4-H Gives Treats to the Dogs

The 4-H Companion Animal and Outdoor Adventure groups met together at the Union County Extension Office afterschool for a service project. The December service project was to make dog treats for the animals at the Union County humane Society. 4-Her’s were eager to make oatmeal, banana, and peanut butter flavored treats! Some even took a treat or two home for their dogs to try.

Disaster Assistance for 2023 Livestock Forage Losses for UNION COUNTY

Producers in UNION County are eligible to apply for 2023 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) benefits on full season improved pasture. On November 14, 2023, Union County reach a D3, Extreme Drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor, which may them eligible to file an LFP application with the Farm Service Agency.

LFP provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land.

Avoiding back pain on an airplane

Air travel is among the biggest challenges we face to our spinal health. Long hours in a cramped airliner often lead to back pain. here are some steps you can take to avoid that pain during your next flight.

Stand up straight and feel the normal “S” curve of your spine. Then use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain that curve when you sit in your seat. Tuck a pillow behind your back and just above the beltline and lay another pillow across the gap between your neck and the headrest. If the seat is hollowed from wear, use folded blankets to raise your buttocks a little.

The Changing of the Watch

The prophets looked ahead and held a watch so true.
To see His incarnation that would soon come into view.
The single star announced His birth, with the angels, just a few.
To the shepherds on the hillside who would soon be watching too.
The disciples watched His life, and His death upon the cross,
And saw the resurrection as hope for pain of loss.

Molly and the Christmas Star Part 2

“That’s it!” Molly claps her hands. “I know how to get us a new star! I’m gonna pray for one!”
“What?” Momma asks.
“Jesus had me see that falling meteor so I would pray for the miracle of us getting one. And I’m gonna start now!”
She closes her eyes and cups her hands under her chin. “Dear Jesus, please send us a new star for our manager in time for Christmas. That way people can see you. Amen.”
“Amen,” Her mother repeats behind her.

You Better Watch Out . . . I’m Telling You Why

As I write, the song “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is on my mind. In reality, other than decorations and the endless Hallmark movies, and the absence of leaves on the trees, it wouldn’t look like Christmas at all. There is no snow, though the temperature is dropping below freezing, and a brisk wind is blowing, making the air feel colder due to the wind chill factor. A more appropriate song might be “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”.

Velvety chocolate pie

Some cooks today buy a couple packages of chocolate pudding and maybe make their own pastry. However, that doesn't compare with this velvety chocolate pie. Heat milk in saucepan. Add baking chocolate, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted. Blend together sugar, flour and salt.

The 12 Days of Christmas

I like hearing the song 12 Days of Christmas, which generates imagery of a lot of interesting people and animals. While it is considered a nonsensical sort of song, it has been suggested that it’s actually a secretly coded song of Christian instruction.

Luttrell Public Library Wins Best Float Award for the Luttrell City Parade

In a display of creativity and community spirit, the Luttrell Public Library emerged with pride as we received the Best Float Award at this year's Luttrell City parade. The library's Christmas Clifford the Big Red Dog float, captivated the crowd and left a lasting impression on parade-goers of all ages.