Mike Parker: Kicking off the school year right

Most who have read my columns through the years know I am a retired high school English teacher. I spent 37½ years in the classroom, so I consider myself somewhat of an authority on what parents need to do to help their children succeed in school. In addition, I have four adult children, all college graduates, who have become productive citizens. They work, raise families, pay mortgages, and do a good job “adulting.”

Hugo Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue announces the passing of Chief Craft

Hugo Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue announced the passing of Chief Johnny Craft.

They posted the announcement on Facebook. “It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of former Fire Chief Johnny Craft. He dedicated his life to Hugo Fire and Rescue. He will be greatly missed by our fire department family. Please keep his family, friends, and our department in your prayers for the days to come.”

As adult ICU patients hit record highs for the pandemic, new report shows unvaccinated people are more than 15 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to vaccinated people

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services yesterday released new data in the weekly respiratory surveillance report showing that unvaccinated people were 15.4 times, or 1,540 percent, more likely to die from COVID-19 during the four-week period ending Aug. 21, 2021. This comes as the state hit a pandemic high on Aug. 26 with 912 adults in the ICU with COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators also reached a record high at 574.

Help wanted: Lenoir County EMS Training Officer

LENOIR COUNTY EMS - EMS TRAINING OFFICER
SALARY RANGE: $38,056 - $57,906.13
Job summary excerpt: This position develops/administers programs and provides training to providers affiliated with the Lenoir County EMS System. This position researches and develops training programs for credentialed and non-credentialed employees in the emergency medical services field.

Public Notice: Advertisement for bids

Sealed proposals for Single Prime Bids will be received until 3:00 pm on September 30, 2021 at Administration Building Conference Room, Lenoir Community College, 231 Hwy 58 South, Kinston, NC 28504, Attn: Deborah Sutton, for the construction of the Floyd Health Science Building Renovation and Addition, Kinston, NC (SCO # 18-18894-02A), at which time and place bids will be opened and read.

Obituary - Carol S. Sykes

PINK HILL - The Honorable Carol S. Sykes passed away on Friday, August 26, 2021 at N.C. Heart and Vascular Hospital in Raleigh. A celebratory Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31 at the home of Leigh Turner (aka Turner Beach) at 105 Bill Sutton Road in Pink Hill. To encourage social distancing please bring your lawn/beach chair and happiness in your heart for a life well-lived.

Mayor of Pink Hill passes away Friday morning

The Town of Pink Hill is in mourning at the loss of its mayor, Carol Sykes. Sykes has served as mayor of Pink Hill since 2009.

“I've known Mayor Sykes and her family for many years,” said Rep. Chris Humphrey. “She and her husband raised two super-smart daughters in Pink Hill. She was kind but firm. You didn't have to question where she stood on an issue. If she was your friend, she would help you in any way possible.”

Help wanted: Lenoir County Health Department Public Health Nurse III

The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate Family Planning, STD/HIV and Adult Health programs and to supervise the staff that are involved in these clinics. This position will schedule clinics and provide educational and assessment needs for any adult services clinic. This position will also ensure program guidelines are met and initiate changes and/or new programs in a timely manner.

Parrott students return to classrooms

With bulging bookbags, full pencil cases, and face masks, Parrott Academy students returned to classes this week, marking the start of the school’s 56th academic year. On Monday and Tuesday, lower and middle school students attended a half-day of classes, and Wednesday saw the return of 214 high school students to campus.