No doubt you have heard plenty of news stories about the 17-year cicada emerging this year. I have yet to see or hear them in my area yet, but I look forward to hearing the male cicadas’ persistent and often loud chorus. The combined drone of thousands of cicadas singing at once hides the fact that there are three species of cicadas out there, each singing a different song, which chances depending on the proximity to a possible female mate.

Here is an economical shrimp salad to make. Use as much shrimp as you like. If you have a can of shrimp in your pantry and some eggs in the fridge, you are all set. Use elbow, shells or amy other macaroni shape you like.

My father, Owen Stimer, grew up in a rural farm community in the early twentieth century. Dad's beloved mother was of the Wesleyan Methodist faith. She was in church every time the doors opened, so to speak. In Dad's early years, he was, too. Dad came to resent sitting on the hard wooden pews during the long boring church services. He decided church was not for him. His father's attitude probably confirmed his decision, but went too far.

County Mayor Jason Bailey has prided himself on promoting transparency in government. His background in education probably directed his schooling of the county commission at the regular May meeting.

The Tennessee Department of Education Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund 3.0 (ESSER) money (which comes from federal emergency funds to combat the negative effects from the pandemic) may help Union County jump start its new middle school planning

Mike Chesney, Maynardville City Manager, treated UCBPA to more than a taste of the upcoming Maynardville projects at the May meeting of the Union County Business and Professional Association.
Chesney began with a splash from the new water park, which the pandemic has delayed to 2022 with maybe a quick bite at the end of this summer. The new guardrail on SR 33 will help provide a safer experience when the park opens.

Masks will be optional for Union County Summer School. Union County Board of Education approved the TSBA-recommended policy for mask wearing in public schools at the May board meeting.
According to Dr. Jimmy Carter, director of schools, summer school will have about eight students per class, which will allow for social distancing. The policy will be reviewed at the July board meeting to decide on the policy for the regular opening of school in August.

The Union County Board of Education presented Ann Dyer, Union County Finance Director, a Special Recognition Award at its regular meeting on May 13.

You may recall the story we published in March 2020 introducing the SLOTH reading program, encouraging children to Slow down, Learn, Overcome obstacles, Think, and be Happy. No doubt you also recall the rapid closings that year due to the Coronavirus. Although the SLOTH launch didn’t go exactly as planned, the program has moved forward. Kids are picking up their SLOTH reading buddies at the library and turning in their participation reports to earn prizes.

One of the best things you can do to prevent and/or eliminate back pain is to exercise. Both an inactive lifestyle and being overweight contribute to back pain. Exercise benefits you in so many ways, such as lowering blood pressure, helping you maintain a healthy weight, lowering your risk for diabetes, and the list goes on!

Orthotics can help you maintain a healthy spine by stabilizing the lower extremities and pelvis. Devices that you wear in your shoes, orthotics align all three arches of your foot to provide a balanced foundation for your spine and body.