California’s fire season has been a record-breaker. This latest wildfire, dubbed the Holy Fire, has had me keenly interested. Photos of a suburban neighborhood showed thick smoke billowing from hills overlooking the area where our son and family lived less than two years ago. Tuesday, August 14, 2018
A second information meeting about incorporating the Village of Denver will be held Wednesday evening at the East Lincoln Community Center. Tuesday, August 14, 2018
As Ryan and Katie talked about what they wanted to do for their vacation they decided to go to the Bahamas. Ryan spent a week researching the Bahamas and in March he booked their flights on Expedia. Then he booked the excursions they would take during their week there in July. Sunday, August 12, 2018
What is your personality type? Are you INTJ, ENTJ, ISFP, ESFP, etc.? There are 16 different types that you could be, and your particular type comes from what makes you tick. Friday, August 10, 2018
Blue-green algae and the red tide aren't just Florida problems. That state's governor declared a state of emergency in June after massive fish kills on the southwest coast and a loss of tourism income resulting from algae in the ocean. The state slowed releases of water from Lake Okeechobee and other locations on the St. Lucie River--and that made the algae problem there even worse. But it isn't just a Florida problem. Wednesday, August 8, 2018
If you’re like me, you’ve spent most of your working life in Catawba County. I hadn’t thought much about that until I attended docent training at the Museum of History on the Square in Newton. That’s where “The Way We Worked” will be exhibited from Aug. 10-Sept. 18. Tuesday, August 7, 2018
First, look at your expenses and your debt. Review your core living expenses (such as a mortgage payment, car payment, etc.). Can any core expenses be reduced? Investing aside, you position yourself to gain ground financially when income rises, debt shrinks, and expenses decrease or stabilize. Monday, August 6, 2018
In the year 2018 there are many questions... Lots of answers... Some fit and some do not... People think back to other times... Why are people so different now... Sunday, August 5, 2018
The inchworm is a simple looking, yet profound little creature. At first appearance, you may think, “My what a tiny thing. It must take it forever for it to get from here to there.” Friday, August 3, 2018
There’s lots of discussion on social media about the reinvigorated effort to incorporate Denver. This has resulted in the usual and predictable flaming, and lack of useful exchange. Monday, July 30, 2018
She looked out the window... New people moving in across the street... Trucks in the drive way... Items being moved... Hot and humid... Chocolate cookies would be nice... Sunday, July 29, 2018
Last week I had lunch with two of the ladies I worked with when I worked at Mecklenburg Medical Group in Charlotte, N.C. It had been a little over 20 years since we last saw each other. Sunday, July 29, 2018
In 2001, while traveling overseas, I was talking with a couple of people in a neighborhood. They were lamenting about not having enough money to buy necessities, let alone to build a small house they wanted and needed for their growing family. Friday, July 27, 2018
On Friday, July 13 I stepped into a house built by my 9th great-grandfather, Benjamin Balch. No, I am not making this up. The Balch House, located in coastal Beverly, Mass., dates to 1679 and is one of the oldest wooden houses in North America. Tuesday, July 24, 2018
The median retirement age for an American woman is 62. The Federal Reserve says so in its most recent Survey of Household Economics and Decision-making (2017). Sixty-two, of course, is the age when seniors first become eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. Monday, July 23, 2018
She was young then... She is old now... Back then she was unsure of her future... Now she can look back and... And see smiles and tears... Sunday, July 22, 2018
Being above the chronological age of “younger”, there is no longer only a Purist part in me. Having experienced joy, excitement, sadness, anger, death of loved ones, dreams, broken bones, and sickness (just like you have), there is now a Realist part that also resides in me. Friday, July 20, 2018
Death is always unexpected. Even when you know someone's passing is imminent, that final moment comes as a shock, a jolt to your senses. My good friend Pudge Cornwell's passing was very unexpected. He will be missed. (1 comments) Thursday, July 19, 2018
Lincoln County Public Works water customer expresses her thoughts about having to pay a reconnect fee after her water was disconnected even though she paid it online before the due date. Wednesday, July 18, 2018
This week Judge writes about stumbling upon a TV program about a man who has touched many lives in a good way with a foundation he has started. His name is Gary Sinise. Sunday, July 15, 2018
What do you do when life goes in a different direction from where you thought it would? Well, you could quit, cry, bow out, or give up. Or you could take a deep breath, exhale, and adjust your plans. Friday, July 13, 2018
Lincoln County Schools Lead Science Teacher Melissa Dellinger brought along some of the students from this year's Summer Science Camp and a couple of the teachers to tell the School Board about this year's camp at Tuesday's School Board meeting. Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Testing DNA is something of a national craze. Eighteen months ago I succumbed to the temptation. Like thousands of others, I ponied up the fee and mailed off my saliva sample to Ancestry.com. Tuesday, July 10, 2018
We were asked to publish this response to an editorial in Friday's (July 6th) edition of the local newspaper. The writer is the current chairman of the Lincolnton Steering Committee and a candidate for a seat on the City Council in this November's election. Monday, July 9, 2018
As much as I often have different views from those expressed by the local newspaper, I don't make a habit of responding to their misunderstanding--but the editorial in Friday's edition was so off the mark, I feel it is necessary to provide better insight. (2 comments) Sunday, July 8, 2018
Ships all have anchors... People need anchors as well... Ships stop in rough waters... They throw out the anchors... Anchors are life savers... Sunday, July 8, 2018
Choose your words carefully. Words can create life and build people up. They can also tear people down or destroy. It’s important to be honest and to say what you mean, but it’s also important to mean what you say. Friday, July 6, 2018
I skipped happy hour with coworkers… again… because of the goats. My coworkers are great, but factor in an hour commute and a passel of animals, my time is limited on weeknights. Tuesday, July 3, 2018
A university education can often require financing and assuming debt. If your student fills out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and does not qualify for a Pell Grant or other kinds of help, and has no scholarship offers, what do you do? You probably search for a student loan. Monday, July 2, 2018
Contrary to a line in an ad in the local newspaper on Friday (June 29th) the adjusted schedule for trash pickup in the city of Lincolnton this week will NOT include recyclables. The city's recyclable collection company terminated its contract and they're working on coming up with an alternative. Meanwhile this reader has a suggestion. Sunday, July 1, 2018
Why do people hate... Why do people love... Why do people love to hate... In 2018 people dig in and hate... What is the point... Where does it take them... Who really benefits... Sunday, July 1, 2018
As many of us know, 90 physicians are leaving the MMG practice and all are going out in a group private practice of their own called Tryon Medical Partners. They are doing this in order to give their patients a better quality of care than is mandated by Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas Healthcare System). (1 comments) Sunday, July 1, 2018
Everybody wants to be successful: you do, I do, your friends, your neighbors. And for each person, success means something different. Friday, June 29, 2018
The Catawba County Museum of History is asking the public to submit stories of their working life as part of an upcoming attraction. If I were to write a work story, it would involve my friend Sylvia Bajorek. Wednesday, June 27, 2018
When the Lincolnton City Council meets Thursday evening, one of the items on the agenda will be a proposed resolution endorsing term limits for the mayor and members of the City Council. We don't think it's a good idea. Monday, June 25, 2018
Tonight, I thought that Steve the goat would become the world’s first caprine beekeeper. Alas, he just pretended to be a pointer and stood by while I dumped a newly discovered swarm into a brood box. Monday, June 25, 2018
Think about your life... What did you do at the table... Was it a kitchen table... Was it a dining room table... Maybe you had both... Back in the 40's and 50's... Back then people usually had both... Sunday, June 24, 2018
There seems to be a growing desire for generalists, again. The pendulum swings between the want for specialists and generalists every few decades. Friday, June 22, 2018
Daddy’s text this afternoon indicated that he found a possible beehive swarm. In my phone call to him as I left the office he requested a brood box, a hive top and bottom, and instructions to pick him up after dark. Cryptic at least, fully instructed at best. Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Here’s a simple financial question: who is the beneficiary of your IRA? How about your 401(k) or annuity? You may be saying, “I’m not sure.” It is smart to periodically review your beneficiary designations. Monday, June 18, 2018
I’m not sure who first prom is the most exciting for – the daughter who is going or the mother who is helping her prepare for this occasion. Sunday, June 17, 2018
Ladies, if you’re like me, you had a teen idol. Yes, I know. It is a bit embarrassing to admit that any of us “mature adults” once dreamed of meeting Elvis, dancing with Paul McCartney or breathing the same air as Bobby Sherman. Saturday, June 16, 2018
I've been saying for quite some time now that the current situation in America reminds me much too much of the period in history just before the Great Depression. Is the bubble really about to burst? Monday, June 11, 2018
Between feral dogs attacking daddy’s steers, hawks stealing chickens, and a donkey who lost his mind and injured three goats, the past few weeks have been interesting on the farm. And now paragliders are looping low over the fields and buzzing the animals from the air. Monday, June 11, 2018
The Cespedes family would like to recognize their daughter for all of her achievements this past year during her first year in middle school - from her academic career, her athletics to her extracurricular activities in the community. Saturday, June 9, 2018
A well-played double take is beautiful. I’ve spent (invested?) a good part of my life as a husband, dad, friend, and teacher trying to get people to do double takes on things I say, wear (swear), or do. Friday, June 8, 2018
Upon perusing our state’s travel guide how our city/county historic landmarks were listed and portrayed, none were listed. Instead, our accommodations, local wineries, and local Chamber of Commerce were highlighted. Thursday, June 7, 2018
If you buy a home and you have no life insurance, there is a financial risk. It may not be immediately evident, but it must be acknowledged – and it should be addressed. Monday, June 4, 2018
I've heard this quote many times but it never had an effect on me as it did today when I was sitting in my English 1 Honors class as my teacher was discussing the reasoning behind the march going on in Raleigh involving the teachers. Saturday, May 26, 2018
Gray days happen every so often – everywhere. If it’s been stormy where you live for the past few days, don’t worry – you’re not the only one getting that kind of weather. Friday, May 25, 2018
The litter that gets tossed from cars and the trash that falls off trucks that haven't properly covered their loads is only a part of the eyesore problem along Lincoln, Gaston, Catawba and Cleveland County roadways. Some of the ugliness is put there intentionally. Friday, May 25, 2018
Scroll back on the years and see when certain words were first printed in the English language. Being the history and word buff that I am, I couldn’t resist. Monday, May 21, 2018
Did you recently graduate from college? The years after graduation are crucial not only for getting a career underway, but also for planning financial progress. Consider making these money moves before you reach thirty. Monday, May 21, 2018
