UC Horizon: New County Commissioners | Weekend Events | Stay Safe this Winter

Union County Horizon

Dec. 6, 2024

Community News

New County Commissioners Sworn In

Melissa Merrel swearing in

During the regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2, 2024, three Commissioners were sworn in to serve as a County Commissioner, and the Board elected a new chair and vice chair. Christina Helms and Gary Sides were sworn in and joined the Board. Clancy Baucom was also sworn in, as his current term serves the remaining two-year term of his late cousin, Stony D. Rushing's unexpired term on the Board of Commissioners. Following the oaths of office, the Board of Commissioners elected a new chair and vice chair to lead the Board through 2025. Melissa Merrell is now serving as chair of the Board. Brian Helms is serving as vice chair of the Board. Click here to read more.

The five-member Board of County Commissioners is the legislative and governing body of Union County. Commissioners are elected at-large and serve four-year staggered terms.

Development Data Now Available in Online Map

Development Map

Are you curious to know what is being built on a site in unincorporated Union County or Hemby Bridge?

This information is now readily available in a map format on the Union County website. To view Union County's development map and links to similar maps for Indian Trail, Monroe and Waxhaw, click here.  

Community Partner Grant Funding

hands community partner grant

Union County is still accepting applications for Community Partner Grant (CPG) funding from local nonprofits that deliver services to residents that align with the County’s strategic objectives.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Jan. 13., at 5 p.m. Click here to learn more.

Union County Public Health Earns Reaccreditation by State Board

seal of accreditation 2024-2028

Union County Public Health has been awarded reaccreditation status by the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation (NCLHDA) Board. This prestigious designation recognizes the department’s commitment to excellence in serving the community and maintaining high standards of public health services.

North Carolina is the first state to mandate accreditation for local health departments.

Healthy Living

Stay Safe: Home Break-In Prevention Tips from the Sheriff's Office

Protecting your home is easier than you think! The Union County Sheriff's Office recommends simple steps to help prevent break-ins:

  • Secure entry points, such as making sure doors and windows are locked.

  • Use lighting to your advantage.

  • Install a security system.

  • Practice good habits, like avoiding posting travel plans on social media.

Click here for more detailed tips and share with your neighbors and loved ones

Winter Safety

Winter Safety Snowflake Graphic

As temperatures drop and winter weather moves in, here are some essential tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

Space Heater Safety
Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. Always turn them off before leaving the room or going to bed.

Driving in Snow or Ice
Pack a winter kit with a scraper, jumper cables, blanket, flashlight, and first-aid supplies. Drive slowly, and if you skid, stay calm and steer in the direction you want to go.

Be Storm Ready
Prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and warm clothing in case of a power outage.

Review more winter weather preparedness information on the Union County website.

Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

Don’t miss out on fun events with friends and family or important work commitments this holiday season. Review simple precautions from Union County Public Health to help ensure a happy, healthy holiday season.

Community Events

Friday

Winterfest Indian Trail

Join the Annual Winter Fest and Tree Lighting on Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m. at Chestnut Square Park. Enjoy photos with Santa, hot chocolate, face painting, a trackless train, food trucks, and more! View details.

Movie Night at Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center

Watch "A Christmas Story" at the Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Free for all, with hot chocolate and popcorn available. Bring blankets, chairs, and picnics. Event details.

Saturday

Waxhaw Senior Citizen Christmas Party

Attend the Waxhaw Senior Citizens Christmas Party on Dec. 7, at noon, Forest Hill Church. Free for residents 60+, $10 for others. Reservations required. Reserve and learn more.

Monroe Christmas on Main

Celebrate Christmas on Main in Downtown Monroe on Dec. 7, 3-8 p.m. Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Enjoy Santa's Workshop, hay rides, inflatables and more! View details.

Village of Marvin Annual Tree Lighting

Join the Village of Marvin's Tree Lighting at Marvin Efird Park on Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, live music, and Santa! Learn more.

Town of Wingate Christmas Parade

The Wingate Christmas Parade starts at Wingate Elementary School on Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. and is followed by Santa photos, hot chocolate and cookies at the fire department. Event details.

Marshville’s “Downtown for Christmas” and Parade

Join Marshville's “Downtown for Christmas" on Dec. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy the parade, tree lighting, performances, and more! More info.

Sunday

Waxhaw Christmas Parade

Don't miss Waxhaw's Christmas Parade on Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. in downtown Waxhaw featuring bands, floats and a special guest! Info and parking.

Village of Lake Park Tree Lighting

Celebrate at the Village of Lake Park Tree Lighting on Dec. 8, 5-8 p.m. in Mathisen Square. Enjoy music, carriage rides and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus.