On Wednesday night at the Lenoir County Fair, four very lucky folks were judging the Casserole Cook-Off. These super foodies made it easy for you by choosing the winning recipes which I am sharing below. Hope you will enjoy!
All tagged column
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fall for Butternut Squash
Everything about butternut squash says fall, the color orange, the creamy coziness of its texture in recipes, and the ability to be used in savory and sweet dishes. Butternut squash is in season in the fall and winter months.
Mike Parker: ‘Bee’ smart as the new school year begins
As the new school year opens, I have already heard some accounts of disrespectful and even violent behavior toward teachers and staff in some schools. For the life of me, I cannot understand why students are allowed to spit on staff or curse staff with little to no consequences. That schools and parents tolerate such behavior does not reflect well on student conduct in our schools.
Mike Parker: Declaration signers placed themselves in jeopardy
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are often so caught up in the document itself that we overlook the 56 people who signed it. While the Declaration itself is worthy of more consideration than we ever give it, we need to consider the men who placed themselves and their families at risk in signing the document.
Mike Parker: Declaration came in response to Lee Resolution
As we approach July 4th this year, we are especially drawn to remember the 250th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. But we must never forget that no document exists in a vacuum. Jefferson and the committee that worked on the Declaration of Independence were carrying out a charge they received after the Second Continental Congress adopted the Lee Resolution on June 7, 1776.
Mike Parker: A significant anniversary took place on Sunday
While many of us have been focused on America’s 250th anniversary as we celebrate the Declaration of Independence and remember the war that followed, we would be remiss to forget that this year also marks the 251st anniversary of one of our most important institutions.
Mike Parker: Historic church and local people appear in online video
If you type “Ed Terry The Circuit Riding Preacher” into a Google or YouTube search, you will arrive at a link to a video that features a historic church in Lenoir County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGn0l7ovnnc
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: So Hearty Vegetarian Soups You Will Never Miss the Meat!
These hearty, filling vegetarian soups are so packed with protein, fiber, and savory depth that you will not miss the meat. Not only are they hearty and satisfying, but they can also be easily prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for busy weeknights. From creamy, slow-cooker favorites to protein-packed chilis, these recipes offer a satisfying, swarm you up from head to toe feeling that makes for a perfect, complete meal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mike Parker: Christmas brightened hearts in Kingston
What DID Christmas look like around these parts 263 years ago, before the Revolution and our struggle for independence? At that time, this area was part of Dobbs County and pledged its allegiance to King George III.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Rooting for Rutabaga!
Rutabaga is another one of those “love ‘em or hate ‘em” vegetables, I am not on the love ‘em side but I know many who are. I have tried them every way I know how and roasting was the best but you must eat them hot! So, what do you do with a rutabaga?
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Versatile and Vibrant: Easy Yellow Squash Recipes
It’s time for summer squash and you can find many varieties at the local Farmer’s Market! Squash and Zucchini have a taste and texture that can be adapted to many different types of recipes, from traditional Southern, to Italian or Greek Style. No matter the way you like to eat and prepare your squash, this spring and summer veggie packs a load of health benefits.
Kristy Kelly: Kinston doesn't need performative outrage
Yesterday, I witnessed a handful of adults berate the city council and call for the reallocation of police funds because an officer allegedly abused his power and was caught on video doing so. The police department gave a canned “we are investigating the issue” statement, and the mayor co-signed their message by way of copy and paste.
Kristy Kelly: Who turns on the heat in July?
I thought I was the adult—until the adult child touched the holy grail: the thermostat.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: “Sardine Summer”
In case you haven’t heard, and I am not sure how you missed it, but the latest trend made popular by Tik Tok is “Sardine Summer.” The last I remember sardine talked about was way back when my Daddy used to open the rather smelly can for a quick lunch, but apparently everything from clothes, accessories, home goods and recipes are now featuring the tiny, sometimes tinny fish.