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The Paper’s Columnists

No need to be particular about the particulars

By ALLEN VANNOPPEN allen@thepaper.media
Aug 1, 2026
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Publisher Allen VanNoppen thought he was in charge of his life. And then a little gland the size of a walnut showed him exactly who's the boss.

Forget the red convertible -- I bought running shoes

The Paper’s Columnists

Forget the red convertible -- I bought running shoes

By BILL POTEAT bill@thepaper.media
Aug 1, 2026

Editor Emeritus Bill Poteat looks back on the midlife crisis that gripped him nearly 30 years ago. He didn't buy a flashy sports car; he picked up a pair of Asics trainers.

The healing powers of a game of Scrabble

The Paper’s Columnists

The healing powers of a game of Scrabble

By MATT MATTHEWS For The Paper
Aug 1, 2026

Feeling stressed? Take a little while to escape into a board game.

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What secrets does Quaker Meadows Cemetery still hold?

The Paper’s Columnists

What secrets does Quaker Meadows Cemetery still hold?

By DALTON WALTERS For The Paper
Aug 1, 2026

A lot of history can be seen on the surface of Quaker Meadows Cemetery in Morganton. But... what secrets lie beneath the ground?

That's one whale of a tale, even if it's about a dog

The Paper’s Columnists

That's one whale of a tale, even if it's about a dog

By WILLIAM BROWN III For The Paper
Aug 1, 2026

Columnist Bill Brown recounts what a great storyteller his ancestor Joseph Dobson Jr. was.

AI + HI = ROI: A smarter was to serve Burke County

The Paper’s Columnists

AI + HI = ROI: A smarter was to serve Burke County

By JOHNNIE CARSWELL For The Paper
Jul 25, 2026

Former County Commission Johnny Carswell argues that artificial intelligence when combined with human intelligence can produce a return on investment for Burke County.

Of death and other inconveniences in life

The Paper’s Columnists

Of death and other inconveniences in life

By MATT MATTHEWS For The Paper
Jul 25, 2026

Columnist Matt Matthews reminds us that the end of life brings both cause for grief and celebration.

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NC a swing state, but Burke not a swing county

The Paper’s Columnists

NC a swing state, but Burke not a swing county

By BILL POTEAT bill@thepaper.media
Jul 25, 2026

The esteemed Editor Emeritus Bill Poteat takes a look back at presidential voting in Burke County over the past 60 years and how the GOP now dominates presidential elections

A suggestion for Trump's Rigged Elections Syndrome

The Paper’s Columnists

A suggestion for Trump's Rigged Elections Syndrome

By LARRY CLARK For The Paper
Jul 25, 2026

Columnist Larry Clark examines President Trump's claim that America's elections are rigged and crooked. But only if he loses.

The Paper’s Columnists

Men, women, and the meaning of 'corn'

By ALLEN VANNOPPEN allen@thepaper.media
Jul 25, 2026

Publisher Allen VanNoppen examines the ongoing struggle which husbands and wives have in communicating with each other.

The Paper’s Columnists

Living in the neighborhood of wonder

By JUDITH TEELE For The Paper
Jul 25, 2026

Columnist Judith Teele weaves an enchanting story of and how it can spring from a sunset, a landscape, a a smile, art, a cathederal with soaring arches, or a perfectly timed, deep human connection.