INSIDE ▼ See who is running for political office PAGE 2A Friday, March 18, 2022 • Vol. 15 • No. 11
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Hawke promoted to manager
“
by Justin Vick
I truly found a place to call home when I moved to Matthews six years ago. The community pride, friendly people and dedicated, talented staff all help make Matthews a great place to live and work.
justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Matthews commissioners have offered Becky Hawke a contract to serve as town manager. Hawke, who has served as assistant town manager since 2016, emerged as the top candidate from a pool of more than 20 applicants from across the country, according to Mayor John Higdon. Hawke takes over the role from retiring Hazen Blodgett on April 1. Blodgett announced his plans to retire in September.
Hawke
• Becky Hawke
“We’re very blessed to have Becky on our staff,” Higdon said. “The knowledge that she brings forward is going to make Hazen’s retirement a little less painful – not totally, but slightly less painful – because there’s a lot of knowledge that Becky has gained working with Hazen over the last six years. I have supreme
confidence in Becky that she will do a great job for us.” The board voted 6-1 March 14 to approve the contract. Commissioner Larry Whitley was the only no vote. Commissioner Mark Tofano said constituents have asked about the severance package outlined in the
contract. In the event the manager is fired, the town will provide at least 12 months of the position’s salary as well as payment for unused accrued vacation leave and paid holidays. The contract includes a base salary see HAWKE, Page 5A
Meck County remains strong
I hate 'puters Editor issues challenge to machines, 4A
by George Dunlap County Commissioner
Editor’s note: George Dunlap, who chairs the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, delivered these remarks March 11 as part of his State of the County Address.
Moment of faith Speaking on the brokenness of lives, 1B
How to tell Normal aging or early Alzheimer's, 1B
Foodies unite Duo brings food festival to Charlotte, 4B
DYNAMIC Charlotte Media Group celebrates women in the community, 4A
Kim Tuttle, a teacher at CMS
Academy cheers up kids in hospital Matthews Charter Academy has a Compass Club, in which member families can help out around the community. The club supports a different nonprofit each month. The academy’s virtue for February was courage, prompting the club to partner with Levine Children’s Hospital. The club raised just under $900 through a Jeans Day at school to buy items from the hospital’s wish list. Families also made cards for the children at the hospital. Scholars who couldn’t make the event were encouraged to bring cards they made at home to support the children.
Matthews Charter Academy held an outreach event at Sunflower Cafe & Outreach in Mint Hill to help the project. Photos courtesy of Matthews Charter Academy.
see COUNTY, Page 5A
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I’m excited to deliver my remarks today in front of a chamber in the government center, in front of an audience. Dunlap It’s been nearly two years since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Mecklenburg County. We’ve come a long way since the early days of the pandemic. Our children are back in school. Thousands of employees have returned working in the office and our local businesses are regaining traction. Mecklenburg County is moving forward and today’s presentation is just another sign of our progress. Today, COVID-19 numbers in the county are down and our health systems are recovering from unprecedented strains they were experiencing this time last year. Meanwhile, the resources to protect the health of county residents continue to increase. From a wide availability of vaccines and various treatment options to high quality masks to no-cost testing and at-home COVID-19 test kits. Our team alone has distributed more than 223,000 masks within the community since January and more than 76,000 at-home test kits have been distributed since December. But with all the advancements made in Mecklenburg County and nationwide, health leaders believe that COVID-19 may be here to stay, as new variants emerge. But just as the virus changes, so will the county’s response to the pandemic. Our public health department has shifted its response to COVID-19 Response 2.0 by adding cutting
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