By Jeff Brantley
I represent the 5th District of Union County (Sharps Chapel and Speedwell side). A controversy has arisen about the location of a chicken/pharmaceutical farm in Sharps Chapel. Some are complaining about property values, odor, contamination, etc. Most of the resistance comes from lake lot property owners who are approximately a mile away from the proposed business.

By Alyshia Victoria
Have you heard of FCE clubs? Perhaps you have heard of the homemaker’s club.
Family & Community Education clubs (FCE), formerly known as the homemaker’s group, have been around for a long time. While 4-H clubs have been a way of building community and skills among youth throughout Tennessee history, FCE clubs have been doing the same for adults. The goal of FCE clubs is to strengthen the home and community by improving the quality of life of individuals and families through continuing education, leadership development and community service.

November 9 was graduation day for the East Tennessee Regional Leadership Association Class of 2020-2021 at Hunter Valley Farms in West Knoxville.
The keynote speaker was Art Bohanan, who is known for his work with the UT Body Farm, the World Trade Center and the Knoxville Police Department as a forensic specialist.
Union County was well represented by Robbie and Gail Corum, who are known for their business, Corum Bookkeeping, as well as their community involvement with Leadership Union County and Union County Business & Professional Association.

Like a warm blanket of love, the Union County Opry wrapped the audience in Christmas cheer at the 2021 Christmas show, “Bringing Country Home.”
Singing and playing tunes from Elvis to the Eagles with a spice of Cajun and more than a sprinkle of nostalgia, musicians evoked dreams of the star, the tree, the gifts and the hope of the season.

By Derek Wilson
Maybe you have heard the term birds of prey. It’s a broad term that is referring to carnivorous birds like buzzards, hawks, owls, falcons and eagles.
This is a great time of year to bird watch. The leaves have fallen off the trees and many species are in migration. Migration gets lots of species on the move and the forest is much easier to spot many of these species without all the leaves on the trees.
Some birds of prey also take advantage of the more open forest this time of year also to use their excellent eyesight to catch prey.

Do you have some bananas hanging out at your kitchen counter? Are they a lovely shade of yellow flecked with brown? They are ready for these cookies. Don't throw them out.

Country Connections by James and Ellen Perry
It being a couple of weeks ’til Christmas in 1952, Daddy said on Saturday morning, “Boys (to the four of us boys) it’s time to go up on the hill and look for a Christmas tree.”

By Brooke Cox
Growing up, one of my favorite activities was decorating Christmas trees. Even as an adult, I often volunteer to adorn them. You see, I love anything that sparkles and/or has a bright color.
Many years ago, I worked in a very nice and professional office. My first Christmas there, the company bought a new Christmas tree. The manager asked me if I wouldn’t mind decorating it. While I calmly agreed, I was jumping for joy on the inside. Whoo hoo!

Part 1
Proverbs 18:24 KJV
[24] A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
I often close conversations with Proverbs 18:24, to remind myself and others of the importance of having friends. Friendships come in various levels, from short-term casual contact, to lifelong intimate relationships.
We sometimes use the word friend very loosely, even casually as a greeting. Many believe that friendship in the best sense is lifelong to the extent that both parties involved would die for each other.

By: Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Our connection with trees goes back a long time, and during the holidays it shows up in just how interwoven forest plants are with Christmas symbols and traditions.
The Christmas Tree: An evergreen tree, sparkling with ornaments and lights, is probably the preeminent Christmas icon.