While our Wars and Book Bans episode is completed and still on the horizon, we are switching gears today for Part 1 of a special two-part series: Authors and Sheriffs.

In this first installment, host Steven sits down with author Sylvain Johnson to dive into his dark holiday thriller, Season’s Reapings. Sylvain shares the inspiration and creative process behind turning the classic tale of The Nutcracker into a twisted festive horror story, along with insights into the writing life and storytelling right here in our community.

Make sure to follow and subscribe to Alamance County Life so you don’t miss Part 2 of Authors and Sheriffs, where we shift focus to the "Sheriffs" half of this two-part special—plus our upcoming Wars and Book Bans episode!

In This Episode:

• An inside look at Season’s Reapings with author Sylvain Johnson
• How he blends holiday folklore with dark thriller and horror elements
• What’s coming up in Part 2 of Authors and Sheriffs, a deep dive into the 2026 sheriff race of Alamance County with Shannon Long emerging as victor.

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• Address: 2912 Saconn Drive, Burlington, NC 27215
• Phone: (336) 343-4000
• Be sure to tell them that Steven from Alamance County Life sent you!

Welcome back to Alamance County Life. In this special bridge episode, we hit the pavement to support local brick-and-mortar businesses in downtown Graham before diving into a balanced, third-person look at the race for Alamance County Sheriff.

Whether you're looking to grab a coffee, check out local listener discounts, or weigh the public records of the candidates, this episode has you covered. Plus, stick around to the end for a sneak peek at our massive upcoming deep dive into Wars and Book Bans.

What's Covered in This Episode:

• Downtown Graham Business Spotlight: Exclusive shoutouts, community perks, and listener deals from local favorites across Court Square.
  • Alpha Tobacco & Vape: Mention the podcast for 10% off your purchase.
  • Shamrock Nutrition: First-time customers get 50% off (half price).
  • The Verdict: Great food on the square and a complimentary apple dessert note for your next visit.
  • Roasted Coffee Depot, Court Square Florist, Doby & Griffis Law Firm, Broadway Bail Bonds & Alamance Bail Agents.
• Two Men, One Badge — The Sheriff's Race: A non-partisan, observational look at the records, backgrounds, policies, and public controversies surrounding Republican incumbent Terry Johnson and unaffiliated challenger Shannon Long.
• Voter Resources & Conscience: A bipartisan reminder to check your registration and vote your heart and conscience. For official voter tools, explore the Alamance County Board of Elections Voter Portal and the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voting Portal.
• Episode 7 Tease: A quick preview of what's dropping next week in Wars and Book Bans.

Support local, share the show, and thanks for listening to Alamance County Life! Support via donation Venmo STEVENMEYERSJR or email stevenmeyersjr968@gmail.com re: advertising time on the podcast!

In this packed episode, we traverse centuries of local history and dive deep into the modern-day headlines defining our community in the fall of 2026.

We open with one of the most gripping legal sagas in Alamance history: the complex case of Mark Crotts. Decades after he was notoriously photographed in handcuffs while being escorted by a sheriff's deputy, Crotts is back in the spotlight. Following three intense murder trials in the 1990s and a 2024 Pardon of Innocence from the governor, Crotts has officially launched a federal lawsuit against the local sheriff’s office as of late September 2026. We unpack the dark twists of his wrongful conviction and what his quest for justice means for the future of local law enforcement and the daily hurdles handled by the Burlington Police department.

This sets the stage for a look back at the audacious agricultural heist that inspired this episode's title. We revisit the staggering crime where 189 prize Black Angus cattle were stolen from a local pasture. Valued at a massive $370,000, the theft triggered a complex, multi-county investigation that thankfully resulted in the successful recovery of the herd, which was returned to its owners.

Taking a step back in time, our historical segment honors the legacy of notable local figures, specifically Alexander Mebane. We explore the life of the man who left an indelible mark on the region's foundation as a Revolutionary War General and a delegate member of the Constitutional Convention. Mebane also held a prominent federal role as a U.S. Congressman and served as a UNC Trustee.

Continuing our journey into the past, we explore the county's lost landmarks. The episode takes a closer look at Ossipee Village, a historic Holt textile settlement. We delve into the industrial architecture of the area, examining the remains of its classic brick mills and the complex water diversion dams that once powered them.

Finally, we wrap up the hour with an essential update on the controversies and politics currently surrounding the Alamance-Burlington School System. We discuss the highly contentious school rezoning process and the latest ABSS redistricting hearings. We unpack the socio-economic clashes driven by demographic balancing and algorithms, as well as the ongoing debate over the school resource officer role—weighing the need for strict security against maintaining a welcoming campus climate.

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