The Union County FCE (Family Community Education) Club has gone thru various names. It started in 1917 as the Home Demonstration Club, then to Homemakers Clubs. The University of Tennessee Extension Office that oversees the club decided to change the name to Family Community Education Club back in the 1990’s. At one time there were 128 members and 28 clubs throughout Union County. There were clubs in almost every community. The last club to exist is one of the first, and that’s the Big Ridge Club.

About fifty years ago we were out of dogs. Our precious Kater was gone, as were several others after her. She was a full sized short­ haired dachshund. A friend at work had a small long-haired dachshund with a new litter of puppies. Kater had short black hair. These puppies had long wavy red hair. The mother was beautiful but mean. My friend distracted her long enough for me to grab the runt of the litter. It has been said they make the best pets but that's not always true. Certainly not in this case.

Pound to flatten chicken breast halves between 2 sheets plastic wrap with mallet to 1/2-inch thickness. Sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Dredge chicken in beaten egg mixture and then in crumbs.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Fry chicken until golden and no longer, pink in center, turning once for 12 to 15 minutes, Top each cutlet with 2 tablespoons pasta sauce and 1 slice mozzarella cheese.

Did you love to read comic books when you were a kid? I certainly did. My favorites were “Peanuts” and “Archie.” I would lay across my bed and get lost in the stories for hours. Then one day I noticed something. Many of the stories in those books played out on sidewalks. Where we lived, we didn’t have them.

Are you or a family member having difficulty seeing but cannot afford to go to an eye doctor?? No problem! The Smoky Mountain Lions Charities Vision Van is coming to the Union County High School in Maynardville on Saturday, May 10th, from 10 am to 3 pm. Participants will receive a free eye exam and free glasses! All you need is an appointment. Vision Screening for children 6 and under will also be available by appointment.

That’s the only word that aptly describes the spaghetti dinner sponsored by the UCHS Culinary Class and the UC Lions Club! Under the direction of their instructor, Chef Zach Hodges, the students made HUGE pots of homemade spaghetti sauce that was rich, thick, and tasty. The aroma of the herbed Italian bread, again prepared by the student chefs, wafted several feet away from the serving table, steering people in that direction.

During public comment at the March Union County Commission meeting, Stephany Davis requested a one hour workshop to allow discussion of constables with public participation. Fred Gilliam, a constable and resident of Speedwell, urged the commission to have a discussion of issues and commented that a recent law allowed a non-performing constable can be removed from office by a judge. But their comments did not change the minds of commissioners. Commission voted unanimously to abolish the position of constable when the current terms expire.

Merit Construction has begun erecting the outer walls and even the classrooms of one wing of the new middle school. But construction has not come easy as every shovel of dirt seems to turn up rocks and more rocks. The latest location of rock is at the end of John Deere Drive as improvement on the road began. The construction has nearly depleted the original contingency fund due to the excess of rock, and the Union County Board of Education approved the use of $10,000 more of the original $300,000 contingency at the regular March meeting.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, District Attorney General Effler and staff, in partnership with the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, hosted Cops in Court for all law enforcement agencies who work within the 8th Judicial District (composed of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union Counties). Cops in Court is a training that focuses on impaired driving detection and prosecution. Officers who attended this training completed a mock trial presentation where they experienced court room scenarios in direct and cross examination.

Union County, TN – On March 27th, the Union County Extension Office welcomed community members to its Open House event, showcasing the many programs and resources available to local residents. The event provided an opportunity for guests to learn more about Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other valuable extension services.