All in Letters to the Editor
“In the wake of several high-profile killings of black people by police, the Black Lives Matter Organization (BLM) has taken the world by storm in 2020. You can’t turn on the TV, watch sports, attend a meeting, or drive down the street without encountering BLM in every facet of society. I agree with the statement and belief that black lives matter, but I will never support the BLM organization. You may be shocked to find out what the organization is truly based upon, and I seek to inform fellow Americans, not to enflame, so hear me out.” - Seth Hobbs, Kinston
When one argues for the increase of the minimum wage to a “living” wage of $15 per hour, one can easily see the benefit to the employee that may have had their wage rate doubled. Yet, more difficult to see is the employee who lost their job. Employers do not have an endless budget, and if the wage rate doubles, the staff will be cut in half.
The Art Council, a 501(C)3 non-profit, knows how important the arts are to a strong and vibrant community. For over 50 years, YOUR Arts Council has been the consistent cornerstone in supporting artists of ALL genres and abilities. From Kindermusik to pottery/painting classes, theater art camps, local and internationally renowned art exhibits, jazz concerts, dance competitions, being the hub of the African American Heritage Music project and county trail, developing our impressive public art project with the largest number of artworks developed into a trail by an arts council in North Carolina, YOUR Art Council has been the cultural mecca for our region.
Parents are scrambling to find other options for kids to be in front of teachers and with other students, not dismissing COVID-19 risks, but acknowledging the comprehensive needs of students. Our neighboring Pitt County experienced a 60/40% in-person to remote learning sign-up, which organically provides additional space for meeting social distancing requirements. The same result would likely occur in Lenoir County, if given the option.
I am emailing you to respectfully request your consideration in publishing my response to the LCPS reopening plan. I have started a petition asking the LCPS School Board to reconsider their reopening plan. I posted the following response to their Facebook page:
Through COVID 19, we have seen essential workers (doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, police officers, cashiers, mail delivery and the list goes on) step up, take care and go out each day to serve others. There are around 265 early childhood teachers employed in Lenoir and Greene County. Sadly, the median income is $10.50 per hour and most do not have benefits such as, paid leave and heath care.
In the wake of all our eyes have seen and our ears have heard over the past two weeks, we find ourselves confronted with the relevant question, “Where do we go from here?” The Kinston Lenoir County NAACP’s response to this question is as follows.
We, the members of Lambda Pi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., chartered in 1974 in Kinston, NC, would like to send a clear and direct message to the Lenoir County community. The Brothers of Lambda Pi are empowered to be community change agents, while standing for social justice.
Last Sunday, May 3rd, my family and I participated in a very awe-inspiring Parade at Kinston Veterans Home. We took our place in the long line of decorated cars, trucks, fire engines, EMS trucks, and motorcycles. We were there to salute our heroes, our veterans for their dedicated service to our country. We were there to thank the Veterans Home Staff.
The Coronavirus has wreaked havoc in agricultural markets by disrupting supply chains and dramatically changing consumer markets. This is most evident in markets for perishable and time sensitive products like fresh produce, livestock and poultry. But tobacco is not immune to the disruptions in markets.
Pharmacists have an extremely important role in health care during this COVID-19 pandemic. As stated by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA), “Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers and the first touchpoint of patient engagement with the healthcare system. In fact, 90% of all Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy.”
Since the founding of the very first Chamber of Commerce in 1599, Chambers have strived to build and support their local businesses and communities. Now, in the time of a global pandemic, the local Chambers of Eastern North Carolina are working collaboratively to help their members survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are all hearing new, terrible rumors every day. You should probably assume that the rumors will be grow in their audacity and there will be at least one a day.
“I could go on and on about how he has earned the respect from both the state House and Senate, including both sides of the aisle. He communicates with his constituents and works to find solutions. Above all, he is a man of his word and will let you know how he feels, but he also explains why he feels the way he does. Jim Perry is an up and coming star in North Carolina and the man eastern North Carolina needs in the NC State Senate. Because nobody works harder” - Rep. Chris Humphrey
On Saturday, December 7th, 2019, the Goldsboro Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, visited the North Carolina State Veteran’s Home in Kinston, NC to honor the residents this Christmas season
As this year comes to an end, The Friends of the Homeless is asking you for your help. Household and cleaning supplies are greatly needed.
In today’s world, the word “thankful” is frequently used almost as an afterthought. Many of us pray daily, thanking God for his bountiful blessings.
Recent news of a new Starbucks coming to Kinston has caused a bit of a stir among the locals.
I think of my three daughters every time I see a headline like the one I saw last week regarding the illegal immigrant who was arrested in Charlotte on the charge of first degree rape.
N.C. Rep. Chris Humphrey says that in ENC, families are still trying to put their lives back together after two devastating hurricanes.