Smithfield News

Regardless of what one thinks of special tax districts, the Smithfield Town Council is bungling its bid for one around Carolina Premium Outlets.

The Johnston County Association of Chambers of Commerce and Johnston Community College are accepting applications for the next Leadership Johnston class.

Smithfield Police Officer Brandon Smith lets 3-year-old Luke Daughtry of Four Oaks sit in the front seat of a patrol cruiser during the Johnston Health Early Learning Center's Spring Festival.

But opponents remain skeptical, arguing that tolls would place an unfair burden on commuters, business owners and truckers in the I-95 corridor.

Daniel Louis Dunn, 21, of 31 Futrell Road, Selma, was arrested May 2 and charged with possession of a stolen firearm and violating a domestic protection order.

First Missionary Baptist Church will host a three-on-three basketball tournament and recreation day 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at 403 E. Caswell St., Smithfield.

The hotel, which is owned and managed by BPR Properties of High Point, NC, is located off I-95 in Johnston County.

Clayton Rotary clubs and Cleveland School Rotary Club are looking for local families who are willing to host a Youth Exchange student.

The Ava Gardner Museum will screen "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Howell Theatre, 141 S. Third St., Smithfield.

North Carolina's Department of Transportation is looking to collect more ideas on ways to pay to upgrade Interstate 95, including hearing about the possible cost to businesses of charging tolls.

David and Elizabeth Durham of Clayton announce the engagement of their daughter, Kaitlyn Victoria Durham to Christopher Alan Davis, son of Gregory and Delaina Davis of Wilson.

RHA Howell is seeking sponsors for this year's Epicurious Vino Challenge, which is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Hinnant Family Vineyards, 826 Pine Level Micro Road, Pine Level.

A country breakfast is scheduled from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at New Zealand Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 5312 Meadowbrook Road in the Meadow community.

A new bridge opened recently in Smithfield. One town council member, Emery Ashley, is trying to open Smithfield town government.

"You're going to kill the goose that's laid the golden egg all those years," warned developer John Shallcross Jr., speaking on behalf of business owners.

Senate leaders say the tax overhaul is necessary to create a more stable and fair system and they encouraged taxpayers to test drive the plan by using an online calculator to personalize the results.

Watercolors by students of Jim Brown are on display this month at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 Market St., Smithfield.

The JobLink Career Center will hold a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, in the lobby of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at Johnston Community College, 245 College Road, Smithfield.

Imam Qasim Siddiqui organized the event, inviting neighbors and pastors from other faiths to break bread with Muslims at the Masjid Noor-ul-Mustafa in Selma.

Robert D. "Bob" Warren, the former state senator who lead the push for North Carolina's seatbelt law, died d late last month at the age of 84.