For many years in the Union County schools it was common practice for teachers to teach split grades. Funds for operating the school system were not as plentiful then as now, and the current laws that govern pupil: teacher ratio had much more latitude. It was nothing unusual for an elementary teacher to have forty or more students in one classroom, and many teachers taught two grades in one classroom. Additionally, some teachers concurrently served as principals.

Anyone who has ever drove a school bus has stories to tell, if they will. I certainly have and will. I only drove for a little over one school year, but what a time I had. I have written before about applying for the job in what I called my interview suit complete with high heels. I was prepared to make a good impression. It was a waste of time. If I was walking and breathing, I was hirable.

I grew up on beans. When you were poor during the Great Depression that was what you ate. Saute onion, celery and garlic in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil until tender. In large saucepan combine refried beans, canned tomatoes and water. Heat over medium heat. Add more water for desired consistency. Add sauteed vegetables and seasonings. Simmer together about 5 minutes. Top each bowl with shredded cheese and serve with tortilla chips.

Mulching around trees and flower beds offers several benefits, such as soil moisture retention, reduced weeding, and keeping yard equipment a safe distance away from plants. Shredded bark is a popular mulch to use, which requires periodic touch up as it gradually decomposes. However, I have seen landscapes where a lot of mulch was routinely added every year whether it was needed or not, creating an overly thick layer of mulch that can injure or even kill the plants you are trying to benefit.

Saturday, March 18th, the Union County Farmers Market had their welcome back pop-up farmers market to kick start spring and get locals ready for summer goodies. We are still a few months away from enjoying freshly picked local produce, and with these cold snaps, it’s hard to imagine that summer will ever appear, but it’s around the corner. With a spring that feels very much like winter, the Union County Farmer’s Market brought a little heat and excitement.

Walker Appliance has moved to 126 Hansard Road just behind the Dollar General near the Knox County Line. To celebrate their their new location, the owners, Clint and Mandi Walker hosted the quarterly UCBPA Meet 'n Mingle on March 21, 2023. The Walkers are excited to have a large barn like building to house their inventory and welcome their friends, neighbors, and area shoppers..

Being a southern farm girl, one of my favorite types of bread is cornbread baked in an iron skillet. As soon as it’s pulled out of the oven, I cut out a big piece, slice it open, lay a small pat of butter in it, and lay the top back on it. It’s best if you let it sit like that for a couple of minutes to let the butter melt. I also loved my Mamaw Jo’s rolls. When I was a little girl, I would place a spoonful of her mashed potatoes onto the roll itself and eat it that way. It was as messy as it was delicious.

A very interesting book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, was published in 2003 and made into a movie in 2004 (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_People_You_Meet_in_Heaven). While going to Heaven is my ultimate goal, I didn’t have to go there to meet five interesting people during my first year of teaching at Luttrell Elementary in 1987-88.

Are you late in starting supper? What could be quicker to prepare than this recipe? Your pantry has it all. Takes a few minutes to stir up, then to bake it. It's a good recipe to go to when you forget to pull something from the freezer earlier in the day.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

One sure sign of Spring and warmer weather is to take a walk in the woods and see the first wildflowers popping up. One of the earlier blooming flowers in our area is Bloodroot.