Here are some simple guidelines to prevent any unnecessary backpack-related injuries to your child throughout the school year:

Most kids were afraid of the imaginary monster under the bed. Not me. I was terrified of dogs. That may come as a surprise to some of you since you know how much I love dogs. Like many fears, it started with a childhood experience.

There is a story in my family of an in-law (or outlaw) who stole so many new pairs of shoes from K-Mart that he was banned for life from entering any K-Mart store. I have heard of another reputedly banned from shopping at a certain thrift store chain due to changing of price tags on the merchandise.

This afternoon I was watching golf, part of the Olympics in Japan. What I know about golf you could inscribe on the head of a pin. I’m not interested in knowing any more. I watched it with the sound off. It was funny that way.

Carrots are great dressed up with just a little butter, salt and pepper. They peak their orangy heads out of soups and stews, too. Carrots and orange are a great combination as well. Try it.

Everyone who has walked off the beaten path has had an unfortunate run in with sawbriar (Smilax glauca). It's the green woody vine that wraps around your legs and proceeds to slice into your skin with sharp thorns.

Grab your cowboy hat and join us at Union County's annual rodeo and festival featuring rodeo contestants competing in calf roping, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, bareback riding, and bronco riding. Prizes awarded to the top 4 finalists. For the young and young at heart: pony rides, face painting, fair food, and western-wear vendors. Visit Union County Rodeo for two days of excitement, competition, and fun.

Walk the Market!, as Union Gets Movin’ with the Farmers Market once again! This program is designed to promote a more active lifestyle increasing overall health, as well as building community. Afterall, the market is “where the community meets.” The program will begin on Saturday, August 14 at the Union County Farmers Market – sign-up when you arrive! They are open from 10am – 1pm through Saturday, October 2.

The Union County Farmers Market on Saturday, August 7 was all about the corn. The Annual Youth and Corn Festival took place at Wilson Park and included competition and activities for the entire family.
After a welcome from Union County Mayor Jason Bailey, Keaton Roach opened the festival with his beautiful a cappella version of the Star Spangled Banner, then led the crowd in The Pledge of Allegiance.

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — Today, State Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro) announced that House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) is the keynote speaker for this year’s Campbell County Lincoln-Reagan Dinner.