There are times I am better at writing my thoughts than speaking them. I enjoy the opportunity to verbally relate a story as it gives more freedom of expression. I enjoy the organization of being able to write a story, though when writing one has to go to greater effort to paint a verbal picture for the reader. I do not claim to be adept at creating either written or verbal stories. Practically every story I tell is an event that happened in my past. As an illustration, I will relate what to me is one of the most bizarre events I ever witnessed.

You don't usually thick of buttermilk and potatoes together. You don't need any flour to thicken this dish. The potatoes do that tick themselves. An electric skillet will make the preparation easier. Yes, there are so many ways to fix potatoes. Add this to your recipe box. The recipe doubles easily..

I remember when every home had a little house out back. It was placed close to a back door. Of course, it was. When someone was in a hurry, the shortest route was best. If the little house were in a nicer neighborhood, it might be painted to match the house. In our farming community, it was a weather-beaten necessity, not to be celebrated with a fresh coat of paint.

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is probably the favorite game species in our area, and spotting one always gives me a small touch of “wildness”. They have a complex and intriguing lifestyle.

Follow your heart on October 1 to the Union County Heritage Festival. The 18th Festival expands to four venues in 2022. Visitors can park at Union County High School and enjoy the main event in Wilson Park or board the free shuttle (the big yellow bus) sponsored by Monroe Bus Lines, State Farm Insurance, and City of Plainview to travel to the Farmers Market Pavilion for produce and the Ice Cream Bar, the Union County Museum for the Heritage Day Quilt Show, and the Myers Building (formerly Ailor/Byrd Funeral Home) for the Art Show. All venues are open from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Jacob is at it again! Selling pumpkins that is. He has a variety of pumpkins this year, including all the old favorites and has added a few new ones such as the yellow cushaw and many others.
Jacob is a senior at Union County High School where he studies with Mr. John Fugate and is his teacher’s assistant. Mr. Fugate has been a big influence on him by encouraging him to participate in the TVA Fair where he has won several ribbons. This year he took 17 first place ribbons in different categories, one being the tallest corn stalk at 15’7”. Jacob will also take place in the competition land judging on October 6.

By Helina Bailey
Did you know that wild horses can double their herd sizes every four years? According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), wild horses and burros have no natural predators and current population estimates are above 80,000.
Because of this, these majestic, free-ranging animals must be removed by the thousands in order to “control herd sizes ... to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands.” The BLM removed 13,666 mustangs and burros last year alone.

TVA tests have gaps of years; NLPA will test year-round
By Helina Bailey
With over 800 miles of shoreline, Norris Lake is an Appalachian aquatic treasure trove. Nestled in our backyard, this beautiful lake breathes life into the region and attracts both weary travelers seeking to enjoy the great outdoors as well as locals. Anglers, boaters and vacationers flock to the water during the summer, but locals can be spotted all year long.

The Union County School Board continued its community-based meetings by conducting its September business at Maynardville Elementary School. The board elected a new chairman, a new vice chairman, and a new interim director.

Local educator selected to statewide consulting body to help determine the best resources to combat learning loss in students
Dr. Lauren Effler, Union County Schools K-12 Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor and Pre-K Director, has been named to Governor's Early Literacy Foundation's (GELF) 2022-2023 Executive Council, a group of 28 educators from rural, urban, and suburban communities across Tennessee who will help GELF determine the resources to best meet the needs of students statewide.