Arnold Smallin, chaplain for both the Tri-County Honor Guard and the Union County American Legion Post 0212, attended his first funeral with military honors about 12 years ago and was less than impressed. The military service was not well-executed, there were few military participants, and they were not in uniform. He later attended a burial where the military honors were performed by the Tri-County Honor Guard and his whole opinion changed. The military professionalism, the honor and respect shown the deceased serviceman changed Arnold Smallin’s mind about the honor guard, and so he joined.

We had such a wonderful time at the summer reading programs this year at the Union County Libraries and Book Station.
We want to thank all our local volunteers, teachers, library board members, parents, guardians and family members who were able to bring their children to participate and encourage a love for reading.
The Union County First Responders demonstrated job duties, promoted safety and shared rescue experiences at the Maynardville Public Library (MPL).

You don’t have to be an ironworker to be at risk for back injury on your job. Every occupation, however physically undemanding it may seem, carries the potential for back injury. Even office work can pose problems. A physically intense job might put a person at greater risk for a serious accident, but the sedentary practice of sitting at a desk all day brings its own set of physical concerns.

If you have read any of my articles, you know that I like to write about my childhood memories from church. I have one that left such an impression on me that I have never forgotten it.

If you like fried okra and fried green tomatoes, put them together and make this dish. The flavors blend beautifully. Wipe out skillet and fry second batch with fresh oil. Combine sliced okra and chopped tomatoes and onions in mixing bowl. Pour oil to depth of 2 inches in electric skillet. Heat oil to 375 F. Fry half the mixture until lightly brown. Remove with slotted spoon. Drain oil from skillet. Wipe out skillet and repeat procedure. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately. 6 servings.

There are two masons in my family now. Who was the first one? Me, who else? I have been laying block or stone for most of my adult life. I can show you everything from fireplace to walls to walks. I am good. I can lay a wall at a fifteen degree angle without using a level. Yes, I , , , am . . . good!

Who is the second mason in my family? I am glad you asked. It is my eighteen year old grandson, Joseph McMurtrie. He got a job recently as a mason tender. It's a start.

Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is an imported landscape tree that is very common in our area and is most noticed when it produces its fluffy pink flowers in the summer. Its commonness has been a concern from a forest health standpoint.

The beauty and rich history of Norris Lake have continued to bring new community members to Union County and the surrounding area for years. Many newcomers bring new opportunities and added beauty to the area that holds many summer memories from years past.
For Matt and Jodi Fleck, this is just the beginning of a story they share with many others. Matt grew up visiting Norris Lake with his family as a child and later began to visit with his wife and children.

Military benefits are always changing, whether it is service pay, pension, healthcare or other benefits. Navigating the military maze can be confusing and intimidating. Veterans need to know what benefits they are eligible for, and they often require assistance in applying for and receiving those benefits.
There is often frustration with what has appeared to be the sluggishness of responses from the Veterans Administration.

The Union County Board of Education agreed to purchase a Visitor Management System as a component of the Raptor System that is already in place. Josh Williams, Supervisor of Safety, explained to school board members that the Raptor System manages and tracks the data for all fire drills, disaster drills and all real-life emergencies that may require a lockdown or evacuation.