UC Horizon: Proposed FY26 County Budget | Free Summer Meals | Become a Foster Parent

Union County Horizon

June 13, 2025

Community News

County Budget

Government Center

The Board of County Commissioners will vote on the proposed FY26 County Budget during their regular meeting on Monday, June 16. The budget outlines key investments in education, economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and core services that impact residents every day. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Government Center and is open to the public. You can also watch it live on our YouTube Channel.

Read about the proposed budget.

Boots on the Ground

A Call for Foster Parents in Union County

Watch Social Services Staff Perform Boots on The Ground to Spread Awareness of Foster Care Recruitment

With more than 12,000 views, our latest video highlights the real need for foster families in Union County. Right now, there are over 160 children in care and fewer than 40 licensed foster homes.

If you’ve ever considered fostering, now’s the time to learn more. Join us at one of our upcoming virtual informational sessions to ask questions and find out how you can make a difference: Wednesday, June 25, 10 a.m. or Wednesday, July 16, 6 p.m.

Summer Programs From Union County Public Schools

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is bringing back two initiatives aimed at supporting the educational and nutritional needs of children in the community this summer.

Mobile Book Bus

The UCPS Mobile Book Bus is set to roll out on Monday, June 16, bringing the joy of reading directly to elementary-aged children throughout the summer. This retrofitted bus will travel to various schools and community locations, offering children the opportunity to board the bus and choose from a wide selection of age-appropriate books at no cost to their families. Click here to view the schedule.

UCPS Book Bus

Free Summer Meals Program

Flyer for the UCPS Summer Meals

The UCPS School Nutrition Services department will provide free lunch meals for children aged 18 and under starting Monday, June 16.

View locations for meal sites and dates they are available

Healthy Living

Buckle Up Before You Roll Out

Icon for Booster Seat

Summer road trips are a great way to make memories. Make sure your child’s car seat fits their age, weight and height, and is properly installed before hitting the road.

Visit ucgov.info/safe-summer for helpful tips, resources and local car seat check points from certified technicians.

Wingate University's Free Student-Led Occupational Therapy Clinic

Wingate University offers a free student-led occupational therapy clinic that offers therapy services every Wednesday afternoon. The clinic serves a large variety of conditions including neurological, orthopedic, hands, trauma, and developmental disabilities. Visit the University's website for more details.

Community Events

Scaly, Slimy Science!

Join us for a kid-friendly “look and find” of our cold-blooded friends in the Teaching Garden of the Agriculture Center on Saturday, June 14, 10-11 a.m. Union County Soil & Water Conservation will teach us about reptiles and amphibians before heading to the garden to explore.

Rock & Roller Car Show

Rev up your engines and cruise on over to the Village of Wesley Chapel for the Rock and Roller Festival and Car Show on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Village Hall! Enjoy a stunning display of cars from all eras, bounce houses, an obstacle course, face painting, gift card giveaways from local businesses, and trophies for standout vehicles.

Senior STEAM: Cricut

Each month this summer at the Main Library’s STEAM Lab, we will introduce a select piece of STEAM equipment. On Tuesday, June 17, from 10-11 a.m., learn how to use our Cricut die cutting machine.

Juneteenth Celebrations Across Union County

Indian Trail

Delight in spoken word, dancing, vendors, and family activities on Friday, June 13, 6-9 p.m. at Crossing Paths Park.


Marshville

This Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to noon, in Downtown Marshville enjoy a live DJ, vendors, and a cooling station at this year’s parade.  


Monroe

Enjoy food, music, touch-a-truck, and history on Saturday, June 14, 3-7 p.m., at Belk Tonawanda Park.


Waxhaw

Next Friday, June 20, from 6-9 p.m., enjoy performances, crafts, activities, and education in Waxhaw's Downtown Park.