News About Town: Sunday morning, just after 2 am, Matthews Fire & EMS responded to a fire at Paces Commons Apartments. What began as a third story balcony fire destroyed one apartment and damage at least five others. Six engines and two ladder trucks were called to the fire. Idlewild, Mint Hill, Stallings, and Charlotte all responded and aided in controlling the fire.

News Around Town: At 9 am this past Saturday more than 100 Matthews residents were lined up in the Matthews United Methodist parking lot to claim free trees from Matthews’ first TreeStore. Trees Charlotte gave away 350 trees to more than 150 residents. The Town of Matthews Appearance and Tree Board were available to assist throughout the event. By closing time at 11am, all of the available trees were claimed.

One Good Thing: HAWK’s next meeting is all about the owls…barred owls that is. Tuesday, February 4 at 7 pm at the Community Center, join Matthews’ most dedicated naturalists for an exciting, informative presentation by biologist David Crowe. David will share interesting facts about the owls and how to attract them to your backyard habitat. HAWK will be raffling off an owl nesting box at the event, as well.