Lining up end-to-end all the hot dogs sold during Hickory Crawdads games last season would equal more than 55 trips around the bases.  The food and beverage team at L.P. Frans Stadium swings for …

Saturday, April 13 WPCC Turns 60 Western Piedmont Community College will celebrate 60 years of higher education in Burke County with its Piedmont Palooza festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A car …

It’s been called the “4-stringed bundle of joy.” If that’s the case, the first weekend of May in downtown Morganton will be a mighty happy place. That’s when ukulele …

Do you like milk chocolate? About half of Americans prefer the creamy smoothness. Or are you more of a dark chocolate fan? That’s preferred by about one-third of us. And nearly 90% prefer a little …

In what promises to be a memorable gala concert that she herself calls “a dream come true,” musical artist Alfreda Gerald returns to her hometown after a stellar performing career to headline the …

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19): Adventure beckons as the stars align for new beginnings. Let the energy of Linville Gorge fuel your passion for discovery. Embrace the unexpected, for it will lead you to …

I was inspired to visit the furniture design and casegoods construction class at Western Piedmont Community College after a conversation with Deborah Jones, executive director of the Burke Arts Council. BAC is hosting its annual Woodworkers Exhibition…

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 Silver Fork Turns 11 Join your friends at Silver Fork Winery as they mark their 11th year in business. Relax with a great glass of wine while you listen to the sounds of Gotcha …

The twists and turns in someone’s life can appear to be a random collection of events without any connection. That’s not how local entrepreneur, author, and publisher of The Paper, Allen …

March is heading out the door but a window is opening – literally – for a new artist to be featured at the around-the-clock mini art display, New Window Gallery in Valdese. Pat Rhea is the …

Andrea Kirk grew up a good Baptist girl who celebrated Easter Sundays with egg hunts, new church dresses, and a nice ham for family lunch.  Then she married David Kirk, and they raised their …

Look up the word "nerd" in the dictionary and you'll probably find a photograph of me, circa 1970. Acne. Horn-rimmed glasses. Bad hair. I loved sports but I was too awkward and physically inept to be …

"I Love Russia" by Elena Kostyuchenko Penguin Press Oct. 17, 2023 The recent death of Alexei Navalny offered yet another sobering reminder of Vladimir Putin’s relentless crackdown on opposition …

DOLMADES - GRAPEVINE LEAVES WITH RICE FILLING INGREDIENTS 1 jar grape leaves, 15 oz. 1 cup rice 1 cup olive oil ⅓ cup lemon juice 5 cups water 3 large onions chopped fine 2 tablespoons tomato paste …

BAKLAVA INGREDIENTS 14 pastry sheets  4 cups of chopped pecans  1 ¼ cups of sugar  1 teaspoon of cinnamon  Grated rind of one orange  1 cup of butter  Syrup: 2 cups …

CRUSTLESS QUICHE INGREDIENTS 5 large eggs 1 cup cream (halve if subbing milk) ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 3 ½  ounces ham, diced 1 cup shredded cheese (Andrea used Swiss cheese) 1 …

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) : This week, love is as unpredictable as a Burke County squirrel crossing the road. Seek harmony at Lake James State Park. Its serene waters mirror the peace you'll find. …

What are the potential risks of viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection?   Exposing your eyes to direct sunlight during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause …

Aries (March 21 - April 19): Your energy is as fiery as ever, leading you towards unexpected adventures. This week, let Lake James State Park's tranquil waters cool your spirits. Remember, even the …

Observers walked quietly through the gallery, pausing before each display to admire the works of art on the wall. Some of them shared their thoughts with others who stood nearby. A jazz combo …

Webster’s dictionary defines “mischief” as “playful misbehavior or troublemaking.”  But Sarah and Craig Merrill’s East Union candy store, Merrill Mischief, is anything but trouble. …

No matter how creative the prose in a book, the act of reading can be rather mundane. You simply turn the page. Artist Sigrid Hice believes the reading experience can be more than that. Hice will …

Ten years ago I entered my Big Al’s Thermodynamic Chili in Morganton’s ACC Chili Cook Off and lost so bad that there was no worse loser. My entry got looked at, passed by, rejected, and that was …

Equinox Beer Celebration, live music, painting, climbing... fun things to do in Burke County this week!

Spring is not only the season for blooms and berries. It is also the season when many local nonprofits organize annual fundraisers to support their worthwhile causes. Here’s a rundown of charity …