Hello Union County! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Nursing program expansion, a sensory-friendly screening of The Incredibles, and a drone light show celebration + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Nursing program growth ahead: Wingate University received a $15,000 grant and will expand its nursing cohort to 80 students for fall 2026, plus a rural-health module and clinical priority at FirstHealth’s Richmond hospital -- see what the expansion includes.
Innovative teaching in action: After training at Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy, Union Elementary teacher Daniel Powell implemented lively classroom strategies and reports fewer office referrals. The ideas are incorporated into the school's curriculum -- read how it’s working.
Road improvements ahead: Sealand Contractors won a $1.3 million job to upgrade signals and pavement markings at Monroe’s U.S. 74 and U.S. 601. Work could have begun June 15, with summer construction ahead -- see the road upgrades.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Chill-worthy weekend plan: Trade the sticky backyard for crisp laps on two NHL regulation-size rinks, then grab something at The Center Ice Tavern or hit the pro shop while the kids take lessons. Extreme Ice Center is the easy Union County reset... cold air, local vibe, and a legit reason to wear mittens in June.
Neighborhood sanity check: When you need an easy reset close to home, Jesse Helms Park delivers with a farm-themed, inclusive playground, a smooth paved walking loop, six soccer fields, and actual bathrooms. Pack snacks for the picnic spots, let the kids sprint while you hit the exercise stations.
Your landscaper's secret source: If you're planning a yard glow-up, tell your landscaper to source from Latham's Nursery, a wholesale-only, family-run grower with deep Union County roots and an ever-changing lineup of container-grown shrubs, perennials, and natives. Translation, sturdier plants that actually thrive here, not just look pretty in a catalog.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🦸 Guardians of the Galaxy @ Dowd Center Theatre (Monroe) | Thursday (6/25) at 7:00 PM – Take a break from adulthood and catch Guardians of the Galaxy on the big screen, part of the Superhero Summer Movie Series. It’s two bucks at the door, no trailers, no commercials, just Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot, and Drax saving the galaxy with questionable choices.
🎨 Friday Favorite Morning Mini Camp: 12x16 Glam Tray @ AR Workshop (Waxhaw) | Friday (6/26) at 9:30 AM – AR Workshop Waxhaw is hosting a Friday morning mini camp where kids 7+ create a 12x16 Glam Tray with stencils, paint, and big opinions on color. Perfect for corralling jewelry, accessories, or keepsakes, plus you score some quiet. One day, no weeklong commitment, snacks encouraged.
🎵 Stroll & Roll Friday Fun @ Kate's Skating Rink (Indian Trail) | Friday (6/26) at 10:00 AM – Roll the crew in for Friday morning Disney hits on wheels. Skates, scooters, trikes, and strollers are all fair game, and five bucks covers rentals, skate mates, and a play gym for the littles. Yes, you will hum Hakuna Matata all day, and survive.
🎭 Disney's Dare To Dream Jr. @ Cuthbertson High School Auditorium (Waxhaw) | Friday (6/26) at 7:00 PM – Skip scrolling and head to Cuthbertson High, where Legacy Theater’s Disney’s Dare To Dream Jr. packs Encanto, Frozen II, Coco, and more into a revue led by young Imagineers. Big heart, catchy songs, and your inner child gets a cameo, no mouse ears required.
🚗 CRMC 2nd Quarter Cruise-In @ Crossroads Ford (Indian Trail) | Saturday (6/27) at 8:00 AM – Think your pony still has some prance? Roll into the CRMC Cruise-In, a free meet for Mustangs and any Ford-powered ride. Expect gleaming chrome, hood-up bench racing, and plenty of locals swapping restoration tales, dad jokes, and maybe a few questionable aftermarket mods.
🎬 Sensory-Friendly Screening: The Incredibles @ Dowd Center Theatre (Monroe) | Saturday (6/27) at 5:00 PM – If you've been waiting to share The Incredibles without blaring speakers, this sensory-friendly stop in the Superhero Summer Movie Series is your sweet spot. Sound turned down, lights up, extra space, a cool-down nook, and sensory kits. Two bucks at the door, hero.
🎆 Unionville's America's 250th Celebration! @ Noel Williams Park (Monroe) | Saturday (6/27) at 6:00 PM – America turns 250, so Unionville is throwing a proper birthday at Noel Williams Park. Chairmen of the Board plays a free show, the kids burn energy on free games, and food trucks keep us fed, then a drone light show does fireworks without smoke.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Union County report Weather forecastToday — High: 87°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 87. North northeast wind 2 to 7 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East southeast wind around 2 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 71°F — Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 1 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. This house is wildThis custom-built farmhouse spreads across 10 private acres with a stocked pond, wooded trails, and a detached barn ready for hobbies, equipment, and every “too good to pass up” Marketplace find. A long driveway sets the tone, while the screened porch overlooks sunset water views. It is peaceful, practical, and close to Monroe conveniences.
Take a peek inside → |
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