Opinion

The Graham County 4-H group at Whig Meadows. From left are Hoot Gibbs; Cheslyn Orr; and Ben, Heather and Nathan Frederick. Photo courtesy of Randy Collins

Whig Meadows has historic past

Marshall McClung

Thursday, August 10, 2023

During the past few years, Hoot Gibbs and I – along with Randy Collins – have been taking Graham County 4-H members and some parents on hikes. During that time, we have visited waterfalls, grassy balds and other local points of interest.

The painting over the baptism pool at Sweetwater Baptist Church is just one of many beautiful pieces of artwork hanging in sanctuaries across Graham County. Photo courtesy of Sydney Varajon/Contributing Photographer

Sacred folk art

Eric Reece

Thursday, August 10, 2023

There was a time in the Christianity where a separate building was used for baptisms. In the period between the Seven Councils and the Middle Ages, a round or five-sided building was built next door to the cathedral as the place to administer the sacrament of baptism.

Why are experts so hard to trust?

Scott Kamps

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Tom Nichols’ “The Death of Expertise” rightly emphasizes the need to avoid the cynical skepticism of experts rampant in our society and strive to humbly learn from others. The glaring shortcoming of the book is he inadequately addresses the principal reason for the high distrust of experts.

Graham Star Contributing Writer Latresa Phillips (left) recently took the trip of a lifetime – and was blessed enough to have a family member (her cousin, Angelia Keever) tag along for the European experience.

Cousins take on Europe

Latresa Phillips

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

We all have that one cousin.

‘Summer Serenade’ hit different

Marshall McClung

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Benny Carter wrote the song “Summer Serenade” in August 1980. He does mention a few things in the song that we rural folks can relate to, such as the rain, wind and the heat of the summer sun. Beyond that, I am not sure if he knew much about life on a country farm.

School Spirit

Eric Reece

Thursday, July 27, 2023

In just a few weeks, Graham County Schools will be starting back. In many rural communities, the local school is both the pride of the community and the institution that binds us together. We may not agree on religion or politics, but we all can agree on supporting our Black Knights.

Difference between knowledge, facts

Scott Kamps

Monday, July 24, 2023

It’s been said that you’ll be the same person in five years you are today, except for the people you meet and books you read. Consequently, we ought not to only read books we agree with. I was recently challenged by ideas in Tom Nichols’ The Death of Expertise.

The meaning behind ‘pastor'

Eric Reece

Monday, July 24, 2023

“Hello pastor.” This is a simple greeting and one I appreciate yet behind these words are a story. Being a pastor is a fascinating calling. It is very complex and as one student told me it is one of the last generalist professions. It is a spiritual calling and not to be entered into lightly.

Anvil firing used to celebrate the 4th

Marshall McClung

Thursday, July 6, 2023

A practice once used to celebrate holidays especially the July 4 holiday, and other celebrations and events was one that many people have never heard of. Anvil firing took the place of fireworks when it came to noise and explosions.

Walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me

Scott Kamps

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Independence Day festivities are a great opportunity to celebrate freedom and be reminded of the “way of life our fightin’ men have fought and died to keep.” Knowing that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” we do well to consider how to continue our forefathers fight for freedom.