20
02 – 202
24
INSIDE ▼ Man faces death by distribution charges
6
PAGE 3A Friday, July 24, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 29
thecharlotteweekly.com/ucweekly
@ucweekly
Jail proposal heads to ballot
MONROE – Union County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution July 20 to place a general obligation bond referendum on the Nov. 3 election ballot. The referendum will ask voters whether to authorize financing for the construction of a new detention center. The proposed project includes construction of a new
detention center with about 500 beds and repurposing the existing administrative building connected to the current jail for staff training and operational support. Union County’s jail was built in 1994 under a federal court order and operates over capacity. The jail has significant mechanical and structural issues, no room for expansion, and it is
becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. County leaders have determined that renovating the current jail would cost about the same as replacing it, making a new facility the more practical long-term solution. “It’s been well documented the condition of our jail. It’s not a question of whether Union County needs a new jail. It becomes a question of what’s
the more affordable way to make that happen,” Commissioner Brian Helms said. “Our board has had lots of discussion about what the financing model would look like, and by putting this out to the voters to decide, not only do you solicit the input from the people, but you also pave the way for more affordable options in the long-term cost of the project.” General obligation bonds
McGee Corporation returning to Monroe
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Under the Sea Students present Disney classic, 3A
Aashi Rachhadia said she learned while researching for her first book that many skin conditions, including skin cancer caused by UV exposure, are heavily influenced by childhood habits. She wanted to pass on what she learned to others. Photo courtesy of Aashi Rachhadia
Pitching In Monroe crews help nearby city, 3A
PASSION PROJECT Teen promotes skin health after writing first kids' book
Smooth Ride? Summit explores area transportation, 3A
WAXHAW – Aashi Rachhadia has not only published a children’s book about skin health, but the Marvin Ridge High School student has also promoted sun safety at events in Mecklenburg and Union counties. Aashi released “Skintastic Adventures” in September 2025 through Amazon. The 49-page book consists of five chapters, including
“Olivia and Her Makeup Journey” and “Tommy and His Eczema Struggles.” “When I was younger, I watched my mom and sister go through struggles with their skin health,” Aashi said. “Seeing their experiences firsthand made me realize that skin health is important and can affect people of all see AUTHOR, Page 3A
Outside of writing, Aashi Rachhadia has also participated in track and served as marketing director for her Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
6-year-old qualifies for motocross race INDIAN TRAIL – At just 6 years old, Laikyn Lucas is already making a name for herself in the world of motocross. Laikyn will line up soon at Loretta L y n n ’ s Ranch in Hurricane M i l l s , Lucas Te n n e s s e e , where she will compete against some of the fastest young riders in the nation in one of amateur motocross’s most prestigious championships. Laikyn’s path to get there began when she first climbed
are backed by the county’s credit and taxing authority and are commonly used by local governments to finance major capital projects. If voters approve the bond referendum, the property tax rate could increase by an estimated 3.11 cents. Owners of a home valued at $400,000 would pay about $124.40 more in annual property taxes.
onto a dirt bike at just 3 years old. What started as a fun family activity quickly turned into a passion. She spent countless hours learning the fundamentals of riding. Although she has been riding for several years, Laikyn only began competitive racing six months ago. She has steadily improved in that short span, earning the results needed to qualify for the amateur motocross championship. Those who know Laikyn describe her as determined, fearless and always eager to improve. Whether she’s practicing at local tracks or preparing for race day, she approaches every ride with
Laikyn Lucas has been riding dirt bikes since she was 3. She’s been racing competitively for six months. Photo courtesy of Taylor Lucas
enthusiasm and a smile. Laikyn hopes to inspire other young girls to chase their dreams in motocross. For Laikyn and her family, qualifying for the race at
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is already a dream come true. But as the gate drops, the young racer will give it her all against the fastest kids in the country.
MONROE – Monroe City Council approved a Level IV Economic Development Incentive Grant on July 14 for McGee Corporation. The economic development project will bring the company’s operations back to the city where it started, with a planned $40 million investment. McGee Corporation plans to build a new 350,000-square-foot facility that includes 45,000 square feet of office space, a 30,000-square-foot truck maintenance and wash facility, and a 100,000-square-foot steel fabrication building. The project sits on roughly 60 acres adjacent to Monroe Corporate Center, on property currently owned by Union County that will convert to taxable status once the sale closes. The company will retain all 164 of its current employees and add new positions over the five-year grant period, with roughly 32 new jobs anticipated within the first two to three years. Average annual pay for the combined workforce is projected at $62,000. McGee Corporation will also become a new city utility customer for energy, water, sewer and gas service. “This is exactly the kind of project we want to see in Monroe,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “McGee Corporation already calls Union County home, and instead of growing somewhere else, they’re choosing to grow here. That’s good for our tax base, good for our workforce and good for the City of Monroe.” Under the Level IV grant, McGee Corporation is eligible for up to $748,000 after 2028 based on performance. Based on current projections, the project is expected to generate about $176,000 in annual city ad valorem tax revenue once fully built. McGee Corporation was founded in Monroe in 1961, when Richard McGee started the business with his father, working out of a garage. Richard McGee, now 83, still runs the company with his sons Kevin, Todd and Swede. McGee Corporation relocated to Stallings in 1986 and has operated there since. “My father, Richard McGee, started this company in Monroe with his father, in his garage,” said Swede McGee. “It’s a great company that we are proud to have as a family business. We have a family culture, and we’re looking to bring it back to Monroe. We never left the county … but we’re excited about this journey.” The firm serves convenience and grocery stores, car washes, automotive retailers and other companies by providing canopy systems, structural steel components and design engineering services. On the web: DevelopMonroe.com