Latest News
Is Rain Really “Magic?”
My Grandpop-pop, Earl Poplin, is a real green thumb. He can put a stick in the ground and it will grow for him. He always says, "Rain is magic." My dad, another excellent gardener, says this too. And if you follow this saying back far enough, I am sure all the old...
Consider financial gifts for grandchildren
If you have grandchildren, you probably enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow. And to help them achieve a bright future, you might like to make some financial gifts — but which ones? You have several options. Let’s look at three of them: 529...
Two of three mayoral candidates debate
By Kyle Poplin The Mt. Gilead Concerned Citizens hosted a forum on Thursday for the candidates running for mayor in the Nov. 7 municipal election. Sheldon Poplin Morley (above left) and Joseph Valenti (above right) participated, but Simeon McRae did not. NOTE: Early...
Cultivating a Child’s Love of Nature
I am a mom and I garden with the next generation. For young people, a garden is more than just a space filled with plants; it's a living classroom, a playground, and a realm of discovery rolled into one. Gardens are magical realms where children can touch, taste, and...
Help protect finances of loved one with Alzheimer’s
If you have a loved one showing signs of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you’ll obviously experience some strong emotions — and you’ll likely ask yourself this question: What can I do to help? While there are certainly many ways you could provide assistance...
Gardening for Wildlife
In the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region, gardens are verdant intersections where nature and humanity meet. More and more gardeners want to attract the whimsical dance of birds, bees, and butterflies, harmonizing their gardens with the natural world. Some...
Own a business? Consider these retirement plans
If you own a small business or are self-employed, you’ve always got plenty to do, but you can’t forget about the days when you’ll be less busy — that is, when you’re retired. How can you prepare for that time of your life? One key step is establishing a retirement...
Unlocking Nature’s Recycling System
Composting, often heralded as nature's own recycling system, stands at the fascinating intersection of science and what feels like magic. At its core, composting is the art of turning organic waste, like food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings, into nutrient-rich...
What does it cost not to have life insurance?
It’s probably not on your calendar, but September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. And that means it’s a good time to become more aware of the benefits of having life insurance — and the dangers of not having it. Unfortunately, confusion about some of the basic...
Field Notes: The summer of free books
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. Seven years ago, my job as director of business retention and expansion for Statesville Regional Development was eliminated. The entire...
The Water is Fine: Aquaponics & Hydroponics
In our quest for sustainable food sources, homesteading without much acreage, and urban/suburban agriculture, aquaponics and hydroponics are leading the charge. Both are innovative farming techniques that defy traditional methods, emphasizing growth without soil....
Should you invest … or speculate?
You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments — and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals. To begin with, let’s look at the basic types of traditional and speculative...