Just Thursday I received three threatening text messages regarding my non-payment of tolls. All came from different email addresses, but instead of coming as emails, the messages were delivered as text messages to my phone.
All in Columns
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Migration and Arrival
Settlers did not all migrate into the backcountry of Bucklesberry at the same time, nor did they arrive in large mass. Rather, the various dates of 131 land records ranging from 1729 to 1759 suggest that the 92 named settlers trickled in individually, some possibly in small groups.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Picnic Safety
It is definitely “Picnic Season” and one of the best things about summertime and warm weather is enjoying a picnic on the beach or in a park. Make sure you don’t spoil the day with spoiled food. Recently the FDA updated their information on outdoor food safety. Keep these tips for transport and serving in mind for your next dinner on the grounds
Faith Forward with Jason McKnight: How to win more arguments
One thing is certain in life: disagreements are inevitable. Chinese or Mexican? Beach or Mountains? Toyota or Chevy? State, Duke or Carolina? Disagreements are everywhere, because we all have our own ideas about what’s better.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Spring suppers Mediterranean style
The Mediterranean Diet has proven to be the healthiest way to retain lifetime longevity and good health! Food Choices very from region to region in the Mediterranean Area but are all focused on primarily a plant based diet, with as much as 95 percent of daily food intake coming from vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Facing the Wall to Pray
Isaiah 38: 2-5 is a scripture I want to recommend to Joe and Jill Biden. Verse 5 in particular is instructive. In it, God says "I have heard thy prayer." That line resonates with me because we are not just throwing up our words into thin air when we pray. We are sending them to a listening ear. And that ear is connected to a caring heart that forgives and renders massive mercy.
Kristy Woodson Harvey to sign copies of her newest novel, Beach House Rules, at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library
Join us for a Beach Party at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library on May 29 at 12 p.m. when Southern fiction author Kristy Woodson Harvey will discuss and sign copies of Beach House Rules. Harvey’s newest novel will be released on May 27; copies will be available for purchase at the event for $28.
Colleen Kosinski: Harm reduction, stigma and community
Harm reduction is part of a prevention strategy. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging people who use drugs and equipping them with tools and information that support positive changes and save lives. Harm reduction simply means offering options to help people where they are.
Mike Parker: Celebration recognizes conservation education
On Wednesday evening, I had the joy and privilege of attending the 2025 Annual Education Celebration sponsored by the Lenoir Soil and Water Conversation District.
Friends of the Library Conduct Love Your Library! Raffle
The Kinston-Lenoir County Friends of the Library are conducting a Love Your Library! Fundraising raffle to support programming at the Kinston-Lenoir County, La Grange, and Pink Hill Public Libraries. For a donation of $50, all participants will be entered into a one-time virtual drawing for $1,000 to be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Assorted door prizes will also be awarded to participants.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Blueberries are still Superstars!!
Blueberries, the second most popular berry, (second only to the very famous strawberry), is equally popular for being nutrient dense, meaning they have a notable amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Blueberries are also low in saturated fat and contain plant compounds know to aid in fighting chronic disease.
Meet me: Lilli Daughety
There’s something simple yet powerful about a smile. In a world that can feel overwhelming, a smile can be a beacon of light. I’ve always believed in its ability to connect with others and brighten someone’s day. After all, you’re never fully dressed without a smile.
BJ Murphy: Making Cents of Local Governments' Fiscal Responsibility
Over the past few days, Lenoir and Greene Counties have witnessed a series of public discussions around fire tax rates, property taxes, and even the possible dissolution of a police department. As someone who enjoys civic discourse, I’ve appreciated the mostly respectful and thoughtful tone of these conversations.
Meet Me: Rebecca Cornelison
I’m addicted to scary things. By that, I mean I do a lot of things that would scare most people.
Meet Me: Shayla Nguyen
My fingers shook while I wrote “Monster by Nicki Minaj” on the karaoke sign-up sheet. I mean, what could go wrong? As I stood on stage, my gaze was glued to my feet as the heavy beat dropped. The crowd hushed, watching me in slight confusion as I looked at everything but the 50+ faces in front of me.
Faith Forward with Jason McKnight: Screens & Better Kids
You’d never give a martini to a seven-year-old. No good parent would. Why? Because young minds take time to develop, and we all know that alcohol inhibits that development. America’s drinking age is 21 for just this reason: it takes more than two decades for brains to mature such that they can handle safe consumption of alcohol.
Kristy Kelly: Holiday fatigue
When asked what I’d wanted for Mother’s Day, my answer was simple: To be left alone.
In previous years, I had done all the work to make sure my children were able to give me the Mother’s Day they thought I deserved, and quite frankly, every year it was annoying and exhausting.
Mike Parker: When a plan comes together
As the fictional Col. John “Hannibal” Smith, leader of the A-Team, was known to say: “I love it when a plan comes together.” These words best describe the intense effort and planning that goes into making Kinston’s BBQ Fest on the Neuse a success year after year. This year marked the 44th year our city has put on the festival.
Jean Hill: A Day for Mothers
As we approach Mother’s Day on Sunday May 11, let us rejoice in the opportunity to celebrate the most selfless and nurturing individuals in our lives. Whether you choose to honor your Mother on this day by giving her flowers, cards, money, jewelry, a special meal, family gatherings, or completing special chores for her, remember that the love and appreciation we show her is a reflection of the boundless love and devotion she has showered upon us
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Happy Mother's Day
As I listened to several friends discuss their plans for Mother's Day celebrations, it struck me how varied they were. Plans ranged from dining in fancy restaurants to outdoor extended family cookouts. One involved a surprise. She didn't know where her children were taking her for brunch because her son told her they didn't want her to know in advance.