North Carolina 12th in gun violence

On Dec. 16, a second grader called 911 to report an active school shooting. More thoughts and prayers – and predictably, a continuing lack of Congressional desire to fight for solutions – followed. In an average year, 5,833 North Carolinians are killed and/or wounded by gun violence.

Search for more joy in 2025

Tim Tebow is a devout Christian and great athlete.  As a college football player for the Florida Gators, he started writing Bible verses on his eye black (worn under the eyes to reduce glare).

The Thomas Legion

The Civil War unit that locals were the most familiar was likely the Thomas Legion, which was made up of a large number of Cherokee Indians who had the name of being ferocious fighters and was part of 69th North Carolina regiment. The unit was organized by Col. William Holland Thomas in 1862.

Only so many pages in a week

A never-ending pile of paperwork can often be spotted on my “corner” desk at the office – an extra appendage used to help spread out the weekly duties of the editor at The Graham Star.

We all have a little 'Scrooge' in us

A book doesn’t become timeless just by being old – many old books are obsolete – but a classic stands the test of time depicting human nature or communicating universal truth that resonates with readers, regardless of time and setting. Consider A Christmas Carol.

Smoky Mountain holidays

Christmas in the Smoky Mountains is a singularly unique event within the continental United States.  The Smokies themselves generate an ancient atmosphere of hearth and home.  The people of these mountains reflect the depth of that sentiment in their ages-old seasonal traditions.

Holiday a long time coming

I suppose I was like most children, in thinking that it sure took a long time for Christmas to arrive.  Strange how quickly it seems to roll around now.

Wrap yourself in His blanket

When Jesus was born, Mary did what all mothers did back then: she wrapped him tightly in swaddling clothes.  “Swaddling clothes” was like a blanket made of pieces of linen. For many centuries, newborns were wrapped in swaddling clothes. The infant felt safe, warm and could relax and sleep.

Why school choice is so important

* Conclusion of a 2-part column School superintendent Ryan Walters defended his decision to incorporate the Bible and optional prayer into Oklahoma’s public school system by saying it’s an attack on religious liberty for the federal government to forbid them.

Is there an advantage to wealth?

Does too much money equal too much power?  Does the combination of wealth and power lead to corruption?  It appears that we are going to find out, as the Trump team – so far – is overweight with ultra-rich people. Wealthy people love to grift the middle class with their tax breaks.