The 2025-26 basketball season will be remembered as one of the most successful in recent history for Horace Maynard Middle School, as both the boys and girls teams delivered strong performances throughout the regular season and into postseason play. Both squads finished the regular season as the No. 3 seed in their district, trailing only Maryville and Sevier County junior high schools. They carried that momentum into the district tournament, hosted at Sevier County.

No, we didn’t buy the recliner in the picture from Sears. Yes, it’s a very good chair in which to take a nap, but that isn’t the “comfortable” I’m going to discuss. It’s one that started because of shopping trips.

Winter recreational activities can pose painful problems for the outdoor enthusiast who is not in the best condition. Preparing your body before participating in winter sports such as snowboarding, skiing or ice-skating decreases the potential for spasms, strains and sprains, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

Perfect Attendance
Brylee Clark, Dempsey Cooke, Wylder Corum, Aurora Gonzales, Hayden Clark, Aria Collins, Juventino Perez, Ana Wallace, Brooksyn Grace, Walker Zielinkski, Stuart Priest, Liam Rindom, Lucas Tallent, Nolynn Coaker, Noah Williams, Dudlee Williams, Harley Reed, Aubrey Lethgo, Devin Keyes, Maverick Gibson, Emmarie Grace, Kinsley Coffey, Kaylee Bailey, Lakelynn Bussell, Nylah Clark, Carolina Corum, Marily Gonzales, DevonKeyes, Marshall Todd, Josiah Hurley, Malachi Phelps, Rayen Dyer, Alyssa Bowers, Colt Cheser, Tayo McCloud, Ja’ziyah Miles, Angel Peters, Jaxon Berry, Kasen Grace, Jaxen Harris, Adley Keith, Heaven Human, Kaden Bailey, Timothy Buckner, Beau Lawson, Melody Rindom, Jack Dyer, Corbin Wells, Ava Zielinski, Raven Gibson and Addyson Mathews

When we have a big snow, it typically creates the opportunistic combination of having time on your hands and a massive amount of the key ingredient for making snow cream, so why not? Besides being a nostalgic but tasty treat to make with the kids, snow cream is the venerable ancestor of our modern ice cream.

If you know anyone needing hot hands, blankets, gloves, etc., we have plenty. Call (865) 217-6626. We can deliver if you can't get to us!

All parents/guardians of children enrolled in the Union County Public Schools and other interested community members are invited to an informational meeting at the Union County High School Library on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 3:45 p.m.

There are rumors in the air!
There are always rumors in the air about someone or something. To what rumors do I refer?
It’s not about who is running for which political office, though that conversation is heating up locally.
It’s not about who committed which indiscretion with whom, though there are always such rumors in the works somewhere.
The particular rumors to which I refer on this sunny but cold January 20, 2026 concern the weather.

Whether I was interested or not, I knew this phrase meant I was about to hear a story: “When I was a kid…” The ones I remember the most came from my Mamaw Jo. She often talked about not having electricity and walking to school in the snow. I heard them several, several times. In reality, those tales are a way of saying: “You don’t know how good you have it.” Honestly, that is very true. Recently, I even said that to myself. I know that sounds strange, but this is me we’re talking about here.

Injury Prevention

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following:
• If possible, leave unnecessary books at home or school.
• If carrying a water bottle, choose a smaller bottle that will not be as heavy when it is full.
• If bringing sports gear to school, pack it in a separate bag that can be stored in a locker during the school day.
• consider using a crossbody bag as a good alternative for carrying books and supplies.

Tips for Parents