MONROE – The Union County Board of Commissioners appointed Waxhaw resident Errol Wedra on May 4 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Gary Sides.
Sides resigned from the board March 31 and passed away April 7 after a battle with brain cancer.
“No one can replace Gary
Sides,” Wedra said. “He was a champion for those without a voice. We can only hope to honor his legacy by continuing to ensure every citizen is seen, heard and treated with dignity.
“Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving the people of Union County and the honor to serve this board and with the dedicated staff here in Union County.”
Wedra was nominated for the
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Here is a roundup of the concerts.
Matthews: Beats n’ Bites
Towns across Mecklenburg and Union counties have started offering free concerts that will continue through the summer.
Sept. 12: TBA
• Sept. 26: TBA Oct 10: TBA Oct 24: TBA
Beats ‘n Bites combines music and food trucks into spring and fall community events at Stumptown Park. The park opens for the event from 5 p.m. to about 8:45 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m.
Unlike the other concert series highlighted here, Fullwood Amp’d is an indoor experience that charges for tickets, but it is a unique offering for a town. This used to be known as the Color of Jazz series. Concerts start at 7 p.m. at the Matthews Community Center. Tickets cost $15.
• June 5: Petty Rewind (Tom Petty tribute)
• Aug. 14: REO Survivor (REO Speedwagon, Survivor and Loverboy) tribute
Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park is the place to catch concerts held during Family Fun Nights and Music & Brews. Family Fun Nights will include a children’s zone, food trucks and games on June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15. There are two Music & Brews concerts on May 16 and Sept. 19 that allow concert-goers to buy beer with ID. All events take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
(through 5/24/26)
vacancy by the Union County Republican Party’s executive committee.
Union County GOP Chairman Mark Pittman said his organization received six applications from well-qualified candidates. The party convened a special meeting April 16 at Sun Valley High School to interview them.
Wedra received the majority of votes for two measures: to
• July 18: Vinyl Live
• Aug. 15: Crystal Aria
• May 16: Pluto for Planet
Monroe: Music on Main
fill the vacancy through the November general election and to be placed on the ballot to finish the remainder of the term through December 2028.
Wedra serves as vice chairman of the Union County Republican Party. He filled in briefly as interim chairman between the resignation of Bob Dunn and the election of Pittman. His professional background is in law enforcement, dating
• Sept. 19: Unknown Artist Details: minthillevents.org/music-and-brews
The City of Monroe has booked regional touring bands like The Legacy Motown Review and The Catalinas to perform at its Music on Main series. Concerts take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Main Street. Bring a chair or blanket. May 15: The Catalinas
• June 13: Lamar Brace (Belk Tonawanda Park) July 4: Envision
back to the New York City Police Department in 1993. He also worked for the Garden City Police Department before retiring in 2013. He joined the Mint Hill Police
Indian Trail earns AAA bond rating
by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
INDIAN TRAIL – Moody’s has upgraded the Town of Indian Trail to a AAA bond rating, which gives leaders more financial flexibility in planning for the future.
Finance Director Alicia Massey reminded the Indian Trail Town Council on April 28 that they had secured a AAA bond rating through Standard and Poor’s back in 2021, but Moody’s kept the town at an Aa1 rating.
Massey thanked department heads for their contributions as well as Assistant Finance Director Alicia Gaddy for helping compile the data needed for the Moody’s rating review.
Sounds of summer Wedra fills vacant county seat
“This rating review was an allencompassing look at all the facets of the town across all departments,” Massey said. “Without the hard work and dedication of everyone, it would not have been possible.”
Massey said Moody’s considers economic drivers, quality of life, assessed value and tax collections, building permits, retail sales, town finances, outstanding debt and future capital plans.
Only 18 of the 552 incorporated municipalities and 11 of the 100 counties in North Carolina maintain AAA bond ratings through Moody’s and S&P, according to Massey.
“In Moody’s opinion, that means that the town has a stable economy, strong financial management, low debt and high taxpayer affluence, resulting in making the town eligible for the best quality bonds and the lowest cost to secure financing,” Massey said. “It signals a strong, diverse economic base, substantial fund balances and conservative financial policies. It represents long-term stability in that it is a forward-thinking assessment of financial management and the ability to maintain strong creditworthiness despite potential economic changes.”
Council Member Marcus McIntyre described the rating as a big achievement.
“For us, it does give us a unique opportunity so that if we choose to either finance something, issue through installment payments or through bonds, we can get a lower rate, so that’s really good,” McIntyre said. “It also ties into the council and some of the decisions that councils, current and former, have made to get us to that point. But then at the back of it, the council can sit up here and pontificate as much as they want, but it is the staff who really does all the hard work putting all this together.”
Town Manager Adam McLamb
While this story provides dates for upcoming outdoor concert series events hosted by towns, you can find performances weekly in our live music listings. CMG file photos
Wedra
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Vishing suspect faces justice
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Nearly 16 years later, American prosecutors believe justice is on the way for a Romanian involved in a vishing scheme. A 2017 grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment against Gavril Sandu, charging a count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and a count of bank fraud. The 53-year-old was arrested Jan. 9 in Romania and extradited to America on May 1.
Vishing is scam scheme whereby small businesses’ Voice over Internet Protocol systems
are hacked. A script is inserted, requesting to contact financial institution customers in order to net personal debit card and personal identification numbers.
Prosecutors say Sandu and colleagues did this between May 2009 and October 2010. They used the information obtained “to make magnetic stripe cards with the victims’ fraudulently obtained debit card numbers.”
Sandu is also accused of operating “as a money mule, traveling to ATMs to withdraw money and funds from the banks and credit union accounts of the victims of the scheme. Sandu
then allegedly provided his co-conspirators with a percentage of the fraudulently obtained victims’ money and kept a portion for himself,” prosecutors say. Sandu is in federal custody pending trial. The sentencing maximum is 30 years in prison.
Russ Ferguson, a federal attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, said in part, “Greed crosses borders, but so does our relentless pursuit of justice. Scams originating outside of our country are out of control. Wherever scammers operate – here or abroad – we will use every tool available to bring them to justice.”
Hurricane season is just weeks away
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Six to nine hurricanes have been forecast in the Atlantic Basin hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30 by the two leading authorities.
At N.C. State University, the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences teamed with the Department of Computer Science projected six to nine from 12 to 15 named storms, with two to three deemed major. At Colorado State University, the Department of Atmospheric Science predicts six hurricanes from 13 named storms, with two likely major.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was remarkable as the first since 2015 with none making landfall. Erin in August brought significant coastal damage along the East Coast, and Tropical Storm Chantal was the lone system making landfall when it damaged the Carolinas in July.
Erin, Gabrielle, Humberto and Melissa were major hurricanes, and
Imelda was the fifth hurricane of the season. Thirteen storms earned names.
Dr. Lian Xie, professor at N.C. State, predicts two to five named storms forming in the gulf and one or two of them becoming a hurricane with one major. The Caribbean Sea is predicted to be the origin for one to two hurricanes, of which one would be major.
Xie said he uses more than 100 years of historical data on the Atlantic Ocean, weather patterns and seasurface temperatures to arrive at his forecast.
At Colorado State, the summary forecast says in part, “We anticipate that the 2026 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have somewhat belownormal activity. Current weak La Niña conditions are likely to transition to El Niño in the next few months, with the potential for a moderate/strong El Niño for the peak of hurricane season.”
Hurricanes are generally described using the wind scale known as SaffirSimpson. It doesn’t take into account storm surge or rainfall, two factors that contribute heavily to death totals and
REASONS
property damage estimates.
The scale is Category 1 for maximum sustained winds of 74-95 mph; Category 2 for maximum sustained winds of 96-110 mph; Category 3 for maximum sustained winds of 111129 mph; Category 4 for maximum sustained winds of 130-156 mph; and Category 5 for maximum sustained winds of 157 mph or greater.
Categories 3, 4 and 5 are deemed major.
The National Weather Center earlier released names to be used this year as maintained and updated through a strict procedure by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. They will be Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.
The list rotates and is recycled every six years, sans a change because of retirement of a name due to storm fatalities or cost. These names are next up in 2032.
Airport gets key OK for fourth runway
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Financing requests by Charlotte of $1.5 billion from North Carolina’s Local Government Commission are approved, setting the stage for the continent’s seventh busiest airport to get a fourth runway.
The 10,000-foot fourth parallel runway is expected to open in fall 2027. The commission’s blessing is required by state statute, determining whether the money borrowed is adequate and reasonable for proposed projects and debt can be reasonably repaid.
The commission, chaired by state Treasurer Brad Briner, has oversight for taxpayer money in more than 1,100 local government units. Specifically, Charlotte is approved to issue $215 million in revenue bonds for the runway work; and it is approved $175 million in revenue bond anticipation notes for existing runway rehabilitation, terminals and other projects at the airport.
To finance wide-ranging extensions, additions and improvements of water and sewer system infrastructure and equipment, Charlotte was approved for $530 million revenue bond anticipation notes; to pay off a prior short-term bond anticipation note, Charlotte was approved for a $505 million revenue bond; to refund existing bonds at a savings, Charlotte was approved for $65 million in revenue bonds; and to refinance outstanding transportation bonds to achieve savings and more favorable financing terms, Charlotte was approved for $9 million in revenue bonds.
Charlotte, according to the city website, for general obligation bonds has top ratings with the Big 3 of Standard & Poor’s (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa) and Fitch Ratings (AAA). The ratings mean the city has the highest available and it means best terms for taking on debt.
Only San Antonio and Austin in Texas, and Columbus in Ohio are among the 15 largest cities in the nation with triple-A ratings in each of the nation’s Big 3 for its taxpayers.
Charlotte Douglas, its website says, serves 188 destinations through three foreign flag carriers, seven major carriers and 15 regional carriers. Charlotte’s estimated population is 944,742, growing by 70,055 since the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Leaders debate urgency of data centers
by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
CHARLOTTE – Dimple
Ajmera saw an opportunity for the Charlotte City Council to put a moratorium on data centers as early as this month but she couldn’t get a majority of her colleagues to agree on the sense of urgency.
The first domino toward a moratorium involved setting a public hearing on the issue. The council was split on that vote April 27, prompting Mayor Vi Lyles to break the tie in favor of not setting a public hearing.
Lyles preferred data centers to be placed on the May 11 meeting as a discussion topic. She credited Ajmera for raising concerns about data centers while also mentioning staff would share additional information with the council in three to six months.
Ajmera felt the topic deserved “urgent and immediate attention.” She explained that data centers are allowed by right in several districts, such as commercial, industrial, research, mixed-use and uptown, without council approval.
“We have one of the best planning staff, not just in the state but in the nation, and I feel like we are not leading on this issue,” Ajmera said. “We need to take an action now, where taking action means even considering a temporary moratorium so we can study the impacts and ensure that we have guardrails in place to protect our communities.”
She mentioned data centers opening in the University City area and proposed for East Charlotte. She made a motion that the council place a public hearing on the May 11 agenda to consider whether a temporary moratorium on new data centers is necessary as they evaluate their impacts.
“We can have a hearing in the near term, but I think it will take a little time for us to come to grips with all of the issues here, the
public need, the actual impacts, the noise, the water,” District 7 rep Ed Driggs said. “Therefore, my concern is how long a moratorium are we talking about because we do have existing policies that permit these, and if we don’t yet have a replacement for those policies and we just shut it down, I would be concerned about how long we do that.”
Ajmera suggested a 90-day moratorium to give staff time to develop regulations and guardrails.
“I have more of a process concern that we don’t know the implications of imposing that moratorium,” Driggs said. “We don’t know what projects are in the pipeline and what availability of those computer resources. So I would just like to be sure I understand all the dimensions of this problem before shutting down data centers for months.”
District 1 rep Dante Anderson said she wanted to have “robust holistic conversations about data centers” before advancing policy. She suggested they loop in subject matter experts, including Duke Energy, into the discussion.
At Large Member Victoria Watlington said the council can discuss long-term policy during a moratorium.
Malcolm Graham preferred the mayor’s timeline and agreed with Anderson’s approach.
“I don’t think I understand, or maybe I don’t understand, why we’re moving so fast,” Graham said. “I think we ought to do our homework and make sure that we all collectively have the same understanding, the same information and even have some conversations among ourselves.”
City Attorney Andrea LeslieFite clarified that there’s a process to set a temporary moratorium.
For instance, a moratorium longer than 61 days requires a public hearing and the council would need to give at least 10 days notice ahead of the hearing. There are also legislative requirements,
such as setting the least restrictive amount of time possible and the launch of a study.
District 5 rep J.D. Arias encouraged colleagues to schedule a discussion and public hearing for May 11.
“Yes, I think we can have a discussion,” Arias said. “But I also think time is of the essence as data centers, specifically in my district, are being proposed across the city.”
District 6 rep Kimberly Owens said she didn’t feel comfortable voting on a moratorium given various issues.
Owens wants information about other communities that have placed moratoriums and how those were received and if they would hurt residents rushing to judgement. She acknowledged the idea of being good stewards of resources like water but worries about data centers going overseas.
“I do appreciate the leadership that’s been expressed by Council Member Ajmera, but I personally need more information before I would be comfortable even hearing from an entire packed room full of people because I feel as though there are some folks who are anti-AI, who are using data centers as a means to try to shut down AI,” Owens said.
At Large Member Lawana Mayfield expressed concerns to the council about data centers in 2023. Today, she worries about their impact on the water supply as the city recently contracted with a neighboring town for access.
Mayfield also pointed out to colleagues that May 11 would be the same day they were having a budget hearing, which tends to go long.
Ajmera suggested the public hearing be moved to May 18. She said this would allow the council to discuss data centers by committee on May 4 and again as a full board on May 11 while also meeting legislative requirements.
Driggs, who chairs the council’s
transportation,planning and development committee, said it was already working on an overloaded agenda, including the I-77 South project.
Ajmera suggested given the sense of urgency, data centers could be more of a secondary topic. Driggs thought this was too short of notice.
“Frankly, I agree with you entirely on the importance,” Driggs told Ajmera. “The urgency is something that I have a harder time with.
“I agree with Miss Mayfield. This has been out there for a long time. It is critical that we do something. It’s not critical that we do something in the next couple of weeks. I think we can give ourselves a little more time than that and be deliberate.
After more council discussion, Ajmera amended her motion to move the public hearing to June 8. Ajmera, Arias, Mayfield, Watlington and Joi Mayo voted in favor. Anderson, Driggs, Graham, Owens and James Mitchell voted against. Lyles broke the tie by voting against.
“I am going to support the idea that we continue as it is,” Lyles said, alluding to the May 11 discussion.
“I really do believe that this is important, but I don’t believe that we ought to have a public hearing and to do something without more actually understanding.”
Both Arias and Watlington expressed disappointment in the outcome of the vote.
“We always seem to allow our process to be the hindrance,” Watlington said. “I feel like we’ve got to develop better ways of working such that our own internal processes are not shortchanging the outcomes for the people.
“There’s no way we should be talking about data centers for a year and a half and then be nickel and diming a week or this week or how many minutes on an agenda. At some point, we’ve got to be responsive.”
County outlines capital improvement strategy
by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
MONROE – Jason May, budget and grants management director, reviewed capital improvement projects that Union County is investing in for fiscal year 2027 and beyond.
May described capital planning as a best practice recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association.
“This isn’t just a one-year process, but we’re looking out five years in advance,” May said. “It has master planning and comprehensive plans that our colleagues in different departments are doing.”
The county has budgeted about $7.3 million for 10 programs for fiscal year 2027. Spread out over the next five years, these programs will total $54,462,564.
Facilities Major Capital ($500,000)
– These are generally projects over $500,000, such as a new building or major renovations. For fiscal year 2027, $500,000 will be applied to equipment for the Union County Food Innovation Center. An emergency generator install for the animal shelter is budgeted for 2029.
Facilities Critical Infrastructure ($225,000)
– These are generally repairs, upgrades or replacements to systems that help facilities function, such as generators and electrical systems. For fiscal year 2027, $225,000 will be put toward Union County fueling station. Beyond 2027, the county is planning for upgrades to Cane Creek Park (outdoor rec center and storage), Progress Building (building/site improvements and a warehouse replacement), Agriculture Center (office and support expansion), Government Center (building controls) and Patton Avenue (parking and stormwater).
• Facilities: Repair/renovation and operating capital ($1,975,000) – No specific projects were outlined during May’s presentation. Repair and renovation projects are between $200,000 and $500,000 such as major equipment or office suite renovations. Operating capital is generally below $200,000 like small equipment repairs, carpet, and painting.
Public Safety Partner Agencies ($3,000,000)
– The county is budgeting $300,000 for selfcontained breathing apparatus for the volunteer fire department as well as replacing ambulances ($1,732,420), supporting vehicles ($521,600) and technology ($445,980) for Union EMS. These same amounts are budgeted each year for the next five years.
• Emergency Management ($150,000) – The county has budgeted $150,000 each year for the next five years for radio replacement and
maintenance.
• Park Development and Renewal ($350,000)
– Nothing specific outlined here other than repair and replacement. The county plans to invest $350,000 for 2027 and increase that gradually to $500,000 in 2032.
IT Infrastructure & Enhance ($373,495)
– This is broken down into three categories: uninterruptible power supply infrastructure ($50,000), pictometry imagery ($203,495) and audio/visual equipment ($120,000). The imagery is aerial photography used by several departments, including tax, emergency management and code enforcement. May said these costs tend to be cyclical.
Security Management ($0) – Nothing is budgeted for the next two years.
• Planning/Zoning ($300,000) – The county is setting aside $300,000 annually for the next five years for NCDOT intersection projects. May said it will take some time to build up enough money to have matching dollars for projects.
• SPCC CIP ($375,000) – South Piedmont Community College receives $375,000 annually for maintenance.
May shared that Union County Public Schools updated its operating capital request on April 14 for about $21 million for next year. UCPS outlined about $13.8 million for building systems, $1.7 million for expansions and renovations, $562,735 for facilities landscape equipment and vehicles, $492,508 for painting and $150,000 for student transport vans. Other allocations will go toward laptop lease payments and band uniforms and equipment for Sun Valley High School.
Leaders break ground on Union County Food Innovation Center
WINGATE – Union County is moving forward with constructing a new facility aimed at boosting the agricultural economy and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The Union County Food Innovation Center, formerly known as the Building Agricultural Resources and Nutrition, or “BARN” project, will serve as a hub for food production, distribution and business development.
County leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the center on March 31.
The 25,000-square-foot center on Julia May Baker Road is expected to take about 18 months to complete. It will be used for commercial development of new food products and commercial catering only.
The official opening is expected in the summer of 2027. Once completed, it will provide a commercial kitchen and professional workspace for licensed businesses and entrepreneurs who are not yet positioned to invest in a brick-and-mortar location.
County officials describe the project as a one-of-a-kind initiative that sets Union County apart.
“By combining agricultural resources with economic development strategies, we are confident this center will create longterm benefits for our small businesses and consumers,” Union County Commissioner Brian Helms said.
The center is a result of partnerships with Wingate University, the Town of Wingate and N.C. Cooperative Extension - Union County Center.
“These collaborative partnerships have been essential in bringing the vision to life and ensuring that the project will be sustainable,” Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland said.
Department in 2014, earning Officer of the Year honors in 2017 as a detective and a promotion to captain a few years later. He is also married to Waxhaw Commissioner Susanna Wedra. Errol Wedra is no stranger to Brian Helms, chairman of the Union County Board of Commissioners.
“It is my belief that Errol Wedra is a man of high character that values what makes Union County special,” Helms said. “He has demonstrated a commitment to public service, thoughtful decision-making and also a willingness to learn.
“At a time when our county is facing significant challenges and pressures from growth and budget priorities, I think it’s critical we have a commissioner on this board who values longterm planning over shortterm fixes. I believe Errol Wedra can approach these challenges with common sense, accountability and also a focus on what’s best for the community.”
Other commissioners welcomed him to the board. Commissioner Clancy Baucom agreed with Helms that he thought Wedra would be a good fit.
“I have admired you for the past couple of years and all the work you have done in our communities and our surrounding communities,” Commissioner Melissa Merrell said. “It is an extreme pleasure to see you and your family tonight.”
Commissioner Christina Helms offered some advice.
“You’re going to feel like you’re drinking from a fire hydrant quite often,” she said. “We’re all here for you. Staff is amazing to go and ask questions. They are always willing to help. When in doubt, ask.”
Colleagues have already appointed Wedra to serve on the board of directors for the Monroe-Union County Economic Development Commission, a post previously held by Sides.
RATING
(continued from page 1A)
remembers sitting around a table with Massey and Gaddy when the news hit their inbox at around 10:15 a.m.
“You could see the anxiousness of just wanting this to come out and wanting it,” McLamb said.
“And all of a sudden, it pops up on the screen.” He credited both of them for how much they put into the effort and their incredible work.
“One way to think about it – this is equated to you having a perfect credit score personally,” McLamb said.
“So 850 is a perfect credit score. That’s what the town has now. So that’s what has been accomplished, which is incredible.”
Mayor David Cohn told staff how much he appreciates their work. Cohn said the rating helps with economic development and affects how the town can borrow money. He also reiterated that Indian Trail has the second lowest tax rate of towns its size as well as a safe community and good schools.
“Doggone it, who wouldn’t want to live in this town?” Cohn said.
Sides
County leaders expect the Union County Food Innovation Center to enhance food distribution networks and serve as a catalyst for innovation and job creation. Rendering courtesy of Union County
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar serves dishes like Blackened Shrimp Alfredo, Greggah Lobster Roll and Oysters on the Table.
Photos courtesy of Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Oyster bar opens at Promenade on Providence
CHARLOTTE – Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has opened its first Charlotte location at Promenade on Providence, adding a new coastal-inspired dining option to the shopping center’s mix of restaurants.
The 2,718-square-foot restaurant is located in the former Queen City Craft & Gourmet space.
Founded in North Carolina, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar is known for its casual, beach-inspired atmosphere and menu centered around fresh seafood and East Coast oysters. The concept has built a strong following in coastal markets, including Wilmington, and is expanding into Charlotte to meet growing demand.
“Shuckin’ Shack brings a unique, laid-back coastal concept that complements the existing mix at Promenade on Providence,” said Kristian Komar, property manager at Childress Klein. “It’s a great addition for the surrounding community and
continues to enhance the center as a dining destination.”
The menu features a variety of seafood, including oysters sourced from the East Coast, as well as nonseafood options such as wings and the brand’s signature Breakwater Burger. The restaurant will also offer a full bar with signature cocktails in a relaxed, neighborhood-focused setting.
Dawn and Kevin Powers serve as owner-operators of the Charlotte location.
The husband-and-wife team said they were drawn to the brand’s authentic coastal feel, culture and focus on customer experience as well as the high traffic and community presence of Promenade on Providence.
Shuckin’ Shack emphasizes community involvement through local events, partnerships and charitable initiatives.
Matthews Heritage Museum reports increased interest
by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
MATTHEWS – Interest in Matthews history extends beyond the town.
The Matthews Heritage Museum welcomed 3,981 visitors in 2025, which is a 37% increase over the previous year, according to Director Bob Aycock. The museum hosted visitors from 14 countries.
In recent months, the museum hosted an adult group from Belmont and a school field trip from Union County.
Aycock attributed the museum’s success to volunteers, who put in 812 service hours and helped welcome 332 visitors a month on average.
“Their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment are essential to everything we do,” Aycock told town commissioners April 27. “I’m deeply grateful for the role they play in bringing our mission to life.”
They’ve also helped with outreach beyond the walls of the Massey-Clark House.
More than 60 volunteers joined the museum and Matthews Historical Society in cleaning up headstones April 18 at Historic Matthews Cemetery. Aycock noticed a lot of people came from Charlotte to the event, given the museum’s partnership with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Landmarks Commission.
“A key focus for the museum continues to be expanding our reach through community
CONCERTS
(continued from page 1A)
Pineville: Music on Main
Pineville Parks & Recreation has launched the latest season of Music on Main. Catch the concerts from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pineville Town Hall lawn.
May 14: Matthew Church
• May 21: Scoot Pittman
• May 28: Lisa DeNovo
Details: pinevillenc.gov
Pineville: Rock’n & Reel’n
The Town of Pineville presents a Rock’n & Reel’n series that alternates between a concert and outdoor movie screening. Most concerts start at 7 p.m. at Pineville Lake Park. The Charlotte Symphony performs at 8:30 p.m. June 25.
engagement and educational programming,” Aycock said, mentioning talks he’ll be doing for the next two months at Windsor Run. “Opportunities like this allow me to bring Matthews history directly to the community, helping foster new connections and spark continued interest.”
Last year, the public works department installed a historic market at the Matthews Depot that was funded through a grant from the William Pomeroy Foundation. The foundation has since awarded another historic marker to honor Fullwood, one of the town’s earliest names.
Aycock also plans on resuming historic walking tours in the spring and working with the Matthews Library on programming that coincides with the United States of America’s 250th anniversary.
The venue also plans to participate in the Miles for Museums summer passport program, an initiative that drives foot traffic to Charlottearea museums. That ramps back up around Memorial Day.
“We’re seeing meaningful momentum with growing attendance, expanding programming, increased community engagement, and new opportunities,” he said. “At the same time, we remain deeply committed to our role as stewards of Matthews’ history, ensuring that the places, stories and experiences that we preserve will continue to serve and inspire future generations.”
• June 12: Face 2 Face (Billy Joel/Elton John tribute)
• June 25: Charlotte Symphony July 10: 20 Ride (Zac Brown Band tribute)
The Town of Waxhaw’s Jammin’ By the Tracks series returns for three evenings at the Community Corner. Beer sales and food trucks will be available.
• June 12: Party Parrot Band (Jimmy Buffet tribute)
• Aug. 7: Petty Rewind (Tom Petty tribute)
• Sept. 18: Darren Deese Details: waxhaw.com/our-town/events/ jammin-by-the-tracks
FEATURE IMPACT
Shingles isn’t just a painful rash and nerve pain. It’s also linked with a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, especially in the weeks to months after infection. However, shingles is largely preventable with vaccination.
The world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, the American Heart Association, reminds eligible adults to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and staying on top of their heart health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is already inside you. It can “wake up” years later, causing painful blisters and nerve pain that can last for months or longer.
After a shingles episode, one large study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” found the risk of heart attack and stroke was nearly 30% higher in the short term and may persist over time.
“Shingles can be very painful and knock you down for weeks,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s also associated with a higher chance of heart and stroke problems afterward. If you’re 50 or older, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the shingles vaccine. It’s a simple step that can keep you healthier.”
Knowing your risk is the first step toward prevention. Age is the most important risk factor for developing shingles. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. People over 50, and especially those living with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, are more likely to develop shingles.
The risk of serious complications from shingles increases:
n As you get older
n If you take drugs that keep your immune system from working properly, like steroids and drugs given after an organ transplant
n If you have medical conditions that keep your immune system from working properly such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, or HIV infection
DINING SCORES
Heart Health Made Simpler
In addition to ensuring you’re up to date on your vaccines, talk to your health care professional about ways you can improve your overall heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, taking more lives in the United States than any other cause. Following healthy lifestyle guidance like Life’s Essential 8 can make inroads toward preventing heart disease and stroke, and improving brain health. The set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure) are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health.
How to Get the Shingles Vaccine
1. Check eligibility: Recommended by the CDC for adults 50-plus and adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems.
2. Find a location: Most national pharmacies, many primary care and specialty clinics and local health departments offer it. Search your pharmacy’s app or website, or call your clinician’s office.
3. Book it: Make an appointment online or by phone. Same day or walk in options may be available at pharmacies.
4. Bring what you need: Photo ID, insurance card and a list of medicines and allergies. Wear a short sleeve shirt, if you can.
5. Plan for two doses, 2-6 months apart: When you schedule dose one, set a reminder or book dose two before you leave.
6. Cost and coverage: Many health plans, including Medicare Part D, cover shingles vaccination at low or no cost. Check your benefits or ask the pharmacy to verify coverage.
7. After your shot: A sore arm, fatigue, headache or mild fever are common and usually go away in 2-3 days. Call your clinician about severe or persistent symptoms.
If you’ve had shingles before: You can still get vaccinated after you recover. Ask your health care provider about
Leaders react to Charlotte mayor’s plans to resign
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles
made national news when she announced May 7 that she will be resigning from office on June 30 to spend time with family.
The news shocked many as she was elected to her fifth term as mayor in November.
Here are some reactions from prominent political leaders:
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Mayor Lyles for many years. Her steady leadership has guided Charlotte to an even better place. The city is stronger for her leadership, and I wish her well in her next chapter. Thank you, Vi. – Gov. Josh Stein via X
“I want thank Mayor Vi Lyles for her public service. As mayor, she always represented our city with incredible maturity, professionalism and dignity at a time when those attributes were so critical from our city leadership. As a friend, I wish her nothing but the best!” – Former Gov. and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory via X
“While we had many a battle over the years, I always had love for Mayor Vi Lyles, and I wish her nothing but the best as she transitions out of this role. This forces a big question out into the open much earlier than many were expecting to have to deal with it - who is going to be the next mayor. It also offers an opportunity for the several contenders with interest to commit to not running in ‘27 in exchange for being appointed to finish this term. There’s essentially 7 weeks for a council working to pass a budget (with a big tax increase) and address 77 tolls to also now decide who the next mayor will be. Grab your popcorn.” – Former Charlotte City Council Member Tariq Scott Bokhari via X
“Mayor Vi Lyles is a true public servant and I thank her for her tireless work for the City of Charlotte and every resident. She leaves a legacy of which we are all proud, and I wish her the very best in her retirement. Thank you Madam Mayor. You will be missed.” – Mecklenburg
Commissioner Laura Meier via Facebook
“Thank you mayor for years of leadership. Our road has not always been aligned yet I respect all you have guided our city through.” –Charlotte City Council Member LaWana Mayfield via Facebook
“On behalf of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, I want to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Vi Lyles as she announces her resignation after years of extraordinary leadership and service to this community.
“Charlotte is better because of her. Mecklenburg County is better because of her and countless lives have been impacted because she chose to lead with compassion, humility, strength and vision.
“Mayor Lyles is more than a public servant. She is a history maker, a barrier breaker and a steady voice during some of the most pivotal moments in our city’s history. As Charlotte’s first Black woman mayor, she carried the weight of that responsibility with grace and dignity while never losing sight of the people she served.
“Her leadership helped transform Charlotte into a stronger, more connected and more forward-looking community. Whether navigating moments of challenge, championing opportunity or bringing people together around a common purpose, Mayor Lyles always led with heart. She believed in this city, and this city believed in her.
“I have personally appreciated not only her partnership, but also her authenticity, wisdom and unwavering commitment to doing what she believed was right for the people of Charlotte.
She has represented this community with distinction on every stage, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
“Her legacy is firmly woven into the story of Charlotte, and her example will continue to inspire leaders long into the future.
“We are better individually and
collectively because of leaders like Vi Lyles. And for that, we are forever grateful.” – Mecklenburg
Commissioner Mark Jerrell via Facebook
“Today is a significant moment for our city as Mayor Vi Lyles announces her resignation after decades of extraordinary public service to Charlotte.
“For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of calling Vi not only a colleague, but a dear friend. I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to this city, her steady leadership through both triumph and challenge, and her deep love for the people of Charlotte.
“From neighborhood advocacy to becoming the first Black woman elected mayor of Charlotte, she has helped shape the direction and spirit of our community in profound ways. Her leadership has always been grounded in compassion, integrity and a genuine desire to move Charlotte forward.
“On behalf of a grateful city, I thank Mayor Lyles for her service, her friendship and her countless contributions to
LOUD & LIVE
making Charlotte stronger and more inclusive for generations to come.
“Charlotte is better because of Vi Lyles.” – Charlotte City Council Member Malcolm Graham via Facebook
“Mayor Vi Lyles’ announcement today marks a major moment for our city.
“Public service at this level requires tremendous sacrifice, not just from the person serving, but from their family as well. I want to thank Mayor Lyles for her years of service to Charlotte and wish her and her family the very best in this next chapter.
“I’m keeping Mayor Vi Lyles and her loved ones in my prayers during this transition.” –Charlotte City Council Member Dimple Ajmera via Facebook
“Mayor Vi Lyles has dedicated years of service to the City of Charlotte, and I want to thank her for her leadership and commitment
to our community. I respect her deep care for this city and the time, energy and sacrifice that public service requires.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside her and wish her and her family the very best in this next chapter.” – Charlotte City Council Member JD Arias via Facebook
“Thank you for your leadership Mayor Vi Lyles!” – Charlotte City Council Member Reneé Perkins Johnson via Facebook
“Thank you, Mayor Lyles, for your decades of service to Charlotte. Your leadership transformed our city. It’s been an honor to serve and learn alongside you as we worked with CATS to bring our transformative transit goals to fruition. Your legacy will bless our community for generations to come.” –Mecklenburg Commissioner Leigh Altman via Facebook
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles joined David Katz, president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola Consolidated for a meal packing event in March at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Photo courtesy of Coca Cola Consolidated
Stein
Graham
Mayfield
Ajmera
Arias Johnson
Competency hearing sought for suspect in Zarutska’s death
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Public defenders for DeCarlos Brown, charged in the death of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail, on May 7 sought a competency hearing for him in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
Megan Hoffman, first assistant for the Appellate Unit in the office of the Federal Public Defender, in a release said Brown’s “debilitating mental illness and impairment, including severe delusions” has gone on for years. Hoffman said Brown repeatedly requested help and was denied. Zarutska, 23, died Aug. 22 by stabbing. Chilling video released by the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department of the Charlotte Area Transit System video shows Brown and Zarutska in the last moments of her life.
He faces a first-degree murder charge from the state, and a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. He had been arrested 14 times previously including for assault, armed robbery and felony larceny.
“Our mental health and criminal justice systems failed him,” Hoffman said. “And
in doing so, they failed to protect the public.”
“Official mental health examiners for both the state of North Carolina and for the United States Government (Department of Justice-Bureau of Prisons) have evaluated Mr. Brown separately,” Hoffman wrote in a statement. “Those separate evaluations by the state and federal government – done by different mental health examiners over a period of weeks and months – have come to the same conclusion: due to his mental illness Mr. Brown currently is incompetent to proceed in his state and federal criminal cases. Today, in separate filings Mr. Brown’s defense team and the United States Attorney’s Office acknowledged the federal examiners’ findings.”
The next steps will be determined in a federal court.
“A federal judge will decide the next steps in Mr. Brown’s criminal case,” Hoffman said. “If the court declares him incompetent, that does not mean Mr. Brown will be released or that the case is over. Instead, it means that due process requires that he be confined in a secure, locked down psychiatric prison facility until he is able to proceed with his federal criminal case.”
Property revaluation proposal easily passes in N.C. Senate
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Halting implementation of new property revaluations in fiscal year 2026-27 drew support from seven Democrats in a landslide approval by senators in North Carolina.
The measure is merely a pause, says leaders and bill authors in the upper chamber, with more work to be done. Agreement from the House of Representatives – the chamber received it May 7 – is needed to get the legislation to first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein for signature.
Property Tax Reappraisal Moratorium, known also as Senate Bill 889, would mandate counties with newly updated property values for fiscal year 2027 to push implementation back one year. In fiscal year 2028, the 2026 reappraisal values would begin.
A fiscal note says local revenues would incur a $10 million loss. Passage was 35-8.
Negotiation of the chambers is forecast on the horizon. Each wants change. The House of Representatives, however, seeks a constitutional amendment for voters creating a levy limit.
Democratic Sens. Gale Adcock, Sydney Batch and Dan Blue of Wake County, Paul Lowe of Forsyth County, Mujtaba Mohammed of Mecklenburg County, Natalie Murdock of Durham County and Kandie Smith of Pitt County were with the Republican majority on the vote. Two Republicans were excused and none voted against the measure. Four Democrats were also excused.
Batch is the chamber’s minority party leader; Blue held that position before this two-year session began in 2025. Wake’s last revaluation in 2024 put the rate at 51.7 cents per $100 valuation.
Home prices, on average, have increased in 71 of 71 counties implementing property revaluations in the last three years, says the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
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Matthews Summerfest returns to Stumptown Park this weekend
MATTHEWS – Families can enjoy carnival rides, interactive games, shopping, street food, commercial exhibits and several genres of music at Matthews Summerfest.
The festival will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 8, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in Stumptown Park. Admission is free.
Scheduled to perform during the twoday event are Hard 2 Handle (Black Crowes tribute), Jim Quick & Coastline (beach), Save Tonight (1990s and 2000s), Remington Cartee (country), Motown Revue and Rock the 90s.
The carnival portion of Summerfest will open early at 4 p.m. May 8, allowing guests to enjoy the rides before the main event begins. Wristbands and tickets will be available for purchase.
Seaboard, Southern Range and Edge City breweries are returning in 2026, offering craft beer for purchase for festival-goers 21 and older. Beer patrons can enjoy their drinks within the designated festival area, which includes Stumptown Park and the closed portion of South Trade Street.
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center serves as the presenting sponsor of the festival.
Trade Street will close between John Street and McDowell Street starting at 9 a.m. May 8 to accommodate pedestrians and vendors. The closure will expand to Main Street at 4 p.m. and remain in effect until the festival concludes.
On the web: matthewsnc.gov/ specialevents
Two arrested for exploiting elderly
MONROE – Two women face charges of exploiting elderly people in Union County.
Deputies with the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded to a trespassing call involving two women. Detectives learned the women had been extorting an elderly man.
The sheriff’s office said Sylvia Marks approached the victim at a grocery store, convinced him that he knew her and eventually convinced him to let her move into his home with Brittany Nicholas.
The victim told the sheriff’s office that he spent $25,000 on them. The victim also reported some belongings were taken and that Nicholas assaulted him.
The sheriff’s office learned of another victim a few miles away.
Marks and Nicholas were both charged with two counts of exploitation of an elder and two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony.
Marks was also charged with misdemeanor larceny. obtaining property by false pretenses, and resisting, delaying or obstructing. Nicholas was also charged with assault, as well as resisting, delaying, or obstructing during the initial investigation.
Waxhaw Police Department investigates fatal crash
WAXHAW – The Waxhaw Police Department is investigating a vehicle crash that killed a person at about 7:30 p.m. May 5 at McCain Street and Arbor Drive.
The preliminary investigation indicates a single vehicle was traveling west on McCain Street toward Arbor Drive when the vehicle hit a tree. Police said speed was a factor
Power Summer Adventures with a Spectacular Bagel Brunch Spread
contributing to the crash. The passenger, 60-year-old Ricky Gladden, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital. The Waxhaw Fire Department and Union EMS also responded to the call. The Monroe Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Resident appears on ‘Jeopardy!’
STALLINGS – Stallings resident Ian Samson appeared on the April 29 broadcast of television quiz show “Jeopardy!” Samson, a firefighter with Matthews Fire & EMS, was in second place with $10,000 heading into Final Jeopardy. He trailed the returning champion by $6,000 and had a $5,800 lead over third place. The Final Jeopardy answer was: The 1848 Seneca Falls Declaration added these 2 words to the Declaration of Independence line beginning, “We hold these truths…” The correct question was: “What is ‘and women?’” Samson did not have the right answer. He wagered everything, fell to $0 and finished in third place. Even if he did get it right, he would have lost by $1 to the returning champion.
ZABS Place merges with Cakable MATTHEWS – ZABS Place and Cakable are merging to provide employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bentzion Groner, executive director for ZABS Place, will lead the organization. Ken Norton, executive director for Cakable, will serve on the group’s board of directors. The Cakable Cafe in Uptown Charlotte and ZABS Place Thrift Store in downtown Matthews will remain in place. Learn more about the merger and what it means for participants at zabsplace.org/ merger.
CMS recognizes top teachers CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools celebrated the best in teaching May 5 at Central Piedmont’s Dale F. Halton Theater.
Winners recognized during the 2026 Gem Awards included: • Teacher of the Year: Rebeckah Hauss (Metro School) • Beginning Teacher of the Year: Reese Finnie (Bruns Avenue Elementary) • Teacher Assistant of the Year: Clarice Surles (Berryhill Pre-K-8 School)
Mint Hill Arts names winners MINT HILL – Mint Hill Arts recently announced photography and watercolor winners of its 2026 Mizell Show. Scott Ferreira won first place in the photograph category with “Line Between Good and Evil.” Joseph DaSilva placed second, Cindy Angelelli placed third, and Carlos Pelay and Anjali Boston earned honorable mention. Mary Ellen Pike won first place in the watercolor category with “Mountain View.” Bella McInnes placed second, Carmen Davidson placed third, and Anand Wakankar and Judy Young earned honorable mention. The exhibit can be viewed through June 4 at the Mint Hill Arts Gallery, 11524 Bain School Road. On the web: minthillarts.org
