Twelve individuals and organizations were recognized for their 2025 contributions to the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce during its Annual Banquet and Awards Program Thursday night in front of an audience of about 100 people.

The lack of progress in Mount Olive during his first term as mayor was not his fault but was intentional on the part of the board to make him look bad, Mayor Jerome Newton said during a surprise speech at last Monday’s town board meeting.

A vote by The Mount Olive town board Monday night caused a temporary delay of game for the Mount Olive Hurricanes, but it looks like things could be back on track for a win.

Praise the Lord all, today is the first Sunday of February. This is what has been dubbed the month of/for love. Just around the corner on the 14th will be Valentine’s Day. I am sure many of you have already ensured or will ensure your significant other or special big or little person receives the best gift ever to show just how much you love them. Love is a very powerful word and something God has freely gifted us with as He himself chose to love us unconditionally, demonstrated by giving the world His only begotten son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. The Bible defines love not just as an action or feeling, but as the core nature of God: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Twelve individuals and organizations were recognized for their 2025 contributions to the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce during its Annual Banquet and Awards Program Thursday night in front of an audience of about 100 people.

The lack of progress in Mount Olive during his first term as mayor was not his fault but was intentional on the part of the board to make him look bad, Mayor Jerome Newton said during a surprise speech at last Monday’s town board meeting.

Praise the Lord and good morning, everyone. When we endure storms, trials, & tribulations, what have some of you found was the best way to set yourself free of them? Maybe telling your testimony after enduring the storm freed you by turning your pain into purpose, connected you with others, built your faith, empowered you to inspire hope, or transformed your personal struggles into a powerful witness of resilience and God’s faithfulness, shifting focus from trial to triumph. Isaiah 43:2 states, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; fire shall not consume you, nor shall the flame kindle upon you.” This scripture lets us know that God’s protective presence is near as we endure our storms, trials, & tribulations. Some of you may have sought to endure and overcome by fasting, meditating, coming out of stagnation, choosing to stop making excuses, repenting, and getting more into your word. This isn’t a bad thing though; it’s a great thing.

A vote by The Mount Olive town board Monday night caused a temporary delay of game for the Mount Olive Hurricanes, but it looks like things could be back on track for a win.