News About Town: Fire Station 1 in Downtown Matthews recently received a facelift, nip/tuck, and augmentation. Ok, actually the façade was given a fresh coat of paint, the sign dropped the word “volunteer,” and an LED-illuminated scramble (logo) was installed. The new scramble (replacing the previous volunteer version) will also be used on patches for uniforms and printed on tees. This new branding is the next step in transitioning from a predominantly volunteer department to a predominantly career department, a major change for fire-protection services for Matthews.

News Around Town: This Sunday, July 4, is Free Fishing Day in NC. Though bait, tackle, length, and daily possession regulations still apply, fishing licenses are not required on Free Fishing Day. The NC Wildlife Commission lists two spots in the ‘105 to fish: Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Rd.) and Col. Francis Beatty Park (4330 Weddington Rd.). Meck County Parks and Rec lists Idlewild Road Park’s (10512 Idlewild Rd.) two-acre pond as another fishin’ hole. Need equipment but don’t know if you want to invest in your own rod? Call the Community Center (704-321-7275), loaners are available for fishing at Squirrel Lake.

One Important Thing: Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is celebrating 30 years of supporting local agriculture. In honor of the milestone, the market is going 30-for-30, asking supporters for a $30 donation. Each donation will further the market’s efforts in fostering the next generation in the agricultural community, expanding educational programs, and providing wholesome foods to vulnerable members of the community. Give here.

Don’t Forget:

• The Town of Matthews Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee meeting taking place on July 14, 2021 at 6:30pm to discuss an upcoming mural project by Osiris Rain at the Loyalist.