Drought tightens across Eastern North Carolina as Isaias rain helps the west

ROCKY MOUNT — The City of Rocky Mount Water Resources Department has temporarily changed its water disinfection process from chloramines to free chlorine. The change runs from Oct. 23 until 12 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, according to an updated public notice the city issued Oct. 29.

Also on Oct. 29, the city's Technology Services Department confirmed that network connectivity has been fully restored. City systems, including utility payment services, have returned to normal operations, the city said.

Separately, the city announced that the City Council meeting scheduled for Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. was canceled.

ROCKY MOUNT — The Nash County Board of Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at the Nash County Administration Building, 120 West Washington Street in Nashville. The county posted the agenda for the Nov. 2 regular meeting on Oct. 29.

The Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in the Jon Felton Commissioners Room in the Administration Building, according to the county's calendar.

Nash County's Annual Opioid Settlement Public Meeting is at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Nash County Agricultural Center, 1006 Eastern Avenue in Nashville.

The Nash commissioners' next meeting is at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at the Administration Building, according to the county calendar.

ROCKY MOUNT — The City of Rocky Mount is taking proposals for its Three-Year Consolidated Plan for FY 2027-2029 until noon Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to the city's bid page. Bids for the city's FY27 Parks Outdoor Restroom Cleaning Contract close at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.

Edgecombe County has open requests for bid for parking lot patching, for the Edgecombe County Detention Center and for replacing the county's Scale Computing hyperconverge system. Deadlines are listed on the county's page.

The county is also seeking proposals for a HOME-ARP program for affordable rental housing, executive recruitment services for a deputy director of social services, and grass cutting, vegetative clearing and debris removal at Kingsboro Business Park.

ROCKY MOUNT — Improvements are continuing at Sunset Park as the city moves forward with the final phase of its grant-funded renovation project, according to a city update issued Oct. 22.

The city also announced Oct. 22 that the 2026 CIAA Volleyball Championship is headed to Rocky Mount, with free admission.

The Rocky Mount Telegram reports that a ceremony marked the official start of the DREAM Center project, which will bear the name of the late Boddie brothers.

RALEIGH — Registered Wake County voters who did not vote early can cast a ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, at their assigned polling place. Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., according to the Wake County Board of Elections.

Unlike during early voting, when ballots could be cast at any site in the county, voters must vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day. Early voting at the county's 18 early voting sites ended Saturday, Oct. 31, at 3 p.m.

Absentee ballots must be received at the Wake County Board of Elections office, 1200 N. New Hope Road in Raleigh, by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, with no exceptions, the board said. Drop boxes are not permitted by North Carolina law.

The board keeps registration and voting records for more than 860,000 voters. Election information is available at ReadyToVote.com, and the board can be reached at [email protected] or 919-404-4040.

RALEIGH — Wake County residents can enroll in the Wake County EMS Subscription for the year ahead, with enrollment starting Nov. 1. The program costs $60 per year, and if anyone in the subscriber's household needs emergency EMS transport during that year, their out-of-pocket ambulance costs will be covered, according to the county.

Subscribers must have medical insurance, including Medicare. When a subscriber is transported by a Wake County ambulance, their insurance is billed, and any copay is covered by the subscription. One payment covers everyone who lives in the subscriber's household, even if they are not immediate family members.

The subscription applies to medically necessary transport by Wake County EMS from a location inside Wake County to the nearest appropriate hospital. Non-emergency transport, air transport and transport by other ambulance services are not covered.

"In an emergency, where life is on the line, this program eliminates the worry about the cost of an ambulance," said Safiyah Jackson, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. Enrollment is at wake.gov/EMSFund or by phone at 844-239-6690.

RALEIGH — The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the N.C. Department of Transportation $1,622,938 for multi-use trail renovations at William B. Umstead State Park, according to USAspending.gov. The award's period of performance starts Sept. 23.

USAspending.gov lists five more awards under the same project title and start date, for $169,391, $96,102, $75,372, $20,538 and $15,659.

The work is part of the 2026 North Carolina Trail Program of the state Division of Parks and Recreation. According to the project description, the park has approximately 13.4 miles of heavily used multi-use trail where aging and depleted gravel surfacing, worn tread and drainage problems have created a need for systemwide renovation to restore sustainable trail conditions and make the trails easier to maintain over the long term.

RALEIGH — The Wake County Animal Center is marking Adopt a Senior Pet Month with lower adoption fees for dogs and cats ages 8 and older. Throughout November, senior dogs are $25 and senior cats are $5, the county said.

As of the county's Oct. 29 announcement, the center had 92 dogs, two puppies, 34 cats, two kittens and one bird, including seven senior dogs and one senior cat. In foster care were 34 dogs, 35 cats, 11 kittens and three rabbits, including seven senior dogs.

"While puppies and kittens often capture the spotlight, older pets have plenty to offer," said Wake County Commissioner Susan Evans.

Pets adopted from the center are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on their vaccines. The shelter, at 820 Beacon Lake Drive near the intersection of I-440 and New Bern Avenue, is open for adoptions from noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

WILSON — All lanes of NC 42 are closed in both directions in Wilson County from Firestone Parkway to Whitley Road East for construction, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation's DriveNC.

The work started Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to end Monday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m., DriveNC shows.

WILSON — Construction on US 117 in Wilson County is set to start Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 a.m., according to the N.C. Department of Transportation's DriveNC.

DriveNC lists two segments. At Pate Road, all lanes are listed as closed.

The work is scheduled to end Thursday, July 29, 2027, at 5 p.m., according to DriveNC.

WILSON — The City of Wilson has several projects out for bid, according to city and county bid pages, including a design-build fuel island construction project at the Operations Center and an Advanced Metering Infrastructure Pilot.

Two park projects are also listed: a Carolina Street Park rain garden and underground detention and a Freeman Park rain garden and dry pond.

The city is also seeking underground distribution and overhead electric distribution and transmission construction services and building alterations on Barnes Street. Deadlines are posted on the agency's page, the listing shows.

GOLDSBORO — Maintenance work will close all shoulders at 10 spots on Goldsboro-area highways and ramps from Monday, Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. through Friday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m., according to the N.C. Department of Transportation's DriveNC.

The work covers US 70 Bypass near NC 581 and near US Highway 13 N; the ramps from US 70 Bypass West and from US 70 East to NC 581; the ramps from US 70 Bypass West and US 70 Bypass East to Wayne Memorial Drive; NC 44 near N William St.; NC 111 near Wayne Memorial Drive; and the ramps from NC 111 to Forest Hill Drive and to N Spence Ave., according to DriveNC.

Longer work continues on US 70 eastbound. DriveNC lists all lanes closed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway to W Grantham St. and the left lane closed from US 70 E to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway. Both closures started Sept. 1 and are scheduled to end May 15, 2028.

Elsewhere in Wayne County, DriveNC shows Davis Mill Road closed in both directions between Black Creek Road and Turner Swamp Road through Feb. 1, 2027, and US 13 closed in both directions between W New Hope Road and Saulston Road, with that work scheduled to end Oct. 1, 2029.

On city streets, the Goldsboro News-Argus reports that Goldsboro has approved $3.2 million in street repairs.

GOLDSBORO — Wayne County's request for bids on its Detention Center parking lot closes Thursday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m., according to the county's bid page.

The City of Goldsboro has three open solicitations: abatement and demolition at Herman Park Center, a golf course pump station system and state and federal lobbying consultant services. Deadlines for the city's projects are posted on its bid page.

GOLDSBORO — The Goldsboro News-Argus reports that the countdown has begun to the Nov. 3 election day.

Voters should see patchy fog before 8 a.m. Tuesday, then mostly sunny skies and a high near 79, with a 0% chance of rain, according to the National Weather Service.

GREENVILLE — Edgecombe Furniture, a Pitt County manufacturer of commercial furnishings, is planning a nearly $4 million expansion of its Greenville facility, Pitt County announced Oct. 26. The project is slated to add 56,260 square feet of operational space and at least 10 new jobs.

The company has operated in North Carolina for nearly a century and in Pitt County since 2017, when it bought a 140,000-square-foot facility. It makes seating for hotels and resorts and is an approved vendor for Hilton and Marriott, according to the county. "This expansion represents an exciting milestone for Edgecombe Furniture as we deepen our roots in Pitt County, enhance our operational capabilities and continue delivering exceptional commercial furnishings to our hospitality partners like Hilton and Marriott," said Mary Walter, the company's chief financial officer.

The project is backed by an $80,000 Building Reuse grant approved by the Rural Infrastructure Authority and announced with other projects by Gov. Josh Stein on Oct. 15. The grant will pay for improvements to the existing facility. The Pitt County Board of Commissioners approved its support, including a 5% grant match, on Oct. 2.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina managed the project, and Pitt County Economic Development is managing the grant. "We are pleased that Edgecombe Furniture is committed to growing in Pitt County, and we are committed to supporting them through programs such as the NC Commerce Building Reuse grant," said Kelly Andrews, the county's economic development director. The office can be reached at 252-902-2079.

GRIFTON — Pitt County has received a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to develop a nature park at 802 Wiley Gaskins Road in Grifton. The property is a county-owned flood buyout lot set aside to become a park.

County staff held a grant presentation at the site on Monday, Oct. 26. County Manager Janis Gallagher, commissioners Rochelle Brown and Mac Manning, and Lauren Wargo, Duke Energy district manager for government and community relations, attended along with staff from the county's Cultural Arts & Recreation, Soil and Water Conservation District and Planning departments.

The 2.15-acre property was acquired in 2023 as a result of flooding associated with Hurricane Matthew, said Jonas Hill, the county's planning and development director. Since 1999, the county has acquired 125 properties totaling 309 acres through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which North Carolina Emergency Management administers to buy properties prone to repeated flooding.

"By transforming a vulnerable flood buyout into a vibrant public park, we are not just protecting our environment, Pitt County is actively investing in the community well-being of our residents for generations to come," Gallagher said. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2027, with a ribbon cutting to mark the opening. Cultural Arts & Recreation can be reached at 252-902-1982.

GREENVILLE — The board's next meeting is Monday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. at the same location.

The Daily Reflector reports that commissioners are set to weigh renewing a USDA lease. The paper earlier reported that commissioners would hear details on the county's current data center rules.

The county's opioid settlement letter of intent period opens Monday, Nov. 2, at 8 a.m. and closes Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m., according to the county calendar.

GREENVILLE — Pitt County Consolidated Human Services is asking the community to help make Christmas special for residents living in adult care homes or under guardianship through its Adult Foster Holiday Project. Many of them have limited financial resources and little or no family support, according to the county.

People can give in several ways: a monetary donation, essential hygiene items or sponsoring an adult's needs and wish list. For information, contact Kim Melvin at 252-902-1260 or [email protected], or Tambrim Rodgers at 252-902-1450 or [email protected]. Other holiday giving opportunities are listed at www.PittCountyNC.gov/HolidayCheer.

JACKSONVILLE — The City of Jacksonville is asking residents to fill out its FY27-28 Community Needs Assessment Survey, which will help the city decide how to spend federal Community Development Block Grant money. In addition to general fund spending, the city expects approximately $368,562 in CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal year 2027-2028.

The city says the grant money is used to target affordable housing, homelessness, public services, communication, recreation and parks, and fair housing concerns, and specifically to assist households earning less than 80% of the area median income. The survey asks about housing, transportation and connectivity, and respondents rank each need in each section in order of priority.

Residents without a computer may print the survey, fill it out and return it to the City of Jacksonville, Neighborhood Improvement Services Division, 815 New Bridge Street, PO Box 128, Jacksonville NC 28541-0128. Questions go to Tracy Jackson, director of Neighborhood Improvement Services, at 910-938-5269 or [email protected].

Neighborhood Improvement Services also plans a series of meetings to take comments on the city's Annual Action Plan, which spells out how CDBG funds should be spent, and to review current program performance. To request an accommodation for a disabling condition, contact the city's ADA coordinator, Rose Marshburn, at 910-938-5224 or TDD 910-455-8852.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville's annual Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Hosted by Rolling Thunder NC-5, it runs on Western Boulevard from Coastal Carolina Community College to Village Drive. The city lists it as free and open to the public.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation's DriveNC, all lanes of NC 53 will be closed in all directions from University Drive to Village Drive from 9:30 a.m. to noon that Saturday for the parade.

On Friday, Nov. 6, the city's Freedom Fountain Observance is set for 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Freedom Fountain, Johnson Boulevard and New Bridge Street. That evening, Red, White & Salute runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jacksonville Commons Festival Area, 100 Recreation Lane, according to Visit Jacksonville NC. The Onslow Veterans Pow Wow is Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8, at the American Legion Fair Grounds, 146 Broadhurst Road.

City offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day and reopen Thursday, Nov. 12. Separately, The Daily News reports that the Beirut Memorial observance honored veterans and families.

JACKSONVILLE — The city has a request for qualifications open for a construction manager at risk for the Jacksonville Sports & Events Center, according to the city's bid page. Other open requests for proposals cover Court Street redevelopment, human resources background screening services, 59-month financing for city vehicles, equipment and software, and 36-month financing for city vehicles.

Onslow County has Bid No. IFB 100-27V open. Deadlines are posted on each agency's page.

The city's first Working With the City of Jacksonville Workshop is Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 815 New Bridge Street. It is open to current and potential developers, contractors and administrators and offers training on taking a project from bid to certificate of occupancy and completion. Registration is required by a Nov. 6 deadline.

The City Council has a workshop meeting Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Meeting Rooms A and B at City Hall; it is open to the public, and questions about accommodations go to the city clerk at 910-938-5224. The council will hold public hearings Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Written comments may be emailed to the city clerk at [email protected] by 2 p.m. that day.

NEW BERN — The Craven County Board of Commissioners holds its regular evening meeting Monday, Nov. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Administration Building, 406 Craven Street, according to the county's calendar.

The county posted the regular meeting agenda on its website Friday, Oct. 30.

In recent announcements, Craven County said it was awarded a $950,000 grant for its home rehabilitation program. The county also announced improvements to CARTS services.

The board's next regular meeting is a morning session Monday, Nov. 16, at 8:30 a.m. in the same building, according to the county calendar.

NEW BERN — All lanes of Catfish Lake Road are scheduled to close in both directions from US 70 East to Ives Fld starting Monday, Nov. 9, at 8 a.m., according to DriveNC. The work is scheduled to end Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 4 p.m.

Along the U.S. 70 Westbound Service Road, also listed as SR 1155, DriveNC shows all lanes closed from Williams Road to the Advanced Auto Parts driveway and from Williams Road to the DECOY Apparel driveway, with work scheduled through Sept. 19, 2027. A lane is affected on Williams Road westbound and on Old Cherry Point Road at Williams Road.

The service road is also closed from Airport Road to East 70 Fuel Market, along with U.S. 70 access points from Town Pawn to Mallard Oil Grills & Fireplaces, from Pender Street to US 70 W and from Oak Street to US 70 W, through Sept. 23, 2027, according to DriveNC.

DriveNC also lists Elder Street closed to the U.S. 70 westbound access point through Sept. 25, 2027, and the US 70 eastbound access point closed from US 70 E to Brown Drive through June 18, 2027.

NEW BERN — The Sun Journal also reports that Vance rallied for Buckhout and Whatley.

Tuesday is forecast to be sunny, with a high near 75, a 1% chance of rain and a northeast wind around 9 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

RALEIGH — Todd Goebbel won his debut as interim head coach as NC State beat California 31-10 on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack shut out Cal in the second half. Charlton Warren called the defense as defensive coordinator for the first time this season.

CJ Bailey opened the scoring with a 49-yard touchdown pass to running back Deandre Desinor, who was split out as a wide receiver. The teams were tied 10-10 at halftime. Through the first seven games, NC State had been outscored 91-125 in second halves, according to the school. Against Cal, the Wolfpack scored touchdowns on its first three drives after halftime: a 38-yard pass from Bailey to Chance Robinson, a 2-yard run by Darius Johnson and a 6-yard run by Davion Gause, who finished with 104 yards on 19 carries.

Linebacker Popo Aguirre had 16 tackles, his second-highest total of the season, and handed Goebbel the game ball afterward. "I got a little choked up when they gave it to me," Goebbel said.

NC State is 4-4 and hosts Duke at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. Duke is 6-2. ESPN reports that Doeren leaves NC State with no grudges and will always be rooting for the Wolfpack.

CHAPEL HILL — UNC lost 35-38 to No. 1 Miami on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Kenan Stadium. The game came a week after a 30-31 home loss to Syracuse.

Miami quarterback Darian Mensah threw touchdown passes to Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher Jr., and Fletcher also scored on 2-yard runs. For UNC, Billy Edwards Jr. threw touchdown passes to Jelani Thurman, Jordan Shipp and Trech Kekahuna, and Demon June scored on a 1-yard run that capped a 16-play, 75-yard drive. The Tar Heels' last score was a 15-yard pass from Edwards to Kekahuna on a 75-yard drive that took 55 seconds.

Before the game, Yahoo Sports asked whether UNC's more disciplined play would be enough. The Tar Heels next play at UConn at noon Saturday, Nov. 7, at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn.

RALEIGH — The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Lenovo Center. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, they beat the Boston Bruins 2-1 at home, a game ESPN also recapped as a 2-1 Carolina win.

Before returning home, Carolina won 4-0 at St. Louis on Saturday, Oct. 24, after a 5-6 shootout loss at Edmonton on Thursday, Oct. 22. NHL.com reports that the Canes and Nikishin are ready to move forward.

The Hurricanes were scheduled to host the Winnipeg Jets at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1; the team's official schedule had not posted a result.