Union County Board of Education

CANCELLED--The workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education that was scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025 has been cancelled.

NEXT MEETING--The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Union County High School Library. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

Is The Pain Coming from Your Hip, Spine or Both?

Many patients live with low back pain that radiates to the buttock, groin, thigh, and even knees. The challenge for patients is determining the origin of the pain — the hip, the spine, or both. A new article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (JAAOs) outlines the identical symptoms associated with hip and spine pain and discusses the diagnostic steps and tests required to treat them appropriately.

Dusty Tree

Have you ever heard the Christmas song: “O Christmas Tree?” If so, please sing the tune with the lyrics below:

“O Christmas Tree
Your branches are so dusty
Not cleaned, they are so heavy.”

Yep, I’m going to be talking my very dusty Christmas tree today.

Keeping Brown Sugar Soft: Simple Tips for Every Kitchen

Brown sugar is a pantry essential—perfect for cookies, sweet potatoes, sauces, and countless holiday favorites. But anyone who uses it regularly knows how quickly it can turn from soft and fluffy to a solid, rock-hard brick. With just a little know-how, you can keep your brown sugar soft and usable, and even rescue it if it does dry out. And if you ever find yourself completely out, don’t worry—making your own at home is easier than you think.

New Fangled

If my Mamaw Jo could see some of the modern Christmas light displays, she would have said: “I swannie, I’ve never seen such new-fanged lights like these!” She wasn’t into technology. As for me, I recently discovered just how much I don’t know about Christmas lights either.

Yuletide Treasures Market

🎁 Yuletide Treasures Market. Saturday, December 13 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Heritage Park Farmers Market Pavilion

Spend locally on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 pm at the Yuletide Treasures Market at the Heritage Park Farmers Market Pavilion.

Step into a festive wonderland of local gifts and holiday delights! The Yuletide Treasures Market is your one-stop shop for meaningful, gorgeous, handmade presents and delicious seasonal treats. From artisan crafts and baked goods to winter produce and value-added goodies, there’s something for everyone on your list.

🌟 Mistletoe & Makers Market

It’s the final festive fling before Christmas! Join us for the Mistletoe & Makers Market at the Heritage Pavilion on Saturday, December 20, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, where last-minute shopping meets local charm! Discover beautiful handcrafted gifts, delicious holiday treats, and fresh ingredients for your Christmas table — all in one joyful, open-air setting!

Flash Mob at Food City

The Union County Line Dancers. led by Janie Hamilton visited the Maynardville Nursing Home “Willow Ridge”, on Wednesday Nov. 26th, to entertain the residents. The residents enjoyed the dancers very much.

The Elf Squad

THE 2025 “Under The Tree” Toy Campaign is almost over. There are some exhausted Elves. These Elves pick up the Black Bags packed with toys each year from the local businesses that have trees: Mission of Hope Therapy, Janet’s Hair & Tan, Tolliver’s Market, Bookers Market, UT Extension, American Business, Commercial Bank, Union Discount Pharmacy, First Century Bank and Food City. They then process the bags making sure the children’s wishes are met. Some ornaments are not pulled off the trees and these Elves shop for those toys. They ensure every bag is complete.