I used to think my parent’s main objective in life was for me not to have any fun or real adventures. Then I saw first-hand why they thought like that they did.

No one can deny that we humans like to see nature. It’s why we set aside land for city parks, national parks, and greenways. It’s why we get our fingernails dirty planting trees and flowers in our yard. And I don’t think anyone would dispute that being in a forest or quiet natural area has a calming effect. Some recent research is verifying that there is a relationship between the natural environment and improved health outcomes. Science guys love to hang impressive titles on things, and in this case enjoying nature is receiving “spatial emotional stimulus”.

Hot, humid weather did not make the Youth Festival / Back-to-School marketgoers stay home! Altogether, there were 29 vendors and over 500 attendees.

Mark your calendars and plan to shop local at the Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Yard Sale Fundraiser on Thursday, August 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Extension Office.

Shoppers can find a variety of gently used items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, household items, toys, tools, and more. Clothing, shoes, and accessories will be available inside the Extension Office meeting room, while household items and other larger items will be set up outside, weather permitting. The sale will be held rain or shine.

The American Legion New Liberty Post 212 at 140 Veterans St in Maynardville has restocked its Food Pantry. The freezers are filled with frozen chicken breasts and thighs, all FREE! Stop by on Thursday, August 20, from 3-7 PM, or Monday, September 14, from 6–8 PM to
pick up some chicken. For any questions, please contact Adjutant Norman Gillen at adjutant@ALTNPost212.org.

The following were unopposed and received complimentary votes: Mayor Jason Bailey 3698, County Trustee Gina B. Gilbert 3957, Circuit Court Clerk Barbara Jean Williams 4008, Register of Deeds Ann Russell 3875.

Results for Union County Clerk were Pamela Graves Ailor 3537; Mark A. Massengile 1062.

Results for Sheriff were Rick Carter 2112, Kathy Holloway 569, Jerry Leonard Lawson 2010.

Just in case you’re wondering, I’ve always been accident prone. My Papaw E.O. was the same way. But there was one accident that involved the both of us.

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition associated with disability, work loss and economic burden to healthcare. Significant risk factors include poor sleep, physical and psychological stress, inactivity, advanced age and smoking. The contribution of greater weight and body mass index (BMI) to risk of LBP is less clear. In a new study researchers have found individuals who are overweight or obese have a significantly higher risk of developing LBP compared to those with a normal BMI.

American Legion Post 212 hosted another enjoyable breakfast on Saturday, August 8, sponsored by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary. The morning began with an invocation from Arnold Smallin, Chaplain of the Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Adriana Montoya, commander of the NJROTC at UCHS. Next was the Chow Line, which included eggs, sausage, and biscuits and gravy catered by Food City; and fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee.

Gardeners from across Tennessee are invited to attend the annual Fall Gardeners' Festival 2026 on Tuesday, August 25, at the UT Plateau AgResearch and Education Center in Crossville. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT and offers a full day of educational programming, gardening demonstrations, exhibits, and opportunities to learn from experts from across the state.