The Union County Board of Education approved criteria for a student representative to the board at its November meeting. The BOE approved a proposal by Principal Lance Lay that was very similar to criteria recommended by Charlie Hamilton, First District board member. The number of student representatives was not decided. Schools Director Greg Clay encouraged as many as possible, with seven being the most allowed by the state law. He also noted that he has nominees that he can bring to the board meeting in December.

Only one business item was on the City of Plainview November agenda. The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Resolution 95 to implement the overtime pay rate of $40 per hour for police officers. The funds are from a grant.

With the 84th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor coming up, I found it appropriate to revisit the Japanese attack on the United States Naval Base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7th, 1941. This attack dragged the United States into World War II. According to the National Archives, “In a devastating defeat, the United States suffered 3,435 casualties and loss of or severe damage to 188 planes, 8 battleships, 3 light cruisers, and 4 miscellaneous vessels. Japanese losses were less than 100 personnel, 29 planes, and 5 midget submarines.” President Franklin D.

By Steve Roark

Winter browse is a wildlife term that refers to food in the form of woody twigs and buds found on trees, shrubs and vines. Since more nutritious and palatable food is available during the growing season, browse is usually only consumed during the leaner winter months, which makes it very important in maintaining a population of wildlife. Animals that utilize browse in our area include deer, elk, beaver, rabbit, mice and many others.

Travel Tips from Exuma, the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina and Italy

After retiring in December 2024, I finally decided to take the trips I had been waiting years to enjoy—some international, others within the beautiful southern U.S. Below are a few practical tips I learned along the way that I hope you’ll find helpful.

Planning for International Travel

Some say deviled eggs are just deviled eggs. Not me. There are many ways to season them. Try this one. Cool and peel hard boiled eggs. Halve lengthwise and remove yolks. Lightly mash yolks. Stir in seasonings and half the bacon. Spoon mixture into washed and dried egg white halves. Top with remaining crumbled bacon. Chill until ready to serve.

As I write this article, I am aware that exactly one month from today it will be Christmas Day! As you read, Christmas 2025 is even closer. It doesn’t seem like almost an entire year has passed since last Christmas.
This year, once again, the woman I married decided that she wanted a new Christmas tree. Women are obviously different than men. While I can tell you exactly how many Christmas trees I personally have had in my life, I can’t tell you how many different trees my wife has had since I have known her.

The Union County Extension Office is inviting the community to celebrate the holiday season with a focus on local resources, sustainability and handmade tradition. A hands-on Christmas wreath workshop will be held Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m. at 3500 Sharps Chapel Road in Sharps Chapel. The cost is $20, and space is limited.

Sharps Chapel Elementary School has become the first—and smallest—school in the county to fill a 5-gallon bucket with pop-top tabs this year. Each year, 4-H’ers in Union County Elementary Schools collect aluminum can tabs as part of an ongoing community service project. The tabs are recycled, and this year all proceeds are donated to Fresh Wagon, a local food distribution service dedicated to providing fresh local fruits, vegetables, and other foods to community members who are in need of these items!

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 25, 2025) – The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is proud to announce the launch of EastTNGives—our first-ever GivingTuesday Campaign. ETF is excited to join the Global Day of Generosity on Tuesday, December 2, to help make lives better and communities stronger in East Tennessee.