Opinion

Our View: Keep notices in newspapers

News Staff
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Although the N.C. General Assembly’s legislative session is just underway, some of the usual suspects are trying to draft a local bill removing the requirement to publish public notices in newspapers.  That would be a bad move for openness and transparency in state government.

Piety, as a civic virtue

Jeremy Wiggins
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Piety is a concept that has long been ignored by Americans.  In reality, most Americans don’t understand the word. If one has a definition, it will likely be “religious service, or devout.” Our word piety comes from the latin word pietas.

Hats off to county manager Becky Garland

Roger Carlton
Thursday, February 11, 2021
How would you like a job that requires 24/7, 365 days per year attention; reports to five elected bosses and 8,500 citizens; deals with a myriad of federal and state agencies; provides many disparate essential services to residents and visitors; coordinates responses to the pandemic; and does...

Be gentle; do not neglect your kidneys

Ana Williams
Thursday, February 11, 2021
For the record, the most neglected body organ that we have is our kidneys.  Why? Because many of us would fancy more foods that are rich in salt and sugar, as well as foods high in cholesterol content.  Consequently, this does not do enough justice to our kidneys.
The Journeymen expanded from the original quartet, with a variety of members over their 22 years. On the cover of one of their four albums are (front row, from left): Ray Lane, first tenor; Willie Bratcher, lead and Ron Wilcox, piano. Second row, from left: Jackie Anderson, baritone; Wayne Williams, bass; Joe Collins, drums and Herman Spell, bass guitar.

The Journeymen expanded from the original quartet, with a variety of members over their 22 years. On the cover of one of their four albums are (front row, from left): Ray Lane, first tenor; Willie Bratcher, lead and Ron Wilcox, piano. Second row, from left: Jackie Anderson, baritone; Wayne Williams, bass; Joe Collins, drums and Herman Spell, bass guitar.

Influenced by Southern Gospel music

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, February 11, 2021
My love of music was pounded into me.  Not with a stick, but by the calloused fingers of my grandmother – pounding keys of her mostly out-of-tune upright piano. Nanny’s repertoire was scant, but she could make her secondhand Baldwin jump.

The Serenity Prayer

Eric Reece
Thursday, February 11, 2021
There is a Christian prayer that has given strength and comfort to millions.  The prayer is simply known as the Serenity Prayer. You may has read it in a devotional book, seen it on a plaque or card, or even heard it in a sermon.

Valentine’s Day … in grade school

Marshall McClung
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Valentine’s Day – in what we called “grade school” in the 1950s – brought a mixture of emotions.  All of us looked forward to the treats brought for our classroom party. Most likely, the teacher and what we called “grade mothers” prepared them for us.

Wage laws and poverty

Jeremy Wiggins
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Over the years, Americans have heard politicians bloviate about the economic injustice that afflicts our nation.   The most common claim is that Americans should earn a “living wage.” Politicians preach raising the minimum wage because the current rate is not enough. This solution is futile.

Be light-hearted to avoid cardiological problems

Ana Williams
Friday, January 29, 2021
Researchers have noted that the more snappy and pessimistic you are, the larger the chances are of suffering from fatal heart disease. Scientists in Finland suggested that there is a direct link between a person’s level of irritability and pessimism, and their risk of heart disease.