Beyond the Cross: The Power of Easter and the Death of Jesus

It’s Easter—one of the most wonderful times of the year! Easter is often seen as a celebration of resurrection, but the significance of the resurrection goes far beyond the grave. Jesus's death was a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, and Easter invites us to reflect on the transformative impact of what a resurrected and living Jesus means.

Yellow Poplar

During the spring you can look at the mountains and tell where the streams and small drains are by looking for the streaks of green that the early leafing yellow poplar produces. It prefers to grow where the soil is deep and moist.

Mayor Beeler proclaims Crime Victims' Rights Week

Mayor Lynn Beeler of Plainview proclaimed the week of April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week at the regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The proclamation reaffirms the commitment of the City of Plainview and Union County to create a victim service and criminal justice response that assists all victims of crime not only during this week but also throughout the year.

Protect Our House

Attitude is where it's at. This baby chick has the right idea. There is a brother or sister residing in that egg. Family comes first.

But what about protecting "our" house? Insurance is expensive nowadays. Those people in Florida suffered from Hurricane Ian in October of 2022. Yes, flood insurance is costly. No matter for us, some would say. We are high and dry here on our ridge in Union County, Tennessee. Nothing like a ridge side to channel water down to Norris Lake.

Chicken Rice Casserole

Combine soup and milk in bowl. Stir in 1 cup of cheese. In large bowl combine chicken, broccoli and rice. Stir to combine. Add soup mixture. lightly lift and stir to combine. Pour into 9 by 13 inch buttered casserole dish. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Bake in preheated 350 F. oven until bubbly and heated through, 35 to 40 minutes. Serves 6.

Neuropathic Pain Drugs Found to Increase Risk of Hip Fracture in Older Adults

A new study published in JAMA Network Open experts found the use of gabapentinoids — medicines widely used to treat neuropathic pain — increased the risk of hip fractures, especially in older patients who were frail or had kidney disease. Often seen as a safer alternative to opioids, the gabapentinoid drugs gabapentin and pregabalin are antiepileptic drugs that are considered as first-line treatments for the management of neuropathic pain.

I Saw the Kitchen Light

One of my favorite TV series is “Colombo.” Even as a child, I enjoyed watching it. I still do. Did you know that Johnny Cash was a guest star/murder in the 1974 episode: “Swan Song?” In it, he portrayed a popular gospel singer who murdered his wife and another woman. “I Saw the Light,” was the main song he sung during the show. While I do like the song, I have a rather strange connection to it thanks to a childhood memory.

To the Bone

I am not the best when it comes to making purchases.

Take, for example, the first car I bought. It was an Oldsmobile, and I bought it because it was the right color and clean as a pin. Unfortunately, the engine had problems. As an example, on a drive to the Smoky Mountains to see the fall colors the engine kept overheating. I had to turn on the air conditioner to make the fan come on to keep the engine from getting too hot. Unfortunately, that meant those of us in the car intermittently froze and roasted alternately. Even when I had the engine replaced, that engine locked up on me. I had “negative equity” (meaning that I owed more on the car than it was worth in its undriveable condition).

So what did I do?

Strawberry Jam and and Freezing Strawberries Class

Join us for a Berry Sweet Experience! Want to learn how to make delicious strawberry jam and freeze fresh strawberries like a pro? Join FCS Agent Jaclyn Blair from UT Extension-Grainger County and Union County’s FCS Agent Abigail Thomas for a hands-on food preservation class! Learn to make delicious strawberry jam and properly freeze strawberries—all while taking home some of your finished product!