When it comes to trees, we live in a blessed place, with more varieties of trees, shrubs, and vines than anywhere in the world except maybe the tropics. Each tree and shrub has its own unique leaf that, with a little practice, will allow you to identify it.

I traveled to Japan from April 8 to April 20, 2026. On the trip, I visited Tokyo, Nagano, Fukui, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and left from Osaka. Japan has an overall population of approximately 122 million. Most cities are densely populated, and the majority of the country's population lives in urban areas. The Japanese people are very polite and respectful. The country has one of the world's largest GDPs and is one of the United States' closest allies, with the US having 15 major military bases in the country and 55,000 military personnel stationed there, more than in any other foreign country in the world. Needless to say, I felt comfortable and safe in Japan, honestly, even more so than I do in the United States. In this paper, the paragraphs will be organized by the cities I visited, my thoughts on them, and what I did there. The paper will conclude with my final thoughts on the overall trip.

By James Perry

Western Auto: Tied to a Death Spiral with Sears

Western Auto Stores were founded in 1909 and grew to over 1,200 company stores and eventually 4,000 privately-owned associate stores that were located in small town America. I had the privilege to call on and sell to many Western Store Auto owners during my early work life as a territory salesman from the 1960s through the 1980s.

The Fresh Wagon food distribution program is celebrating five years of serving Union County and surrounding areas. Since its beginning, Fresh Wagon has worked to increase access to fresh and nutritious food while bringing the community together through service and support.

The next Fresh Wagon distribution will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 1 p.m. at FirstBank, at 2905 Maynardville Hwy, Maynardville, TN 37807. Food will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

The Chevrolet W engines mark the birth of Chevrolet’s big-block performance era and stand among the most legendary powerplants in American automotive history. Produced from 1958 through 1965, the W-series engines were bold, innovative and brutally powerful for their time. Long before the famous 396, 427, and 454 Mark IV big-blocks took over drag strips and racetracks, the W engines had already established Chevrolet as a serious performance contender.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Clubs recently gathered for their annual Spring Luncheon at the Union County Extension Office, celebrating fellowship, creativity and community spirit with a festive red, white and blue patriotic theme in honor of our country's 250th anniversary celebration.

A patriotic ceremony was held at the Veterans Wall in Wilson Park on Memorial Day before a small crowd of 14, including firefighters from Maynardville and Luttrell, and Legionnaires from American Legion Post 212. Chaplain Arnold Smallin led a prayer to open the event, followed by comments from Commander Darrell White.

The Market Chef is the person who does food demonstrations at the Union County Farmers Markets. The Market Chef for the May 23 Farmers Market was Elizabeth Tindell of Tindell’s Farmhouse Bakery in Corryton. Elizabeth grew up on a farm and loves growing her own food and spending time outdoors. Using greens from Seven Springs Farm to Table and strawberries from Little Valley Nursery, Elizabeth prepared free samples of delicious no-bake Strawberry Cheesecake and a taste of salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette dressing.

“Resolved: That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation.”

The Heritage Culinary Center in Union County’s Heritage Park on Durham Drive is comprised of a Culinary Teaching Kitchen and a standard Commercial Kitchen. The building was constructed by Union County. The county leases a portion to the non-profit Union County TN Farmers Market. The Farmers Market owns and operates the Heritage Culinary Center.

by Shirlee Grabko and Patrick Hurley