On May 21, 2026, Union County Public Schools honored the incredible teachers and staff with an End-of-the-Year Celebration and several special recognitions.

UCPS truly appreciates the hard work, dedication, and commitment shown by each and every employee throughout the school year. All of these efforts help make Union County Schools a success.

A special thank you to Baked by Grace for providing an amazing breakfast for everyone to enjoy!

In May the Union County Board of Education discussed the use of turf grass on sports fields, particularly the softball and baseball fields at the new middle school. The original plan for the new middle school called for sod on both the softball and the baseball field. However at a meeting earlier this year, Dr. Jimmy Carter asked Director Greg Clay to research the cost of artificial turf grass in relation to the cost of sod.

Although the workshop between the Union County Farmers Market and the Union County Commission was canceled on May 26, 2026, the Union County Commission took action regarding the fate of the farmers market in Heritage Park at the meeting anyway. Commissioner Ashley Mike of the first district began the discussion. She stated that in her opinion, the issue should not linger, but action should be taken now.

Mayor Lynn Beeler announced that TDOT will install electronic message boards with warning alerts regarding the upcoming four way stop in Plainview on June 8, 2026. Actual installation of stop signs and any highway markings will be on June 22.

Mayor Beeler and all Plainview Officials ask that motorists use extreme caution while traveling the intersection of Ailor Gap (SR 144), Tazewell Pike (SR 131), and Corryton Road. These improvements are to make the intersection safer and save lives.

Vice Mayor Richard Phillips and Police Chief Kenny Crider represented Plainview in the 6th annual Walk for Victims on April 21, 2026.. The Walk for Victims is an initiative sponsored by 8th District Attorney General Jared Effler to bring awareness to the rights and the plight of victims, especially victims of violent crimes. The walk is held in Wilson Park in Union County. But General Effler leads a walk in April in each of the five counties that he represents including Claiborne, Union, Campbell, Fentress, and Scott during National Crime Victims Rights Week.

At the May 12, 2026, meeting of the Plainview Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA), Mayor Lynn Beeler installed Jessica Buck as the new recorder. Ms. Buck has been training with Emily Cooke, the former recorder, during April and May. Ms. Buck commented to this reporter that she really enjoyed working at Plainview. She is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 4:00.

There is just something about water whether it’s a lake, creek or sea. We have some of the best places to enjoy nestled here within East Tennessee borders.

KUB is continuing to support Union County. KUB will be at the Farmers Market June 6 to talk about all things fiber internet and support a great community event.

Stop by the Farmers Market on June 6 to learn about high-speed fiber internet - or just to say “hi”!

KUB Fiber provides free public Wi-Fi at the Union County Farmers Market (located just west of Union County High School) in Maynardville, TN. This amenity allows vendors to easily process digital payments and shoppers to stay connected while enjoying the market.

Here is a good liver sausage spread. Try it

In mixer bowl combine liver sausage, broken up, half of cream cheese, sugar and chili powder. Beat until smooth. Form into a ball and place on glass plate. Cover and chill. Whip remaining cream cheese with milk, and Tabasco sauce until smooth. Spread evenly on liver sausage ball. Chill. Garnish with snipped parsley when ready to serve with crackers.

Does any Dear Reader age 60 or older remember when America celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976?
Is it just me, or do you feel as I do that there is not anywhere near the level of enthusiasm for the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States?