Happy weekend, Johnston County! In today’s happening-today edition: Juneteenth festival, LaunchJOCO applications, and bridge reopening update + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Johnston County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Community celebration downtown: Celebrate Juneteenth today in nearby Goldsboro as the Unity & Heritage Festival fills The Hub from 3 to 7 p.m. with performances, cultural showcases, vendors, food trucks, and activities -- get all the details.
Bridge project nears completion: Work on the N.C. 50 bridge and new roundabout at I-95 Exit 79 is moving fast after the May 28 closure. Reopening stays on track for mid-July, with phases remaining -- read the full update.
Support for local founders: Applications are open for LaunchJOCO’s Class of 2027, presented by KS Bank, offering free training, mentorship, and potential microloans for Johnston County entrepreneurs. Space is limited and applications are encouraged -- see how to apply.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Crab legs or pho? When the group chat splits between seafood boil and steamy noodles, Capital Seafood & Noodle Bar keeps the peace with build-your-own boils, Capital cajun or garlic butter sauces, heat from none to Mouth Fire, plus legit pho and ramen that hit the spot. Put it on your dinner list this week.
Staycation, but outdoors: Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages is the easy local escape when you need fresh air without a long drive, with two pools, a heated spa, pickleball, mini golf, three dog parks, and roomy RV sites or comfy cottages... perfect for a quick reset between errands and barbecue runs.
Local fairway fix: Gene Hamm’s rolling-farmland layout at Reedy Creek Golf Course serves up 18 holes with Champion bermuda greens, a driving range plus chipping and putting green, and a snack bar turning out burgers, hot dogs, BLTs, and homemade chicken salad sandwiches. Grab a friend and make a local round actually happen this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The conversation no man wants to have with his doctor: Turns out ~70% of men over 50 are avoiding the exact same one. The hesitation, the awkward throat-clear, the hoping it just sorts itself out… you're far from alone. The good news? You don't need the waiting room at all. What used to mean a face-to-face appointment and an uncomfortable pharmacy run now takes a few clicks from the couch — discreet online evaluation, personalized treatment shipped straight to your door. *No appointment, no awkward small talk →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎨 Craft Extravaganza @ The Light Church Ministries, Inc (Clayton) | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – If your glue gun's been itching, Clayton's Craft Extravaganza at The Light is your happy place. Hands-on stations cover sewing, florals, bracelets, crochet, baking, decorations, and canvas painting, with plenty of fellowship, a nod to Exodus 31, and a little glitter therapy.
👨 Father's Day Workshop @ Campers Inn RV of Raleigh (Selma) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Father's Day at the RV shop means free fun for the whole crew, with DIY build and paint projects, expert tips, and live demos. Dad scores exclusive deals on parts, accessories, and camping gizmos. You get bragging rights, and maybe a quieter ride.
🎉 Party in the USA Block Party @ Sandalwood Shoppes (Clayton) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – America turns 250, so the neighborhood is throwing a proper block party with a live DJ, local shopping, kids crafts, face painting, raffles, and a candy buffet. Bring the crew, grab a Surf & Sips Dirty Soda, and practice your polite small talk.
🤝 Temple City Outreach Day! @ Temple City Church (Selma) | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – If your pantry looks as tired as your patience, swing by Temple City Outreach in Selma for free hot meals, community resources, and friendly faces. Think front-porch vibes, church-potluck energy, and conversation that lasts longer than the casserole. Open to everyone, no strings, just neighbors.
🚗 Wheels of Time Car Show @ Kingswood Reserve (Clayton) | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – The annual Wheels of Time car show rolls in with classic, vintage, and delightfully oddball rides polished to a blinding shine. Stroll the rows with friends and family, trade first-car stories, and let the chrome, bench seats, and V8 rumbles handle the time travel.
🐎 Turkey Creek Ranch and Rodeo @ Turkey Creek Ranch (Benson) | Saturday (6/20) at 7:30 PM – Expect bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and pint-sized mutton busting, plus burgers, Mexican eats, snowcones, and funnel cakes, all in a family friendly ring. Kids can tackle the mechanical bull, you bring cash and a chair, and embrace the bleachers.
🏊 15th Annual Three Little Pigs Triathlon @ Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center | Saturday (6/20) – Feeling sporty or just tri-curious? The 15th Annual Chick-fil-A Three Little Pigs Triathlon takes over town with swim, bike, run bragging rights, plus cow-fueled enthusiasm. Heads up, Durwood Stephenson Pkwy is closed eastbound from Kellie Dr to Buffalo Rd, so reroute your biscuit run. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Johnston County report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 0 to 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. West wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 71°F — Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 0 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. This house is wildThe Pearson by Fischer Homes blends flexible design with a polished, modern feel. Nine-foot first-floor ceilings, an open foyer, and a two-story family room create a bright, airy backdrop. The central kitchen features a large island and pantry, while a flex space, roomy rec area, and optional wet bar or guest suite add even more versatility.
Take a peek inside → |
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