MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. — What if one simple shoebox could bring a child joy, offer hope to a family, and open the door to hearing the greatest story ever told?

This November, residents of Maynardville and the surrounding Union County community have an opportunity to make that kind of difference through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

November 13, 2026. 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner prepared specially for you by NJROTC Master Chief Jacob Streufert and Master Gunnery Sergeant Bobby Hampshire! The UCHS Navy Junior ROTC is holding a fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday November 13 at the UCHS from 5:00 – 7:00. Meal tickets are only $5 (cash or check only!) and kiddos under 2 eat free.

As you were growing up, did your momma or daddy have a special nickname for you? My mom did and I used it to my advantage. Or so I thought.

This Federal holiday started as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. It marked one year since World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Congress made it a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed it Veterans Day to honor American service members from all wars, not just World War I. Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to honor all U.S. Armed Forces veterans.

Bands Appreciate Veterans
November 7, 2026, Wilson Park, Noon – 4:00

Sponsored by the American Legion Post 212, this FREE event is Saturday, November 7, from noon to 4:00, for all Veterans, their families, friends, and anyone who appreciates Veterans! Free BBQ dinner and toe-tappin’ music.

On Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2, 2026, District Attorney General Jared Effler and staff, in partnership with the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, hosted the Eleventh Annual Dixie Roofing Clays for Children Sporting Clays Tournament at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays in Kodak, Tennessee. The purpose of the event was to raise money to support the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, comprised of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union counties. With 159 teams and 592 individual shooters participating, this year’s tournament was one of the largest such events in the nation!

By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

This fall looks to be a good year for nut producing trees, especially walnuts, and it’s a plentiful harvest for persimmon trees. Fruit and nut production varies from year to year, and the reasons are many.

Union County 4-H youth Presley Lay, Lexxi Cummings, and Payton Miller spent October 5–7 learning new skills and putting their creativity to work during the Union County 4-H Quilting Adventure Day Camp. Throughout the three-day camp, participants practiced their sewing skills and created beautiful quilts of their own.

Union County 4-H Grill Masters have had a sizzling season, showcasing their grilling skills, teamwork, and dedication at the 3rd Annual Union County 4-H Grill Masters Competition and the 2026 Region 4-H Grill Masters Challenge.

The 3rd Annual County Grill Masters Competition gave local 4-H members an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in preparing chicken, beef, pork, and lamb. After plenty of practice and hard work, youth competed for top honors in each meat category.

County Competition Winners

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Union County Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.