Someone recently stated: “We’re churning out a generation of poorly educated people with no skill, no ambition, no guidance, and no realistic expectations of what it means to go to work.”
In the mid-1940s one Union County teacher in a rural two-room school estimated that he expected 20% of his students to go on to high school. This was higher than a colleague who expected that only about 8% of her elementary students would go on to high school. Interestingly, those teachers had “length[s] of term [of employment] expected” at eight months, one with a monthly salary of $83.
To some people in that post-Depression time, $83 per month would have been a lot of money. If my father had known what my salary would be in this year 2024, he would have thought I was going to be rich. Unfortunately, as my salary rose, so did expenses. My father would have given up in desperation to know that one day a dozen eggs would cost as much as a gallon of gasoline, both over $3.00. This very day, I went to the store and purchased two [off brand] gallons of milk, a container of [name brand] French vanilla coffee creamer, and three cinnamon rolls—total cost, approximately $23.00.
How times have changed. It is now expected that practically 100% of all public school students will graduate with a high school diploma. There is a further expectation that as many of them as possible will pursue some form of higher education, either college or a trade school.
For many, success in high school academics is difficult. Many times the “drama” of the public school environment is unpleasant and uncomfortable. It is so easy in our present society to avoid things that are inconvenient or uncomfortable rather than seeing them through to the finish. Eighteen-year-olds sometimes drop out of high school. It is sometimes hard to get today’s youth to understand that expectations for success in our society have changed, and that it is increasingly difficult to succeed without the bare minimum of a high school diploma. It would be harder for the “grandpas” of yesterday to succeed or survive financially today without a high school diploma.
Many who pursue higher education do not receive degrees. Those who graduate sometimes expect to quickly receive jobs with salaries that match or exceed those of their parents or coworkers who have been employed for decades. When demands and expectations are not met, jobs are abandoned, sometimes even before new employment is obtained.
I remember when I was in school being told that some of the jobs that would exist in my lifetime did not then exist. I have lived long enough to see that come to pass. It is hard to teach skills for jobs that don’t exist. That is why it is important for schools to teach students HOW to learn.
Ambition can be an interesting enigma. I remember that some of the smartest people in my class seemed unable to “find themselves”. It was President Theodore Roosevelt who said, “No man needs sympathy because he has to work. Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
Ambition is realized when a person finds meaningful work in their area of greatest interest. I have a niece who once told me that the two happiest people she knew in relation to work were her brother (a fireman) and me (an educator). She said we were lucky that we got to make a living doing the things that we wanted to do from the time we were kids.
My stepson was permanently disabled and received in-home health care for as long as I knew him. He had many nurses and caregivers who were just there for the job/money. They sometimes did the “bare minimum” (and sometimes not even that). Typically, these providers did not last very long in the demanding job of health care. On the other hand, my stepson had several loving nurses and care providers who saw their vocation as more than just a job and reached into the deepest parts of themselves to make the young man’s life as enjoyable as possible. In so doing, they themselves became better individuals, getting more than they ever expected the young man could give. This resulted in a sort of intrinsic freedom that few people are fortunate enough to experience in their chosen vocations.
Such people typically are considered the “keepers” in work situations. Conversely, their lesser-enlightened colleagues are the types whose jobs, friendships and marriages are often abandoned when there is strife in the relationship without any attempts at reconciliation.
A couple once announced that they were expecting a child. Someone said, “They can look out now!” I took a course in marriage and the family as an undergraduate in college. One of the main things I remember from that course is that a study was conducted that showed that marital happiness sharply declined when children were born. Once the children are raised and move out of the home, marital happiness increases, but never to the level that existed before the children were born.
It is no secret today that approximately half of marriages in America fail. I once read a statistic that the average American worker has eight different jobs during a lifetime of employment. A very important thing to teach young people is the art of seeing things through to the finish, or, as Union County Director of Schools Greg Clay would put it, turning obstacles into opportunities.
I remember in school being criticized by other students because I had no skills other than “book learning”. In particular, this one red-headed fellow was quite the expert at working on cars. He seemed to talk offense that I was considered smart in school. When he questioned me about carburetors and other car parts, it didn’t take long to see my total ignorance on the subject.
It seems that practically everyone is “smart” in some way—it is not just always in academics. I have many former students who did not do well academically in school, but I call those students when I need plumbing, carpentry, trees trimmed or body work done on my car. I also have former students who excelled in school and made excellent grades that are not doing as well as their peers who were not academically inclined.
Guidance can be so essential in helping a young person achieve life goals. I recently talked with Linda Irick, my good friend with whom I attended church in my youth. She and I reminisced about the wonderful support I received when I was growing up from the people in my family, my church, my schools, and the community. It is certainly a joy to think back to the times and those fine people who guided me, supported me, prayed for me, and went out of their way to help me be a success. I’m sure there are many who helped me in ways that were perhaps unaware to even them.
I was this very day talking with coworker Jonathan Smith about finances and what an important role they play in our adult lives and how they affect our families. Jonathan said it would be so meaningful if schools could teach a course in such things as medical/life insurance/investments, and similar financial matters to help young people see early the importance these things can have on financial success.
Goals are important, but setting realistic goals is of great importance. So often youth enter the job market expecting to make the same or higher wages than those who have been working at the same jobs for many years. A young person once applied for a job and was told, “The starting pay is $40,000. Later it can go up to $80,000.” The applicant replied, “Great. I’ll start later.”
I once read a poem that included the line, “It’s never too late, ‘til the tired heart ceases to palpitate.” After all, Thomas Jefferson, when he was eighty years old, helped President James Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine. True. Jefferson also began studying under his cousin’s teacher at age 5 and studied Latin, Greek and French when he was nine.
ANSWER TO QUESTION OF THE WEEK # 15
If FedEx and its competitor UPS merged into one company, what would the new company be named? FED-UP
QUESTION OF THE WEEK # 16
What did our parents do to kill boredom before the internet? (See next week’s article in historicunioncounty.com for the answer.)
EMAIL WISDOM
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it's such a nice change from being young.
One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of algebra!
There are three kinds of men:
The ones that learn by reading;
The few who learn by observation;
“The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.”
Every path has a few puddles.
When you die, God won’t ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
On July 20, Union County residents joined Mayor Jason Bailey, TN Rep Monty Fritts, Sheldon Livesay (Co-Ordinator for both National Day of Prayer and the TN Prayer Coalition), and Arnold Smallin (Chaplain for both the Tri-County Honor Guard and the Union County American Legion Post 212), at the County Courthouse for Pray4TN.
Monday August 5, the Veteran Volunteers will prepare dinner for all Union County Veterans and their spouses. All Veterans are invited to the free meal downstairs at the American Legion Building. The Volunteer chefs have pulled out all the stops with homemade pulled pork and smoked chicken served with beans and coleslaw. These meals provide an opportunity for Veterans to socialize, support and get to know each other. There is always plenty of food - and all spouses are warmly welcomed. Dinner is from 6:00-6:45 on the first Monday of every month.
You don’t have to be an adult to experience the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Kids sitting for hours in front of computers, televisions or hand-held devices are setting themselves up for problems later in life. Not only has childhood obesity reached epidemic proportion in the U.S., Chiropractors are seeing an increase in the number of children suffering from neck and back problems.
Did the title confuse you? Haven refers to a safe place. It’s like finding a port in a storm. So how can dirt be a safe place? Let’s just say I found out the hard way when I was in the seventh grade.
On that fateful morning in January 1978, my mom pulled up to let me out at Halls Middle School. Hanging over it was a dark ominous cloud. I hadn’t ever seen one as black as it was
Remember some of those things we had to do in school that we have never had to do since? I went to college, majored in English, taught in public school and community college and have worked in the Union County Public Schools for many years, but never since high school have I had to conjugate a verb or diagram a sentence. I’m sure that you, Dear Reader, can remember many other things you had to do in school that you have never used elsewhere in life.
I name this recipe a star when I was cooking at the Hickory Star Restaurant on Norris Lake. I hope you like it. The sour cream gives it an especially rich flavor. There aren't many ingredients. I hope you like it. Combine garlic, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and paprika for a marinade. Place chicken in large bowl. Pour marinade over chicken. Cover bowl.
This is a dog tick and can be a spreader of several diseases.
Used to early to mid-summer was considered tick season, but since here of late I have pulled them off me all twelve months, I no longer think there is a season. But warm weather gets more people outdoors, which ups the chance of contact with the little pests. I’ve also heard of several local folks that have gotten Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and they are other tick-borne diseases to be concerned about.
Arevelo School, built around 1940
Big Ridge Elementary School opened in 1960-1961 as the consolidated school assigned to receive Pine Grove students. Central View, Hickory Valley, Arevalo, and part of Burkhart were also included in the consolidation.
Arevalo Elementary School opened to students in 1st through 8th grade circa1924. Bonnie Heiskell Peters relates the origins of the name of the Arevalo School in Union County Schoolday Memories.
Union County Extension is thrilled to announce that Van Richardson has won multiple awards at the 2024 Tennessee State Junior Beef Show this June!
These are spectacular accomplishments that are literally years in the making. Winning a Grand Champion award requires commitment, dedication, and perseverance. Winning a Grand Champion award 4-H member bred and raised the animal is amazing. Van’s hard work, dedication, and passion for the beef industry have truly paid off. At this prestigious event, he showcased exceptional talent and skill, earning accolades that reflect his commitment to excellence.
Your hips, which bear considerable weight, can become painful as a result of injury or disease. They can also suffer from stress brought on by the improper alignment of other parts of the body. The hip joint, like the body’s other joints, is a point at which tendons, muscles and bones come together to allow particular movement. As with the other joints, the hips are susceptible to pain and discomfort.
It was one of those times when I had to do a double take. We were within a few miles from our house when Tim pointed and said: “Look, there’s a bear standing at the edge of the woods!” I have to admit that I was a little frightened at seeing one so close to my home. I don’t know about you, but back in the day, I don’t remember them being seen so far from The Smokey Mountains
There is a wonderful episode of The Twilight Zone that features a hunter portrayed by the late Arthur Hunicutt. The hunter takes his dog and goes hunting, but both drown. The story relates how the hunter and his faithful dog make their journey to the hereafter. The farmer is almost lured by trickery into entering hell (which the gatekeeper tries to disguise as Heaven). The gatekeeper tells the farmer that dogs are not allowed in Heaven, so the hunter says he’ll just keep going down the road. A little further the farmer indeed finds Heaven, to which his dog is also welcome.
Chicken Alfredo is great, but so is this dish with the shrimp. Don't buy raw shrimp you have to fuss with. Instead use a bag of frozen cooked salad shrimp. the only prep needed is cutting off their tails. Over medium heat, heat olive oil and garlic in skillet until starting to be bubbly. Add thawed shrimp (tails removed), cooked until heated through. Add mushrooms, tossing to combine. add chicken broth and the softened cream cheese. Simmer and stir until a smooth sauce emerges. Add grated Parmesan cheese and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
This wild black cherry is showing a red color stage, announcing that ripe fruit is on the way.
In mid to late summer if you’re out and about you will likely see plants bearing fruit going through color stages, especially blackberries right now. Blackberry and several other wild fruits go from green to red and finally black or blue when they fully ripen. As is almost everything in creation, there is a purpose to the color change.
Union County Extension will be hosting a Backyard Chicken Class.
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this class is for you! Learn everything you need to know about raising healthy chickens in your own backyard to sell or consume yourself.
Wanda Woods Cox Byerley
In the fall of 1986, Wanda Woods Cox (later Byerley), a former teacher at Pine Grove Elementary, a school with grades first through eighth, organized a reunion of former students and teachers.
Since the school was located close to the county line, students attended from Anderson and Union County. Most walked to school. Many of the early students went home for lunch.
Frequent musculoskeletal pain is linked with an increased risk of exiting work and retiring earlier, according to a new study from the University of Portsmouth. The paper found the association between musculoskeletal pain and retiring earlier persisted even after accounting for working conditions, job satisfaction and gender. The researchers found that people with musculoskeletal pain complaints tended to retire earlier compared to pain-free participants.
“It’s here!” Carefully I opened the cardboard envelope that my step mother had mailed to me and pulled out the yellowing piece of paper. When I first looked at it, I couldn’t breathe for a few seconds. On it was a drawing I had made for my daddy when I was a child. I was simply amazed that it hadn’t been lost or torn after everything it had been through.
Lorrie Morgan once did an excellent remake of an old George Jones song “A Picture of Me Without You”. The song asked the listener to imagine several things.
Imagine with me, Dear Reader, an America:
When fresh corn is in season this is a good soup for a rainy day. In large pot, stir together the celery sou. 4 cups corn, curry powder and 2 cups water. Over medium heat , bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium low. Cook until flavors blend, 10 minutes. Serve topped with remaining corn. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, tomato and parsley. Makes 6 servings.
It interests me how trees are so often intertwined with our culture and history. The July celebration of our independence is a good time to review the history of the Liberty Tree, a symbol for individual liberty and resistance to tyranny.
Asher makes an OMAVOL Orange snow cone for a waiting customer.
Last summer Asher Effler, a 10-year-old with an amazing work ethic, was trying to find something to keep him busy. He wanted something that he could organize, raise some money, and help somebody all at the same time. So he discussed his options with his parents and together they decided to set up a table in the front yard and give away snow cones for a donation. Then he would use the money to purchase stuffed animals for the children at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
Unanimous vote on budget resolution with no tax increase.
The Union County Commission approved all documents relating to the FY25 Budget unanimously, except for one negative vote by 3rd District Commissioner Kenny Moore on the Non-Profit Budget. The tax rate will remain the same.
The sheriff’s department will get a step increase of two percent. as will EMS. Other county employees will receive a six percent raise which moved them three steps on the pay scale.
Chairman Marty Gibbs explains the results of Director Greg Clay's evaluation while Andrew Reed reviews the proposed contract extension in his chrome book.
In the June meeting the Union County Board of Education extended Director Greg Clay’s contract to June 30, 2028.
Clay received high marks from teachers, administrators and school board members during the evaluation process.
Election Administrator Candy Booker continues a time honored tradition as she announces the Plainview and Maynardville election results from the courthouse steps in Union County.
The Plainview election has buzzed with anticipation as a record 171 votes were cast in the early voting. For the first time in recent memory, two candidates, current Mayor Gary D. Chandler and Commissioner Lynn Beeler, ran for Mayor of Plainview. Three candidates, Keith Brantley, Gordon Bright and Rebecca Lock challenged for two seats. On election day, 206 voted.
NASHVILLE – Road construction won’t slow motorists across Tennessee over the July 4 holiday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Wednesday, July 3, through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 8, to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.
AAA predicts record travel in Tennessee this year, with 1.4 million Tennesseans taking a road trip.
UCBPA President Tammie Hill awards Corum Bookkeeping Service First Place in the UCBPA Scholarship Benefit Golf Classic of 2024.
Union County Business & Professional Association hosted the 2024 Scholarship Benefit Golf Classic on June 15 at Three Ridges Golf Course.
Golfers enjoyed a complimentary lunch by Lil Jo's BBQ. Eight teams competed for the top prizes. Corum Bookkeeping Services was the tournament champion. The City of Plainview team was second and Union County Education Association took third.
Market shoppers looking over the beautiful greens available at the Thompson Farm booth. Photo by Holly Rainey
Do you remember those Saturday mornings when you attended the market and were able to taste some of that farm fresh produce? That’s the Farmers’ Market Fresh program and … we’re back! The market is in full swing at the Heritage Park pavilion with lots of farm fresh produce; spring produce, like all those healthy greens are still available, and tasty summer produce like heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and blueberries have already turned up at the market. Of course, meat, eggs, crafts and more (there are even dog treats!) can also be found at the Union County Farmers Market.
Low back pain is a major cause of disability around the globe, with more than 570 million people affected.
A systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted by an international team of researchers, included 95 studies with the goal of understanding the clinical course of low back pain.
For people with new back pain, pain and mobility problems lessened significantly in the first 6 weeks, but then recovery slowed. Many people with persistent low back pain (more than 12 weeks) continue to have moderate-to-high levels of pain and disability.
“Grandma, I’m hungry,” the little five-year-old girl said to her grandma. “Honey,” her grandma said back to her. “We are about out of food, but we will make it some way ’til Monday and get help with food from the Union County Food Pantry. You see, grandma and her husband, called Grandpa, were raising three grandchildren, the children of their daughter who left her kids with Grandma and Grandpa three years ago due to her being a heavy drug user. Her whereabouts are unknown and they don’t know if she is still alive.
A test: It’s been a long day at work. You meet your deadlines or finish your current project with no acknowledgement from your boss. Arriving at home, in your vehicle that is paid for but has very high mileage, you walk in the door and speak the words “hey I’m home”. Your family replies with “hey’s”and “I’m glad”. You’re hungry but supper isn’t on yet. You look at your garden growing out the window as you pass your refrigerator and freezer that are full of higher priced groceries. This gives you pause and you ask yourself, how are things going in my life right now?
Ray Lewis, Gail Bradley (my mom), Doug Clark, Mike Overton, and sitting next to him is his brother Carl Overton. Standing in the background is my uncle, Estell Clark. Sitting behind Carl is my daughter Sara Bunch.
If you know me, then you know that I’m not a fisherman. I struggle with being quiet, sitting still, and not falling into the creek. As for my husband and daughter, they not only love to fish, but they are also very good at it.
That being said, I have occasionally heard them fuss and get frustrated when they were trying to reel in a rather large fish. Unfortunately, some of the fish would fight and manage to get off the hook. That’s when they usually say: “You ought to have seen the one that got away.”
Do you have bananas hanging out on your kitchen counter? Are they a lovely shade of yellow flecked with brown? Those bananas are ready for these cookies. Bake 'em! Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix shortening, sugar, egg, and mashed bananas well. Add flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Stir in quick oats and chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Trees and American history collide.
The first American Navy consisted of six schooners paid for and pressed into service by none other than General George Washington in 1775. He pleaded with the Continental Congress that he needed a Navy immediately, but true to form, the Congress endlessly debated on the need for a Navy, how to organize and fund ships, and so on until Washington’s patience was at an end, so he funded the ships himself.
I love the following poem written by Emily Dickinson.
I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! They’d advertise – you know!
How dreary – to be – Somebody!
How public – like a Frog –
To tell one’s name – the livelong June –
To an admiring Bog!
I don’t know about you, Dear Reader, but I think I might be neurotic.
I first thought this because I repeatedly wake myself up at night pulling my hair, then rubbing my hand against my lips to see if I have pulled out any loose hair.
December 1794
Nicholas Gibbs stood on the banquette (baNGˈket) of the fort overlooking the wooded forest and mountain ridges. He had risen early from a light sleep before dawn to stay on watch for any uninvited guests. He had been there all day trying to get a glimpse of the Indian war party known to be in the area.
Your back and spine are made up of a complex latticework of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that are critical to the functioning of your entire body. The spinal cord, after all, the highway on which signals travel back and forth between the brain and the other parts of the body, runs down the middle of the back.
Did you have lots of pets when you were a kid? Not me and there’s a reason for that. The first one I ever had was Heidi. She was a German Shepherd puppy we got from a family friend. I was so excited when my daddy brought her home. At that time, I hadn’t developed my fear of dogs yet. Let me tell you, I loved that little dog. I played with her and she followed me around everywhere. Heidi was my little buddy. Then she became very sick. Apparently, the vet had given her liter too much worm medication. Unfortunately, Heidi didn’t make it. Needless to say, I was heartbroken.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a new replacement for it. I traveled to Murfreesboro for a meeting last Wednesday evening. I attended the meeting and returned home the following evening. On Friday morning I arose and proceeded to dress in old clothes to assist with the food distribution at Union County High School. As I was emptying pockets from the pants I wore on Thursday, I could not locate my checkbook.
Don't ask any of my three children, Tom, Anne and Elizabeth, if they want to go pick up stones. Why? Because they have already done more thantrheir share. I have never purchased stone to lay up a wall, etc.,not with so many stones out there just waiting for me to grab. Fieldstone makes a good wall. there are so many different shapes, colors and sizes. If the stone doesn't fit, it can be hammered down to size.
There are many ways to flavor deviled eggs. Some have pimiento cheese as an ingredient. Yes, this one does, too. Place eggs in large saucepan. Cover with 2 inch of water. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium low heat until lightly bubbling, Cover, turn off heat and let stand until cool. Drain and cover with cold water. Carefully peel eggs and rinse in cold water. Cut eggs in half lengthwise.
Dandelion is one of the few plants most people can name.
Everyone knows the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), which is usually found somewhere in your lawn unless herbicides are heavily used. This European import is probably enemy number one on the lawn weed list, but it is still an interesting study, being both an edible and a medicinal.
Old yearbook ads that have photos of some local businesses. Photo submitted by Carol Pratt
The Extension Office from 1972 records recorded the following written by the Agent. The Problems faced, what Extension did. Within five to ten years the Union County Extensions Office gathered information to help the county with establishing a council to assist with Planning Commission and other government on Resource Development. They gathered information to resolve problems in our rural community.
Union County 4-Her’s had a blast at 4-H camps this summer. Junior 4-H Camp was held June 10-14 with 31 Union County 4th-6th graders, 5 adult leaders, and 2 teen leaders attending. Junior High 4-H Camp will be held July 8-12th. Both camps are held in Greeneville at Clyde Austin 4-H Center, Monday through Friday annually.
The FCE club of Union County has been busy the last couple of months. In April, we attended the Spring Fling luncheon at Temple Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN. The Spring -Fling consisted on crafts, lunch, hat parade, awards ceremony, garden shop, and guest speakers Neal Denton and Heather Kyle from Knox County. On May 16th, we gathered at the Union County Extension Office for the annual Spring Luncheon!
In a large bowl, toss together baby spinach, blackberries, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, green onion, and walnuts
-Place berries in the refrigerator, unwashed, because excessive moisture can make them mold quickly.
-Spinach should be loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
-Store cherry tomatoes on the counter at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Wash just before eating.
Chiropractors may be best known for the procedure of spinal adjustment, but they have a variety of techniques at their disposal. one of them is massage therapy, an effective way to ease pain and loosen stiff muscles. Getting a massage is not just a way to pamper oneself at the spa. And there are different types of massage.
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see,
and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein,
and ye shall find rest for your souls.
But they said, We will not walk therein. (Jeremiah 6:16 KJV)
The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places;
yea, I have a goodly heritage. (Psalm 16:6 KJV)
How forgetful are you? While my age is a part of it, I have always struggled with my memory. For instance, back in high school I was desperately searching for my glasses one day before class. I worried about my mom having to buy me another pair. My teacher simply stated: “They’re on top of your head.” I reached up and pulled them down. Yep, that really happened.
Fresh tomatoes in the summertime are a treat. The winter hothouse ones are pretty but lack flavor. This is a summertime salad, place prepared vegetables in large bowl. Combine dressing ingredients and mix well. Pour over vegetables and lightly toss. Refrigerate at least 4 hours to allow flavors to blend. Serve on lettuce leaves.
"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!
Join us for faith based, fun filled afternoons of music, games, crafts a prizes!
Lunch & snacks will be provided!
Every wednesday beginning May 29th thru July 31st 12 Noon til 5:00 PM
ALL ages Welcome! (must be Potty trained）
Free Admission!!
Irwin's Chapel UMC - 358 Old Valley Rd - Sharps Chapel
Reserve your spot by clicking on the QR code below OR
RSVP by calling or texting: Pastor Kathy at 865-566-3289 or Mrs. Crystal at 305-495-7714
Union County Board of Education Workshop
Union County High School Thursday, June 13, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Union County Board of Education Special Called Meeting Union County High School Thursday, June 27, 2024
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. ...
The Union County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Union County High School. The workshop will start at 6:00 with the meeting immediately to follow.
UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSHOP
Union County High School
THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Agenda
The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education was scheduled for Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.
Charles Edward Weaver – age 75 of Luttrell TN, born May 2nd, 1949, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at his home. He was a member of New Friendship Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his ex-wife, Helen Weaver; parents, Jean and Silas Weaver; brother, Leonard Weaver.
Havily Sue Anne Hubbard – age 17 of Tazewell, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 22, 2024. She is preceded in death by her grandparents.
She is survived by her mother, Gwen Allen; father, Levon Allen; brothers and sisters, Hunter, Maverick, Harper, Matilda, Keiana.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville.
David McCarroll – 63 of Knoxville, went home to be with the Lord after a short battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him especially his grandbabies, whom he loved more than anything.
Cory Lee Blair-age 42 of Sharps Chapel passed away suddenly Saturday afternoon, July 20, 2024 as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was a loving father and a friend to all.
Survivors: wife, Mollie Diane Blair of New Tazewell; daughter, Jazmine Blair of Knoxville; Parents; mother, Deborah Blair; father, Jerry lee Blair, both of Sharps Chapel; sister, Jessica Capps and husband, Allen of Knoxville; brother, Garret Blair of Tampa, Florida.
Norman Edward “Eddie” Martin-age 61 of Clinton went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 11, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Margaret Martin; loving wife of 27 years, Ramona Martin; brother, Gary Martin; sister, Patricia Messer.
Eloise Bates Dyer-age 79 of Powder Springs passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at North Knoxville Medical Center. She was of the Baptist faith. Preceded in death by husband, Glen E. Dyer; granddaughter, Kelley Dyer Mink; father, Virgil (Blackie) Bates; mother, Annie Wolfenbarger Bates; brother, Billy Joe Bates; sister, Helen Atkins.
Survivors: sons and daughters-in-law, Darrell (Christie) Dyer; Dwight (Jeannie) Dyer; sister, Brenda Atkins; special friend, Blanche Thomas. Several other relatives and a host of friends.
Luna Sharp-age 78 of Maynardville, formerly of Sharps Chapel passed away Monday, July 8, 2024, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was of the Baptist faith. Preceded in death by his parents, Pascal (Big Eye) Sharp and Alma (Sowder) Sharp; brothers, Ralph Sharp, James Claudie Sharp, Monteray Sharp; sisters, Bessie Jane Johnson, Dottie Williams, Hilda Braden, Lorene Collins; nephew, Mike Sharp.
Steffanie Lynn Needham – age 57 of Washburn, passed away Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at her home. She is preceded in death by her father, Bill Turner; mother, Linda Chance; brother, David Lavley; grandson, Holden Needham.
Gary D. Chandler, 63 of Plainview, formerly of Luttrell, passed away suddenly early Friday morning. He was a member of Cedar Ford Baptist Church in Luttrell. Growing up with a single mother, him and his sister, Marsha, grew up “poor” by today’s standards. His mom and his other family members made sure he had a great childhood. Gary was proud to be from the “old” Luttrell, and often referred it being similar to Mayberry from his favorite TV show, “The Andy Griffith Show”. He was a teacher in the Union County School System for 41 years.
Wilbert Paul Finley – age 78 of Andersonville, passed away Thursday, June 27th 2024 at his home. Wilbert was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He was of the Baptist Faith. He was born in Sevierville, Tennessee and was the son of the late Grady Willie and Josie Stella Mae (McGill) Finley. Preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Finley; sons, DeWayne Finley, Michael Finley; sisters, Mildred Finley, Shirley Finley, Oma Finley, Jean Finley; brother, J.T. Finley.
Cathy M. Williams-age 66 of Maynardville, formerly of Knoxville, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Willow Ridge Center, where she had been a resident for 10 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry Elmer Schuiten and Ina Ruth (Robinson) Schuiten.
She is survived by her niece, Tabitha Tapp and the many friends she made at Willow Ridge.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Ritchie M. Rose-age 68 of Corryton went to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at his home. He was a member of Dutch Valley Baptist Church. He loved singing and playing music. He was a part of The Washam Family gospel music group for many years. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Rose; parents, Jack and Arlene (Washam) Rose; sister, Tesha Rose.
