County Commission rejected a request regarding sick leave accrued during a previous administration for employees who continued to work under the current sheriff. Sheriff Billy Breeding stated that the employees were requesting over 7900 hours of sick leave to be used for retirement credit only.
Deputy Jackie Nicely said that the bookkeeper who kept the time sheets was not present. Mr. Nicely also explained that in the past administration deputies who were out sick had to work extra and make up their time. According to Finance Director Dyer, the Sheriff Department did not submit an employee list itemizing sick leave for employees prior to 2016 as the other elected officials had done. In a prior meeting, Sheriff Breeding explained that he had sick leave records for all employees beginning with September 2014 when he first became sheriff. Since there were no documents regarding sick leave for retirement when he took office, his list only dates from 2014 while other county officials listed sick leave back to 1999. After a lengthy discussion, Attorney David Myers helped Commissioner Jeff Chesney (1st) word a motion to approve the requested amount of sick leave hours to be credited toward the TCRS account to be used for retirement purposes only and on the condition that each individual employee swear to the validity of the amount, sign a release to absolve the county from any future financial responsibility, and waive the right to pursue any court action to obtain any compensation. Commissioner Debra Keck seconded the motion. Voting to approve the request were Chesney (1st), England (1st), Jessee (2nd), Keck (6th), Munsey (7th), and Smith (2nd). Voting to reject the request were Brantley (5th), Cooke (4th), B. Cox (3rd), Hill (5th), Holloway (1st), Jones (6th), Lay (6th), and Meltabarger (7th). Commissioner E. Cox (3rd) passed. Commissioner Dawn Flatford (4th) was absent. The motion failed.
Another issue that stirred strong opinions was the gifting of the Canon IPF 710 Printer/Plotter to the Union County Historical Society. Mayor Bailey had consulted County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and also talked with the auditors regarding the gift which occurred in March. CTAS and the auditor gave conflicting opinions with CTAS stating the printer could not be gifted to Union County Historical Society, and the auditor offering that the gift was allowed. So, Mayor Bailey sent the conflicting opinions to both, and CTAS responded with the law that required the surplus declaration, but the auditor still said the gift was okay to do. Ms. Wanda Cox Byerley, Union County Historical Society President, noted that the society appreciated the Mayor and County Commission for trying to help and donate the printer, but the society was fine with not having the gift. President Byerley also thanked Commission for the nonprofit funding and said “we are just trying to take care of building and property and preserve history for present citizens”. Ms. Byerley asked that the commissioners come and visit the museum “to see what we do”.
So, Commissioner Smith moved to rescind the prior motion to gift the printer. Commissioner Lay provided a second. Voting to rescind were Chesney, B.Cox, England, Hill, Jones, Lay, Meltabarger, Munsey, and Smith. Voting against rescinding were Brantley, Cooke, E Cox, Jessee, and Keck. The motion was approved.
To complete the business regarding the printer/plotter, Commissioner Lay moved to surplus it. B. Cox seconded the motion. Voting for the motion were Chesney, B. Cox, England, Hill, Jones, Lay, Meltabarger, Munsey, Smith. Voting against were Brantley, Cooke, E. Cox, Jessee, and Keck. The motion carried.
EMS Director Andrew Reed offered a contract with a third party to handle billing for 90 days due to the resignation of the current billing clerk as of July 5. The billing contractor will bring accounts up to date as well as allow time to train the new clerk. Attorney Myers said to change the wording to laws of Tennessee instead of Georgia and the rest of the contract was fine. Commission approved the contract with 13 voting in favor and Jeff Brantley and Earl Cox voting to pass.
Commission approved the appointment of Ed Guyanese to replace Lori Wolfenbarger and Santa Lopez to serve a regular term on the Library Board.
Mayor Bailey reported the status of grants and improvements to county buildings. Union County will receive a Home Grant in the amount of $500,000 with no county match. More information will be available in July about the requirements for residents to qualify to receive the funds to make home repairs. Also awarded to the county is the Access to Health Grant for $20,000 to provide playground equipment in Sharps Chapel Park. The Tourism Grant was not approved. Signatures are in progress to obtain the Optimist Building.
Luttrell Business Park has two businesses interested in purchasing land. The Business and Industrial Committee is reviewing the requests. Mayor Bailey has met with one client and is scheduled to meet with the other. New Voice over IP phones and computer connections have been installed in the courthouse, sheriff’s office, county clerk’s office, and other county offices. New maintenance trucks have arrived with the Union County website on the back near the bumper of the truck.
Other improvements in the courthouse include the automatic back door opener. Future repairs include window caulking, pressure washing the outside of the courthouse, replacing the ceiling tiles, and lining the parking spaces in back. However, the wall at the back door is too costly to remove.
Commission approved minutes for May on a motion and seconded by Commissioner Meltabarger and Commissioner Holloway as well as minutes for the June Special Called Meeting on a motion by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Smith.
Commission approved as notaries: Laura Bailey, Ashley Buckner, and Billie McClure.
Sheriff Breeding reported 813 calls, 9 wrecks with injury, 31 wrecks without injury, 148 booked in to jail, 142 released, and 101 as the current population as of May 31.
Finance Director Ann Dyer reported that revenue and expenditures for May were within budget guidelines. Budget amendments are to clean up the respective departments to do the yearend report. One financial note of interest was that the school system had accumulated a fund balance in account 141 that exceeded the required two months of operating funds so three million dollars was moved to capital outlay in anticipation of future building needs. The final projections for the school system will not be available until July from the state. Therefore, an additional one million dollars was added to TNVA revenues based on the January estimate of funds to come in July.
Mayor Bailey introduced a new employee in the finance department to handle accounts payable, Terry Cook.
Road Superintendent David Cox received approval of a grant from TDOT for $250,000 to be used for gravel, signs, and road repairs in the Big Ridge and Paulette areas.
Kelvin Nease addressed the Commission regarding the Nuisance/Litter Ordinance and sought help with an unsanitary condition in his community. An elderly resident has so much garbage on her property that rats roam the yard. Mr. Nease related that he had shot three on his property and another neighbor killed 18 on his property. However, Mr. Nease lives in the City of Luttrell, so Luttrell will need to address the situation. The sheriff is prohibited by state law from enforcing a city ordinance. Luttrell has no city police to enforce its ordinance. Commissioner Smith said the problem is more widespread than Luttrell. A revised county litter regulation is being written and will be considered at a future meeting.
Marty Smith, Chairperson of the Census Committee, and Kimberly Smith encouraged support for completing the ten-minute census survey. They asked for everyone who receives a long survey (American Community Survey) to complete it in addition to the short survey. The census can be done online, on the phone or by mail. Also, the census needs to hire 165 employees in Union County and only 69 have applied. The pay is $13.50 per hour and 58 cents per mile. Jobs include census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be a U.S. citizen. Information on how to make an application is available online at https://2020census.gov/en/jobs/how-to-apply.html.
It’s sometimes unavoidable that we have to lift a heavy or cumbersome object. Using some basic precautions, you can minimize the likelihood of pulling a muscle or otherwise injuring yourself in the process of lifting.
My passion for stories comes from my mother reading to me every night before I went to sleep. I don’t she realized at the time just how much they impacted me.
Cameron Baker is sworn in by mayor Lynn Beeler as Plainview's part time officer for Plainview.
Plainview Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen continued discussion of auxiliary dwelling units at the regular October meeting but took no action. Jordan Rockwell, City Planner, offered two ordinances but neither received action. Rockwell will revise the suggested ordinances based on the discussion. The Board of Aldermen decided to drop the request for MTAS to develop a noise ordinance for Plainview. In a housekeeping motion, Plainview changed a resolution number that was out of sequence.
Levi Fritts performs his own arrangement of movie melodies.
A new addition to the 20th Union County Heritage Festival was the Youth Talent Show performed at Woods Heritage Music Theater and hosted by Jim Woods. Four talented musicians entertained and displayed their knowledge of several instruments. Thirteen-year-old Levi Fritts played his own arrangement of John Williams music from a variety of movies. Williams wrote the score for Jaws, Star wars, and Jurassic Park. Levi played a medley of six scores on the keyboard.
Johnnie B. Blooms receives the Rocky Top Award for the best portrayal of the festival theme, "Remembering Grandpa".
The Union County Heritage Festival vendors displayed a multitude of crafts and ingenuity at the event last month.
The Rocky Top Award went to Johnnie B. Blooms for the depiction of the theme “Remembering Grandpa.” The flower business is located on land owned by Mary Flatford's grandfather and she displayed a timeline with pictures of her grandfather showing how the land and her grandfather had changed over time.
Commissioner Greg Dyer explains the slope of the property on Myers Lane that may be the location of the new jail.
The Union County Commission voted to take an option with contingencies on a 12-acre property for the new jail at the October meeting.
Commissioner Sidney Jessee Jr., Jail Committee Chairman, explained the Jail Committee had narrowed the number of architects to three and were expecting to have interviews with each on November 12 at 6 p.m.
Best of Show was "Bridgette." Sherri Wilson, the artist, and Mayor Jason Bailey pose beside the portrait.
The Heritage Festival Art Show provided a gallery of talent at the Historic Snodderly House on Main Street. Renowned artist Betty Bullen hosted the show with volunteers, Brenda Stone, Shirley Keaton, and Nancy Bailey. Mayor Jason Bailey had the honor of awarding the ribbons to the winners at the artist reception prior to the festival. Madeleine Grace, 14, and Carson Hayes, 12, played a variety of melodic tunes as visitors strolled through the gallery.
Aurora Harrison Bull captures reading everywhere for the Union County Book Bus.
Many years ago before Union County became a county, Lloyd Branson spawned the heritage of Union County painters, especially portrait artists.
Of course, everyone is familiar with Betty Bullen, the creative artist for Union County Heritage Festival. But Betty did not just wake up one day as an accomplished artist. She had a teacher who helped develop her talent. That teacher was Aurora Harrison Bull. Aurora has been inspiring artists and creativity for decades. Like the teacher she is, her students fuel her passion for art.
The 1st Annual Union County Veterans Appreciation Picnic will get underway in Wilson Park at 11:00 on Saturday, November 9. The Veteran Volunteers (chefs for the monthly American Legion Post 212 dinners on the first Monday of every month) will be serving lunch from 11:30 until 1:00. Due to a generous donation of 18 pork butts by a Mystery Donor, there will be plenty of free food to eat. Be sure to bring an appetite to this family oriented event!! All we ask is that each person be responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
Thanksgiving is upon us once again. It seems to come quicker and quicker each year.
Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2024, it will occur on November 28, the latest date possible. That means the span between Thanksgiving and Christmas days will only be twenty-seven days, the shortest span of time possible between those two holidays.
Wood Burning Art by Mountain Air Farm
The Veterans of Union County have been overwhelmed by the amount of community support they have received since announcing the Veterans Appreciation Family Picnic to be held on Saturday November 9! Businesses and individuals have offered to help with so much…from crewing to cooking to donating door prizes. Thank you so much, Union County. It has meant a lot to the Veterans who have been planning this event. It is going to be so much more fun because of your input and assistance.
Reed Reno at the Smith County Fair
Union County’s own 10-year-old Reed Reno has excelled in the 2024 show season, achieving impressive results in the Tennessee Swine Show Circuit (TSSC) for 4-H swine exhibitions. Representing Union County across multiple divisions, Reed’s dedication and skill have set him apart in competitive categories.
I find it interesting sometimes how I can have read something all my adult life and never have thought of an obvious question.
I was in Sunday School yesterday, as I have been hundreds of times. The unit being studied reflects on family conflict, to this point as experienced by families in the book of Genesis.
4-H Biscuit Baking
In the 1950s, the Union County 4-H held Bread Baking and Public Speaking contests at local schools throughout the county. Members of the Union County Home Demonstration Clubs volunteered as judges. I’ve had the pleasure of judging these contests many times, often sharing a few laughs along the way.
One year, while judging a bread baking contest at a local elementary school, I recognized a McDonald’s biscuit when I saw one. Later that day, after discovering the young man's identity and mentioning it to him, he asked, “How did you know?”
District Attorney General Jared Effler presenting this year’s check to 8th District Children’s Centers Executive Director Tracie Davis and CFO and COO Patty Swain.
Last month District Attorney General Jared Effler and staff, in partnership with the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, hosted the Eighth Annual Dixie Roofing Clays for Children Sporting Clays Tournament at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays in Kodak, Tennessee. The purpose of the event was to raise money to support the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, comprised of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union counties. With 138 teams and 545 individual shooters participating, this year’s event was the largest to date.
Preheat oven to 325 F. Butter shallow 3 quart baking dish. Remove green portions from green onions and thinly slice. Set aside for serving. Thinly slice remaining white parts. Heat remaining 6 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium heat.
A popular misconception about chiropractic care is that it’s only for people with back pain. The fact is, chiropractic treatment has the potential to treat various physical ailments. here are some additional benefits of chiropractic care:
“We must respect all those who have committed to serve, are serving, or have served, and we must remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation.” (Respect and Remember Foundation)
On the afternoon of August 26, 2021, Army SSG Ryan Christian Knauss, age 23, along with 12 other young, brave United States military warriors and at least 170 civilians were killed by a terrorist explosion and subsequent gunfire at the Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport Abbey Gate. In his memory, his mother, Paula Knauss, formed the Respect and Remember Foundation, also known as the R2Factor.
The famous last words I’m going to talk about are not from celebrities and/or notorious people. It’s words that come back to haunt us. Examples are: “I’ll never do that again!” or “I’ll get it done in a day or two. Don’t worry about it.” Recently, I heard them from my daughter Sara and I knew it wouldn’t be good.
Supplies ready for distribution at First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain
Devastating. Heartrending. Catastrophic. Unimaginable. Life as some people have known it is destroyed and, in some cases, life is gone forever. Yet disasters happen. People lose homes, livelihoods, neighborhoods, security, family mementos. That is when friends, neighbors and, yes, even complete strangers pack up what they can and head to the disaster area. And that is exactly what so many people and organizations in Union County did. Citizens collected what was needed, gave what they could and transported supplies to where they were most needed.
Arnold Smallin and his big homemade smoker
OK. Maybe it doesn’t look real pretty. It is homemade and not all shiny and new like a brand-new smoker from Rural King. But looks can be deceiving! This baby can smoke—along with the smokin’ skills of Pitmaster Arnold Smallin (Army). And it’s big - it can hold as many as 10 pork butts. It does mean Arnold has to get up in the middle of the night to get the smoker fired up and the meat started in order to be ready for lunch. (Now that’s dedication!) Smoking is a very slow cooking technique. It takes patience. It takes time
Imagine a company that has been in business 146 years whose current CEO has few scruples. Imagine the company’s most trusted advisers meeting frequently with the current 29th CEO to gamble (in some instances gambling property owned by non-participating company stockholders) at the CEO’s company-provided residence.
Perfect Attendance
1st Grade:Kaylee Bailey, Renee Cooke, Leah Foster, Jasper Holmes, Haley Reed, Kinsley Smiddy, Dudlee Wiliams, Nylah Clark, Noylnn Coaker, Marily Gonzalez Mercado. Olivia Harrell, Karlie Brinker, Macson Yadon, Jade Ward, Kinsley Coffey Sophia Hemphill
2nd Grade: Angel Peters, Ella Tolliver, Bentley Williams, Camila Soto, Tayo Mcloud, Harley Ferguson, Adaley Burkhart, Aurora Rindom, Aiden McCarty, Joseph Jordan, Devon Keyes
3rd Grade: Gracie Corn, Kaden Bailey, Josiah Campbell
Kennedy Hill showing at the State 4-H Hog Show in 2019.
The Swine Program, established in 1943 in Union County, began with twenty-six 4-H members raising pigs. Over the years, the program has thrived, with participants showcasing their livestock at the Union Stock Yards.
Prepare grill for medium direct heat cooking. In small bowl, stir together yogurt, ground cumin and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper Cover and chill until ready to serve.
A popular misconception about chiropractic care is that it’s only for people with back pain. The fact is, chiropractic treatment has the potential to treat various physical ailments. Whether you’re an athlete who needs help with sports recovery, a professional suffering from “tech neck,” or simply dealing with aches and pains, you may benefit from chiropractic care.
FCE Members, top to bottom: Carol Pratt, Abigail Thomas, Kaye Whaley, Carol Aldrich, Denise Cooke, Patsy Mackenzie, Sharon Hansard, Phyllis Bailey, Delilah, Trinity, Aurora Roberts and Kara Cooke.
The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) group held their monthly meeting last month with a special trip to the Glenmore Mansion in Jefferson City. Known as one of the state's finest examples of Second Empire architectural style, the mansion, built in 1868, provided a fascinating historical backdrop for the gathering.
My mother is a “cut-up.” If somebody is verbally jostling with her, she loves to say: “Them are fighting words.” She usually gets a laugh out of that. But there are words that make her fighting mad: bragging words.
Were you there last year? If so, you sure don’t want to miss this year!! Did you miss it last year?? Don’t make that mistake again this year! Last year was fantastic. A resounding success for the first year of any festival. But THIS year’s Sharps Chapel Fall Festival has been in the planning process for a year. A whole year! And it will be bigger and it will be even better than last year.
Persimmon fruit
Persimmons are a popular food source for many wildlife species such as fox, opossum, deer, raccoons, and many types of birds. Humans find them tasty as well if gathered at the right time. If you want to try some, be sure and take along the kids or grandkids, as they benefit from a shot of nature every now and then.
True story—A gentleman was sitting in my office a few weeks ago discussing an upcoming medical procedure. The man said his doctor told him, “We’ve performed this procedure on a dead person and it was successful.”
Had I been this man, I would have asked my doctor, “Was the person alive before the procedure was performed? Was death the desired outcome for the patient? Did the procedure somehow restore the dead to life?”
Headquarters on Market Street 2024 (Home Federal Collection)
In 1924, a handful of local businessmen founded Home Federal Bank with one goal in mind: Create more homeowners. Their belief was that homeowners stabilized and improved the community. In other words—they had a stake in the future of Knoxville. For over 100 years East Tennessee and Home Federal have grown together. And while Home Federal has grown from a relatively tiny $500,000 in assets to a bank boasting almost $3.5 billion, they have never outgrown East Tennessee.
2024 Chick Chain winners: Asher Effler, Ariona Payne, Dixie Ray, Jude Firkin, Jepson Haynes, Presley Lay, Zyon Copeland, Sarah Stokely-Cook (4-H Agent) and Cooper Bowman.
In the 1941 records of Union County Extensions, the 4-H programs began to expand into local schools. The inaugural 4-H Chick Program was launched in Union County, providing 50 chicks to seventeen 4-H students, who received a loan of $9.50 to cover the cost of the chicks and feed. The first Chick Sale took place in 1955, featuring 125 pullets that averaged $1.25 each.
Set oven rack about 6 inches from heat source. Arrange trimmed asparagus in a single layer in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. Meanwhile, stir together bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon oil and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Cut the ball of fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4 inch thick slices. Arrange slices over asparagus, overlapping as needed. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1 minute more.
On November 9, the Saturday before Veterans Day, Union County Veterans, their family members and anyone who simply wants to show their appreciation for our Veterans will gather at Wilson Park from 11:00-3:00. The American Legion Post 212 will supply 8 smoked pork butts, the 33 Diner will provide chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes. Rounding out the menu will be the Veteran Day standby: hotdogs! And you can’t beat the price! It’s all free.
High-heeled shoes may be one way to make a fashion statement, but any chiropractor will tell you it’s a risky way. Excessive wear of high-heeled shoes puts not only a woman’s feet at risk, but also her knees, hips and back. And it’s not just chiropractors who bemoan the perils of the high heel. Podiatrists, doctors who specialize in treatment of the foot, also have long warned against them.
Cheri Christie poses with her Best of Show Quilt
The Union County Roy Acuff Museum was the place to be on October 5, 2024, during the Union County Heritage Festival if you wanted to view the exquisite handiwork of area quilters. Draped along the museum's upper floor were a spectrum of colors arranged and organized by Ellen Perry and Patricia Campbell. Among the 58 quilts were three antique quilts including a 103 years old hand made treasure and a vintage one quilted by the Amish. Ribbons were handmade to reflect the art of quilting and sewing. The judges bestowed these artistic awards to quilters in an assortment of categories.
Reed Reno skillfully hits the nail in the Heritage Olympics Nail Driving Contest.
The Union County Heritage Festival Olympics delivered another exciting round of competition on October 5, 2024, with folks showing off their skills in a series of traditional contests. Sixty-five participants of all ages participated in the event. The event featured the Nail Driving Contest, Feed Bag Toss, and Skillet Toss, where winners emerged after intense battles for the top spots.
Nail Driving Contest
Is there a house that you know of that is rumored to be haunted? Did you go inside of it? I went inside of one. Let’s just say it wasn’t what I expected.
It’s all about respect. Many people are unaware of the protocol for the American flag. The United States Code is a consolidation of the general and permanent laws of the United States. It is prepared by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the United States House of Representatives. Concerning the American flag and showing respect for this flag, United States Code 4 states that the flag should “be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously”.
Heritage Festival Parade Grand Marshals: Mayor Jason Bailey, Grandpa Jack, Cousin Jed, and Doily Parton.
The 20th annual Union County Heritage Festival opened with a parade led by the UCHS JROTC, Band, and Choir on October 5, 2024. Following the chorus was a wild west covered wagon that is over 100 years old pulled by a couple of mules. Inside the wagon were Mayor Jason Bailey, Doily Parton, Grandpa Jack, and Cousin Jed, who welcomed the crowd of onlookers. The parade traveled down Wilson Lane to the Emily Link Gazebo where the JROTC presented the colors. The Veterans, the Scouts, and the attendees recited the pledge. The UCHS Band played and the UCHS Choir led the National Anthem.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, amateur radio operators, also known as HAMs, are stepping up to coordinate relief efforts managed entirely by volunteers. Vicki Carnes of South Carolina, call sign AD3I, is running net control and leading the initiative, which has become a lifeline for extremely isolated areas affected by the disaster in neighboring North Carolina.
Road leading to a washed out bridge in North East Tennessee. Photo taken by Melissa Shelton
In response to last week’s article on how to assist in the days immediately following the floods caused by Hurricane Helene, we’re sharing additional ways you can help the ongoing recovery efforts. As the floodwaters recede and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, both short-term and long-term support are crucial for affected communities.
Three large puffball mushrooms look strange, but are completely normal and expected after rainy weather. Photo by Jerry Walker, Sharps Chapel
Have you noticed little mushrooms popping up in yards this week? They seem to be everywhere lately! The rainfall from Hurricane Helene has certainly created ideal conditions here in Union County. This week, Union County Agriculture Extension Agent Shannon DeWitt identified a mushroom with a fascinating history: the Puffball mushroom. These large, white mushrooms, about the size of a basketball, were growing just along a tree line, characteristically in dead leaves.
The Union County Heritage Festival showcased remarkable talent and skill from both youth and adult participants in this year's 4-H Youth and Adults Exhibits. The annual event featured a variety of categories, from sewing and needle art to canned goods and farm-fresh eggs. The Union County community came together to celebrate the hard work and creativity of its members.
Drop cookies are easy to make. I like that since rolling out cookie dough is not one of my favorite tasks. Just stir it up, drop dough onto baking sheet and bake. What could be easier than that?
In 1946, Agent Angie Fugate conducted demonstrations for members of the Homemakers Clubs, showcasing new electric stoves and cooking appliances, including pressure cookers. She explained how these appliances operated differently from traditional wood cook stoves. Fugate also taught techniques for freezing foods using the new electric freezers and demonstrated the use of electric sewing machines, which had replaced pedal-operated models. Additionally, she provided guidance on gardening, lawn beautification, and chicken care.
Do you like to know where you’re going or do you prefer to drive around to see where the roads lead? As for me, I like finding shortcuts or a new route. You never know when you may need to use them, especially if you’re being chased.
Brittany Bowlin's Grand Champion Pecan Cream Pie
Carol Pratt of Union County FCE and Abby Thomas of UT Extension Union County announced the winners of the 2024 Union County Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest. FCE Judges tasted and judged the overall appearance, the crust and the taste in addition to reviewing the recipe with each pie. Brittany Bowlin was named 2024 Grand Champion Pie Baker and received $100 for her Pecan Cream Pie.
How bright the fall colors will be depends a lot on the weather leading up to mid-October
The autumn coloration of trees is always looked forward to with anticipation. The presence of numerous tree species (around 125 for us) having brilliant fall foliage is not common planet wide, as the only other places with a similar abundance of foliage colorations is northern China, Korea, and Japan. A common question this time of year is will the colors be good or not? The answer is meteorological.
Treasurer Brooke Simpson, Chairperson Gina Gilbert, Chief Elf Carol Pratt, and a host of volunteers will be distributing toys and gifts from Under the Tree, a project of Union County Children's Charities, on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The big orange applications will be sent by the end of August to be returned before the end of September. Wish Trees will be set up on November 1 at Food City and surrounding businesses. As toys and gifts are donated, the elves will be bagging the them for the Saturday, December 7 Distribution Day.
November 9, 2024 – Grace Baptist Church, 7171 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN. To pre-register for this class, contact Cassie Williamson at cassie.williamson@gracebc.org with your names and classes desired.
Please pre-register by Monday, November 4, so that we can supply you with the proper training materials and/or lunch count on Saturday.
Direct farm marketers, value-added agriculture entrepreneurs and agritourism operators seeking to establish and grow their social media marketing efforts are encouraged to register for one of the upcoming Design to Strategy: Building Blocks for Social Media Content Creation workshop sessions.
This educational event offers an opportunity for direct farm marketers to participate in a hands-on activity utilizing computers and free content creation software to produce effective social media content for their farm businesses.
Tim and I are excited to announce the birth of our grandson: Maverick Jace Bunch. He made his appearance six weeks early on August 21 of this year, weighing in at 5 pounds and 5 ounces. He will be the eighth generation to be raised on our family farm. His parents are Jordan and Sara Bunch. Grandparents are Rodney and Kathy Bunch and Tim and Brooke Cox. Great grandparents are Dick and Gail Bradley and Sue Cox.
The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education will be on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.
Ida Bell Savage-age 81 of Luttrell passed away Saturday afternoon, November 2, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. She was a member of First Apostolic Church, Knoxville. Preceded in death by husband, Lloyd Savage; parents, Major Lester and Edith (Davis) Jones; grandsons, Clayton Lloyd Miller and Steven Smyser; son-in-law, C. J. Miller; two sisters and three brothers.
Helen Mae Wolfenbarger-age 80 of Luttrell passed away Friday morning, November 1, 2024 at her home. She was a member of Willow Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Luttrell. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd Wolfenbarger; parents, Charlie and Bertha Thomas; siblings, Ed, Bill, Earl, Georgia and Blanche.
Judy A. Bailey-age 79 of Luttrell, died peacefully Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the home of her niece and caregiver, Michelle Strunk. She was a 25-year employee of Flowers by Bob. Preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bailey; her parents, Fred and Mettie Dukes; sisters, Ilah Washam, Reba Herron, Nalda Slaughter; brothers, Ted Dukes, Roy Dukes.
Dorothy Louise Cummings born on April 16, 1939, a resident of the Karns Community in Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Dorothy was raised by her grandparents, Otha Taylor Stoffel and Matilda Jane Stoffel. Dorothy worked at and retired from Robert Shaw. She was married to Lionel “Jack” Cummings for 38 years. Dorothy loved her family and was always there for them. She was a devoted Christian and grandmother to numerous grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren.
Oralia De Leon Briano – age 63 of Strawberry Plains, went to be with the Lord Monday, October 28, 2024 surrounded by her family. She enjoyed walking, cooking, working in her garden and walking with her dog. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ana Lopez and Arnulfo De Leon; brother, Jose Luis De Leon.
She is survived by her husband, Ruben Briano; children, Dalila Leek (Josh), Ruben Briano (Emily), Cindy Briano (Tanh); grandchildren, Alexia Leek, Jacob Cao, Catherine Davenport, Sophia Briano, Ana Lucia Cao; three sisters and six brothers, many nieces and nephews.
Roy Glenn Williams, Sr-age 76 of Tater Valley in Washburn passed away surrounded by his family Monday, October 28, 2024, after a long illness, we believe to be ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Roy was a lifelong member of Mount Eager Baptist Church in Hogskin. Roy was a long-time employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City where he made many lifelong friendships. He loved his job and their monthly breakfast gatherings and reunions. Roy finished his work career with the Grainger County Highway Department where he forged many more lasting friendships.
Annie Louise Nicely – age 82 of Maynardville, passed away Friday, October 25, 2024 at Tennova North Medical Center. Louise loved her garden and her family very much.
Berneice (Bea) Larmer Lee-age 88 of Washburn passed away Friday morning, October 25, 2024 at The Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. Bea was a member of Black Fox Primitive Baptist Church and a retired employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City. Preceded in death by husband, Delmer Gail Lee; parents, Oak and Carrie (Nicley) Larmer.
Survivors include many cousins with a host of friends and other relatives.
Emilia June Clifton graced this world with her radiant presence on July 28, 2024 at 4:54 p.m.
Angela Dawn Newman - age 59 of Luttrell, passed away October 12, 2024. She loved spending time with family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed any time spent with her grandkids. Angela enjoyed being out at the lake fishing and spending time with her dog, Beauty. She will be greatly missed by many.
Larry Eugene Miller, age 67 of Halls, TN, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Sacred Ground Hospice House after fighting a battle with cancer. He was born July 2, 1957 in Knoxville, TN to Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael. He was a Halls High school graduate class of 1975. He worked most of his life, in jobs ranging from Mynatt Brothers to Cooks and Pioneer Pest Control.
He is proceeded in death by his parents; Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael, and Caitlynn Carmichael.
Melissa Michelle Schubert-age 54 of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at U. T. Medical Center unexpectedly after she lost her battle with cancer. She loved the Lord and had accepted Jesus as her savior. She was a very hard worker and loved being creative. She enjoyed painting, drawing and decorating. She was a free spirit and loved her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She has been rejoined with her son, Michael Conatser who passed away in 2022 and her baby brother, Michael.
Sandra Ann (Brown) Muncey-age 62 of Maynardville passed away Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024 at Willow Ridge. Preceded in death by her mother, Juanita (Asbury) Brown; father, Wayne Brown; brother, Tony Brown; sister, Mary Brown.
She is survived by her daughters, Cassandra Muncey of Mississippi, Jessica Nicley of Maynardville, Bridget Muncey of Maynardville; grandchildren, Christian Fox of Mississippi, Emily Erwin and Ashley Erwin of Chattanooga; brother, Donnie Brown of Maynardville and several nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and many friends.
Carlos Anton Dew-age 51 passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Carlos loved spending time with his family and friends but loved most his two sons, Matthew and AJ. He was a voracious reader and always will be an Eagles fan. Preceded in death by his father, Larry Dew; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dew.
Left to mourn his passing, his mother, Dinah Dew; sons, Matthew and AJ; brother, Matthew McMillan; close relatives, Cathy Nowak, Jodi Moore, Melissa King; close friend, Dylan Squires.
Ricky Lynn Fife-age 65 of Tazewell passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation. Preceded in death by his parents, J.M. and Billie Marian (King) Fife.
Left to mourn his passing, granddaughter, Christine Charlene Poole.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Kenneth George Hayes-age 84 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Thursday, October 10, 2024, at his home. He was a member of Mountain View Church of God of the Union Assembly, Luttrell. Kenneth was retired from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of serving. He was the owner of Hayes Hollow Apiary. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hayes; parents, George A. and Billie Virginia (Goss) Hayes; sister, JoAnn Human; brother-in-law, Leonard Ray Johnson.
Josie Rhea Rauhuff-age 15 of Corryton passed away suddenly October 8, 2024. She was born January 23, 2009 at UT Medical Center. She had the biggest heart and a dark sense of humor. She loved drawing, music, parkour, Lego’s, puzzles and playing with her dog Ceasar and cat Asher. There was never a dull moment with “Jo” around.
She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Lori Rauhuff; sisters, Kelsey Davis (David), Serena Buckner (Dillion), Abigail Rauhuff; nieces and nephews, Harper, Lincoln, Aria, Ryder; grandmother and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Aundra Dawnella Shoffner-age 57 of Sharps Chapel passed way Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024, at her home. She was born April 7, 1967, at Oak Knoll Navel Hospital in Oakland, California and was a member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Sharps Chapel. Aundra was a former employee of D.T.R. in Tazewell. She was a graduate of Dixon High School, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Aundra was a loving and caring person who was hard working and had a great sense of humor.
Bill Howard-age 87 of Tazewell, Tennessee, formerly of Luttrell was born in Ages, Harlan County, Kentucky and passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at LaFollette Medical Center. He was a member of the Tazewell Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Nannie Howard; and his wife, Lena Howard.
Bill served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. By occupation Bill worked for the Phone Company, was a Coal Miner, and then worked for Straight Creek Boat Dock.
Betty Lou “Speedy” Nicley – age 89 of Washburn, passed away October 8, 2024 peacefully at home. She was a member of Central View American Christian Church. She was cherished by so many and will be remembered for her love and kindness. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, camping, gardening, coloring and any sport involving her grandchildren.
