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2026 Run Kannapolis 5K Series begins Saturday
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Run Kannapolis Series is for runners and walkers of all ages
and abilities.
CITY OF KANNAPOLIS
The serious runners are up front on the starting line.
CITY OF KANNAPOLIS
KANNAPOLIS — The 2026 Run Kannapolis 5K Series kicks off with the Strides for Stroke 5K on Saturday .
Hosted by Atrium Health, the morning includes a Doctor's Dash, Kid's Fun Run, and Survivor's Lap starting at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m.
This fun series features the best 5K runs/ walks in the city. Each run is held in Kannapolis, and most include a one-mile fun run. Proceeds from the run series benefit area nonprofits. Runners/walkers are encouraged to participate in the entire series of eight races for unique prizes from the city of Kannapolis. Register now at www.runkannapolis.com. Sign up for all eight races and save 25%.
Run Kannapolis is part of the city of Kannapolis' Discover a Healthy Life brand. The city wishes participants good luck with the 2026 Run Kannapolis series.
The complete series
Here are the dates for the 2026 Run Kannapolis Series and the host organization:
March 28
Strides for Stroke 5K — Atrium Health
April 11
Robert Tucker 5K — Shoe
Show Inc., Half-Moon Outfitters, LLC
May 16
Towel City Tavern 5K — Towel City Tavern
May 30
Gaelic Alley Pub Run — Gaelic Alley Pub
Aug. 15
Cannon Ballers Shooting
Star 5K — Cannon Ballers
Sept. 26
Flint's Fabulous 5K — Leashes of Valor
Oct. 24
5K Race for Peace — S.T.U.D.I.O.
Nov. 7
Old Armor 5K for Heroes — Old Armor Beer Company.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Outstanding students selected to represent college through leadership, engagement and service initiatives
FROM STAFF REPORTS
These are the latest Student Ambassadors at Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College. Ambassadors serve as representatives of the
college, assisting with campus and community events, supporting
student engagement eff orts and serving as approachable guides for
prospective students.
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College recently announced the selection of its 2025-2026 Student Ambassadors, recognizing a new class of student leaders who represent the college throughout the academic year.
The announcement was made at a recent board of trustees meeting, where college leaders commended the students for their academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to service.
Established in 2010 and supported by the Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation, the Student Ambassador program helps students develop leadership skills while receiving scholarship support. Ambassadors serve as representatives of the college, assisting with campus and community events, supporting student engagement eff orts and serving as approachable guides for prospective students.
"It is a privilege to welcome this year's Student Ambassadors," said Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. "Each student selected has demonstrated exceptional drive and character, and we are excited to see the impact they will make as leaders and as representatives of Rowan-Cabarrus."
Lance Brush
Lance Brush is pursuing an Associate in Fine Arts degree in Visual Arts and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Graphic Design. He plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and pursue a career in user-interface design. Brush has found a supportive community among faculty, staff and friends, which has made his academic journey smoother as he continues to grow both academically and professionally.
Coltrane Cook
Coltrane Cook is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing at Rowan-Cabarrus with plans to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while working in the field. She views her time at the college as an opportunity to achieve her goals and set an example for her children and others. Connections with peers, faculty and staff have boosted her confidence and provided the support she needs to succeed.
Baonhia Lor
Baonhia Lor is a Rowan County Early College senior pursuing an Associate in Science degree. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete premed coursework before attending medical school to study dermatology. Lor believes the Early College program has provided her with the opportunity to focus on her aspirations and get a head start on her career goals.
Shubh Srivastava
Shubh Srivastava is a senior at Cabarrus Early College of Technology pursuing an Associate in Arts degree. He plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in hopes of becoming an AI developer. Srivastava feels Rowan-Cabarrus has provided a place for him to grow professionally and form lasting connections.
Naomi Stanish
Naomi Stanish is working toward an Associate in Science degree with plans to transfer to a four-year university to study exercise science. Inspired by her experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she hopes to become a physician assistant. Stanish stated that Rowan-Cabarrus has provided her with opportunities for growth, exposure and preparation for her future career.
Colin Williams
Colin Williams is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree at Rowan-Cabarrus with plans to attend law school and serve his community through leadership and advocacy. He currently serves as president of the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate chapter at Rowan-Cabarrus and as national vice president of operations for FBLA-Collegiate. Through his experiences at the college, he has strengthened his public speaking, leadership skills and self-confidence.
"The Foundation is honored to invest in these students as they grow in confidence, leadership and service," said Executive Director of Advancement Connie Rheinecker. "Their passion for learning and dedication to making a difference reflect the values of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College."
Rowan-Cabarrus remains dedicated to cultivating leadership, service and connection among its students. The college congratulates the 2025-2026 Student Ambassadors and looks forward to the positive contributions they will make on campus and in the community.
For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-7222.
Chamber selects Paladino as leader
MARK PLEMMONS
Paladino
Jones
The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce has named a familiar face as its next leader.
The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus, announced that Alison Paladino will serve as its new president and CEO beginning June 1, following an extensive search by the organization's board of directors.
Paladino has been with the Chamber since 2017, when she joined as events and marketing director. She was promoted to membership engagement director in 2022. During her tenure, she has played a key role in reshaping membership and sponsorship models and aligning programming with the organization's strategic goals, according to the Chamber.
Board Chair Joe Crapster said Paladino stood out among a large pool of applicants.
"The board couldn't be happier to announce Alison's hiring," said Crapster, who also serves as Duke Energy's government and community relations manager. "Her knowledge and love of Cabarrus County, combined with great business acumen and chamber experience, made her the perfect candidate to lead our chamber into the future."
The new leader's background
Paladino brings additional experience in digital marketing, advertising and public relations, having worked in both Nebraska and North Carolina. She holds a bachelor's degree in organizational communication with a minor in public relations from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is also set to complete the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Organization Management accreditation in June, considered the highest credential for chamber executives.
In a statement, Paladino said she is eager to take on the new role.
"Cabarrus County is where my heart is, and I am stepping into this role ready to hit the ground running," she said. "I am fully committed to being a high-energy advocate for our business community."
Paladino will succeed current President and CEO Barbi Jones, who will retire May 31. Jones praised Paladino's leadership and contributions to the organization.
"She has worked incredibly hard during her time at The Chamber, increasing membership, strengthening relationships and enhancing member benefits and engagement," Jones said. "She has a solid vision for the future."
The Chamber also recognized Tracie Hampton of Tracie P. Hampton Consulting for leading the executive search process.
Jones' plans for the future
Jones, who has led the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade, announced in December that she will retire, calling her tenure "the honor of a lifetime."
In a letter to members, Jones said the Chamber is in a strong position for new leadership and that the timing feels right as she looks to focus on family — including helping care for expected twin grandchildren — and explore a possible run for elected office. She also expressed gratitude to Chamber members, staff and board leadership for their support and collaboration during her tenure.
Art Walk on Union returns Saturday
DOWNTOWN CONCORD
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Art Walk on Union is set for Saturday.
The street festival includes art from local artists and makers. There will be music, shopping and food. Fifth Third is the sponsor.
The hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also downtown, the LaMelo Ball
Invitational will be taking place at the Kemba Walker Sports Academy on Saturday and Sunday. With teams and spectators traveling in for the tournament, the area is expected to experience increased traffic.
Please allow extra time for travel and parking if you plan to be in the area during these dates.
Thanks to the ClearWater Artist Center, a shuttle stop will be available in Downtown Concord.
The shuttle will be at the corner of Market Street and Barbrick Avenue.
The ClearWater Center will be open to explore.
For more information and to plan your visit ahead of time, visit the website at downtownconcordnc.com.
Crash underscores pressures on air traffic controllers
RIO YAMAT AP Airlines and Travel Writer
Just before an Air Canada jet collided with an airport fire truck, air traffic controllers at New York's LaGuardia Airport were juggling a developing late-night emergency on the runway.
A United Airlines flight had twice aborted takeoff and reported an odor coming from the back of the plane. But with no gate immediately available, the pilot and controllers went back and forth over the radio as controllers tried to reach the airline and find a safe spot to put the plane. Audio recordings captured the chaotic conversation as the cockpit conveyed growing urgency.
"Flight attendants in the back are feeling ill because of the odor," the pilot can be heard saying. "We will need to go into any available gate at this time."
With no place to park the aircraft, air traffic control dispatched fire trucks to go to the plane instead and off ered stairs to evacuate passengers, all while continuing to manage other traffic. Then a frantic warning cut across the radio: "Stop, stop, stop, Truck 1. Stop, stop, stop."
Moments later, the Air Canada flight landed and crashed into one of the fire trucks as it crossed the runway. The pilot and co-pilot of the regional jet flying from Montreal were killed, while dozens of passengers and crew members on the flight and the two police officers in the fire truck were taken to hospitals, some with serious injuries.
The collision late Sunday put a renewed focus on the pressures facing air traffic controllers in the United States, a workforce that has long grappled with staffing shortages, demanding schedules, outdated equipment and the eff ects of repeated government shutdowns.
While investigators work to determine what led to the runway crash, aviation experts say the collision highlights the demanding environment controllers navigate every day — managing planes landing and taking off , aircraft moving between gates and runways, and service vehicles ranging from emergency responders to maintenance trucks.
"In the best of times, air traffic controls and air traffic controllers are under a great deal of stress," said Alan Diehl, a former federal crash investigator. "These are people with very high cognitive levels. They're carefully selected, extensively trained. And one of the problems is there is a shortage of 3,000 of them in this country right now."
The Federal Aviation Administration has for years had a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers, who routinely put in overtime and work six-day weeks, while dealing with radar and communication systems that can briefly put them out of touch with incoming and departing aircraft.
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