By Helina Bailey
Did you know that wild horses can double their herd sizes every four years? According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), wild horses and burros have no natural predators and current population estimates are above 80,000.
Because of this, these majestic, free-ranging animals must be removed by the thousands in order to “control herd sizes ... to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands.” The BLM removed 13,666 mustangs and burros last year alone.

TVA tests have gaps of years; NLPA will test year-round
By Helina Bailey
With over 800 miles of shoreline, Norris Lake is an Appalachian aquatic treasure trove. Nestled in our backyard, this beautiful lake breathes life into the region and attracts both weary travelers seeking to enjoy the great outdoors as well as locals. Anglers, boaters and vacationers flock to the water during the summer, but locals can be spotted all year long.

The Union County School Board continued its community-based meetings by conducting its September business at Maynardville Elementary School. The board elected a new chairman, a new vice chairman, and a new interim director.

Local educator selected to statewide consulting body to help determine the best resources to combat learning loss in students
Dr. Lauren Effler, Union County Schools K-12 Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor and Pre-K Director, has been named to Governor's Early Literacy Foundation's (GELF) 2022-2023 Executive Council, a group of 28 educators from rural, urban, and suburban communities across Tennessee who will help GELF determine the resources to best meet the needs of students statewide.

Leadership Union County celebrated with dinner at Pete’s Bar and Grill to host its graduation ceremony on September 20. Graduating were Donna Riddle, Rebecca Lock and Sheila Varner.
President Wayne Toppins presided over the ceremony for the Leadership Union County Class of 2022. Board member and past president Colleen Beeler awarded the plaques while secretary Pearl Coffey extended her congratulations. The class attended sessions on government, health, industry, agriculture & tourism and education & technology in addition to their orientation.

This year our County Farm Bureau Board, Farm Bureau Women, and the new agents and staff have been busy in the Union County. The Farm Bureau has always been more than ready to help out the community and support positive projects and there is much opportunity. Through community outreach, our local Farm Bureau is doing its best to promote the importance of agriculture as well as support other needs when possible.

A car accident or other serious trauma, like a fall, are likely causes of back pain. But back pain can develop from a variety of sources that are not quite so obvious. Here are a few of the conditions that can play a role in creating back pain:

Spinal stenosis: a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. It’s a condition often caused by arthritis. In the narrowed chamber, pressure can build on the spinal cord.

Submitted by Sharon Hansard, Big Ridge FCE Reporter
The Big Ridge FCE Club of Union County had an eventful month in September. To kick off the month, a regular meeting was held to elect officers. Congrats and thank you to those who are serving to keep the club doing great work in our community.
In September, members also attended “FCE Day at Tennessee Valley Fair” where they got to reconnect with members across the region. Neal Denton spoke all about beef. Members learned a lot and even won a few prizes in the trivia contest!

Have you heard of Tai Chi? Did you know that the program is offered here in Union County? UT Extension educator, Alyshia Victoria, is certified and approved by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach this program. During the course, she demonstrates joint-safe exercises that help participants improve muscle strength, mobility, coordination and relaxation.

Follow your heart and bake a pie to enter the Union County Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest. On Friday, September 30, take that pie to the Farmers Market Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.