Tuesday, July 8, 2025

			
				                                A sign and flashing light warn motorists traveling west on N.C. 55 toward Mount Olive that they are approaching the all-way stop at the road’s intersection with Secondary Road 1744 (Old Seven Springs Road and Indian Springs Road). The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to turn the intersection into a single-lane roundabout as part of an $8 million project that includes eliminating the intersection of N.C. 55 and North Church Street. Also, North Church Street will end with a cul-de-sac, and the Old Seven Springs Road/Indian Springs Road and North Church Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

N.C. 55 and Secondary Road 1744 intersection to be turned into roundabout

The intersection of N.C. 55 and Secondary Road 1744 (Indian Springs Road/Old Seven Springs Road) is scheduled to be converted into a single-lane roundabout as part of an $8 million project that includes eliminating the intersection of N.C. 55 and North Church Street.


			
				                                Isaiah Whitfield stretches to take a photo of his parents, Michael and Fransha Whitfield, as they pose in front a banner celebrating Juneteenth. The Whitfields were among the hundreds who attended Saturday’s fourth annual Community Juneteenth Celebration sponsored by the Mount Olive Chapter of the Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Juneteenth celebration urges community to draw strength from the past

Isaiah Whitfield, 14, had to stretch to hold his phone high enough over his head to get just the right angle of his parents, Michael and Fransha Whitfield, as they posed in front of a banner celebrating Juneteenth.


			
				                                Joining Mayor Ronda Hughes (front, right) for the ribbon-cutting of the town’s parks are Commissioner Jackie Rouse (front, left), Commissioner Alan Hughes (back, left), and Town Clerk Patricia Jones (back, right). The ceremony took place Friday morning and was attended by approximately 40 people. (Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)

Town shows resiliency, celebrates parks with ribbon-cutting

SEVEN SPRINGS — Friday morning, Mayor Ronda Hughes was assisted by Town Clerk Patricia Jones and Town Commissioners Alan Hughes and Jackie Rouse in cutting a red ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the recently renovated Seven Springs Community Park and the newly built Whitehall Gardens. Approximately 40 people attended the 30-minute ceremony, with many lingering afterwards to visit, enjoy Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and tour the parks.


			
				                                Brad Mitchell and Jennifer Bland use a large pair of ceremonial scissors Friday afternoon for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mount Olive location of their Grounded and Baked bakery and coffee shop. The bakery features baked goods using the recipes Mitchell’s grandmother, Norma Ann “Nanny” Vinson, seated, taught him. From left are, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce President Julie Beck; Chamber board Chairman Edward Olive; Mitchell’s wife, Wendy; Mount Olive town Commissioner Vicky Darden; Mitchell’s aunt, Debbie Hardy; Norma Ann “Nanny” Vinson; Mitchell’s mother, Dianne Mitchell; Chamber Ambassador Pernell Brickey; Mitchell; Bland and her daughter, Collins; son, Andrew; and husband Frank. The business is located in the old Henderson-Crumpler Clinic, 229 N. Center St. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Grounded and Baked serving up baked goods and coffee sweetened with family memories and...

Brad Mitchell has countless fond memories of time spent with his grandmother, Norma Ann “Nanny” Vinson, especially her baking lessons using her recipes — memories he wants to share with others while helping them make memories of their own.


			
				                                Pernell Brickey holds up a photo album featuring a photo of her father, Paul Smalley, left, whom she credited with getting her involved with the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce. She shared her story Thursday night during the Chamber’s 95th anniversary celebration at Ribeyes Steakhouse. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Mount Olive Area Chamber celebrates 95 years of making a difference in the community

“This man, right here, is my daddy, Paul Smalley,” Pernell Brickey said holding a photo album of former Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce leaders above her head. “He was the chairman in 2001. He passed away in 2013.


			
				                                Samantha Macklin, Payton Lowery, and Amilcar Lopez Escalante celebrate during one of WCC’s spring graduation ceremonies. (WCC photo)

Wayne Community College recognizes recent degree, program graduates

GOLDSBORO — Wayne Community College’s graduating class of 2025 is ready for the next step in their journey.


			
				                                Becky and Chip Craig (center) with North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service Volunteerism Coordinator Kenneth McLellan (right) and Executive Director S. Briles Johnson at the ceremony honoring the 2025 Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service recipients.

Becky and Chip Craig honored with Governor’s Medallion Volunteer Service Award at NC State...

Becky and Chip Craig were honored as recipients of the prestigious Governor’s Medallion Volunteer Service Award during a ceremony held on Monday, May 12, at the North Carolina State Capitol. The Craigs were recognized alongside honorees from 20 other counties for their exceptional dedication to volunteerism and community service across the state.


			
				                                Tick-seed (Coreopsis sp.) is a popular summer perennial now blooming during June. (NC State Extension photo)

Gardening tips that will get you through the June heat

As we welcome in summer, our gardens are now in full swing. With summer weather we have to keep our gardens watered regularly and be on the outlook for insect and disease problems. Below are gardening tips to help your garden grow through the month of June.

Put your tax cards on the table

RALEIGH — The North Carolina House and Senate have enacted very different versions of a 2025-27 state budget, even though two plans would authorize virtually the same amount of spending. The differences are so vast, in fact, that some insiders predict no comprehensive budget will pass this session.


			
				                                Forensic Science students participate in a decomposition lab as part of their Forensic Biology class at WCC. (WCC photo)

WCC, ECU sign transfer agreements for criminal justice and forensic science programs

GOLDSBORO — Students in Wayne Community College’s Criminal Justice Technology and Forensic Science programs now have the opportunity to transfer seamlessly to East Carolina University through a new partnership between the two schools.