Community News

Property Tax Bills Payment Deadline

To avoid interest charges, property tax payments must be paid on or before Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Union County's Tax Administration office mailed annual property tax bills to all property owners in mid-August. Tax bills are also available online. The tax bills were mailed directly to the party responsible for payment, either property owners or mortgage companies that are escrowing property taxes. Read the story to learn more.

Save the Date: Union County Career Fair – Oct. 29

Save the Date! We’re hosting a Career Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Union County Agricultural Center.

Explore career opportunities in public service, meet hiring managers, and learn about our great benefits — including a pension AND 401k!

Work closer to home. Grow your future with a career that makes a difference in our community. Learn more about the Career Fair.

View current openings with Union County Government.

NCDOT Proposes Improvements to U.S. 74 & U.S. 601 Intersection

The N.C. Department of Transportation is working to improve the U.S. 74/U.S. 601 intersection in Monroe. Planned improvements include adding turn lanes and installing concrete islands. The purpose of this project is to improve the traffic carrying capacity of the U.S. 74 and U.S. 601 intersection.

View information and maps on the project website, where you can also give input through Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Event Recap: 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Event

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2025 Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, Sept. 13!  Approximately 650 households disposed of 47,550 tons of hazardous waste and 186 pounds of unneeded medications. Coordinated by the Union County Solid Waste Department, this annual event allows residents to rid their home of common hazardous materials like paint and pesticides. The Operation Medicine Drop station was managed by the Union County Sheriff's Office and volunteers from the Wingate University School of Pharmacy. The date for next year's event will be announced on the county website and in this email newsletter. Throughout the year, the Union County Solid Waste team helps county residents know how to dispose of items safely and responsibly; reach out to them by email at solidwaste@unioncountync.gov.

October is Community Planning Month

October is Community Planning Month! To celebrate, the Union County Planning Department is taking your questions about what they do every day in service to our community. Have a question for Union County Planning? Reach out to them today at ucplanning@unioncountync.gov.

Follow Union County on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more featured videos throughout October.

Endangered Sunflowers Blooming Soon at Cane Creek Park

The Schweinitz's Sunflower, a federally endangered species, is expected to be in full bloom soon at Cane Creek Park. We ask that all visitors stay on the gravel path to help protect their habitat and please do not pick the flowers. Come take a walk, enjoy the view, and experience this once-a-year display of nature's beauty.

Healthy Living

October is Fire Prevention Month

Now is the perfect time to check your smoke alarms. Make sure they’re installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed. Learn more about how you could save lives by taking a few minutes of precaution today..

Help Protect Your Baby from Sleep-Related Risks

There are simple steps you can take to create a safer sleep environment for your baby. As we observe Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month in October, we are sharing best practices for safe sleep that can help reduce the risk of SIDS and keep your little one protected: 

• Always place your baby on their back for naps and bedtime.

• Use a firm, flat sleep surface.

• Share the room, not the bed.

• Keep soft items and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area.

For more safe sleep recommendations, visit safesleepnc.org.

Community Events

Union County 4-H Ice Cream Social

Next week is National 4-H Week! Everyone is invited to join Union County 4-H for an Ice Cream Social on Friday, Oct. 10, from 4-6 p.m. at the Union County Agricultural Center.

Whether you’ve been in 4-H for years, just joined, or are curious to learn more about what 4-H is all about, come enjoy ice cream, connect with the 4-H community, and celebrate the opportunities and friendships 4-H brings to Union County. 

Holiday Craft Show

The Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center will host its 24th Annual Holiday Craft Show & Boutique Market this Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free; the event is open to the public.

Meet & Greet: Wingate Seniors & the UCSO 

The Town of Wingate invites senior residents of the town to join a special Meet & Greet Breakfast with deputies from Union County Sheriff's Office. 

RSVP by Oct. 6 by calling 704-233-4411.

Celebrate World Space Week with Union County Library

Ever wonder what life is like aboard the International Space Station? Join NASA Ambassador Abbas Mokhtarzadeh at one of two talks as he shares fascinating insights about living and working in space. These programs are perfect for all ages!

• Saturday, Oct. 4, 2-4 p.m., at Main Library (Monroe)

• Friday, Oct. 10, 2-4 p.m. at Main Library (Monroe)

The week also features more space-themed fun:

• Moon Phases with Dashbots – Kids in grades 3–5 can explore how the moon changes each month at Union West Library, Monday, Oct. 6 at 4:30 p.m.

• Draconid Meteor Shower Watch Party – Join us virtually on Instagram and Facebook Live, Tuesday, Oct. 7, and enjoy the show from your own backyard (weather permitting).

Don’t miss this chance to learn, explore and look to the stars!

National Night Out

National Night Out provides a way for residents to meet the law enforcement and emergency services personnel who serve their community. Several towns across Union County will hold National Night Out events next week; these events were originally planned for August but rescheduled due to inclement weather. For details about each town's event, visit the links below:

• Lake Park

• Monroe

• Waxhaw

• Wesley Chapel

Little Chefs, Healthy Futures

Join Union County Cooperative Extension and Alliance for Children for a free, interactive cooking class on Friday, Oct. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Union County Agricultural Center. Families are encouraged to bring their children. Register in advance.

Become a Certified Tree Steward with TreesUnion

Ready to dig in and make a difference?

TreesUnion is launching its first-ever Tree Stewards Program with classes starting on Thursday, Oct. 30. The classes will offer hands-on and virtual training to empower volunteers to plant, care for, and advocate for trees across Union County. Space is limited to just 15 participants, and those who complete all seven classes will be certified as official TreesUnion Tree Stewards.

The program is $70 and includes both in-person and online sessions led by Union County Urban Forester Dr. Keith O’Herrin.