Dear Friend of Senate District 10,

I hope you've had a great week thus far. This week, I was elected to serve as the president of the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) group at their 2019 Summit this week in Calgary. SARL is an international group of leaders from across the United States and Canada who come together to discuss and address Ag. and rural issues. Since I first became involved with SARL, I recognized the importance of bringing agriculture leaders and farmers from different areas together to address some our shared issues. I am honored to have been elected to the position and will appreciate the opportunity to work with North American industry and legislative leaders.

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

Get to Know My Legislative Team Here!

Legislative Recap

Final Bills Passed Before Adjournment

This week, two more bills were passed that make important changes that will help our state. Senate Bill 385 allows certain folks being trained in automobile sales to work and gain experience while their full approval is being processed. And Senate Bill 498 includes some policy that was included in the State Budget as well. It would allow for certain companies to move resources quickly into North Carolina to respond to natural disasters without being flooded with extra paperwork which can slow down their ability to help. These are both good policies that promote jobs and services in our state and we are excited to have passed them with such tremendous support.

From the District

Backstreet Music Festival

The Backstreet Festival showcases a parade, art, diverse music, dancing, food, bike show and it provides an opportunity for the entire Duplin County and surrounding areas to come together for a very special celebration of the arts and diverse culture. The music will include gospel, R&B, GOGO band, jazz, rhythm and blues, and country. Also, the festival will have bounce rides, water slides, car and bike show, and live entertainment from 919 Band from Raleigh and Michael Jackson impersonator from Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Oliver Johnson is JCC’s Newest Trustee

Oliver Johnson of Smithfield is the newest member of the Johnston Community College Board of Trustees.

A retired assistant superintendent with Johnston County Public Schools and current pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Oliver was appointed to the board by Gov. Roy Cooper.

Meanwhile, Hank Daniels, CPA and Smithfield business owner, has been reappointed for a third term by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. Benton Sawrey, a Smithfield attorney, has also been appointed for a second term by the Johnston County Board of Education.

Johnson, Daniels, and Sawrey took their oaths of office July 11 and will each serve a four-year term.

JCC SGA president Heather Choate, an associate in science student, of Newton Grove is the new student trustee and will serve as a non-voting member for 2018-19.

At Thursday’s meeting, trustees also recognized Jonathan Breeden, a Cleveland attorney, for his service on the board. Breeden served one four-year term. Trustees also thanked Dylan Anderson, SGA president for 2018-19, for his service.

Newton Grove PD Adds Two Auxiliary Officers

Police Chief Greg Warren and town leaders are continuing to build an auxiliary unit to serve residents who call Newton Grove home. Officers Dean Shore and Brent Hall were sworn in during a ceremony this month with family and Newton Grove officials present. Hall served with the Clinton Police Department for three years and lives in Sampson County. Shore resides in Kernersville with his wife Jennifer Shore and has been a sworn officer for several years. Warren said he’s someone who wants to give back to the community.

Before Warren joined the department, Newton Grove Board of Commissioners discussed bringing on auxiliary officers to assist the police department. Currently, there’s six auxiliary officers and three full-time employees serving the area. The auxiliary officers will work for one day each month to help with coverage or when full-time employees are not available.

Warren became the chief after serving the parks and recreation department for High Point as park ranger. He began his law enforcement career in Randolph County Sheriff’s Office in 1997, before going to the Randleman Police Department in 2000. One of the goals of the Newton Grove native was to build up an auxiliary unit. The idea was discussed during meetings when commissioners searching for its next chief.

After Warren was hired and took an oath in April, several people requested to become auxiliary officers for the town.

Along with the auxiliary officer program, the department is also working to bring a Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics to Newton Grove. Planning is in the beginning stages.

District Spotlight

Tylyia Triggs Selected To Attend National High School Athletics Leadership Conference

Tylyia Triggs, a rising Senior at Neuse Charter School, has been selected to attend a national leadership conference with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Triggs will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National Federation of State High School Association (NFSH) National Student Leadership Summit.

According to NFSH, the summit provides a forum for student and adult leaders from around the country to discuss contemporary issues facing high school athletics programs and activities. Congrats on this fantastic honor and make us proud!