Plainview donates to LVFD

Brad Woods, Luttrell Volunteer Fire Department Chief, accepted a $10,000 donation from the City of Plainview. Each year Plainview includes LVFD in the budget. In addition, Plainview maintains a fire station on Tazewell Pike.

The fire department has experienced several brushfires this year. Chief Woods cautions that although burn permits are not required from May 15 to October 15, obtaining a permit puts the fire department on alert and may cause a faster response in case of an emergency. Fires need supervision. LVFD has responded to 51 calls in 2025.

BPA awards scholarships to UCHS grads

At the senior awards celebration on May 14, the Union County Business and Professional Association awarded six scholarships to outstanding Union County High School seniors.

Amelia (Mia) Effler received the Jeffreys Memorial Academic Scholarship. Mia will obtain her real estate license while she pursues a degree in business from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Homelessness in Union County TN - Part 1

When living in Sharps Chapel many years ago, my husband and I explored an area called Palmer’s Junction. It was a lovely little picnic area right on the water. We noticed that some people were “probably” homeless, living there in tents and maybe cars. I am not one to walk up to strangers and ask them if they are homeless, which is why I say “probably.” Upon reflection, and after talking to other Chapel residents at the time, we discovered that many were. That was my introduction to homelessness in Union County.

Expressing Emotions through Art

My friend, Renée Branum, said this is the most emotional painting she’s ever painted. You may see a boy standing beside a train; she sees her daughter’s only close childhood friend. This friend’s story ends in tragedy. Renée decided to paint Zoe’s friend, Sebastian, as a gift for his mother in memory of him.

Lions Club reverse raffle tickets for sale now

The Union County Lions Club Annual Reverse Raffle fundraiser time is here again. The 2024-25 year has been a busy one for your Lions Club. They presented the Poet Voices Concert, their annual low-cost Fresh pecan sale, the free spaghetti dinner, the Mark Martin and Ralph Shick UCHS Scholarships and the free Vision Clinic held at the high school on May 10.

Take a Walk

Walking may be, pound for pound, the most accessible, beneficial and inexpensive form of exercise available. The American Chiropractic Association recommends it as a way to stay fit.

UCHS students win State Forensic Competition

Dr. Lauren Effler, Supervisor of Curriculum, recognized Sadie Sexton and Madison Lawson, along with their HOSA (Health Occupation Students Of America) teachers, for winning the State Forensic Competition in March. Sadie and Madison passed a written test on the basics of forensics to advance.
In the second round, participants from 40 schools across the state analyzed a mock crime scene and determined the events leading to the cause of the death. Sadie and Madison achieved first place. They will compete in an international competition in June.

No custodial outsourcing, says BOE

At the regular meeting in May, the Union County Board of Education expressed a clear message to HES Facilities Management company that custodians would remain Union County employees. Carolyn Murr, President of UC Education Association, reminded the board that the outsourcing of substitutes had caused lots of problems and outsourcing janitors could have the same issues. Two HES managers presented the benefits that the company offered.

Not Gonna Snorkel

Have you ever snorkeled or been scuba diving? I have, but not in water. I know that sounds strange, but then again, it’s me. So, my explanation will not be a simple one.

For me, it began when I looked over a newsletter from my church. In it, there was a bible reading plan in which you could read the whole, entire bible in a year’s time. It was listed a week at a time and each day had a long list of chapters to read. I often wondered how many people were participating. Then one day a thought popped into my head: “You’ve never read the bible straight though from cover to cover.” I’m talking from Genesis to Revelation.