By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The late summer/early fall season puts on a good flower show in our area, especially asters, those daisy-and sunflower-like species that come in a variety of colors, yellow being most prominent. One species that is not only pretty to see but can also be enjoyed as a seldom used vegetable is Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).

Back in February of 2023, I wrote several articles about food insecurity in Union County and of the food pantries available at that time. According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2023 Union County had an overall food insecurity rate of 16.4% to 16.7% - up from 12% in 2021. The child food insecurity rate in 2023 was 19.8%. That translates to about 16 out of every 100 Union County residents living in poverty. Food insecurity has risen every year since then. Feeding America estimates Union County has 3,620 food-insecure people out of a population of 21,450 people.

Have you ever wished you had a time machine? If I did, I would go back 41 years so I could finish something that I started.

The mobile shower will be back October 15th from 10:30 to 2:30 at Heritage Park.
The TN Valley Coalition for the Homeless will have hygiene kits, clean clothes, lots of resources and will provide everything someone needs to take a private, clean shower.

Union County is sponsoring the next monthly Veterans Breakfast on October 10, 2026 at the American Legion Post 212. Veterans, come meet your local Veterans and catch up on the news.

🎣 2nd Annual Shiloh Recovery Services Fishing Tournament 🎣

Get your partner, hook your boat, and join us for a day of fishing that makes a difference!

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Safelight – 3:00 PM

💲 $80 Entry Per Boat
✅ Pre-Registration is Available Now!

💰 Cash Prizes

🥇 1st Place: $750
🥈 2nd Place: $500
🥉 3rd Place: $250

🐟 Big Fish Prize: $500

That's $2,000 in guaranteed cash prizes!

Have you ever had an experience that changed how you thought about things? I used to believe in coincidences, but that changed one night when I was a teenager and it was a little scary.
It happened during one of the times when my parents were separated. So, it was just Mom and myself in the house. Since my grandparents lived next door to us, I felt little more secure without my dad being there. If anything had happened, I knew my papaw would be there for us.

Join Ranger Holly Frerichs for an overnight experience in the back country! This is a beginner friendly workshop for women where we will learn best practices for overnight camping and some survival tactics. The hike to the campsite is about 3.5 miles in and the same route back out. It is a moderate trail. This workshop is open to women and girls 15 and older.

We will meet at 2:00pm to check off the gear list and pack up everyone's bags, then hit the trail after that!

Different stretches have different functions. Some focus on a particular muscle or muscle group or limb and improve movement. Others, sometimes referred to as ‘active’ stretches, are intended to increase strength. These three exercises are designed to do both with your back:

On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Jerry Lawson recited the oath of office to become the Plainview Police Chief. Nearly all of the Plainview Aldermen as well as several citizens and Sergeant Johnny Collins witnessed the ceremony performed by Mayor Lynn Beeler. Jerry's family also was in attendance. Before the ceremony, Reverend Gary Beeler asked for the Lord to keep the officers and officials safe.