Top Stories for Feb. 21, 2024

A white heart with the words February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with an ornage background

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 met on Tuesday, Feb. 20. The agenda is available online. View the meeting at Watch.MeckNC.gov. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 2:30 p.m.

1. Love Like That: One in three young people in the United States experiences abuse by a dating partner. In an average Mecklenburg County classroom, that’s more than 10 students. The Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Mecklenburg County. The proclamation recognizes the experiences of teens in our community, amplifies the message that teens deserve healthy relationships, and highlights resources available. This year’s theme, “Love Like That,” is intended to uplift positive, healthy relationships by defining what “that” looks like and reinforcing that everyone deserves to be loved, respected, and valued.

2. Order of the Hornet: The Board presented the Order of the Hornet to Dr. John T. Crawford, founder of Greater Steps Scholars, which provides college scholarships for young people who live in subsidized housing. Dr. Crawford spent 20 years working with the Charlotte Housing Authority, where he saw the need for a fund to ensure students have an opportunity to pursue higher education. Since its founding 40 years ago, Greater Steps Scholars and Dr. Crawford have provided 1,000 scholarships to students in Mecklenburg County and raised more than $4.4 million for education. The Order of the Hornet is the highest honor bestowed by the Board, conferred upon those who display valor or a high order of service to the residents of Mecklenburg County. View photos

3. Your Money. Your Community. Your Voice. Residents have until the end of February to let us know what they think would make our community a better place. The resident budget survey for next year’s spending plan will be open through Feb. 29. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and allows residents to indicate their priorities, how they feel about the level of funding for services, and what they feel are the community’s greatest needs. The survey and more information are available at Budget.MeckNC.gov.

4. Give Kids a Smile: Public Health will participate in National Give Kids A Smile Day, offering free dental services to children. The community health event will take place Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CPCC’s Worrell Building Gymnasium, 1228 Elizabeth Avenue in Charlotte. This event will serve children ages 0 – 17 with more than 200 residents expected to attend. Public Health and other community partners will provide no cost dental care, dental screenings, vision screenings, and other family resources.

5. Windows on the Past: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission presented its annual report to the Board. The presentation highlighted properties to receive historic designation in 2023:

Dozens more properties were added to the study list for consideration of historic status, including the Caldwell Bradford Schoolhouse, Shuffletown Drag Strip, Holbrook House, Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, and Camp Oak. The Historic Landmarks Commission has facilitated the designation of more than 360 historic landmarks throughout Mecklenburg County, the most of any county in North Carolina.