Community News

County Offices Closed for
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Most Union County Government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Read more details about closures and services.

Serve At-Risk Youth

Submit Your Proposal to Union County's Juvenile Crime Prevention Council

Calling all organizations that serve at-risk young people with services that include, but are not limited to, treatment, counseling, mentoring, and vocational learning. Union County's Juvenile Crime Prevention Council is requesting proposals for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year to serve court-involved and at-risk youth. View more details on the request for proposals and funding available.

Christmas Bureau Recap

This past holiday season, the Union County Christmas Bureau helped serve more than 1,550 eligible families by providing gifts and food items for holiday meals. Check out this short video for more stats from the past season. Thank you to all of our volunteers, community members, local businesses, and churches for helping support the Union County Christmas Bureau in 2024!

Cane Creek Park Campground to Close Temporarily for Safety Maintenance

The campground at Cane Creek Park is undergoing regular maintenance and will be closed from Wednesday, Jan. 22 through Thursday, Jan. 30. Read the full news story. Important Notice for Boaters  Due to essential maintenance required by the NCDOT on Potter Rd. bridge, we will begin lowering the lake. As a result, motorized boats will not be allowed on the lake starting sometime next week. Follow the Cane Creek Park Facebook page for updates on the exact closure date before planning your visit.

Last Chance to Glide on the Ice!

This is your final weekend to enjoy the magic of ice skating at the Union County Ice Skating Rink! Join us for one last spin across the ice before we close for the season. The final operating day is Monday, Jan. 20.

Planning to Travel Internationally?

Did you know passport services are available at the Union County Government Center? Passport services are by walk-in only. Find out more on our Register of Deeds webpage.

Healthy Living

Radon Action Month

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of nearly 21,000 Americans every year.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is not detectable by your senses. You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but testing for radon in your home is easy and inexpensive. 

• Learn more about preventing unnecessary exposure and how to test radon levels in your home. 
• Purchase a discounted radon test kit by visiting the NC Radon Program's website.
• Download a fact sheet for guidance on testing for Union County.

Community Events

Monroe Science Center Anniversary Celebration

On Jan. 11, the Monroe Science Center marked its second year of operations. To celebrate and give back to the community, the center is offering free admission to all guests on Saturday, Jan. 18. The Science Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; no guests will be admitted after 4 p.m. Capacity numbers will be monitored, so entry is not guaranteed. Learn more here.

Onyx Storm Midnight Release Party

Celebrate the release of "Onyx Storm" with games, trivia and a costume contest leading up to the book release at midnight! Join us at the Main Library on Monday, Jan. 20, from 10 p.m. to midnight, and you could win "first-on-hold" for a library copy! 

Food Safety Forum

Join Union County Environmental Health on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Union County Government Center to Learn what inspectors look for during a health inspection. This knowledge is crucial not only for compliance but also for maintaining high standards of food safety that protect public health.

Register for Night Owls Stargazing at Marvin Efird Park

Hello Night Owls! The Town of Marvin is bringing back its stargazing event at Marvin Efird Park! This winter session will be held on Jan. 31, 5 to 8 p.m. (weather backup on Saturday, Feb. 1). The event will start with a presentation and fun activities inside the barn to teach everyone about the winter night sky! Then participants will observe the night sky through telescopes! Register here for the cost of $35 for Marvin residents and $50 for non-residents. Children ages seven and up can sign up, but must be accompanied by a parent if under the age of 13.

Save the Date: Register for Garden Design Symposium

Calling all gardeners! Registration is open for the 2025 Garden Design Symposium on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Union County Agricultural and Event Center.

The full-day event includes informative presentations, vendors, exhibitors, and opportunities to expand your gardening knowledge and gain inspiration for your garden projects. Registration is $60 per person and includes lunch.