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Union County Horizon

Feb. 20, 2026

Community News

Critical Intersections Program

Critical Intersection

Union County is partnering with the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), and four municipalities to develop designs and cost estimates for five intersections throughout the County. These projects are not funded for construction, but the designs and cost estimates may be used in future grant applications. Union County is proud to partner with Indian Trail, Monroe, Wesley Chapel, and Unionville in this innovative program, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving safety.

A virtual public meeting will be held about each intersection, where the project consultant, Union County staff, CRTPO, NDOT, and municipal staff will be available to answer questions.

  • Tuesday, March 3, 6-8 pm. - S. Bragg St. & Lancaster Ave., (cohosted with the City of Monroe)
  • Wednesday, March 4, 6-8 p.m. - Unionville-Indian Trail Rd. & C.J. Thomas Rd. (cohosted with the Town of Unionville)
  • Thursday, March 5, 6-8 p.m. - N.C. 84/Weddington Rd. & Willoughby Rd.
  • Tuesday, March 17, 6-8 p.m. - New Town Rd. & Lester Davis Rd. (cohosted with the Village of Wesley Chapel)
  • Thursday, March 19, 6-8 pm. - Old Charlotte Hwy. & Faircroft Way/Hayes Rd. (cohosted with the Town of Indian Trail)

View the proposed plans of each intersection, provide your input, and find links to the virtual public meetings on the Critical Intersection Program webpage.

Union County Water Donates to Union County Libraries

Play Video: Water Employees Donating Books to Library

Union County Water is proud to continue its partnership with Union County Library and UCPS libraries by donating copies of Lindsey: The GIS Professional, a special story about a young woman who uses data to make a map of her favorite park. Working together with the book's publisher, Union County Water was proud to bring this engaging title to the community. Young readers can now explore how GIS supports the work behind the scenes of water and wastewater services by checking out Lindsey: The GIS Professional at their local library. Stop by your nearest branch to learn more about the technology that helps keep Union County Water's systems running smoothly. Watch this short video to learn more about this partnership

2026 Master Gardener Scholarship

A $1,000 scholarship is available through the NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association of Union County. Applicants must be planning to attend a college or university and be majoring in botany, environmental studies, forestry, landscape architecture, horticulture, crop sciences, local foods, animal husbandry, or related fields. The applicant must be a resident of Union County and be a graduating senior attending school in Union County with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Eligible students must complete this application form by April 1, 2026. The winner will be notified by May 1. Read more for additional details on applying.

Union County Transportation Vehicle

Union County Transportation Featured on WSOC-TV

Union County Transportation was recently highlighted by WSOC-TV for the positive impact its services have on local families and the growing demand for rides across the county.

Did you know these services are available to Union County residents? Whether you need transportation to a medical appointment, work, the grocery store, or other daily activities, Union County Transportation is here to help.

Watch the story.

Local Transportation Projects Receive CRTPO Funding

CRTPO logo 2024

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) Board approved funding for several transportation projects this week, including three projects in Union County:  

  • City of Monroe's Circle Dr. Shared Use Path Project | Franklin St.-Sunset Dr. ($1.7 million)
  • Town of Waxhaw's Kensington Dr. Improvements Project | Providence Rd. - Connells Point Ave. ($374,000)
  • Village of Wesley Chapel's New Town Rd. & Billy Howey Rd. Intersection Improvements Project ($935,000)

While Union County is a member government of CRTPO, each of these projects will be administered by the respective local government named above. Learn more about Union County's role in transportation planning on our website. For more information about the CRTPO discretionary grants program, read this news story.

Community Events

Live Children's Theatre Event

The Dowd Center Theatre will feature "Tiny and Large: Big Friends" on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. This live performance is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud adventure about friendship and embracing differences. Presented by Children's Theatre of Charlotte, this free event is designed especially for young audiences.

African-American Genealogy: Basics Plus

Visit the Main Library on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2-3 p.m. to learn how to trace African-American family history using records and resources that bring your ancestors’ journeys to life. This African-American Genealogy: Basics Plus program is intended for adults.

The Wiz: Iconic Films, Enduring Impact

Catch "The Wiz" at the Dowd Center Theatre, on Thursday, Feb. 26, beginning at 7 p.m. Screenings begin promptly with no trailers or commercials, so arrive early to purchase tickets and concessions. Starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, "The Wiz" is a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, transforming the classic tale into a vibrant celebration of Black music, fashion, and imagination set in a fantastical New York City.

Groundhog Day Economic Summit

Join the City of Monroe at the Dowd Center Theatre on Monday, March 2, for the 16th Annual Groundhog Day Economic Summit (rescheduled from Feb. 2 due to inclement weather). Featuring renowned economist Michael Walden of North Carolina State University, this free event will explore national, state and local economic trends, along with networking opportunities and recognition of local business longevity as part of Monroe’s America 250 celebration. It's free to attend, but registration  is required.

Healthy Living

Fire Safety Starts With One Simple Step

Research shows that closed bedroom doors can dramatically slow the spread of fire, heat and smoke- especially while you’re sleeping.

Our Fire Marshal's Office has unfortunately investigated multiple deadly home fires within the county - most that happened overnight.

Please talk with your family about closing bedroom doors at bedtime. Small action; big impact.

American Heart Health Awareness Month

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on your cardiovascular health. When your heart has to work harder than it should, it can leave you feeling fatigued and increase your risk for serious conditions like heart attack and stroke. The good news? Improving heart health doesn’t have to mean extreme workouts or strict diets. Small, simple changes like taking a short walk after dinner or reducing how much salt you consume can help. Take a small step in improving your cardiovascular health and find heart-healthy habits that work for you.