We love quaint mountain towns to spend a long weekend. Let’s go to Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It’s just about 3 and half hours from here, but worth the drive. What do we do? We walk around, shop and eat. Please allow me to elaborate. I know it sounds simplistic, but there is something about Blowing Rock that’s special. It draws us back year after year. This place has kept its charm, while offering a nice variety of activities, food and shopping.

Maynardville residents Amber Hurst and Melanie Hurst travelled to Uganda last November on a mission trip with Hope 4 Kids International. Their itinerary included attending a well dedication ceremony in the remote village of Panyandere to celebrate the opening of one of the wells funded by Walk for Water Union County in 2025.

Public speaking is a cornerstone of 4-H programs across the state of Tennessee. Through purposeful lesson planning and execution, as well as worthwhile opportunities to practice, 4-H prepares youth with the confidence and courage to build communication skills, and put those skills to good use. By learning how to distinctly think critically, openly express their ideas, and speak with confidence, youth are not only growing as leaders today—they are preparing for bright and successful futures tomorrow.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club gathered in February for a wonderful morning of learning, fellowship, and delicious food at the Union County Extension Office. Members enjoyed an informative program focused on heart health, just in time for American Heart Month.

The man could not help but notice how a recent storm had caused a large tree to fall at a place not far from where he lived. It saddened the man to note that the falling tree had crushed a small but very neat spring house.

“What in tarnation!?” When I heard this, I knew it was Mamaw Jo’s way of letting me know that she wanted me to investigate something. To this day, it still happens to me.
A few years ago, I was minding my business at work when I heard: “What in the world is that?” Even though my coworker said it loud enough for the whole office to hear, he was actually talking to me. Why? My position at that time was to assist my coworkers and to ensure the office ran smoothly. So, I asked:“What’re you talking about? Is something wrong?” He pointed out of his window. “I think that’s a dead deer.”

In the last article, we covered the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), which set the stage for Japan's involvement in World War I. Before turning to Japan’s role in the war, it is helpful to briefly review how the conflict began. World War I started on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist on June 28, 1914. Germany supported Austria-Hungary, while Russia backed Serbia. Europe was soon drawn into a kind of conflict it had never seen before.

Arbor Day is approaching for our local states (TN March 6; KY April 3; VA April 24), and it’s a worthy recognition of the importance of trees in our lives. Here in the mountains, they are omnipresent, with every scenic vista tree laden. Every home is full of tree stuff, from bananas to the roof trusses, and every breath we take has some tree oxygen in it. What follows are some quotes and a little poetry spoken by wise people on the importance of trees.

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.