Drought diminishes yield for corn, tobacco, peanuts, and other N.C. crops

North Carolina's ongoing drought is bringing reduced yields for crops including corn, peanuts, and cotton across the state. Though conditions are slowly improving in the mountains and along the coast, there's no real way to undo months of heat and minimal rain, leaving farmers to grapple with the drought's long-term ramifications throughout the harvest season.

Steve Biggs officially retires from Martin EDC

It was going to happen at the end of June, and it almost did. It was back then that Steve Biggs, President of Martin County Economic Development (MCED) was set to retire as President and CEO of the organization. In April, Biggs said he was looking forward to retiring and considered the idea of becoming a landscape artist. That was before the heat set in. Thoughts of that career change didn’t last long, Biggs extended his stay but now, has officially retired as of Sept. 30 after working with the MCED for an extended three months. One might say Biggs is returning home to Edenton where he served on the town council for 24 years. Biggs began his work with Martin County in 2023 after serving as Bertie County Economic Development Director for many years. It was just over three years ago, in March 2023, when Biggs was introduced to the Martin County Commissioners as the new CEO by Economic Development Board Chair Roy Lilley. “It’s my great pleasure to introduce Steve Biggs to you tonight. I’m pleased to tell you, we all were in sync on our process and our choice. There was really no difference in opinion. We

ECVC custodian finds niche at courthouse, named Employee of the Year

In the 1946 Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey — played by actor James Stewart — gets a rare chance to see the difference his life has made. Eighty years later, James Stewart of Greenville had a somewhat similar experience. This week, Stewart watched the screen along with hundreds of others as friends, family and colleagues offered praise for him and his work. His story was highlighted on film during the 61st anniversary banquet for Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, a nonprofit organization that provides job opportunities for people with disabilities. In the ceremony, held Oct. 1 at Rock Springs Center, the 24-year-old was honored as ECVC’s 2026 Employee Success Story of the Year. Paralympian and best-selling author John Register, a U.S. Army veteran and motivational speaker, gave the keynote address at the banquet, held in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The annual event recognizes an individual with a disability who has achieved success through employment. “James is very helpful,” said Glenett Ward, who has been Stewart’s ECVC janitorial supervisor for three years. “He’s easy to work with; he follows directions. He’s a good employee.” For people with disabilities, finding employment can be challenging. Stewart, who has

Greenville career fair helps jobseekers take next step

The “Better Skills, Better Jobs” career fair brought more than 100 employers and job seekers together last Thursday at the Greenville Convention Center. The event is hosted by Pitt Community College in alliance with various sponsors and community partners such as Invest Greenville, East Carolina University, and the City of Greenville.

North Carolina city’s finances remain low despite improvement: NC Treasurer

The City of Rocky Mount's financial situation has improved from earlier this year following a financial crisis, but still remains low, the North Carolina Department of the State Treasurer said.

KS Bank Celebrates 1st Place Finishes in Best of Johnston County and Goldsboro Best of the Best Awards

Recognitions highlight the importance of relationship-driven community banking in North Carolina. SMITHFIELD, NC, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- KS Bank, a state-chartered savings bank and community-oriented financial institution, is honored to receive 1st place for Best Bank in both the Best of Johnston County and Goldsboro Best of the Best Awards. Both awards are community-driven, meaning nominations and votes come from locals utilizing the businesses in town.

Residents react to gas prices relief efforts

Bring An Appetite To Mount Olive, North Carolina, Where Mt. Olive Pickle Company Rules The Town

Some towns are known for a famous person or a big battle. One small town in eastern North Carolina is known for something that fits in a jar. Folks in faraway states stock their pantries with it, and some families have bought it for more than fifty years. The town feels like a classic slice of the rural South, with friendly people and a slower pace.

Old warehouses to be torn down in downtown Walstonburg

WALSTONBURG, N.C. (WITN) - Crews will soon begin work on a property in downtown Walstonburg that has not been used for years. Two old warehouses at the former Farmers Oil Company property on West Railroad Avenue will be torn down. Crews will also clear parts of the property, but the...

Second phase begins for University of Mount Olive’s livestock education facility

What is the purpose of the laboratory space in the second phase?. MOUNT OLIVE, Wayne County — Construction is moving into a second phase at the University of Mount Olive’s Educational Livestock Facility, according to Jackson Builders. The construction company says site preparation for the next phase is...

Pitt County Economic Development to host Manufacturing Resource Fair in Greenville

GREENVILLE, Pitt County — Pitt County Economic Development will host a Manufacturing Resource Fair this week. According to Pitt County, the event is Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. until noon. It will be held at the Community Center at Alice F. Keene District Park. The center is located...

PharmaFest connects ECU students to pharma jobs as NC life sciences hiring expands

East Carolina University students and alumni can explore career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry during PharmaFest on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to ECU. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Main Campus Student Center. Representatives from regional pharmaceutical companies will meet with attendees,...

Wilson Energy honored for safety, efficiency

The Wilson City Council recently celebrated the men and women of Wilson Energy for earning several awards to show the utility is among the best of its peers. The ceremony at the Sept. 17 meeting was done in anticipating of the annual observation of Public Power & Natural Gas Week in Wilson, which is Oct. 4-10.

Cabinet manufacturer slashes jobs at Kinston location

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC announced in a notice to WITN that it plans to lay off 400 employees at its manufacturing facility in Kinston, North Carolina. The Collier-Loftin Road facility will shut down its value semi-custom cabinet operations, according to the WITN report. As a result, jobs directly related to those operations will be eliminated, and some positions will be consolidated, the company said. The first round of layoffs is set for late November.

Lenoir County Farmer's Market update October 3, 2026

Join us Saturday, October 3, for TC Smith Produce, Holy Granola, TJ Design, B&B Eggs, Robin’s Nest, Christi Luv Creations, and Pork Skins Man.

ECVC custodian finds niche at courthouse, named Employee of the Year

In the 1946 Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey — played by actor James Stewart — gets a rare chance to see the difference his life has made. Eighty years later, James Stewart of Greenville had a somewhat similar experience. This week, Stewart watched the screen along with hundreds of others as friends, family and colleagues offered praise for him and his work. His story was highlighted on film during the 61th anniversary banquet for Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, a nonprofit organization that provides job opportunities for people with disabilities. In the ceremony, held Thursday at Rock Springs Center, the 24-year-old was honored as ECVC’s 2026 Employee Success Story of the Year. Paralympian and a best-selling author John Register, a U.S. Army veteran and motivational speaker, gave the keynote address at the banquet, held in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The annual event recognizes an individual with a disability who has achieved success through employment. “James is very helpful,” said Glenett Ward, who has been Stewart’s ECVC janitorial supervisor for three years. “He’s easy to work with; he follows directions. He’s a good employee.” For people with disabilities, finding employment can be a challenging. Stewart, who

Workweek: New Dunkin’ draws coffee-loving customers in Ayden

AYDEN — More than 100 excited customers lined up around the store, through the parking lot and into the street last week when the new Dunkin’/Baskin-Robbins opened its doors in Ayden. This business, located at 156 W. Third St., is owned and operated by local family man Peter Patel, and his family and friends came out to support the grand opening in a special way. Patel’s daughters were the first to address the crowd of eager customers before the 8:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony and the start of the grand opening celebration at 9 a.m. “Welcome to Dunkin’ in Ayden, North Carolina. My name is Moshka, and today I am so excited because this is not just any grand opening. It’s my dad’s fourth grand opening this year,” said Moshka Patel, the younger daughter. “He has worked so hard to make this happen, and let me tell you something: At home, my dad talks about Dunkin’ so much, sometimes I think he loves Dunkin’ more than he loves me. I’m just kidding, Dad. I know I’m still your favorite.” Moshka got right down to business and talked about the real reason everyone lined up early that morning: the coffee. “We are