In the wake of Hurricane Helene, amateur radio operators, also known as HAMs, are stepping up to coordinate relief efforts managed entirely by volunteers. Vicki Carnes of South Carolina, call sign AD3I, is running net control and leading the initiative, which has become a lifeline for extremely isolated areas affected by the disaster in neighboring North Carolina.

The Union County Heritage Festival showcased remarkable talent and skill from both youth and adult participants in this year's 4-H Youth and Adults Exhibits. The annual event featured a variety of categories, from sewing and needle art to canned goods and farm-fresh eggs. The Union County community came together to celebrate the hard work and creativity of its members.

In 1946, Agent Angie Fugate conducted demonstrations for members of the Homemakers Clubs, showcasing new electric stoves and cooking appliances, including pressure cookers. She explained how these appliances operated differently from traditional wood cook stoves. Fugate also taught techniques for freezing foods using the new electric freezers and demonstrated the use of electric sewing machines, which had replaced pedal-operated models. Additionally, she provided guidance on gardening, lawn beautification, and chicken care.

Carol Pratt of Union County FCE and Abby Thomas of UT Extension Union County announced the winners of the 2024 Union County Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest on October 5, 2024. FCE Judges tasted and judged the overall appearance, the crust, and the taste in addition to reviewing the recipe with each pie. Brittany Bowlin was named 2024 Grand Champion Pie Baker and received $100 for her Pecan Cream Pie.

Here are two more tips to strengthen and protect your back while working.

Set yourself up for success: your work environment can have a big impact on your comfort and musculoskeletal health. Instead of forcing your body to fit your workspace, set up your workspace to fit your body.

Peter Kern, a German immigrant, established a bakery at the corner of State Street and Main in Knoxville and sold cookies, made from flour and molasses, to Union soldiers. They were known as Kern’s Confections and he later expanded to ice cream. Kern built a new three-story structure in 1876, the Kern Building (now The Oliver Hotel), on Market Square in Knoxville, which is on the Register of Historic places. Peter Kern died in 1907 and his descendants sold the company in 1920 to the Brown family.

Who would have thought that a hurricane that made landfall in Florida could have such devastating effects more than one thousand miles away in the hills of Appalachia?
So it is with life. Just as the literal devastation of places so far away from the origination of Hurricane Helene in late September 2024 wreaked destruction, ill-advised life choices can have consequences for not only those who made the choice, but others who might be collaterally affected.

It was an evening to remember. My Mamaw and Papaw had me come to their house to watch a circus on TV. Even though I was very small, I still remember all the colors, clowns, and the daring feats as the trapeze artists flew through the air. Papaw cut up a watermelon and placed the pieces in a pie pan, so as we watched the circus, we ate and spit seeds in the pans. From that time on, I wanted to see another circus.

In 1996, a young man from Union County’s Horace Maynard High School set out to explore the field of diesel mechanics. Since the options for continued education in this field were more limited at that time, this Union County native attended a trade school in Middle Tennessee, later returning to his hometown as he ventured to begin his career.
Securing a position in Knoxville in 1997, this young man began his professional journey as a diesel mechanic and began trudging through the technical and personal skill development that would promise him a long and lucrative career.

Country Connections By James and Ellen Perry
“Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories sweetened through the ages just like wine
Quiet thoughts come floating down
And settle softly to the ground
Like golden autumn leaves around my feet
I touched them and they burst apart with sweet memories
Sweet memories

Do you experience regular back pain? You’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, more than 1 in 4 working adults experience low back pain.

Not only is it painful, but studies show that back pain can limit your activities and impact your ability to work. In fact, the health policy institute found it to be a leading cause of work-loss days, with 83 million days of work lost per year.

Director Greg Clay welcomed the new school board members, Harold Cooke, Charlie Hamilton, Terry Washam and Dr. Jimmy Carter at the Union County Board of Education meeting in September. Director Clay called for nominations for school board chairman. Rebecca Lock nominated Jessica Buck. Danny Wayne Collins nominated Dr. Jimmy Carter. The vote was by signed ballot. Clay read the name of the voter and the name of the candidate on each ballot aloud. Jessica Buck is the chairperson. There were four votes for Buck and two votes for Carter. Carter was absent.

Plainview held its regular Planning Commission meeting followed by the Board of Aldermen meeting last month. Much of the discussion in both meetings centered around property concerns and associated fees. The board revisited the building permit fees and asked Stewart Skeen to further investigate the previous action on manufactured homes and double wide trailers. Skeen is checking on any state requirements for permits and inspections.

This are words I remember from long ago when reading comic like Superman, Batman, The Hulk, Dick Tracy. Words that described the sounds of fighting. But POW has a much different meaning to me today. POW: Prisoner of War

Three Union County 4-H youths proudly represented their county at the inaugural Eastern Region Goat Show, held at the Tennessee Valley Fair last month.
Competing for the first time in this prestigious event, these young participants demonstrated skill, dedication and sportsmanship across multiple categories.
In the Showmanship competition:
- Madison Cole earned 2nd place in the Senior Level I division.
- Briar Smith secured 4th place in the Junior Level division.
- Reed Reno captured 3rd place in the Explorer Level division.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program cost share program will be accepting applications October 1-7. This program, established in 2005, has helped farmers in Union County and across the state of Tennessee. More than $1.27 million has been invested in 424 producer projects from 2005 through 2023 in Union County. Each TAEP dollar generates $6.55 in local economies.

The September Family and Community Education (FCE) meeting took place at the Eastern Region FCE Fall Gathering, hosted by Campbell and Anderson Counties at the Lafollette Church of God in Lafollette, TN. Thank you to our hosts for organizing such a memorable event!
The gathering included the Regional Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests, where participants from various counties showcased their skills. Congratulations to the winners, who will advance to the State FCE Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests.
Cultural Arts Contest Results:

Union County veterans, prepare yourself for a delicious Italian feast of lasagna, garlic bread and homemade desserts. On Monday, October 7, at 6 p.m. sharp, the Smoky Mountain 4-H Club will be honored to prepare and serve our veterans this special meal.
Veterans and spouses of veterans are invited to enjoy the feast at the American Legion building on Veteran St. in Maynardville.

You need several hearty salads in your recipe collection to take the place of potatoes in your menu. They are usually cold salads, so can be made ahead of the planned meal. In a large mixing bowl, combine everything but the dressing. Pour dressing over mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill until serving time or up to 24 hours. Makes 16 servings. Note: The pimiento and cheese adds color.

Did you get into trouble a lot when you were a child? I usually didn’t, but there was this one time my momma was really upset with me and my cousin Jimbo.

In 1938, local farmers tried to keep up with the changing times with help from the Extension Office. Automobiles were replacing horse-and-buggy transportation, and new, modern ways were emerging. Other programs assisting Union County residents included the Home Supply Program, the Victory Committee, the War Bond Drive, and the Red Cross Campaign. The Depression was ending, and people were seeking employment in ways other than farming. The Extension Office assisted farmers by helping them purchase new farm equipment, such as tractors.

The Union County American Legion has one fundraiser a year to help pay for their many projects, and that fundraiser is coming up on Saturday, October 5, from 8 a.m. until noon. They will be at the intersection of Maynardville Hwy. and Hickory Star Rd. asking for your donation. On your way to the Union County Heritage Festival, grocery shopping or just driving around, please go by this intersection and help our American Legion help our Union County veterans, many of whom are alone and/or incapacitated, and donate what you can to the American Legion Post 212.

Attention Tennessee Gardeners
We have an exciting opportunity for you. Join us for the Welcome Home to My Tennessee Garden series, held on Mondays: October 14, 21, 28, and November 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In this series, you will learn about:
• Soils and Climate
• Lawns
• Flowering Plants
• Shrubs and Trees
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your gardening skills, this class is perfect for you.
Location: 2721 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN 37807

In 1937, the first Achievement Day took place in Union County. It was created to showcase the many crafts such as rug making that Home Demonstration Clubs created. They made quilts and much much more. They did this at the local high school. Weather effected the turnout out, so the following year (1938) Chairperson Pearl Snodderly. had 54 women compete from the various communities where they met.