Scott Bolejack

CLAYTON — Police here are looking for the armed man who stole 1,000 doses of a prescription medication from Walgreens on U.S. 70 Business. Around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, a man approached the pharmacy counter and handed over a note demanding prescription medication. Witnesses said he displayed a black handgun during the robbery. Police did not say what drug he […]

SMITHFIELD — On a July day in 1957, four black people walked into the Smithfield library, setting off a wave of protest that challenged segregation and shaped Smithfield’s history. The two men and two women went to the library with a purpose, said Ben Chapman, archivist at the Johnston County Heritage Center. “They entered the library and attempted to check […]

CLAYTON — Small Business Saturday in downtown Clayton will offer residents and visitors a chance to explore the town’s shops, restaurants and services. This year brings around a dozen new businesses to the community, adding to a mix of some 250 shops, eateries, professional services and activity spaces. Stretching from Main Street to surrounding neighborhoods, these new additions bring even […]

PRINCETON — Corey Lancaster makes a distinction between learning how to make art and actually doing it. “I could hold a class and teach people how to carve a bear,” said Lancaster, a chainsaw artist and the owner of Boon Hill Gallery. “You can teach someone how to paint, explain composition or show them techniques. But that doesn’t mean it […]

BENSON — The first Jolly Jamboree, a men’s flag football tournament and toy drive, will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, at P.K. Vyas Park, 401 S. Elm St. The double-elimination tournament will accept up to 10 teams for seven-on-seven play. The registration fee is a toy, and the deadline to register is Dec. 9. The Benson Parks and Recreation Department […]

FOUR OAKS — The town will light its Christmas tree on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Barbour’s Grove Park, 300 N. Baker St. Live performances will begin at 5:45 p.m. The tree lighting will follow at 7:30. Santa Claus will hear Christmas wishes starting at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be available. The town will hold its annual Christmas parade at 11 […]

CLAYTON — To mark National Stormwater Day, the town is shining a spotlight on Andrew Lyons, its new stormwater engineer. With a background in weather science and environmental engineering, Lyons plays a vital role in keeping Clayton’s rivers and streams healthy. His skills help ensure these waterways continue to thrive as the town grows. As a full-time stormwater engineer, Lyons […]

CLAYTON — The town has hired Donald Perry as engineering director. Perry has an extensive background in civil engineering and leadership, with more than 25 years of experience managing infrastructure projects and teams. With a career spanning civil engineering, stormwater management and teaching, Perry will help shape Clayton’s infrastructure projects and ensure sustainable growth for the town. “I am honored […]

SMITHFIELD — An email claimed that in its first year back, the Performing Arts Series at Johnston Community College lost thousands of dollars. That didn’t happen, said Delanie “DeeDee” Daughtry, executive vice president of finance and strategic initiatives at JCC. “We did not take a loss,” she said. “The first year back was more than break even.” In any event, […]

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County has received a multimillion-dollar assist in its efforts to conserve farmland amid a housing boom. The good news came from Greg Walker, head of the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District. “Back in the spring, we prepared a grant through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program for $12 million to anchor our farmland-protection efforts,” he told County […]