It has been said many times that, really, local elections are the most important, and I agree – the effect on me day-to-day, local elections-school board, county commissioners, mayors, etc.-- …

I have always wanted to be active in my community. From a very early age, my parents instilled in me the values of hard work and service to the community. One of the ways I serve my community is by …

Can you use common “trash” items that are leftover at home and make them into new art items?  Yes, you can! Come to the “Trash to Treasure” Family Craft Program at the Morganton Public …

As punishment for a sinful midweek extravaganza in November 1980, a P.B. Scotts musical escapade that could be felt during a Friday morning staff meeting, News Herald Managing Editor Ted Hall …

Tuesday, March 5, is Primary Election Day in Burke County and across North Carolina. Indeed, Tuesday is “Super Tuesday” as 14 other states are holding primary elections that day, with national …

TO THE EDITOR: Last week’s news story about how Change Healthcare’s cyber attack affected us here in Burke County, thousands of miles away, was an eye opener for some.  However, I’ll …

TO THE EDITOR: Symbols and signs are important.  They can instill love, truths and ideals, but they can also instill racism, hate, untruths and – as we have witnessed - violence. The Burke …

North Carolina is not exactly the last of the big-time spenders when it comes to public education. So far as average teacher pay goes, The Old North State currently ranks 34th out of 50. Talk about …

The schizophrenic personality of late February was on full display last Tuesday in Morganton — frosty cold in the morning, warm and mild in the afternoon, cold once again as evening began to fall. …

TO THE EDITOR: Fifty years ago, when a candidate for office asked you for your vote, they intended and promised to serve you. It was such an honor to serve people, you could take their promise to the …

(Publisher’s Note: There are two kinds of chili in the world. Mine and everyone else’s. The 2024 March Madness Chili Cook Off is a couple of weeks away and the staff at The Paper already is …

Register your child online by March 14 to receive a free tree sapling to be picked up in April at the Morganton Public Library in time for Earth Day. The registration link can be found in the …

I believe in synchronicity, a phenomenon that most of us have experienced at one time or another. A certain number pops up wherever you go; an old friend you haven't seen in 35 years calls the same …

How does a retirement project beget a lifestyle change? A whole new way of thinking and living? One year ago, I compiled a list of projects to undertake during retirement. Nine months into that …

As a young youth minister I used to take my groups up to the Baptist Lifeway Conference Center, beautifully located at the top of that winding mountain portion of I-40 that peaks right before Black …

Explore a humorous take on why running for president isn't on the cards for our columnist, sparked by President Joe Biden's unforgettable mix-up during a recent press conference. This piece dives into the realms of political humor, memory mishaps, and the complexities of immigration policy, all wrapped up with a personal vow never to venture into presidential waters.

A giant, flashing sign beside the interstate blinked an insistent warning: “Caution: Wind Advisory in effect today.” As it is wont to do this time of year, winter – perhaps sensing the end is …

Score one for democracy. Score one for residents of Burke County exercising their constitutional rights. And score one for a man who decided to challenge the system — and won! Dr. Don Hemstreet …

The following guest opinion was written by Burke County Board of Education member Jane Sohovich. It reviews the accomplishments of the current board over the last several years. Media Policy : In …

The works of artists Lance Turner and Mark Poteat will be on exhibit at the Burke Arts Council through March 16. Managing Editor Angela Kuper Copeland provides the full story on the front of today's …

NCSS-Morganton offers its students so many opportunities throughout the school year. From challenging classes to an array of different clubs, students from all across the state use these …

The first thing anyone really notices about me is my name, “William Williamson.” I hope this double name becomes familiar to you as you see the signature photo for my new monthly column here at …

Without question, Lake James – by far the cleanest lake along the Catawba River – is a tremendously positive selling point for Burke County, providing unparalleled opportunities for fishing, …

It was morning rush hour recently and I was barreling south on Hwy 181/Green Street towards Morganton to get to the office after a 7:55 interview on The Big Dawg, Burke County’s oldest, continually …

TO THE EDITOR: Regarding elections for school board in even number years versus odd numbered years. With the exception, I believe, of Mecklenburg and Burke, all other counties‘ school boards in the …