What's New on the Website

Note: This listing reflects changes made by the web staff, and does not necessarily list changes made by the individual departments to their sites.

November 3, 2026:

View Election Results Online tonight starting at 7:30 pm.
Added the press release: 'County Close-Up' Series Will Bring Water Infrastructure and Utility Plans to the Public November 18th at 6pm at the Ag Center

November 2, 2026:

Don't forget to vote tomorrow, November 3rd!
Added the page: Images and Line up from the 2026 Ghost Walk
Added the page: SNAP Double Bucks Program at Clayton Farm and Community Market

October 29, 2026:

Updated the DSS Gift Tree Project for 2026. Make a child happy this Christmas, and participate in the Gift Tree project!
Added the page: How to find a subdivision's amenities

October 26, 2026:

Added the press release: Candlelight Reflections Ceremony will be on November 12th at 5:30 pm at the Johnston County Courthouse.

October 22, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Calls on Public for Details Regarding Wastewater Odor Source

October 20, 2026:

Added the page: Encounter an Issue While Voting? Tell an Election Official
Added the page: Finance Department Provides Training to County Employees

October 19, 2026:

Added the press release: Notice of Untreated Wastewater Discharge in Johnston County - October 19. 2026
Added the page: Animal Services Director, Chad Massengill, Receives NCARCA Career Service Award

October 15, 2026:

Added the press release: Help Shape the Future of Johnston County at Upcoming UDO Public Hearings
Added the page: In NC, Election Workers Often Do Have to Write on Your Ballot for Board of Elections

October 12, 2026:

Added the page 10 Things for In-person Early Voters to Know in North Carolina for Board of Elections.

October 9, 2026:

Added the page: Operation Green Light Returns to Johnston County to Honor Local Veterans

October 8, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Engineer Kim Rineer Elected Chair of Triangle Water Partnership

October 2, 2026:

September 30, 2026:

Added a page with photos from the UDO Meeting on September 23, 2026.

September 28, 2026:

Updated the Commissioners District Maps for the Board of Elections.
Updated the Building Inspections and Environmental Health Permit Searches to be more user-friendly.

September 25, 2026:

Added the page: First County Close Up Meeting - DSS

September 24, 2026:

Added the CyberSecurity classes at PLJCS and Necessary Evils Internet fraud seminar to the county calendar and website.
Added the page: Don't Fall for this Jury Duty Scam
Updated the map of the NC House Districts in Johnston County for the Board of Elections.

September 22, 2026:

Added information for the 22nd Annual Heritage Center Ghost Walk. Two nights this year: October 29th and 30th. Tours start at 6:00 pm, last tour starts at 7:30 pm. Register Online. Visitors will be greeted at the corner of Second and Church Streets beside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where they will be given guided tours through the cemetery. Tours end at 8 pm.
Added the press release: Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive Recognized as a Shining Star in North Carolina
Added the page: 2026 School Supplies Drive was a Success! Thank you to all who donated!
Updated the Free Breastfeeding Support Classes page for JCPH.

September 21, 2026:

Help Us Reunite Lost Animals with their Families: Sign up to receive Lost and Found Pet Email Alerts
Added the press release: Essential Nutrition and Healthcare Support for Local Families (WIC) is Available in Johnston County

September 17, 2026:

Free Narcan Training at JCI in Selma on October 6, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm

September 16, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County UDO Drop-In Session Set for Sept. 23 at JCC

September 15, 2026:

Added a page for the Free Voter Event at JCC on September 15th from 10am to 2pm
Added Get Ready to Vote! Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day for the Elections Office

September 11, 2026:

Added the Public Records Request portal. Have a public records request? Submit it online using the portal page.

September 10, 2026:

Heritage Center is accepting Submissions for their next Literary Journal from September 15th through October 30th.

September 8, 2026:

Veterans Rally Point is tomorrow, September 9th at 9 am in Smithfield.

September 4, 2026:

Added the Sample Ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Election

September 3, 2026:

Added the press release: Absentee Voting in the 2026 General Election Begins this Week for Elections

September 2, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Releases Third Draft of Proposed UDO

September 1, 2026:

Annual Fruit and Nut Tree Sale starts September 1st. Last day to place an order is November 25th.
Added the Upcoming Medicaid Changes for DSS.
Ebilling is now available for Public Utilities. Go Paperless!

August 31, 2026:

The landfill and convenience sites will be closed on Monday, September 7th for Labor Day.

August 28, 2026:

Added the press release: Virtual behavioral health urgent care now available to Johnston County residents.

August 26, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County to Host Two Drop-In Sessions on Proposed Unified Development Ordinance
Added the page: Online Judicial Voter Guide Now Available for Board of Elections.

August 18, 2026:

Added the Early Voting Schedule for the November 3, 2026 General Election for Board of Elections.

August 17, 2026:

Added the How to Find Where to get a Building permit lookup to the Building Inspections site.
Updated the Guidelines for Emotional Support animals on the HAPP site.

August 11, 2026:

Updated the Find Your Nearest Convenience Site search for Solid Waste.

August 10, 2026:

Added two free Voter ID events for Board of Elections: August 13th from 3-5pm at Princeton Public Library, and August 14th at PLJCS from 10am-12pm
Added the page: Explore Johnston County's First Regional Park

August 7, 2026:

Added the 2025 Wastewater Annual Report for Public Utilities.

August 6, 2026:

Special Meeting to Discuss the UDO on August 17, 2026 at 10:00 am in the Board of Commissioners Room in the Courthouse in Smithfield
DSS School Supplies Drive from August 7 through August 31. Bring donations to DSS building in Smithfield between 8am and 5pm.

August 3, 2026:

Heritage Center will be Closed for Inventory from August 10th through August 14th. The Heritage Center will reopen on August 17th.
Posted the notice that the Public Utilities Water Shortage Advisory has been Rescinded as of August 3, 2026.
Added the Veterans Office forms to the Online Services page.

July 29, 2026:

Added a page for the Johnston County Regional Park Grand Opening.

July 28, 2026:

Added information about the three Free Voter ID events on July 30th, July 31st and August 7th.

July 27, 2026:

Added a headline for Johnston County Tests Disaster Shelter Operations During Full-Scale Exercise

July 23, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County announces next steps for Unified Development Ordinance

July 22, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Presents Inaugural Cypress Legacy Award to World War II Veteran Sherrill Stevens
Added the Official Notice of the Election on November 3, 2026.

July 21, 2026:

Added the press release: GRAND OPENING of Johnston County Regional Park is July 24th at 10:00am at 444 Matthews Road in Clayton (press release)
Added the page: Milestone 100th Partnership Conservation Easement Protecting North Carolina Farmland

July 17, 2026:

Added a page for Beat the Heat - Cooling Locations
Added a headline and page for Cyclosporiasis Information

July 8, 2026:

Added a calendar event for the Local Government Career Expo on Saturday, August 29 from 1-4pm at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh.

July 1, 2026:

Added a page for Local Fireworks Displays and Fireworks Safety
The Animal Shelter has extended free pet adoptions through the month of July.

June 30, 2026:

The Landfill and Convenience Sites will be OPEN Friday, July 3rd and closed on Saturday, July 4th for Indpendence Day.
Added page with photos from the America 250 Fair.

June 26, 2026:

Added the press release for the Grand Opening of the first County Regional Park on July 24th at 10:00am at 444 Matthews Road, Clayton.

June 25, 2026:

Added the press release: County Helps Triangle Land Conservancy Permanently Protect 800 Acres of Rare Neuse River Wilderness

June 23, 2026:

Added page, headline, and banner ad for the Veterans Rally Point event on July 8th at 9am at 100 Pitchi Street in Smithfield
Updated the Water Quality Reports for Public Utilities.
Updated the VAWA page and PDF on the HAPP site.
Added the page: 17th Annual Shred Event Destroys over 12 Tons of Documents

June 22, 2026:

PUBLIC NOTICE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING at 10am on July 20, 2026 IS CANCELED. The 6:00 p.m. meeting will be held as scheduled.

June 19, 2026:

Added notice for Public Utilities: All payment services will be unavailable from 3:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30 until 8:00 am on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Added page and registration form for Soil and Water Farmland Preservation Landowner meeting on July 30, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Ag Center.

June 18, 2026:

Added the article: $25K Grant Awarded to Johnston County Emergency Management to Provide Preparedness Kits to Vulnerable Residents

June 15, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Adopts Balanced Budget While Reducing Tax Rate and Fully Funding Public Schools
Updated the FY26-27 Budget Information Page
Updated the Meet Commissioner Butch Lawter page
Updated the America 250 website

June 12, 2026:

Added Heat Advisory for Johnston County, Cooling Centers Available

June 10, 2026:

Added the Clear the Shelter event - All animal adoptions are free for the month of June, 2026. Call the animal shelter at 919-934-8474 to make an appointment.
Added the Veterans Rally Point event on June 10th at 9am at 100 Pitchi Street in Smithfield. All Veterans welcome.

June 9, 2026:

Added Mandatory Water Conservation Policy Now in Effect for Public Utilities
Added the press release Water Main Rupture Prompts Conservation Request in Three Johnston County Water Districts

June 4, 2026:

Added the FY26-27 Utillities Rate Budget Memo to the Public Utilities site.

June 1, 2026:

Added a press release for the Elder Abuse Awareness Walk on June 11, 2026 at 10:00am at DSS in Smithfield

May 28, 2026:

Updated the webpage: Facebook Feeds
Added page on Parks website: Triangle Land Conservancy Transfers 308 Acres to Johnston County for First County-Owned Nature Preserve
Updated the webpage on Solid Waste: Waste Disposal by Town

May 26, 2026:

Added the video of the Memorial Day Ceremony to the website.

May 22, 2026:

Updated the Freedmen's Schoolhouse site with the dedication information.

May 21, 2026:

Added page and headline for Freedmen’s Schoolhouse Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Friday, June 19 at 11 AM - First Missionary Baptist Church in Smithfield
Added the press release: Triangle Land Conservancy Transfers 308 Acres to Johnston County for First County-Owned Nature Preserve

May 20, 2026:

Added the press release: Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 11:00am at the Courthouse
Added the Community Blood Drive at JCPH in the meeting room on June 10th from 10am to 3pm.

May 19, 2026:

Added the press release: Proposed Johnston County Budget Supports Schools, Services While Keeping Tax Rate Unchanged
Added a banner ad for the America 250 Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony on June 25th at 10am in Four Oaks

May 12, 2026:

Added the Heritage Center's 2025 Annual Report.
Updated the Heritage Center News and Events page.

May 11, 2026:

Added the notice: Meadow Area Scheduled Water Main Flushing

May 7, 2026:

Added the page: Here's a recap of County Commissioners' May 4 meetings

May 6, 2026:

Added the page: Charles Pender awarded MVP in Erosion and Sedimentation Control from NC DEQ

May 5, 2026:

Added the press release: Top-Tier Ratings Will Deliver Savings to Johnston County Taxpayers

May 1, 2026:

Added a page for the Tuscarora Nation Mural for the Heritage Center.

April 24, 2026:

Added the latest Water Quality Reports from Public Utilities

April 23, 2026:

Added page for Great Turnout at 2026 Rabies Clinic
Added the recap of the April 20, 2026 Board of Commissioners Meeting

April 22, 2026:

Added the video: NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey Tours Johnston County 911 Operations
Added page for Local Students Grow Skills and Community at Rose Dairy Farm

April 17, 2026:

Posted the Mandatory Water Conservation Policy. Please save water!

April 15, 2026:

Added headline and banner ad for Book Signing and Brunswick Stew Tasting Event with Annie Cheatham at Johnston County Museum on May 2nd from 11am to 1pm

April 14, 2026:

Updated page for Tdap and Meningitis Vaccine Clinic on September 23, 2026 from 1 PM to 7 PM at JCPH - Appointment Preferred
Updated page for Free Car Seat Check
Updated page for Breastfeeding Support
Updated page for Childbirth Classes

April 13, 2026:

Added the press release: Veterans Resource Fair, May 2nd at JCC Auditorium Great Hall from 10am to 4:30 pm

April 9, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Joins Campaign to Support Hidden Heroes
Added the Recap of the Board of Commissioners meetings on April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026:

Added page and headine for S oil and Water Conservation Purchases 78 Acres to Remain Farmland Forever

April 2, 2026:

Added Public Utilities notice: Utilities Scheduled System Upgrade and Temporary Service Interruption April 10-12, 2026
Added Rising Responders Academy to the calendar. Deadline to register is April 30th.
Added America 250 website for the Johnston County America 250 events.

April 1, 2026:

Added page, headline, and banner ad for Statewide Ban on Open Burning Effective March 28, 2026 Until Further Notice (Burning Ban)

March 31, 2026:

Added page, headline, and banner ad for Tuscarora Mural Dedication Ceremony in Downtown Smithfield on April 25 at 11 AM

March 30, 2026:

Updated News and Events on Heritage website to include America 250 and Todd Johnson Named 2025 Main Street Champion for Smithfield

March 27, 2026:

Added the press release: Free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on April 25th Provides Safe Disposal Option for Residents

March 24, 2026:

Added the UDO Town Hall Presentation (PDF)
Added the video and transcript for the Special Board of Commissioners meeting: United Development Ordinance

March 23, 2026:

March 20, 2026:

Added page for Mind Matters: Navigating the Path to Wellness Symposium at JCC on May 12th from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Register Online.
Added page, banner ad, and headline for Earth Day Countywide Cleanup 2026 - April 18th from 9 AM to 12 PM. Register Online.

March 19, 2026:

Updated page for NC MedAssist Mobile Free Pharmacy: OTC Medicine Giveaway and Community Event

March 12, 2026:

Added the press release: Residents Invited to Learn More About Draft UDO at March 23 Town Hall Meeting
Added headline and banner ad for Resource Conservation Workshop - June 14th through 19th at NC State University. Scholarship Opportunity Available - Applications Due Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5 PM

March 10, 2026:

Added page, headline, and banner ad for Johnston County's Thriving Together Internship Program - June 8th through July 31st - Apply By April 10th at 5:00 PM

March 9, 2026:

Added page, banner ad, and headline for 2026 Annual Shred Event - June 20 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Rose Manor Shopping Center in Smithfield

March 5, 2026:

Added the Recap for the February 16, 2026 Board of Commissioners meeting

March 4, 2026:

Added banner ad and headline for The Last Freedmen’s Schoolhouse Standing in North Carolina - Watch the Video
Updated the video pages for the Board of Commissioners and Heritage Center.
Added banner ad and headline for NC-13 March Passport Fairs - March 23, 24, and 25 in Wake Forest, Lillington, and Clayton

March 3, 2026:

Posted the Election results for the March 3, 2026 Primary Election

February 27, 2026:

Added the press release: FFA Week Highlights the Strength of Agricultural Education in Johnston County

February 26, 2026:

Added the press release: Public Invited to March 23 Town Hall on Proposed Unified Development Ordinance
Added page for 10 Tips for Primary Election Day Voters: March 2026 Edition

February 24, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Warns Public of Planning Board Email Scam

February 19, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Launches Opioid Settlement Grant Program to Support Recovery Efforts

February 18, 2026:

Added headline for Watch the 2026 State of the County Address from Chairman Harris

February 16, 2026:

Added the press release: Annual Water Treatment Change for Johnston West Customers begins February 26, 2026

February 13, 2026

Added the press release: Johnston County Partners in Historic Exercise Routing Live 911 Calls Across State Lines
Added page and Elections site headline for State Board Investigating Reports of Misconduct by Voter Registration Drive Workers
Page updated, headline and banner ad added for Screening of "American Coup: Wilmington, 1898" explores history of massacre and insurrection - February 26, 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Smithfield Performing Arts Center. Follow-up screening and discussion on Thursday, March 5, 7:00 PM, in the Johnston County Museum

February 12, 2026

Updated page, added headline, and added banner ad for 2026 Rabies Clinic - April 18 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Johnston County Animal Shelter

February 11, 2026:

Added the press release: Johnston County Confirms First Measles Case since 2018
Added page, banner ad, and headline for 10 Tips for Early Primary Voters

February 6, 2026:

Added the press release: Notice of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

February 4, 2026:

County Offices will Open at 9 am on Thursday, February 5th due to Inclement Weather
Temporary Water Shortage Advisory has been Rescinded.
Deadline for NonProfit Funding Applications is March 20, 2026 at 3:00pm. For more information, visit the NonProfit Funding Applications page.

February 3, 2026:

Inspections are Slowed due to Weather and Inspectors are in Class on Wednesday, February 4th. Thank you.

February 2, 2026:

County Offices will Open at 10:30am on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 due to Winter Weather.
Added the Temporary Water Shortage Advisory for Public Utilities
Added a page and banner ad for the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Information for Planning.

February 1, 2026:

County Offices will be Closed on Monday, February 2, 2026 due to Winter Storm
Added the Press Release: Weather Conditions Prompt Cancellation of February 2 Board of Commissioners Meetings

January 31, 2026:

Landfill and Convenience Sites are Closed on Saturday, January 31st due to Winter Weather.

January 27, 2026:

Added page, headline and banner ad for Register of Deeds Announces the Most Popular Baby Names in 2025 for Johnston County Births

January 26, 2026:

County Offices will Open at 9:30 am on Tuesday, January 27th due to the Winter Storm
Added the Press Release: Johnston County Emergency Services Provides Winter Weather Response Update

January 25, 2026: