UC Horizon: County Offices Closed Monday | 4-H Agent Saves Infant | Summer Safety

Union County logo with the text "Horizon - connecting you to the community you love"

May 22, 2026

Community News

County Offices Closed Monday for Memorial Day

Graveyard with headstone in the background and small American flags in foreground.

Most Union County Government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.

Click here to see schedule changes for the holiday weekend.

Memorial Day Ceremonies | Monday, May 25

Honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Give Input to Help Shape Union County's Future

We want your input on how to use federal funds to address housing and community development needs in our community. Review the draft goals in the 2026-2030 Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which includes the 2026 Annual Action Plan, and share your thoughts by Friday, May 29. For questions, contact Monica Culbreath, Grant Specialist.

4-H Agent Receives Lifesaver Award for Quick Action That Saved Infant

Autumn Baucom holding Lifesaver Award

Union County 4-H Agent Autumn Baucom has received the County's Lifesaver Award for her quick thinking and decisive action that helped save the life of a six-month-old child. Baucom was at a local park when she heard a baby crying from a nearby parked vehicle. The infant was alone inside the locked car with no adult in sight. Rather than assuming a caregiver would return shortly, Baucom took immediate action. Read the full story.

Union County Water Maintenance Electrician Recognized for Innovation and Cost Savings

Mike Draper holding a certificate for the spring 2026 Caught in the Act Award

Union County Water Maintenance Electrician Mike Draper has been recognized with the County’s quarterly “Caught in the Act” Award for demonstrating exceptional initiative, technical expertise and dedication to serving the organization beyond normal job responsibilities. Draper was nominated for stepping up to complete specialized electrical work in-house for a Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant project, helping the utility avoid approximately $46,000 in contractor costs. Read more about his efforts.

Years of Heart at the Campground

Watch YouTube Video of Frank

As Cane Creek Park continues to celebrate the opening of its new camp store, it’s the perfect time to recognize someone who has long been at the heart of the campground experience, Frank Majcherek. For years, Frank has been a familiar and friendly face at the park, welcoming visitors, sharing stories and helping campers feel right at home.

This month, Frank turns 90 years young and proudly holds the title of the oldest employee in Union County Government. Watch this short video to learn more about Frank's time with Union County Parks and Recreation.

Public Comment Opportunity: Proposal Expands Help for Low-Income Residents to Make Homes More Energy Efficient

Energy Efficiency and Calculator

Each year, North Carolina seeks approval to use a portion of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for weatherization services. This year, NCDHHS is requesting a federal waiver to spend up to 25% of the total LIHEAP allocation on weatherization, up from the standard 15% threshold. Weatherization is the process of making a home more energy-efficient, safe, healthy, and comfortable.

Your feedback is welcome before June 2. A public webinar on Monday, June 1 will walk through the details. Read this news article for more details, to review the plan and submit a comment.

Healthy Living

Water Safety this Summer

Two-thirds of drowning deaths happen between May and August, and most are preventable.

For young children

Active supervision means eyes on them at all times. Put down your phone, step away from conversations, and stay within arm's reach. A child can drown in less than 20 seconds. If your preschooler isn't within reach, they should be in a life jacket.

For adults

Never swim alone, and always wear a personal flotation device while boating, paddling or participating in towed water sports, regardless of how strong a swimmer you are.

Enjoy the water this summer safely. Visit our website for more safety tips and pool care information.

Fight the Bite This May

Warmer weather means more time outside, and more chances for tick and mosquito bites.

Ticks and mosquitoes can spread serious illnesses, but a few simple steps can lower your risk. Use an EPA-approved repellent when you go outside. Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. And take a few minutes each week to empty any standing water around your yard where mosquitoes breed.

To help protect your family and community, Union County is offering free mosquito larvicide to prevent mosquito breeding in areas of standing water. Stop by the Environmental Health office at the Union County Government Center during regular business hours to pick yours up, while supplies last.

Community Events

Cane Creek Park lifeguard

Cane Creek Park Beach to Open this Weekend! 

Cane Creek Park’s day-use beach will open for swimming May 23-25, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and continue on weekends only throughout the summer.

The campground beach will also be open Saturday and Sunday this weekend, and will operate on Fridays and Saturdays for the rest of the season, lifeguard availability pending. Pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and enjoy summer fun!

SPCC: Human Resources Development Classes

Two week classes offered by South Piedmont Community College offer help with skills, confidence and credentials employers want. You’ll learn how to find and secure employment, build a strong resume, communicate effectively, use essential workplace software, manage your finances, and plan your career path.

Class start dates range between May 26 - July 30. For exact dates and course descriptions, review and submit this form. For any questions, email Carla Graham or call 704-993-2450.

South Piedmont Pop-Up

South Piedmont Community College will host a community pop-up event on Wednesday, May 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sikes Avenue Community Center in Wadesboro.

The event is open to the public and will provide information about South Piedmont’s academic and workforce programs, admissions, and financial aid opportunities. Free arts and crafts for children will also be available.

military soldier or veteran with a child on his shoulders holding an American flag

Almost Home Veterans Resource Fair

Union County Veterans Services is hosting the inaugural Almost Home Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Simpson Events Center in Monroe.

The event is free, open to the public and connects veterans and their families with VA benefits assistance, employment resources, health services, and community support.

Double Feature: A Library Date Afternoon

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind date experience at the library with an afternoon full of fun and nostalgia, Saturday, May 30, from 1-4 p.m. at Southwest Regional Library.

Begin with an interactive scavenger hunt, where you’ll search the aisles for clues and hidden answers among the books. After completing the challenge, settle into the screening area to relax and enjoy a classic movie together.