HAMLET – Richmond Community College has announced its honor lists for the 2024 Fall Semester. The President’s List identifies students who earn an “A” in all courses and have a 4.0 grade point average while carrying 12 or more semester credit hours excluding developmental courses. The Dean’s List identifies students who attain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 with no grade lower than a “B” while carrying 12 or more semester credit hours excluding developmental courses.

President’s List

Anson County

· Lee Chambers

· Andrew Wright

Beaufort County

· Erin Woolard

Buncombe County

· Steven Smith

Caldwell County

· Casandra Reid

Chowan County

· Keri Thrasher

Craven County

· Kimberly Cloer

Cumberland County

· Johnthan McPhaul

Currituck County

· Luke Baratta

Gaston County

· Amanda Owens

Hertford County

· Sandra Johnson

Hoke County

· Dannell Winstead

Montgomery County

· Jeyvan Quick

Moore County

· Tonineka Codrington

· Steven Long

Onslow County

· Janet Freshour

Richmond County

· Jadala Adams

· Samirah Alshaif

· Alexander Bahneman

· Michael Barbee

· Allison Barnes

· Steven Batton

· Addison Branch

· Joshua Brown

· Joshua Burrows

· Samantha Butler

· Ellen Carrillo-Mayoral

· Morgan Carter

· Kaleigh Cloninger

· Abigail Dixon

· Melissa Ellis

· Kellie English

· Jesse Flowers

· Keira Ford

· Melanie Garcia

· Peter Gaudiomonte

· Battle Grooms

· Abi Hadinger

· Hudson Hadinger

· Abigail Hartman

· Andrew He

· Carson Hunsucker

· Matthew Jacobs

· Alyssa Kirkendall

· Aiden Lampley

· Mallory Lance

· Taylor Lingren

· Trinity Lockhart

· Natalie Ludlum

· Gwenivere Macedo

· Elizabeth Malter

· Anna Martinez

· Abrianna McAuley

· Sadora McCauley

· Keandra McDougald

· Diana McLester

· Edwin Morales

· Jennifer Moran

· Destiny Nichols

· Addison O’Neal

· Caitlin Outen

· Abbie Player

· Leslie Reyes

· Rebecca Richardson

· Emily Roberts

· Monae Rochester

· Kaley Scholl

· Alyssa Sellers

· Jacob Shepherd

· Lance Shepherd

· Horace Smith

· William Starling

· Ashton Street

· Carolyn Taylor

· Debrah Torres Flores

· Hayden Turner

· Cesia Velazquez

· William West

· Brianna Wilcoxen

Robeson County

· Tareq Aggad

· Caitlynn Hunt

· Gena Locklear

· Gene Locklear

· Kandice Locklear

· Monica Reed

Scotland County

· Wendy Barksdale

· Shawn Campbell

· Stephen Currie

· Elisha Dockery

· Madison Gentry

· Casie Gibson

· Kalyn Graves

· Silas Haywood

· Justin Howell

· Grayson Locklear

· Kelsie Melvin

· Naiade Morales

· Kyle Nguyen

· Islamilah Nimetullah

· Shellie Powell

· Blake Powers

· Hannah Stubbs-Barnette

· Kaiden Tew

· Kenly Wilkes

· Colby Woodard

· Lakesha Young

· Eric Zheng

Out of State

· James Wilson

Dean’s List

Alamance County

· Annette Locklear

Anson County

· Emily Ashby

· Shunee McRae

Cabarrus County

· Michael Mesimer

Chatham County

· Michael Reitz

Cumberland County

· Destiny Hallberg

Halifax County

· Michaela Wallace

Harnett County

· Heather Geffken

Hoke County

· Shakira Martin

· Kindra Tillman

Jackson County

· Belinda Clawson

Johnston County

· Jami Higgins

Moore County

· Elisabeth Heath

Pasquotank County

· Melissa Copeland

Richmond County

· Anthony Bastida

· Kairi Bower

· Willie Breeden

· Colton Brown

· Joel Butler

· Elijah Callahan

· Melissa Canas

· Maren Carter

· Markie Carter

· Conner Chance

· Samantha Clay

· Noah Cloninger

· Elizabeth Cook

· Bobby Cooke

· Darriesha Covington

· Kelsie Cox

· Taylor Crouch

· Azariah Daniel

· Jentry Denson

· Anja Dietrich

· Maiya Ferguson

· Tyson Fowler

· Amisadai Garcia

· Shana Grant

· William Hancock

· Henry Hernandez Lopez

· Bradley Holden

· Ethan Hunt

· Jh’amirrahyia Jenkins

· Megan Johnson

· Chloe Jordan

· Renita Leak

· Neely Liles

· Kaylee Ludlum

· Ryelan Lyerly

· Brian Mabe

· Madelyn Maree

· Sophia McElduff

· Sarah Meacham

· Carla Medina

· Mariana Mendez Mendoza

· Caleb Moore

· Sarah Nessell

· Mitchell Newton

· Tamia Nicholson

· Alissa Nuttall

· David Pickett

· Bree Rape

· Jesus Reyes

· Yaeyanna Robinson

· Nathan Russell

· Justin Ryder

· Leah Sanford

· Abner Santiago

· Gracie Scott

· Janashia Scott

· Seth Shimberg

· Zoie Smith

· Zayra Soriano-Gonzalez

· Christian Steele

· Raygan Talbert

· John Valenzuela

· Marissa Warriax

· Kristin Watson

· Logan Watts

· Grayson Wrenn

· Ana Zamora

Robeson County

· Christasia Bethea

· Kimahri Johnson

· Nakyra Locklear

· Keaton Lowery

· Courtney Oxendine

Sampson County

· Amy Adkins

Scotland County

· Christopher Boone

· Robin Brown

· Dylan Callahan

· Sandra Castillo Sampayo

· Hanna Chavis

· Patrick Deberry

· Piper Eaves

· Chloe Ganus

· Ricky Goins

· Taylor Goins

· Keziah Harrington

· Miranda Jacobs

· Rickiahya Johnson

· Kaitlyn Kelly

· Layla Lewis

· Teyona McKay

· Addysin McLaurin

· Nyzir McLean

· Tyler Mongiovi

· Timothy Orvin

· Taija Pankey

· Catherine Pruitte

· Hunter Rader

· Montrell Smith

· Mikayla Strickland

· Evan Tetreault

· Raheana Wilkerson

Stanly County

· Makayla Johnson

Stokes County

· Jennifer Durham

Out of State

· Ezekiel Chilton

· Sara English

· Ethan Miller

· Karlton Williams

RICHMOND COUNTY — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Jan. 2 he has commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates to life in prison without parole, marking one of his final major actions before leaving office.

The decision follows an extensive review of clemency petitions from death row inmates. Cooper’s office received 89 petitions from the state’s 136 death row inmates.

“After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison,” Cooper said.

The governor’s office weighed multiple factors in each case, including the crime’s circumstances, input from prosecutors and victims’ families, the defendants’ prison conduct, and potential racial influences in the judicial process.

The commutations affect inmates convicted between 1993 and 2011, ranging in age from 38 to 67.

North Carolina hasn’t executed anyone since 2006 due to ongoing litigation over capital punishment. The state’s death row population will now stand at 121 inmates.

Among other factors considered were the defendants’ age and mental capacity at the time of their crimes, adequacy of legal representation, and whether plea agreements for lesser sentences were offered before trial.

The commutations represent one of Cooper’s last significant decisions as governor, as his term ends next month.

Nathan Bowie

Bowie, 53, was convicted in the 1991 double murder of Nelson Shuford, 24, and Calvin Wilson, 22, in Newton.

Court records say Bowie shot and killed the two victims after an argument between them and Bowie’s aunt and uncle. Bowie’s uncle, William Bowie, was also convicted of murder.

Nathan Bowie was sentenced to death after a 1993 trial. All of Nathan Bowie’s appeals over the years were denied. A 2006 order was filed denying Nathan Bowie’s appeals for the misuse of testimony from various witnesses and his belief that his attorney gave ineffective assistance during the sentencing phase.

Rayford Burke

Burke, 66, was convicted of the 1992 deadly shooting of Timothy Morrison in Iredell County.

Burke killed Morrison in January 1992 because the victim testified against him in an earlier murder case, according to court records. A jury found Burke guilty of murder and sentenced him to death in 1993. He was acquitted in the other murder case.

Burke’s appeals went nowhere until he sought relief under NC’s Racial Justice Act, arguing that Black jurors were removed for racial reasons to allow an all-white jury to convict him.

The NC Court of Appeals did vacate and remand this case back to the Iredell County Court in 2020 but records do not show what happened after that final proceeding.

Elrico Fowler

Fowler, 49, killed Bobby Richmond at a Charlotte motel on Dec. 31, 1995, according to court records.

Fowler and another suspect robbed the motel and shot two employees, including Richmond, who died at the scene.

Fowler was found guilty and sentenced to death in 1997. He appealed, arguing against the testimony of the surviving victim and witnesses but his efforts were denied.

Guy LeGrande

LeGrande, 65, was convicted of the 1993 murder of Ellen Munford, 26, in Albemarle during a 1996 trial. Munford’s husband, Tommy Munford, hired LeGrande to kill her, according to court records.

LeGrande demanded $10,000 from Tommy Munford for the deal, according to court records. Tommy Munford was looking to collect life insurance money for his wife’s death. Tommy Munford was sentenced to life in prison for the crime.

LeGrande was sentenced to death in a 1996 trial but several appeal attempts followed. A judge ruled that LeGrande was not competent to stand trial in 2008, according to the Stanly News & Press. However, no further records are available in LeGrande’s case.

Lawrence Peterson

Peterson, 55, was convicted of the 1995 fatal shooting of a woman who owned a general store in Richmond County.

Peterson shot and killed 67-year-old Jewel Braswell in July 1995 during a robbery Braswell wished Peterson a good journey before he shot her, according to court records.

A jury sentenced Peterson to death after a 1996 trial. Peterson appealed his death sentence, arguing that he lacked a substantial criminal history and that North Carolina’s death penalty requirements were too vague to fit his case. These appeals were denied.

William Robinson

Robinson, 41, was convicted for the 2006 murder of a trucking company worker in Stanly County.

Robinson killed Keith Crump and the company’s owner during a robbery attempt at a warehouse in November 2006.

Robinson was sentenced to death after a 2011 trial.

Christopher Roseboro

Roseboro, 60, was convicted for the 1992 rape and murder of Martha Edwards, 72, at a Gastonia apartment.

Roseboro and another suspect were robbing Martha Edwards’ apartment in Gastonia when she was later smothered to death with a pillow and raped.

A jury convicted Roseboro and sentenced him to death in a 1994 trial.

Appeals existed in Roseboro’s case as recently as 2019. Roseboro’s defense stated that his mental incompetence prohibits him from the death penalty.

Darrell Strickland

Strickland, 66, was convicted for the New Year’s Day 1995 murder of Henry Brown in Marshville.

Strickland shot and killed Brown after an argument, according to court records. He was sentenced to death after a 1993 trial.

Strickland was previously convicted of manslaughter after a deadly shooting in 1993. His appeal attempts continued into 2024 with little progress.

Other NC death row inmates commuted to life sentences

Hasson Bacote, 38, convicted in Johnston County in 2009

Iziah Barden, 67, convicted in Sampson County in 1999

Cerron Hooks, 46, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000

James Little, 38, convicted in Forsyth County in 2008

Robbie Locklear, 52, convicted in Robeson County in 1996

Timothy White, 47, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000

Vincent Wooten, 52, convicted in Pitt County in 1994

RICHMOND COUNTY — While the hustle and bustle of Christmas ends for many people on Dec. 26, throughout Christian history Christmas lasts for much longer. The feast marking the end of Christmas is called “Epiphany.”

In the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, Epiphany celebrates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. It focuses primarily on this revelation to the Three Wise Men, but it also focuses on his baptism in the Jordan and at the wedding at Cana.

In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany — as Epiphany is known in the East —commemorates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity at his baptism in the River Jordan.

While the traditional date for the feast is Jan. 6, in the United States the celebration of Epiphany is moved to the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8. In 2025, it is celebrated on Jan. 5.

Origins of Epiphany

While the Western celebration of Epiphany (which comes from Greek, meaning “revelation from above”) and the Eastern celebration of Theophany (meaning “revelation of God”) have developed their own traditions and liturgical significance, these feasts share more than the same day.

In the early Church, Christians, particularly those in the East, celebrated the advent of Christ on Jan. 6 by commemorating Nativity, Visitation of the Magi, Baptism of Christ, and the Wedding of Cana all in one feast of the Epiphany. By the fourth century, both Christmas and Epiphany had been set as separate feasts in some dioceses. At the Council of Tours in 567, the church set both Christmas Day and Epiphany as feast days on Dec. 25 and Jan. 6, respectively, and named the 12 days between the feasts as the Christmas season.

Over time, the Western Church separated the remaining feasts into their own celebrations, leaving the celebration of the Epiphany to commemorate primarily the visitation of the Magi to see the newborn Christ on Jan. 6. Meanwhile, the Eastern Churches’ celebration of Theophany celebrates Christ’s baptism and is one of the holiest feast days of the liturgical calendar.

Roman traditions

The celebration of the visitation of the Magi — whom the Bible describes as learned wise men from the East — has developed its own distinct traditions throughout the Roman Church.

As part of the liturgy of the Epiphany, it is traditional to proclaim the date of Easter and other movable feast days to the faithful — formally reminding the Church of the importance of Easter and the Resurrection to both the liturgical year and to the faith.

Other cultural traditions have also arisen around the feast.In Italy, La Befana brings sweets and presents to children not on Christmas — but on Epiphany. Children in many parts of Latin America, the Philippines, Portugal and Spain also receive their presents on “Three Kings Day.”

Meanwhile, in Ireland, Catholics celebrate “Women’s Christmas” — where women rest from housework and cleaning and celebrate together with a special meal. Epiphany in Poland is marked by taking chalk — along with gold, incense, and amber — to be blessed at Mass. Back at home, families will inscribe the first part of the year, followed by the letters, “C+M+B+” and then the last numbers of the year on top of every door in the house.

The letters stand for the names traditionally given to the Wise Men — Casper, Melchior and Balthazar — as well as for the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” or “Christ, bless this house.”

In nearly every part of the world, Catholics celebrate Epiphany with a King Cake — a sweet cake that sometimes contains an object like a figurine, or a lone nut. In some locations, the lucky recipient of this prize either gets special treatment for the day or must hold a party at the close of the Epiphany season on Feb. 2.

These celebrations point to the family-centered nature of the feast day and of its original connection to the celebration of the Holy Family. The traditions also point to what is known — and what is still mysterious — about the Magi, who were the first Gentiles to encounter Christ. Interestingly enough, the Bible remains silent about the Wise Men’s actual names, as well as how many there were.

It is widely believed by those who celebrate that the gifts the Wise Men brought — frankincense, myrrh, and gold — were gifts that pointed not only to Christ’s divinity and his revelation to the Magi as the King of Kings, but also to his crucifixion. In giving herbs traditionally used for burial, these gifts bring a theological “shadow,” a sense of anticipation of what is to come.

Revelation of God

The significance of the feast of the Theophany — and of Christ’s baptism more broadly — is prominent within the Eastern Catholic Churches.

The feast of the Theophany celebrates not only Christ’s conquering of sin through baptism but also God’s revelation of Christ as his Son and the beginning of Christ’s ministry.

To mark the day, Eastern Catholics begin celebrations with Divine Liturgy at the church, which includes a blessing of the waters in the baptistry. After the water is blessed, the faithful drink the water and bring bottles of water back to their homes for use as not only physical but also spiritual healing. Many parishes hold feasts after the liturgy is over. In many Middle Eastern cultures, people also fry and eat awamat — dough that is fried until it floats and then is covered in honey.

During the Theophany season, priests try to visit each home in the parish to bless the house with the holy water that was blessed at Theophany.

ROCKINGHAM— Discovery Place Kids in Rockingham rang in the new year 12 hours early with a celebration perfect for children and their families. The Noon Year’s Eve event drew about 230 attendees and featured a variety of engaging activities.

“We’ve been doing this celebration for several years,” said Angela Watkins, director of Discovery Place Kids in Rockingham.

Children enjoyed crafting hats and crowns, getting temporary tattoos, and participating in an apple juice toast at noon, which was followed by a festive balloon drop. A photo booth allowed families to capture special memories, while a scavenger hunt around the building offered kids the chance to find hidden figures and earn prizes.

Watkins shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “Just seeing families and friends come together and enjoy the new year. It’s such a celebratory mood.” She also noted that the celebration offers convenience for parents, adding, “Children get to celebrate at noon, and the parents can go out and celebrate tonight.”

The fun doesn’t stop with Noon Year’s Eve. Discovery Place Kids has a lineup of space-themed programs throughout January, designed to entertain and educate:

Astronaut Training Academy (Jan. 6–12): Kids can complete physical exercises and tackle space-themed challenges, including tasks simulating the difficulty of working in astronaut attire.

Moon Phases Magic (Jan. 14–19): Through demonstrations and crafts, children will explore the phases of the moon.

Cool Constellations (Jan. 20–26): Kids can create constellation art and learn how ancient cultures used the stars for navigation and storytelling.

Rocket Power (Jan. 28–31): Participants will learn about rocket mechanics and build their own paper rockets to launch.

On Jan. 20, the center will also host a special story time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Sandhills Stage at 1:30 p.m.

ROCKINGHAM — With 2025 underway, Richmond County is gearing up for a year of monumental developments, including the return of NASCAR’s national touring series to Rockingham Speedway and the near completion of the long-awaited Rockingham Bypass.

After more than a decade, NASCAR will make its way back to the iconic Rockingham Speedway. Announced in August, the Xfinity Series race is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, with the Truck Series set to race the day before.

The last time “The Rock” hosted one of NASCAR’s top three series was in 2013, when Kyle Larson claimed victory in a Truck Series race. A year earlier, Kasey Kahne took the checkered flag. The speedway has long been a stage for legends like Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin and the Burton brothers.

Opened in 1965, Rockingham Speedway began as a flat oval before renovations in 1969 transformed it into its distinctive D-shape with high-banked turns. While NASCAR’s Cup Series left in 2004, the track continued hosting Truck Series races until 2012. Over the years, the speedway has also made appearances in Hollywood hits such as “Talladega Nights” and “Days of Thunder.”

Following a period of neglect and ownership changes in the mid-2010s, Rockingham Speedway fell into disrepair. In 2019, Rockingham Properties, LLC purchased the track, pledging to revive it as a premier motorsports venue. With a $9 million boost from a state renovation program in 2021, the speedway underwent significant upgrades, including repaving the track, replacing grandstands, adding stadium lighting and modernizing race facilities. By 2023, these efforts brought back competitive motorsports, including events like the Myrtle Beach Drift Series.

Meanwhile, Richmond County is also celebrating progress on the Rockingham Bypass, part of the future I-73/74. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is constructing a 7.2-mile, four-lane, median-divided freeway to connect the U.S. 74 Business interchange west of Rockingham to Harrington Road. Once complete, the route will be designated as U.S. 220/I-73/74.

The project is divided into three sections:

Section A (R-3421A): From the U.S. 74 Bypass west of Rockingham at the Zion Church Road interchange to 0.3 miles south of Old Charlotte Highway.

Section B (R-3421B): From 0.3 miles south of Old Charlotte Highway to north of Harrington Road.

Section C (R-3421C): From north of Harrington Road to the I-73/74/U.S. 220 interchange south of Ellerbe. This section was upgraded to interstate standards in 2019.

The $308 million project aims to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and enhance safety by diverting interstate traffic away from local roads and intersections. Construction began in 2014 with Section C, completed in 2019. Work on Sections A and B started in late 2019 and is expected to wrap up by June 2025.

With the return of NASCAR and the completion of the bypass, Richmond County is poised for a transformative year that promises to boost its economy and infrastructure.

January 1:

0404 - The last gladiator competition was held in Rome.

1622 - The Papal Chancery adopted January 1st as the beginning of the New Year (instead of March 25th).

1772 - The first traveler’s checks were issued in London.

1785 - London’s oldest daily paper “The Daily Universal Register” (later renamed “The Times” in 1788) was first published.

1797 - Albany became the capital of New York state, replacing New York City.

1801 - The Act of Union of England and Ireland came into force.

1801 - Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi became the first person to discover an asteroid. He named it Ceres.

1804 - Haiti gained its independence.

1808 - The U.S. prohibited import of slaves from Africa.

1840 - The first recorded bowling match was recorded in the U.S.

1863 - U.S. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in the rebel states were free.

1887 - Queen Victoria was proclaimed empress of India in Delhi.

1892 - Ellis Island Immigrant Station formally opened in New York.

1892 - Brooklyn and New York merged to form the single city of New York.

1894 - The Manchester Ship Canal was officially opened to traffic.

1895 - In Battle Creek, Mich., C.W. Post created his first usable batch of Monks Brew (later called Postum). It was a cereal-based substitute for caffeinated drinks.

1898 - Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island were consolidated into New York City.

1900 - Hawaii asked for a delegate to the Republican national convention.

1900 - Nigeria became a British protectorate with Frederick Lagard as the high commissioner.

1901 - The Commonwealth of Australia was founded. Lord Hopetoun officially assumed the duties as the first Governor-General.

1902 - The first Tournament of Roses (later the Rose Bowl) collegiate football game was played in Pasadena, Calif.

1909 - The first payments of old-age pensions were made in Britain. People over 70 received five shillings a week.

1913 - The post office began parcel post deliveries.

1924 - Frank B. Cooney received a patent for ink paste.

1926 - The Rose Bowl was carried coast to coast on network radio for the first time.

1930 - “The Cuckoo Hour” was heard for the first time on the NBC-Blue Network, which later became ABC Radio.

1934 - Alcatraz Island officially became a Federal Prison.

1934 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) began operation.

1936 - The “New York Herald Tribune” began microfilming its current issues.

1937 - The First Cotton Bowl football game was played in Dallas, Texas. Texas Christian University (T.C.U.) beat Marquette, 16-6.

1939 - The Hewlett-Packard partnership was formed by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard.

1942 - U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued a declaration called the “United Nations.” It was signed by 26 countries that vowed to create an international postwar World War II peacekeeping organization.

1945 - France was admitted to the United Nations.

1956 - Sudan gained its independence.

1958 - The European Economic Community (EEC) started operations.

1959 - Fidel Castro overthrew the government of Fulgencio Batista, and seized power in Cuba.

1968 - Evel Knievel, stunt performing daredevil, lost control of his motorcycle midway through a jump of 141 feet over the ornamental fountains in front of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

1971 - Tobacco ads representing $20 million dollars in advertising were banned from TV and radio broadcast.

1973 - Britain, Ireland, Denmark and Norway joined the EEC.

1975 - The magazine “Popular Electronics” announced the invention of a person computer called Altair. MITS, using an Intel microprocessor, developed the computer.

1979 - The United States and China held celebrations in Washington, DC, and Beijing to mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

1981 - Greece joined the European Community.

1984 - AT&T was broken up into 22 Bell System companies under terms of an antitrust agreement with the U.S. Federal government.

1986 - Spain and Portugal joined the European Community (EC).

1987 - A pro-democracy rally took place in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square (China).

1990 - David Dinkins was sworn in as New York City’s first black mayor.

1992 - The ESPN Radio Network was officially launched.

1992 - In Kuala, Lumpur, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Petronas Towers took place.

1993 - Czechoslovakia split into two separate states, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The peaceful division had been engineered in 1992.

1994 - Bill Gates, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft and Melinda French were married.

1994 - The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect.

1995 - Frederick West, an alleged killer of 12 women and girls, was found hanged in his jail cell in Winston Green prison, in Birmingham. West had been under almost continuous watch since his arrest in 1994, but security had reportedly been relaxed in the months preceding the apparent suicide.

1995 - The World Trade Organization came into existence. The group of 125 nations monitors global trade.

1998 - A new anti-smoking law went into effect in California. The law prohibiting people from lighting up in bars.

1999 - The euro became currency for 11 Member States of the European Union. Coins and notes were not available until January 1, 2002.

1999 - In California, a law went into effect that defined “invasion of privacy as trespassing with the intent to capture audio or video images of a celebrity or crime victim engaging in a personal of family activity.”

2001 - The “Texas 7,” rented space in an RV park in Woodland Park, Colo.

2007 - Binney & Smith Company became Crayola LLC under its parent company Hallmark.

GREENSBORO – State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, added his support to the family and friends of a Greensboro police officer who was gunned down while confronting an armed man in a grocery store, and pledged his full commitment to ensuring all benefits will be paid for the line-of-duty death.

Officer Michael Horan is part of the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS), which provides death benefits to members. The system is administered by the Retirement Systems Division (RSD) of the Department of State Treasurer (DST).

“Our hearts are heavy because of this senseless killing. We grieve over a cherished life with profound purpose as a husband, father, son and public servant that was cut short. Our prayers are with those who knew and loved him,” Treasurer Folwell said. He noted somberly that it was almost a year exactly since Greensboro Police Sgt. Philip Dale Nix was murdered while attempting to stop a convenience store robbery on Dec. 30, 2023, and DST staff worked with the Police Department to secure benefits for his survivors.

“We are told ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ Officer Horan was the embodiment of that biblical homage, protecting his country’s shorelines through service in the Coast Guard, and working as a lifeguard and beach patrol instructor in New Jersey before being hired by the Greensboro Police Department in 2017,” Treasurer Folwell said. Officer Horan received a lifesaving award in 2019 for rescuing a man and his son from drowning.

“We will do everything in our power to make sure benefits are paid as quickly as possible to this fallen hero’s survivors,” Treasurer Folwell said.

Officer Horan responded to a call about a suspicious man with a gun at a Food Lion store, according to news reports. He was shot amid a brief struggle with the suspect, Tarell McMillian, and did not have time to draw his own weapon, the Greensboro Police Department said. The suspect has been charged with first-degree murder and could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole, as well as charges for fleeing from state police in a chase that ended in Duplin County.

Treasurer Folwell indicated that he will also ask the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) to approve “line-of-duty” death benefits for the officer. The Public Safety Employees’ Death Benefits Act (Act) authorizes the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) to award a $100,000 death benefit for a law enforcement officer “who is killed or dies as a result of bodily injuries sustained … in the course and scope of his or her official duties while in the discharge of his or her official duty or duties.”

The Act further authorizes the NCIC to award an additional death benefit in the amount of $100,000 when a law enforcement officer is murdered in the line of duty. Once a decision to award death benefits is made by the NCIC, notice is subsequently sent to DST and payment of the awarded benefit(s) is made by the DST in accordance with the decision of the NCIC.

“No amount of money will fill the horrible void inflicted on this family,” Treasurer Folwell said. “But they should not have an added burden of worrying about finances during the troubling days and weeks ahead, and we will do everything in our power to assist in that regard.”

RSD works with families and/or representatives to make sure death benefits are paid as soon as possible. In 2023, almost $119 million was paid to member beneficiaries or their estates. In the case of public safety workers, RSD works on behalf of the member to identify all additional benefits that may be available, including line-of-duty death benefits.

For more information, visit www.nctreasurer.com​.

NORTH CAROLINA — As part of continuing efforts to help taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service has announced plans to issue automatic payments later this month to eligible people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.

The IRS announced the special step after reviewing internal data showing many eligible taxpayers who filed a return but did not claim the credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus payments.

No action is needed for eligible taxpayers to receive these payments, which will go out automatically in December and should arrive in most cases by late January 2025. The payments will be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check; eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate letter notifying them of the payment.

“The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These payments are an example of our commitment to go the extra mile for taxpayers. Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible. To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it.”

The payments vary depending on several factors, but the maximum payment is $1,400 per individual. The estimated amount of payments going out will be about $2.4 billion.

The IRS also reminded taxpayers who haven’t filed 2021 tax returns they might be eligible as well, but they face an April 15, 2025, deadline to file their returns to claim the credit and any other refund they might be owed.

Most eligible taxpayers already claimed the credit

Most taxpayers eligible for EIPs have already received their EIP or Recovery Rebate Credit.

These December payments for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit are only going to taxpayers where IRS data demonstrates a taxpayer qualifies for the credit. Qualified taxpayers are those who filed a 2021 tax return, but where the data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit was left blank or was filled out as $0 when the taxpayer was actually eligible for the credit.

How automatic payments work

Taxpayers who qualify but did not claim any portion of the credit on their 2021 tax return should receive these payments by late January 2025. The payment will be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer’s 2023 tax return or to the address of record.

An IRS letter will be sent to the taxpayer receiving these 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit payments. If the taxpayer closed their bank account since filing their 2023 tax return, taxpayers do not need to take any action. The bank will return the payment to the IRS and the refund will be reissued to the address of record.

For questions regarding eligibility and how the payment was calculated, see 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Questions and Answers.

Taxpayers who didn’t file a 2021 tax return may be eligible to claim the credit if they file a return

The IRS reminds taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns that they may be eligible for a refund if they file and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the April 15, 2025, deadline.

Eligible taxpayers who did not file must file a tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit, even if their income from a job, business or other source was minimal or non-existent.

Additional information about automatic payments; filing 2021 tax returns

To calculate the amount of Recovery Rebate Credit, taxpayers may access their IRS Online Account to determine the amount they received in Economic Impact Payment(s). See FAQ G2 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic G: Finding the Third Economic Impact Payment Amount to Calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic A: General Information.

Any Recovery Rebate Credit received does not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

As the 2025 tax filing season approaches, the IRS is committed to helping taxpayers understand and claim the credits and deductions for which they are eligible including Coronavirus tax relief. Many taxpayers are unaware of tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible or face other barriers keeping them from claiming them. The IRS will be reminding taxpayers about these credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, during the 2025 filing season.

HAMLET — Brent Barbee presided over his first Richmond Community College Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 2 as the new college president.

At this meeting, the Board received a network security update, an enrollment report, quarterly budget reports and updates on constructions projects, including the new PE field on the Hamlet Campus, the future Hendrick Center for Automotive Training and the Truck Driver Training facility at the Laurinburg/Maxton Airport.

The Board approved emeritus status for Dr. Dale McInnis, who retired as RichmondCC’s president in October. Emeritus status may be granted upon continuous service of 10 years or more for presidents and trustees. McInnis served as president from 2010 through 2024.

Trustee Lee Wallace was also presented with an appreciation award for his service on the Board from 2020-2024.

Two new trustees, Dr. Scott Brewer and Iris McRae, joined the Board back in the summer, and this was their second meeting. Brewer was appointed by the N.C. House of Representatives with a term expiring in June 2027; McRae was appointed by the N.C. Senate with a term expiring in June 2028.

Brewer is the pharmacist in charge at Family Pharmacy in Rockingham, which he and his wife, Tanya, own and operate. He is a graduate of Campbell University’s School of Pharmacy. While a native of Laurinburg, he moved to Rockingham in 1997.

“My family has strong ties in education, and I am honored to have a small role in the educational process to help carry on this tradition,” Brewer said. “RichmondCC has and continues to bring amazing opportunities, in education as well as cultural experiences, to our area and the people of this community. We are all better for it.”

HAMLET — Richmond Community College student Madison Gentry of Laurinburg has been accepted into the C-STEP co-admission program with the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Madison never felt this would be possible four years ago when she dropped out of high school due to overwhelming family responsibilities.

During her sophomore year, she transferred to a new high school. She also cared for her ailing grandmother and took on most of the household responsibilities for her parents, small business owners who worked long hours during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

“I felt overworked, overwhelmed and burned out. My exhaustion consequently led to me struggling academically,” Madison said.

Madison eventually made the decision to drop out of high school.

“That summer, my parents suggested I earn my high school diploma through RichmondCC’s Adult Education Program. This would let me finish my remaining courses at my own pace, while continuing to help with the household responsibilities and my grandmother,” she said.

With help from Adult Education Coordinator Tara McDuffie, Madison enrolled in the High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma program. She earned her GED in the spring of 2023 after months of studying intensively for the tests. Unfortunately, on the night of her graduation, her grandmother passed away.

The next semester, Madison enrolled in the Associate in Arts program at RichmondCC. Shortly into the semester her mother suffered a back injury, and Madison was once again taking on the role of caregiver and managing the household for her family. However, she did not let this deter her from making her studies a priority. She has maintained a high grade-point average, and she joined the Student Government Association. She also helps with her parents’ business and does volunteer work in her community.

“The psychological obstacles I encountered during those years were taxing. However, I am now profoundly grateful for the experiences and the growth they provided me,” Madison said.

By qualifying for the C-STEP co-admission program with UNC-Chapel Hill, Madison is now a Tarheel student. While completing her associate degree with RichmondCC in the spring, Madison will have access to special events, advising, as well as transition and support services at UNC-Chapel Hill.

In the fall of 2025, Madison will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Society, which combines studies of business, psychology and ethics, at UNC-Chapel Hill.

“RichmondCC has provided me with endless support and guidance throughout my academic journey. My academic advisors have offered a variety of resources, opportunities, and educational and personal guidance,” Madison said. “My current advisor, Tammy Little, has spent a large amount of time assisting me in setting realistic short-term and long-term goals. She has held me accountable, kept me informed, and encouraged every success.”

Little helped Madison apply to the C-STEP program.

“Madison is the epitome of drive and ambition. She completed her GED and has not let off the gas since,” Little said. “She has a plan, and she is going for it.”

Madison’s long-term goals are to earn a Master of Business Administration and build a career in marketing and management.

RICHMOND COUNTY — Dennis Holloway, site coordinator for Baptists On Mission, has dedicated his life to aiding those in need, a commitment deeply rooted in personal experience and faith.

Holloway credits his dedication to helping others to a life-changing event during his time with the 82nd Airborne Division. A severe parachute accident left him permanently disabled, reshaping his perspective on the importance of community and support.

“I knew that I had to have somebody I could count on to help me through long periods of time,” Holloway said. “I had never needed help from people before, but I found out that no person is an island and everyone will run into instances in this world where they’re going to need help from somebody else.”

This realization became the foundation of his philosophy: “Never say no to somebody that needs your help — and be there for them,” he said.

Since 1999, Holloway has been a cornerstone of disaster relief efforts with Baptists On Mission. His journey began in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd when he witnessed widespread devastation and homelessness.

“I saw the need during that hurricane, where so many people were homeless and had lost everything,” Holloway said. “I decided then that my future was going to be in helping others and that’s what I’ve been inspired to do ever since. I’ve gone to all the major hurricanes in the southeast United States since 1999 — everywhere from Texas to New York.”

Holloway’s experiences have been marked by countless stories of resilience and faith. One memory stands out: During a mission at New Bern First Baptist Church, a man arrived late to a devotional gathering, unshowered and disheveled. Initially, Holloway said he judged him, but his perception shifted after hearing the man’s story.

“The first thing he did was apologize to us for being late and not having time to clean up because he had been helping a neighborhood in need,” Holloway recalled.

The man recounted a meeting with a woman who had just lost her husband and was grappling with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Her request to him was simple yet profound: She wanted to know how to receive Jesus Christ as her savior.

“I almost passed out,” Holloway said. “She was exactly the reason we were there — to share God and let Him give all the glory.”

Holloway’s admiration for the Richmond County community shines through in his reflections on Hurricane Helene. He described it as one of the most unified and generous responses he has witnessed in his 25 years of service.

“All the churches in this county came together in a group effort — money, supplies, food, whatever was needed,” Holloway said. “You’ve always had a church or two that would be helpful, but this time, every church was involved. The people gave their money, their time and even made multiple trips to help. It was the most beneficial response to any hurricane I’ve ever seen.”

For Richmond County residents looking to contribute during times of crisis, Holloway emphasized the importance of preparation and involvement in local missions.

“I think the first thing people can do is start volunteering in local missions, like the food bank or churches affiliated with Baptists On Mission,” Holloway said. “That way, they’ll have the training and support they need to make a meaningful contribution when called upon.”

Through his unwavering dedication and faith, Holloway continues to exemplify the power of community and compassion in times of need.

With the year coming to an end and a new one beginning, I think it’s a great time to reflect on everything 2024 entailed.

This may sound extreme, but it felt like an ongoing manic episode. I had some of the highest highs, but I also fell flat on my face. There were various instances where I had to navigate life with a broken heart when all I wanted to do was hide and suffer in silence. But despite multiple tribulations, I shined through. So, for now, I’ll share with you the life lessons 2024 has taught me.

1. You’re Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea

As a pathological people-pleaser, this has been a tough pill to swallow—but I think I’ve finally made peace with it. When you frequently deal with world-class narcissists who will never be fully satisfied, you eventually come to terms with the fact that you will never be enough for them.

This may be hard to digest, but the best thing we can do is try our best. If others don’t recognize it, at least be self-aware that you did everything you possibly could in that situation. I view not pleasing everyone like this: when you go to the grocery store, you have a preference for the type of cereal you eat. This is how some people view others—you’re not the box of Lucky Charms they hoped for, and that’s okay. It’s okay to be Cheerios.

This shouldn’t make you want to change. Stay true to yourself because you’ll eventually find someone who prefers Cheerios—aka you.

2. Grief Looks Different Throughout Experiences

Sadly, this isn’t my first rodeo dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. Back in 2017, I lost one of my dear childhood friends. I had never faced that much turbulence in my life until then. It led me into some of the darkest moments of my life that I would never want to relive. That grief came from being introduced to the feeling of loss and essentially having to let go of someone at such a young age.

This year, I lost another childhood friend. There are many reasons why this loss feels different. For starters, my friend lived in California, so a part of me was used to not seeing him often. Secondly, we lost him during the summer. You may wonder, “What does the season have to do with the loss of someone?” The underlying parallel is seasonal depression.

When I lost my first friend back in 2017, it was in late August, which meant fall was right around the corner. It heightened my emotions with sadness. But losing my second friend during the prime of summer felt different.

I miss them both immensely and would do anything to have them back on this earth. But I like to think they now have each other in heaven, and that gives me a little bit of peace. The best thing we can do for our loved ones we’ve lost is to hold onto the memories.

3. Travel More

This point ties in with the previous one. Life is short, so we must make the most of it—and for me, that includes traveling.

For the first time in my life, I traveled by myself outside of the country, and it makes me want to do it a million times more. Toronto, Canada, was an experience of a lifetime that I’ll never forget, and I want to make more experiences like that happen.

So, dear reader, this is your sign to travel more! Cheap flights are always a thing. My dad once bought plane tickets for my mom and me when I was a baby to Mexico (I’ve been living a lavish life since the diaper days), and the booker told him that a flight to London was cheaper than going to Mexico. I obviously couldn’t speak at the time, but if it were up to me, I would’ve crossed the pond to England.

My goal is to make it to Europe in 2025. I’ve heard that getting around different countries over there is fairly cheap through trains and flights. For those who may be scared of flying on planes, I hate every second of it, but that fear or disliking vanishes once the reality of my destination sets in.

4. Don’t Let Anyone ‘Yuck’ Your ‘Yum’

Do not allow people to make you feel bad about the things you enjoy. As long as those things aren’t hurting anyone, don’t let others dictate your favorite things.

I’m eternally grateful I never fell for the trap of disliking Taylor Swift just because others thought it was cool—mind you, those were the same people trying to attend the Eras Tour. So, if you wish to attend 20 concerts to see your favorite artist, do it. If you want to become a Twitch streamer, do it. The world is your oyster, so enjoy everything that makes you “you.”

5. Read More

In case you were wondering, I’m just one book shy of reaching my reading goal. Not to sound like a grade-school teacher, but reading is everything. It opens up gateways for inspiration, imagination, and escapism.

Yes, numerous books are being adapted into movies or shows, but there’s a reason people always say the book is better than the adaptation—it’s because they are. Books provide small, nitty-gritty details that even the greatest scriptwriters and directors can’t evoke on screen.

Before anyone says reading is an expensive hobby, remember you can always support your local library by checking out books—they even offer e-books now! In reality, it’s a win-win situation for all parties.

RICHMOND COUNTY — From eating 12 grapes at midnight to breaking plates at a friend’s door, New Year’s Eve traditions around the world offer unique ways to ring in the year with good fortune and joy.

One common belief claims that eating 12 grapes at midnight brings good luck, with each grape symbolizing a month of the year. The challenge lies in finishing the task before the clock strikes 12:01. Over time, variations of the tradition have emerged. Some people suggest eating the grapes while wearing red underwear, while others add the twist of sitting under a table during the ritual. This custom traces back to Spain in the late 1890s, when grape growers in Alicante promoted the practice to address a surplus from an abundant harvest. The tradition doesn’t favor a particular grape type, leaving it up to the participant to choose between green or red grapes for their midnight snack.

In some cultures, the color of your underwear on New Year’s Eve is believed to set the tone for the year ahead. In Italy, red underwear is said to bring love, luck, and success. In South America, many people wear yellow underwear, a choice thought to bring wealth and prosperity, with an added superstition suggesting extra luck if it’s worn inside out. Meanwhile, in Brazil, white underwear symbolizes peace, happiness, and renewal. For those who follow these customs, it’s also common to discard the New Year’s Eve underwear the next day to ensure a fresh start.

For those hoping to manifest more travel in the upcoming year, Colombians have a unique tradition. To encourage plenty of adventures, participants grab empty suitcases and run around as quickly as they can, believing this will grant them travel opportunities throughout the year.

Another fascinating way to welcome the new year is to break plates — a custom more commonly associated with Greece but practiced in Denmark. There, people throw plates at the doors of friends and family, believing that the more broken plates left on a doorstep, the luckier the household will be in the coming year. For anyone looking for a way to dispose of old china, this tradition offers a perfect opportunity.

Creating New Year’s resolutions remains one of the most universal customs. While studies indicate that many resolutions are forgotten or abandoned by March, the tradition endures as a way to reflect on personal growth and set intentions for the future.

Whether you’re snacking on grapes, choosing your lucky underwear, or dashing through the streets with a suitcase, these traditions are a fun and meaningful way to start the year on a positive note.

RICHMOND COUNTY — Richmond County resident Jerry Andrews is a father, teacher and photographer. These words not only describe him but also define his life’s work and passions.

Andrews’ journey is one where his love for history and photography intersected in meaningful ways.

“I had just gotten out of the military with a very severe injury; I broke my right arm and had to have pins and screws put in it and it forced me to sit back and think about where I wanted to be in life. I didn’t want to be working at textile mills, so I went out to RCC and took a vocational class in architectural drawing and that was a one year program. While I was there, I met Dr. Gene Burrell, who was was over the history department at the time — he also later became the dean of development.”

After spending about a decade in architectural drafting, Andrews knew teaching was his true calling.

“I always had it in my soul that I wanted to be a teacher,” he said, though he initially considered physical education due to his love of sports.

Between 1996 and 1997, Andrews returned to Richmond Community College to earn his associate degree in arts. He frequently attended Dr. Burrell’s classes and credits him for steering him toward history.

“By then, he had sort of taken me under his wing and was trying to encourage me to become a history teacher. Over Christmas break, he encouraged the class to pick up a book called Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose — a story about Lewis and Clark. I started that book and couldn’t put it down, and so Lewis and Clark — that book convinced me to become a history teacher.”

After earning his degree, Andrews applied to UNC Chapel Hill, not believing he’d be accepted, but he was. He attended for a year before transferring to Appalachian State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate.

As a teacher, Andrews combined his love for photography with his passion for history.

“As I begin to travel and visit some of these historical sites, taking photos of those once I became a teacher, I could bring that stuff back to students who may never go to Washington, who may never go to Montana, who may never go to Pearl Harbor. To all of those places I’ve been, I can bring those things back to my students and share them that these aren’t just places in a book, that they’re real places with real bullet holes in them. If you go to Pearl Harbor, where the barracks were, they have restored the building, but they’ve left the bullet holes in the stairwell.

“So it’s very real even to this day,” Andrews said. “If you go out to the U.S.S. Arizona, it’s still leaking oil from 1941.”

Andrews also attended summer seminars with the National Endowment for the Humanities, studying figures like Thomas Jefferson. One of his most memorable trips took him to Montana.

“I’ve told everybody, while I enjoy Pearl Harbor, Montana spoke to me. If you asked me my favorite topic, I would tell you ‘it’s World War II,’ but on a personal level, it’s been Lewis and Clark because I relate to that story,” he said. “Spiritually, Meriwether Lewis is a part of my family. For so much of my life, especially in my early teaching career, I was obsessed with everything that had been written, everything that had come out.”

Andrews takes great pride in being the first college graduate in his family, a milestone that paved the way for his children’s success.

“I’m the first generation college grad, and I’m very proud of that, especially in how it’s affected my children; they are much more refined than I am. They know how to use a fork,” he said.

He’s extremely proud of his daughter who obtained a Ph.D. in pharmacy from Campbell University and of his son who completed his undergraduate degree at UNC Chapel Hill. After graduating in 2016, he has been in the Peace Corps, where he has been in Macedonia for three years, taught in China, and participated in archaeological digs in Israel. Last summer, he was at an archaeological dig in Italy, and now he’s pursuing his master’s at Yale University.

“I’m so proud of them and that they have taken a little bit of education I’ve infected them with to the next level,” he said.

Andrews’ passion for photography began in eighth grade, thanks to a family friend named David Shepard.

“I love cars. I love hot rods and drag racing,” he said. “He [Shepard] was a hot rodder and had a hot rod, so he showed me his car and of course, I fell in love with his car. I wasn’t able to buy a hot rod car, but he started showing me his camera collections, photography gear and some of the pictures he had taken, places he had been, so that’s how I got started with photography.”

Andrews said he believes Shepard was trying to guide him in the right direction, eventually giving him a “ginormous three ring binder correspondence course” that provided all of the photography basics he needed.

“I didn’t think I was going to read it, but then page one eventually led me to page two, then page 102,” he said.

Andrews became a pro behind the lens, shooting film until 2014 when he finally purchased a digital camera.

“I’ve tried to apply those things to my history, bring pictures back,” Andrews said. “If I go somewhere, I get to bring those things back to my students and share that with them. I don’t want to hoard those experiences, it’s the teacher in me — I want to share them with other people.”

One of Andrews’ most memorable teaching moments came when he hosted a panel discussion with his students, based on the book series Band of Brothers, which involved the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis on its way to the Pacific Islands.

“They’ve all come back and said, ‘you taught me how to work through a situation without having to be spooned.’”

As for his legacy, Andrews said he hopes he will have a positive influence on future generations.

“I have some positive influence; whether it’s the arts or education or any of those things to encourage young people to get involved in your community,” he said. “To pick up that piece of trash — don’t throw out that Mountain Dew bottle out the window. You know, to look for ways to improve on what’s already taken place; to have it step up and grow and be even better.”

Everyone has a story to tell. It could be about something that happened yesterday or many years ago.

Stories can be completely true or can let your imagination run wild. Some stories can be like parables in the Bible meant to teach a moral lesson, while others are a way of communication or entertainment.

When folks get a little older, they sometimes tell the same story over and over again. An example of this was my Dad’s story about Mr. Hudson and his old car breaking down. Seems Mr. Hudson was trying to make it up the long Pee Dee River hill coming back from Wadesboro on Hwy 74 when his car just let him down.

The story goes that Mr. Hudson had made a trip from his home above Ellerbe over to Wadesboro to take care of some business. As he started back home to Richmond County, his car knocked off about half-way up the long river hill.

When his car knocked off, Mr. Hudson just let it roll backwards onto the shoulder of the road. Not knowing anything about fixing his car, what was he going to do? It was a longways to walk to Ellerbe for a man of his age and, in that time, there won’t such a thing as a cell phone.

Only thing Mr. Hudson could think of was to wave his white handkerchief in the air when a car happened by. In those days, traffic won’t as heavy as it is today. Seems no one wanted to stop on the muddy shoulders of that long hill.

Finally, a car with a young man and his family pulled in behind Mr. Hudson’s car. The man pulled his parking brake up, got out and asked Mr. Hudson if he could be of any assistance. “Well, yes sir,” said Mr. Hudson. “Do you know anything about mechanic work on cars, young man?” The man replied, “Well, I’ve worked on a few.”

It wasn’t long before the young man had the hood up on Mr. Hudson’s car and was inspecting the motor. Why, it didn’t take him but a jiffy to see that the coil wire of Mr. Hudson’s car had jumped off on one end. After replacing the wire, he told Mr. Hudson to try firing her up. As Mr. Hudson pushed the starter button, the car fired right up and ran like a top.

As the young man lowered the hood, Mr. Hudson, being a gentleman, but also being a little frugal, thanked the man and asked him, “How much do I owe you for your trouble?” The young man started to say, “There will be no charge,” but before he could get the words out of mouth, Mr. Hudson said, “Can’t you do a little better?”

I don’t know if’en Mr. Hudson learned anything from the kindness of a stranger, but I sure hope he changed his ways.

My Dad, just before he died, would tell this story every time our family came up that Pee Dee River hill. To tell you the truth, I got tired of hearing it, but I never said anything. What I wouldn’t pay to hear him tell it again today!

A true storyteller never reads a story but tells it in an audible fashion. He or she tries to paint a picture in the listener’s mind. You know, I can’t draw a lick on canvas, but I would like to think I can paint the most beautiful picture in a person’s mind with my stories. An old storytelling friend of mine once said, “An artist can paint the most wonderful picture of a flowing waterfall on canvas, but a good storyteller will allow you to imagine that same waterfall and even feel the mist coming off of it.”

I’ve been telling stories for most of my life, but as the crowds started getting larger, I became a little nervous. I soon realized that the larger crowds encouraged me to just be myself on stage. If you know your material, things usually go just fine.

Always remember: a story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The story has to flow and should not be dragged out or told too fast. Wait for the reaction of your audience! Some people react differently. I once was telling at a festival and a man on the front row sat just about the whole time with his eyes closed. Why, I didn’t know if the man was bored to death or sleeping. After the show, I asked him how he enjoyed the stories. He said, “I just closed my eyes and pictured in my mind everything you were telling about.”

Everybody can’t write a story, but everyone can become a storyteller. You see, stories are everywhere, if’en you’re a mind to look for them. Just as a photographer longs for a perfect picture, a master storyteller is always on the hunt for a good story.

As the New Year comes in ,stories will be developing every single day. Folks should be telling these stories to their children and grandchildren for years to come of their experiences during these uncertain times.

Never forget, stories are a big part of our lives and our history. If we don’t tell them or write them down, they will be forever and ever lost as generations pass by.

December 25:

0800 - Charlemagne was crowned first Holy Roman Emperor in Rome by Pope Leo III.

1066 - William the Conqueror was crowned king of England.

1223 - St. Francis of Assisi assembled one of the first Nativity scenes, in Greccio, Italy.

1776 - Gen. George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River for a surprise attack against Hessian forces at Trenton, NJ.

1818 - “Silent Night” was performed for the first time, at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorff, Austria.

1868 - U.S. President Andrew Johnson granted an unconditional pardon to all persons involved in the Southern rebellion that resulted in the Civil War.

1894 - The University of Chicago became the first Midwestern football team to play on the west coast. U.C. defeated Stanford, 24-4, in Palo Alto, CA.

1896 - John Philip Sousa finally titled the melody “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

1914 - During World War I, British and German troops observed an unofficial truce and even playing football together on the Western Front.

1917 - The play “Why Marry?” opened at the Astor Theatre in New York City. “Why Marry?” was the first dramatic play to win a Pulitzer Prize.

1926 - Hirohito became the emperor of Japan after the death of his father Emperor Taisho.

1930 - The Mt. Van Hoevenberg bobsled run at Lake Placid, New York opened to the public. It was the first bobsled track of international specifications to open in the U.S.

1931 - Lawrence Tibbett was the featured vocalist as radio came to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The first opera was “Hansel und Gretel” and was heard on the NBC network of stations.

1937 - Arturo Toscanini conducted the first broadcast of “Symphony of the Air” over NBC radio.

1939 - “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, was read on CBS radio for the first time.

1941 - Hong Kong surrendered to the Japanese.

1946 - W.C. Fields died at the age of 66.

1950 - Dick Tracy married on Tess Truehart.

1962 - The Department of Commerce Census Clock in Washington, DC, recorded the U.S. population on this day as 188,000,000.

1971 - The longest pro-football game to date finally ended when Garo Yepremian kicked a field goal in the second quarter of sudden death overtime. The Miami Dolphins defeated Kansas City, 27-24. The total game time was 82 minutes and 40 seconds.

1972 - The Nicaraguan capital Managua was hit by an earthquake. Over 10,000 people were killed.

1979 - The USSR invaded Afghanistan in a bid to halt civil war and protect USSR interests.

1989 - Ousted Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed following a popular uprising.

1989 - Former baseball player and manager Billy Martin died in a truck crash in Fenton, NY.

1989 - Dissident playwright Vaclav Havel was elected president of Czechoslovakia.

1991 - Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev went on television to announce his resignation as leader of a Communist superpower that had already gone out of existence.

1998 - Seven days into their journey, Richard Branson, Steve Fossett and Per Lindstrand of Sweden gave up their attempt to make the first nonstop round-the-world balloon flight. They ditched near Hawaii.

2000 - Over 300 people were killed and dozens were injured by fire at a Christmas party in the Chinese city of Luoyang. The incident occurred at the Dongdu Disco.

Since its 1966 inception, Kwanzaa has become a beloved week-long holiday celebrated by the African American community. Established by professor and chairman of Black studies at California State University, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa was first celebrated December 26, 1966, and ended on January 1, 1967.

The holiday is based on African harvest festival traditions from parts of the West, East, and Southeast locations of Africa.

Families celebrate in various ways, but many incorporate songs, dances, African drums, storytelling, and poetry reading.

On each of the seven nights families gather together, and the children will light one of the candles on the kinara or candleholder. The family then discusses one of the seven principles called Nguzo Saba. Each day of Kwanzaa reflects a different principle for families to celebrate and meditate on.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are geared towards the values of African culture, such as those contributing to building, growing, strengthening, and unifying African American communities in America. The principles are as follows;

Umoja (oo–MO–jah) or Unity

This principle strives for and seeks to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and African American race.

Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) or Self Determination

This principle encourages African Americans to define themselves, name, create, and speak for themselves.

Ujima (oo–GEE–mah) or Collective Work and Responsibility

This principle focuses on building and maintaining community while making each other’s individual problems the communities and encourages African Americans to work towards solving their problems together.

Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah) or Cooperative Economics

This principle encourages African Americans to work towards being entrepreneurs. The idea being to profit together.

Nia (nee–YAH) or Purpose

This principle encourages African Americans to focus on the goal of building and developing their own community while restoring African Americans to traditions of greatness.

Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah) or Creativity

This principle inspires African Americans to always do as much as they can, any way they can, to leave their community more beautiful than when they inherited it.

Imani (ee–MAH–nee) or Faith

This principle is to motivate African Americans to believe in their people, their parents, their teachers, their leaders, and the righteousness and victory of the African American struggle.

In addition to Karenga’s seven principles, he also established seven symbols to represent Kwanzaa.

The first symbol is Mazao or the crops, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Mazao symbolizes work and is the basis of Kwanzaa. It represents the gathering of people and is fashioned after African harvest festivals where joy, sharing, unity, and thanksgiving are celebrated.

The second symbol is Mkeka or Place Mat. The mkeka symbolizes history, culture, and tradition. Often it is made from Kente cloth, African mud cloth, or other textiles from various areas of Africa.

The third symbol of Kwanzaa is Vibunzi or ear of corn, and its meaning is truly beautiful. The corn stalk represents fertility by symbolizing children, as well as the future hopes of the family. One ear of corn is called vibunzi, and two or more ears of corn are called mihindi. Each ear represents a child in the family, and is placed on the mkeka for each child in the family. If the family has no children, two ears of corn are set on the mkeka to symbolize each person is responsible for the children in their community.

The fourth symbol is the one most widely associated with Kawanzaa; Mishumaa Saba or The Seven Candles.

Two primary purposes of the ceremonial candles lit during the holiday is to symbolically re-create the sun’s power and to provide light.

Mishumaa saba are represented by seven total candles; three red, three green and one black.

The first night of Kwanzaa, December 26, is when the black candle is lit. This candle symbolizes Umoja or unity, and also represents success. The three green candles are placed on the right side of the Umoja candle, while the three red candles are placed to the left of the Umoja candle.

The candles represent African gods. The red candle represents Shango, the Yoruba god of fire, thunder, and lightning. Shango lives in the sky and sends down an occasional thunderbolt when he becomes angry or offended. The black candle represents people, earth, and the source of life. It also stands for hope, creativity, and faith. The green candles symbolizes the earth that maintains humanity. It is believed to provide hope, divination, employment, and fruits of the harvest.

The kinara or candle holder represents the original roots of the African Americans community, symbolizing their ancestry. The kinara can come in various shapes, just as long as the seven candles remain separated from each other, and can be made from branches, wood, or other natural materials.

The sixth symbol is Kikombe Cha Umoja or the Unity Cup.

The kikombe cha umoja is a special cup used to perform the libation or tambiko ritual during the Karamu feast on the sixth day of the holiday. Many African societies pour libations for the living dead whose souls are believed to remain with the earth they worked.

On the seventh day of Kawanzaa, Zawadi or gifts are exchanged.

Zawadi are given to encourage growth, achievement, and success, and are exchanged between immediate family members. Gifts are given to encourage or praise accomplishments or commitments that have been kept. Handmade gifts are valued and encouraged.

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