Recent Articles

Dear Holly,
There used to be a commercial on TV a few years ago that had the tagline "Life comes at you fast." That's the truth.
This is birthday 24. I remember all those times people said, "It flies by, you better not blink." A country singer even wrote a song called "Don't Blink" that was a pretty big hit.

This week's edition (front page) brings the announcement of a 160-acre subdivision proposed, and approved, in Castalia. I never thought I'd see a time where that size of a development would be planted in the tiny town of Castalia. The town is known for its long-time July 4th Celebration and hospitality plus quite a heritage dating back 150 years. It's also known for its small boundaries and rural flavor.
There seemed to be some opposition to the proposal, which isn't surprising.

This photo was originally published in The Nashville Graphic on March 13, 1980. Nashville Police Patrolman Don Skinner (right) was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assistant chief. Pictured left was Police Chief William Dean Sirginson.

CASTALIA - David "Pac-Man" Braswell was named, posthumously, the Patriotic Citizen of the Year for this year's Castalia Independence Day Celebration.
Braswell passed away on March 1 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Castalia's Board of Commissioners recognized Braswell on Tuesday night with a memorial proclamation, presenting it to Braswell's wife, Rachel. Braswell's brother, Cliff, and Cliff's fiancé were also present to accept the proclamation.

Congressman Don Davis, center right, poses with Nashville town officials March 25th while presenting a check from Common Project Funds, to be used towards sewer improvements in the Regency and Essex Road neighborhoods.

Warrant service; call for service reported on 3/28/24; possession schedule I controlled substance, felony reported at 100 N. Boddie St., Nashville on 3/27/24
Assault on chIld under 12 reported at 209 Virginia Ave., Nashville on 3/28/24
DWI reported at 1577 Taylors Store Rd., Nashville on 3/28/24
Damage to personal property reported at 2152 Algie Rd., Nashville on 3/30/24

INCIDENTS
Trespass-first degree; breaking or entering into or breaking out of motor vehicle(s) reported at 108 Barnes St., Nashville on 3/24/24
Death investigation reported at 407 Old Wilson Rd., Nashville on 3/24/24
Larceny after breaking and entering; damage to real property; felony breaking and/or entering reported at 813 Western Ave., Nashville on 3/27/24

NASHVILLE - Manhole work, additional staffing and big-ticket truck replacements make up the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget request list from Nashville's Public Works. Lee Brown, director, made his presentation March 19, at the budget retreat portion of the Nashville Town Council meeting.
Brown began with a list of completed and in-progress major initiatives for FY24, paid for through water and sewer fees.

NASHVILLE - Reliable internet and IT service, security cameras, an external defibrillator, and new chairs are what the Harold D. Cooley Library needs, according to Brian Booth, Library Director, who made a presentation March 19 at the Nashville Town Council's budget retreat.
Desktop internet and IT services went missing at the library around Christmas, leaving the front lobby usually quiet. Booth said patrons used laptops when the desktops went down and library staff were able to provide mobile printing.

Easter is my favorite holiday. I've always thought of Easter as a season of celebration. Not only does it also usher in spring, it also renews the hope and joy that winter seems to steal from so many of us.
Our former church in Georgia used to host an Easter production each year. There was a cast and crew of over 350. Literally thousands would come early one of the seven nights that the play ran just to get a seat. Hundreds of those who came to worship left having accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Fighting sin is spiritual warfare, and warfare requires a battle plan. If left to our own devices, we would have little success against our unseen enemy.
Thankfully, God's word supplies wisdom to assist us in eluding the evil one's snares. We'll begin by briefly considering how not to engage in the battle, followed by practical tactics to flee sin and follow God.
Pretending sin isn't there won't help you fight it, as with Ben. Ben was a jokester, but at times his jesting became inappropriate.

As spring starts, the N.C. Department of Transportation is gearing up for its annual Spring Litter Sweep from April 13-27.
The Spring Litter Sweep, one of NCDOT's roadside litter removal initiatives, harnesses the power of community engagement to tackle the issue of roadside litter. During the two-week period, residents are encouraged to participate in local efforts to help clean up North Carolina's roads.

New single family dwelling; 9611 Bear Run Lane, Middlesex; Payton Creech; $300,000
Detached accessory structure; 606 E. Nash St., Spring Hope; Alex Marlowe: $12,900
Open shelter detached; 1402 Fairfield Rd., Nashville; Pedro Pacheco; $1,500
Modular; 3136 Octavia Dr., Rocky Mount; Donna Austin; $447,200

NASHVILLE - New software to centralize employment actions and a third-party study of town departments are what Nashville's Human Resources Department is asking for in the upcoming fiscal year 24-25 budget, because "Nashville is proliferating," according to Trey Sanderson, Human Resources Director.
Sanderson made a presentation at the March 19 Budget Retreat session of the Nashville Town Council, stating that since he had only been there three months, he was best equipped to speak of current needs rather than past accomplishments.

NASHVILLE - What began as a regular meeting of the Nash County Board of Education Administrative Services and Operations Committee March 25 turned into a cloak and dagger series of unclear phrases and accusations as a struggle ensued between board members about voting for something during public session without ever stating what that "something" was.
According to board member remarks, the matter at hand appears to be related to the potential hire of an outside contractor for consultative services.

NASHVILLE - Nash County Sheriff's Office Lt. Angel Ricks, nominated by Nashville's American Legion Post 110 for State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, has achieved that award for North Carolina and is being considered for a district award.
Ricks is due to receive state recognition at the State Convention in June, and will find out then if she will continue on as a district candidate.