All in Columns

Kristy Bock: Paying the price of ignorance

Kristy Bock: Paying the price of ignorance

Kristy Kelly
Columns

The term loan shark carries a negative connotation. On television, he’s the guy who sends his goons after people who don’t pay what they agreed to pay. In real life, he’s a business that lends money to high-risk recipients. Where there is a need for revenue, there will always be someone, somewhere, ready to lend it. The lender doesn’t loan money out of the goodness of their own heart. It’s a business decision made with profit in mind. The government has decided that all lending institutions must pay for the predatory loan practices of others.

Mike Parker: What do teachers wish parents would do?

Mike Parker: What do teachers wish parents would do?

Mike Parker
Columns

As this new school year begins, a certain group of people have far more influence on the education of children than they think – parents. Years ago, I read an article from the NEA’s Family-School-Community Partnership Training that outlined “Ten Things That Teachers Want Parents to Do.” This wish list deserves repeating.

Kristy Bock: Owning my hypocrisy

Kristy Bock: Owning my hypocrisy

Kristy Kelly
Columns

The first interaction I had with law enforcement happened before I reached double digits in age. The sight of a police vehicle became synonymous with losing all that was familiar to me. While the fault was not the cops, they bore the brunt of my ill content. I spent years doing all that I could to never have to be in the same place as a cop.

Reece Gardner: Harshly spoken words

Reece Gardner: Harshly spoken words

Reece Gardner
Columns

"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.

Mike Parker: School buses will be rolling soon: Please be alert and obey the law

Mike Parker: School buses will be rolling soon: Please be alert and obey the law

Mike Parker
Columns, Education

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

Chadwick Stokes: English Colonies of the New World - Roanoke

Chadwick Stokes
Columns, Education

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

Cooking with Tammy: Fresh Corn

Tammy Kelly
Columns

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.

Senator Jim Perry: More energy means lower prices

Senator Jim Perry: More energy means lower prices

Press Release
Columns, Local News, Politics

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.

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