Good morning, Huntersville.

Toys for Tots in Mecklenburg County has received over 5,000 requests (a record amount) in the first seven days of the holiday season as economic pressures have led many parents to ask for help.

Officials say businesses may host donation boxes and individuals can donate directly to ensure every child in need gets a gift.

A natural gas leak reported at 11 a.m. at Eastfield Road and Byrton Corporate Center Drive forced Walmart to evacuate in Huntersville—Peidmont Natural Gas crews are still working to repair the line cut by construction as of 1:45 p.m.

On October 7, Lindsay Martell celebrated the end of summer by visiting local spots around Lake Norman—exploring Buzzard Rock Trail, the Cain Center, and Kunu Coffee.

The piece captures a gentle shift from warm, lively days to a quieter, reflective pace as fall nears.

Homeowners planning solar installations must have systems placed in service by Dec.

31—when the federal solar tax credit ends—to qualify, meaning the installation must be complete or a final permit issued. Attorney Jason Stoogenke warns that signing a contract alone is not enough, advising caution against companies that guarantee the credit.

Multiple federal, state & local agencies are holding a large-scale emergency training exercise at Carowinds from Tuesday to Thursday.

Amanda Dumas resigned from her role as a town commissioner before the end of her term after moving out of town for a family matter—she served on the Public Arts Commission; Mayor Christy Clark accepted her resignation, and the town has not said if it will fill her seat.

The Office of State Budget and Management data shows that Charlotte remains the largest city with 944,742 residents after adding 70,000 people since April 2020—while Huntersville’s population grew by 9% to 66,955, surpassing Chapel Hill.

The Cornelius town board approved the purchase of a 36.18-acre parcel for $3.45 million on Oct.

7—planning to use the land for recreation and open space if future bond funds are available. At the same meeting, the board approved a rezoning request at 19311 Old Statesville Road that lets Blue Heel Development build 29 new single-family homes with prices between $700,000 and $900,000.