With grocery prices continuing to rise, many families are looking for ways to make their meals go a little bit farther. A few small changes in the kitchen can help you save money without giving up flavor or satisfaction.

One easy trick is to stretch your meat dishes by mixing in budget-friendly ingredients. Try adding refried beans, black beans or lentils to taco meat for extra texture and protein. Or, mix cooked quinoa, rice or oats into ground beef when making meatloaf, burgers or casseroles. These additions can nearly double your portions at a fraction of the cost.

In the heart of Maynardville, American Legion Post 212 stands as a beacon of remembrance and service, honoring those who have worn the uniform to defend freedom. Among its many traditions, one stands out in solemn reverence: the Empty Chair—a powerful symbol of those who were taken as prisoners of war (POWs) and never received a proper burial. This chair, draped with the unmistakable black POW/MIA cloth, is more than just an object; it is a sacred space that ensures these heroes are never forgotten.

Q: What conditions do chiropractors treat?

A: Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches, particularly with their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues, as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

At the Heritage Park Farmers Market Pavilion! Celebrate the season of gratitude with a cozy outdoor market full of fall flavors and early holiday cheer! Our Grateful Gatherings Market is the perfect place to stock up for Thanksgiving and start your holiday shopping. Shop fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, handmade crafts, and seasonal specialties—all while supporting local farmers and makers.

The Union County Children’s Charity “Under The Tree” 2025 Toy Drive is in full swing. Trees have been placed throughout the local businesses with green ornaments that have children’s Christmas wishes.
You can start pulling those ornaments with children’s wishes and begin shopping. After you shop, be sure to mark out the barcodes with black Sharpies, place in a black trash bag with the green ornament and and return to the business. It will be picked up by our elves and processed for distribution. Please do not wrap gifts. The deadline to have the bags back is Monday, November 24.

Last month, the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, hosted a Missing Person Investigation and Alert Training for local law enforcement partners. The training provided critical information to law enforcement on the many resources available when conducting a missing person investigation. This included the various alerts the TBI has the authority to issue, as well as practical investigative tactics for locating missing persons.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

White-tailed deer are widespread in our area and can be often seen along wooded edges or making a mad dash across the road. Even if you don’t see them, there are signs to look for when hiking in the woods that show their presence.

The Union County Extension Office will be hosting a Simmer Pot Kit Christmas Class on Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m. This festive and hands-on workshop will take place at the Union County Extension Office and offers a fun opportunity to learn new skills while preparing for the holiday season.

The Union County Extension Office invites the community to kick off the holiday season with a festive, hands-on Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Chuck Swan State Forest in Sharps Chapel.

The workshop will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 10 a.m. at 3500 Sharps Chapel Road, Sharps Chapel, TN 37866. The cost to attend is $20, and space is limited.

The 2nd Annual Veterans Family Picnic will be at Wilson Park on Saturday, November 15, from 11:00 – 2:00! This is a FREE event for all Veterans, their families, friends, and everyone else who appreciates the work and sacrifices these men and women have made for us and our country. We celebrate our Veterans!