You have no doubt enjoyed trees displaying a red canopy during the fall color blitz, which are likely as not red maples. The tree comes by its name honest, as there’s something red about it all year long. In spring they bloom red flowers, in early summer you’ll see the red of ripening seeds, and all summer long the leaf stem will show red. Come autumn, much of the brilliant reds in the mountains are from red maples. In winter the end twigs and buds are also red.

A crowd of well-wishers witnessed the swearing-in of the recently elected Union County Officials on August 29 at Union County High School Commons. County Mayor Jason Bailey, re-elected for his second term, opened the ceremony and called on Rev. Robbie Corum to say a prayer. Evelyn Gentry, UCHS, ROTC Cadet Commanding Officer, had the honor of leading the pledge to the American Flag.

The Union County Board of Education has decided to meet at various schools for many of the 2022-2023 meetings. In August, the board met at Luttrell Elementary School.
It was a fitting venue to pay tribute to the outgoing board member of Plainview, Gerald Smith. Dr. Jimmy Carter, Director of Schools, thanked Smith for his 20 years of service and acknowledged his effort at Luttrell Elementary where he was also a parent volunteer for many years, especially when his daughter was a student.

Only eight of the 16 commissioners attended the Union County Commission meeting on August 22. All in attendance will serve another four years except Commissioner Janet Holloway, who ended her term with this meeting. But the absence of the other commissioners who lost their seats but were still acting commissioners caused the county business to be postponed until September. Nine members present are needed for a quorum to take any action.

The 2022 Heritage Festival Collectible Print, titled Follow Your Heart, the latest in the series from Union County artist Betty Bullen, acknowledges the barn and its important role in rural Appalachia.
Much of life in the country had its birth in the barn. It was the place where not only the farm animal work was done, but also the location where many a heart felt the spark of love at the local barn dance.

The Norris Lake Protection Alliance invites you to bring your friends and family for an interesting 45-minute presentation specifically on Union County Water Quality on September 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sharps Chapel Senior Center.
Norris Lake plays a major role in the lives of Union County residents. Many of us get our water from Norris Lake through Hallsdale Powell. Others get their water from the groundwater through wells. We all rely on the surrounding watershed for the source of this water. Do you have questions about the quality of the water?

Congratulations and a job well done to our own Union County 4-H Outdoor Meat Cookery Team. There were 140 youth participants (16 teams) across the state that came together to show off their food and fire safety and grilling techniques at the Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tennessee, on Saturday August 27. Seven of our 4-H members participated in this event. These young men and women made Union County proud. Our Senior High Team placed fourth overall in this contest.

Union County Heritage Festival is coming up on October 1!
Help us kick off the festival with our 2022 Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest.
Open to all ages, this is a great way to showcase your baking skills and win cash prize money. Not to mention bragging rights and recognition during the festival.
Pies can be submitted in three categories: Fruit, Nut, and Other. On Friday, September 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., pies will be accepted at the Union County Farmers Market Pavilion located at 115 Durham Drive in Maynardville.

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Farmers Market as the winter squashes begin to arrive. While big, orange pumpkins attract a lot of attention as the unofficial sign of cooler weather, there are dozens of winter squash varieties in the Curcubitaceae (gourd) family. Each of the winter squashes are uniquely beautiful with a vibrant range of colors, a variety of shapes, and textures that range from smooth, to ribbed, to bumpy.

The Luttrell Music Festival (in Luttrell) will both be held on Saturday, September 24.
Luttrell Music Festival promises to be the best yet with a lineup of some of East Tennessee’s favorite bands and musicians including singer/songwriter Robinella, David West and the Ciderville Gang, The Beasons, Jason Coleman, Meagan Taylor (who is Chet Atkins’ niece and the old-time flavored Knox County Jug Stompers.
The Grainger County Ridgerunners will hold a cruise-in on the grounds.
The music kicks off at 3 p.m., and there will be plenty of fun for kids and adults.