Union County Weekly

Union County

Serving Indian Trail, Marvin, Stallings, Waxhaw, Weddington and Wesley Chapel

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 12; Rev. Tony, 16; Summer Camps, 18; Calendar, 22; Sports, 24; Classifieds, 27

Volume 10, Number 6 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 Locally Owned & Operatedwww.unioncountyweekly.comA waiting lane

Ryan Pitkin/UCW photo

New I-485 lanes look ready for drivers, but state says they’ll have to wait

by Ryan [email protected]

While the expansion of Interstate 485 has created some rush-hour relief on the southwestern part of the highway, extra lanes built by the North Carolina Depart-ment of Transportation (NCDOT) to be opened well in the future have created unrest among some drivers.

When NCDOT opened a lane on each side of I-485 between Interstate 77 and Rea Road in December, it became clear to drivers that the department actually constructed twice that amount, with another lane to be saved for use as a toll lane that won’t open for another five

(see I-485 on page 11)

Teenage entrepreneur launches bow tie business from Waxhaw home

Marvin Ridge graduate auditions for ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’

by Hannah [email protected]

Brandon Etheridge was a sopho-more at Marvin Ridge High School when his love of bow ties spurred an idea that would make him one of the area’s youngest entrepreneurs. Two years later, Etheridge launched “Deck Head” – a company featuring the world’s first patent-approved interchangeable bow tie.

Deck Head bow ties are sold in halves so con-sumers can mix and match differ-ent patterns and colors to create a unique look.

While designer bow ties like Ralph Lauren

and Vineyard Vines average $60 to $85 per bow tie, Deck Head’s 100 percent silk bow ties are available

for purchase in packs of three bow tie halves creating six differ-ent looks for $75 – averaging just $12.50 per combination.

“When I was at Marvin Ridge, I was really into bow ties and I loved wearing them,” Etheridge said. “I came into a problem, though, because if you only have a few traditional bow ties and you wear them over and over again, it doesn’t have the same effect when people see you wearing them regularly.

“The only alternative is buying a

new bow tie and that’s a very expen-sive decision if you keep buying new ones. I thought, ‘There has to be a better way.’ I started research-ing ways to make a cost-effective bow tie with a fresh look.”

Etheridge called on his family and friends to help make his idea of an interchangeable bow tie a real-ity. He began picking out fabric at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store in Gastonia and spent hours at his grandmoth-er’s house making his first batch

(see Deck Head on page 4)

Brandon Etheridge

2015

• Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Union County Weekly www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • www.unioncountyweekly.com

News

WEDDINGTON – A letter from the Wesley Chapel Volunteer Fire Department (WCFD) to Weddington officials regarding a proposed consolidation between two depart-ments that serve the town has given some insight into what will be the talking points during upcoming negotiations.

The letter, which lists WCFD’s goals, talk-ing points and non-negotiable points regard-ing a consolidation with Providence Volun-teer Fire Department (PVFD), caused some concerns among officials at PVFD who felt it was a premature action in lieu of any meet-ings between the two departments.

WCFD Chief Steven McLendon, how-ever, said the letter was only meant to list points to be discussed in the coming months and even the “non-negotiable” points may change as discussions between the two departments evolve.

“We had to have some baseline as we enter into discussions about a consolida-tion,” McLendon wrote in an email.

Jack Parks, president of PVFD, said that he was “disappointed” after reading the let-ter and he felt it came too early in the stages of negotiation. He said he was immedi-ately reminded of earlier efforts to merge the two departments, which have hap-pened as recently as five years ago, in which negotiations broke down amidst multiple

disagreements. “It’s that exact thing that caused the

departments not to merge last time around; there was no give,” Parks said. “We were try-ing to form a new, better fire department to better serve the community. As demon-strated in that letter, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of interest in that. There’s only interest in preserving what they have, which I’m sure they’re proud of, but we’ve accomplished a lot too.”

Parks does remain hopeful, however, that McLendon and WCFD officials are still entering discussions with an open-mind, even regarding points listed as “non-negotia-ble” in the letter.

“I hope he’s right,” he said, referring to McLendon’s assurances that everything is still open for discussion. “I hope that maybe that letter was written in haste. Maybe they are willing to discuss and find ways to improve service rather than just come up with a list.”

PVFD Chief Kenny Schott said that his main concern discussed within the letter is in regards to staffing. The letter refers to keeping in-station personnel at each station 24/7 while implementing the new volunteer duty schedule (VDS) system at all three sta-tions – the WCFD currently has two stations and the PVFD has one.

The PVFD fought to place four full-time, paid firefighters in the station at all times during a 2012 agreement with Weddington,

in which the town implemented a municipal fire district, and Schott wants to be sure that the same standard remains under any new deal, he said.

“That is probably my biggest concern is staffing,” he said.

McLendon said that understanding the VDS system will be “key” to consolidation negotiations, and that it comes down to mak-ing sure highly qualified volunteers are avail-able to respond to any call in a consolidated district.

The two VDS firefighters, to be added to the two paid positions staffing each station, would need to be trained as one or a com-bination of the following: interior firefighter, driver operator or emergency medical tech-nician (EMT), McLendon said.

“If you have five people staffed on a fire truck, that looks great to the naked eye,” he said. “However, if only one of the five are EMTs, does that look as good when that truck arrives on a medical emergency? The VDS model helps manage this.”

WCFD currently operates under the VDS model, in which there are two paid firefight-ers at each station, two volunteers at each station and two volunteers on call, ready to respond to calls nearby in the district.

Some PVFD members and officials have expressed doubt that each WCFD is con-sistently staffed with four firefighters, and the topic will be an item for discussion at upcoming meetings.

As of Feb. 4, representatives of each depart-ment had not yet met, but were planning to do so in order to discuss financial details that PVFD has requested from WCFD and stra-tegic details like the VDS system.

Weddington Mayor Bill Deter, who has met with representatives of each depart-ment, said the town is ready to facilitate any upcoming discussions. Deter and coun-cilmember Barbara Harrison have planned to meet with officials with both departments on Feb. 17, to lay out details of how a con-solidation could save the town money.

Another goal of the meeting is to form a five-member executive committee, with two representatives from each department and a non-voting president, and a nine-member board consisting of five WCFD representa-tives, three PVFD representatives and a non-voting president. These groups will be tasked with designing a set of bylaws for any new department formed through consolidation, Deter said.

Deter said he is optimistic that an agree-ment for consolidation can be reached in this most recent round of discussions.

“A lot of it is driven by mistrust. When you bring two groups together, that’s a big part of it,” Deter said. “The roadblocks from the past in my mind have gone away and now we’re going to try to facilitate the new talks. There will always be problems real and imagined, but so far we’ve gotten positive responses from both sides.”

Merger talks between Weddington fire departments set to begin, distrust apparent earlyby Ryan Pitkin

[email protected]


News

of 3,600 Deck Head bow ties by hand.

After selling the first 3,600 through grassroots marketing quicker than expected, Etheridge said he realized Deck Head had a strong foundation that could grow exponentially. He then partnered with a manufacturer to produce the bow ties and began selling his bow ties in Silverfly, a boutique in Uptown Charlotte, and Casual Ele-gance, a boutique in Blakeney, to sell his product.

“We just began selling the Deck Head bow ties about three weeks ago, so we haven’t had them in the store very long,” said Chad Helms, store manager at Silverfly. “But they have beautiful patterns and great color combinations. January is slow for retailers, but once we get closer to spring when retail picks up again, I think they’re going to do very well.”

Etheridge’s biggest break came at the start of the NBA basketball season when the Charlotte Hornets Fan Shop placed an order of three multi-pack bow ties to test the prod-uct. The store immediately sold out and placed another order. They now regularly keep Deck Head bow ties available in the Fan Shop.

“Partnering with the Hornets Fan Shop was big for us,” he said. “Sales have been pretty good. A lot of it is getting our name out there and brand recognition. I like to think that there was something before Ralph Lauren, something before Vineyard Vines, something before Southern Tide. There will always be the next big thing, and we’re hoping that’s us.”

Etheridge is currently a freshman

at the University of South Carolina with hopes of entering the Marshall School of Business. He said with an education at South Carolina, he hopes to be able to grow Deck Head further.

The business currently advertises via social media and the Deck Head website, www.deckheadnc.com, which launched in January.

Next month, the young entrepre-neur will find out if he’ll have a shot at an investment from the panel on ABC’s hit entrepreneurial reality show “Shark Tank.” Etheridge has already passed through four rounds of auditions to be on the show.

“I think the future for Deck Head could be extremely bright,” he said. “The patent-approved interchange-able bow tie distinguishes it as a unique brand.

“I would encourage people, espe-cially in Union County, who are looking for gifts for Valentine’s Day or Father’s Day to help support Deck Head. I appreciate all the effort and support that’s gotten me to this point and I’m excited about the future.”

Visit www.deckheadnc.com for more information on Deck Head bow ties.

Deck Head(continued from page 1)

Marvin Ridge graduate Brandon Etheridge’s (seated) bowtie company, Deck Head, hopes to see a “Shark Tank” panel soon. Photo courtesy of Brandon Etheridge


News

The Union County Board of Com-missioners discussed concerns regard-ing a new development to be built in unincorporated Union County near Wesley Chapel and Indian Trail at its Monday, Feb. 2, meeting.

The development, Weddington Trace, will be built just west of the intersec-tion of Airport and Weddington roads. The site has already been approved for a 110-unit housing development, but Charlotte-based Hopper Communities is requesting a rezoning for the land that would allow the company to put denser housing into the approximately 75-acre plot of land.

The increase to 140 homes on the land raised some concern with commis-sioners and residents that the develop-ment would put more of a strain on the Sun Valley cluster of schools the devel-opment will feed into.

Kim Ormiston, who lives near the proposed development, addressed the board during a public hearing regard-ing the rezoning request. She asked the board to decline the addition of 30 houses to the development, pointing out that a lot across Weddington Road had already been approved for rezon-ing and would be built on in the near future. A 200-lot development was pro-posed there last week.

“About this time last year, we heard claims that municipalities were handing out building permits like candy, leading to overcrowding in schools, increased traffic and increased demand on water and sewer,” Ormiston said. “This deci-sion is wholly yours to own.”

Brian Matthews, executive direc-tor of planning for Union County, described the rezoning request to the board and said staff has communicated with school administration regarding the impact on area schools.

Representatives from Sun Valley High School told county staff there are no future capacity issues resulting from the new subdivision, although the school is expected to reach its “watch level,” where it would be in danger of reaching its peak capacity, in 2017, Matthews said.

Developers don’t expect to complete the new subdivision until 2018 at the earliest, he said.

Commissioner Lance Simpson voiced his concerns about setting a precedent by allowing denser housing in an area that is already hard pressed for school resources.

“I don’t have an issue with the 110 lots,” Simpson said. “My issue is with the cumulative effect of the denser zon-ing, when the county is paying $2,600 per student for school resources. When we see the ad valorem tax rates (from the projected homes), it doesn’t break even with what the county is spend-ing.”

J. Bart Hopper, founder of Hopper Communities, told commissioners at the meeting that any impact on schools would be minimum, and his smaller, denser homes would be more invit-ing to older couples without school-aged children than the bigger homes his company would build on the 110 lots that are currently projected to be built.

“A lot of it will be geared toward ‘empty nesters,’ folks who want to stay in Union County, but have smaller homes,” Hopper said. “You will see a lot more of that, than with the bigger homes that families move into.”

The rezoning request will presum-ably be discussed and voted on at an upcoming meeting, as county ordi-nances call for such action “within a reasonable period of time.”

The Union County Board of Com-missioners’ next meeting is on Feb. 16, a Monday.

School impact a concern as developer seeks denser housing near Sun Valley



Union County Weekly

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Indian Trail staff member recognized by Charlotte publication

INDIAN TRAIL – Indian Trail Director of Community and Economic Develop-ment Kelly Barnhardt was named to the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Awards, a prestigious list of young people working in the greater Charlotte area working for the betterment of their community.

Town Manager Joe Fivas congratulated her and said the recognition was well deserved in a press release announcing Barnhardt’s inclusion on the list.

“Kelly has been a member of the town staff for nearly five years, and she has worked tirelessly for the town of Indian Trail,” Fivas said. “As the town’s Director of Community and Economic Develop-ment, Kelly helps Indian Trail’s economy continue to be strong and thriving, while also understanding the culture of the town as a resident.”

Indian Trail Communications Coordi-nator Lindsey Edmonds nominated Barn-hardt with the support of multiple other town employees, Edmonds said.

Edmonds said she nominated her boss because of the comfort level she cultivates in the workplace.

Kelly has the leadership traits, work ethic, drive and people skills that are rarely all found in a supervisor,” Edmonds wrote in an email. “Her determination and drive to work tirelessly for the town is a constant inspiration to my fellow coworkers, and yet her easy-going manner creates a comfort-able work-place environment that is hard to come by.”

Barnhardt started with Indian Trail in

October 2010 as an economic develop-ment coordinator and was promoted to Director of Community & Economic Development within 18 months, accord-ing to the release.

Prior to 2010, she worked in commer-cial real estate in the Charlotte area for nearly 10 years before going into eco-nomic development. Barnhardt serves in a number of committees in and around the Union County area, such as Indian Trail’s Economic Development Advisory Com-mittee and the South Charlotte Alliance for Economic Development. She also is a board member with the Union County Chamber of Commerce.

In her personal time, Barnhardt sup-ports local nonprofits throughout Union County by volunteering and donating. She serves on the House Committee of Rolling Hills Country Club and is the parent advi-sor to the Site-Based Committee at her son’s school, Hemby Bridge Elementary.

Wesley Chapel plans advance and preceding dinner for February

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Wesley Cha-pel Village Council and Planning Board will meet in February for their annual Vil-lage Advance, as well as an Advance Din-ner, in which residents can meet and dis-cuss issues with members of village com-mittees and the council.

The Advance Dinner will be held at the Wesley Chapel Volunteer Fire Department (WCVFD) Fire Station No. 26 on Feb. 27, a Friday, at 6:30 p.m. Residents who are not members of any committee must pay $12 for dinner, according to a news release.

The Village Advance will be held on the following day, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Council will meet with Planning Board members throughout the morning. Just Village Council will be meeting in the afternoon. All meetings are open to the

public. WCVFD Fire Station No. 26 is located

at 315 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road S. in Wesley Chapel.

Indian Trail nonprofit offers free tax assistance for local residents

INDIAN TRAIL – For the fourth con-secutive year, local nonprofit Common Heart will offer free income tax prepara-tion to area residents.

Individuals and families with annual incomes of $52,000 or less are eligible for the free assistance, which is carried out by trained and certified volunteers as part of the national Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The free service is available by appoint-ment only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from Jan. 31 to April 11.

In a news release, Common Heart Executive Director Keith Adams said he decided to offer the service after volun-teering for a similar program years ago at the Monroe Library.

“I got to meet some great, hard-work-ing and struggling people,” he said in the relase. “I helped them save hundreds of dollars and get their tax refunds for free. I knew then that this service available in Monroe and Matthews needed to come to Indian Trail.”

The program also needs more volun-teers. Volunteer site coordinator Susan Ochs, of Marvin, said she volunteered two years ago after seeing a newspaper listing.

“I enjoyed it,” Ochs said. “Everyone that came in ... was very appreciative of what we did. It makes the time you put in feel valuable when people appreciate what you do.”

Visit http://VITA.TheCommonplace.org for more information. Email [email protected] to volunteer to become trained for the program. Call 704-684-9007 to make an appointment.

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Crime Blotter

News

The following people were arrested in west-ern Union County between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4, according to the Union County Sheriff ’s Office.

Hemby Bridge

• Leo Farr, 8200 block of Idlewild Road: Possession with intent to sell or distribute a schedule I controlled substance. Jan. 29

• Lila Bartholow, 8200 block of Idlewild Road: Trafficking in opium or heroin. Jan. 29

• Brittany Walker, 8200 block of Idlewild Road: Possession of marijuana. Jan. 29

• David Walker, 8200 block of Idlewild Road: Maintaining a dwelling place for the sale of a controlled substance; possession with intent to sell or distribute a schedule I controlled sub-stance. Jan. 29

• David Avila, 8200 block of Idlewild Road: Trafficking in opium or heroin. Jan. 29

Indian Trail

• Compton Braithwaite, 2000 block of Currier Place: Resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. Jan. 30

• Brandon Brown, 3000 block of Salmon River Drive: Theft from a motor vehicle. Jan. 30

• Joel Hildreth, 13700 block of East Inde-pendence Boulevard: Possession of metham-phetamine. Jan. 31

• Matthew Dorman, 1100 block of Robert Lane: Assault on a female. Feb. 1

• Marianne Britt, 3100 block of Fincher Road: Assault inflicting injury. Feb. 1

• Jason Dodds, 1000 block of Stonehill Lane: Assault by strangulation. Feb. 2

• Saliem Tesfazion, 2800 block of Wind-swept Lane: Misdemeanor larceny. Feb. 2

• Austin Varosky, 5700 block of West High-way 74: False report to law enforcement. Feb. 2

• Brendon Ford, 6200 block of Clearwater Drive: Possession of a schedule VI controlled substance; probation violation. Feb. 2

• Chelsea McCloskey, 4600 block of Jac-quelyne Drive: Simple assault. Feb. 3

• Kevin Spencer, U.S. 74 at Unionville Indian Trail Road: Driving while impaired. Feb. 3

Lake Park

• Christopher Johnson, 6600 block of Mimosa Street: Assault on a female. Jan. 31

• Shane Jenkins, 6900 block of Creft Circle: Failure to appear. Feb. 2

Stallings

• Leeann Parker, 13600 block of East Inde-pendence Boulevard: Obtaining money by false pretenses. Feb. 3

Waxhaw

• Barry Rogers, 4500 block of Rockwood Drive: Driving while impaired. Jan. 29

• Carlton Polk, 4800 block of Waxhaw

Marvin Road: Failure to appear. Jan. 29• Sonja Kamiche, 300 block of Howie Mine

Road: Simple assault. Jan. 29• Michael Summerford, 1400 block of Ros-

coe Howey Road: Shoplifting. Jan. 30• Cody Bray, 7700 block of Kingston Drive:

Breaking or entering. Jan. 31• Chris Massey, 400 block of Washington

Street: Resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. Feb. 2

Wesley Chapel

• Aaron Scott, 900 block of Pilgrim Forest Drive: Driving while impaired. Jan. 30

• Gary Oxendine, 6300 block of Weddington Road: Shoplifting. Feb. 2

The following crimes were committed in west-ern Union County between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4, according to the Union County Sheriff ’s Office.

Hemby Bridge

Miscellaneous• 7400 block of Pin Oak Drive: Animal bite.

Jan. 29

Indian Trail

Home/Business Break-ins• 3000 block of Fountainbrook Drive: $700

range stolen from home during break-in. Jan. 29• 1000 block of Wickerby Court: Nothing

listed as stolen during home break-in. Feb. 3

Vehicle Break-ins• 5800 block of West Highway 74: $400

worth of handguns stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 30

• 5100 block of Alysheba Drive: $30 wallet and $20 phone charger stolen from vehicle dur-ing break-in. Jan. 31

• 6000 block of West Highway 74: $50 purse and $600 tablet stolen and $300 damage done to Chevrolet Tahoe during break-in. Feb. 1

Property Theft• 10000 block of Farm pond Road: $1,000

damage done to handicap gate in vandalism inci-dent. Jan. 30

• Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $348 com-puter stolen from business. Jan. 31

• 14500 block of East Independence Boule-vard: Suspect in possession of a stolen $200 cell phone. Jan. 31

• 1100 block of Robert Lane: $15 Oxycodone prescription stolen. Feb. 1

• Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $17 worth of hygienic products stolen from business. Feb. 2

Vandalism/Hit-and-run• 2000 block of Blue Stream Lane: $500

damage done rear window of Ford Expedition and $100 damage done to Nissan Altima during vandalism incident. Jan. 31

• 1000 block of Yellow Bee Road: $10 damage done to Chevrolet Corvette in vandalism inci-dent. Jan. 31

• 7000 block of Hyde Park: $200 damage done to vehicle in vandalism incident. Feb. 1

(see Crime Blotter on page 8)


News

The Union County Health Depart-ment inspected the following dining locations from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3.

Lowest Scores:• Waffle House, 13727 E. Indepen-

dence Blvd., 28079 – 92.5 Violations included: Lidded cup in

reach-in meat cooler above all meats; employees pulling unclean dishes from tables and then handling clean utensils; employees breaking shelled eggs and then handling tops of plates to use for food; bag of lettuce not date marked; eggs not marked; plates above grill line on unclean single service paper; gravy at improper temperature; hot water gauge not reading temperature properly; gen-eral cleaning needed; and burned-out light bulbs.

All Scores:

28173• Bojangles’ 1325 N. Broome St. –

93

28104• Lucy’s Bakery, 4522 Potter Road

– 96.5

• 201 Central, 5939 Weddington-Monroe Road – 100

• Rock Store Bar-B-Que, 3116 Old Monroe Road – 98.5

28079• Rossini’s Pizza Pasta, 13803, suite

A, Hwy. 74 W. – 98.5 • Waffle House, 13727 E. Indepen-

dence Blvd. – 92.5

28110• Chili’s Grill & Bar, 2861 W. Hwy.

74 – 97.5 • The Country Grill, 4002 Concord

Hwy. – 96.5 • Crossroads Diner, 4218 Hwy. 218

E. – 98.5 • Golden Corral, 2507 W. Roosevelt

Blvd. – 96.5 • Hampton Inn Monroe Breakfast

Bar, 2368 Roland Drive – 94.5

28112No restaurants inspected this week.

About the grades…Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90, B for 80 to 89 and C for 70 to 79. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70. Find more details on Mecklenburg County restaurants at the health department’s website, http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/HealthDepartment/Pages/Default.aspx.

Union County Weekly

Restaurant Scores

• 6100 block of Scarlet Oak Court: $150 damage done to home in vandalism incident. Feb. 1

• 1000 block of Triple Crown Drive: $150 damage done to home in vandalism incident. Feb. 1

• 4000 block of Salmon River Drive: $500 damage done to Lexus in vandalism incident. Feb. 2

• 5300 block of Secrest Short Cut Road: $500 damage done to crops and $5,000 damage done to Saturn Ion in vandalism incident. Feb. 2

• 3100 block of Flaggstone Lane: $200 damage done to sliding glass door in vandalism incident. Feb. 3

Miscellaneous• 3000 block of Semmes Lane: Dog bites and

attacks. Jan. 31• 500 block of South Fork Road: Possession

of marijuana. Jan. 31• 1000 block of Sunlight Path Drive: Driv-

ing after consuming while under 21 years old. Feb. 1

Marvin

Financial Crimes/Fraud• 700 block of Woodcliff Court: $30 obtained

from victim by false pretenses. Jan. 29

Waxhaw

Vehicle Break-ins• 9000 block of Mini Ranch Road: $100

GPS device and $50 purse stolen from vehicle during break-in. Feb. 1

Property Theft• 7100 block of Lancaster Highway: $4,887

worth of jewelry stolen. Jan. 30• Goodwill, 1899 S. Providence Road: $75

worth of assorted household goods stolen form business. Feb. 3

Hit-and-run/Vandalism• 8700 block of Beaminster Place: Damage

done to grass and Honda Pilot in vandalism incident. Jan. 29

Miscellaneous• Cuthbertson Middle School, 1520 Cuthb-

ertson Road: Possession of a weapon on school property. Jan. 29

• Cuthbertson Middle School, 1520 Cuthb-ertson Road: Disorderly conduct. Feb. 3

Wesley Chapel

Property Theft• Target, 6350 Weddington Road: $135

worth of cologne stolen from business.

Hit-and-run/Vandalism• 1100 block of Waxhaw Indian Trail Road:

$7,200 damage done to GMC Yukon in vandal-ism incident. Feb. 3

Crime Blotter(continued from page 7)


Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail [email protected]

April 24July 24Oct. 2

Health&Wellness2015

CONTENT FOCUSED ISSUES

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As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year. Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyper-local stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful feature-stories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.


News

INDIAN TRAIL - About 40 mem-bers of the cat rescue community from Union County, Charlotte and surrounding areas met at Hickory Tavern in Indian Trail on Saturday, Jan. 31, to network and discuss ideas in hopes of continuing progress in the fight to help felines in need.

Eight speakers addressed the crowd, including Barbara Blair, president of the Humane Society of Union County Board of Directors; and Dr. William Pressly, founder of Pressly Animal Hospital in Indian Trail.

Speakers and attendees spoke about the difficulties of rescuing cats in a culture that often seems to prioritize dog rescues, but said improvement has been made within the last year.

Wahaw resident Kimberly Wilson said she has seen an improvement since the last group luncheon.

“(Cat-rescue efforts) have improved in the past few months, with all the change coming to Union County,” she said. “Getting rid of the gas chamber was huge, but also (the Union County Animal Shelter) is working more with rescues to develop a relationship.”

On December 9, 2014, the Union County Animal Shelter (UCAS) put

an end to gas euthanizations of all animals. As one of only four counties in the state using a gas chamber, the closure ended a long-running point of contention between rescue organi-zations and the Union County Sher-iff ’s Office (UCSO), which runs the UCAS.

Wilson said this action put the cap on a year that saw the relationship between the UCAS and rescue orga-nizations improve in multiple ways.

“(The UCAS) will now send out emails with pictures of cats that need rescuing, and that’s all happened within the last six months I’d say,” Wilson said. “When we (met for the luncheon) last time, (the UCSO) was just talking about how they wanted to make changes. Now we’re finally see-ing it happen.”

Jan. 31 marked the third annual meeting of area cat rescues, and orga-nizers said it produced the highest turnout yet.

Blair spoke about a year of coopera-tion with the UCSO and emphasized it was now up to those in the room to shift the focus to feline rescues.

“Last year, I spoke about getting into the shelter and getting them to cooperate, and we had some major accomplishments,” Blair said. “But

cats have not gotten the same atten-tion from the sheriff ’s office that dogs have had. The big thing in 2015 will be that cats are equal.”

The euthanization rate remains much higher for cats than for dogs, Blair said.

Rita Reimers, a Ballantyne resident that runs a cat behavior company, The Cat Analyst, and owns Just for Cats Pet Sitting, said it was her first time attending such an event. She was invited by Dr. Pressley, her veterinar-ian, and was impressed with the turn-out.

“A lot of rescues cater to dogs so its just amazing to see so many people who are helping to get the (cats) res-cued,” Reimers said. “There are more people getting involved with cat res-cues but Charlotte is still a very dog-centric town.”

Sue Bulos, founder of Carolina Cat Connection, a Union County-based network of cat-rescue organizations that operates through a Facebook page, spoke about her struggles to generate publicity for the page since bringing it online in February 2013.

“I think we have plenty of needs and not enough answers,” Bulos said. “I see a lot of people going on and post-ing animals in need but I see very few

people responding.” She asked for help from those in

attendance in making the page more effective in connecting animals with permanent homes.

“I want to know what I can do with the page. It’s been very frustrating because my creative side is going crazy, but Facebook is very limited,” Bulos said. “I want to help you guys do better and I’m not getting that sat-isfaction.”

Blair also encouraged those in attendance to utilize Facebook pages for the Humane Society and a page called Change for Union County North Carolina Animal Welfare, a group started a year ago to help reduce the kill numbers for all animals. The group also set out to ban gas euthana-sia in Union County, which has been accomplished.

Along with other efforts, Blair cred-its Facebook with a lot of the success rescue groups have seen over the last year.

“The networking helps, and I am shocked with Facebook,” Blair said. “It is absolutely amazing what you can do with animals pictures and how you can move things along. I don’t know how you old-timers did it.”

Local cat rescues band together to shift the focus to felinesby Ryan Pitkin

[email protected]


News

years at the earliest. The construction of the toll lane

during the most recent expan-sion project saved the state $18 million, according to NCDOT, and prevented another construc-tion slowdown in the near future. However, the sight of the fully fin-ished lane, blocked off by traffic cones until it can be used as a toll lane, has disgruntled some drivers as they continue to sit in traffic during peak hours on weekdays.

Wesley Chapel resident Tim McCulla recently addressed the issue in an open letter to state officials, asking them to imme-diately open the lanes to resolve traffic issues that still plague the interstate.

In the letter, addressed to N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory and U.S. sena-tors Thom Thillis and Richard Burr, McCulla calls on state offi-cials to open the completed lanes on I-485, cancel future plans to make it a toll lane and create a plan to relieve traffic leading to the southeastern part of Mecklenburg County into Union County, where growth has been most rapid.

“To leave that existing lane unused for years will certainly cause further frustration, which will translate into political prob-lems for those who choose not to perceive this (as) an issue,” McCulla wrote.

McCulla added he hoped the state representatives would “immediately act upon the will of the people and not the dictates of an inept organization like the NCDOT.”

Federal laws, however, restrict options for highways built with federal money. These highways are not allowed to switch a reg-ular lane to a toll lane, meaning NCDOT could not legally open the lane for regular use now and convert it to a toll lane when that time comes.

Another obstacle to McCulla’s request lies in the bottleneck that already exists on the outer loop of I-485 at Rea Road, where the interstate returns to a two-lane highway. Opening the fourth lane would clog traffic further at the Rea Road exit, creating a mess for drivers trying to reach their Union County [Matthews, Mint Hill] homes during rush hour.

In a release addressing resi-dents’ concerns, the NCDOT said that McCrory and North Carolina Department of Transportation

Secretary Tony Tata will be meet-ing with local leaders and trans-portation officials “to consider all options” for the southwestern sec-tion of I-485.

“I am committed to having our team sit down with local lead-ers as soon as possible to discuss solutions for inadequate design, infrastructure and funding issues that were created years ago, which have been causing serious traffic congestion on I-485,” McCrory said in the release. “We are open to reviewing and considering all viable options.”

One option, raised by Charlotte Mayor Dan Clodfelter in January, would be to turn the existing lane into a carpool lane until it is ready to be used as a toll lane. This action would require a process of studies and public meetings, and is presumably one of the options to be discussed between state and local officials in the coming months.

The toll lane is not expected to open until the next I-485 widen-ing project is finished. This proj-ect aims to continue the widening that was finished in December with an extra lane on each side of I-485 between Rea Road and U.S. 74.

According to Warren Cooksey, NCDOT spokesperson, that proj-ect has been approved for fund-ing through the State Transporta-tion Improvement Program, a new prioritization process used by the NCDOT. If the Board of Direc-tors approves the project during a vote in June, it is scheduled to receive funding beginning in 2017 and ending in 2020.

When that project is finished, the NCDOT can begin opening the toll lanes.

The schedule for the next leg of I-485 is subject to change depend-ing on availability of funds, Cook-sey said.

McCulla, who lives in Union County and travels to Ballantyne and the Charlotte Douglas Inter-national Airport by the southern stretch of I-485 for work, believes the efforts to widen the highway are coming too late and will con-tinue to come up short as Char-lotte and Union County grow.

“In five years, who knows what the growth is going to look like. All the farmland is (in Union County),” he said. “Unless some-one waves a magic wand and stops people from moving here, expan-sion will have to be done…How could you not open the lane up now?”

I-485 (continued from page 1)


Education

Shane felt he wanted to make a big-ger, more direct impact than other Eagle Scout Projects, which involved landscap-ing.

“I think it’s more that this is going to impact real people. Landscaping is nice, but I think it really matters to him for real kids get to benefit,” Catherine said.

The sophomore feels it’s imperative to give back, particularly when it’s providing something he considers essential.

“If we have shoes, why can’t kids over there have shoes?” Shane said. “I think it’s part of our duty as citizens (to serve), especially helping those who aren’t as privileged as we are.”

Shane has participated in community services throughout his Boy Scout career

through helping with other’s Eagle Scout Projects, placing flags on soldiers’ graves on Veteran’s Day and volunteering at Vet-erans Affairs with his grandparents.

“Just seeing what they’ve done for our country, it’s our responsibility to give back,” he said.

His parents have pushed him to serve, but he feels it’s worth it.

“I have a lot of time on the weekends, so I figure why not go serve?” he added.

The spaghetti dinner will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at New Covenant Church, located on Rogers Road in Monroe, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Contact Shane at [email protected], for more information.

Stepping up for children in needIndian Trail Boy Scout collects shoes for Kenyan children

by Courtney [email protected]

INDIAN TRAIL – Sun Valley High School sophomore Shane Stout is willing to give the shoes off his feet to Kenyan students to work toward his Eagle Scout rank.

Shane, a member of Troop 276 in Indian Trail, is collecting shoes to ben-efit the Gethsemane Garden Christian Centre (GGCC), a Christian boarding school in Kenya for orphans of the AIDS epidemic, for his Eagle Scout Project.

The Indian Trail resident had been searching for a project for a few months until he heard about the Kenyan school through his mother, Catherine Stout. Members of her Sunday school class trav-eled to the school on a mission trip and shared about the needs at the school.

“They were telling us about how it was a good school, but their facilities were over crowded. They don’t have anything,” Catherine said.

The GGCC houses students from kin-dergarten to 12th grade and seeks to pro-vide food, clothing and education, but providing shoes to all the children has served as a challenge.

Many of the children had tattered

shoes, if any at all, Catherine added. “That really triggered something with

(Shane),” Catherine said. “He thought, ‘There was no reason we can’t do some-thing for these kids.’”

Shane said he realized he had unused shoes laying around his house and fig-ured others had the same and would be willing to donate their shoes to the cause.

Shane got to work, sending out letters to friends and speaking to his parents’ and grandparents’ Sunday school classes. He even met with the manager of Hinrichs Flanagan Financial, where his mother works, who pledged to donate 100 pairs of shoes. He also received a donation from his father’s coworker, who lives in Des Moines, Iowa, at Wells Fargo.

“We’ve gotten so much support from people in the community, even from peo-ple we don’t even know,” Catherine said.

Shane set a goal to collect 325 pairs of gently used or new pairs of shoes for each of the 325 students at GGCC and has confidence he’ll reach his goal.

He’s planned a spaghetti dinner at New Covenant Church on Saturday, Feb. 7, as the “culminating event” of the project. The sophomore hopes the dinner, which has an admission price of a pair of shoes or a monetary donation, will help him reach his goal.

Sun Valley High School sophomore Shane Stout collects shoes for Kenyan children in a Chris-tian boarding school. Photo courtesy of Catherine Stout


Education

The Union County Board of Educa-tion unanimously approved to apply a 10-point grading scale for third through 12th grades at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

In October 2014, the North Carolina Board of Education approved a switch to a 10-point scale in all North Caro-lina high schools.

Carolyn White, UCPS accountability officer and director of student services, and Dr. John Jones, Jr., UCPS assistant superintendent of instructional pro-grams, both said the rationale for the switch came from a push by the state’s largest school districts, with the hope of simplifying the state’s grading sys-tem and leveling the playing field for college applications.

Union County high schools previ-ously had a seven-point scale. The changes to the scale will widen the range for each letter grade and lower the minimum passing score from below 70 to below 60.

White said when Union County students applied to college with the seven-point scale, they would compete against other states’ students who may have been on a 10-point scale.

In October, the state board said that changes would only affect rising fresh-men in 2015, but sophomores, juniors and seniors would be on the old scale.

After parents raised concerns regard-ing the fact that two grading scales could exist in the same classroom, the state board made changes to pol-icy in January that would designate one 10-point grading scale for all high school students effective in the 2015-16 school year.

The state mandates for the 10-point grading scale in ninth to 12th grades, but also allows elementary and middle schools to use grading systems approved by their local boards, not necessarily the 10-point scale.

Jones and White came before the board on Feb. 3 to request the board of

education apply the 10-point grading scale in third to eighth grade.

Jones said the state recommended that local boards base their school grading scales on the 10-point system, but boards could choose to use a letter-based scale.

UCPS staff addressed the change with site-based committees and princi-pals of elementary and middle schools in the county. Jones said every middle and elementary schools committees and principal supported the new scale for third through eighth grades.

The board unanimously approved the 10-point grading scale for third to 12th grades, but elementary and mid-dle schools will still use letter-grades for effort grades.

Effort grades at the elementary level include satisfactory (S), needs improve-ment (N) and unsatisfactory (U), which would be applied to computer technol-ogy, art, music, physical education and study habits, according to UCPS staff.

Effort grades at the middle level include outstanding (O), satisfactory (S), needs improvement (N) and unsat-isfactory (U), which appear as a teacher comment.

Kindergarten through second grades will remain at a standard-based report card, which lists the most important skills students should learn in each subject at the particular grade level. Instead of letter grades, students receive marks showing how well they mastered the skills, which show whether stu-dents meet, exceed or approach each standard.

As the district transitions next school year to the new scale, transcripts will reflect the grading scales of each year, which could affect class rank listings.

Changes will not be applied retroac-tively, White said, to grades from this school year or to prior years.

Students and parents will see the new grading scale go into effect in the 2015-16 school year and schools will provide more information regarding the change as it approaches.

by Courtney [email protected]

UCPS board approves 10-point grading scale for third grade through high school


Education

A Honor roll

Fourth grade:Lucas Best, Molly Bryant, Haley Dawson, Summer Kinard and Gavin Miller.

Fifth grade: Lindsey Black, Tim Boyarkin, Dylan Breuer, Dory Damon, Kira Durbin, Michelle Grossman, Cooper Hensen, Sean McDevitt, Becca Nash, Brianna Pressley, Evan Sawyer and Halle Vidak.

A/B Honor roll

Fourth grade:Rausel Arista, Rileigh Bakken, Lance Barbee, Samantha Cherry, Matt Clipston, Cayla Davis, Brayden Godfrey, Tyler Green, Maya Hall, Cadance Harvey, Christian Hasty, Kelsey Janes, Abigail Kinley, Nour Kayyali, Diana Merenkov, Jolene Moore, Lanie Mullis, Rylie Nelson, Alyssa Pontius, Sean Rose, Ashley Ruiz, Joey Sabatino, Kendal Smith, Jair Sosa, Elvina Tosoyeva, Eva Vazquez, Aldiana Velic and Micah Wade.

Fifth grade: Sophie Bessinger, Lenae Beutler, Jacob Brooks, Emely Cardoza, Jasmine Carasco, Adam Chipman, Meredith Colquitt, Camille Dees, David Hines, Ethan Holste, Abby Jurca, Lexi Inman, Hillarie Innocent, Frankie Kelley, Carson Lamm, Matt Lathan, Payton Maynard, Richie McGee, Santiago Mejia, Kaden Melton, Carter Moses, Taylor Root, Matthew Teofrio, Haley Thomas and Sergio Zuniga.

Union County Weekly

Education News & Notes

Run for U 5K sponsorship opportunities available

The Union County Education Foun-dation (UCEF) will host the Run for the U 5K in downtown Monroe on April 18, a Saturday.

The foundation, a nonprofit cre-ated to support Union County Public Schools (UCPS), is asking area busi-nesses to become involved with the race through sponsorships. A number of different sponsorship options are available, and people can learn more at www.ucedfoundation.org.

The UCEF recently received a $5,000 grant from the Union County Community Foundation in support of the UCEF’s mini-grant program. The mini-grant program provides UCPS teachers with financial support for var-ious classroom projects.

Cuthbertson Middle student wins UCPS Spelling Bee

WAXHAW – After 12 rounds, Cuth-bertson Middle School student Rhea Shetty became the 2015 Union County Public Schools Spelling Bee cham-pion.

Rhea took top honors by spelling

“tawdry” correctly. The winning word was originally a Greek word that passed into Latin, according to a news release from UCPS, and is an adjective mean-ing “cheap and gaudy in appearance or quality,” the release said.

In preparation for the countywide spelling bee, Rhea practiced for about 15 minutes every morning, as well as again after school, when time allowed.

“I started doing that in late Novem-ber when I won at the school level,” Rhea said in the release. ”… I’m really happy about winning (the countywide

contest). I didn’t think I would get this far. I’m excited about going on to the regional competition.”

Rhea will continue with her daily practice in preparation for the 61st annual Charlotte Observer Regional Spelling Bee, slated for Feb. 23 at ImaginOn in uptown Charlotte.

Katie Tieu, a third-grader at Sandy Ridge Elementary School, was the run-ner up in this year’s UCPS Spelling Bee. In the event Rhea cannot attend the regional competition, Katie will compete in her place.

Union County Weekly

Honor RollPorter ridge elementAry ScHool

(From left) UCPS Superintendent Dr. Mary Ellis, runner-up Katie Tieu and UCPS Spelling Bee champion Rhea Shetty. Photo courtesy of UCPS


(Monthly section)2nd Issue of the Month

Whether it’s branding, listings, open houses, or mortgage rates and offers, our monthly Home Sales section is a perfect fit. In the second issue of every month, each newspaper publishes home sales for its coverage area. Space is very limited, so don’t miss out and call to reserve your space today for this monthly section dedicated to your industry … home sales.

(Monthly section)1st Issue of the Month

South Charlotte Weekly’s popular Culinary Corner is published the first issue of every month and written by Charles Jenkin, a South Charlotte resident and host of WBT’s This Show is Cookin’. Culinary Corner is one of the best-read sections in South Charlotte Weekly and generates a plethora of reader feedback each month.

(Content-focused Issues)As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and

Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year.

Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyper-local stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful feature-stories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

Issue dates: January 30 April 24 July 31 October 2 (Content-focused sections)

Eager to find just the right happy campers? The Weekly’s Summer Camp Guides are the perfect fit. These special sections offer a cost-effective advertising vehicle, coupled with helpful camp editorial content, to reach your target market during this peak camp registration period.

Issue date: February 6 and 20 March 6 and 20 April 3 and 17

Health & Wellness

Summer Camp Guide

Back to School

Culinary Corner

Home Sales(Content-focused issue)

It’s back to the books and basics with advertisements in our must-have back-to-school issues. Featuring the latest college guidance tips, school system updates and education trends, our two back-to-school issues are resources you won’t want to miss.

Issue date: August 14

(Bi-monthly section)2nd & 4th Issues of the Month

When it comes to reaching the performing arts crowd, this must-read section delivers the best reader demographics in the Charlotte market. From local performances to the national stage, we’ve got the arts community covered.

Arts & Entertainment

Performing Arts Preview 2015-2016(Special pullout section)

Our informative guide is your best yearlong resource for the hottest performances in the Charlotte area. With summaries of the year’s must-see theater, dance and music performances, our Performing Arts Preview is a must for every Queen City cultural arts enthusiast.

Issue date: September 25 South Charlotte, Union County and Matthews-Mint Hill 55,000 circulation

For advertising please call 704-849-2261 or e-mail [email protected].

EDITORIALCALENDAR2015


Faith

Real Helpfor Real Living

REV. TONy MARCIANO

by Rev. Tony Marciano [email protected]

or I go, but we’re both not staying.” The car ended up coming to our house. We towed it home and began working on it. One of my favorite memories was the day we painted it with 24 cans of aerosol paint. There was a cloud of blue smoke coming out of my garage. We had a blast!

Several years later, we were at an auto show. The three of us found a pair of rims that would fit the Mustang. Even though they needed work, we bought them. Unfortunately, they ended up sit-ting in the shed for five years.

Two weeks before Christmas that year, I received a call from my oldest son, who asked, “Where is the pressure washer?” (It’s never good when they won’t tell you why.) For three days, they scrubbed, sanded and stripped those rims, and then they painted them. They presented them to me on Christmas Day. I was speechless – they looked fabulous.

A few days later, I was at the tire store where my son works. He arranged to have new tires mounted on the rims. He installed them on the car and we took

it for a test drive. It was not a surprise when the car rode much more smoothly on those new tires than it had on tires that were 16 years old. The car looked amazing!

I sent him a text saying, “I just want you to know how much I love you – not for the rims. Yes, that is an incredible gift. I am deeply touched by the thought and effort that went into it. I just love you because I do.”

Silence – it was the one text he never replied to.

Yes, I know this is the time of year to tell that special person in your life, “I love you.” Do that. Also, remember your children, regardless of their age, need to hear those same special words.

I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.

Rev. Tony Marciano is the Executive Director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Visit www.charlotterescuemission.org for more information.

While having family dinner, my daughter’s boyfriend announced that Valentine’s Day was driven by Hallmark so they could sell greeting cards and make money.

He went on to say women don’t want flowers and candy, to which my wife replied, “They always like diamonds.” The room went silent. He told her not to be so obvious. Hmmmm – he’s not getting it.

I have two camels and a goat in my backyard for my daughter’s dowry. If he asks her to marry him, I’ll throw in the sheep, as well. He didn’t bite on my offer. It’s cute watching them call each other names and say, “I love you.” There

are others in your house who need to hear those words, “I love you.” But first, let me start with a story.

When my sons were in high school, I needed to come up with something to help us bond. Not being an athlete, it wasn’t going to be any sport that involved a ball. Football, basketball and baseball were out. I tried to introduce them to model airplanes, but they didn’t have the patience to learn to fly them. We tried video games, but I don’t have the eye/hand coordination. They were getting older, and I needed something – fast.

I have always loved cars. Having been a commuter student in college, I learned to repair my own car so I could travel to and from school. It was a clas-sic Mustang. I think I spent more time under the hood than in the books. Any-way, I graduated college while learning to repair cars.

Fast forward many years later. We were shopping on eBay for a Mustang and found one. The owner’s wife had told her husband, “Either the car goes

Someone else needs to hear the words,

“I Love You”


Faith

Union County Weeklyfaith & Religion

News & NotesIndian Trail Presbyterian prepping for Christmas 2015

INDIAN TRAIL – With 327 days, or 470,880 minutes, left until Christmas as of Feb. 1, Indian Trail Presbyterian Church is jumpstarting an effort to raise money for families in need for Christmas 2015, the church said in its newsletter.

Indian Trail Presbyterian is encouraging people to give $1 per week for the rest of the year to benefit families the church sponsors each year during the holidays. People can place their bills, or checks for $1 with “$1.00 for Christmas” in the memo field, in one of the pew envelopes on Sundays. Donors should write “Christmas” on the front of the envelope.

“One dollar per week is the goal,” the church said in its newsletter. “You can give as much as you want, as often as you want … Give it all at once or all year long … if we all work together, Christmas 2015 will be fantastic.”

Find more information at www.itpcusa.org, or call 704-821-8751. Indian Trail Pres-byterian is located at 200 Indian Trail Road S.

Ash Wednesday service at Spirit of Joy Lutheran

WEDDINGTON – Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church will host an Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.

Ash Wednesday, a religious holiday known as a day of fasting, marks the first day of Lent in western Christianity. It occurs 46 days before Easter Sunday.

Call 704-821-8494 for more information on how Spirit of Joy plans to celebrate Ash Wednesday. Find more information about the church at its website, www.spiritofjoy.us.

Spirit of Joy Lutheran is located at 8600 Potter Road.

Real Evangelism conference coming to First Baptist Indian Trail

INDIAN TRAIL – First Baptist Church of Indian Trail will host a Real Evangelism con-ference March 4 to 6, Wednesday to Friday.

Speakers will include Mike Huckabee, Brian Fossett, Mike Whitson, Gerald Har-ris, Bailey Smith, Vance Pitman, Junior Hill, Mat Staver, Mike Stone, Jeff LaBorg and Paul Plair. Musicians will include The Specks, Greater Visions, the Collingsworth Family, Mae Beth Harris and Eddie Middle-ton.

The conference will kick off with Brian Fossett, Mike Whitson and Greater Vision on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. Events will be held throughout the day on March 5 and 6. There

is no cost or registration to attend any of the events.

Child care will be provided for newborn through fifth-grade children during all eve-ning sessions by registration only. Parents should register their child by March 2. Call Ashley, with First Baptist’s church office, at 704-882-1005 for more information or to register a child.

Find more information about the event at www.fbcit.org/encounter. First Baptist Indian Trail is located at 732 Indian-Trail Fairview Road.

‘Souper’ Bowl Buffet fundraiser to support Stallings UMC handbell choir

STALLINGS – The Stallings United Methodist Church handbell choir will host a “Souper” Bowl Buffet on Feb. 21, a Satur-day, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The event will offer attendees a variety of soups, “along with some great fellowship to warm you up, body and soul,” the church said in its newsletter.

Donations will be accepted during the din-ner, and proceeds will support the handbell choir’s upcoming summer trips.

Weekly Celebrate Recovery meetings at Team Church

MATTHEWS – Team Church hosts weekly Celebrate Recovery meetings every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.

The Christian-based recovery program is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous and is open to anyone in the community facing any type of addiction or hardship.

The program utilizes eight Biblical princi-ples based on the Beatitudes, found in Mat-thew 5:3-12.

“Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical and bal-anced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups and habits. It is based on the actual words of Jesus … (and) shows the lov-ing power of Jesus Christ through a recovery process,” the church said in an announce-ment.

The church’s next Celebrate Recovery meeting is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6. A fellowship time takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Find more information at www.teamchurch.com, or call 704-469-5642.

Team Church is located at 2301 Stevens Mill Road in Matthews, near the Union-Mecklenburg County line.

Send faith news items to [email protected] Announcements should be sent two weeks in advance.


Summer Camp Guide

2015The verdict is out from Punxsutawney

Phil. The famous groundhog saw his shadow Monday, signaling another six weeks of winter. While some kids might be hoping for snow, others are already dreaming of the warmer temperatures of spring and summer. If your children

aren’t counting down the days until sum-mer break yet, they will be if you sign them up for one of the many summer camps featured in our 2015 guide. This week’s round of camps is from Union County’s Siskey Family YMCA. All of the organization’s day camps are located at the 21-acre Hemby Program Center, just off Kuykendall Road at 9760 Happy

Valley drive in Charlotte.

Visit www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/siskey/youthdev/camp/camp2015/siskeyc-amp.aspx to register or see a full guide. Union County Weekly’s summer camp guide is a biweekly feature through April 17. More Siskey Family YMCA camps will be listed in the Feb. 19 issue.


All camps are offered on a week-by-week basis. The following “sessions”

correlate with each week, every one with a different theme.

Session 1 - June 15 – 19Wild Wild West

Session 2 - June 22 – 26 Animation

Session 3 - June 29 – July 3 America

Session 4 - July 6 – 10 Carnival

Session 5 - July 13 – 17 When I Grow Up

Session 6 - July 20 – 24 International

Session 7 - July 27 – 31 Fairytale

Session 8 - August 3 – 7 Eagle Rock’s Got Talent

Session 9 - August 10 – 14 Superhero

Session 10 - August 17 – 21 Sports Fanatic

Full Day CampsAges 5 to 12

Sessions 1 - 109 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Members - $205 / Non-members - $265

Trekkers: 5 - 6 years (Rising Kindergarten)This structured, full-day camp introduces Trekkers to

recreational swimming, field games, arts and crafts, story time, playground time, singing and more.

Pathfinders: 6 - 7 years (Rising 1st Grade)Pathfinders will explore a wide variety of age-appropriate

dynamic activities including recreational swimming, nature,

field sports, singing, arts and crafts, group time, playground and parachute play.

Discoverers: 7 - 8 years (Rising 2nd - 3rd Grades)Discoverers will participate in a more progressive program

which allows children to explore more challenging camp activities including: archery, nature, riflery, field sports, arts and

crafts, swimming and our low ropes teambuilding course.

Navigators: 9 - 10 years (Rising 4th - 5th Grades)Navigators will experience a variety of fresh challenges such as the 40-foot Challenge Tower, low ropes course, teambuilding,

archery, riflery, field sports, arts and crafts, recreational swimming and more. Campers will also have the opportunity

to participate in electives and optional field trips based on the weekly camp theme.

Trailblazers: 11 -12 years (Rising 6th - 7th Grades)Trailblazers will experience an exciting side of camp. They will

be challenged personally and physically as they ascend the 50-foot Alpine Tower. Their group will develop relationships as

they work together to solve low ropes initiatives. Other activities include archery, riflery, arts and crafts, field sports and swimming. Campers also will have the opportunity to participate in electives

and optional field trips based on the weekly camp theme.

Summer Camp Guide continues on page 19...Photo courtesy of the Siskey YMCA Facebook page


Summer Camp Guide

Summer Camp Guide (continued)Pre-Kindergarten Day Camp

Ages 3 to 4Sessions 1 - 109 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Prices TBD

This is an excellent first-time camp experience for the youngest campers, the Cruisers. This half-

day program introduces campers to a variety of activities, including swimming, arts and crafts, field games, singing, devotions, indoor games

and Oscar the Bear Hunts. Please Note: Campers participating in the Cruisers morning program and staying over for Cruisers in the afternoon will enjoy

story time indoors from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Campers must be potty trained and at least 3 years old in order to participate in the Cruisers Program. No

exceptions.

A.M. Day CampAges 5 to 7



This structured, half-day camp will allow kids to participate in recreational swimming, field

games, arts and crafts, story time, parachute play, playground time, singing and more.

A.M. Day CampAges 8 to 12



This structured half-day camp will allow kids to explore a wide variety of age-appropriate

activities. Campers will be exposed to dynamic activities, including recreational swimming, nature,

field sports, singing, arts and crafts, group time, playground, archery and riflery.

P.M. Day Camp (Add-on) Ages 5 to 12Sessions 1 - 9

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Members - $85 / Non-members - $145

Campers will participate in dynamic activities, including field sports, nature, singing, arts and crafts, group time, playground and parachute

play, archery and riflery. This half-day camp is only available for registration if a child is signed up for one of the half-day specialty camps of the same

week. This option gives parents the peace of mind that their children are cared for the entire day.

Leaders In Training (LIT) CampAges 13 to 15



To explore their leadership potential, Leaders in Training (LIT) engages teens in group work,

problem solving and self-discovery, believing that confident teens today will become contributing and

engaged adults tomorrow.

Teen Adventure CampAges 13 to 15



Daily activities include everything from archery and riflery, group challenges, field games, sports, low ropes, craft projects, climbing towers, zip line, giant swing and swimming. Teens also will have the opportunity to go on local field trips each week, as well as participate in service projects both at camp

and in the local community.

Camp BoomerangAges 5 to 15

Sessions 3 - 79:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.


An inclusion-based camps for typical children and children with autism. All campers will participate

side by side in age-appropriate activities that include nature, parachute, field sports, low ropes,

tower, arts and crafts, fishing, swimming and devotions. In addition, campers will take part in specialized enrichment activities several times a

week.

Photo courtesy of the Siskey YMCA Facebook page

Summer Camp Guide continues on page 21...


Summer Camp Guide

Art CampAges 8 to 11

Sessions 3, 5, 99 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Learn, explore and enjoy a variety of age-appropriate skills, mediums and techniques to create one-of-a-kind

works of art.

Sing It CampAges 8 to 11

Session 49 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Sing, dance and perform your way through a week of fun with Sing It Camp. Rehearse song and dance

routines with friends and prepare for Friday’s performances. No experience

is necessary, but enthusiasm is required. Families are invited to attend the Friday performance.

Digital Photography CampAges 7 to 12Session 1, 6

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Members - $130 / Non-members -

$190

Looking to capture that special moment? This camp is for you. A

hands-on camp that explores camera use, photo composition, perspective and lighting. Campers need to bring

their own digital camera to join in the fun.

Musical Theatre CampAges 7 to 12

Session 59 a.m. to 1 p.m.


From scene work and improv to audition techniques and ensemble

acting skills, campers delve into scripts, character development and more as they rehearse, create and

prepare for their special Friday performance.

Animal CampAges 6 to 12

Sessions 2, 4, 99 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Campers will explore the animal kingdom through field trips, games,

habitat crafts and hands-on activities. Campers will travel by bus to a local

“hot spot,” where they will receive hands-on experience with animals.

Examples of trips may include

destinations such as: Lazy 5 Ranch, Buffalo Beals, Tiger World and others. On Friday, campers will experience a

special animal presentation and enjoy an hour in the pool.

Experience Charlotte CampAges 8 to 12Sessions 1, 6


$300

Check out the sites and sounds of the Queen City through social and educational field trips and outings

each day. This camp is now a full-day experience, allowing campers to enjoy

even more of Charlotte’s best sites.

Fishing CampAges 8 to 12Sessions 3, 7


$220

Campers will travel to some special fishing holes to learn techniques and skills. Bring your own fishing pole and the camp provides transportation and

bait.

Boys Rock CampAges 6 to 9Sessions 1, 8


$190

Get ready for full-throttle, high-energy fun that is “all boy.” From

nature exploration to creative competitions this camp celebrates the

rough and tumble DNA of boys.

Girls Rock CampAges 6 to 9

Sessions 2, 69 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Celebrate all things G-I-R-L with a jam-packed week of special activities designed to build confidence and self-esteem. Campers rock out with crafts,

cooking, contests and more as they develop individuality and creativity.

Summer Camp Guide (continued)

Photo courtesy of the Siskey YMCA Facebook page


Calendar

SALES REP POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Groupis looking for additional sales reps for our growing group of award-winning community newspapers.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, able to meet deadlines and have excellent communica-tion skills. Advertising sales experience preferred; strong outside sales experience required. We offer salary plus commission, cell phone, paid vacation

and a great territory.

E-mail your resumé to [email protected]

No phone calls, please.

2.5.15Thursday

6 to 9 p.m.Chocoholic Frolic

Events will include a raffle drawing and a silent auction. Samplings will include Carolina Cake Artistry, Diamond Springs, Neet’s Sweets, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Tastefully Simple, The

Lil’ Bake Shoppe and Tupperware. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Visit www.chocoholicfrolic.org for more

information.

Swan Manor, 219 Ridge Road, Monroe

2.6.15Friday7 p.m.

Center Theatre’s 75th Birthday Party

In 1940, Monroe Mayor V.D. Sykes declared Feb. 12 “Center Theatre Day” and urged residents to set aside part of the day to

attend the opening of the new theater. Current Monroe Mayor Bobby Kilgore is continuing this tradition by honoring its 75th birthday with festivities beginning at 7 p.m.

Hilton’s Vineyards, 104 S. Main St., Monroe

2.7.15Saturday

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Volunteer Work Day

There are jobs for all ages and students can sign off on volunteer hours. All volunteers must sign a waiver and parents must sign

for those younger than 18 years old.

Dogwood Park, 121 Lester Davis Road, Wesley Chapel

2.7.15Saturday6 p.m.

Valentine’s Gala

Attendees will experience a concert from the Union Symphony Orchestra, dinner, dancing and an auction. There also will be a

performance by the Union County Youth Ballet. Tickets start at $100. Visit www.unionsymphony.org to make a

reservation.

Rolling Hills Country Club, 2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

2.7.15 and 2.8.15Saturday and Sunday

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Party Store Liquidation Sale

Attendees will be given bags for $30 each and allowed to fill them to the brim with whatever they can find. Items for sale will include party decorations for birthdays of all ages, team-building exercises and more. Funds raised will benefit the Nicholas Andrade Trust.

Nicholas suffered spinal cord trauma in a diving accident in 2012.

The Reserve Clubhouse, 10022 Royal Colony Drive, Waxhaw

2.7.15 and 2.8.15Saturday and Sunday

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.Stitches In Time

A quilt event featuring antique and contemporary quilts; antique sewing machines; spinning and quilting demonstrations; and, on

Saturday, an expert quilt appraiser. Take a walk through time with quilts. Regular museum admission applies.

Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Hwy., Waxhaw

Want to see your event covered in our community calendar? Send an email to [email protected] with all pertinent information. Be sure to include the date, time, cost to attend and a description of the event. Please send events at least two weeks in advance for the best chance of being

included in the calendar. Factors like relevance to the community and how close the event is to our coverage area will be considered.


Calendar

2.14.15Saturday

7 to 11 p.m.Valentine’s Day Party

Two ticket options: $10 tickets include entry for live music from RJ Adams and one WinoRite or WinteRita, while $30 VIP tickets include all that with heavy appetizers consisting of meatballs,

baked ziti, chicken tenders, pork sliders, dessert and more.

Treehouse Vineyards, 301 Bay St., Monroe

2.14.15Saturday

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Tree Seedling and Fruit

Plant Sale

A variety of trees will be offered at the sale, including dogwoods, redbud, trident maples,

European hornbeam, American beech, river birch, tulip poplar and poplar cypress. Varieties of apples, peaches, blueberries, grapes and blackberries also will be offered, as well as beautyberry shrubs from the Extension Master Gardeners of Union County

teaching garden.

Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe

2.19.15 Thursday

7 to 9 p.m.Public Safety Seminar

Speakers, including Deputy Louie Rodriguez and Detective A.J. Mainero of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, will discuss home security and other personal safety issues. There will be a question-and-answer

session following the presentation.

Siler Presbyterian Church, 6301 Weddington-Monroe Road, Wesley

Chapel

2.19.15Thursday6 p.m.

Gift Making Class

Turning Point Inc., Union County’s domestic violence shelter, will hold a class in which attendees can create their own jewelry holder using a picture frame and chicken wire. The class costs $7 to

attend and all materials will be included.

Home Décor, 2409 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe

2.21.15Saturday2 p.m.

Turning Point Fashion Show

Turning Point Inc., Union County’s domestic violence shelter, will hold its first ever fashion show, created for all the “fashion divas on a

budget,” according to a news release. More than 20 on-site vendors will include Black Market White House, the Second Chance Boutique

and Cuthbertson High School Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Club. Tickets cost $5

in advance and $7 at the door.

Cuthbertson High School auditorium, 1400 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw

2.21.15Saturday

1:30 p.m.“Get On Up” Film

Showing

One of many activities held throughout February in the Union County Public Library system to

celebrate Black History Month. “Get On Up: The James Brown Story” tells of the famous singer’s rise from poverty to the forefront of American pop

culture. The movie is rated PG-13.

Union West Library, 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail

2.25.15Wednesday

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Business Networking

Luncheon

A Union County Chamber of Commerce event that features an educational opportunity designed

to assist members and their employees by enhancing their skills in areas such as sales,

marketing, public relations, business etiquette, image branding and effective networking.

Visit http://members.unioncountycoc.com/events/details/business-networking-luncheon-

7438 to register.

Hemby Bridge Community Center, 7604 Secrest Shortcut Road, Indian

Trail

FEB.14

Make your special o�er

FRONT PAGENEWS

Inside ...

Letters ..............................

...6

News Briefs .........................6

Crossword/Calendar ..........14

Movies ..............................1

5

Sports .............................

..17

Service Directory ................20

Union County

Serving Waxhaw, Weddington, Indian Trail, Wesley Chapel, Stallings and Monroe USA WEEKEND inside!

Admi�ions O en HouseTuesday, Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m.

RSVP [email protected] or 704.366.5994

& Montessori Pre-K program Core Knowledge K-8 curriculum

Stallings town officials tested the water system at their new splash pad Wednesday, Dec. 28.

The pad is part of a major renovation to Stallings Municipal Park, 322 Stallings Road, set to be

unveiled this spring.

Anna S

outh

ern/U

CW

phot

o

Three Mecklenburg County towns

could be allowed to become part of

Union County, if a current proposal

gets approved.

With Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx

pushing for the consolidation of gov-

Matthews,

Mint Hill to

join Union County?Commissioner makes

suggestion as part of

consolidation study fight

by and

[email protected]

(see on page 11)

The fight over the Monroe Bypass

will go back to court in 2012. Argu-

ing that the U.S. District Court judge

didn’t look at all the facts, the Southern

Environmental Law Center filed a brief

Dec. 19 in their appeal of the ruling.

“This is the ‘from scratch’ review,

with a fresh set of eyes looking at the

case,” SELC attorney Chandra Taylor

said. “We hope to achieve a decision

that takes into consideration the facts

in the case.”

In Nov. 2010, the SELC filed suit,

arguing that building the bypass would

endanger the environment. The center

alleged only information collected from

the western end of the road was sub-

mitted to the state, giving a skewed pic-

ture of the project’s potential impact.

Additionally, SELC alleged inconsistent

data was used in assessing the impact

on streams in the Yadkin River water

basin.The U.S. District Court rejected those

claims, saying the Turnpike Authority

followed procedure, with data to back

up each step in the process. The SELC

disagreed, filing an appeal Oct. 31.

“The history of this toll highway is one

of the defendants’ consistent failure to

take that hard look and to consider a

reasonable range of alternatives,” the

brief reads. “The defendants used the

wrong data, yielding misleading analy-

sis. They have compared ‘building the

toll road’ to ‘building the toll road’ and

have illogically concluded that building

this expressway adjoining one of the

nation’s fastest growing metropolitan

areas will have virtually no impact on

growth.”

Originally projected at 21.1 miles,

stretching from Matthews in Meck-

lenburg County to Interstate 85 on

Brief filed in Monroe Bypass appeal

Law Center challenges

earlier court’s rulingby

[email protected]

(see on page 7)

LOCAL OFFICER TO BE FIRED

PAGE 3

PAGE 3

PAGE 6

STUDENTS LOOK

TO TEST ARSENIC

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN

UNION COUNTY

PAGE 17

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Sports

Hello, Union County Weekly read-ers. My name is Ben Doster and I am the new sports writer at Carolina Weekly Newspapers. I am very excited about the opportunity to cover local high school ath-letics in the Union County area.

Sports have always been a significant part of my life, start-ing with T-ball,

watching games with my dad, playing high school football under the lights on a cool and crisp October

night (usually with a nice view from the bench), to covering ACC basketball and football.

I moved around often as a kid before my parents finally planted roots in Morganton, in the foothills of western North Carolina, between Hickory and Asheville. I attended East Burke High School and current Ardrey Kell football coach Adam Hastings was my position coach while I played offensive line for the Cavaliers.

After I graduated from East Burke in 2007, I attended Western Piedmont Community College and began my career in sports media covering local high school sports for the Morganton News Herald. I found myself in Chapel Hill at the University of North Carolina two years later, studying journalism.

I honed my craft as a writer and reporter in class and through great internships with the Durham Bulls, Inside Carolina and WCHL 1360 AM. After graduation, I accepted a job covering the Wake For-est Demon Deacons and North Carolina Tar Heels

for the Rivals.com and Yahoo! Sports network.Now, I get to jump back into the prep sports world.

I know this area is filled with great talent and tradi-tion, whether it was Independence’s unprecedented run of state championship crowns in football or the Curry brothers lighting it up at Charlotte Christian, there are so many great memories of teams and play-ers.

I look forward to covering the schools, athletes and coaches around Union County. If you see me on the diamond, by the court, gridiron or pitch don’t hesi-tate to stop and say hello.

Also, I’m open and eager to get your feedback, criti-cism and story ideas. This is your sports page, and I want to do the best job I can reporting on the high school teams, student athletes and coaches in the Union County area.

The best ways to reach me are by phone at (704) 849-2261 or e-mail at [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @benddoster.

by Ben [email protected]

Doster joins Carolina Weekly sports team

Ben Doster

WaTTS FINIShING STrONGby Ben Doster

[email protected]

WEDDINGTON – Emotions flowed from Stephen and Rhonda Watts following their daughter Stephanie’s senior night game for Weddington (21-1 overall, 8-0 in 4A/3A Southern Carolina Conference play) in which Watts scored a game-high 35 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out eight assists, made five steals and blocked a shot to lead the War-riors to a 70-35 win over Anson and clinch the conference cham-pionship crown in front of North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell and her assistants Ivory Latta and Tracey Williams-Johnson.

Watts’s parents take solace knowing they will get to enjoy watching their daughter for four more years when she dons the light blue and white as a Tar

Heel.The 5-foot-11 McDonald’s All-

American, who also was named to the Naismith Awards Girls’ High School Player of the Year Mid-season List, has amassed 2,321 points, 935 rebounds, 490 assists, 503 steals and 260 blocks in 102 games for a career average of 22.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 4.9 steals and 2.5 blocks per game; however, she still entered high school as a wide-eyed, ner-vous freshman with high expecta-tions surrounding her.

“When I got here people were already talking about her, and she was in the seventh grade,” Wed-dington coach Ryun Cook said. “That’s definitely not a common thing for seventh graders.

“Her freshman year we were in a little bit of a transition with the program and we definitely needed a scorer. She came into

our summer practices and looked good right away, but she was a little shy to put up a lot of shots. She was looking to pass and set her teammates up.

“We were getting ready to go to team camp at UNC-Charlotte and I was like ‘I hope she’s going to shoot enough. I hope she realizes we need her to be a scorer even as a freshman.’ I went in there nervous that she wasn’t going to look to score. She immediately led us in scoring in the camp and that summer and everything that we did. Even the summer before her freshman year she was really showing us what she could do.”

The move from middle school to high school was a significant one for Watts. She said Cook and her teammates gave her the con-fidence she needed to playe her game.

Watts, who is naturally soft-spoken, began with leading by example. The Warriors took their lumps her freshman year, stum-bling to a 13-12 (3-7 in 4A/3A Southern Carolina Conference play) finish; however, Watts shined, averaging 18.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 steals and 2.1 blocks per game.

Weddington improved to 21-7 (8-2 in 4A/3A Southern Carolina Conference play) and a second round appearance in the N. C. High School Athletic Associa-tion 3A state playoffs in 2012-13 behind Watts’s 22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 5.5 steals and 2.4 blocks per game.

(see Watts on page 25)

hIGh SChOOL hIGhLIGhTS

– Watts scored a career-high 50 points to lead the Warriors to an 83-57 win over Cuthbertson Friday, Nov. 30, 2012.

– She recorded her first quadruple double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 12 steals in a 74-32 win over Cox Mill Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.

– She recorded her second qua-druple double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and 10 steals in an 85-20 win over Central Academy Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013.

– Watts signed a National Letter of Intent to attend and play basketball for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014.

– She recorded her third quadruple double with 35 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 11 steals in a 72-23 win over Marvin Ridge Friday, Jan. 9.

– Watts was named to the Naismith Awards Girls’ Player of the Year Mid-season List Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 ranking her as one of the top 15 play-ers in the country.

– Watts was named a McDonald’s All-American Thursday, Jan. 29, and will play in the 14th Annual All-Star Game Wednesday, April 1.

– Watts maintains a 3.5 grade-point average to go along with her on-court accolades and honors.(From left to right) North Carolina Assistant Coach Tracey Wiliiams-Johnson, Rhonda

Watts, North Carolina Head Coach Sylvia Hatchell, Stephanie Watts, North Carolina As-sistant Coach Ivory Latta and Stephen Watts. Ben Doster/UCW photo


Sports

The Warriors and Watts made an even big-ger jump her junior season, going 25-5 (10-0 in 4A/3A Southern Carolina Conference play), winning the conference championship and advancing to the fourth round of the NCHSAA 3A state playoffs, led by Watts’s 21.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 5.3 steals and three blocks per game.

Now, Watts, who is averaging 29.8 points, 10 rebounds, 6.4 assists, five steals and 2.7 blocks per game, has Weddington on pace for another deep run.

“This year so far the season is going well,” Watts said. “It’s been really exciting for us to have such a great record this year. This year we’re trying to see how far we can go in states. We want to try to win a state championship.

“Being a vocal leader was hard for me in the beginning. As the years went I realized that’s what you have to do to be a leader on a team, so I’m getting better and better at being a vocal leader as well as by example.”

Cook attributes Watts’s success to her hard work and versatility.

“I think she’s gotten so much stronger from her freshman year to her senior year, and with that you see her rebounds go up a lot,” Cook said. “Her turnovers are down a little bit. The diver-sity of her game is probably the most impressive thing about her.”

“There’s no better compliment to diversity than to have a quadruple double, and for her to

have three of the four ever quadruple doubles in North Carolina history I think really sums her up as a player at how much she can do.”

Hatchell, who also is excited about Watts’s ver-satility, said she will likely fit in as a wing player at North Carolina and expects her to contribute to the Tar Heels immediately.

“Listen, she will play,” Hatchell said. “Trust me. She will play. She’s versatile. She can play lots of positions. We’ve got five seniors and three guards graduating, so there will be room for Stephanie.

“She’s a scorer, shooter, she can rebound. She can do lots of things. She has a tremendous bas-ketball IQ. She’s a great kid. She’s a hard-worker, team player, humble and a great kid. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about her from everybody that knows her. She has a tremendous work ethic. She’s going to be a really good player here at the University of North Carolina. She’s first class in all aspects of her life. She’s such a competitor and a skilled player and shooter. I can’t wait to get her, because she’s the complete package.”

Watts chose North Carolina after receiving scholarship offers from the Charlotte 49ers, Louisville, Maryland, N.C. State, Wake Forest and others.

Watts said she hopes to major in electronic communication (broadcasting) at North Caro-lina’s School of Journalism and Mass Commu-nication.

Williams-Johnson recruited Watts for the Tar Heels.

“She was the first coach there that really

recruited me, and I have a really great relation-ship with her,” Watts said. “She’s like another mom to me basically. She’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my entire life. As I got to meet the rest of the staff they were all the same, so I really felt comfortable with them.

“I’m really close with Coach Hatchell. She’s like family to me. She’ll help me develop as a player so much, as well as Ivory Latta, who’s a guard in the WNBA. She has firsthand experi-ence, so she’ll be able to help me a lot. I’m really excited to go there and see how far I can go, how much I can develop.”

Watts will enroll at North Carolina for summer school and workouts near the end of June.

When the Weddington senior guard looks back on her high school career and to her future in Chapel Hill she can’t help but reflect on how her family and friends helped her get to where she is and where she’s going.

“My whole family has revolved around basket-ball,” Watts said. “As well as my dad and brother, my mom’s a big basketball fan. She’s always sup-portive and wants me to do as best as possible and helps me out as much as possible. My dad played in college [at Long Island University], coached in college [at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York], so he’s a big basketball junkie.”

Watts knows where she’s going and how she got there: with a combination of great talent, hard work, faithful family, friends, coaches and teammates who believed in her. She’s now fight-ing like a Warrior with tar on her heels to add a state championship to her already lasting legacy at Weddington.

Watts(continued from page 24)


ACROSS

1 Titanic victim John Jacob ___

6 Diner’s card

10 Put-down

14 Havana hero José

15 Getting ___ years

16 Musical pitch

17 What a good speaker maintains with the audience

19 Female org. since the 1850s

20 U.S. intelligence org.

21 ___ nut (Chinese fruit)

22 Opposite of spicy

23 Internet business

25 Golfers’ bookings

27 Somewhat

29 Fox News anchor Smith

30 “Man!”

35 “August: ___ County” (2008 Pulitzer Prize-winning play)

38 Twosome

39 Weightless state, informally

41 Director’s end-of-scene cry

42 What i.o.u.’s represent

45 “Wait, wait … go back”

48 Lansing’s home: Abbr.

50 Cross through

51 Bit of Boston Harbor debris in 1773

55 Second-stringers

59 “___! The Herald Angels Sing”

60 Regular

62 ___ constrictor

63 ___ of Wight

64 Leave no room for misinterpretation … or what the first words of the answers to the five italicized clues do, literally

66 Putin’s refusal67 German

automaker68 Vikings, e.g.69 Letters between

jays and ells70 Wall Street inits.71 ___ Park, Colo.

DOWN 1 Change, as the

Constitution 2 Final approval 3 October 31

option 4 Needing no Rx 5 1970 John

Wayne film 6 Glam rock band

___ the Hoople 7 Put into law 8 Small recess 9 Loosens, as

laces10 Thwarts11 Not joint-

pounding, as aerobics

12 Title for Sam or Ben

13 Enjoys Joyce, Carroll or Oates

18 U.S.S. ___ (aircraft carrier named for a former admiral)

24 Pace or race follower

26 Howe’er28 Unnamed others

30 Like integers of the form 2n + 1

31 Shade32 “One Love”

singer33 Suffix with ranch34 Sauce thickener36 Doublemint, for

one37 Juillet’s season40 Worldwide

43 Lottery buys

44 Univ., e.g.

46 Writer’s plan

47 Jeanne d’Arc, for one: Abbr.

49 Muppet maker Jim

51 “Use your head!”

52 Course for which you hardly need to 51-Down

53 Maudlin

54 Forest units

56 Call off, as a mission

57 One just squeaking by?

58 Fills up

61 Fr. girl

65 Lean-___ (rude shelters)

PUZZLE BY PETER A. COLLINS

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS.AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

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63 64 65

66 67 68

69 70 71

H E S B A C K M A L T H U SE T E R N A L A M O R O S OM A R I A N O P I N A T A SP I T C H E S L E G I TS L A K E S H E B L O K E

O I L E L M O T I SM T V M O V I E A W A R D S

T O R E F E R A L D O D OG R A N D T H E F T A U T OI I I A Y E S A T LF A N C Y M S S A T O M S

F O S S E L A R S S O NI T A L I A N A D A W A R EM O R O N I C M A X I M A LS T E R N L Y S K Y M A L L

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For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Monday, February 2, 2015

Edited by Will Shortz No.1229Crossword

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taylor.com, Baker & Taylor, Inc., Charlotte, NC 28217. 020615

.Net Developer (Charlotte, NC): Work closely w/ data dvlpmt team members & internal customers to dvlp bus. system reqmts; test prgms or d/bases, correct errors & make necessary modifications; dsgn, update, test, & monitor the creation & dvlpmt of web applications; maintain corporate website; modify existing d/bases & d/base mgmt systems; dvlp operational & backup plans; dvlp site admin application used for library maintenance; & dvlp user interactive features for the corporate website & dvlp various web forms. Reqs a MS in Bioinformatics + 1 yr exp as an Analyst/Dvlper. Email resume to [email protected], Baker & Taylor, Inc., Charlotte, NC 28217. 020615

Join our dedicated team! Matthews Help Center seeks Receiving Assistant for Back Porch Treasures Thrift Boutique. 27 hours/week @$8.50/hour. Two Saturdays/month required.Job Responsibilities:--Greet and assist all patrons dropping off donations --Organize and maintain donation and storage areas throughout the day --Assist managers with stocking retail floor and other tasks as assigned This position requires ability to lift and carry50 lbs, valid NC driver\’s license, light handyman skills, and a sunny disposition no matter the weather!Applications are available at Matthews Help Center, 119 N. Ames Street, Matthews or online at www.matthewshelpcenter.org. Completed applications and resumes (optional) can be returned in person or emailed to BPTcareers@matthews helpcenter.org. Selected candidates will be called for an interview beginning February 16, 2015. 021315

Part Time cleaning position, experience not necessary, training will be given, needs own vehicle & background will be checked. 704- 843-4877 ask for Ricky/ D’Lise Cleaning Services, LLC. 013015ATTN: Drivers-$2K Sign-on Bonus Love your $55K Job! $2K Sign-on Bonus + Benefits Ave $1100 Weekly CDL-A Req 1-888-592-4752. www.ad-drivers,com. SAPA

GET PAID WEEKLY!FT and PT mail work from home. For full details visit: www.750weekly.comor call 512-827-0060 (24/7). SAPA

Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the better business bureau or consumer protection agency before sending any money to any loan company. SAPA

CONCRETE SERVICES driveways, sidewalks, slabs, repair concrete, resurfacing, decorative, carports, basements grading, hauling, footings, brick, block, pavers, footings, grading asphalt new and repair, interior finishing senior citizens, Veteran discount, January specials. Call Anytime 980-622-7833. www.dunlapbrothersccs.com usaconcretecharlotte.com. Credit cards accepted. 021315

Still Home Improvement &

Construction 704-363-5628 Experienced

ReliableTrusted Basic

Electrical, Kitchen/Bath, Remodeling

Additions/Decks, Basic Plumbing, Flooring

Rot repair & Tile/Plumbing

contact: stillhome [email protected] Free Estimates

Call Anytime704-363-5628 “To Your Satisfaction”. 041015

European Cleaning Woman – 16 years experience. Looking for a job. Clean house, apartment or office. References available. My name is Martina. Call 704- 628-5504 or 516- 554-3960. 041715

HOUSE CLEANING Your Home Will be Thoroughly Cleaned! Weekly or Bi-Weekly. Experienced and Dependable. References and Free Estimates. Affordable Rates. Call Lelia at (980) 875-9606. 020615

P R O F E S S I O N A L PAINTERS – SHEETROCK – HANDYMAN $$$$$$$$$$ discounted services all winter long. $75 per room special. Always the best prices and service. We have been in the business for 25 years. Our services include painting, sheetrock, repair and installation, popcorn removal and repair, pressure washing, handyman, light plumbing and electrical. Licensed and Insured. All work has a full warranty. Call for your free estimate: 704-240-2258. 030615

We Fix It ServiceSince 1969 – Free EstimatesLicensed/BondedReplace Fogged Window GlassFix Windows to Stay UpRe-open stuck WindowsFor EgressWe Replace all types of Window PartsHighest Rating on Home Advisory704-578-6264

BYTESIZE COMPUTER SERVICES LLC FREE onsite service & FREE consultations. Virus Removal, Computer Hardware and Software repair, Speed up slow Desktop or Laptop Computers, one hour

In-Home personalized Computer Training sessions, Repair & Purchasing and Upgrading available. We offer Personable engagements and VERY competitive pricing. 25 Years of Computer Experience. Call Mark at 704-287- 8827 or visit our website: www. bytesizecomputer services.com. References are available. 041714FREE ESTIMATE

FSBO - 12201 OakshadeLn,Matthews,4BR/2.5BA/2400+sf/2car,EIK,gasrange,pantry,FR w/gas fp,wet bar,formal LR,9\’ceilings,new MBA,tankless gas WH,walkins,new hardwoods &carpet,fresh paint,corner lot cul-de-sac,fenced/shaded B/Y w/deck/patio,low maint,quiet neighborhood,close to shopping/schools/parks. Asking $214500, call 7047718326/appt. Brokers OK. 022015

HOME FOR RENT 3 bed/2 bath + bonus room home 2 car garage (2000 square feet) MATTHEWS location.Cul du sac. Fenced yard. 1 pet SS

appliances--washer and dryer included. $1500 (704)576-0955. 021315

MintHill: rooms for rent for seniors 55 & up, all utilities included, internet wifi, washer/ dryer, furnished den/ dining, rent 475/dep. 475, m bedroom 575/dep 575, call 704-208-7891. 020615

SERIOUSLY MOTIVATED PEOPLE needed for expansion in health and wellness industry. Must have high speed internet/phone. Free on line training with continued support. Flex hours.Good income. www.hometosuccess.com 020615

ADD EXTRA INCOME! Create a mini-officeoutlet.Work from home 10-15 hrs/wk guiding others to do the same in health/wellness industry. High speed internet/phone needed. On line training and support. www.hometosuccess.com. 032715

CREATE A LEANER HEALTHIER YOU! Lose

fat not muscle. Learn how in this free e-book 7 Big Secrets to Losing Weight. Download today and begin your successful journey! www.180healthyforlife.com. 031315

*CASH TODAY* Weíll Buy Any Car (Any Condition) + Free Same-Day Pick Up. Best Cash Offer Guaranteed! Call for FREE Quote 1-888-913-1680 SAPA

AVIATION GRADS WORK WITH JETBLUE, BOEING, NASA AND OTHERS. START HERE WITH HANDS ON TRAINING FOR FAA CERTIFICATION. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

U.S. Department of Labor reports millions of new jobs in fields that require less than two years of education. Train in just a few months for a rewarding new career in an in-demand field! Visit CareerStep.com/newcareer or call 1-866-553-8735 today

EARN YOUR High School Diploma at home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nationally accredited. Call for free brochure. 1-800-658-1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA

DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 months) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99. Call Today and Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-855-866-9941. SAPA

*REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE! Programming starting at $19.99/MO. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-795-1315 SAPA

Dish TV Retailer -SAVE! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.) FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL, COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1-800-351-0850. SAPA

Get The Big Deal from

DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAXFREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. New Customers Only IV Support Holdings LLC- An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1-800-413-9179. SAPA

ENJOY 100 percent guaranteed, delivered?to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 74 percent PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - The Family Value Combo - ONLY $39.99. ORDER Today 1-800-715-2010 Use code 48829AFK or www.OmahaSteaks.com/mbfvc46

Medical Guardian - Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800-983-4906

AIRLINE MECHANIC CAREERS START HERE - GET FAA APPROVED

M A I N T E N A N C E TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS. JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

HELP: LOST DOG, \”Dotty\”, Australian Cattle mix, 7yrs, 35lbs. Lost 8/1/14, Rea Rd. Black/White, black patch right eye. pink/grey collar. Contact Kim 704-763-3661. Her loving family misses her very much!

Cats cradle boarding beautiful 5 star cats only kennel. Huge sun-filled suites, 3 levels, climbing tree. Pickup/delivery. 20% Senior discount. For rates and requirements call 704.771.6052 www.Cat boardingcharlotte.Com. 072514

PROVIDENCE PET SITTING is licensed, insured, and pet CPR/First Aid certified. We have been lovingly caring for pets for over 10 years. Contact us at 704-591-7274 for more info. 101014

To advertise, visit www.carolinaweeklynewspapers.comCarolina Weekly Classifieds Network

ACROSS 1 Espresso and

cappuccino 8 2014 World

Series winners14 Become rusted15 Largest country

in Africa since the breakup of Sudan in 2011

17 Illuminated from behind

18 Bright, as a fire19 Tonsil doc20 One helping an

addict22 Spell-off23 Snicker24 ___ flash25 Like Santa’s

helpers28 Coarse, as

humor31 New York Stock

Exchange symbol

32 Pale33 Mad ___37 Buddy38 Wayward

offspring, informally

40 Day-___41 Kebab stick43 General on

Chinese menus44 “Sands of Iwo

___”45 Fanatic47 Attempt, as a

field goal48 Org. in the

“Dirty Harry” movies

51 Fend off, as mosquitoes

53 “We Three Kings of Orient ___”

54 Vexes56 Snatch59 Take back, as a

false charge61 Milan opera

house63 Rapper with the

1991 hit “Rico Suave”

64 Greek personification of the outer sea

65 Commandeer66 Clichéd gift on

Mother’s Day

DOWN 1 Center 2 Plural animal

name that does not end in “-s”

3 Italian carmaker

4 Fireside chat prez

5 Brennan of “Private Benjamin”

6 Online publication

7 Advance, as a clock

8 Ibsen’s “Hedda ___”

9 “Winnie ___ Pu”

10 Lab culture medium

11 Pince-___ (glasses that clip to the nose)

12 Cree, Creek or Crow

13 Muscle16 The 13 of

PG-13 and 17 of NC-17

21 Storied locale for the circled letters in 8- and 65-Across

23 Dusk-dawn connector

24 WaPo competitor

25 Declines26 Lie in wait27 Ice mass29 “The Cosby

Show” son30 Duped32 Give a heads-

up34 Weekly

“Whew!”35 Ticklish red

Muppet

36 Engine sound at Indy

38 Actress Arthur39 Bake in a sauce42 One justification

for the Iraq war, for short

44 Make a quick note of

46 Violates the rules

47 Real hoot

48 Puppeteer Tony49 Former F.B.I.

chief Louis50 ___ dish52 “Ciao”54 ___ avis55 Flexible,

electrically56 When repeated,

Mork’s sign-off

57 One in the class of ’12 or ’13, now

58 Diamond bag

60 British rule in old India

62 Half-___ (low-octane drink order)

PUZZLE BY BRUCE HAIGHT

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS.AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

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E L I D E C A M P J A GR E M U S A S I A P U L LG A P E S S H A R P E D G ES P E D A W A Y M E D I A N

D A Y O R E A RS N I T N O T E S O B I TT O M E S R E M A P R N AO W E P E D X I N G A P RR A N F L E A S A S K E DM Y T H E R N S T E E N Y

O R C S E A R PS T O P I T S T A M P E D EP I P E D R E A M A I D E SA V I D I S L E S C A M PR O E C O E N S O L O N

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018

For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1223Crossword

Real estate–FoR sale

GaRaGe sale

Vehicles FoR sale

Financial

Miscellaneous

help wanted

seRVices

pets

FoR sale

Real estate–Rental

business oppoRtunities

MeRchandise

Union County Weekly

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