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INSIDE ▼ Fundraiser lets you name a roach after an ex
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PAGE 3B Friday, February 6, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 5
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Monroe citizen gets First Amendment victory in settlement By Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – The City of Monroe has agreed to a settlement with resident Lisa Metzger over First Amendment rights.
At issue was a requirement for public comments made at city council meetings to be
preceded with a pronouncement of primary home address. That step has been ended, as has rules related to decorum. The previous rule forbid language described as “insulting,” “rude,” “abusive,” “personal” and “public ridicule” when speaking of town officials. “I'm grateful to the Liberty Justice Center for helping bring a resolution and victory, not
just for myself, but for all people who wish to speak at Monroe City Council meetings,” Metzger said, referring to the law firm taking her case. “The fact that people who wish to address the city council will no longer have to give their home addresses before speaking, along with the repealing of vague decorum rules, is a win for free speech and the First Amendment.”
Run Jen Run 5K and Festival returning to region
Metzger’s complaint sought to restore “robust protections for free speech and the right to petition during Monroe City Council meetings.” The updated rules are effective once a judge has formally dismissed the case pursuant to the settlement of the parties. The City of Monroe is not required to admit liability.
UCPS opens Pre-K, kindergarten enrollment this month MONROE – Union County Public Schools will begin accepting applications this month for its 2026–27 pre-kindergarten programs and kindergarten enrollment.
UCPS offers multiple early learning opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of young learners. Pre-K Programs
The Run Jen Run 5K & Festival is the signature fundraiser for the Go Jen Go Foundation, which supports families facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. Photos courtesy of Go Jen Go
CHARLOTTE – The Go Jen Go Foundation has opened registration for the Run Jen Run 5K & Festival.
The 14th annual fundraiser takes place from 7 to 10 a.m. March 21 at TowneBank Symphony Park in SouthPark. It will feature a 5K, Fun Run, festival with music and family fun zone with games and bounce houses. There will also be food vendors and sponsors showcasing their businesses. Consolidated Planning is returning as title sponsor. Presenting sponsors are Coastal Bridge Advisors and Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment. Participants can register to run or walk individually or as a team. There is also a Sleep In Supporter/Virtual option for those unable to attend in person. Race-day registration fees on March 21 are $45 for the 5K, $30 for the Fun Run and $40 for Sleep In Supporter/Virtual. Get $5 off if registered between Feb. 4 and March 20. There is no charge for breast cancer fighters, survivors or thrivers to participate but registration is required. Visit runjenrun5K.com for details and to sign up as a participant or volunteer. Signs of Hope can be purchased in honor of loved ones who are battling breast cancer or are in remission. They can also be purchased in memory of those who have
passed away. The event will feature Hope Village for breast cancer patients to be celebrated and enjoy a space to relax, feel supported and connect with one another. Proceeds go to The Go Jen Go Foundation, which supports families in the greater Charlotte area facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. The nonprofit
supports more than 110 families per month. Its patient assistance program helps cover household expenses, including housing, utilities, transportation and groceries/necessities while a patient undergoes breast cancer treatment. There are also programs that provide camp opportunities for our grantees’ children and deliver gifts during the holidays. On the web: gojengo.org
City of Monroe calls on residents to use water wisely MONROE – The City of Monroe has declared Stage 1 Water Conservation effective Jan. 28 as dry conditions continue across North Carolina and the region.
This decision follows Monroe’s Code of Ordinances, which outlines that the city enters Stage 1 once available water supply reaches approximately 180 days remaining. While the area has received some recent rainfall and wintry mix, overall drought conditions remain severe across much of the state, including Monroe. Dry ground conditions and reduced inflows to lakes and reservoirs mean long-term water supplies remain under stress. With less water naturally replenishing these sources, it becomes more important for communities to use water wisely. Stage 1 is an awareness-focused step that encourages simple, everyday ways to reduce unnecessary water use while the city continues actively managing water resources. This
is a voluntary phase of water conservation. There are no mandatory restrictions, penalties or rate increases associated with Stage 1. “Stage 1 is about being proactive and thoughtful,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “Even though we have seen some recent precipitation, drought conditions remain severe. By encouraging voluntary conservation now and continuing to manage our water system carefully, we are taking responsible steps to protect reliable service for our community.” In addition to encouraging voluntary conservation, the City of Monroe is managing water resources and planning ahead to ensure reliable drinking water for residents and businesses. Current efforts include evaluating potential use of the city’s recently acquired aquifer-fed-lake for future system integration, reviewing additional operational and regional options should dry conditions continue, and monitoring system performance, usage patterns and
weather conditions. Stage 1 voluntary conservation applies only to City of Monroe Water Utility customers. Other customers should contact their local provider with any questions. During Stage 1, residents and businesses are encouraged to take simple steps to reduce unnecessary water use, including fixing leaks and running toilets, keeping showers brief, turning off faucets when not in use, running only full loads of laundry and dishes, avoiding washing driveways and sidewalks, limiting vehicle washing at home, and watering outdoors only as needed for plant survival. The city will continue monitoring drought indicators and water system demand and will provide updates through its website, social media pages and customer contact information if conditions change. More information about Stage 1 voluntary water conservation, including tips and frequently asked questions, is available at monroenc.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/716.
UCPS provides four distinct Pre-K options, each with specific eligibility requirements: • Title I Pre-K: A free, full-day program for eligible 4-year-olds, offered at select Title I schools. • NC Pre-K: A no-cost, state-funded program for qualifying 4-year-olds, offered in partnership with the Alliance for Children. • Pre-K Peer Pals: An inclusive program for children with and without special needs, available at select elementary schools. • Exceptional Children Preschool: A specialized program for children ages 3 to 5 who qualify for special education services. Families are encouraged to review program guidelines carefully to find the right fit. UCPS is offering three parent sessions to discuss Pre-K programs and the application process. Staff will be available to help parents complete Pre-K applications. Parents must bring proof of address and birth certificates for students. • Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Porter Ridge High Auditorium, 2839 Ridge Road, Indian Trail. • Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Sun Valley High Auditorium, 5211 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe. • Feb 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Academy of Technology & Arts, 600 Brewer Drive, Monroe. Families can also visit the Pre-K office located at Walter Bickett Education Center, 501 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to ask questions and get help with applications. Interpreters are available to provide support. Kindergarten Enrollment
Enrollment for kindergarten begins this month for the 2026-27 school year. Enrollment is open to children who will turn 5 by Aug. 31. The enrollment process is completed online through Infinite Campus. There is a wide range of academic opportunities available to families in UCPS elementary schools. In addition to a core curriculum, schools offer specialized programs such as: • Dual Language Immersion. • Arts-focused programs. • Health Sciences. • AgTech and Sustainable Energy. • Leadership development programs. A full list of academic programs and resources can be found at ucpsnc.org/ academics. Schools will also hold open houses/tours for families. Parents are encouraged to visit the school’s website and follow them on their social media pages for updates. To enroll, families will need to provide a birth certificate, a certified immunization record, two proofs of residence and a completed Kindergarten Health Assessment Report before the first day of school. Visit ucpsnc.org/enroll/kindergarten-enrollment for details about kindergarten enrollment and academic offerings.