The Heart of Gym Class: How Ms. Gloria Graves Shaped Our Childhood

Ms. Graves’s vibrant personality and passion for teaching came from her deep-rooted family values. Coming from a musical family, she also enjoyed singing and playing the piano, and her joy was infectious. This musical spirit and love for people shone through in everything she did, making her not just a great gym teacher but a truly remarkable person. She was the proud parent of Will Graves, a retired professional basketball player who now runs the Will Graves Skills Academy, and her pride in him was always evident.

Obituary: Larry Arnett

Larry was a private and humble man whose life was centered around his family and friends. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Vietnam Veteran. Following his military service, he worked as an automotive mechanic and later in the Lexington-Thomasville furniture industry. He was also among the ten students who desegregated Lexington Senior High School, a history-making role he carried with quiet dignity.

From the Gridiron to the Abyss: How a Former Football Star Became a Federal Oceanographer

After graduating from Lexington Senior High School in 2010, Medley enrolled at NC State to study environmental science technology later graduating with a Bachelors and a master’s in environmental science technology. It was there that his football career came to an end. Medley recalls the tough transition, feeling lost without the sport that had defined him for so long. He credits his father, Coy Medley, for helping him through that challenging period.

When a Safe Haven No Longer Feels Safe: A Call to Action for the Lakewood Hills Community

The situation is all the more heartbreaking because of what has been lost. After the recent passing of her husband, Tom Danze, the home was not just a house, but a sanctuary filled with the memories and treasures he had collected over a lifetime. It is a profound violation to know that Mr. Danze’s collectibles and other valuable items, things he worked hard to acquire and cherish, have been stolen. And just recently, adding to the list of devastating losses, a motor was stolen from the property. It’s not just about the monetary value; it's about the emotional and sentimental worth of these objects, each one a piece of his legacy, now gone forever.

A Collector's Paradise: A Glimpse into the Vanhoy Estate Sale

Among the many gems, I was captivated by a collection of Proof sets, each coin a tiny piece of numismatic history. Then there were the football cards, a nostalgic journey back to the gridiron's golden eras. But the true highlight, the moment that will forever be etched in my memory, was holding three original Nolan Ryan rookie cards. For a collector, or even just an admirer, holding such an iconic piece of sports history is an indescribably good feeling. It’s a moment of connection to a time and a legend that transcends the physical object itself.

Column: Voter Registration Roulette-Updated

Davidson Local publisher Antionette Kerr says she has twice discovered her name caught up in North Carolina’s voter list challenges—first during the Jeff Griffin–Allison Riggs lawsuit, and again this month when the State Board of Elections reported more than 747,000 voter removals as part of a statewide “registration repair” effort.

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.