MONROE – The Union County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at its regular meeting on June 16. The FY27 budget includes a bifurcated model for the county’s tax structure, with the total tax rate remaining at 43.42. The tax rates for each fund are as follows:
• General fund: 11.24
• Debt fund: 1.06
• Education operating fund: 26.78
• Education debt fund: 3.89
• Economic development: 0.45
“When you look at how property tax
dollars are allocated, approximately 71% of the county’s tax rate supports our education partners,” said Chairman Brian Helms. “That means just 12.75 cents of the tax rate funds the wide range of county services our residents rely on every day, including the sheriff’s office, human services, emergency medical services, fire services, parks, libraries and many other essential functions. I think it’s important for the public to understand where their tax dollars go and how those dollars are invested. Despite the growing demand for services, we continue to operate within a very tight budget. That’s a credit to the
INDIAN TRAIL – For 20 summers, Common Heart has been providing hunger relief in Union County.
The nonprofit is serving more than 10,000 neighbors each month through 13 pantry locations and expects those numbers to grow.
“Summer is one of the hardest times of the year for families already facing food insecurity,” said Keith Adams, executive director and co-founder. “When children lose access to school meals and household expenses continue to rise, many parents are forced to make impossible choices. Add that to our current economic conditions with inflation and high gas prices and it’s just the perfect storm.”
Adams said the community has responded to help neighbors facing food insecurity.
“Our community has been stepping up for two decades and I know that kindness will come through this summer,” he said. “Yes, the need is growing, but so is the opportunity for our community to come together and make a real difference.”
Common Heart is calling on the community to support this year’s summer hunger relief efforts through donations, volunteer service and advocacy.
“Every act of kindness matters,” Adams said. “Whether it’s a financial gift, volunteering, hosting a food drive or sharing our social media posts to spread awareness, our community has the power to ensure that families are fed this summer and hope remains
County maintains property tax rate
fiscal responsibility of our staff and this board of commissioners as we balance community needs with our commitment to taxpayers.” County Manager Brian Matthews previously presented budget recommendations maintaining core services without raising taxes for residents and businesses.
“After a year of changing revenue, we have returned to a more normal and stable revenue environment,” Matthews said. “We have planned carefully and made the needed adjustments to our spending to keep the county on solid ground. This budget is built on fiscal discipline to
allow us to meet our community’s needs and support growth without a tax rate increase.”
The total operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, of $664,310,307 is allocated as follows:
• General Government Fund:
$230,811,196
• General Government Debt Budgetary Fund: $7,515,567
• Education Budgetary Fund:
$176,144,338
• Education Debt Fund:
$53,278,644
Fighting summer hunger
Monroe tries to reverse I-77 vote
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Monroe City Council
member James Kerr didn’t waste any time making his presence known June 17 during the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization meeting.
Moments after being introduced as Monroe’s alternate member, Kerr made a motion that the CRTPO add to its agenda an item to reconsider its May 20 vote that rescinded support of the I-77 South Express Lanes project.
Fifteen municipalities supported the motion but it failed due to weighted votes of Charlotte as well as opposition from Davidson, Matthews and Mecklenburg County.
One factor motivating communities to reconsider their vote is a draft amendment to a bill that would require local governments to reimburse the state for removing projects from regional transportation plans.
Ed Driggs, of the Charlotte City Council, said he didn’t support the motion because he wasn’t sure the outcome of the vote would be different from the previous month.
“I’ve been advised by a source in Raleigh that the towns that voted to change their position would not be included in the recovery process,” Driggs told CRTPO colleagues. “I think it was sufficient, based on what I’m told, that you took the action that you did without the CRTPO having to vote and you having to cast a vote different from your last one.”
Kerr said he thought it would beneficial to the board to have more input on the item.
Leigh Altman, of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, voted against Kerr’s motion to the agenda. Altman believed members would have ample opportunity to talk about the topic without having a vote.
Tony Long, of the Mint Hill Board of Commissioners, said he supported the vote because his board would like to revisit the issue.
“I have been in touch with the people in Raleigh in the last hour and I’d probably
The community has helped Common Heart meet the growing demand for donations. Photo courtesy of Common Heart
Helms
Kerr
Driggs
South Piedmont proud of grads
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College congratulates the Class of 2026 at Union County Early College Class of 2026 on its outstanding achievements.
Located on South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway campus, the Early College gives students the opportunity to simultaneously earn their high school diplomas and college credit. This helps students accelerate their education while reducing the cost.
This year’s results highlight the impact of that partnership.
During the 2025-26 academic year, 96% of Union County Early College students earned transferable college credit through
South Piedmont, an increase from 88% just two years ago.
Union County Early College reported just 17 course failures and 10 course withdrawals during the 2025-26 academic year, an improvement from 127 failures and 109 withdrawals in 2021-22.
The Class of 2026 achieved another milestone, with 94% of graduates earning an associate degree from South Piedmont before receiving their high school diplomas – the highest percentage in the school’s history.
The school also recorded its largest number of students earning academic certificates, according to Principal Michael Murray.
“These outcomes demonstrate what is possible when students are supported by dedicated educators, engaged families and strong institutional partnerships,” said Travis Teague, chief academic officer at South Piedmont. “We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the Union County Early College students and grateful for our partnership with Union County Public Schools.”
The partnership provides students with opportunities to earn college credentials, transfer to four-year universities, and enter the workforce with a competitive advantage.
Budd opposes punishing communities for I-77 vote
Iby Laura Budd State Representative
represent House District 103, a portion of which is included within the proposed I-77 South Express Lanes corridor. Elected officials share a collective responsibility to build and preserve public trust, and I want to set out in writing that I publicly oppose any attempt by the General Assembly to punish those municipalities which voted to rescind authority to move forward at this time with the I-77 South Express Lanes project.
While the history of how we arrived at the current moment is important, it is of immediate urgency that those of us in leadership define the values we want North Carolinians to believe that our government stands for. I acknowledge the frustrations on the part of the state-level authorities engaged in this project. I also understand and respect the role of local elected leaders and the significant concerns regarding the project that prompted the Charlotte
City Council vote on May 11 followed by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization vote on May 20.
It is the announcement on June 11, however, that demands attention. A member of the State Senate has asked that language be inserted into the state budget that would single out and punish Charlotte-Mecklenburg and any municipality that voted to withdraw its approval for the I-77 South Project. Such a response should concern anyone in a position of leadership, and we must stand up and speak out against conduct that is not only unlawful, but it is the antithesis of respect for the democratic processes.
As a Charlotte Mecklenburg resident since 2002, and a State Representative since 2022, I am well-acquainted with the difficulty of developing and executing a strategy that balances the dual objectives
of providing a business and growth-oriented environment while simultaneously preserving a community’s culture, history and way of life. Historically, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has served as North Carolina’s leader in modeling policies of respect and progress while simultaneously maintaining a strong supportive relationship with its business community partners. This partnership has served us well in that we are North Carolina’s economic powerhouse. It is unfortunate that local governments and the business community were unable to reach an agreement regarding how to address the I-77 South Project. What is unacceptable, however, is responding to that disagreement with punitive and potentially unlawful provisions inserted into an already overdue state budget. Such actions threaten both the state and our local economies, chill free speech and disrespect democracy. It is clear the current situation is emotionally intense for all sides, yet moments of disagreement are precisely when
3 REASONS
thoughtful leadership matters most. Decisions with longterm consequences should be grounded in sound public policy, not frustration or emotion. North Carolina is watching how we on the state level respond to the situation. Do we reply reactively or do we respond thoughtfully?
The path we choose will shape far more than the future of the I-77 South Project. It will define the relationship between Raleigh and Charlotte-Mecklenburg for decades to come, as well as profoundly influence Raleigh’s relationship with other municipalities. If we are committed to building and preserving the public’s trust in us as representatives of the State, elected or appointed, we must reject efforts to punish local governments for exercising their democratic authority. Leadership requires us to defend the integrity of our democratic institutions, even if one disagrees with the decisions they produce.
Laura Budd represents District 103 in the N.C. House of Representatives.
Budd
Experience nationally award-winning care at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center.
Only 24 hospitals nationwide earn the Everest Award and Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center is one of them.
In fact, we’ve now earned it two years in a row.
We’re also a 2026 100 Top Hospital, ranking #2 in the nation among small community hospitals.
Out of more than 2,500 hospitals, this recognition comes down to one thing: better care. That means fewer complications, fewer readmissions and stronger patient outcomes.
Get better care from our award-winning team that delivers it every day.
Monroe reaffirms support for I-77 South project
MONROE – The Monroe City Council voted June 17 to reaffirm the city’s support for the I-77 South Toll Lane Project and to direct its delegate to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization to seek reconsideration of the board’s May 20 vote where the board rescinded support for the project.
The city first backed the project in 2016, when council voted unanimously to support the CRTPO strategy for the region, including the I-77 project. The city has held that position for nearly a decade.
On May 20, the CRTPO board voted to rescind its support for the project’s funding agreement.
Monroe City Council voted unanimously on a series of actions:
• Reaffirming the city’s support for the CRTPO plan, including the I-77 South project.
• Directing the city’s CRTPO delegate to make a motion at the CRTPO meeting to reconsider the board’s May 20 action.
• Appointing an alternate delegate to serve on the CRTPO when the primary delegate is unavailable. Council Member James Kerr was named to the role. Council then adopted Resolution R-2026-43, which formally
VOTE
(continued from page 1A)
respectfully disagree with Mr. Driggs,” Long said. “Mint Hill supports moving forward.”
Robert Carney, of the Cornelius Board of Commissioners, supported adding the vote.
“A lot has happened since that last vote took place,” Carney said. “I think there were comments prior that we needed to further investigate and further discuss. I think that is incredibly important.”
Weddington Mayor Jim Bell and Waxhaw Mayor Robert Murray III also supported adding the vote to the agenda.
reaffirms the city’s support for the project, by a vote of 6 to 1.
Mayor Robert Burns and Council members James Kerr, Franco McGee, David Dotson and Julie Thompson voted in favor. Mayor Pro Tem Surluta Anthony voted against the resolution. Council Member Gary Anderson was physically absent and was not formally excused; under council’s rules, his vote is recorded in the affirmative.
Anthony had an appointment and asked Kerr to attend in her place. Council also voted to send City Attorney Richard Long to the meeting to assist as needed.
The CRTPO board convened June 17 with an update on the I-77 project on its agenda. Kerr did as directed by making the motion for the CRTPO to reconsider its May 20 action but the motion did not have enough support.
State legislation
Monroe City Manager Mark Watson presented council with information June 17 about a draft amendment to House Bill 1094 in the N.C. General Assembly.
The draft, offered by Sen. Vickie Sawyer (District 37), would require local governments that vote to remove transportation
“One of the comments I made last month was by voting to rescind, we were opening a potential can of worms filled with unknowns,” Murray said. “In the last month, I think a lot of us have been educated on what some of those unknowns are, and we’re discovering the chickens are coming home to roost potentially, I think a new discussion with a new vote may be necessary.”
Matthews Mayor John Higdon preferred CRTPO members address the issue during the agenda item devoted to the I-77
South Express Lanes update.
“All the information can come out,” Higdon said. “Everybody can speak so there’s no need to
projects from a regional planning organization’s plan to reimburse the N.C. Department of Transportation for project development costs already incurred. The draft would apply retroactively to actions taken on or after Jan. 1.
As drafted, the amendment also directs NCDOT to withhold State Aid to Municipalities, known as Powell Bill funding, and to pause new transportation projects until any required reimbursement is made.
The City of Monroe receives about $1.3 million in Powell Bill funds each year, which support the operations of the streets division and the city’s paving program. If those funds were withheld or applied toward a required reimbursement, city street and paving work could be affected.
The draft amendment may be considered in the Senate Transportation Committee this week. It has not been presented yet for discussion or passed by the legislature into law, and its final form and impact remain uncertain. The city said it expects additional information in the coming days and will continue to monitor the legislation.
vote tonight.”
Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox agreed with Driggs, Altman and Higdon.
“Putting this up for vote tonight has not given us any opportunity for enlightenment or additional information at this time,” he said.
David Jones, of the Statesville City Council, reiterated a comment he made last month that the CRTPO made a hasty decision after Charlotte and Mecklenburg County discussed the project their boards but the other communities did not have that opportunity.
“Here we are coming back and saying we want to reconsider and talk about this vote and the impacts of this vote,” Jones said.
BUDGET
(continued from page 1A)
• Economic Development Budgetary Fund: $2,962,119
• Water & Wastewater Operating Fund: $100,683,421
• Solid Waste Operating Fund: $16,275,425
Key investments in the budget include:
• Funding for one new school resource officer position to ensure every Union County Public Schools school has one
• New Education & Military
Incentive Program supports Union County Sheriff’s Office recruitment and retention
• $800,000 for Emergency Medical Services for continued expansion and enhancement of Basic Life Support capabilities
• $556,000 for land acquisition to help recruit new industries and expand the commercial tax base
• $5.6 million increase in general operating funding for UCPS
• $3.8 million in contingency funds for potential stipends for UCPS teachers and teacher assistants pending the board of education signing an interlocal agreement to ensure
“I think it’s foolish to say, ‘nope, we don’t need to revote this. We need to move on.’ Here we are. We got several municipalities who are coming back to the table saying, ‘Wait a minute. We’ve got some further information that we foresee’ but yet, no we’re not going to reconsider. I think it’s an opportunity for further discussion and deliberation to understand the impacts of a decision that was made last month.”
CRTPO Chairman Brad Richardson, of the Stallings Town Council, had Kerr restate his motion: “Reconsider the May 20, 2026, vote of this board to rescind its support of the October 2024 resolution passed by CRTPO
classroom teachers receive the increased stipend
• $20.9 million to fully fund the UCPS operational capital request
• $4.8 million in general operating funding for South Piedmont Community College
The budget includes a 7.25% water rate increase to help fund a future expansion at the Catawba River Water Supply Project and other master plan projects and a 6% sewer rate increase to help fund sewer plan projects.
The increases reflect the final year of a three-year water and sewer rate plan the board previously approved to expand and maintain adequate water and sewer infrastructure for our customers.
“The county worked hard to create a budget that puts our community first without raising taxes,” said Jason May, director of budget and grants management. “By practicing fiscal responsibility, we can continue to support our schools, strengthen public safety and grow our local economy. This plan ensures we stay on a steady path for the future while being responsible with your tax dollars.”
related to the P3 delivery model of the I-77 South project.”
Kerr’s intention was for the discussion to lead to a vote but Richardson exerted his authority as CRTPO chairman.
“The chair wouldn’t allow that,” Richardson said. “The chair would allow the board to vote to add it to the agenda. That’s what we’re talking about now. The vote later would be to direct the board to reconsider. To Mr. Jones’ point, I’m not sure that anyone comes tonight prepared to speak for their entire board.”
Richardson asked that a vote be held on a future date. Kerr accepted that as a friendly amendment.
MINUTES FROM BALLANTYNE
MODERN, ELEVATED LIVING
Mix up the everyday
FEATURE IMPACT
Mplanning
Club It Up
Joining
For example, this savory, meat-free Lubiyeh recipe just may become a new household favorite. Featuring stewed green beans simmered in a vegan broth with the added kick of Aleppo pepper and sweet red pepper paste, it’s both bright and rich, and pairs well with rice, lavash or thin pita with a smattering of raw onions for a little extra punch.
Simplify Cleanup
Once the cookbooks have been shelved and the plates have been cleared, tackle the cleaning jobs with an option like the new Finish Ultimate Quantum –their breakthrough dishwashing detergent with Finish’s most advanced formula yet – offering an unbeatable clean even on tough stains in hard water (220 PPM).
This grandma-approved technique can help you conquer clean dishes, so it makes sense to switch.
Veg Out If meat is in constant rotation at your house, consider rotating in a Meatless Monday meal like pasta primavera, or celebrate your own version of Taco Tuesday with bean- or lentil-based tacos instead of chicken, pork or beef. Opting for vegetarian or vegan meals utilizing hearty veggies like squash, eggplant and potatoes can help you save money at the grocery store and nourish your body with hearthealthy nutrients.
Grow a Garden
Starting a garden may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can begin with a few herbs growing on a windowsill before embarking on a bigger outdoor gardening project, where transforming a small patch of earth for growing vegetables, herbs or berry bushes can be just the thing to elevate eating at home.
To learn more, visit finishdishwashing.com.
DINING SCORES
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
YMCA to sell Morrison property for $42.5M
CHARLOTTE –
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s board of directors has approved entering into a $42.5 million Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Morrison YMCA property.
The buyer, Moments of Hope Church, plans to redevelop the property into its new home, expanding its ministry through community outreach initiatives such as sports programming and a possible future school.
The Morrison YMCA
(continued
will remain open and fully operational through the anticipated closing in summer 2027. All programs, services, camps and member offerings will continue as scheduled during this time. Community partners that lease space within the facility will have the opportunity to continue to operate as usual through the anticipated closing date.
The YMCA said it remains committed to serving families in Ballantyne and across South Charlotte.
Members at the Morrison center will continue to have access to all YMCA locations, including nearby Sara’s YMCA in Ballantyne as well as Brace YMCA, Hemby Program Center and Harris YMCA.
As planning continues, the YMCA plans to offer many of the programs currently available at Morrison through nearby YMCA centers or other alternative neighborhood locations.
Additional details about
how and where those programs and services will be delivered will be shared in the coming months.
Leaders from the Morrison YMCA and the Morrison Advisory Board will play a role in reimagining how the Y can best serve that area.
In addition, a portion of the sale proceeds will be reinvested in a broader South Charlotte strategy that includes expanding program capacity, enhancing nearby YMCA facilities and developing additional communitybased programming for local members and families.
“We know the Morrison YMCA has been a meaningful place for many members, families and staff,” said Sue Glass, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
“We are approaching this transition with care and respect for the relationships built there. While this decision represents a significant change, it also creates an opportunity to strengthen how we serve communities across our region in the years ahead.”
The Morrison sale is accelerating several priorities identified through YMCA’s strategic plan, including projects at the Johnston YMCA, Stratford Richardson YMCA, Harris YMCA and Hemby Program Center, with additional investments planned across its network of centers.
At the Johnston YMCA campus in NoDa, the YMCA is pursuing a redevelopment approach that preserves its presence in the neighborhood while modernizing and strengthening the center.
The Y will continue to own and operate the main facility, and a recently secured $5 million federal appropriation will help support future improvements and further strengthen the campus as a vibrant gathering space for NoDa families and residents, officials said.
“Strong stewardship requires bold decisions and long-term thinking,” said Jeff Brown, chair of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Board of Directors and Partner at Moore & Van
Allen. “Our board is committed to investing in the people, programs and facilities that make the YMCA such an integral part of our community. As we build on more than 150 years of service to the Charlotte region, we are honoring the Y’s legacy while positioning it to meet the needs of future generations.”
As part of this longterm reinvestment strategy, the YMCA is in the early stages of a comprehensive campaign designed to support the next chapter of its mission and impact across Greater Charlotte.
The Morrison sale is an instrumental step toward that vision, officials said.
“Our mission depends on organizational strength,” Glass said. “To scale our impact, we need strong centers, strong teams and strong financial stewardship. This work is about building a YMCA that is ready for the next generation of Charlotte –one that is deeply connected to community need and positioned to deliver longterm impact for families across our region.”
Sr. Sales Representative - SIBP, Continental Tire The Americas, LLC, Fort Mill, SC: Solicit bus. w/ established dealers & end users in the material handling, earthmoving & port segments w/in area of geographic resp. (MI, IN, & OH).
100% telecomm permitted in MI, OH or IN. Domestic travel req. up to 75%.
To Apply, email resume w/ 242519 in subject line to Recruitment.Tire@conti-na.com.
Kaizen Software Systems Inc. (Charlotte, NC) seeks:
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Charlotte Area Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Coffee with the Chamber and a ribbon cutting.
• Members mingle during Coffee with the Chamber from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. June 23 at Coast Personnel Services, 9813 South Blvd., Charlotte. Members get in free. Others pay $5. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting of Fit To Page Marketing and Print from 2 to 4 p.m. June 24 at 322 W. 32nd St., Charlotte. Register in advance. Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Mint Hill Chamber events
MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts Business After Hours and a Women’s Networking Breakfast.
• Members network during Business After Hours from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 23 at Empire Pizza, 7024 Brighton Park Drive, Mint Hill. Register in advance.
• Adlore Casseus, of The Ascend Revenue Group, speaks at the Women’s Networking Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. June 25 at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Ambassadors meet up for a meeting from 4:30 to 6 p.m. June 30 at Shep’s Bar & Grill, 8111 Fairview Road, Mint Hill. Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Pineville NC Chamber events
PINEVILLE – The Pineville NC Chamber of Commerce hosts the Chamber Monthly Networking Social.
• Members mingle during the Chamber Monthly Networking Social from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 25 at Dave & Buster’s, 11049 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville. Register in advance. Visit pinevillencchamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber events
MONROE – The Union County Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2026 Safety Awards Banquet.
• The chamber hosts the 2026 Safety Awards Banquet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25 at Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe. Members pay $30. Others pay $40. Register in advance.
Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Soft. Engr.: Dev. & maint. web apps using JavaScript, Python, React & Node.js. Agile envt. MS in CS/CE or rel. + 1 yr exp req. Freq. travl. DevOps Engr.: Design & manage cloud infra w/ AWS & Terraform. MS in CS/CE or rel. + 1 yr exp req. Freq. travl. Apply: nirav.patel@kaizensoftwaresystems.com . EOE.
Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC in Charlotte, NC seeks Net. Eng. Lead w/ Bach. or frgn. eqv. in Mgmt. Info. Syst., Comp. Sci., or other tech. rel. fld. & 5 yr exp. as a Net. Eng. Lead or sub. sim. pos. 100% telecommuting permitted anywhere in the US (some states excluded). Salary: $149,000 - $160,000/yr. Actual base sal. may vary based upon, but not ltd. to, rel. exp., time in role, base sal., internal peers, prior perf., bus. sector, & geo. loc. In addition to base sal., the competitive comp. pkg. may incl., depending on the role, participation in an incentive prog. linked to perf. (for ex., ann. discretionary bonus prog., or other ann. or non-ann. incentive or sales plans). Send resume to Alison.McGlincy@allspringglobal.com (Ref. No. 3851).
Wingate University expands nursing program
WINGATE – Wingate
University’s nursing program is expanding. It recently received a $15,000 grant that will make it easier to accommodate the increase in student numbers.
The university received approval this month from the North Carolina Board of Nursing to increase its enrollment from 69 to 80 students. The increase will occur for the fall 2026 semester, with 11 students coming off the waitlist, increasing the juniorclass enrollment to 46. Wingate will have 34 senior nursing students this academic year.
Also this month, Wingate received a grant from the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers to develop a clinical
instructor partnership with FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Richmond in Rockingham. FirstHealth and Wingate have established a dedicated education unit at the hospital, which means that Wingate students have priority access to clinical opportunities there. All nursing students do clinical rotations, and starting this fall, an experienced FirstHealth Moore nurse will serve as a clinical instructor for eight senior students. The students will get hands-on, immersive instruction in medical, surgical and emergency-care clinical settings.
Nursing is a growing profession, and prior to the
Weddington mayor calls for ideas on I-77
by Jim Bell
Weddington Mayor
As I’ve sat here, I’ve listened to everybody’s comments, even the ones who oppose the project. I don’t disagree with some of your comments.
I don’t like tolls. I totally agree. Spending all this money going back and forth, I totally agree with you, (Davidson) Mayor (Rusty) Knox, that doing nothing is not an option with the speed of the growth of this city and this region. It’s just crazy. We’ve got to do something.
I don’t want us to lose the money that we have from the state. But I know it’s hard for us when Charlotte and Mecklenburg County seem to have the voting power to outvote us, no matter what we want. I get how that works.
My thing is this: I still feel, and I said it last time, this can be a win-win for all of us. It can be a win for the residents that come up here. It can be a win for the county, for the city and for the region.
We just need to roll up our sleeves, as the expression goes, and work on it. I don’t want to see us lose this opportunity. We’ve worked way too hard and too long on this.
So my question is: If you don’t
like this, bring something to the table. Come up with some ideas. I think we’re all open to that.
I don’t see anybody here saying, “No, I don’t want anything.”
I think we all agree that there needs to be something done. So I challenge everyone here on this board to come up with some ideas. Let’s not lose that funding that we have. Whether there’s a P3 or something else, let’s come up with some ideas to make this happen because this city and this region need this. I think we can all work together on this.
From what I’ve heard, everybody’s had some great ideas, and I hear everybody’s comments. Again, I don’t like the expense of tolls, especially going to an outside foreign entity, that kind of thing. I think we can do it. I think we can work on this.
I’d like to see Charlotte, the council and the county come back with some ideas and say, “Hey, we haven’t thought about this. Let’s think outside the box and we can make this thing happen.”
I’m just leaving it as a challenge to primarily you guys who really control the board.
Weddington Mayor Jim Bell made these remarks June 17 during the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization meeting regarding the I-77 South Express Lanes project.
2025-26 academic year, Wingate for the first time had a waitlist (of six students). This year, the waitlist grew to 15. Increasing the enrollment to a total of 80 students means that more students will need to do clinical rotations. Currently, Wingate’s nursing program works with students to find clinical opportunities on an ad hoc basis.
“The agreement with FirstHealth provides us with clinical stability and the ability to increase our numbers,” said Dr. Michele Pfaff, director of Wingate’s nursing program.
“This grant allows us to partner with FHMRH-Richmond to expand our available clinical sites while upskilling their employees
as clinical instructors,” said Dr. Karen Friel, vice president for the Levine College of Health Sciences and dean of the health professions. “This forwardthinking model is just what we need as we look to expand our cohort size and can serve as a model for implementation elsewhere as well.”
For FirstHealth, the partnership brings potential nursing employees to its hospital. Healthcare facilities in small, rural areas, such as Richmond County, have a more difficult time filling provider positions than those in larger areas. Bringing in clinical students can help entice nurses to work in those areas.
“The Dukes, the Atriums, the
UNC Chapel Hills, they’ve got plenty of students,” Pfaff said, “but when you get out to the rural community hospitals, they don’t have as many students coming there.”
Wingate will also develop a rural-health educational module that all nursing students will be required to complete.
“They’re going to see different patients out in the ER in Rockingham than they’re going to see at CMC Main,” Pfaff said.
FirstHealth Moore Hospital –Richmond is about a 50-minute drive from the Wingate campus, which is comparable to the drive time to many of the clinical sites now in use by the university.
Ready to turn coal into diamonds?
by Bryan Golden Columnnist
Who wouldn’t rather have a diamond than a piece of coal? But diamonds don’t materialize out of thin air. Every diamond starts out as a piece of coal. Given enough time, heat and pressure, the coal is transformed into a precious gem.
The process can’t be rushed. There are no shortcuts. That’s why diamonds are much scarcer than coal and substantially more valuable. Even though coal has a lot of unrealized potential, diamonds are a known quantity. Are you a diamond or a piece of coal? You are a diamond if you are constantly striving to maximize and realize your potential. You’re a piece of coal if you tend to follow the easiest, most expedient path.
A person who is a diamond, earns more money, has more opportunity, is more in demand and stands out from the crowd more than their coal counterparts. The benefits of being a diamond far exceed the effort required to become one.
Anyone can transform themselves into a diamond. So why doesn’t everyone become diamonds? Because it takes effort, persistence and time. Without effort, nothing will happen. Without persistence, a person will give up. Without allowing enough time, there will be no results.
Too many people have a lotto
3. Find Support in Your Community Many local humane societies and rescue groups offer resources that make pet care more accessible, including low-cost vaccinations, spay and neuter services and discounted supplies. For seniors, local Meals on Wheels providers can be important resources. With support from PetSmart Charities, many local providers offer free pet food and, in some cases, services like veterinary care and grooming. To date, 20 million pet meals have been delivered through this collaboration, helping keep pets healthy and in loving homes with older adults.
4. Plan Ahead for Unexpected Costs
Even with routine care, unexpected illnesses or injuries can happen – and costs can add up. The PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care research revealed 52% of pet parents skipped or declined veterinary care services in 2025, with the majority citing cost as the key barrier. Pet insurance can help manage risk. Most policies reimburse a percentage of covered veterinary costs after you meet a deductible, helping offset unexpected bills. Plans vary, but average monthly premiums are around $60 for dogs and $30 for cats. It’s also
mentality where they want results without putting in the requisite work. These people would be happy to become diamonds if there was a quick shortcut that provided instant results. Others are willing to do what it takes to get what they want.
William worked as a framer for a residential construction firm. William had a decent income along with steady work. He definitely lived comfortably. But William wanted more opportunity and growth. After 10 years of doing the same job, he was becoming frustrated.
William didn’t have time or energy to go back to school. Yet he had a desire to better himself. So, William did the one thing he had been taught to do when he needed information. He went to the library. Spending just 30 minutes a day, William read book after book on all facets of the construction trade.
In less than a year, William learned about plumbing, electrical, masonry, roofing, project management, building codes and accounting. Along the way, he began to offer suggestions to his boss, Todd, on ways to cut costs by being more efficient and reducing waste.
William’s ideas saved Todd a lot of money. Although William didn’t get paid for his suggestions, he kept making them. The real estate market started to heat up and Todd’s business began expanding. Todd offered William a position as a project manager
which William was happy to accept.
Carol worked as a night stocker for a large national discount retail chain. Every shelf she stocked was always perfectly arranged when she was done. Carol even straightened up all of the adjoining displays as well. Wherever she walked in the store, she picked up merchandise from the floor, putting it back in the proper location. On Thursdays, Ed, the district merchandiser, arrived at the store just as Carol finished her shift. Even though Carol had clocked out, she would stay and help Ed set up product displays. After a few months, Carol had learned a lot about store merchandising. When Ed received a promotion, he recommended Carol as his replacement. It was unusual for a night stocker to be promoted directly to a merchandiser. Carol’s supervisor gave her such a glowing recommendation that she got the position. How can you become a diamond? Unlock your potential. Free yourself from limitations. Don’t write off your dreams as unattainable. There is always a way. Put in the effort, never give up and allow enough time for the results you want.
Bryan Golden is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Contact Bryan at Bryan@ columnist.com or visit www. DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2026 Bryan Golden
starting point is the feeding guidelines on your pet food label, adjusting as needed with your veterinarian’s input.
