Kevin Hensley
I don't know about you, but New Year's resolutions for me personally have worked out about as well as the cartoon printed on this same page, immediately to the left of this column.
I gave up the practice years ago: instead, I focus on trying to be a better version of me everyday, not just each time Jan. 1 pops up on the calendar.
As I reflect on 2025, the bigger picture is illustrated as just that: a mess. I shudder at the thought of ever bringing children into such a cruel world, filled with divisiveness and backbiting. It's unsettling and if it doesn't affect you when your head hits your pillow at night, go take a long look in the mirror: you might be part of the problem.
Locally, we can do something about it. The Graham Star has been your community newspaper for over 70 years; in return, the community lets us know what's right and what's wrong about this wonderful place we call home.
So instead of personal resolutions, I will toss a few do's and don'ts onto the table that we can all do to ensure a smoother, prosperous future for Graham County as a whole:
* Don't be a litterbug. We were all taught as children to dispose of our refuse in a proper manner. Pass it along to the next generation. Set an example. Keep the natural beauty of the area looking just that way: beautiful. Most of you reading this are grown adults, after all; pick up after yourself.
* Do be patient about job availability at EcoKing Solutions. We are all anxious to see the economic boost that the revival of the former Stanley Furniture/Oak Valley Hardwoods plant is going to bring to Graham County, but these things take time. As reported last summer by The Star, operations were not expected to begin until the first quarter of this year. EcoKing has been hard at work remodeling the dilapidated building and getting it ready for the workload that will soon commence, but has been very quiet about when it will begin hiring for the facility. We plan to announce those very details exclusively, in an upcoming edition – which is why you should never miss a copy of our product.
* Don't vote blindly. The importance of the upcoming midterm elections cannot be understated, especially at the local level. Do your research. Seek out each commissioner and sheriff candidate (we printed their names last month, or the Graham County Board of Elections will be glad to assist you). Get to know who you are voting for. Don't fill in a bubble next to a name, simply because you recognize it and think they will do a great job. More than ever, we need elected officials in office who will both fulfill their duties to the public and hold those appointed to positions of power responsible.
* Do support The Graham Star. A shameless plug? No doubt, but it goes without saying that we are the only local media outlet that is in the thick of things, week in and week out. Buy a copy from newsstands or a rack. Subscribe. Advertise with us. Don't be spellbound by snappy acronyms and/or regional outlets that only pay a visit when it's beneficial to their bottom line to do so; shop local and get the best coverage available, right here at home.
Here's to 2026. Let's all enter the year with optimism and grace. Things can – and will – improve, if we all work together for the greater good.
Kevin Hensley is the publisher/editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached via phone, 828-479-3383; email, editor@grahamstar.com; or on X, @KevinHensleyCNI.