Community News

County Offices Closed on the 4th of July

Most Union County Government offices and facilities, including all library locations, will be closed Tuesday, July 4. See schedule changes for the holiday.

Give Input on the Future of Water Infrastructure in Union County

Help provide input and review solutions for water service in Union County. We are seeking residents of Union County who are not currently connected to a public water system and want to provide input on potential expansion of Union County's water system, programs and services. Check out the details about how to get involved.

Free Summer Meals Program

Union County Public Schools is providing free lunch meals for children aged 18 and under through August 10, with the exception of July 3 and July 4, as no meals will be served those two days. July 5-7 and August 14-25, Atrium Health will provide the meals through the Kids Eat Free program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Atrium Health Union Women and Children’s Center, located at 600 Hospital Drive in Monroe. View details in the flyer.

New Pilot Program Provides Well Users Resources for Clean, Safe, and Adequate Supply of Water 

Union County has allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to establish a pilot Private Drinking Water Well Rehabilitation and Repair Program to help solve well water quality and quantity issues experienced by Union County residents who receive drinking water from a well. Well owners who wish to have their well assessed can apply for the new program between July 1-31, 2023. If selected, grant funds will be used to rehabilitate and/or repair the well. There is no cost to the well owner. Click here for more information about the program.

Note of Correction: Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

In the June 23 issue, Union County Government's total general fund budget amount for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 was incorrectly noted as $444,997,784.

The final total general fund budget amount for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 is $445,062,935, which was accurately noted in the news article that was linked in the story. The difference was due to grant funding that was incorporated in the final budget total.

Community Events

Independence Day Celebrations

The Town of Marshville will have a Pre-Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, June 30, at Marshville Municipal Park from 7:30-9:30 p.m. There will be music, food and fireworks.

The City of Monroe will host its annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 1, at Parks Williams Athletic Complex from 2-6 p.m. The fireworks display is scheduled for July 4. 

The Town of Unionville will be hosting its 62nd Annual 4th of July Celebration on Tuesday, July 4. The flag raising will begin at 9 a.m., with several performances lined up throughout the day. The parade starts at 1 p.m. Call 704.289.6750 for more information.

The Town of Waxhaw will be hosting an Independence Day Celebration in downtown Waxhaw on Tuesday, July 4, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The theme is "Stars and Stripes." Watch floats, bands, and horses trot down the street!

The Town of Indian Trail will have a July 4th Parade full of floats, walkers, and more. The parade will begin on Tuesday, July 4, at 11:30 a.m., and will travel down Indian Trail Road from Post Office Drive to Old Monroe.

The Village of Lake Park will be hosting a July 4th & Founder's Day Celebration on Tuesday, July 4, from 6-8 p.m. at Mathisen Square. It will be fun for the whole family!

Union County Library End of Life Series

When Death Comes: Getting Your Legal Affairs in Order

Learn about wills, trusts, probate, and other legal concerns after a loved one passes with Union County Library on Thursday, July 11 at the Waxhaw American Legion Building.

Palliative Medicine 101

Healthy Living

Safety this Summer

Firework Safety

Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year. Our Fire Marshal's Office advises leaving fireworks to the professionals.

If you choose to use legal fireworks purchased in North Carolina, follow these tips: 

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

• Wear protective eyewear.

Enjoy fireworks responsibly and remember that fireworks may trigger PTSD in our veteran neighbors and can cause distress to our furry friends. Let's be mindful to their well-being and take precautions to ensure everyone's safety.

Water Safety

Supervise young children in and around pools. Don't read, use a cell phone, or leave children to go somewhere else because a child can drown in less than 20 seconds. Preschool children who are not within arm’s reach at all times should wear a life jacket.

The color of the swimsuit matters too, especially when it comes to visibility in the water. Colors to avoid altogether are whites, blacks, grays, and blues. It’s best to go with bright colors like neon yellow, orange, pink, and red that stand out. 

• Dark pool bottom test
• White pool bottom test
• Lake Bottom test
• Pattern Test

Adults must also take precautions in and around open water. Never swim alone. Consider wearing a personal flotation device, especially while boating, paddling or another towed water sport, regardless of swimming ability.

Review a list of some local organizations that provide swim lessons in Union County.