For the last few years of his life, my brother J. C. and I took summer vacations alone. We split the cost of rental cars equally, and we alternated paying for lodging. We each paid for our own meals.
J. C. was the last surviving son from my father’s first marriage, and I was the only son of Dad’s second marriage. Though there were several years’ difference in our ages,
J. C. said I was a good traveling companion, in great part because, like I would have a Greyhound bus, I “left the driving to [him].”

At its July 10, 2025, meeting, the Union County Board of Education had a lively and lengthy discussion on policy changes that were the result of changes in state law. Adding a student member to the Board and defining regulations regarding cell phone use dominated the conversation.

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide with many treatments, such as medication, often failing to provide lasting relief. Researchers have uncovered a possible solution. Their study found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care could reduce disability and enhance quality of life.

MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. – The Union County Health Department hosted its first Open House event on Tuesday, July 29th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event was designed show case the newly renovated building and the services offered by the health department. Community members and elected officials gathered to participate in activities and engage with department staff and community partners.

The Sharps Chapel Fall Festival is set to take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Sharps Chapel Park from 12 noon to 7 p.m. This wholesome, annual event promises to be enjoyable and entertaining for all ages. Attendees can look forward to shopping at the Vendor Market, enjoying tasty food from one of many food trucks, cheering for our kids in the children’s Cowboys & Tiaras Pageant, having a great laugh at the Scarecrow Contest, watching our kids have a blast in a fun-filled KidZone, and tapping your toes to some great live music!

Two special called county meetings occurred on July 24, that will keep the jail construction timeline on track. The jail committee workshop listened to an in depth presentation by Spirit Architects itemizing the process for the new jail. Spirit Architects have made several visits to determine the specific and unique needs of Union County. After Spirit consulted with all stakeholders from the sheriff's department and elected officials to concerned citizens and non-profits serving inmates, Jim Langford and Mark Hammer addressed the budget, schedules, site, and scope of the project.

Plainview City approved the rezoning request by Douglas Curtis from R-1 to AR-1. There will be a public hearing at 7:00 at the next meeting of the Board of Aldermen on August 12 for Ordinance 168 which addresses this change.

The board also approved routine budget transfers and heard reports from officials. Resolution 92 was approved to transfer money between accounts. Chief of Police Kenny Crider reported 88 calls for service that resulted in 10 citations for 17 offenses.

The Union County Youth Talent Show is an event of the Union County Heritge Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The show is not a contest. There is no entry fee. There are two shows and participants need to choose only one show. Show times are 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. at Woods Music Heritage Theater, 1768 Maynardville Hwy.

To register, visit Woods Music Heritage Theater, 1768 Maynardville Hwy., or download a form at unioncountyheritagefestival.com. Spaces are limited so register soon.

The Union County Heritage Festival Quilt Show is Saturday, October 4, at the Union County Museum. All quilters are invited to bring their quilts to the museum on Thursday, October 2, between 1:30 and 6 p.m. Ellen Perry and Patricia Campbell will be at the museum to accept entries. Quilts will be judged, ribbons placed and displayed for viewing during museum festival hours of 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Get your paintbrush, camera, carving tools, lathes, potter's wheel, stitching needles or any other artistic tool ready to create a piece to enter the Union County Heritage Art Show on October 4.