Clayton News-Star: Opinion


Winner Of 28 North Carolina Press Association Awards


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LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Campaign flier was reprehensible - 04/30/2008 EDITORIAL - Time is ripe for farmers market - 04/30/2008 EDITORIAL - Parking situation at Clayton Center poses danger to drivers - 04/30/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE – Grandson continues gardening tradition - 04/30/2008 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Judicial system failed Marcus Lassiter/Don't vote based on candidate's gender - 04/23/2008 EDITORIAL - Smart spending: Voters should support town bond initiative - 04/23/2008 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Thanks to all those who supported events at Cooper - 04/16/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE – Country needs a woman’s touch - 04/16/2008 EDITORIAL - Ready for your closeup? - 04/16/2008 EDITORIAL – Civic duty: The state and county have made it much easier to vote, so get to the polls - 04/16/2008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - We all must assume responsibility for litter problem - 04/09/2008 EDITORIAL – Citizens scorned: Residents are being told that they are ill-equipped to decide lot’s fate - 04/09/2008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Parking lot should become green space/Don’t judge all of Clayton by the behavior of a few - 04/02/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE - Unreasonable fear a driving force - 04/02/2008 EDITORIAL – Make lot open space: Building in downtown wishful thinking during economic downturn - 04/02/2008 GUEST COMMENTARY – Clayton: Small minds – big time - 03/26/2008 EDITORIAL - Trash talk: North Carolina is a beautiful state with an ugly problem – litter - 03/26/2008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - County in a fiscal bind/Thanks for column slamming lottery - 03/19/2008 EDITORIAL - Election year jitters: County commissioners are feeling pressure to prepare a land-use plan - 03/19/2008 STEWART MCLEOD - Local residents show support for the troops - 03/19/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE - Seems like old times at spring training - 03/19/2008 EDITORIAL - Misguided fears: ETJ expansion not part of some sinister plot - 03/12/2008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – A sensible solution to the election fiasco - 03/05/2008 EDITORIAL – Curtain call: Jerry Smith shows his commitment to CHS right up to the end - 03/05/2008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – Clayton is fortunate to have great police/Columnist presented distorted overview - 02/27/2008 BOB ETHERIDGE – Trip to Iraq reveals encouraging progress - 02/27/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE – Newspapers losing sense of purpose - 02/27/2008 EDITORIAL – No more dawdling: Time for commissioners to get down to business and plan wisely for growth - 02/27/2008 EDITORIAL - Health matters: Amid the despair over our health-care system, two programs offer hope - 02/20/2008 EDITORIAL - Clayton’s arts scene shines - 02/13/2008 EDITORIAL - A dizzying mess: Town’s election debacle is not its own doing, but we must endure it with patience - 02/13/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE - Local restaurants play by the rules - 02/13/2008 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - I’d like to return woman’s kind gesture - 02/13/2008 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Clayton Fire Department saved family member - 02/06/2008 EDITORIAL - Chance to breathe: Economic downturn slows growth for now, but county must face reality - 02/06/2008 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - The American Legion is not a dying institution - 01/31/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE - Grandson learns that words can be fun - 01/31/2008 EDITORIAL - Bon appétit: Restaurant openings raise hopes that lofty vision of Clayton’s future may be realized - 01/31/2008 EDITORIAL - Saving open space: Workshop aims to keeps farms in families' hands - 01/23/2008 MARGARET RITCHIE - Crunching leaves a welcome sound - 01/17/2008 EDITORIAL - Real conservatism: Town Council should act to limit water use - 01/17/2008 EDITORIAL - Identity check: The people of Clayton must figure out what they want the town to be - 01/09/2008 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Night out with my mom was unforgettable - 01/02/2008 EDITORIAL - Building community: Second Street Center to meet needs - 01/02/2008 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Local woman teaches me the meaning of Christmas - 12/26/2007 MARGARET RITCHIE - Shopping as recreation, entertainment - 12/26/2007 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Shame on the person who destroyed our mailbox - 12/19/2007 EDITORIAL - Show us the money: Proof of town leaders’ commitment to the arts will be funding - 12/19/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Father asks for help from crash witnesses - 12/13/2007 MARGARET RITCHIE - Grandchildren sure make us proud - 12/13/2007 EDITORIAL - Candor at CMS: Principal deserves praise for handling of gun scare - 12/13/2007 EDITORIAL - Hunger in our midst - 12/13/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Oppressed Vietnamese need our help/Thanks for making tree lighting a success - 12/04/2007 EDITORIAL - Christmas kudos - 12/04/2007 EDITORIAL- Marking the past: It's time to officially recognize Clayton's Civil War history - 12/04/2007 MARGARET RITCHIE - Got grits? They're great Southern fare - 11/28/2007 EDITORIAL - Election limbo: Town needs new council election - 11/28/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Chamber of Commerce clarifies its position/Alzheimer’s takes toll on families - 11/21/2007 EDITORIAL - Giving thanks: Things may not be perfect, but our blessings are many. - 11/21/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - What’s the deal regarding impact fees, Mr. Ahlert?/Y’all sure do know how to help folks in need - 11/14/2007 MARGARET RITCHIE - Saving a closet from accumulated stuff - 11/14/2007 EDITORIAL - Back on track: Last week’s meeting on railroad underpass was step in right direction - 11/14/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Thank you to EMS for saving my husband ... - 11/07/2007 Remembering a little man with a huge place in our history - 11/07/2007 EDITORIAL - Moving forward: Candidates, both winners and losers, offered us much to think about - 11/07/2007 EDITORIAL - Tool to build schools: Transfer tax may not be perfect solution, but it could help pay for growth - 11/01/2007 Let us give thanks for the recent rains - 11/01/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Transfer tax could ease property tax, debt burdens - 11/01/2007 MARGARET RITCHIE -Days of kid baseball may be ending - 11/01/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Parking lot proposals don’t make much sense/Etheridge: Letter misquoted me/Barnes family expresses thanks - 10/25/2007 EDITORIAL - Get out and vote - 10/25/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Chamber chief should be more positive about town/Transfer tax a good fiscal tool - 10/17/2007 MARGARET RITCHIE - Texas travel has many high points - 10/17/2007 EDITORIAL - Water woes continue - 10/17/2007 EDITORIAL - What's the plan? Wake County election results could push more growth our way - 10/17/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Why won’t Etheridge take a firm stand on the war? - 10/10/2007 EDITORIAL - Clayton’s leaders demonstrate progressive vision in expanding recycling program - 10/10/2007 EDITORIAL – Looking to the past: New chronicler of the town’s history walks in footsteps of Virginia Lee Satterfield - 10/10/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Town received valuable help in coping with crash - 10/03/2007 RICK MERCIER: Christians tackle climate change - 10/03/2007 MARGARET RITCHIE: Electronics make mockery of threesome’s road trip out West - 10/03/2007 EDITORIAL – A lot to ponder: Local developer raises good points about revitalizing downtown - 10/03/2007 LETTER TO EDITOR: Thank you for supporting Harvest Festival - 09/27/2007 ANNA OAKES: Staff writer returning to mountains - 09/27/2007 EDITORIAL: In praise of rules – Local accident confirms report showing that some safety laws make sense - 09/27/2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - 09/19/2007 RICK MERCIER: Clayton needs racial reconciliation - 09/19/2007 LOBBYIST ALERT: Statewide real estate, home builder groups aim to mislead county voters - 09/19/2007 Editorial - Town tradition: Save the parking lot for Clayton’s popular Harvest Festival - 09/12/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Voice your opinion on parking lot - 09/12/2007 Sept. 12 - Letters to the Editor - 09/12/2007 Editorial - Local wisdom: Town’s most valuable ‘consultants’ - 09/05/2007 Rick Mercier - The Bush crew is a threat to my child - 09/05/2007 Margaret Ritchie - E-waste is clogging up our landfills - 09/05/2007 Editorial - Managing growth: Committee prepares report; now the county’s elected leaders must lead - 08/29/2007 Anna Oakes - Immigration series takes no stance - 08/29/2007 Jim Green - Great to see smiles again - 08/29/2007 Editorial - Keep them honest: Residents wisely organize to make sure railyard doesn’t come to area - 08/08/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Retirement is keeping me busy - 08/08/2007 Editorial - Get some backbone: County commissioners should act now to put transfer tax option before voters - 08/01/2007 Rick Mercier - Zooming in on the ‘torture taxis’ - 08/01/2007 Editorial - Good deal: Parkland acquisition is a smart, progressive move that will enhance quality of life in town/Antidote to cynicism - 07/25/2007 Rick Mercier - Bonds debate reveals racial divide - 07/25/2007 Anna Oakes - Groups help folks prepare for worst - 07/25/2007 Editorial - An irreverant soul: Cartoonist Doug Marlette was never afraid to exercise his First Amendment rights - 07/18/2007 Editorial - Call for conservation: Mandatory water restrictions apply to both Clayton and county residents/Thicker than water - 07/11/2007 Rick Mercier - Promotion offers opportunity to grow - 07/11/2007 Anna Oakes - Film puts health care on front burner - 07/11/2007 A wise investment: Bolstering early childhood education will help local, national economy - 07/05/2007 Time to say so long – but not quite - 07/05/2007 What’s wrong with a little patriotism? - 07/05/2007 Editorial - The Declaration of Independence - 06/27/2007 Anna Oakes - Teach finance skills in high school - 06/27/2007 Editorial - Cherishing the Neuse: The river is a part of the region’s natural heritage; residents deserve better access to it. - 06/20/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Baseball season sputters to an end - 06/20/2007 Rick Mercier - Clayton can become one of North Carolina’s ‘fit communities’ - 06/20/2007 Editorial - Take the tax plunge: A rate hike may be unpopular, but it’s time for the Town Council to approve one/Hope for the uninsured - 06/13/2007 Newcomers should pay their share - 06/13/2007 English-only law would hurt all of us - 06/13/2007 Sandra Trivett - How I spent a Father’s Day with a real-life World War II hero - 06/13/2007 Editorial - Voice of the people: Residents have said that Calyton needs a central park in downtown - 06/06/2007 Rick Mercier - Learning to look beneath the surface - 06/06/2007 Editorial - New perspectives: Diversity on council needed as town plans for future/Liberty for all - 05/30/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Some grudges are hard to give up - 05/30/2007 Anna Oakes - Grads: Stay in touch with each other - 05/30/2007 Editorial - County commissioners should halt new permits until panel finishes work/Give boost to recycling - 05/23/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Neighborly game proves painful - 05/23/2007 Rick Mercier - Come fly the not-so-friendly skies - 05/23/2007 Editorial - Rights of the people: Council should conduct more business in public/Help wanted: North Carolina needs additional inspectors - 05/16/2007 Anna Oakes - Deciphering tags: Personalized plates sometimes present a challenge - 05/16/2007 Editorial - DOT to study underpass: Town must be strong on behalf of citizens/Accolades to Poole, Smith - 05/09/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Skin cancer a major threat: Parents must protect children from danger - 05/09/2007 Rick Mercier - Dear Christians: Who would Jesus insure? - 05/09/2007 Editorial - Litter crackdown: County forum offers suggestions, but more enforcement is needed/Vote for the bonds - 05/02/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Receiving nostalgic photo and sad news: Remembering piano recital, favorite teacher - 05/02/2007 Anna Oakes - Arrest of photographer is unacceptable - 05/02/2007 Editorial - Crippled Town Square should be sacrificed for park and pavilion in heart of downtown - 04/25/2007 Rick Mercier - Clayton needs downtown farmers’ market - 04/25/2007 Editorial: Town needs to hire 'green-thumb' expert for flowering plants/Local folks make possible library's on-line history - 04/18/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Too much excitement: Tornado warning plus youngster’s first-ever baseball game - 04/18/2007 Editorial - Expections are low for 'Blue Ribbon' panel/'Litter Sweep' a welcome event - 04/11/2007 Rick Mercier - A world view: Students offer example of compassion - 04/11/2007 Editorial - Signals ease danger at Moore Street - but other crossovers loom - 04/11/2007 Margaret Ritchie - A first-of-a-kind birthday present - 04/11/2007 Anna Oakes - Trash obscures view: It’s time to get serious about anti-litter campaign in Johnston County - 04/11/2007 Editorial - No more excuses: A vehicle-pedestrian underpass in downtown is right thing to do/'Arrogant' state board must drop plans to kill vocational ed - 03/28/2007 Rick Mercier - Things that keep us divided - 03/28/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Mourning a friend: Angel shares my sadness over loss of our companion collie - 03/28/2007 Editorial - Forum on March 29: Citizens' views important in making public art plan/Library needs funds for project - 03/21/2007 Rick Mercier - News Flash: Things aren't always what they seem - 03/21/2007 Editorial - In need of vision: With no parking problem, town needs to revisit plans/Cartoon's offense unintentional - 03/14/2007 Editorial: Water safety need not come at expense of all town businesses - 03/07/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Danger on the fairway: Grandson and new friend make game too exciting - 03/07/2007 Rick Mercier: Legalized loan sharks lurk at tax offices - 03/07/2007 Editorial - Johnston short-changed in road funds; state needs new formula for all - 02/28/2007 Anna Oakes - Corruption hits home: Public campaign financing not a bad idea - 02/28/2007 Editorial: Ordinary citizens need louder voice in controlling growth/Parker's request premature - 02/21/2007 Margaret Ritchie: Contaminated peanut butter in the trash - 02/21/2007 Editorial - Dare to dream: Saving the Earp farm as county park is a goal well worth consideration/Change inevitable at crossings, but adjustments can be made - 02/14/2007 Margaret Ritchie: Looking out of windows: Rare sighting – A pileated woodpecker - 02/14/2007 Editorial: Moratorium best way for county to allow catchup time for schools, roads/Law change could decrease number of student dropouts - 02/07/2007 Margaret Ritchie: More ads would help educaton lottery - 02/07/2007 Editorial: Slower growth will pay off in long run for everyone - 01/31/2007 Editorial: Lombard area best site for railroad underpass/Med Center a feather in cap - 01/24/2007 Margaret Ritchie - Battery operated: Security glitch takes car's radio/CD player - 01/24/2007 Anna Oakes - Cancer: Good news and bad news - 01/24/2007 Jim Green: Gwynn’s election to Hall a thrill for long-time fan - 01/17/2007 Editorial: Facade grant program will renew efforts to revitalize downtown/Reasonable fees for recreation/Miscalculation of figures - 01/17/2007 EDITORIAL: Bring Clayton's famous star back/Are virgin drinks good for teens? - 01/03/2007 Stewart McLeod: Perspiration, nausea go with the territory - 01/03/2007 EDITORIAL - Vocational education is life-saver for many: State mandate is bad idea - 12/27/2006 Anna Oakes - Coaches: Don’t forget to thank the fans - 12/27/2006 EDITORIAL: The Christmas Story/Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus - 12/20/2006 Margaret Ritchie: Mother's admonitions stay with us forever - 12/20/2006 Stewart McLeod: Will Clayton always be a desirable place? - 12/06/2006 Editorial: County Commissioners should step up on levying impact fees/Recycle those old phone books - 12/06/2006 Margaret Ritchie: Successful shopping a surprise – it was usually frenzied ‘Black Friday’ after all - 11/29/2006 Editorial: Citizens should listen to plan for funding new sewer facility/Season of giving reminds us of those who are in need - 11/29/2006 Editorial: Medical center to boost Clayton's role in region/Arbor Day Ceremonies bode well for future - 11/22/2006 Thanksgiving: The Lost Holiday - Take time to be thankful before hustle, bustle of shopping - 11/22/2006 Stewart McLeod - Who's who today?: Politicians in county switching labels - 11/15/2006 Editorial - Council representation appears lopsided - but is it?/Star athlete an all-round success - 11/15/2006 Joan Plotnick - Years in Clayton changes writer’s perspectives - 11/01/2006 Margaret Ritchie - Turning 5 means he can play baseball (Choosing candidates takes effort) - 11/01/2006 Editorial - Candidates commended for their willingness to serve on school board - 11/01/2006 Editorial - Intent is good but change won't assure minority representation on council - 10/25/2006 Margaret Ritchie - Technology complicates mealtime plan - 10/25/2006 Editorial - Deputies are needed in more area schools/Too many choices too early – and not enough real data - 10/18/2006 Margaret Ritchie - Prepare now to aid area senior citizens - 10/18/2006 Joan Plotnick – Art reception symbol of town's up-and-coming status - 10/11/2006 Margaret Ritchie – Now hear this: Can device really help? - 10/11/2006 Editorial – Paid crossing guards only answer to walking students at Riverwood - 10/11/2006 Editorial - More land preservation needed in Mark's Creek/Year-Rounds schools can aid family life, education - 10/04/2006 Andy Britt - Area wins heart of newcomer, family with open spaces, schools, friendly faces - 10/04/2006 Joan Plotnick - It’s time to prepare for the annual pumpkin hunt - 09/27/2006 Margaret Ritchie - High school reunion was predestined –for sharing with childhood companion - 09/27/2006 Editorial - Acceptance into Main Street program only the beginning - 09/27/2006 Andy Britt - Train ride provides interesting perspective - 09/20/2006 Margaret Ritchie - Distinguished artist brings work ‘home’ - 09/20/2006 Editorial - County Commissioners, school officials leap hurdle - and actually talk/Teacher supplement not enough - 09/20/2006 Joan Plotnick - Advent of TV and air conditioning changed face of our communities - 09/13/2006 Editorial - A salute to police officers,firefighters/A change in driver’s license law - 09/13/2006 Editorial - Minority SAT score gains bode well for education/Survey shows drivers support cell-phone ban – and more - 09/06/2006 Andy Britt - Family bids farewell to day care, diapers - 09/06/2006 Joan Plotnick - A language lesson from New York – 16 versions - 08/30/2006 Margaret Ritchie - New mode of transportation unnerving - 08/30/2006 Editorial - Why did the pedestrians cross the tracks?/Incredible Thursday Downtown - 08/30/2006 Editorial - Sixteen is too young to drive - 08/23/2006 Andy Britt - Parents must endure tragic losses - 08/23/2006 Perception of parking problem to get hard look – and facts/Property improvements is goal - 08/16/2006 Margaret Ritchie – Book describes state’s historic disasters - 08/16/2006 Editorial - Concessions at the game worthy of inspections/Blooms would brighten our drab town square - 08/02/2006 Joan Plotnick – DAR member preserves history in crafts - 08/02/2006 Margaret Ritchie - Heavy heart must admit Angel is gone - 07/26/2006 Editorial - Failing schools, which need help most, to face unfair federal fund loss - 07/26/2006 Editorials - Board, schools should plan for future facility needs - funding comes later/Dr. Bass: A man about town - 07/19/2006 Joan Plotnick – Best part of travel is the unexpected things. - 07/19/2006 Brian Rapp - After years of deadlines, it's time to slow down a little - 07/12/2006 Margaret Ritchie - Powerball focus: New approach aims for winning ticket - 07/12/2006 Editorial: Clayton left with egg on its face over move to annex N.C. 50 site/Sometimes we get it right - 07/12/2006 Latest school board tiff more evidence of partisan poltics? - 07/05/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- Be-bop on the sand = '50's shagging - 07/05/2006 Joan Plotnick -- A special Fourth brings valuable perspective - 07/05/2006 Editorial -- Latest school board tiff more evidence of partisan poltics? - 07/05/2006 Editorial -- Library is town's No. 1 asset - 06/28/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- Sore mouth brings (temporary) weight loss - 06/21/2006 Editorial -- Public comment needed on plan to extend school day - 06/21/2006 Editorial -- Moving school bond funds,no matter how good the cause, not fair to voters - 06/21/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- Summer vacation: An idea whose time is well past - 06/14/2006 Editorial -- Clayton Town Council consistently opposes 'subsidized housing' - 06/14/2006 Brian Rapp -- Family tradition marks start of summer - 06/07/2006 Editorial -- No end to learning process - 06/07/2006 Editorial -- Hurricane season reminds us to always be prepared - 06/07/2006 Joan Plotnick -- Graduation brings glimpse of future leaders - 05/31/2006 Editorial -- Only time will tell if church in supermarket space will hurt businesses - 05/31/2006 Brian Rapp -- Mourning a college roommate I hardly knew - 05/24/2006 Editorial -- Teen club needs better plan - 05/24/2006 Editorial -- Parker errs in moving students at last minute and without discussion - 05/24/2006 Joan Plotnick -- There are two sides to standardized tests - 05/17/2006 Editorial -- Downtown entertainment not enough for revival - 05/17/2006 Brian Rapp -- Reunion a reminder of mistakes of youth - 05/10/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- 'Suds' agitates an evening of laughter - 05/10/2006 Editorial -- Teachers deserve pay hike -- but not at others' expense - 05/10/2006 Margaret Ritchie: Immigration reform idea: You must speak the language - 05/03/2006 Editorial -- Commissioners must find resources to fund schools - 05/03/2006 Editorial -- A tough lesson for teens as graduation approaches - 05/03/2006 Joan Plotnick -- Local strawberries earn appreciation - 04/26/2006 Editorial -- Surge of recent crimes points to need to find a chief - 04/26/2006 Editorial -- If you care about schools, you'll vote May 2 - 04/26/2006 Editorial -- Solution for ECES: New area school and fewer students - 04/19/2006 Editorial -- Naming honor is not for those who still serve - 04/19/2006 Editorial -- Get serious about stormwater runoff - 04/12/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- Clayton can have its own mini-ArtSpace - 04/12/2006 Editorial -- Why does board appoint committee, then ignore recommendations? - 04/12/2006 Brian Rapp -- Time again for my least favorite sign of spring - 04/05/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- Baby animals -- and grandsons -- grow up - 04/05/2006 Athletes at all levels should be held to higher standards - 04/05/2006 Joan Plotnick -- Cookbook crowd offers food, fellowship - 03/29/2006 Editorial -- With static crime rate, police should shift to drug enforcement - 03/29/2006 Editorial -- Clayton seeks vision for art - 03/22/2006 Brian Rapp -- Possible solution to March Madness in the workplace proposed - 03/22/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- 'Family' reunion brings together crowd from old Raleigh Times - 03/22/2006 Editorial -- Clayton seeks vision for art - 03/22/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- AG's office ranks consumer complaints - 03/15/2006 Editorial -- Council getting tougher on developers, plans - 03/15/2006 Brian Rapp -- Lotteries are boon to education elsewhere - 03/08/2006 Editorial -- Supermarket high school? It could happen here - 03/08/2006 Joan Plotnick -- Major issues the same from North Carolina to Nebraska - 03/01/2006 Margaret Ritchie -- Load management program offers savings to customers, stalls more rate hikes - 03/01/2006 Editorial - School district compromise good; interference by council members bad - 02/22/2006 Brian Rapp - Softball success doesn’t come cheap - 02/22/2006 Margaret Ritchie – Trip to home in Spain creates memories - 02/15/2006 Editorial – Management program gets more attractive as electric rates take leap - 02/15/2006 Brian Rapp – Has Super Sunday become too super-sized? - 02/08/2006 Editorial – Cute alcohol ads aimed at teens to set future brand preference - 02/08/2006 Editorial - No security measures can guarantee total safety/Congratulations to citizens - 02/01/2006 Joan Plotnick - Heroes not always far away but often can be found next door - 02/01/2006 Margaret Ritchie – Dream, reality sometimes can be blended - 02/01/2006 Brian Rapp – Putting accidents into perspective necessary - 01/25/2006 Editorial - Clayton residents right to be upset over process of redistricting schools - 01/25/2006 Joan Plotnick – Students find school – even new one – ideal ‘third place’ - 01/18/2006 Margaret Ritchie - Pink wreath reminder to avoid ‘If only’ - 01/18/2006 Editorial - Schools must consider all options, including community ties, in their student reassignment plans - 01/18/2006 Editorial – Survey shows citizens prefer controlled growth, saving rural heritage - 01/11/2006 Margaret Ritchie – Unusual country store catalog offers products only stored in memories - 01/11/2006 Brian Rapp – Is it better to be first with news – or right? - 01/11/2006 Editorial - Touch-screens unreliable,as well as intimidating to many area voters/Take time to contemplate, prepare - 01/04/2006 Joan Plotnick - Memories of past reveal simpler life - 01/04/2006 Editorial – Suggested resolutions for public servants - 12/28/2005 Brian Rapp – Political correctness has gone too far - 12/28/2005 Joan Plotnick – Whatever you celebrate, hope it's happy - 12/21/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Christmas pageants give youngsters sense of real story of the season - 12/21/2005 Editorial -- Stop sign enforcement alerts motorists to the law - 12/14/2005 Joan Plotnick -- Clayton's growth threatens local heritage of community - 12/14/2005 Editorial -- Stop sign enforcement alerts motorists to the law - 12/14/2005 Stop sign enforcement alerts motorists to the law - 12/14/2005 Editorial – Development too much, too fast, with no regard for land conservation - 12/07/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Kids stomp, sing their way into season at town’s annual Tree Lighting event - 12/07/2005 Editorial – School sites based on need best choice/Delinquent debtors to get big surprise - 11/30/2005 Brian Rapp – Thursday was still a day to give thanks - 11/30/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Thanksgiving is delayed, but not lost - 11/30/2005 Jim Green – Team should feel proud of season - 11/30/2005 Joan Plotnick--Community has much to be thankful for - 11/23/2005 Editorial--Removing graffiti helps sense of safe community - 11/23/2005 Editorial - Town should not spend money, compete in WiFi/Clayton Center sets precendent - 11/16/2005 Brian Rapp - Clayton voters let a few decide for all - 11/16/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Show commemorates WWII, swing era - 11/16/2005 Editorial – Veteran's Day observance often business as usual - 11/09/2005 Joan Plotnick – Rosa Parks’ contribution leads to other names in newspaper - 11/09/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Season Change: Baseball is over for year - 11/09/2005 Editorial – Voter apathy obvious as Candidates Forum draws sparse crowd/Parents get help in talking to their children about sex - 11/02/2005 Joan Plotnick – Brian Center nurses, staff provide residents more than patient care - 11/02/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Show spotlights Elton John, Billy Joel - 10/26/2005 Brian Rapp – Homecoming a hallowed – or hokey – tradition - 10/26/2005 Editorial – Voters need to decide town's future/Town needs parking, park - 10/26/2005 Editorials - "Open Space' change/school voting districts/Petitioners should offer districts - 10/19/2005 Joan Plotnick – Developers should plan for school crossings - 10/19/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Years of sun damage takes its toll - 10/19/2005 Brian Rapp – Freshmen get chance at disco - 10/12/2005 Margaret Ritchie – New prescription drug plan confusing - 10/12/2005 Editorial – Bingo parlor stumbles over hours, lighting - but it's a town error - 10/12/2005 Margaret Ritchie -- October a winner - 10/05/2005 Editorial -- Council wrong to attempt to circumvent state law - 10/05/2005 Brian Rapp -- Special kids and horses a winning combination - 09/28/2005 Editorial -- Referendum rejection sparks question on town attorney's advice - 09/28/2005 Joan Plotnick - We should have a rd/blue exchange program - 09/21/2005 Editorial -- District elections won't solve problems - 09/21/2005 Editorial – Town, residents negotiate on neighborhood issues, traffic, improvements - 09/14/2005 Stewart McLeod - Readers keep sending us photos from their varied vacation joints - 09/14/2005 Editorial - Bio-fuel can conserve gasoline/Funds for hurricane victims - 09/07/2005 Brian Rapp – Labor Day celebration brings mixed feelings - 09/07/2005 Margaret Ritchie - New Orleans disaster: Heart-wrenching devestation was not an unforseen event - 09/07/2005 Joan Plotnick - Ribbons, bracelets too commonplace - 08/31/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Apple country has delightful views, tastes - 08/31/2005 Editorial - Parking crisis not downtown but at Clayton Center - 08/31/2005 Editorial – New program to help freshmen adapt to high school reality/School buses spell danger - 08/24/2005 Brian Rapp – Back to School Doldrums - 08/24/2005 Margaret Ritchie – How far does family history go, anyway? - 08/17/2005 Editorial – Judging schools at state and federal levels/Teacher training grounds - 08/17/2005 Joan Plotnick – An upside to growth: Some forgotten benefits - 08/17/2005 Editorial - Town is too slow to act on clear-cutting ban/New prosecutor good idea to move drug cases along - 08/10/2005 Brian Rapp - Space flight still interesting to this baby boomer - 08/10/2005 Editorial: Deal with Raleigh saves Clayton from moratorium/Too many sidewalks contributes to pollution of groundwater/DDA honors Elmore's Furniture - 08/03/2005 Joan Plotnick - Bambi, Thumper no longer welcome in garden - 08/03/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Technology creates extra problems - 08/03/2005 Editorial – Feds are unreasonable in unfunded requirements/Where's a memorial in parking? - 07/27/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Fear of Lightining: Storms bring animals closer, stir up uncomfortable memories - 07/27/2005 Editorial--Questions surround contract, "perks" fo schools' chief - 07/20/2005 Brian Rapp--School uniforms cheaper than "latest fashion" - 07/20/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Tragic accident claims young life, destroys another - 07/13/2005 Editorial - Public transportation offered by JCATS/Focus on the task at hand - 07/13/2005 Joan Plotnick – Special foods can bring back memories - 07/06/2005 Brian Rapp – Prom Ride: A Hearse of a different color - 06/29/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Supermarket icon Winn-Dixie folds it tent - 06/29/2005 Editorial - Compromise needed to save more trees from developers/Parking lot revamp could be draw but what’s to keep people here? - 06/29/2005 Editorial - Woman needed for council/State mandates hurt counties - 06/22/2005 Joan Plotnick – Understanding U.S. history requires appreciation of its engineering marvels - 06/22/2005 Editorial – Fate of Main Street lot up for discussion at public forum/Property owners are key to downtown proposals - 06/15/2005 Brian Rapp – Senior softball to tempting to pass up - 06/15/2005 Editorial - Town should find subsidy to control power costs/Long-awaited bypass now closer - 06/08/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Ancient rocks offer fascinating tour - 06/08/2005 Joan Plotnick – Using the right word 'irregardless' - 06/01/2005 Editorial - Street improvements take longer, cost more because it's more than asphalt/Special exhibit worth viewing - 06/01/2005 Margaret Ritchie – ‘Cooter shell’ now more than a hat since Mr. Speedy came into our lives - 05/25/2005 Editorial – Downtown's 9-to-5 habit an albratross on business - 05/25/2005 Editorial - Closing police station after hours does not bode well for public safety/Three cheers for CHS golfers, hurdler - 05/18/2005 Joan Plotnick - Many ways to celebrate the seasons - 05/18/2005 Editorial - Red Cross servces locals too, not just worldwide victims/Local church honors many in community all month - 05/11/2005 Joan Plotnick - Find time to enjoy everyday adventures - 05/11/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Too many choices are overwhelming – and most of them are unnecessary - 05/11/2005 Editorial - Planning board is serious about town's appearance/Applause for mothers everywhere - 05/04/2005 Brian Rapp - Not the same classrooms I knew so well - 05/04/2005 Joan Plotnick – Our town library – A ‘community-building institution’ - 04/27/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Once a year, we're all family again - 04/27/2005 Editorial – Schools, JCC to benefit from $95 million bond referendum - 04/27/2005 Editorial - Longer school day not that bad an idea - 04/20/2005 Stewart McLeod - $2 better spent in town than on lottery - 04/20/2005 Editorial- Schools fail most creative, settle for testing scores/Traffic not valid argument - 04/13/2005 Joan Plotnick - A Jewish understanding of the Pope’s legacy - 04/13/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Downtown has surprising business variety - 04/13/2005 Jim Green - Great to be a UNC fan - 04/13/2005 Jim Green - Cards versus Red Sox/Yanks - 04/06/2005 Editorial - Plans for old spinning mill appear strong this time/Fire Department prepares move to state-of-the-art facility - 04/06/2005 Brian Rapp - Some first thoughts from the new guy on the beat - 04/06/2005 Margaret Ritchie - A baseball to the eye is discouraging, but a painted T-Rex on helmet helps - 04/06/2005 Editorial – Questionable procedures at public hearing/FCC wrong to take oversight of cablevision from towns - 03/30/2005 Margaret Ritchie - It's OK to lie about fishing – everyone does - 03/30/2005 Editorial - The budget will show town's commitment to neighborhoods in the North/Preservation incentives only cure for rural demise - 03/23/2005 Even brief commitment of time really can make a difference - 03/23/2005 Editorial - Elliott's departure leaves Clayton Center prepared/A different type of art- quilts on display - 03/09/2005 Joan Plotnick - Chopper fever alive, well at Caterpillar - 03/09/2005 Margaret Ritchie - If it’s baseball practice, spring must be near - 03/09/2005 Editorial - TWC gorilla pressuring town over rate filing - 03/02/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Krispy Kreme deserves its problems - 03/02/2005 Stewart McLeod - Learning as you go: Father/coach witnesses as girls become young ladies - 02/23/2005 Joan Plotnick – Honesty wins the point in fencing - 02/23/2005 Editorial – Development fees appropriate as town prepares for growth - 02/23/2005 Editorial – Middle schoolers learn about teen parenting from those who know - 02/16/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Mothers, infants need natural rhythm of music – away from the blue tube - 02/16/2005 Editorial – DDA must choose agenda, pursue goals to improve downtown Clayton/Praise for those who serve - 02/09/2005 Joan Plotnick – Census Bureau finds love in the air - 02/09/2005 Editorial - Incentives are legal bribery, but essential in today's development scheme/2007 too long to wait for recreational bonds - 02/02/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Storm warnings bring rush for buying food – for ourselves and for birds - 02/02/2005 Stewart McLeod - Community's newspaper far more than just a job - it's a commitment - 02/02/2005 Joan Plotnick - Ousted science teacher deserves a second chance - 01/26/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Awakening to no snow or ice a big relief - 01/26/2005 Editorial - County should include towns' input in planning/Educational arts programs an invaluable experience - 01/26/2005 Editorial: Award winner exemplifies outstanding citizenship/Teachers take time to advance skills - 01/19/2005 Margaret Ritchie - Private retirement accounts should supplement, not replace, current Social Security system - 01/19/2005 Cathy Marraccini – Board does its best with new school calendar - 01/19/2005 Joan Plotnick – Understanding the benefits of a 'typical' life - 01/12/2005 Margaret Ritchie – Waiter served up cold germs with meal - 01/12/2005 Editorial - Council needs petition to proceed on districts/Restoring old Town Hall should be a priority - 01/12/2005 Cathy Marraccini - Academic Boosters: Support needed for new group at CHS - 01/05/2005 Editorial – Board's band funding not fair to other groups - 01/05/2005 Editorial - Growth brings demand for recreational areas/High school tournament a boon for Clayton - 12/29/2004 GUEST COLUMN - Jennie Griffith - Grown-up sticks to story of Santa Claus - 12/22/2004 Editorial - Walkers spoil parade for those waiting on curb/Our town needs a real, growing tree - 12/15/2004 Cathy Marraccini – The 12 Days of Christmas, according to assignments - 12/15/2004 Margaret Ritchie – Lighted tree lifts Grinch-like feelings - 12/15/2004 Editorial - Town’s team approach to neighborhood woes needs citizen guidance - 12/08/2004 Joan Plotnick – Personal memories of World AIDS Day - 12/08/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Newest feline arrival not scary at all - 12/08/2004 Editorial – School technology funds should be kept in budget/Sign ordinance needs review to allow marquee sign - 12/01/2004 Cathy Marraccini – Cookies, delicacies a way of showing love to family - 12/01/2004 Margaret Ritchie – 'Tis the season for washing away ills - 12/01/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Thanksgiving is still about family - 11/24/2004 Editorial - Extending Front Street to offer convenience - 11/24/2004 Joan Plotnick - Discover new, simple way to become involved in scientific research – your sleeping computer - 11/24/2004 Editorial – Clayton High can’t wait for expansion in 2006/Bayer science program puts emphasis on future scientists - 11/17/2004 Cathy Marraccini – Marching band season comes to an end - 11/17/2004 Margaret Ritchie – Mystery writer Margaret Maron proves charming, entertaining – and very local - 11/10/2004 Editorial - Library’s rate of return far exceeds cost of building investment/Police: Praise for persistence - 11/10/2004 Joan Plotnick – Better communication could mend a broken nation - 11/10/2004 Editorial - Fee-in-lieu increase to bolster recreation, but county must step-up/Pratt exemplifies good citizen - 11/03/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Swearing to tell the truth, the whole truth, is rattling - 11/03/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Baseball season is over...sort of - 11/03/2004 Joan Plotnick – End of a tradition - 10/27/2004 Editorial - Voice your opinion, get out and vote/Attorney's only ones to profit when council sues own board - 10/27/2004 Cathy Marraccini - 'Adorable' not choice of word for downtown - 10/20/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Tokens of affection: Feline friend sometimes creates excitement with her gifts - 10/20/2004 Editorial - Public needs information before voting on districts/County shelter reorganization overdue, too late for family - 10/20/2004 Editorial - Voters should weigh consequences before voting for amendment - 10/13/2004 Editorial - NC 42 East project a necessary growth evil/Register to vote now - 10/06/2004 Joan Plotnick - 'Thank you' notes are nearly extinct - 10/06/2004 Margaret Ritchie - On Tour: New Orleans destination for group on butterfly bus - 10/06/2004 Editorial - Board should take closer look at school violence/Clayton Center season opens - 09/29/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Home projects often not what they seem - 09/29/2004 Editorial - Eliminating errors can ease stress of lunch policy/In the wake of a washout - 09/22/2004 Margaret Ritchie -– Advise for novice: 'Run to first and stop' - 09/22/2004 Joan Plotnick - It's never too late to change career paths - 09/15/2004 Editorial - Vision still a priority for Clayton growth/Student fans should take a seat - 09/15/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Process of judging is an art in itself - 09/08/2004 Cathy Marraccini - New addition to family means new title for aunt - 09/08/2004 Editorial - SAT exams should be for college-bound students/Bond referendum only solution to overcrowding - 09/08/2004 Editorial - Pedestrians have obligation to take proper precautions/Police prepare to combat illegal animal fighting - 09/01/2004 Joan Plotnick - Lessons from my patriotic grandfather - 09/01/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Yurts are clever addition to campground - 09/01/2004 Editorial - Town needs to factor newcomers into future water, sewer rates/Schools cell phone policy communicates right message - 08/25/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Media coverage for Olympics 'disappointing' - 08/25/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Columbus County a new experience but Paw Paws unlikely for success - 08/25/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Back to school memories: First day of high school reminiscent of earlier experience - 08/11/2004 Editorial - Town Council to weigh development with wastewater treatment capacity/Growth threatens quality of Johnston County Schools - 08/11/2004 Early start for CHS in Pigskin preview - 08/11/2004 Jim Green - Baseball trivia contest is fun, challenges research skills - 08/04/2004 Editorial – Clayton history collection continues as library expands/Downtown needs visual plan - 08/04/2004 Margaret Ritchie – Political observations - 08/04/2004 Joan Plotnick – N.C. beaches setting for perfect family escape - 08/04/2004 Editorial: Citizens welcome chance to learn about road project/Roll call vote with written ballot ensures public’s right to know - 07/28/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Recent trip tops list of vacation horror stories - 07/28/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Tobacco Dependent : With all the warnings, why do today's teens smoke? - 07/28/2004 Joan Plotnick – Trip to fencing nationals is exciting experience - 07/21/2004 Margaret Ritchie – Sorting through junk mail sometimes yields interesting, useful information - 07/21/2004 Editorial - Expanding goals blur lines of responsiblity - 07/21/2004 Editorial - Valuables left in cars temptation to thieves/Citizens get chance to review U.S. 70 project, problems - 07/14/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Dying vegetation on road no accident but helps protect power lines in storm - 07/14/2004 Joan Plotnick - 20-year-old project surfaces to delight readers of history - 07/07/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Small-town Fourth celebration is just what it's suppossed to be – fun - 07/07/2004 Editorial - Unity and cooperation better choices than dividing town into districts/Technology deal a good idea for town and IT company - 07/07/2004 Joan Plotnick - Communication is the key to avoiding stalemates - 06/30/2004 Cathy Marraccini - ‘Byrdman’ watches over nesting friends - 06/30/2004 Editorial - New budget reflects county's true values - 06/23/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Middle school dress code sounds like good idea - 06/16/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Champions, it has a nice ring - 06/16/2004 Editorial - Schools continue to do well on science,math - but why does writing lag?/Realigning Second,Central at Main a worthwhile project - 06/16/2004 History – The role of a community newspaper - 06/09/2004 Guest Columnist Lee Silberman: Fact or Fiction - Challenge for news media is to embody principles of responsible journalism - 06/09/2004 Editorial: Music, art exhibits draw good crowd to downtown/New roof a wise investment/Change comes to local industries - 06/09/2004 Town nearing agreement on new West Connector - 06/09/2004 Board sets budget meetings next week - 06/09/2004 Fresnius Kabi sold - 06/09/2004 Golf clinics seek to entice younger players into sports - 06/09/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Satisfaction: Horseshoe around a stake - 06/02/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Ticks carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - 06/02/2004 Editorial - Town Square a highlight of next year's budget/A strong, balanced budget - 06/02/2004 Editorial - Newest school tradition cuts into summer calendar - 05/26/2004 Joan Plotnick - Historic Occassions: Clayton graduates 100th class as West Johnston has first - 05/26/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Chorale’s performance as enjoyable as any at Clayton Center - 05/19/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Readers generous with praise in survey - 05/19/2004 Editorial - Council eyes allocations in terms of sewer capacity/Accolades to CHS centennial group - 05/19/2004 Joan Plotnick - Rewards should reflect achievement - 05/12/2004 Editorial - Recruitment, scholarships worthy of funding - 05/12/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Growing grandson rises to challenge of new position behind plate - 05/12/2004 Editorial - Clayton High community benefits from loyalty, links/Town can weather Winn-Dixie loss - 05/05/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Former Clayton potter stars in festival - 05/05/2004 Cathy Marraccini - What a mother does - 05/05/2004 Joan Plotnick - Learning about gardening also teaches lesson - 04/28/2004 Margaret Ritchie: Water, Water - adding flavors means its no longer water, and a fancy label doesn't make it taste better - 04/28/2004 Editorial - Town must commit to aid neglected neighborhood across tracks downtown - 04/28/2004 Editorial - Rooftops, traffic bring town more food choices/Senior games always a success - 04/21/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Sometimes cell phone service roams even when the phone doesn’t - 04/21/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Remembering the CCC - 04/21/2004 Joan Plotnick - ‘Information superhighway’ frightening to some but gateway to the world - 04/14/2004 Editorial - Where will county find money for building schools if not bonds/It's time for a decision - 04/14/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Senior games provide exercise, fun and inspiration for competitors - 04/07/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Anxiety = a computer, a kids and a cat - 04/07/2004 Editorial - Science Fairs teach kids to think for themselves/Investigation clears officers - 04/07/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Neuse River Road:Report offers history, geological, ecological details of extraordinary rural area - 03/31/2004 Joan Plotnick - Worn cliches originally had metaphorical meanings - 03/31/2004 Editorial - We've come a long way but we need new survey/Mill project deserves study - 03/31/2004 Editorial - Year-Round school idea gets unfair treatment/Waste treatment plant a good idea - 03/24/2004 Cathy Marraccini -Game shows still fun, offer true reality - 03/24/2004 Editorial: Domestic Violence on the rise; Harbor Inc. tries to help/RTZ funding only $10 million - 03/17/2004 Joan Plotnick - Popular movies, TV, books prove we are a diverse nation - 03/17/2004 Margaret Ritchie - March Madness will reign for a while, but like the weather that will change - 03/17/2004 Editorial - Town must act quickly to help with plan/Putting developers on notice - 03/10/2004 Stewart McLeod - Publisher walks a mile in mailman's shoes - 03/10/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Martha and Meg:Society would be better served without prison time for them - 03/10/2004 Editorial - What kind of return can we hope for from RTZ?/Ah, spring – It's just right. - 03/03/2004 Joan Plotnick - Foreign words often become lost in translation - 03/03/2004 Margaret Ritchie - It's exciting to be back in the stands cheering for my favorite player - 03/03/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Snow forecasting a school dilemna but make-up days clash with vacations - 02/25/2004 Railroad Crossing: Listening is good, acting is better/Good year for CHS teams, coaches - 02/25/2004 Editorial - Economic development position for our town should be independent/Downtown lights can wait - 02/18/2004 Joan Plotnick - Small business owners are unsung heroes - 02/18/2004 Margaret Ritchie - An Enchanting Evening: Broadway's music just gets better - 02/18/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Will low-carb dieting affect Valentine's Day - 02/11/2004 Editorial - Shooting focuses on man’s ability to speak English after 22 years in U.S./Forum to map town's future - 02/11/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Yellow intruder creates outing problem - 02/11/2004 Joan Plotnick - When word choice becomes censorship - 02/04/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Surprise snowfall was a lot more fun than those events forecast a week ahead - 02/04/2004 Editorial - Without the arts, life would be drab, dreary - 02/04/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Talking Trash: Litter shows lack of pride in community. - 01/28/2004 Editorial - Railroad crossings: A vehicle-pedestrian crossing only solution to problem - 01/28/2004 Editorial - Town can help shelter with increase in fees paid/Schools need teachers not just new facilities - 01/21/2004 Cathy Marraccini - Concert performers are more than devine - 01/21/2004 Joan Plotnick - Martin Luther King Jr. celebration goes beyond race to radical philosophy - 01/21/2004 Jim Green - Fitting end for old gym - 01/21/2004 Growth woes - Community believes only option for Clayton High is to keep growing - 01/14/2004 Margaret Ritchie - Familiar stop makes startling changes - 01/14/2004 Editorial - Save the tiles: Art legacy destruction an misguided precaution - 01/07/2004 Joan Plotnick - Art is more than just a pleasant diversion - 01/07/2004 Cathy Marraccini - All is well despite absence of holiday letter - 12/31/2003 Margaret Ritchie - New year not only time for new beginnings - 12/31/2003 Editorial - Little benefit to appeal of recent court decisions/Teacher should keep job - 12/31/2003 Guest column from WJHS - Hanukkah: An eight day Hebrew celebration - 12/24/2003 Guest Column from WJHS - Kwanzaa: Seven days to focus on principles - 12/24/2003 Joan Plotnick - Asking for a miracle, peace for Israel - 12/24/2003 Margaret Ritchie - No Easy Bake Oven was disappointment - 12/17/2003 Editorial - Council must consider most immediate needs for recreation programs/Clayton expects little benefit from new training district - 12/17/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Clayton loses tax revenue due to online shopping - 12/17/2003 Cathy Marraccini -'Tis the season for colds, viruses and flu - 12/10/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Auditorium is perfect for program featuring young people. - 12/10/2003 Editorial - County needs to revise its insurance policy too. - 12/10/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Horse-lover disappointed with show – both performance and RBC Center - 12/03/2003 Editorial - Citizens who serve/spreading the spirit of giving - 12/03/2003 Joan Plotnick - Lack of environmental concern clashes with patriotism - 11/26/2003 Editorial - Council errs in giving insurance benefits to officials after only 8 years - 11/26/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Where, oh where, has Thanksgiving gone? - 11/19/2003 Editorial - School violence report shows drug, alcohol incidents on increase/Town library addition hints of future expansion - 11/19/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Sixth-grade band: It may not be perfect but it's music just the same - 11/19/2003 Joan Plotnick - 'Stars' make way to prize, but not for their spelling - 11/12/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Small gestures, kindnesses often hold special meanings, can make a difference - 11/12/2003 Editorial - Youthful leadership to bring energy, enthusiasm to town/process sets bad precedent in handling development - 11/12/2003 Editorial: All animal lovers need to work to work for solutions to problems of local SPCA - 11/05/2003 Margaret Ritchie: My new SIMS City addiction brings new appreciation for planners, officials - 11/05/2003 Editorial - Animal Shelter needs support, not criticism - 10/29/2003 Joan Plotnick - Hockey Widow: Husband's priorities depend on season - 10/29/2003 Margaret Ritchie: It was a woman’s show - 10/22/2003 Cathy Marraccini: Fast-food ‘health foods’ a ruse for grown-ups - 10/22/2003 Editorial: Arrests should deter acts of vandalism/Hats off to Principal of Year - 10/22/2003 Joan Plotnick - There are not any good excuses for not voting on Nov. 4 - 10/15/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Angel adds fun, excitement to my life - 10/15/2003 Editorial - Postive spin from Bayer needed to reassure employees/ Relief efforts could use help - 10/15/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Baseball is a long struggle as layoff takes its toll on timing at the plate - 10/08/2003 Cathy Marraccini - ESPN gets what it deserves with Rush Limbaugh - 10/08/2003 Editorial - New Schools chief must prove himself/Gladys Creech will be sorely missed - 10/08/2003 Joan Plotnick - Cutting back on TV watching should aid metabolism, diet - 10/01/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Privacy Issues Unresolved: Cell phones, chips keeping tabs on us - 10/01/2003 Editorial: Decision is overdue –Is Clayton a town for art and artists - 10/01/2003 Editorial - Cleveland Community split over name it doesn't need; Town was prepared for Isabel - 09/24/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Hummingbird returns, debris awaits removal - 09/24/2003 Cathy Marraccini - A lot going on, Harvest Festival, Band Classic - 09/24/2003 Editorial: County, towns should play nicely together facing recreational needs - 09/17/2003 Joan Plotnick: The thing terrorists couldn’t take away - 09/17/2003 Editorial: Fun for all in downtown - 09/10/2003 Cathy Marraccini: Bike riders must learn to heed helmet safety - 09/10/2003 Margaret Ritchie: Homeland security should begin at home - 09/10/2003 Editorial: Downtown Clayton – Keep it clean, keep it safe, keep it growing - 09/10/2003 Editorial - Shooting on Main Street: Which danger poses the more dire threat?/SAT Efforts pay off for CHS - 09/03/2003 Joan Plotnick - Throwing away food like tossing diamonds, rubies - 09/03/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Martian Influence: Planet creates chaos and disrupts normal day - 09/03/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Crime shows Clayton is no longer sleepy town - 08/27/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Dieting, exercise don’t make life longer - real misery just makes it seem longer - 08/27/2003 Editorial - Walden homeowners vote against subdivision - 08/27/2003 Use of biosolids on farmland helps solve waste problems/Local man part of aviation history - 08/20/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Traveling trio finds signs no good unless you know where you are going - 08/20/2003 Editorial - Multi-family project points to need for zoning studies - 08/13/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Updated dictionary offers unique words - 08/13/2003 Joan Plotnick - Everyone should participate in the public schools - 08/13/2003 Editorial - We have the candidates, now what do we do/Clayton deserves more than paved parking lots - 08/06/2003 Stewart McLeod - Photo contest returns but it's not like last year. - 08/06/2003 Margaret Ritchie: Henderson’s show brings emotional surprise - 08/06/2003 Editorial - Clayton has opportunity for promoting itself/Education burden should be shared by all - 07/30/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Summer of a different sort ends with vacation - 07/30/2003 Margaret Ritchie - July too full of stressful situations, storms - 07/30/2003 Editorial - CHS, ECES should grow to handle more students/Clayton vs. Smithfield again? - 07/23/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Mudcats' heights are just too much; traveling kitten on her way to me - 07/23/2003 Editorial - School board must share search process information/Time to expand Clayton's Fourth - 07/16/2003 Cathy Marraccini - UNC Assignment: Read, think and form an opinion - 07/16/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Time for a new feline companion - 07/16/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Vacation 10 floors up made it hard to achieve goal of avoiding anxiety - 07/09/2003 Editorial - Minimum wage hike needed for - 07/09/2003 Editorial - Town’s well-being affects the well-being of all within county - 07/02/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Do Not Call Registry a welcome solution for those tired of telemarketer interruptions - 07/02/2003 Cathy Marraccini – Latest Harry Potter installment renews shared interest for parent and new teen - 06/25/2003 Joan Plotnick – U.S. History important for our democracy - 06/25/2003 Editorial – Ban asphalt, especially on town's own property - 06/25/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Looking for a home: Brahma bull calf and friends need a farmer to keep them safe - 06/18/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Staying vigilant is the best defense against tick-borne illness - 06/18/2003 Editorial - County needs advocate for public-private funding of countywide recreation/ Spend a summer evening with baseball - 06/18/2003 Margaret Ritchie - If we get something wrong, we expect to hear about it. - 06/11/2003 Editorial - No 'sunshine' on actions of local, county officials - 06/11/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Facts about fathers show changes - 06/11/2003 Cathy Marracccini - We should remember to savor some of summer’s sweetest moments - 06/04/2003 Editorial - Activities spur surge in local quality of life/Independent media are vital - 06/04/2003 Margaret Ritchie - My memory returns - fishing is fun - 06/04/2003 Joan Plotnick - Hail to the graduates; focus, perseverence pay off - 05/28/2003 Editorial - New schools require new attendance lines; Crowded school boasts 'cottages' - 05/28/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Ceremonies mistakenly place focus on 'graduation,' not passage of life - 05/28/2003 Cathy Marraccini - e-communication is ruining the English language - 05/21/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Butterflies, hummingbirds are two of best things about summertime - 05/21/2003 Editorial - Growing budget meets needs, spares citizens unreasonable tax burden - 05/21/2003 Joan Plotnick - Showdown in Iraq: Can the U.S. win the peace? - 05/14/2003 Editorial - Let JCAPL handle shelter, leave animal control alone / A successful season with more to come - 05/14/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Most 911 centers can't locate cell phones, but ours can - 05/14/2003 Jim Green - Softball game was unusual - 05/14/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Pottery festival blends with perfect Saturday - 05/07/2003 Editorial - Fair settlement includes county, town tax-sharing, 'Revenue Neutral' policy is no favor to citizens - 05/07/2003 Cathy Marraccini - End of Grade tests source of anxiety - 04/30/2003 Editorial - Corporate incentives leave town out in cold - 04/30/2003 Editorial: Growth, slow economy spawns crime increase, April is 'donate life' month - 04/23/2003 Cathy Marraccini - New band parent finds rewards on long trip to Florida - 04/23/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Digital cameras threaten our history - 04/23/2003 Stewart McLeod - Editorial cartoons can provoke thought; spawn reader's comments - 04/16/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Author makes career of his torment - 04/16/2003 Joan Plotnick - Even unbearable winters have some benefit - 04/16/2003 Editorial - Town must economic development, business in downtown - 04/16/2003 Cathy Marraccini - What's in a name? Mostly confusion for area shoppers - 04/09/2003 Cathy Marraccini - What's in a name? Mostly confusion for area shoppers - 04/09/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Goals at 65 are more realistic, reachable - 04/09/2003 Editorial - Closing the gap plan worthy of funding, perhaps by grants - 04/09/2003 Stewart McLeod - Questions and answers about freedom of the press - 04/02/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Snippets, tips best part of cookbook - 04/02/2003 Editorial - Town seeks authority to annex, save more trees - 04/02/2003 Doryl Jensen (correspondent) - The myth of anti-Americanism - 03/26/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Grown-ups reminisce, enjoy concert - 03/26/2003 Editorial - It is prudent for citizens to be prepared during war - 03/26/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Event provides glimpse into dad's special moments - 03/19/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Event provides glimpse into dad's special moments - 03/19/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Library is vital institution and extraordinary gift to everyone - 03/19/2003 Editorial - Books, library focal point of a strong community - 03/19/2003 Editorial - Political rumblings begin early in Town/County needs more revenue - 03/12/2003 Cathy Marraccini - March devoted to history of women - 03/12/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Performing felines are astonishing - 03/12/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Senior Center helping other seniors with donations - and you can help - 03/05/2003 Joan Plotnick - No Child Left Behind flawed by design - 03/05/2003 Editorial - Bus Service Welcome/Bigg's big achievement - 03/05/2003 Margaret Ritchie - 'Artsy' photos really out of focus - 02/26/2003 Editorial - Plans, committment can give town identity as an artist's community - 02/26/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Television networks should consider return to 'family hour' programming and ads - 02/19/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Suggested precautions appear futile effort to protect us from terrorist attacks - 02/19/2003 Editorial - State should reconsider formula for counting dropouts - 02/19/2003 Editorial - New pedestrian crossing, closing Church Street makes the most sense/ Open house a good time to visit new Town Hall - 02/12/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Valentine’s Day: A gift from the heart lasts longest - 02/12/2003 Joan Plotnick - Reflections on turning 40: Uncertain milestone begins life’s second chapter - 02/12/2003 Margaret Ritchie - A 'reality' show to appreciate - 02/12/2003 Margaret Ritchie - We cry, we mourn, we regret – and we move on, as we must after tragedies - 02/05/2003 Editorial - Compromise must be legislative word of the day - 02/05/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Mother Nature is ruining N.C.’s weather reputation - 01/29/2003 Joan Plotnick - National Board Certification is not waste of teacher time or state funds - 01/29/2003 Editorial - Food Town must be part of rules for downtown/awards gratifying but readers count the most - 01/29/2003 Margaret Ritchie - Award banquet brings entertainment and honor to deserving citizens - 01/22/2003 Cathy Marraccini - Kings legacy extends farther than many people realize - 01/22/2003 School board chairman oversteps his bounds in proposing district elections/ Hail to our local heroes - 01/22/2003 Margaret Ritchie - 'Doc in a box' ends band-aid ordeal - 01/15/2003 Stewart McLeod -Lifetime subscriber makes lasting impression - 01/15/2003 Editorial - Clayton is still exclusive but new vision is needed; Projects challenge area seniors - 01/15/2003 Cathy Marraccini -The piano’s return to new auditorium makes premiere a grand experience - 01/08/2003 Joan Plotnick - We should approach the New Year gently - 01/08/2003 Parents, schools share burden for physical education/ Auditorium a catalyst for downtown development - 01/08/2003 Editorial - Christmas Story; Yes, Virginia - 12/24/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Takeoff of popular Christmas tale sends holiday greetings to readers - 12/24/2002 CHRISTMAS ISSUE - Plotnick - Bridging the miles through holiday letters - 12/18/2002 CHRISTMAS ISSUE - Green -Morning didn’t come early enough for youngster on Christmas Day - 12/18/2002 CHRISTMAS ISSUE - Marraccini- Yule tree of present brings memories of past - 12/18/2002 CHRISTMAS ISSUE - Ritchie - Traditional decorations bring memories - 12/18/2002 Cathy Marraccini -‘Skinny pill’ supplements can’t replace responsibility for health matters - 12/18/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Ice is only good for tea, drink coolers - 12/18/2002 Editorial - Tree trimming program gets credit for few power outages/Clayton Center to open - 12/18/2002 Joan Plotnick - Unforgettable Chanukah when the power went out in the storm - 12/11/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Auditoriums opening gala will be once-in-a-lifetime event for Clayton - 12/11/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Weather provides perfect backdrop for holiday decorations - 12/11/2002 Editorial-Commissioner's anti-tax policy hurts Clayton, other towns/Comet champions - 12/11/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Getting acquainted with each other and with a small resident, Not Even - 12/04/2002 Cathy Marraccini - The more things change, the more they stay the same - 12/04/2002 Editorial: Don't give until it hurts, just give to help others - 12/04/2002 Joan Plotnick - Meteor shower missed but it was exciting anyway - 11/27/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Dad taught me to drive but test was scary - 11/27/2002 Editorial - Schools should report incidents same way/Time for gratitude - 11/27/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Prayer and patron saints - 11/20/2002 Joan Plotnick - The joys and endless possibilities of armchair travel - 11/20/2002 Editorial - recounting votes shows system works, caterpillar jobs - 11/20/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Eastern style barbeque leads pack in one-woman poll - 11/13/2002 Editorial: Accolades on elections/Town action aids rescue squad - 11/13/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Media Bias - 11/13/2002 Jim Green - CHS officials correctly enforce athletic contract - 11/06/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Family gathering brings security, helps unlock forgotten memories - 11/06/2002 Editorial - Confidentiality is essential in some official business but law applies - 11/06/2002 Joan Plotnick - Big government might not be all bad - 10/30/2002 Jim Green - Riding on a bus with girls - 10/30/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Change in costumes signals end of era for this mom - 10/30/2002 Editorial - Squabble centers on use of Champion Building - 10/30/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Clayton police doing their job, contrary to report - 10/23/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Baseball Shivering to an end - 10/23/2002 Editor's Column - Safety for children is goal of new Johnston coalition - 10/23/2002 Editor's Column - Commissioners should support increase in local option sales tax - 10/16/2002 Margaret Ritchie - As landlord, town can aid Rescue Squad - 10/16/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Solicitation at intersection dangerous but legal - 10/09/2002 Joan Plotnick - Kindergarten a time for life lessons, not school skills - 10/09/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Fran and Floyd left us a lot more wary - 10/09/2002 Editorial - Accolades to volunteers for new auditorium - 10/09/2002 Cathy Marraccini - Sometimes we don't know who is watching us - 10/02/2002 Margaret Ritchie - Stress relief not working as my pitcher takes mound - 10/02/2002 Rescue, town have opportunity to cooperate - 10/02/2002 Editorial - Pledges a simple principal of financing projects: Renovation delay worth the wait - 09/25/2002 Cathy Marraccini : New moms speak out to reveal the negative - 09/25/2002 Editors Column - rain dampens event, not enthusiasm - 09/18/2002 Emergency vehicles demand, deserve right of way - 09/18/2002 Editor's Column - 09/11/2002 Local heros on frontline of danger every day - 09/11/2002 CHS becomes star in local SAT crown - 09/04/2002



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