Caldwell County public information officer Paige Counts opened a recent episode of Caldwell County Today by noting, "2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence," and introduced a guest who spent decades teaching in local schools.

Lois, a longtime local resident and former teacher, told Counts she was "the first born on Greasy Creek that was born in a hospital," a detail she said was notable because most local births then happened at home. She described early childhood moves after her father left factory work to become a game warden and the family’s time living in places called Lost Cove, Chicken Town (also referred to as Roseborough in the conversation) and Edgemont.

The guest said teachers at small local schools encouraged her and helped secure scholarships that made college possible. She recounted attending Appalachian and taking advantage of a federal program she summarized as one that would "pay your degree full" if a graduate taught in local schools; she said she repaid a federal loan through classroom service.

Lois described a multi-posting teaching career that began at Gamel Elementary and included Whitnall, Valmeade, West Lenore and Hudson Elementary, where she emphasized visiting students’ homes, creating classroom photo boards so children felt at home and a hands-on approach to early childhood education. "Three year olds are a lot of fun," she said when describing the satisfaction she found teaching young children.

Beyond the classroom, Lois spoke about music lessons and community support that made those lessons possible, and about crafts and cake-baking she continues in retirement. She said the crafts—"diamond dots"—help her manage low moments and allow her to create gifts for community members.

The program closed with personal notes about family and community ties. Counts thanked Lois for sharing her memories and invited viewers to continue watching Caldwell County Today.

The episode conveys local history and the role of schools and teachers in Caldwell County’s communities. The transcript does not specify a broadcast date.