Did the title confuse you? Haven refers to a safe place. It’s like finding a port in a storm. So how can dirt be a safe place? Let’s just say I found out the hard way when I was in the seventh grade.
On that fateful morning in January 1978, my mom pulled up to let me out at Halls Middle School. Hanging over it was a dark ominous cloud. I hadn’t ever seen one as black as it was

Remember some of those things we had to do in school that we have never had to do since? I went to college, majored in English, taught in public school and community college and have worked in the Union County Public Schools for many years, but never since high school have I had to conjugate a verb or diagram a sentence. I’m sure that you, Dear Reader, can remember many other things you had to do in school that you have never used elsewhere in life.

I name this recipe a star when I was cooking at the Hickory Star Restaurant on Norris Lake. I hope you like it. The sour cream gives it an especially rich flavor. There aren't many ingredients. I hope you like it. Combine garlic, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and paprika for a marinade. Place chicken in large bowl. Pour marinade over chicken. Cover bowl.

Used to early to mid-summer was considered tick season, but since here of late I have pulled them off me all twelve months, I no longer think there is a season. But warm weather gets more people outdoors, which ups the chance of contact with the little pests. I’ve also heard of several local folks that have gotten Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and they are other tick-borne diseases to be concerned about.

Big Ridge Elementary School opened in 1960-1961 as the consolidated school assigned to receive Pine Grove students. Central View, Hickory Valley, Arevalo, and part of Burkhart were also included in the consolidation.
Arevalo Elementary School opened to students in 1st through 8th grade circa1924. Bonnie Heiskell Peters relates the origins of the name of the Arevalo School in Union County Schoolday Memories.

Union County Extension is thrilled to announce that Van Richardson has won multiple awards at the 2024 Tennessee State Junior Beef Show this June!
These are spectacular accomplishments that are literally years in the making. Winning a Grand Champion award requires commitment, dedication, and perseverance. Winning a Grand Champion award 4-H member bred and raised the animal is amazing. Van’s hard work, dedication, and passion for the beef industry have truly paid off. At this prestigious event, he showcased exceptional talent and skill, earning accolades that reflect his commitment to excellence.

Your hips, which bear considerable weight, can become painful as a result of injury or disease. They can also suffer from stress brought on by the improper alignment of other parts of the body. The hip joint, like the body’s other joints, is a point at which tendons, muscles and bones come together to allow particular movement. As with the other joints, the hips are susceptible to pain and discomfort.

It was one of those times when I had to do a double take. We were within a few miles from our house when Tim pointed and said: “Look, there’s a bear standing at the edge of the woods!” I have to admit that I was a little frightened at seeing one so close to my home. I don’t know about you, but back in the day, I don’t remember them being seen so far from The Smokey Mountains

There is a wonderful episode of The Twilight Zone that features a hunter portrayed by the late Arthur Hunicutt. The hunter takes his dog and goes hunting, but both drown. The story relates how the hunter and his faithful dog make their journey to the hereafter. The farmer is almost lured by trickery into entering hell (which the gatekeeper tries to disguise as Heaven). The gatekeeper tells the farmer that dogs are not allowed in Heaven, so the hunter says he’ll just keep going down the road. A little further the farmer indeed finds Heaven, to which his dog is also welcome.

Chicken Alfredo is great, but so is this dish with the shrimp. Don't buy raw shrimp you have to fuss with. Instead use a bag of frozen cooked salad shrimp. the only prep needed is cutting off their tails. Over medium heat, heat olive oil and garlic in skillet until starting to be bubbly. Add thawed shrimp (tails removed), cooked until heated through. Add mushrooms, tossing to combine. add chicken broth and the softened cream cheese. Simmer and stir until a smooth sauce emerges. Add grated Parmesan cheese and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.