Continuing our four part series on a possible downfall of America as Communist China surges ahead in manufacturing for the USA and the rest of the world’s countries brought on mostly by American businessmen giving over their manufacturing divisions to China from the 1970’s through today to increase their vertical integration profit structures, then closed down their most costly divisions, which are the manufacturing and production facilities, reap higher profits and enable the CEO’s and top management people to pay themselves exceptional salaries and sumptuous bonuses. The heck with the lower employees. They can find jobs elsewhere. This trend in America’s top corporations started nearly sixty years ago, accelerated during the 1990’s during Bill Clinton’s administration. President Clinton put America’s largest retail chain in the hands of Communist China by giving China most favored nation status, October 10, 2000. Hillary Clinton served on the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart from 1986-1992.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

With spring comes the urge to work in the yard and plant things. This often involves going to a garden center and buying plants alien to our area. Some of them can escape your yard through seed dispersal and grow where they are not wanted, negatively impacting local forest ecosystems. So if you get the itch to plant a tree, consider seeking out native plants to use in landscapes.

Awareness effort timed to prom and graduation season

The Thunder Road Car Show & Swap Meet took place on Saturday, March 21, in Maynardville, with an incredible turnout that brought together car enthusiasts from near and far for a day celebrating automotive culture, community and family fun. This year’s event showcased 262 registered cars, from vintage classics to modern muscle, attracting an estimated 1,500+ spectators who strolled through the show all day, taking in the sights, sounds and energy of the event.

Taking a child to a car show is more than just a way to spend a day. It’s an opportunity to inspire, educate and build lasting memories together. Across our region, car shows bring history and horsepower to life in a way that no classroom or screen ever could. For a child, walking through rows of classic cars, hot rods and custom builds is like stepping into a living museum, where every vehicle tells a story. It’s a hands-on history lesson, allowing kids to see firsthand how automotive design, engineering and culture have evolved over the decades.

On March 19th, the Union County 4H held their Achievement Day at HMMS. Students in the competition attend Maynardville, Luttrell, Paulette, Big Ridge, and Smoky Mountain Homeschool elementaries, and were in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. There were 30 categories that students could compete in. The ones they picked were Companion Animals, Creative Arts and Design, Outdoor Recreation, Animal Science: Horses, Science, and Animal Science: Poultry. The TN State University (TSU) 4H agent, Harley Brummit, arranged the competition and judges.

Nothing says spring like the colorful tulips you find at Oakes Farm. We had four generations walking around the grounds on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The tulip map listed 53 varieties—who knew there were so many different ones?

When asked, “Which is your favorite color?” the answers went something like this: the bright yellow, or purple, or red—oh, the orange! Ah, the pink ones are pretty too … so basically, all of them. Who can pick just one?

Another opportunity for veterans to gather together for fellowship and food is on Saturday, April 11. All veterans are invited to the American Legion Post 212 to meet and chat at 8 a.m. The breakfast line will open at 8:30, and there is always plenty of food for seconds. If you know of any veterans who cannot make the breakfast, please be sure to take them a to-go box! After breakfast, veteran and VA news and updates will be shared. The event concludes by 9:30.

The staff of the Trinity Funeral Home is very supportive of veterans and is pleased to sponsor this breakfast for them.

The obvious solution would be to get an eye exam! What? No vision insurance? Well, that can certainly be a limiting factor for many people who simply cannot afford an eye exam and glasses.

Not long ago I found myself in a conversation with two gentlemen. In the course of the discussion, the men discussed their businesses, houses and real estate.
The more they talked, the more insignificant I felt. It was obvious that their business acumen had made each of them prosper far above my life holdings. Even their utility bills were astronomical compared to mine, due to the large number of square feet of their dwellings. I would be hard pressed to pay either of their electric bills for one month.