Many sayings or colloquialisms are centuries old but still in common use today. Most of them originated in Europe and have surprising beginnings.

Armed to the teeth: In Scotland the ruler “Bonnie Prince Charlie” was preparing for war and sent out word to his captains to gear up for battle, and rendezvous at a place near the Teeth River. His message was “Come armed to the Teeth”. Another theory is that pirates of Jamaica in the 1600s wanted to maximize their weaponry and would carry a flintlock in each hand and a knife in their teeth, hence the phrase.

Mark your calendar—Saturday, May 2, marks the opening of the Union County Farmers Market for its 16th season. As spring arrives, the market returns as a welcoming gathering place where fresh food, local businesses, and community connections come together.

The market is located next to the high school at 115 Durham Drive in Maynardville and will be open every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, May through October. During peak growing season, additional Tuesday markets will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in July and August.

This month, we asked our track coach, Ms. Kaitlin Suffridge, to tell us about the top track performers at Union County High School. They have started the season off great, with many people hitting their personal records (PRs). Coach Suffridge says, “Our distance runners are killing it! Titus Moore, Grayson Schireck, LJ Moore, and Alexus Demetroff have all PR’d several times this season. Improving their times in the 1600m, the 800m, and 3200m significantly.” There were also a couple of students who hit their Discus PR..

Kailei Beeler has made history by being the first person from Maynardville to be appointed to the Naval Academy. The Naval Academy is a four-year program that trains officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Being appointed to such an elite school is a grand achievement. Kailei has been a dedicated member of the JROTC for all four years of high school. She is also a star athlete for the basketball, cross country, golf, and track teams.

Meet at the Park Headquarters at 1:00PM on Saturday, May 2nd to learn about the historical uses of many of our native plants! Ranger Holly Frerichs will identify a number of native plants and discuss folk healing traditions that go back centuries and talk about the people that used, and still use them.

I love me a good sandwich. That being said, we never had the fancy ones with all of the tasty “gloop” when I was a kid.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Union County Board of Education will consider an extension of the contract for the Director of Schools at its regular monthly meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Union County High School. The meeting will immediately follow the regular monthly workshop which will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education was scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
Union County Board of Education
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Union County High School Library

Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Approve/Disapprove K12 Contract
3. Adjourn

The meeting will be immediately followed by a budget workshop.

Back pain isn’t just a debilitating condition. It may be a flag for other major health issues. New research shows the incidence of conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer is higher in people with back pain than in those without back pain.

Chronic back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and a major burden on healthcare systems and economies. It keeps millions of people from work and, for many, the simple act of sitting, standing or sleeping is a daily struggle.