As the school years winds down and we approach summer, it’s time to start thinking ahead. If you have a child who will turn four by August 15, they could qualify for a Pre-K program in Union County. Although income eligible students are prioritized, anyone is welcome to apply.
Currently, there are five Pre-K sites in Union County, serving over one hundred four-year-olds in the program this year.
The program is well funded, so all students receive free breakfast, lunch and a snack. In addition to meals, all school supplies will be provided by the program to eliminate out-of-pocket expense for parents.

The Union County Board of Education discussed maintenance, buses, employee sick leave, substitute pay and legislation at its February meeting.
Union County High School is now nearly 26 years old and needs a new roof.
Insurance has paid $73,000 for some storm damage. But the new roof will cost $203,000, according to the estimate received by Vernon Weaver and Mike Johnson and verified by the bid from Henley Roofing Company, Inc.
The board plans to use ESSER funds but has asked for assurance from Henley that it can meet the federal requirements for the use of these funds.

Greg Clay, Director of Union County Schools, addressed members of the Union County Business & Professional Association in February.
“This is day 15, so don't ask me anything too difficult,” he joked.
Clay praised the employees and many of the programs of Union County Public Schools. He explained the need for a new middle school.

The National FFA Organization held their convention in the fall.
Several Horace Maynard FFA chapter members made the trip to Indianapolis, Indiana.
While there, two outstanding graduates of Union County High School and current students at The University of Tennessee Knoxville received their America FFA Degree.
This degree is the highest honor an FFA member can receive and is only awarded to those members who have continual outstanding agricultural endeavors and community service beyond high school.

Gordon Bright, Plainview Alderman, and John Sexton, firefighter, raised the flags on the new flag pole for the first time in February at the Plainview Fire Station.
Representative Dennis Powers donated the American flag, and Vice Mayor Richard Phillips contributed the Tennessee flag.

Examining the spines of Neanderthals, an extinct human relative, may explain back-related ailments experienced by humans today, a team of anthropologists has concluded in a new comparative study.

Neanderthals have long been thought to have a different posture than modern humans. A good part of this perspective derives from the wedging of Neanderthals’ lumbar, or lower, vertebrae — their spines in this region curve less than those of modern humans studied in the U.S. or Europe.

Fresh Start Cleaning Crew is a new business in Maynardville you probably have not heard about, but should. This veteran-owned and woman-operated business just opened its doors this month, receiving their business license on February 10. This passion project was created by a local Christian involved in outreach, Nancy Norris.
Nancy saw a need in the community and decided to use her unique skills and Army experience to do something about it. Having served over 20 years in the Army, Nancy has an eye for detail and knows how to keep things tidy.

Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race and changes you forever. For some, this someone is a cop. This was not true in my case (at least, not until I got my first traffic ticket).
I suppose I was a somewhat sensitive child. Occasionally I would get my feelings hurt by a sharp word of criticism or correction. Luckily, I had a true pal who never failed to comfort.

I remember back in the 1950s when waterless cookware was all the rage. The War was over. New things were popping up everywhere.
Some of them were based on wartime inventions. The microwave oven was a prime example.
Waterless cookware wasn’t really waterless. The pans were club aluminum with a tight-fitting lid. If you cooked them on low heat, you didn’t need to add extra liquid, just a small amount to start with. That was what was meant by waterless.

Here is an easy carrot recipe. The carrots come out of the package ready to go. Just combine everything and boil them up. What could be easier?
In large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until carrots are tender. Transfer to serving bowl and serve with slotted spoon. 4 servings.