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INSIDE ▼ MLB coming to the area?
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PAGE 2A Friday, June 26, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 25
WHAT'S INSIDE
Tax Reform State halts property reappraisals, 2A
Things to Do
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Police say suspects tied to 100+ pharmacy burglaries MONROE – A coordinated response by law enforcement agencies June 18 led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be connected to more than 100 pharmacy break-ins across multiple states, according to the Monroe Police Department. Monroe officers received information to be on the lookout for a black BMW believed to have been involved in the breaking and entering at a pharmacy in Concord. A sergeant saw a vehicle matching the description entering the city on Concord
Highway at around 4:15 a.m. June 18. The sergeant attempted a stop but the driver fled, police said. During the pursuit, officers deployed tire deflation devices, causing the vehicle to eventually come to a stop. Police said multiple occupants exited the vehicle, fled on foot and discarded prescription medications that investigators believe were stolen during the break-in. Monroe officers, working alongside the Union County Sheriff’s Office, used drone
technology and K9 units to search the area. Two suspects were taken into custody: Rashaad Wilson, 25, and Tomas Wesley, 26, both of Bishopville, South Carolina. Officers learned the pair are suspected of involvement in more than 100 pharmacy burglaries across multiple states. Police expect additional charges as the investigation continues. Detectives are working with law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions.
“This arrest highlights the effectiveness of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the use of technology and specialized resources to apprehend dangerous offenders,” Monroe Police Chief Rhett Bolen said. “The swift actions of our officers, deputies, K9 teams and drone operators prevented these suspects from escaping and helped recover stolen prescription medications before they could reach our communities.”
Wesley
Wilson
Symphony returns to SouthPark, 3A
Sheriff's office defends license plate reader program
Biting Humor
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by Justin Vick
'Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors' debuts, 3A
Matthews Alive, one of the region's biggest events, is expected to bring thousands of people over four days to downtown. Popular attractions include music, rides and a parade. CMG file photos
Recipes Fresh ways to enjoy grapes, 1B
250 Years Reflecting on how far we've come, 2B
Leader previews Alive festival M AT T H E W S – Tributes to Toby Keith and Prince are among the headline performers for this year’s Matthews Alive. Executive Director Lee Anne Moore shared details about the festival June 22 with town commissioners. Moore has been working with Key Signature Entertainment, exchanging ideas and videos on potential sounds to bring to the Labor Day Weekend festival. She is excited see ALIVE, Page 3A
Applications to be in the Sept. 5 parade are available at matthewsalive. org/parade and are due by Aug. 15.
Police urge safety as two-wheel traffic rises MONROE – The Monroe Police Department is reminding motorists, bicyclists, e-bike riders and motorcyclists to remain alert and share the road following a collision involving an e-bike rider. Officers responded to a serious collision involving an e-bike and a Chevrolet Tahoe at about 8:50 p.m. June 11 at the intersection of West Jefferson Street and North Hayne Street. The e-bike rider sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. As the number of bicycles, e-bikes
and motorcycles on roadways increases during the summer, the Monroe Police Department encourages everyone to take these simple precautions: Drivers • Slow down and remain attentive, especially at intersections and while making turns. • Look twice before pulling into traffic or changing lanes. • Allow plenty of space when passing bicyclists and motorcyclists. • Avoid distractions such as cell phones and other activities that take your attention away from the road.
Bicyclists/e-bike riders • Obey all traffic signals and signs. • Ride in the same direction as traffic and remain as visible as possible. • Use lights and reflective gear when riding at night or in low-light conditions. • Wear a properly fitted helmet, regardless of age or experience. Motorcyclists • Wear appropriate protective gear, including a DOT-approved helmet. • Ride within your abilities and obey posted speed limits. • Assume other motorists may not see you and ride defensively.
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MONROE – The Union County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged an oversight in rolling out its license plate reader program but said the tool has helped fight crime. Weddington resident Mark Russell told commissioners March 16 that the sheriff’s office had been using Flock Safety license plate readers on roads but did not appear to have a state-mandated government policy in place. “This required governance policy must include data-retention limits, data-sharing practices, training, oversight, security and annual auditing, among a few other things,” Russell said at the time. Russell would appear before the board again May 4 acknowledging the county’s response to his initial concerns. He had talked to both Commissioner Brian Helms and a chief deputy from the sheriff’s office. But Russell said the sheriff’s office new policy wasn’t enough. Rather than detailing how the county governs the license plate reader system, Russell said it referenced the vendor contract instead. “That means the sheriff’s office has outsourced its compliance with state law to an $8.4 billion tech company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia,” Russell said at the time. A couple of other residents addressed commissioners June 1, requesting they have the sheriff’s office comply with state statute before allocating any more money to the program. This prompted Chief Deputy Tony Underwood to address these concerns June 16 before commissioners ended up approving their fiscal year budget. “First and foremost, we do appreciate the first gentleman that spoke back on March 16,” Underwood said, referring to Russell. “He pointed out that the sheriff’s office did not have a policy that was required by state statute, General Statute 20-183.31, which we did not. We’ll accept responsibility. “But please understand, the sheriff’s office does not operate that way,” Underwood continued. “Once we became aware that that statute did exist, the next day, on March 17, we drafted a policy, the sheriff signed off on it and it went into effect.” see ENFORCEMENT, Page 3A