The number of new cases is declining, hospitalizations are down, the positive test rate for virus infections is much lower than it was. Health experts warn that doesn't mean the pandemic has ended, and exercising proper caution is as important as ever. Thursday, March 4, 2021
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently received approval to use federal matching funds to expand services for the evidence-based early childhood program, Reach Out and Read. Wednesday, March 3, 2021
In late December the news was full of images of politicians, celebrities and other more-than-equal personalities “setting an example” by being first to take the vaccine. I’m sure they meant well (don’t they always?) but jumping ahead of the most vulnerable—i.e. nursing home patients and health care workers--struck me as insensitive. Tuesday, March 2, 2021
There are many powerful four letter words... Here are just a few... A few that are small in letters... But powerful in use... Sunday, February 28, 2021
While many in the United States are beginning to receive vaccinations and people are starting to foresee a life after COVID-19, it remains clear that things aren’t yet back to normal. As a result, there has been a great deal of speculation about Congress putting forward an economic stimulus, covering the needs of both individuals and businesses. Monday, February 22, 2021
Love is a 4-letter word... 4-letters might seem small...A small word with huge coverage... Love is a word that is used often... Used to describe many different feelings... Sunday, February 21, 2021
This month is Black History Month. It also includes Presidents Day, which originally combined celebrations of the birthdays of the nation's first President, George Washington, and its 16th, Abraham Lincoln. We labeled this as OPINION, but what you're about to read is in truth purely facts, although some still refuse to acknowledge them. Saturday, February 20, 2021
In response to the editorial by Wayne Howard titled “Commissioners Back Partisan School Board Elections” that ran February 12, 2021 Mr. Charles Newman writes…. Sunday, February 14, 2021
In response to the editorial by Wayne Howard titled “Commissioners Back Partisan School Board Elections” that ran February 12, 2021 Mr. Eric Farrar writes…. Sunday, February 14, 2021
The Partnership for Children of Lincoln/Gaston Counties, Inc. (Partnership) mourns the passing of one of our own, Joyce C. Brison, a long time Gaston County childcare provider and tireless community advocate for Early Childhood Education. Saturday, February 13, 2021
At their meeting February 1st, Lincoln County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution favoring making local school board elections partisan. We believe that's a terrible idea. Friday, February 12, 2021
The state now says schools should try to return to five days weekly in-person classes for all students. We believe that makes it important to get teachers vaccinated against the coronavirus. Thursday, February 4, 2021
Here’s a scenario for you: You pick up what appears to be a lottery ticket. You check the numbers for a laugh and discover a winning combination, offering you millions of dollars in prize money. What are the chances of that? Monday, January 18, 2021
Where are we going... What are we going to do... Do in 2021... Now that is a good question... But are there any good answers... Now that is a really good question... Sunday, January 17, 2021
This past Wednesday, urged on by comments from several including President Trump, hordes stormed the US Capitol, desecrating what many have called the temple of our democracy. Now, some are calling for quick retribution including the removal of President Trump from office. Sunday, January 10, 2021
It’s been 10 months since we were first quarantined and it has been a long 10 months. My husband and I have stayed at home unless we need groceries and then he goes to get them. Sometimes I ride with him and stay in the car, because the need to be out of the house is overwhelming at times. Sunday, January 10, 2021
No matter what is said about the globe and warming….there are still no tropical orange groves or banana plantations in Lincoln County. It gets really cold around here, and we have to be smart about it. Saturday, January 9, 2021
When we posted our article "Officials On Edge About Protest Against Election Results," we did not mean for it to be prophetic. It turns out that the concerns were obviously well founded. Wednesday, January 6, 2021
As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. Monday, January 4, 2021
North Carolina recorded a record number of new cases reported in a day on Wednesday--8,551. The number of North Carolinians hospitalized with COVID-19 declined slightly from Tuesday's record number--but only because another 152 people in our state died from the disease. Thursday, December 31, 2020
NBC recently ran a piece on the effect of COVID on the public transportation systems entitled "Can public transportation survive the pandemic?” This article highlighted an issue that Lincoln County faces. Monday, December 28, 2020
While our focus the last few days has been on Christmas--and not so much on the pandemic, it's still happening. The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed Dec. 27th International Day of Epidemic Preparedness to keep the global spotlight on the need to strengthen measures to prevent pandemics like COVID-19. Sunday, December 27, 2020
With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates at or near zero, you may wonder about your mortgage. Is it a good time to refinance or even pay off the debt entirely? Monday, December 21, 2020
Well Christmas 2020 is almost here... The big box item arrived in time... The office party is behind you... Several people drank too much... You were not one of them… Sunday, December 20, 2020
If we are older than one year old... We most likely have had good Christmas experiences... Oh and less than wonderful experiences... That makes us normal... Sunday, December 13, 2020
Governor Roy Cooper has announced what amounts to a curfew effective this Friday. While we have agreed with some of Cooper's executive orders as necessary and while imperfect, better than the alternative, we consider this latest one "grasping at straws." Wednesday, December 9, 2020
As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world. Monday, December 7, 2020
Today marks 79 years since the surprise attack by Japan on the US Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It hurtled the US into World War II as the battle cry for the entire nation became "Remember Pearl Harbor!" Monday, December 7, 2020