Criticism about mayor & attorney leads to tense exchange
“Is it illegal or just a request?” Freeman asked about playing the recording.
“It’s a request,” Peterson replied.
Freeman then played the recording, which featured someone else addressing Higdon: “On April 17, 2024, when you had the closed session meeting about the choking of the Black prisoner, why did you tell the board that [Town Manager] Becky Hawke did a great job and got rid of all of the rats. We’re all clean now.”
“I believe that was in a closed session,” Higdon was heard on the recording.
“I know but that was said,” the other speaker replied.
“That was in a closed session," Higdon said.
Freeman stopped the recording at this point and continued his remarks.
“Firstly, this is a ghastly thing for a mayor to say about his own town, let alone human beings
that serve in the town,” Freeman said. “Secondly, I don’t even care how the public stumbled upon this information. I don’t care if it was an individual. I don’t care if it was a mouse. I don’t care if it was a strategically placed recording device. What I do care about is the content and the context of what was said. If this was indeed said by the mayor at any point in his tenure as a city official, he needs to step down.”
Freeman shifted his criticism to the town attorney, telling the board that Peterson would not investigate “a developer who paid o a public employee to influence your vote.”
Freeman did not go into speci cs but it was similar to assertions made on Higdon’s campaign page by Facebook user Keyser Soze. Soze shared an email dated May 14 from a UNC
Schools improved across numerous metrics during the 2024-25 school year, including School Performance and Academic Growth.
In the 2024-25 school year, CMS outperformed North Carolina in overall grade-level proficiency with significant increases in:
• Reading Grades 3-8 (+5.2%)
• Math Grades 3-8 (+4.6%)
• Math III (+8.2%)
• 156 (89.1%) schools met or exceeded growth, with the highest number and percent in CMS history.
• 115 (65.7%) schools exceeded growth, highest number and percent in CMS history.
• Ranked 10th out of 115 public school districts in North Carolina for percent of schools meeting or exceeding growth, highest ranking in CMS history.
• 123 (70%) schools earned a school performance grade of A, B or C, an increase of 21 from 2023-24 and the largest single year increase in CMS history.
• 55 schools improved school letter grades; the largest single year increase in CMS history.
• 31 schools no longer have a state low-performing designation, largest single year decrease in number of schools with the low-performing designation in CMS history.
" ese results are a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our students, teachers and families," Superintendent Crystal Hill said. "We are not just improving numbers. We are expanding opportunities, raising expectations and proving what’s possible for every student in CMS."
Hill said these achievements align with the CMS Strategic Plan, which focuses on raising academic achievement, closing opportunity gaps and ensuring students graduate ready to be enrolled, enlisted or employed.
“While there is more work ahead, the district is committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that all students bene t from the progress being made,” Hill said.
CMS began its 2025-26 school year on Aug. 25.
Local TV personality Molly Grantham will emcee the festivities. Photo courtesy of My Breast Friend’s Wedding
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NEWS BRIEFS
Bat tests positive for rabies
MATTHEWS – Matthews Animal Control recently removed a bat from the Jaywick Lane area and transported it for rabies testing. e bat tested positive for rabies.
One human exposure and one domestic pet exposure have been reported.
The Matthews Police Department urged people to contact the Mecklenburg County Health Department immediately at 704-6146512 or 704-589-3242 if they or pets came into contact with a bat in the area.
Police encouraged people to remain vigilant for the next 30 days for any animals in the area since symptoms may not show for 21 to 28 days in animals exposed to the rabies virus. Call animal control if you do see animals showing symptoms.
On the web: health.mecknc. gov/cdcontrol/Rabies-ZoonosisControl
Assist ME holds Wheels & Walker-thon
CHARLOTTE – Assist ME held its inaugural Wheels & Walker-thon on Sept. 6 at Park Road Park. e event combined tness, fun, and philanthropy to support independence for people needing mobility equipment. Organizers hoped to raise $30,000 to help the nonpro t provide free medical equipment to Charlotte-area residents facing mobility challenges. An equipment drive was held onsite.
Sponsors included Atrium Health – Carolinas Rehabilitation, Numotion Foundation, e Barclay at SouthPark, Sharon Presbyterian Church, Charlotte Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Charlotte Laser Pain Center and Clearwater Auto Spa. Assist ME served over 1,200 people last year and is on track to support at least 1,800 in 2025.
Survival expert to speak at Carolina Theatre
CHARLOTTE – e Carolina eatre is about to get wild. Bear Grylls, the internationally renowned survival expert, television host, author and motivational
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Wild Wing Cafe sees opportunity to grow
CHARLOTTE – Wild Wing Cafe is preparing to turn the page on restructuring with a renewed focus on growth and guest experience.
Following approval of its reorganization plan by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina, the wings and sports bar concept says it is poised for a strong comeback.
e Charlotte-based company, owned by Axum Capital Partners through Aetius Companies, began the process in July 2023 as part of an e ort to restructure and stabilize the business to set the stage for long-term success. e need for the restructuring was necessitated by the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
Wild Wing Cafe plans to refresh its restaurants with updated interiors, enhanced menu o erings, and innovative technology to improve the guest experience. e 35-year-old brand is also evaluating opportunities for growth in existing and new markets.
Moore & Van Allen becoming an anchor tenant
CHARLOTTE – Riverside Investment & Development, with partners Wood eld Development and PGIM Real Estate, announcednancing and an anchor lease for 1111 South Tryon, the second Queensbridge Collective tower in Charlotte’s South End.
Charlotte-based Moore & Van Allen will relocate its headquarters in 2028, occupying nine oors for 700 employees.
e 43-story mixed-use tower will feature o ces, apartments, retail and amenities. Queensbridge will be the eighth tallest building in Charlotte.
Campaign offers solar energy benefits
CHARLOTTE – Homeowners can still cut energy costs through the Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg campaign before the Oct. 31 enrollment deadline.
e campaign o ers bene ts geared to making renewable energy for homes, businesses and nonpro ts more a ordable locally.
Launched by Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Davidson and Centralina Regional Council, the program o ers up to 20% group discounts, free custom evaluations, system-size savings and community support.
Duke Energy incentives include up to $9,000 for qualifying solar and battery systems plus a hybrid net metering plan through 2027.
More than 225 property owners have already signed up.
Learn more and enroll with no obligation at the campaign website.
speaker, will appear at the Carolina eatre at 6 p.m. Nov. 4. Tickets start at $50. Get them at eCarolina.com.
In a fireside chat, Grylls will share how he has faced challenges and what continues to drive him forward. Some of those challenges, often survivalist-based, include running through a forest re, eating snakes and wrestling alligators.
“We won’t be wrestling alligators inside the theatre,” said Jared Misner, the Carolina eatre’s communications director. “But Bear will help us all wrestle with life’s challenges and what it means to move past them and thrive. We’re lucky to have one of the world’s foremost experts on surviving challenges join us for this special evening.”
In addition to the Discovery Channel show “Man Vs. Wild,” Grylls has hosted shows on NBC and the Military Channel.
Nonprofit funds community health improvements
CHARLOTTE – e American Heart Association with support from Novant Health is providing community funding to improve heart health in Cape Fear, Charlotte and the Triad.
Applications are open through Sept. 19 at https://form.jotform. com/252186410987161.
Community applicants may request $2,500 to $10,000 to support heart-healthy policies and environments. Eligible groups include community-based organizations, churches, senior centers, health centers, housing authorities, colleges, universities and local governments.
“ ese subawards o er the American Heart Association an opportunity to continue the important work of creating longer healthier lives in our communities through strong relationships with local organizations across North Carolina,” said Allison Nelson, vice president of community impact.
Smash Cancer through pickleball tournament
CHARLOTTE – e American Cancer Society GenNow Network Charlotte is hosting its inaugural Smash Cancer: Pickleball Edition,
Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay introduces fall bites
CHARLOTTE – Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay is celebrating fall with two seasonal additions: the Wild Mushroom Bacon Burger and the Pumpkin Spice Milkshake.
Available at all locations until Nov. 30, the burger features Certi ed Angus Beef grilled to medium or well-done with crispy bacon, White American cheese, sautéed cremini mushrooms and red wine BBQ sauce. Guests can swap chicken for beef.
e milkshake blends custard with pumpkin spice and is topped with whipped cream.
Learn more at bobbysburgers.com.
AVL USA begins production at new plant
CHARLOTTE – AVL USA Inc., a leader in power generation and storage enclosures, has opened its rst U.S. plant in Charlotte.
e 232,000-square-foot facility at 13006 Sam Neely Road produces genset enclosures that protect backup power systems for data centers.
“Our team is red up about creating much-needed quality products for a fast-growing industry and about growing their careers at AVL,” said Matthias Steck, general manager. AVL has lled 75 positions and continues hiring through Arrow Workforce Solutions.
e company is hiring speci c roles, including machine builders and electricians and more. Visit AVLcareers.com for career inquiries.
Charlotte Area Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – e Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Mix, Mingle & Make Connections; Public Policy Meeting; and a ribbon cutting.
• Members network during Mix, Mingle & Make Connections from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at Frankie's Fun Park, 16021 Bryton Corporate Center Drive, Huntersville. Register in advance.
• N.C. Sen. Woodson Bradley talks about her experiences as a lawmaker during the Public Policy Meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Envision Charlotte, Innovation Barn, 932 Seigle Ave., Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Mackey Realty with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 18 at 1700 East Blvd., Charlotte. ey’ll cut the ribbon at 11:15 a.m. Register in advance.
Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
presented by OrthoCarolina.
The community-driven event combines fun, fitness and fundraising to ght back against cancer from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at Clanton Park, 1520 Clanton Road.
Registration costs $75.
Participants will enjoy a doubles pickleball tournament, food trucks, family-friendly activities and the chance to make an impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families.
The ACS GenNow Network Charlotte Chapter consists of members with a shared commitment to engage the next generation of leaders in the ght against cancer.
Charlotte group to host NASA Space Apps Challenge
CHARLOTTE – Queen City Robotics Alliance will serve as the Charlotte host for the 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge on Oct. 4 and 5 at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
e NASA International Space Apps Challenge is billed as the world’s largest global hackathon. is two-day event allows participants of all ages to use NASA's free and open data sources to address problems on Earth and in space.
“ is is an opportunity for students to use NASA to explore ideas,” said Kaiwen Cheng, of Queen City Robotics Alliance. “Space technology is a leading technology. It’s using space to inspire and impact our daily lives. ings like GPS and memory foam mattresses. We wouldn’t have those things today without NASA technology.”
Learn more about the event at https://www.spaceappsclt.org/.
Epilepsy Reach Foundation planning gala
CHARLOTTE – Epilepsy Reach Foundation is planning its Epilepsy Reach for Excellence Gala, a “purple carpet” evening with elegance, entertainment and empowerment.
The event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 17 at 658 Event Center, 3646 Central Ave. Get tickets at https://event.gives/ epilepsyreachgala2025.
Guests will experience live performances, a silent auction and
Latin American Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – e Latin American Chamber of Commerce hosts a market and night out at a baseball game.
• The chamber hosts vendors, music and food during Hispanic Heritage Month Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14 at Spark Centro, 8801 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Members let loose during a Night Out at a Charlotte Knights game from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 18 at 324 South Mint St., Charlotte. Register in advance.
Visit lacccharlotte.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Matthews Area Chamber events
MATTHEWS – e Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours.
• Members network during Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Carolina Beer Temple, 215 N. Ames St., Matthews. e event bene ts the Home Again Foundation. Register in advance.
Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Mint Hill Chamber events
MINT HILL – e Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking breakfast.
• Nonprofit leaders convene during the Non-Pro t Networking Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Sept. 18 at Atrium Health Union West, 1000 Healing Way, Matthews. Register in advance. Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Pineville NC Chamber events
PINEVILLE – e Pineville NC Chamber of Commerce hosts Mugs & Matters.
• Lancaster Council Members Jose Luis and Stuart Graham are guests during Mugs & Matters from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at Sweetwater Co ee and Tea, 9623 Red Stone Drive, Indian Land. Visit pinevillencchamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber events
MONROE – e Union County Chamber of Commerce hosts orientation and a ribbon cutting.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Hotworx with a ribbon cutting from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 12 at 1002 Aspinal St., Waxhaw. Register in advance.
• The chamber explains the perks of membership during Get Plugged In from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 17 on Zoom. Register in advance. Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
stories of courage from the epilepsy community, all while raising critical funds to support life-changing programs.
e Epilepsy Reach Foundation provides educational scholarships, mental health services, career support, and health equity programs.
Feels like fall in Uptown
Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – Several fun fall festivals and celebrations are planned for Uptown Charlotte this fall.
Here are a few of them:
• Shop the Yard – Find a popup shopping experience like you’ve never seen Sept. 27 and Oct. 25 at Victoria Yards, 209 E. 7th St.
• Plaza Beer Garden – Uptown brings Resident Culture draughts, Mimosa Grill bites and live music to the open-air plaza ursdays at 325 S. Tryon St.
• Game Kiosk Launch – The Romare Bearden Park kiosk debuts as a free community game lending hub stocked for easy, drop-in lawn and tabletop play, open during peak hours on Wednesdays and ursdays, beginning Oct. 1.
• Weekend Warmup Music Series
– An after-work live-music series energizes Uptown on ursday evenings in October (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30) at Romare Bearden Park.
• 4th Ward Movies in the Park
– Watch family-friendly Halloween classics at dusk Saturdays in October (Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25) at 4th Ward Park.
On the web: uptowncharlotte.com
Adams introduces anti-hunger legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswomen Alma S. Adams (NC12) and others introduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 aimed at addressing food insecurity by increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program bene ts and allocating more funds to those with large medical and housing expenses.
e Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 changes the formula used to calculate SNAP bene ts from the rifty Food Plan to the Low Cost Food Plan, increasing the average SNAP bene t amount.
“No one in America should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, but SNAP benefits are simply not enough to put food on the table,” Adams said. “As in ation and cost of living continue to rise, we should focus on strengthening SNAP, not making deep, reckless cuts that only worsen hunger in the United States.”
Truliant Foundation gives scholarships to 22 students WINSTON-SALEM – The Truliant Foundation announced college scholarship winners for fall 2025.
All are rst-time college students; high school seniors who will be enrolled in an accredited college, community college or university; and members of Truliant Federal Credit Union.
• Fred J. Sarda winners ($2,000): Owen Bandy, Christopher Joshua Corona-Plancarte, Victoria Cox, Addison Durst, Reese Elliott, Landry Gray, Davis Hamby, Jeremiah Harper, Charlie Haynes, Annabel Hopkins, Taj Johnson, Zyire Murphy, Ryan Pack, Laken Faith Sexton, Niketh Vengala, Trevor Viera, Smriti Verma, Nyssa West and Cassie Woodall.
• Clyde Padgett winner ($2,500): Luke Barron.
• Carolinas Credit Union Foundation winners ($2,000): Josie Crum and Ethan Scharf.
Project to temporarily close rail trail
CHARLOTTE – Beginning Sept. 8, a portion of the Rail Trail near New Bern Station will be temporarily closed due to a drainage replacement project. Only one side of the rail trail will be closed at a time, allowing for an accessible detour. e closure is between Poindexter Drive and New Bern Street, behind the MAA Reserve Apartment Community (2720 South Blvd.).
This portion of the Rail Trail is expected to be closed for four months. Blue Line operations should not be impacted.
Call CATS customer service at 704-336-7433 for questions or concerns.
Charlotte professor to members of the development team behind the Lilly Townhomes rezoning proposal. In the email, the professor mentions how much he usually charges for a letter and remarks during a rezoning hearing. That same professor spoke in favor of the Lilly Townhomes project during the June 9 public hearing, describing it as “almost like a perfect solution to an affordable housing crisis.” Freeman spoke out against that same project.
“At the very least, the ethical ramifications of allowing developers to deceive the commissioners and residents of Matthews should be chilling to all of you,” Freeman said. “How do you think the message plays to residents you were elected by? Do you think they support the
Sept. 12
Listen and Move
Matthews Library hosts a Listen and Move Storytime for preschool-age children. The event includes stories, songs and movement. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
11:15-11:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Beats ‘n Bites
Blue Monday performs 1980s hits during the Beats ‘n Bites series at Stumptown Park. Food trucks and craft beer will be available. Bring chairs and blankets but no pets.
Music starts at 6 p.m. The Town of Matthews presents the series from March to May as well as September and October.
matthewsnc.gov/specialevents
5-9 p.m.; 120 S Trade St, Matthews
Stallings Fest
The Town of Stallings celebrates its 50th anniversary during Stallings 50 Fest. The first day of the three-day festival includes a kick-off concert and food trucks at Stallings Municipal Park. stallingsnc.org
6-8 p.m.; 340 Stallings Road, Stallings
Sept. 13
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
9:30-10 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
town being openly deceived and nobody doing anything about it because the developer is friends of yours? Shows up to your events? Maybe donates to your reelection campaign?”
Freeman then contrasted that with Peterson’s internal investigation, which he said only affects Higdon’s reelection campaign.
“This city is run like the Gambino crime family,” Freeman continued. “At every turn there is something crooked and at every turn there is one person that has spearheaded the delays, the lack of transparency, the development that nobody in this town is asking for. That man is the mayor, John Higdon.”
Freeman also encouraged the attorney to explain to the planning board what lobbying is and how it’s not normal for someone to stand in front of the board without disclosing they were paid to be there.
“Mr. Freeman, I’m glad you brought it up – transparency,” Peterson said after Freeman finished his remarks. “Your Facebook – is it “Keyser Soze?” Peterson was referring to the Facebook account that has been commenting recently on pages managed by the Town of Matthews and Higdon’s campaign team.
Keyser Söze is also the name of a fictional character in “The Usual Suspects.” As Kevin Spacey’s character tells a detective in the film, “He becomes a myth, a spook story, that criminals tell their kids at night. ‘Rat on your pop, and Keyser Söze will get you.’”
Peterson told Freeman that he will reach out to him due to his connection to the internal investigation.
“This whole gotcha campaign by you over here, trying to come at me and the mayor over integrity, and
you’re interested in transparency? You should more than welcome being placed under oath and asked questions about your connection with somebody who received closed session, confidentiality from someone inside that closed session.”
After some back-and-forth, Peterson told Freeman: “I’m glad to look further into the lobbying situation but I can tell you right now that my opinion is that does not run afoul of anything because people hire experts all the time as I previously stated into this microphone the last time. So while you continued to wag your finger and now you’re wagging your finger at me and you continue to go out and you continue to harass certain individuals either on this board or otherwise – you need to stop that.”
Freeman replied: “Stop what, sir?”
“The harassment of individuals–”
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at the Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the first session.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Puzzle Swap
Matthews Library hosts a Puzzle Swap in which people can exchange puzzles of 300-plus pieces. Make sure the puzzles you bring don’t have missing pieces.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
10:30-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Stallings Fest
The Town of Stallings celebrates its 50th anniversary during Stallings 50 Fest. The second day of the threeday festival includes live stage shows, food trucks, a children’s entrepreneur market, arts and crafts at Stallings Municipal Park. stallingsnc.org
11 a.m.-4 p.m.; 340 Stallings Road, Stallings
Outdoor Movie
Aurora Star Lit Cinema screens the film, “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou” during Outdoor Movie Night at Carolina Beer Temple. Bring a chair. AuroraStarLitCinema.comz
8:30 p.m.; 215 N. Ames St., Matthews
Sept. 15
Stallings Fest
The Town of Stallings celebrates its 50th anniversary during Stallings 50 Fest Car Show at Stallings Elementary School. stallingsnc.org
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 3501 Stallings Road, Stallings
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Conversation Club
Preteens and teens practice Spanish during Intermediate Spanish Conversation Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews Noon-1 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthew
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at the Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the first session. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Sept. 16
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Marvelous Math
Children ages 3-5 build math skills through stories and songs during Preschool Storytime: Marvelous
Math at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the start of the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 2-2:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Book Club
The Teen Graphic Novel Book Club discusses “Who Made Me A Princess Vol 1” by Plutus at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews. 6:30-7:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Sept. 17
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at the Matthews Library. Register for the event 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Baby Storytime
Children, ages 0-2, learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 11:15-11:45 a.m. or noon-12:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
“What harassment are you referencing?”
“I have information that you’re contacting family members of people–”
“That is objectively wrong. Bring that anywhere. Let’s argue it.”
“I would love to have that discussion with you, sir.”
“Where am I contacting them? What medium?
“We’re done. Thank you.”
Commissioner Mark Tofano was not pleased with the exchange.
“I’m glad we’re done,” Tofano said. “Interrogating a public citizen like this in an open meeting is unconscionable.”
Toward the end of the meeting, Higdon gave a quick update on Peterson’s internal investigation.
Higdon said several commissioners have been interviewed. Once the investigation is complete, the town will release a report on the findings.
Book Club
The Pocket-Size Book Club discusses “You Dreamed of Empires” by Alvaro Enrique at Matthews Library. The club is for adults that read books under 300 pages. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews. 1-2 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Book Club
The Mostly Mysteries book club discusses “The Red House” by Mary Morris at Matthews Library. The club is for adults who love mystery books. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews. 3-4 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at the Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the first session. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Sept. 18
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
When you visit participating Epcon communities during our Fall Tour of Homes event, you’ll experience luxury ranch homes designed for single-level living and private, garden courtyards that are perfect for enjoying the crisp fall air.
This special event spans communities across the Charlotte area, giving you the chance to explore different neighborhoods, preview resort-style amenities and discover the Epcon lifestyle in the setting that suits you best.
Plus, a low-maintenance Epcon lifestyle means raking, mowing and weeding are taken care of for you—leaving you more time to enjoy the things that truly matter. Come see for yourself what it’s like to live well every day. You’ve earned this.
Outrage rises in Charlotte rail murder
By Alan Wooten Contributor
( e Center Square) – Chilling video of the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail has drawn increased awareness of the incident.
Social media audiences are wondering about the lack of national mainstream media coverage. President Donald Trump not only vowed to crack down on crime but sought to take action including through use of National Guard troops in certain cities.
Zarutska, 22, boarded the Lynx Blue Line about 10 p.m. on Camdem Road near the South End crossing of East Boulevard and West Boulevard, according to the Charlotte Area Transit System video. She took one of two empty seats in front of Decarlos Brown Jr. and appears to be on her cellphone.
Video does not appear to show any interaction between them until he stands up and attacks from behind about four minutes later.
“ e video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles in a statement released Sept. 6. “ is was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers remain with her loved ones
as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time.”
She assured commitment to Charlotte, nation’s 14th largest city with population of about 925,000, remaining “a place where everyone feels safe.”
Trump, speaking Sept. 8 to reporters, was mistaken in when Zarutska was killed. His response was unmistakable.
“ ere are evil people, and we have to confront that,” he said. “I just give my love and hope to the family of the young woman who was stabbed this morning or last night in Charlotte by a mad man.
“She was just sitting there. ere are evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country.”
Brown, 34 and reportedly homeless, is charged with rst-degree murder. His lawyer led a motion to evaluate competency. Brown has previously had 14 cases in Mecklenburg County, ranging from assault and making threats to armed robbery and felony larceny, and he’s served a ve-year sentence.
Zarutska, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple stab wounds. A GoFundMe page for expenses to help her uncle
MOORE INTRODUCES BILL TO END CASHLESS BAIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) co-led the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act, introduced by Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21).
This action follows the recent murder of Iryna Zaruska by Decarlos Brown, who had been freed on a promise to appear.
“Iryna Zaruska should still be alive. Her blood is on the hands of every single person who made it possible for this monster to walk free,” Moore said. “That’s why I’m co-leading the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act to cut off federal funds to any state or city that refuses to detain violent offenders. If leaders willingly refuse to do their job to lock up dangerous criminals, they shouldn’t get a dime of federal support.”
Specifically, the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act will prevent any state or local government from receiving federal funds if they have a policy that prohibits the use of cash bail for all offenders or fail to implement pretrial detention practices for all violent offenders, including juveniles.
and his wife said she had recently arrived in the United States from Ukraine, “seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning.”
GoFundMe on Sept. 8 removed a fundraiser for the legal defense fund of Brown. e page said scal support would help “to stop the injustice against Decarlos Brown Jr.”
5118 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 93.5
• Taqueria La Unica, 1621 Walkup Ave. – 94.5
Pineville • BJ’s Wholesale Club (commissary/rotisserie), 11715 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98.5
• BJ’s Wholesale Club (deli/meat), 11715 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 99
• Food Lion (deli), 317 S. Polk St. – 97 • Four Points by Sheraton, 9705 Leitner Drive – 98.5
• Mukja, 10500 Centrum Pkwy. – 97
• Red Lobster Restaurant, 9415 Pineville-Matthews Road – 93.5
• Zygma European Grocery & Deli Store, 804 N. Polk St. – 99
Waxhaw • Bistro D’Antonio, 3909 S. Providence Road – 95.5
• Carolina Charcuterie and Catering, 202 W. North Main St. – 95.5
• Crossroads Grill, 315 N. Broome St. – 96
Wesley Chapel • Greco Fresh Grille, 6400 Weddington-Monroe Road – 98 • Sabor Latin Street Grill, 5945 Weddington Road – 94.5
• The Buzz Beer and Wine Co., 5943 Weddington Road – 100
Wingate
• Chick-fil-A, 1 Jefferson Clubhouse – 99.5 • Einstein Bros. Bagels, 110 Church St. – 98.5
• Sushi With Gusto, 1 Jefferson Clubhouse – 96.5
• Wingate University (Starbucks), 211 E. Wilson St. – 98
