Snow Hill Board of Commissioners Tackles Annexation, Safety, and Community Projects
“This is going to be one of the nicest things you’ve ever seen in Snow Hill. We’re not broke, I promise you.”
On Monday, April 14, 2025, the Snow Hill Board of Commissioners convened at 6:00 p.m. in G. Melvin Oliver Town Hall to address a range of issues, from annexation to public safety and recreational development.
Annexation of Kingold Boulevard Property Approved
The meeting opened with a public hearing on the proposed annexation of a 0.65-acre property at 1201 Kingold Boulevard, owned by Dale Scarborough (Greene County Tax ID #0300311). After proper public notice and no public comments, the board unanimously approved the annexation, pending the finalization of a cost-share agreement.
“This went through the process, was advertised, and we had no public comments,” noted Town Administrator April Vinson. “We’re ready to move forward once the agreement is finalized.”
April 18 Declared Line Worker Appreciation Day
Vinson presented a proclamation recognizing April 18, 2025, as Line Worker Appreciation Day. Mayor Dennis Liles read the proclamation aloud, praising the bravery and dedication of electrical line workers. “These brave men and women work with thousands of volts of electricity, high on top of power lines, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, risking and sometimes losing their lives to keep electricity flowing.” The proclamation also highlighted their role as first responders during storms, ensuring the safety of public officials and the restoration of vital electric power to the community.
Funding Approved for Ram Fest and Senior Games
The board approved a $425 contribution to Ram Fest 2025, scheduled for May 10, to help fund bounce houses and family-friendly activities.
A $250 donation was also approved for the Greene County Senior Center to support the Senior Games — a tradition the town has supported for years. “This is something we’ve done in the past,” said Vinson, “and the board agreed to continue that support.”
Contingency Plan for Water and Sewer Operations
In preparation for possible staffing disruptions in its water and sewer operations, the board approved a contingency contract with Drake Robart of Liquid Utilities. The town’s current certified operator is facing health challenges, and the contract provides a temporary solution to ensure uninterrupted service if the operator becomes unable to continue.
The board considered two options presented in the proposal: coverage three days per week at $2,000 per month, or five days per week at $2,500. After the discussion, the board approved the five-day schedule to align with the town’s current level of service and ensure continuity.
“This ensures that nothing is missed and our systems remain covered if we find ourselves in a position where the operator can’t continue,” explained Town Administrator Vinson.
The contract will only take effect if the operator is unable to perform duties, serving strictly as a backup plan while the town works to certify an additional staff member. Robart, who previously served as Snow Hill’s public works director, brings familiarity with the town’s infrastructure and is prepared to step in if needed.
Board Responds to Complaints About Speeding in Neighborhoods
Speeding on Chase Drive and in the Pine Shoal Drive subdivision emerged as a serious public safety issue. Vinson relayed reports from residents, including one cyclist who was nearly struck by speeding vehicles. Drivers were also reportedly cutting through parking lots on Pine Shoal to avoid traffic.
After consulting with Police Chief Josh Smith, the board approved reducing the speed limit to 20 mph for Chase Drive, Pine Shoal Drive, Genesis Hill, Trinity, and Sierra Court. Vinson emphasized the importance of signage: “A sign won’t stop everyone, but right now there’s nothing posted. Within town limits, we need to make it clear and enforceable.”
Police Department Sees Major Improvements in Case Closures and Enforcement
Chief Smith reported a 99% case closure rate, with only two active investigations remaining. He also noted a marked increase in traffic enforcement activity, citing 25 code violations and 25 state citations issued in early April, compared to 10 and 25, respectively, in March.
Smith credited the improvement to fixing software issues and installing printers in patrol vehicles, which has made issuing citations more efficient.
Trespassing Issue at County Offices Addressed
Smith also addressed a recurring trespassing issue at the Greene County office complex, explaining, “We’ve had issues with a particular trespasser at the county office complex—not the sports complex, but the office area—sleeping in the vestibule where people pay their county taxes, between the double doors with the drop box.” He noted that the door remains unlocked to allow after-hours access for tax payments, which the individual, believed to be homeless, has been exploiting. “We’ve been patrolling that area three to four times a night, and I think we’ve got it handled now—no complaints in the past couple of weeks,” Chief Smith added, emphasizing that his team’s increased presence has deterred further incidents, though they continue to monitor the situation closely.
Additionally, Chief Smith urged the board to expedite the purchase of a new police vehicle to replace one totaled in February, warning of delays in outfitting it with emergency equipment.
Splash Pad Park Project Moves Forward with Community Support
The Splash Pad Park project, a major community initiative, drew significant attention, with plans for a May 31 opening. Vinson provided a detailed update, noting that donations had already covered the $40,000 cost for a pickleball court and a $40,000 exercise station, both of which would begin construction immediately. The exercise equipment, sourced from a top-tier supplier in Florida, was described as “the best we could find for our citizens.” A picnic shelter with tables, costing another $40,000, was also approved, though delivery would take 14 weeks, pushing it into the next fiscal year.
Vinson proposed sodding the area for $8,427.50 instead of seeding to ensure a polished look by the opening, a suggestion the board supported. “Sodding means we don’t have to wait for grass to grow—it’ll be ready for use right away,” she explained.
Mayor Liles Reassures Public About Park Costs
In response to concerns about the park’s budget, Mayor Liles emphasized that the project is largely donor-funded. “A lot of people are saying this will cost a lot of money, that the town will be broke — I want everyone to listen,” he said.
Donations have exceeded $60,000, and more are expected. Commissioner Diane Andrews is actively pursuing additional contributions. “We’ve got nine benches already, and people can buy more,” Liles added. Each bench will include a personalized plaque, and donors will be recognized at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is going to be one of the nicest things you’ve ever seen in Snow Hill. We’re not broke, I promise you.”
Public Works: Sewer Project, Chlorine Treatment, and Meter Readings
Vinson, speaking for Public Works Director Travis Warters, reported steady progress on a sewer slip casing project, expected to wrap up within six months. The town temporarily switched to free chlorine at the water treatment plant, with a return to normal levels planned for the following week.
Thanks to staff efforts, monthly manual meter readings have been reduced from over 600 to just over 300, as the town continues its shift toward automated systems.
Hull Road Renaming to Resolve Address Confusion
The board also addressed a growing issue with road names, particularly on Hull Road, where duplicated numbering was confusing. Vinson explained, “From the Jamaican restaurant to the city limit, addresses go up to the 900s, but then in the county part, it restarts at 902, so we’ve got overlapping numbers.” After discussions with the County’s Planning Director, Brandon Sutton, she proposed renaming the county section “Hull Road Extension” to avoid readdressing every resident, which would require updating house numbers and mailboxes. “This way, we just change the road name slightly, not the numbers—people already have their addresses on their houses and mailboxes,” Vinson said.
The board approved the change, noting it would also help with new developments like the Sugar Hill area, where similar numbering conflicts are emerging due to recent annexations.
Financial Report: Debt Recovery and Steady Revenues
Finance Officer April Williams closed the meeting with a financial report covering the monthly check summary and key revenue sources such as sales tax, motor vehicle taxes, and water/sewer billing. Williams also noted the town had recovered over $2,000 through the state’s debt set-off program since July 2024.
Greene County’s Digital Divide: A Long Road to Connection
On April 15, 2025, Greene County officials announced a major step toward bridging the county’s long-standing internet gap: a $1,892,976 grant from North Carolina’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program to expand high-speed internet to 637 currently unserved homes and businesses.
Brightspeed (Connect Holding II, LLC) will lead the project, constructing a fiber-optic network to connect 531 homes and 106 businesses by December 2026. In a rural county where poor internet access has hindered education, economic growth, and everyday life, this initiative offers a long-awaited opportunity for progress.
“This isn’t just about the internet—it’s about helping the community grow,” said Bennie Heath, Chairman of the Greene County Board of Commissioners. “Students will be able to do their homework, businesses can reach new customers, and families can stay connected. Greene County is excited to get started.”
Heath’s words reflect the sense of hope surrounding the project. But for many residents, that hope is tempered by skepticism, particularly when it comes to Brightspeed’s role in leading the effort.
A Community Wary of History Repeating Itself
While officials tout the project as a breakthrough, residents across Greene County have voiced serious concerns, particularly online. Many question whether Brightspeed is the right partner, given the company’s track record in the area.
They fear this could become another disappointment after years of unfulfilled promises. For them, the issue goes beyond connectivity. It’s about being included in decisions that shape their future.
How the CAB Program Works for Greene County
North Carolina’s CAB Program is designed to close broadband gaps in areas where internet speeds fall below 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload—a threshold that applies to much of Greene County. Supported by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the initiative is overseen by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity (NCDIT).
Counties identify underserved areas, select a provider, and submit a project proposal to NCDIT. The state evaluates submissions based on coverage area, project feasibility, the provider’s track record, and long-term community impact. Approved projects are monitored by the state to ensure progress and accountability.
In Greene County’s case, Brightspeed was selected. The company has pledged to serve 95% of the county’s unserved population, maintain the new network for at least three years, and offer affordable service options for residents and small businesses.
Still, trust is a major hurdle. Many residents cite Brightspeed’s history of service problems—both in Greene County and other parts of Eastern North Carolina—as a reason for doubt.
Where the Internet Will Reach—and Where It Won’t
A map shared alongside the county’s announcement shows the project will focus primarily on expanding service along NC Highway 58 and US 13, reaching underserved communities such as Shine, Bull Head, Arba, and Jason. These areas have long faced limited internet access, posing daily challenges for students, small businesses, and families trying to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
However, not all parts of the county are included in the plan. Some communities remain outside the proposed coverage map, prompting frustration from residents who feel left behind.
“We don’t have it on 258 North either, and Brightspeed is horrible,” said Beverly Dail Haley in a social media post. “There are outages that last for days.”
What Greene County Residents Are Saying
Public response to the announcement has been mixed. While some residents expressed optimism, others shared personal stories of long-standing frustrations.
“A technician cut my line, and I was without service for months,” said Belinda Beamon, a Greene County resident. “Even when it works, the speeds are awful.” Beamon ultimately switched to Starlink, paying more but receiving the reliability she needed.
Allison Wilkes Thomas, a local business owner who operates in multiple counties, including Carteret, Greene, and Pitt counties, voiced her disappointment in Brightspeed’s selection: “InfinityLink is the best—I use it in all three counties, and it never lets me down.”
Other residents echoed her sentiment. “Brightspeed can’t even keep their current service running. Thank goodness for InfinityLink!” said Brandy Marie Moore.
Kristi Fry Jenkins was more direct: “Big mistake,” she wrote, referring to the decision to go with Brightspeed.
And Tommy Taylor voiced a concern many share: “Is InfinityLink being left out again because of bias on the board?”
Why Some Residents Feel InfinityLink Was Overlooked
Taylor’s question resonates with those who believe InfinityLink Communications—a locally based provider with loyal users—was unfairly passed over. Many point to what they see as a history of the county favoring outside companies, despite InfinityLink’s strong performance in the region.
To those like Thomas, who depend on InfinityLink’s dependable service, the county’s decision feels like a continued disregard for community preferences.
A Complicated History Between Greene County and InfinityLink
Tensions between Greene County and InfinityLink Communications go back nearly a decade, marked by broken contracts, legal disputes, and mutual distrust.
In January 2015, the county entered into an agreement with InfinityLink (then also referred to as NfinityLink) to expand its fiber service. The contract included an automatic renewal clause unless a cancellation notice was sent five days before expiration.
On December 26, 2016, County Manager Kyle DeHaven issued such a notice, citing issues with reliability and incomplete infrastructure, although the county expressed interest in maintaining some services.
InfinityLink responded with a new three-year contract offer on December 28, 2016. But the county did not sign it. On January 1, 2017, InfinityLink discontinued services, disrupting county operations.
A judge ordered InfinityLink to temporarily restore service on January 10, while the county sought a new provider. However, the situation escalated in 2018 when Infinity Network Services—an affiliate of InfinityLink—filed a lawsuit against the county. It alleged Greene County had continued using its services without payment and failed to return equipment. The company sought more than $1 million in compensation, plus interest and legal fees.
Greene County responded with a lawsuit of its own in July 2018, seeking over $200,000 in unpaid fees related to communication tower rentals dating back to 2015.
These issues stemmed in part from earlier complications. In 2015, the county discovered it had inadvertently transferred ownership of six communications towers to Dale Media in 2010, which InfinityLink then inherited.
Needing the towers for a water meter system, the county repurchased them and leased them back to InfinityLink. In 2016, InfinityLink signed a lease for the towers and four county water towers, but the relationship remained strained.
A Failed Attempt to Rebuild Trust
In 2020, InfinityLink attempted to reset its relationship with the county by applying for a USDA Community Connect Grant. The company initially secured a letter of support from the Greene County Board of Commissioners, but then hit another roadblock.
The county imposed additional conditions on InfinityLink that the company found unreasonable, given the limited timeline of the grant application.
The new requirements also caught several commissioners off guard, as they had not discussed or approved any additional stipulations tied to providing a letter of support. A review of the meeting minutes and a video of the meeting confirmed that no such conditions had been introduced or authorized during the public session.
As a result, the letter of support was never issued, and the grant was ultimately awarded to another local Internet Service Provider that’s still working to establish itself in the region.
InfinityLink: From Rocky Start to Trusted Provider
Despite early missteps and legal entanglements, InfinityLink has earned the trust of many Greene County residents. Allison Wilkes Thomas said the company “never lets me down,” even across three counties. Brandy Marie Moore called it a “thank goodness” alternative to Brightspeed’s unreliable service.
Yet many believe the county continues to penalize the company for past disputes, passing over a proven provider in favor of outside alternatives.
Brightspeed’s Track Record Raises Red Flags
Concerns about Brightspeed are not new, and they extend well beyond Greene County. A March 5, 2025, investigation by WCTI News 12 highlighted a slew of customer complaints from across Eastern North Carolina, including outages lasting for days and poor response times.
Alton Tyre shared how Brightspeed failed his 88-year-old mother in Blounts Creek: “They said they couldn’t get a technician out until the 27th,” he said. “At that point, I said I’m done.”
A follow-up report from March 12 told the story of Mozzetta Summers, who lives in Ayden. A Brightspeed customer for three years, Summers experienced issues with both her landline and internet starting in September 2024. When her internet failed on February 6, 2025, she waited more than a month for service until WCTI intervened.
“They say where I live, this is the fastest speed I can get because of the location,” Summers said. For her, internet access is essential for entertainment, family connection, and virtual visits with healthcare providers.
Brightspeed officials explained that many issues stem from an aging copper infrastructure that degrades over long distances. They say the new fiber network will resolve many of these challenges. Still, skepticism lingers.
A Cautious Path Forward
This new broadband initiative holds immense potential for Greene County. It could finally deliver the internet access residents have long needed, allowing students to learn from home, businesses to expand, and families to access telehealth and work remotely.
Laying fiber optic cable is only part of the solution. Rebuilding the public trust is equally essential. For many residents, this project is not just about bridging the digital divide—it’s also about healing the divide between local leadership and the people they serve.
If done right—with transparency, community input, and accountability—it could connect more than just homes and businesses. It could reconnect the county itself.
The Ghosts Didn’t Clock In at Noon
I’m not sayin’ I believe in ghosts — but I’m not sayin’ I don’t, either. I keep an open mind and a flashlight in the glovebox, just in case.
A couple of weekends back, I found myself faced with a long list of chores, which seemed like the perfect excuse to drive out to Johnston County. I’d heard they were doing a daytime ghost hunting tour over at the Bentonville Battlefield. Daytime ghost tour. Sounds about as haunted as a Dollar General parking lot at noon. Still, I thought, “Why not? Might learn somethin’. Might see somethin’. At the very least, I’ll stretch my legs and hear some good stories.”
Bentonville’s no ordinary battlefield. It’s hallowed ground. It’s the site of the last major Civil War battle fought in North Carolina — March of 1865. Some 80,000 men fought in those woods and fields. The Harper House served as a Union field hospital, and if any place is likely to be haunted, it’s a house full of pain, blood, and regrets.
I pulled up around noon. The sun was high, birds were chirping, but the place still felt heavy. Not scary, just like the air had more in it than humidity and pollen.
We started the tour inside the Harper House. Our guide was a khaki-wearing fella with the confidence of someone who’s never lost a Wi-Fi signal. He gave us the history — how the Harpers stayed during the battle, how the wounded were packed in like sardines, and how folks still claim to hear footsteps upstairs when no one’s up there.
We stepped into the parlor where most of the surgeries were performed. There was no anesthesia, no sterile instruments—only raw determination, fervent prayers, and perhaps a bottle of something strong to numb the pain. A fly buzzed near the window, its steady drone filling the silence, until an unexpected creak broke through—a sound that suggested intention rather than simply settling wood. I turned sharply, heart pounding, unprepared for any shock before lunch.
It was not a ghostly manifestation but rather Marla—a slim woman with quiet composure—stepping inadvertently onto a loose, timeworn floorboard. The aged plank, bearing the marks of countless footsteps, released a deep, resonant groan as her boot made contact. In that brief, charged moment, the sound carried the weight of history. Marla offered a quick, apologetic murmur, her expression tinged with embarrassment as the tense atmosphere slowly eased, revealing nothing more than an ordinary human misstep amid a place steeped in memories.
We went upstairs to where the Harper family sought safety during the battle. It’s hard to imagine what that must have been like—an entire family huddled together, room to room, pressed against the walls of their own home while war raged just outside. Cannon fire shook the windows. Gunshots cracked through the trees. And below them, just one floor down, the screams of wounded soldiers, men crying out for their mothers, for mercy, for anything to stop the pain. Tom spoke, but I barely heard him. My eyes were fixed on the walls, the ceiling, the floor, trying to picture the Harpers clinging to each other, praying over the noise, trying not to listen too closely.
The upstairs bedrooms were a jumbled mess of family portraits and trinkets, hurriedly dragged up from the chaos below in a desperate scramble to keep them out of the hands of surgeons and looters downstairs. The valuables were scattered across the floor, piled in corners, and shoved against walls—evidence of the family’s frantic effort to save what they could. Despite the disorder, the rooms carried an air of defiant resilience, a makeshift shrine to a life they were fighting to preserve amid the horrors unfolding just one floor down.
Downstairs, while the wounded were tended to and the grim toll of war took its course, the upstairs whispered of safety, of personal treasures and mementos that tied the family to a past worth saving. It was a poignant reminder of how even amid horror, people cling to what matters most.
It hit me then—how strange it is that a house can hold two truths at once. Life upstairs. Death below. A family waiting out a nightmare while strangers bled beneath their feet. We stood there a moment longer, no one saying much. The floor didn’t creak this time. It just held us.
I expected the Harper House to be the centerpiece of the ghost hunting tour, but it was the little detached kitchen that saw most of the action. Back then, they kept kitchens separate to prevent fires from spreading to the main house. Smart. Now, it felt like it was waiting for someone to return and stir a pot. Surely if any ghost was still hangin’ around the property after 160 years, they’d have hustled their way into the kitchen by now, lookin’ for a bite to eat - especially at lunchtime.
Inside, Marla stood with her blinking EMF meter. Every time someone walked by, the thing lit up like a Christmas tree. “High electromagnetic field right here,” she whispered, eyes wide, finger locked on the corner.
I looked. I nodded. I thought, “That’s a wall.” I stared at that corner for a good minute. No lights, no moans, no ghostly recipes. Just me, leaning on the doorframe, wishing I’d brought along a glass of sweet tea. Someone asked, “Do you sense anything?” I said, “I sense I need a glass of sweet tea.” The EMF reader lit up again. Either it agreed, or it was pickin’ up my blood sugar.
The meters blinked like something was pacing the room but couldn’t decide where to settle — one near the hearth, another by the old table legs. Even the motion sensor gave a half-hearted chirp, and no one was near it.
That kitchen predated the Harper House, built before the war, before Bentonville was anything more than farmland. No electricity, no insulation, just thick wood, stone, and time. The kind of place where every board groans and every draft feels like it might be carrying a story.
Folks huddled in corners with their meters like they were waiting on a ghost to clock in for a shift. I gave Marla a polite nod and leaned back against the doorframe. I wasn’t about to argue. Let the meters blink. Let the cold spots do their thing. If there was a ghost in the room, it sure was good at working a crowd. I figured if a spirit wanted to say hello, they’d probably use something a little more direct than a dime-store gadget with a battery light.
After the kitchen, we visited a nearby slave cabin. Although the original cabin had long since faded into history, a reconstructed version now stood on the site. Modern interpretive touches and a prominently placed sign inside explained that the cabin had been rebuilt to honor its legacy, so much so that even the high-tech ghost-detecting gadgets didn’t seem inclined to go off much there.
We finally moved out onto the battlefield after that. Pine trees stretched out in every direction, and the air was still. Too still. We stopped at a split-rail fence where our guide told us some of the heaviest fighting took place. I stood there, tryin’ to imagine the sound of cannon fire and musket shots, the shouts and screams of thousands of men. Now it’s just birds and bugs and the breeze through the trees.
Now, I ain’t knockin’ the folks who say they’ve seen somethin’. Maybe they have. Or maybe ghosts just know I’m not worth the trouble. Truth be told, I didn’t see a shadow, hear a whisper, or even feel a consistent cold spot—only a random flicker of lights on some dubious gadgets that blinked without rhyme or reason. The only active spirit I really encountered was the grumbling in my stomach from a biscuit I’d eaten a couple of hours earlier, which left me with more indigestion than paranormal activity.
But I walked through history. I stood in rooms where men fought to live. I stood on the ground where others fell. And I spent over three hours watchin’ blinking lights go off every time someone got within three feet of ’em — which, to be fair, is more action than I get from my microwave at home.
I still don’t know if I believe in ghosts. But I believe in Bentonville. And I believe some memories don’t stay buried. They just take their time, walking softer when the sun’s up.
Weather Forecast
The upcoming week will bring a mix of warm temperatures, varying cloud cover, and scattered precipitation chances, with highs ranging from 74°F to 85°F and lows between 51°F and 64°F. Early in the week, expect partly cloudy skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday, where precipitation chances peak at 50-55%. Midweek, conditions will remain unsettled with lighter showers possible, while Friday and Saturday will see a slight uptick in thunderstorm activity, with Saturday’s rain chance at 50%. Winds will generally be light to moderate, ranging from 4 to 11 mph, predominantly from the southwest, shifting to easterly and southerly directions later in the week.
Monday, April 21, 2025: Cloudy skies with a stray shower or thunderstorm possible, reaching a high of 83°F and a low of 62°F. Winds will be from the WSW at 5 to 10 mph during the day, becoming light and variable at night, with a 24% chance of rain during the day and 53% at night, potentially bringing scattered thunderstorms.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025: Scattered showers and thunderstorms likely, with a high of 83°F and a low of 64°F. Winds will blow from the NE at 5 to 10 mph, with a 50% chance of rain during the day, dropping to 41% at night, and humidity increasing to 90% overnight.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025: Morning showers will transition to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, with a high of 78°F and a low of 60°F. Winds will be from the E at 5 to 10 mph, with a 40% chance of rain during the day, decreasing to 31% at night, under mostly cloudy skies.
Thursday, April 24, 2025: Partly to mostly cloudy with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, reaching a high of 80°F and a low of 64°F. Winds will be from the S at 5 to 10 mph, with a 30% chance of rain during the day, dropping to 24% at night, and humidity peaking at 91% overnight.
Friday, April 25, 2025: Partly cloudy early, with scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon, bringing a high of 81°F and a low of 61°F. Winds will be from the SW at 10 to 15 mph, with a 40% chance of rain during the day, increasing to 50% at night with showers and storms more numerous in the evening.
Saturday, April 26, 2025: Mostly sunny skies with a high of 68°F and a low of 51°F. Winds will be light from the SW at 5 to 10 mph, with a 60% chance of rain during the day, clearing up by night, and humidity dropping to around 70% as cooler air moves in.
The Community Calendar
Monday, April 21, 2025: The Greene County Board of County Commissioners will meet Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Greene County Operations Center located at 312 SE Second Street, Snow Hill, NC, 28580.
Monday, April 21, 2025: The Greene Central varsity baseball team will play against Bear Grass Charter School at Guy Smith Stadium at 4 PM.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025: The Greene Central varsity baseball team will face Roanoke Rapids at Famville Central at 4 PM.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025: The Greene County Board of Elections will meet on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Greene County Operations Center located at 312 SE 2nd Street, Snow Hill, NC
Friday, April 25, 2025: “Let Us Spill The Tea,” a team of women in the Shine community, will raise funds for American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” with a Bingo Game and Silent Auction at Fort Run Fire Department, 2985 Fort Run Road, Snow Hill, NC, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring handmade prizes by Alalook Handmade Gifts, Bath & Body Works, and other gift cards.
Friday, April 25, 2025: Spring Branch OFWB will present a Dinner and Show with host Bill Doane at 1863 Craft Rd, Walstonburg, NC, at 6:00 PM, featuring live music, a spaghetti dinner for $15 per person (children 5 and under free), with proceeds benefiting the Spring Branch Youth Fund; contact Jessica Woolard, Suzanne Lovic, Tracy Bridges, or Alana Brewer for tickets.
Saturday, April 26, 2025: The Greene County Senior Center will hold a Yard Sale Fundraiser at 104 Greenridge Road, Snow Hill, NC, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with food available starting at 10:00 AM; call 252-747-5436 for more information
Highlights from the Outside
Greene County house fire leaves multiple cats dead: A house on Grant’s Sand Hole Road caught fire in Greene County Friday, Apr. 18, 2025.
Husband charged in $346,000 embezzlement scheme kills self: A husband who was arrested yesterday in an embezzlement scheme involving hundreds of thousands of dollars has died.
North Carolina dad, prison K-9 officer dies after being hit by lightning while fishing on boat: An eastern North Carolina married father of two who worked as a prison officer died last week from a lightning strike while he was out fishing, officials said.
Rams Hold off Jaguars in final inning to win and split season series, 4-3: The Greene Central Rams played their second game in two days in a rematch against the Farmville Jaguars. The Rams dropped the first game to the Jaguars, losing 7-3. They came out with a different energy in the rematch, and behind stellar pitching by junior Riley Radford, the Rams won 4-3.
Farmville Central Ends Greene Central’s Five-Game Win Streak on Senior Night: Farmville Central snapped Greene Central’s five-game win streak on Senior Night with a 7-3 victory, capitalizing on early offense and four Ram errors to tighten the Eastern Plains 2A race.
A Day to Shine: Greene Central Hosts Special Olympics, Celebrating Joy, Inclusion and Community: Greene Central High School hosted the Greene County Special Olympics on Tuesday, bringing together community, volunteers, and athletes for a joyful day of inclusion, celebration, and unfiltered smiles.
Odds and Ends
The Senate passed SB 220, Protect Private Property Rights, which would prohibit willfully hunting, fishing, and trapping on the property of another without written permission from the property owner or agent. The Senate vote was 40-2, and the bill heads to the House next. Finally, HB 729, Farmland Protection Act, passed the House Finance Committee after being pared down significantly. The bill would repeal the 80% property tax abatement for solar energy electric systems. It heads to the House Agriculture and Environment Committee
Old Bay Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a beloved coastal classic, especially in the Chesapeake Bay region, where Old Bay seasoning reigns supreme. This iconic blend of spices, with its zesty mix of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper, enhances the sweet, delicate flavor of fresh crabmeat, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
These Old Bay Crab Cakes are pan-fried to golden perfection, offering a crispy exterior with a tender, savory interior—perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner paired with a tangy remoulade or lemon wedge.
Ingredients (Serves 4, makes about 8 crab cakes):
1 pound fresh lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (plus extra for sprinkling)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crabmeat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix carefully with your hands or a spatula to avoid breaking up the crabmeat lumps too much. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still feel tender.
Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties, about 2.5 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully add half of the crab cakes (avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet and cook the second batch of crab cakes in the same manner.
Sprinkle the crab cakes with a pinch of extra Old Bay seasoning for a final burst of flavor. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side and your favorite dipping sauce, such as a remoulade or tartar sauce. Enjoy the taste of the coast in every bite!