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.

Occasionally I find onions in a five-pound bag at a reasonable price. Then it's time to make some of my onion recipes. Delicious served with liver or hamburgers.

Some sermons, or at least the sermon titles, just get stuck in my mind. An experienced preacher will often give their message a catchy title to help drive the point home.
I’ll never forget a sermon the Reverend Ronnie Beeler once preached which he entitled, “Wallowing Around Under a Log with the Mully Grubs.”
I’m fairly sure Reverend Beeler just made up the word “mully,” but I understood what he meant, having turned over many logs as a boy searching for fishing bait.

Our first national park was Yellowstone. Parts of Wyoming and Montana became Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, and many more parks followed.
The U.S. Army was first used to regulate the parks and range the properties to protect the natural resources. Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service in 1916 and civilian employees began to work in our national parks.