Driver held after train strikes SUV in Clayton
A Raleigh woman Kathleen Ann Brees, 55, was charged with driving while impaired after her 2018 Ford Explorer stalled on railroad tracks on Shotwell Road near Old U.S. 70 and was hit by a westbound Norfolk Southern train. No injuries were reported and the crossing remained closed about three hours. In a separate incident, a 49-year-old man was hospitalized after a shooting on Santa Gertrudis Drive. Neighbors dispute details. detectives investigate with the District Attorney's Office. no charges yet.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Clayton
Raleigh
Shotwell Road
Old U.S. 70
Kathleen Ann Brees
Brees
Norfolk Southern
Johnston County
District Attorney’s Office
Johnston County explains property revaluation video
Johnston County posted a two minute online video explaining why revaluation occurs and how it affects property values. The county notes that if valuations rise the tax rate may drop to keep revenue, with the board setting the new rate in May or June 2025.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smithfield
Johnston County
Johnston
Board of Commissioners
Clayton Man Wins 150000 in Digital Lottery Big Crush Multiplier
Clayton resident Sheldon Piggott won 150000 on December 6 by playing the Big Crush Multiplier online game. He claimed the prize December 9 at Raleigh lottery headquarters, after tax withholdings his take was 107259. The NC Education Lottery promotes responsible play through Play Smart Gift Smart and supports school supplies donations at claim centers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sheldon Piggott
Clayton
Piggott
Raleigh
Lottery
N.C. Lottery
N.C. Education Lottery
Ncel Play Smart
Princeton Town Administrator Completes RC2 Training
Town administrator Michael King graduated from the Rural Community Capacity program run by the N C Department of Commerce with East Carolina University. The program funded Princeton with 45000 dollars to create a parks and recreation master plan and to erect two town entrance signs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Princeton
Michael King
N.C. Department of Commerce
East Carolina University
ECU
Merrill Flood
Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
N.C. Commerce Department
Virtual students push to play sports in Johnston Co
The Johnston County Virtual Academy faces a ban on competing for traditional high schools after a state rule on enrollment counted toward school classifications. JCVA athletes like Talia Cox and Audrey Deras argue that allowing virtual students to compete preserves opportunities, athletic camaraderie, and access to programs, while board members weigh possible alternatives such as Corinth Holders High School.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smithfield
Board of Education
Johnston County Virtual Academy
Talia Cox
JCVA
Audrey Deras
Virtual Academy
Cleveland High School
Deras
Johnston County
Anya Muminovic
Smithfield- Selma High School
Muminovic
Audrey
JCWA
Diane Deras
Cleveland
Michelle Antoine
Corinth
Cox
Clayton High School
Council rejects 18 lot Swift Creek subdivision in Smithfield
Smithfield Town Council denied plans for an 18 home subdivision on Swift Creek Road 3 to 1 despite landowner rights and standards being met. Neighbors argued the half acre lots would ruin rural character and worsen road safety. Planning staff noted lack of northern connectivity due to a farm and owner's refusal to sell. Absent councilors and differing views highlighted tensions between development and local opposition.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smithfield
Swift Creek
Bob Spence Jr
Spence
Swift Creek Road
Lanny Clifton
Travis
Stephen Wensman
Wensman
Scott
Roger Wood
David Barbour
John Dunn
Marlon Lee
Holiday events light up Kenly Selma and Smithfield
Kenly Public Library hosts Family Time through Dec 24 with crafts songs stories cocoa and Fraser fir. Selma offers Christmas trivia Dec 19 and Grinch crafts Dec 22 plus Rudy Theatre Christmas Jubilee performances Dec 19 21 27 28. Smithfield Police and Parks host free cocoa and cookies Dec 23 in four neighborhoods. Kenly hosts a adult holiday social Dec 23 with Dirty Santa gift exchange.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kenly
E. Edgerton St
Selma
Old North State Food Hall
JR Road
Blitzen
Rudy Theater
Rudy
Raiford St
Cletus Chickipin
Rudytheatre.com
Smithfield
Police Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Kenly Public Library
Also Mentioned on This Page
Council
Ws.com
Ies
Meet the Grinch
Borhoods
Skyland
Kay
Furlong
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