.....Advertisement.....
.....Advertisement.....

Today's News

  • Much ado about mulch; use it to conserve moisture and control weeds

    Everyone knows mulch is a great thing to add to newly planted trees and shrubs. It helps conserve moisture, keeps the soil cooler and helps control weeds.

    As we do applied research and learn more about how plants respond to various practices, we often find out “what everyone knows” isn’t necessarily correct. Information generated by Dr. Ed Gilman at the University of Florida over the last few years is changing the way we think about using mulches.

    Click here to read more...
  • Get more bang for the buck: Prune crape myrtles to keep them blooming

    Want to get a little more bang for the buck with your crape myrtles? Prune off spent crape myrtle blossoms to prolong the flowering period. This works best on smaller plants where it’s easier to reach the flowers from the ground. You may also prune bleeder trees such as maple, dogwood, birch and elm this month.

    Summer gardening tips

    Hot, dry weather favors powdery mildew. It is typically not fatal to woody ornamentals but can make them look bad. To control, spray every 7 to 14 days as soon as you notice the disease.

    Click here to read more...
  • Ticks can pose potential health risks; protect family and pets

    A July 9 press release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services mentions the death of a Wilkes County resident is likely due to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF).

    As noted by Dr. Leah Devlin, the state health director, North Carolina had 665 cases of RMSF reported in 2007. We are likely to see an upsurge of queries about ticks and tick-borne diseases.

    There are no magic fixes to tick problems but there are measures (both chemical and non-chemical) people can use to reduce tick infestations around their property and to protect themselves and family:

    Click here to read more...
  • Intracoastal Realty makes donations for scholarships

    Intracoastal Realty Corporation has donated more than $19,500 to fund scholarships at UNCW, Cape Fear Community College and Brunswick Community College for the 2008-2009 academic school year.

    For the past 12 years, Intracoastal Realty agents have donated a portion of each closing to a scholarship fund, which is then matched by company funds. The amount given the first 10 years provided two scholarships to the UNCW Honors Program.

    Click here to read more...
  • CIS gala planned for October

    The seventh annual Benefit Gala for Children will take place at Sea Trail Golf Resort and Convention Center under the Palm Court Tent on Thursday, Oct. 16, according to Cynthia Tart, executive director of Communities in Schools of Brunswick County Inc. (CIS).

    This black tie event features live and silent auctions, entertainment by The 360 Degrees and emcee Jon Evans, news anchor for WECT-TV6 and WSFX-TV26 in Wilmington.

    David Gooden, U.S. Cellular agent, is spearheading this year’s fundraising effort as honorary chair and presenting sponsor.

    Click here to read more...
  • The Explorer Years (1524 to 1699) at Ocean Isle Beach

    In March 1524, the Cape Fear Indians watched Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazano anchor his ship near Ocean Isle Beach and come ashore.

    Verrazano spent a few weeks exploring. He found the local Native Americans to be friendly. He wrote in his diary, “The natives go nude except at the private parts where they wear skins of animals; some natives wear garlands of bird feathers.”

    Verrazano described the Native Americans as “russet colored and somewhat larger than Europeans, with well-proportioned bodies clothed in animal skins and feathers.”

    Click here to read more...
  • New books are available at Rourk Branch Library

    The following books are now available at Rourk Branch Library in Shallotte.

    Reviews are courtesy of Friends of the Library.

    NON-FICTION

    “Lessons in Becoming Myself” by Ellen Burstyn. A great actress of our time shares the lessons she has learned from her personal, professional and spiritual journeys.

    “The Bin Ladens” by Steve Coll. A colorful, shocking and disturbing narrative of global integration and its limitations.

    Click here to read more...
  • Medlin-Edwards

    Savannah Dawn Medlin of Riegelwood and Matthew Ray Edwards of Winnabow were married June 7 at Town Creek with the Rev. Bill Altman of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating.

    The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arden Medlin of Riegelwood. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Edwards and Bonnie Edwards of Leland.

    The bride was given in marriage and escorted by her father.

    Click here to read more...
  • Cox anniversary

    Bill and Molly Cox of Carolina Shores recently enjoyed a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary at The Surf Club in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., with more 100 family and friends attending. Festivities included a dinner and dance. Among those in attendance were their three daughters and spouses, Kathy and Lee Severson, Diane and Scott Himes, and Karen Houston, as well their nine grandchildren and many out-of-town guests.

    Click here to read more...
  • How is whazzisname, and where did I park my car?

    Thanks to the consideration of a dear friend, I received an e-mail suggesting I log onto a Web site that would give me information regarding an issue with which I have been dealing for a while.

    It was an article by David Brooks entitled, “The Great Forgetting.” My laughter was already bubbling up from a great humorous deep.

    Brooks gave a wonderful tongue-in-cheek description:

    Click here to read more...