“Democracy is supposed to give us space to disagree. Democracy fails when disagreement turns dangerous, deadly, or personal.”

Mayor @prestonb-nc.bsky.social shares his concerns about the growing threat of violence for our local political leaders in his first column for Beacon Media.

#NCPol

When Hurricane Helene devastated Southern Appalachia in the fall of 2024, it left both our landscape and our communities forever changed. But in the aftermath, something remarkable emerged: stories of survival, solidarity, and strength.

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North Carolina's Supreme Court will decide whether or not to overturn the re-election of one of it's members.
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Wishing you all a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

2024 has been a year of resilience, growth, and community. From navigating challenges to celebrating milestones, I’m grateful for the opportunities to serve and for everyone who’s made an impact along the way. Here’s to continuing the work in 2025

I am deeply disappointed in Congress. While the people, businesses, and infrastructure of Western North Carolina suffer, they continue to play politics.

Celebrate our first year of releases and get copies of Register! # 1 and Recognized # 1 for 20% off plus free shipping.

Support indie comics by giving a little knowledge and inspiration to someone you love.

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Look who I found this Thanksgiving—the queen herself, my grandmother, Oralene Simmons! She’s truly beloved. For years, whenever I was mentioned in the news, I was referred to as “Oralene Simmons’ grandson.” If you don’t know her story, you should read about her here.

The past few months have been incredibly challenging for folks across Western North Carolina. Yet, even in the face of adversity, there’s still so much to be grateful for—and I am deeply grateful.

With stabilization funds set to end in December, many NC child care centers are at risk of closing or raising prices—especially in WNC after Hurricane Helene. Families are already struggling to find affordable care, and this funding has been crucial for keeping centers open and teachers paid.

Days are long, but the years are short. I think that phrase resonates especially with our youth. They’ve faced a pandemic, endured natural disasters, and grown up in a time when politics and government have been more divisive than ever.

You know, this is all coming together. In Fletcher, there’s a restaurant called Blue Sky Cafe—they have the best fries! Maybe Bluesky, the social network, is the social media equivalent of their fries 😂

Hey 👋🏾. Just figuring out this space! I’m the youngest sitting mayor in North Carolina and work as a janitor for my family business. I serve on several boards and am committed to creating a brighter future for all Fletcher residents and North Carolinians.