See Ed Sheeran in Charlotte!
Be there for Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour at Bank Of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday, October 17th, 2026, along with special guests Macklemore and Lukas Graham. Win with Matt Murphy’s 7:10 a.m. Carpool Games and just after 3 p.m., with MJ’s Question Of The Day!
Furry Friday: Meet Baked Potato!
The word on the street is that you’re looking for a fun and loving unconditional partner. Here I am, Baked Potato. I would like to make my case that I truly AM the best boy in town!
My first check is that I am so quiet. My foster forgets about me when she puts me in a room! I also am a gentleman in the room. I know my business goes outside, my friend. Now, I don’t bother anything, but if you are more the crate type of person, count me in. You see, my goal is to make your life fun and comfortable. People are everything to me. My foster loves the way I cuddle nose to nose with her. Wherever the human is, that is where you will find me. I would be a terrific work buddy because I will be quiet and just sit by you. Now, I still have some zoomies in me, but I also have that calm cucumber vibe as well! Since I am young, I can learn new tricks and go with you on those great trails you would like to walk.
I am a pup who’s just so eager to play that I sometimes forgets my manners. I may pounce a bit hard or get a little overzealous, but it’s all in good fun. There is no malice in my zoomies… just a pure zest for life. Once I get my wiggles out, I can settle in and enjoy the company of my dog friends. I have played successfully with both males and females, but I do best with confident, tolerant dogs who don’t mind my bold playstyle. I might try to tip the scales with a dominant male, so a well-matched buddy (or slow introductions) will help me shine.
I know how to sit, takes treats gently, and love cuddles and sitting right by your side. I am easy to collar and don’t react at all when walking past barking dogs. Once outside, I am a good walker—no pulling—and I love to explore and to learn about the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about me, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line “Baked Potato 260890”.
Baked Potato is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and is neutered. If you have dogs or cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.
About Baked Potato:
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier
Sex: Male
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Weight: 68 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 6/5/2025
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Composting Made Easy: Tips from the WPTF Weekend Gardener
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
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.
It is amazing how much your soil will thank you after you have incorporated good quality organic matter. It aerates the soil, provides nutrients, helps roots grow down farther into clay, preserve moisture and when placed on top of the soil, controls weeds and reduces erosion.
There are actually a couple of composting methods that our old friend and NC State horticulturist Larry Bass recommended-the “hot” and “cold” ways. The cold style is what most home gardeners use because it requires less attention. You add to it gradually as you have the right materials to add to it. This normally takes 3 to 12 months for decomposition. The “hot” method is much more deliberate and procures compost in a much shorter time. If you add your green and brown materials, and monitor and turn at least weekly, you will likely have a quicker batch than just adding compost materials and turning occasionally. Reaching the correct ratio of those carbon and nitrogen (green and brown) materials will hasten the process. It also evolves stockpiling materials and being more fastidious about your compost pile care.
To get your compost pile started, add a 6-inch layer of “brown” organic matter to the bottom of the container. Then add a 2 to 3 inch layer of “green” organic matter. The following items are possible additions: hay, straw, pine needles, leaves, kitchen scraps (egg shells, old bread, vegetable and fruit scraps), cow, chicken, or turkey manure, old vegetables, flowers, or trimmings from trees and shrubs, sawdust, wood chips, and weeds.
Not all organic matter is good for the compost pile. Avoid adding kitchen scraps like meats, oils, fish, dairy products, and bones. They attract unwanted animals, such as rats and raccoons, to the pile. Weeds that have gone to seed or that spread by their roots, diseased or insect-infested vegetable or flower plants, or herbicide-treated grass clippings should be avoided.
A properly constructed compost pile will heat up to a fairly high temperature; and while “hot” compost piles kill off many diseases, weed seeds, and insects, it’s not a sure thing Some of these unpleasant guests may survive to invade your garden again. What you put in the compost pile is up to you — just remember that it needs to be organic material.
Now that you have your compost pile started with a layer of brown and green organic matter, repeat the layering process, watering each one as you go, until the pile is 4 to 5-feet tall filling the bin. Don’t forget to water but avoid making your pile soggy. The compost pile needs the water in order to heat up and “cook”. Remember a smaller pile won’t heat up.
There is also vermicomposting which relies on earthworms and microorganisms to accomplish the same task. My Uncle Eugene Edens owned a country store in Franklin County for decades and utilized this method. However, he was mainly growing earthworms and selling them to fishermen.
Do keep in mind that whatever method you use to make compost, it is going to turn out to be an insignificant amount when you take into account the volume of product you may need. I usually go for the easiest method to get a good quality compost in the amount needed. I buy it! But be adventurous and try it anyway. It could give you a sense of accomplishment, just like the art of gardening itself.
Furry Friday: Meet Bashful!
Meet Bashful – the most ironically named dog at the shelter. At 3 years old, there’s nothing shy about this energetic, goofy, ready-for-action pup. From the moment you meet him, he’s full of enthusiasm-jumping up to say hello with pure joy and twirling on leash like he’s training for a doggie dance competition.
Bashful has great potty habits, takes treats with a gentle mouth, and while he pulls a little on walks, he’s not reactive-just excited to get moving and see the world. He’s got lots of energy and thrives on both mental and physical exercise, so if you’re looking for a running buddy, hiking partner, or a student for your next trick-training project, Bashful is your guy.
Unlike some dogs his age, Bashful seems to have missed out on basic training, but we think he’s a natural waiting to happen. He’s smart, eager, and clearly enjoys figuring things out-whether. Bashful loves to please and will do his best to learn new things once he gets focused, always wanting to make his people happy.
Bashful recently had a great time in doggie playgroups with two separate females. He frolicked about in an energetic and ridiculously adorable manner, and he loved splashing in the kiddie pool.
After a good workout, he’s all about the belly rubs and cuddles-the perfect balance of energy and affection. He’s the kind of dog who just needs an outlet for his playful spirit and someone to help him focus all that potential. With his mix of high energy and sweet, affectionate side, Bashful brings joy and warmth wherever he goes.
If you’re looking for a fun-loving, quirky best friend who’s bursting with personality and just waiting to learn, Bashful is more than ready to turn your life into a joyful, tail-wagging adventure.
If you’re interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line “Bashful, 262592”.
He is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and will be neutered prior to going home. If you have cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.
About Bashful:
Breed: Border Collie / Shepard Mix
Sex: Male
Age: 3 years, 2 months
Weight: 57 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: No
Location: Shelter
Date in Shelter: 8/05/2025
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Ironweed: The resilient perennial transforming North Carolina landscapes
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
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.
Several native flowers I have written about in past articles are members of the largest plant family, the “Aster” family due to their flower structure which is made up of many small flowers or a cluster that appear to be a single bloom. Ironwood is another plant that belongs in this family. “Ironweed” is known to have tough sturdy stems which comes in handy for a flower that grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet.
“Ironweed” is found all over the “Tar Heel” state growing under various environmental conditions. They can grow in most any type of soil from sandy to clay to loamy. Loamy means it’s a perfect soil mix with all the nutrients and just the right pH which is on the acid side. Wherever you plant “Ironweed,” it will truly grow best in well-drained yet moist to wet soil. It just doesn’t want to sit in water all the time. I mean, who does! It prefers full sun to part shade for ideal growth. Ironweed actually grows along roadsides, near streams in pastures throughout the United States and Canada. However, it will look great in your yard because of the extraordinary flowers, clusters of deep purple. There are some striking specimens on my daily walking route where a neighbor has created a nature habitat that virtually covers most of the property surrounding their house. “Ironweed” blooms seem to last and last, at least through mid- summer into mid-fall. While it has an aggressive growth habit that can easily be controlled by dead-heading the flowers, “Ironweed” is not considered to be an invasive plant.
More and more people are planting pollinator gardens and “Ironweed” fits in there. Its flowers produce abundant nectar for bees of all kinds, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some varieties act as a host plant for some species of butterflies and the stems can support bees for nesting habitats. Cut these plants at the end of the growing season. Migrating birds enjoy a stop for a meal of “Ironweed” seeds produced at the end of the growing season.
In addition to Veronica noveboracensis there are a few other varieties to consider. “Veronica gigabytes” (larger flower heads than the standard for central North Carolina and usually found in the mountains), “Veronica angustifolia” also known as “Sandhills Ironweed,” “Vernonia glaucoma,” “Veronica lettermannii” and “Vernonia fasciculata.”
This is one sturdy plant that does not seem to be afflicted by insect or disease problems.
The Ironweed was selected as the 2004 NC Wildflower of the Year, which is a program managed by my friends at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. I would say that is quite an endorsement. I’m sold!
Furry Friday: Meet Sunflower!
Sunflower is a sweet and thoughtful girl who’s still finding her confidence in a big, busy world. She may be shy at first, preferring to quietly observe rather than dive into the spotlight. However, her gentle spirit shines through when she feels safe and cared for.
In doggie playgroup, Sunflower tends to steer clear of rowdy play and prefers a calm space. She’s a bit more sensitive and can get easily overwhelmed—she’s a little more “tippable” than most dogs. Recently, she got into a tussle; although she didn’t start it, she was clearly ready to stand her ground when pushed.
Sunflower is food motivated, which helps build trust and shows she’s open to learning and growing in the right environment. She needs a patient, understanding home where she can blossom at her own pace, with people who respect her boundaries and help her feel secure. During walks in unfamiliar areas, she “checks in” with her handler and—with encouragement—she keeps pace.
Sunflower recently went on an outing with a volunteer. Here is what the volunteer had to say: “Sunflower was a dream in the car, though she was at first a little unsure about getting in the car. Once in the car she was quiet, just taking in the sites. We took her disc golfing, and she was a great companion. We were worried she would get too excited with the disc and want to chase them and she would be hard to control. However, that worry quickly went away. She showed interest while my husband was throwing, but did not try to take off after the disc. Instead, she waited and just walked with us, sticking close to me.”
If you’re looking for a quiet, kind-hearted companion who will reward your patience with gentle love and loyalty, Sunflower might just be the perfect match. Come meet her and discover the quiet strength behind her soft glow.
Sunflower is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and will be spayed prior to going home. If you have dogs or cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.
About Sunflower:
Breed: Medium Terrier Cross
Sex: Female
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Weight: 54 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: Unknown
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 6/03/2025
Not Good with Children
If you’re interested in learning more about Sunflower, please reach out to Wake County Animal Shelter’s volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line “Sunflower 260686.”
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Furry Friday: Meet Lucy!
Lucy is a lovely female Lab mix who came into the shelter as a stray alongside her buddy Ricky, a 7-year-old Lab mix. Calm and easy to leash, Lucy walks right by the other dogs without reacting and has a gentle, low-energy nature that makes her a joy to be around. She is considered a gold star dog due to her sweet nature and ease to handle. She is happy to take treats with the softest, sweetest manners and is a truly delightful dog, loving, gentle, loves to lay in your lap and ready to bring warmth to any home.
Lucy is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and is spayed. If you have dogs or cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.
About Lucy:
Breed: Labrador Mix
Sex: Female
Age: 10 years, 2 months
Weight: 42.5 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 8/02/2025
If you’re interested in learning more about Lucy, please reach out to Wake County Animal Shelter’s volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line “Lucy 262504.”
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Furry Friday: Meet Marcy!
Meet Marcy, the dog who likes to play it cool, but also has a secret inner alpha ready to take charge! In her first doggie playgroup session, she was respectful and lowkey with her male play partner, primarily observing all the action. She was interested in playing, but definitely not into the rowdy antics. While she can play with some males just fine, she’d probably be too alpha to pair with another female. If you’ve got a confident, friendly male dog who likes a bit of gentle play, Marcy could be the perfect fit. She’s got that “I do what I want” energy, but once she decides you’re in her circle, she’ll be a loyal, loving companion. Just be ready for a dog who knows exactly who’s boss—spoiler: it’s her.
At 3 years old, she is just the right age to have settled into her sweet personality, while still being young at heart. She has moderate energy and is easy to walk once she’s outside, though she does get excited and jumps around when it’s time to go out—she just can’t wait for her adventure!
Marcy knows “sit” and takes treats ever so gently, showing off her polite side. She handles herself well walking past barking dogs, with only a moderate reaction. However, this sweet angel does have a strong prey drive, so keep an eye out for squirrels, rabbits, and probably cats too—they’re just a little too tempting for her to resist!
One volunteer lovingly called her a “sweet angel” and she really is. She’s even been known to lean in to be carried despite her big size, just wanting to be close and loved.
Marcy is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and will be spayed prior to going home. If you have dogs or cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.
About Marcy:
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier
Sex: Female
Age: 3 years, 5 months
Weight: 69.5 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: Unknown
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 4/07/2025
If you’re interested in learning more about Marcy, please reach out to Wake County Animal Shelter’s volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line “Marcy 258943.”
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One year later, western North Carolina still recovers from Hurricane Helene
SPRUCE PINE, N.C. (NCN News) — It has been one year since the worst storm to ever hit North Carolina devastated the western part of the state.
Hurricane Helene was not even on the list of storms to worry about at first. It made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Sept. 27 as a Category 2 hurricane before beginning a long trek inland. By the time it reached the Appalachian Mountains, it was a tropical storm still packing high winds and heavy rain.
Western North Carolina had already seen significant rainfall before Helene arrived, setting the stage for catastrophic flooding. Meteorologists predicted once-in-a-thousand-year flooding, and they were right. Some weather stations from Mount Mitchell to Asheville recorded more than 30 inches of rain, in addition to days of rainfall leading up to the storm.
On Sept. 25, forecasters placed the region under tropical storm warnings. Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency. Mount Mitchell State Park and others closed, and the Blue Ridge Parkway shut down. Hundreds of roads were impassable, and more than 2,000 landslides were reported in North Carolina.
In a rare, coordinated release, the National Hurricane Center and NOAA warned of the inland flood threat and asked media outlets to emphasize the risk. Helene’s impact was every bit as intense as predicted.
The South Toe Township of Yancey County received 31 inches of rain. Mount Mitchell recorded wind gusts over 100 mph in a part of the state that rarely sees such conditions. Sixty-three stream and river gauges logged record water levels. The South Toe River in Yancey County and the Ivy River in Buncombe County each broke their previous flood records by nearly nine feet.
In Mitchell County, the smallest county in the state, the normally calm Toe River rose 35 feet, overflowing its banks and flooding homes and businesses in small towns like Spruce Pine. Luther Stroup, who owns Stroup Hobby Shop, recalled watching the river rise to within inches of his shop and home. He said the community went without power, sewer, phones or water for 22 days.
Areas in the Black Mountains were especially devastated. Black Mountain police reported neighborhoods in Montreat and Swannanoa “destroyed including homes on fire, along with numerous fatalities.” The village of Chimney Rock was also largely swept away in the floodwaters.
Across the region, more than 400 roads closed and more than 200 rescues were carried out. In total, 108 people died and hundreds more were injured in North Carolina.
A year later: Recovery
Recovery has been uneven. Ninety-six percent of small business owners across western North Carolina reported Helene hurt them, hitting during peak tourist season and leading to widespread event cancellations. Even mining and computer parts manufacturing in Spruce Pine were disrupted, causing global supply concerns.
Sharon Decker, senior advisor of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, said the community stepped up when it was needed most. Neighbors and churches delivered food, water and supplies to people who had lost everything. The storm also forced the region to confront its aging infrastructure and to begin planning for future disasters.
Gov. Josh Stein said six out of seven businesses have not returned to pre-Helene revenues. Still, Decker noted restaurants, tourist attractions and farms are coming back, and leaders hope tourists will return as well.
Decker praised bipartisan efforts to secure funding for repairs to businesses, homes, roads and infrastructure. Stein has pushed for additional state and federal support. But recovery is expected to be a long-term process.
Officials are also coordinating with schools, nonprofits and community groups to build volunteer and resource databases to be better prepared next time.
Decker said her hope is that the sense of community sparked by Helene’s devastation — people going above and beyond to help one another — remains even after recovery is complete.
“We’re better as a nation and state when there are disasters,” Decker said. “And as a state, we’ll be more prepared in the future for storms like Helene.”
Russian sage: Not from Russia, but perfect for NC gardens
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
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”.
I do love the color contrast between the silvery-green foliage and the bluish-lavender flowers, so I am inspired to plant a new batch of this perennial. You see, on my daily walk as I take note of my neighbor’s landscapes, I attempt to assess the variety of plants with the seasonal progress and changes of each. My friend Charlie has a lovely yard of zoysia interspersed with interesting flowers, shrubs and trees. He has a group of Russian Sage planted in full sun near the sidewalk. This summer on my late afternoon walks I was struck by the sight of sleeping bumble bees. I know they take naps and sleep overnight. I, however, had never paid attention to them clinging to a plant in small colonies. I’ve always heard they can be stroked gently, but I’ve just never dared to attempt it. I don’t want to disturb them. They work hard everyday and deserve their rest. At any rate, the sage and bumble bee combination paints quite a picture. Now I must try my luck once again.
Russian Sage requires full sun, (at least 6 hours) to thrive and to give you the full effect of its foliage and flower color which can be subtle from a distance and striking up close. However, planted in mass, this plant can be remarkable. It likes well drained soil which will prevent root rot. Except for this malady, there really nothing else in the way of disease or insect problems with this plant. It is even deer resistant.
Many people plant Russian Sage in the spring when there is abundant inventory at their favorite garden center. Fall is a great time too, when you can often find perennials on sale. Plant your Russian Sage by using a sharp shovel. Anne Clapp and Rufus always recommend that. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place your shrub in the hole, gently spreading out the roots, and then backfill to ground level or slightly above and water well. To get your plant off to a good start, incorporate some organic matter in the soil, and cover the root zone with a layer of mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist even though the Russian Sage thrives in the hot weather.
There are a bunch of varieties of Russian Sage from which to choose. Among the favorite cultivars that can be grown successfully in the Tar Heel state are: “Blue Spire”, “ Little Spire”, “Denim ‘N Lace” “Rocket Man”, “Blue Haze”, ”Blue Spire” and “Crazy Blue”.
The North Carolina Extension Gardener Toolbox available online is an extraordinary resource and can supply you with all the information you may need on the Russian Sage or any other plant you can imagine. All of the Cooperative Extension Service folks on the Weekend Gardener swear by this catalog of knowledge. So, to summarize, Russian Sage
is an exceptional, sun loving plant for North Carolina that is named after a Russian general, but is not native to Russia, and bumblebees love this plant for a nap or a long sleep. Go find one for your yard!