Neighbors from all over Union County celebrated The Grand Opening of The Diner at Jones Farm on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The Diner is owned by Kara Cox Daley and is part of the area Twisters Restaurants. Kara, who is home grown, greeted folks with that welcoming smile and handed them an ice cream scoop with a dessert coupon attached. Kara accompanied by her husband and daughter cut the ribbon with a giant pair of scissors provided by the Union County Chamber.

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

In the meeting on August 13, 2026, the Union County Board of Education amended the school calendar to allow teachers to move into the new Horace Maynard Middle School. Inservice days and the Labor Day Holiday mean students will not attend school from Wednesday, September 2 through Monday, September 7. Students will resume classes on Tuesday, September 8. This date will also be the first day students will attend the new Horace Maynard Middle School. On Tuesday, September 1, everyone is invited to the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at the new school on John Deere Drive at 5:00.

In last month’s article, I promised to explain the actions that Japan took in an attempt to recover from the economic crisis of the Lost Decades. Japan tried several different economic policies in an attempt to recover the economy. The truth is, though, Japan’s economy has not really fully recovered to its heights of the 1980s, and economists have tried to explain several reasons for this. I will first give a very brief overview of the economic policies that took place in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s.

During announcements at the Plainview Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting on August 11, 2026, Alderman Keith Brantley resigned because he had moved out of Plainview to another county. His resignation was accepted. A replacement to complete his unexpired term will be appointed at the September meeting.

Then Police Chief Kenny Crider reported 60 calls and 8 citations and tendered his resignation. He explained that he would be leaving by August 31, 2026, to become employed by the incoming sheriff.

On August 11, 2026, Plainview Planning Commission discussed restrictions and guidelines for data centers. Planner Jordan Rockwell explained the steps to developing the guidelines. In order to have enforceable restrictions, the Plainview Planning Commission has to set up an M1 District that would designate the requirements for an industrial zone. Litigation and court rulings dictate that cities cannot just band data centers. If the city tried to outright prohibit data centers, the possibility of losing a suit would be almost 100%.

At the Union County Commission Meeting on August 24, 2026, Mayor Jason Bailey commended Commissioner Sidney Jessee, Jr., the Jail Committee, and all Commissioners for all of their work to secure the property for the new jail. As of August 7, 2026, Union County owns the Hubbs Property. Commissioner Jessee and the Jail Committee worked diligently for over three years to secure the property and to propose a plan for the construction of a new jail.

The Wild West describes our trip to Montana this summer.
We flew into Bozeman and drove about an hour to a small town called Emigrant. The Old Crow Medicine Show was the band we saw at the Old Saloon (est. 1902) in Emigrant, Montana. It was an outdoor venue in a friendly small town with lots of hats and boots. Emigrant is about 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. We entered the park through Gardiner, Montana, which is the north entrance.

Liver sausage makes a good spread for Ritz crackers. This recipe makes a lot, so use it when you have company.
In mixing bowl combine all ingredients except half of cream cheese. Mix well until creamy. Pack firmly into 2 cup round bowl lined with foil. Chill several hours or until firm. Remove from bowl. Frost with remaining cream cheese. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 12 servings.

The Union County Farmers Market recently became a place of creativity, talent and youthful excitement as local young people gathered for a special Youth Festival.
The festival gave youth an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity by entering items in a variety of categories. Participants could choose from an impressive selection of entries, including fruits, vegetables, jellies, jams, preserves and eggs.