All in Columns

BJ Murphy: Kinston City Council can make amends Tuesday evening

Sadly for the second year in a row, the Kinston City Council has sought these personal increases, yet this year's discussion is distracting from the fact that they are also raising property taxes. The cost to the taxpayers if approved would be $670,000. Despite the fact the Kinston City Council has already voted on their increases, they could amend the budget tonight, by stripping the salaries and allowances back to the FY20 funding and passing a revised budget.

Mike Parker: Investment in aviation company produces soaring dividends

A little more than a year ago, LGM Enterprises, LLC, collaborated with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC), and the North Carolina Global TransPark Authority to launch a company to paint and refurbish aircraft at the TransPark here in Kinston. This partnership enabled LGM Enterprises to obtain a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) to support the company’s investments in the project.

John Hood: Cutting corporate tax helps consumers

With negotiators for the North Carolina House and Senate confirming that they’ve agreed on the broad outlines of a state budget for next year, the prospect of ending the state’s 2.5% corporate income tax is one step closer to becoming reality. A phase-out is already in the Senate’s budget plan, and key House members have endorsed the idea.

Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Pointed head cabbage!

Pointed Head or Sweetheart Cabbage is currently the star at local Farmers Markets, get it while it is still available!! Like its’ name describes the pointed head cabbage is conical in shape, and generally has a milder flavor. Its season tends to come earlier and it can be used raw in fresh salads, or steamed, stir fried, or pickled, in many recipes!!! Cabbage is truly a dieter’s friend, it has less calories the least fat of any vegetable. Full of fiber, this vegetable is a must for those of you trying to lose some pounds!

John Hood: Will hybrids drive the economy?

I’m not talking about motor vehicles. I’m talking about work schedules. With so many North Carolinians having experienced months of doing their jobs from home, will they want to come back to the office full-time? If so, there won’t be meaningful changes in traffic patterns, consumer behavior, and the market for commercial and residential real estate.

Reece Gardner: The assault on the 2nd Amendment is intensifying

The assault upon the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution is intensifying, targeting not only "Assault" weapons but also weapons such as the Glock 9MM pistol. Also, we are seeing more aggressive "Defund the Police" movements in various cities such as Chicago, Minneapolis, Portland, New York, and others, leading to major increases in crime and violence, destroying lives and property on a massive scale. And even on the International Front the calls for less military preparedness are being heard.

Kristy Bock: The trouble with change

My youngest son graduates from Kinston High School this week. While this is a momentous occasion in his young life, for me it's the end of a long chapter of mine. Though I have worn many hats over the years, the one that got the most wear was the mother hat. What do all the other parents do when their children transition to adulthood?

Mike Parker: Memorial Day a mix of celebration and sorrow

Today is Memorial Day, a day that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. At first, this observance was called Decoration Day. Citizens would decorate the grave of the fallen soldiers in the years following the Civil War. That grueling four-year blood bath claimed the lives of almost half of all the war dead from all the wars throughout our nation's history.

Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Spice it up with fresh radishes!

Are you convinced that you don’t like radishes, or maybe you are afraid to try them?? If this is you, here is why you should give them a try and make them a part of your regular diet. Radishes are the perfect vegetable to add spice to your recipe when fresh or a savory taste when cooked. They also have a variety of health benefits!