Top Stories for Dec. 20, 2023

Several red apples in a cardboard box

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings from the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. The agenda will be available online. View the meeting at Watch.MeckNC.gov. 

1. Bars and Bites: Public Health will issue permits to more bars that serve food in Mecklenburg County, after a new North Carolina law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The law requires that any bar that prepares or serves food requiring temperature and time control obtain a permit for food service. Public Health staff have been working to notify businesses or facilities that may need a permit. For bars receiving a permit, Environmental Health staff will provide necessary training or guidance to ensure a smooth transition. Learn more about food safety at Health.MeckNC.gov. 

2. Only You … Can Prevent Trash Fires: Holiday time is also “trash fire season.” With the increase in household waste this time of year, Mecklenburg County sees more fires in its trash recycling systems. Fires occur when residents and businesses improperly dispose of items that cannot be recycled or thrown in the trash, such as batteries, chemicals, and hot coals from fireplaces or stoves. These fires disrupt the normal collection of waste and recycling, can destroy expensive equipment, and could be a serious safety hazard for our employees. It’s up to residents to learn not to burn and be our first line of defense. Visit WipeOutWaste.MeckNC.gov and use the “Waste Search” tool to learn what is acceptable.

3. How 'Bout Them Apples? Mecklenburg County volunteers and partners teamed up this month to pack 1,200 bags of apples for delivery to homebound seniors. The Senior Citizens Nutrition Program collaborated with Carolina Farm Trust and the Frankie Mae Foundation to purchase the apples and help recruit volunteers, and Weeping Willow AME Zion Church hosted everyone to pack the bags. Watch our video here. >> 

The Senior Citizens Nutrition Program provides nutrition support and social opportunities to Mecklenburg County residents 60 years of age and older. Free services include congregate meals, home delivery, and the mobile market program. Residents can call 704-432-1111 for more information about signing up.

4. Leading by Inspiration: County Manager Dena R. Diorio has been named among the Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2023 by Industry Era for Women, a digital magazine featuring CEOs, C-suite executives, and other pioneers in various industries. Serving since 2014 as Mecklenburg County’s first female manager, Diorio leads more than 6,400 employees and is noted for creating a culture of creativity and innovation. The publication spotlighted her leadership in developing and implementing MECK Pre-K, a free, high-quality preschool for four-year-olds. 

5. Happy Holidays! Most Mecklenburg County offices and services will be closed Dec. 25 - 27, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024 for the holidays. Happy holidays from Mecklenburg County Public Information!