There are rumors in the air!
There are always rumors in the air about someone or something. To what rumors do I refer?
It’s not about who is running for which political office, though that conversation is heating up locally.
It’s not about who committed which indiscretion with whom, though there are always such rumors in the works somewhere.
The particular rumors to which I refer on this sunny but cold January 20, 2026 concern the weather.

Whether I was interested or not, I knew this phrase meant I was about to hear a story: “When I was a kid…” The ones I remember the most came from my Mamaw Jo. She often talked about not having electricity and walking to school in the snow. I heard them several, several times. In reality, those tales are a way of saying: “You don’t know how good you have it.” Honestly, that is very true. Recently, I even said that to myself. I know that sounds strange, but this is me we’re talking about here.

Injury Prevention

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following:
• If possible, leave unnecessary books at home or school.
• If carrying a water bottle, choose a smaller bottle that will not be as heavy when it is full.
• If bringing sports gear to school, pack it in a separate bag that can be stored in a locker during the school day.
• consider using a crossbody bag as a good alternative for carrying books and supplies.

Tips for Parents

Few engines in automotive history have earned the legendary status of Ford’s flathead V8. Introduced in 1932, the flathead forever changed the automotive world by making V8 power affordable for everyday Americans. Before its debut, eight-cylinder engines were reserved for luxury cars and high-end brands, placing them out of reach for most working families.

When you hear the word “exclusive”, of what do you think? The answer to this question will be one way to tell if you are an optimist or a pessimist.
An optimist will think of something exclusive as a fine thing. Exclusive can mean something or someone that is unique.
For example, the only known picture of Abraham Lincoln’s father, Thomas Lincoln, can be found at the Abraham Lincoln Museum on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Something that is one of a kind is exclusive.

With the leaves off the hardwood trees, plants that remain green are more prominent and a handsome contrast to the “dead of winter”. Two that you are likely to see in the mountains on hikes are rhododendron and mountain laurel, which look similar and are often confused.

January 24, 2026. 10 am - 2 pm. FREE

• Hot Breakfast
• Gloves, Blankets, Toboggans, Hot Hands, Socks
• Hygeine Bags provided by Tennessee Valley
Coalition for the Homeless
• Complete a survey to have an influence on services in Union County
• Connect with Cedar Recovery, the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, ICARE Union County, and other organizations

Samantha Brantley Smith
865-705-3157
samantha.brantley@unioncountytn.gov

We moved from Bay City to Pulaski at the beginning of what would be my tenth grade. I would go to school in Concord, a nearby small town. All twelve grades were held in a three-story brick building. Grades 9 through 12 were on the top floor. There was no elevator. It was a very old building that would later be torched by an arsonist.

To get your party started, put your biggest bowl front and center. This recipe is a winner.

3 cups bagged snacks, like Bugles 2 cups cheesy snacks, like goldfish
2 cups cereal, like Chex or Cheerios 2 cups pretzel sticks
1 cup salted nuts, like peanuts or cashews 1 cup M & M's or chocolate bits

UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WORKSHOP Union County High School THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026 6:00 p.m.

The Board will meet in Executive Session in the Union County High School Library prior to the workshop.

Agenda