new years

Morning Minute: December 31, 2018

News About Town: The Fire Department had a busy night over the weekend, starting in the evening on Morningwood Drive with a two-vehicle fire. The accidental fire ended with the total loss of one vehicle and damage to the second. Several hours later a three-department team (Matthews, Mint Hill, and Idlewild) responded to a call at a duplex near Butler High School. This fire displaced four people, who are being provided for by the American Red Cross. The Stallings Fire Department provided coverage for Matthews during this call.

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News Around Town: Starting tonight, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on January 1, is the most dangerous time to be on the road in the US. The Matthews Police Department recently shared some tips on social media that are well-worth repeating: Plan and know how you’re getting home, whether a designated driver or an Uber/Lyft (why not put the app on your phone right now?), make sure your driver hasn’t been drinking. All senses need to be sharp. If you drink heavily on New Year’s Eve you could still be tipsy when you wake up January 1. If you’re still feeling it, it’s not okay to drive then, either. Finally, if you’re out and you see unsafe drivers on the road, pull over and call 9-1-1. Stay safe tonight, Matthews.

Some Fun Things: There are plenty of fun activities all over Matthews if you’re up for a New Year’s party, but the one that stands out most, especially in light of how dangerous it is to be on the roads tonight, is at Mac’s Speed Shop. The restaurant, located at 142 E. John St., has no cover and live music by Woodie and the String Pullers starting at 8 p.m. Most importantly, though, Mac’s customers can use Lyft to get home and get $10 off the ride by using coupon code: MACS19MTW. (Giant H/T to responsible businesses!)

Morning Minute: December 27, 2018

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department is holding a community meeting to present a plan addressing traffic concerns for Elizabeth Lane Elementary. Stop by the school gymnasium on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 6:15 P.M. to hear their plans for increasing safety and efficiency during major traffic hours. During the mini-planning conference, the Board of Commissioners heard a presentation by the Town’s Transportation Department as well as the Police Department. Some solutions included having a dedicated School Resource Officer for the school as well as encouraging bus ridership.

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News Around Town: Youth Shrine Bowls of the Carolinas’ annual Battle of the Borders is coming to the Sportsplex, 2425 Sports Parkway, this Saturday, December 29, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Youth Shrine Bowl Athletics of the Carolinas, a nonprofit, provides fifth to eighth graders who typically can’t afford sports programs the opportunity to participate in youth sports. After rigorous tryouts, coaches select players based on detailed analysis. While the program is free, participants must fundraise to participate in the bowl, with proceeds going to local children’s hospitals. Tickets are $20.

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One Fun Thing: The Pizza Peel Matthews, 110 Matthews Station St , is throwing a New Year’s bash for the younger set. Kids will finally understand the fun of New Years with the Peel’s free buffet of cheese and pepperoni pizza, party favors, sparkling juice, and a countdown at noon. And for the parents? We don’t have to worry about grumpy kids who didn’t get enough sleep the night before! December 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*Kids 12 and under, must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian. Parents wanting pizza can have the regular weekday pizza buffet.