OUTSIDE
By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

We’ve had a dusting of snow or two recently, and since it’s snow season it seems only right to write about it. Trouble is I’ve written several snow articles in the past, so I had to dig harder to find something fresh to write about. I did find something surprising that I’d have to classify as weird science. It involves something called heavy water, so prepare to go sub-atomic.

The Russo-Japanese War began on February 8, 1904, with the Japanese attack on the Russian Port Arthur. According to the United States Department of State Archives, approximately 60,000 Russian and 41,000 Japanese soldiers died in this war making the estimated death total 101,000.

The UCBPA Annual Banquet is on Saturday, Jan 10 at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Maynardville. The program begins at 5 and dinner is served at 6. Pete’s Place will cater the meal of roast beef, grilled chicken, party potatoes, spinach Marie, salad and killer cake. The 2025 Man and Woman of the Year are Trevor Jones and Elizabeth Tindell. Come out and celebrate their accomplishments, enjoy a sumptuous meal and have fun outbidding for some special auction items.

Charles Hamilton addressed the Union County Historical Society at its November 2025 meeting. Hamilton discussed the Hamilton Cemetery Association (HCA). Although the official deed date is 1901, the Hamilton Cemetery is one of Union County’s oldest cemeteries with graves dating to the early 1800s. Graves include military veterans from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, WWI and WWII. There are over 36 family surnames represented with many including some of Union County’s earliest pioneers. A section where slaves are buried is also at the cemetery.

I am writing this article on the last day of the year of our Lord 2025. Like many of you, I am reflecting on many things that have transpired over the course of the year. Today is also the deadline to submit an article to historyunioncounty.com if one wishes it to be published in the monthly printed version of the Historic Union County “old fashioned” paper. Captain Obvious would say that would be the January 2026 edition! As part of my personal reflection about my walk with Jesus Christ, I want to remind myself of the goal for these articles I am privileged to write. The overarching goal of these articles is to lift up the name of Jesus (See John 3:14-16; John 12:30-34).

The Union County Board of Education will recognize State Representative Dennis Powers for his contributions to Union County. Recognition/presentation of award will take place on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 11:40 a.m. at Union County High School.

Dear Reader, you have been privileged and blessed to enter a New Year that holds special promise. This year our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.
Assuming I live until our nation’s Semiquincentennial (or Sestercentennial), I will have lived through both the 200th and 250th anniversaries of our great country. Much “ado” was made of the 200th anniversary of the founding of America. I’m eager to see how much emphasis will be placed on the 250th.

In the years following World War II, America relied on dependable trucks to rebuild farms, businesses and infrastructure. Ford met that need in 1948 with the introduction of the Bonus Built Ford F-1 pickup, the light-duty foundation of what would become the iconic Ford F-Series.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club invites the public to attend its January meeting on Thursday, January 15, at 10 a.m. at the Union County Extension Office.

During the meeting, participants will learn how to make Simmer Pot Kits, a simple and natural way to add seasonal fragrance to the home, as well as how to safely dehydrate oranges, which can be used for décor, gifts, or cooking. A covered dish lunch will follow the program, providing time for fellowship and conversation.

When you read the title, was your first thought: “I thought Brooke liked Christmas?” I most certainly do. This may sound strange, but I also like when it’s over.