Latest Good News
Judge Andy Myrick: The Power of a Community in Recovery
IN LINCOLN County's courthouse, addiction’s grip tightened relentlessly. Judge Andy Myrick's docket overflowed with repeat offenders, their charges a stark reflection of substance abuse's grip on...
Letter From the Editor
THE PEOPLE of the year 1000 faced division, uncertainty, and fear for the future. They didn’t know it then, but they stood at the edge of change, transitioning from the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages....
Korean Jewels Club: Fayetteville’s Gem of Cultural Exchange
IN A town that wears its history like a well-loved quilt, a local club adds patches woven of surprising cultural threads. From Camp Blount to our long-standing traditions like the Host of Christmas...
Tim Smith: Trails of Faith
THE TRAIL, long-established yet bearing recent footprints, stretched before him, promising breathtaking views and vistas with undergrowth of wildflowers, moss, and ferns. It also presented steep...
Letter From The Editor
AUTUMN SETTLES into our town like a puppy in a warm bed. There’s a magic in the air that only this season can bring. Golden leaves drift gently from the trees, painting the sidewalks in shades of...
From Boulders of Brokenness to Stones of Strength
AT OLDE Town Protein & Energy in Petersburg, a mother watches her children huddled over adjoining, pint-sized tables, paint brushes moving thoughtfully across river rocks. These stolen moments...
A Legacy of Love and Care in Lincoln County
AS THEY sit in the warmth of their mother’s home where her laughter once echoed and every corner holds a cherished memory, two grieving daughters, Lisa and Andrea, reflect on the immeasurable love...
The Voice of Comfort
BEFORE WE streamed our music and subscribed to an infinite number of podcasts, local radio kept us company in our vehicles, on our jobs, and around our homes. The station’s broadcasters weren’t just...
Answering the Call: A Couple’s Lifetime Impact
THE DAYS were already long. He challenged geometry students with theorems and proofs, balanced like the opposite sides of a parallelogram with banter that demonstrated his care and concern. Students...
Bill Trimble: Love, Luck and Lasting Happiness
THE OFFICE’S furniture and decor matched his job description — drab and mundane. When Warren Bill Trimble hitchhiked from Sheffield, Alabama, to the Birmingham enlistment office in 1946, hours on...
Letter From The Editor
SHE FLASHES her lights and pushes the gas pedal a little harder. The walkie-talkie is too quiet, so she spins the dial and makes her bulletproof vest a little more comfortable. She worked hard to...
Amy Fitch: Advocating For The Best Response
“9 11, WHAT’S your emergency?” We expect to hear it when we dial those three numbers in a crisis. All that’s on our minds is getting the quickest help possible. Television and movies are likely all...
Scott Whitworth: It Was There All Along
IT’S A time of transition, celebration, and, for many, uncertainty. They hang their caps and gowns in the back of their closets, their tassels on their rearview mirror, and their hopes and dreams on...
Letter From the Editor
OUR FOOD nourishes us, from the soil beneath our feet to the table where we gather with family and friends. The hot sun beams from the sky into the field of sprouting seeds. Farmers rise early,...
Heidi Fowler: Buzzing With Creativity
The gentle breeze whispered, “Come on out,” as the branches’ unfurling leaves waved at her, coaxing her from the open back door. New ferns spilling out of her mama’s concrete urns gently billowed,...
Eagle Spirit Karate: Beyond Kicks and Punches
WHAT’S YOUR karate IQ? Is it informed by the wise instructor from “The Karate Kid,” Mr. Miyagi, or the or the Netflix series “Cobra Kai’’? Perhaps you still enjoy reruns of “Walker, Texas Ranger,”...
James “Skip” Parkes: The Heart Of A Hunter
AS THE late afternoon sun cast its last shadows over the Kentucky woods, she limped into the open field, her young fawn following along playfully. “Take my coat off,” James “Skip” Parkes said to...
Better Eating, Better Living
COOKING WITH produce, meats, and spices from nearby farms and growers brings the freshest flavors to our tables. And choosing local ingredients benefits our community while enhancing our family...
Tailgate Like a Champion
WHEN THE stadium lights blaze and the roar of the crowd echoes, true fans know the game-day experience begins in the parking lot. Celebrate your team’s spirit with these tailgating recipes, which...
Jonathan Brown: Serving up Success at Lincoln County High School
THE SHADOWS of the late afternoon sun drape the asphalt courts as the Lincoln County High School (LCHS) tennis team battles its district rival. The rhythmic thwacks of fuzzy yellow balls drilling...
Autumn Humerickhouse: Beyond the Stage: Inclusive Spaces and Artistic Expression
AS THE curtain fell on the Dec. 8, 2017, performance of The Broadway Show Stoppers in Chicago, the young performers buzzed with the excitement of their debut professional performance outside their...
The Groce Family Legacy: Championing Health Care in Lincoln County
SOME ARE lucky enough to find work they love; others go through the motions of their jobs to pursueoutside passions once the workday ends. Few are blessed to have both — a job that fits their skills...
Letter From the Editor; Where Champions are Made
THE CROWD fills the stands, row after row, of people in our high school’s colors. The family in front of you sits down with a fresh hot dog from the concession stand. It’s still steaming with a...
Dr. Jones: 44 Years of Being Loved in the Community
IN AN age where technology often overshadows personal connections, our community’s very own Dr. William R. Jones remains a shining example of genuine human warmth and compassion. For 44 years, Dr....
Savor Summer’s Bounty
AS THE warm summer sun shines high in the Southern sky, it’s time to embrace the vibrant flavors of the season. Our July recipes showcase the best of summer’s produce, from juicy peaches and crisp...
Jon Bradford: ‘Nobody Cares. Work Harder!’
THE MOTTO, “Nobody cares. Work harder!” — made popular by podcast host, author, and endurance trainer Cameron Hanes — may sound harsh to some, but to Jon Bradford, those words were the motivation he...
Megan Ashley: ‘Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear’
ADVERSITY CAN come in many forms — from personal setbacks, financial struggles, loss of loved ones, and unexpected obstacles to health issues. While adversity is an inevitable part of the human...
Letter From the Editor: Dreams Come True
WHEN I was 8, I wanted to be a teacher. I remember my third grade teacher clicking the chalk on the green board on the wall. And when I was 9, I wanted to be a director. My parents bought me a...
Cruisin’ for a Cure
DOZENS OF cars — from old classics to Corvettes fresh off the car lot — line The Rock Family Worship Center parking lot. The smell of food trucks permeates the air as people inspect the many craft...
Letter From the Editor: Independence
IF YOU took a snapshot of any moment in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct our wrongs, to heal, and to...
Food Critic: The Best Fast Food In Town
KEN’S FAST Foods is the best place in town to get a slawburger and fries! I have eaten other slawburgers in Fayetteville, but hands down, Ken’s is the best. The Elk Valley Times asked readers to...
Chris Hendrickson: A New Citizen in Lincoln County
THE STATUE of Liberty has remained a symbol of hope in New York Harbor since France gave it to our country to commemorate our allegiance to one another during the American Revolution. The statue on...
Lincoln Barbecue: A Taste of History
JULY FOURTH is a day for community, fireworks, parades, and food from the annual Lincoln Barbecue. Every year, members of the Lincoln community line up for the delicious barbecue and homemade...
Sgt. Jonathan Allen: Highway Hero
THUNDER RATTLED every window in Kathy’s car. Lightning streaked across the blackening clouds above the back roads of Lincoln County. She gripped her steering wheel and leaned closer to the...
Local Recipes: Fireworks, Flavor, and Family
WHAT BETTER time to indulge in the ultimate celebration of all things American: backyard barbecues, July Fourth festivities, and the comforting flavors of home? Let’s salute the classic dishes that...
Letter From the Editor: Vacation in Fayetteville
SUMMER IS coming. And surely your home will sit empty for a week in this heat. The playful cheers of the kids on summer break go missing for a week that was planned for a year. The dishes sit in the...
Si, to Señor Lopez!
ON THE south side of Fayetteville’s historic square, there’s a Mexican restaurant you won’t want to miss if you love Mexican food like I do. It’s my favorite! On a recent Monday night, I visited...
The Community Development Center’s Programs Turn Challenges Into Possibilities
WE OFTEN overlook the significance of basic abilities such as independence, clear sight, good hearing, problem-solving skills, and easy access to essential resources. Navigating the challenges...
Middle School Baller Scores Big With Hair Donations
LIKE A middle school basketball game, each day unfolds like a steady race toward the season championship. Bells signal class changes, not scoreboard buzzers, and cafeteria lunches offer healthier...
Past, Present, Future: FCE Club Plugs Into Community, Leaving a Lasting Mark
WE LIVE plugged-in, with the quality of our days dependent upon technology and connections. Notifications ding, DoorDash bells ring, and the microwave’s timer calls “done.” Apps promise everything...
Letter From the Editor: The Impact of ‘Shop Local’
THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...
Old Taft Depot: A Small Place for a Big Taste!
LIKE MOST other small towns, Fayetteville has some of America’s most popular fast-food restaurants where you can get a mediocre cheeseburger and fries. You can even get your sweet treat fix through...
Team Gatlin of Leading Edge Real Estate Is a Picture of Effective Teamwork.
AFTER MONTHS of checking out local home listings and daydreaming about a move, you’re finally ready. The real estate market seems like a maze, and the idea of navigating it might be overwhelming,...
Mary Jane Porter and Her Staff Serve Lincoln County Taxpayers With Kindness.
AS YOU shuffle through the day’s mail, a single envelope erases your good mood in the blink of an eye. The return address is enough to tell you it’s almost time to pay your property taxes. Even...
Michelle Costanzo: The Gift of Family
TIME COULDN’T pass any slower. Hope cracked open a door in 1996 when an Arizona liaison located Michelle Costanzo’s birth mother in Pennsylvania. But when her response finally arrived, it appeared...
Letter From the Editor: The Learning Curve
THE METAL beams tick, tick, tick with every inch the cart climbs to the top of the hill. The experienced thrill-seekers in the front cart raise their hands as the coaster inches toward the climax of...
FPU’s Student Utility Board Creates Tomorrow’s Leaders
Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) seeks ways to give back to the local community, and youth programs offer many opportunities to make positive changes that have a lasting impact. For this reason,...
The 411 on 431 BBQ
WHEN I hear the word barbecue mentioned, I immediately think of my late father, Benny. He loved a good “barbecue joint” as he called such restaurants most of the time. If someone recommended a new...
Cubmaster Robert Harvell Sparks Connections to Nature and the World.
BOOTS CRUNCH over dead leaves, a symphony of anticipation echoing in the tranquil woods as sunlight flickers through the canopy, speckling the faces of young explorers eager for knowledge lost in...
Two Local Educators Receive Yale Educator Awards.
WHEN JAY Simms moved to Yale University’s campus last summer, he took more than his hopes, dreams, and dorm furniture; he took the influence and inspiration of his former teachers and counselors....
A Unity School Coach Sees the Blessings of Cancer and Community.
THE LITTLE girl who always loved school would never have imagined how deep her love for school would grow. She couldn’t know how her participation in athletics was weaving a tapestry of love and...
Empowering Future Health Care Leaders: The HH Lincoln Health Student Advisory Board
AT THE forefront of shaping tomorrow’s health care leaders, the HH Lincoln Health Student Advisory Board is turning aspirations into action for local high school juniors and seniors, one student at...
Letter From the Editor: Charity Spotlight
IN THE quiet corners around us, away from negativity, thrive the true heartbeats of our community — the local charities and the selfless individuals who support them. It’s in these spaces, often...
All Aboard! Let’s Go to Junction 64!
THERE’S A new restaurant on U.S. 64, near Interstate Highway 65. Like most locals, when I hear about a new restaurant opening, I can’t wait to try it. In a small town, it gives everyone something to...
A Local Partnership in School Nutrition Feeds Students Today and the Community in the Future.
THE SCHOOL lunches of our childhood memories vary greatly depending on the era in which you pulled up a seat at the cafeteria table. The most mature readers likely ate at home. When the Great...
Fayetteville’s Tractor Supply Team Knows Your Name.
IN THE heart of rural America, where the fields stretch wide, and community ties run deep, Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stands as a vital hub for those who till the land and tend to their animals....
Gail Wilbur’s Patches Place Cat Rescue Impacts the Local Feral and Abandoned Cat Population.
WITH A heart full of compassion, Gail Wilbur is on a mission transcending the ordinary. She is the driving force behind Patches Place Cat Rescue, a local cat rescue and Trap-Neuter-Return nonprofit,...
Every Gesture of Love is from the Heart
IT'S HOLDING the door open for the person behind you. It's sending a sweet text when they cross your mind. It’s stopping by to say “hi” when they’ve had a bad day. Showing up and showing love is...
Recipes: Savor the Sweetness of Love
IT’S TIME for embracing warmth, love, and the joy of sharing delicious meals with those closest to our hearts. As we endure the lingering winter days, here’s a selection of recipes filled with...
Something Old, New, & Reimagined
THEY LOVE the thrill of the hunt. Cheryl Hobbs said she comes from a long line of women who sat up on Saturdays and sold their items at yard sales, auctions, and other events. The success of...
Brimen’s Hair Studio Knows You Deserve to Feel Beautiful.
AT TRUVY’S Beauty Spot in “Steel Magnolias,” kinship forms among the stylists and their clients while hair color processes and dries under the blower. The laughter and free therapy leave hearts...
A Local Team Is Working to End Bedlessness in Lincoln County.
THE SILVER moon projects a light show of dancing branches upon the curtain, a winter waltz accompanied by the gentle hum of the heating unit. Pint-sized construction equipment and building blocks...
Chase Bowden’s Commitment to Excellence in His Job Sets the Foundation for a Better Life.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE is the mark for Chase Bowden in his position at Copperweld. This American bimetals manufacturer became a leader in the wire and cable industry by engineering wire differently....
Letter From the Editor: Hometown Healing
THE FIRST sounds of life are screams and cries of joy. Oxygen fills little lungs for the first time. The lights above are bright. And the beeping machines from every corner of the room can be...
The Heart of Giving
EVERYTHING WAS ready for her. Gifts from friends and family contributed to the completion of the lovingly decorated nursery. Dresser drawers were filled with gowns and outfits, and the rocking chair...
The Bank of Lincoln County Makes a Difference.
CHRISTMAS IS the season of giving. Family and friends gather to share food, gifts, and precious time that will create life-long memories. Christmas also offers the opportunity to give back, making...
Fayetteville City Schools’ Social Workers Are Shaping a Brighter Future.
WHILE SOME students experience a school year filled with the excitement of homecoming events, spirited sports competitions, and bustling after-school projects, a different reality their siblings,...
Derian Morales: From Dream to Reality
At the age of 15, Derian Morales made the difficult decision to leave Honduras for a better future in the United States. He dreamed of helping his family financially, but he knew it would not be...
Gloria Armstrong: Nursing With Compassion
IT WAS a time when the world and healthcare resembled a sci-fi horror movie more than the world we’d known. At least our world before the pandemic was larger than theirs. The world of patients...
Recipes: Savor the Flavor of Well-Being
AS WE step into the new year, explore the tastes of hometown healing through recipes built around healthy ingredients. A soup loaded with healthy vegetables flavored with your favorite herbs hits...
Letter From the Editor: Experience the Good This Holiday Season
LIKE THE cozy warmth of a heated blanket, Good News and the holidays are in the air once again. The season of festive lights, crackling fireplaces, and familiar carols is upon us, inviting a sense...
Finding the Lost Residents of the Poor Farm
BEFORE THERE was food stamps and welfare, there were poor farms. People with mental and physical disabilities, those without financial or familial support, or those who were unable to work stayed...
Rekindle the Flavors of Food and Family This Holiday Season.
ALONG WITH December’s hustle and bustle, our kitchens come alive with the spirit of the holidays. As friends and families gather, delightful treats take center stage, each dish a connection to...
Letter From the Editor: Saluting Our Local Heroes
WE ENCOUNTER unsung heroes who walk among us without recognition. They may not be wearing a cape and a mask, but they’re a hero regardless. Their unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice makes...
Fayetteville Public Utilities Answers the Call
Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) has a longstanding history of answering the call when there is a need. From restoring local utilities to responding when disaster strikes miles away from home,...
Forget the Scales. Get Ready to Plan Your Holiday Parties and Dinners
THANKSGIVING AND Christmas are getting closer, and it's time to plan for parties and get-togethers. Old standards served alongside new recipes on family buffets with family china, and finger foods...
In Other News
‘The Trailer Park’ Grand Opening: A Creative Hub for Art, Food, and Music in Lincoln County In July, Jennie Roles-Walter, an artist, teacher, county commissioner, and mom, launched...
Letter From the Editor: A Breath of Fresh Air
NOTHING EXCITES me more than the idea of autumn. The trees are beautiful and never fail to take your breath away and then give it back to you. The perfect Saturday is a cool breeze coming in from...
Recipes: Fall Brings Sweet Treats and Savory Favorites
AUTUMN BRINGS a bounty of delicious foods to enjoy as the weather cools down. From sweet to savory, there are plenty of flavors to savor during the fall season. Nothing quite beats a warm apple...
Letter From the Editor: Chasing Dreams, Creating Legends
OUR HOMETOWN sports is not simply a spectacle of athletic prowess; it is a celebration of the human spirit — an embodiment of the unwavering bond that emerges when we come together to support our...
A Local Educator’s Inspiring Journey With Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
WHEN HILARY Hardin taught middle school English, students weren’t always happy to see her. Now, as the librarian for South Lincoln School, she’s their superhero, or at least a smiling face during a...
The Owner of Stovall’s Body Shop on 55 Years of Excellent Service
IT COULD be the speedy service. It could be the family name or the devotion to God and country. Whatever it is, it’s working for Stovall’s Body Shop and Wrecker Service. The Fayetteville staple has...
Love, Sweat, and Home Runs – The Resilience of a Sports Mom
AS THE sun rises over Tennessee baseball diamonds, golf courses, and public school parking lots, parents like Tana Adams make sure uniforms are freshly washed, the fridge is stocked, and the...
“In Other News”
HH Lincoln Health celebrates a year of improved healthcare HH LINCOLN Health (HHLH) celebrated its one-year anniversary as part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System with a ribbon-cutting...
Students, Schools, and Local Organizations Rally Together for the Cause at Blue Ribbon Walk.
"WE ALL think, "What would I do if I won the lottery?' When I have those daydreams, assisting Junior's House is always at the top of my list," Executive Director Crystal Guess, M.S., MSP, said....
Services Made to Order: Fayetteville Public Utilities
Building a new home is one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions a person can make. This decision is not one to take lightly and can consist of years of planning. In a lifetime, the...
Faith: Discovering Your Unique Purpose Through the Lens of Faith
AS A member of a group of people that only make up about 14% of the country’s population, and as a woman, I have faced unique challenges and experiences that have shaped my identity and journey of...
Lincoln County High School 2023 Graduate Accepts Ivy League Full Scholarship.
AN IVY League mentality is in Jay Simms’ DNA. At home, college football helmets lined up on a table and hanging on the walls testify to his dad’s love of the game. He impressed upon his son that the...
Western Square Dance Keeps Thursdays Moving at the Fayetteville Recreation Center.
THE FAMILIAR piano notes open “Walking in Memphis” as four couples form a square at the Fayetteville Recreation Center on Thursday night. But instead of “Put on my blue suede shoes and I boarded the...
Annual Firecracker Chase Raises Funds for Local Organizations
THE ENERGY in the air was palpable as participants stretched their legs, bounced up and down, and took a competitive glance around at their fellow participants. Some were neighbors, and others were...
Letter From the Editor: Savoring the Summer Delights
AS THE sun casts its golden glow upon our world, we find ourselves awakening to the delights of summer – the vibrant colors, the warm breezes, and the echoes of laughter and togetherness. With the...
Wayne Owens and Jim Steelman Are Cemetery Site Investigators.
IT’S A different world today. With a little spit or a swab of your cheek, a DNA test kit will promise to return details of your ancestors’ country of origin, inform you of your health issues, and...
Recipes: Fresh From the Farmers Market
AS THE lazy days of summer drift into the warm embrace of August, our taste buds welcome the vibrant flavors offered by nature. The richness of the harvest season arrives as farmers markets brim...
Letter From the Editor: The Future Is Bright
WHEN I think of the next generation, I feel excitement. I want this issue of Good News to be a joyous celebration of the young adults who will be the leaders of tomorrow, carrying the torch of...
Faith: The Power of Perspective
WE SAW the sky but little else through the window in the room where we sat. The gray and white clouds marched briskly by as blues and grays traded places. She was convinced the clouds would...
Tractor Day Promotes the National FFA Organization Through a Day of Celebration.
AS THE sun breaks the horizon to begin the day, many can hear the rough but rhythmic sounds of a tractor approaching the parking lot of Lincoln County High School (LCHS). Its appearance is a sign...
Recipes: Savor Summer’s Easy Living
AS SUMMER heats up, so do our grills and smokers, giving our kitchens a well-deserved break. Casual worknight dinners, weekend celebrations, and holiday parties bring together families for good food...
Fayetteville Main Street Youth Leaders Council Shapes Future Leaders of the Community.
WHEN SOMEONE mentions Main Street, what comes to mind? Is it Mayberry? A trip to any small town, exploring new sights, shops, and stores? Or does Fayetteville’s central business district come to...
Fayetteville Public Utilities – People Serving People
One summer afternoon, you notice dark clouds building in the distance. You check the weather and realize a storm is approaching. Twenty minutes later, the intense lightning, rolling thunder and...
Bank of Lincoln County Invests in the Next Generation
JIM RYUN said, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” The Bank of Lincoln County (BOLC) motivates Lincoln County students with School Bank, its student savings...
Letter From The Editor – Your Local Summer Guide
THE AIR is thick and heavy, like a woolen blanket draped over the landscape. The sun blazes down, casting a golden glow over the world below. The grass is tall and green, swaying in the breeze like...
Marty LeBlanc – Local Engineering Educator Receives International Award.
INSIDE AN unassuming building on the Lincoln County High School campus, tomorrow’s technology is developing, one idea at a time. What begins as a concept mapped out on a whiteboard wall is brought...
Craig Game Preserve Is Under New Ownership.
IT’S A timeless struggle, the setting of many stories and movies. Tradition nudges you to follow in your family’s footsteps while your heart pulls you in a different direction, leaving you torn...
Foster Grandparent Program Sends Seniors Back to School.
Ah, retirement! We dream about it, save for it, and imagine how we’ll fill our days. While many seniors and retirees find countless ways to spend their time, others discover extra time on their...
Recipes: Flavor the Day With Backyard Grilling.
THE BREEZE carries a hickory-smoked aroma from the nearby grill throughout the backyard as the family laughs and catches up in the early summer sunshine. It’s Dad’s day, but any excuse to get...
Faith: “I Got You, Girl.”
IT IS the best of times; it is (sometimes) the worst of times. I have three children, ages 16, 12, and 5. It’s not lost on me how fast they grow. Now, with a child who is nearing 18, it really does...
Fabulous Fifties Show Showcases Local Talent.
THE STAGE was set, performers prepared, and the audience was ready for one of their favorite performances of the year, the Fabulous Fifties Show. This was the 36th year for the annual show that...
Letter From the Editor – The Impact of ‘Shop Local’
THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...
Male-Dominated Industry Has Local Female Assistant Manager
VISIT THE Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) website, and you’ll see that FPU serves 34,330 customers over a system undergirded by $213.3 million in gross plant assets, including 3,071 miles of...
Mary Allison Dempsey’s Brother Inspires Her to Save Lives.
THEY WERE her childhood heroes. When her family needed them, they were there. When complications from her brother’s diabetes required immediate attention, she knew they would always come, and they...
Lincoln County Trap Team Passes 16 Years of Teaching Safety and Sportsmanship.
"PULL!” AT the shooter’s call, clay discs are hurled at 42 mph into the air, simulating a hunter’s flying game. Lincoln County Trap Team members are competing for more than bragging rights, and the...
Recipes – Nothing Tastes Like Mama’s Cooking.
EVER CATCH the aroma of a memory? You know the one — your mama’s Sunday pot roast, fried onions and potatoes, chocolate chip cookies, or cinnamon rolls? We do our best to recreate them for our...
Faith – Dare to Finish the Race
STAR OLYMPIAN Usain Bolt is known as the fastest man in the world, and his reputation was cemented when he won the gold medal in the 100-meter race at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London...
Fayetteville Main Street Presents the First-Ever Chocolate Walk.
LOCALS WERE making a sweet trip around town, attending the first-ever Chocolate Walk event in downtown Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Main Street program sponsored the event to bring folks in to see...
Life With Autism Spectrum Disorder Is Beautifully Different.
Sometimes life just isn’t what it seems. There are situations where we view each other through the fishbowl of life. We watch from outside, sure of what we’re seeing. Meanwhile, inside, life is its...
Letter From the Editor – Education in Bloom
I THINK OF education the same way I think of the spring season. In that time of year, out of season and lifeless-looking trees begin to bloom and become like new. The new nutrients, new water, and...
National Library Week Is on the Way: April 23-29
MEMORIES OF books, card catalogs, and hushing librarians come to mind when we recall the libraries of our childhood. We can almost smell that perfect mixture of paper, dust, and nostalgia. Those...
Award-Winning School System Builds Relationships, Provides Strong Foundation for Student Success.
RECOGNIZED ON a national stage through the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, while still retaining the family atmosphere where students are not just a number, Fayetteville City Schools is a true...
Local Girl Scout Troop Continues to Build Local Leaders.
YOUR FIRST thoughts when you hear “Girl Scouts” may be of Thin Mints and Tagalongs©, and who could blame you? Hold that thought because your favorite limited-time treat does much more than satisfy...
Courthouse Deputies Direct With Kindness and Heart.
DRIVING TOWARD the Fayetteville square, the Lincoln County Courthouse stands like a sentry over the community. It’s an architectural dream, breathtaking in the glow of early morning or against an...
FPU’s Student Utility Board Thrives
In 2010, Fayetteville Public Utilities' (FPU) CEO/General Manager Britt Dye envisioned a project to help generate awareness of the utility company and its role in the community. Dye's idea grew into...
“The Nutcracker of Lincoln County” Returns After a Four-Year Hiatus.
A FOUR-YEAR HIATUS of theater or musical production almost always means the end of it. People grow up, move on, or do not wish to revive what was put on hold. It takes dedication, devotion, and...
The women of Fayetteville
THE TEST of history has proven that women have been foundational, like a sturdy rock that can withstand a storm. They overcame obstacles century after century, constantly adapting to the needs of...
Women of Fayetteville
JUST OVER 100 years ago, women finally received what other Americans, but not all, already had — the right to vote. Now, we have the opportunity to lift up and celebrate the groundbreaking women...
Skills Development helps local people find the dignity of work.
AT WORK, Eddie Medley wears many hats: job coach, record keeper, counselor, facilitator, job developer, etc. But he said it all comes down to three important tasks: advocate, facilitate, and...
Dana Casey – At Home at Highland Rim
DANA CASEY has always loved school; it’s where she’s wanted to be for as long as she can remember. As a little girl, she loved to play school and was always happy to receive old, discarded textbooks...
Karen Martinez-Davis – The American Dream Can Be Found Right Here in Fayetteville.
WHEN KAREN Martinez-Davis met Kyle Davis in their first year of high school, neither could have imagined their future. Most students were focused on making it to class on time and hanging out with...
Fayetteville Main Street Hosts Its Annual Main Street Ball.
THE STAGE was set for an Oscar-worthy evening where attendees enjoyed an evening on the red carpet while raising awareness and funds for a beloved hometown organization. The third annual Main Street...
Recipes – Spread the love
MARCH 1 is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day — a day to celebrate the rich, gooey goodness of a pantry staple. What better way to start the day than with a batch of special pancakes? Then, keep up...
Faith – Carrying the torch for Mimi
IT’S THE curse of getting older — you know — being told that we are acting like our parents by taking on their traits, actions, and beliefs. And it’s true. Now, at 39, I find it happening to me,...
From the heart
IMAGINE LIFE is a car, and our goal is to make it from one side of the country to the other. The only way to do that is by having a full tank of gas. What is the gas in our lives, as humans, that...
Recipes – Surprise and Delight Your Loved One With Valentine’s Day Treats.
ROSES ARE red, violets are blue, treat your loved one to a treat that is made by you! Whether you’re celebrating the beginnings of a new relationship, or spending the day with your longtime...
Sabghi Jewelers – Local Jeweler Creates Treasures For More Than 40 Years.
WHILE HIS jeweler grandfather took care of his customers in his store in Iran, a young David Sabghi looked over his shoulder and was soon captivated by what he learned. Sabghi’s interest in...
Faith – Leave them better than you found them.
I DON’T KNOW a stranger. Call it a hazard of my job as a writer, but I genuinely enjoy meeting people, and it is even better if I can turn them into friends. There’s a great quote by Maya Angelou...
Petersburg Community Library Moves to a New Location.
THE PETERSBURG Community Library was tucked away in the back corner of a treasure shop, Junk and Stuff, on the south side of Petersburg’s square. The small library with a big heart recently got a...
Don Thomas inducted into the Hall of Fame Waltz.
GILES COUNTY High School Principal Don Thomas was projected to be a second or third-round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons until a back injury in college changed the direction of his career....
Lincoln County Toy Drive Continues to Put Service Above Self.
WITH A new year comes new and greater opportunities. Now, more than ever, the community can gather to support underserved families to help them get ahead in 2023. The Lincoln County Toy Drive serves...
History over and over again
I AM IN the middle of my third decade of life, and within the last two years, I’ve discovered something I always ignored: music from the midcentury. Life does not seem to be slowing down. Our...
A Nostalgic Look Back at Our Community
OUR COMMUNITY has a rich history. Businesses, people, and locations have created the foundation of who we are today. Each decade is a building block to our identity, creating a beautiful masterpiece...
Faith – ‘Just as you are’
FOR OVER 30 years, children’s television host Mister Rogers came into the homes of millions via our television sets and told each of us one of the most important things a person could say to us. “I...
Opportunities for Seniors at the Fayetteville Senior Center.
MANY HAVE heard the popular adage, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” But it’s possible that many of you read that and immediately shrugged and thought, “But...
Robinson Environment Land Clearing Adds Value to Lincoln County with eco-friendly methods.
IMAGINE PURCHASING a tract of land overgrown with years of neglect. Cedar trees, privet bushes, and brush overgrow acres of rolling hills, potential pasture, and backyard. If not for the clutter,...
K-9 Rhev and K-9 Officer Andy Rodriguez Keep Fayetteville Safe.
KNOWING THAT your partner has your back is a matter of life or death. With two legs or four, the bond is one of trust and faith. Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) K-9 Officer Andy Rodriguez and...
Harness Racing at the Lincoln County Fair Is a Winning Tradition.
THE NATIONAL anthem is finished. Spectators return their caps to their heads and settle into their seats—some on the outside ring, some in box seats, and others in the stands. The red, white, and...
Serbin Manufacturing – Fayetteville’s Connection to Saks Fifth Avenue
IT WAS June Cleaver’s iconic wardrobe–what she wore while making breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She wore it when making up Beaver and Wally’s beds and vacuuming the floors. She wore it while talking...
Jacked up Runners – Local Running Club Meets Weekly and Extends the Invite to All.
KICK OFF the new year with a new hobby and built-in accountability—the type of accountability that might just turn the hobby into a new healthy habit! Jacked Up Runners is a laid-back running club...
Tis the season
ALL I want for Christmas iiiiiiis…yoooooOOooooOOoouuuUUUuuu.” Can you hear it already? It’s that time of year once again. A time of year when a heated blanket feels like a hug. Every inch of the...
Local cheerleader represented in Pearl Harbor Parade in Hawaii
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii, December 7, 1941 — no matter your age, the day World War II crossed our borders is more than a date on our calendars; it’s a somber memorial to the 2,335 lives sacrificed to...
Local physical therapist assistant goes the extra mile as a Stephen Minister
OFTEN, WHEN we think about helping someone in need, our minds immediately begin brainstorming what to do. Typical thoughts that come to mind are: "Let's pay the electric bill. Who can build a ramp...
Hometown Hangout
DO YOURSELF a favor and stop by Ken’s Fast Foods. You’ll be impressed by this small local restaurant with big flavors, quality service, and a budget-friendly menu. Be sure to get in early to beat...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
BEFORE THE leaves in the trees begin turning shades of red, brown, yellow, and orange, the Host of Christmas Past Oversight Committee has long been at work preparing for the special event that falls...
Meet me at the fair
EATING FUNNEL cakes, enjoying carnival rides, spending time with family and friends: The Lincoln County Fair, Inc. aims to make a difference in people’s lives. This fall, the organization celebrated...
Life’s short; eat dessert
WE DUST off the artificial pumpkin decorations and pull orange and purple wreaths from storage. We pull out rakes and sweaters as the weather drops like the leaves do. The weather feels therapeutic...
Caffeinated Craving for Apple Pie
YOU’RE NOT supposed to have dessert for breakfast. Well, at least that’s what my parents always told me when I was little. Now that I am an adult that makes my own decisions, I decide what I want...
Go straight to the best
TAKE A deep breath and smell the aroma of lunch cooking in the kitchen. It was a very important meal. Jesus and the 12 stopped in to visit the home of Martha and Mary, in Bethany. Through the...
Home, Heart, and Hospitality
HOME, HEART, Hospitality — Doug and Heather Clausen, owners of the new Fayetteville Liquidation Center (FLC), believe they’ve found all three here among the meandering hills of Lincoln County. The...
At a crossroads?
HELPING PREGNANT women has been woven into the fabric of Amanda Curtis’s life. During the 1980s, both her mother and her aunt served as pregnancy help counselors, and in the early 2000s her father...
Host of Christmas Past Cemetery Stroll
THE GHOST of Christmas Past from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” whisked Ebenezer Scrooge back through the ages of time where together they viewed reminders of his greatest triumphs and his...
An ocean of possibilities
IF AT first you don't succeed, try, and try again. And tried, and tried again is what Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library’s (FLCPL) staff did with the library’s summer reading program after...
Someone Has Your Back
WHEN THE SMELL of warm caramel coffee lingers in the air of your vehicle on the way to work, you don’t have to think about watching your back. While not every driver on the road is aware of their...
Meeting students’ nutritional needs and reaching new heights
FAYETTEVILLE CITY Schools (FCS) is now participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, supplying breakfast and lunch meals to all students at no cost to families. The district...
Meet one of the youngest branch managers in the nation
ASHLYN KENDALL Poole’s age has been her greatest challenge. Hometown Lenders, Inc. opened up a new branch in Fayetteville earlier this year under Poole’s management, making her one of the youngest...
Welcome coach B.J.
FAYETTEVILLE HIGH School (FHS) hired Fayetteville native Billy Jack Netherland as the new head coach of the Tigers baseball team, toward the beginning of the school year. Known as Coach B.J. on the...
A Firefighter’s Many Calls
MOST EVERYONE takes comfort in knowing that when they need help, someone is there to answer the call. But who is that someone? In Fayetteville, it’s quite possible that the person answering your...
Expect the Unexpected
MOST OF the population begins each work day with a basic understanding of the tasks that lie ahead of them. Expectations are clear, and circumstances are generally unchanging. For some, that may...
Bringing Rome, Home
THERE THEY were, a young couple in love, walking hand in hand down cobblestone streets in Rome. The two were giddy, swooning equally over one another and the romantic allure of the ancient city...
Let’s Taco-Bout-It
“TACO TUESDAY” is a pretty well known term. In fact, many people use that term to plan meals for the week. It’s so ingrained in my brain that I find myself craving tacos most Tuesdays. This...
Sowing Seeds of Inspiration Through Art
THE FAYETTEVILLE-LINCOLN County Arts Center hosted multiple summer art enrichment camps this year, peaking with a mixed medium art camp July 11-15 for children ages 6 to 13, with arts instructor...
Young educators aiming to make a difference
FITZGERALD HOPKINS desired to take Fayetteville City Schools’ (FCS) basketball to the next level. So he asked FCS director, Bill Hopkins, — no relation — to create a new position. In July, FCS named...
New manufacturing company coming to Fayetteville
TENNESSEE GOV. Bill Lee and the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), Bob Rolfe, announced earlier this year that Ariens Company (AriensCo) will...
Work hard, cheer hard
THE LINCOLN County High School (LCHS) cheerleaders attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) camp in Cookeville, Tennessee, June 21-24, bringing home three major awards. UCA — an...
It’s Good to be Back
It’s finally here! Although the outside temperature argues for summer, your school spirit knows it’s fall. Tonight you’ve chosen shorts and flip-flops, but soon it will be flannel shirts, pants, and...
An Auburn Dream Come True
ACHIEVING ANY goal takes determination, self-discipline, and a certain level of grit. Short-term goals require a high level of mental acuity. Long-term goals require much more than a centered and...
An Undefeated Tiger Season
IT WAS the beginning of school football season, and the boys of fall were anxious to rough the field between the two goal posts. New faces filled the coaching staff of Fayetteville High School’s...
Gospel music sounds best in a natural valley amphitheater
JUST THREE miles North of Fayetteville, right off of U.S. 231, lies a family farm referred to as Shadow Valley. The picturesque farmland was purchased in 1993 by Carlton Brady. His vision was to...
Classrooms made of steel
THE CLASSROOM is like railroad tracks. Hard workers spent years, decades—centuries even—laying the groundwork for the trains to run smoothly from coast to coast. They’re strong. And they last for...
Prepping for Back to School
IT MIGHT be one of the most exciting yet stressful times of the year, rivaling that of Christmas. It requires preparation, planning, logistics, time, and money. I’m almost sure there are military...
But, God
WITH THE first cup of steaming coffee in my hand and the stiffness still in my joints, I gently ease into my spot on the couch. A fresh, new day offers a blank page, although the to-do list in my...
Classroom Approved
THE WORDS “back to school” can stir up many different emotions. Some young parents hear “school” and are instantly filled with dread and anxiety. Leaving their wide eyed babes for the first time can...
3 meals. 1 burger
Have you ever felt so hungry you could eat a horse? The growling and gurgling of your stomach begs you to fill it with something substantial. You’re angry and irritable because you know a mere...
So much more than teaching
DEFINING THE meaning of teacher requires more than Merriam-Webster; it takes a deeper look and a second glance. More than a job with a summer-long vacation, teachers are motivated by their love for...
Like a rock tossed into the water
SURROUNDED BY a sea of classmates, a student filled with potential may feel invisible or wish he could disappear. Another student’s highest aim might be to coast through school until graduation. One...
The Mustering Site of America’s “First Volunteers”
IT ALL began with the murder of about 250 men, women, and children. Their deaths at Fort Mims in Alabama, came at the hands of Creek Indians who had acquired weapons from Great Britain during the...
Making Strides in Education
THE CARE for students in special education should always be a priority for the education system, but this care may be more important now, than ever before, with the current shortages of teachers....
Powering homes and businesses through solar energy
NEXTERA ENERGY Resources, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Meta announced in May the commissioning of the Elora Solar Energy Center: Tennessee’s newest large-scale solar energy project. Based...
A season like never before
THE LINCOLN County Lady Falcons softball team experienced some injuries during the season, but it ended with a feat never accomplished in school history: qualifying for the state tournament. “When...
Boom! Bang! Race!
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! The buzzer sounded and runners of all ages took off. Feet hit the blacktop in repetition as they spent the next 3.1 or 10.2 miles running in the muggy, summer-morning heat...
The Sound of Trumpets
IF YOU took a snapshot of any 10 years in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct that, to heal, and to...
More than fireworks & cookouts
Here are fun facts to challenge your players: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: John Hancock’s was the first and only one on July Fourth. The remaining signatures were added over time,...
The Dream Maker
WHEN VIKTOR Makela arrived in America from Finland, the Statue of Liberty welcomed him. He brought more than a few material possessions with him; he arrived with a heart filled with dreams. Makela...
Food, Fireworks & Fun
WE WELCOME a summer celebration more than ever, and Independence Day is the perfect time to gather for food, fun, fireworks, and flag-waving. There’s an event near you, so there’s no excuse for...
On the grill: cooking up the good stuff
HMMM AAAHH. It smells like the weekend. Those grilled pineapple burgers will be lip-smacking, mouthwatering, and juicy down to the last bite. However, what lies on the grill is much more than your...
Freedom of fire
WHEN I was a young buck, I decided if there was a rule, I was going to break it. There have been many distinct times in my life when I have felt suffocated by others’ control, expectations, or...
A better view
FAYETTEVILLE MAYOR Michael Whisenant and the city alderman updated the city’s garbage and cart replacement policy to better clean the city. The city will make available a 96-gallon cart to all...
The Big Payback
NONPROFITS PLAY important roles in everyone’s communities, offering services from caring for animals and supplying food to the hungry, to fighting human trafficking and providing education. The...
Lincoln County High School forms new partnership, Fayetteville High School band director retires.
LINCOLN COUNTY High School (LCHS) partnered with JCF Housements through Work-Based Learning (WBL), to help provide students with manufacturing, technical, intellectual, and social skills needed in...
Helping communities prepare for a better future.
THE FAYETTEVILLE-LINCOLN County Industrial Development Board (FLCIDB) continues to seek ways to bring positive changes to Lincoln County communities by partnering organizations and building...
Taking over the football reigns.
FAYETTEVILLE HIGH School (FHS) hired Daniel Johnson as the new head coach of the Tigers football team for the 2022 season. The new head coach seeks to take his team to the state championship to...
Junior’s House hosts the 18th annual Blue Ribbon Walk
LONG STRINGY brown hair peeks out from underneath a fuzzy blanket. Below, a precious child holds tight to her well-loved teddy bear. Her little body rustles around in bed. You can almost smell the...
Letter From the Editor – Every Weekend Can Be a Vacation
TENNESSEE MAY not have sandy shores. We may not have Buckingham Palace sitting in our backyard. Vacation spots all around the world, from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower, attract tourists from far and...
Floating Vacations on Local Water
Whether it’s relaxation or adventure you’re seeking, you don’t have to look far to find it. Middle Tennessee’s waterways will refresh and restore you. A lazy float with nature’s soundtrack of...
A Duck River Float Will Carry You Away.
According to nature.org, the Duck River is one of the state’s most scenic waterways and North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river. It is located entirely within the state of...
Tims Ford Lake Inviting Water Recreation
Tims Ford Reservoir is 10,600 acres in South Central Tennessee, a major portion of which is located in Franklin County. The lake is considered one of the most picturesque in Tennessee. It’s regarded...
The Elk River Trout Are Calling.
Located below Tims Ford Dam, the Elk River is popular for panfish and trout fishing. The tailwaters below the dam are about 50 feet wide with gravel bars and intermittent deep pools. For...
Refreshing Summer Treats Straight Out of Mama’s Cookbook.
It’s hard to want to eat a large meal after a long day working or playing out in the blistering heat. You know you need something substantial to sustain you, yet you’re so worn out. Those hearty...
Faith – Life Lessons on the Lawn
HAVE YOU ever given something away and later felt regret settle in? Last summer, I was push-mowing our grass. I thoroughly enjoy breaking a sweat and getting a little exercise while doing yard work....
The City of Fayetteville Hires Kevin Owens as Its New City Administrator.
FAYETTEVILLE WELCOMED a new individual who is seeking to bring positive changes to the city: new City Administrator Kevin Owens. Mayor Michael Whisenant said the position of city admin- istrator...
Lincoln County Commission Approves a $1 Million Incentive for the County’s Five Broadband Providers.
THE LINCOLN County Commission approved a $1 million incentive for the county’s five broadband providers earlier this spring, seeking to provide better internet connections to Lincoln County...
Lincoln County Schools Receive Recognition for Success, and Ralph Askins School Receives a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Grant.
LINCOLN COUNTY Schools (LCS) received awards this past school year in recognition of its successful programs and contributions to student success. The Tennessee Department of Education named LCS an...
U.S. Census Data Shows Continual, Positive Growth in Lincoln County.
PEOPLE EXPERIENCE and witness the same problems resurface without end: COVID-19, economic hardships such as increased gas prices, natural disasters, racial injustice, political tension, death, and...
Chris Murdock Turns the Fayetteville High School Basketball Team Into Winners, Inside and Out.
FAYETTEVILLE HIGH School (FHS) was established 11 years ago. Along with the school came a new Tigers basketball program, a lot of uncertainty, and a head boys basketball coach faced withthe...
Have You Seen What’s in the Backyard?
Right in our own backyard, we have access to one of the most di- verse ecosystems in the world. Henry Horton State Park (HHSP) neighbors the peaceful Duck River and is waiting to be explored. The...
The Slawburger Festival Jump-Starts Spring on the Square.
STORES’ OPEN doors and pop- up canopies dotting the square welcomed visitors and hometown residents back to their festival. The hum of food truck generators was sweeter than the Daytona 500 lineup...
Selfless
THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER dictionary defines the word selfless as “someone who has no concern for self, or unselfish.” As the world keeps turning, it may feel like selfless people are few and far between....
In the spirit of selflessness
WEBSTER MAY define selflessness as having no concern for self, but givers in our community give the world and our lives deeper meaning. They take to heart the well-being and care of others and place...
Lincoln County a community of compassion
TUCKED INTO central southern Middle Tennessee and enveloped in rolling hills and hollows, Lincoln County and its communities are rich in history and hospitality. The natural beauty will draw you in;...
Kicking cancer off the dance floor!
CANCER SUCKS. Literally, it sucks the life out of seemingly healthy individuals and wreaks havoc in the most stable and secure homes. And it is not biased. Cancer will act as a leach to every...
Do bunnies lay eggs?
Easter parades may have passed on by, but its many other traditions are alive and well. Even though the internet has changed how we watch movies, families still watch “The Ten Commandments” every...
When empty is full
AS MORNING’S first light nudged the last of the darkness, Mary Magdalene walked with heavy heart and feet along the dirt road. The garden’s birdsong and fragrant blossoms, usually welcomed,...
No more debt
MEMBERS OF the Friends of the Library (FOL) hosted the “Last Gala” event at the Fayetteville- Lincoln County Public Library (FLCPL) on Feb. 26, to pay off the debt on the facility. FOL, a...
A life of service
SOMETIMES PEOPLE’S great acts of service are not recognized enough today. Therefore, it was about time for Dr. Farris Beasley to be honored for serving Lincoln County all his life. Beasley was...
School Faculty Members Receive Recognition for Their Hard Work.
MANY EDUCATORS work hard to serve the students in their school districts with little recognition, so it’s good whenever we find ways to recognize the ones who invest in America’s children. Such...
Attracting new business
THE FAYETTEVILLE Lincoln County Industrial Development Board (FLCIDB) is looking to bring growth to the community as it seeks to attract business to the area. The Tennessee Department of Economic...
New football coach
LINCOLN COUNTY High School (LCHS) hired Eddie Cunningham as the new head coach of the Falcon football team for the 2022 season. The new head coach plans to help his team return to good football. ...
Ways to Make the Community a Better Place… and Boost Your Mental Health.
FEW PATHS to positive personal growth are more noble than resolving to help others through increased acts of generosity and kindness. According to Psychology Today, doing good for others—no matter...
Prepare a Mouth-Watering Easter Sunday Dinner.
LONG BEFORE the sun rises over the horizon, Mama is up putting dishes in the oven and ironing everyone’s Sunday best. Then, it’s a hurried push out the door and into the car. Pulling into the church...