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Packing It Forward By Selena Bennett and Valarie Wallace The Partnership for Children and Communitites Sup- porting Schools are "Packing It Forward" this year to collect supplies to support students of all ages- from childcare to high school! Supplies for both agencies may be dropped off at 111 S. Center Street. An Amazon Wishlist can be found on the website at www. waynecss.org. Call Valerie Wallace at (919) 735-3371 or Selena Bennett at (919) 735-1432 7 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY AUGUST 2026 GOD Walks With Us Through The Pain By Ryan Lane Let me tell you a sto- ry about pressure. It started as just a little pressure that continued to build within my abdomen. At first, I brushed it off, convinced it would soon pass. Instead, it grew into intense pain. I later learned I had a kidney stone. During those agonizing hours, every movement seemed to make it worse. I found myself praying and waiting. In those moments, I was reminded that when our strength fails, God's never does. Pain has a way of getting our attention. It reminds us that life is fragile. Yet God doesn't waste our pain. He often uses our trials to deepen our faith, strength- en our character, and encourage others walking a similar road. As 2 Corinthi- ans 1:4 says, He "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble." Jesus understands suffering better than anyone. He willingly endured the cross because He loves us. Isaiah 53:5 says, "He was pierced for our trans- gressions... and by His wounds we are healed." If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, I encourage you to do so today. Find a Bible-believing church, open His Word, and discover the hope that remains—even through life's pain. Don't Get Screwed: Don't Get Screwed: What you need to know about New World Screwworm (NWS) By Dr. Symphony Roberson New World screw- worm (NWS) is not actually a worm, but a fly. It was once eradicated from the US decades ago, but has unfortunately returned with its first reported cases in Texas and New Mexico. What makes the NWS such a nuisance is not the adult fly, but its larvae (maggots) that emerge once the eggs are hatched. The maggots have a distinctive screw-like appearance and the ability to burrow, or screw, deep into tissues, hence the name screwworm. NWS can infest wounds as small as a tick bite. These parasitic maggots infest and consume living tissue of warm-blooded hosts, such as livestock, dogs, cats, birds, and in rare instances, people. New World Screwworm is a reportable disease for both animals and humans, and suspected or confirmed cases must get reported to state health officials immedi- ately. Factors that may put a cat or dog at higher risk of infections include traveling to endemic areas, increased time outside, and open exposure to wounds, surgical incisions and other reasons for minor brakes in the skin. Early detection and treatment by a veterinarian is vital to your pet's survival when treating an infestation. If you feel as though your pet may be infested by NWS, please call our offices or visit our websites to schedule an appointment today! Dr. Symphony Roberson Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic https://eastwayevet.com Symphony Mobile Veterinary Clinic https://symphonymobilevet.com Back to School and New Beginnings By Kriquette Davis There's always something bittersweet about August. Summer seems to pass faster every year, and before we know it, store shelves are filled with notebooks, pencils, and backpacks. Children prepare to head back to school, teachers decorate classrooms, and families begin adjusting to familiar routines once again. Back-to-school season is about far more than school supplies and schedules. It represents fresh starts, new opportunities, and hope for what lies ahead. Every school year gives children anoth - er chance to learn, grow, build confidence, and discover gifts they may not even realize they possess yet. For some families, this season brings excitement. For others, it brings stress and financial strain. Many parents quietly worry about affording clothes, supplies, lunches, and extracurricular activities. Teachers often spend their own money to ensure students have what they need. That's why communities matter so much this time of year. Small acts of kindness can make an enormous differ - ence. Donating school supplies, supporting teachers, mentoring a child, or simply encouraging a struggling parent can help ease burdens more than we realize. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer some- one is reassurance that they are not facing life alone. August also reminds adults that learning never truly ends. We all continue growing through life's experienc- es, challenges, and relationships. Some of our greatest lessons happen far outside a classroom. As another school year begins, let's remember that every child deserves encouragement, patience, and someone who believes in them. One caring adult can change the entire direction of a young person's life. Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, grandparent, or community supporter, you play a role in shaping the future. Let's cheer loudly for our children, support those educating them, and remember that investing in young people is always an investment worth making. Proverbs 22:6 offers timeless wisdom: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Encouragement, guidance, and love leave lifelong impacts.