News for General News Article
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
The Smithfield Police Department is enhancing its ability to engage with the community and
keep residents safe through the launch of a new mobile app that makes it easy to connect with
police, access information, receive public safety alerts, and submit anonymous tips directly from
a smartphone.
The Smithfield PD app puts a powerful new crime-fighting and community engagement tool
into the ...read more
Categories: Community, Human Interest, General News Article, Press Release, Business
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Smithfield, NC – Johnston County Public Utilities has once again been recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality drinking water, earning the prestigious Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Water Resources.
The state honored 63 water treatment plants across North Carolina for surpassing federal ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Press Release
Monday, October 20, 2025
SMITHFIELD, NC - This year’s annual Unified basketball game at Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS) was full of excitement, not only to watch the SSS Spartans compete with the North Johnston High School (NJHS) Panthers, but also because the school was named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®.
To be selected as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®, the school must ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, General News Article, Human Interest, Press Release
Friday, October 17, 2025
When growth hits hard and fast, control becomes the first casualty.
Whether you’re a local café that’s suddenly gone viral or a SaaS startup adding hundreds of new clients a month, scaling without structure can turn success into chaos. The key isn’t just growing faster — it’s growing in formation.
TL;DR
Rapid growth strains finances, team systems, and customer experience.
Build ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
From how to start a small business to writing a business plan, the Small Business Center has workshops designed for those who are ready to take the leap into owning their own business.
To view the upcoming calendar click here.
Categories: Business, General News Article, Community
Thursday, October 09, 2025
Johnston Now Magazine Earns Two NCPA Awards
Johnston Now Magazine was recently honored with two awards from the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA), recognizing excellence in community journalism and storytelling. The publication earned third place in General Excellence and third place for a photo essay by Editor Jamie Strickland for coverage of events at Camp Flintlock.
“We’re honored to ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Press Release, Business, Community, Human Interest
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation held a ground breaking for the new community park on the corner of Market and Third Street in downtown Smithfield.
The project is a collaboration between the DSDC, the Town of Smithfield, Johnston County, and the Johnston County Visitors Bureau. The design, created by Landscape Architect Clayton Narron, emphasizes accessibility, safety, and ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
Grant Applications are now open for the Verizon Small Business Readiness Autumn Grant.
Fifty small businesses will be awarded $10,000 through this program. Don't miss this opportunity to secure funding for your business. Deadline to apply is December 10, 2025.
Go to bit.ly/SBC-VerizonCreate a FREE AccountComplete 2 FREE 30 minute coursesBecome eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant
Here’s ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Education
Monday, October 06, 2025
Hampton Inn in by Hilton Smithfield Selma received the Hilton Award for Excellence. The Award is presented to the top 5% of hotels in the Hampton Inn Brand in North America. Out of the three years the location has been eligible this is the second time the property has received the recognition.
This recognition is given to hotels that consistently provide outstanding guest experiences and uphold ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Community
Thursday, October 02, 2025
The federal government shutdown is creating significant challenges for businesses nationwide, from delayed SBA loans to halted federal contracts. These disruptions threaten growth, delay opportunities, and create uncertainty for business leaders and their communities.
With Congress failing to reach a funding agreement by September 30, 2025, a government shutdown has begun. This will halt ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Economic, Political
Friday, September 19, 2025
Finding qualified workers remains a significant challenge for businesses, with only 38% of hiring managers reporting that it’s easy to find candidates with the right skills.
The big picture: A new survey from the U.S. Chamber and College Board highlights a significant gap in workforce readiness among high school graduates.
By the numbers: 84% of hiring managers in the survey say high school ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Education
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Transportation and commuting challenges took center stage at the 2025 State of the Region Breakfast, held last week at the Johnston County Ag Center. Presented by Lumos, the event drew a packed room of business and community leaders eager to hear what’s ahead for Johnston County and the region.
Using Mentimeter, attendees engaged directly with panelists: David Harris, Director of the Johnston ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Business, Chamber
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
CommWell Health Announces New Name Change to its Operations Center
Building Following Generous Donations
Four Oaks, NC – September 02, 2025 – CommWell Health, a large not-for-profit Community Health Center system in southeastern North Carolina, recently announced the renaming of its Operations Center Administrative building located in Four Oaks, to the Nathan Johnson Tilghman Professional ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, General News Article
Friday, September 12, 2025
Safe Kids Johnston County Celebrates Child Passenger Safety Week
Johnston County, NC — Safe Kids Johnston County is celebrating Child Passenger Safety Week, from September 21-27. As a special designation recently proclaimed by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, the week recognizes the importance of keeping kids safe in cars and on the road.
“Last year, we checked 174 car seats in ...read more
Categories: Community, General News Article, Education, Press Release
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Categories: Community, Press Release, General News Article
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Thursday, September 11, 2025
Johnston County Building Inspectors Earn Statewide Award for Hurricane Helene Response
Smithfield, N.C.- For their service after Hurricane Helene, Johnston County’s Building Inspections Department received the Barry Gupton Award, a major honor from the North Carolina Building Inspectors' Association (NCBIA).
The award is presented to individuals or organizations that show exceptional commitment ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Business, General News Article
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) has released its 2024-2025 school year performance data, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), noting that the district has INCREASED its RANKING to 30TH in the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA!The district’s rank of 30 out of 115 public school units is a noteworthy accomplishment, as the district's academic achievement continues ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Education
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Tuesday, September 09, 2025
Johnston County to Host Voter ID Events
at Local Libraries this Month
Smithfield, NC – Johnston County will host a series of Voter Photo ID events this September to help residents prepare for upcoming elections. These events, similar to the successful outreach events held in 2024, will provide voters with the opportunity to obtain a free voter photo ID. Staff from the Johnston County Board of ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release, Community, Political
Monday, September 08, 2025
Partnership for Children Hosts Community Advocacy Night, Paving the Way for Child Care Solutions
Selma, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County hosted a powerful event in August to engage families and community leaders in a discussion about the child care crisis and its impacts on Johnston County residents. The evening brought together parents, child care providers, and elected ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Community, Press Release
Thursday, September 04, 2025
Apartments are coming to Eastfield.
Eastfield, the 435 acre mixed use development, in Selma that's plan includes manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and residential, recently announced a 348 unit multifamily community will be built.
The project represents an innovative collaboration between the NRP Group and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation to create a real estate tax exempt development that ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article
Thursday, September 04, 2025
Johnston County Recognizes Summer Interns and Highlights Local Government Opportunities
Smithfield, N.C.- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognized this year’s class of summer interns during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. More than a dozen high school and college students gained valuable work experience this summer through internships across multiple County ...read more
Categories: Business, Economic, General News Article, Community, Education, Press Release
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Johnston Community College Awarded Second NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education
Smithfield, N.C. — September 3, 2025 – Johnston Community College (JCC) has been awarded a three-year, $565,044 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support its cybersecurity programs.
The funded project focuses on integrating employability skills, which employers seek from graduates, with ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE DUPREE HOUSE TO HOST "I DO, RE-DO" EVENT FOR SUSTAINABLE
WEDDING SHOPPING
SMITHFIELD, NC – September 2, 2025 – The Dupree House is excited to announce its inaugural "I Do, Re-
Do" event, a unique wedding market designed to connect recent brides and wedding planners with brides-to-be
seeking beautiful, budget-friendly treasures. The event will be held on January 11th, ...read more
Categories: Fun Facts, Business, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
Partnership Seeks Participants for Free Child Care Academy
Johnston County — The Partnership for Children of
Johnston County is now accepting participants for its Child
Care Academy this fall. The program provides free,
comprehensive training and support to individuals
interested in pursuing a career in child care. Participants
will complete all required training sessions, ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, Press Release, General News Article
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Johnston Community College will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this milestone event.
This 67,000 square foot, cutting-edge facility serves as the advanced manufacturing training hub for Johnston County and the eastern region of the state. You will ...read more
Categories: Education, Press Release, General News Article, Community
Monday, August 25, 2025
Partnership for Children of Johnston County Celebrates Smart Start MonthJohnston County, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County is celebrating September as Smart Start Month, a special designation recently proclaimed by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners to recognize the essential role of the Smart Start Network in supporting North Carolina’s youngest children and the adults ...read more
Categories: Economic, Education, Fun Facts, General News Article, Press Release, Community
Monday, August 25, 2025
Read to Grow Announces 4th Annual Poster Contest to Celebrate Attendance Awareness Month
Johnston County, NC – Read to Grow Johnston County is excited to announce its 4th Annual Poster Contest in honor of Attendance Awareness Month this September. The contest encourages K-5 students to create posters highlighting the importance of regular school attendance.
On August 18th, the Johnston County ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Scott Nunn, facilities engineer at Novo Nordisk and incoming board chair at the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, presented at the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce's Education and Workforce Conference on August 21.
Scott was one of three panelists that presented how businesses can help shape training to meet their specific needs ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers. He focused on JOCO WORKS. ...read more
Categories: Education, Business, General News Article
Thursday, August 21, 2025
The US Chamber of Commerce released a report on small businesses use of artificial intelligence The report found approximately 50% of businesses in the state have adopted use of AI. However, business leaders have concerns over data privacy and regulations.
The report found that use of AI has helped small business owners cope with inflation and supply chain disruption as well as improved access ...read more
Categories: Economic, Business, General News Article
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Johnston County Board of Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Comprehensive Transportation Plan
Smithfield, N.C.- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to receive community input on the County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The hearing will take place during the Commissioners’ regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Johnston Community College Announces Record Enrollment
JCC sees another semester of double-digit percentage increase in credit students
Smithfield, N.C., (August 19, 2025) – Johnston Community College (JCC) has once again set a new enrollment record, achieving its highest-ever curriculum headcount.
On the first day of fall semester classes, JCC welcomed 6,513 degree-seeking ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, Fun Facts, General News Article, Press Release
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Monday, August 11, 2025
Smithfield, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce has taken a major step forward in its five-year Triangle East Prospers initiative, appointing BriAnna Walker as the region’s first-ever Talent and Leadership Development Manager.
The new role marks a significant investment in tackling one of Johnston County’s most pressing challenges: building a skilled workforce. Currently, 63 percent of ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Chamber, Press Release
Thursday, May 22, 2025
You’re sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it. Right outside your storefront, in the coffee shops and laundromats and food trucks humming a block away, are patterns, habits, and whispers that—if read right—can tell you exactly what your next move should be. Strategy isn’t just spreadsheets and quarterly forecasts, it’s how well you can read the room, especially when the room is your zip ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Business, Community, Press Release
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes.
While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible ...read more
Categories: Community, General News Article, Chamber, Press Release
