We have finally booked our bucket list trip to Alaska. We booked an inside passage cruise with a pre-cruise extension. Why the pre-cruise extension? To acclimate to the four-hour time difference as well as sightseeing Anchorage.

Understanding the time zone changes for booking flights and knowing the airport rules for checking bags and carry-on: Quick tip – Often the airlines request checking your carry-on at the gate for space saving and waive the bag fee. I did this for my second bag and saved $45. They check it to the final destination for free.

Spoiler Alert: The conclusion of the Bible ends with a curse! Most Christians describe the Bible as a great book of hope, which portrays Jesus as the embodiment of that promised hope. If that is the case, it may seem very strange that the closing sentences of the Bible contain a curse.

Revelation 22:18-21 KJV
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: [19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. [20] He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. [21] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The history of the modern stock market dates back to the Netherlands in 1602, when the Hendrick de Keyser Exchange was formed in Amsterdam. Today, we hear a lot about the stock market in the headlines of the daily news. It is a major part of the U.S. and global economy today.

Board policy revisions caused some discussion at the Union County Board of Education meeting on June 18. At issue was Board Policy 2.805 Purchasing. The policy revision was not on the agenda. However, Rebecca Lock from Plainview offered a revision to the purchasing policy along with other policy revisions for discussion.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) club gathered in June for an informative and enjoyable meeting at the Extension Office. Members welcomed guest speakers from FirstBank of Maynardville, who presented a program on financial fraud and scams. Attendees learned about common fraud tactics, warning signs to watch for, and ways to protect personal and financial information.

A Journey through History, Heritage and the American Spirit
In 2026, America celebrates two remarkable milestones that highlight our nation’s rich history and enduring spirit. The year marks the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66, known as the “Mother Road,” as well as the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Together, these anniversaries offer an opportunity to reflect on the people, places and events that have shaped our nation and inspired generations of Americans.

I was recently talking with Tabitha Young, bookkeeper at Union County High School. I graduated with her brother Kevin White from Horace Maynard High School’s Class of 1983. Tabitha told me Kevin remembered a time when I got in trouble in school for cutting my own hair.
Some of my fellow classmates are surprised that I have such a good memory for things that happened in our school days. I was equally surprised that Kevin remembered my early attempt at self-barbering.

According to Mayor Lynn Beeler, all candidates in the August election are invited to speak at the Plainview Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting on July 14. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

At the last regular meeting on June 9, the group voted to increase its scholarship to a graduating senior who resides in Plainview from $500 to $1000 for FY27. The motion also requires the graduating senior to have a 4.0 GPA. A second motion increased the 2026 scholarship to $1,000 which was awarded to Hannah Smith in May.

On June 22, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) installed stop signs at the intersection of Tazewell Pike (SR 131), Ailor Gap (SR 144) and Corryton Road, Additional warning signals have been located on the Knoxville side of Tazewell Pike to warn traffic headed toward Luttrell of the new stop signs. Plainview Mayor Lynn Beeler has requested additional safety warnings of rumple strips, arrows and stop signs painted on the roadways.

Building on a legislative initiative in 2024, which united all 95 Tennessee counties in prayer, members of both the Tennessee State House and Senate passed a House Joint Resolution. The resolution makes the month of July an unprecedented, annual call to join in prayer, fasting, and repentance.