Serving those who served us | | |
With Veterans Day around the corner, we're highlighting the team at Cabarrus County Veteran Services and the work they do to support local veterans and their families.
Led by Director Dr. Chad Gurley, the department is building on its strong foundation while welcoming new team members and finding more ways to connect veterans with the benefits and resources they've earned. The team includes four new professionals, all bringing military experience and a shared commitment to serving others.
One of the biggest changes is an expanded effort to bring services directly into the community. Through its Veteran Navigational Services Program, the department is working to reach veterans who may have difficulty getting to the County office, including older adults, those with disabilities and residents in rural areas.
The team is also making a difference behind the scenes. Since July 1, Veteran Services has processed 890 claims and helped secure $845,000 in retroactive benefits for Cabarrus County veterans. The department has also introduced new technology to track services and improve how it responds to community needs.
For Gurley, the progress is about more than numbers or new programs. It's about building relationships and making sure veterans and their families know they have someone in their corner.
"My first year as Veteran Services Director presented its share of challenges, but equally important were the relationships I developed along the way", Gurley said. "I received tremendous support from my peers and County Management, and that collaboration has been instrumental in moving our department forward."
Looking ahead, the department hopes to strengthen partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits and businesses to make it even easier for veterans to find support.
As Veterans Day approaches, we're grateful for those who served and proud to have a team dedicated to serving them.
The Cabarrus County Veterans Services office is located at the Old Creamery at 363 Church Street N, Suite 180, Concord. For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us/vets or call 704-920-2869.
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Veterans Day Celebration
Gurley is this year's keynote speaker at the annual appreciation event on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at at the Boys & Girls Club, 247 Spring St., Concord. The event begins at 11 a.m. and is organized by Cabarrus County Veterans Services, the City of Concord and the Boys & Girls Club Keystone Club. All Cabarrus veterans are invited to the celebration.
Residents invited to join Operation Green Light
Cabarrus County is once again participating in Operation Green Light, an initiative of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. To honor veterans, residents are asked to shine their own green light of hope, support and recognition through Nov. 11.
Cabarrus County Veterans Day Closures
Cabarrus County Government offices, including the Cabarrus County Government Center, Human Services Center, libraries, active living centers, Animal Shelter, County Landfill, LunchPlus Clubs and the Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Cabarrus County parks, including Camp T.N. Spencer, Frank Liske, Vietnam Veterans, Virginia Foil and Rob Wallace, are open on Veterans Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Save the date: Wreaths Across America
The community will gather at noon on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Oakwood Cemetery (471 Church St N, Concord) to honor the service and sacrifice of our fallen veterans. Learn more
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📌 Stuart Valzonis named to fill Cabarrus board seat
"I understand that good governance requires more than good intentions," Stuart Valzonis said in his letter of interest for the role. "It requires sound judgement, accountability, transparency and the willingness to stand firm on principle.”
Valzonis, named Monday as the replacement for the board vacancy, will be sworn in at the commissioners' Regular Meeting on November 16.
Full story
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🗳️ Last chance to vote
Today (Nov. 3) is Election Day!
Still need to cast your ballot? You must vote at your assigned precinct today. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. Voters in line at 7:30 will be allowed to cast a ballot.
Don't forget your ID. North Carolina voters must show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person and by mail. If you don't have an acceptable ID, you can get one for free from the Cabarrus County Board of Elections office or complete an ID Exception Form.
Everything you need to know
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❄️ Winter Health Fair
Join Cabarrus Social Services at Cabarrus EMS Headquarters on Friday, November 13, for the fourth and final health fair of 2026!
Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to connect with community resources and get free items and services while supplies last:
- Lunch (sponsored by My Orthodontist)
- Cold weather gear
- Books
- Flu vaccines
- and more!
Participating vendors include:
- NC Medicaid Health Plans
- Books on the House
- Save the Children
- Medicaid Enrollment Broker
- and additional community partners
Donate items now through Nov. 6 to be distributed at this Health Fair.
Drop-off locations:
- DSS Cannon: 1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis
- DSS Milestone: 4855 Milestone Ave., Kannapolis
Items accepted:
- New or gently used coats, gloves, hats and scarves
- NEW socks
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🧪 Need your soil tested?
Bring your soil samples to the Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD). They'll send them off for testing on Friday, November 20.
Soil testing helps ensure your land or garden is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. Don’t miss out. After November, the NC Department of Agriculture’s Agronomic Division will start charging $5/sample from December 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. This will be the last batch of samples sent to the lab before December.
Please have your soil samples in by November 19. Drop them off at 715 Cabarrus Ave. W, Room 301, Concord.
Don’t know where to start or need a kit to collect your sample? Give CSWCD a call at 704-920-3300.
🌳 Play and Grow in CabCo!
Discover parks, libraries, greenways and all the family-friendly places in Cabarrus with the 2026 Play and Grow Map. The map is provided by Cabarrus Health Alliance as a community information resource. The map includes parks, playgrounds, trails, farms, farm stands, attractions, organizations, programs, events and other locations that support healthy living and family engagement. Learn more.
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💙 Dignity by Design
Planning ahead can make all the difference for you and your loved ones. Join Cabarrus County EMS, Willet Legal, Hartsell Funeral Homes, Coffin House Coffee and Carolina Caring for a free community discussion about healthcare, wellness, wills, trusts and more.
Connect with local experts, ask questions and learn how to prepare for the future so your family isn't left making difficult decisions or figuring things out on their own.
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 9 a.m. to noon
Cabarrus EMS Headquarters
793 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord
No registration required! For questions, contact Melissa King with Cabarrus County EMS, at 704.920.2602.
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⭐ Bonus #6 Cabarrus staff attorney receives 2026 Liberty Bell Award
Last month, Heather Mobley was awarded the 2026 Liberty Bell Award from the Cabarrus County Bar Association.
The Liberty Bell Award is given by bar associations to recognize outstanding service that “strengthens the American system of freedom and justice under the law.”
“The Cabarrus County Bar is a wonderfully unique group of attorneys who fight fiercely in the courtroom for their clients and form lasting friendships outside those walls,” Mobley said.
Attorney Andrew D. Phillips nominated Mobley for the award.
“She selflessly serves the most vulnerable among us to ensure that they have
adequate protection in a system that too often allows those who need help the most to go unaided,” Phillips said in the nomination form.
Following law school, Mobley spent 18 years in private practice, focusing on family and juvenile law, before joining Cabarrus County in 2024.
Mobley works directly with divisions of the Consolidated Human Services Agency such as Child Support and Adult and Aging Services. She also assists with general legal matters for the County.
Congratulations, Heather!
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What if three simple words could change your life?
For Tracy LeCompte, “Sure, why not?” is more than a phrase. It’s a way of life. That philosophy has opened doors, inspired career pivots and eventually led her to Cabarrus.
Now, as the County’s Cooperative Extension Director, she's helping connect residents with resources, education and opportunities to grow, literally and figuratively.
On this episode, we're talking about unexpected adventures, Cooperative Extension’s role in the community (they do a LOT you probably don’t know about) and the extraordinary power of those three simple words.
Like what you hear? Subscribe, follow, rate and share Tell Me More.
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Meet Morticia
Female, shepherd mix, 5 months
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Morticia may have a spooky name, but this sweet girl is anything but scary! She’s a precious puppy just looking for a family to call her own.
Morticia can be a little shy when she first meets you, but once she feels comfortable, her sweet personality begins to shine. She’ll need a patient family willing to give her a little time to come out of her shell.
Apply for Morticia today!
Available to adopt at Cabarrus County Animal Shelter.
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APPROVED applications are REQUIRED.
Appointments are highly recommended due to short staffing. Walk-ins may experience higher wait times.
Cats are $90, kittens under 6 months are BOGO free. Dogs are $100.
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Cabarrus Arts Council Dancing for the Arts
Saturday, November 7 | Davis Theatre | 7 to 9 p.m.
Nutrition classes
Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks is hosting a series of holiday food classes:
Concord ALC
11/10 - Autumn flavors demo - 2 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant ALC
11/19 - Survive the holidays seminar - 5:30 p.m.
12/8 - Autumn flavors demo - 10:30 a.m.
Afton ALC
11/21 - Fresh Table November - 11 a.m.
12/19 - Fresh Table December - 11 a.m.
Follow ALPS on Facebook or visit www.cabarruscounty.us/register to get more details and register.
Kannapolis Christmas
Tree lighting on Friday, November 13 and parade on Saturday, December 12
Concord Christmas
Tree lighting on Friday, November 20 and parade on Saturday, November 21
Harrisburg Christmas
Tree lighting and festival on Friday, December 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant Christmas
Parade followed by tree lighting on Saturday, December 5 | parade starts at 3:30 p.m., tree lighting at 5:30
Locust Christmas
Parade on Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m.
Livestock on Small Acreage: Pasture Management Basics
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 6 p.m. | Cooperative Extension
View all Cabarrus County Library System events
| | Learn how to make compound butter using fresh herbs with Suzanne Doad, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent at Cabarrus Cooperative Extension, and Cordella Fox, Extension Master Gardener volunteer. | | Team CabCo at Employee Apprecation - October 2026 | | Board of Commissioners Work Session November 2, 2026 | | |
Next Regular Meeting: Monday, November 16 at 6 p.m.
Government Center, Board of Commissioners' Chambers, 65 Church Street S, Concord, NC, 28025
Next Work Session: Monday, December 7 at 5 p.m.
Government Center, 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose room, 65 Church Street S, Concord, NC, 28025
BOC meetings are broadcast live on Channel 22 https://www.youtube.com/cabarruscounty and https://www.cabarruscounty.us/cabcotv.
| | Cabarrus County Resource Hub | | |
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