20
02 – 202
24
INSIDE ▼ Drivers face charges after crash
6
PAGE 2A Friday, July 31, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 30
thecharlotteweekly.com/mmhweekly
@mmhweekly
Inpro opens manufacturing center MINT HILL – Inpro marked a year of growth with a ribbon-cutting for its new manufacturing center in Mint Hill, while continuing to expand its Wisconsin headquarters. The 165,000-square-foot Mint Hill center brings two previously separate Inpro operations under one roof, adding capacity to support its growing customer base. Inpro specializes in architectural products for commercial
buildings. Operations at the Mint Hill facility began earlier this year. “The opening of the new Inpro Mint Hill facility marks another milestone in a year of unprecedented growth for our company,” Inpro CEO Marc Holland said. “We’re investing in our people, expanding our manufacturing capabilities and strengthening our ability to serve customers across the
country while investing in the communities where we operate.” Company leaders were joined by employees, customers and community partners to celebrate the milestone. “As Mint Hill continues to invest in local businesses, we’re proud to welcome Inpro as an economic engine and manufacturing leader for
Mayor Dale Dalton delivers remarks at the Inpro Mint Hill ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Inpro
see INPRO, Page 3A
Mint Hill OKs family care homes for foster children
WHAT'S INSIDE:
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
By the Numbers Audit shows the cost of elections, 3A
More than 900 people registered for 24 Hours of Booty. The charity cycling and walking event has raised more than $33 million since its inception in 2002. Photos courtesy of 24 Foundation
Dinner Theater Classic board game comes to life, 1B
Pages of Wisdom Overcoming being the new kid at school, 2B
24 Hours of Booty Charity cycling event raises $1.6M in 2026 CHARLOTTE – 24 Foundation has raised more than $1.6 million to date through this year’s 24 Hours of Booty. The charity cycling and walking event helps support cancer survivorship and patient navigation programs. The fundraiser brought together more than 900 registered participants and 85 teams from 22 states and three countries who cycled, walked, ran or rucked July 24 and 25 through Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood. Hundreds of volunteers supported the event. “Celebrating the 25th edition of 24 Hours of Booty was a powerful reminder of what this community can accomplish together,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “Every rider, walker, runner, rucker, volunteer, cancer survivor, donor and supporter played a role in helping ensure cancer patients and survivors have access to the navigation and supportive oncology programs and services they need during treatment and
beyond. We are incredibly grateful for the passion and generosity of everyone who made this milestone year so meaningful and impactful.” Money raised supports local cancer beneficiaries, including Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Donations are accepted through Dec. 31 and can be made online at 24foundation.org.
MINT HILL – Town commissioners have approved Jesse Tall’s proposal to develop a family care home subdivision across four parcels on Thompson Road. Tall, of Flourish Youth LLC, has been working with youth for about 30 years with organizations like Eckerd Connects, Thompson Child & Family Focus and Anderson Health Services. “The goal is for us to serve kids in the foster care system,” Tall explained during the June public hearing. “The homes were built specifically for congregate care.” One neighbor spoke during the June public hearing, raising concerns about safety and noise. Commissioners also asked questions to gauge safety and security. Each of the four homes would serve no more than six children ages 5 to 12. Each child would have a bedroom and bathroom. The buildings will be staffed 24/7. Tall explained each home will have at minimum three staff members per shift. “The need is pretty great in terms of the foster care system and especially local kids,” Tall said. “The goal will be to serve kids in the homes that are from this area so we don’t have to send them to the mountains or to the coast. They can stay in their local schools.” Children will be referred to the homes by Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services or Healthy Blue Care Together. Tall hopes to have space available for siblings. “The issue right now is there’s so many kids in the DSS system. Just in Mecklenburg County alone, like any given day this past year, there’s around 500,” Tall told commissioners. “In terms of foster homes, single-family foster homes,
Sharkey's Cuts for Kids opens third shop in Mint Hill MINT HILL – Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids will celebrate its grand opening at Aston’s Mint Hill Pavilion on Aug. 1. The children’s salon will mark the occasion with $7 off haircuts, kid-friendly activities and an entry to win free haircuts for a year. The 900-square-foot salon is the third Charlotte-area location for franchise owner Vivek Shah, who discovered Sharkey’s while looking for a haircut spot for his
children. Shah opened his first location in Steele Creek in June 2025, followed by a second in University City that November, with the Mint Hill location marking his third opening in less than 14 months. “Sharkey’s is built around the idea that a haircut doesn’t have to be something kids dread, but rather something they actually look forward to,” Shah said. “Mint Hill is a growing community
with a lot of families and schools nearby, and I thought it would be a great fit for a business built around making that experience fun.” The center, located at the intersection of Lawyers and Matthews-Mint Hill roads, is anchored by Harris Teeter and is home to tenants like Taxco Mexican Grill, Mint Hill Cleaners, Family Dough Bagels and Lee Spa Nails. For Aston, the opening supports
Mint Hill Pavilion’s mix of everyday, family-oriented tenants. “Aston is committed to bringing a diverse group of high-quality retailers to Mint Hill Pavillion, and Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids fits perfectly into that vision,” said Barnes Connell, managing director of Aston. “It’s the kind of everyday, family-focused business that this community relies on, and we’re excited to have them as part of the center.”
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids will host a soft opening for walk-ins the week prior to its grand opening. On Aug. 1, the grand opening will feature $7 off haircuts, an entry to win free haircuts for a year, balloon twisting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., face painting from 1 to 3 p.m., and an appearance from Spider-Man from noon to 3 p.m.' Visit kidshaircutscharlottemint hill.com to book an appointment.