When I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, my backyard could go for a half mile or more. When I told Momma that I was going out in the backyard, it could mean a lot of different places.

RALEIGH — Senate Speaker Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) appointed Sen. Danny Britt (R-Robeson, Scotland and Hoke) to eight committees for the 2025-26 legislative biennium.

HAMLET — Richmond Community College President Brent Barbee joined the management team from Sonnax Transmission Co. last month to celebrate the accomplishments of 13 local Sonnax employees who recently completed a yearlong customized leadership program.

HAMLET — Richmond Community College’s Foundation has named Rockingham native Gene McLaurin its 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year. McLaurin is president/CEO of Quality Oil Company with offices in Rockingham, Laurinburg, Wadesboro and Lumberton.

The Rev. Tony Lowden often goes back to the voice message.

PEMBROKE — The Lumbee Tribe opened the year with the swearing-in of seven members to the Lumbee Tribal Council and John Lowery’s second and final term as the chairman during an inauguration ceremony held on Thursday.

LUMBERTON — The John Brown “little” Big Band is described as an “11-piece band that has a big sound” and they will take the Carolina Civic Center stage at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8.