The Winery at Seven Springs Farm hosted a special guest May 3, as Tennessee USDA Director Jim Tracy dropped in to meet the Riddle family and celebrate their success.

Tracy has been Tennessee's USDA director since November 2017, and since then he's been touring the state to meet farmers and farm businesses. A former District 14 state Senator with a degree in agriculture education, Tracy was complimentary of the farm, the winery, and the family's contribution to Union County's economy.

Local business leader Rick Riddle visited Union County Commission April 9, asking commissioners to pass a resolution from First District Commissioner Stanley Dail taking steps towards greater broadband Internet access for Union County homes and businesses.

Riddle, whose family owns Seven Springs Farm, had some startling figures to share. He said 25 percent of Union Countians don't have access to broadband. That means that students can't complete schoolwork at home, adults can't pursue online degrees, and opportunities to work from home are limited.