Three Union County 4-H youths proudly represented their county at the inaugural Eastern Region Goat Show, held at the Tennessee Valley Fair last month.
Competing for the first time in this prestigious event, these young participants demonstrated skill, dedication and sportsmanship across multiple categories.
In the Showmanship competition:
- Madison Cole earned 2nd place in the Senior Level I division.
- Briar Smith secured 4th place in the Junior Level division.
- Reed Reno captured 3rd place in the Explorer Level division.

Ironweed (Veronia altissima) is the purple flowers you see growing on a tall, slender stalk in pasture and hay fields while driving down the road.

Ironweed can grow to a height of 7 to 10 feet in deep moist soils, but usually averages around 5 feet. The stem of the plant is very hard and stiff, hence the name. Spear shaped leaves around 6 inches long grow all along the length of the stem.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program cost share program will be accepting applications October 1-7. This program, established in 2005, has helped farmers in Union County and across the state of Tennessee. More than $1.27 million has been invested in 424 producer projects from 2005 through 2023 in Union County. Each TAEP dollar generates $6.55 in local economies.

Union County 4-H members recently showed off their grilling talents in two exciting events, displaying their culinary skills and competitive spirit.
1st Annual Union County 4-H Grill Team Competition
Last month, local 4-H members gathered for the Fall Palooza at the Union County Farmers Market for the inaugural Union County 4-H Grill Team Competition. These talented young grillers, split into two divisions, impressed the crowd with their mastery over the grill.
Junior Division Results:
- 1st Place: Harlynn Dodd (poultry)
- 2nd Place: Aspen Davis (pork)

The September Family and Community Education (FCE) meeting took place at the Eastern Region FCE Fall Gathering, hosted by Campbell and Anderson Counties at the Lafollette Church of God in Lafollette, TN. Thank you to our hosts for organizing such a memorable event!
The gathering included the Regional Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests, where participants from various counties showcased their skills. Congratulations to the winners, who will advance to the State FCE Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests.
Cultural Arts Contest Results:

The Union County 4-H annual Chick Chain Auction took place at Trevor Jones Livestock Auction, and it was nothing short of a success. Despite the forecast hinting at rain, the skies stayed clear throughout the event, allowing the auction to proceed without a hitch—though we were well-prepared with covered accommodations.

Union County veterans, prepare yourself for a delicious Italian feast of lasagna, garlic bread and homemade desserts. On Monday, October 7, at 6 p.m. sharp, the Smoky Mountain 4-H Club will be honored to prepare and serve our veterans this special meal.
Veterans and spouses of veterans are invited to enjoy the feast at the American Legion building on Veteran St. in Maynardville.

The young lady caught her high school principal’s eye the moment she walked through the door of the building. She was seemingly swarmed by a crowd of boys who were more than appreciative of the dress she had chosen to wear to school that day. They were checking her “out” for sure.
The principal, who was in a race to reach retirement, was born in the “old days.” It seemed to his students and a lot of the community that the hospital, the nursing home, and the grave were in a race to see which would check him “out” first.

You need several hearty salads in your recipe collection to take the place of potatoes in your menu. They are usually cold salads, so can be made ahead of the planned meal. In a large mixing bowl, combine everything but the dressing. Pour dressing over mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill until serving time or up to 24 hours. Makes 16 servings. Note: The pimiento and cheese adds color.

It’s sometimes unavoidable that we have to lift a heavy or cumbersome object. Using some basic precautions, you can minimize the likelihood of pulling a muscle or otherwise injuring yourself in the process of lifting.

The most important thing to remember is to bend at the knees when lifting a heavy weight. Let your leg muscles do the lifting. If you bend at the waist and straighten up with the weight, you’re making your back muscles bear the weight.