By Shannon DeWitt, UT Extension Agent
While summer gardens are in full swing, now is the perfect time to start planning for fall. The Union County office of UT Extension is offering a free workshop, “Planning a Fall Garden,” on Wednesday, July 16, at 10 a.m., to help local gardeners make the most of the cooler seasons.
If you are a fan of MeTV, you might recently, even this very morning, have seen a rerun of the police drama Dragnet. The episodes began with the phrase, “The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.”
As a disclaimer for purposes of this article, I begin with a similar statement. “The article you are about to read is based on actual events, but incorporates a missive the author received long ago in an email. No actual names are disclosed to protect the dignity and identity of anyone who might be implicated.”
When I heard what had happened, or better yet, what had almost happened, I knew The Lord had answered my prayer in a huge way.
That Saturday started out simple enough. Tim had agreed to help our daughter Sara and her husband Jordan to pick-up a new dog kennel for her business: “Sara’s Waggy Tails.” As for me, I was happy to watch baby Maverick while they were gone. When Sara and Jordan walked through our door, I knew something was wrong when I saw the expression on their faces. Immediately they began to describe the wreck that almost happened.
By Shannon Dewitt, Union County Extension Office, and Shirlee Grabko
On June 16, the Knox Union Cattlemen’s Association held a Twilight Beef Tour and Farmland Preservation Presentation at Seven Springs Farm to Table. Union County Agriculture Extension Agent Shannon DeWitt began the meeting with introductions and a recognition of the contributors.
TN Valley Coalition for Homeless (TVCH) is a small, non-profit organization with a primary goal to house the homeless. They do this through their Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. TVCH works to house the homeless; educate the community; and provide permanent solutions to homelessness in 12 East TN counties.
Their work is strictly rural; they do not work within the cities of these counties. Anyone who is homeless or facing homelessness in Union or surrounding counties can request help by calling 888-556-0791.
Jared Effler, 8th District Attorney General, has been elected by fellow members of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference (TNDAGC) to serve as president of the organization’s executive committee. In this position, Effler will play a crucial role in guiding the overall administration of justice in Tennessee.
Several years ago I was visiting Union County’s nursing home. I happened upon a gentleman I knew. I stepped inside his room for a short visit. I was not surprised that the man didn’t seem to recognize me, as we had never had occasion to be around each other a great deal.
What did surprise me is what he said when I told him who I was. He looked at me in amazement and said, “I thought you were dead.”
I found a certain humor in his comment, more at my younger age than I would now. I know that elderly folks are often confused.
Union County 4-H members recently returned from an exciting and fun-filled week at Junior 4-H Camp, held June 9 to 13 at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville, Tennessee. Our campers spent the week learning, growing and making lasting memories with fellow 4-H members from across the region.
The USA turns 250 on July 4, 2026. But the prelude celebrations are happening right now. Several local museums and libraries in Tennessee will be hosting celebrations for America's 250th birthday, known as the American Semiquinncentennial Celebration. Sycamore Shoals State Park performed “Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals” on June 19-21 and June 26-28. Sycamore Shoals was one the foundations for democracy not only in Tennessee but also the nation.
Dr. Warren Dockter, East Tennessee Historical Society Executive Director will inform the public regarding the various informational talks and celebrations for America's 250th Birthday. He is the Vice Chair of the Tennessee Semiquinncentennial Commission and will lend a first hand knowledge of events happening across the state and those being planned in Union, Claiborne, Anderson, Campbell, Knox, and Grainger Counties that showcase the American Revolution in Tennessee.