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Today's Opinions

  • Government needs to steer clear of private lives

    We had to shake our heads at a bill recently introduced by a North Carolina legislator.
    State Sen. Austin Allran, a Republican from Hickory, was the primary sponsor of the Healthy Marriage Act, legislation that would make North Carolinians have to wait two years to finalize a divorce. There would also be mandatory counseling.
    Currently, the waiting time is one year, which seems a fair amount of time.

  • ‘Cash in the car? It’s certainly not mine.’

    We had to chuckle after reading a report about a traffic stop last week on I-85 near Lexington.
    Davidson County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a 2005 Dodge truck on I-85 South for a traffic violation.
    According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle displayed California registration and was driven by Dennie Andy Keophimanh, 26, of Grand Prairie, Texas.

  • Battle over Brunswick County blazes across state line

    By Sarah Sue Ingram
    Interim Editor

  • Teen Court impressive

    To the editor:
    On March 26, I attended a Teen Court session at the Brunswick County Courthouse, open to the public, viewing teens who had been mentored and demonstrating skills prosecuting and/or defending other teens for various violations. It was live—a proceeding, open court. Both sides gave opening statements and after evidence, they gave closing statements and the judge gave his charge. Then a teen jury deliberated and gave its verdict. Observing these very polished events was remarkable.

  • Insurance hikes totally unjustified

    To the editor:
    In reference to a Beacon article about the 20 percent increase in our home insurance rates, let’s examine the facts:
    1) We have not had a major hurricane in southeastern North Carolina in 14 years.
    2) The market value of most of the homes in this area has decreased by almost 33 percent since 2008.

  • Smart Start thankful for gardening help

    To the editor:
    Smart Start of Brunswick County has been fortunate to receive several grants in support of its Just Watch It Grow project.
    This project allows Smart Start to purchase gardening equipment, materials and plants for participating childcare centers.
    Currently, Smart Start has eight centers involved in this special project that promotes healthy eating and has relied on Lowe’s Home Improvement in Shallotte for assistance with purchases and deliveries.

  • Re-start the death penalty but only when there’s proof

    By Sarah Sue Ingram
    Interim Editor

  • Make saving a life your last and lasting act

    Gov. Pat McCrory has proclaimed April as Organ Donation Awareness Month in North Carolina, encouraging all citizens to consider the many organ-donation needs throughout the state.
    “According to Carolina Donor Services (CDS), more than 3,546 North Carolinians are waiting for organ transplants, and an average of 18 people die each day due to the severe shortage of donated organs,” McCrory said.
    Eighteen people a day. That’s an alarming number.
    In the future, one of those 18 could be somebody you know. Or love.