Inside: Home invasion unfolds in front of detectives • Page 2A
Flip to Page 1B
Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 • Vol. 14 • No. 8
County invests in first industrial park
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261
by Justin Vick
justin@cmgweekly.com unioncountyweekly.com
justin@cmgweekly.com
WEEKLY PICKS Music Sandy Herrault is a violinist that keeps a busy schedule of bookings. She performs at Sweet Union Brewing on Feb. 23. Upcoming concerts include Aloft Ballantyne, Triple C Brewing, Galway Hooker and Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop.
Gardening
MONROE – Union County plans to buy 350 acres off Goldmine Road to build its first industrial park. The county negotiated terms in January with Goldmine Generations LLC to buy 331.4 acres for $16.6 million and RR/74 LLC to buy 24 acres for $1.2 million, according to Deputy County Manager Michelle Lancaster. Commissioners made their intentions to buy official after a public
hearing on Feb. 18. The total cost of the project will come to $21.2 million, which includes the construction of a pump station to service the industrial park. Lancaster said the county began considering the development of an industrial park in late 2016 due to a couple drivers. The county saw residential growth surge past commercial and industrial growth, creating an imbalance that put more tax burden on homeowners. Second, industrial development slowed due to the lack of buildings and industrial-zoned land.
The City of Monroe has developed two industrial parks. Monroe Corporate Center and Arrow Point Industrial Park have generated a combined $750 million in capital investment and 2,000 jobs, according to economic development officials. And Monroe decided to buy nearly 156 acres along Sutherland Avenue in August 2018 to supplement that. Chris Plate, executive director for Monroe-Union County Economic Development, has also given presentations in Indian Trail and Waxhaw in hopes of convincing leaders to
Looking to add a little flavor to your property? Perhaps you’d like to plant a chickasaw plum or paw paw tree. Check out the Union County Master Gardener’s tree seedling and fruit plant sale for many varieties 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Union County Agricultural Center. Flip to page 6B for details.
Is Harris’ seat still up for grabs?
Trivia There’s plenty of time to binge this weekend to prepare for Disney movie trivia on Feb. 25 at Queen’s South Bar & Grill and Star Wars trivia on Feb. 28 at Growler USA.
Election board continues to review allegations
Movies “Alita: Battle Angel” won last week’s box office, but it was pretty low compared to previous years. “Fighting with My Family” featuring Dwayne Johnson could put Alita in a headlock. Or “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” may arrive with fire.
by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com
Streaming The first season of “The Umbrella Academy” has begun streaming on Netflix. The show gives off quirky superhero vibes.
WHAT’S INSIDE: Dr. Leon Banchik cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of Reafield Dental. Waxhaw Mayor Stephan Maher (far left) was among those visiting. Dante Miller/UCW photo
Couple brings smiles to Waxhaw Mental health Book explains what your therapist is thinking, 5A
New Year Kensington kicks off Year of the Pig, 6A
by Dante Miller dmiller@cmgweekly.com
WAXHAW – While visiting the Dominican Republic, Leon and Olya Banchik saw North Carolina from a plane ride and fell for the greenery and nature the state had to offer. The Banchiks realized they wanted to move their family from busy Las Vegas to a quieter but still fun Charlotte area. “We had a great life out there (in Las Vegas) and a great thriving practice but we weren't living life like we wanted to,” Leon said. After that flight, they made a list of details they wanted out of their lives, and it didn't match with Las Vegas. After looking at the Charlotte area, they realized they wanted to live in a smaller town. They chose Waxhaw. The couple opened the doors to Reafield Dental on Jan. 21 and had a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Feb. 12. see DENTISTS, Page 3A
Happy camper Sun Valley grad works 43 years at camp, 1B
Summer camp lets girls create fashion, 1B
Dr. Olya Banchik explains the couple's journey in opening Reafield Dental. Dante Miller/UCW photo
MINT HILL – Several dozen supporters of Republican Mark Harris held a rally in Mint Hill on Feb. 16 as the unofficial winner of the 9th Congressional District race prepared for this week’s hearing before the State Board of Elections in the disputed race. The hearing began Feb. 18, and the state board of elections was still in session as of Feb. 20. Harris, of Charlotte, defeated Democrat and Charlotte resident Dan McCready by 905 votes last November in a district that stretches from Charlotte to Fayetteville. But the state board of elections has twice declined to certify his election because of alleged voting irregularities and possible absentee ballot fraud in Bladen and Robeson counties. The Harris campaign has said it committed no wrongdoing and the number of ballots in question is not enough to sway the election. The McCready campaign alleges wrongdoing by a political operative hired by the Harris campaign and claims the number of disputed ballots was enough to sway the election. When the hearing is complete, the state board of elections could see HARRIS, Page 3A
CATA wrestling wins first 2A title on mat by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com
‘Sew’ fun
zone properties for industrial uses. Plate told Waxhaw leaders in August 2018 that industrial zoning generates about 65 percent more revenue per acre than residential property. Commissioner Jerry Simpson said developing industrial parks doesn’t come without risk; however, the county has consulted many people. He thinks it's a good thing for Union County. “I look forward to that project reaping benefits in terms of lessening that burden on our residential customers,” he said.
MONROE – CATA coach Mike Jacobus has spent more than a decade at the school churning out top-level individual wrestlers, but on Feb. 16 the only coach the Cougars have ever known got to raise the NCHSAA 2A title high above his head after his team stormed past the competition. The title was the first team title in 2A sports and the first team title since the 2011 girls soccer team won the 1A title. But the win was more special than
No Joining Fee in February!* nth! Extended for 1 more mo
*Expires February 28th
it being the first in a while for Jacobus. “It has been a long time coming,” he said. “I started the program 12 years ago and I’ve always had one goal in mind. I wanted this to be a state championship program and now we are. We also feel like we’re in good shape to continue to have success at the state level, so that is a really good feeling.” The Cougars got two individual champions in 160-pound senior Cade Haynes and 106-pound freshman Kyle Montaperto. “Cade Haynes has wrestled his
The CATA wrestling team poses after winning the NCHSAA 2A title. The state title was the program’s first, but with a lot of young stars, it may not be the last. Photo courtesy of CATA athletics
whole life,” Jacobus said. “He finished second last year and whenever you get that close, you definitely want it for him. He’s a four-year
• Over 90 Aerobic Classes/Week • 14,000 sq. ft. Fitness Room • Free Weights • Cardio Equipment Over 110 Pcs. • Weight Machines • Senior Yoga and Water Aerobics • Swim Lessons
Located off Hwy 74 across the street from Lowe’s on Hanover Dr. in Monroe
starter and our career wins leader. He set that mark at regionals, so see CATA, Page 4A
• Racquetball • Indoor Pool & 2.5 Acre Water Park • Indoor Run/Walk Track • Novant RNs On-Site • Health Screenings • Nutrition/Exercise Coaching • Double Gymnasium • 1/2 Mile Outdoor Walking Course
704-282-4680