National Honey Bee Day, the third Saturday in August, was started in 2009, when a small group of beekeepers petitioned for and obtained a formal proclamation from the USDA honoring honeybees and beekeeping.
All in Columns
Reece Gardner: Harshly spoken words
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me." I have used these words previously, and we all have heard them before, but we know there isn't much truth in them. Words can indeed hurt and even, in some cases, leave scars that may last for a lifetime.
John Hood: Prejudice Makes Us All Worse Off
RALEIGH — Prejudice is morally wrong. It’s also immensely foolish, producing self-inflicted wounds for individuals, companies, and communities.
Mike Parker: School buses will be rolling soon: Please be alert and obey the law
On Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, just after 7:30 a.m. on Icard Ridge Road in Alexander County, a car traveling south crossed the center line and plowed into a school bus bound for West Alexander Middle School. The crash resulted in injuries to 13 students and the bus driver. Twelve children sustained only minor injuries, but one student was in critical condition. The driver of the car was charged with driving while impaired and crossing left of center.
Chadwick Stokes: English Colonies of the New World - Roanoke
The greatest mystery in American history took place right here in North Carolina. The story of how 118 English colonists simply vanished without any trace has become a legend in its own right as an important piece of our history as a state. There are several theories about what may have happened to the ill-fated colony, but there has to be clear, definitive evidence to reach any conclusion. The answer to the centuries-old question may never be answered.
Cooking with Tammy: Fresh Corn
Before fresh corn makes it’s exit, many of you are feverishly shucking and freezing it to savor that freshness throughout the year! While we all know nothing is yummier than corn on the cob with a little butter and salt, there are lots of other healthy ways to enjoy this season’s harvest!! Corn is fresh from the field right now and in abundance at your local Farmer’s Markets.
La Grange Public Library Gears Up for Fall Program Rollout
The past six weeks at the La Grange Public Library have been bursting with adventures in outer space and back in time during this year’s 2022 Summer Reading Program. The La Grange Public Library had a total of 87 registered participants who read a combined 34, 675 minutes. Children that read at least 600 minutes received a gift card to Ava Rae’s Ice Cream Shoppe in La Grange.
John Hood: Cooper Defends Racial Discrimination
Because I am an inveterate optimist who likes to think the best of other folks, I’m going to assume for the sake of the following argument that North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and former governors Jim Hunt, Mike Easley, and Bev Perdue sometimes sign documents they’ve not closely read.
Senator Jim Perry: More energy means lower prices
Inflation and economic uncertainty are hurting small businesses and consumers, who must pay more for essential everyday goods. Energy prices are a particular sticking point, with the national average still up 32.75% from last year. Businesses are feeling the pain of increased transportation costs that translate into the price of goods, municipal transportation fleets are blowing by set fuel budgets, and everyday Americans flinch as they put gas in their tank on their way to work.
Mike Parker: Where have all the teachers gone?
Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, president and executive director of the Public School Forum of North Carolina, published an interesting article in the Neuse News. She began by citing two school administrators who said they could not get applicants for their vacant teaching positions.
Cooking with Tammy: Fresh Okra, Abundant in the South
Drought nor heat can hold back a high okra yield, this hardy vegetable is much more water tolerant than most of your garden vegetable plants, and they prefer full sunlight, conditions which are pretty common in southeastern North Carolina!
John Hood: How to read this column
One of the consequences of writing a syndicated column on politics and public policy for more than a quarter of a century is that I am constantly told what I think and why I think it.
Reece Gardner: Reflect on things that really matter
With all the rancor and bitterness in our world today (Recession, Border Crisis, crime, Etc.), it would probably help if we stepped back a minute and reflected on things that REALLY matter in this world. To do that I want to re-visit and expand on a Column I wrote several years ago about Kevin Schull's experience.
Pink Hill Public Library’s Back to School Bash and other free programs for all ages
The past year has seen many changes at the Etta Jones Turner Public Library (Pink Hill Public Library) and we look forward to continued growth, both in our library and throughout the community. Through our programs and outreach, we hope you’ll join us as we offer new and exciting opportunities for our patrons.
Mike Parker: Time to support ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ once again
I was not part of the CSS Neuse Foundation Board when the first “Wings Over the Neuse” fundraiser occurred. In 2009, board members decided to do something special to raise funds needed to place a monument for Alton “Doc” Stapleford to recognize and honor all the work and supervision he provided during the construction of the CSS Neuse II. That fundraiser proved successful. The next time you visit the Neuse II, check out the memorial honoring Alton.