The Extension Office from 1972 records recorded the following written by the Agent
The Problems faced, what Extension did.

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

In the 1950’s Extension helped form a Planning Committee to study the problems facing the county and how to solve those problems. The need for Industry was at the top of the list. Unemployment was a priority. The younger population were leaving the county for lack of employment. Progress was being made as population had begun to increase.

The Planning Committee had Developed a plan to develop two water systems in the county. The systems have been installed in the City of Maynardville and Luttrell. After the water systems were installed in Luttrell, a manufacturing clothing company was installed in Luttrell employing approximately 50 people.

After getting a water system in Maynardville, there were four new manufacturing plants that were secured: Marlock Incorporated with 50-100 people employed.

Two years prior Universal Industries a Modular Home Company (presently Clayton Homes) employed thirty people. There was a Boat Manufacturing company. I believe that was called “HustlerBoat Company. They employed 5-15 employees. A meat processing plant located next to where Ace Hardware is presently located. It was called “Chadwell Meats and owned by Pete Chadwell. It employed 8-15 employees.

In 1971 the City of Maynardville started expanding its sewer system and should help with bringing in new Industries to Union County. Note-today (2024) it’s Fiber Optic Internet that is needed to bring in Industry.

Since the sewer system was installed, there have been nine small subdivisions developed which covered 400 to 500 acres. At least half of this land is not suitable for Agriculture. Extension has counseled some of the builders and furnishing many of them with house plans.

In the last five years Booker Chevrolet has built a new building and expanded their sales and maintenance departments. (Currently housing “Guided By Grace”, Union County Extension Office a Muffler Shop and “Inter World Travel”

Agency. Sexton Motor Company had secured a GMC truck Dealership and expanded their mechanical and car body shop. They too have built a new building. Home of the famous orange Pinto up in the air.

With all the building in the county, the two building supply companies have expanded. I believe one of them was “Lewis “ Building Supplies.

A new John Deere Farm Equipment opened up about 1968. They had a complete stock of parts and supplies. Currently the GoodWill Stores Location.

With all the new development in the county the need to dispose of solid waste has occurred. Extension has counseled the Health Department and County Court on putting in a solid waste disposal area. Extension advised on funds and available information.

A new mining company has leased the rock land in Luttrell and started drilling and analyzing the rock. The company is called Luttrell Mining Company. They have purchased two to three hundred acres of land and plan to start mining in the near future. Here in 2024 the companies name is “Carmeuse Lime and Stone”. It is the largest producer of Lime and Limestone products in North America according to their website.

Other businesses in Union County in 1972 are: Union Concrete Incorporated, owned and operated by Jim and Max George. Currently (2024) owned by ReadyMix USA at the same location on Hwy. 33 in the Paulette Community.

Beside this business was Bill George Quarry. There are two Hardware Stores, four restaurants, a new IGA supermarket and the Big M Variety Store. Currently housing the Family Dollar/Dollar Tree. A carpet center, a new branch bank (C &C) currently Commercial Bank. A new courthouse is being constructed in the place of the one that burned two years prior (1970).

About three years ago (1969) the Union County Riding Club was organized. During the Summer they sponsor the horse shows each month. They also sponsor 2 camp-outs and a 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 is available. Trail riding is available at this center and horses can be rented. Horse shows, country music shows, and square dances are sponsored in the indoor arena. This center has brought much need recreation to the area.

Some 4-H clubs have done landscaping around the schools in order to beautify them and stop erosion. Much more needs to be done on this and other projects.