrian use. Traditional bicycles and non-motorized recreational devices may operate on sidewalks unless otherwise posted. However, electric bicycles, electric scooters and other motorized recreational devices are not permitted on sidewalks. Operators on sidewalks must: • Yield to pedestrians at all times. • Provide an audible signal before passing.
• Travel at a safe speed not exceeding 10 miles per hour. Parks and Greenways
On town greenways and in parks: • The maximum speed for regulated devices is 15 miles per hour. • Walkers and runners have the right-of-way. • Bicyclists must ride single file and stay to the right except when passing. Helmet Requirement & Safety Equipment
Operators under the age of 16 are required to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet when riding on public streets, sidewalks, parks or other property. Story continues, see WAXHAW page 3A
“Malcolm and Ida: A Love Story in Letters” is an intimate chronicle Catherine Metzger of devotion, resilience and everyday life in the early 20th-century South. When Malcolm Kyzer, principal of Cochran High School in Georgia, hired Ida Reynolds as a schoolteacher, he could never have predicted the turn his life would take. Their connection drew unwanted attention. With the disapproval of a superior, both suddenly found themselves without jobs. Before they went their separate ways in search of work, Malcolm and Ida made a promise to marry and began a long-distance courtship. They wrote about the ordinary details of daily life as well as their deepest fears and dreams, revealing how love endured in an era shaped by strict societal norms and limited opportunities. “Getting to know my grandparents as young adults was definitely an emotional discovery,” Metzger said. Having never had the chance to meet her grandmother, Metzger explains that “these correspondences have now given her a place in my memory.” Through the process of transcribing more than 700 letters, Metzger uncovered a story of two people deeply in love and shaped by the time they lived in. Among the most moving discoveries were letters intentionally saved for future grandchildren. “When I read that moment of foreshadowing, leaving the letters for grandchildren she would never meet, I knew their story needed to be shared,” Metzger said. Published by Warren Publishing, “Malcolm and Ida: A Love Story in Letters” can be ordered on warrenpublishing. net as well as bookshop.org, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.