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INSIDE ▼ Museum cabin lost in fire PAGE 2A Friday, December 12, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 50
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Committee names 2025 Man & Woman of the Year MONROE – The Union County Man & Woman of the Year Committee announced John Wiggins and Rhonda Griffin as 2025 honorees.
The awards recognize the top volunteers in Union County, putting the emphasis on grassroots volunteerism demonstrated through sustained, hands-on involvement with local charities and not-for-profit organizations. Two residents are selected each year based on nominations submitted by nonprofits, volunteer groups and the community. Honorees are selected for their years of dedicated service and
sacrifice of personal time and energy to improve the lives of others in Union County, not professional accomplishments or financial contributions. Man of the Year
The 2025 Man of the Year is John Wiggins, president and owner of Wiggins Construction Company in Monroe. Wiggins is involved with numerous local nonprofits. He has served on the board of directors for the Community Shelter of Union County for nine years, including a term as board chair. Wiggins also played a critical role
in the Union Academy Foundation, leading a $16 million expansion. His generosity extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he donates space in his downtown Monroe properties for the Union County Art Walk, allowing artists to showcase their work and celebrate the community's creative spirit. Woman of the Year
The 2025 Woman of the Year is Rhonda Griffin, founder and executive director of A Cause for Tea, a nonprofit she established in 2014. Griffin’s leadership has empowered women and children to
overcome challenges such as addiction, poverty and malnutrition. A Cause for Tea works with local leaders and community members to provide advocacy and training, focusing on self-empowerment to help individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities. Continuing legacy
The Union County Chamber of Commerce launched the Man of the Year in 1958. The chamber expanded the awards in 1985 to include the Woman of the Year. Following the chamber's original initiative, the application and selection process has been managed
Monroe to use $10,000 grant to renovate historic building MONROE – ElectriCities of North Carolina has awarded a $10,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant to the City of Monroe.
The grant will be used to support the renovation and revitalization efforts for the former American Bank and Trust building on Main Street. “This grant represents another important step in strengthening downtown Monroe,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “Restoring the former bank not only preserves a piece of our history, it also creates new opportunities for investment and activity in the heart of our city.” The building, located at 120 N. Main St., is being renovated and will hold the Monroe Office of Economic Development and Downtown Office once completed. The $10,000 grant requires no matching funds and is part of ElectriCities’ program designed to support downtown revitalization goals among its member communities. The City of Monroe’s Downtown Office will coordinate with ElectriCities to finalize the grant procedures. "ElectriCities is proud to support the revitalization of this historic building in the heart of downtown Monroe," said Carl Rees, manager of economic and community development at ElectriCities. "Helping fund a high-impact project like this will help spark growth, innovation and a thriving downtown community for residents and visitors alike." ElectriCities of North Carolina provides power supply and related critical services to over 90 community-owned electric systems in the Carolinas and Virginia, collectively known as public power. ElectriCities manages the power supply for two power agencies in North Carolina and provides technical services to assist members in operating their electric distribution systems.
Union County expands treatment court program for veterans MONROE – Union County has launched a Veterans Treatment Court.
The grant allows the City of Monroe to preserve its heritage while ramping up its community and economic development activities. Photos courtesy of City of Monroe
The former American Bank and Trust building on Main Street is being renovated.
The former American Bank and Trust building will house the Monroe Office of Economic Development and Downtown Office.
UCPS names 2025 Holiday Card Contest winners MONROE – Union County Public Schools celebrated finalists of its 2025 Holiday Card Contest on Dec. 5 during the district’s annual breakfast.
Now in its eighth year, the event has become a holiday tradition, highlighting the creativity of students from elementary to high school. Superintendent Andrew Houlihan congratulated finalists and expressed appreciation for the art teachers and families who nurture artistic talent across the district. “Being here today is an accomplishment in and of itself,” Houlihan told the students. “We are incredibly proud of the creativity, talent and dedication you’ve shown.” This year’s contest drew 101 elementary submissions and 164 middle and high school submissions as well as more than 3,900 online Story continues, see WINNER page 3A
by previous award recipients, ensuring the legacy of honoring Union County's finest volunteers continues. To date, 65 men and 38 women have been recognized for their contributions to the community. The annual luncheon to celebrate the 2025 Union County Man and Woman of the Year will take place Jan. 22, 2026, at the Old Armory Community Center, 500 S. Johnson St., Monroe. The event is open to the public. Email ucmotywoty@gmail.com for ticket information.
The new program joins the county’s existing DWI Treatment Court and Family Treatment Court, providing a path to recovery for veterans who are facing eligible criminal charges and living with substance use disorders or mental illness. Veterans Treatment Court allows eligible participants to receive structured treatment, supervision and support in lieu of traditional jail or prison sentences. The program includes frequent check-ins, random drug tests, ongoing treatment, mentors and twice-monthly court sessions. Successful graduates may be eligible for reduced or dismissed charges and significantly reduced jail time. “We’re proud to launch this initiative that aims to heal the invisible wounds that many veterans carry after serving our nation,” Chief District Court Judge Erin Hucks said. “Veterans Treatment Court gives them the support, accountability and treatment they need to reclaim stability and avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system.” The court is supported through a partnership among the Union County Superior and District Courts, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, private defense attorneys, N.C. State Probation, treatment providers, Union County Veteran Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To be eligible, a participant must be a Union County resident, have served in the U.S. military (including Guard or Reserve) and have eligible pending criminal charges. Certain offenses, such as murder, sexual offenses or violent crimes involving children, are not eligible. A full list of eligibility criteria and referral information is available at unioncountync. gov/community/treatment-courts. Want to help?
Superintendent Andrew Houlihan congratulates winners Mallory Simpson (left) and Nina Ozerova for winning the 2025 Holiday Card Contest. Photo courtesy of UCPS
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Local veterans are needed to volunteer as mentors to support participants in the program. Veterans interested in volunteering can email Hannah Legarsky, veterans treatment court coordinator, or call 704-698-3229 for more information or to request an application.