Winter Green

With the leaves off the hardwood trees, plants that remain green are more prominent and a handsome contrast to the “dead of winter”. Two that you are likely to see in the mountains on hikes are rhododendron and mountain laurel, which look similar and are often confused.

For Union County’s Unhoused Community

January 24, 2026. 10 am - 2 pm. FREE

• Hot Breakfast
• Gloves, Blankets, Toboggans, Hot Hands, Socks
• Hygeine Bags provided by Tennessee Valley
Coalition for the Homeless
• Complete a survey to have an influence on services in Union County
• Connect with Cedar Recovery, the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, ICARE Union County, and other organizations

Samantha Brantley Smith
865-705-3157
samantha.brantley@unioncountytn.gov

School Days at Pulaski

We moved from Bay City to Pulaski at the beginning of what would be my tenth grade. I would go to school in Concord, a nearby small town. All twelve grades were held in a three-story brick building. Grades 9 through 12 were on the top floor. There was no elevator. It was a very old building that would later be torched by an arsonist.

Party Mix Deluxe

To get your party started, put your biggest bowl front and center. This recipe is a winner.

3 cups bagged snacks, like Bugles 2 cups cheesy snacks, like goldfish
2 cups cereal, like Chex or Cheerios 2 cups pretzel sticks
1 cup salted nuts, like peanuts or cashews 1 cup M & M's or chocolate bits

Student requests donations for food drive

Hello everyone, my name is Katie Johnson. I am honored to be representing my class as a volunteer in a county-wide food drive in support of Union County’s Winter Court. Our objective is to provide assistance to local families by collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations. Given the financial challenges faced by our county, every contribution genuinely makes a significant impact. All donations will remain within Union County and be distributed directly to those in need. Thank you for your support of our community.

That's Good Stuff

Isn’t odd how we can still learn new tastes regardless of our age. It’s even more funny when it happens because we’re hungry. Tim and I both have experienced this.

Veterans breakfast a roaring success

The first monthly free breakfast for American Legion Post 212 Veterans on January 10 was very well attended, with over 50 participants. The Union County Veterans and their families and friends were supported by members of the TN Highway Patrol, Union County Sheriff’s Dept, Union County High School NJROTC, members of the Tri-County Honor Guard, Union County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Mark Cook and several veterans from some of the other 17 East Tennessee counties. The bountiful breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy prepared by Food City was delicious.

School Backpacks: part II

Healthy Habits for Backpack Wearing: Bend at the hips and knees when lifting a backpack. Pick the backpack up before threading the shoulders through the straps. when possible, place the backpack on a desk or whatever is near you, then turn around and thread the shoulders through the straps. Always wear both straps. Fill up water bottles at school rather than at home to reduce the weight of the backpack. Take breaks from carrying by removing the backpack when waiting at the bus stop or in the hallway. monitor contents nightly and remove what isn’t needed. organize contents for school-day rotation and unload unneeded items into a locker when possible.