20
02 – 202
24
INSIDE ▼ Matthews approves funding for nonprofits
6
PAGE 3A Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 34
thecharlotteweekly.com/mmhweekly
@mmhweekly
Matthews recognizes top employee by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews has named Animal Control Officer Heather Kirkman as its Employee of the Year. Kirkman joined the Town of Matthews in December 2021. The Matthews Police Department shared a post on
social media in April about Kirkman rescuing ducklings that were stuck in a drain. Town Manager Melia James said during the Aug. 24 town commissioners meeting that Kirkman’s nomination included other memorable examples of her work, including rescuing an injured cat and saving three orphaned opossums.
“Heather was selected for the commitment and compassion she brings to her work and the many ways that she goes above and beyond for our residents, our animals and her co-workers,” James said. “She has worked with local rescue organizations to find homes for stray and abandoned animals and organized a spay and neuter clinic for the community.”
The Rotary Club of Matthews recognized Kirkman in May as Officer of the Quarter. “Heather is also someone her co-workers know they can count on,” James said. “She has stepped in during staffing shortages, taken on responsibilities outside of her normal role and come in on her days off when needed. She truly represents the town’s civic values
and the kind of service we want to recognize through this award.” Police Chief James Avens Jr. thanked Kirkman for her work. “She always goes above and beyond, whether it’s helping out in our call center or responding to our animals,” Avens said. “She’s always there … I value her very much as one of our employees.”
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Time to move in Construction done at townhomes, 3A
FlexEtc Co-warehousing concept hits region, 5A
Food news Get your portrait on a Guinness stout, 2B
Photo courtesy of Crown Collective
America 250 Museum offers patriotic tribute, 5B
REGIONAL DRAW
Bob's opening store on Sardis Road CHARLOTTE – Bob’s Discount Furniture will celebrate the grand opening of its Charlotte Matthews store Sept. 4 at 2320 Sardis Road North. The 61,123-square-foot store will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. with company executives, local officials and community organizations. Bob’s will present $2,500 donations to the Matthews HELP Center and McClintock Middle School during the ceremony. The new store includes a café with snacks and a home décor marketplace. Bob’s Discount Furniture strives to offer quality furniture that’s comfortable,
Bob’s Discount Furniture celebrates its newest location with a grand opening celebration June 12 in Pineville. Photos courtesy of Bob’s Discount Furniture
stylish, durable and affordable. It has more than 200 showrooms across the United States, including
South Charlotte (9575 South Blvd.) and University City store (8215 University City Blvd.).
check us out on - line THE
thecharlotteweekly.com | WEEKLY
Around the Crown 5K organizers make adjustments to race due to growth, see page 3A
Infinite Turtles team thanks town
MATTHEWS – Students from the Infinite Turtles robotics team attended the Aug. 24 town commissioners meeting to thank Matthews for its support. “The Infinite Turtles are proud to represent Matthews in all our competitions,” outgoing co-captain Vijay Chopra told commissioners. The team won a Reach Award during the state championships for spreading awareness about science, technology, education and math skills. “This accomplishment would not have been possible without Mayor (John) Higdon and the Matthews Board of Commissioners,” incoming co-captain Aakash Thakkar said.