School board reports on construction projects

The Union County Board of Education shared tentative timelines for school building projects at its August board meeting and workshop.
According to Chairman Marty Gibbs, the new middle school is on track to be bid in the spring of 2024, to begin construction in the summer of 2024, to be completed in the spring of 2026, and to open to students in August of 2026. Chairman Gibbs noted that the wings had been rotated 90 degrees to allow for expansion and the sports fields had been relocated on the site.

Operation Christmas Child Area-Wide kicks off

Have you ever wanted to meet a shoebox recipient? To experience first-hand the life-changing power of a simple shoebox gift when sent in Jesus' name?
Well, here's your chance.
Join us at Milan Baptist Church in Maynardville on September 9, 4 to 6 p.m., for our Project Leader Weekend OCC Area-Wide Kickoff Event. You have an amazing opportunity to hear from and meet in-person shoebox recipient Evangeline from the Philippines.

The biggest small farm this town has ever seen

"From the unique & rare Meishan to the tried & true American Guinea Hog, we have quite the collection of heritage breed hogs for you to meet and greet during your farm tour."

From Connecticut to the hills of Union County, Tennessee, Olivia Hill and her husband have settled into a slice of serenity.
While this serenity has come with challenges and is an ongoing work in progress, the Hills are ecstatic to share their slice with the community.

Take A Walk

Walking may be, pound for pound, the most accessible, beneficial and inexpensive form of exercise available. The American Chiropractic Association recommends it as a way to stay fit.

Thinking outside the box

I usually don’t brag on my own work, but this article surely must be a good one. At least it was that good. How do I know? My computer “ate” it just as I was copying it to a jump drive. Let’s see if I can re-create it and make it even better.
I was going into the men’s bathroom at work a few weeks ago when a sign to the left caught my eye: Meals And Memories Are Made Here

Hamilton Cemetery Association Gathering is September 16

“The Gathering of the Generations” is planned for September 16, with a welcome and general information to begin at the Union County Museum and Genealogical Library at 3824 Maynardville Hwy, in historic Maynardville at 11:30 a.m.
For those those folks who may be traveling from other parts of the country, Maynardville is the home of Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Kenny Chesney, Lois Johnson, and Carl Smith ...

Veggie Salad

Here is a good salad to make for a holiday meal. Of course, it is delicious anytime. You should have everything in your pantry. It's cheap to make, easy and tasty. Put first six ingredients in large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients, except salad greens, and add to first mixture. Toss well. Chill overnight before using. Drain and serve plain as a relish or on greens for a salad. Makes about 1 quart. Mixture will keep several days in the fridge. Drain only amount required for each meal.

Granddaughter Trophy

Do you remember the first prize you ever won? I do.
When I was very small, I played a game at a birthday party. Somehow, I won the prize, which was a kaleidoscope. I couldn’t believe it. In fact, I tried to give it back to them. When they finally convinced me it was mine to keep, I was absolutely thrilled. Let me tell you, I liked the feeling of winning that prize.

And such were some of you

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

From Elvis to Rap

Here it is September again. Again, the nights are cooler with warm afternoons. It’s now dark at 6:30 a.m. as the days get shorter with nights getting longer. Time is marching toward fall and then winter.
The kids are back in school, terrorizing the teachers and waiting for fall break. The school buses are loaded to the brim as there’s a shortage of school bus drivers. Knox County started school in August with a shortage of 31 drivers. Less drivers/more kids means problems for bus contractors. Many contractors have to combine different loads to be able to get the kids home. So parents, allow a little leeway for the bus drivers.

Forestry is a big deal

Many consider forestry to only mean growing trees to cut for lumber, and in the old days that was true. But the forest is much more than a place to produce wood fiber and it has multiple uses it can be managed for. Many of these uses can be managed simultaneously with proper planning.
Here is a list of the major uses.

Our trip to Hawaii and Maui

Leaving for my trip on September 4, I took the long drive to Atlanta’s famous Hartsfield International Airport. (A local wit said that on the way to hell one now has to pass thru Hartsfield International Airport.) After 8 hours and 40 minutes in the air, this non-stop flight finally landed at Honolulu International Airport!

Cherokee Spirit Mustang Rescue and Equine Refuge

Molly May Mule and Autumn

Right here in Union County is a family deeply involved in Mustang rescue. Loretta Morris and her teenagers Ariana and Ayden have prevented these horses from being shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. The Morrises care for these animals on a daily basis. Today, there is a total of 52 Mustangs, donkeys, mules, and mulestangs (part mule and part Mustang). Some arrive at the Cherokee Spirit Mustang Rescue in Washburn fairly healthy, while others are in need of extra care, nutrients and feed.

Frozen Shoulder

‘Frozen shoulder’ is a term sometimes used loosely in connection with any type of persistent shoulder pain. But specifically it is the loss of arm movement at the shoulder joint.

The shoulder is the part of the body that is the third most common subject for chiropractic treatment, the lower back and the neck being the two most common. Frozen shoulder can be brought on by the trauma of a fall or car accident, or it may come on gradually as a result of muscle imbalance, overuse and irritation.

Chug a Lug

Have you ever chug-a-lugged a drink? That’s when you turn the drink container up and guzzle it down as fast and as noisily as you can.
Unless I was playing ball on a hot summer day, I wasn’t allowed to chug -a-lug a drink. Why? If you have ever read any of my articles, you know that my family was and still is very steeped in southern etiquette. Part of that was how you ate and drink. For one, you didn’t make any unnecessary noises such as smacking your lips or slurping. When somebody (usually me) slipped up and did that at the table, they were met with scowls and an uncomfortable silence. That experience stayed with me for years. That is until I was carrying my daughter Sara.

Reruns

This past year, I have been watching a lot of reruns on television. Two that come to mind are Perry Mason and Johnny Carson. I enjoy seeing the actors of that era performing. I usually study the credits to see who else I remember.

Cheesy Pizza Bread

This bread snack goes well with pizza and just about anything else. Spaghetti, for instance. Add more garlic, if you like. Prepare pizza crust according to package directions. Pat onto a 12 inch round pizza pan. In small bowl combine melted margarine, garlic, Italian seasoning and seasoned salt. Brush onto prepared crust. Sprinkle generously with cheese.

The House That Saved the South

Who knew the lowly outhouse would improve the southern
economy in the early 1900s.

Let me warn you that this story is not for the squeamish. Way back in 1908 the millionaire John D Rockefeller wanted to make still more money, but most of his markets were saturated, so he began looking at the southern United States as an untapped marketplace. But there was a problem…the South’s economy was lousy. The people were illiterate, dirt poor, and were perceived as lazy. Farms weren’t fully operational, and the economic engine seemed to be turned off.

UC Humane Society fundraiser ride is Sept. 9

Riders at Veterans Overlook 2016. Photo by Laurie Oppel

Calling all motorcyclists to “Ride like an Animal” in the Annual Union County Humane Society Motorcycle Ride.
This year marks the 16th annual motorcycle ride to raise funds for the humane society.
The Union County Humane Society is a no fee animal shelter for unwanted or abandoned pets. The shelter also provides a low cost spay, neuter and vaccine clinic. Alongside these services, they work closely with local law enforcement to assist in animal-related issues across the county.

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