News in Mount Olive, NC

Mount Olive Tribune · Mount Olive, NC

2026 Mount Olive Christmas Parade Grand Marshals named

The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Mount Olive Christmas Parade in downtown Mount Olive. This year, the parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. Each year, the chamber board of directors selects an individual to serve as the grand marshal. The chosen person is someone who went above and beyond and made a difference in the community. Mount Olive Chamber President Julie Beck stated, “This year, the task of choosing one person was next to impossible. We have three companies in our community celebrating milestone anniversaries, and we simply could not choose one person. For the first time ever, we will have three grand marshals. The three companies have been celebrating anniversaries all year long, and it seemed appropriate to recognize leaders from all three at the Mount Olive Christmas Parade.

Mount Olive Tribune · Mount Olive, NC

UMO welcomes third graders for 9th Annual STEM on the Green

MOUNT OLIVE — Science moved outdoors on Friday, Oct. 23, when nearly 900 third graders from Wayne and Duplin counties gathered on the University of Mount Olive campus for the 9th Annual STEM on the Green. The young scientists came from nine schools. Carver, Spring Creek, Eastern Wayne, Northeast, and Rosewood represented Wayne County, while Duplin County sent students from North Duplin, Warsaw, Kenansville, and BF Grady. “STEM on the Green has grown into a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and community. What began as a bold initiative to bring science to life for local students has become one of our most impactful annual traditions, where learning leaps off the page and into real life,” said Dr. Sara Lahman, professor of biology and STEM outreach coordinator. More than 36 stations covered the lawn, each one a chance to build, test, investigate, and imagine.

Mount Olive Tribune · Mount Olive, NC

Six UMO atudents and alumni earn American FFA Degree

MOUNT OLIVE — Six University of Mount Olive students and alumni were among 5,816 FFA members to receive the prestigious American FFA Degree this year. It is the highest honor that the National FFA Organization awards, and fewer than 1% of members earn this recognition. Requirements for the degree include holding a State FFA Degree and maintaining active membership, completing at least three years of secondary agricultural education, operating an outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), completing 50 hours of community service, and maintaining a satisfactory scholastic record. Recipients receive the degree’s signature gold key and chain upon earning the American FFA Degree. For students working toward that goal, UMO sponsors travel expenses to the National FFA Convention. “The American FFA Degree is recognized throughout the agricultural industry as being bestowed upon students who excel in leadership, agricultural knowledge, and work ethic.

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Fortress of Solitude · Kinston, NC

Nearby: Kinston, NC

Jaime Pressly Has Been Calling Her Own Shots Since She Emancipated Herself at 15 — Now the My Name Is Earl Star Is on OnlyFans and Producing Her Own Movie

While Jaime Pressly has played dozens of comedic ‘Southern spitfires’ over the years, don’t make the mistake of thinking she’s typecast herself into a trailer-trash-chic corner. Of course, we all love Joy Turner from My Name Is Earl, but did you know that she has dozens of other acting credits? With a couple of 2026 releases (Last Shot and Leanne) and more to come, including season 2 of Hulu’s All’s Fair on November 4, her career shows no signs of slowing down. But how did she go from gymnastics to modeling to Hollywood actress? And what are the projects that are keeping her busy? Let’s break down her career highlights decade by decade so you get the full picture. Jaime Pressly’s Early Life in the 1980s: Growing Up in Kinston, North Carolina Image Credit: New Line Cinema, CineTel Pictures, MG Entertainment Jaime Elizabeth Pressly was born on July 30, 1977, and raised in the small town of Kinston, North Carolina.

Mount Olive Tribune · Smithfield, NC

Nearby: Smithfield, NC

UMO to celebrate 75th anniversary on Founders Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [email protected] MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive will celebrate 75 years of Christian higher education at its annual Founders Day event on Tuesday, November 17, at 11 AM in Southern Bank Auditorium. The celebration will feature special musical selections and recognition of employees for their years of dedicated service. In addition, the Founder’s Leadership Award, one of the University’s most prestigious honors, will be presented to a senior in memory of Dr. W. Burkette Raper, former president. The guest speaker will be Barbara Hinton, one of the University’s first students. Hinton, a pastor’s daughter from the Brogden community outside Smithfield, arrived in Mount Olive in September 1954. The denomination’s two-year school had just moved from Black Mountain to downtown Mount Olive, and she planned to study business.

Up & Coming Weekly · Fayetteville, NC

Nearby: Fayetteville, NC

Make connections at Sip Room's latest mixer

Whether you’ve just touched down in Fayetteville or have been wanting to meet new people, The Sip Room has an answer to the often-cited difficulty of making new friends as an adult. The wine and champagne bar will be holding a Sip & Make Friends event on Thursday, Nov. 12 at their location on 106 Hay Street. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., so feel free to slip in after work to mingle with like-minded people. No pre registration is required. There’s no need to reserve a spot to participate; simply come as you are and keep your mind open to new connections. If mingling doesn’t come naturally to you, The Sip Room has you covered. They’ll have seat changes and conversation cards to ensure everyone gets acquainted with some new faces and has ample topics for conversation.

Up & Coming Weekly · Fayetteville, NC

Nearby: Fayetteville, NC

Open historical doors: Take a ramble around Fayetteville

History in Fayetteville does not always announce itself. Sometimes it pours coffee, screens an independent film, opens a gallery, or welcomes a congregation through doors used by generations before it. Preservation North Carolina will bring those connections into view Saturday, Nov. 14, during its first Historic Fayetteville Ramble. The self-guided event will open a collection of residential, religious, institutional and cultural properties spanning the 18th through 20th centuries, including several spaces not routinely available to the public. The Ramble runs from noon to 4 p.m., followed by light refreshments and a short program from 4 to 5 p.m. at the MacPherson House Bed & Breakfast. Participants are encouraged to begin at First Presbyterian Church, where check-in will take place. They will receive digital information in advance and a printed program on event day, then may explore the route at their own pace.