Author: The County Journal

Whistlepig BBQ burst onto the Charlotte food scene in 2016, bringing a unique flavor to the community each weekend through late fall. Planning its return to 501 N. Cochran Avenue on April 7, the seasonal eatery has stepped up its efforts to solidify its brand in 2017. Owners Jason and Melissa Strotheide knew they had established a menu that catered to the local community, now they needed to focus on their branding. They turned to Michaelle Converse, Charlotte Middle School art teacher for inspiration. By creating a competition among Converse’s students, the Strotheides were able to select a logo...

Three employees received Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital’s highest honors during the Fulton Awards of Excellence annual ceremony Wednesday, March 15. The award winners, recognized for their exceptional contributions to HGB’s success, are: Holly Lafrance, EMS technician, received the clinical service award. Deanna Cortright, registration specialist, received the non-clinical service award. Chris Allen, R.N., Emergency Department nurse manager, received the leadership service award. Lafrance joined the Emergency Medical Services team in September 2003. She was nominated for the Fulton Award because of her leadership skills and caring instincts. Her department has experienced unprecedented growth and Lafrance helped ensure success...

Like any good son, Richard Cooper still thinks of his mother often. Approaching his 90th birthday, Dick, as most people in Charlotte know him, has a lot of life on which to reflect, but it’s the lessons he learned at a young age that have stuck with him through all of those years. “I think about the tough times we had growing up,” Dick said. “My mother worked so hard, I think that’s why she lived to almost 101.” Dick, the son of Hugh and Almary Cooper, grew up on the family farm on Stine Road after spending the...