Opinion

Fannie Eller’s homeplace, taken in May 1964. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Fannie Eller’s homeplace, taken in May 1964. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Neighborhood moms carried us through childhood

Marshall McClung
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Most are familiar with the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child.” There wasn’t a village located in the Atoah section of Graham County where I grew up, but there was a community. All of us kids had several “mothers” scattered throughout Atoah.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

Scott Kamps
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Only two individuals – Martin Luther King, Jr., and Christopher Columbus – have federal holidays in their honor. Both influenced society for better, in significant ways. We ought not hesitate to recognize individuals – even though flawed – who’ve changed the world and emulate the good in them.

Assess how you divide your finances

Eric Reece
Thursday, January 12, 2023
The beginning of the year is a time many take stock of their finances. Last year was a volatile year and this coming year, inflation does not seem to be losing any steam. I remember having conversations with friends talking about having, “More month than money.

The spectacular year of 2022 A.D.

Scott Kamps
Thursday, January 5, 2023
In reflecting on 2022, our nation had a historic year. Hands down, the most-dubious moment of the year came June 24, when the Supreme Court released the Dobbs v. Jackson decision that overturned Roe and Casey, and returned the issue of abortion to the states.
Rime ice on Haoe Bald: elevation 5,249 feet. Photo courtesy of Rick Wilkey

Rime ice on Haoe Bald: elevation 5,249 feet. Photo courtesy of Rick Wilkey

Signs of impending winter weather

Marshall McClung
Thursday, January 5, 2023
When our early ancestors came to what is now Graham County, they had a number of signs from observing nature that they went by concerning the weather. Our recent cold spell would not have caught them by surprise.

New Year's traditions, around the world

Eric Reece
Thursday, December 29, 2022
A man attended a religious talk on predestination and freewill. After the program – as he was walking out of the building – he fell down a long flight of stairs. Dazed, he shook himself off and said, “Lord, I’m glad that is behind me.

What do you want for Christmas

Marshall McClung
Thursday, December 22, 2022
The question as to what someone wants for Christmas is no doubt asked numerous times each year as Christmas approaches. Hank Snow recorded an album of Christmas songs in 1967. One of the songs is titled “Christmas Wants” and begins by asking the question as to what you want.
I had never seen this photo until Friday, but someone snapped it 13 years ago. This is why photographs are so important; they preserve the memories that begin to fade.

I had never seen this photo until Friday, but someone snapped it 13 years ago. This is why photographs are so important; they preserve the memories that begin to fade.

Shine on

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Some are not fortunate enough to have ever met a grandparent. Others might experience fuzzy memories from the brief time they had with them. Consider me spoiled; the good Lord let me keep all four of mine long enough to give me a lifetime of fond remembrance.