Gunter Completes Basic Military Training

U.S. Air Force Airman Savannah S. Gunter graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical…
May 19-25 Proclaimed Emergency Medical Services Week

The week of May 19th – 25th has been proclaimed Emergency Medical Services Week in Johnston County. County Commissioners issued the proclamation as a way to show the importance of emergency medical services as a vital public service. EMS personnel are…
Ask Rusty – What Social Security Benefit Will My Wife Get If I Die?

by AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: I am 69 and have been holding off on collecting my Social Security payment until I’m 70 on the assumption that my wife would collect my…
County Property Tax Rate Up 11 Percent Under Budget Proposal

Proposed Water Tap Fees Up 95% Sewer Tap Fees Up 36% Base Water Rates Up 18% Base Sewer Rates Up 11% Water Rates 7.2% Higher Sewer Rates 11% Higher In County Manager’s Proposal Johnston County Manager Rick Hester unveiled his…
Gun Scare Near North Johnston High Prompts Campus Lockdown

North Johnston High School on Highway 301 South of Kenly was briefly placed on lockdown this morning (Friday) after someone called 911 reporting a man was walking on Watson Road near the school carrying a gun. The 911 call prompted…
Governor Cooper Appoints Jason Coats To Judicial Seat

Serving Harnett, Johnston and Lee Counties Governor Roy Cooper has appointed Jason H. Coats to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 11, serving Harnett, Johnston and Lee counties. “Coats has served the people in the district for years,…
4 Injured In 4-Vehicle Crash On Brightleaf Boulevard

Four people received minor injuries in a chain reaction rear end collision on N. Brightleaf Boulevard (US 301) in Smithfield. Police, Fire and EMS personnel responded to the 1:07pm accident on N. Brightleaf near the intersection with Bridge Street. Smithfield…
Hit & Run Driver Strikes Man Taking Out The Trash

A Smithfield man said he was knocked unconscious by a hit and run vehicle that struck him while taking his trash to the curb. Smithfield Police said the accident happened at 6:10pm Thursday on N. Sussex Dive off Canterbury Road. Police…
Downtown Gas Leak Forces Evacuation Of Homes, Businesses

A gas leak forced emergency crews to evacuate a one block radius in Downtown Smithfield this morning (Thursday). Around 11:00am, a gas line was accidentally cut by a contractor in the 100 block of North Fifth Street. First responders cordoned off…
School Board Asks For 32 Percent Budget Increase

The Johnston County Board of Education has asked Johnston County Commissioners for $84,062,810 for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the board formally adopted their budget request which was forward to County Manager Rick Hester and Commissioners…








