Troy Kickler

America 250 preparation gains momentum

February 28, 2026 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly’s America 250 Semiquincentennial Committee continued its celebration work during its meeting this month. Co-chair Sen. Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland) opened the meeting with historical anecdotes for that day’s meeting, […]

America 250 readies for 2026

January 2, 2026 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — Preparations continued at the state and national level for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The America’s Quincentennial Committee at the General Assembly, which convened its first meeting in April 2024, met multiple times this year. The committee, […]

Legislative America 250 Committee hears updates

December 5, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Semiquincentennial Committee heard presentations and updates on America 250 celebration planning during its November meeting. The meeting, opened by Committee Co-Chair Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke) and Sen. Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland), […]

Legislative committee working to spread America 250 messages

September 28, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The legislative committee overseeing America 250 celebrations in North Carolina met Sept. 18 to discuss activities planned in the coming months. Committee Co-Chair Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland) shared historical facts for “on this day […]

America250 NC holds latest legislative meeting

July 31, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly’s Centennial Committee met on July 24 to discuss preparations for America’s 250th anniversary. Amber McClure, senior director of Civic Engagement for the YMCA of the Triangle and state […]

NCGA’s America 250 Committee sets priority initiatives list

March 28, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH—The North Carolina General Assembly’s Quincentennial Committee met March 13 to continue discussions on preparations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Led by Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), the committee has increased its efforts with […]

Opinion

KICKLER: The lost state of Franklin

May 23, 2018 North State Journal Staff

You may be familiar with the Civil War story of the Free State of Jones and Newton Knight. The 2016 movie popularized the account. But have you heard of the 1780s “Lost” State of Franklin? […]

Article

KICKLER: “Fire, fire on them or on me!”

May 16, 2018 North State Journal Staff

Gov. William Tryon issued this order on May 16, 1771. He was frustrated with his reluctant North Carolina militia, most from the eastern part of the state, who had ignored his first command to fire […]

Opinion

KICKLER: What’s in a (county) name?

April 25, 2018 North State Journal Staff

A list of names can be, well, simply a list of names. The list can also provide keys that unlock a rich history. Let’s explore the roots of a few N.C. counties. Many of today’s […]

Opinion

Meaningful arguments must go beyond persuasive emotional responses

April 18, 2018 admin

Ever known an uncooperative grump? Ever made the mistake of engaging a cantankerous person on Aisle 5 in a department store with a simple friendly “hello”? Ever worked with an ornery and cynical colleague, who […]

Troy Kickler

America 250 preparation gains momentum

America 250 readies for 2026

Legislative America 250 Committee hears updates

Legislative committee working to spread America 250 messages

America250 NC holds latest legislative meeting

NCGA’s America 250 Committee sets priority initiatives list

KICKLER: The lost state of Franklin

KICKLER: “Fire, fire on them or on me!”

KICKLER: What’s in a (county) name?

Meaningful arguments must go beyond persuasive emotional responses

Pollen is back to coat the land and pummel the senses
How to protect yourself during allergy season

Pollen is back to coat the land and pummel the senses