After months of requests, Thomas Skibinski from the Union County Chamber of Commerce addressed the county budget committee on May 27. The committee inquired as to how the chamber was spending the more than $80K contributed to the chamber from the occupancy (hotel-motel) tax. Skibinski listed the total amount on tourism but did not explain individual project expenditures. When asked about Thunder in the Park, he and Mayor Bailey explained that fireworks could no longer be launched behind Trinity Funeral Home due to the new housing development.

Signature fireworks event Thunder in the Park will return to Wilson Park in Maynardville for the third year. The event is set for 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, with fireworks starting at 9:50 p.m.

It's been a long road, and there are still some finishing touches to add, but the new Luttrell City Hall is open for business. Mayor Johnny Merritt and the staffers at the city of Luttrell opened their doors for a Union County Chamber of Commerce meet-and-greet last week, with food and fellowship offered to Chamber members.

You might say that Thomas Skibinski has experienced both ends of the spectrum. Born in Queens, New York, to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Poland, Skibinski moved to Maynardville in adulthood seeking elbow room and a little peace and quiet.

Now, he’s serving as interim president of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber’s nominating board has just given him the nod to drop the “interim” from his title. The Chamber’s board of directors will vote on making it formal Sept. 19.