Set oven rack about 6 inches from heat source. Arrange trimmed asparagus in a single layer in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. Meanwhile, stir together bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon oil and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Cut the ball of fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4 inch thick slices. Arrange slices over asparagus, overlapping as needed. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1 minute more.

On November 9, the Saturday before Veterans Day, Union County Veterans, their family members and anyone who simply wants to show their appreciation for our Veterans will gather at Wilson Park from 11:00-3:00. The American Legion Post 212 will supply 8 smoked pork butts, the 33 Diner will provide chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes. Rounding out the menu will be the Veteran Day standby: hotdogs! And you can’t beat the price! It’s all free.

High-heeled shoes may be one way to make a fashion statement, but any chiropractor will tell you it’s a risky way. Excessive wear of high-heeled shoes puts not only a woman’s feet at risk, but also her knees, hips and back. And it’s not just chiropractors who bemoan the perils of the high heel. Podiatrists, doctors who specialize in treatment of the foot, also have long warned against them.

The Union County Roy Acuff Museum was the place to be on October 5, 2024, during the Union County Heritage Festival if you wanted to view the exquisite handiwork of area quilters. Draped along the museum's upper floor were a spectrum of colors arranged and organized by Ellen Perry and Patricia Campbell. Among the 58 quilts were three antique quilts including a 103 years old hand made treasure and a vintage one quilted by the Amish. Ribbons were handmade to reflect the art of quilting and sewing. The judges bestowed these artistic awards to quilters in an assortment of categories.

The Union County Heritage Festival Olympics delivered another exciting round of competition on October 5, 2024, with folks showing off their skills in a series of traditional contests. Sixty-five participants of all ages participated in the event. The event featured the Nail Driving Contest, Feed Bag Toss, and Skillet Toss, where winners emerged after intense battles for the top spots.
Nail Driving Contest

Is there a house that you know of that is rumored to be haunted? Did you go inside of it? I went inside of one. Let’s just say it wasn’t what I expected.

It’s all about respect. Many people are unaware of the protocol for the American flag. The United States Code is a consolidation of the general and permanent laws of the United States. It is prepared by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the United States House of Representatives. Concerning the American flag and showing respect for this flag, United States Code 4 states that the flag should “be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously”.

The 20th annual Union County Heritage Festival opened with a parade led by the UCHS JROTC, Band, and Choir on October 5, 2024. Following the chorus was a wild west covered wagon that is over 100 years old pulled by a couple of mules. Inside the wagon were Mayor Jason Bailey, Doily Parton, Grandpa Jack, and Cousin Jed, who welcomed the crowd of onlookers. The parade traveled down Wilson Lane to the Emily Link Gazebo where the JROTC presented the colors. The Veterans, the Scouts, and the attendees recited the pledge. The UCHS Band played and the UCHS Choir led the National Anthem.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, amateur radio operators, also known as HAMs, are stepping up to coordinate relief efforts managed entirely by volunteers. Vicki Carnes of South Carolina, call sign AD3I, is running net control and leading the initiative, which has become a lifeline for extremely isolated areas affected by the disaster in neighboring North Carolina.

In response to last week’s article on how to assist in the days immediately following the floods caused by Hurricane Helene, we’re sharing additional ways you can help the ongoing recovery efforts. As the floodwaters recede and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, both short-term and long-term support are crucial for affected communities.