The Johnstonian News
Trail project takes huge leap forward
SMITHFIELD — Plans for a trail in Wilson’s Mills have received a $3.3 million boost. Johnston’s Parks and Open Space Program learned in April that it had received a federal Carbon Reduction Program grant. “Last month, we came before y’all to get permission to put in the grant application,” Parks...
This Selma land is ready for industry
SELMA — A 53-acre tract in Selma is shovel-ready for industry. The land, near Sysco, is Johnston County’s first Smart Site, meaning it’s certified ready to welcome an industry. “In today’s competitive landscape, the ability to offer shovel-ready sites for development is not just an advantage, it’s almost a necessity,”...
Board chairman finds the county in a good state
SMITHFIELD — In an annual “State of the County” address, the chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners looks back on the year just past. In his address, Butch Lawter, the board’s current chairman, liked what he saw in 2023. “We have made major strides over the past year,”...
Library putting $15,000 gift to work
CLAYTON — Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is expanding its reach thanks to a $15,000 gift from Dollar General to the Friends of the Library. Staff members earmarked the funding for initiatives in four areas — collection, patron engagement, programming and early literacy. “When businesses invest in the communities where they reside,...
Neuse Charter senior receives SECU scholarship
SMITHFIELD — Whitley Kate Moore, a senior at Neuse Charter School, has received a People Helping People scholarship from the SECU Foundation. The award is for $1,250 per semester for a total of $10,000 over four years. The scholarship recognizes academic achievement, leadership, integrity and community involvement. “We are very...
Selma schedules sports camps
SELMA — The Parks and Recreation Department will offer the following summer sports camps for children ages 7-14: Basketball — June 17-21. Tennis — June 24-28. Soccer — July 15-19....
Smithfield to offer T-ball sessions for ages 3-4
SMITHFIELD — The Parks and Recreation Department will offer T-ball for kids ages 3-4. Sessions are scheduled from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and 7 to 7:45 p.m. June 4, 6,...
Title-winning baseball coach joins Hall of Fame
The Johnston County Public Schools’ Athletic Hall of Fame has welcomed Pat Smith, a title-winning baseball player and coach. Smith graduated from Robersonville High, helping the school win the state...
Movie got journalism right
Kirsten Dunst plays photographer Lee Miller in "Civil War." Promotional photo courtesy A24 On Sunday, I went to see the new film “Civil War.” Not because I was excited to...
Immigration bill elevates cynical politics over common sense
According to the best estimates, about 10 million to 11 million immigrants are living in the United States without full legal authorization. Interestingly and coincidentally, that’s right around the number...
No, Trump and Kennedy aren’t libertarian candidates
In early May, the Libertarian Party’s national committee announced a prominent speaker at the party’s convention over Memorial Day weekend in Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump. A few days...
