Opinion

Climate change affecting local ecosystem

Lynne Stevens
Thursday, February 19, 2026
“Pack your stuff folks, we are moving North,” said the Asian tiger mosquito to the Kissing bug (Triatoma), two blood-sucking, disease-toting insects who are migrating and extending their residence to North Carolina.

‘Walk for Peace’ captivated country

Eric Reece
Thursday, February 19, 2026
I was fascinated by the response of crowds of people who came out to support the recent Buddhists monk’s Walk for Peace.  From Fort Worth, Texas, they walked through North Carolina heading to Washington. Events of their walk for peace was covered by the news media.
This photo from February 1973 shows the U.S. Forest Service's "Operation Mainstream" standing in front of a heliport that the crew had built near the Cheoah Ranger Station. Pictured (from left) are Mike Rogers, Clyde Daniels, Lyle McKeldry, Jake Buchanan, Willie Phillips, Vasco Stewart, Wayne Waldroup, Olie Williams, Jess Holder, Bill Marr, Wade Holder, Arvil Waldroup and foreman Marshall McClung. Photo courtesy of The Graham Star Archives

This photo from February 1973 shows the U.S. Forest Service's "Operation Mainstream" standing in front of a heliport that the crew had built near the Cheoah Ranger Station. Pictured (from left) are Mike Rogers, Clyde Daniels, Lyle McKeldry, Jake Buchanan, Willie Phillips, Vasco Stewart, Wayne Waldroup, Olie Williams, Jess Holder, Bill Marr, Wade Holder, Arvil Waldroup and foreman Marshall McClung. Photo courtesy of The Graham Star Archives

‘Older American Program’ was living history

Marshall McClung
Thursday, February 19, 2026
* Part 1 of a 3-part series In 1973, a work program that employed senior citizens began with the U.S. Forest Service – both here and nationwide.

Reckless words cause harm

Scott Kamps
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Words are vital in every conflict.  When used rightly – and kindly – words promote understanding and further agreement/unity. When misused, words aggravate offenses, driving people further apart.

How A.I. is affecting our children

Lynne Stevens
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Do you remember when you were in school and did your math homework? Teachers would harp on you to show all your work when you turned it in.  In the classroom, we were taught how to tackle math problems – and then given homework to practice and get familiar with all the steps involved.

Protesters, ICE raiding churches?

Eric Reece
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
With the recent protest that disrupted a worship service in a Minnesota church, I was reminded of a church conflict in the county I served approximately 20 years ago.  The church had a new minister. A conflict arose between the minister and some long-time members.

Coming of age

Marshall McClung
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Most everyone has heard the term “Coming of Age” at some point in their life.  Although it can mean reaching adulthood, I personally found that it was a series of events that marked certain periods of growth. Kids today seem to learn much more about lots of things long before we did.

God protected me: warned in a dream

Maeburl Tincher
Thursday, January 29, 2026
From a young age, two things have always fascinated me: the scriptures and travel. I don’t consider myself a missionary in the formal sense of the word, but more than once I have found my way to the Holy Land. On my last trip to Jerusalem, I stayed for six weeks at the Ruth Heflin House of Prayer.

Don’t be so quick to rush to judgment

Eric Reece
Thursday, January 22, 2026
With the horrible events unfolding in our country, I was grateful for a commentator who – when asked about the events in Minnesota – said, “Don’t rush to judgment.”  I heard wisdom in his words and recalled what Jesus taught about judgment.