It has been suggested that the Union County Lions Club should consider sponsoring an all-inclusive playground. Interesting idea, but what exactly does that mean? Who would use it, and do we need one? After speaking with several people and reviewing accessible playgrounds in Knox and Anderson counties, I found that the definition seems fluid and can vary depending on who defines it.

While several hawk species migrate, the red-tailed hawk stays around all year and is the most common one seen. They prefer to hang out in open fields near woodland edges. Seeing a red tail gliding across the sky and hearing their high-pitched cry gives one a pleasing dose of wildness.

We love quaint mountain towns to spend a long weekend. Let’s go to Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It’s just about three and a half hours from here, but worth the drive. What do we do? We walk around, shop and eat. Please allow me to elaborate. I know it sounds simplistic, but there is something about Blowing Rock that’s special. It draws us back year after year. This place has kept its charm, while offering a nice variety of activities, food and shopping.

Maynardville residents Amber Hurst and Melanie Hurst travelled to Uganda last November on a mission trip with Hope 4 Kids International. Their itinerary included attending a well dedication ceremony in the remote village of Panyandere to celebrate the opening of one of the wells funded by Walk for Water Union County in 2025.

Public speaking is a cornerstone of 4-H programs across the nation. Through purposeful lesson planning and execution, as well as worthwhile opportunities to practice, 4-H prepares youth with the confidence and courage to build communication skills and to put those skills to good use. By learning how to distinctly think critically, openly express their ideas and speak with confidence, youth are not only growing as leaders today—they are preparing for bright and successful futures tomorrow.

The UC Family and Community Education (FCE) Club gathered in February for a wonderful morning of learning, fellowship and delicious food at the Extension Office. Members enjoyed an informative program focused on heart health, just in time for American Heart Month.

The man could not help but notice how a recent storm had caused a large tree to fall at a place not far from where he lived. It saddened the man to note that the falling tree had crushed a small but very neat spring house.

“What in tarnation!?” When I heard this, I knew it was Mamaw Jo’s way of letting me know that she wanted me to investigate something. To this day, it still happens to me.
A few years ago, I was minding my business at work when I heard: “What in the world is that?” Even though my coworker said it loud enough for the whole office to hear, he was actually talking to me. Why? My position at that time was to assist my coworkers and to ensure the office ran smoothly. So, I asked:“What’re you talking about? Is something wrong?” He pointed out of his window. “I think that’s a dead deer.”

Many patients live with low back pain that radiates to the buttock, groin, thigh, and even knees. The challenge for patients, and often their doctors, is determining the origin of the pain — the hip, the spine, or both. A new article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) outlines the identical symptoms associated with hip and spine pain and discusses the diagnostic steps and tests required to treat them appropriately.