Smith unveils plans for dragway, announces first event

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By Eric C. [email protected] — Speedway Motorsports CEO Bruton Smith unveiled detailed plans for a $60 million, state-of-the-art drag strip he is calling the “Bellagio of all drag strips.” “When fans come to this drag strip, they will be treated to everything we can think to give them,” Smith said. And just as he did […]


Physical fitness program joins local trainers to Marines overseas

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The Marine Buddy Challenge, part of the Semper Fi Racing Series, simulates various aspects of Marine Corps training By Christie [email protected] Emily and Gavin Knudson know that being in top physical shape means having discipline, focus and commitment. When Emily recently opened a personal training studio in Harrisburg and started looking for ways to incorporate […]


Striking an international chord

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Hickory Ridge High School marching band earns invitation to perform in London, England at the New Year’s Day Parade By Christie [email protected] Hickory Ridge High School band has earned an abundance of honors this year and recently garnered itself a few more. As a whole, the Hickory Ridge High School Marching Band received an invitation […]


Lift every voice and sing

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African children’s choir aims to educate, entertain as part of an upcoming show at Charlotte’s McGlohon Theatre By Jonathan E. [email protected] travelling choir aimed at both entertaining and educating is making its way to Charlotte, bringing with it a message of hope for the future. The African Children’s Choir, which has performed on American Idol, […]


Dodge’s Juan Pablo Montoya Surprises the Testing Pack at Las Vegas, But Toyotas Are Fast too

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By Mike Mulhern   Jeff Gordon and new teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. are getting to know each other, like long-lost brothers, and if what each has rubs off on the other, this could be a very difficult season for car owner Rick Hendrick’s rivals….as if they needed anything else to worry about.  Gordon, trying to […]


Kreitzer’s open home to help pets find loving home

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By Christie [email protected] morning, Liz Kreitzer gives the 22 guests staying in her home a 6 a.m. wake up call. From there, the chaos ensues. Liz and her husband Bill run Kreitzer’s Critter Corral, a puppy rescue business out of their home. At any given point you can find a dog in just about any […]


A cause worth sharing

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I always try to avoid using this space to promote particular groups or events for fear of coming across as playing favorites. But when a recent story came across my desk, I was immediately struck. The more I researched the story and found out the background, the more I wanted to make this a story […]


Swim team overcomes challenges for successful first season

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By Jonathan E. [email protected] first season for any sports team almost always presents its share of challenges, but when the sport is swimming, those challenges are multiplied. In addition to filling the roster and building team unity, Hickory Ridge High School swim coach Debbie Benfield faced the challenge of finding a place for the team […]


Students practice fluency, public speaking at poetry night

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By Jonathan E. [email protected] of people poured into Rocky River Coffee Co. last week, but they weren’t all there for coffee or pastry. Family and friends of students in Jennifer Trexler’s fourth grade class at Rocky River Elementary School crowded into the coffee shop to hear students recite poems, some of their own creation, as […]