UC Horizon: Scam Alert | Free Income Tax Prep | Kindergarten Registration

Union County Horizon

Jan. 24, 2025

Community News

Scam Alert: Fake Public Health Calls Seek Personal Information

phone scam image

Union County's Human Services Agency is warning residents of a recent scam in which individuals are impersonating public health employees to steal personal information. These scammers reportedly call residents and claim they need personal details to update health records or offer additional Medicare or Medicaid benefits.

Union County Public Health reminds residents and clients that County employees will not request sensitive information via unsolicited calls or emails. Click here to read more.

Free Income Tax Prep

Don’t let the burden of filing your income tax return overwhelm you. 

Tax return paperwork

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

  • People who generally make $67,000 or less
  • Persons living with disabilities; and
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 27, call 704-296-4312, weekdays between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to schedule an appointment.

Take the Rural Land Use Survey

Deadline: Jan. 31

Rural Land Use farm photo

Union County Planning is continuing to gather public input to help guide the development of a Rural Land Use Plan. Read more about this important effort and review and provide feedback on the draft vision statement by Friday, Jan. 31

Kindergarten Registration Starts Feb. 1

Back to School Students

If your child will be five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2025, you may enroll your child in kindergarten with Union County Public Schools (UCPS) for the 2025-2025 school year. Registration opens on Feb. 1 through the Scribbles online portal. For more details or assistance, visit the UCPS enrollment page.

Community Events

Night Owls Stargazing at Marvin Efird Park

Join the Town of Marvin for a stargazing event at Marvin Efird Park, Friday, Jan. 31, 5-8 p.m. Learn about the winter night sky, enjoy fun activities, and observe the stars through telescopes. Registration costs $35 for Marvin residents and $50 for non-residents. Suitable for children 7+, who must be accompanied by an adult. Click here to register.

Teachers vs. the Harlem Wizards

See your favorite teachers and coaches play basketball against the Harlem Wizards on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Monroe High School. The Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary Club organized the fundraiser to provide scholarships for local high school seniors. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are available here.

Save the Date

New and Expecting Parents Child Safety Class

Join the Union County Sheriff's Office for a child safety class on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 9 a.m. Learn vital infant CPR and car seat safety tips and get your car seat checked by certified professionals. This class does not offer CPR certification. Space is limited, so sign up soon!

Click here for more information or to register.

Books & Bubbles:
A Galentines Gala

Celebrate Galentine's Day with romance authors Mazey Eddings and Alissa DeRogatis at The Bottle Factory on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. For $35, adults may enjoy a glass of bubbly with chocolates, a book signing, and the opportunity to meet best-selling authors. Tickets are available online or through email.

Click here for more upcoming events and programs at your local library.

Healthy Living

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

More than 13,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year. The Union County Board of Commissioners proclaimed January to be Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Union County.

The North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (NC BCCCP) provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up to eligible women. 

To schedule an appointment, call 704.296.4423.