All in Letters to the Editor
As a third-generation volunteer firefighter and a 19-year member of the fire service, I care deeply about protecting our community and ensuring that local fire departments are equipped to respond to emergencies and protect the citizens they serve. I currently serve as a captain and a member of the Board of Directors for North Lenoir Fire & Rescue, and I am deeply concerned about a proposed reduction in our county’s volunteer fire department tax rates that I believe puts public safety at risk.
I’d like to take this opportunity to respond to a letter to the editor of Neuse News that was written by Jennifer Shrader and published Tuesday.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has, according to its own reports in the last week, arrested two people and put them in jail here just as soon as they were released from their prison sentences elsewhere in the state. Both have drug charges.
Recently, when I embarked on a journey to run errands, I was met with a message informing me that the tire pressure in my tires was remarkably low. I thought to myself, what a fantastic opportunity to showcase my self-sufficiency!
Everyone who knows me knows that I’m Republican to the core. I’ve never voted for a Democrat on the national level in my life. My wife loves to tell the story of how when we were still engaged this summer, and in the midst of wedding planning, I made a point to let her know I had to hang up the phone when President Trump came out to speak at the RNC.
Throughout my years in public school, I’ve noticed a recurring issue in my county: the education system often fails students with physical or cognitive disabilities, particularly those with immigrant parents. One of the most significant challenges these families face is the language barrier that separates them from school staff and teachers.
The first time I had heard of The Lenoir Early College was in 8th grade, and, quite frankly, I wasn't sure what it was initially. My friend explained that her brother had gone to that school, and, basically, one would be able to graduate with both your high school diploma and your associate's degree.
Growing up, I hated school and everything about it. I hated learning and waking up at 7:30 and how I couldn't understand what others could; having ADHD makes learning a lot harder. I needed more help, a slowed-down pace, and smaller class sizes.
I love Christmas; Christmas brings love, joy, peace, and cookies. I believe Christmas isn't just a time of year, season, or holiday but more like a state of mind. Personally, I'm one of those who starts celebrating Christmas at midnight on November 1. I absolutely love Christmas and want to celebrate it as long and as soon as possible.
A short while ago, our dishwasher at home broke. Like many of you, my family and I went to Lowe’s in Kinston to look for a new one. We bought a replacement and had it installed. I didn’t give much thought to where it was made or who built it.
Just four years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, we ran for Lenoir County Board of Education - At Large, in an effort to fill the board seats with some parents. It was important then due to the continued closing of schools, and more important now.
While I have retired from the NC Senate, I have not retired from my love of Lenoir County. I have been thinking about our local elections for months, and I decided to support a group of candidates that covers a range of political backgrounds.
It is the time of year, when the days of Autumn have descended. Leaves are beginning to change colors and are scattered upon the ground. The anticipation of cooler weather is a welcome change. It such a time like this that I have learned to appreciate.
Why am I mindful? It is because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, there is anawareness about the disease, its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. Several years ago, out of the clear blue sky, after getting a routine mammogram I embarked upon a journey that I never imagined that I would ever have to experience.
I grew up in the great town of Kinston! Learned to swim at Emma Webb pool, learned to drive the safe streets of Kinston and spent my elementary years at Northwest School. My church was Queen Street Methodist. It was a wonderful place to grow up.
