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.

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.

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.

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.

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.