Happy weekend, Wilson! In today’s happening-today edition: A school leader’s legacy, Wilson Juneteenth Festival 2026, and booktopia with cats + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Celebrating academic achievement: Barton College announced its 2026 graduates Thursday, celebrating its 124th commencement and listing degree earners by hometown and major, including Wilson-area students with honors noted for top academic performers -- see the full graduate list.
Young lawmaker reflects on priorities: As midterms near, Rep. Dante Pittman reflects on representing Wilson, his 918-vote win, pushing a $42 million Wells Elementary consolidation, and the Opportunity Scholarship’s $1.6 billion cost -- see Pittman’s priorities.
A legacy of learning: Dr. Woodard retired after nearly 30 years at Wilson’s Sallie B. Howard, passing torch at a school that earned an A and ranked top 2% for academic growth last year -- meet Wilson’s teaching legacy.
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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: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Camp without the chaos: Kamper's Lodge RV Park is an easy local reset, with full-hookup sites, a clean bathhouse, pet-friendly policies, and an onsite bait and tackle shop if the fish are calling. No RV, no problem, their simple cabins make a low-stress overnighter just off I-95.
Beach vibes, no beach: When the seafood craving hits, Salty Shores Calabash Style Seafood delivers that lightly-breaded, crispy Calabash fix without the beach drive. Think flounder, shrimp, and crab cakes done right, a little salt air for the soul... then back to errands feeling weirdly accomplished.
Local fairways calling: Wedgewood Golf Course is the City of Wilson’s 18-hole public track with new greens, a driving range, short-game practice, and a pro shop for post-round snacks, all kept lush with reclaimed water. It’s an easy spot to sneak in nine or let the kids loose at the playground.
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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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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.
🧺 Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market @ Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – If your Saturday shopping needs a side of sanity, Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market hands kids a fun activity booklet that turns errands into adventure. You get to browse peaches, pottery, and coffee in relative peace, they get stamps, stickers, and bragging rights.
✊ Wilson Juneteenth Festival 2026 @ Toisnot Park | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – If you need an excuse to get outside that isn't yardwork, Wilson's Juneteenth Festival turns Toisnot Park into a celebration of freedom, community, and good music, with Chan Hall setting the groove. Expect food, neighbors you actually like, and the kind of vibe that lingers.
⛸ Peak Skates @ St. John A.M.E. Zion Church | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – St John AME Zion is turning the music festival into a holy roller rink, with live jams, local vendors, and plates that taste like your aunt made them. Bring your smooth moves, your appetite, and your neighbor, call it community cardio with a choir soundtrack.
👒 Hat & Pearls Luncheon @ Christ Temple of Praise | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – CTOP Women’s Ministry is hosting a Hat & Pearls Luncheon, which is church-friend chic with extra sparkle. Bring your best brim and your favorite pearls, then settle in for fellowship, fashion, and conversation that’s warmer than the potato salad, and just as seasoned.
🖼 Art Opening @ The Edge Wilson - Gallery | Art Studios | Saturday (6/20) – A joint exhibition at The Edge Wilson Gallery brings together Karen Rose and Maureen O’Neill, two seasoned artists and educators. Expect distinct bodies of work in easy conversation, smart craft, and the rare opening where you do not have to pretend you get it.
🍨 Father's Day Sundae Social @ Wilson Arts Center | Sunday (6/21) at 12:00 PM – Skip the novelty tie and treat Dad to the good stuff at a Father's Day sundae social. You’ll churn your own ice cream together, then build absurdly custom sundaes, quality time that ends with sticky fingers, satisfied smiles, and zero grill cleanup.
🐱 Booktopia, A Silent Reading Afternoon with Cats @ Catopia at North Star | Sunday (6/21) at 4:00 PM – Take a break from the grind and curl up for a silent reading afternoon in the cat lounge, with professional nappers supervising. Bring your book, headphones, and a cozy blanket, grab a drink there, and enjoy unrushed quiet for $10, ages 16 and up. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Wilson report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 94°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind 0 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. This house is wildThis 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home brings plenty of space and personality, with a bonus room, formal living and dining areas, a den with fireplace and wet bar, plus an office, study, and craft room. The kitchen shines with granite counters, an island cooktop, and stainless appliances. A screened porch, fenced yard, walk-up attic, and 2-car garage add everyday appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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