When my son graduated from UT with his degree in Mechanical Engineering, he was offered two jobs. One in downtown Washington DC for a mindboggling amount of money – hard to refuse! The other in some tiny town in North Idaho called Bayview for not so much money. Apparently, there is a Navy base there on Lake Pend Oreille – the largest lake in Idaho. Most importantly to me, it is 2400 miles from Sharp Chapel, where we were living. Idaho offers 5 million acres of wilderness with lakes, and rivers.

Yes, here is another chicken recipe. chicken is so versatile. add some noodles and gravy and you have a tasty casserole. In mixing bowl, place 3 tablespoons butter and 1 cup milk. In Dutch oven, melt remaining butter. Blend in flour, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add remaining milk all at once. Cook, quickly, over medium high heat until mixture thickens and is bubbly.

Christmas traditions are often things from the natural world, and I started listing them and it turned out to be a long list. the list. I ended up researching the origin of how some plants and animals became synonymous with Christmas.

The image shows a proposed plan and what will happen to the natural woodland area across from the current Big Ridge campground and Blue Mud boat launch if the project is completed.
The Union County Commission approved the grant to complete the study to implement this plan at last month’s meeting. The grant is for $104,000 with a match of $24,000. No source for the match was noted in the Mayor’s Report. The approval was done as part of the Budget Amendments and Transfers under Fund 171-Capital Projects.

About 50 former students, friends and family gathered at Plainview Community Center on November 25 to reminisce about their education and fellowship at Plainview Elementary School, which operated from 1932 to 1970.

Mayor Jason Bailey recognized the Union County Finance Department for “doing such an awesome job with Union County finances and having a perfect audit” with no findings in any department or fee office of Union County government at the regular Union County Commission Meeting on November 27. He recognized finance department employees for their careful handling of nearly $75M. He also commended the expertise of the elected officials who handle funds.

The Union County School Board approved the 2024-2025 calendar at its November meeting. Most of the calendar was very similar to past years.
However, the addition of six early release days sparked some discussion. The early release days would close school at 1 p.m. rather than 3:15. Carolyn Murr, a Maynardville teacher and president of UCEA, voiced a concern for parents including teachers who would need to find additional daycare during the work day.

Plainview Planning Commission welcomed Jordan Rockwell, East Tennessee Development district Regional Planner, at its November meeting. Stewart Skeen, Codes Enforcement Officer, introduced Rockwell and noted that he is also the planner for Maynardville City.
Skeen reported that he did not write any building permits for October, but fielded numerous phone calls and questions regarding new construction and zoning. He recommended changes to a couple of properties.

This will be the third year for First Baptist Church’s drive-thru nativity: “A Christmas Journey.”. The idea of a drive-thru nativity began in 2020 during the pandemic. In previous years the church had always presented a Christmas play and went caroling in the community.

I don’t who came up with naming our county “Union,” but I can’t think of a better name to describe these wonderful, welcoming and working-together people! When I say I have moved a lot in my life, I mean I have lived in at least 19 different cities; so I know a thing or two about reading and adapting to a local culture.
I particularly appreciate that there is a place for everyone who wants to be involved in Union County, and the people here welcome and support new efforts even when led by those who are new to the community.