I have a Soror and friend whom I met when we were representing clients on different sides of a case in 1983. As opposing counsel, we were supposed to have differing positions for which we argued. And I guess we actually did that
All in Columns
BJ Murphy: Beyond the Keyboard - 4 Ways to Make a Difference in Elections
We’re finally here - Election Day! As many people vented their frustrations about national, state, and local politics on social media this election (and I’m sure it’s not over, gahhhhhh), it’s common to see heated debates, complaints, and accusations aimed at politicians and the government. However, real change doesn’t come from being a keyboard warrior—it comes from taking action.
Mike Parker: Salute! Show honors veterans as part of weeklong celebration
Did you know that nearly one out of 11 citizens of this county are U.S. military veterans? In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, Lenoir County veteran population is more that 2.5 percent higher than the state as a whole. More than 4,000 veterans live in this city and county. Nationwide, roughly 18 million veterans are still living in our nation.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Pears peak in late October
Pears peak in late October and should be abundant at Farmers Markets and Roadside Stands in Eastern North Carolina. Pears are a powerhouse fruit, loaded with fiber, vitamins and beneficial plant compounds. Sadly the number of pear trees have reduced over the past several years as a result of the weight of the pears and the occurrences of heavy wind and hurricanes.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: The Backcountry
An abundance of land awaited the earliest settlers who arrived in the unsettled backcountry of Bucklesberry in the early to mid-1700s. Defined by Historian and author Dr. Lindley S. Butler, PhD, backcountry was a "term used during the early settlement and colonial periods for the vast interior of North Carolina, located away from the coastline and including both the modern day Piedmont and Mountain regions."
Mike Parker: Photos and memories
As part of sorting through items so we know what to keep and what to toss, Sandra has been going through the thousands of photos we have taken and maintained throughout our married years. She has found a ton of photos of our kids when they were small, and we have a starry host of pictures of our grandkids.
“Gourd-for-the Environment” Ways to Recycle Your Pumpkins, and Pumpkins for Pigs
Gourd-for-the environment, I wish I could take credit for that statement but I lifted it from a recycling webpage. Anyway, it turns out that filling up the landfill with your discarded and partially rotten pumpkins is actually a very bad idea.
Mike Parker: Living history through the last century
As I was working on completing the writing assignment my son gave me - “Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story” - some of the prompts asked me to outline the events that took place near the time of my birth in 1950. As I looked at the advancements made since then, I started wondering what changes had taken place in my mother’s life.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Winning Recipes from the 2024 Lenoir County Agriculture Fair Casserole Cook-Off
In case you missed it, on Wednesday night October 2nd, of the Lenoir County Fair Kelly Tyndall, Family and Consumer Science Agent for the Lenoir County Center of NC Cooperative Extension conducted the Casserole Cook-off.
Mike Parker: Saturday, Oct. 19, promises an excitement-packed day
The third Saturday in October has become another major event day along Herritage Street. Three events will allow people to eat, run or watch races, and then enjoy music while celebrating the life of a Kinston entrepreneur.
John Hood: Helene Shows Value of Fiscal Restraint
RALEIGH — The devastation wreaked on North Carolina by Hurricane Helene will take weeks to assess, months to clear out, and years to repair or rebuild. Second only to the value of the lives lost will be the exorbitant fiscal and economic costs of our recovery.
From Dr. Murphy's Desk: Updates from eastern North Carolina and Washington D.C.
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Time for turnip greens
I have to admit turnips are not my favorite, I have tried them every way possible and still no luck, but the greens, those I love!! Turnip greens, in my opinion are the better half”! Turnip greens can add flavor and texture to many dishes, and the health benefits are greater than the actual turnip.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Women are voting early
Wow Women. When you get women fired up, they show up in droves. Consider the impact of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It is a group of women with magnitudinal influence.
John Hood: Helene Brought Out the Best in Carolinians
As we mourn the deaths and grapple with the destruction inflicted on our state by Hurricane Helene, I submit that the storm has brought out much that is good about North Carolina — and much that is vile about social media.
Mike Parker: Victims of Helene need our help
I told some of my friends that I had to be at least 1,700 years old because I had seen three 500-year flood and two 100-year floods – all courtesy of hurricanes. I am getting ready to put in my claim as the new Methuselah.
Mike Parker: Watching nine wonderful young women compete
I am usually not a pageant guy, but on Saturday, Sept. 21, I found myself in the Lenoir County Performing Arts Center at Kinston High School to watch the competition for Distinguished Young Woman of Kinston and Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: All things Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a kitchen hero. It tastes delicious, is nutrient-dense, and is easy to use!
Kristy Kelly: Ignorance is being exploited by AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not the downfall of modern civilization, nor is it the savior. It has been an integral part of modern technology since the dawn of smart phones with predictive text, and has seen an explosion in popularity with entities like Open AI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Pre-Revolution Settlement
A 1924 article in The News and Observer claimed that colonization in Bucklesberry began in 1825. This article was followed three years later by a 1927 publication from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Authors R. C. Jurney and W. A. Davis reported the results of a Lenoir County soil sample survey, which suggested, to the contrary, that colonization ensued much earlier.