You may have heard the buzz about a very exciting project happening here in Union County. The Fresh Wagon is a food distribution that focuses on education and striving to get families more fresh foods in their diet. Education and convenience are two of the main goals of the project.
At food distributions, community organizations will be available to answer questions or even offer tips on how to make cooking and eating healthier and delicious.

“Take a Country Road” to UT Extension Union County, 3925 Maynardville Highway, on Wednesday, September 29, and bring your best pie to enter the Union County Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest.
UT Extension Union County will host the pie contest. Alyshia Victoria, Food and Consumer Science Agent, will be the coordinator.
Fruit, nut, and other are the categories. Winning pie bakers will receive cash prizes and ribbons.

Dr. Dale Lynch, Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, appeared before the Union County Board of Education during the workshop in August to announce that Dr. James (Jimmy) Carter is the East Tennessee Region Superintendent of 2022.
The award is bestowed on the superintendent or director of schools who has exhibited outstanding leadership not just in his or her own system but through holding various positions of leadership throughout East Tennessee and the state.

Growth was the theme of Mayor Jason Bailey in his report to Union County Commission at the regular August meeting.
Union County has grown by more than 500 according to the 2020 US Census. The growth of internet or broadband service will be the focus of the American Rescue Plan money in the amount of $1.9M.
Bailey is partnering with the Ayers Foundation, a non-profit, to work with Clinton Utility Board and LaFollette Utilities Board to provide broadband in Big Ridge and Speedwell with the goal of providing fiber based internet throughout Union County.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a quilt? What makes a handmade quilt different than other options that can be purchased?
Well, every summer 4-H students get the opportunity to discover and explore the craft of quilting at 4-H Quilt Camp. Like all 4-H events, education is at the core of the fun.
Students are sent fabric samples prior to the camp, to assist them in making their own fabric selections for their quilts. This year, students completed an “Xs and Os” quilt for themselves and worked on a quilt of valor service project.

4-H Beef cattle projects provide youth with opportunities to expand their knowledge of the beef cattle industry, production and, more importantly, develop the life skills that are needed to be positive contributors to society.
Through beef cattle projects, 4-H youth will learn about selection and evaluation, nutrition and feeding, health and daily care, reproduction, marketing and much more.

Chiropractic services are part of the Standard Medical Benefits Package available to all eligible veterans. Similar to other specialties, access to VA chiropractic services is by referral from a VA primary care or specialty provider. VA provides these services on-site at one or more VA facilities in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN). VA facilities that do not have on-site chiropractic clinics provide these services via the VA Community Care Program or other community care mechanisms.

Bryson Sharp and Draven Vermillion were recognized for their achievements at the Union County Business and Professional Association member meeting in August at the newly renovated Plainview Community Center. Both received plaques and lunch from Subway in addition to their scholarships.
Bryson will be attending Tennessee College of Applied Technology to become certified in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). He began interning with Archer Air as part of his career and technical education at Union County High School.

The Union County Heritage Festival Antique Tractor Cruise-In will be on October 2 at Wilson Park. Tractors will be secured on the upper parking lot near Veteran's Place and displayed for all to view from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. At 2 p.m., the tractors will parade down from Veteran's Place to travel down Main Street, circle the courthouse, and return to Wilson Park.
Antique tractor owners are urged to call Tanner Hall at 865-254-3560 to register or complete and mail the form from the website: UnionCountyHeritageFestival.com.

Union County Retired Teachers Association provided corn crafts for children to make at the recent Youth & Corn Festival. At least 25 children custom painted corn refrigerator magnets. Another 16 strung beads on chenille sticks and shaped key chains that resembled Indian corn. Between craft projects a teacher read stories with corn themes that covered the uses and history of corn.
One young girl read the book to the teacher. Many of the participants wanted to craft as a family. All seemed to have a really fun time and many mentioned that they would be returning next year.