News for Press Release

Smithfield, NC - On February 18, 150 10th-grade students gathered at Johnston Community College for JOCO WORKS PRO, a half-day intensive focused on work-based learning readiness through four core workshops in self empowerment, digital media, interviewing, and workplace best practices.   “JOCO WORKS PRO is an essential experience that ignites critical thinking, prompts self-evaluation, and ...read more

Smithfield, NC — Downtown Smithfield is excited to welcome Curry Corner, the newest addition to the local dining scene, with an official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, February 13, at 2:00 PM, hosted in partnership with the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC). Curry Corner is located at 227 E. Market Street in Downtown Smithfield and officially opens its ...read more

Selma, N.C., Feb. 13, 2026 - AdVenture Development celebrated the ribbon-cutting for Olive Garden Italian Kitchen, adding a long-anticipated new dining option to  Eastfield, the 435-acre, 3 million-square-foot master-planned, mixed-use, Live-Work-Play development.    "We know our residents and visitors enjoy going out for a great meal,” said Kevin Dougherty, President of AdVenture Development. ...read more

Young artists from across Johnston County are invited to help shape the 40th Anniversary of the Ham and Yam Festival through two special art contests: the Ham & Yam T-Shirt Design Contest for middle and high school students, and a new Coloring Contest for elementary students.T-Shirt Design Contest (Sponsored by Johnston Family Dentistry) Middle and high school students are encouraged to create an ...read more

JCC sees continued growth with the seventh consecutive semester of enrollment increase. Smithfield, N.C., (January 22, 2026) – Johnston Community College continues its upward enrollment trend, opening the fall semester with the largest curriculum student population in the College’s history.On the first day of spring semester classes, JCC welcomed 5,892 degree-seeking students—a 12 percent ...read more

Selma, N.C. — On February 19, 2026, Hope Center Ministries will host Beyond the Blind at Johnston Community College, a faith-centered gathering intended to raise funds for recovery housing and related mental health and reentry services in eastern North Carolina. The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees. Proceeds will support Hope Center Ministries’ residential recovery programs and ...read more

Starting or scaling a marketing firm is a thrilling pursuit — but success doesn’t come from creative ideas alone. It’s built on the foundation of predictable systems, disciplined financial management, strong teams, and trust-based client relationships. Whether you’re serving local businesses in Johnston County or expanding across North Carolina, understanding these fundamentals will help you ...read more

KS BANK WELCOMES TRAVIS B. BAILEY AS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT  (SMITHFIELD, N.C.) – KS Bank, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Travis B. Bailey to its Senior Executive Management team as the Chief Administrative Officer. In this role, Bailey will lead the bank’s retail branches and management and ensure that KS Bank continues to deliver exceptional service ...read more

KS BANK CELEBRATES NEW FULL-SERVICE BRANCH IN BAILEY, NC WITH OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY(SMITHFIELD, NC) – KS Bank hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 24th, to celebrate the bank’s new Bailey branch. The ceremony featured remarks from Leigh Deans, with the Bailey Chamber of Commerce, Owen Strickland, Mayor of Bailey, Walter Wells, Mayor Pro-tem of Bailey, Earl W. Worley, Jr., ...read more

KS BANK SPONSORED COMMUNITY EVENT FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESSES(Smithfield, NC) – KS Bank was the proud presenting sponsor of the first Harnett Business Resources Summit, hosted by the Dunn, Lillington, Coats, Erwin, and Angier Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center. The event provided tools, resources, and insights for entrepreneurs ...read more

Bridge over I-95 at Exit 95 will be upgraded SMITHFIELD – The U.S. 70 Business bridge over Interstate 95 at Exit 95 will be reconstructed into a taller, longer and wider structure, thanks to a new $38.3 million contract. The two-lane bridge over I-95 will be replaced with a five-lane bridge with a sidewalk. In addition, the on/off ramps will be reconfigured to meet modern standards, and ...read more

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 ...read more