By Steve Roark

Winter browse is a wildlife term that refers to food in the form of woody twigs and buds found on trees, shrubs, and vines. Since more nutritious and palatable food is available during the growing season, browse is usually only consumed during the leaner winter months, which makes it very important in maintaining a population of wildlife. Animals that utilize browse in our area include deer, elk, beaver, rabbit, mice, and many others.

Travel Tips from Exuma, the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina, and Italy

After retiring in December 2024, I finally decided to take the trips I had been waiting years to enjoy—some international, others within the beautiful Southern U.S. Below are a few practical tips I learned along the way that I hope you’ll find helpful.

Planning for International Travel

Some say deviled eggs are just deviled eggs. Not me. There are many ways to season them. Try this one. Cool and peel hard boiled eggs. Halve lengthwise and remove yolks. Lightly mash yolks. Stir in seasonings and half the bacon. Spoon mixture into washed and dried egg white halves. Top with remaining crumbled bacon. Chill until ready to serve.

As I write this article, I am aware that exactly one month from today it will be Christmas Day! As you read, Christmas 2025 is even closer. It doesn’t seem like almost an entire year has passed since last Christmas.
This year, once again, the woman I married decided that she wanted a new Christmas tree. Women are obviously different than men. While I can tell you exactly how many Christmas trees I personally have had in my life, I can’t tell you how many different trees my wife has had since I have known her.

The Union County Extension Office is inviting the community to celebrate the holiday season with a focus on local resources, sustainability, and handmade tradition. A hands-on Christmas wreath workshop will be held Wednesday, December 17 at 10 a.m. at 3500 Sharps Chapel Road in Sharps Chapel. The cost is $20, and space is limited.

Sharps Chapel Elementary School has become the first—and smallest—school in the county to fill a 5-gallon bucket with pop-top tabs this year. Each year, 4-H’ers in Union County Elementary Schools collect aluminum can tabs as part of an ongoing community service project. The tabs are recycled, and this year all proceeds are donated to Fresh Wagon, a local food distribution service dedicated to providing fresh local fruits, vegetables, and other foods to community members who are in need of these items!

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 25, 2025) – The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is proud to announce the launch of EastTNGives— our first-ever GivingTuesday Campaign. ETF is excited to join the global day of generosity on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, to help make lives better and communities stronger in East Tennessee.

More than 60 talented artists entered the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival Art Show held at the Historic Snodderly House and coordinated by Betty Bullen with photos of the reception by Stan Bullen.
Best Heritage - Aurora Harrison Bull for An Early Start
Best of Show - Shirley Keaton for Copper, Cantaloupe, and Grapes

It’s a memory that’s burned into my brain. It was 1 O’clock in the morning and I was sitting on the kitchen floor exhausted and worried with papers and books laid out in front of me. So, how did I get into that mess?

The Union County Fresh Wagon program is kicking off its December Food Drive, calling on community members to help support local families during the holiday season. Donations will be accepted through December 12th.

This month’s collection focuses on three staple items that will be included in the upcoming Christmas Fresh Wagon distribution: Stuffing mixes, Instant mashed potatoes, and 16-ounce peanut butter (creamy or crunchy).