18th Heritage Festival will touch your heart.

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 09/27/2022 - 16:41

Chair caning at the Festival.

Follow your heart on October 1 to the Union County Heritage Festival. The 18th Festival expands to four venues in 2022. Visitors can park at Union County High School and enjoy the main event in Wilson Park or board the free shuttle (the big yellow bus) sponsored by Monroe Bus Lines, State Farm Insurance, and City of Plainview to travel to the Farmers Market Pavilion for produce and the Ice Cream Bar, the Union County Museum for the Heritage Day Quilt Show, and the Myers Building (formerly Ailor/Byrd Funeral Home) for the Art Show. All venues are open from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Jacob is at it again

Submitted by Frances Russell on Tue, 09/27/2022 - 16:40

Jacob is at it again! Selling pumpkins that is. He has a variety of pumpkins this year, including all the old favorites and has added a few new ones such as the yellow cushaw and many others.
Jacob is a senior at Union County High School where he studies with Mr. John Fugate and is his teacher’s assistant. Mr. Fugate has been a big influence on him by encouraging him to participate in the TVA Fair where he has won several ribbons. This year he took 17 first place ribbons in different categories, one being the tallest corn stalk at 15’7”. Jacob will also take place in the competition land judging on October 6.

Mustangs relocated to Union County need more support

Submitted by Helina Bailey on Tue, 09/27/2022 - 16:39

Spirit, a dun Kiger mustang from Sulfur, Utah, is fed hay by Rachel Gaylor’s grandsons at Roan Ridge. (Photo Credit: Rachel Gaylor)

By Helina Bailey
Did you know that wild horses can double their herd sizes every four years? According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), wild horses and burros have no natural predators and current population estimates are above 80,000.
Because of this, these majestic, free-ranging animals must be removed by the thousands in order to “control herd sizes ... to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands.” The BLM removed 13,666 mustangs and burros last year alone.

New nonprofit aims to monitor Norris water quality

Submitted by Helina Bailey on Tue, 09/27/2022 - 16:38

“A family gets ready to go for a dip in Norris Lake.” (Photo Credit: Helina Bailey)

TVA tests have gaps of years; NLPA will test year-round
By Helina Bailey
With over 800 miles of shoreline, Norris Lake is an Appalachian aquatic treasure trove. Nestled in our backyard, this beautiful lake breathes life into the region and attracts both weary travelers seeking to enjoy the great outdoors as well as locals. Anglers, boaters and vacationers flock to the water during the summer, but locals can be spotted all year long.