INSIDE ▼ See who is running for office PAGE 2A Friday, March 18, 2022 • Vol. 15 • No. 11
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Sherrif: Suspect is no longer a threat
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MONROE – Detectives with the Union County Sheriff’s Office arrested Logan Ibele on charges of second-degree murder. Detectives determined that Ibele provided street-pressed pills containing Fentanyl to Margaret Jakiela, 31, of Indian Trail, according to the sheriff’s office. Jakiela died shortly after ingesting the pills. Ibele was served with the second-degree murder charge March 15 at the Union County Jail where he was already in custody for a charge of trafficking in opium/heroin. His bond is at $2.75 million. “The criminal investigation conducted in this matter involved nearly every division of this agency working together diligently and efficiently and I could not be prouder of their results,” Sheriff Eddie Cathey said in a statement. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of UCSO deputies and investigators, Mr. Ibele will no longer be a threat to our community. We hope that this arrest helps bring some level of closure to the family of Ms. Jakiela and we will continue to keep them in our prayers.” The office reports a significant increase in trafficking arrests and narcotics-related deaths in the past year. The office cites a lack of border security as the primary factor. It vowed to aggressively identify, investigate and arrest narcotics traffickers. It also encouraged people to call 704-283-3789 if they need help with addiction.
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I hate 'puters Editor issues challenge to machines, 4A
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Moment of faith Speaking on the brokenness of lives, 1B
Charlotte Media Group celebrates women in the community, 4A
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How to tell Normal aging or early Alzheimer's, 1B
Foodies unite Duo brings food festival to Charlotte, 4B
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Veterinarian joins public health team MONROE – Union County has welcomed its first county veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Broadaway, on March 14. Broadaway brings 13 years of veterinary experience in both private and public sectors. In this new role, Broadaway will work as part of the county’s public health team. His focus will include zoonotic and vector-borne diseases as well as other relevant public health animal-related functions. Broadaway will also work with Union County Sheriff’s Office An-
imal Services to provide veterinary care for animals in the shelter and support for law enforcement canines. He will also provide consultation and expertise to the Union County Cooperative Extension. “I am excited to be in this unique position,” Broadaway said. “And I look forward to further developing the position to enhance animal health and public health in my home county.” County officials said the veterinarian service is not open to residents, but the new role will enhance
the effectiveness of animal services and other programs that involve animal well-being, management and public health impact. “This position will be a huge asset for our organization,” Deputy County Manager Michelle Lancaster said. “With a cross-departmental focus, the management team looks forward to seeing the opportunities develop. We are proud to introduce a position like this into local governments in North Carolina.” Broadaway most recently served as a veterinary medical officer with
the N.C. Department of Agriculture, where he has worked with agencies and groups impacted by animal diseases and Broadaway veterinary medical treatment. A graduate from Piedmont High School, Broadaway earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and poultry science as well as a doctorate in veterinary medicine from N.C. State University.
Union Academy breaks ground on new ballfield complex MONROE – The Union Academy Foundation broke ground recently on the Ken Stanley Memorial Ballpark in memory of a teacher and coach who passed away in January 2021. Stanley was a middle school baseball coach for the Cardinals during the school’s early years and helped build a solid foundation for the athletic program. Members of the UA Foundation, school board and administration were present for the groundbreaking as well
as the high school baseball and softball teams. Stanley’s daughter and son-in-law participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. “Taking a look back at what all has been accomplished over the last 20 years has me in awe of the hard work, dedication and community support we’ve had to be able to make our dreams and the dreams of our founders come to life,” said Jenna Westbrook, executive director of the Union Academy Foundation.
”Everything we do at UA and through the UA Foundation, we do it for the students.” The on-campus baseball and softball fields are a much-needed addition for the Cardinals after years of borrowing fields across the county for practice and games. “We are beyond excited to see this project unfold,” Athletic Director Michelle Phifer said. “Union County and the City of Monroe have worked with us gra-
ciously over the years when we have not had our own fields, but being able to have a true home field will allow our players to take ownership of each of their seasons and take pride in the hard work that they do both on and off the field.” The land is being cleared to begin construction of the fields. Westbrook anticipates the project will be complete by the end of the summer. “This is the start of a new era for UA athletics,” Phifer said. “The on-campus fields
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The Ken Stanley Memorial Ballpark has taken years of planning and raising money. Photo courtesy of UA
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