There are two masons in my family now. Who was the first one? Me, who else? I have been laying block or stone for most of my adult life. I can show you everything from fireplace to walls to walks. I am good. I can lay a wall at a fifteen degree angle without using a level. Yes, I , , , am . . . good!

Who is the second mason in my family? I am glad you asked. It is my eighteen year old grandson, Joseph McMurtrie. He got a job recently as a mason tender. It's a start.

Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is an imported landscape tree that is very common in our area and is most noticed when it produces its fluffy pink flowers in the summer. Its commonness has been a concern from a forest health standpoint.

The beauty and rich history of Norris Lake have continued to bring new community members to Union County and the surrounding area for years. Many newcomers bring new opportunities and added beauty to the area that holds many summer memories from years past.
For Matt and Jodi Fleck, this is just the beginning of a story they share with many others. Matt grew up visiting Norris Lake with his family as a child and later began to visit with his wife and children.

Military benefits are always changing, whether it is service pay, pension, healthcare or other benefits. Navigating the military maze can be confusing and intimidating. Veterans need to know what benefits they are eligible for, and they often require assistance in applying for and receiving those benefits.
There is often frustration with what has appeared to be the sluggishness of responses from the Veterans Administration.

The Union County Board of Education agreed to purchase a Visitor Management System as a component of the Raptor System that is already in place. Josh Williams, Supervisor of Safety, explained to school board members that the Raptor System manages and tracks the data for all fire drills, disaster drills and all real-life emergencies that may require a lockdown or evacuation.

At the regular Union County Commission meeting in July, commissioners voted on a resolution to issue bonds to fund the new middle school.
Scott Gibson from Cumberland Securities and the county financial advisor explained the procedure. The bond resolution is for $26,250,000.
The bonds will be issued in three phases: $10M in 2023, $10M in 2024, and the balance of $6.25M in 2025. The payment is for 20 years with a four percent interest rate.

Evie Andrus and Friends will headline the Union County Heritage Festival on the Emily Link Gazebo Main Stage on October 7.
Andrus has been performing her unique style of fiddle playing since she was six years old. Her family band, Family Ties, toured around North and South Dakota, Minnesota and Canada throughout her high school years. But it was her passion for bluegrass that brought her to East Tennessee after she encountered an East Tennessee Bluegrass act called Blue Moon Rising.

Recently, the City of Plainview approved a bid for $150,000 to renovate the Plainview Fire Station by expanding one bay and adding an additional bay. The renovation is being done to accommodate the bigger engines that new standards have dictated.
The new addition will also include a restroom and office space. Kyle Beeler won the bid and will be performing the renovation. The work is expected to be finished in about two months.

Home and commercial gardeners are invited to attend this annual event
CROSSVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is excited to provide information throughout the year to make gardening a success for many home gardeners. This year’s Fall Gardeners’ Festival is even bigger and better than before with 15 scheduled presentations.

The doll was a rare one with a wax head. When properly repaired, dressed and equipped with a new (handmade) wig, the doll would be worth over $300.
But tragedy struck: Mrs. Graves had locked the doll in the trunk of her car and then gone to enjoy the sights of Opryland, USA.