Why are superstitions and eerie stories so prevalent in the Appalachian mountain region? An article from 1909 in the Sequatchie Valley News offers a $5 reward (around ~$190 today) for catching the "Whistling Jack," which was a commonly reported creature at the time, yet no proof of "Jack's" existence has ever been offered...

On Thursday, October 2 and Friday, October 3, 2025, District Attorney General Jared Effler and staff, in partnership with the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, hosted the Tenth Annual Dixie Roofing Clays for Children Sporting Clays Tournament at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays in Kodak, Tennessee. The purpose of the event was to raise money to support the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, comprised of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union counties.

With a nod to the season of Halloween, I’ll share a tale about something that has creeped people out for centuries. A superstition that came across with settlers from Europe and established itself here in the eastern U.S. It involves death and a bug.

Back in the day people did not die in hospitals, but in their own beds, and it became a tradition to watch over the dying until their end, and this became known as a death watch or vigil. During this time the house was kept very quiet, with limited activity and conversations held in a whisper. With the house this still, a tapping sound could often be heard that seemed to come from all over the house and occurred often enough that the sound became synonymous with impending death, and superstitions arose as a result. One thought was that the tapping sound was the grim reaper tapping his bony fingers impatiently waiting for the loved one to die. Another was that it was the sound of time ticking off the dying person’s last moments. Records of the phenomena date back to the 17th century, so it was a spooky occurrence that’s been around a while.

🚿✨ Free Mobile Showers Available! ✨🚿 AND Point of Care Clinic from Union County Health Dept!
October 22, 2025
12-5pm
No hot running water? Need clothing, food, hygiene supplies or Union County Health Department Services? Please stop by on Wednesday October 22!!!
Shiloh Recovery Services, in partnership with community organizations, is excited to bring the Mobile Shower Trailer to 115 Durham Drive, Maynardville, TN 37807.
💧 Hot showers provided at no cost
🧴 Hygiene supplies and food available
🤝 Recovery & treatment resources

On the morning of November 1, a family was eating breakfast. The father asked his son, “Did you push the outhouse into the creek last night?”
The previous evening was Halloween. Without hesitation, the son told his father the truth. “Yes, Pa. As a Halloween prank, a few of my friends and me pushed our outhouse into the creek last night.”
The father determinedly rose from his chair, left the room, and returned with his razor “strop”. The son knew what was about to happen and tried to plead his case.

The Union County Board of Education will meet in Executive Session on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Union County Board of Education Central Office for the purpose of discussing pending litigation.

UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

WORKSHOP

Union County High School

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Revised Agenda

1. Call for Sign-Up for Public Comments

2. Union County Education Association

3. Special Recognition/Announcements

4. School Board Attorney

5. TLN Update

Join us at Mountain View Church of God for a delicious Spaghetti Dinner as we come together to raise funds for our Family Life Center! Enjoy a night of good food, great fellowship, and community spirit — all for a great cause.

📅 Saturday, November 8th
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 336 Tazewell Pike, Luttrell, TN

All proceeds go toward completing our Family Life Center — a place that will serve families, youth, and our entire community. Bring your family and friends, and let’s make a difference together! ❤️

“I need to get outside!” I grabbed my phone and ran past Tim to go out of the basement door. As I stepped out onto the patio, I saw a streak of light disappear behind a tree. “Are you kidding me?”

Refrigerated biscuits are fun to work with. Then have a slightly different texture than homemade biscuits. Surprise everyone with their date centers. Fun to make. Your kids could help you. Set aside 1/2 of melted butter. Divide rest between two 8-inch ring molds, coating sides well. Put 2 tablespoons syrup in bottom of each mold. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and almonds. Set aside half of this mixture. Sprinkle rest in the molds over syrup. Pit dates ...

There weren't supposed to be any water moccasin in East Tennessee. Supposedly, the winters were too cold here for them to survive. Timber rattlers and copperheads abound in this area, especially where the ridges are undisturbed. We were told not to worry because there were no cottonmouths this far north. Not so. Let me tell you about it.