The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is now law. With it, comes some of the biggest changes to retirement savings law in recent years. Monday, March 30, 2020
A statewide 'stay at home' order takes effect Monday at 5 PM. Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Gaston counties already have a local 'stay at home' edict in effect. From what we saw Saturday (March 28th), most people may not totally ignore the virus--but they aren't staying at home. Sunday, March 29, 2020
Faith is so important in all wars... Faith looks for the good in each of us... We are in this war together... We will win together... Faith is a wonderful weapon... Sunday, March 29, 2020
Another adventure with Marty Reep, a native of Western Lincoln County, when he was a kid and the spring on his grandparents' back porch door. Friday, March 27, 2020
Have you ever felt stressed, worrisome, or unsure? Does it seem like you’ve awakened in the middle of an episode of The Twilight Zone? Friday, March 20, 2020
Some selfish individuals are hoarding essential items--perhaps fearing that things will get so bad they won't be able to get any more. Others are trying to help their neighbors during these difficult times. Here are some random thoughts on how we're handling COVID-19. Thursday, March 19, 2020
We ran this article March 7th. Given the continued decline of stocks and the changes that have occurred in the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt it worthwhile to repeat it now. Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The I.R.S. just announced the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2020. Here’s a quick look at them. Monday, March 16, 2020
Fortunately, I’ve never needed a bail bondsman, but after interviewing Mark Derr, owner/agent of Day and Night Bail Bonds, I know what one could expected. I spent an hour with Derr and walked away with information overload regarding what he does. Saturday, March 14, 2020
There are so many things around us that are full of beauty. Focusing on the beautiful things helps keep us thinking in terms of the greatness of life that holds us in the hands of eternity. Friday, March 13, 2020
The worldwide effect of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues. The number of people infected grows every day; and the world's economy suffered. Here are some of our thoughts on the current situation. Thursday, March 12, 2020
The stock market rebounded on Monday, then fell again Tuesday; the Fed cut interest rates, the first so-called emergency cut since 2008; the coronavirus is continuing to spread. Some are quickly adopting a doomsday attitude. This isn't prophecy--just news analysis, but it may help to calm your fears. Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Where were you on March 9, 2009? Do you remember the headwinds hitting Wall Street then? When the closing bell rang at the New York Stock Exchange that Monday afternoon, it marked the end of another down day for equities. Monday, March 2, 2020
Dr. Patricia Skinner announced her plans to retire as president of Gaston College last year. The time for her departure has arrived--but she feels good about what she's leaving behind for her successor. Saturday, February 29, 2020
In a time where extremes seem to hog the headlines, there is a space in the middle of those extremes that still reminds me that there is sanity and peace in the world. Friday, February 28, 2020
A sense of purpose flows down the hallway, guiding hands to skillfully pull illusions into the present and shape the future. Overarching gain tells the story of creativity that fills the mind and gives rise to energy, producing art and innovation as a result. Friday, February 21, 2020
She was raised in the South... Her Grandma was raised in the South... Her Mama was raised in the South... Planting seeds is an art... An art practiced in the South... Sunday, February 16, 2020
There is still value in doing good. In spite of what some people may say, doing the right thing at the right time has a definite place in the world. Friday, February 14, 2020
Guest Columnist Glenn Detweiler, CES Livestock agent for Lincoln and Catawba counties, has some timely tips for area livestock producers who are running low in hay and grass. Saturday, February 8, 2020
Where do you want to go? Do you know? Creating goodness in the world, in your own life, and in the lives of others requires direction and an overall purpose. Friday, February 7, 2020
In the last week, there have been at least three incidents involving fuel tankers that have involved death and damage to the environment. Something needs to change. Gas Tanker drivers are safe drivers-their lives depend on it. Wednesday, February 5, 2020
When thinking about how people communicate with each other, I was reminded of some conversations with my siblings while growing up (in Western Lincoln County, North Carolina). Friday, January 31, 2020
She was sitting on the porch... She was watching birds eat… Eat and hop about... Thinking back... The bell chimes were active... Brought back good memories... Memories of her Grandparents home... A home she loved and shared... Sunday, January 26, 2020
Four years ago, as a wide-eyed freshman, I timidly walked into Lincolnton High School for the first time. Besides the fear of getting lost around the school, I wasn’t prepared for the next four years and I had no idea what to expect. Saturday, January 25, 2020
Is what you do potentially helpful to more people than you are currently reaching? Can the services you provide, or the products you sell, benefit people in more ways than you are currently using? Friday, January 24, 2020
Communities across America celebrated Monday (Jan. 20th) as MLK Day, a day to honor the memory of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tuesday, January 21, 2020
In October 1959 Joseph “Joe” C. Leonard began Leonard Wealth Planning. In 1984, his son, Cain joined the firm. In 1994, the Leonard’s became an “independent financial firm” owning and operating what is known today as Leonard Wealth Management. Monday, January 20, 2020
All buildings have foundations... Not all foundations are the same... But all foundations are the support... Support of the building... Tall straight buildings last for years... But sometime the foundations need help... Sunday, January 19, 2020
To walk the edge of a knife and not cut your feet – that is a truly amazing thing. To see over the edge of the curve and realize what’s coming – that is enlightening, frightening, exhilarating, and boring. Saturday, January 18, 2020
It is surreal to me that as a chapter of my life is ending in a few months, a new one is just beginning. As I start my next semester, I am reminded of the memories I share with many of my classmates, and how soon we will go our separate ways. Thursday, January 16, 2020
Each year has 365 days... Each year starts off with good wishes... Happy New Year is a good start... Some celebrate the end of a year... Some celebrate the start of a new year... Some just sleep past... Past it all... Sunday, January 12, 2020
This month I am trying a different type of submission just to see which gets more feedback. I have recently seen that many bloggers ask some self-reflecting questions and thought maybe it was a good idea since it’s a new year. Thursday, January 9, 2020
Now that Lincoln County Commissioners have passed a resolution naming Lincoln a "Second Amendment Sanctuary," what--if anything--has changed? We researched North Carolina's gun laws and offer the following commentary. Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Christmas for 2019 has come and gone, and now that it's 2020 everyone's going back to work or school ready to tell their friends and coworkers about the food, gifts, and traditions from their Christmas gatherings. Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Lincoln County Commissioners will consider--and we believe unanimously pass--a resolution at their Monday night (Jan. 6th) meeting declaring Lincoln a "Second Amendment Sanctuary" county. (3 comments) Saturday, January 4, 2020
