Johnston County Early College Academy Senior Jara Ashley is Poised for Success
SMITHFIELD, NC – Johnston County Early College Academy (JCECA) senior Ashley Jara was chosen to take part in the North Carolina’s Governor’s Page Program. Jara and around 10 other high school students from around North Carolina earned the opportunity to engage in four days of hands-on participation in state government. Since she was young, Jara has always been fascinated with the government. She remembers seeing Hilary Clinton on television when she was growing up and that inspired her. “There's
Selma Advances to Final Four in National Strong Towns Competition
SELMA IS THE ONLY NC TOWN IN THE FINAL FOUR OF THE NATIONAL STRONGTOWNS COMPETITION. SELMA, NC – April 1, 2024 - Activate Selma, the non-profit group comprised ofbusiness owners, citizens, and volunteers, announced on April 1 that they are in theFINAL FOUR of the national competition “Strongest Town”. “A ‘strong town’ is any town, big or small, that prioritizes making progress in transportation, housing, and fiscal resiliency for the long-term benefit of its people,” stated Nikki Wall, Community
Johnston County Bridge Project Requires Temporary Closure
Johnston County Bridge Project Requires Temporary Closure ARCHER LODGE – The Covered Bridge Road spanning over Buffalo Creek in northern Johnston County will close starting Monday for reconstruction. A contractor for the state Highway Department will replace the bridge, built in the 1970s, near Prestwood Lane with a wider, two-lane span. The road with the new bridge is scheduled to reopen by the end of this year. The detour will send drivers onto Buffalo, Wendell, Salem Church, Old Johnson and Applewhite
Coates Hearing Clinic Smithfield Expansion and New Services
Most of you already know about the addition of our Goldsboro location to serve Wayne County and surrounding areas, but we wanted to share the completion of our Smithfield expansion project. When we opened a little over 5 years ago now, we had hoped that we would be able to reach as many people as possible in Johnston County and surrounding areas to provide the best hearing healthcare possible to our community. We knew there was a need and we are so thankful and proud to be able to provide these
JCPS and Campbell University Expands TA to Teacher Program Opportunities
JCPS and Campbell University expands TA to Teacher Program opportunities SMITHFIELD, NC – On Monday, March 25, 2024, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) and Campbell University signed documentation for the expansion of the TA (Teacher Assistant) to Teacher Program. Since 2022, JCPS and Campbell University have partnered to provide the school district’s TAs a pathway for obtaining licensure to become teachers with JCPS. JCPS Interim Chief of Human Resources Linda Edmundson and Dr. Guy Vitaglione,
Busy Johnston County Route Undergoing Changes
Busy Johnston County Route Undergoing ChangesSome N.C. 42 intersections will get new traffic patterns GARNER – Changes are coming to how traffic moves in a commercially congested area of N.C. 42 south of Garner. The changes will affect some of the N.C. 42 intersections on the west side of Interstate 40’s Exit 312. Today, a new traffic signal at Technology Drive and N.C. 42 has been set to yellow-flashing mode, and it will become active March 27. The existing traffic light where Commerce Parkway/Glen
UNC Health Johnston’s Derby Day is May 4
Foundation event raises money for patient needs (SMITHFIELD, NC)—While the stylish ladies certainly turn heads, it’s the horses who steal the show at UNC Health Johnston Derby Day. The popular fundraiser is returning to the Portofino Equestrian Center in Clayton on May 4. Like the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, guests are invited to walk the red carpet in their finest Derby hats and fashion, sip mint juleps and watch real horse races. The riders are members of the Red Mountain Hounds, a
Selma, NC Will Compete for Your Vote in 2024 Strongest Town Contest
Selma’s Public Engagement Receives Finalist Nomination in National Contest SELMA, NORTH CAROLINA — Selma, NC will go head-to-head with fifteen other US cities in the 9th Annual Strongest Town Contest and voting begins Monday, March 4. In this bracket-style voting tournament, Selma, NC will compete for the “Strongest Town” title by shining a national spotlight on its progress toward safety, financial resiliency, housing, and transportation.Cast your vote for Selma, NC starting Monday, March 4 at
Latinos Activate JOCO Announces the 8th Annual JOCO Latino Festival in Selma, N.C.
Latinos Activate JOCO Announces the 8th Annual JOCO Latino Festival in Selma, N.C. Opportunities for Vendors, Performers, and Sponsors Selma, N.C. – Latinos Activate JOCO enthusiastically announces the 8th Annual JOCO Latino Festival, a vibrant celebration of Latino culture and community engagement. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This year's festival will be prominently situated along Raiford Street and Waddell Street, with comprehensive
Walker's Treasure Box Now an Authorized Value Dealer for Lionel Trains
Walker's Treasure Box is pleased to announce that they are now an exclusive Value Added Dealer for Lionel Trains. "We are excited to be the only ones selling Lionel Trains within a 30 mile radius," stated owner Robert Walker. "This is a big deal for Johnston County and Selma because Selma is the only one of five train stations in the U.S. that has both N/S and E/W crossing tracks. And the only passenger station in Johnston County. Train enthusiasts seek our town out and we all enjoy all of those visitors to
JNOW Launches Dine JoCo
JNOW Magazine will produce a local dining guide in 2024, highlighting the amazing food options Johnston County has to offer. This glossy magazine featuring photos, stories, menus and a restaurant directory will publish in March and will be accompanied by a website, www.dinejoco.com. The magazine will be distributed throughout the year to residents, newcomers and visitors. There are multiple opportunities for restaurants to participate. Contact Jamie Strickland at jamie@johnstonnow.com or visit
Activate Selma Non-Profit Group Decorates Downtown Selma For The Holidays.
Activate Selma has completed decorating Raiford Street in downtown Selma for the Holidays.“Downtown Selma is the “living room” of our town, and we want our visitors and guests to feel welcomed in a town as pretty as it can be.” Stated group President, Kim Wooten. “We are excited for everyone to see the trees at Art Out Loud Park, the window displays along Raiford Street, hear the music and experience the nostalgic feel of the town itself this holiday season.” Wooten organized the installment of 10 trees
“Wreaths for Uncle” – December 16th at Selma Memorial Gardens
SUPPORT THE LOCAL INITIATIVE TO REMEMBER THE FALLEN, HONOR THOSE THAT SERVE, AND TEACH THE VALUE OF FREEDOM.Selma, North Carolina — Wreaths Across America volunteers are working hard across the nation to raise funding and awareness for the upcoming memorial event. Evey Morgan, a 15-year-old high school junior, is the local event coordinator and location organizer for the annual event held in Selma, NC. In memory of her Uncle LtC. Michael Fields, the “Wreaths for Uncle” ceremony is scheduled for Saturday,
Selma Cyclepaths Ride for Multiple Sclerosis October 7th
Everyone is invited to join the team in the upcoming ride during the Railroad Days Festival! Selma, NC – On Saturday, October 7th, the Selma Cyclepaths will pedal their way out and around the Selma community to help raise awareness and funding for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. As always, the Town of Selma welcomes this activity during the annual Selma Railroad Days Festival weekend each year.Cyclepath team members began riding together in the 1990s and have raised over $2 million for Multiple
Cleveland High’s Hanley House named Miss North Carolina’s Teen 2023
Hanley House lives by the phrase, “Always be ready!” The Cleveland High junior’s father instilled that notion in her at an early age. Although she didn’t quite understand it at first, as she has gotten older House is beginning to understand its meaning. And it has never been more pertinent than at this moment in her life. Over the summer, House was named Miss North Carolina’s Teen 2023. Unlike most young women who compete in these types of events, this was only House’s second pageant…ever. On a whim,
Junior Women’s League of Smithfield Seeks Support for 8th Annual Touch-A-Truck Fundraiser
Smithfield, N.C. - The Junior Women's League of Smithfield (JWL) will host its eighth annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Smithfield. Touch-A-Truck is a unique and interactive fundraiser that allows children to see, touch, and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery, as well as to meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build Johnston County communities. Trucks on display will include emergency vehicles, tractors, machinery, construction
JCPS Welcomes Students Back for the 2023-24 School Year
Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) kicked off the 2023-24 school year on Monday, August 28, welcoming tens of thousands of students back to all 48 schools. Although rain showers were moving through Johnston County, the excitement could not be dampened. Families lined up early in anticipation of what the new school year would bring. Students had their new backpacks filled with supplies, and parents snapped those first day of school pictures. Fourth-grade West Clayton Elementary student Jounas Acosta
Nominations open for 2023 Triangle East ATHENA Leadership Award
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 35th annual Triangle East ATHENA Award in Smithfield, North Carolina. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Award, which will be presented on October 12, 2023 to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in
Partnership for Children to Host Annual 'Raise the Booty' Fundraising Event on October 6
The Partnership for Children of Johnston County's Raise the Booty Fundraiser Auction will be held on Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 6 pm! The Partnership Pirate Ship will dock at the Country Club of Johnston County, 694 Country Club Road, in Smithfield. Bid on new treasures in our silent and live auctions, win loot by playing our pirate games, and fill your bellies with grub.Tickets are $75 and can be purchased on our website: https://partnershipforchildrenjoco.org/community/raise-the-booty/Invest in
Smith-Collins Park to Host ''Fun in the Park'' Saturday, July 15
My Kids Club Hosts Its 47th Annual Railroad Days 5K Run/Walk On September 9
Selma, NC – My Kid's Club (MKC) is thrilled to announce the opening of registration for the 47th Annual Railroad Days 5K Run/Walk. Taking place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 8:30 am, this event is a cherished tradition in our community, marking the start of Selma's lively Railroad Days Festival. Originally launched in 1976, the My Kid's Club Railroad Days 5K Run/Walk is a prestigious distinction as North Carolina's longest-running 5K event. Each year, this tradition brings together the community for
37th Annual Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival is May 6 in Downtown Smithfield
SMITHFIELD, NC– The 37th annual Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival presented by Stevens Sausage and Agri Supply is back in Downtown Smithfield on Saturday, May 6th! The festival runs from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and with more than 130 vendors, a variety of entertainment on two stages, inflatables, great food and more, the Ham & Yam Festival offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with something for everyone! Festival staples like the Kiwanis Club of Smithfield’s country ham biscuits and the
Selma, North Carolina and Los Altos, California vie for national recognition in Strongest Town Contest
Los Altos, California and Selma, North Carolina will face off in the first round bracket of the Strongest Town Contest, with voters from across the continent deciding which will advance to the Elite Eight round of this March Madness-style tournament. The Strongest Town Contest spotlights and celebrates communities that are continuously becoming more resilient and prosperous through bottom-up action. The winner of this year’s Strongest Town Contest will receive accommodations for a representative to
Spring Into Action!
Find a JoCo trail HERE and Spring into Action by hiking, biking, or paddling a part of the Great Trails State during the Year of the Trail! Enjoy the warming weather, explore new paths, and bee active this March!
How to Overcome the Fear of Starting a New Business in Johnston County, NC
If you're thinking of starting a business in Johnston County, NC, ZenBusiness can help! It’s intimidating to start a new business. You may have doubts about whether your business will be successful or whether you have what it takes to be a successful business owner. If you're thinking of starting a business in Johnston County, NC, here are some tips on how to overcome the fear that comes with starting a new business. Calculating Startup Costs One of the first steps in starting a new business is
JOCO WORKS 2022 Sparks Career Interests for Eighth-Grade Students
Launched in 2019, the event was virtual for the last two years, this being the first year since the pandemic it was held face-to-face again. More than 3,000 eighth-grade students of Johnston County Public Schools attended JOCO WORKS 2022. Students were taken to JCC in Smithfield where students had the opportunity to connect with more than 40 local industries, including Grifols, NC Department of Transportation, and Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk, one of the largest employers in Johnston County, was the
Business Owners: Can You Benefit From a Business Coach?
Running a business can be tough! Steering a business successfully through the inevitable challenges and obstacles can feel overwhelming. If you're a business owner who's aware you're in need of some additional support, inspiration, or skills to make your life easier and your business better, have you considered a business coach? Business coaches are experts in the techniques needed to run a business successfully. Ideally, they have sector-specific experience as well as experience in managing significant
2022 Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame Recipients Named at Annual Banquet
Johnston County Public Schools inducted six new members to the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame on May 7, during the annual Hall of Fame Banquet held at Princeton High. In the fall of 2005, the high school athletic directors and principals met with JCPS administrators and presented the need to preserve the accomplishments and memories of the men and women who established athletic history in Johnston County. A Hall of Fame committee consisting of JCPS personnel was encouraged to
New Story Walk Open in Selma, NC
SELMA, N.C. The first Story Walk in Selma has arrived! It is located along the walking path around Blackley Athletic Park at 601 W. Noble Street. The Story Walk concept offers families the opportunity to enjoy some light physical exercise while reading stories along the path. Through this walk around the park, participants are guided through questions to ask their children, leading to meaningful family conversations and an easy start to Early Literacy. The Story Walk is easily accessible and within walking
Junior Women's League Presents Annual Big Night Out Gala
Smithfield, N.C. - The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield will host its inaugural Big Night Out Gala benefiting ReEntry Family Services and JWL’s Johnston County Blessing Boxes on Saturday, May 21st beginning at 7 p.m. at The Farm at 95. “The Big Night Out committee is working hard to plan a memorable event after having to pivot the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our hopes are to gather everyone together for a night of celebration that creates a measurable impact on our community,”
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 donates 500 book bags to JCPS
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 donates 500 book bags to JCPS Written By: Robin Koppen, JCPS Communication Specialist SMITHFIELD, NC - The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #88 (FOP 88) bought and donated 500 backpacks to help children in Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Members of the FOP 88 worked alongside JCPS school social workers, school counselors, student advocates, school nurses, assistant principals, and some central office staff to fill the bags on Thursday, Mar. 17, at the
Junior Women's League Presents Over $10,000 Donation To House of Hope
Smithfield, N.C. - On Thursday, February 17, 2022, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield presented a check to House of Hope North Carolina for $10,059.06. Funds were raised at JWL’s 6th Annual Touch-A-Truck event held in downtown Smithfield on Saturday, November 6, 2021. “We are thankful for the generous support of our sponsors as well as the businesses and individuals who provided trucks, helping us to bring JWL’s Touch-A-Truck event back to Downtown Smithfield and raise much needed funds
Celebrating the Voices and Passions of Local FarmHers
Smithfield, N.C. -- The Junior Women's League of Smithfield, in partnership with the Johnston County Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher program and JoCo Grows Agriculture Committee will host Ask A Farm(HER), a local farmer Q&A panel featuring female farmers from Johnston County on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m at Johnston County Ag Center. The purpose of the Q&A panel is to give Johnston County citizens an opportunity to hear farmers discuss the issues of importance to
JUNIOR WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF SMITHFIELD’S 6th ANNUAL TOUCH-A-TRUCK FUNDRAISER IS NOV. 6
Smithfield, N.C. - On Saturday, Nov. 6, the Junior Women's League of Smithfield (JWL) will host its sixth annual Touch-A-Truck event, presented by Anchor Disposal, LLC and McClung’s Electrical and Plumbing, Inc. Children will have the opportunity to climb in and explore big rigs, emergency vehicles, construction equipment and other big machines that make kids of all ages say "whoa!” in the Narron Wenzel Truck Stop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 200 block of S. Third Street in Downtown Smithfield. Bring
Town of Selma Announces The Opening of The Reggie Barnes Basketball Court.
The Town of Selma Parks and Recreation Department announced that the Reggie Barnes Court is now open and ready for play.The Reggie Barnes Basketball Court is located on the campus of the Harrison Gymnasium located at 601 W. Noble Street. It is situated next to the Jacquelyn J. Lacy Tennis Courts.“Selma is so proud that Reggie was able to give back to the community in which he started.” Stated Parks and Recreation Director, Billy Roach. “Reggie truly is an inspiration for all the youth here in Selma. We
The First “Red Vest Tuesday” For Lowe’s 100 Hometowns Project, Activate Selma A Success
SELMA, NC: Monday, August 30 - On Tuesday, August 24th, volunteers from Selma Parks and Recreation, Activate Selma, local businesses and Lowe’s of Smithfield endured the heat and dramatically changed the look of Downtown Selma during the first “Red Vest Day” as part of Lowe’s 100 Hometown projects. “Red Vest Tuesday” is in conjunction with the Lowe’s 100 Hometowns, a $10 million initiative to celebrate Lowe’s centennial by completing 100 community impact projects across the United States by the end of
SOLA CREATIONS BOUTIQUE FEATURED IN THE BOOK, A Heart for Selma: 12 Stories of Activate Selma NC
The much-awaited book, A Heart for Selma: 12 Stories of Activate Selma NC, written by Pine Level writer Cindy Brookshire, shares 12 personal stories of Selma, North Carolina residents, volunteers, and business owners who are revitalizing and uplifting their beloved rail community and all it has to offer. Katja Jentes of ProverbsPhotography shot all the photos in the book, including the book cover. Twenty-three community members participated in the project and two national experts, Roger Brooks
Smithfield River Rat Regatta on the Neuse, Cardboard Boat Race, Returns on August 14
SMITHFIELD, NC – After being delayed and then canceled in 2019 due to weather and the 2020 event being scrubbed due to the COVID-19, the Smithfield Yacht Club will open once again for the River Rat Regatta on the Neuse on Saturday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m. The event will feature a race between 2-person teams in cardboard boats from Smithfield’s Boat Ramp on N. Front Street to the Deputy C. Paul West, Sr. Bridge. The boats must be constructed entirely from corrugated cardboard, glue, and duct tape. Entries
Junior Women's League of Smithfield Provisional Members Complete Projects to Benefit Johnston County Foster Children and Senior Adults
Smithfield, N.C. -- The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL) has seen months of hard work by its newest members come to fruition with the completion of two projects by its provisional members to address the needs of foster care children and senior adults in Johnston County. JWL's provisional members from the Adopt a Golden Angel project provided 150 caddies to residents of Barbour Court Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Over the past year, long term care facilities have been hit especially hard;
ARCA Menards Series East To Race Southern National Motorsports Park Opener Saturday
(Lucama, NC) The stars and cars of ARCA Menards Series East will be making their way to the Tar Heel State for 200 laps of thrilling racing action this Saturday, June 12th at Southern National Motorsports Park. The Southern National 200 presented by Solid Rock Carriers will be joined by three other divisions of racing. Southern National Motorsports Park will kick off their 2021 schedule with four divisions of heart pounding action. Three local divisions will accompany the ARCA Menards Series East 200
LIVE@THE RUDY to Open JULY 10, 2021!
The 2021 LIVE@THE RUDY shows are set to hit the stage on JULY 10th! This will mark the second Grand Opening of the Rudy Theater since first opening with live shows in 1998. “As more and more people get vaccines and businesses are allowed to open, we plan to celebrate a Grand Re-opening, with our Classic Country Jubilee on July 10th, said owner/producer/musician Spook Joyner. “We will move that date up or back, depending on the Governor’s mandate.” The Classic Country Jubilee will run from July through
The 301 Endless Yard Sale is Happening in 2021
Selma, NC – After last year’s postponement due to COVID and a narrow miss this year due to summer school, the counties along the route are excited to announce this year’s 301 Endless Yard Sale will happen. On Friday, June 18th and Saturday, June 19th, Highway 301 (for over 100 miles) will be filled with excited vendors and shoppers. Hours of the sale vary by vendor but 7AM to 5PM daily is typical. Event organizers ask participants to please keep in mind that schools along the route will be in session for
JUNIOR WOMEN’S LEAGUE PRESENTS $12,000 COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT TO PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF JOHNSTON COUNTY
Smithfield, N.C. - On Thursday, March 4th, 2021, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield presented a Community Impact Grant award to Partnership for Children of Johnston County for $12,000. Funds were raised during JWL’s Diaper Drive in the Fall of 2020. Due to a quick pivot from the Junior Women's League of Smithfield's Touch-A-Truck committee, the hard work of our members, and the incredible support of our community (and beyond), JWL was also able to donate more than 31,000 diapers, as well as wipes
Lenovo Launches “Cause The Affect” to Celebrate Small Businesses
Raleigh, North Carolina [February 22, 2021] – Lenovo, whose North American headquarters are in Morrisville, NC, kicked off a Cause The Affect movement by calling on Triangle-area citizens to join the global technology company in celebrating and supporting small businesses across America and in the local community.“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. They fuel us, feed us, and connect us. Now, more than ever, they need our support,” said John Bischof, executive director, North American
Athena Award recipient is living legacy for service
Presented by Crystal Roberts at the 45th Annual Meeting on January 26th, 2015 The Chamber Athena Award is presented each year to recognize the outstanding achievements of women in the Smithfield-Selma community. A national award, it is presented in over 300 communities and is sponsored locally by Corestaff Services. The Chamber would like to thank Corestaff for their continued sponsorship of this prestigious honor. If one were to describe her as a book, this living legacy would be the leather-bound
Sherry Harris Is A Woman To Follow
Speech Given By Crystal Roberts: Ladies and gentleman, the Smithfield-Selma Chamber is again excited to present the prestigious Athena Award to a well-deserving recipient. This award celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment. Tonight’s recipient is a fierce advocate for acknowledging female potential and just as importantly doing what needs to be done to make this community