Local business leader Rick Riddle visited Union County Commission April 9, asking commissioners to pass a resolution from First District Commissioner Stanley Dail taking steps towards greater broadband Internet access for Union County homes and businesses.

Riddle, whose family owns Seven Springs Farm, had some startling figures to share. He said 25 percent of Union Countians don't have access to broadband. That means that students can't complete schoolwork at home, adults can't pursue online degrees, and opportunities to work from home are limited.

Fifty years ago East Tennessee was but a little advanced. It was covered with a thick wood, and its precipitous mountains formed barriers to contact with the outside world.
Communities large and small remained unto themselves and; consequently, it was among the last sections of the country to benefit by the progress of civilization. Thus, it developed a homespun philosophy and code that are reflected today in the scrupulous integrity and rugged morality of the natives. They are almost a people apart.

It’s spring or at least I thought it was. If it really is spring, maybe I’ll get some rest. You know the dead of winter is when people work on family genealogy. I’m always glad to help if I can, so I get lots of questions and requests of various sorts.

My fun and my work have for many decades involved walking over rough terrain, so finding practical but comfortable shoes or boots has been critical. They’re so important to me that I end up emotional attached to them and mourn when they finally wear out and I must let them go to shoe heaven. I’m teary eyed right now just thinking about it. So, today's article is advice on choosing footwear that will be your friend.

When was the last time you sewed a button on a shirt? Do the heels of your socks need darning? What did you say? This is not a problem for you. Great! It was back in the day of the scrub board and those new-fangled wringer washers. I bet you haven't scorched a blouse recently either. Oh, you don't iron everything anymore? Sorry I asked. Let's get back to the good old days. Mending was a constant chore back then.

Mincey’s Musings
Year One, Week Fifteen

Confessions and Love

I could never be a successful criminal. I have a huge guilt complex, and when I do something wrong I just have to tell someone about it. The Holy Scriptures tell us to confess our faults one to another (James 5:16, KJV). What we so often forget is the remainder of the verse, “that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

This time of year, we never know what we will find when we venture outdoors, even if we go no further than our own yards. I know what to expect from the heirloom plants that grow around my house, but still feel a sense of anticipation, sudden wonder, and enchantment with each approaching spring. I look for the first small blue bloom in a bed of creeping myrtle, my mother planted years ago, next to one place where I “hang out the wash”. Within days, the entire bed of myrtle will be dotted with blue spots.

Do you like asparagus? I do. I like fresh asparagus. There is something about canned asparagus that drains the flavor from it. Frozen is better than canned, but not as good as fresh. Isn't it that way with most vegetables?

When Tammie Carter thinks about litter and illegal dumping in Union County, she likes to look on the bright side. It's a problem, and a big one, but year by year, things are getting better.

"I don't know that we'll ever solve it or get people to stop doing it, but hopefully it will be minimal one day," she said.

Another Easter has come and gone. While various groups celebrate the holiday with thankfulness many, including Christians, add a few other elements.

Last week, I pondered the spiritual aspects of Easter in preparation for this past Sunday. Here are a few of those “other elements” that came to mind spurred by the thought process of a six-year-old grandson. I will hold that conversation until the end of this article.