If you only read a couple of things....

Summer is here and everyone seems to be going here, there, and yonder on short trips and big adventures. Wherever you go, you can count on The Paper to keep you connected to all things Burke County. If you are short on time, here are my suggestions on what to read from our latest edition. 

This time of year isn't just about vacations and barbecues and finding ways to keep cool. All governmental entities must approve the next fiscal year budget by the end of June. Morganton, Valdese, and Burke County accomplished that last week. Is your property tax rate going up? Are there changes to any fees? Read up! We have all the details. 

Our teen columnists left the confines of their respective schools and dove into a couple of weighty topics. Henry Beall details why the U.S. should continue to support Ukraine and Christopher Pedro explains that homeownership is a symbol of the American dream for the Latino community. His grandfather recently became a first-time homeowner.

Need something light-hearted? We have a trio of columns, and I guarantee at least one of them will make you laugh out loud. Ken Corn's column focuses on some downright odd and hilarious wedding traditions around the world; Fred Schuszler describes a family camping trip as only he can; and our publisher Allen VanNoppen writes about -- well I'm not sure how to explain it, but it cracked me up. 

OK, that's all for now. We'll chat again soon.