🌱 South Charlotte Hydraulic Oil Spill + Local Runners Push For Safety

Hello all! Alexis Goring here with your fresh copy of the Charlotte Patch newsletter, full of all the community news you need to know right now. Including updates on:

• Several gallons of hydraulic oil spilled into the Little Sugar Creek in south Charlotte.
• Charlotte area runners continued the conversation of safety after attacks.
• Detectives are working to identify the people responsible for robbing a north Charlotte convenience store and breaking into vehicles.

But first, today's weather:

Windy. High: 86 Low: 58.

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Here are the top six stories in Charlotte today:

1. "Several gallons of hydraulic oil spilled into the Little Sugar Creek in south Charlotte earlier this week, city officials said. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, the spill happened after an equipment malfunction on Monday, Feb. 20 near Medical Center Drive in the Montford area. Crews have begun clean-up efforts, placing booms in the creek to catch oil residue in an attempt to prevent the fluid from washing further downstream," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
2. "In a hiring market where new and experienced law enforcement officers and administrators can grow their career anywhere, many choose the opportunity CMPD offers and the lifestyle Charlotte affords. While recruits appreciate CMPD's $7,500 signing bonus, higher pay and improved application process, many officers say the city itself played an important role in their decision to start their career in Charlotte," PR Newswire reports. (PR Newswire)
3. "Charlotte area runners continued the conversation of safety on Tuesday night. They began gathering last fall after attacks on a trail in Matthews and a greenway in Charlotte. Lisa Landrum, founder of RunCLTRun, led the meeting. Landrum and other runners went to city council in October to ask for a bigger police presence on greenways, better lighting and more. Since their meetings this past fall, Landrum and her group have established a running safety tab on the RunCLTRun website," Spectrum News reports. (Spectrum News)
4. "Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are looking to identify the people responsible for robbing a north Charlotte convenience store and breaking into vehicles in nearby neighborhoods. The robbery happened on Wednesday, Feb. 15 around 3:45 a.m. at a Circle K convenience store on Docia Crossing Road in north Charlotte. Surveillance footage from the business shows two people entering the store and robbing it at gunpoint. The suspects took off after securing cash in a bag," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
5. "A Charlotte teacher was leading a financial literacy class when he realized he and others like him could benefit from the same thing: The idea that building a nest egg isn't just for the wealthy. Brian Li says knowing how to manage your money can be life-changing, regardless of your income level. Talk about a light bulb moment. Li, who teaches at Providence Day School in south Charlotte, was asked to speak at a teachers' conference about managing money when you don't have a ton of it. That's when he realized it was a topic many people could benefit from," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
6. "Learfield and Harris Teeter are proud to announce that Harris Teeter has pledged to donate $50 to the Boy Scouts of Mecklenburg County's "Scouting for Food," benefiting Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, for every Charlotte 49ers assist during the Feb. 25th men's home basketball game against Rice. The Boy Scouts will be in Halton Arena collecting canned food and donations before and during the game at the East, West and student entrances of Halton. The donations will help fight local hunger and promote kindness within the community," Charlotte Athletics reports. (Charlotte Athletics)

Today in Charlotte:

• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Coffee Chats: Charlotte at Starbucks on University City Blvd. (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• "The Woman King" Movie Night at Johnson C. Smith University (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
• Improv Benefitting CLT Foundation at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Charlotte Area: 5 Open Houses Of The Week (Charlotte Patch)
• 8 Charlotte Apartments Under $800 a Month | Evan Crosby (NewsBreak Original)
• February is National Children's Dental Health Month (WCNC.com)
• The Dumpling Lady closing food truck to get ready for new South End restaurant (WCNC.com)
• Detective Lauren Ehlke was recognized today for the bravery and dedication she showed during her involvement in an officer-involved shooting back in August. While trying to serve an involuntary commitment order...(Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• Congratulations to Mike Parker on his promotion to Battalion Chief. A North Carolina native and graduate of Fayetteville State University, the newest Battalion Chief with Charlotte Fire is Mike Parker. (Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC via Facebook)
• Join us on March 4! The CMPD and the @FBICharlotte are hosting a joint recruitment event just for women. For more info, visit our events page at www.CharlottePoliceJobs.org/Ev...(Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• We're excited to share the latest news from J.M. Alexander Middle School's robotics program! Their two teams, the Robo Assassins and Axolotls, recently faced off in an intense competition. Read about the challenges ... (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• Meet fashion designer, musician and ArtPop Cities Program artist, @ThatWillWhite!⁠ ⁠Will White "lives to create art. From his time at Howard University, majoring in Fashion Merchandising, to his employment. (ArtPop Street Gallery via Instagram)
• Who's #BehindTheName of this CMS school? Butler High School opened its doors to students in August 1997. It was named for David Watkins Butler, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teacher whose life was cut short. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• Did you know we offer cosmetology classes for our students? Career and Technical Education helps prepare students who want to embark on a career trajectory while still in high school. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• Families are split as a country is divided. The actors of "The Night Diary" work diligently to devise the new play adapted by Mukta Phatak from Veera Hiranandani's award-winning novel. (Children's Theatre of Charlotte via Facebook)
• “As we Journey Through” is a new work by choreographer Ashley Lindsey performed by our incredible Charlotte Ballet II Dancers. Thank you to all who joined us on Sunday to experience our collaboration with Harvey B. Gantt Center for Africa. (Charlotte Ballet via Facebook)
• The Empire and the Rebel Alliance prepare for the final confrontation in Return of the Jedi. See it on the big screen with the Charlotte Symphony, March 17 and March 18 at Belk Theater. >> bit.ly/csojedi (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• RMHC of GC is currently looking for volunteers to serve on our 2023 Photography Core! Are you a photographer or even a hobbyist photographer? Then you may be a great fit for our photography core! (Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte via Facebook)
• University City Regional Library is reconnecting with the senior community to improve digital literacy and help seniors make the most of free library resources. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library via Facebook)
• During Black History Month here at the District Attorney's Office, we remember those who paved the way for prosecutors of color and their contributions to the justice system. Shirley L. Fulton joined. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office via Facebook)
• Join us online every Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. starting February 28 for our Writing Accountability Group. This is a weekly check-in to set personal writing goals and share encouragement. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library via Facebook)
• Join Atkins Library to read and discuss passages from Black Literature, speeches, and correspondence. Readings will be followed with a discussion facilitated by Dr. Janaka Lewis. Refreshments and prizes will be provided. (UNC Charlotte Atkins Library via Facebook)
• Lost dog! Argos is a white, 8 pound male dog. If you see him please contact me at this number: 704-778-7972. He was last seen near William R. Davie Park. (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Alexis Goring

About me: My name is Alexis A. Goring. I'm an East Coast Girl with a pulse for people, news and feature stories! I've worked as a freelance writer/editor/proofreader in the media industry for 15 years. I'm also a published author, experienced blogger, and founder of Writer at Heart Editorial Services. Visit my website for more details about me and my work. Here's the link: https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com.

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