2026 Arts Grant Cycle and Opens Scholarship Applications

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2026) – The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle for the Arts Fund for East Tennessee and the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund.

The 2026 arts grant cycle will support nonprofit organizations advancing arts and cultural programming across East Tennessee. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of government, and public educational institutions may submit one application and apply to only one of the two available funds. Grant requests may be made for up to $15,000, with awards distributed over a two-year term. Applications opened February 2, 2026, and must be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern through ETF’s online grant portal.

BOE meets March 19

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

What happens during our school staff development days?

While classrooms at Horace Maynard Middle School didn’t have students on February 16, teachers were hard at work behind the scenes during a districtwide staff development day. Across Union County, educators used the time to strengthen instruction, analyze student data and prepare for the critical weeks leading into state testing.

The Shoebox Ford: The Car that Changed Everything

In the years immediately following World War II, America was ready for something new. The country was booming, families were growing, and drivers wanted modern cars that reflected a new era of optimism and progress. In 1949, Ford Motor Company delivered exactly that with the introduction of the all-new Ford—now famously known as the “Shoebox Ford.” Produced from 1949 through 1951, the Shoebox Ford earned its nickname from its clean, slab-sided styling and squared-off roofline that resembled a shoebox.

Chiropractic Overview

The term “chiropractic” combines the greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (practice) to describe a treatment done by hand. Hands-on therapy — especially adjustment of the spine — is central to chiropractic care. Chiropractic is based on the premise that the relationship between the body’s structure (primarily that of the spine) and its function (as coordinated by the nervous system) affects health.

Quilts of Valor presented to two veterans

On February 14, Marsha Reep of the North Knoxville Quilts of Valor Foundation attended the Veterans’ monthly breakfast and presented Commander Darrell White (U.S. Air Force) and Adjutant Norman Gillen (U.S. Navy) of the American Legion Post 212 with Quilts of Valor. We are a grateful nation and appreciate and thank both men for their service, dedication, and sacrifice in protecting our freedoms.

Veterans Free Breakfast

The American Legion New Liberty Post 212's monthly free breakfast for all Veterans, their family, friends, and supporters was again well attended on Valentine's Day. The Veterans were very grateful to the City of Luttrell for sponsoring this event. Luttrell Mayor Jerry Lawson briefly reviewed some of the challenges the town of Luttrell has faced and overcome, noting that Luttrell's population is about half that of Maynardville. There was some good-natured kidding about stopping at the sign that says Luttrell City Hall and being handed a menu.

Patriots vs. Eagles

The gym was full of energy during the UCHS vs. Gibbs High game on January 9. Dressed head to toe in red, the student section packed the bleachers and brought the school spirit. A few students dressed as ESPN reporters, adding to the fun and excitement in the student section.

The Lady Patriots earned an impressive win, displaying their strong teamwork and determination throughout the game. They came out strong and secured a big win that set the tone for the night.