Latest News
Town manager: Approach to budget needs to change
The author, David Smith, is Mt. Gilead town manager. I believe that the cities and towns that truly succeed are the ones that allow people to help create success. The more involvement from the community, the greater the chance that the town becomes a better place. And...
Field Notes: You got your ears on?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. The other night, I wanted to know how close my wife was to home, so I texted her, "What's ur 20?" And like any good child of the '70s, she texted me back her...
Field Notes: Do you believe in your own lies?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. If you have never heard the name Anna Delvey, congratulations. Save yourself the trouble and stop reading now. Walk the dog. Clean the house. Wash the...
Obituary: Thomas Matthew ‘Matt’ Burris
February 28, 1974 - February 12, 2022 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Matthew “Matt” Burris at Atrium Health Stanly on Saturday, February 12, 2022. He lived almost 48 years as a strong, funny and loving man. Beloved son, brother,...
The WORST vehicle purchase ever
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Ford Motor Co. recently announced they are suspending orders for their Maverick (A) compact truck because they have outsold the company's capacity to...
The four basic principles that Mt. Gilead should build upon
The author, David Smith, is Mt. Gilead town manager. So many exciting things are taking place in Mt. Gilead and I feel blessed to be a part of them. I want to thank the mayor and board for their support and direction and the community of businesses and residents who...
Field Notes: Does the new football league have a chance?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. If you watched the "big game" on Sunday, you know that the Los Angeles Rams scored a touchdown with less than two minutes to play to earn a come-from-behind...
Field Notes: Rejection gets ever harder to take
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. In his song "Too Soon To Tell," Todd Snyder sings, "I can still take rejection, but it does get harder to do." Whether it's a job interview, choosing sides for...
Field Notes: Shine on you crazy blacklight
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. If you watched either of the NFL playoff games this past Sunday, you probably saw the trailer for a new Liam Neeson movie. Liam has created quite a career for...
Field Notes: Hall of Fame trajectory
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Although I grew up a huge football fan just two hours from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I only managed to visit it once, and that was under...
Wanted: Lifeguards
The Paw recently did a Q&A interview with Town Clerk Amy Roberts about the pool at Stanback Park and the need to hire lifeguards this summer. Here it is: What year did the pool originally open? Amy: The pool opened in the mid-60s. It was dedicated to Dr....
Field Notes: Hot Wheels rocked the toy-car world
The author, John Marek, is a writer and executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Spend any time on the internet and you will come across ads that breathlessly proclaim the featured product is "disrupting a billion-dollar industry." In...