UC Horizon: Honored for Helene Response | Help Reduce Litter | Explore Local Events

Union County Horizon

April 25, 2024

Community News

Union County Honored by State for Hurricane Helene Response Efforts

North Carolina Flag and Certificate

North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) recognized Union County for outstanding support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage across western North Carolina. State officials presented the award to Union County Emergency Management during the North Carolina Emergency Management Association Conference on March 26, 2025, which acknowledges the critical aid and resources Union County departments and fire departments provided during the response. Read more about the recognition.

Present-Use Value Program

Play Present Use Value Video on YouTube

Property tax relief is available for qualified Union County property owners who use their land for agricultural, horticultural and forestry purposes. The program offers the opportunity to save money because land is appraised based on its current use and not its market value. Watch this video to learn more.

Storm Debris Removal Underway in Creeks and Streams

Branches in creek

Recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene continue across North Carolina and contractors are currently removing storm debris from creeks and streams across Union County. Union County requested federal assistance from FEMA to cover the costs of debris removal. Surveyors are expected to be in the area until June 1, 2025. In some areas, they may ask residents to sign a right-of-entry form to legally access a property to remove storm debris. Read more about this work in our community.

National Work Zone Awareness Week

Utility crews in a work zone

During National Work Zone Safety Week (April 21-25), Union County Water joins utilities and public works agencies nationwide to highlight the importance of driving slowly and safely where workers are present. Here's how you can help:

Slow Down. Reduce your speed while driving through work zones. Driving at a slower speed gives you more time to react to sudden stops, lane shifts or workers on the road.

Stay Alert. Avoid cell phone use such as texting and other distractions such as eating and drinking while driving. Focus your attention entirely on the road and the people working near it.

Leave Space. Leave plenty of space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.

Read more at unioncountywater.org

Beautifying Union County

Help Us Keep Our Community Litter Free

Group of people in safety vests piling up debris

Employees from across Union County government volunteered to pick up litter as part of the N.C. Department of Transportation's Spring Litter Sweep. Employees collected 2.3 tons of litter from along roadways near Jesse Helms Park in Wingate.

We need your help to keep Union County litter-free! Visit our website to read how you can help Union County Solid Waste combat litter in our community.

Healthy Living

Have Your Soil Tested at No Charge from April to November

The first step to cultivating healthy soil is having your soil tested. Samples submitted between April and November are analyzed free of charge. Learn where you can find sample boxes and how to collect and submit samples on the Cooperative Extension's page.

World Immunization Week

Celebrated the last week of April, Immunization Week provides an opportunity to learn about the benefits of immunization in protecting against infectious diseases. 

Don’t Wait: Protect Yourself Against Measles

Measles cases are rising across the U.S., and Union County Public Health is encouraging residents to take action now. If you or your children aren’t sure if you’re up-to-date on your MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, contact your healthcare provider today.

Watch for early symptoms like fever, cough and rash. And always call ahead before visiting a medical facility if you suspect exposure.

April is Healthy Homes Month

Various issues can cause chronic health symptoms in a home, including lead, mold, pests, and poor indoor air quality. Learn more on our Healthy Homes page

Tick & Mosquito Awareness Month

Vectors, such as fleas, ticks and mosquitos, can spread diseases such as Malaria, West Nile fever and Lyme disease. To reduce tick exposure, use DEET repellent, check yourself and your children after leaving wooded, grassy, or brushy areas.

Community Events

Indian Trail Friday Flicks: Inside Out 2

Enjoy a magical evening under the stars at Crooked Creek Park in Indian Trail on Friday, April 25. Children’s activities begin at 6 p.m., and the movie, Inside Out 2, will start at dusk. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite snacks for an unforgettable family night.

Stallings Spring Spectacle

The aliens have landed—at Stallings Municipal Park! Don’t miss the Spring Spectacle on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring space-themed games, crafts, live performances, and a visit from Area 50. Food trucks will be on-site to keep you fueled for fun.

Color Code with Ozobots at the Main Library

Students in grades 3 through 5 are invited to unleash their inner tech wizard at the Main Library on Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 3 p.m. Use a splash of colors to whip up some coding magic and design a zany maze for your little robot buddy to zoom through!

4th Annual Marvin Day

Celebrate Marvin Day on Saturday, April 26, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Marvin Efird Park! Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with inflatables, face painting, magic shows, live music, food trucks, and more.

Union County Water Blood Drive

Union County Water will host a OneBlood community blood drive at their Operations Center in Wesley Chapel on Tuesday, April 29, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will also be accepted. Make an appointment online today.  

Union County
Job Fair

Looking for your next opportunity? Attend the Union County Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Agricultural & Conference Center. Meet local employers and staffing agencies—translators will be available. Business attire is recommended.

Weddington Food Truck Fridays

Food Truck Fridays are back! Join the Town of Weddington every Friday in May from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Town Hall. Enjoy great food and entertainment from DJ Fannie Mae while you connect with neighbors and skip the cooking.