I hope everyone has had a great week. I want to thank everyone who attended last night’s Town Hall Event at Kenly’s Tobacco Farm Life Museum. I think these Town Hall Events have been very beneficial, and truly appreciate everyone sharing their thoughts and concerns for our district and state. Also, I want to send a big thank you to the Kenly Tobacco Farm Life Museum for hosting us.

Question of the Week

Last week, I asked you about a special tradition you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I enjoyed hearing your unique responses, and thank you for your correspondence. In honor of President’s Day this past Monday, this week I would like to know who your favorite President is.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way possible.

Herring Scholarship accepting applications

The Herring Scholarship is a program that aims to assist students at James Sprunt Community College, and applications are being accepted from now until March 15th. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support for the financial needs of students who have demonstrated good citizenship, high moral character, and leadership skills. The Herring Scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, educational supplies, and other educational expenses that must be approved by the Herring Scholarship Selection Committee. To be eligible for the Herring Scholarship, applicants must submit a complete application package to the office of the James Sprunt Community College Foundation at the community college. Also, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student aid as well. For an application packet, please call 910-296-2417 or find it online at www.jamessprunt.edu.

Johnston County EMS to add company

With the support of the Johnston County EMS Advisory Committee, the Johnston County Commissioners have approved a third EMS medical transport company for the county, MedEx Medical Transport. MedEx will assist in providing non-emergency medical transport services in Johnston County. Currently, North State and Samaritan Ambulance are providing medical transportation throughout Johnston County, and doing a good job. However, due to the county’s rapid population growth and increase demand for non-emergency transports, the county felt a third EMS transportation company was needed. Johnston County EMS will still provide emergency transportation throughout the county. MedEx Medical Transport hopes to have a location established in Johnston County within the next 90 days.

Garland’s new park underway

Over the past couple of months, town officials in Garland have been planning for the construction of a new park for the town. The renovated area just had its first piece of playground equipment installed, with much more to follow. Some of the long term installation plans include a basketball court, picnic area, walking trail, and swing set. However, there is much more to the creation of a park that the town has to plan for than is seen, such as installation of a sprinkler system and lights. The estimated cost for the completely finished park is around $10,000 to $12,000. Donations may be submitted to help finance the park once their nonprofit status is established. While an official public opening date has not been set, the goal is to have the park completed by this June.

District Spotlight

Past president of the Duplin County Historical Society, JoAnn Stroud, was recently recognized for her efforts in serving the history of Duplin County. Earl Hardy, the newly elected President of the Historical Society, awarded Stroud a certificate of appreciation from the Historical Society. This certificate was earned by Stroud for her guidance, hard work, and consistent effort to advance the Historical Society and preserve Duplin County’s history. Stroud served as an active leader of the society for 10 years, and the society is in a better state than it was before she started her role in its leadership. Stroud worked on numerous projects and around many obstacles for the society. Please join me in congratulating JoAnn Stroud on her recent achievement and recognition from the Duplin County Historical Society. Thank you for your efforts to Duplin County and its proud history.

In Closing

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative in the North Carolina Senate. I read every email that comes to my legislative account and I encourage you to reach out to me with your thoughts and concerns. If you would like to stay informed of my actions in the legislature, I encourage you to friend me on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter using the links at the top of the page. If you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, please email Alex Fagg at [email protected].

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By Brent Jackson

Contributing columnist