People with diabetes have a 35 percent higher risk of experiencing low back pain and 24 percent higher risk of having neck pain than those without diabetes, researchers have found after a review of relevant studies.

Not all smelly days are unpleasant. Some days have the pleasant and soothing smell of clothes that have dried outside in sunshine or smelling coconut suntan oil at the pool. I also enjoy days smelling clean babies and puppy dogs’ ears.

I was exposed to some interesting smells when I went to work for a grocery store after graduating from high school. But there was this one day that was so smelly that it is still burned into my mind and my nose.

Mincey’s Musings
Year Two, Week Twenty-Seven

Sometimes I think I am a most hard-hearted person. Things that seem to bother other people just don’t seem to affect me emotionally. Sometimes I think I am a little like Mr. Spock on Star Trek—non-emotional. I do wish if I had to be like Mr. Spock I could have access to more of his logic!

But there are things that can make even this hard-hearted sinner cry. I figure if they can get to me they can get to anybody that has any feeling for others at all.

Who says you can't have chili in the summertime? Hot dishes come from the south of the border tropical climes. Chili is good anytime and any place. This is a real summertime recipe. It features the plentiful zucchini fresh from the garden or Food City. It makes a big batch so plan to freeze some for another day.

Have you ever heard of a hobo? It has been a couple generations since they walked the land. It was a different time, the Great Depression, that is. The hobo phenomenon was part of it. They weren't bums. A bum won't work. A hobo took to the roads to find work. Let me tell you what I remember about them.

Our area’s high plant diversity makes getting outside an adventure, with every trail or country road having something interesting to see, feel or smell. If you’d like to add taste to some of your outings, there are several common plants that provide a variety of flavors to enjoy as a beverage. Here is a rundown of some that I have tried and enjoy. Be sure of correct identification before consuming any wild food and try only a small amount in case of food allergies.

When we moved to Tennessee we left all our relatives behind, mostly in Utah and California. Even my father lived in Indiana.

Then we met Mimi at church. Specifically, her real name was Ida Lou Duggan. She was a retired 3rd grade school teacher who lived in the country up on Mecca Pike with her husband about halfway between Etowah and Tellico Plains.

She had grown children and scads of grandchildren, but Mimi was one of those people who treated all children like her own grandchildren. So Mimi became our children's Tennessee Mamaw.

Maynardville welcomingly introduces a new business into the community, Walker’s Appliances. Clint Walker and wife Mandi bring much knowledge, experience and service to the community. Clint grew up in the furniture industry, as his parents owned Mynatt’s Furniture store in Halls, and Mandi grew up in the Gibbs community. Later, Clint transitioned from furniture into appliance sales and service, gaining some of his experience while working in maintenance at an apartment complex. He soon advanced, working for an appliance store for some years as a service tech.

Union County, TN, 2019—For many years, Union County residents have been a part of Operation Christmas Child, a global project that shares the true meaning of Christmas with children around the world. On August 3rd, volunteers from Union, Claiborne, Campbell and Scott Counties will gather to equip Project Leaders as they prepare to pack more than 10,000 shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. These gift-filled shoeboxes will contribute to the project’s global goal of reaching more than 11 million children in Jesus’ Name.

Call to Order 7:05 PM by Mayor Chandler
Prayer by Gordon Bright
Present: Mayor Chandler, Vice-Mayor Phillips, Aldermen Josh Collins, Marilyn Toppins, Gordon Bright
Reading of Previous Minutes by Mary Ann Brantley. Two name corrections were made. Motion by Marilyn Toppins, Second by Richard Phillips to approve with corrections.
Regional Director of Census Kimberly Smith presented information on the procedures and importance of reporting the upcoming 2020 Census.