Fire camp memories linger

During my 50 combined years of fighting forest fires with both the United States and North Carolina Forest services, I spent a lot of time on large forest fires in the Western United States. Many of them were in excess of 100,000 acres in size.

We can’t lose Social Security, Medicare

On July 30, 1965, Democratic President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law in a non-partisan vote.  In 1972, Republican President Richard Nixon expanded Medicare to include end stage renal treatment and included long term disability coverage. Social Security was signed into law on Aug.

‘Livin’ right and bein’ free’

An important truth is freedom isn’t for everyone; not everyone can/should be free.  While this might sound controversial as we celebrate liberty this month, it’s common sense. If you’ve ever taken a toddler to a potluck, you know this experientially.

Sweetwater Baptist a long-time congregation

Where Beech Creek and Sweetwater Creek meet in the Cheoah Valley is a majestic hallowed sanctuary, Sweetwater Baptist Church.  This congregation was organized in 1873 to serve the people of the community.

Company had long list of plans for county

Whiting Lumber Company was another firm that moved into Graham County, arriving in 1910. The company was based in Maryland and owned by William Scott Whiting.

Trump’s plan for healthcare troubling

Is health care important to your family?  We are fortunate to have two sliding scale payment health care providers here in Graham County. In 2021, the Democratic Congress capped Affordable Care Act premiums at roughly 8.5 percent of income to help with affordability issues.

Reaping time

I shall see my Lord coming one day in the air to gather his church, His Kingdom down here.   He will take us to the father who sent His son to reap His harvest, when reaping time comes.  Reaping time is coming. Sowing time is now.  Good seed must be planted upon good ground.

Nothing ‘peculiar’ about walking close to God

It has been a privilege to meet some of the descendants of the Rev. Robert Sheffey in Graham County.  Brother Sheffey – as he was affectionately known – was born July 4, 1820. He was a Methodist circuit-riding preacher in the Holston Methodist Conference.

Kanawha at forefront of local log operations

One of the early lumber companies to begin operations in Graham County was the Kanawha Lumber Company, whose management was from Staunton, Va. Clara Vee Denton was kind enough to share a history of the company, written by Robert B. Barker in 1956 for Marjorie Walker Freel of Andrews.

Irreconcilable contradiction of abortion

My wife and I had our first child in 2004.  Like many before us and since, we anticipated the day for months: taking birthing classes, going to doctor’s visits, and enjoying ultrasounds and baby showers – with growing excitement about the upcoming birth of our son.