Thousands of passengers crowded Charlotte's new light rail line to participate in the inaugural day of service and get in on the city's next era of mass transit.

 The large crowds taxed the southernmost station at Interstate 485, where more than 1,000 people stood in a line from the platform back into the parking garage. The garage was closed to incoming cars because so many people were in the area.

 The Charlotte Area Transit System began operating nineteen express buses to bring people to their cars if they could not wait for a return trip back. CATS had planned to use bus only in case of a technical problem. CATS is using every available train to handle the high initial usage.

Former Wingate University pharmacy admissions director Erinn Nichols is to become Stallings' new town clerk. She was chosen from from among 24 applicants. She also will serve as the town finance officer. The town council will formally vote to appoint her on February 11, 2008.

Erinn will replace Marie Garris, Stallings town clerk for 32 years. Marie, one of the town's original employees, will retire in February.

The N.C. Department of Transportation projects substantial increases in traffic by 2030, including a five-fold increase on Twelve Mile Creek Road, which feeds Weddington High and Weddington Elementary.

Weddington leaders plan to consult officials in nearby Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel and Marvin on the road improvement plan. Wesley Chapel and Waxhaw are considering working together, although Marvin officials are considering their options separately as of now.

Williams' team was solid from top to bottom, including ten seniors. Three of them, Kieran Sexton, Kyle Engle and Gabe Hardy, have committed to sign scholarships with college soccer squads. Sexton committed to Navy, Engle to Davidson and Hardy to Eckerd in St. Petersburg, FL.

Hazen Blodgett, town manager of Matthews, showed off his latest fall fashion at the town's employee appreciation lunch held at the Public Works Department on Tank Town Road.  He was honoring a challenge that he would wear a dress if the United Way fundraiser brought in 100% participation by all town departments.  Parks and Recreation had the highest participation rate of all departments. Mr. Blodgett, please stick with the tie only!

The Mint Hill Lions Club begins the new year with a fundraiser in April and a community recycling program.

A golf tournament will be April 30 at the Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation located at the Mint Hill development of the same name. The organization hopes to raise $10,000 at the tournament and is actively looking for tournament sponsors. Format will be a four-person scramble. Those interested in sponsorship or playing can call 704-564-0807.

The second project is a recycling program for inkjet and laser cartridges. Those wanting to participate can drop off cartridges at Jimmie's Restaurant, 7024 Brighton Park Drive, Mint Hill. Cartridges will be recycled and the money collected will be used to support programs for the blind and visually impaired.