We had an uninvited guest a few days ago. It wasn't that he wasn't welcome, just unexpected. Have you had a rooster on your roof lately? A neighbor called. “What is a chicken doing on your roof?” He noticed the rooster when he heard it shouting its lungs out, “Cockle-doodle-do!” Where could it be? He finally spotted it on the front roof of our house, standing at the roof's edge, singing his heart out. I thought roosters only announced the dawn.

Bagworms are a common landscape pest this time of year, especially on evergreens, especially arborvitae. A large enough population can seriously damage and eventually kill a tree.

When our family was younger, we loved visiting Cade’s Cove and took every opportunity to go there.

One summer we decided to go camping. The cove has a wonderful campground. Stream running nearby and a little store if you forgot something. Now mind you, we are not the camping type. Our budget was a little tight so we had no tent. We had blankets, sleeping bags, food and the assurance of the Knoxville weathermen that the night was going to be clear with absolutely no rain.

As American kids pack on the pounds, the number of those experiencing back pain is on the rise.

One in three between the ages of 10 and 18 said they had backaches in the past year, according to a survey of about 3,700 youngsters. The incidence rose along with kids’ age and weight and was higher among those who play competitive sports.

The 4th Annual Thunder in the Park, free professional fireworks show will light up the night sky in Maynardville, Tennessee, on Saturday evening, August 31, 2019. The gates open at 5:00pm, so be there with the family and some lawn chairs at Wilson Park to witness the county’s signature event. Last year’s nearly 8,000 attendees can share that the event was a spectacular light show with an array of family friendly activities available in addition.

Reflect on Union County’s unique history with a visit to the Union County Museum and Genealogical Library, where you will feel right at home when greeted with a, “Welcome, how may I help you today, and who do I have the pleasure of meeting.” Museum volunteer Wanda Byerley says that many promptly return a smile and a family name that they wish to learn more about.

The latest Union County Commission meeting was held on Monday, July 22 at 7:00pm at Union County Courthouse. The meeting was opened with invocation by Commissioner Jody Smith and the pledge led by Commissioner Bill Cox. All commissioners were in attendance, with the exception of Janet Holloway.

President Wanda Byerley welcomed a full house and a host of entertaining speakers to the Union County Museum during the July meeting of the Union County Historical Society.

Two of Union County’s senior 4-H members, Savannah Jones and Kennedy Hill, recently attended, along with other State Council members, a USVI (United States, Virgin Islands) Educational Exchange Trip. Thirteen youth and four advisors from across Tennessee took part in this opportunity to explore agriculture and youth development in a setting outside of their norms.

Blackberry season is here. Here is a quick and easy blackberry crisp that you can throw together in a jiffy. It only takes 4 cups of blackberries. It is an easier version of a blackberry pie and only takes 30 minutes to bake. A pie takes much longer.

You probably would use Cool Whip to top it with. I prefer vanilla ice cream. Serve the crisp warm and let the ice cream melt into each spoonful.