While I was growing up, I often heard the expression: “That went crossways.” Have you ever heard it? In my family, it meant that not only did something not work the way it should have, but also there was no going forward or backwards. Tim and I recently experienced this.

UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSHOP
Union County High School
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
6:00 p.m.

After a hearty breakfast, NJROTC Mia Tamayo opened the meeting by leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Adjutant Norman Gillen recognized the different branches of service attending and, as a Navy man, reminded everyone that October 13 marked the 251st anniversary of the US Navy's founding. They then observed a moment of silence to remember the fallen soldiers of all services.

Fear can be an icy grip that often paralyzes people. We’ve all seen or known someone who missed an incredible opportunity because they froze in fear. For example, a student who studied hard might know the answers but never advance because of apprehension. Similarly, a man might miss out on a promotion at work because his fear of failure prevents him from applying. Fear doesn’t just whisper worst-case scenarios; it shouts about possibilities, robbing us of what could have been.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The late summer/early fall season puts on a good flower show in our area, especially asters, those daisy-and sunflower-like species that come in a variety of colors, yellow being most prominent. One species that is not only pretty to see but can also be enjoyed as a seldom used vegetable is Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).

Back in February of 2023, I wrote several articles about food insecurity in Union County and of the food pantries available at that time. According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2023 Union County had an overall food insecurity rate of 16.4% to 16.7% - up from 12% in 2021. The child food insecurity rate in 2023 was 19.8%. That translates to about 16 out of every 100 Union County residents living in poverty. Food insecurity has risen every year since then. Feeding America estimates Union County has 3,620 food-insecure people out of a population of 21,450 people.

Have you ever wished you had a time machine? If I did, I would go back 41 years so I could finish something that I started.

The mobile shower will be back October 15th from 10:30 to 2:30 at Heritage Park.
The TN Valley Coalition for the Homeless will have hygiene kits, clean clothes, lots of resources and will provide everything someone needs to take a private, clean shower.

Union County is sponsoring the next monthly Veterans Breakfast on October 10, 2026 at the American Legion Post 212. Veterans, come meet your local Veterans and catch up on the news.