Concord City Manager Lloyd Payne has proposed a $402.4 million budget for fiscal year 2027 that would maintain the city’s current property tax rate while continuing investments in transportation, affordable housing, public safety and infrastructure.

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This story has been adapted from a Greater Cabarrus Foundation news release.

The Greater Cabarrus Foundation has announced a new partnership with the Uwharrie Community Fund aimed at strengthening nonprofit organizations across the region through capacity-building support.

The pilot program, supported by Uwharrie Bank, will provide five nonprofit organizations with $10,000 each in capacity-building services through Support Cabarrus, the foundation’s nonprofit assistance division. Participating agencies will also receive a comprehensive organizational review designed to identify opportunities for long-term growth and sustainability.

According to the foundation, the initiative focuses on strengthening internal operations, leadership and infrastructure rather than funding specific programs. Available services may include strategic planning, board governance support, marketing assistance, bookkeeping, grant writing and other customized organizational support.

Foundation leaders said the effort is intended to help nonprofits build stronger organizations that can continue serving their communities well into the future.

“The long-term health of our community depends on the long-term strength of the nonprofit organizations serving it,” said Cam Cruickshank, President and CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “This partnership allows us to invest behind the scenes in the leadership, systems, governance, and operational infrastructure that nonprofits need to grow and sustain their impact for years to come.”

The Uwharrie Community Fund is a permanently endowed charitable fund established by Uwharrie Bank to support communities across its service area, including Cabarrus, Stanly, Mecklenburg and Anson counties. Contributions are invested for long-term growth, with annual distributions supporting charitable initiatives and community needs throughout the region.

“The communities we serve are more than markets, they are home,” said Roger Dick, CEO of Uwharrie Bank. “Our associates live, work, volunteer, and raise their families here. Supporting organizations that strengthen these communities is a natural extension of who we are and what we believe. We are proud to partner with the Greater Cabarrus Foundation to help build stronger nonprofit organizations that will continue serving our region well into the future.”

David Beaver, president of Uwharrie Bank, said the program is designed to create lasting benefits for local organizations.

“Nonprofit organizations are essential partners in building thriving communities,” Beaver said. “By helping strengthen their internal capacity and leadership, we are helping ensure they can continue adapting, growing, and meeting community needs for years to come. This program is about creating long-term impact, not just short-term support.”

To be eligible, organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and provide services within Uwharrie Bank’s service area. During the pilot phase, priority consideration will be given to organizations serving residents in Cabarrus and Stanly counties. Applications will be evaluated based on mission alignment, service impact, board governance, financial stability and evidence of continuous quality improvement.

Applications for the Uwharrie Community Fund Capacity Building Grant Program will open July 1 and close Sept. 1. Award notifications are expected between November and December, with services for selected agencies potentially beginning as early as December 2026.

The grant cycle will coincide with the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s annual grantmaking program, and eligible nonprofits may apply for both opportunities.

The foundation will also host a Grant Program Training Workshop, led by Cruickshank, on June 30 at its offices at 4855 Milestone Avenue in Kannapolis to help organizations prepare their applications.

Nonprofit representatives may register for the workshop at: supportcabarrus.org/lunch-and-learns.

For additional information about the grant program, visit: greatercabarrusfoundation.org/uwharrie-community-fund-capacity-building- grant-program.

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For many students across Cabarrus County Schools, VEX Robotics has become more than an extracurricular activity.

What starts with building and programming robots often grows into something much larger — confidence in the classroom, stronger communication skills and, for some students, a pathway toward future careers in engineering, technology and other STEM-related fields.

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After nearly 18 years, the Concord Police Department says it has identified and arrested a suspect in the 2008 double homicide at the Sun Drop Bottling Company, a case long known locally as the “Sun Drop Murders.”

Police announced in a news release Monday night that 43-year-old Johnny Steven Talbert of Port Angeles, Washington, was arrested May 21 by the Port Angeles Police Department without incident.

Talbert has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a firearm or other dangerous weapon in connection with the June 13, 2008 killings of Donna Barnhardt and Darrell Noles inside the Sun Drop Bottling Company on Old Salisbury-Concord Road.

According to Concord police, Talbert is being held without bond in the Clallam County Jail while awaiting extradition to Concord.

At approximately 10 a.m. on June 13, 2008, Concord officers responded to a reported shooting at the Sun Drop Bottling Company near the intersection of Branchview Drive and Cabarrus Avenue.

When officers arrived, they discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said 59-year-old Donna Barnhardt, the company’s longtime office manager, and 44-year-old Darrell Noles, who had reportedly been at the business to apply for a job, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said witnesses at the time reported seeing a Black male with a slender build, wearing a white shirt and blue jeans, leaving the area on foot toward Cabarrus Avenue shortly after the shooting.

Detectives believed the suspect killed the victims before stealing money from the company’s front office and fleeing the scene.

In the hours following the shooting, officers canvassed the surrounding area and collected evidence and witness statements. A composite sketch of the suspect was later released in September 2008.

The case had generated national attention over the years, including a feature on America’s Most Wanted in 2009, according to Peninsula Daily News, which reported Talbert’s arrest. Authorities also previously offered a reward that eventually grew to $85,000.

According to court records reported by the Peninsula Daily News, Noles’ wife was waiting in the parking lot while he was inside applying for a job.

Court records cited by the newspaper indicate that approximately $9,905.42 was stolen during the robbery.

Despite years of investigation and hundreds of tips from the public, the case remained unsolved for nearly two decades.

Police said the investigation gained new momentum in late 2025 after detectives reexamined evidence and pursued previously undeveloped leads.

Concord detectives first contacted the Port Angeles Police Department about Talbert on Dec. 19, 2025. Detectives later traveled to Port Angeles on May 18, 2026, as part of the investigation.

According to the Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles police said Talbert had previously been contacted by officers in the city dating back to 2011.

The newspaper reported that Port Angeles Detective Sgt. Joshua Powless identified Talbert using both Washington state and North Carolina identification cards, along with a photograph provided by Concord investigators. Court records stated Talbert’s name, date of birth and physical description matched the information listed on the warrant.

In court documents, Powless also described Talbert as a potential flight risk, noting that Port Angeles is approximately 2,900 miles from Concord.

Talbert made his first appearance in Clallam County Superior Court on Friday, where a judge ordered him held for 30 days pending extradition proceedings. A status hearing is scheduled for June 12.

Police said the families of Barnhardt and Noles have been notified of the arrest and pending charges.

“This remains an active investigation and to protect the integrity of the case and pursuit of justice for Donna and Darrell, no further information will be released,” the department stated.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Concord Police Department at 704-920-5000 or Cabarrus Area Crime Stoppers at 704-93-CRIME.

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A new national study has ranked Concord among the safest midsize cities in the United States, citing the city’s low violent crime and property crime rates compared to communities across the country.

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Hi there,

As this 30-day anniversary campaign comes to a close at midnight tonight, I wanted to send one final note to simply say thank you.

I’ve watched this community rally around local journalism in a way that has honestly meant more to me than I can properly put into words. The Cabarrus Compass has now grown to roughly 1,870 subscribers, with 662 paid supporters choosing to invest directly in independent reporting here in Cabarrus County.

Every paid subscription helps cover the time and resources it takes to report stories thoroughly, attend meetings, ask questions, dig through records, produce podcasts and continue building something local, independent and community-focused.

If you’ve been considering becoming a paid subscriber, I wanted to send one final reminder that the special new Founding Member offer ends tonight at midnight.

Through the end of the day, every new Founding Member will still receive their choice of a Cabarrus Compass T-shirt or tote bag as a thank-you for supporting local journalism in Cabarrus County.

For this final stretch of the campaign, you can become a Founding Member for $150 per year — $50 off the regular rate. Standard subscription options are also available at $8/month or $70/year.

No matter which option you choose, your support directly sustains this work.

You can subscribe here: https://cpmille3.substack.com/subscribe.

And truly, whether you are a paid subscriber, a free reader, someone who forwards stories to friends or someone who simply opens the emails each morning, thank you for being here. The Cabarrus Compass would not exist without this community behind it.

— Chris

Cabarrus County hopes to use both limited obligation bonds (LOBs) and general obligation bonds (GO bonds) to help finance hundreds of millions of dollars in new schools and construction projects for Cabarrus County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College as the county works to keep pace with rapid growth and increasing infrastructure demands.

But for many residents, the bond process can feel complicated and difficult to follow.

To help explain how the process works — and what it could mean for taxpayers and future school construction — The Cabarrus Compass spoke with interim County Manager Kelly Sifford and Finance Director Jim Howden.

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This story has been adapted from a Greater Cabarrus Foundation news release.

The Greater Cabarrus Foundation announced this week that 32 nonprofit organizations across Cabarrus County will receive a combined $385,000 in grants through a new partnership with the William Coltrane and Norma Craft Cannon Charitable Trust.

The funding was awarded through the trust’s inaugural Cabarrus County-focused grant cycle, which was administered by the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. Organizers said the program originally launched as a $300,000 pilot initiative but expanded after receiving significantly more requests than anticipated.

According to the foundation, the grant cycle received 60 applications totaling more than $2.25 million in funding requests from nonprofits throughout the county.

“This grant cycle demonstrated both the tremendous needs that exist across our community and the extraordinary work local nonprofit organizations are doing every day to meet those challenges,” said Cam Cruickshank, president and CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to the William Coltrane and Norma Craft Cannon Charitable Trust for their generosity and partnership, as well as their willingness to expand support beyond the original funding amount in order to invest more deeply in Cabarrus County.”

Cruickshank said the trust ultimately decided to increase the total amount awarded beyond the original funding target in order to invest more deeply in local organizations.

The partnership also marked the launch of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s new online grant management system, which officials said was designed to simplify the application process for nonprofits. Applications were evaluated using a rubric focused on organizational effectiveness, financial stewardship, community impact and alignment with local needs.

Margaret West, daughter of William Coltrane and Norma Craft Cannon and a committee member for the family trust, said the evaluation process helped introduce the trust to organizations it had not previously worked with.

“One of the things that impressed me most was the thoughtful rubric-based evaluation process the Greater Cabarrus Foundation implemented,” West said. “It created a consistent and intentional way to review applications while helping us better understand organizational strengths and community impact.”

Among the grant recipients was The Open Door House, which supports young adults transitioning out of foster care.

“We are extremely grateful to the WCNC Cannon Charitable Trust to be selected as a grant recipient,” said Kathy Lista, founding executive director of The Open Door House. “These funds will help us establish another home to support young adults coming out of foster care.”

Cruickshank said organizers hope the partnership represents the beginning of a broader long-term effort to strengthen philanthropy and nonprofit support systems within Cabarrus County.

“This partnership represents more than a single grant cycle,” he said. “It reflects a growing commitment to building stronger systems of philanthropy and support within Cabarrus County.”

The following organizations were selected as grant recipients through the 2026 William

Coltrane and Norma Craft Cannon Charitable Trust grant cycle:

• 1CAN

• Academic Learning Center

• Augustine Literacy Project

• Autism Society of North Carolina

• AYA House

• Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Carolinas, Cabarrus County

• Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County

• Cabarrus Arts Council

• Cabarrus County Education Foundation

• Cabarrus County Young Life

• Cabarrus Meals on Wheels

• Cabarrus Partnership for Children

• Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network (CVAN)

• Central North Carolina Council, Scouting America

• Concord Bible Teaching Association

• Cooperative Christian Ministry

• Elder Orphan Care

• El Puente Hispano

• Families First in Cabarrus County

• First Baptist Church of Concord (First Missionary Baptist Church)

• Gate Pregnancy Resource Centers

• Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County

• Heart Math Tutoring

• Junior Charity League of Concord

• Lockhart Child Development Center

• Rowan-Cabarrus Young Men’s Christian Association

• The Community Free Clinic

• The Lantern Project

• The Open Door House

• The Salvation Army of Cabarrus and Stanly Counties

• Walking in the Harvest

• WeBuild Concord

More information on grant opportunities is available through the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s grantmaking priorities page.

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It can often take young people years to figure out what they want to be when they grow up.

That was never the case for Rissi Palmer.

From an early age, Palmer knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.

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This story was adapted from a news release provided by Advocate Health.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences celebrated more than 200 graduates during its historic Spring 2026 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, marking a milestone year that included the first graduating classes from several programs.

The ceremony also marked a new chapter for the college, as recently appointed president Dr. Diane M. Uzarski addressed graduates and their families for the first time as the institution’s fourth president.

“Today represents the culmination of hard work, determination and a shared commitment to caring for others,” Dr. Uzarski said. “I wish our graduates success and joy as they enter or advance in their healthcare careers, bringing their talents, compassion and passion to their patients and communities they will serve.”

Keynote speaker Roy Hawkins Jr., senior vice president and president of Advocate Health Charlotte Area, emphasized the graduates’ role in the future of healthcare.

“You are not just entering the workforce — you are shaping the future of care. You are the momentum,” Hawkins said.

Among the milestones celebrated was the first graduating class of the Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute, Cabarrus College’s early college high school program established in 2022 to expand educational and career opportunities for first-generation and diverse students.

Of the program’s 45 inaugural students, 18 will remain enrolled for up to two additional years to complete their degrees. The remaining 27 students graduated with a high school diploma along with either an associate degree, college credits or a medical assistant diploma.

Alisha Samuels, a member of the inaugural cohort and a Leadership and Management minor within the biomedical sciences program, exemplified student leadership during her time at Cabarrus College. Samuels founded the Future Biomedical Innovators Club and also served as a student ambassador, peer tutor and member of the Social Media Club.

“Cabarrus College has given me more than academics. It’s provided a sense of belonging,” said Samuels. “The mentorship, opportunities and friendships have shaped my journey, and I will always cherish the culture and community here.”

Samuels plans to continue working as an EMT with Cabarrus County EMS while preparing for the MCAT and pursuing her goal of attending medical school in 2028.

The college also celebrated the first graduating cohort of its Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program, which launched in 2023 and is North Carolina’s only hospital-based respiratory therapy program.

“Throughout my time in the program, I’ve developed a strong passion for pediatric and critical care, with a particular interest in working in the PICU and participating in patient transport,” said respiratory therapy graduate Mylia Belton, who will work as a respiratory care assistant at Levine Children’s Hospital while completing her remaining program requirements this summer before transitioning into a registered respiratory therapist role.

Following commencement, the Louise Harkey School of Nursing hosted its pinning ceremony for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree students, including the inaugural traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort.

During the ceremony, graduates received nursing pins symbolizing their commitment to compassionate care and professional excellence.

Traditional BSN graduate Lauren Harrison will begin her nursing career in the emergency department at Atrium Health University City in Charlotte.

“My ultimate goal is to become a sexual assault nurse examiner or forensic nurse, so I can provide specialized care and advocacy for patients affected by violence or trauma,” Harrison said.

The celebration concluded with a separate pinning ceremony honoring 30 graduates from the Master of Occupational Therapy program as they transitioned into professional practice. Family members, faculty and friends gathered to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments and readiness to make an impact in the field.

Collectively, the graduating class contributed more than 7,000 volunteer hours during their time at Cabarrus College, reflecting the institution’s emphasis on service, compassion and community impact as graduates prepare for the next stage of their careers.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to educating and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals through student-centered, career-focused programs.

The college is an academic partner of Atrium Health, part of Advocate Health, providing students with strong clinical integration, real-world learning opportunities and direct pathways into the healthcare workforce.

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Interim County Manager Kelly Sifford unveiled the $560 million recommended fiscal year 2026-27 budget during Monday’s County Commissioners meeting.

The proposed budget maintains the current tax rate of 57.6 cents per $100 of assessed value.

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Former Cabarrus County Manager Sean Newton has filed a lawsuit against Cabarrus County, alleging county commissioners wrongfully terminated him last year to avoid paying him nearly $290,000 in severance required under his employment contract.

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Sometimes it only takes a few minutes of conversation to understand why someone chose the profession they did.

Spend even a short amount of time talking with Rachel Gillcrist — watching her eyes light up as she speaks about her students and hearing the warmth and enthusiasm in her voice — and it quickly becomes clear she was always meant to be a teacher.

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The proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for the City of Kannapolis would keep the city’s property tax rate unchanged while increasing spending on employee compensation, infrastructure, public safety and core city services amid concerns about slowing revenue growth and rising operational costs.

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Just a few years ago, in 2021, leaders with Cabarrus Health Alliance were driving across Cabarrus County searching for a building or piece of land that could accommodate the organization’s growing needs.

At the time, CHA had begun to outgrow its longtime headquarters in Kannapolis. But none of the properties they toured ever seemed quite right.

“It didn’t really match with the data saying where we needed to be,” said Erin Shoe, CHA’s public health director.

Then, almost unexpectedly, Shoe connected with Cooperative Christian Ministry CEO Ed Hosack, who was already imagining a broader redevelopment vision for the former Brown Mill property along Cabarrus Avenue in Concord.

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During Monday night’s meeting, the Kannapolis City Council took its first formal steps toward a potential November 2026 General Obligation (GO) bond referendum that could fund roughly $40 million in parks, recreation, greenway and facility projects across the city.

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Cabarrus County Schools is potentially facing up to $4.2 million in proposed budget reductions — including possible cuts to key programs like VEX Robotics — while also continuing to grapple with long-standing concerns about state and local school funding as lawmakers in Raleigh still have not approved a new state budget.

But during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, much of the public’s attention shifted to a different and deeply contentious issue: bathroom access and student safety.

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For many women, going to the gym can sometimes feel less like a place of wellness and more like a place of discomfort — whether because of unwanted attention, intimidation or interactions with certain men.

Cynthia Sinclair said she and many of her friends have experienced that discomfort firsthand.

“Me and all my friends have had the same experiences in gyms and workout spaces with men making us very uncomfortable,” Sinclair told The Cabarrus Compass.

That experience helped inspire Sinclair to open Cynchrony Women’s Wellness, a new women-only fitness studio set to open this summer in downtown Concord at 46 Union St. S., the former home of Market 94.

Creating a place where women could relax, feel safe and still get in a good workout became the driving force behind the business.

To the best of Sinclair’s knowledge, Cynchrony will be the first women-only fitness space in Cabarrus County.

“That’s something that I really am passionate about giving our community,” Sinclair said. “A place where women are safe, where women feel supported.”

The 26-year-old Concord native has been involved in fitness for much of her life, participating in gymnastics and dance before discovering yoga as a teenager.

She especially enjoyed taking a free yoga class at her church, Central United Methodist Church, where she first fell in love with the exercise. In December, she became a certified yoga instructor.

While Sinclair has taught fitness classes before, she now relishes the opportunity to build a business around her own vision. Her parents own several small businesses, which she has helped with over the years, but Cynchrony will be her first business of her own.

“I’m very excited about that because I have complete freedom and I can do what I want,” Sinclair said.

Though the business does not yet have a website — Sinclair said one will likely launch within the next few weeks — she has already created social media accounts for Cynchrony. In an April 30 Facebook post, she described the business as “a luxury space built for strength, restoration, and self-care.”

The fitness space will focus on yoga, barre and mat Pilates classes while also offering an infrared sauna. Customers will be able to choose from a variety of membership packages, including four classes a month, eight classes a month, drop-in rates and unlimited classes.

Members will also have exclusive 24/7 access to the facility through personalized key fobs.

“Nobody has to be there,” she said. “People can just go in and work out at wherever times are convenient to them.”

Sinclair hopes to eventually have between three and five instructors teaching classes at the studio, including herself. She is currently hiring yoga, mat Pilates and barre instructors, as well as a personal trainer.

The space will also feature blue LED lighting and a large blue neon lotus flower sign — a symbol commonly associated with yoga and mindfulness practices.

Though she is still rehabbing the downtown space, Sinclair said she is looking forward to seeing what Cynchrony could mean — not only for herself, but for women throughout the area.

“I’m very, very excited,” she added, noting more than anything she’s happy to provide a safe and inviting space for women.

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This story was adapted from a joint news release from Concord and Kannapolis along with information from Harrisburg.

Residents in Concord, Kannapolis and Harrisburg will face tighter outdoor water restrictions beginning next week as local officials respond to ongoing drought conditions across the region.

In coordination with regional partners, the three municipalities announced they will move to Level 2 mandatory water restrictions starting Friday, May 15, after continued dry conditions across Cabarrus and Rowan counties despite recent rainfall.

Under the mandatory restrictions, lawn watering and irrigation will only be allowed during limited overnight hours: Tuesdays after 8 p.m. through Wednesdays before 8 a.m., and Saturdays after 8 p.m. through Sundays before 8 a.m.

The restrictions also prohibit washing vehicles at home and pressure washing homes or driveways unless performed by professional companies. Washing public buildings, sidewalks and streets is also banned unless required for safety or health reasons.

Residents may still use hand-held watering containers for gardens and plants, top off swimming pools, use commercial car washes and hire professional pressure washing companies.

Officials said permits will also be required for filling newly constructed or drained swimming pools.

The restrictions apply to all Concord, Kannapolis and Harrisburg water customers. Violations could result in civil penalties or fees.

Residents and businesses that rely on private wells or irrigation ponds not connected to the municipal water system are exempt from the restrictions. Municipalities are offering free well-water irrigation signs for eligible properties.

Local officials are encouraging residents to voluntarily conserve additional water by checking for leaks, taking shorter showers, running only full loads of laundry and dishes, and turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving.

The announcement comes as the majority of Cabarrus is classified under an extreme drought while the southernmost portion of the county is classified under an exceptional drought, according to North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.

More information about drought resources and restrictions is available through the City of Concord and City of Kannapolis customer service departments and Town of Harrisburg public works department.

City of Concord Customer Care
704-920-5555
ConcordNC.gov/DroughtResources

City of Kannapolis Customer Care
704-920-4444
KannapolisNC.gov/Drought

Town of Harrisburg Public Works Department
704-455-5614

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A beloved piece of Cabarrus County history is ticking toward a new chapter.

After years of painstaking restoration work, the 1876 Seth Thomas tower clock that once watched over generations of residents from atop the Cabarrus County Historic Courthouse has been fully restored and is preparing to return home.

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