Chicory was a popular wild plant back in the day when it was used to make a coffee-like beverage. It is very common in our area and can be seen right now growing along roadsides and abandoned places.

Chicory is easy to identify by its blue, dandelion-like flowers that have fringed, flat tipped petals, which can sometimes be white or pink. The flower will usually close up in the late afternoon or on overcast days. The leaves at the base of the plant are dandelion-like (they are in the same family) and will similarly bleed a milky sap when broken off. Chicory stands around two feet tall.

Horace Maynard Middle School is proud to announce two exciting additions to its leadership team for the upcoming school year.

Coach DJ Taylor has been named the new Athletic Director at HMMS. A 1998 graduate of Clinton High School, Coach Taylor enlisted in the U.S. Army during his senior year and went on to serve for 17 years, including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lake Life BEST’s recent fundraiser at Seven Springs Winery was a huge success, raising nearly $5,000 for Andrew Woods. The event brought the community together to support a great cause, demonstrating the power of local unity.

"We’re thrilled with the outcome of our fundraiser,” said Gina and Kristine with Lake Life BEST. “The generosity and support shown by our community and local businesses will make a significant difference in Andrew’s life. We’re proud to see everyone united to help Andrew during this challenging time.”

It is challenging to determine the exact number of unhoused people in Union County. I have been told that most of these folks couch surf or stay with relatives. Others travel to Knox County for services. And still others camp out in various locations around the county.

We are living longer and, if you play your cards right and have taken care of yourself, this is a wonderful thing. Good genes certainly help, but healthy lifestyle practices are just as important in continuing to live a productive life. Here are some tips the American Chiropractic Association recommends for aging with grace and health:

REVERSE RAFFLE drawing is Saturday June 28th! Third prize is $500. Second prize is $1000. And the First prize is $2000 ! Don't miss out on a chance to support your Lions Club efforts to provide free eye exams and glasses for those who need them!

You do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased from any Union County Lions member, including Pastor Kathy Chesney (865) 566-3289; Ronnie Mincey (865) 278-6430; Debbie Sylvia-Gardner (865) 603-5081; or Shirlee Grabko (865) 310-6874.

The focus has recently been on declining bee populations worldwide. Some plants are self-pollinating, while others may be fertilized by pollen carried by wind or rain. Other blossoms are pollinated by insects and animals, which may include bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, birds, flies, and small mammals, including bats. Bees are considered the most important pollinators. Many fruits, nuts, and vegetables we consume rely on pollinators to reproduce and produce fruit. Pollinators help transfer pollen from one flower to another, which is necessary for fertilization and fruit development.

My mom and I are different in a few ways. One is how we played as children. As for her, she was always a cowgirl. Not me. I used to love to pretend I was in outer space or that I was a spy/secret agent. It makes sense since I loved to watch “Lost in Space” and “Get Smart.”

The hemlock is one of my favorite trees because of its huge size and that it grows along mountain springs and creeks that are usually picturesque and nice places to visit.

The eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is our local native, and there is also a western species found from the Rockies west. The local name for the tree is spruce-pine. As mentioned, it likes to grow up in the mountains near streams where the soil is cool and moist. It is a majestic tree, reaching a height of 100 feet when mature, and can have a trunk up to 4 feet in diameter. Standing in a grove of large hemlocks makes me feel like I’m in a church cathedral and I can get into a spiritual, awestruck mood.

SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS OF
THE UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Union County Board of Education meets in regular session the second Thursday of each month at Union County High School. All meetings are preceded by a workshop beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately following.

WORKSHOP/MEETING DATES
THROUGH THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR