October 22, 2025
COVID-19
School Board Removes Stipulations Around Optional Face Coverings
SMITHFIELD – The Johnston County Board of Education voted to move to an optional face covering setting beginning Feb. 21 for all students, staff, and guests without any stipulations. The…
You Decide: Should International Trade Be Re-Thought?
By Mike Walden As the country recovers from the COVID-19 recession, numerous questions are being raised about the future course of the economy. One of them involves international trade. While…
Johnston County School Board Votes 6-To-1 For Masks To Become Optional
The Johnston County Public School Board voted Tuesday evening to make face masks optional. The vote was 6-to-1. Beginning Monday February, 21st, face coverings will be optional for all students,…
Johnston County EMS To Spend $230,014 In CARES Act Funds
Johnston County Emergency Services EMS Division will use funding received through the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, part of the federal COVID-19 response for healthcare providers, to purchase a new…
Attorney: Student Vaccinated Without His Or His Parents’ Consent
GREENSBORO – A Johnston County law firm has been retained by the parents of a Guilford County school student reportedly given the COVID-19 vaccination without his consent. Emily Happel, the…
COVID-19 Testing Site Moving To New Location
SMITHFIELD – A new COVID-19 testing site will be available for Johnston County residents starting Tuesday, January 25. The four-lane, drive-thru testing site will be located at the Brightleaf Flea…
Cooper To Extend Vaccine, Testing Requirements For State Employees
By John Trump Carolina Journal Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday, Jan. 4, said health experts, doctors, and scientists are learning more about COVID-19, and state officials and politicians are using…
School Closures Still On The Table This Winter
By Donna King Carolina Journal Outgoing N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen told lawmakers recently that schools could still close in the event of a COVID infection surge…
School Board Votes To Continue Mask Requirement
The Johnston County Public School Board voted Tuesday afternoon to continue with the facemask mandate for students and employees. Since last month, the number of active COVID cases among staff…
Fitness Industry, Hurt By COVID Shutdowns, Works To Bounce Back
By John Trump Carolina Journal The government-imposed lockdowns of last year wrecked the global economy, and the fitness industry was among the businesses hurt most by the closures. But a new…
You Decide: Is A Wealth Tax In The Future?
By Dr. Mike Walden Trillions of dollars were added to the national debt during the COVID-19 pandemic as the federal government poured money into the economy to avoid a long…
Food Assistance Support Program Available In Johnston County
RALEIGH – Beginning Monday, October 4th, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 Support Services Program, along with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina will provide food…
