I began smoking cigarettes when I was fifteen. It seemed like the sophisticated thing to do. Lord knows, I wanted to fit in. It soon became a habit. I would hunt for my glasses so I could find my cigarettes. I was noted for searching through the ashtray, sorting out the longest cigarette butts. It was hell to run out of cigarettes. We were living on Lee Road east of Michigan Center, Michigan. Extra money was hard to come by, trying to build our house. Every spare cent went into buying materials. Almost every cent, that is.

With autumn comes the nostalgia of the apple harvest, a fruit whose history goes back a long way. Legend and art have made the Tree of Knowledge that led to the downfall of Adam and Eve an apple, but the Bible only refers to a fruit. What follows is more apple knowledge of this famous fruit than you probably care to know.

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
Union County High School
6:00 p.m.

Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Elect Board Chair for 2025-2026
3. Approve/Disapprove Director of Schools Evaluation
4. Adjourn

Union County bakers, it’s time to preheat the ovens—the Cake and Pie Contests are back for the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival. This much-loved tradition brings together the community’s best bakers while raising funds to support the Union County Family & Community Education (FCE) Club.

The contests are free to enter and open to all ages. Entries must be completely homemade, with no store-bought mixes, frostings, crusts, or fillings allowed. Each entry should be accompanied by a recipe card and completed registration form.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members enjoyed a full month of activities in September, beginning with FCE Day at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Tuesday, September 9, in Knoxville.

The fair was a big deal when I was a kid. Back in the day, we went to school half a day when it opened. If we went to the fair, it was a family trip. To me, it was always an exciting mini adventure. After I grew older, my mom and I tagged along with my friends. One such trip happened at the fair of 1980. It was one to remember.

The Union County FCE (Family Community Education) Club spent their September meeting at the TVA Fair in Knoxville. We carpooled down and we were provided Free parking passes and Free admission thru UT Extension.

Four of the eight ladies won nice door prizes and had snacks. The program began with a lesson in how to put together a flower bouquet from fresh cut flowers out of your garden.

The Office of District Attorney General Jared Effler in partnership with the Children's Centers of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union Counties will be hosting the 10th Annual Dixie Roofing Clays for Children Sporting Clays Tournament on Thursday, October 2 and Friday, October 3, 2025, at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays in Kodak, TN. The purpose of this event is to raise funds to support the Children’s Centers as they serve abused and neglected children.

Horace Maynard Middle School students have had a busy and engaging start to the school year, with several community professionals sharing their time and expertise in the first four and a half weeks. These guests have provided valuable lessons in both skilled trades and character development.

Here are more tips to strengthen and protect your back while working.

2. Set yourself up for success