The annual Owings Market kicks off on May 3rd, and the community couldn't be happier. Although the dates have changed, the positive atmosphere remains the same. Attendees can expect a wide variety of plants, vegetables, farm animals, hand-crafted items, and more. One of the vendors at the market is Carla from Gracious Farms LLC. She expressed her hopes, saying, "I hope the community sees what it takes to do what we do and the passion we have behind it." Carla wants to showcase her commitment to clean food and the importance of knowing where your food comes from. "We will definitely have flowers; I haven't met anyone who shies away from a flower. It brings people in," she says. Carla will also offer food items such as tomatoes and peppers as they become available, and she hopes to expand her garden for fall to sustain food all year round.

     We explored more about her passion for growing and the opportunities she hopes to offer the community at the market. There was talk of introducing a Community Supported

chose Gray Court to start her journey, she stated, "To be part of change, you have to start with where you live." She aims to feed her community and promote sustainability. While she hopes to see a wide range of products at the market, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with people who are passionate about selling their goods. "I want to know their stories. What makes them want to pour all their time and energy into what they love?" she explains.

     Another vendor at the market, Saija Butters from Arbitrary Art, is also looking forward to the event. She shares, "I think this year we have a better chance of determining what we want from this. Homesteading and vision are involved. It's not just a space to sell things; it's an opportunity to help a community." As a grower, Saija hopes to bring tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, herbs, and anything else she can cultivate. She is passionate about sustainability and promoting healthy eating in the community. "Gardening is the only slow thing I do, and I love it. Everything else is hurry, hurry, hurry. Slowing down is nice," she adds.

     The market will be located on Depot Rd in Owings, right behind the old train mural. Although they have moved from the usual field to the parking lot at Brick Oven Pizza, they hope to still bring in the community. The once-weekly market is now a once-a-month event. You can expect them to set up on the first Saturday of every month, starting in May and continuing through September. They will be there rain or shine from 8 AM to noon. When many vendors were asked why they chose to participate in the market in Owings specifically, the common response was, "Why not Owings? This is our home; this is our community." Come support the local growers, crafters, farmers, and more. Let their passion shine and help them be the change in the community.

 Hot dogs and pizza may seem like an unusual combination, but it's an excellent opportunity for local entrepreneur Tyler Holcombe. Tyler is the proud owner of Hotdogs & More, a family-run business that changed hands many years ago. He felt inspired to reclaim it when the opportunity arose.

     "The previous owners had it for about 13 to 14 years. When they announced they wanted to sell, I jumped at the chance. I was finally old enough to take it over and bring it back into the family," he explains.

     With one successful business in Gray Court already, we wondered why he chose to open another restaurant and take on the associated risks. He recently opened Brick Oven Pizza, located just across the street from Hotdogs & More. Tyler shared, "I wanted to keep it open for the community. The previous owner had established it, and it felt right to jump at the opportunity."

     Tyler also revealed that he has more plans for Gray Court, hoping to continually improve his community. The Brick Oven Pizza operates Monday through Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm and offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery options. Tyler encourages the community to visit and try a slice of pizza. Hotdogs & More are open Monday through Friday from 6 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm.

Gray Court small businesses have a remarkable ability to thrive even in unexpected locations. Laura Cook founded her small business, LoLo Pottery, in 2017 at its current location. Although her storefront officially opened in 2017, her passion for clay began long before that. What started as a hobby with her best friend—taking pottery classes—developed into a lifelong love for the clay arts.

      Laura explains that her store is open to the public by appointment only. "I live right next door and prefer not to be tied down to set hours. Customers can send me a message via Facebook or stop by if I'm home," she says. Her studio is filled with various projects awaiting firing, while others are neatly displayed on one side of the building. The walls are adorned with shelves showcasing beautiful cups, bowls, plates, and more. Each piece is unique and would make a wonderful gift for any loved one in your life.

 When people think of a fire department, they often picture local heroes and dedication. At the Greenpond Fire Department, I wanted to explore what dedication and perseverance genuinely means to these men and women. During a Thursday training session, the young cadets were already motivated as they practiced search and rescue techniques. With a fog machine, an open room, fire hoses, and some distractions, an atmosphere conducive to life-saving rescues was created.

     Imagine this scenario: a firefighter goes down while battling a structure fire inside a home. His alarm sounds, and a mayday call is broadcast. Outside, his fellow firefighters quickly suit up to respond to the emergency. Their hearts race, but their minds focus on the task at hand. They pair up and follow the hose through thick smoke, determined to bring their colleague to safety. Obstacles lie in their path, and they can rely only on a few crucial things: the hose they are following, their partner, and the adrenaline driving them forward.

     This task is dangerous, but it is precisely what these recruits have trained for. With determination, they successfully carry their fellow firefighter out of harm's way and to safety. Eli Wood, an explorer with the fire department, remarks, “This training is hard, but I understand why we do it. When you're in the smoke and chaos, it's difficult to focus.” His face lights up as he adds, “I feel more prepared and ready to go now. I kind of know what to expect.” Although this training isn't the real thing, the recruits strive to simulate a realistic environment.

     Collin Owens, the assistant chief, organized the course and inspired the recruits to give their best, and they undoubtedly exceeded expectations. Ed Burns, the Department Chief, encourages others to sign up, stating, “Come to a training and see what it's all about.” He goes on to say, “Trainings are every Thursday at 7:00 PM.” The chief mentions that the only requirements to join are living within a few miles of the district and being available for calls. No previous experience is required, though it is helpful, and candidates must pass a background check. They welcome anyone who feels the call to serve their community to join.

     Overall, we at the Owings Tribune are proud of our volunteers who protect and serve this beautiful community.

     The coffee might have left the train station, but it didn't migrate far. Locals say the 'BIG' move inspired them to visit more often now that they subtracted 19 stairs. Saija Butters, the owner of the coffee shop known as Arbitrary Art, says, "We are sculpting and moulding where the dirt is our own, and the whims of change are much more likely."  The move gave her the freedom to do more of what she loves: coffee, writing, gardening, and art. A little history about the 'new to her space': it was a feed store once run by her grandfather-in-law. She says, "It's small in footage and big in character. It's still in need of a lot of work and lacks curb appeal, but it has nice, big windows, a view of sapling pines, and the best sunrises I've yet seen."

      Customers also have their feelings about the move. Carla, a local customer and farmer in the area, calls the new location her 'passion powerhouse.' "This is where I come to enjoy a great cup of coffee and discuss the things we're passionate about. Excellence doesn't change just because you move locations." Many customers report they are glad the coffee shop only moved locations and didn't close down. Lorraine, a long-time customer, states, "I wish we had more small businesses in the area."

      Saija went on to discuss the challenges of being in Gray Court Owings, but regardless of the battle, she remains supportive of her community and her town. She followed it up by saying, "This is my home; I'll die here." You could feel her passion for this town radiate through her words as she chatted with me about this cozy area. The new location gives a rustic and minimalist vibe. There is so much to unpack in the small, charming space, and it would surely motivate any local to visit for a cup of coffee. As for upcoming events with Arbitrary Art, they encourage you to support them and other local artists at the Owings Market. If you're looking for a cup of coffee and a great conversation, look no further than Arbitrary Art, located at 10668 HWY 101 South Gray Court SC 29645.

When you think of Gray Court, what comes to mind? Many people have been wondering about the future of our small town, and here at the Owings Tribune, we wanted to explore those plans further. We spoke with Mayor Stella and gathered questions from the community. Many of you reached out, and we got some answers.

     The most common question focused on infrastructure. Stella mentioned, “It's coming; we are working with the Department of Transportation to widen Highway 101 North and Highway 14. Our top priority right now is the roads.” She expressed her desire for change in our community, suggesting that “a grocery store would be nice; driving ten miles in either direction for groceries can be a hassle. I’d like to have something closer.” Additionally, she mentioned wanting a salon on Main Street and a hardware store.

     Change is inevitable, and Stella is eager to see both residential and business growth in the area. “Residential growth could be what brings a grocery store to our town,” she said. In summary, businesses need residents to operate, and residents need businesses to thrive.

     We also discussed the new park and the beautiful playground that has recently been added. The Mayor shared her vision board for the park and outlined her five-year goal to complete the road widening and park development projects. “The park was donated to us in 2003. We received funding through the Penny Sales Tax to help finance the projects we’ve completed,” she explained. Stella noted that one of the most challenging aspects of being Mayor is patience; while she wants growth and change, it takes time, and there are lengthy processes involved in getting things done.

     Overall, the Mayor has plans to improve the community and city of Gray Court. She stated that she has more initiatives in place for the growth of our town. The Owings Tribune will continue to keep you updated on any further developments in Gray Court. 

     Dear skip ghost,

     How do you deal with an emotionaly guarded parent who has sever gout and won't accept help?Do you get angry and walk away? Or do you give them the bare minimum they want and watch them suffer? They ask for a burger but really need a salad. P.s they say really mean sh*t.

Thanks

     Dear Gout Bout,

     First things first: you are doing a selfless thing taking care of them. Kudos to you! Make sure they know that you understand their pain and misery. When people are in pain, they do often get extra grouchy and mean. Try to understand this and anytime they say those mean things, know that it is the pain talking.

     Then, make your feelings known but choose your timing well and say what you need to say in the most respectful way possible. Explain that you love them and that it is too difficult to watch them suffer due to their life style decisions.

     Tell them you hate the pain they are facing and want to help them, but you can only help if they allow you to help—that means things might get worse before they can get better. If you feel this is going to be a difficult or awkward conversation, take them for a drive—some of the toughest talks are made easier in the car where you don’t have to make eye contact.

     A lifestyle change doesn’t happen over night. Start small and compromise where you can. If they ask for a burger, get a burger salad! Give them choices where you can but make sure both choices are good options for them. For example, “Do you want to go for a walk around the block or do some arm exercises?” If they try to choose neither remind them that they are choosing to stay in the crappy situation and you won’t stand for that. You will NOT be helping them make the same mistakes that hurt them because you love them too much.

     If/when they fight you our start to say mean things, remind them that this is you and them against the pain. You are in their corner. Hopefully, they will realize that they are taking things out on you and they will feel the mutual respect and choose more respectful words. If they continue disrespectful language, tell them you refuse to accept their unkind words, don’t let it rattle you, and switch subjects to another decision. If necessary, ask them, “Do you want to be in more pain tomorrow or less?” If they don’t respond well, feel free to stand your ground and walk out. Go for a walk around the block or a drive around town and then come back and see what they say.

     All-in-all, be patient but firm. Commit to helping them from the get go and don’t give in. Remind them often how much you love them and how much you care. Don’t expect it, but one day, they might even thank you.

Attention local residents: The annual 4-mile yard sale takes place every year on Memorial Weekend. This means we can finally stop seeing the repetitive question, “When is the 4-mile yard sale?” on our community pages. In all seriousness, we encourage everyone to participate and sell your unwanted items—there are people out there who would love to buy them! Just a friendly reminder to keep personal items, such as your grandma's underwear, at home; no one needs to see that. The date to remember is May 24th.

     I can't say for certain that there was one specific reason for the recreation of this paper. Perhaps it was my passion for writing or my love for our community. Although the town may be small, it has a big heart. At its core are the amazing people who work tirelessly to ensure the town thrives. From brick-and-mortar shops to homes that nurture entrepreneurs, the Gray Court and Owings area is filled with potential for future success.

     Our goal is to honor the history of our community members who have passed on and to revive this old publication with a modern twist. We cannot forget to express our gratitude to the many individuals from our past who shaped, changed, and cherished our town. Skip Shelton first started this paper in the 1980s, and we are honored to breathe new life into it.

     Thank you to the community for all the support you have given. We hope you enjoy this paper and look forward to sharing future editions with you.