News About Town: We’re entering that mushy time of year again, where pink and red hearts adorn front doors and Target looks like Hallmark and Pepto Bismol had a catastrophic collision. This February, show your love for the Town of Matthews by entering the first-ever Love Matthews Photo Contest. Capture a photo of something in Matthews then makes your heart skip a beat. Submit your work in one of three categories: Professional, Amateur, or Youth (15 & under). One photo submissions per person will be accepted from February 1st at 9 am through February 14th at 5 pm. Judging will take place February 15-28.

News Around Town: Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, a non-profit that promotes organic and regenerative land management principles that eliminate exposure between children and synthetic pesticides, is partnering with the Town of Matthews to train landscaping staff on organic methods of weed control. The town will eliminate use of glyphosate (commonly known as Round Up) on public property around both community gardens. In conjunction with the training, Stonyfield Organic will present the town with a $10,000 grant to further Town efforts in sustainability.