Western Union County News

Cover Story: In the way of the Monroe Bypass

Submitted by WBTVWebStaff on Thursday, September 2nd, 12:39 pm

By Jeff Atkinson - bio l email

UNION COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - Eminent domain and the Monroe Bypass. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." Sage wisdom from Star Trek's Mr. Spock.

At least it sounds good, until the needs of the many run right through your yard.

Shortening your drive to the beach means putting an expressway on family farms and front lawns.

The Monroe connector bypass has been talked about for years. Finally now, the project just received final federal approval. 20 miles of toll road - from 485 to eastern Union County.

It'll bypass that nasty stretch of Highway 74 and take close to half an hour off the beach drive.

But convenience comes at a price. Dozens of families will be bought out of their homes.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Featured Businesses

HEROES AREN'T HARD TO FIND

America's Comic Source

Man lacked license in wreck that killed 2 students, troopers say

Submitted by WBTVWebStaff on Thursday, September 2nd, 11:52 am

By Bari Lanning - email & Derrick Rose bio | email | Twitter & Jeff Rivenbark - email

MONROE, NC (WBTV) - The driver involved in a wreck that killed two Wingate University students and injured two others should possibly have never been behind the wheel of a vehicle, the North Carolina Highway Patrol said on Thursday.

Donald Eric Watkins, 47, of Wingate, is charged with driving with a revoked license, giving fictitious information to a law enforcement officer, and resist/delay/obstruct.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Rep. Myrick congratulates Waxhaw on Preserve America Award

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Wednesday, September 1st, 1:08 pm

WAXHAW - US Representative Sue Myrick released a video Wednesday congratulating the Town of Waxhaw for being awarded the Preserve America Award for 2010.

The Preserve America Award is the highest national award for historic preservation achievement.

In the video, Waxhaw Mayor Daune Gardner talks about the town and the unique qualities that led to Waxhaw being named a Preserve America Community.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Patriot Day ceremony to be held on September 11th

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Wednesday, September 1st, 12:01 pm

UNION COUNTY - Union County’s Patriot Day ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. in front of the historic courthouse in Monroe.

Patriot Day is a time to remember emergency responders and civilians who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. It is also a time to recognize emergency responders in Union County.

Following the ceremony, emergency vehicles will be on display around the courthouse. Lunch will be provided for emergency responders and their families.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Union County DA office has new phone number

Submitted by Cameron Easley

Tuesday, August 31st, 2:46 pm

UNION COUNTY - As part of a statewide change in phone vendors by the North Carolina Administrator of Courts, the phone number for the Union County District Attorney office has changed.

For future reference, call (704) 698-3110 to reach the office. The fax number is (704) 698-3111.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Labor Day closings announced

Submitted by Cameron Easley

Tuesday, August 31st, 9:54 am

UNION COUNTY – Government offices and facilities will be closed this weekend and Monday in observance of Labor Day. Below is a schedule:

Union County offices closed Monday, Sept. 6

County libraries closed Saturday, Sept. 4 - Monday, Sept. 6
County Landfill closed on Monday, Sept. 6
Animal Shelter closed Saturday, Sept. 4 - Monday, Sept. 6
Cane Creek Park will be open its normal hours. Jesse Helms Park and Fred Kirby Park will be closed Sept. 4 - Monday, Sept. 6

View Comments | Post a Comment

Barbecue Lunch, Dinner & Silent Auction

Submitted by Susan H.

Monday, August 30th, 2:50 pm

WAXHAW - Please come join us for this special event! Proceeds will go towards a New Family Center Building.

Just the Basics
Date: Saturday, October 9th
Lunch Hours: 11am to 2pm
Dinner Hours: 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Venue: Union UMC
Address: 6415 New Town Road in Waxhaw

Need More Information?
Please click HERE or call 704.843.3336. You can also email Jerry Davis at jgdavis5823@windstream.net.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Belk Fall Charity Sale on November 6 to benefit local charities and schools

Submitted by Jeff Rivenbark on Monday, August 30th, 11:48 am

CHARLOTTE - Belk invites local charities, schools and other nonprofit organizations to participate in its Fall Charity Sale on November 6. The event will once again benefit communities throughout the company's 16-state market area. The last Belk Charity Sale held May 1, 2010, raised more than $4.5 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Couple wanted for stealing $800 in drugs from Walgreens, police say

Submitted by WBTVWebStaff on Friday, August 27th, 12:09 pm

WAXHAW, NC (WBTV) - Police in Waxhaw are hoping to identify a man and woman wanted for allegedly stealing products from a drug store Friday morning.

Both the man and woman are seen in surveillance photos walking into the Walgreens on Cuthbertson Road and Highway 16.

Waxhaw Police say they entered the store around 9 a.m. and stole about $800 worth of Prilosec, according to Detective Bobby Haulk.

The suspects left in a four-door, grey Pontiac or Oldsmobile and they may be from Gaston County.

Police say drugs and other medications like this that are stolen are often sold at flea markets.

If you know who the man and woman may be, call the Waxhaw Police Department at 704-843-0353.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Ex-hockey player won't face death in Union County killing

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Friday, August 27th, 10:58 am

MONROE, N.C. (WBTV/AP) - Prosecutors say they will not seek a death sentence against a former hockey player accused of killing a man in North Carolina last year.

The Charlotte Observer reported that Union County prosecutors said Thursday they won't seek the death penalty against 32-year-old former Charlotte Checkers hockey player Bogdan Rudenko.

He's accused of shooting 32-year-old Yuriy Kharitonov in the head in Stallings in December. An autopsy shows Kharitonov's body was mutilated after he was killed.

View Comments | Post a Comment