Board policy revisions caused some discussion at the Union County Board of Education Meeting on June 18, 2026. At issue was Board Policy 2.805 Purchasing. The policy revision was not on the agenda. However, Rebecca Lock from Plainview offered a revision to the purchasing policy along with other policy revisions for discussion. Ms. Lock had been researching the mission and procedures of the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee since that agency may soon provide after school services at one or more Union County Schools.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club gathered in June for an informative and enjoyable meeting at the Union County Extension Office. Members welcomed guest speakers from FirstBank of Maynardville, who presented a program on financial fraud and scams. Attendees learned about common fraud tactics, warning signs to watch for, and ways to protect personal and financial information.

In 2026, America celebrates two remarkable milestones that highlight our nation's rich history and enduring spirit. The year marks the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66, known as the "Mother Road," as well as the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Together, these anniversaries offer an opportunity to reflect on the people, places, and events that have shaped our nation and inspired generations of Americans.

I was recently talking with Tabitha Young, bookkeeper at Union County High School. I graduated with her brother Kevin White from Horace Maynard High School’s Class of 1983. Tabitha told me Kevin remembered a time when I got in trouble in school for cutting my own hair.
Some of my fellow classmates are surprised that I have such a good memory for things that happened in our school days. I was equally surprised that Kevin remembered my early attempt at self-barbering.

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, we stand at a remarkable moment in history. No nation has experienced the blessings, opportunities, freedoms, and influence that the United States of America has enjoyed since its founding in 1776. While no nation is perfect and no generation has been without its challenges, it remains true that America is one of the greatest experiments in liberty ever undertaken by mankind. There is no doubt that this movement was guided by God, guarded by His Spirit, and grounded in His Holy Word: the Bible.

According to Mayor Lynn Beeler, all candidates in the August Election are invited to speak at the Plainview Mayor and Board of Aldermen Meeting on July 14, 2026. The meeting begins at 7:00.

At the last regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 20026, the Plainview Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted to increase its scholarship to a graduating senior who resides in Plainview from $500 to $1000 for FY 27. The motion also requires the graduating senior to have a 4.0 GPA. A second motion increased the 2026 scholarship to $1,000 that was awarded to Hannah Smith in May.

On June 22, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) installed stop signs at the intersection of Tazewell Pike (SR 131), Ailor Gap (SR 144), and Corryton Road, Additional warning signals have been located on the Knoxville side of Tazewell Pike to warn traffic headed toward Luttrell of the new stop signs. Plainview Mayor Lynn Beeler has requested additional safety warnings of rumple strips, arrows, and stop signs painted on the roadways.

Building on a legislative initiative in 2024, which united all 95 Tennessee counties in prayer, members of both the Tennessee State House and Senate passed a House Joint Resolution. The resolution makes the month of July an unprecedented, annual call to join in prayer, fasting, and repentance.

Representatives from the Union County Rescue Squad addressed the regular meeting of the Union County Commission on Monday, June 22, 2026, and asked for the same amount of contribution that the fire departments were receiving in the budget for 2026-2027 (FY 27). Dennis Nicely spoke while Brad Harrell distributed a report on the Squad's finances and needs. According to Nicely, the squad has not been able to have the bass tournament fundraiser and tools and equipment need to be upgraded or replaced.

This article has nothing to do with cooking pinto beans. By the way, I love them fixed in an iron skillet. Instead, it’s about how a game that used pinto beans changed the way I approached life.