Column: Cultivating Growth at Davidson Local

This summer brought the “first fruits” of growth for both my garden and Davidson Local. Just as I’ve tended tomato plants named after great storytellers—Ida B. Wells, Octavia Butler, Zora Neale Hurston, and James Baldwin—I’ve nurtured a newsroom rooted in truth, resilience, and community. Time spent with our team and their families reinforced that our strength lies in people, not just journalism.

That strength shows in every contribution—Sharon Myers bringing depth to government and crime coverage, Atalia Cardenas offering Spanish translation ideas to reach more neighbors, and all those who choose to share tips, story ideas, or simply their trust. Like a shared garden, Davidson Local thrives on collective effort, from donors to readers to local partners.

A Sting of Wisdom: Bob Timberlake and the Buzz About Pollinators

At the Lexington Farmers Market, artist Bob Timberlake posed a mighty question once raised by a former Lexington High School cheerleader: “Have you ever been stung by a yellow jacket?” Beyond the sting, yellow jackets are among nature’s top pollinators—second only to honey bees—helping sustain the very flowers, fruits, and vegetables found at the market.

Where Are They Now? Coach James Atkinson

But the most enduring lesson Coach Atkinson preached was about being a saboteur—someone who repeats the same mistakes over and over. He pushed us to take accountability and never settle for average. This philosophy wasn't just for the football field; it was for life. It was a call to continuous improvement, a rejection of complacency.

Davidson County Judge Makes Bold Exoneration Decision- By The Assembly

Robert Broadie, a Superior Court judge from Davidson County, exonerated the men in the 2002 death of Nathaniel Jones, the grandfather of NBA star Chris Paul, who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. They are now in their mid to late 30s; Brayboy died in 2019, a year after he was released from prison. Bryant and Tolliver were released in 2017. Cauthen and Banner have been serving life sentences. 

Lexington: A City That Defies the "Boring" Label

A city's true character is not found in rankings or on paper, but in the connections and collective spirit of its residents. As one local, Carolyn Curry, aptly noted, a quick look at local news highlights the "wonderful people and great things happening here." It is this grassroots energy that truly defines Lexington.

From Fifth Grade to Forever

Now, years later, I'm amazed at the men we've become. Marcus took a leap of faith and started his own mobile detailing business. He’s a natural entrepreneur, and he’s absolutely killing it. I, on the other hand, started my own media company. It’s been a wild ride, full of unexpected challenges and rewarding successes, but it's ultimately led me to a full-time position at Davidson Local, a job I love.

Standoff at home results in arrest for child abuse and fleeing

On August 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force for the United States Marshals Service attempted to serve arrest warrants at a residence, at 1689 Old US Highway 52, Lexington, North Carolina, in Davidson County, for Jonathan V. Garcia, date of birth November 17, 1994. The arrest warrants were for felony probation violation, felony flee to elude arrest, drive with a revoked license, misdemeanor child abuse and possession of stolen goods. These arrest warrants were out of Forsyth County

The Unwavering Passion of Dr. Ray Horton and the Legacy of the Class of 1995

When he took on the role of head coach at Lexington Middle School, his message was simple and direct: "execute, dominate, and always talk with your pads and not your mouth." His practices were not for the faint of heart. I can still vividly recall the drills that defined our first week of organized football: the Oklahoma, the belt-line drill, and the county fair drill. But my personal favorite was the "bull in the ring," a drill that was as much a life lesson as it was a football exercise. It taught us to keep our heads on a swivel at all times, a metaphor for the constant awareness and readiness required in life.