Who’d ever thunk it? This Horace Maynard High School Class of 1976 graduate has already been successful in three careers. Young as he is, he may add to those. Reverend Keith Williams worked for a number of years as a Machinist/Toolmaker. When he became a full time pastor he, of course, gave up that job. Keith is the son of A. J. And Betty Williams of Tater Valley, where he grew up. His father taught Keith to play fiddle when he was just about 13 years old, but he didn’t become a serious fiddle player until he was 20. He did not attempt fiddle making until about four years ago.

Some of you might be too young to remember Dr. Baker or the TV show that made his character famous. It was called, Little House on the Prairie, and if you’re not familiar with it, look it up on Netflix. It’s family-friendly viewing at its finest.

Up until around the middle of the 20th century, most rural communities had a Dr. Baker who treated everyone from infancy to death. They made house calls, delivered babies, set broken bones, and many times even doubled as veterinarian for farm animals.

Joe’s Garden is owned by Joe Kitts. Joe is from Union County and grew up with a family of seven that all pitched in on the family farm. Joe often reflects on his memories from his childhood. His garden is located by the Union County Board of Education. This is a perfect example of community in Union County. Joe says thanks by planting his favorite peas and offers a variety of other vegetables, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, potatoes, beets, corn, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, zucchini, beans, squash, peppers, pumpkins, and onions.

Jacob “Jake” Franklin Butcher passed away on July 19, 2017 at the age of 81 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Jake was born May 8, 1936 to Cecil H. Butcher, Sr. and Kate Walters Butcher in the rural town of Maynardville, Tennessee. Jake attended Maynardville High School and later the University of Tennessee and Hiwassee College.  After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps serving primarily in Korea, Japan and Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.  Jake always held the Marine Corps close to his heart.  He married Broadway actress and Oak Ridge native Sonya Wilde in 1962 and together they had four children, Maria (Randy) Loyd, Scarlett (Tim) Current, Brad (Leigh Ann) Butcher and Jason (Ashley) Butcher.  Jake and Sonya also have 8 grandchildren, Kendall Loyd White, Austin Loyd, McCall Current, Joshua Current, Colby Butcher, Katelyn Butcher, Jace Butcher and Olivia Butcher, and 2 great grandchildren, Abigail and Judah White.  During his long life, he treasured his family and they all adored him.

One year ago, folks who knew and loved the Red Gate Rodeo were holding their breath to see if the Union County Rodeo could fill the void. They were not disappointed, and Union County Rodeo will ride again this weekend, July 21 and 22, at 874 Hickory Star Road.

Dr. Jared Graves, veterinarian at Union County Animal Hospital, was approached by Wes and John Stalans of Spur'n S Rodeo Company last year about hosting the rodeo when the new owners of the Red Gate Farm property declined. Graves agreed to host the rodeo on a Hickory Star Road farm that has been in his family since 1882.

Descendants of Lotillie “Tillie” and Merry New Year “Mollie” Chesney Johnson, as well as descendants of Gordon “Gordie” Johnson and the Esker Johnson families, gathered the evening of March 25, 2008 at the B&G Grill for a wonderful family reunion. After the buffet, the crowd was treated to entertainment by Lois Johnson and her cousin, C. J. Morgan. Many of you will remember Lois, Horace Maynard High School Class of 1959. Lois is the daughter of the late Fred and Iretta Butcher Johnson.

Fall Creek Apiary was started by Richard and Pat Hunt. They are beekeepers and own 8 hives, which hold about 60,000 bees each. They are originally from Florida and moved to Tennessee to retire. They harvest their honey from spring to July, to bring delicious, local honey to our market. They hope to continue increasing their bees to have a total of 25 hives. Stop by their tent at the market and you will meet Richard and their son John. They would love to educate you on beekeeping and honey.

Affidavits being accepted for Road Commissioner in the 6th district.
Please pick up necessary papers at Union County Clerk's Office.

Affidavits being accepted for County Commissioner in the 2nd district.
Please pick up necessary papers at Union County Clerk's Office.

I was just thinking about Irene today and wanted to include this audience in reading what I wrote about Irene back in 2008.
Irene Tolliver Hamilton celebrated her 90th birthday at a grand party given by her daughter, Betty Hamilton Bullen, on Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2008, at the Optimists Building in Maynardville.

A partnership between Union County government and the Union County Chamber of Commerce has reaped rewards this summer. In April, Union County Mayor Mike Williams' office and the Chamber applied for an asset enhancement grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic Development, a grant program aimed at helping counties identified as "distressed" by high unemployment rates, low per capita incomes and other factors.