Mrs. Stochia Brantley's Fall 2025 CNA class finished off their course by taking the final exam. This exam consisted of a one-hundred-question written exam followed by a skills portion monitored by a state proctor. Prior to their CNA test, students spent clinical hours alongside partner Willow Ridge Nursing Home. They gained a lot of experience through shadowing, but also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Student, Olivia Jones, recounts her experience: ¨I am very grateful to have had the opportunity of this class.

Union County has never had a large population. Many farms and backcountry roads cause students to travel outside of the community to seek higher education, and this can put a financial burden on the citizens. In Maynardville, things have already begun to change. TCAT of Union County will introduce educational changes, support economic growth, and strengthen the community overall. TCAT is designed to provide hands-on training that prepares students for employment.

Union County Veterans have an opportunity to gather casually to connect with fellow Veterans in our community on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next informal Meet and Greet will be at the American Legion Post 212 on Thursday, February 19, from 3:00 to 7:00. Stop by and say hello to old friends and make new ones! For more information, email Norman Gillen at Adjutant@altnpost212.org

Large trees are a great asset in a home landscape, providing shade, beauty, and added property value. Properly maintained trees are normally healthy and will provide these benefits for decades, perhaps a century. But trees with health issues can be dangerous. These are classified as Hazard Trees and pose the threat of dropping large limbs or falling down on people or property. Poor tree health can be caused by landowner neglect, insect or disease attacks, old age, or windstorms.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club invites community members to attend its February meeting on Thursday, February 19, at 10:00 a.m. at the Union County Extension Office.

This month’s program will focus on heart health and healthy cooking choices. Special guest Anna Marie from the Union County Health Department will share practical tips for protecting your heart, improving everyday eating habits, and making small lifestyle changes that can lead to better overall health.

By Steve Roark

Yard trees add a lot of personal enjoyment and equity to a home. They are a long-term investment and so maintenance to keep them healthy is well worth the time. What follows are a couple of tree care projects that I often see mishandled.

Horace Maynard Middle School is rolling into the second half of the school year with an updated online presence and a full slate of upcoming events for students and families. The newly updated HMMS website is now live and will continue to serve as a key communication tool for families and the community. Parents and community members are encouraged to visit the site to stay informed about school news, events, and resources. This is an additional tool to the other means of communication that HMMS currently uses.

Few engines in automotive history have earned the legendary status of the Mopar HEMI. Instantly recognizable by its massive valve covers and thunderous exhaust note, the HEMI engine represents the pinnacle of American muscle, racing dominance, and engineering innovation. From NASCAR and drag strips to street-legal muscle cars, the HEMI has become a symbol of raw power, durability, and mechanical excellence.

UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSHOP
Union County High School
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
6:00 p.m.

My husband Tim used to call him: “Cantankerous.” Wondering who this was? Actually, it was our dog, Little John. Let me tell you, he was quite the hand full.