The 3-20-2026 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Union County
MONROE – Union County Public Schools has named finalists for its Teacher of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year awards.
“ ese nalists represent the very best in UCPS,” Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said. “ ey build relationships, have high expectations for themselves and their students and help students discover their potential every day.”
Winners will be announced in May.
Teacher of the Year Finalists
• Amy Blanton – An English language arts teacher who uses a co-teaching model, Blanton blends literacy instruction with specialized support. Since joining Marvin Ridge Middle in 2016, she has led initiatives including the Peer Pals program and district curriculum teams. She believes growth begins with ownership, empowering students to set goals, track their progress and celebrate their achievements.
• Jessica Miller – A sixth-grade English language arts teacher at Parkwood Middle, Miller embraces the “science of mattering,” ensuring students feel valued and connected. She integrates interdisciplinary learning and strengthens family engagement through programs such as Family Leadership Night and Leadership Day.
• Matthew Dowell – As director of bands
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MONROE – Commissioners are considering four options to expand capacity at the Union County Detention Center and whether to put a bond referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot to finance it.
County sta encouraged commissioners to provide them with direction by May 4 at the latest to allow them enough time to meet regulatory deadlines associated with a bond referendum.
Commissioners voted in August to move forward with a study on whether the existing jail and o ce building can continue to function for the next 15 to 20 years. omas Carlson-Reddig, principal of Little Diversi ed Architecture, presented the ndings of this study during the board's March 12 planning retreat.
e options are as follows:
• Option 1: Use the existing jail for 100 beds and build a new space with 400 beds. Estimated construction cost ranges from $178,915,938 to $181,696,629.
• Option 2: Build a new 500-bed jail but leave the existing jail and sheri ’s building for overow use. Estimated construction cost ranges from $214,121,548 to $216,902,236.
• Option 3: Build a new 500-bed jail, leave the existing sheri ’s building and demolish the existing jail. Estimated construction cost ranges from $203,998,119 to $206,778,807.
• Option 4: Build a new 500-bed jail and demolish the existing jail and sheri 's building. Estimated construction cost ranges from $208,572,034 to $211,352,722. Carlson-Reddig also shared some estimates for rst-year sta ng and operational costs at full capacity.
e most a ordable option for operating a
MONROE – The Monroe Police Department has established a new unit to strengthen enforcement efforts involving alcohol-related laws and illegal conduct occurring in and around licensed establishments.
e primary mission of the ABC Unit is to enforce North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage Control laws and the Controlled Substances Act.
O cers assigned to the unit have the authority to inspect businesses that hold ABC permits, including all areas of licensed premises, to ensure compliance with state law. When violations or criminal activity are discovered, o cers may take enforcement action ranging from criminal citations to administrative violations. ABC units, which are commonly used by law
at Porter Ridge Middle, Dowell leads more than 320 students in grades six through eight. He fosters structure, high expectations and belonging, helping students discover both their musical talents and their personal potential.
• Olivia Skinner – With 25 years of experience spanning special education and classroom instruction, Skinner believes all students can learn and that each child brings unique strengths and talents. She has mentored teachers, written curriculum and led professional development at Unionville Elementary.
new jail would cost $15,200,000 for sta ng and $17,724,000 for operations. ese estimates can increase to as much as $16,600,000 for sta ng and $18,927,890 for operations if the county were to reuse existing buildings.
Carlson-Reddig pointed out that with Option 2, the county could reach a point of diminishing returns after about 10 years, when you factor in escalation and other increases.
“ e other thing to think about is sta ng two di erent locations and trying to work between two locations,” he said. “Yeah, it’s done, but it’s a little more complicated. So that has to be taken into consideration.”
County Manager Brian Matthews said sta met with the Union County Sheri ’s O ce to talk through the options. He said the sheri ’s o ce would like to continue to use the administrative building but not necessarily have to operate two jail facilities.
Commissioner Brian Helms asked what it would look like functionally if the county moved forward with the option to keep the existing o ce space. He wanted to know who would be using those o ces.
Matthews said that has not been determined yet.
Helms asked how the estimated operations and sta costs of a new jail compared to what the county is currently paying.
Chris Boyd, facilities and eet director for Union County, said the total sta ng and operational cost for the existing facilities, including the 264-bed jail, is $13,120,000.
Commissioner Melissa Merrell said she was thrown o by some of the options, considering the administrative building had structural issues, yet the sheri ’s o ce wanted to continue using that space.
“We’ve been hearing about oodplains and
enforcement agencies across North Carolina, are designed to address issues connected to licensed businesses and nightlife activity.
“ is unit is about being proactive, not reactive,” said Police Chief Rhett Bolen. “We want businesses operating responsibly, patrons staying safe and those using licensed establishments as a place to commit crimes to understand that Monroe is paying attention.”
The Monroe Police Department also announced that Cody Eiss, one of the detectives assigned to the ABC Unit, has been sworn in as an o cer with the North Carolina Anti-Counterfeiting Trademark Task Force. is role expands the department’s reach in investigating counterfeit goods and trademark-related crimes that often overlap with organized criminal activity.
UCPS ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2026-27 TEACHING AWARDS
• Chadrick Richardson – Richardson serves as senior aerospace science instructor and AFJROTC department head at Piedmont High. Richardson leads more than 100 cadets in leadership development, service and competition. Under his guidance, the AFJROTC program has expanded and emphasized integrity, service and excellence as foundational values.
Beginning Teacher of the Year
Finalists e Beginning Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators in their rst, second or
third year who exemplify passion, dedication and student-focused instruction.
• Meagan Frost – A UCPS graduate and Communication Behavior Social Skills teacher at Marvin Elementary, Frost empowers families and builds student condence through structured routines and evidence-based strategies.
• Gabriella Anne Paonessa – An eighthgrade English language arts and AIG English I teacher at Sun Valley Middle, Paonessa emphasizes Universal Design for Learning, purposeful sca olding and responsible technology use to remove barriers and build student independence.
• Laikyn Tyson – A UCPS graduate and fifth-grade teacher at Poplin Elementary, Tyson fosters community through morning meetings, inquiry-based learning and high expectations that promote responsibility and communication.
• Emma Laws – Laws emphasizes handson learning, collaboration and student autonomy while building meaningful connections beyond the classroom at Porter Ridge Middle.
• April Knight – After transitioning from a successful career in hairstyling, Knight now models resilience and lifelong learning while fostering con dence, curiosity and strong relationships in her East Union Middle classroom.
Union County commissioners consider options for jail expansion
structural damage,” Merrell said. “ at structural damage was not at the jail portion. It was at the admin portion.”
Staff explained the administrative portion would be more cost-e ective to reuse for o ces than converting the jail space.
“ is is a building that the taxpayers of Union County have paid for, whether that was 30 years ago or whether it's today,” Helms said. “ at's something that again the taxpayers have paid for and I think that it is incumbent upon this board to try to make the best use of this facility or whatever we can salvage of this facility to get the most value out of their dollars.”
Commissioner Clancy Baucom asked the room of experts if anyone had a strong opinion about a particular option.
Matthews said he didn’t have a strong opinion but suggested narrowing the decision to Options 2 and 4.
“Ultimately, you’re just not trying to x something that’s old and broken and continue to use it,” he said. “I think it’s really more trying to function with a new facility.”
Merrell mentioned one consideration in their decision involves whether using existing space would require the county to upgrade the buildings to meet current code. Helms requested sta bring back more information about code requirements if they opted to use existing space for over ow.
Finance Director Beverly Liles explained how each option would a ect the county’s tax rate. Liles shared the following data for the legislative required interest rate of 5.344%:
• Option 1 would require a total debt service of $284,123,840 to nance $182 million. is would result in a property tax rate increase of 2.83 cents. A $400,000 home would see an
Monroe Police Department launches ABC Unit
Quick Hits
• e Monroe Police Department has promoted four o cers: Sgt. Corey Helms, Sgt. Matthew Sierk, Lt. Steven Helms and Lt. Lewis McLendon. • e Union County Sheri ’s O ce collected 35.8 pounds of expired medications during a recent Operation Medicine Drop event.
• e community can get to know o cers with the Stallings Police Department during Co ee With a Cop from 5 to 6:30 p.m. March 25 at Good News Brews, 3119 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Stallings.
• Lt. Morgan Malone, of the Monroe Police Department, completed the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Leading Edge Mindset course.
Police investigate death of husband, wife
WAXHAW – Officers with the Waxhaw Police Department responded to a call for service at about 4:20 p.m. March 12 in the 8200 block of Prescott Glen Parkway. O cers discovered a man, identi ed as 49-year-old Inol Toussaint, dead from an apparent self-in icted wound. O cers then found a woman, identified as 42-yearold Eusther Toussaint dead upstairs.
Waxhaw detectives, along with agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, began investigating. Police said the preliminary investigation indicates Inol Toussaint killed his wife inside the home, then went to the backyard and took his own life.
Police described this as an isolated incident with no danger to the public.
The Medical Examiner’s O ce has not yet released the causes of death.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic act of domestic violence that has deeply impacted our community. We ask everyone to keep the victim’s family and loved ones involved in your thoughts during this incredibly dicult time,” Police Chief Dexter Wilson said. “We want our community to know that help and resources are available for anyone experiencing domestic violence, and we encourage those who need support to reach out.” Con dential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, www. thehotline.org or Turning Point in Monroe at 704-283-7233.
Amy Blanton
Laikyn Tyson April Knight
Major Chad Richardson
Emma Laws
Matthew Dowell
Gabriella Anne Paonessa Megan Frost
Jessica Miller
Olivia Skinner
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NEWSLETTER
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NEWS BRIEFS
Charlotte seeks input on fiscal year 2027 budget
CHARLOTTE – The City of Charlotte is seeking input from residents regarding their budget priorities for the upcoming scal year, which will begin July 1.
e city will host two budget engagement events this month to collect feedback:
• March 17, 6 p.m.: In-person Budget 101 session.
• March 31: Budget Listening Session.
Residents can also share feedback through the FY 2027 Budget Survey, which will remain open until April 6.
e Balancing Act budget simulation tool is available for residents to adjust budgets for various city departments and align resources with the services that are most important to them.
“ e city’s budget is the foundation of all the services we provide to more than 900,000 residents,” said Marie Harris, director of the strategy and budget department. “Our plans for advancing council’s priorities such as mobility, safety, housing and job opportunities are backed by funding that is strategically allocated to meet the community’s needs. It is important that we gain feedback and insights directly from those we serve.”
e city manager will present a proposed budget on May 4.
CMS collects feedback on Program Choice
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will host community engagement sessions through April 2 to gather feedback on proposed updates to its Program Choice programs.
Upcoming sessions in the southern Mecklenburg County area include March 18 at Providence High School, March 24 at Independence High School, March 25 at Rocky River High School, March 30 at East Mecklenburg High School and April 1 at South Mecklenburg High
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Carolina Oncology
Specialists raises cancer awareness
CHARLOTTE – Carolina Oncology Specialists will participate with a team and event sponsorship at the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K, which raises money and awareness for colorectal cancer education, prevention and patient support.
The Charlotte chapter of the Colon Cancer Coalition will host its annual 5K on March 21 at First Ward Park.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr. Nasfat Shehadeh, an oncologist with Carolina Oncology Specialists, specializes in treating colorectal cancer. Dr. Shehadeh regularly presents research and clinical studies on colon cancer through the American Society of Clinical Oncology, helping advance education and awareness in the eld.
On the web: charlottecancer.com
Phone-free cocktail lounge opens in South End
CHARLOTTE – Antagonist, a phone-free cocktail lounge, has opened in South End.
Located in e Campbell Apartments, the venue operates as the Giddy Goat co ee shop during the day and transitions into a cocktail bar after 5 p.m. Guests place their phones in Yondr pouches before entering the lounge.
e concept was created by Mike and Kristin Salzarulo, founders of Protagonist and Tipsy Pickle, along with cocktail professionals Phi Hoang and Madison Phillips.
The space includes nearly
1,200 square feet indoors and a 500-square-foot patio with seating for about 90 guests. Cocktails are inspired by famous antagonists, including the Regina George margarita.
ERA Live Moore promotes a VP of growth
CHARLOTTE – ERA Live Moore has promoted Brookelynn Cardenas to vice president of growth.
Cardenas previously served as vice president of relocation and business development, helping expand the brokerage’s relocation program and partnerships across North Carolina and beyond.
In her new role, she will focus on identifying growth opportunities, strengthening partnerships and supporting systems that help agents and clients succeed.
Since joining ERA Live Moore in 2023, Cardenas has helped grow the rm’s relocation network and relationships with national partners and referral organizations.
“Brookelynn has been instrumental in helping ERA Live Moore expand its reach and strengthen our relationships with relocation partners and corporate clients,” said Tania Moore, president and owner of ERA Live Moore. “Her strategic thinking, professionalism and commitment to excellence have helped us grow in meaningful ways.”
Akerman adds three partners to its Charlotte office
CHARLOTTE – Akerman has added three partners to its Charlotte
School. Each day will feature six sessions beginning at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
e meetings are part of the district’s draft plan in response to the 2024 Comprehensive Data Review, which examines program structure, academic pathways and equitable access for students.
Police carry out drug operation
MONROE – The Monroe Police Department said it is working to shut down illegal drug activity in the community.
Narcotics detectives and special response team members executed warrants March 12 at a home on South Branch Street. e operation was part of an ongoing e ort to disrupt drug activity.
O cers found about two pounds of marijuana during the search of the residence, police said.
Brian Lee Huntley, 48, of Monroe, was arrested on charges of possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of selling drugs.
Police encourage anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact the department.
Volunteers sought for Feeding Charlotte event CHARLOTTE – Feeding Charlotte is partnering with Myers Park United Methodist Church to pack 5,000 boxed lunches in two hours through its Feeding Charlotte Feeds campaign.
e lunches will be given to more than 20 organizations that serve people facing food insecurity.
e event takes place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 8 at the church. Register in advance at feedingcharlotte.org. e nonpro t is opening registration for up to 320 volunteers. Sponsors are sought to help fund the ingredients and supplies needed
o ce as part of its e ort to build a full-service platform in one of the nation’s fastest-growing commercial markets.
Amanda Pooler and Samuel Mann have joined the rm’s Litigation Practice Group. Greg Faltin has joined the Real Estate Practice Group.
Akerman opened its Charlotte o ce in November 2024 with a focus on project nance, renewable energy and infrastructure. e addition of litigation and real estate services marks the next phase of the o ce’s growth.
“The clients we work with in Charlotte are dealing with increasingly complex matters that cut across practice areas – a renewable energy developer facing a contract dispute, a nancial institution navigating regulatory risk alongside a transaction,” said Josh DeBottis, Charlotte o ce managing partner. “Amanda, Samuel and Greg give us the ability to handle that work locally with the depth our clients expect, rather than sta ng it from other o ces.”
The Duke Endowment appoints trustees
CHARLOTTE – e Duke Endowment has appointed Robert R. Hill Jr. and John C. Yates to its board of trustees.
e foundation supports work that nurtures children, promotes health, educates minds and enriches spirits in the Carolinas. It has distributed more than $5 billion in grants since 1924.
Hill, of Columbia, S.C., joined SouthState Corp. in 1995 and
for the meals. Email rich@feedingcharlotte.org for details.
Queen’s Grant wins state title
WINSTON-SALEM – Queen’s Grant defeated Warren County, 7743, to win the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A Boys Basketball Championship.
Queen’s Grant (35-3) was hot from the gate, hitting 61.9% of its shots in the rst quarter for a 27-14 lead. e Stallions outscored Warren County, 21-6, in the second quarter to break the game open. ey scored 18 of those 21 second-quarter points in the paint. Warren County went 1-for-14 in the second quarter.
Chase Smith finished the title game with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists to earn MVP honors. He shot 13-for-16 from the oor.
Mehki Allen earned the Army National Guard West Most Outstanding Player for the western bracket. He nished the title game with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Other players to score in the championship included Cannon DeBerry (8), Preston Scott (6), Joel Jackson (4), Bobby Montgomery (3), Jaleel Brown (2), Jamal Mustaf (2), Tristan O’Neill (2) and Ethan McSweeney (2).
Project Sleep raises awareness about sleep disorders
CHARLOTTE – Chris Peters, of Charlotte, lived with unexplained symptoms for seven years before being diagnosed with narcolepsy type 2, a neurological disorder that a ects the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
“Everything is a trade-o and calculating that daily is di cult,” Peters said.
Peters later connected with Project Sleep, a nonpro t that raises awareness about sleep health and sleep disorders. Today he serves on the organization’s Expert Advisory Board, advocating for earlier diagnosis and
served as CEO from 2004 to 2020 before becoming executive chairman. He retired in 2023.
Yates, of Atlanta, is a co-founding partner of the Atlanta/Southeast ofce of Gunderson Dettmer and has practiced technology law for more than 40 years.
Hill and Yates replace Ravenel B. Curry III and Harris DeLoach Jr., both of whom retired from the Duke Endowment’s board after serving 17 years and 13 years, respectively.
Homebuilder to open Hardy Pond homes
ROCK HILL – David Weekley Homes will host a grand opening event for the Hardy Pond community from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at 597 Cape Cod Way.
Visitors can tour The Wedgewood and The Bluestar model homes, along with nished movein-ready homes, and enjoy refreshments and giveaways.
The Hardy Pond community o ers ve single-family oor plans ranging from about 2,400 to 3,150 square feet with three to ve bedrooms and two- to three-car garages. ree townhome oor plans will also be o ered. Call 704-817-0030 for details.
Governor appoints Altenburg to state agency
RALEIGH – Gov. Josh Stein appointed Russell Altenburg, of Mecklenburg County, as a parent member of the North Carolina Partnership for Children. Altenburg leads education grantmaking and related impact
greater public understanding of sleep conditions. Call Project Sleep’s Sleep Helpline at 800-819-2043 or visit project-sleep.com for support and resources.
CMS joins Iovine and Young Center Network
CHARLOTTE – West Charlotte High School has been selected to join the Iovine and Young Center Network, with the program set to launch in the 2026–27 school year. e school will receive about $2 million over ve years to support the initiative. An existing classroom will be renovated to house the center, which will feature specialized equipment and provide hands-on instruction in design, technology, business and communications.
Modeled after the University of Southern California’s Iovine and Young Academy founded by Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young (Dr. Dre), the program focuses on developing interdisciplinary, tech-savvy innovators.
“We look forward to cultivating the innate superpowers of these students,” Iovine said.
Quick Hits
• The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina has installed an Unmasking Brain Injury display this month at Alliance Health in Mecklenburg County. e display is in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month.
• Care Ring has opened registration for its third annual Maternal Health Conference. e conference, presented by Novant Health, takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9. Registration fees range from $35 to $125.
• e Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization has moved its March meeting to March 25. It starts at 6 p.m. in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.
investment efforts at The Leon Levine Foundation.
His portfolio emphasizes early childhood education, high-dosage tutoring and college and career pathways.
Shuford joins museum’s advisory commission
RALEIGH – Gov. Josh Stein appointed Elizabeth Shuford, of Mecklenburg County, as an at-large member of the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences Advisory Commission.
Shuford is involved in the nonpro t community, serving on the board of trustees for e Mint Museum and as president of e Mint Auxiliary. She has also chaired the Charlotte Community Leadership Council for the Children's Home Society of North Carolina and supported numerous arts and education organizations in Mecklenburg County.
Student engages in economic development conference
RALEIGH – e North Carolina Economic Development Association Foundation awarded Aanya Lilly, of UNC Charlotte, with the Student Member NCEDA Annual Conference Scholarship.
She received the award March 10 during NCEDA’s Spring Conference in Greensboro.
e scholarship provides full coverage of registration, travel, lodging, meals and ancillary expenses for the NCEDA 2026 Annual Conference from June 17 to 19 in Wilmington.
NEWS BRIEFS
Sorority planning women’s health conference
MONROE – e Union County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma eta Sorority, Incorporated will host a women’s health conference that empowers, educates and supports women at every stage of life.
e conference, Her Health, Her Story –We Do Care, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 at South Piedmont Community College, 1851 South Piedmont St., Monroe. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ WomensHealth2026
e conference will bring together healthcare professionals, community advocates and wellness experts to discuss important health topics impacting women across the lifespan. e event aims to increase awareness, provide practical health resources and encourage proactive care for women and families in the community.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in educational sessions focused on key areas of women’s health, including preventive care, mental wellness, chronic disease awareness, reproductive health and healthy aging. e conference will also provide opportunities
annual property tax increase of $113.20.
• Option 2 would require a total debt service of $338,763,040 to finance $217 million. This would result in a property tax rate increase of 3.38 cents. A $400,000 home would see an annual property tax increase of $135.20.
• Option 3 would require a total debt service of $323,151,840 to finance
$207 million. This would result in a property tax rate increase of 3.22 cents. A $400,000 home would see an annual property tax increase of $128.80.
• Option 4 would require a total debt service of $330,957,440 to finance
$212 million. This would result in a property tax rate increase of 3.30 cents. A $400,000 home would see an annual property tax increase of $132.
Liles explained the 5.344% interest rate re ects the highest rate for a general obligation bond paid in North Carolina over the past 20 years. A recent state law requires counties to show voters this “worst-case scenario.”
“We're required to show the worst-case scenario to tell your voters it could be this bad, but we know it's not going to be this bad if the market stays the way that it is today,” she said. “Now, if we see a swing in the market, of course, and rates were to jump up, then it would be higher, but we don't anticipate that happening between now and next year.”
e county uses an interest rate for its planning of 5%, which incorporates today’s market. is rate would reduce about $5 o the annual property tax increase shown in the previous example.
“What this does not show is the fact that when we start to operate this facility, our budget is going to change signi cantly,” Matthews told the board. “We don’t know what that tax rate is going to be, but it won’t be what it is today to be able to operate that facility. So over time, we are going to see a change in our tax rate for operational purposes. Couldn’t tell you if that’s a penny or three pennies or what. Can’t tell you what that is at this point in time, but just be aware this does not re ect those operational additional costs.”
Commissioners are scheduled to receive a formal request for a bond referendum from Union County Public Schools and South Piedmont Community College at their April 13 meeting.
County sta is requesting the board give them direction on moving forward with a bond referendum request for the jail and any school projects by the May 4 meeting to ensure a bond referendum appears on the Nov. 3 ballot.
for open dialogue, community connection and access to local health resources.
City of Monroe receives credit rating upgrade MONROE – The City of Monroe has received a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global, one of the world’s leading credit rating agencies.
e Combined Enterprise Fund has been upgraded from A+ to AA-, a designation S&P de nes as re ecting very strong capacity to meet nancial commitments.
e rating covers Monroe’s ve enterprise operations: water, electric, sewer, gas and the airport.
Finance Director Lisa Strickland credited the result to a well-managed utility system and strong financial practices across city departments.
Union County reports sanitary sewer overflow INDIAN TRAIL – An over ow within the Union County sanitary sewer system on March 10 resulted in an estimated 1,100 gallons of wastewater entering Goose Creek.
e sanitary sewer over ow occurred near 6600 Stoney Ridge Drive in Indian Trail.
e county said the over ow was not of the magnitude to cause immediate danger to the health of residents or the environment. All pipes, pumps and equipment were operating properly prior to the over ow.
Staff determined that the overflow was related to accidental damage to the Hunley Creek force main caused by a ber utility company working in the area.
Residents and customers may call Union County Water at 704-296-4210 for details.
College hosts open house on two campuses
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College will host an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. March 26 at its Old Charlotte Highway Campus and the Tyson Family Center for Technology.
e drop-in style event allows prospective students and community members to explore programs, tour campus facilities and connect with sta . Visitors can learn about academic programs, workforce training opportunities, nancial aid and student support services.
e Old Charlotte Highway Campus is home to university transfer, adult education, medical sciences and public safety programs.
e Tyson Family Center for Technology houses many of the college’s skilled trades and workforce development programs.
“Open house is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and community members to experience South Piedmont firsthand,” President Stacy Waters-Bailey said. “We invite anyone interested in starting college, returning to nish a degree or gaining new career skills to come see how South Piedmont can help them achieve their goals."
Quick Hits
• Indian Trail Mayor David Cohn and Town Manager Adam McLamb will welcome Taunji Falkenberg, of the NCWorks Career Center in Union County, to a Facebook Live event at 11 a.m. March 26 on the town’s page.
• Luke Coppage, of Waxhaw, made the dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Students must earn at least a 3.7 to make the list. Coppage is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Matthews Area Chamber hosts Touch-A-Truck
MATTHEWS – Children could explore some of the unique vehicles they see on the road during the Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce's Touch-A-Truck event March 14 at Stumptown Park.
e event gave agencies like the Matthews Police Department and Matthews Fire & EMS a chance to interact with the public, showing them the apparatus and tools sta uses to respond to emergencies. Children could also see how organizations like the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library and Novant
Health use wheels to take their services
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REGIONAL
Chefs to help Hope Haven raise money for recovery
CHARLOTTE – Hope Haven, a residential recovery community that helps people move beyond cycles of addiction, homelessness and instability, is launching a fundraiser inspired by the hit TV show “Next Level Chef.”
Next Level Hope will bring Charlotte’s top chefs and favorite social media food creators together for an evening of friendly competition and fundraising in support of the nonpro t.
e inaugural event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. May 15 at e Forum at Hope Haven. Tickets cost $125, with more details on participating chefs, judges and ticket sales to be announced in the coming weeks.
“I’ve always loved ‘Next Level Chef’ because it brings together people with completely di erent culinary backgrounds and challenges them to collaborate in ways they might never otherwise experience,” said Zoe Playe, vice president of advancement at Hope Haven. “ at idea really resonated with us. At Hope Haven, we see every day how powerful it can be when people with di erent stories and experiences come together to support each other’s growth. is event will o er a taste of home and serve as a fun and meaningful way to capture the spirit of our mission.”
ree professional chefs and three social media culinary creators from the greater Charlotte area will compete in pairs to create
their own take on a “homemade meal.” is theme re ects the comfort, stability and sense of belonging Hope Haven works to provide for those it serves.
Chef Andres Kaifer, of Customshop and Emmy Lou’s, is serving as a consultant. Kaifer is eager to expand his involvement with nonpro ts and work on the logistics of how the event will best showcase the talent.
A panel of local celebrity judges will anonymously taste and score the samples, while guests will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite team. Culinary professionals across the city will provide hors d’oeuvres and mocktails for guests to enjoy.
“Next Level Hope re ects the direction
we’re heading as an organization,” said Anthony T. Jones, CEO of Hope Haven. “For ve decades, Hope Haven has worked with hundreds of partners as we have walked alongside those rebuilding their lives. As we approach our 50th year, we’re continuing to create new opportunities for the community to engage in our mission as we expand our impact.”
Hope Haven serves hundreds of men, women and children each year, addressing recovery, housing stability and family reuni cation through long-term residential programming. e nonpro t is one of the few residential recovery communities in the region that allows parents to live on campus with their children.
Street festival returns to South End’s Camden Road
CHARLOTTE – Camden Commons is transforming South End’s Camden Road into a block party this summer for the fifth year in a row.
e street festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 22, April 19 and May 17. Attendees can choose to engage in healthy competition with larger-than-life games, unwind in creative lounging spaces, enjoy a DJ spinning tunes or shop with small businesses.
is year’s festival will feature di erent zones to capture various interest groups in partnership with local businesses and organizations. Each event will feature a Dog Zone with South End businesses Pet Wants and Molly’s Dog Care, a Craft Zone with UpCycle Arts, a Reading Zone with comfy seating and free reads from Books on the House and a Game Zone with gigantic versions of favorite games like Connect 4, Jenga and crossword puzzles.
“ is event is intentionally designed to celebrate the many small businesses that make the neighborhood special while creating welcoming spaces for people to gather,” said Allison Mills, the South End community manager at Charlotte Center City Partners. “Each element of the event re ects the interests and creativity of the South End community. Our goal has always been to create something with the neighborhood and Camden Commons is a re ection of that collaborative spirit that makes the neighborhood special.”
e street festival is produced by Charlotte Center City Partners and supported by U.S. Bank.
Camden Road will be closed to cars from Tremont Ave. to East/West Blvd. from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during each Camden Commons event. On the web: southendclt.org/events/ camden-commons
Providence Road – 95
• Fairfield Inn & Suites, 8540 E. Independence Blvd. – 97.5
• Hyatt House, 9930 Sandy Rock Place – 98.5 • Inizio Pizza Napoletana, 10620 Providence Road – 98.5
• Rai Lay, 9935 Rea Road – 98.5
• Sankalp Taste of India, 16640 Hawfield Way Drive – 95
• Sprouts Farmers Market (deli), 15121
Ballancroft Pkwy. – 97
• Sprouts
The event
Camden Commons offers visitors and residents alike the chance to explore everything South End has to offer, from surrounding restaurants to brick-and-mortar retail stores.
Photos courtesy of Charlotte Center City Partners
LIVE MUSIC
The Pussycat Dolls to perform in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – e Pussycat Dolls will bring their PCD Forever Tour to Truliant Amphitheater on July 22.
e Live Nation-promoted tour spans 53 dates across North America, Europe and the U.K. and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the group’s debut album, “PCD,” which featured hits such as “Don’t Cha,” “Buttons” and “Stickwitu.”
Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts will reunite for the tour. Special guests Lil’ Kim and Mya will join the North American dates.
General ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. March 20 through Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
March 20
• Americana Beer Co.: Neal Carter
• Bojangles Coliseum: Keith Sweat, Joe, Dru Hill, Ginuwine & Kut Klose
RALEIGH – State and local leaders say they want to lower the cost of living for most North Carolinians. In many cases, however, their actions don’t match their words.
Take housing, for example. While it remains easier for lower-to-middle income folks to buy or rent in North Carolina than in most other states, median home prices have shot up over the past decade – more than doubling in some markets.
e cause is no mystery. Our state has become an increasingly attractive place to live, work and retire. Florida, Texas and other Sunbelt competitors have plenty of attractive amenities, too, but have failed to produce enough new housing stock to meet demand. So, some job-seekers, retirees and wouldbe entrepreneurs have rerouted to North Carolina.
We aren’t fully ready to accommodate them. Despite recent state legislation to speed up the permitting process and local reforms to promote higher-density development and accessory dwelling units, it remains overly
di cult to add housing inventory.
Former N.C. Rep. Jon Hardister, now president of the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Council, estimates that North Carolina as a whole is about 80,000 units short of meeting demand. e rising cost of housing isn’t just a barrier to relocation and homeownership. If the average resident in North Carolina is having to spend a lot of money on rent or house payments, Hardister told Triad Business Journal, “they’re not going to go shopping as often. ose miscellaneous purchases are not going to happen as often.”
This is no theoretical assertion. There’s good empirical evidence for it. A 2022 study published in the journal Housing Policy Debate found that across the 100 most-populous urban areas in the country, “decreases in housing a ordability had a statistically significant negative e ect on economic growth in these metros.”
Are policymakers responding to the problem swiftly and e ectively? Alas, no. Many local boards are limiting or halting new construction, not welcoming it. e Charlotte Ledger recently reported that Union and Iredell counties have made it harder to build apartments. e city of Albemarle, in Stanly
CLASSIFIEDS
Software Engineering III - Equitable (Charlotte, NC) Provide Big Data Sol for Datalake design, data ingstn & procsng on Hadoop Cluster w/ Spark, Map Reduce, Hive/Hbase, Flume, Kafka, Syncsort, & python/scala. Req: Mstr or for equiv in Comp Sci, Elec. Engrg or rltd tech fld & 5 yrs of exp as Sftwr Engnr or rltd occ invol dvlpmt of Big Data sols incl prfrmg dsgn, data ingstn & dvlpng pipelns in Hadoop DataLake. Exp must incl srcng & ETL dvlpmt for mltpl Data Prdcts for anlytcl & actrl prps; Hadoop tech (Sqoop, Python, Databricks); Azure Data Pltfrm’ prdctiv model devl for mrkt trnds/mvmts; HDFS, Hive, Impala, Sqoop, Spark, Python, & Azure; ETL, Vertica Map Reduce, Spark, Kafka Hive, Impala, flume, Storm, Zookeeper, Java, PL/SQL Oracle, Teradata, Scala, MySQL, & Eclipse. 40 hrs/wk. Salary is $154,669 - $165k. Direct apps only. A telecmtg/hybr wrk sched w/in cmtble dist from wrkst possbl. Apply at: https://equitable. com/about-us/careers or send res to TalentAquisition@equitable.com Ref. DP1725. EOE M/F/D/
Lead Software Engineer - Fraud Cloud BDP Lead
U.S. Bank is seeking a full-time Lead Software Engineer - Fraud Cloud BDP Lead (Multiple openings) in Charlotte, NC. Duties: Design, develop, test, & implement Fraud Enterprise Aggregation (FEA) features. Must have Bachelor’s degree or equiv in Comp Sci, Comp Eng, or Electrical and Electronics Eng & 6 yrs (prog., post-bac) software development & cloud transformation exp. May be subject to background checks and other regulatory requirements relevant to our industry and operations. To apply go to https://careers.usbank.com or email recruiting.excellence@usbank.com, include job req. #2026-0003669 in subject line.
Data Analyst, Software Engrg II - Equitable (Charlotte, NC): Create & enhance data prdcts for Annty & Life insrnc data for fincl consmrs. Rqmts: Bchlr or for equiv in Comp Sci, Elec Engrg, Info Sys or rltd IT fld + at lst 3 yrs of progr post-Bacc exp as Data Anlyst, Sys Anlyst, Data Engr or rltd pos invlg Data Anlys & explrtn, Data Ming, Data Sci & Big Data Tech (Hive & Impala). Full term of exp must incl hands-on dvlpmt utlzg SQL, Python, EDW & Oracle. 2 yrs of exp: Cloudera Hadoop Data Lake, Hive, HQL, Impala, Hue, optmz techn, HQL queries, actrl & acctg models, LDTI, Reinsrnc, Actrl val &assumptn proc, data anlys exp in Annty & Life ins lfcle, Bsns Intel & Data Vslztn in Tableau or PowerBI, Agile, Chng Mgmt. Tools- Archer, Svce Now.40 hrs/wk. Slry is $110,000-$123,000. Telecmtg/
hybrird sched w/in a commtble dist from wrkst may be avlble. Dir apps only. Send res toTalentAquisition@equitable.com (Ref.code SI1730) or srch title thr https://equitable.com/about-us/ careers. EOE M/F/D/V.
RXO Managed Transport, LLC seeks Engineer, Software Engineering in Charlotte, NC to develop transportation website and webservices. Apply at jobpostingtoday.com Job ID# 22486.
Sr. Service Designer, F/T at Truist Bank (Charlotte, NC) (Multiple Openings) Analyze client & teammate exp to identify pain points, gaps & opportunities for improvement across journeys, services, & systems. Lead end-to-end service dsgn work on complex projects. Apply service dsgn methods to bring clarity & structure to ambiguous problem spaces. Must have a Bach’s deg in Service Dsgn, Dsgn Mgmt, Strategic Dsgn, Integrated Dsgn or Transdisciplinary Dsgn. Educational or work background must have incl’d demonstrated exp w/: Service Dsgn, Dsgn Mgmt, Strategic Dsgn, Integrated Dsgn or Transdisciplinary Dsgn; analyzing complex journeys, services or systems & uncovering actionable insights; proficiency in key service dsgn practices, incl journey mapping, blueprinting, co-creation, & concept dvlpmt; applying qualitative research & collaborating w/ quantitative researchers or analysts; facilitating productive conversations w/ cross-functional teams & contributing to solution dvlpmt; presenting findings & opportunities through both narrative & visual storytelling; & using Miro, Figma & other collaborative platforms. Position may be eligible to work in a hybrid remote model & is based out of & reports to Truist offices in Charlotte, NC. Applicants must be able to work onsite at Truist offices in Charlotte, NC at least 4 days/ wk. Apply online (https://careers.truist.com/) or email resume to: recruitment@truist.com (Ref Job# R0111805)
Sr. Quantitative Model Development Analyst, F/T at Truist Bank (Charlotte, NC) Focus on aspects of model dvlpmt specific to finance & risk measurement estimation methodologies. Responsible for aspects of the dvlpmt life cycle of quantitative models. Areas of model dvlpmt incl mkt, commercial, retail, credit, fin’l crimes, CCAR, CECL, finance & compliance risk. Participate in model reviews & validation finding mitigation following deployment. Must have a Master’s deg in Statistics, Econometrics, Finance or other applied quantitative science. Must have 1 yr of exp in quantitative analysis positions w/in the fin’l services &/or banking industry perform-
County, is preparing a new uni ed development ordinance intended to force high-density projects into tighter geographic con nes.
“You can’t build your way to a ordability,” its planning director told the Ledger. Nonsense. e only practical way to promote housing a ordability is to build more units. Adding apartments and starter homes o ers direct relief to young and lower-income people, but even adding new inventory at or above the median helps them indirectly, by freeing up the apartments and starter homes from which more-a uent consumers move into their new homes. A 2023 paper in the Journal of Urban Economics found that building 100 new market-rate units opens up the equivalent of 70 units in neighborhoods earning below the area’s median income. In the poorest neighborhoods, it opens up the equivalent of 40 units.
“New construction reduces demand and loosens the housing market in low-and middle-income areas, even in the short run,” concluded study author Evan Mast of the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Again, there’s no great mystery to be solved here. ere has always been local opposition to new construction, especially of rental units
and starter homes. ose already residing in the community may want their own property rights protected, but many view newcomers primarily as sources of trouble – tra c congestion, noise, political or cultural change, etc. – rather than welcoming them as new neighbors.
One reason Americans are leaving highly taxed, highly regulated states for freer ones is that the latter o er them more opportunities, better jobs, more space and higher after-tax incomes. Yes, growth generates demand for more services. But it’s still far better to live in a growing community than a stagnant or declining community.
Going into the 2026 midterms, voters rank a ordability as a top concern. ey’re right to do so. Many of these same voters may also believe it’s possible to obtain lower prices and enjoy economic growth and throttle back housing development. ey couldn’t be more wrong.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
ing/utilizing the following: dvlpg, documenting, & testing statistical models specific to finance & risk measurement estimation methodologies; statistical prgmg w/ Python (NumPy & Pandas), R, & SAS; Query language using SQL, incl PostgreSQL & SQL Server; using Microsoft Excel & add-ins (Essbase); Data visualization tools: Tableau & Power BI; distilling complex mathematical concepts into actionable results; risk modeling & analytics: Monte Carlo simulation, Value at Risk, Machine Learning models, Probability of Default (PD) modelling, CECL modelling, & Loss Given Default (LGD) modeling; & using Git version control: GitHub, GitLab, & Azure DevOps. Position may be eligible to work hybrid/remotely but is based out of & reports to Truist offices in Charlotte, NC. Must be available to travel to Charlotte, NC regularly for meetings & reviews w/ manager & project teams w/in 24hrs’ notice. Apply online
THURSDAY, MARCH 26SUNDAY, MARCH 29 12 - 6 PM
What’s
Behind the Door?
MOR E THAN YOU IMAGINED
From the outside of an Epcon home, it’s hard to imagine what lies behind the door. Step inside and discover spaces made for spring living, with natural light throughout, an open floor plan made for everyday connection and a private, garden courtyard for morning coffee and evenings outside.
Come see it for yourself during the Spring Tour of Homes.
