Starting the day off right

I am always grateful for my third grade teacher, Mrs. Edwards – who read to us before school started each morning.At times, it was a morality tale; and sometimes, it was a story from the Bible. I remember her reading the story of David and Goliath.

Early settlers found vast wilderness

The pioneers that entered what is Graham County today found themselves in an area covered by dense forests; streams full of fish; plenty of wild game; and Cherokee Indians who had arrived long before the first white person.

School options would be great for county

Have you ever wondered why Chick-fil-A restaurants operate far more efficiently than every DMV office you’ve waited in?

How is everything supposed to be ok?

I am confused. I hear friends and neighbors talking about how expensive everything is – yet, our government says "all is well" or "it's only for a little while." All is not well for the average working family – certainly in Graham County and surrounding counties in rural areas of North Carolina.

God-given talent

I was having dinner with some new friends when the story of Jesus told through the series "The Chosen" was brought up. It is a blessing to hear people talk about the inspiration they have received watching this amazing series."The Chosen" is the biblical-based story of Jesus.

Where buffalo once roamed

Most people no doubt are familiar with the song “Home On The Range,” written in the early 1870s by Dr. Brewster M. Higley. The first verse of the song contains the words “Where the buffalo roam."However, many people may not know that buffalo were once found here also.

Blessing of community

Graduation season is wrapping up. None of my kids graduated this year, but many of their friends did.  We’ve attended multiple graduations or graduation parties.

From the back street of 'Dog Town'

In 1958, I was 22 years old, newly married and living with my husband Bill in Massillon, Ohio.One day, I received a letter from my younger sister, Bobby Jean. She was writing to catch me up on all the hometown news. On the return address, she listed Jutts Creek as the “Back Street of Dog Town.

Value of a private education

Choosing to send a child out of the Graham County public-school system into a private voucher school is a big decision.In 2025-26, there were 703 voucher schools in North Carolina: 86% religious with three Islamic schools and one private secular school. The numbers are increasing.

Tie-ins to state title game

We are all very proud of our Lady Knights softball team.Watching them compete on the diamond brings back good memories.I grew up in a mill town, where softball was the summer pastime. We had church- and industrial-softball leagues.I remember going with my grandfather to watch the games.