Free program for chronic conditions offered in Union County

The University of Tennessee Extension, in partnership with the Union County Health Department, is bringing a valuable program to the community this August and September to help community members manage chronic health conditions.

The Living Well with Chronic Conditions Program is a free six-week series designed to help individuals with chronic illnesses—such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and others—build skills to take control of their health and improve their quality of life. Caregivers and family members are also encouraged to participate.

Summer School Success at HMMS

Horace Maynard Middle School wrapped up a highly successful summer school session this June, averaging around 75 students each day—the largest turnout in recent memory. Students came ready to grow academically and personally, and they did just that through a mix of core academics and engaging enrichment activities.

Epidural Steroid Injections for Chronic Back Pain for People with Low Back Pain Caused by Radiculopathy

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has developed a new systematic review to summarize the evidence for epidural steroid injections and whether they reduce pain and disability for people with certain kinds of chronic back pain. With an epidural steroid injection, a steroid or corticosteroid medication is injected into a part of the spine called the epidural space. The goal is to help reduce certain kinds of back pain.

🌽 Union County Youth Invited to Compete in 2025 Corn Festival

Maynardville, TN – July 2025 — The UT TSU Extension Office in Union County in partnership with Union County Farmers Market is excited to announce the 2025 Corn Festival Youth Competitions, a celebration of creativity, agriculture, and community spirit. The event will take place as part of the annual Corn Festival, offering local youth a chance to showcase their talents in culinary arts, gardening, and creative design.

FCE yard sale fundraiser set for August 21

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) organization will host a yard sale fundraiser on Thursday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Union County Extension Office.

This event is open to the general public, and all are invited to stop by and shop for a variety of household items, books, décor and unique finds. Proceeds from the sale will benefit FCE programs and community projects in Union County.

The Union County Extension Office is located at 2721 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN 37807.

Now Enrolling

Summer is in full swing. Several students are registering for college courses that begin in the fall. For non-Appalachian Americans and those from other countries, wouldn’t it be wonderful if an SSL class was offered?
The Appalachian region of the southeastern United States in unique in many ways, not the least of which is the local dialect of English spoken. Southern Appalachian natives are full of unique dialectical and idiomatic language patterns. Orthodox practitioners of standardized “King’s English” are sometimes bewildered at the language idiosyncrasy.

Webb becomes third Union County Finance Office grad from state CCFO program

Ashley Webb, administrative assistant in the Union County Finance Office, graduated from the Certified County Finance Officer program on June 5 in Nashville. Jason E. Mumpower, the State Comptroller of the Treasury, presented her certificate after Webb completeted training and testing through the university level program designed to sharpen the skills of local finance employees. Union County Finance Director Melissa Brown, who is also a CCFO graduate, attended the graduation in support of her team member.

Pie Mission

What’s the perfect birthday present for you? I daresay you immediately thought of something. But what about one for somebody else? A few years ago, my friend and I went in together on the perfect gift for our coworker. It seemed like a simple enough thing to do, but it didn’t quite work out that way.

Wild Drinks

Our area’s enormous 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 enjoyed. Be sure of correct identification before consuming any wild food, and try only a small amount at first in case of food allergies.