October 25, 2025
Clayton
Federal Court Sentenced Clayton Woman For Laundering Millions For Cartels, Moving Kilo Quantities Of Narcotics
WILMINGTON, N.C. – On August 21, a federal judge sentenced a Clayton woman to 11 years in federal prison for money laundering and trafficking large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine.…
Smooth Start For Johnston County Schools As Students Return For New Academic Year
JOHNSTON COUNTY — The 2025–2026 school year began on a high note Monday morning as approximately 37,000 students returned to classrooms across Johnston County’s 42 public schools. Traffic was noticeably…
Police Stress That Stopping For School Buses Saves Student Lives
CLAYTON – The Clayton Police Department is reminding the public about school bus safety as Johnston County Schools begin this academic year. Every day in North Carolina, more than 14,000…
Clayton Announces New Leadership In Engineering Department
CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton is welcoming two key hires to its Engineering Department. Jonathan Ham will serve as the new Engineering Director, and Kinsey Holton will join the…
Man Accused Of Using Deceased Mother’s Bank Cards For Purchases
CLAYTON — A Garner man is facing felony charges after allegedly using his deceased mother’s financial cards to make unauthorized purchases at local businesses. Joseph William Tolson, 32, of Royalty…
Two Suspects Arrested Inside McDonald’s After Stolen Vehicle Found
SMITHFIELD — Two men were arrested inside a McDonald’s restaurant in West Smithfield after deputies located a stolen vehicle parked outside. On August 12, a Johnston County Sheriff’s deputy spotted…
Clayton Police Department Celebrates 2025 Teen Academy Graduates
CLAYTON – More than 30 local students are spending part of their summer break learning what it takes to wear the badge. Through the Clayton Police Department’s 2025 Teen Academy,…
Johnston County Man Faces 54 Felony Fraud, False Pretense Charges
Warrants accuse man of obtaining nearly $1 million from false travel insurance claims CLAYTON – North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced Friday the arrest of Michael Gerard Renna, 50,…
Clayton Man Convicted After String Of Residential Break-Ins
JOHNSTON COUNTY – A Clayton man arrested in 2024 following a string of residential break-ins has been sentenced to prison. Danny Lamont Avery received two consecutive prison sentences of 103…
Medical Emergency Led To Fatal Head-On Crash, Authorities Say
CLAYTON – A medical emergency is believed to have caused a fatal head-on collision Friday night in Johnston County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Troopers said Gus…
A Heart Of Gold Rewarded: Employee Of 40 Years Surprised With New Cadillac
JOHNSTON COUNTY – For 40 years, Beverly Creech has been the smiling face, steady presence, and caring heart behind the counter at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. On Monday morning, the…
Jose Perez Earns Top Honor For His Commitment To Safety
CLAYTON – Jose Perez, Building Codes Inspector III for the Town of Clayton, earns top honor as the Eastern District Inspector of the Year from the North Carolina Mechanical Inspectors Association. (NCMIA).…
