North Carolina's April County and Area Employment Figures

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 98 of North Carolina’s counties in April 2023 and increased in two. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.8 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.4 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.5 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 2.5 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.1 percent.

Obituary: Edgar Gene Stallings

Edgar “Gene” Stallings, 77, or La Grange, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2023. A service to honor Gene’s life will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor John Wiggins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Obituary: William "Buddy" Briley Taylor

William B. “Buddy” Taylor, 88, of Kinston passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at UNC Lenoir Hospital. The visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with the funeral starting at 12 noon, on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with Pastor Allen Ham and Pastor Michael Wright officiating. Burial will follow in the John Green Smith Family Cemetery on John Green Smith Road Kinston.

BJ Murphy: To my dear friend, Reece Gardner

The tears I cry and hold back are both of sadness and joy. Sadness because you were a giant in my life. You allowed a political neophyte access to your platform and wisdom, and you encouraged me. I am also very happy for you. From the moment of Emma’s passing, you knew where she was and you’d meet her there one day. Honestly, we all should be a little jealous of the love you had for each other. Now you’re there with her, my friend.