In Search Of

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 08:43

(This is the continuation of last week’s story titled “When the Storms of Life Are Raging”.)

It was March, 1939. John Clark Mosley set out to school that first day of first grade for the second time in two years with his brother (and best friend) Bobby Henry. “Hen”, as everybody in Tatum Holler called him, was for the most part a quiet, reflective child. He was a veteran of White Deer School, having spent two years already in the first grade, once when he was five and again when he turned six. Of course, he couldn’t rightly be said to have attended school two full years. The first year Hen attended for about three weeks before fall harvest, and he was more than happy to quit school and help Pa Fain, his father Fletch (at least when he was around), and his older brother bring in the crops and get things ready for another cold, long dark winter. Hen never enjoyed school—he found it a boring place where an old hag stood and hollered at him all day to do things that he didn’t want to do and could see no use for, like ‘readin’ and figgerin’”.

Hen’s older brother and sisters didn’t attend school much more than he did, and they were not a great deal more successful than he had been himself. They were needed to work the fields or help Momma with the house in late fall, it always seemed too cold in the winter, and spring was time to put the new crops in the ground. Not one of his siblings had made it past the third grade, and not one of them without taking at least five to six years to make it that far.

John Clark tried to match his steps with those of his older brother, just as he had this same time last year. John Clark, though only six years old, was the most robust of his mother’s children, though his beloved brother Hen was a full year and a half older than him. His mother would occasionally smilingly look at him with secretive pride and think to herself, “Clark didn’t turn out too bad to have come into this world at the foot of a tree stump.” His twelve year old sister Evelyn had dropped out of school to help their mother take care of the seven other children. Della had just given birth in late December 1938 to her youngest, Gracie Michelle. Della had been bedridden ever since giving birth to Michelle, and Evelyn at twelve years old was having to take care of both Della and the newborn. Evelyn never thought much about it, but schooldays would be no more for her.
Likewise, there would be no more school for Finn and Reva. Finn was an almost painfully quiet child—rarely did he speak, and then only very softly. He was a hard, though slow, steady worker on Pa Fain’s farm, and preferred the hard work with non-talkative animals and farm equipment. Pa Fain actually bragged on Finn for being as good a worker as any man he’d ever seen. This was especially high praise coming from Pa Fain, who tended to be very demanding and critical of those who worked with him, even his neighbors. Finn had never quite taken to school—he always found the teachers demanding and gruff and the other students, especially the girls, loud and silly. Reva had experienced a bad case of German measles when she was seven. After that, she had been somewhat weak and susceptible to seemingly every disease that appeared anywhere in Tatum Hollow. It was a family joke that if somebody up the road had a hangover, Reva would probably come down with it, too. Now at nine years old, it was pretty much an unspoken but understood family agreement that Reva would be better off at home away from school so she wouldn’t pick up every sniffle and sneeze that could in her case turn into something worse, like TB or pneumonia, that wouldn’t be a problem for most other children.

When Della thought about it at all, she was grateful for her two oldest daughters who were so good at taking care of others. Evelyn mostly took care of Michelle, and Reva was the one who mostly nursed Della in her sickness. Della was so proud of Reva and the natural instinct she had for taking care of her in her sickness. Della supposed that Reva had developed an intuition for taking care of the sick as she experienced so much sickness of her own. Della tried her best not to let Reva or the other children know just how sick she felt almost every minute of her life.

At Della’s wish, and the assistance of Evelyn and Reva, the brothers Hen and Clark were prepared and rushed off to school on this nippy March morning. Clark would turn six in less than a week, and Della hoped he did better in school this year than he had last. “He was probably just too young last year,” Della thought. “I just want all my young’uns to be able to read the Bible and other good books. I’ve got so much pleasure all these years out of readin’.” Though she had struggled with poor eyesight and health problems most of her adult life, and though books were hard to come by in the holler, Della was an avid reader of anything she could lay her hands on. How it had hurt her when Fletch would come home in one of his drunken rages and throw her books in the fire. The loss of the books hurt, but more painful was how to understand how the man she loved so much could think so little of the things that were important to her.

“This year,” Della thought, “Hen and Clark have another chance to make good at that school. I hope they learn somethin’ other than meanness, ‘cause they’ve got that down pat, both of ‘em!” Della smiled as she thought of the mischievous pranks her boys pulled. Like the time Hen put a blacksnake in Clark’s “minner” bucket just before they went fishing. That hadn’t turned out too well for Hen, however, because Clark slung the bucket against Hen’s head and knocked him off the bridge and into the water. And the time last fall that Clark found some of his daddy’s clear moonshine that was hidden in the hayloft and had replaced the water in Hen’s mason jar with the ‘shine. They’d both come out of the woods that night in a sad condition that got worse when Pa Fain’s boot strap finished it’s number on their rear ends.

“It’ll be a miracle if either one of ‘em gits to school,” Della thought, “much less stays long if they do go.”

Just a little way down the road the brothers caught up with their older cousin, Jay Harvey Tatum. “Well, boys, here we go agin’,” Jay Harvey said. “How dadblamed long do you reckon we’ll have to put up with this foolishness ‘afore we kin git out of it this year?” Jay Harvey was a marvel and hero to both brothers. This was his fourth year in first grade, and he determined every year that he’d stay no longer and do no better than he did the year before. So far he’d held his own for three years, and he was bound if he would do any better this time.

“I hear we’ve got a new teacher this year,” Hen said. “They say she’s been around, a tough ol’ bird that could make the devil walk a fence line.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that ‘afore,” Jay Harvey said. “Lies before, lies now. These ol’ folks’ll say anything to make you young’uns skeered so you’ll act good and learn somethin’ before you even know the ol’ bird’s got ye in her claws.”

“But not you, right, Jay Harvey?” asked Clay.

“Dern’d right. One of these days they’ll figger out they’re wastin’ time on me and send me home fer good. Then we’ll all be better off.”

“Wouldn’t you druther go to school then have to work like a mine mule out in Uncle Wade’s fields?” Hen asked.

“You ever seen Pap git much work outen me? What do ye think he’s sendin’ me to school fer? Let my other fool brothers work like slaves—I’d ruther run rabbits n’ coons ‘n fish.”

“That’s about the only thing the keeps you from gittin’ your hin-end beat off,” Hen said. “If you didn’t bring a little ‘possum and turkey to the table once in a while they’d turn you out.”

“That’d be all right,” Jay Harvey said, “I’d just run the country with your pappy and have a grand ol’ time.”

“Nobody knows where Daddy’s at half the time,” Clay said. “’Sides, he don’t want to be bothered with nobody he don’t want to be bothered with.”

“I believe me n’ Fletch’s got at least one thing we could enjoy doin’ together,” said Jay Harvey. “Heck, maybe two or three for all I know.”

“Daddy gits mean when he gits mad,” Hen said. “We try to stay away from ‘im when he’s home. Sometimes he just whacks the tar out of ye for no reason a tall.”

“I ain’t no more afeared of your mean ol’ daddy than I am of any ol’ schoolteacher, I don’t give a hang how many schools they’ve teached.”

“Really? Prove it,” Clay challenged.

“By-danged, I will. Let’s not go to school today and go find Fletch Mosely.”

Hen and Clay each turned a few shades lighter as their eyes bugged out of their heads. Neither of them would ever want to go find their daddy—that would seem like finding the fox to turn into the chicken house, at the same time being clawed to pieces on the way to the farm.

“What’s the matter, boys? Don’t you want to find yer daddy? You’re not a’feared of ‘im, are ye? Or maybe you’re a’feared of that new schoolteacher you’ve not even seen yit.”

“We ain’t neither one of us ‘fraid of nothin’ we can see or can’t see,” Hen said.

“That’s the danged truth,” Clay backed up his brother.

“Alright,” Jay Harvey said. “Then where you figger’ we might start lookin’ fer yer pappy?”

“I’d say a good place might be down at Eaton Morelock’s place,” offered Hen.

“Yeah, reckon that make’s sense. Ol’ Eat More’s—way I hear it, he’d be better named ‘Drink More”,” Jay Harvey laughed.

“To git there, we’ve got to go back by the house. How you reckon we’ll be able to get by without being seen?” Clay asked.

“Ah, heck, we’ll go through the woods, down close to the crick. We’ll hop off the road ‘tween Pa Fain’s and Uncle Iv’s place,” Henry said.

“Good thinkin’, Hen,” Jay Harvey said, and Clark had a small moment of jealous pride that Jay Harvey had praised his older brother and not him.
“Boy’s—let’s git on with it,” Jay Harvey said.

DEAR READER: Will the two brothers and their cousin find Fletch Mosely? What might happen if they do? Do they ever get to meet the new teacher? Join in next week to find out. Until then, I leave you with this blurb from my world of email, an argument the boys might use if they get caught:

IN MY DEFENSE I WAS LEFT UNSUPERVISED.

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Mincey’s Musings
Ronnie Mincey

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Mark Martin Scholarship Recipients

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:51

Union County Schools former music teacher Mark Allen Martin, doing what he loved best.

Mark Allen Martin of Maynardville. graduated from the University of Tennessee and taught music in the Union County school system for 27 years. He was known as a terrific teacher, highly skilled and talented musician, friendly, and loved to joke around. The Union County Lions Club honors his memory by awarding scholarships to UCHS High School seniors in his name.

The Freedom Concert Gospel and Patriotic Music

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:50

The Poet Voices will start this special concert with a sing-along of famous hymns and will then introduce the Union County High School Band, under the direction of Hunter Collins. The band will open with the National Anthem, accompanied by the Poet Voices bass singer KC Armstrong, a former member of the US Air Force Singing Sergeants and, later, the US Army Chorus.

Calling all Volunteers !

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:48

Poet Voices bass singer KC Armstrong in uniform

Tennessee is called the Volunteer State because people in this state, the people in this county, step up to help one another. The Union County Lions Club is looking for some cheerful volunteers to assist with various functions of their fundraiser, the Freedom Concert with the Poet Voices and the Union County High School Band, on May 18th. The monies raised will provide eye exams, glasses and sometimes hearing aids to Union County residents. Doors open at 6:00 and we are looking for folks to take tickets, hand out free CDs, sell tickets at the door and various other tasks as needed.

Tips on exercise

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:36

Exercise is generally beneficial for you, but there are right and wrong ways to go about it. You certainly don’t want to injure yourself while doing something that’s meant to benefit you. Here are a few things to consider:

A new Season

Submitted by Isabella Humphery on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:31

We are in the midst of the month of May, and I (Tammie) think of this month as a month of changes. With change comes different seasons, and we all experience the seasons of life. Each season brings new experiences, as well as beginnings and endings. I often talk with my friends about the seasons that we have experienced, and the memories associated with them. Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day that we do not realize the season is changing until it has already passed.

Hidden Treasure

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:31

Have you ever looked for one thing and instead you found something else that you had totally forgotten about? Recently, I done just that.

Just Another Manic Sunday (Afternoon)

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:21

It was Sunday afternoon. He had been to church, had gone out to eat with his sister and a fellow parishioner. He called his wife and asked what she would like him to bring her home to eat. He stopped on the way home and filled the car with fuel and bought his wife’s lunch. He arrived home and presented his wife with her food. Having nothing pressing to do that wouldn’t wait until the first day of the work week, he sat down in his recliner for a pleasant Sunday afternoon nap.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:20

Preheat oven to 400 F. arrange asparagus in greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. In small bowl combine half and half, softened cream cheese, salt and pepper until smooth.Pour over asparagus. Top with mozzarella cheese, cashews and Parmesan cheese. Bake until asparagus is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove dish to wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

Pitch Pine

Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:15
Pitch Pine is uncommon in our area and very useful back in early settlement days.

Pitch Pine is uncommon in our area and very useful back
in early settlement days.

We have several pine species in our area, and one of the more uncommon ones is Pitch pine (Pinus rigida). It is mostly found on dry slopes and ridges in association with other pines and oaks. It has little commercial use today but was very useful in pioneering days.

Pitch pine has dark green needles that are around 3 to 8 inches long and form in bundles of 3. Tufts of its needles stand out upon the twigs nearly at right angles, and sometimes are found growing directly on the trunk. The tree has ...

One Soldier's Story

Submitted by James Sallings on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:45
Joseph Edward Sallings

During World War II there were 12,000 heavy bombers shot down. Two-thirds of Allied bomber crews were lost for each plane destroyed. Over 100,000 Allied bomber crewmen were killed over Europe. Six bomber crewmen were killed for each one wounded.

More U.S. servicemen died in the Air Corps than the Marine Corps. While completing the required 30 missions, your chance of being killed was 71 percent. From June 6, 1944 to May 8, 1945 in Europe the Allies had 200,000 dead and 550,000 wounded.

Stiner theaters brought Hollywood to our hills

Submitted by Sherrie Wilson on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:42
Clifford Stiner's Movie Theather in Maynardville Tennessee.

Clifford Stiner's Movie Theather in Maynardville Tennessee.

There’s a little old white building located on Main Street across from Maynardville Elementary School which is the remnant of a time gone by. It was once a theater in the 1940s and early 1950s. The theater on Main Street was built and run by Clifford Stiner.

Mr. Stiner also operated theaters in Luttrell on Delmar Dyer’s property, in New Loyston (Big Ridge Area) on Cana Stooksbury’s property, and a theater in Caryville. His brother E.J. Stiner owned a theater in Sneedville. The Stiner brothers jointly owned the drive-in theater in New Tazewell.

God transforming lives 'Beneath The Cross'

Submitted by Michelle Pratt on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:42

The old house on the corner of Hwy. 61 and Walter St. in the heart of Luttrell has a transformation story to tell. Noticeably, as you drive through Luttrell on Hwy 61 there are two markers that announce the purpose of the old house. The first is a large white sign that reads Beneath the Cross Mission - a name given to this special place in a dream from God. The second is a large cross that stands as a reminder of our Salvation paid for by Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.

Truett Davis brings flavor to the National Cornbread Festival

Submitted by Gina Davis on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:37

Truett Davis with his National Cornbread Festival ribbon.

Truett Davis competed in the National Cornbread Festival Youth 4-H Cookoff in South Pittsburgh,Tenn., and was a Top 10 national finalist. He followed his recipe to a T, made a great impression with the judges and delighted some of the audience with his savory masterpiece, Cinnamon Roll Cornbread. He came home with a nice cash prize as well as other great prizes, including the 2024 festival's special edition Lodge skillet.

Plainview cemetery right of way issue continues

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:37

Mayor Gary Chandler listens as Commissioner Josh Collins explains the location of the new cemetery right of way on Periwinkle Road.

Joy Wallace again appeared before the Plainview Planning Commission on April 9. After she expressed her gratitude, she noted that she had consulted with relatives of persons buried in the Elbert Wyrick Cemetery, owners of plots yet to be used, public officials, as well as Eddie Perry, who submitted the development plat to Plainview in 2021 that ultimately labeled the cemetery right of way abandoned.

Commission needs private act to increase building fees

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:34

In the April 22 meeting Union County Commission learned that a private act would be needed to increase building permit fees. Recently the budget committee recommended raising the fees, but further investigation of the process found that when commission raised the cost of a building permit, it violated its own private act.

BOE hears building updates, budget increases, policy changes

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:31

At the Union County Board of Education Meeting on April 11, Director Greg Clay reported that the architects sent the final plans for the new middle school to the state fire marshal. When the fire marshal approves the plans, they will be sent out for bids.
He also explained that the highway safety evaluation-noted improvements would be needed on John Deere Drive, Beeler Gap Road, and Pine Street. The Pine Street and Highway 33 intersection will also need to be upgraded and a traffic signal is being considered.

UCHS tennis excels in district tourney

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:52

Jace Walker, UCHS tennis coach Mike Johnson, assistant coach Ella Johnson, Dalton Schreieck. Jace and Dalton played in the district semifinal match.

In 2023, UCHS tennis barely had enough players to compete. This year, however, team effort and good coaching took them to the semifinals of the Division 1 Class A District Semifinal on May 2-3 at Pigeon Forge High School.
Third seed doubles team junior Jace Walker and senior Dalton Schreieck for Union County breezed past Pigeon Forge’s sixth seed Hutchison and Bohanan in the first round 8-4. Then Walker and Schreick eliminated Pigeon Forge’s #2 seed Naas and Lopez 8-6 to advance to the semifinal round to play the first seed doubles team from L&N Stem Academy.

The lumbar spine

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:51

The spine is divided into three areas: the cervical spine, which is, essentially, the neck; the thoracic spine, which is the upper back, and the lumbar spine, which is the lower back. The spinal cord runs through the individual vertebra — the bones that make up the spine — and nerves emanate between those bones to the various parts of the body, carrying signals from and to the brain.

Union County Pre-K registration open

Submitted by Staff on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:50

An interview with Sharps Chapel Pre-K teacher, Erica Berry
Tell me a little about the history of Union County Pre-K programs. “Union County Public Schools has proudly offered high-quality Pre-K programs since 2006. This state grant is written and reapplied for every year and now extends to all five elementary schools. Each program serves a maximum of 20 students each year. We have had several wonderful people serve on our Community Pre-K Advisory Council (CPAC), who laid a strong foundation for us to build upon.

UC 4-H Clover Bowl winners to compete at UTK

Submitted by Abigail Thomas on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:49
5th grade Big Ridge Elementary School winners

5th grade Big Ridge Elementary School winners

On April 11, 4th and 5th graders from Maynardville, Paulette, Big Ridge, Sharps Chapel and Luttrell elementary schools gathered at Horace Maynard Middle School to compete in the Union County 4-H Clover Bowl. Each team previously won their in-school contest to qualify to represent their school in the county contest.

TCB 2

Submitted by Archie Wilson on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:19

A reader recently asked me, “What does a secular contemporary song title have to do with the Bible?”
Previously I attempted to explain why I was using song titles or slight modifications thereof as my article titles. Evidently my earlier explanation was inadequate, as even the editors changed the title on the previous article. So, I’ll take another stab at explaining why I chose a modern song title as my article title.

Poke salad, a mountain tradition

Submitted by Steve Roark on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:18
A mountain tradition is to eat newly sprouted Poke stems, which must be picked and prepared properly.

A mountain tradition is to eat newly sprouted Poke stems, which must be picked and prepared properly.

A family tradition my mom kept was to seek out young poke sprouts in the spring and make poke salad, a king of cooked greens. Back before grocery store chains and refrigeration, country folk came out of winter craving a fresh green to eat, and poke was one of the newly sprouted plants that were sought out, along with “creesies” or spring crest. The lack of fresh green vegetables during the winter months ...

The Trail to a Cherokee Ambush

Submitted by Wayne Goforth on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:18

It was just before dawn when Peter tumbled out of bed to start his day. He moved as quietly as possible so as not to wake his four children sleeping in the loft of the small cabin. He and other men of the settlement had worked hard to complete the cabin before the cold winter weather set in.
Situated near the Clinch River, on the side of Lone Mountain, and neighboring the Sharps Station blockhouse, it was an ideal location for raising crops in the warm months and hunting in the winter.

Down Home Baked Beans

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:15

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon and drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings in skillet. Cook chopped sweet onions in drippings over medium heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir into skillet the beans, brown sugar, ketchup and cooked bacon. Pour mixture into an 8-inch square baking pan. Bake uncovered, until heated through and bubbly, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Dogs I Have Known

Submitted by James and Ellen... on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:12
James Perry

“No, No, Tip,” is from a 1940s -1950s primer school book called “Tip and Mitten.” Tip was, as best I can remember, a devilish scatter-brained puppy who romped and played as most puppies do.
Tip was a boy dog puppy who was scolded for his antics. Tip’s buddy was a kitten named Mitten. Those primer books were written by Paul McKee, who was a professor at the Universities of Iowa and North Colorado. Tip was my first dog encounter.

Covered Up

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:11

My daddy taught me how to play ball and to not be afraid of it. But as for my momma, she taught me not to go out into public unless I looked my best. While that included when I wasn’t feeling well, being in pain was another story.

Your Peppers are Pickled, Peter Piper!

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:09

In the 1900s means for communicating changed drastically. Initially, telephones were one to a house (for those who could afford them). They were connected on “party lines,” meaning that several people shared service. Anyone could listen to the conversations of anyone who had access to the line.
Not only was there no expectation of privacy in this manner, but the phone in a home was usually centrally located in the house where anyone could hear at least one end of any conversation.

Popular Programs Resume as Farmers Market Opens

Submitted by Beth Bergeron on Wed, 05/01/2024 - 15:53

UT Extension and the Union County Farmers Market are at it once again, partnering to create healthier, more active lifestyles. Opening Day at the market will be Saturday, May 4 with a Cinco de Mayo theme – come prepared for some fun! Due to more construction at Heritage Park and the pavilion, the market will be located in the Union County High School student parking lot for the 2024 season. Following are some of the popular programs to look forward to once again this year.

The Union County Lions and the Farmer’s Market

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Wed, 05/01/2024 - 15:53

The Union County Lions Club will be setting up shop at the Union County Farmer’s Market on May 4, May 11 and May 18 !! We are so looking forward to meeting all the vendors and our neighbors who will be attending the market. We will have tickets for the Reverse Raffle for sale for $10 each for a $500, $1000 or $2000 prize. AND we will have tickets for The Freedom Concert with the popular Poet Voices and the UCHS Band for $20 each! If you have any eyeglasses or eye glass cases in good shape, there will be a drop off box for your donation!

Some causes of back pain

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Wed, 05/01/2024 - 15:53

A car accident or other serious trauma, like a fall, are likely causes of back pain. But the pain can develop from a variety of sources that are not quite so obvious. Here are a few of the conditions that can play a role in creating back pain:

Spinal stenosis: a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. It’s a condition often caused by arthritis. In the narrowed chamber, pressure can build on the spinal cord.

Stuck on the Moon

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Wed, 05/01/2024 - 15:50

“Today, we’re going to use our imagination.” I was surprised to hear my management teacher start class this way. “Pretend you’re an astronaut on the moon and you have experienced a major problem. Should you try to make it back to the lunar module before it lifts off or stay where you are and try to survive? To help, you have a flashlight, a gun, and some matches.”

Morning Glory Muffins

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Wed, 05/01/2024 - 15:48

Arrange two racks evenly spaced in oven. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two muffin pans with paper muffin liners. In large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil and vanilla. Add carrots, apple, pineapple, pecans coconut and raisins. Stir together. In medium bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir just until combined.

Wild Ginger

Submitted by Steve Roark on Wed, 05/01/2024 - 14:06
Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is an interesting plant found in rich, moist, forested areas in deep hollows and drains. East and north facing lower slopes are its favored habitat, where it can be widespread.

Ginger has a stem (called a rhizome) that grows low along the ground with pairs of heart shaped leaves sticking up through the leaf litter. The leaf stems are very hairy, and if you scratch around under the leaves from April to May you will find a brownish purple flower with three petals. If you break off a piece of the rhizome you will get a strong smell of ginger.

UCHS Band students excel!

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:57

Quentin Carroll and Landyn Hobbins

There are many interesting people living in Union County. Some of them are senior citizens with fascinating tales to tell from their lives. I also discovered a couple of impressive people who are seniors at our Union County High School. I’ve known musicians most of my (long) life. Very seldom have I met one who also writes music. Landyn Hobbins has been doing this for years. He is a emotional writer who believes that music is something that everyone can relate to, and that music connects people - especially during emotional highs and lows.

Study Says Use of Chiropractic Care Is Associated With Significantly Lower Risk of Filling an Opioid Prescription

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:49

The burden of spinal pain can be aggravated by the hazards of opioid analgesics, which are still widely prescribed for spinal pain despite evidence-based clinical guidelines that identify non-pharmacological therapies as the preferred first-line approach. Previous studies have found that chiropractic care is associated with decreased use of opioids, but have not focused on older Medicare beneficiaries, a vulnerable population with high rates of co-morbidity and polypharmacy.

Somebody's Knocking

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:41

As we say around here: “w\What runs in your family?” For some it’s music and others it may be sports. For my family, it’s strange stories.
My Mamaw Jo used to cringe as she told this story. One day she and Mamaw Girdle/Myrtle were busy cleaning house when they heard the old clock upstairs chime. Both of them were startled. It wasn’t because they didn’t realize the time. It was because the clock was broken and hadn’t worked for years. Mamaw Jo thought it was pretty, so she hadn’t thrown it away. Immediately Mamaw Girdle/Myrtle said: “Something is going to happen.” Shortly after that, ...

Golden

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:17

I was at the Union County Opry last Saturday. I was there to help sell concessions for the Union County Lions Club. I struck up a conversation with Debra Keck about all the rain we had received the previous week. That rain prevented me from mowing my yards. Now, on this lovely, sunshiny Saturday, I had been occupied all day with preparing for concession sales.

Chicken Noodle and Corn Chowder

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:15

Canned soup to the rescue again. This makes a quick and tasty lunch. Over medium heat, saute onions in margarine until soft but not browned. Stir in chicken noodle soup, water, cream style corn, evaporated milk and pepper. Heat not quite to a boil. Sprinkle each serving with chopped chives.

Macular Degeneration and Me

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:08

I have my eyesight checked every year. My poor eyes have been through so much. I try to keep on top of their care. I have had 2 detached retinas as well as a sceral buckle on my right eye. That is a rubber band holding the eyeball in the correct shape. A visceral hemorrhage came along with one of the detached retinas on my right eye as well. There is an extra strong lens over it to help it track with the left one.

The Extending Tick Season

Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:02

Tick season normally begins in Spring, but it seems to be backing up into the winter months.

Since I’m in the woods a lot it’s reasonable to assume that I would have more ticks get on board and use me as a meal. But the past couple of winters I have pulled ticks off every month of the year, including the winter months when they are normally dormant. That’s not right people! All of my bites have been deer tick, smaller and harder to see and feel crawling around. Now that your family is outside more with the warming weather, best start body checking yourself and the kids. Since it’s good to know your enemy, here is a rundown on the tick lifestyle.

Apple Grafting Class held March 28th

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:02
shows hands of person grafting an apple tree

Photo taken by Shawn Hendrickson, Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, Asst. District Forester-State Forests

Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and the UT Extension Union County office hosted an apple grafting class in Chuck Swan State Forest. This collaborative event gave participants a hands-on opportunity to learn how to graft apple tree varieties onto different rootstocks. Class attendees took home at least 3 new apple tree varieties.

Bad News, Good News!!

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:01

Award-winning Southern Gospel group comes to Maynardville!

The Union County Lions Club annual concert on May 18, this year featuring The Poet Voices and The Browders, has had a major change. Through an unforeseeable and unexpected circumstance, the Browders will be unavailable for this concert – that’s the Bad News! The Good News is that the Poet Voices are still onboard to perform for you AND the ticket prices have changed dramatically!

Most Americans Have Never Tried Chiropractic Care: Part II

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:00

“Chiropractic care and physical therapy are among the best options we have for treating low back pain, and can help reduce reliance on treating pain with opioids and other pain medications,” said Eric J. Roseen, DC, PHD, Director of the Program for Integrative Medicine and Health Disparities at Boston Medical Center. “Guidelines released during the study period went from recommending these approaches as second line treatment, after other treatments fail, to first line treatment to be used before traditional pain medications.

Autism and Idioms- Idioms in a Literal World

Submitted by Isabella Humphery on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:59

Did you know that the month of April is Autism Awareness Month and we celebrated World Autism Day on April 2? As the number of autism diagnoses continues to rise there is an increase in awareness, but it seems at times that autism acceptance is a bigger issue. With the latest numbers from the CDC indicating that autism affects 1 in every 36 children, most families in the US have been impacted either directly or indirectly by an autism diagnosis. With the numbers on the rise, it is vital that we promote autism acceptance.

In the Attic

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:56
On the left, is me in my prom dress in 1983. On the right, is Sara wearing the same dress in 2008.

On the left, is me in my prom dress in 1983. On the right, is Sara wearing the same dress in 2008.

Being the geek that I am, I didn’t take any fun or interesting electives in high school. But my daughter Sara was more adventurous in that she signed up for the Drama Class.

Are You Insane?

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:40

I am sure that if you looked up the meaning of “insanity” in an honest-to-goodness printed dictionary that several meanings of the word would be found. There are some that would say it is insane to use a printed dictionary as it is now so much easier to “look it up on Google”.
One definition of insanity used lots in education and business is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”.

Baked fish parmesan

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:38
Cat fish drawing by Shirley McMurtrie

I often forget how many ways a fish fliet can be prepared. Check this one out. Dip filets in lemon juice, then in a mixture of remaining lemon juice and mayonnaise. Combine Parmesan cheese and crushed potato chips. Place in shallow baking dish and bake in preheated 375 F. oven or 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Note: For variety, use a different flavored potato chip.

Trillium Trivia

Submitted by Steve Roark on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:33
Trilliums are one of the earliest flowers to bloom in the Spring, and are beautiful to behold.

Trilliums are one of the earliest flowers to bloom in the Spring, and are beautiful to behold.

One of the most beautiful wildflowers to see in the Spring are trilliums, which are members of the Lily family. They are easy to find this time of year in rich, moist woods along rivers, streams, and in deep hollows. There are several species growing in our area, and all are easy to identify. The average trillium is 12 to 18 inches tall with a stout, erect stem. At the top is a whorl of 3 broad leaves and a single flower with 3 petals. Most trilliums have a flower supported by a stem just above the leaves (botanists call this pedicellate). But sessile trillium, also known as toadshade, (Trillium sessile) has no flower stem and the 3 petals appear to come directly out of the leaves. The sessile trilliums I have found locally have yellow petals, but some are dark red. The leaves of sessile trilliums have whitish splotches.

The Browders

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 04/08/2024 - 17:05

Dave, Tommy, Matthew and Sonya Browder

Brothers Matt and David Browder were young when they began traveling with their dad, Tommy Browder, in 1990. Matt recalls that at the age of 10 or 11 he actually began singing with his dad and around the age of 13 he learned three-part harmony. Tommy Browder had started singing gospel music at the age of 5, despite being stricken with polio. “My right hand was completely paralyzed from polio,” he recalls. Then one day, his thumb started working, then his fingers and then he regained enough strength in his right hand to be able to play the guitar.

Successful Hunt!!

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 04/08/2024 - 17:02

Easter Egg Hunt in Wilson Park

Members of the American Legion Post 212 and their volunteers helped the Easter Bunny this year by stuffing plastic eggs for him to hide for Union County children. And hide he did! Over 60 kids descended on Wilson Park on an absolutely gorgeous Easter Sunday afternoon to find these eggs – and, boy, did they!! No matter how well the eggs were hidden, these young people (some with a little help from their parents) found all the eggs. Three of these eggs contained a $50 gift card to Walmart.

Events

Union County Board of Education

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:09

The Union County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

The special called meeting of the Union County Board of Education that was scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 has been cancelled.

Spring Tour With Museum Mike!

Submitted by Holly Frerichs on Thu, 05/02/2024 - 23:04

"Come by the Lenoir Museum at 1:00pm on Saturday's throughout the spring for a tour with Museum Mike! These tours will occur on a weekly basis. These tours are completely free, but please consider registering and donating to the Museum! 100% of your donation stays in our Lenoir Museum and is used for programs, interpretive displays, and other improvements. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Lost Creek Reunion is June 9

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Thu, 05/02/2024 - 23:03
Lost Creek Church

Anyone with ancestors who attended Lost Creek Church or have ancestors buried in Lost Creek Cemetery may want to mark June 9, 2024, on the calendar. Fred Gibson and members of the Union County Cemetery Association will hold a reunion at the new Union County Forestry Building at the entrance to Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area.

Womens back country camping

Submitted by Holly Frerichs on Thu, 05/02/2024 - 23:07
Womens back county camping at Norris Dam State Park.

Join Ranger Holly Frerichs for an overnight experience in the back country! This is a beginner friendly workshop for women where we will learn best practices for overnight camping and some survival tactics. The hike to the campsite is 3.5 miles in and the same route back out. It is a moderate trail but very beginner friendly. This workshop is open to women and girls 15 and older.

The Norris Lake Project’s March 23, 2024, Lake Cleanup

Submitted by LeahNe Thiele on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:02

By Renee Lowder & LeahNe' Thiele
Are you looking for a way to help your community and environment? Have you thought about volunteering every spring and fall to assist The Norris Lake Project (NLP) with Lake Cleanups?

It only takes a few hours, and it is very rewarding. You can learn more about The Norris Lake Project and the Lake Cleanups at www.norrislakeproject.com On Saturday, March 23, 2024, The Norris Lake Project had teams at four locations:

Freedom Concert Saturday May 18th at 7:00

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Thu, 05/02/2024 - 23:03
Southern Gospel, UCHS Band, Oak Ridge Boys tribute, patriotic music, Memorial Day

There will be a very special performance on May 18th, when the Union County High School Band will be sharing the stage with the Poet Voices, a professional Southern Gospel quartet. The Freedom Concert will include patriotic music to commemorate Memorial Day and to honor Americans, as well as Southern Gospel songs, and a tribute to the Oak Ridge Boys. Tickets are $20 at the Kitchen Design Center, at the Union County Opry May 4th performance of Con Hunley, at the Union County Farmer's Market on May 4th, 11th or 18th - or or at the door.

Free admission for all Active Duty Military and Veterans

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Thu, 05/02/2024 - 23:02

The Lions Club would like to invite all Active Duty Military and US Veterans as our guest to the Freedom Concert on May 18th at 7:00. Each Veteran may receive up to 2 free tickets from Veteran Service Officer Kevin Manley. VSO Manley may be contacted at 865-661-7243 or emailed at Kevin.Manley@UnionCountyTN. gov.

Lions Club Reverse Raffle

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Thu, 05/02/2024 - 23:03

Tickets are $10 each. All the money raised goes directly to the Lion Charities. Tickets can be purchased from Union County Lions members Kathy Chesney (865) 566-3289, Ronnie Mincey (865) 278-6430, Debbie Sylvia-Gardner (865) 603-5081 or Shirlee Grabko (865) 310-6874.

Walk4Water Union County May 19

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sun, 05/05/2024 - 23:09

Walk4Water Union County is seeking corporate sponsors and walkers to raise money for Ugandan wells that provide drinking water to villages where no clean water exists. Be a sponsor or just join the walk in Wilson Park on May 19. Register at w4ki.org/w4wunioncounty. Like us on Facebook:Walk 4 Water Union County.
Questions? Call Desiree Hensley, Chairperson, 657 203 4170.

Obituary

Jack Henry Dyer, Jr.

Jack Henry Dyer, Jr. – age 63 of Luttrell passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 14, 2024, surrounded by his family at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Luttrell Church of God. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Henry Dyer, Sr. and Pauline Joyce (Winstead) Dyer.

Peggy Sue (Woods) Ensley

Peggy Sue (Woods) Ensley – age 82 of Maynardville, a beautiful, vivacious and loving woman was suddenly taken from us by a hemorrhagic stroke. She was born and raised in Sharps Chapel and was a graduate of Horace Maynard High School, Class of 1960. Peggy was a member of Maynardville Church of Christ and a retired employee of DeRoyal Industries with 37 years of service.

She is preceded in death by her son, Bryan Ensley; parents, Osco and Elsie Woods along with ten brothers and sisters.

Curtis Lynn Jones

Curtis Lynn Jones – age 62 of Maynardville, born July 20, 1961, left this world May 6th, 2024 at Willow Ridge Center in Maynardville. He was the life of the party and enjoyed listening to southern rock. Curtis loved life as an over the road trucker being able to see the whole country and loved a good camping trip with family.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Velma Cope; father, Roy Buck Jones; step-father, Herman Cope; sister, Rita (Randy) Dozier; brother, Steven Jones and Peggy Schmitt.

Mary Lashae Dyer Hernandez

Mary Lashae Dyer Hernandez-age 28 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 5, 2024. Preceded in death by her mother, Amanda Lord; uncles, Robbie Lord, Christopher Dyer; grandparents, Ray and Mary Dyer.

She is survived by her dad, Lonnie Ray Dyer; daughter, Aalyah Hernandez; brother, Zach; grandparents, Bobby and Sharon Lord, Sherry Sexton; 2nd mom, Amy Evans Taylor; aunt, Teresa (Dennis) Barnard; uncle, Sap Dyer; special cousins, TJ Burnett, Coty, Jeremy, Corey and a host of cousins and friends.

Jason Paul Clark

Jason Paul Clark-age 44 of Sharps Chapel passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at home. He loved fishing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. Preceded in death by his father, Gary Masingo; mother, Sandra Hobock; grandparents Roy “Mose” Clark, Joyce Clark, Big Johny and Marie Masingo; uncles, Kenny and Ronald Clark, Arlos Masingo, Little Johny Masingo; aunt, Debbie Clark.

Larry Jackson

Larry Jackson-age 72 of New Tazewell passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024. He was born April 10, 1952, in Holly Hill, South Carolina. Larry loved to be in the mountains, hunting and fishing with his son, spending time with his family and hanging out with his dogs. Larry was a proud member of the Santee Indian Organization. He was a hardworking man and spent his life as an electrician, real estate agent and truck driver.

Jonathan Dorrance

Jonathan David Dorrance – 46 of Maynardville, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was self employed as a plumber. Jonathan was a U. S. Army Veteran and loved to fish.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Jason Dorrance. Jonathan is survived by wife, Holly; parents, Donald and Gaynell Dorrance; brother, Justin (Amy) Dorrance; sister, Jennifer (Mike) Prusik; nieces and nephews, Kylie and Tyler Prusik and Grayson, Blake and Luke Dorrance; and aunt, Joy Porter.

Terry Jay Rolen

Terry Jay Rolen-age 67 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Terry was a good blacksmith who loved painting cars and collecting Zippo Lighters.

He is survived by his daughter, Shena Rouse; sons, Terry Shipley, James Rouse; sister, Kathy Hillard; brothers, Jack Rolen, James Rolen; girlfriend, Kimberly Rollins; stepchildren, Jason Bailey, Ashley Rollins, Brittney Rollins. Terry had many friends and family who loved him dearly.

Eula Estelle (Cook) Caldwell

Eula Estelle (Cook) Caldwell-age 87 of Corryton passed away Monday, April 29, 2024 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Maynardville. Preceded in death by husband, Clyde Caldwell; parents, Hobert and Mossie Cook; siblings, Edgar, Oval, Carlyle and Carolyn.

Burleigh Lewis

Burleigh Shelton Lewis, age 88 of Maynardville, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 29, 2024 at Fort Sanders Medical Center. He retired from the US Air Force after 22 years serving in Vietnam from 1966-1967. He then worked at Harris Corporation in Palm Bay, FL for 18 years. Burleigh is a 32nd Degree Mason with Masonic Lodge #318 Harbor City Lodge in Melbourne, FL. He loved to joke and tease with everyone and couldn’t pass up a good deal at yard sales. He absolutely loved to haggle for bargains.

Billy Woods

Mr. Billy Woods-age 63 of Luttrell passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, April 24, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Woods; mother, Frances Inklebarger. Billy was always smiling and joking. He gave everyone a nickname and loved to pester. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

Shelby Mitchell

Shelby Jean (Haynes) Mitchell – age 85 of Knoxville, formerly of Liberty Hill, passed peacefully surrounded by her family at home Wednesday, April 24, 2024. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church.

Larry Wayne Frye

Larry Wayne Frye – age 76 of Washburn, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Claiborne County Hospital. He was a member of Elm Springs Baptist Church. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Oreide Frye; sister, Darlene Satterfield.

He is survived by his sisters, Letha Frye, Jean Nicely and husband Roger of Washburn; brother, Dewey Lynn Frye and wife Vanda of Corryton; nieces and nephews, Jerry, Austin, Brittany all of Washburn, Brad, Amanda, Zoe, Gavin, Kenzlee all of Knoxville.

Sherry Mignon Dunn

Sherry Mignon Dunn – age 72 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Sherry had a deep love for her family and also fishing. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lola and H.E. Hill; sister, Sandra Hill; brother, Eddie Hill.

Sherry is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Billy Dunn; daughters, Tansi Underwood, Tammy Lay and husband Rick; grandchildren, Larissa Qualls, Craig Lay and wife Brittany, Derrick Lay; great-grandchildren, Ava Lay, Haisley Lay.

Clarence Grubbs

Clarence E. Grubbs – age 83 of Maynardville. God has taken another amazing man to Heaven today, April 6, 2024. He fought a brave battle with Pancreatic Cancer for 9 long months. Clarence was called a Gentle Giant and was loved by many. He was a man who lived life to the fullest. Clarence was a Glazier for 40 years, an amazing carpenter, mechanic, and avid fisherman. He grew hydroponics, the best tomatoes and vegetables. Clarence was an eagle lover, a magical storyteller and awesome cook, to name just a few.

Danny Jo Sweet

Danny Jo Sweet – age 66 of Washburn went home to be with the Lord Thursday, April 18 2024. Danny was a member of Hubbs Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was a former employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and L.B. Sweet; nephew, Jasper Sweet; sister-in-law, Pam Sweet; brother-in-law, Boyce Brock; father-in-law, Virgil Crawford.

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