There has been much debate recently about whether we are or are not in the early stages of a recession. Let us clarify the situation with an answer, 'yes, we are.' Inflation is at its highest level in years, gas prices may be down a bit but are still much higher than they were a year or two ago, and interest rates are going up; but it isn't all bad news. Sunday, September 25, 2022
I was watching the TV monitor at the nail salon when a special bulletin broke into regular programming: Queen Elizabeth II had died. Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Calob is a Boy Scout in the Vale, N.C. area who is working on his Communication Merit Badge. He is expressing his opinion in this Letter to the Editor about the West Lincoln Park being closed on snow days. Thursday, September 8, 2022
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Sam’s Club with my son to do some shopping. Everything went swimmingly until we returned to the parking lot. I reached for my key in my purse, then my pockets. No key. Tuesday, September 6, 2022
This time of year, the news—and folklorists—are full of winter predictions. The forecast, in case you missed it, is for a cold, harsh winter. Tuesday, August 23, 2022
While this article is posted under OPINION, all that it includes is facts. An objection by one of those who attended the marathon public hearings session of County Commissioners on August 1st prompted the article--meant to explain the grant system that many obviously do not understand. Monday, August 22, 2022
Today Judge tells a touching love story about finding a lost dog down a long country road and helping to return him to his owner. Sunday, August 14, 2022
With school about to start for 2022-2023, there are teacher shortages all over. Lincoln County Schools need 22 more certified teachers, Gaston County needs 80. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools were still 377 short as of Tuesday. Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, President and Executive Director of the Public School Forum of North Carolina says the biggest reason is pay. While state legislators were patting themselves on the back for giving teachers a raise, Dr.Wolf says, it's just not enough. Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Recently, Southern Living Magazine ran an article about Vacation Bible School being a mark of growing up Southern. I disagree. Bible school was very much a part of my Midwestern upbringing, and I sense the same for other parts of the country. Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Most readers are by now familiar with Florida's decision to allow veterans and members of their families t become teachers in that state's schools with little or no education training. In North Carolina, a debate has also surfaced on requirements for those involved in early childhood education. Monday, August 8, 2022
Decades ago, there was a book entitled What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School. Perhaps someday, another book will appear to discuss certain aspects of the retirement experience that go unrecognized - the “fine print”, if you will. Monday, August 8, 2022
When did America get so dysfunctional... She used to think the word dysfunctional... Dysfunctional was over used... Maybe misunderstood... But now she thinks it is underused... Sunday, August 7, 2022
The bodycam video of two incidents involving Gastonia Police and a homeless man last October were released this week. The incidents point up the need for a backup system for law enforcement officers, too often called upon to deal with situations they aren't prepared to handle. Friday, July 29, 2022
If you took French in the 1960s, chances are this dialog is burned into your memory: Bonjour Jean. Comment vas-tu? (Hello, John, How are you?) (1 comments) Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Many people miss out on higher returns because of emotionally driven decisions, creating a behavior gap between their lower returns and what they could have earned. Monday, July 25, 2022
It was 1964... Columbia, S.C... Her Mama's husband, Jim was out of town... Navy Reserve in Charleston, S.C... Charleston for the weekend... Sunday, July 17, 2022
If you thought the US Supreme Court's reversal of its previous Roe v Wade decision had far reaching potential consequences, 'you ain't seen nothin' yet!' While a decision won't come soon enough to affect this year's election, it's likely to have major importance in the election of 2024. Wednesday, July 13, 2022
You want to retire, and you own a large home that is nearly or fully paid off. The kids are gone, but the upkeep costs haven’t fallen. Should you retire and keep your home? Or sell your home and retire? Maybe it’s time to downsize. Monday, July 11, 2022
If you are a senior citizen trying to get some help with the cost of your prescriptions, be careful! Some of those who say they can help may instead take your money and provide you with nothing. Thursday, July 7, 2022
Do your cats ever have the sniffles? Do they suffer from intermittent upper-respiratory infections, leading to an occasional nasal drip? If so, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about a Convenia-nt solution. (1 comments) Thursday, July 7, 2022
This is an update from North Carolina State Senator Ted Alexander, who represents Lincoln and Cleveland counties and the northwestern corner of Gaston County (effective this year) in the NC General Assembly, provided this update. Thursday, July 7, 2022
The word “friends” covers many thoughts... She was 80 now... She was sitting on her porch... Thinking about 80 years of friends... Now that was an interesting subject... Sunday, July 3, 2022
Today (Friday July 1st) for the first time since November 2014, Kelly Atkins is not Lincoln County's County Manager. His retirement, after 32 years of service in a variety of positions, including the last eight as County Manager, became effective yesterday. Friday, July 1, 2022
Kelly Atkins has served Lincoln County in various roles for over 31 years, the last eight of those as County Manager. He is retiring from County employment effective this Thursday (June 30th). When he announced his pending retirement in February, we suggested that rather than us talk about his time with the County, he express himself in a letter to the citizens. Thursday, June 30, 2022
