The morning air was cold, but the G.I. Joe’s Veteran’s Museum was warm, filled with murmur of stories shared. The museum was usually loud in the mornings due to veterans sharing stories and jokes, but on Monday morning, it got very quiet.
All in Columns
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: A Kale You Will Love
If you are a little leery of eating kale, thanks to one of our local farmers, I have found your answer to adding Kale to your diet. It’s Lacinato or Dinosaur kale is a dark green leafy vegetable. Dino kale has an earthy, nutty flavor. It doesn't have the same strong bitterness as other varieties of kale, though it is still there. The sweetness helps offset that and makes it more approachable.
Hickory Grove Church (5)
A church is formed, established, and founded when a group of people organize for the purpose of meeting together for worship. Although a permanent place to assemble is a goal for most fledgling churches, a building is not required for people to worship. Further, the year a church erects a building does not necessarily align with the year it is organized.
Kristy Kelly: The Monster Bike Saga Continues
After a decade in call centers, nothing makes me turn into the stereotypical entitled, middle-aged, woman quite like a bad customer service experience. Last month, my youngest son was involved in an accident while riding the monster bike. Apparently, a red pickup truck side swiped him, sending him and the bike over a curb. He’s fine, the bike is banged up, but fine, so he goes home.
Mike Parker: Dr. King: Student before Legend
Every school child knows – or should know – about Dr. Martin Luther King’s importance to the Civil Rights Movement. We have all heard stories about his fight for equality. We know he died on April 4, 1968, struck down by an assassin’s bullet as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Winter Dinners that are Fast, Easy and Healthy
Since darkness still lingers when you return from work and begin to prepare your family dinner, you want to cook something that is fast, easy and still super healthy! Meanwhile, celebrate that we get an additional 38 minutes at the end of the day during the month of January!!
Jason McKnight: Lessons from Pain
This week, I’ve been flat on my back. Six days ago, I torqued the wrong way moving a pile of books. That was on top of an earlier morning tweak while exercising. Which resulted from a bad night of sleep for some unknown reason. That book torque was the kill-switch: “This guy’s going down.”
Mike Parker: The common sense of ‘Common Sense’
As we contemplate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we cannot overlook one of the most significant works written not only to support the push for independence, but a work that also plainly argued that anything less than independence from Great Britain placed the colonies as second class citizens as long as that bond existed.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Flavors of the Year for 2026; Dark Sweet Cherry and Black Currant
Food trendsetters seem to agree that the flavor of the year as we move into 2026 are the dark sweet cherry and the black currant. These dark red berries are sweet but also tangy. They can be used in sweet and savory recipes, providing a hint of acidity.
Mike Parker: The joy of spending time with family
As 2025 ended and 2026 was being born, I had the opportunity to spend a week with my children and grandchildren at North Myrtle Beach, SC. Each year, we try to travel somewhere together to put aside our jobs and daily demands and focus on family. This year, all my children and all but one of my grandchildren made the trip.
Hickory Grove Church (4)
During the years when Bucklesberry had no local church, evidence suggests community residents worshipped at the original Bear Creek Meeting House. As the only established church in the area, albeit some ten miles away, it certainly was not "local." Bear Creek Church's new building, however, was a bit closer for Bucklesberrians. Located directly by the railroad where the old depot formerly stood in Moseley Hall township (now La Grange), the new Church building was completed and dedicated in 1857, which, interestingly, was only three years before Hickory Grove Church was built in Bucklesberry in 1860.
Mike Parker: As the year closes, my only resolution – practice gratitude
As 2025 draws to a close, I have realized how much complaining I have heard – and done – this year. I confess that fault to my shame. I have so much in my life that brings me joy. Yet, too much of the time I focus on the negatives.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Start the New Year Off Right with Healthy Habits and New Recipes
The new year means a clean slate, a time to set new goals and make positive changes. The best way to take the first step is to start with small daily mindful changes. One of the biggest mistakes we often make to set our goals to high too fast. Here are a few healthy habits to add to your resolution.
Jason McKnight: 14 Faith Forward – A Shepherd’s Life
“Who’s your favorite character in the Christmas story?” A great question. Well, aside from Baby Jesus, who we all probably should name! Many reverence Mary for her quiet faith and willingness to obey, or Joseph for his stepping up when needed. Others love Zechariah and Elizabeth or Simeon, or even the Wise Men.
Mike Parker: What do you want for Christmas, Dad?
Sometime around Thanksgiving, children begin firing the question that never seems to end until Christmas Day.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Comforting Seasonal Soups for the Holidays
There is nothing more appealing on a chilly day than a warm hearty bowl of soup, and the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy one. With company coming soup is an easy filling option to make ahead or to quickly assemble. Pair with a grilled cheese or some saltine crackers and everyone will leave happy!
Mike Parker: Has the Spirit of Christmas Past died?
The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast on November 6, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That figure translates into total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Happy Holiday Appetizers!!
Bring in the holidays with your “tribe” of friends and family with some delicious and “mostly” healthy Holiday appetizers. Your guests will scoop up these tasty starters to give you energy to make to the big day!!
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Sonya Stocks Davis Is a Wise Judge
When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the District Court bench, it was a proud moment for the Kinston/Lenoir County community. I knew Judge Davis' parents before I met her. Her father was Chester Stocks who helped to mold many 4-H youth for decades. Her mother is Mallie Stocks who broke the mold in community service by serving on so many boards and committees. Their dedication to Kinston must have rubbed off on their daughter.
Kristy Kelly: The Tampa Experience
I’m starting to understand all the Florida jokes. From fog that seemed unfazed by the sun to a power outage in a parking garage, my day was one long string of minor inconveniences that managed to feel much bigger than they were. It really did start with wearing the wrong shoes.