News About Town: The intersection of N. Trade Street and Matthews Station Street will be undergoing construction to improve pedestrian safety. In 2017, the Board of Commissioners approved the project to move forward to design.

The construction contract was approved earlier this month by the Board of Commissioners (Bland, Garner, Miller, Whitley, Urban in favor of; Higdon and McCool opposed), the project estimate is $351,202.00 including contingencies. The low bidder, Boggs Construction Inc., will raise the intersection, extend the curb, and create hi-visibility crosswalks, in addition to recently installed lighting improvements. 

Surveyors were out on Monday, June 22, signaling the beginning of construction which should last through mid-August. One lane in each direction will remain open during the majority of construction. Alternate routes for cars and pedestrians.

News Around Town: Today (Friday, June 26, 8 am - 4:30 pm) is your last day to pick up plants from Renfrow’s before the popular downtown hardware store closes for their annual week of vacation. If you miss the opportunity, check out the Farmer’s Market on Saturday. Wear your mask, pick up some freestone peaches, but save your money for some plants for your own pollinator garden. While you’re there, check out the patio area for garden inspiration. The market is part of the Butterfly Highway, a native plant pollinator habitat. 

One Good Thing: Reader (and Matthews resident) Nancy Callaway reached out to let us know she’s made masks which are available at the Harris Teeter pharmacy at Matthews Festival. Nancy asks that those who take a mask also make a donation to Special Olympics North Carolina in order to offset the nonprofit’s economic hardship during the COVID pandemic.