It’s become an annual boat trip for a sweet group of ladies that love the Low Country. This year we took a day trip to Savannah, Georgia. First off, we had a boat driver, we’ll call Captain, who knows the waters, tides and watches the weather closely. On a side note, that is important, because the tides rise and fall by about 8 ft on any normal day every 6 hours, and the weather can change quickly. You don’t want to be caught out on the water in a recreational watercraft with nowhere to go or at low tide that could run aground. Safety first―now to the fun stuff.

The history of the American automobile industry includes many brands that once played an important role but eventually disappeared. One of those brands was Rambler, a name associated with practical, affordable and innovative automobiles. Although Rambler is no longer produced, its history remains an important part of the automotive industry.

I have the unique opportunity every fall to stand on the sidelines of college football games, and let me tell you, collegiate football looks different from the front row. From the stands, you see formations, touchdowns and tackles. From the sideline, it’s as if you can almost feel them.

During August and September, it is easy to spot Joe-Pye Weed along roadsides and woodland edges. I wondered about its name, so I did my usual research thing and discovered the following.

The Joe-Pye Weed common one around here is Eupatorium fistulosum. It has another nice name as well, Queen of the Meadow. It is a tall, slim plant 5-10 feet in height, with whorls of dark green, spear shaped leaves along the stem. What will catch your eye is the dome-shaped cluster of dull pink flowers that bloom from August into October. It is common in our area and easy to spot even from a moving car.

The Union County FCE (Family Community Education) Big Ridge Club had a field trip to the TVA & I Fair for FCE Day. It was free admission and parking for FCE members. The clubs donated gift cards to U.S. veterans and crafted patriotic cards to hold the gifts. This was a community service event for the Eastern Region FCE. They will be distributed to veterans in Johnson City.

🍂🎶 **18th Annual Pickin’ in the Park** 🎶🍂
**Friday, October 2, 2026 | 5:00–9:30 PM**
Fall just feels a little sweeter at Norris Dam State Park! 🍁
Join us for an evening filled with **live Appalachian-inspired music, delicious local food, handmade treasures, and good old-fashioned community fun** at the 18th Annual Pickin’ in the Park!

My first thought was: “Well, I’ve killed another one.” No, it wasn’t a spider. Rather, it was a small potted plant that I had had for six years.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes. Obviously, it’s a wonderful phase of life. But it’s also a challenging time.

Charlie Hamilton will deliver his program on racing and NASCAR today, September 20,2026 at UC Museum at 2:30.

All are welcome.

Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m.
Johnson’s Deer Processing
520 W. Mountain Road
Corryton, TN
FREE

Grainger County is hosting this year’s Deer Class, and we’re excited to have this hands-on educational opportunity taking place right here in Union County.

This free class will provide practical information and demonstrations to help you safely handle your harvest and make the most of your venison.