North Carolina’s $100 Summer Card program will end Tuesday, Aug. 31. As part of its ongoing effort to get more North Carolinians vaccinated and safely bring summer back, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been offering $100 Summer Cards at select locations in various counties across the state. Cards were distributed to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.
John Earl “Johnny” Craft, 63, of Grifton, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at UNC Lenoir Health Care. A visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Sharon United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Reverend Curtis Hammock officiating. In light of recent health concerns, the family requests those attending the services wear face masks while inside.
The Down East Wood Ducks defeated the Fayetteville Woodpeckers 5-1 in the quickest game of the season, two hours and fourteen minutes. Nick Krauth (W, 4-7) delivered the first nine-inning complete game of the season for Down East and tallied nine strikeouts.
Despite two scoreless innings to start the game, the Down East Wood Ducks fell to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, 9-1 Sunday afternoon. The Wood Ducks were held to just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Jayce Easley went two-for-four with an RBI to earn the Suddenlink Player of the Game.
The Down East Wood Ducks have announced that Jon Clemmons, the team’s assistant general manager of sales, has been elevated to the team’s general manager. Clemmons will continue to report to Wade Howell, who served as General Manager of the Woodies since 2017, and was elevated to VP over the Woodies and Hickory Crawdads in 2019.
Significant financial assistance from Lenoir/Greene United Way will help Lenoir County Public Schools provide backpacks and school supplies to students who most need them.
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 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.”
The following land transfers were registered with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
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.
It’s that wonderful time in summer when eggplants, in their many shapes and colors have taken over more than a few tables at the farmer’s market. While eggplant is readily available throughout the year, its peak season is right now, from early August through October.
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.
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.
Lenoir County Transit (part-time) vehicle operator I continuous recruitment - Hourly rate: $11.17
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.
Open Hours, Tuesday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Due to the shortage of helpers, Kettle Style Snacks will be the only vendor at the market on Tuesday
There is a new business in downtown Kinston called Heels to Hogs Mercantile. Formerly located in Pink Hill, Heels to Hogs has moved to 204 N. Herritage Street in Kinston. Owner Hannah Herring will be celebrating her third year with Heels to Hogs and plans to have a grand opening in September.
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.”
