When Back Pain Won’t Quit: A Large Clinical Trial: Part I

A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that a personalized self-management program — delivered by physical therapists and chiropractors — was more effective at preventing the conversion to high impact chronic low back pain than standard medical care or hands-on spinal manipulation alone.

Almost everyone will deal with back pain at some point in their lives. Most recover quickly
— but for about 20% of people, acute pain becomes a chronic condition that interferes with daily life and keeps them out of the workforce.

Navy Junior ROTC Dinner and Auction

Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner prepared especially for you by NJROTC Master Chief Jacob Streufert and Master Gunnery Sergeant Bobby Hampshire!

The Union County High School (UCHS) Navy Junior ROTC is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and silent auction on Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at UCHS. Meal tickets are only $5 (cash or check only), and children younger than 2 eat free.

A New Me

As you were growing up, did your momma or daddy have a special nickname for you? My mom did, and I used it to my advantage — or so I thought.

Veterans Day 2026

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I, which ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Congress established Armistice Day as a federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed it Veterans Day to honor American service members who served in all wars, not just World War I. Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11 to honor all U.S. military veterans.

Bands Appreciate Veterans

Sponsored by American Legion Post 212, this free event will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. It is open to all veterans, their families and friends, and anyone who appreciates veterans! Enjoy a free barbecue dinner and toe-tapping music.

From noon to 2 p.m., come listen to Thee Boyzz. Bob Baker, on guitar and vocals, has played with his drummer son, Billy Baker, and Ted Todd on bass for about 16 years. Bring your dancing shoes! Thee Boyzz will perform a variety of genres, including new and old country and Southern rock.

Sporting Clays Tournament Nets $137,000 for Local Children’s Centers

On Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2, 2026, District Attorney General Jared Effler and staff, in partnership with the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, hosted the Eleventh Annual Dixie Roofing Clays for Children Sporting Clays Tournament at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays in Kodak, Tennessee. The purpose of the event was to raise money to support the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, comprised of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union counties. With 159 teams and 592 individual shooters participating, this year’s tournament was one of the largest such events in the nation!

Heavy Fruit Years

By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

This fall looks to be a good year for nut producing trees, especially walnuts, and it’s a plentiful harvest for persimmon trees. Fruit and nut production varies from year to year, and the reasons are many.

4-H Youth Showcase Creativity at Quilting Adventure Day Camp

Union County 4-H members Presley Lay, Lexxi Cummings and Payton Miller spent Oct. 5-7 learning new skills and putting their creativity to work during the Union County 4-H Quilting Adventure Day Camp. Throughout the three-day camp, participants practiced their sewing skills and created beautiful quilts of their own.

4-H Grill Masters Bring the Heat at County and Regional Competitions

Union County 4-H Grill Masters have had a sizzling season, showcasing their grilling skills, teamwork and dedication at the Third Annual Union County 4-H Grill Masters Competition and the 2026 Regional 4-H Grill Masters Challenge.

The county competition gave local 4-H members an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in preparing chicken, beef, pork and lamb. After plenty of practice and hard work, participants competed for top honors in each meat category.

UC BOE meets Nov. 12

The next regular meeting of the Union County Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. with the meeting to follow.