UC Horizon: Free Resources for a Healthier U | Important Voter Notice | Cane Creek Park Activities

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

Oct. 2, 2026

Community News

Union County Public Health Launches Healthier U

Free Online Resources Now Available to All Residents

Healthier U

Union County Public Health has launched Healthier U, a free online platform now available to all Union County residents.

Whether you are looking for ways to manage everyday stress, build healthy habits, strengthen relationships, improve sleep, navigate life’s challenges, or simply take better care of yourself, Healthier U offers trusted resources to prioritize mental health as part of your overall health and well-being.

The site connects you to thousands of evidence-based resources, scientifically validated self-assessments, and helpful local services covering a wide range of topics that can affect how we feel, function, and live each day. Healthier U is available on any device, at any time, with no account required and no cost to you.

All users who create an account and complete the “Is it Job Stress or Burnout?” assessment by Thursday, Oct. 29 will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card.

Healthier U is designed to be a private, stigma-free place to explore resources and take steps toward better health and well-being. It is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call or text 988 anytime.

Read the full story and get started at unioncounty.crediblemind.com.

NC DMV Ends License Plate Sticker and Paper Registration Cards

On Oct. 1, 2026, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles stopped issuing license plate stickers and automatically providing printed registrations to save money and reduce sticker fraud.

When you register or renew your vehicle, you will no longer get printed plate stickers or registration cards. However, your registration stays valid as long as you pay your fees and property taxes on time and keep your insurance coverage current. Visit the NC DMV website to learn more about the change and how to get a paper copy.

Important Voter Notice: Change to Precinct #021 

Voters in Precinct #021 will be notified by letter regarding a temporary polling place change for the Nov. 3 General Election.

Due to construction at Jackson Volunteer Fire Department in Waxhaw, voters who normally vote at this precinct (#021) will now vote at Hermon Baptist Church. This change applies to Election Day only.

Election Day Voting 

Election Day polling hours on Tuesday, Nov. 3 are 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

election municipal candidate

Early Voting

Regardless of your precinct location, Union County voters may cast their ballot at any early voting site. Please refer to the early voting schedule for locations and hours. For questions, contact the Union County Board of Elections at 704-283-3809 or union.boe@unioncountync.gov.

Reminder about Photo ID

Voters will be asked to show a photo ID.

October is Family History Month

Dickerson Room

Did you know that Union County Library has a whole room dedicated to researching genealogy and local history? The Dickerson Genealogy and Local History Room, located in the Main Library, has resources like historical newspapers and photos, access to genealogy databases, and an on-site Genealogy and Local History Librarian to help with all research needs.

Learn about what you can do in the Genealogy and Local History Room by watching this video and visiting this webpage.

Get Ready for an Epic Camping Getaway

Wood cabin at Cane Creek Park

Camper Appreciation Day at Cane Creek Park will take place Saturday, Oct. 17 and is open exclusively to registered campers for that weekend. Campers can enjoy games, activities and a BBQ lunch as they celebrate the camping season with fellow campers.

Cane Creek Park is Union County's 1,050-acre, family-friendly recreation area near Waxhaw, providing local residents with easy access to nature.  

To participate in Camper Appreciation Day, reserve your campsite during the weekend of Oct. 16-18. To find out more about this special day, read the full story.

Healthy Living

UC CARES

Community Access to Resources, Education and Support

Check out UC CARES, designed to connect residents with the programs, services and support they need. Whether you are looking for housing and financial assistance, health and mental health services, food resources, transportation, veteran support, or ways to get active and engaged in the community, UC Cares organizes it all by need so you can find help quickly. 

The page also features Healthier U, Union County's free online mental health and wellness platform powered by CredibleMind, available to every resident at no cost and with no account required. Explore everything available to you and your family. 

Help Share These Resources

Do you help manage a website or newsletter for your neighborhood, civic group or church? Consider adding links to UC CARES and to Healthier U to help local residents find these resources to meet their needs. 

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

October is Fire Prevention Month, and our Fire Marshal's Office encourages you to take steps to keep your home safe from fire hazards. One of these growing hazards is lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in devices that we use every day, from smartphones and tablets to electric bikes and scooters, but they also come with explosion and fire risks. You can avoid these risks by following simple guidelines

  • Use the correct charger for your device and charge on hard surfaces.

  • Keep batteries away from extreme temperatures.

  • Recycle old or damaged batteries safely at a recycling center. Review disposal guidance for batteries and other materials from Union County Solid Waste. 

  • Never dispose of lithium batteries with household trash.

For more information on how to practice lithium-ion battery safety, visit ReadyNC.gov. 

Hikes at Cane Creek Park

Looking for a reason to get outside, explore the trails, and meet some fellow hikers?

Hiking Club at Cane Creek Park

Join Parks and Recreation every Wednesday for Hiking Club!

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking to get moving and enjoy the outdoors, all experience levels are welcome. For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation event calendar online.

Community Events

Union County Library Launches Mobile Outreach Vehicle

OLiVe at the Farmers Market

Join the Union County Library at the Union County Farmers Market!

Our mobile library, OLiVe, will visit on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon! Browse our selection of books, sign up for a library card, and learn more about library resources, programs and services, all while you’re at the market.

Discover Your Family History through DNA

Find out how DNA can support your family history research on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2-3 p.m. at the Main Library. Genetic Genealogist Lara Schultz of DNA Angels separates fact from fiction and explains how DNA testing can complement traditional genealogy.

Free Car Seat Safety Checks

The Union County Sheriff’s Office will host a free Car Seat Safety Check to help ensure children are properly and safely secured while traveling. 

Stop by the UCSO - Indian Trail Bureau on Tuesday, Oct. 6 between 10 a.m.-noon. 

National Night Out

National Night Out

National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships in order to make communities safer, more caring places to live. 

All of these local National Night Out events are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6:  

Lake Park

5:30-8 p.m.
Mathisen Square.

Monroe

6-8 p.m.
Bobby G. Kilgore Law Enforcement Center.

Stallings

6-8 p.m.
Stallings Municipal Park.

Waxhaw

6-8 p.m.
Waxhaw Police Department.

Wesley Chapel

5-8 p.m.
Village Commons

SPCC Open House

South Piedmont Community College will host its Fall Open House from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Old Charlotte Highway Campus, and the Tyson Family Center for Technology.

The event will give prospective students and community members an opportunity to explore campus, learn more about programs and resources, and connect with faculty and staff.

Vendor Blocks

Doing Business with the County Vendor Event

Mark your calendar for the Doing Business with the County Vendor Event, hosted by our Procurement and Contract Management Department, at the Simpson Events Center, on Friday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

This free public event is for businesses interested in learning how to offer their professional products and services to the County. No registration is required. There will also be a giveaway while supplies last. Read the story to learn more.

The Plot Thickens: A Literary Happy Hour

The Union County Library Foundation invites the community to an evening where books, conversation and community come together to support the library on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 4-6 p.m. at the Waxhaw Woman's Club.

Guests will enjoy a relaxed happy hour light bites and literary fun. Every ticket purchased helps the Library Foundation continue their mission of enhancing library experiences for readers of all ages.