A hero is a person, real or imaginary, noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose—especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.
Our need for a hero is so strong that in the absence of a real person we will invent fictional characters to satisfy our need to be rescued. Sometimes we will elevate a gifted athlete, actor or other famous personality to hero status irrespective of any actual heroic sacrifice, simply because we need a hero.

I’m going to sound like an old cranky dude for beginning a sentence with the time worn phrase “when I was young, I would…” fill in the blank. Well so be it. When I was young, we played outside, not necessarily because we wanted to but because that was all there was to do and our mom often shoved us out the door. I got exercise and was appreciating natural systems like forests and streams and didn’t know it, I just thought I was having fun. Kids today are the most technologically connected generation ever, but also the most disconnected to the natural world. That bodes ill for their long-term health and happiness, as well as the health of the planet.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, and State Sen. Frank Niceley, R-Strawberry Plains, announce that construction of the final phase of a State Route 33 widening project in Union County is scheduled to begin in April.

The 5.2-mile project will widen a portion of the highway from two lanes to five lanes from the Knox County line to south of State Route 144 in Union County, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

A community is made up of people, not city or county boundaries. Communities bring people together and allow them to build up, educate, fellowship, and ultimately live life with one another.
Dr. Sam Smith is one member of the local community that has made her way back and has this same idea in mind.

Programs to be Held Throughout the Summer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, is excited to announce that the 2022 UTG Summer Camp registration is open. A long-standing summer staple for many families in the surrounding community, summer camp at the UT Gardens is an opportunity for young learners to explore the gardens, experience the joy of summer, and exemplify what it means to be engaged in the natural world.

UT Extension Union County and Union County Soil Conservation service have partnered to thank Union County Farmers for their service to our community. On Friday, April 1, 2022 free breakfast will be served to any farmer at Union County Farmers Co-op from 8:30-10:30 am. Our world depends on farmers for survival, and we’d like to say “Thank you!”

One of the best things you can do to prevent and/or eliminate back pain is to exercise. Both an inactive lifestyle and being overweight contribute to back pain. Exercise benefits you in so many ways, such as lowering blood pressure, helping you maintain a healthy weight, lowering your risk for diabetes, and the list goes on!

Orthotics can help you maintain a healthy spine through the use of spinal pelvic stabilizers. Devices that you wear in your shoes, stabilizers align all three arches of your foot to provide a balanced foundation for your spine and body.

To say I trip and fall a lot is an understatement. Most of my “trips” are no big deal, but I had one a few years ago that was not only frightening, but dangerous as well.

You could make this recipe two ways. Either follow the recipe below or buy two 46 ounce cans of tomato juice at the store and add remaining ingredients. This is a beverage, not an ingredient for a recipe. It will stand alone. Just serve chilled with a celery stick for a stirrer. Of course, this recipe could be cut in half, but who would want to..

Spring is a great time of year, when the dull brown of winter gives way to fresh grass, soft greens of newly opened leaves, and lots of flower blooms. Actively seeking out wildflowers in their varying habitats is an enjoyable way to spend warming spring days, roaming the woods and fields for some fresh air, exercise, and the challenge of the hunt. An additional challenge if you’re so inclined, is wildflower identification.