In 1972, the Extension Agent wrote this in the Report. The problems that faced Union County.

Within five to ten years the Union County Extensions Office gathered information to help the County by establishing a council to assist with the Planning Commission and other Governments on Resource Development. They gathered information to resolve problems the rural community had. They counciled the leaders with their findings. The Extension even provided a Leadership School. The results were helpful in many ways by forming the Planning Commission to solve problems.

In the 1950’s the Planning Commission saw a need to bring in Industry as their top priority. The younger population were leaving the county for employment.
The Planning Commission had a plan to develop two water systems in the county. The systems had been installed in the City of Maynardville and Luttrell. After the water systems was installed in Luttrell, a Manufacturing Clothing company was installed and employed approximately (50) people. After getting a water system in Maynardville, there were (4) new manufacturing plants that were secured. They employed 50-100 people. Two years prior, Universal Industries a Modular Home Manufacture (presently owned by Clayton Homes) employed 30 people. There was a Boat Manufacturing, they employed 5-15 employees. A Meat Processing Plant located next to where the present (2024) Ace Hardware is located. It was called “Chadwell Meats”, owned by Pete Chadwell. It employed 8-15 employees.

In 1971, the City of Maynardville started expanding the sewer system and this was thought to help tremendously with bringing in new industry.
Note. Today in 2024 it’s “Fiber Optics “ Internet that is needed to bring in new industry. Since the new sewer systems were installed, there were nine small subdivisions that were developed which covered 400-500 acres. At least half that land was not suitable for agriculture. Extension has counciled some of the building contractors and even furnished some with house plans. In the last five years of the Booker Chevrolet has built a new building and expanded their Sales and Service Department. Note in 2024 this building houses the Union County Extension Department).

Sexton Motor Company had secured a GMC truck Dealership and expanded, they also expanded their Mechanical and Body Shop. With all the building in the county, two of the Building Supply Companies have expanded.

A new John Deere Farm Equipment opened up in 1968. They had a complete stock of parts and supplies. Note -In 2024 it’s the location of the Goodwill Industries Store. With all the new developments Union County was in need of disposing of its Solid Waste. Extension counciled the Health Department and the County Court on putting in a Solid Waste Area. Extension advised on Funding and available information.

A new Mining Company leased the rock land in Luttrell near Powder Springs and started drilling and analyzing the rock. The Company was called “Luttrell Mining Company”. They have purchases two to three hundred acres of land and plan to start mining in the near future. Note-in 2024 it is owned by Carmeuse Lime and Stone. It is the largest producer of Lime and Limestone products in North America according to their website.

Other businesses in 1972 are: Union County Concrete Incorporated, owned by Jim and Max George. Note-2024 it is owned by RediMix. It’s in the same location on Hwy. 33 in Paulette. Right beside the Concrete Plant was Bill George Quarry. There were two Hardware Stores, four restaurants, a new IGA Supermarket, the Big “M” Variety Store. Note-2025 currently the Family Dollar/Dollar Tree. A Carpet Center, a new Branch Bank (C & C) currently Commercial Bank. A new Courthouse is under construction in place of the one that burned two years prior in 1970.

About three years ago in 1969, the Union County Riding Club was organized. During the Summer they sponsored the Horse Shows each month. They also sponsored two camp outs and wagon train rides each year.

In 1972, the Red Gate Horse Center was organized. They built an indoor arena and remodeled a barn to house approximately 45 horses. A horse trainer was available. Trail riding was available at the center and horses could be rented. Horse Shows, Country Music Shows, and Square Dances are sponsored in the indoor arena. The center has brought much needed recreation to the area.

Some 4-H Clubs have done landscaping around the local elementary schools in order to beautify them and stop soil erosion. Much more needs to be done on these projects.