Let’s start with a Biblical review: Matthew is the only one of the gospel writers to mention men he refers to as Magi coming out of the east seeking a Jewish king to worship (Matthew 2: 1-12). “Magi” is one of several titles they were given, along with “wise men” and “kings”. So who were they exactly? The book of Matthew was originally written in Greek, and the Greek word used was “magoi”, which in English is translated as “Magi”. People called magi first appear in history around the 7th century B.C in the Median empire. They were an ancient priestly caste dwelling somewhere in the Parthian empire and practiced astrology, which at the time was a mixture of scientific observation of the heavens mixed in with using those observations to interpret future events. They were also known for their ability to interpret dreams. At the time of Jesus’ birth, magi were councilors in the Parthian empire. And since they delved in science and served as councilors to the government, it is easy to see why they were also termed “wise men”. But were they kings? Part of their duties as government councilors included the election of new kings to the empire. So while they were pretty high up on the societal peg, they were likely not kings, but instead king makers.

CANCELLED--The workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education that was scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025 has been cancelled.

NEXT MEETING--The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Union County High School Library. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

Many patients live with low back pain that radiates to the buttock, groin, thigh, and even knees. The challenge for patients is determining the origin of the pain — the hip, the spine, or both. A new article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (JAAOs) outlines the identical symptoms associated with hip and spine pain and discusses the diagnostic steps and tests required to treat them appropriately.

Have you ever heard the Christmas song: “O Christmas Tree?” If so, please sing the tune with the lyrics below:

“O Christmas Tree
Your branches are so dusty
Not cleaned, they are so heavy.”

Yep, I’m going to be talking my very dusty Christmas tree today.

Brown sugar is a pantry essential—perfect for cookies, sweet potatoes, sauces and countless holiday favorites. But anyone who uses it regularly knows how quickly it can turn from soft and fluffy to a solid, rock-hard brick. With just a little know-how, you can keep your brown sugar soft and usable, and even rescue it if it does dry out. And if you ever find yourself completely out, don’t worry—making your own at home is easier than you think.

If my Mamaw Jo could see some of the modern Christmas light displays, she would have said: “I swannie, I’ve never seen such new-fanged lights like these!” She wasn’t into technology. As for me, I recently discovered just how much I don’t know about Christmas lights either.

While some lower back pain needs to be treated by a specialist, chiropractors can help children and adolescents prevent and manage lower back pain. Most pain with no specific cause responds to rest, rehabilitation and identification of predisposing risk factors.

🎁 Yuletide Treasures Market. Saturday, December 13 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Heritage Park Farmers Market Pavilion

Spend locally on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 pm at the Yuletide Treasures Market at the Heritage Park Farmers Market Pavilion.

Step into a festive wonderland of local gifts and holiday delights! The Yuletide Treasures Market is your one-stop shop for meaningful, gorgeous, handmade presents and delicious seasonal treats. From artisan crafts and baked goods to winter produce and value-added goodies, there’s something for everyone on your list.

It’s the final festive fling before Christmas! Join us for the Mistletoe & Makers Market at the Heritage Pavilion on Saturday, December 20, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, where last-minute shopping meets local charm! Discover beautiful handcrafted gifts, delicious holiday treats, and fresh ingredients for your Christmas table — all in one joyful, open-air setting!

The Union County Line Dancers, led by Janie Hamilton, visited the Maynardville nursing home Willow Ridge recently to entertain the residents. The residents enjoyed the dancers very much.