Marital vs. Martial

Before I married, I thought myself an expert on the subject. It did not matter that I was not a trained marriage counselor, I shared advice with anyone who would listen. I charged them what it cost me—absolutely nothing.
Now that I’m married, I realize how little I knew about marriage. I know less now than the day I said “I do”. I am thankful that all that marital advice I’ve given for years was free. It was worth what it cost.
I remember when I married sixteen years ago that the marriage license in Tennessee cost less if the couple underwent counseling from a minister. I believe the counseling was to be provided by the minister who would officiate at the ceremony. Our marriage began with sound advice from a man whose own marriage lived as testimony to the sanctity of the marital vows. Rev. Oliver Wolfenbarger, whose own marriage had lasted for the greater part of five decades at the time, presided at the event that bound my wife and me in the holy bonds of matrimony.
Baptist weddings are well known for brevity. Most of the work surrounding a marriage ceremony occurs before and after the event. After our brief ceremony in the church sanctuary, we along with any guests who chose proceeded to the basement for the reception.
Sadly for some, the reception and/or honeymoon is the highlight of the entire union. Where did the term “honeymoon” originate? According to an email I once received:

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. [Wonder the reason!] Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.

A football coach was once asked after a monumental loss what the turning point of the game had been. He replied, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In some marriages the turning point is the wedding march, not to be confused with a funeral dirge. Sometimes it is the honeymoon. It is supposed that most honeymoons involve lots of intimate, physical romance between newlyweds, though it must be remembered that there is a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can’t get away!
I have seen couples who, at least from my limited outside perspective, embody the ideal of marriage. Marriage is recognized by the Baptist faith as a lifetime vow in the sight of God between a man and a woman who love each other and want to merge their two lives into one. Such people do not marry for infatuation or physical intimacy but for the correct reason—love. I once heard that a person should marry someone with whom he/she can talk, for as age increases physical intimacy decreases, increasing the importance of communication.
Traditional marriage at one time was held in high esteem in American society. In the idealistic early days of 1950s television, physical relations between married couples were downplayed and respected. I have been told that the first couple to be shown in bed together on prime-time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Shame on those “dirty” toons!
The latter half of the twentieth century saw traditional marriage give place to “alternate lifestyles” such as a written, legally binding contract. Any man who enters into such a situation should make wise use of the fact that men are better at reading smaller print than are women.
Whatever the arrangement, some people enter marriage with low expectations for happiness and success. The parties are protected by such things as prenuptial agreements. A running back was purportedly asked why his marriage ceremony was held before noon. He replied, “Because if it didn’t work out, I didn’t want to blow the whole day.”
There are those who have been known to marry for money. That might look good to those on the outside, but some who marry for money later find themselves miserable. For a wonderful musical story about this, listen to Conway Twitty’s marvelous song “She Only Meant to Use Him”. That song puts to a lie the belief that though money can’t buy happiness, it sure makes misery easier to live with. It did not work that way for the lady in Conway’s song.
A football coach supposedly said, “I have a lifetime contract. That means I can’t be fired during the third quarter if we’re ahead and moving the ball.” This is not necessarily true in marriage. It is often as easy to separate or divorce as it is to marry. This happens in those unions which did not epitomize the marital ideal. It is relatively easy in today’s society for a couple to “unite” in marriage; conversely, it is often as easy to divorce as it is to reverse two letters in the word “unite” to “untie” the vows that bound.
It is interesting that in some cases marriage is like a hard-fought football game with only two players. Sometimes spousal abuse enters the picture. Sadly, there is a long history of abuse within marriages. According to information I received in an email, in the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. That is where the phrase “the rule of thumb” originated.
To complicate matters, sometimes participants from the sidelines (e.g., in-laws, gossipy friends and neighbors, homewreckers) hone in on the action. It has been said that behind every successful man is his woman. Sometimes, behind the fall of a successful man is another woman from the outer limits. (The same applies to women—marital trouble is no respecter of gender.) I don’t believe many couples marry intending to fail. Happy is the married couple that can live together in clear conscience, even if due to a fuzzy memory.
The old cliché says that the spouse is the last to know. A football coach was once asked why his team had lost a game. He replied, “I won’t know until my barber tells me on Monday.” Perhaps better to be told by the barber than the mailman!
In most broken relationships, there seems to be an effort to place blame on someone. A husband might say to his wife (or vice versa), “I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.” I distinctly remember my aunt once telling my uncle, “You are the cause of all my misery and suffering.”
Should a man find himself in an unhappy marital situation, there is the occasional respite. For some it is the “man cave”. There is also the wide world of sports. According to an email I received, many years ago in Scotland a new game was invented. It was ruled “Gentlemen Only . . . Ladies Forbidden”—thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
Some come to regret their marriages. A football coach once said he thought his team’s “execution” was a good idea. My mother many times told with great pleasure of a man who said, “Before I married my wife I could just have ‘eat her up’. Afterwards, I wish I had!” Some who have “tied the knot” later wish it was tightly “bound” around their spouse’s neck.
Sometimes distressed married couples attempt to reconcile with assistance from a marriage counselor. In some cases, this is effective, and the marriage is saved. Some couples have come to believe they can’t go to hell because their marriage is hell on earth. Other times, a marriage counselor serves as a martial diplomat, someone who convinces troubled couples that the hell they’re in is truly paradise. Kind of reminds me of the episode of The Andy Griffith Show in which the married couple can only be kind to other people when they’re being mean to each other.
And sometimes there are second and possibly subsequent marriages. Someone once said, “You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.” Sometimes impetuous lovers enter into marriage too quickly without having given proper thought to the future. Remember these words of wisdom: the early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
In closing, men can take comfort in the fact that women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are hot stuff. Notwithstanding, I caution husbands everywhere: it was women who invented bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers. Women can also hear better than men, and women seem to remember everything that is to their spouse’s detriment. Remember this, gentlemen, before you go head to head with your wife—women are smart and creative!
I leave you with a final word of advice—should you need marital counseling, choose anyone but me! You can only be the better for it.

Don Meredith, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback once said:
"Coach Tom Landry is such a perfectionist
that if he was married to Raquel Welch,
he would expect her to cook.”

My spouse says I have 2 faults.
I don't listen and . . . something else.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

A question asked on the Hollywood Squares:
Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.

If the world were a logical place,
men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.

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Articles

Family Community Education Club in Union County

Have you heard of FCE clubs? Perhaps you have heard of the homemaker’s club. Family & Community Education clubs (FCE), formerly known as the homemaker’s group, have been around for a long time.
While 4-H clubs have been a way of building community and skills among youth throughout Tennessee history, FCE clubs have been doing the same for adults. The goal of FCE clubs is to strengthen the home and community by improving the quality of life of individuals and families through continuing education, leadership development and community service.

It’s Reverse Raffle Time Again!!

Only a few tickets left in 2023 after pulling over 1500 tickets out one by one.

East TN Lions club is holding their 9th annual Reverse Raffle! In a Reverse Raffle, all the tickets are pulled out one-by-one until there are only 3 tickets left. The third to the last ticket wins $500. The second to the last ticket will win $1000. And the LAST remaining ticket, after all the others have been pulled, is the Grand Prize winner of $2000.

Sciatica and pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes. obviously, it’s a wonderful phase of life. But it’s also a challenging time. Extra weight brings a shift to the center of gravity. This causes new sensations, and, in some cases, discomfort.

Cranky

There are many advantages to growing up on a farm. For me, one of those was having well water to drink. But I when I tell people that, some are not sure what to think.

Five, Six, Pick Up Sticks

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could . . . (Mark 14: 6-8a KJV).

Smelt Dipping

What does springtime in Tennessee lack? That’s easy. Smelt. A few years ago I found one package in Food City’s frozen foods. I have searched for them every year since, but to no avail.

Periwinkles: the Snail Not the Flower

Periwinkles are tiny freshwater snails commonly seen in clear mountain streams and a sign of unpolluted waters..

Anyone who has hiked and crossed a mountain stream or took a cold drink out of a spring has likely seen periwinkles, which look like small black pebbles scattered about in the water. Closer inspection reveals that they are freshwater snails. I’ve been told by my older kin that seeing these little guys in a stream indicated that the water was clean enough to drink. I wouldn’t go that far about the purity of the water, but they are partially right in that these snails are environmentally sensitive and good indicators of unpolluted streams.

Union hosts Imagination Library Roundtable

Left to right: Michelle Faulkner, mandi Duddath, and Kay Hurst discuss story book trails during the Imagination Library Regional Roundtable.

Union County Imagination Library hosted the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Regional Roundtable on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Luttrell Library Community Center. GELF is celebrating 20 years of promoting early literacy since its founding under Governor Phil Bredeson in 2004. Mayor Jerry Lawson of Luttrell warmly welcomed the group and shared some of the events to promote children's activities and how important Imagination Library is to Luttrell as well as his own family.

Thunder Road Printing & Graphic Design Celebrates 10 Years

greeting guests at the 10th Birthday

Marvin Jeffreys and Mitch Lester greet guests, Shannon Brooks of FirstBank and Mayor Jason Bailey, at the 10th Birthday Party.

Thunder Road Printing & Graphic Design kicked off its month long 10th birthday celebration on March , 2024 in Maynardville. Marvin Jeffreys manages the business for Mitch Lester, owner of American Business Equipment, Inc. Everyone enjoyed cake and signing up for door prizes. The door prizes will be given away on March 29.

Easter Egg Hunt in Wilson Park

Calling all Easter Egg Hunters in Union County between the ages of 1 and 10 years old!! We have it on good authority that the Easter Bunny will be visiting Wilson Park in Maynardville on Sunday March 31!! All children from anywhere in the county are invited to come help find some of these eggs! The Hunt is sponsored by the American Legion Post 212 and will start at 3:00. To make it fair, the Hunt will be divided into age groups. Kids from 1 to 3 years old will have their own group. Those 4-6 years old will hunt together and young folks 7-10 years old have their own hunt!

Strengthen the core

It’s good, of course, to keep all your muscles strong and limber. But the strength of the body’s core — the muscles in your belly and mid- and lower back — is one of the keys to long term health and stability as you grow older.

Veterans Luncheon Successful and Tasty!

Over 20 Union County Veterans enjoyed another fantastic meal at the American Legion Building at noon on March 4th! Veteran Volunteers Audry Hanken, Bob Horner, Sally Jones, and Carla Moman prepared a most delicious lasagna, garden salad, garlic rolls and a low sugar chocolate pudding with graham cracker dessert! Delicious food all prepared with gratitude and served free to any and all Union County Veterans! Are you a Veteran? Were you there? Be sure to catch the next meal crafted with love and thanks by Margo McCaffery and the Union County Veteran Volunteers!!

A Matter of Interpretation

It is an old cliché that there are two things no one can escape in this world—death and taxes. Governments throughout history have supported themselves with taxes from their citizens. The Bible references taxation in several places. Jesus was born while his earthly parents were on a journey to be counted in a census in response to a decree that all the world should be taxed. One of Jesus’ disciples was a tax collector. Zacchaeus, who climbed a sycamore tree the Lord for to see, was a tax collector.

Wrongway Feldman

As Tim drove the car back down Mine Road, I felt like Wrongway Feldman from the TV series “Gilligan’s Island.” In case you’re unfamiliar with him, he was a pilot who always flew his plane in the wrong direction. While we weren’t traveling in an airplane, we were traveling in the opposite direction from our destination.

Daffodils are the Harbingers of Spring

Daffodils blooming are a sure sign of Spring, and have a long local and world history.

Nothing says Springs-a-comin’ like seeing Daffodils spotting the countryside. They are of particular interest to me because I’m a mountain history nerd, and they often point to old cabin sites that I like to check out when I’m out exploring

Alder Springs Celebrates 175th Year

Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate their 175th Anniversary on Sunday April 7, 2024. The celebration will be during the 11:00 am worship service with lunch to follow. All former Pastors and past and present members are welcome.
Alder Springs Church was established March 31, 1849 by a group of people who gathered under a Pear Tree. The name Alder Springs came from a spring where an alder bush grew. This land was on the corner of Hickory Star and Little Valley Road. The alder bush was still there until some clearing was done several years ago.

Commission updated on grants, jail, 911, Rush Strong, pantry

Mayor addresses Commission

Mayor Jason Bailey reads the updated information on several grants, both active and potential, during the February Union County Commission Meeting

At the February 24 Union County Commission Meeting, Mayor Jason Bailey explained that the Healthy Built Environment Grant through the Tennessee Department of Health has increased its funding to $100,000 and can be used to build multi-purpose sports fields. These fields could increase the opportunities for recreation on property at the back of Wilson Park.

UCHS Patriot Band concerts May 2, May 18

Teena Venable graduated from the University of Tennessee in May of 1977 and moved to Maynardville that August to start a band program for the schools. She discovered that there was a lot of musical talent in Union County.
At that time, the high school band was open to all grade levels. When she was starting out, Ms. Venable had eight students who already knew how to play and a small group of beginning musicians. Those eight students proudly marched in the 1977 Homecoming Parade.

UCBPA to host 27th Prayer Breakfast

Suzanne Stelling, author of Woodbine Chronicles.

Suzanne Stelling, author of Woodbine Chronicles, will be the keynote speaker at the 27th UCBPA Prayer Breakfast.

The Union County Business & Professional Association will host its 27th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday, March 29, at First Baptist Church on Main Street.
Buttercup Bakehouse will cater a full hot breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits with gravy, fruits, cinnamon rolls, pastries, coffee, and juice. Pastor Corey Carroll of First Baptist will offer the warm welcome and caring invocation and Pastor Kathy Chesney of Miller's Chapel UMC and Irwin's Chapel UMC will close with the inspirational benediction.

Mayor Bailey addresses UCBPA member meeting

Mayor Jason Bailey addressed UCBPA regarding grants
and county projects.

Union County Mayor Jason Bailey addressed the Union County Business & Professional Association on February 13, at the First Bank Conference Room. He shared information on the more than $20M in active grants that his office has secured mostly in the past three years.
He also noted that his office will be applying for over $2.2M more in grants this year. Part of the grants were gifts from the federal or state government. The majority of the other grants have no local tax money needed to match the grant.

March 1 is National Pig Day

Kennedy Hill, Landon Jessee, Logan Jessee, Edward Beeler, Reed Reno, Ariona Payne, William Beeler, Jasmine Emert, and Ben Woods

Union County 4-H would like to celebrate National Pig Day with recognition for the 4-H Swine Project. Union County 4-H Swine Project wraps up the 2023-24 season with seven participants. The Swine Project consists of 4-H members who raise weaned feeder pigs to an ideal weight of 250 pounds. Swine projects provide youth with opportunities to expand their knowledge of swine production and, more importantly, develop the life skills that are needed to be positive contributors to society.

Age with grace and health

We are living longer and, if you play your cards right and have taken care of yourself, this is a wonderful thing. Good genes certainly help, but healthy lifestyle practices are just as important in continuing to live a productive life. Here are some tips the American Chiropractic Association recommends for aging with grace and health:

The first Home Demonstration Agent in Tennessee

Sealing contest at the Tennessee State Fair, 1912. Moore is on the far right.

In Tennessee, March is Extension month. I thought I would share a story about the first woman to begin the Home Demonstration clubs here in Tennessee, specifically within our university. The woman I am talking about is Virginia Pearl Moore. We are going to dive into her life and accomplishments to see what all she has done for the University of Tennessee and the Home Demonstration Clubs, now known as Family and Community Education Clubs or FCE for short.

Team Haase

Buying and selling a home should be a fun adventure! When you have real estate professionals dedicated to helping you before, during and after your transaction, anticipating bumps in the road or issues, and working to bring out best outcomes of every stage of the process, you can focus on what matters the most—whether that’s finding your next dream home, finding that amazing second home, or selling a property for top dollar.

The Journey Home

John “Coon” Miller smiled as he mounted the chestnut drawn buggy bound for his homestead on the Bull Run Creek. He was finished spending the day at his tavern on the Cumberland Gap Road. Long ago, he had had the log structure constructed for the weary travelers who came from Knoxville on their treacherous journey to the Upper Cumberlands. It was now a popular overnight lodging for passersby and a great place to catch up on the local news. Today had been a long day and he was past ready to relax for the rest of the evening.

Our springtime church reunion: The good and the bad

The song of Eddy Arnold’s “Christmas Can’t Be Far Away” reminds me that spring can’t be far away. We’ve had a rough winter with the biggest snow (which started January 14) since the blizzard of 1993.
The snowstorm of this past January left ten inches on our deck. The temps went down below zero for two nights, but we made it through, and now let’s hope we have a long spring this year.

Glad tidings

2 Corinthians 4-7 is actually a continuation of Paul’s expression of true love to the Church at Corinth. The Apostle is serving the Corinthians by sacrificing his worldly fame to tell the whole truth of the Gospel. As many commentators before me have already said the message of the Cross of Christ is a paradox. Jesus told the brothers James and John in the presence of their Mother that Greatness in Heaven is obtained via becoming a servant. Jesus ushered in his Kingdom, by becoming a servant obedient to a death of crucifixion. God’s love for the world is his good news.

Sycamore is easy to identify in winter

Sycamore is easy to identify in winter by its bleached
white upper limbs and multi-colored bark.

Sycamore (Planatus occidentalis) is a very common tree in our area and easy to find growing along streams and lakes. It is also one of the easier trees to identify in the woods because all of its identifying features stand out.
The leaves of sycamore are large, and as broad as they are long, with a big-toothed edge. The leaf also has a fuzzy underside that can be a source of respiratory irritation. The fruit forms in the fall as a cluster of seeds forming a perfect brown ball about an inch or two in diameter, hanging from a long stem and persisting into winter.

R is for Ride

It’s a good thing my mom is brave because she’s the one who taught me how to drive.
It’s funny how different my mom and I are. For instance, driving came natural to her. Before she had her driver’s license, she was driving trucks and tractors across Papaw’s farm. Sometimes when Mamaw Girdle/Myrtle wanted an ice cream, she would give my then-12-year-old mother money for one. My mom would hop on the tractor and drive up to the store and buy her ice cream.

Lemon and Honey Salmon

Salmon likes to be sweetened. Honey will do just that. Try this easy recipe. Place salmon filet on 7- x 10-inch rimmed baking pan. Drizzle olive oil over salmon. Season with salt and pepper. Place lemon slices end to end on filet. Drizzle with honey. Bake in preheated 450 F oven for 15 minutes or less. Do not overcook salmon.

About my love of animals

A girl and her donkey friends

I have mentioned in a previous article about my love for animals and listed some of the animals that I love. I thought this month I would expand on that and tell you a little more about them and why I love them. I will start with my absolute favorite animal.
My favorite animal on the planet is the bettong. Have you ever heard of this animal? I had not heard of it until I saw it on an episode of the Rachael Ray show.

The Last Hunt

By Robert Wyrick
To the best of my recollection, it was the winter of 1953 when my cousin Ralph came up from his home in Loyston to my place in Hickory Valley to spend a few days to help my daddy in his radio repair shop.
Now, as my luck would have it, Ralph brought along Old Rattler, his blue tick hunting dog. At the time, Rattler was known far and wide as the best possum dog to ever roam the hills of Union County.

Union County Public Speaking Contest

James Whitley- Front row in the middle.

The Union County 4-H Public Speaking Contest allows youths to highlight their exceptional presentation abilities in a supportive environment. Youth learn from professionals as well as their fellow 4-H members.
On February 6th, 2024, 4-H member grades 4-8 gathered at Horace Maynard Middle School for the annual County Public Speaking contest.

History of Southern Gospel, Part II

Part of the basis of Southern Gospel were traditional postbellum shape note singing schools. At that time, shape note singing was most popular among rural singers. According to James Goff, Jr in his book “Close Harmony: History of Southern Gospel”, itinerant singing school instructors organized shape singing local, regional, and even national singing conventions and local quartets sung the latest gospel hymns.

Chiropractic care and stress

Managing the stress in your life — and most of us have it to one degree or another — is essential to keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Stress comes from many directions and makes itself known in a variety of ways. It might show up as a headache, tight muscles, nausea or back pain. It’s generally caused by outside factors, some obvious, like fretting over financial problems, and others not so much, maybe even planning for a joyous occasion like an impending wedding.

Spider in the Copier

The oddest things seem to happen to me. Most of them are funny or weird, but there
was one that was downright creepy.
I used to work in an office that had a tall copier. Actually, it was a scanner, copier, and
printer. Every day, I used it many times and in all three capacities. While I was waiting on it to finish the job, I would often look out the back door since it wasn’t far from the copier.

The Angels of God

I once received an email from a friend which said, “No true Southern boy would ever say, “Here’s an episode of Hee Haw that we haven’t seen.” I’m sure that’s true, though a truly Southern boy would have said, “. . . that we ain’t seen.”
I noted that bluegrass banjo player and cast member of Hee Haw Roni Stoneman passed away this past Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Pork chop suey

We made this dish often in the 1950’s. We had just come out of WWII with all the shortages that occur during wartime. It was time to try something new, like pizza or chop suey. In Dutch oven, brown meat in hot oil. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt. Drain off excess oil. Place meat in 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Combine sprouts onion, green pepper and rice. Add to pan. Gradually add milk and soy sauce to soup, stirring until smooth.

Planting Balled Trees

Taking the trouble to plant a tree right greatly improves its chances to survive and grow into a handsome tree.

Back in the day planting balled trees or trees grown in buckets was pretty straightforward: Dig a hole wider and deeper than the root ball, mix peat moss or other soil amendment with the soil and plant the tree. But some research has resulted in more stringent guidelines for urban trees. The new recommendations assure that roots have a chance to grow into the surrounding soil and produce healthy branches, foliage, and roots. Here’s an overview.

Union county veterans wall

It stands up on a hill behind the high school and overlooking Wilson Park. Many have seen it from a distance, but not too many people stop by. In different parts of the US, some of the walls honoring and remembering Veterans are made of black granite or marble. The concrete Union County Veterans Wall was first painted black to represent the bleakness, the abyss some veterans feel when returning to civilian life and there is a touch of red along the top to represent the blood that was shed during conflicts.

Menu for Veterans March 4 at High Noon

Veterans dinner

Military Veterans! You are invited to join Post Commander Darrell White and other Union County veterans at High Noon on Monday March 4 at the American Legion Hall on Veterans Rd. An Italian experience is planned with homemade Lasagna, bread, salad and dessert. Meals will be served on the first floor. There is no charge for this meal. For those who would like to attend, the monthly meeting of the American Legion New Liberty Post will be held after the luncheon at 1:00 upstairs in the building.

Take a Walk

Walking may be, pound for pound, the most accessible, beneficial and inexpensive form of exercise available. The American Chiropractic Association recommends it as a way to stay fit.

A Short History of Southern Gospel

The original Fisk Jubilee Singers introduced ‘slave songs’ to the world in 1871 and were instrumental in preserving this unique American musical tradition known today as African American spirituals.

We enjoy the precision of the close 4-part harmony and inspirational messages in Southern Gospel music. But how did this form of music come about? The oldest tradition of Christian hymns was the singing of Old Testament Psalms.

The Big BANG Theory

When I was a kid I was no stranger to guns—that is, toy guns. All kinds of toy guns—from cap pistols to plastic machine guns—but never actual BB guns. My mother was too much like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, afraid I’d shoot my eyes out!

Them Rides

Who doesn’t like having things to look forward to? As a child, birthdays and Christmases were at the top of my list. If you’re thinking it’s because of the presents, you would be correct. Next, was going to the fair. While there no gifts, there was plenty of adventure to be had.

Hawaiian chicken

Arrange chicken breast halves in crock pot. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Remove chicken breasts. Serve. Note: you could thicken sauce with cornstarch and serve with the chicken breasts and mashed potatoes.

Local Rivers Were Early Interstates

Before railroads local rivers were used to transport resources like timber and iron to industrial centers to feed a growing nation.

Back in the early and mid-1800s the industrial age combined with a growing population created a high demand for raw materials to make products, especially from wood and metals such as iron and lead. Our area had metal ore deposits to produce pig iron in locally owned furnaces fueled by wood charcoal and coke. Pig iron needed to be shipped to big cities like Chattanooga where it was refined and made into metal products such as tools and farm implements.

Events

Authors Guild of Tennessee

The Authors Guild of Tennessee (AGT) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Faith Lutheran Church in Farragut. Social time and book exchange begins at 10:30. Published authors are invited to attend. AGT is now accepting applications for associate membership from authors who have written a book but are not yet published. Serious authors only. In the event of inclement weather, check the AGT Website for updates and information: authorsguildoftn.org.

Spring Tour With Museum Mike!

"Come by the Lenoir Museum at 1:00pm on Saturday's throughout the spring for a tour with Museum Mike! These tours will occur on a weekly basis. These tours are completely free, but please consider registering and donating to the Museum! 100% of your donation stays in our Lenoir Museum and is used for programs, interpretive displays, and other improvements. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Lost Creek Reunion is June 9

Lost Creek Church

Anyone with ancestors who attended Lost Creek Church or have ancestors buried in Lost Creek Cemetery may want to mark June 9, 2024, on the calendar. Fred Gibson and members of the Union County Cemetery Association will hold a reunion at the new Union County Forestry Building at the entrance to Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area.

Alder Springs Anniversary

Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church

Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 708 Hickory Star Rd. Maynardville TN, will celebrate it's 175 the Anniversary on Sunday, April 7,2024. The celebration will be during the 11:00 an worship service with lunch to follow. If you know of any former pastors or their relatives, we would love to hear from them so we can give them a special invitation for that celebration.

Obituary

Susan Gaye Harrell

Susan Gaye Harrell-age 62 of Knoxville passed away Friday, March 15, 2024.
Survived by daughters, Candace Brock, Sonya Butcher; sister, Donna Walker; Grandchildren, Samantha Pass, Brandon Bowling, Dylan Bowling, Braxton Butcher, Carson Butcher; great-grandchildren, Sabrina Pass, Donald Pass along with many other family members and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Debbie Ann "BB" Buckner

Debbie Lynch “BB” Buckner – age 59 of Washburn, formerly of Luttrell, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, William Randy and Dian Lynch; sisters. Nina Bell, Tammie “TT” Lynch; brother, William Darrell Lynch; nephews, William Cody Lynch, Joshua Reed; loving boyfriend, Gene Gibson.

Carolyn Skeen

Carolyn Grace Skeen – age 88 of Corryton, passed away peacefully at NHC Farragut Memory Care on Thursday, March 14, 2024. She was very artistic and loved to draw and work crossword puzzles. Carolyn retired from St. Paul Ins. Co. after working there for many years as a Claims Adjuster Supervisor. She was also a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Halls.

Lisa Gilbert

Lisa Gilbert-age 59 of Sharps Chapel, the best mom in the world, went to be with the Lord Monday, March 11, 2024, at North Knoxville Medical Center. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy “Thumby” and Willie (White) Brantley; brothers, Troy and Claudia (Rowe) Brantley, Willis “Buzz” and Susie (Chumley) Brantley, David and Carolyn (Chumley) Brantley, Norman Brantley, Charlie Brantley, Arnold Brantley, Darrell Brantley all of Sharps Chapel.

Joshua Walker

Joshua Walker – age 44 of Maynardville, was called to his heavenly home on March 8th in the year of our Lord 2024. He loved his family and he enjoyed cooking for them and his friends. Josh was a gifted musician and left an unforgettable impact on everyone he met. He will be dearly missed and we will forever be grateful for the time that we were blessed to share with him.

Paul Junior Muncey

Paul Junior Muncey-age 65 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family and friends after a three-year battle with cancer. He was of the Baptist faith. Worked as the maintenance man at the Cedars Apartments and Stonegate Apartments. Preceded in death by his step-son, Tony Wood; parents, Martin and Gertrude (Pratt) Muncey; siblings, Jimmy, Clifford and Sharon Muncey; Edna (Sissy) Strevel.

Delbert Turner

Delbert Turner, (77), of New Tazewell, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on March 7th, 2024. Delbert was born to Wiley and Louetta Turner, on August 19, 1946, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Dewey McCall Raley

Dewey McCall Raley-age 91 of Corryton passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, when his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called him home with his loving family by his side. He was born September 27, 1932, in Central Peninsula, Union County Tn. He was a devoted member and deacon of Hubbs Grove Baptist Church. He was a devoted and loving husband to Bobby Helen (Wyrick) Raley for 50 yrs until her passing in 2003. He was a devoted and loving father to his four children Darrell, Debbie, Daniel, and Don.

Natasha Hope Snelson

Natasha Hope Snelson-38 of Maynardville passed away suddenly at her home Wednesday, March 6, 2024. She was her own unique person. Preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Snelson; brothers, Rick Snelson, Mike Snelson, Tommy Snelson; biological father, Lee Bussell; biological brother, Brian Bussell.

Kevin Brown

S. Kevin Brown – born June 17, 1967 in Knoxville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the age of 56. He loved hunting, fishing and being outside and he was so passionate about his work as a brick mason.

Fredda McHaffie

Fredda “Hippie” Lynn McHaffie – age 60 0f Maynardville, passed away March 4, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was of the Baptist faith. Fredda loved life and was a very caring and generous person that would give you the shirt off her back. She never met a stranger and once she set her mind to do something she did it.

Lawrence Henry "LH" Wolfenbarger

Lawrence Henry “LH” Wolfenbarger-72 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the U.T. Medical Center. He was a member of Cedar Ford Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Agnes Marie (Grisby) Wolfenbarger; great great granddaughter, Lanie Grace.

He is survived by his children, Melinda and Mike Grace, Dwight Wolfenbarger, John and Daphne Wolfenbarger; sister, Johnnie Sharp; nephew, Wesley Sharp and many cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of friends.

Johnny Aurther Chadwick

Johnny Aurther Chadwick – age 80 of Luttrell, went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 3, 2024. Johnny was a diesel mechanic and loved to fish and drive racecars. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Brenda Joyce Chadwick; parents, Charlie and Mary Chadwick; sons, Ray Shanks and John (L.J.) Chadwick; brothers, Larry Chadwick, Chuck Chadwick and Ronnie Chadwick.

Jamie Earl Shoffner

Jamie Earl Shoffner-47 of New Tazewell went home to be one of God’s angels after being one on earth for 47 years, Thursday, February 29, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. He graduated from Horace Maynard High School Class of 1998. He attended Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his loving step-father, Jerry Lee Cole; aunts and uncles, Louise Bonnie Bailey, Inez Ellen Poore, Troy Yadon, Sr., Glen Yadon, Sr., Tom Shoffner, Steve Shoffner, Wanda Shoffner Sheckles; grandparents, Roy and Belvia Yadon, Charlie and Edna Shoffner.

Dennis Wayne Kitts

Dennis Wayne Kitts-45 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 29, 2024, at UT Medical Center, after a brief illness. He was saved at a young age. Preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Kitts Berkley; grandparents, Ted and Welmia Kitts, Donald and Thelma Beeler; aunts, Mary Kitts, Sandra Thomas; mother of his son, Sara Kitts.

Kennith Ronald Gibson

Kennith Ronald Gibson-45 of Tazewell, born May 16, 1978 passed away February 28, 2024. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his father, Kennith William Gibson; sister, Renosia Jane Noah; grandparents, William and Katherine Gibson, Curtis and Pansy Chumley; good friends, Steve Moore and Joe Burkhart.

He is survived by his mother, Diane Gibson; daughter, Lakota Gibson; son, Skylar Bishop; very special niece, Allison Noah and her father Allen Noah and other loving family members and friends.

Janice Jones

Janice Lynn (Buckner) Jones – age 80 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully and went to be with Jesus, Wednesday, February 28, 2024. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and was a volunteer at Tennova North Hospital and for the Union County Election Commission. Janice loved the lake, ocean and RV’ing. Most of all she loved her husband, Rick, her children and grandchildren and spending time with them.

Michael Wayne Bullen

Michael Wayne Bullen – age 69 of Corryton went to be with the Lord, Sunday, February 25, 2024 at U.T. Medical Center. He was a member and deacon of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Retired employee of Y-12 Oak Ridge. He was the best husband, dad, papaw/paw, brother, uncle and all-around great guy who was loved by many but loved others even more.
Preceded in death by his parents, Junior and Mildred (Marsee) Bullen.

Cheryl Jo Cooper

Cheryl Jo Cooper – age 42 of Knoxville, passed away suddenly Friday, February 23, 2024.
Preceded in death be her father, Pete Davis; brother, Charles “Chuck” Davis.
Survived by her son, Hunter Cooper; daughters Kylie Cooper, Karlie Cooper; mother, Betty Davis.
There are no services planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville.

Anthony "Tony" Frank Gilliam

Anthony “Tony” Gilliam-age 58 of Rutledge passed away Sunday evening, February 25, 2024 at his home. Preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Sue (Stapleton) Gilliam; sister, Sara Gilliam.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra McCarter; sons, Alex Gilliam, Connor Gilliam; grandchildren, Jaxon, Aliah, Korbin, Kason and other loving family members and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Danny Leon Collins

Danny Leon Collins-71 of Washburn passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at UT Medical Center. He was a member of Emory Road Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Zola Collins; brothers, Don, Delmar, Ronnie, Lonnie, and James; sisters, Marine, Onalee, Doris, Dora, Pauline, Brenda, and Mary.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dorothy Collins; sons, Rev. Danny (Cindy) Collins of Washburn, Eugene McIntosh of Knoxville; daughter, Shirley (Stephen) Owens of Hixson; grandson, Jacob Collins and several nieces and nephews.

Mildred Lou Ryder, Andersonville, Tn

Ryder, Mildred Lou, age 88 of Andersonville, went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2024 at Tennova North. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She also loved to hand sew quilts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oda & Gertie Ridenour Pike and her loving husband, Kenneth and 9 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Robin (Rhonda) Ryder, Kelvin (Debbie) Ryder and Rusty (Kelly) Ryder and her daughter Della (Scott) Heath. 9 Grand Children, 6 Great Grand Children and 2 Great Great Grand Children.

Gregory "Moon" Clifton Hunter

Gregory “Moon” Hunter – age 40 of Luttrell, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at his home. Moon was a great friend and loved his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, chickens, fast cars, hunting ginseng, and just taking relaxing drives. He was loved by many and will forever be in our hearts. Preceded in death by his daughter, Kourtney Hunter; sister, Mesha Young; father, Rickey Hunter.

Janice Faye Beason

Janice (Lay) Beason-age 60 of Sharps Chapel passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, February 24, 2024 at her home. She was a loyal, faithful member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church. Janice is preceded in death by her father, Sandy Lay.

Donald James D.J. Corum

Donald James “D.J.” Corum-age 45 of Luttrell went home to be with the Lord Thursday, February 22, 2024 at his home. D. J. loved his family and was very proud of his kids. Preceded in death by son, Dayton Corum; father-in-law: Bo Inklebarger; grandparents, Gene and Inez Hensley; grandmother, Naomi Corum.
Survivors: loving wife of 20 years, Comfort Corum; daughters, Aleigha Corum, Abby Corum; parents, Perry and Karen Corum; sister, Shonda Corum; brothers, Joshua Corum; Rev. Daniel Corum and wife, Lisa. Many nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.

Nicholas Trammell

Nicholas Tyler Trammell – age 25 of Powell, passed away February 18, 2024 in St. Paul. Minnesota. While Nick faced many difficult challenges, he never stopped being an audacious dreamer. His imagination and giddy laugh are the qualities most will recall.

James Herbert Bays

James Herbert Bays-86 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord Monday morning, February 19, 2024, at his home. He was of the Church of God faith. He enjoyed his long-time career as an over the road truck driver and had been to Canada, Mexico and every state except for Alaska. Preceded in death by his parents, Hayden and Lindy Bays; wives, Linda Darlene Bays and Bonnie Bays; children, Kathy Bays, Herbie Bays, Jerry Childress, David Childress, Angie Pollard; grandchildren, Misty Childress, Alex Childress, Kelley Childress, Josh Hunley; sisters, Maggie, Anne, Reba; brother, Esco Bays.

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