Frequent musculoskeletal pain is linked with an increased risk of exiting work and retiring earlier, according to a new study from the University of Portsmouth. The paper found the association between musculoskeletal pain and retiring earlier persisted even after accounting for working conditions, job satisfaction and gender. The researchers found that people with musculoskeletal pain complaints tended to retire earlier compared to pain-free participants.

“It’s here!” Carefully I opened the cardboard envelope that my step mother had mailed to me and pulled out the yellowing piece of paper. When I first looked at it, I couldn’t breathe for a few seconds. On it was a drawing I had made for my daddy when I was a child. I was simply amazed that it hadn’t been lost or torn after everything it had been through.

Lorrie Morgan once did an excellent remake of an old George Jones song “A Picture of Me Without You”. The song asked the listener to imagine several things.
Imagine with me, Dear Reader, an America:

With only 48 states;
When gasoline cost anywhere from 13 to 25 cents per gallon;
When alcohol had been illegal for four years;
When the following products were available for the very first time—
Wheaties cereal;
Dum Dum “suckers” (lollipops);
Iodized table salt;
Kleenex facial tissues;
Locking pliers;
Marlboro cigarettes.

When fresh corn is in season this is a good soup for a rainy day. In large pot, stir together the celery sou. 4 cups corn, curry powder and 2 cups water. Over medium heat , bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium low. Cook until flavors blend, 10 minutes. Serve topped with remaining corn. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, tomato and parsley. Makes 6 servings.

It interests me how trees are so often intertwined with our culture and history. The July celebration of our independence is a good time to review the history of the Liberty Tree, a symbol for individual liberty and resistance to tyranny.

Last summer Asher Effler, a 10-year-old with an amazing work ethic, was trying to find something to keep him busy. He wanted something that he could organize, raise some money, and help somebody all at the same time. So he discussed his options with his parents and together they decided to set up a table in the front yard and give away snow cones for a donation. Then he would use the money to purchase stuffed animals for the children at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

The Union County Commission approved all documents relating to the FY25 Budget unanimously, except for one negative vote by 3rd District Commissioner Kenny Moore on the Non-Profit Budget. The tax rate will remain the same.
The sheriff’s department will get a step increase of two percent. as will EMS. Other county employees will receive a six percent raise which moved them three steps on the pay scale.

In the June meeting the Union County Board of Education extended Director Greg Clay’s contract to June 30, 2028.
Clay received high marks from teachers, administrators and school board members during the evaluation process.

The Plainview election has buzzed with anticipation as a record 171 votes were cast in the early voting. For the first time in recent memory, two candidates, current Mayor Gary D. Chandler and Commissioner Lynn Beeler, ran for Mayor of Plainview. Three candidates, Keith Brantley, Gordon Bright and Rebecca Lock challenged for two seats. On election day, 206 voted.

NASHVILLE – Road construction won’t slow motorists across Tennessee over the July 4 holiday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Wednesday, July 3, through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 8, to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.
AAA predicts record travel in Tennessee this year, with 1.4 million Tennesseans taking a road trip.