Top Stories for Dec. 18, 2024

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board’s next scheduled meetings are a joint meeting with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education on Jan. 13, 2025, and a budget/public policy workshop on Jan. 14, 2025.The agendas will be available online and the meetings can be viewed on MeckTV.  

1. Don’t Be Delinquent: Mecklenburg County property owners must submit their tax payments by Jan. 6, 2025, to avoid delinquency. Real estate and personal property tax payments must be paid or postmarked on or before Jan. 6 to avoid interest charges. Property owners whose payments are received or postmarked after that date will be charged 2% interest for January, and an additional three-quarters of a percent every month thereafter until paid. Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person. 

2. Pneumonia on the Rise: After low levels of detected infections since 2019, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have increased in the United States since late spring and remain high. As a result, Public Health has increased pneumonia surveillance and is now monitoring 12 potential outbreaks involving school-based settings. Residents, and especially children, should stay up to date with vaccines, stay home and keep your kids home if they are not well, seek medical care when appropriate, practice good hygiene, and take steps to bring fresher air inside. Vaccination appointments may be made by calling 704-336-6500. 

3. Remembering Lives Lost with Light: Thirteen. That’s how many lives were lost this year in Mecklenburg County due to domestic violence. Across North Carolina, the number was 87. And each one was remembered at the 20th annual lighting of the Domestic Violence Memorial Tree in Mecklenburg County. The ceremony took place last week where family members, friends, and other advocates shared their stories and placed a ribbon on the tree in recognition of each name. The lighting of the tree symbolizes the shedding of a light on the issue of domestic violence. The ceremony was organized by the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg in partnership with Mecklenburg County’s Department of Community Support Services, Department of Community Resources, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage. View photos from the ceremony or a YouTube short. 

Anyone in need of support for domestic violence or sexual assault can call the 24/7 Greater Charlotte Hope Line at 980-771-HOPE (4673). It’s a free, confidential hotline operated by Safe Alliance, a Mecklenburg County partner. Anyone who is in immediate danger should call 911. 

4. Urbie Winner: Mecklenburg County has been recognized for its work to breathe new life into American Legion Memorial Stadium. The stadium received an “Urbie,” or Urban Design Award, by the City of Charlotte Urban Design Center and the UNC Charlotte David R. Ravin School of Architecture. The historic stadium, operated by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, was awarded in the category of “Great New Life for an Old Place.” The awards are a yearly recognition and a celebration of quality urban design in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Memorial Stadium first opened in 1936 and honors Mecklenburg County soldiers who fell in World War I. After extension restoration, the stadium today seats 10,500 fans and hosts the Charlotte Independence and Carolina Ascent FC professional soccer teams. 

5. Give Your Christmas Tree New Life: After the holidays wind down, be sure to recycle your Christmas tree. Mecklenburg County Solid Waste will recycle your tree for free and turn it into useful mulch for sale. First, ensure all decorations are removed. If you live in Charlotte, place your tree by the curb on your regular yard waste collection day for pickup. Mecklenburg residents can also drop their trees off at a full-service recycling center or check with their town or waste service provider to see if tree collection is offered. Visit WipeOutWaste.MeckNC.gov to learn more. 

6. Happy Holidays! Most Mecklenburg County offices and services will be closed Dec. 24-26, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025, for the holidays. Happy holidays from Mecklenburg County Public Information!