Community News

County Offices Closed for Fourth of July

Most Union County Government offices and facilities, including all library locations and waste and recycling drop-off locations, will be closed Thursday, July 4. See schedule changes for the holiday. The next issue of Horizon will be released on July 12; please note that there will not be an issue next week.

Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month with Union County's Park Passport Program

This July, Union County invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the joy of outdoor activities with its Park Passport Program. The Park Passport Program encourages participants to visit 10 designated parks across Union County throughout the month - using either a digital or physical passport - for a chance to win a prize.  Click here for all the information on how to participate.

Union County Water Employees Receive Lifesaver Award for Saving Colleague

Two Union County Water employees, Utility Crewleader Jayme Hargett and Utility Technician Dominick Hamilton, are being commended for their quick actions in rescuing their colleague, Utility Services Supervisor Matt Hargett, from a life-threatening situation. Matt was working in a manhole to extract a piece of PVC from a sewer pipe when the gas monitor indicated dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Jayme and Dominick were monitoring the situation above ground and acted swiftly to pull Matt to safety.  Read more about their efforts.

Free Summer Meals Program

Atrium Health and Morrison will provide free meals through the Kids Eat Free program at Atrium Health Union Women and Children’s Center, located at 600 Hospital Drive in Monroe. Kids 18 and younger can enjoy a healthy lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on weekdays from July 1-3 and Aug. 12-23. View details in the flyer.

Union County Receives Award to Expand Internet Access

Union County was one of 15 local governments to receive funding to expand internet access from the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. The County will work with internet service provider Windstream North Carolina LLC to reach unserved or underserved areas on the $1.4 million project with Windstream, the County and NCDIT contributing. Click here to read the full press release.

Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Along with Cabarrus and Stanly counties, Union County is embarking on an update to the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is a crucial initiative aimed at assessing, reducing and preparing for the impact of natural and man-made hazards in our region. We need your input to shape the future of our community's resilience. 

Click here for more information and to give input through a public survey. 

Charters of Freedom Dedication Event

Union County and the City of Monroe unveiled the Charters of Freedom installation in downtown Monroe during a special ceremony on Flag Day. This installation features life-size replicas of our country's founding documents and the core documents that ensured civil rights for women and minorities in our country. You can find the displays under the flags at Main Street Plaza, located at 500 N. Main St. in Monroe. Click here to watch a video of the dedication event and unveiling of the displays.

Healthy Living

Grilling Safety

The 4th of July is almost here! As we gear up for a day of celebration, ensure it's a safe one too. Watch this short video from our Fire Marshal's Office on grill safety to keep your BBQs fun and hazard-free.

Remember these key tips:

✔️ Keep grills away from structures and combustibles.

✔️ Clean your grill before using.

✔️ Check propane grills for gas leaks.

✔️ Never leave your grill unattended.

✔️ Have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Click here for more summer safety tips.

Multiple Brands of Ice Cream Recalled

Totally Cool, Inc. is recalling multiple brands of ice cream distributed nationwide due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, which can pose serious health risks. If you have any of the affected products, please return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For detailed product information and assistance, contact Totally Cool, Inc. directly at 410-363-7801 or through email.

National HIV Testing Day

Observed annually on June 27, National HIV Testing Day is a day to emphasize and encourage HIV testing. HIV testing allows people to know their status so they can make informed decisions for their health. Order your free HIV-self test kits online at together.takemehome.org and get your results in as little as 20 minutes in the privacy of your own home.

• People who receive a negative test result can take advantage of HIV prevention tools. 
• People who receive a positive test result can start HIV treatment to stay healthy.

Community Events

Family Event: Live Performance of Hamlet and the Pirates

Join Union County Library on Saturday, June 29 for the Shepherd Shakespeare Company's live performances of the "newly discovered" Shakespearean tale of Hamlet and the Pirates. 

10-11 a.m. | Southwest Regional Library

3-4 p.m. | Main Library