The History of Manual Transmissions: From Three on the Tree to Six-Speeds

Few things connect a driver to an automobile quite like a manual transmission. For generations, shifting gears, operating a clutch, and listening to an engine were essential parts of driving. From early automobiles to American muscle cars and modern sports cars, manual transmissions have played an important role in automotive history.

Union County Christmas Tree Lighting Scheduled for Saturday November 28th

MAYNARDVILLE, TN — The Union County Chamber of Commerce and Union County Government are bringing back a beloved holiday tradition with the revival of the Union County Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse in Maynardville.

The community is invited to gather for an afternoon and evening of Christmas festivities, family-friendly activities, local entertainment, and holiday cheer as Union County kicks off the Christmas season together.

Squirrels as Foresters

An ecologist named Joseph Grinnell way back in 1936 once asked how it was that oak trees could colonize the tops of hills and ridges. Acorns are too heavy for wind to disperse them, and gravity tends to make them travel downhill rather than up. He concluded that animals must be responsible for getting acorns to high places.

Five Family Conversations That Can Help Prevent Youth Substance Use

November is a month filled with family gatherings, school activities, holidays, and opportunities to reconnect with the people who matter most. It is also an excellent time for parents and caregivers to strengthen one of the most powerful prevention tools available: communication.

A Poem as Lovely

In July 1971 I turned six years old. That year was filled with a lot of changes for me. One was moving to a new house. For the first time I entered the old Burl Warwick farmhouse, which my father had just rented from Jack Warwick.

A Shoebox of Hope: Union County Invited to Share the Gospel Around the World Local residents encouraged to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes November 16–23

MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. — What if one simple shoebox could bring a child joy, offer hope to a family, and open the door to hearing the greatest story ever told?

This November, residents of Maynardville and the surrounding Union County community have an opportunity to make that kind of difference through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

When Back Pain Won’t Quit: A Large Clinical Trial: Part I

A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that a personalized self-management program — delivered by physical therapists and chiropractors — was more effective at preventing the conversion to high impact chronic low back pain than standard medical care or hands-on spinal manipulation alone.

Almost everyone will deal with back pain at some point in their lives. Most recover quickly
— but for about 20% of people, acute pain becomes a chronic condition that interferes with daily life and keeps them out of the workforce.

Navy Junior ROTC Dinner and Auction

November 13, 2026. 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner prepared specially for you by NJROTC Master Chief Jacob Streufert and Master Gunnery Sergeant Bobby Hampshire! The UCHS Navy Junior ROTC is holding a fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday November 13 at the UCHS from 5:00 – 7:00. Meal tickets are only $5 (cash or check only!) and kiddos under 2 eat free.

A New Me

As you were growing up, did your momma or daddy have a special nickname for you? My mom did and I used it to my advantage. Or so I thought.