What a difference a day makes: Clinton’s newest public art project blossomed in a short time this week, filling out the large structure-turned-canvas on Ferrell Street, courtesy of artist Seraphim Smith. The mural, across the street from Fastenal, can be seen from the Hwy 55 parking lot.

South River EMC’s Community Assistance Corporation recently awarded grants totaling $71,861 to local schools and non-profits thanks to participants in Operation Round Up.

What a difference a day makes: Clinton’s newest public art project blossomed in a short time this week, filling out the large structure-turned-canvas on Ferrell Street, courtesy of artist Seraphim Smith. The mural, across the street from Fastenal, can be seen from the Hwy 55 parking lot.

Popular multi-award quartet, The Dixie Melody Boys, will be featured on Sunday, Oct. 16 at Piney Grove Chapel Baptist Church, just east of Angier.Joining the talented group for this special evening will be group founder and long-time bass singer, Ed O’Neal.

Jesus, in response to Jews that murmured to him concerning His teaching that He was the bread which came down from heaven said, “Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” John 6:43-45). It would seem noteworthy that the Jews to whom He spoke those words did not have to be taught in order to be Jews. One was born a Jew or he was not a Jew. It is true that they were to teach their children from an early age, but the teaching was in how they were to live as Jews, not concerning what they needed to do in order to become Jews. We have often noted that one was physically born a Jew, as was Nicodemus (John 3:1), while one must be “born again” (John 3:3) in order to be a Christian. The first birth is a physical one, the second is a spiritual one (John 3:6). Thus, Christianity is a taught religion.

The other day, I saw a political ad where a politician was promoting same-sex marriages as a reason why people should vote for him in the upcoming election. Only 10 years ago you would not have seen such an add. In addition, only 10 years ago, you would not have seen all of the sexual perversion that we see being advertised and promoted all across this country. There use to be a time that much of what we see today would have been hidden and kept in the closet. Today it is all out and even glorified by some pastors, government officials and schools. What does God say about all of this and how did we get here.

State leaders were warning of the effects of Ian, with a State of Emergency declared and heavy winds and rain expected to come in overnight Thursday and continue Friday. Resources and personnel were already being mobilized statewide in expectation of the worst.

A new research project installed at the Sampson County Extension Office is aimed at helping homeowners, landscapers, turf industry professionals, and sod growers control damage to lawns and turf by ground pearls. Ground pearls are scale insects that attack the roots of all species of grasses just below the soil line.

The Lakewood Leopards will hold its annual homecoming game on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., hosting the Union Spartans at James E. Lewis Field. During halftime, the homecoming court will be presented and the new homecoming queen crowned. Pictured are the nominees. From left, are: front row — Hannah Register, Ko’Mauri Evans and Carrie Monk; and back row: Shyann Spell, Kaylyn Iverson, Annagrace Jackson, Haley Parker, Natalie Maynor, Kaylee-Grace Newton and Honestee Williams.