The three most-trusted social institutions in North Carolina are the military, the police, and small business. Make of that what you will. I made the following column.
All in Columns
Mike Parker: Join us for ‘Breakfast on the Boat’ on Saturday, April 15
This Saturday, April 15, the CSS Neuse II will host its first “Breakfast on the Boat” for 2023. The Neuse II sits in dry dock at the corner of Herritage and Gordon Streets where it draws thousands of visitors each year.
John Hood: Sweat the details on teacher pay
The General Assembly ought to enact big pay increases for educators in North Carolina’s public schools. In the context of soaring prices, strong revenue collections, tight labor markets, and persistent vacancies in key teaching positions, it’s the right thing to do.
Mike Parker: Mourning my friend and fellow worker
March 31, 2023, was a sad day for me and many others. My friend David Lee Mooring passed away a few minutes before 7 p.m. that Friday. Frankly, I was shocked. David had fought off so many illnesses during the past couple of years that I was sure he would emerge triumphant from his latest sickness.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fun Foods for Easter Snacks
Easter is a great Holiday for making fun snacks with kids, there are many cute ways to serve up Easter Bunny specials. Whether you are planning a family dinner, school party or just fun at home in the list below you will even find some cute Easter treats for school as well as some easy (and even some healthy!) treats that your kids can make themselves.
John Hood: Patriotism requires a common story
Is a picture really worth a thousand words? In very online debates among very online people, the exchange rate is even more skewed. Case in point: a recent Wall Street Journal illustration generated tens of thousands of words of argument, invective, and speculation.
Mike Parker: Foundation banquet honors those who provide support
One of the most unusual organizations in our county is the CSS Neuse Foundation, overseers of the full-scale replica of the CSS Neuse II. For the past few years, the Neuse II has drawn anywhere from 4,500 to 5,500 visitors – even though the replica gunboat is only open to the public from 10 am until 4 pm on Saturdays.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fun Foods for Easter Snacks
Easter is a great Holiday for making fun snacks with kids, there are many cute ways to serve up Easter Bunny specials. Whether you are planning a family dinner, school party or just fun at home in the list below you will even find some cute Easter treats for school as well as some easy (and even some healthy!) treats that your kids can make themselves.
Dr. Tammy Kelly: A trailblazer in community service
As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is an excellent opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of women who have made a significant impact in their communities. Tammy Kelly, the County Extension Director for the NC Cooperative Extension, Lenoir County Center, is one such woman. “I think what keeps me the most motivated is seeing the change you can make in the lives of others,” said Kelly. “But also I am motivated by the energy of my staff members.”
Richy Huneycutt: A champion for positive change in Kinston
March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the vital role of women in American history. Richy Huneycutt is one such woman who has made a significant impact. She is a positive force, known for her dedication to bringing about positive change and her belief in the power of collaboration. “Working at LCC has provided me so many opportunities to play a small part in the development and growth of the communities we serve,” said Huneycutt.
Dr. Uvonda Willis: Empowering young women and fostering a culture of purpose
As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is only fitting to shine the spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in our community. Among them is Uvonda Willis, an administrator at Greene County Schools. She started a club called Ram L.E.G.A.C.Y. (Ladies Empowered to Grow and Change Through You), which focused on helping each participant find their own legacy in life and inspire others to do the same.
John Hood: We’re sliding towards single payer
North Carolina is about to become the 40th state to expand its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. The bill drew huge, bipartisan majorities of legislators.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Strawberries - a Nutritional Powerhouse
Strawberry picking time is finally here, and what better way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while reaping these sweet treats! We can all agree that strawberries are delicious. However, did you know just what a nutritional powerhouse they are? Here are some great reasons to include strawberries in your diet.
Tonya Adams: A woman on a mission to make her community a better place
Tonya Adams is a woman on a mission to make her community a better place. As the owner of The Beauty Box and The Exchange, she has made significant contributions to her community, earning her a place among the influential women of our community. She started Bingo night at The Exchange, which has benefited Lucky Cats, SAFE, Mary's Kitchen, Lenoir County SPCA, and the Kinston High School band.
Mike Parker: Gunboat Association, partners host April 1 environmental education day
The Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum (the Gunboat Association) has partnered with the NC Cooperative Extension in Lenoir County, the Kinston Fire Department, the Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary, and other community organizations to host an environmental education day at the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial on April 1.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Circling Back to Omega 3’s
About 20 years ago, Omega 3’s or Omega 3 fatty acids were praised as the number one supplement on the market when it came to heart health and a reduction of triglycerides. Omega 3’s are still very important; they remain one of the most studied nutrients.
John Hood: States Should Lead on Parental Rights
A few weeks ago, three members of the North Carolina Senate — Amy Scott Galey of Alamance County, Lisa Barnes of Nash County, and Michael Lee of New Hanover County — filed a state Parents’ Bill of Rights to ensure that local schools respect parental authority to direct the education, development, and medical treatment of their children.
Mike Parker: Franklin’s words still resonate
On Monday, September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin rose to address the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The fledgling states of our new nation had sent representatives to rewrite America’s first attempt at national government, the Articles of Confederation. Soon the delegates trying to tweak the Articles realized the document created a form of government that would not work.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Turn to Turmeric
Turmeric has recently been called the “most effective powerhouse in existence”. That a big promise, however several studies have shown that turmeric has powerful benefits for your body and brain. What is this magical spice?
John Hood: Labor Participation Is Falling Again
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics just released its latest jobs report for North Carolina and the rest of the country. As usual, the report contained a mixture of good news and bad.