The Johnstonian News
Mediterranean market opens near JCC
By McKenzie Miller
mmiller@johnstoniannews.com | 919-284-2295, Ext. 403 | March 27, 2024
SMITHFIELD — On its Facebook page, Ramallah Mediterranean Market invites visitors to immerse themselves “in the vibrant world of Middle Eastern flavors.” “Our market offers an enticing selection of authentic and culinary delights,” the page says. “Explore a sensory journey capturing the essence of the region.” But not just the...
A small business crafts all-natural soaps
March 27, 2024
Editor's Note: This is one in an occasional series of stories about vendors at the Clayton Farm & Community Market. GARNER — Margaret Hart began making her soaps and balms after looking for all-natural solutions for skin care. “I wasn’t happy with the soap I bought in the store,” said...
Drainage work will close highway
From staff reports | March 27, 2024
FOUR OAKS — A section of U.S. 301 will close to through-traffic for about seven weeks to allow an N.C. Department of Transportation contract crew to replace a drainage pipe under the pavement. The closure will affect both directions of U.S. 301 near Forest Hills Drive and occur between April 2...
Park, community center getting makeovers
For the Johnstonian News | March 27, 2024
CLAYTON — The town’s Community Center and neighboring Community Park are getting upgrades. Additions include Clayton’s first pickleball courts, new tennis courts, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, a modern playground, a greenway connection and increased parking. Earlier this month, the town held a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of the...
Heritage Center publishes second literary, historical journal
For the Johnstonian News | March 27, 2024
SMITHFIELD — The Johnston County Heritage Center has published a second edition of the Johnston County Literary and Historical Journal. The book, with contributions from 22 writers, is on sale at the Johnston County Museum for $30. “These poems, short stories and essays are entertaining, inspiring, informative, heart-warming and thought-provoking,”...
Pickleball tourney returns on April 6
March 25, 2024
CLAYTON — The second annual Clayton Pickleball Open will get underway at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at the East Triangle YMCA, 120 Flowers Parkway. The tournament, which pits Clayton...
Johnston coaches part of baseball showcase
For the Johnstonian News | March 14, 2024
DURHAM — Two Johnston County high school coaches will help coach this year’s BODYARMOR State Games High School Baseball Showcase. The event will feature the best underclassmen players from eight...
Clayton basketball championships are this weekend
March 6, 2024
CLAYTON — The Clayton Parks and Recreation Department will stage its youth basketball championships March 9-10 at the Clayton Community Center, 715 Amelia Church Road. Boys’ games will begin at...
How can we improve voter turnout?
March 27, 2024
The 2024 primary election results should concern us. What should truly trouble us is that only 20.02% of North Carolina’s registered voters cast ballots, highlighting a trend that threatens the...
Carolina economy solid, not spectacular
March 27, 2024
How has North Carolina’s economy been performing lately? Let’s focus on four standard measures: unemployment, jobs, incomes and gross domestic product. Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau released its latest...
Privacy and the princess
March 27, 2024
“There is a strange man outside,” Katherine announced, standing by the parlor window. “... This man is lurking across the way. Pretending not to notice me while I notice him.”...
Why is David Marshburn running?
January 10, 2024
For the sake of argument, let’s concede that David Marshburn moved to 708 S. Robertson St. in Clayton to run for a seat on the Johnston County Board of Education....
It won’t be merit pay if all town employees get the same amount
December 13, 2023
We trust this year won’t be the norm. The Clayton Town Council had planned in 2023 to launch merit pay for town employees. But late-arriving software made it impossible for...
Is Selma just a one-man show?
November 30, 2023
S ome folks in Selma are growing weary — and wary — of the Byron McAllister Show. We’ve heard their chorus of critical reviews: Selma government under McAllister is a...
Johnston groups join forces on two murals
July 27, 2023
Over the past year, the group Friends of Johnston County Parks has worked with the Johnston County Arts Council on an outdoor mural project. With financial assistance from the Arts...