Public Schools recognized educators across the district during the fourth annual U Awards, held at the Dowd Center Theatre during Teacher Appreciation Week.
The program opened with a performance by CATA Dance Academy seniors, followed by remarks from district and board leadership.
Superintendent Andrew Houlihan recognized educators,
administrators and community partners for their work across UCPS.
“You are here because you are the best of the best,” Houlihan said.
Union County Board of
Education Chairman Rev. Jimmy Benton Sr. also addressed attendees, emphasizing teamwork across the district and encouraging educators to view their work as part of a shared mission to support student success.
Wingate grads learn importance of place
WINGATE – Tracy Dodson had some good news for graduate and professional students earning degrees May 8 from Wingate University.
“We are the second-largest job producer in the country,” Dodson said of the Charlotte region. “Last year, there were more than 37,000 new jobs created here. For you all, that’s pretty exciting.”
One hundred thirty-seven students in a range of graduate and professional disciplines were eligible to walk that day (some will officially graduate in August). Graduates earning master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, sport science and the health sciences heard about the prospects for local employment from Dodson, chief operating officer and head of economic development for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
Dodson tempered her careeroriented advice with plenty of tips on how to be vocationally happy and content, much of it about finding the right place to put down roots.
“Do work you love in a place that you love,” she said. “Work in a place that allows you to be plural in your ambitions. I have taken many detours in my career. … Seek out the places that allow you to be curious and pivot.”
Taking care of your community and finding nonwork-related meaning in life is important too, Dodson said.
“Do your best work, but also look for ways to grow and engage outside of work,” she said. “Build relationships that outlast roles. Titles change faster than values. Be the person who shows up for your community, who remembers names.”
see WINGATE, Page 3A
The 2025 Teacher of the Year, Dylan Chavis of Porter Ridge High School, addressed attendees and reflected on educational influence and professional growth.
“It was an incredible opportunity to speak with other leaders around the district and across the region,” Chavis said.
“Ultimately, I think about the big picture, knowing where you came from and understanding that you are a product of those who came
UCPS recognizes top teachers, principals
before you, including when I was a student in UCPS.”
Fifty-two Teachers of the Year were recognized, drawing applause and cheers from colleagues across the room.
Each honoree received a commemorative glass award.
The 2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year, April Knight of East Union Middle School, was recognized for excellence among educators in their first three years in the profession.
NEXT CHAPTER
Knight previously worked as a hairdresser before entering education.
“When you think you’ve got it together, you don’t,” Knight said.
“You have to be able to pivot and shift and move.”
The 2026 Teacher of the Year,
Matthew Dowell of Porter Ridge Middle School, a band director, emphasized student growth as the foundation of his work.
Monroe adds 2M gallons of water with new quarry
MONROE – The City of Monroe activated a newly constructed pipeline May 1, beginning the flow of nearly two million gallons of additional water per day into Lake Lee.
This came after receiving approval from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources.
The pipeline connects the City of Monroe’s Rock Quarry lake, located adjacent to Quarry Road in Monroe, to Lake Lee, which sits at the center of Monroe’s three-lake drinking water system. Construction began in late March, with crews laying approximately 6,500 linear feet of piping in roughly five weeks. Pumping officially began on May 1.
The quarry, which the city recently acquired, contains an estimated 120 million gallons of water and is expected to naturally recharge through an onsite spring. Water quality was thoroughly tested and reviewed by NCDEQ’s Public Water Supply Section prior to approval, with sampling conducted at multiple depths throughout the water supply.
“This is the result of months of planning and hard work by our water resources team,” Mayor Robert Burns said. “Monroe made the decision to think ahead and act early, and today that investment is paying off for our community. We are in a better position because of it, and we will keep working until this drought is behind us.”
City Manager Mark Watson said Monroe identified the quarry as a potential resource and moved quickly.
“From acquisition to state approval to construction, this project came together in four months,” he said. “The city has an exceptional staff and a city council willing to act decisively. This action will assist in protecting Monroe’s water supply.”
Angela Saber, of Charlotte, earned dual degrees: doctor of pharmacy and master of public health. Photo courtesy of Wingate University
QUARRY, Page 4A see UCPS, Page 3A
Christan Williams Kelley, of Asheville, earned a doctor of pharmacy. Photo courtesy of Wingate University
Piping water into Lake Lee gives the city extra breathing room during a region-wide drought. Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
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NEWS BRIEFS
Wife arrested on seconddegree murder charges
MONROE – The Union County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting involving a married couple.
Deputies responded to a call about fired shots at about 2:26 p.m.
May 8 at 707 Winding Way in Monroe.
The caller, later identified as 74-year-old Patty Griffin, claimed she accidentally shot her husband, Dennis Griffin, in the shoulder but he had a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators determined Patty had been arguing with Dennis, retrieved a .38-caliber handgun, pointed it at him, pulled the trigger and attempted to discard evidence before law enforcement could arrive, according to the sheriff’s office.
Patty was arrested on charges of second-degree murder.
Matthews Police investigate discharged gun
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is investigating a shooting into a business on Industrial Drive.
Patrol officers responded to a report of gunshots at about 1:02 a.m.
May 9 at Williams Wrecker Service. They found multiple shell casings in the roadway.
The preliminary investigation determined an unknown suspect fired multiple shots from the street in the direction of the Williams Wrecker Service office building. The Matthews Police Department shared photos on social media of a white vehicle leaving the scene.
Police believe this was an isolated incident with no reported injuries. They encourage citizens to call 704847-5555 with information regarding the incident.
Marshville designates Sturdivant as Juneteenth Parade grand marshal
MARSHVILLE – The Town of Marshville announced that Queen Sturdivant has been selected to serve as grand marshal of the 2026 Juneteenth Parade. “At 92 years young, Mrs. Queen represents strength, grace and a living legacy within our community,” the town posted on its Facebook page. “Her presence at countless events and her quiet, consistent support over the years have made a
lasting impact on Marshville.” The parade takes place from 10 a.m. to noon June 13 through Downtown Marshville. Email communitycoordinator@ marshville.org for volunteer opportunities.
Clinic gets beer exemption for cornhole tourney MATTHEWS – The Matthews Free Medical Clinic has received exemptions to hold fundraising and alcohol sales on town property for an upcoming event.
The nonprofit is planning a cornhole tournament with a beer garden and a food truck May 16 at the clinic, located at 196 S. Trade St. The Matthews Free Medical Clinic leases the property from the Town of Matthews, so it needed to get the exemptions. Registration for the tournament will be available on the nonprofit’s social media.
Septet of poet-themed streets added to network MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews has accepted seven streets from the Tennyson
Mental health crisis workers play a key role in safety
by Rebecca Peacock
Mental Health Professional
Iwant to start by saying that mobile crisis is not an extra service. It’s not a luxury.
It’s a health care and public safety necessity.
Every day, 24 hours a day, our team responds to people in a mental health crisis across Mecklenburg County, helping to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, incarceration and tragedies before they happen.
Yet many of you may not even be aware of our services.
I’m Rebecca Peacock, and I’m the director of Santé Crisis Response, serving Mecklenburg County.
Mental health touches all of us in one way or another, but it doesn’t often become truly personal until we or someone we love comes face to face with a mental health crisis.
And it’s in those moments that the gaps and the flaws of the system become very clear.
First, I want to thank each of you for your service to the residents of this county. I’ve had the privilege of meeting with several of you over the past few months and hearing just how personal mental health is to many of you. Thank you for your time and really your willingness to engage in difficult conversations.
Since the 1940s, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, shown by a green ribbon. This May also marks Santé’s 20-year anniversary – 20 years that we have been showing up and doing this critical work.
But our current funding model has made this work increasingly unsustainable. So I want to take a quick moment to highlight the role that Santé plays in the community.
Every county in the state of North Carolina is required to have
a mobile crisis team through their managed Medicaid entity. And our provider is Alliance Health, and so we’ve been the sole provider providing these services across the county.
So when someone’s in crisis, our team responds directly into the community, whether that’s a home, school, parking lot or wherever people need that support.
We work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal or homicidal thoughts, psychosis, as well as other situational crises.
Last fiscal year alone, we received over 9,000 incoming hotline calls, serving children, adults, seniors and veterans – the residents who live in this county. A significant number of those individuals were able to remain safely in the community.
We also work closely with first responders, oftentimes describing ourselves as the fourth response
REASONS
3.
subdivision into its road network.
The subdivision
“This subdivision was planned and designed with the intent that its streets would ultimately be accepted as public streets,”
– mental health, alongside police, fire and medic. We partner with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other providers.
Our work reduces strain on emergency departments, law enforcement and the involuntary commitment system, while also reducing taxpayer costs by providing intervention before hospitalization or incarceration becomes the only option.
Mobile crisis has been quietly working for 20 years, but quiet work is often overlooked. This service deserves visibility, support and sustainability so that we can continue showing up.
If anyone ever has any questions about this service, I would be grateful for that conversation.
Rebecca Peacock gave these remarks May 5 during the public comment portion of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commisssioners meeting.
CALENDAR
Storytime
Mic with Jason Allen King and Annie Witter at Carolina Beer Temple. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m.
carolinabeertemple.com 7 p.m.; 215 N. Ames St., Matthews May 19
Storytime Children listen to stories during Storytime at Union County Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org 9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
(continued from page 1A)
Among the graduates receiving degrees were 20 in the university’s initial master of social work cohort. The largest contingent of degreeearners came from the School of Pharmacy and the School of Sport Sciences, with 27 eligible to walk from each May 8, followed by those earning master of business administration (22) and doctor of occupational therapy (16) degrees.
Angela Saber, of Charlotte, earned her doctor of pharmacy degree after a six-year stint at Wingate that included two years of undergraduate work and four years in the pharmacy program.
“It’s surreal,” Saber said. “I’ve been with Wingate since 2020. We were the COVID class. I came in when COVID was at its peak.”
Public health was in the news during Saber’s first few years at Wingate, and a year into her pharmacy curriculum, Wingate started a public health program, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Saber decided to tack on a master of public health degree, too.
Now she plans to eventually work for the United States Public Health Service, serving minority populations as a pharmacist. Saber said she believes that the public health degree will help her be a better pharmacist.
“I started to realize how patient care can be so holistic and comprehensive with a background in public health,” Saber said. “It’s one thing telling patients to take the medication, but what’s going on in the background that could be a barrier? Can the patient access their medication? Can they afford their medication?"
Sydney Baker also earned a master of public health degree, and she is now a twotime Wingate graduate, having earned her bachelor’s degree in
psychology in 2023.
Baker said that, as program and events manager for the Union County Chamber of Commerce, she noticed puzzled looks when she told people about her plans to earn a master’s in public health. But the degree dovetails well with her current role.
“Every time we are connecting with member small businesses to see the challenges they are facing,” she said, “it allows me to gear our programming, our events, to be more intentional and make sure they are actually focused on those issues.”
Baker might not be finished with schooling. In the long term, she plans to earn a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and possibly run her own clinic.
Michael Martin earned his master’s in education in educational leadership (K-12).
A history and civics teacher at Queen’s Grant High School in Mint Hill, Martin said he was ready to assume more responsibility. Wingate’s online program has helped put him in position to do that.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I would ever be interested in it,” said Martin, who has 17 years of teaching experience under his belt, including a decade in New Jersey. “I’ve enjoyed my time in the classroom, but as time goes on, sometimes you get to a point in your career where you’d just like to do something else. After almost 20 years, I’m ready for a new challenge and a new phase in my career just for some variety.
“I have a desire to make change, and it’s hard to make change without being in a decision-making capacity.”
Among the students who received their doctor of occupational therapy degrees was Samantha Xavier, a native of Greenville, S.C., who earned her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University.
“When I went to tour Wingate, it felt like a mini-
Clemson,” she said. “It felt very homey, familiar in a way, and I thought, I can see myself thrive here.”
Wingate’s proximity to Charlotte served Xavier well when it came time to do her capstone, a culminating experience required of all OTD students. Xavier is interested in taking occupational therapy into the realm of professional sports, and she did her capstone with the Charlotte Independence soccer team. She worked with the players on the mental-health aspect of training and playing, such as overcoming the fear of injury, and on improving their sleep habits in order to improve their performance.
“A lot of these guys have small kids and a wife, and honestly kids can disturb their sleep,” she said. “I helped them get on a routine sleep pattern, build those healthy habits to not only be a great father and husband but to optimize their performance on the field.”
Liz Crain, another Clemson graduate who received her Wingate OTD degree, stayed a little closer to Wingate for her capstone. Crain, from Fort Mill, worked on life skills with students in the university’s Julia’s Learning program. In Julia’s Learning, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and study
UCPS
(continued from page 1A)
Dowell described music education as a process that requires persistence, repetition and trust as students build skills over time, often working through challenges before achieving mastery.
“It’s about building thinkers, teammates and resilient young people,” he said. “Students. Everything I do comes back to them.”
The 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year, Sophie Flynn of Unionville Elementary School, highlighted the importance of school culture and connection. She credited mentors who shaped her leadership and said her focus is on creating environments where students and staff feel a strong sense of belonging from the moment they enter a school.
“A sense of community and inclusiveness,” Flynn said. “When you walk through the doors, you feel it immediately.”
The 2026 Principal of the Year, Amanda Stinchcomb, principal of Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, spoke about student belonging and opportunity. She was also the 2017-18 Union County Public Schools Teacher of the Year while teaching fifth grade at Western Union Elementary School.
“We want kids to know that they belong here,” Stinchcomb said. “That they are loved, that we believe they can achieve amazing things and find their genius.”
At the center of her reflection was a single word: hope.
“Hope is about the belief that so much is possible,” she said. “It’s hope in action.”
The Union County Education Foundation closed the evening by recognizing community support and presenting prizes, including $500 for Beginning Teacher of the Year, $1,500 for Teacher of the Year, $1,000 for Assistant Principal of the Year and $2,500 for Principal of the Year.
on the Wingate campus.
Crain created Cooking Club, in which Julia’s Learning students plan, prep and cook meals.
“There’s a lot more behindthe-scenes work that goes into it,” she said. “Your brain has to sequence what order you’re going to do your steps in, and then you have to follow multistep directions, and then there’s teamwork and social skills.”
The other part of her capstone involved creating an eightmodule training program for Bulldog Buddies – the Wingate students who work closely with Julia’s Learning participants.
Crain said she could see the Julia’s Learning students’ confidence grow as the weekly Cooking Club went on.
The director of the program Crain and Xavier just spent three years in was honored for her dedication to research and presenting that research to others. Melissa Sweetman was presented with the Excellence in Research and Scholarship Award.
Brett MacLennan, associate professor of physical therapy, was presented with the Graduate Faculty Member of the Year Award, presented annually in recognition of exemplary teaching, scholarship, service, leadership and mentoring.
She
Charlotte business leader Tracy Dodson was the speaker at commencement. Photos courtesy of Wingate University
Farah Ahmed Sayad, of Concord, earned a doctor of pharmacy.
was valedictorian.
Erin Griffin, of Waxhaw, earned a master of social work.
Union County Public Schools honored Matthew Dowell as Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy of UCPS
Principal of the Year Amanda Stinchcomb joined Union County Public Schools in 2017.
Teams qualify for state playoffs
CHAPEL HILL
– Several teams from southern Mecklenburg and Union counties have qualified for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state playoffs. Several of the brackets feature games pushing up against The Weekly’s deadlines.
Baseball Teams in Union County that qualified for the playoffs include: Cuthbertson, Forest Hills, Marvin Ridge, Parkwood, Piedmont, Sun Valley, Union Academy and Weddington.
7A Bracket No. 5 Marvin Ridge will play No. 13 Davie County in the third round. The winner will play either No. 1 Reagan or No. 8 Lake Norman in the quarterfinals.
Marvin Ridge defeated No. 12 East Forsyth, 17-0, in the second round after a first-round bye.
• No. 16 Weddington lost to No. 1 Reagan, 5-0, in the second round.
Weddington defeated No. 17 Mooresville, 7-3, in the first round.
No. 4 Cuthbertson lost to No. 13 Davie County, 4-1, in the second round. Cuthbertson had a firstround bye.
6A Bracket
• No. 2 Charlotte Catholic will play No. 7 A.C. Reynolds in the third round. The winner will play either No. 3 T.C. Roberson or No. 6 South Caldwell in the quarterfinals. Charlotte Catholic defeated No. 15 Sun Valley, 3-1, in the second round after a firstround bye. No. 23 Piedmont lost to No. 7 A.C. Reynolds in the second round. Piedmont defeated No. 10 Mount Tabor, 11-1, in the first round.
No. 15 Sun Valley lost to No. 2 Charlotte Catholic in the second round. Sun Valley defeated No. 18 Phillip O. Berry Academy, 10-2, in the first round.
5A Bracket
• No. 17 Parkwood lost to No. 1 North Lincoln, 9-0, in the second round. Parkwood defeated No. 16 Atkins, 9-0, in the first round.
• No. 23 Forest Hills lost to No. 10 Hickory, 13-3, in the first round.
3A Bracket No. 9 Union Academy will play No. 1 North Stanly in the third round. The winner plays either No. 4 Trinity or No. 12 Patton in the next round. Union Academy defeated No. 8 West Wilkes, 9-5, in the second round and No. 24 Mount Airy, 13-0, in the first round.
Softball Teams in Union County that qualified for the playoffs include: Central Academy of Technology & Arts, Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Parkwood, Piedmont, Porter Ridge, Sun Valley, Union Academy and Weddington
7A Bracket No. 1 Weddington will play No. 8 Mooresville in the third round. The winner plays No. 4 Hickory Ridge or No. 5 A.L. Brown in the fourth round. Weddington defeated No. 17 Lake Norman, 5-1, in the second round after a first-round bye. No. 11 Porter Ridge will play No. 3 East Forsyth in the third round. The
winner plays either No. 7 Reagan or No. No. 2 South Iredell in the fourth round. Porter Ridge defeated No. 6 Butler, 7-0, in the second round and No. 22 Grimsley, 18-0, in the first round.
• No. 14 Cuthbertson lost to East Forsyth, 3-1, in the second round. Cuthbertson defeated No. 19 Hopewell, 14-2, in the first round.
• No. 15 Marvin Ridge lost to South Iredell, 107, in the second round and defeated No. 18 Richardmon, 6-1, in teh first round.
6A Bracket No. 8 Charlotte Catholic will play No. 1 Kings Mountain in the third round. The winner plays either No. 5 Alexander Central or No. 13 T.C. Roberson in the fourth round. Charlotte Catholic defeated No. 9 Glenn, 3-2, in the second round after a first-round bye.
• No. 3 Piedmont will play No. 6 Central Cabarrus in the third round. The winner plays either No. 2 South Caldwell or No. 10 A.C. Reynolds in the fourth round. Piedmont defeated No. 14 Freedom, 12-1, in the second round after a first-round bye. No. 17 Sun Valley lost to No. 1 Kings Mountain, 1-0, in the second round. Sun Valley defeated No. 16 Phillip O Berry Academy, 16-0, in the first round.
5A Bracket • No. 14 Parkwood lost to No. 3 North Davidson, 8-1, in the second round. Parkwood defeated No. 19 Concord, 9-8, in the first round.
4A Bracket No. 16 Central Academy of Technology & Arts lost to Lincoln Charter, 7-2, in the first round.
3A Bracket • No. 8 Union Academy will play No. 1 West Lincoln in the third round. The winner plays either No. 4 Pine Lake Prep or No. 5 Draughn in the fourth round. Union Academy defeated East Rutherford, 10-0, in the second round after a first-round bye.
Women’s soccer Teams in Union County that qualified for the playoffs include: Central Academy of Technology & Arts, Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Monroe, Parkwood, Piedmont, Porter Ridge, Sun Valley, Union Academy and Weddington.
7A Bracket No. 10 Cuthbertson will play No. 23 Richmond Senior in the first round. The winner plays No. 7 Lake Norman in the second round. No. 20 Porter Ridge will play No. 13 Page in the first round. The winner plays No. 4 Hickory Ridge in the second round.
• No. 6 Weddington has a first-round bye. They play either No. 11 Butler and No. 22 West Cabarrus in the second round. No. 2 Marvin Ridge has a first-round bye. They play either No. 15 Mooresville or No. 18 Davie County in the second round.
6A Bracket • No. 22 Piedmont will play No. 11 Asheboro in the first round. The winner plays No. 6 T.C. Roberson in the second round. No. 10 Sun Valley will play No. 23 Dudley in the first round. The winner
plays No. 7 Alexander Central in the second round.
• No. 1 Charlotte Catholic has a first-round bye. They play the winner of No. 16 South Caldwell or No. 17 Western Guilford in the second round.
5A Bracket No. 21 Monroe will play No. 12 North Henderson in the first round. The winner plays No. 5 Jay M. Robinson in the second round. No. 11 Parkwood will play No. 22 East Rowan in the first round. The winner plays No. 6 North Davidson in the second round.
4A Bracket No. 7 Central Academy of Technology & Arts has a first-round bye. They play either No. 10 Forbush and No. 23 Stuart W. Cramer in the second round.
3A Bracket • No. 12 Union Academy will play No. 21 Thomasville in the first round. The winner plays No. 5 West Davidson in the second round.
Men’s lacrosse Teams in Union County that qualified for the playoffs include: Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Porter Ridge and Weddington.
1A-6A Bracket No. 1 Charlotte Catholic has a first-round bye. They play either No. 16 Watauga or No. 17 Western Guilford in the second round.
7A Bracket
• No. 8 Cuthbertson has a first-round bye. They will play No. 9 East Forsyth in the second round.
• No. 4 Weddington has a first-round bye. They will play No. 13 Porter Ridge in the second round. No. 13 Porter Ridge has a first-round bye. They will play No. 4 Weddington in the second round.
• No. 6 Marvin Ridge has a first-round bye. They will play No. 11 Reagaan in the second round.
Women’s lacrosse Teams in Union County that qualified for the playoffs include: Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Porter Ridge, Sun Valley and Weddington.
1A-6A Bracket No. 3 Charlotte Catholic has a first-round bye. They play either No. 14 Lincoln Charter or No. 19 Watauga in the second round.
• No. 18 Sun Valley will play No. 15 Northern Guilford in the first round. The winner plays No. 2 Lake Norman Charter in the second round.
7A Bracket
• No. 1 Marvin Ridge has a first-round bye. They play either No. 16 Davie County or No. 17 Independence in the second round.
• No. 8 Cuthbertson has a first-round bye. They play No. 9 Ballantyne Ridge in the second round.
• No. 12 Porter Ridge has a first-round bye. They play No. 5 Page in the second round. No. 2 Weddington has a first-round bye. They play either No. 15 Grimsley or No. 18 Butler in the second round.
QUARRY
(continued from page 1A)
How Monroe’s water works Monroe’s water system relies on three city-managed lakes, Lake Monroe, Lake Lee and Lake Twitty, all of which refill from local rainfall and runoff. Unlike many neighboring communities that draw from rivers or regional water authorities, Monroe’s supply is locally sourced, a distinction that has made the current drought particularly impactful.
Lake Twitty, where Monroe’s drinking water is drawn and treated, has been receiving about three million gallons per day pumped from Lake Lee to maintain adequate supply levels. The quarry pipeline adds nearly two million gallons per day to Lake Lee, offsetting that daily demand. Flow from Lake Monroe to Lake Lee has been temporarily paused to give Lake Monroe time to recover with future rainfall while the quarry source is supplementing the water supply.
Rob Miller, general manager for energy and water resources, and Jay Voyles, deputy general manager, have led the city’s drought response strategy, overseeing everything from the decision to pursue the quarry as an emergency supply source to coordinating state approval and construction. Miller said the project reflects the kind of forward planning approach Monroe uses to manage all of our utilities.
“When drought conditions started worsening late last year, we didn’t wait,” Miller said. “We identified the quarry as an opportunity, moved quickly to make it happen, and I’m proud of the team that pulled this together in a matter of weeks. This gives Monroe a meaningful buffer while we continue monitoring conditions and planning for the long term.”
NCDEQ approval
The NCDEQ approval, issued May 1, authorizes temporary use of the pipeline during the current drought emergency. The system includes an 8-inch diesel engine-driven centrifugal pump rated at 1,500 gallons per minute and approximately 6,500 linear feet of 12-inch above-ground piping. A cascade discharge structure at the Lake Lee shoreline conveys flow through riprap into the lake. The city will report weekly to NCDEQ’s Mooresville Regional Office on hours operated and gallons pumped.
Drought persists
Jay Voyles, the deputy manager of energy and water resources, shared that while the Quarry Lake will have
a positive impact on the city’s water supply, it doesn’t change the reality that the City of Monroe remains in an extended, historic drought. The city was recently upgraded from “Extreme Drought” to “Exceptional Drought” according to drought.gov.
“We’ve looked back at the data,” Voyles said. “Twenty years ago, we were withdrawing approximately six million gallons a day from our reservoirs. Fast forward to now and we’re withdrawing only approximately seven million gallons a day. Even with growth and development, this is really all about the drought. Months and months of sustained lack of precipitation.”
Monroe remains in Stage 1 Water Conservation, which was declared January 28, 2026. Stage 1 is voluntary, with no mandatory restrictions and no rate increases. The city continues to ask all residents and businesses to be mindful of daily water use.
Residents can take the following steps to help:
• Fix leaks and running toilets promptly
• Run dishwashers and laundry only with full loads
• Keep showers brief
• Avoid washing driveways, sidewalks, and vehicles unnecessarily
• Water plants only in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
The city is also conducting a Source Water Supply Study through an independent consultant to evaluate Monroe’s long-term water supply assets and identify investments to make the system more drought-resilient. Results of that study will help guide future decisions about the quarry and other potential supply sources.
For current water conservation status and updates, visit monroenc. org/2026drought.
ABOVE: The City of Monroe saw opportunity when they learned this quarry was available. BELOW: City Manager Mark Watson shows Mayor Robert Burns the lay of the land. Photos courtesy of the City of Monroe
FEATURE IMPACT
Most people don’t set out to ignore their health. It usually slips down the list somewhere between the morning alarm and the last email of the day. Breakfast gets rushed or skipped.
Exercise is postponed until tomorrow. Sleep is cut short to catch up on everything else. By the end of the week, healthy intentions are still there, but the follow-through feels harder than expected. For many, the challenge is not motivation but finding habits that fit into real life. Small, repeatable choices around sleep, exercise, nutrition, mental well-being and social connection can support how the body and mind function over time.
Sleep Well
Sleep is essential for physical recovery, mental focus and emotional balance, but it’s often the first habit to slip when schedules get busy.
Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps signal when it’s time to rest. Limiting screen exposure in the evening, keeping sleep and wake times consistent and creating a dark, quiet sleep environment can support more restorative sleep. Over time, better sleep contributes to improved mood, focus and overall heart health.
Exercise in Manageable Ways
Exercise often falls into the same trap as sleep. When schedules get full, it becomes something to get back to rather than something that fits into the day as it unfolds. A missed workout can quickly turn into a missed week, even for people who value staying active.
Regular movement supports heart health, muscle strength and overall energy, but it doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. Short periods of activity spread throughout the day can still make a difference, especially when long stretches of sitting are the default.
Walking between meetings, stretching in the morning or adding light strength exercises at home are simple ways to stay active without blocking out extra time.
Eat Nutritiously
Food decisions often happen on autopilot as meals are squeezed into busy schedules and long days, making nutrition one of the most influential daily habits.
DINING SCORES
Meals do more than provide fuel. When built around nutrientrich foods, they support muscle health, brain health and heart health. An overall healthy eating pattern includes a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, helping the body keep up with everyday demands. Protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle and supporting daily movement, especially as people age. High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support all the muscles in the body.
Choosing protein sources that are easy to prepare and repeat supports consistency when schedules are full.
As part of a balanced approach to healthy habits, nutrition guidance from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, highlights how everyday food choices can support the body and brain over time. Eggs are an example of a high-quality protein and they fit easily into meals throughout the day.
Eggs also deliver choline, a nutrient many Americans don’t get enough of. Choline is a critical nutrient, among others, for supporting brain development, memory and mood. Along with protein, choline helps support brain health, making it an important consideration across life stages.
According to the American Heart Association, healthy people can include one egg daily, up to seven eggs per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For healthy older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day can be included as part of a heart-healthy dietary pattern.
Mind Your Mental Well-Being
The way people eat, sleep and move does not just affect the body. It also shapes how the brain responds to stress and daily demands. When routines feel rushed or inconsistent, mental well-being is often one of the first areas to feel the strain.
Ongoing stress can interfere with focus, sleep and eating habits, making it harder to
maintain healthy routines. Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness or stepping away from screens for a few minutes can help reduce tension and restore attention.
Making time for rest and reflection, and setting realistic expectations, can also support emotional balance. What supports the brain often supports the heart as well, reinforcing the value of caring for mental and physical health together.
Socialize and Stay Connected
Mental well-being is shaped by both daily routines and relationships. When life feels busy or stressful, social connection is often the first thing to get pushed aside, even though it plays an important role in emotional health.
short conversations or a quick check-in with a friend or family member can help maintain a sense of connection.
Build Habits That Fit Real Life
Healthy routines are more likely to last when they fit into the
Charlotte wants third-party review of I-77 project
CHARLOTTE
– The Charlotte City Council took two actions May 11 regarding the Interstate 77 South Express Lanes project.
First, the council approved the resolution below that calls for a pause on the project so that it can be reviewed by an independent third-party.
Second, members voted to direct their representative on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (Ed Driggs) to rescind the city’s support of the project.
While the first action generated prepared statements from members of the council, the second action was met with much more apprehension. Members asked city staff, the city attorney and a state transportation engineer several questions about what would happen to the project’s timelines and funding if Charlotte rescinded its support.
There were no definitive answers, which means this will have to be ironed out some more amongst the city, CRTPO and the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Resolution of the Charlotte City Council requesting a pause for due diligence, a targeted reevaluation, and design analysis with community benefit considerations, related to the Interstate 77 South Express Lanes project
WHEREAS, the City of Charlotte is a duly incorporated municipality organized under the laws of North Carolina under Chapter 160A of the North Carolina General Statutes, and its residents, businesses, and public infrastructure are materially affected by traffic conditions on and adjacent to Interstate 77; and
WHEREAS, the Charlotte City Council, the governing body of the City of Charlotte, is committed to promoting safe, efficient, and equitable transportation infrastructure that supports long-term mobility, economic vitality, and quality of life, while protecting homes, neighborhoods, community stability, and avoiding unnecessary displacement; and
WHEREAS, in October 2024, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (“CRTPO”) approved advancement of the I-77 South Express Lanes project (the “Project”) — an approximately 11-mile widening from Uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina state line estimated to cost more than $4 billion, to be delivered through a publicprivate partnership (“P3”) and adding four managed toll lanes through a constrained urban corridor; and
WHEREAS, the Project is being advanced through state and regional transportation planning processes, including the State Transportation Improvement Program and CRTPO, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 136189.11 et seq., and is subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), which requires evaluation of environmental and community impacts, consideration of alternatives, and meaningful public involvement before major federal actions; and
WHEREAS, the CRTPO submitted the Project to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (“NCDOT”) in prioritization cycle P3 in 2014 and has resubmitted it in every prioritization cycle since that time; and
WHEREAS, since P3 approval, NCDOT has advanced procurement and design concepts, including selection of an elevated design in portions of the corridor, while Project acquisition of real property or displacement of residential properties or businesses subject to federal funding or approvals will be governed by the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (“URA”); and
WHEREAS, historically, highway construction and expansion projects have disproportionately impacted Black communities and underserved populations through neighborhood division, displacement, and long-term barriers to economic opportunity; and county and local analyses indicate that historically Black neighborhoods and disinvested communities may face disproportionate impacts from the Project’s proposed design; and
WHEREAS, as the Project details have emerged, residents, community organizations, stakeholders, and elected officials have expressed increasing concern about displacement of homes and businesses, impacts to parks and greenways, noise, air and water quality, construction disruption, and neighborhood stability, and many residents have expressed that prior public engagement has not meaningfully shaped project decisions; and WHEREAS, NCDOT has acknowledged community concern by extending public engagement and establishing an I-77 South Community Advisory Group, but procurement activities remain ongoing; and the City Council finds that proceeding without additional analysis and communitydriven dialogue risks irreversible harm and
forecloses potentially better solutions for the I-77 South Project; and WHEREAS, the Project design choices — including alignment, cross-section, access points, buffering, multimodal integration, and traffic mitigation strategies addressing diversion, network-level impacts, and equity — can materially reduce the degree and distribution of community impacts and are critical to achieving optimal results balancing congestion relief with community welfare; and WHEREAS, the Charlotte City Council seeks a measured and responsible approach, informed by community input, that reflects the generational significance and effects of this Project.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Charlotte City Council that:
1. Commitment to People-First Transportation Decisions
The Charlotte City Council affirms that transportation investments must be evaluated not only on their ability to move vehicles, but on how they protect residents from displacement; improve safety and health outcomes; support strong neighborhoods and local businesses; and advance equity and opportunity for communities that have historically borne the burdens of infrastructure projects.
2. Request for Targeted Reevaluation and Design Analysis
The Charlotte City Council respectfully calls for an independent third-party reevaluation and alternatives analysis of the I-77 South corridor, including multimodal, non-highway and transportation demand management strategies, and encourages that any draft RFP for a toll lane development be paused until the findings are presented to council and the public.
3. Direction to CRTPO Representative
The Charlotte City Council’s appointed representative to the CRTPO is hereby directed to advocate for targeted reevaluation and expanded analysis of alternatives and design options consistent with this Resolution, and to take any other actions as directed on behalf of the Charlotte City Council.
4. NEPA and Alternatives/Design Considerations
The Charlotte City Council respectfully requests that the Project’s NEPA review, to the extent applicable, include:
• Evaluation of a reasonable range of alternatives, including phased or lowerimpact options, without predetermined presumptions as to outcomes;
• Rigorous analysis of design variations — including alignment shifts, interchange configurations, and context-sensitive solutions — that could avoid or minimize community and environmental impacts;
• Full evaluation of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts; and
• Advancement to an Environmental Impact Statement if warranted by Environmental Assessment findings.
5. Relocation, Traffic, and Design Impact Analysis
The Charlotte City Council requests that NCDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”), and the Project’s private participants provide, as part of the targeted reevaluation: updated traffic and revenue projections; evaluation of nontoll or hybrid alternatives; displacement impact analysis consistent with URA obligations; design and construction analysis of impacts on adjacent local streets and neighborhoods; and environmental and land use impact assessments.
6. Community Benefit and Design-Based Mitigation
The Charlotte City Council respectfully requests that NCDOT and FHWA identify and assess community benefit and designbased mitigation strategies, including actions consistent with City Council priorities including but not limited to Vision Zero and the City’s Strategic Mobility Plan:
• Roadway design modifications to reduce cut-through traffic and neighborhood disruption;
• Incorporation of multimodal infrastructure (pedestrian, bicycle, and transit elements);
• Noise, air quality, and visual buffering through design treatments;
• Context-sensitive solutions to maintain or enhance neighborhood connectivity; and
• Integration of complementary local infrastructure improvements.
7. Community Engagement
The Charlotte City Council commits to working collaboratively with regional partners to ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to provide input on project design, impacts, and mitigation strategies, with particular attention to historically impacted neighborhoods and communities.
The Charlotte City Council requests that NCDOT and federal agencies conduct engagement of community members at accessible times, locations, and formats; provide clear, non-technical materials; and maintain a publicly accessible platform documenting questions received,
responses provided, and changes made as a result of public input. The Charlotte City Council further requests that the I-77 South Community Advisory Group receive regular project briefings, access to relevant data and assumptions, and serve as a formal channel for community concerns throughout the analysis and decision-making process of the Project.
8. Municipal Engagement and Public Participation
The Charlotte City Council and the City of Charlotte requests formal notice of and an opportunity to comment upon all traffic and revenue study updates, environmental review documents, and mitigation plans before their finalization, and requests that NCDOT hold a public meeting with public comment forum within Charlotte’s municipal boundaries during the public comment period for any associated NEPA or state environmental reviews.
9. City Milestone Commitments
The Charlotte City will pursue a structured series of milestones aligned with the state’s project timeline across key milestones including but not limited to: (1) Engagement –the City will designate a community liaison within the City’s Community Relations Department; (2) Coordination – secure commitments for regular progress briefings from NCDOT, and request the launch a public-facing project dashboard; (3) Construction – Requests that NCDOT publish a community impact mitigation plan prior to groundbreaking, maintain quarterly dashboard updates, convene the I-77 South Community Advisory Group, confirm local hiring and small business tracking mechanisms are in place, and formally transmit emerging resident
concerns to the state; and (4) Closeout – upon project completion, request post-construction performance data, host a final public session, and present a formal closeout report to the Charlotte City Council summarizing outcomes relative to the commitments made to residents.
10. No Assertion of Control Beyond Authority
Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed as an attempt by the Charlotte City Council or the City of Charlotte to exercise authority beyond that provided under North Carolina or federal law. Final decisions regarding project programming, environmental review, and design approval rest with the appropriate state and federal agencies.
11. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or provision of this Resolution is determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Resolution shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect.
12. Distribution
The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to: Governor Josh Stein; the North Carolina Department of Transportation; the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization; the North Carolina Board of Transportation; the Federal Highway Administration; and the City of Charlotte’s legislative delegation to the North Carolina General Assembly.
ADOPTED in recognition that transportation decisions shape lives, neighborhoods, and generations — and that Charlotte’s residents deserve a seat at the table before irreversible choices are made.
CLASSIFIEDS
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To apply: Submit resume on www.jobpostingtoday.com, using the job # in parenthesis next to the job title. Must reference job title and code when applying. Background checks req’d.
Director – Data & Analytics, Business, PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC, Charlotte, NC. Define and drive the strategic vision and oversee key client engagements in the Financial Services sector. Req. Bach’s deg or frgn equiv in MIS, Data Anlytcs, Bus Admin, Comp Sci or a rel fld + 7 yrs of rel wrk exp.; in lieu of a bach’s deg, the emplr will accpt 2 addl. yrs of rel work exp. 80% telecommuting permitted. Must be able to commute to a designated local office. Dmstc &/or intl trvl up to 80% required. Sal. range: $216,000 - $288,000/yr. Please apply by sending your resume to US_PwC_Career_Recruitment@pwc.com , specifying Job Code NC4864 in the subject line.
Best in student theater
Area schools earn several Blumey Awards nominations
CHARLOTTE – Blumenthal Arts has announced nominees for the 2026 Blumey Awards, scheduled to take place May 17 at Belk Theater.
The awards honor achievements in high school musical theater. Students receive training, mentorship and networking.
Fifty-nine Charlotte-area schools submitted a full-length spring musical produced during the academic year for consideration. Trained judges with industry experience attend each production, with a panel of three professionals evaluating performances using a standardized scoring process and providing notes to the schools.
“With every Blumenthal Arts season,
Nominees
LOUD & LIVE
we’re reminded just how much talent exists in our schools, and how important it is to create space for that talent to be taken seriously,” said Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “This program gives students the chance to be challenged, celebrated and connected to something bigger than their own production.”
The program includes free workshops and personalized training for performers, designers and stage managers. Students selected for the top acting categories also take part in Blumey Bootcamp, a multi-day program led by industry professionals ahead of final auditions and the annual ceremony.
“The Blumey Awards are an
Best Supporting Actress
from area schools
Blonde: The Musical
Kell - Joseph (JJ) Monteleone (Nathan Detroit) Guys and Dolls • Ballantyne Ridge - Michael Dunne (Troy Boton) Musical
• Carmel Christian - James Coleman (Ren McCormack) Footloose
• CATA - Aidan Conway (Leading Player) Pippin
• Charlotte Catholic - Aaron Quintero (Scarecrow) The Wizard of Oz
• Charlotte Christian - Malachi Fair (Prince Topher) Cinderella
• Charlotte Country Day - Charles Dekle (Kristoff) Frozen • Charlotte Latin - Flinn Teichman (MC) Cabaret
• Providence Day - Owen Moore (Vittorio Vidal) Sweet Charity
• Providence - Lyndon Mathias (Fester) The Addams Family
• South Meck - Henry Schmidt (Chip) 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• Weddington - Thomas LoMonaco (Professor Callahan) Legally Blonde: The Musical
accelerant. It is fuel to ensure that theater in our schools receives the resources, attention and accolades it deserves,” said Andie Maloney, chief education officer at Blumenthal Arts. “It celebrates the hard work and talent of thousands of students and educators. It inspires the next generation of creatives to pursue their dreams, and gives them tools, networks and resources to do so with confidence.”
The Blumeys have served as a springboard for students pursuing careers in theater. Past winners include Bryson Battle (2021), Reneé Rapp (2018) and Amina Faye (2016).
On the web: blumenthalarts.org/ education/blumey-awards.
• Ardrey Kell - Celina Fuller (Benny Southstreet) Guys and Dolls
• Ballantyne Ridge - Leah Ryan (Kelsi Nielson) Musical
• Carmel Christian - Charlotte Scott (Rusty) Footloose
• CATA - Anika Ryder (Berthe) Pippin
• Charlotte Catholic - Amelia Quintero (Glinda_ The Wizard of Oz
• Charlotte Christian - Eden Davis (Madame) Cinderella
• Charlotte Country Day - Tatum Harris (Olaf) Frozen
• Charlotte Latin - Sophia McGirt (Fraulein Kost) Cabaret
• Cuthbertson - Riley Washburn (Tanya) Mamma Mia!
• David W. Butler - Vy Nguyen (Roz Keith) 9 to 5 The Musical
• East Mecklenburg - Zara Taty (Hermes) Hadestown Teen Edition
• Independence - Amerie Weldon (Tanya) Mamma Mia!
• Marvin Ridge - Sam Strong (Bea) Something Rotten!
• Porter Ridge - Andrea Majia (Fate #2) Hadestown Teen Edition
• Providence Day - Kate Reece (Carmen) Sweet Charity
• Providence - Mac Sloan (Lurch) The Addams Family
• South Meck - Zulemma Travieso Gonzalez (Angela) 25th Annual Putnam County
Spelling Bee
• Weddington - Alexander Stetson (3 roles) Legally Blonde: The Musical
Best Choreography Execution
• Carmel Christian – Footloose
• CATA – Pippin (2013 Revival)
• Weddington – Legally Blonde: The Musical
Best Direction • East Mecklenburg - Hadestown Teen Edition • Weddington – Legally Blonde: The Musical
Ensemble
– Pippin (2013 Revival) • East Mecklenburg - Hadestown Teen Edition • Weddington – Legally Blonde: The Musical
Best Student
How Hiring Veterans Can Strengthen the Workforce
very year, about 200,000 service members transition from military service into civilian careers, offering employers access to a highly skilled and mission-driven talent pool. As organizations across industries seek dependable employees who can adapt and lead, veterans bring experience that translates directly to business success.
Veterans enter the workforce with a wide range of technical and professional skills. Military occupations span fields such as logistics, engineering, cybersecurity, aviation and health care, many of which align closely with civilian roles. This experience allows veterans to apply their training to roles across industries, from manufacturing to information technology, using their practical knowledge developed during their service. Beyond technical expertise, veterans are widely recognized for their reliability, adaptability and strong work ethic. Military culture emphasizes responsibility, teamwork and accountability – qualities that can strengthen workplace culture and improve team performance. Additionally, employers that hire veterans with disabilities often qualify for federal tax credits, and many workplace accommodations are available to employers at no cost.
Despite these advantages, veterans transitioning from military service to civilian employment still face challenges. One of the most common obstacles is translating military experience into language civilian employers understand. Although more than 80% of military roles have civilian equivalents, differences in job titles and terminology related to responsibilities and accomplishments gained during service may not align neatly with traditional job descriptions, making it difficult for veterans to clearly communicate their qualifications.
courtesy of DVIDS. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense
