Hometown Hero of the Week: Michael Hill, October 8th, 2025
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
Wine Down Wednesday
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
Fursday: Meet Ronnie from APS of Durham!
Announcing Ronnie as our APS Pet of the Week! Ronnie is a big, lovable goofball. He’s an active boy who’ll make an amazing hiking and exploring buddy! As POTW, Ronnie’s adoption fee is waived through next Tuesday, October 7. If you have a treat for me, or a tennis ball to chase, we’ll be best…… Continue Reading
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: Skyler Lee, October 2025
Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the month for October is Skyler Lee, Kindergarten Teacher at Doral Academy of North Carolina. Skyler was nominated by Allison Slominski, who says, “I’m nominating Ms. Lee because she is the kind of educator every parent hopes their child will have. She’s incredibly sweet, endlessly patient, and genuinely cares…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Joseph “Joey” Pepoli, October 1st, 2025
Joey was nominated by Haley Bain, who says, “Joey deserves to be recognized because he does so much that often falls behind the scenes due to the nature of his job. Being a Wildlife Enforcement Officer has a stigma that surrounds it because everyone has the mindset that the “Game Warden was out to get…… Continue Reading
WINS-Day: See Eric Church in Greensboro
This Wins-day on QDR, we’re bringing you the sound of victory with the Carolina Secret Sound! We’ll play a mystery sound tied to the Carolinas — and if you can name it; you’re going to see Eric Church in Greensboro, March 6th! Listen and win at 6:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:30 pm! It’s quick, it’s fun,…… Continue Reading
One year later, western North Carolina still recovers from Hurricane Helene
SPRUCE PINE, N.C. (NCN News) – One year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, recovery continues across the mountains. The storm killed 108 people, caused more than 2,000 landslides and left businesses, roads and communities in ruins. While many restaurants, farms and attractions are reopening, most small businesses still have not returned to pre-Helene revenues. State officials say bipartisan support has brought new funding and infrastructure repairs, but rebuilding remains a long-term effort.… Continue Reading
Russian sage: Not from Russia, but perfect for NC gardens
I planted some Russian Sage (Salvia yangii) decades ago. Alas, I can’t remember when it faded into oblivion. It is really not native to Russia and hails from Central Asia, ie, Afghanistan, Tibet. The name derives from the genus of the plant which is “perovskia” and it was named for the Russian General V.A. Perovski in the 1800’s. I don’t know why, I suppose he was some sort of wise person or “sage”.… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Michaela Pavlik, September 24th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Michaela Pavlik Michaela is nominated by her children, Ansley and Granger. Michaela has been in EMS since she was 15 yrs old, starting out as a cadet. Once turning 18 yrs old she completed her EMT certification. Michaela then dedicated countless hours for almost 2 yrs taking care of a…… Continue Reading
Sweet autumn clematis charms, but NC experts say avoid it
I must say that I have rarely written an article about a plant I like but I don’t recommend for WPTF Weekend Gardener listeners. Sweet Autumn Clematis(Clematis teriflira) or Japanese Clematis is an exception. Sweet Autumn Clematis is actually in the Buttercup family. It does not act like one however. It is a master at spreading and surviving once its roots are established. It is very invasive and NC State doesn’t recommend that you plant this vine. The North Carolina Invasive Plant Council feels the same way. I don’t even know where you can buy this plant now. It is purported to be poisonous too. That being said, when I see it blooming in my yard and especially along the roadside in late August into September, I know fall is on the way and I love fall and winter.… Continue Reading