Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Lieutenant Nicholas Cloninger, a 25-year veteran of the Durham Police Department. Lt. Cloninger is a 25-year veteran of the Durham Police Department and one of the longest-serving watch Commanders in the history of the Department. Lt. Cloninger has always gone above and beyond to help the community and…… Continue Reading
One of the most economical and practical things you can do for the plants in your landscape and vegetable garden is to start a compost pile. We’ve discussed it fairly often on the “WPTF Weekend Gardener” over the last 40 years. The first step is to find a relatively shady well-drained location in your back yard. You don’t have to buy a container, just build your own or find a proper spot on the ground. A wire cylinder 3 to 4 feet in diameter will work or build a three-sided box that’s 4 to 5-feet high and wide. However, if you prefer, ready-made bins are easy to find.… Continue Reading
Breed: Hound Sex: Male Weight: 65 lbs Age: 2Y/1M/1W Just like his photo shows, Moose is one laid-back hound with a heart as big as his 61-lb frame. With his striking red-mahogany coat and “cool as a cucumber” personality, this young adult has thebest of both worlds—he’s past the chaos of puppyhood but still has plenty…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the week is Sam King, Firefighter for the Four Oaks and Cleveland Fire Department. Sam was nominated by Hannah Horne, who says, “I would like to nominate Sam as a Hometown Hero. With over 20 years of service experience, including time spent in Virginia, Sam has shown true dedication to helping others.…… Continue Reading
Our new Pet of the Week is the handsome Gerard! As POTW, his adoption fee is waived from today through next Tuesday, October 21. I’m a curious, playful guy, and I’m told I’m very smart, too! I have soaked up a lot of learning since I’ve been here — it helps that I’m very food-motivated,…… Continue Reading
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Jacob Norris, Johnston County EMS and Antioch Fire Department. Jacob has spent the last six years in EMS and fire, which basically means he’s seen it all—chaos, caffeine-fueled shifts, and the occasional “why did I sign up for this?” moment. Through it all, he’s stayed dedicated to…… Continue Reading
We all want resilient plants for our landscape. Frankly we want something that is cost effective. A plant which fulfills that description and expectation is “Ironweed” (Vernonia noveboracensis). This seems to be the most common variety grown in North Carolina. Anne Clapp used to say: “A weed is a plant you don’t want in your yard,” but you definitely will want Ironweed! It is a popular and hardy herbaceous perennial that you’ll find in a lot of landscapes in North Carolina. Herbaceous means it does not have a woody stem and dies back to the ground after it flowers. By the way, “Ironweed” was named for the English botanist William Vernon who traveled extensively in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s.… Continue Reading
Ziggy is a 3-year-old poodle mix with a big heart and plenty of pep! He’s the best of both worlds—happy to go for walks and burn off his energy, then just as content to curl up on the couch, the bed, or even the floor for a cozy nap. While he may give a few…… Continue Reading
Our QDR Hometown Hero for 10/8/25 is Michael Hill, Veteran, Retired Sheriff’s Deputy, Current Firefighter. Mike was nominated by Laura Hill, who says, “Mike has dedicated his entire life to serving others. His 21 years with the USMC as a Corpsman, then served the Durham Co Sheriff’s Office for 19 years and has been a…… Continue Reading
Join Abby Leigh every Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for Wine Down Wednesday. Each Wednesday, Abby will uncork the stories behind our state’s vineyards and winemakers. From mountain views to coastal breezes, North Carolina wine is at the intersection of Southern hospitality and global flavor—where authentic local ingredients meet a passion for innovation. Tune in each…… Continue Reading