When I was an undergraduate English major at Lincoln Memorial University, I took a class in Appalachian literature. One of the books we read for that course was Lee Smith’s Oral History. By definition, oral history is a study of the past relayed through the spoken, not the written, word. The transcriptions then are written down for posterity.

My mamaw and papaw’s house was not only one of the oldest in the community where I grew up, but it was also considered the center of the community. I often heard it referred to as: “The Clark’s” or “The Clark’s Place.” They often had visitors. Some of them stayed in the driveway.

Use the last of the leftover ham in this recipe. It is a simple recipe, but good. In saucepan, heat milk slowly over low heat, Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer, covered, for about 25 to 30 minutes.

The American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is very common in our area and is to me one of the nobler trees in the forest. It has never been in high demand for timber, and so many beech trees have been left to grow large and majestic. The bark is silvery gray, smooth, and easy to identify even from a distance.

Over 25 years ago, an elderly man living remotely had a house fire. Members of the Hines Creek Baptist Church banded together to gather food and to help rebuild his house.
That’s when the congregation began to realize that there was a need in the Union County community for food assistance—and the Hines Creek Food Pantry began.

As the school years winds down and we approach summer, it’s time to start thinking ahead. If you have a child who will turn four by August 15, they could qualify for a Pre-K program in Union County. Although income eligible students are prioritized, anyone is welcome to apply.
Currently, there are five Pre-K sites in Union County, serving over one hundred four-year-olds in the program this year.
The program is well funded, so all students receive free breakfast, lunch and a snack. In addition to meals, all school supplies will be provided by the program to eliminate out-of-pocket expense for parents.

The Union County Board of Education discussed maintenance, buses, employee sick leave, substitute pay and legislation at its February meeting.
Union County High School is now nearly 26 years old and needs a new roof.
Insurance has paid $73,000 for some storm damage. But the new roof will cost $203,000, according to the estimate received by Vernon Weaver and Mike Johnson and verified by the bid from Henley Roofing Company, Inc.
The board plans to use ESSER funds but has asked for assurance from Henley that it can meet the federal requirements for the use of these funds.

Greg Clay, Director of Union County Schools, addressed members of the Union County Business & Professional Association in February.
“This is day 15, so don't ask me anything too difficult,” he joked.
Clay praised the employees and many of the programs of Union County Public Schools. He explained the need for a new middle school.

The National FFA Organization held their convention in the fall.
Several Horace Maynard FFA chapter members made the trip to Indianapolis, Indiana.
While there, two outstanding graduates of Union County High School and current students at The University of Tennessee Knoxville received their America FFA Degree.
This degree is the highest honor an FFA member can receive and is only awarded to those members who have continual outstanding agricultural endeavors and community service beyond high school.

Gordon Bright, Plainview Alderman, and John Sexton, firefighter, raised the flags on the new flag pole for the first time in February at the Plainview Fire Station.
Representative Dennis Powers donated the American flag, and Vice Mayor Richard Phillips contributed the Tennessee flag.