Union County NC Announcements, News, Events

Town of Waxhaw NC Spring cleanup – right around the corner

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:25:21 +0000

Tuesday and Wednesday, March 30 and 31 are scheduled for Spring Clean-Up Days in Waxhaw! All items must be at curbside by 7:00 AM on Tuesday, March 30th, Routes will vary so all items must be out by the curb by this time. Once your street has been picked up, no return trips will be made—

NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE

Items that will be picked up:
White Goods (Appliances)
Furniture
Televisions
General Household Items

Items that WILL NOT be picked up:
Yard Waste
Motors, Batteries and Car Parts
Oil
Paint
Hazardous Chemicals
Tires—NO Tires will be picked up this clean-up!

Please do not place your roll-out container or regular household garbage out during these days.

Questions? Please call the Public Services Dept. at 704-843-7439. Office Hours are Monday-Friday 7AM until 4 PM.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation

Monroe NC – Child Pornography material sent to Local Monroe Businesses

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:49:04 +0000

Monroe NC – State, Federal and local investigators are trying to find out who sent fliers containing child pornography material to some Monroe businesses. Officers have received numerous calls from businesses complaining about receiving the fliers, even the police station received one. The fliers showed up sometime over the weekend in plain envelopes . Investigators said the fliers advertised a Valentine’s Day specials for Key Printing and Graphics, a local company operating in Monroe, and contained inappropriate images of boys and girls throughout the flier. The owner of Key Printing and Graphics said his business had nothing to do with the fliers, or the delivery, The Police said the return address is fake. Authorities are telling local businesses not to open the ad if it arrives in the mail. Monroe police, the State Bureau of Investigation and the federal Postal Inspection Service are all investigating.

Monroe NC H1N1 Flu shot clinic to be held Friday Feb.5th

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:42:30 +0000

The Union County Health Department will provide free H1N1 vaccines to people of all ages on Friday, Feb. 5 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. inside Monroe Crossing (Monroe Mall) at the entrance to Sears.
For more information, call the Union County Health Department at 704-296-4878

Union County NC Beekeepers to Conduct Classes at the Ag Center(Resheduled)

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:06:39 +0000

Due to inclement weather, the beginning
beekeeping class scheduled for
Saturday, Jan. 30 is rescheduled for
Saturday, Feb. 20

January 15, 2010, Monroe, NC - Want to “bee” a beekeeper? Union County
Cooperative Extension and the Union County Beekeepers will be conducting a class for
beginning beekeepers at the Union County Ag Center on Jan. 30 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost for the class is $10, which includes membership in the Union County Beekeepers
Association and the NC State Beekeepers Association.

Bill Sheppard, NC State bee inspector, and Jeff Knight, master beekeeper and president
of the Union County Beekeepers, will teach the class.

“Bill Sheppard has one of the most engaging personalities you’ll experience in a teacher,”
said Jeff Rieves, Union County extension agent. “He is an excellent speaker, and an
absolute fountain of knowledge on bees and beekeeping. Jeff Knight is one of the few
master beekeepers in the area and a great teacher. Jeff is who I call about beekeeping.”

The class will cover all the basics of beekeeping including the importance of bees and
beekeeping, bee biology and behavior, getting set up as a beekeeper, hive management,
honey plants in the state, honey harvest, uses of honey and selling your honey.

To register, please call Dana Braswell at the Cooperative Extension Office at 704-283-
3742.

Union County NC Public School KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:21:05 +0000

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

February 1 – February 5, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Parents of kindergarten children may register their child at the elementary school located in their
attendance area. Eligible children must have reached their fifth birthday on or before August 31 (of
the year of entrance) in order to enroll in a public kindergarten in North Carolina.
According to the North Carolina state law, all children entering kindergarten must present
documented evidence of having received immunizations and physical examinations before attending
school.
Immunizations needed are as follows:

DTaP/DT vaccine – five doses (if the fourth dose was given on or after their fourth birthday, the fifth dose is not required)
Polio IPV vaccine – four doses (if the third dose was given on or after the fourth birthday, the fourth dose is not required)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - two doses (first dose on or after their first birthday; second dose before school entry)
Hepatitis B vaccine – three doses (third dose must be after child is 6 months old)
HIB – at least one dose on/after 15 months of age (not required after age 5)
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - one dose (required for children born on or after April 1, 2001, second dose highly recommended before school entry)

Kindergarten Health Assessment Form - You must have your doctor or health department
complete the Kindergarten Health Assessment (KHA) Report which you can pick up anytime from
the school. In addition, you must submit an up-to-date certificate of immunizations (no longer a
part of the KHA Report). It is important for your doctor to record all the requested information
on the KHA Report, front and back. Please review the form before leaving the office to be certain this
has happened or you will be sent back to the office to get the needed information.
Parents should bring to the school copies of their child’s birth certificate,
immunization record, two proofs of residence, and the Kindergarten Health
Assessment Form before the first day of school.

For more information call the school your child will attend

Union County Master Gardener Association is selling rain barrels to help Union County residents conserve water.

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:48:05 +0000

Gardener Association is Selling Rain Barrels

January 19, 2010 Monroe, NC – Union County Master Gardener Association is selling rain barrels to help Union County residents conserve water.

Rain barrels can be purchased in either 60 or 80 gallon barrels. The 60 gallon barrels are $85, and the 80 gallon barrels are $100. All barrels must be pre-ordered by Feb. 22, and can be picked up at the Union County Agricultural Center at 3230 Presson Road in Monroe on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Rain barrels reduce water usage, which reduces bills. They also reduce stormwater runoff into streets and streams. Also, irrigating with harvested rain water provides ground water recharge at the source or rain fall.

By installing one 60 gallon rain barrel you can save 600 gallons of water through a 20-week growing season.

Further information can also be received by emailing unionmg@co.union.nc.us, calling 704-283-3822 or visiting the Cooperative Extension Website at www.co.union.nc.us.

Union County Public School 2010 spelling bee to be held

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:29:48 +0000

The Union County Public Schools’ 2010 system wide spelling bee will begin at 9:30 a.m. on January 21, 2010, in the auditorium at Central Academy of Technology and Arts, located at 600 Brewer Drive. Trophies will be awarded to the first- and second-place winners. A certificate will be presented to each school wide winner.

2010 Spelling Bee Program (PDF, 109 KB)

2010 School Champions

ANTIOCH ELEMENTARY
Piper Soo, 5th grade student
Parents: Brian & Marla Soo
BENTON HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY
Sean Montgomery, 5th grade student
Parents: Nelson & Lee Ann Starnes
CUTHBERTSON MIDDLE
Melanie Smith, 8th grade student
Parents: Rob & Susan Smith
EAST ELEMENTARY
Dakira Knotts, 5th grade student
Parent: Clara Knotts
EAST UNION MIDDLE
Destinee Hammonds, 7th grade student
Parent: Portia Hammonds
FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY
Tyler Crotts, 5th grade student
Parents: Brad & Michelle Crotts
HEMBY BRIDGE ELEMENTARY
Stephen Cooper, 3rd grade student
Parents: William & Lisa Cooper
INDIAN TRAIL ELEMENTARY
Ryan Womer, 5th grade student
Parents: Greg & Diane Womer
KENSINGTON ELEMENTARY
Kara Lunski, 5th grade student
Parents: Mike & Debbie Lunski
MARSHVILLE ELEMENTARY
Brayden Wallace, 5th grade student
Parents: Randall & Kim Wallace
MARVIN ELEMENTARY
Neil Palkar, 5th grade student
Parents: Sachin & Sharmila Palkar
MARVIN RIDGE MIDDLE
Prakash Mishra, 7th grade student
Parents: Sanjay & Maitriyee Mishra
MONROE MIDDLE
Victoria Coss, 7th grade student
Parents: Jorge & Mireya Coss
NEW SALEM ELEMENTARY
Savannah Collins, 5th grade student
Parents: Mark & Pam Collins
NEW TOWN ELEMENTARY
Alex Reynolds, 5th grade student
Parents: Doug & Rebecca Reynolds
PARKWOOD MIDDLE
Allie Schneider, 7th grade student
Parents: Kenneth & Vickie Schneider
PIEDMONT MIDDLE
Leif Palker, 8th grade student
Parents: Guy & Katrina Palker
POPLIN ELEMENTARY
Marguerite Ross, 4th grade student
Parents: Matthew & Sonya Ross
PORTER RIDGE ELEMENTARY
Chandler Price, 5th grade student
Parents: Lynn & Missy Price
PORTER RIDGE MIDDLE
Brian Bacik, 8th grade student
Parents: Andrew & Janet Bacik
PROSPECT ELEMENTARY
Carter Blackmon, 5th grade student
Parents: Nathan & Ashley Blackmon
REA VIEW ELEMENTARY
Katie Mueller, 5th grade student
Parents: Andrew & Courtney Mueller
ROCK REST ELEMENTARY
Damien Crowder, 5th grade student
Parent: Sheila Crowder
ROCKY RIVER ELEMENTARY
Kyle Ronquillo, 5th grade student
Parents: Richard & Elvie Ronquillo
SANDY RIDGE ELEMENTARY
Jon Spencer, 5th grade student
Parents: Scott & Kimberly Spencer
SARDIS ELEMENTARY
Hunter Willey, 5th grade student
Parents: Rob & Barbie Willey
SHILOH ELEMENTARY
Chase Stewart, 5th grade student
Parents: Stan & Beth Stewart
STALLINGS ELEMENTARY
Maddie Draper, 5th grade student
Parents: Stewart & Katherine Draper
SUN VALLEY ELEMENTARY
Michael Reynolds, 4th grade student
Parents: Michael & Stephanie Reynolds
SUN VALLEY MIDDLE
Sutton Lea, 8th grade student
Parents: Spencer Lea & Mara Birkmaier
UNION ELEMENTARY
Elijah Hickson, 5th grade student
Parents: Joseph & Maryanne Hickson
UNIONVILLE ELEMENTARY
Christin Hiott, 5th grade student
Parents: Mike & Amanda Hiott
WALTER BICKETT ELEMENTARY
Kewin Fernandez, 5th grade student
Parents: Jose & Ana Fernandez
WAXHAW ELEMENTARY
Jacob Brand, 4th grade student
Parents: Steve & Michelle Brand
WEDDINGTON ELEMENTARY
Katherine Wilkins, 4th grade student
Parents: David & Nancy Wilkins
WEDDINGTON MIDDLE
Megan Piet, 8th grade student
Parents: Frank & Jennifer Piet
WESLEY CHAPEL ELEMENTARY
Josh Harry, 5th grade student
Parents: Chris & Maria Harry
WESTERN UNION ELEMENTARY
Brandon Bugher, 4th grade student
Parents: Kevin & Laura Bugher
WINGATE ELEMENTARY
Symone Barrett, 5th grade student
Parents: James & Kimberly Barrett

15th Annual Queens Cup Steeplechase – Waxhaw NC – Mineral Springs NC

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:53:09 +0000

Mineral Springs NC – 15th Annual Queens Cup Steeplechase

Time: April 24, 2010 from 10am to 7pm
Location: Waxhaw Steeplechase
Street: 6103 Waxhaw Highway
City/Town: Mineral Springs, NC 28108-0070
Website or Map: http://www.queenscup.org
Phone: (704) 843-7070

THE EVENT
The Queen’s Cup is like no other sporting and social event in the Charlotte region. A Saturday afternoon in the country each spring is greeted with great anticipation.

Thousands come to see some of the most athletic thoroughbreds compete at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The jockeys, dressed in bright colored silks, push their sleek steeds to clear four and a half foot jumps over a two and a quarter to as much as three mile rolling turf course. The prestige of over a $100,000 in purse money to the winning owners and the opportunity to bask in the glory of the winner’s circle is what it’s all about from the horse’s connections.

Beyond the excitement of the races, families and friends enjoy some fast-paced mingling and socializing each year. The Queen’s Cup annually solidifies business as well as personal relationships; and keeps both strong by bringing people together year after year.

The Queen’s Cup offers breathtaking views of the entire racecourse from the Lawn Boxes and Hospitality Tents on exclusive Member’s Hill to key tailgating spots throughout the entire racecourse. For the first time in steeplechase history, Personal Space Licenses (PSL’s) are being offered to our race patrons so that you and your family can enjoy your very own Lawn Box or Tailgating Space for generations to come.

We encourage you to come and Experience the Thrill of the ‘Chase!^®

DRESS & ATTIRE:

This is a family event. Attire on the racecourse is somewhat casual though many show-up in sun dresses for ladies and khakis and polo shirts for men. Jeans are rarely seen at the Queen’s Cup. Many men and women wear hats! Due to the terrain, which is grassy and undulating, flat soled shoes are highly recommended while stiletto heels are not.

Member’s Hill & The Paddock: Guests on Member’s Hill and the Paddock should wear dressy clothes, i.e. jacket and tie and long slacks for men while ladies should wear sun dresses, skirts or dressy slacks. Ladies and Gentlemen are encouraged to wear hats at the Queen’s Cup. Linen suits and the archetypal ‘Queen’s Cup’ Panama hat are traditionally worn by Gentlemen. Jeans and shorts are not permitted on Member’s Hill.

Rain or Shine, the Queen’s Cup carries on. Since this is a RAIN or SHINE event, be prepared for the sun and the rain but please note as tents and standing umbrellas are not allowed due to the wind risk and viewing! We love pets, especially dogs, but please leave your’s at home.

You can order Online now. For Tailgate & Ticket Options click HERE

For more in visit http://www.queenscup.org

Monroe NC singer Karla Davis wins national country music showdown

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:06:53 +0000

Karla Davis wows stage at Nashville’s fabled Ryman Auditorium

Country music singer Karla Davis wowed an audience in Rock Hill on her path to winning the Colgate Country Music Showdown.

The Monroe, N.C., artist sang at the Freedom Center in downtown Rock Hill, advanced to a state competition and then took top honors in the finals at Nashville’s fabled Ryman Auditorium.

The annual showdown is an American Idol-like contest that seeks to discover the next big country star. Winners also get $100,000.

This year, the regional finals were held in front of a packed house at the Freedom Center. Davis represented radio station WRHI.

“She was very memorable,” said WRHI office manager Noreen Ruff, who watched the Rock Hill performance. “She used her guitar in a very different way. She would sing a line and hit the guitar with her thumb. And she performed barefoot.”

On her blog, Davis lists her musical role models as Eva Cassidy, Joss Stone, Bobbi Gentry, Etta James, John Legend, Carrie Underwood and Jason Mraz.

Some people compare her to soft rock singer Colbie Caillat.

In a song called “A Day Away,” Davis tells about a desire to be near loved ones, saying “a day away from you is a day too long.”

story Courtesy of the Charlotte Observer

Local Indian Trail NC family star in TLC’s One big happy family

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:21:46 +0000

TLC has a new reality TV show that features a local Indian Trail, NC family (The Coles) struggling with obesity called “One Big Happy Family”. I watched this show for the first time last night with my 14yr old daughter. She goes to school and has a couple of classes with Shayne at Porter Ridge High School. So this morning I get this Google alert in my inbox about Indian Trail NC, So of course i read it and it is about The reality show and the coles. The headline reads “TLC’s “One Big Happy Family” doesn’t sit well with some viewers”. The story is about how the show has been the center of some criticism and controversy and how TLC is exploiting the family. There is another story on CNN.com (“‘Big’ concerns surround new reality show” ) about the show. Here is a link to a few clips of the show.
If you watched the show let us know what you think about the Coles and the struggle to lose weight while being filmed for a TV reality show. In your mind do you think TLC is exploiting the family?

Please leave us your comments and thoughts.