Johnston Now Magazine

09/19/2026

https://johnstonnow.com/opw-expanding-in-smithfield/

OPW Retail Fueling has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility adjacent to its existing operation on U.S. 70 Business W. in Smithfield, marking a significant expansion in Johnston County for the company. The new facility will increase OPW’s manufacturing capacity as the company responds to g...

09/16/2026

Melissa Overton The Overton Experience has a released a new book on leadership

By Jamie Strickland Editor’s note: In 2023, I was privileged to participate in the Leadership Johnston program, hosted by the Johnston County Chambers of Commerce. At the time, the program was facilitated by Melissa Overton of MedicalTraining.Me and The Overton Experience. That experience gave me ...

09/15/2026

Congratulations to Kevin and his team! Bringing that championship back home to JoCo, where we definitely know about good BBQ! 🎉🏆👏

The smoke has cleared and a champion has been named at the 2026 Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff at the NC Mountain State Fair!

Showtime’s Legit BBQ of Benson, captained by Kevin Peterson, took home first place and the $2,000 grand prize, earning bragging rights as this year’s champion. Learn more in the release below!

Full story: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/14/showtimes-legit-bbq-takes-home-top-honors-got-be-nc-whole-hog-cookoff

09/15/2026

Did you know about the history of baseball in Johnston County? This month's J-Then column offers a look to the past and the future of the sport in JoCo.

09/15/2026

Our team joined in for the grand opening of The Paradise Mexican Buffet in the location of the former Old North State Food Hall in Selma today. Congratulations to owner Miguel Orozco, who was our JNOW Honors Dynamic Entrepreneur Award recipient this year. We're so proud to see our honorees continuing to have an impact on our community and do great things. Wishing you much success, Miguel!

09/10/2026

The easternmost town in JoCo is bracing itself for growth.

By Jamie Strickland The massive growth the rest of Johnston County has seen hasn’t quite hit Princeton yet, but town leaders know it’s coming and they are getting prepared. That’s evident before you even reach the easternmost town in the county. Along U.S. 70, real estate signs and billboards ...

09/09/2026

Small Business Center, Johnston Community College - Rural Spark program offers grants, education to aspiring entrepreneurs

Submitted by Johnston Community College Small Business Center SMITHFIELD — The Johnston Community College (JCC) Small Business Center has received a grant from Truist Foundation to launch Rural Spark, an initiative designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthen economic opportunity in J...

09/08/2026

These five fall festivals, ranging from mule and worm races to garlic chocolate chip cookies demonstrations, are among the quirkiest in the country.

09/08/2026

Check out this Father-Daughter team from Clayton and their Talkin' Comics Podcast

What started as a shared love of comics between a father and his daughter has grown into a creative project capturing attention across Johnston County.  AJ Reimann, a Johnston County-based creator, and his daughter Annakah are the voices behind “Talkin’ Comics,” a weekly podcast dedicated to ...

09/04/2026

Last night's Johnston County Education Foundation Adult Spelling Bee was an awesome event that brought the community together to have some fun and raise money to support teachers in JoCo! It was our pleasure to be a part of it. If you missed out...we hate it for ya! Make sure to sign up next year!