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INSIDE ▼ UCPS honors top nurse and resource officer
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PAGE 3A Friday, May 29, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 21
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Waxhaw pays tribute to fallen soldiers WAXHAW – The Town of Waxhaw gathered May 25 at the Military Wall of Honor for its annual Memorial Day ceremony, marking the occasion with music, prayer, a rifle volley salute and a keynote address that drew on experience from the front lines of service. Mayor Robert Murray opened the ceremony thanking attendees for making time on the holiday.
“This is one of the things that makes Waxhaw so very special,” Murray said, noting the town’s tradition of well-attended civic events. The Parkwood Air Force JROTC presented the colors, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Cuthbertson High School Chorus. Scouting America Troop 53 led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Chris
Whitaker of Waxhaw Baptist Church delivered the invocation, offering prayer for the families of those lost in service. Bagpiper Jimmy Brennan then led the recognition of veterans by military branch, playing each branch’s theme song as those who served stood and were acknowledged by the crowd.
A Parkwood High School Air Force JROTC member hands off the flag. Rain fell off and on throughout the outdoor ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Waxhaw
see TRIBUTE, Page 3A
Waxhaw not seeking tax rate increase
CMG file photo
GRADUATION SEASON Graduation ceremonies tend to follow similar patterns. The ceremony will typically start with graduates entering the seating area to Pomp and Circumstance and cheers from the crowd. Speakers may include student government representatives or top academic performers. The principal will offer inspiring words before students are handed diplomas on stage.
What to Know
Schedule
NATIONAL TRENDS
Union County Public Schools began celebrating the Class of 2026 with Union County Early College’s graduation on May 13. Additional graduations will follow from June 4 to 10. The Class of 2026 has about 3,350 graduates. All traditional high school graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed on each school’s YouTube page. Most comprehensive high schools will hold ceremonies in their athletic stadiums. If severe weather occurs, alternative dates have been scheduled. Principals will communicate directly with seniors and their families regarding any changes to graduation dates or times.
June 4 • Wolfe School, 5 p.m., CATA auditorium June 5 • South Providence School: 6:30 p.m., June 8 • Monroe High: 8 a.m., stadium • Weddington High, 8 a.m., stadium • Porter Ridge High: 8 p.m., stadium June 9 • Forest Hills High: 8 a.m., Irwin Belk Stadium (Wingate University) • Marvin Ridge High: 8 a.m., stadium • Parkwood High: 8 a.m., stadium • Sun Valley High School, 8 p.m., stadium June 10 • Central Academy of Technology & Arts: 8 a.m., Walter Bickett Stadium • Cuthbertson High: 8 a.m., stadium • Piedmont High: 8 a.m., stadium
Happy dances go too far? Students are going viral for doing dances like the Louisiana Jig right after receiving their diplomas, sparking debate about whether these celebrations are appropriate. Some schools have withheld diplomas. Others have not intervened. Pick up your feet People say their biggest fear is falling down on stage when their name is called. But a select few grads purposely trip up. They claim a buddy paid them to fall. Stick the landing There are videos of people incorporating gymnastics into their walk across the stage. Some videos show people faceplanting while trying to execute a high kick or a backflip.
WAXHAW – Town Manager Scott Dadson is recommending a $26,986,429 budget for 2026-27 that holds the property tax rate at the current $0.29 per $100 valuation. Dadson released his recommended budget to the board of commissioners on May 21. “Guided by the board’s strategic priorities, this budget continues our focus on the day-to-day services residents rely on, the capital projects our community needs and the town’s long-term financial health,” Dadson said. Some of the highlights of the budget include: • A $1 million paving project for town streets. • Four new full-time patrol officers mid-fiscal year. • $67,000 designated for part-time positions for the Rec Barn and Learning Center. • A 2.5% cost of living adjustment for staff and a 2% merit pool for each department. Inside the budget The budget and accompanying documents are available at waxhaw. com. A physical copy is available for review at Waxhaw Town Hall. The manager’s recommended budget for FY26-27 contains the following: • A Budget Message from Dadson, which provides an overview of the proposal, the major revenue sources, and the planned use of fund balance. • A Revenues and Expenditures Summary providing a one-page snapshot of where the town’s money comes from and where it goes. • Narratives that outline operational costs for specific departments and provide direct explanations for yearover-year changes. • A Capital Improvement Plan covering major infrastructure investments planned over the next five years. see BUDGET, Page 3A
Union County hosting Almost Home Veterans Resource Fair MONROE – Union County Veterans Services will host the inaugural Almost Home Veterans Resource Fair on May 30 at the Simpson Events Center. Almost Home connects veterans with local, state and federal organizations offering resources in VA benefits, employment, health care and community support. “For many veterans, the journey doesn’t
end upon separation. Veterans Services’ goal is to help veterans and their families navigate this transition,” said Michelle Marcano, Union County veterans services director. “Almost Home is our commitment to making sure that veterans in Union County have the support they need and deserve.” Several organizations and community partners will be at the fair. Attendees can
expect: • VA benefits assistance and claims support. • Employment and career transition resources. • Health care and mental health services. • Community and peer support organizations. • Veterans Services Officers on-site to assist with basic claims and answer
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benefits questions. • Opening remarks from Union County Veterans Services and local officials. • A casual lunch provided. The fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 30 at the Simpson Events Center, 307 Cultivation Circle, Monroe. The free event is open to veterans and their family members. Learn more at unioncountync. gov/veterans.