April 2012 archives

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Monday, April 30, 2012

Pickle success: If you were there, you know, fun was had by all

They made it look so easy. For those who were lucky enough to head to downtown Mount Olive for the annual N.C. Pickle Festival, they already know, it was a whole lot of fun. But don't for a minute think...

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Just one ... Every day, someone proves it really just takes someone to care.

You have heard it before -- one person really can make a difference. And this weekend, we are going to prove it to you, again. We have shown you before, a million times over the years as Wayne County...

Friday, April 27, 2012

Gingrich out: Say what you will, he added spark

Newt Gingrich is just about at the official end of his campaign for president of the United States. And while there are many for whom he is a lightning rod, and even more who simply do not like him,...

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Necessary evil: John Edwards trial might be tough to watch, but it matters

It might leave a bad taste in your mouth, hearing the sordid details of the scandal that has become John Edwards' life, but even so, the charges he is facing should be pursued -- and not for political reasons,...

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Soothsayers: Beware of those who simply tell you what you want to hear

There are plenty of them in state and local government -- and there are even more if you look deep into the federal ranks. And they are dangerous. There are many positives about the American system of government, especially...

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Scholars: Two local students earn chance to go to college, scholarships

There are many conclusions to be drawn from the news that two Wayne County students have earned Gates scholarships to go to college. But of all the sentiments that could be expressed about the announcement, the one that applies...

Monday, April 23, 2012

Pickle plans: Festival fun will be culmination of much hard work

If you have not already planned to make it so, the North Carolina Pickle Festival should be on your agenda this weekend. The annual gathering in Mount Olive promises to have all sorts of opportunities for fun and good...

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Complacency: It's understandable, but it could have consequences

OK, raise your hand if you are sick and tired of listening to politicians bicker, throw mud and otherwise not bother to talk about the issues that really matter to you. Now raise the other hand if you are ready...

Friday, April 20, 2012

Dick Clark: This generation doesn't understand impact of music man

It is not a subject to which we will devote much space. But those of us from the American Bandstand generation cannot help but take a minute to point out the impact of the news. This was the week...

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Here's your sign: Bottom line on Secret Service/Washington scandals is ...

There will be much gnashing of teeth and grandstanding over the recent Secret Service debacle in Colombia -- and be prepared for excuse-making and electioneering politicians to turn this into a reason for 700 exploratory commissions. But the bottom...

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Just vote: You can't change your future if you just stay home

It is a simple concept, really. If you want to change the course of your community, state or nation, you have to do more than sit at home and complain about the current leadership. You have to have your...

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Good news: New jobs announcement great sign for county

So it would have been nice to have had an announcement of 300-400 new jobs and a new plant deciding that Wayne County is the place to put down roots. But, OK, baby steps. In this economy, news of...

Monday, April 16, 2012

Exhibit candor: City rushes a flawed museum idea. Time for speaking up is running out.

Don't look now, but your opinion might not really matter if you don't express it soon. Seems plans for the city's new Air Force museum are more than just in the planning stages -- they are moving along briskly....

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Get serious: There's never been more urgent need for dialogue about our schools

The schools are back in the news again -- this time because the threat of further cuts in education funding is forcing some state superintendents to speak out about what they will mean to the quality of education in...

Friday, April 13, 2012

It's a lock: Wise decision on jail now will protect taxpayers' money later

OK, let's face it: No one really wants to care how comfortable those who are staying in the county jail are. Truth is, if you do not want to endure the conditions in the county lockup, the best plan is...

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Bottom line: Presidential campaign should begin with the issues, not mud

And then there were two -- sort of. With the news that Rick Santorum is suspending his campaign for the Republican nomination for president of the United States, the stage is finally set for the real battle -- Mitt...

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Predictions: Don't read too much into polls, especially this year

It has been going on for months -- pollsters handicapping first the Republican nomination and more so lately, the presidential race. If you are trying to judge what is happening in the political world by what you read in...

Monday, April 9, 2012

Champ/chump: The greatest sports stories don't always involve stars

If you didn't see the finish to The Masters this weekend, you missed a chance to see why often the best role models in sports are not the ones with the big names. Bubba Watson choked up when he...

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Spring renewal: Easter is a time to think about where we need a fresh start

This is the time of year when people's thoughts turn to change. It is no wonder. Easter is the official start of the second chance -- the opportunity to start over. And, of course, spring offers the same sense of...

Friday, April 6, 2012

Slow down: With all the travelers, taking your time is top priority

It's not like we would have to look hard to find something to talk about. But today we wanted to take the time to remind all our readers and their families that this is a weekend to take it easy...

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Oops: They will try to explain it away, but it was a misstep

Whoever advised President Barack Obama to make a statement against the Supreme Court while it was making a decision on the health care mandate didn't think the idea through. It was inappropriate at best and a violation at worst. If...

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

No more talking: A leader has to know when it is time to act

Sheriff Carey Winders is right. The county commissioners have talked about and studied the problems at the county jail long enough. And now, it is time to do something. There is this funny little quirk among some lawmakers that...

Monday, April 2, 2012

Reset: Once the field is set, it will be time to set off in new direction

The much-hyped to-do over Mitt Romney's staff member's Etch-A-Sketch comment is more misdirection and not the smoking gun those looking for gaffes are making it. Truth is, everyone will reset after the primaries, including the incumbent, as they prepare...