Homelessness is a complex issue with a variety of interconnected causes and a challenge for any community. Trying to help the homeless folks in a small county setting with few resources is a difficult (some say “impossible”) challenge. There are many points and counterpoints, many more than I had considered. The primary drivers of homelessness are a lack of affordable housing, poverty, and unemployment, often exacerbated by mental health issues, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Lack of access to healthcare and support services also plays a significant role.

Horace Maynard Middle School is kicking off the 2025–2026 school year with exciting additions to its athletic programs, naming new head coaches in baseball, softball, and volleyball.

You are invited to join us in celebrating how wonderful God has been to our community. We recognize how good God has been to us throughout many years. We were fortunate to celebrate last year that Alder Springs was established 175 years ago. This year we rejoice that our Pastor Jimmy Davidson has been leading our flock for 25 years.

The son of Jimmy Davidson Sr. and Louise Jessee Davidson, Jimmy spent his youth in our town and graduated from Horace Maynard High School in 1981. He was saved at the age of 7 at Hines Creek Baptist Church. He has lived a life devoted to our Lord Jesus and announced his calling to preach on August 16, 1981 at Valley Grove where he was later ordained as a preacher on September 25, 1983. Jimmy then joined with Blowing Springs Baptist Church in Anderson County to serve as their pastor. There, he preached, visited, counseled, rejoiced in blessings, and wept in sorrows with his brothers and sisters in Christ for 17 years.

Sourwood does not stand out in the forest except this time of year when it is in bloom, and perhaps in the fall when it displays brilliant red colors.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is locally called "sorrel” and is common in our area. It tends to be a small understory tree growing under larger tree canopies. The bark is a gray-brown color and has a blocky appearance when mature. The leaves are lance shaped, thin, and finely toothed along the edge. If you chew one, you'll get a sour taste. In late June/early July the tree produces lovely sprays of small, white, urn shaped flowers that form in clusters that look like Lily-of-the-Valley. The flower nectar is very attractive to honeybees.

Union County 4-H’er Miranda Boucher recently attended the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Fashion and Design Conference, held June 3–5 at the Edgewater Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN. She was joined by Union County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Abigail Thomas, for the exciting three-day event.

When I came up with the title, I heard the song “Beach Baby” in my head. Initially I thought it was recorded by The Beach Boys in the 60s. Actually , it was released by the British band, “The First Class,” in 1974. I was wrong on both fronts, but I was right about Maverick being a beach baby. He absolutely loved being at the ocean.

From June 24–26, youth from across East Tennessee gathered at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville, TN, for the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Quilt Camp. This year’s theme, “Glamp and Stitch,” brought a touch of glamour and fun to the art of quilting during this unique three-day, two-night camp experience.

Different stretches have different functions. Some focus on a particular muscle or muscle group or limb and improve movement. Others, sometimes referred to as ‘active’ stretches, are intended to increase strength. These three exercises are designed to do both with your back:

On June 9, Union County Commission voted to approve the FY26 budget with no tax increase. Several discussions centered around nonprofit contributions. But after much back and forth, the commission approved a cap on nonprofit contributions. The approval of the balanced budget was approved by a slim majority.

Commissioners also formally hired Spirit Architects to plan and oversee the building of the jail. The commission approved reappointments to the Union County Library Board. All budget amendments, mainly to clean up the current FY 25 budget, were also approved.

Senator Jessie Seal and Representative Dennis Powers honored Ruthie Cooke with a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly at the Union County Business & Professional meeting in June. Ruthie was recognized for having served as secretary of the Republican Party for over 35 years.