“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”

This statement by Jesus is an excerpt found in three of the four Gospels and is commonly known in Christian circles as the story of the Rich Young Ruler. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke record a wealthy Young man’s discussion with Jesus regarding gaining entrance into heaven.

There are many points worth considering and discussing in the story of the Rich Young Ruler. We could consider why Mark and Luke chose to frame the Rich Young Ruler's question in terms of inheritance. Which begs the idea, can Heaven be inherited? Perhaps more notably, why did Matthews account record the Rich Young Ruler asking a different question? There are more questions one should ask regarding this short encounter recorded in these Gospels, such as whether a person can work their way into Heaven.

FirstBank of Maynardville hosted a day long Open House this fall. Customers and the public were greeted by employees with gifts and refreshments. According to Heather Hoag, Branch Manager, FirstBank is grateful for all of its many customers and looks forward to providing all of its customers' financial needs. FirstBank offers savings, checking, investment and loan services. FirstBank also sponsors the Ayers foundation that services scholarships and post-high school career counseling programs for UCHS.

At the November meeting, the Union County Commission approved an option on a current building and 4.5 acres rather than build a new building with the CDBG Grant for an EMS building in Maynardville. The grant would pay $761,850 with a $153,00 local match. Andrew Reed suggested the purchase of the medical building that is for sale behind Kay's Market on Oakland Road at a sale price of $589,000 and use the remainder to construct the ambulance bays on the property.

The Union County Board of Education approved criteria for a student representative to the board at its November meeting. The BOE approved a proposal by Principal Lance Lay that was very similar to criteria recommended by Charlie Hamilton, First District board member. The number of student representatives was not decided. Schools Director Greg Clay encouraged as many as possible, with seven being the most allowed by the state law. He also noted that he has nominees that he can bring to the board meeting in December.

Only one business item was on the City of Plainview November agenda. The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Resolution 95 to implement the overtime pay rate of $40 per hour for police officers. The funds are from a grant.

By Steve Roark

Winter browse is a wildlife term that refers to food in the form of woody twigs and buds found on trees, shrubs and vines. Since more nutritious and palatable food is available during the growing season, browse is usually only consumed during the leaner winter months, which makes it very important in maintaining a population of wildlife. Animals that utilize browse in our area include deer, elk, beaver, rabbit, mice and many others.

Travel Tips from Exuma, the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina and Italy

After retiring in December 2024, I finally decided to take the trips I had been waiting years to enjoy—some international, others within the beautiful southern U.S. Below are a few practical tips I learned along the way that I hope you’ll find helpful.

Planning for International Travel

Some say deviled eggs are just deviled eggs. Not me. There are many ways to season them. Try this one. Cool and peel hard boiled eggs. Halve lengthwise and remove yolks. Lightly mash yolks. Stir in seasonings and half the bacon. Spoon mixture into washed and dried egg white halves. Top with remaining crumbled bacon. Chill until ready to serve.

As I write this article, I am aware that exactly one month from today it will be Christmas Day! As you read, Christmas 2025 is even closer. It doesn’t seem like almost an entire year has passed since last Christmas.
This year, once again, the woman I married decided that she wanted a new Christmas tree. Women are obviously different than men. While I can tell you exactly how many Christmas trees I personally have had in my life, I can’t tell you how many different trees my wife has had since I have known her.

The Union County Extension Office is inviting the community to celebrate the holiday season with a focus on local resources, sustainability and handmade tradition. A hands-on Christmas wreath workshop will be held Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m. at 3500 Sharps Chapel Road in Sharps Chapel. The cost is $20, and space is limited.