In the last article, we covered the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), which set the stage for Japan's involvement in World War I. Before turning to Japan’s role in the war, it is helpful to briefly review how the conflict began. World War I started on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist on June 28, 1914. Germany supported Austria-Hungary, while Russia backed Serbia. Europe was soon drawn into a kind of conflict it had never seen before.

Arbor Day is approaching for our local states (TN March 6; KY April 3; VA April 24), and it’s a worthy recognition of the importance of trees in our lives. Here in the mountains, they are omnipresent, with every scenic vista tree laden. Every home is full of tree stuff, from bananas to the roof trusses, and every breath we take has some tree oxygen in it. What follows are some quotes and a little poetry spoken by wise people on the importance of trees.

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

While classrooms at Horace Maynard Middle School didn’t have students on February 16, teachers were hard at work behind the scenes during a districtwide staff development day. Across Union County Schools, educators used the time to strengthen instruction, analyze student data, and prepare for the critical weeks leading into state testing.

In the years immediately following World War II, America was ready for something new. The country was booming, families were growing, and drivers wanted modern cars that reflected a new era of optimism and progress. In 1949, Ford Motor Company delivered exactly that with the introduction of the all-new Ford—now famously known as the “Shoebox Ford.” Produced from 1949 through 1951, the Shoebox Ford earned its nickname from its clean, slab-sided styling and squared-off roofline that resembled a shoebox.

The Union County Farmers Market is gearing up for another exciting and successful season! All current, new, and interested vendors and volunteers are invited to the 2026 organizational meeting on Saturday, March 7, from 5:00 – 7:00 at the Farmers Market at 115 Durham Dr, Maynardville.

The Flintstones and The Jetsons were two of my favorite cartoons when I was a girl. What is so weird is how I eventually felt like I belonged in each one.

On February 14, 2026, Marsha Reep of the North Knoxville Quilts of Valor Foundation attended the Veterans' monthly breakfast and presented Commander Darrell White (U.S. Air Force) and Adjutant Norman Gillen (U.S. Navy) of the American Legion Post 212 with Quilts of Valor. We are a grateful nation and appreciate and thank both men for their service, dedication, and sacrifice in protecting our freedoms.

The American Legion New Liberty Post 212's monthly free breakfast for all Veterans, their family, friends, and supporters was again well attended on Valentine's Day. The Veterans were very grateful to the City of Luttrell for sponsoring this event. Luttrell Mayor Jerry Lawson briefly reviewed some of the challenges the town of Luttrell has faced and overcome, noting that Luttrell's population is about half that of Maynardville. There was some good-natured kidding about stopping at the sign that says Luttrell City Hall and being handed a menu.

The gym was full of energy during the UCHS v.s. Gibbs High School game on January 9th. Dressed head to toe in red, the student section packed the bleachers and brought all of the school spirit. A few students dressed as ESPN reporters, adding to the fun and excitement in the student section. The Lady Patriots earned an impressive win, displaying their strong teamwork and determination throughout the game. They came out strong and secured a big win that set the tone for the night. Although the boys lost the game (65-58), the night was still a special moment for our school.