Manual Transmissions: From Three on the Tree to Six-Speeds

Few things connect a driver to an automobile quite like a manual transmission. For generations, shifting gears, operating a clutch and listening to an engine were essential parts of driving. From early automobiles to American muscle cars and modern sports cars, manual transmissions have played an important role in automotive history.

Union County Christmas Tree Lighting Scheduled for Saturday November 28th

MAYNARDVILLE, TN — The Union County Chamber of Commerce and Union County Government are bringing back a beloved holiday tradition with the revival of the Union County Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse in Maynardville.

The community is invited to gather for an afternoon and evening of Christmas festivities, family-friendly activities, local entertainment, and holiday cheer as Union County kicks off the Christmas season together.

A Brief History of Tea

The beverage we call tea has long been consumed by humans. Did you know that tea is the second-most-consumed beverage in the world? That’s right: The only beverage consumed more than tea is water. Before briefly explaining the history of tea, it is important to define what tea is. There are many types of herbal teas native to cultures and societies around the world, but this article focuses on true teas. Green, yellow, white, oolong, dark and black teas are made from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Squirrels as Foresters

By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

In 1936, ecologist Joseph Grinnell asked how oak trees could colonize the tops of hills and ridges. Acorns are too heavy to be dispersed by wind, and gravity tends to carry them downhill rather than uphill. He concluded that animals must be responsible for transporting acorns to higher elevations.

A Poem as Lovely

In July 1971, I turned 6 years old. That year was filled with many changes for me. One was moving to a new house. For the first time, I entered the old Burl Warwick farmhouse, which my father had just rented from Jack Warwick.

Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing Nov. 16–23

Operation Christmas Child Invites Union County Residents to Share Hope, One Shoebox at a Time
MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. — What if one simple shoebox could bring a child joy, offer hope to a family and open the door to hearing the greatest story ever told?

This November, residents of Maynardville and the surrounding Union County community will have an opportunity to make that kind of difference through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world while sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

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.