Public speaking is a cornerstone of 4-H programs across the nation. Through purposeful lesson planning and execution, as well as worthwhile opportunities to practice, 4-H prepares youth with the confidence and courage to build communication skills and to put those skills to good use. By learning how to distinctly think critically, openly express their ideas and speak with confidence, youth are not only growing as leaders today—they are preparing for bright and successful futures tomorrow.

The UC Family and Community Education (FCE) Club gathered in February for a wonderful morning of learning, fellowship and delicious food at the Extension Office. Members enjoyed an informative program focused on heart health, just in time for American Heart Month.

The man could not help but notice how a recent storm had caused a large tree to fall at a place not far from where he lived. It saddened the man to note that the falling tree had crushed a small but very neat spring house.

“What in tarnation!?” When I heard this, I knew it was Mamaw Jo’s way of letting me know that she wanted me to investigate something. To this day, it still happens to me.
A few years ago, I was minding my business at work when I heard: “What in the world is that?” Even though my coworker said it loud enough for the whole office to hear, he was actually talking to me. Why? My position at that time was to assist my coworkers and to ensure the office ran smoothly. So, I asked:“What’re you talking about? Is something wrong?” He pointed out of his window. “I think that’s a dead deer.”

Many patients live with low back pain that radiates to the buttock, groin, thigh, and even knees. The challenge for patients, and often their doctors, is determining the origin of the pain — the hip, the spine, or both. A new article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) outlines the identical symptoms associated with hip and spine pain and discusses the diagnostic steps and tests required to treat them appropriately.

In the last article, we covered the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), which set the stage for Japan's involvement in World War I. Before turning to Japan’s role in the war, it is helpful to briefly review how the conflict began. World War I started on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist on June 28, 1914. Germany supported Austria-Hungary, while Russia backed Serbia. Europe was soon drawn into a kind of conflict it had never seen before.

Arbor Day is approaching for our local states (TN March 6; KY April 3; VA April 24), and it’s a worthy recognition of the importance of trees in our lives. Here in the mountains, they are omnipresent, with every scenic vista tree laden. Every home is full of tree stuff, from bananas to the roof trusses, and every breath we take has some tree oxygen in it. What follows are some quotes and a little poetry spoken by wise people on the importance of trees.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2026) – The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle for the Arts Fund for East Tennessee and the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund.

The 2026 arts grant cycle will support nonprofit organizations advancing arts and cultural programming across East Tennessee. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of government, and public educational institutions may submit one application and apply to only one of the two available funds. Grant requests may be made for up to $15,000, with awards distributed over a two-year term. Applications opened February 2, 2026, and must be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern through ETF’s online grant portal.

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.