Community News

J.R. Rowell Sworn In To Serve on Union County Board of Commissioners

During the regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 6, 2023, J.R. Rowell was sworn in to serve as a County Commissioner. Rowell was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Commissioners created by the untimely passing of Chairman Stony D. Rushing in August. Rowell is a Union County native and served as Clerk of Superior Court for 16 years before retiring in 2022. Click here to read more.

County Offices Closed for Thanksgiving

Most Union County Government offices and facilities will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Click here to read which facilities will be open. There will not be a Union County Horizon e-newsletter next week. The next issue of the Horizon will be emailed on Dec. 1. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Recognizing Exceptional Union County Employees

Lifesaver Award: A Remarkable Act of Heroism Union County Facilities employee Wendell Roberts received the Lifesaver Award for helping save a local restaurant employee experiencing a seizure. Wendell knew how to help due to a family member's experience with seizures, and he recently completed training to serve as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for his role as a volunteer firefighter. Read more about his heroic efforts.

Union County Senior Social Worker Charlotte Linthicum received the "Caught in the Act" Award. By going above and beyond in her role, Charlotte received heartwarming nominations for the exceptional support she provided to a teenage girl and a young man. Click to read the full story.

Union County Christmas Bureau

Friday, Nov. 17 is the final day for applications, but due to a high call volume, Union County Christmas Bureau would like to alert individuals that if you have previously called and left your name and phone number, there is no need to continue calling. A volunteer will call you back by next week.

Looking to Volunteer? Become one of the hundreds of individuals, groups and families that come together to provide assistance to local families in need during the Christmas season. Volunteer roles include administrative, volunteer coordination, and sorting and distributing donations. Visit our website for more details on how you can help!

More People Can Get Health Care Coverage Through Medicaid

North Carolina is expanding health care coverage to more people. This significant investment in North Carolinians' health will cover more than 600,000 people and enhance access to mental health and substance use treatment. Learn if you're eligible at medicaid.ncdhhs.gov.

How to Apply for Medicaid

• Apply online at ePASS.nc.gov to create an account that allows you to submit most paperwork, report changes and certify your benefits. 
• Use our drive-thru window, located at the front of the Human Services building to pick up a paper application, drop off paperwork or ask questions without leaving your car. 
• Call our Medicaid Customer Care Center at 704.296.4300 and follow the prompts for Medicaid.

Household Hazardous Waste Event -
This Saturday!

Tomorrow is the day! Don't miss this free annual opportunity to rid your home of hazardous materials. The event is tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 18, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Shiloh Valley Elementary School, 5210 Rogers Rd., Monroe. County residents can dispose of their hazardous household materials for free by simply driving through the event and allowing our event staff to gather any paint (up to five gallons), pesticides, herbicides, household cleaners, oil, gasoline, and propane or helium tanks (limit three tanks per household; grill size only). All materials must be in their original labeled containers. County residents may also bring up to five boxes of documents per person for shredding and expired or unneeded medications (over-the-counter, prescription, or unknown) to dispose of them safely through Operation Medicine Drop. View all details.

Community Events

Festive Fun Awaits

Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration

Friday, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m.
Weddington Town Hall

Embrace the holiday spirit with live entertainment, food trucks, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus! See event details.

70th Annual Union County Christmas Parade

Sunday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m.
Downtown Monroe

Celebrate 70 years of holiday tradition! Join us for a festive parade, a long-held community tradition. Hosted by the Alliance for Children, it supports programs benefiting our youngest. See event details.

Downtown for Christmas

Friday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Downtown Marshville

Light up the night with holiday cheer! Enjoy tree lighting, carols, treats,  rides, and festive storefronts. 
See event details.

Cocoa & Carols in Wesley Chapel

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.
Dogwood Park

Join us for holiday fun! Enjoy a holiday train, face painting, s'mores, and more with family and friends. See event details.

Lunch on the Lawn with Indian Trail

Groove with live music at
Crossing Paths Park on Saturday, Nov. 18, 11:30 a.m. Bring lunch and a blanket for a delightful afternoon. View details.

Marvin Brew & Que

Savor brews, BBQ, live music, and yard games at Marvin Efird Park on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. General admission is $10. See event details.

Healthy Living

Great American Smoke Out  

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Join thousands of people across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life. Visit Quitline NC for free cessation services.

Thanksgiving:
Know Before You Go

Safely Prepare Food This Holiday Season

• Turn pot handles away from the stove's edge.
• Keep children at least three feet away from the cooking area. 
• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or boiling food.
• Remember to wash hands and surfaces often. 
• Cook foods to proper temperatures. Turkey must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF.