Arevalo School in Big Ridge

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 07/16/2024 - 14:54

Arevelo School, built around 1940

Big Ridge Elementary School opened in 1960-1961 as the consolidated school assigned to receive Pine Grove students. Central View, Hickory Valley, Arevalo, and part of Burkhart were also included in the consolidation.
Arevalo Elementary School opened to students in 1st through 8th grade circa1924. Bonnie Heiskell Peters relates the origins of the name of the Arevalo School in Union County Schoolday Memories.
Elvin Branum, a Union County Justice of the Peace, served on the Union County Court, better known today as Union County Commission. He named the school after his earlier experience in the Spanish American War in the Philippines. His company visited a peaceful village named Arevalo, which means “Christ Prepareth.” Since Branum had been instrumental in getting the school established, Superintendent W. H. Thomas asked him to name the school. So Union County had an elementary school that was named after a Pacific Island village.
Arevalo was located in the Big Ridge section of Union County in an area known as Pumpkin Center. By the 1930s, the enrollment increased and by the end of the decade, a bigger school was planned.
In 1937, W. W. Hill of Knoxville offered a bid of $950 to tear down the 1924 Arevalo School and construct a new building of wood on a brick or concrete foundation.
Apparently the blueprint called for new doors, but Hill stated that he would use doors from old buildings “regardless of that called for in the Blue Print.” His bid also noted the structure would be 60 feet in length by 42 feet in width.
By the early 1940s the wooden 1924 structure that resembled an L-shaped ranch house had been replaced by a structure that very much appears to be a Rosenwald School design. The school had two chimneys for the coal stove that was in each classroom. There was a separate outside door, side by side, in the front for each classroom. This building remained in use until the consolidation when students were transferred to Big Ridge School in 1960.
Recess offered the opportunity to play circle games and kickball. Children performed plays at Christmas that often told the story of the birth of Jesus. One year the students performed a Tom Thumb Wedding. Graduation from 8th grade was a major milestone event for the children and the community.
Some of the teachers were Dorothy Turner, Von Keller, Eula M. Troxler, Harriet G. Taylor, Lucy Jean Turner, Clifford Stooksbury, Claude Weaver, Gwen Hubbard Sharp, Ola Acuff Needham, Lewis Bridges, Wanda Woods Cox Byerley and Kathleen George Graves. The upper grade teacher usually served as the principal. Trula Berry and Stella Sharp were school cooks.
Wanda Woods Cox Byerley, who taught at Arevalo in 1955-1956, shared some memories of her experience. According to her, the original 1924 building was in Old Loyston. It was relocated on a hill behind Breeding’s Store, approximately a quarter mile south of the intersection of Hwy 61 and Hickory Valley Road when Norris dam was being built.
In 1939-1940, Union County built several schools, and she believes that was also when Arevalo was rebuilt. Arevalo had three classrooms, a kitchen and a hallway, but no indoor bathrooms. Wanda taught 25 4th and 5th grade students, 13 girls and 12 boys.
Gwen Hubbard Sharp had the 1st through 3rd and Doris Robb was the teaching principal with 6th through 8th grades. Facing the front door, the kitchen and Robb’s classroom was on the left with Sharp and Byerley on the right. When the school was vacated in 1960, the building became a private residence.
Wanda related that Stella Sharp was a good cook and that she could well remember smelling the pinto beans and meatloaf cooking while she taught. Wanda told that the children played fox and hound, hopscotch, marbles and some basketball and softball during recess.
She taught basic subjects but was able to independently plan her day. She recalled that most teachers did not have a bachelors degree but earned one over the years by attending summer classes at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She said some would teach for a while as they graduated high school and then use their money to go to school to be a nurse or take an office job.
School board members influenced the teacher assignments so some teachers got moved from school to school. This movement also caused some to find other employment.
David Coppock, along with his two brothers Glenn and Gerald, were students at Arevalo. David began in 1st grade at about 6 months past his fifth birthday and attended until about 3 months before the end of his 8th grade year. His father thought David had consumed enough cherry and apple pie, but needed to learn about the mathematical pi so he took him to another school to prepare him for high school math. Speaking of pie, David remembered how all of the food was hand prepared and cooked at the school. He could remember seeing the cook peel the potatoes because there were no frozen french fries. Food was cooked on a woodburning stove and lunch cost about 15 cents.
Ronnie Weaver, the son of Superintendent Claude Weaver, brought coal for the warm morning stoves and wood for the cookstove.
David Coppock recalled that when electricity came to the Big Ridge community in 1950, his family got an electric stove. They gave the woodstove to Arevalo School. This generosity afforded David a full year of free lunch.
Later in the 1950s Avondale Dairy delivered milk which cost one or two cents. But for a few years John Coppock's two sons, Leo and Theo, boarded the bus each morning with two stainless steel buckets with really tight lids. When the bus arrived at the school, the boys would hand over the buckets to the cook or a teacher. Some years there were three teachers and some years enrollment dropped and only two teachers were at Arevalo.
There was a well, but the pump was broken, so David and some other boys carried three gallon buckets of water from the spring. One of the teachers would bring a graniteware pitcher to pour the water into homemade paper cups. According to David, some children drank from the pitcher, and the teacher would take the pitcher home to give it a good washing before the next school year.
When David started his schooling, there was no school bus. Till Wyrick drove a workhand’s bus to Knoxville each day and traveled right by David’s house. So David's father paid Till fifty cents a week to drop David off at school each morning, then his dad would pick him up in the afternon. Much later Till remarried and his son, Rodney, was a student when David taught 8th grade at Big Ridge Elementary.
After 3rd grade, David rode a school bus owned by Burney George, a local store owner, near the school. David also remembered the Cas Breeding Store, whose father-in-law Tennie Stooksbury was the earlier store owner. This is the same store next to the theater where Clifford Stiner showed western movies.
The desks were slightly slanted wood tops on metal frames with a storage nook under the desktop for books. Desks were in rows one behind the other. The teachers and the students swept the classrooms. Some of the girls also helped serve lunch, especially to the younger children. There was no air conditioning. A county maintenance crew would oil the wood floors each year to preserve the wood and keep down the dust. Toilets were outside until the school closed in 1961.
David’s favorite game was fox and dog (hound). He shared how lunch was a whole hour. So the boys would eat quickly, then go outside to play. Half were foxes and chased the other half, which were the dogs. He told how sometimes they went a pretty good ways off the school property and sometimes did not return until nearly time to dismiss school. Another activity was playing basketball outside on an outside court.
David noted that he began school in 1946. He completed high school in 1960, and on June 10, 1960, entered East Tennessee State University in Johnson City with his good friend Johnny Walters to study business administration. He transferred to UT Knoxville in 1962. But he wavered so much back and forth between education and business courses that he did not have a degree after acquiring some 203 credit hours. Finally, after 45 more hours at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, he graduated with a degree in business administration, education and economics.
At 20 years old he taught his first class at Big Ridge Elementary. He continued as a teaching principal for three years there. Then he returned to the classroom as a traveling reading teacher and a classroom teacher. He served as an elected superintendent and an appointed director.
He became a principal at Maynardville Elementary and Sharps Chapel Elementary. After his retirement, he was elected to the Union County Board of Education and as of August 31, 2024, he will have served the children and citizens of Union County for 61 years.
David Coppock, as many other successful people, started in a two-room rural school known as Arevalo—“Christ Prepareth.”

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Arevalo School
Pathways

The 1924 Arevalo School was in Old Loyston and was replaced in 1940. It later became a private residence

Comments

Shirlee Grabko's picture

Shirlee Grabko

Tue, 07/16/2024 - 15:56

Thank you, Marilyn! I really enjoyed reading this!

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Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Wed, 09/11/2024 - 17:18

Several Veterans supervise the grill while discussing things of great importance. Mostly whether it was time to eat yet.

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Submitted by Carol Pratt on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 21:55
UT Extension Union County Big Sinks 4H Girls Club

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Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 21:55

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Submitted by Isabella Humphery on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 21:50

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Submitted by Brooke Cox on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 21:50

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Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 21:49
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

I have subscribed to the magazine Farm Show off and on for many years. It is full of inventive ideas farmers do to solve their everyday problems. It shows how creative farmers can be. Of course, you learn to “make do” with homemade things when money is tight. For a farmer, that is almost always. He probably had to borrow from the bank for seed in the spring, hoping to pay it back when he harvested in the fall. A farmer is always looking for ways to save money. Isn’t that the definition of invention, looking for a cheaper or easier ways to do something?

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Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 21:40
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Cup Plant is one of many late summer flowers that are in a family called Composite, where what looks like one flower is actually many.

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Submitted by Brooke Cox on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 12:43

We were on a mission. When Tim and I walked into the back bedroom in our daughter
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Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 09/02/2024 - 17:57

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Submitted by Carol Pratt on Sun, 09/01/2024 - 18:48
UT Extension Union County Agents teaching about soil erosion.

Agents teaching about soil erosion.

In 1934, the Union County Extension agents, along with the local farmers, started the Tobacco Control Program. That year there were 1,100 family farms that were located in fertile bottoms where Norris Lake is presently located. There were 1,374 farms throughout Union County.
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Submitted by James and Ellen... on Sun, 09/01/2024 - 18:47

Country Connections
By James and Ellen Perry
As I sit on my front porch listening to Santo and Johnny playing “Tear Drop” on my computer, it puts me in a melancholy mood.
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Submitted by Steve Roark on Sun, 09/01/2024 - 18:47
Photo by Steve Roark

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By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
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Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Sun, 09/01/2024 - 18:46
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sat, 08/31/2024 - 12:13

Site excavation has begun on the new middle school property.

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Several property items were considered by the commission. The Luttrell Industrial Park Property was the subject of a motion by Greg Dyer and a second by Mike Boles to appraise the property for possible sale that the commission approved. Voting ‘No’ on the motion was Sidney Jesse.

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 12:55

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:32

LVFD Chief Brad Woods (center) receives the check from Plainview Mayor Lynn Beeler and Vice Mayor Richard Phillips.

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Submitted by Abigail Thomas on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 09:39

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 09:19

Stewart Skeen discusses a plat to combine property on Atkins Road with Mayor Lynn Beeler and Chairman Walter Stone.

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Thu, 08/29/2024 - 22:59

Wild Blue Yonder Band: Kristiana Arnwine, Phil Coward, and Melissa Wade.

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Submitted by James and Ellen... on Thu, 08/29/2024 - 16:46

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Thu, 08/29/2024 - 11:03

3D Art from the 2023 Heritage Festival

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:35

A Luttrell youth plays the keyboard at the 2022 Heritage Festival.

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Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Wed, 08/28/2024 - 13:19

I have been writing articles for about 12 years. I wrote for a few years for the Union County Shopper until it ceased publication after it was purchased by the Knoxville News-Sentinel and/or Scripps Howard.
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Submitted by Brooke Cox on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 20:09

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Submitted by Susan Kite on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 16:57

War

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Extension Helping in Many Ways

Submitted by Carol Pratt on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 12:35

In 1918 the two Extensions Agents Kyker and Miller organized the first Union County Fair. It was supported by the County Commission who donated $1,000. The County Commission only supported the fair for one year. They traveled to Knoxville for the District Exhibition and competitions. This was a big deal for the 4-H members and the women of the Home Demonstration Clubs. Most had never traveled outside the county.
Agents had to travel by horse and buggy to the various communities.

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Submitted by Gina Davis on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 11:08

1st Place Winner: Truett Davis, 2nd Place Winner: Julia Martin, 3rd Place Winner: Lakely Asher

Truett Davis, a member of Union County 4-H, took home first place in the Youth and Talent Contest at the Appalachian Fair last month. There were seven contestants, ranging in age from 12 to 21. Truett was the youngest participant at 12 years old. He has taught himself piano over the past couple of years, and only just last week, began formal instruction with a piano teacher. He played "Rush E" and the audience was delighted.

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Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 11:07

A healthy back and spine, of course, are vital to your well-being. The spine protects the spinal cord, which transmits signals back and forth between the brain and the body’s other parts. But you have to be careful with all the body’s joints and protect them to maintain a good quality of life. Here are some tips to keep in mind during routine daily activity:

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Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 10:56

I was privileged to have opportunity to speak at the August 2024 meeting of the Union County Historical Society. I shared with them the following story about the legendary Union County educator Florence Chesney.

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Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 10:56
While the flower of this Wild Hydrangea may draw your eye, it's leaves combine with many other plants to make our mountains green

While the flower of this Wild Hydrangea may draw your eye, it's leaves combine with many other plants to make our mountains green

By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

You don’t realize it, but when you look at our local mountains you aren’t really seeing the mountains themselves because they are covered in trees with a whole lot of leaves. On average a mature tree has a hundred thousand leaves. It takes around seventy biggish trees to shade an acre of mountain forest, which doing the math comes to seven million leaves per acre. And since you are looking at perhaps a thousand acres of forest at a casual glance, that comes to…well you get the gist.

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Submitted by Brooke Cox on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 10:55

Being normal has never been my cup of tea. For instance, when I was a kid, I used to think about experiences that most people avoided. I wondered what it was like to be put to under for surgery, being close to a tornado, or being stung by a bee. At this point in my life, I have experienced all of them, but the bee sting was the first one and it was a bizarre thing.

Ranch Style Deviled Eggs

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 10:55
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

Make this a day ahead. You will have enough to do the day of the party. Place eggs in large saucepan with enough water to cover by 2 inches. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Cover. Remove from heat and let stand until cool. Drain cooking water and cover eggs with cold water. Peel eggs and halve lengthwise. Transfer cooked egg yolks to mixing bowl. Set eggs whites aside on large platter ...

Change of plans!

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Fri, 08/23/2024 - 17:22

Due to an unforeseen conflict, the Union County Lion’s Clubs Free Spaghetti Dinner (originally planned on September 7 before the Union County Opry’s Lonesome River Band concert) has had to be rescheduled. The FREE Spaghetti Dinner will now be held at 5:30 pm on Saturday December 14th before the Union County Opry’s fantastic annual Christmas Show!! The dinner is still free! And followed by excellent music. Hope to see you there!

Big Ridge Bluegrass Festival Celebrates 43 Years of Music and Community

Submitted by Staff on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 14:52
Tennessee Brushfire Bluegrass Band

Shown here: Tennessee Brushfire Bluegrass Band (L-R) Doug Roberts, banjo; Linda Bunch, bass; Roger Lay, lead vocals and guitar; Anthony Hensley, tenor vocals and mandolin; Wayne Goforth, baritone vocals and fiddle.

Big Ridge Park hosted its 43rd annual Bluegrass Festival on Friday, August 16, drawing music lovers from near and far. Despite a rainy start around 4:00 PM, the weather cleared just in time for the festivities, which ran from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The evening featured performances from a lineup of talented bands, including Norris Freeway, Tennessee Brushfire, Scrap Iron, The Beason Family, The Teno Family, and John Alvis, who kept the audience entertained with lively bluegrass tunes.

The Beginning of 4-H

Submitted by Carol Pratt on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 12:01
The first 4-H Clubs, referred to then as Corn Clubs, were organized by J. W. Kyker in 1918. Twenty-four boys enrolled in the project, eleven completed records. The eleven completing records were Charles & Tommy Ousley, Elmer Dunn, Raymond Monroe, Ralph & Roy Tarver, Lowell Stooksbury, Glen Irwin, Sherman Mitchell, Plumer Loy and Ted Sharp. The Corn Club winner was Lowell Stooksbury, who produced over 80 bushels of corn per acre at a cost of 14.6 cents per bushel. He grew Tennessee Red Cob. The picture was t

The first 4-H Clubs, referred to then as Corn Clubs, were organized by J. W. Kyker in 1918. Twenty-four boys enrolled in the project, eleven completed records. The eleven completing records were Charles & Tommy Ousley, Elmer Dunn, Raymond Monroe, Ralph & Roy Tarver, Lowell Stooksbury, Glen Irwin, Sherman Mitchell, Plumer Loy and Ted Sharp. The Corn Club winner was Lowell Stooksbury, who produced over 80 bushels of corn per acre at a cost of 14.6 cents per bushel. He grew Tennessee Red Cob. The picture was taken on the M.C. Dunn farm south of Maynardville. Other boys in the picture include Roy Acuff (front row left) Tad McDonald and Lillard Wallace. J.W. Kyker, Union County's Emergency Demonstration Agent, is in the back row on the right. Clay Patrick is in the front row on right.

J.W. Kyker, the first UT Extension Agent in Union County in 1918, found it difficult to get the local farmers to come together to better educate themselves at new farming techniques, presented by the University of Tennessee’s Agricultural Department. So he began to target the next generation by starting the first Union County 4-H Boys Club. He enrolled twenty five boys, using them to educate the adults. The first clubs were known as “Corn Clubs”. Note there is a photo of this group inside the Union County Extension Office.

A New Study is Reassuring Regarding the Safety of Chiropractic Care for low Back Pain

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:40

A recent study examined whether chiropractic spinal manipulation could lead to an increased risk of cauda equina syndrome (CES), a rare but serious condition affecting the bundle of spinal nerve roots in the lower back that requires emergency surgery. This retrospective study analyzed medical record data for over 130,000 adult patients from academic medical centers who received either chiropractic spinal manipulation or physical therapy evaluation for low back pain in the United States.

Who's Afraid?

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:30

Are you afraid of the dark? Most adults that I know, would answer: “Of course not.” Nonetheless, I think it is human nature to be a little uneasy of the dark. I have a friend who is brave enough to say: “I’m not afraid of the dark, but I don’t like it.”

Pearls of Wisdom

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:30

I was having lunch with a dear friend not too long ago. In the course of conversation, the phrase “pearl clutchers” came up. I am always intrigued with a phrase that I have never heard, and this one just tickled my fancy.
It did not bother me one bit to ask what the term meant. My friend informed me it was the gesture that some people make when they hear something unbelievable. The hand is raised in exaggerated amazement or disbelief to the neck, just where the knot in a strand of pearls would be if a woman was wearing it.

Spice Spritz

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:29
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

Have you ever tasted a Spice Spritz cookie? Try this one, it has an autumn flavor. In large bowl with mixer at low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase speed to high and beat until light and creamy, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Next, at low speed, beat in egg and vanilla until blended. Gradually beat in flour and pumpkin pie spice just until blended.

Wildlife Cover

Submitted by Steve Roark on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:24

Creating cover can be beneficial to wildlife and add a splash of color at the same time.

Requirements for good wildlife habitat can be broken down into three basic needs: water, food, and cover. While the need for water and food is pretty obvious, cover is more dynamic, and the need varies from day to day and season to season.

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn stopped by to chat

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 08:21

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn answered questions and chatted with people at the Courthouse last week.

Last Wednesday, August 7, 2024, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn stopped by the Union County Courthouse for a “stop and chat”. She landed in Tazewell and spent about half an hour with elected officials and some local citizens. Saying “you can ask me anything” in response to Mayor Jerry Lawson's question on the Secret Service changing of the top official, she fielded other questions on the the bipartisan legislation Kids Online Safety Act, human trafficking particularly connected to the Mexican border across the same border, and the influx of fentanyl through the cartels and immigration.

Union County Tennessee Extensions History

Submitted by Carol Pratt on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 15:13
The first terracing demonstration with FFA boys 1934 Union County Tennessee

The first terracing demonstration with FFA boys 1934 Union County Tennessee

The UNION COUNTY Extensions began in 1917 on an Emergency War Time Basis. Agent E.G. Vickers was assigned to Union County by the University of Tennessee located in nearby Knoxville Tennessee. He only served three months and then was replaced by J.W. Kyker who was assigned to Union County to assist the local farmers and their families prosper. In 1911 the University of Tennessee Agriculture saw a great need and created the Extension Department with (6) Agents, hiring local farmers that were good at farming techniques. The first Agent arrived in late January 1918.

A Little Picker-Upper

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 14:52

Veterans and their spouses begin the line for the BBQ dinner. A variety of sauces for every taste was offered.

It had been a long, hot day. When I showed up at the American Legion Post 212 for their monthly free dinner, I was tired, not particularly hungry and not feeling very sociable. But then I opened the door and the aroma of wonderfully prepared BBQ came drifting out. That changed everything! The food was wonderful. Not only large quantities of pulled pork, but there was chicken, delicious cole slaw, and homemade beans with bacon (yum!). Desserts included cookies and chocolate cake. Margo McCaffery and Debbie Boeck, members of the Union County Veteran Volunteers, prepared this feast.

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain may Accelerate Brain Aging

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 14:52

In a study published in Nature Mental Health, scientists have found that individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) may face a higher high risk of brain aging.

CMP is a leading cause of disability, affecting more than 40% of the world’s population and impacting patients’ cognitive function. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, thus hampering prevention and treatment efforts, research indicates that inflammatory markers associated with brain aging are higher in CMP patients, suggesting a link between brain aging and CMP.

A Real Fire Truck

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 14:51

Do you remember the first time you saw a fire truck? For me, it was in one of my favorite TV series: “Emergency.” It was so exciting when the emergency vehicles from Squad 51 drove out with their sirens blaring. The dramatic music played during this scene was awesome as well. This was set in Los Angeles. Out on Papaw’s farm in East Tennessee, I hardly ever saw an emergency vehicle, but when I did, it wasn’t the experience I thought it would be.

Charlies and Maggies

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 14:39

It was January of his fourth grade year. Charlie was playing quietly in his bedroom, just he and his mother at home.
He heard his father come home about 9:00 p.m. Charlie knew from the amount of noise his father was making that he was either drunk or well on the way. Charlie had learned over the years that when his father was sober that Charlie was to be seen and not heard. Charlie also knew when his father was “on the sauce” that Charlie could most likely make all the noise he wanted.

Sumac

Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 14:38

Sumac is very colorful late summer with bright red seed heads and red leaves in the fall. It makes a tasty lemonade like beverage.

Sumacs are very common in our area, most often found in overgrown fields and areas that have been disturbed. While considered a weed by many, it does have the virtues of providing cover and food for wildlife, and nice fall coloration for human enjoyment.

Autumn Fruit Salad

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 14:37
Autumn Fruit Salad Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

This salad tastes best when the fruits are fresh, so make it September to December. There are so many good fruit salads. Add this one to your recipe box. Wash and core apples and pears. Do not peel. Cut into 1 inch chunks. Slice banana in 1/2 inch pieces. Wash grapes and cut in half. Combine fruit in salad bowl. Mix yogurt with spices and cider. Pour over fruit and stir to coat evenly. Chill before serving.

Food City expands, holds Grand Reopening

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Wed, 08/07/2024 - 14:14

The ribbon was cut to celebrate the Maynardville Food City's recent expansion.

Food City of Maynardville held its Grand Reopening last month. Store manager Scott Inklebarger cut the ribbon along with Mayor Ty Blakely of Maynardville and K-VA-T/Food City CEO Steven Smith holding the ribbon along with a host of administrative employees. The UCHS JROTC raised the flag and Christina Cooper sang the National Anthem as well as a series of patriotic songs.

Events

Soil Health for Organic Systems

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:54

Soil health experts from the Natural
Resources Conservation Service will
teach the basics of soil health principles,
and their context within organic
management systems. Presentations may
identify barriers, challenges, and
potential solutions for fostering soil
health on organic operations at any scale.
Participants will learn hands-on low-cost
methods for assessing soil health in a
field setting. Instructors will also cover
advanced soil testing for soil health
indicators and interpretations. Field

Big Ridge Bluegrass is August 16

Submitted by Ethan Sane on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 17:38

Big Ridge State Park will be hosting its 43rd annual Bluegrass Festival on Friday, August 16. The music will start at 6 p.m. and will rcontinue until 10:30. There will also be food trucks and a variety of craft vendors. The event is free to the public.
Performances By: Norris Freeway, Tennessee Brushfire, Scrap Iron, The Beason Family, The Teno Family and John Alvis.

University of Tennessee Steak & Potatoes Field Day

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 11:42

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — The annual Steak and Potatoes Field Day presented by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will include topics of interest to beef cattle producers, fruit and vegetable producers and land managers. Throughout the morning, experts from both UT AgResearch and UT Extension will share their knowledge to help producers enhance their operations.
This in-person field day is scheduled for Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Plateau AgResearch and Education Center.

UCCC Under the Tree Distribution December 7

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:00

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.

Overdose Awareness and Memorial Service

Submitted by Kathy Chesney on Wed, 08/14/2024 - 14:56

PLEASE JOIN US
"Loved and Lost"
3rd Annual InternationalOverdose Awareness Day Candlelight Service
Remembering those loved and lost to substance use disorder
iF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD YOUR LOVED ONE'S NAME AND/OR PICTURE TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD, EMAIL US AT Samantha.brantley@unioncountytn.gov
Saturday August 31, 2024 7:30 - 9 PM
Miller's Chapel (across from McDonald’s) 2719 Maynardville Hwy., Maynardville, TN 37807
This project is funded under a grant contract provided by the

Women's Fall Backpacking Workshop

Submitted by Holly Frerichs on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:50
Women's Fall Backpacking Workshop at Norris Dam State Park

Join Ranger Holly Frerichs for an overnight experience in the backcountry! This is a beginner-friendly workshop for women where we will learn best practices for overnight camping and some survival tactics. The hike to the campsite is 3.5 moderate miles in and the same route back out. This workshop is open to women and girls 15 and older.

Obituary

Shyrle Wyrick

Shyrle Wyrick-age 73 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord, Thursday morning, September 12, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Corryton. She loved the Lord, her family and animals. Preceded in death by her husband, Sebe Frank Wyrick; parents, Johnny Frank and Dora D. Beeler; brother, Johnny Lee Beeler; sister, Mary Beeler; brothers, Jerry Beeler, Jeff Beeler.

Blanche Munsey

Blanche Munsey-age 86 of Washburn passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was a member of Dutch Valley Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her husband, Carson Munsey; children, John Munsey, Lou Alama Graves; parents, Harvey and Leona McMurray; brothers, Austin, Robert, and Cecil McMurray; sister, Madge Workman.

Madge Nicley Workman

Madge Nicley Workman-age 84 of Maynardville passed away Monday morning, September 9, 2024, at her home. She was a member of Nave Hill Baptist Church. Madge was a former employee of Bob Beeler’s Grocery and Hensley I.G.A. Preceded in death by her husbands, Edward (Bud) Nicley, Arnold Workman; son, Michael Nicley; daughter, Christine Nicley.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Jonathan and Christy Nicley, Jamie Nicley, Jennifer and Jay Graham, Dakota Nicley, Johnny King, Jonya King; 17 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; sister, Blanche Munsey.

Dwane Dyke

Dwane “Dad” Dyke, born on May 6, 1932, in Sharps Chapel, TN, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2024, in Knoxville, TN. Dwane was a dedicated family man who cherished the memories he created with his five generations of children and grandchildren. From a young age, Dwane exemplified a strong work ethic. Inspired by the arrival of electricity in his home at the age of 17, he pursued a career as an electrician, dedicating 25 years to Knox Porcelain and another 10years at the University of Tennessee.

Phillip David Oehlberg

Phillip David Oehlberg Sr., the proud father of 4 children, age 55, of Maynardville Tennessee, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 30th, 2024.

He was born in Chicago in 1969 to Peter John Oehlberg Sr. and Norinne Alyce Oehlberg. He loved spending time with his brothers. He always valued the people in his life, going to work at Trulite Aluminum and Glass for over 20 years, making many friends, and supporting his family. He was a well-known and respected figure in the community, loved by everyone he interacted with.

William Dale Vann

William Dale Vann-age 42 of Maynardville, originally from Kodak went to be with the Lord Wednesday, September 4, 2024. He was a gifted tattoo artist with a witty personality and had an unforgettable smile that left an impression on everyone. William adored his grandchildren and loved his family. Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Debra Vann; brother, Troy Vann.

Wesley Shane Cole

Wesley Shane Cole-age 40 of Corryton passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024. He was saved at an early age and was a Christian. He loved all his family dearly although the drugs controlled him. Preceded in death by his mother, Janice King; grandmother, Bobbie Moore; grandparents, Gladys and Sonny Reeser; aunt, Melody Dawn McGhee; uncles, Edward Osborne, Rocky Osborne, Spanky Reeser.

Evelyn Kaye Merritt

Ms. Evelyn Kaye (Graham) Merritt (unmarried)-age 72 of Corryton born May 4, 1952, entered into the Lords Rest in the early morning hours of August 31, 2024, at Willow Ridge Rehabilitation Center. It was a rest that she desperately needed because her body and mind were so tired. Kaye also knew that she wasn't getting angel wings and flying off to heaven. She is getting the best rest ever and will be ready and rested when the Lord returns for His Bride, The Church.

Charlene Pelfrey

Charlene Pelfrey passed away at her home on August 31, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Born June 11, 1957, she lived a life filled with love, creativity and kindness. She was the devoted wife of Darrell Pelfrey for 40 wonderful years. Charlene's infectious spirit touched everyone she met. She had a passion for painting and Jesus. Charlene dedicated her life to caring for others, always putting their needs before hers. Many will dearly miss and lovingly remember Charlene.

AC Tolliver

AC Tolliver-age 74 of Jefferson City passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, at Turkey Creek Medical Center. He was born August 5, 1950, and raised in the Sharps Chapel Community of Union County. He was a U.S.. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Preceded in death by wife, Cassandra Kay (Lynch) Tolliver; daughter, Marnie Tolliver-Graham; parents, Phlim AC and Hallie (Weaver) Tolliver.

Alice Faye Nicely

Alice Faye Nicely-age 74 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Monday, August 26, 2024, at Willow Ridge Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of Ailordale Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her loving husband, LeeRoy Nicely; father and mother, Eddie (Plummer) and Ruby Sands Oxendine; brothers, Rev. Walter (JoAnn) Oxendine, RG Oxendine.

Ruby Nell Haggard

Ruby (Chesney) Haggard-age 89 of Knoxville passed away Sunday morning, August 25, 2024, at U.T. Medical Center. She was a member of Halls Baptist Church and a retired employee of Knox-Porcelain Company. Preceded in death by her husband, Delbert (Dick) Haggard; son, Richard Chesney Haggard; parents, John and Rebecca (Meltabarger) Chesney; brother, Arnold, Nelson, Bert, Joe, Bruce, Pryor and Jake Chesney; sisters, Teeny Bryant, Nerva Whited, Oma Hayes.

Wesley Dean Taylor

Wesley D. Taylor-age 86 of Washburn passed away Saturday evening, August 24, 2024 at his home. Preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Sybil Taylor; brother, Don Taylor; sister, Mildred Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Taylor; daughter, Sandi Bonanno; sons, Dan Huckans, Rick Huckans, Chucky Taylor, Ken Taylor; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangement by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Rebecca Lacey

Rebecca L. Lacey-age 61 of Knoxville passed away suddenly Friday afternoon, August 16, 2024 at U. T. Medical Center. She was a member of Callahan Road Baptist Church. Preceded in death by parents, Jackie Ray and Betty Jo Lacey; brother-in-law, Mark Davis.

Karen Wyrick

Karen Wyrick-age 59 of Maynardville passed away Monday, August 19, 2024, at her home.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Ricky Dean Dotson

Ricky Dean Dotson-age 66 of the Hickory Star Community in Maynardville passed away Friday evening, August 16, 2024 at U. T. Medical Center. He was the retired owner/operator of his excavation company and was an executive of Norris Lake online. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Preceded in death by parents, Herman and Olive (Anderson) Dotson; son, Oland F. Dotson.

Lawrence Erwin Kane

Lawrence E. Kane-age 78 of Bean Station, formerly of Goshen, New York, died suddenly Thursday, August 15, 2024, in New Mexico as the result of a traffic accident. Larry was born September 22, 1945, in Sodus, New York, the son of Erwin H. Kane and Marquerite L. Kane. He graduated from Rhinebeck Central Schools, Dutchess Community College, SUNY at New Paltz and received a master's degree from Iona College.

Norma "Wammie" Sharp

Norma Dene "Wammie" (Sexton) Lucas Sharp- age 80, of Maynardville, born June 3, 1944, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. Norma was a long-time member of Little Valley Baptist Church. She loved Scrabble and Bingo. Norma was a very outgoing friendly person who never met a stranger. She loved to cut up and mingle with friends and family. She was a very sentimental, kindhearted, loving and giving person.

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