Good morning, Greenville.

Magnolia Arts held its 'The Voice' preliminaries on Aug.

7, selecting finalists to compete on Aug. 29 at John Paul II Catholic High School & celebrate community music with heartfelt performances that bring neighbors together.

Chicod School student Gracyn Dudding earned North Carolina first-place honors in the elementary division of the Freedom 250 American Heroes Student Art Contest on July 8 in Washington, D.C. (the contest celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence).

Eight PCC student ambassadors, split equally between new members and returnees, attended two days of training this month to prepare for the 2026-27 academic year.

They will earn scholarships, maintain a 3.2 GPA, and assist with college events (the training included team building, personality assessments, and campus tour practice).

ECU hosted its 10th annual Raid the Rec event on Friday at the Eakin Student Recreation Center—hundreds of students enjoyed rock climbing, golf simulators, food, and resource booths to welcome them back to campus.

New food delivery robots from AVRide will begin serving ECU campus on Monday as students return for the new school year, replacing the older fleet with improved sensors and larger storage bins to support expanded orders including convenience store items.

PCC faculty and staff met Wednesday in Winterville for a convocation ahead of last Friday's fall classes.

PCC President Dr. Maria Pharr outlined a plan to improve student support (centralizing advising, faster electronic refunds, and expanded Bulldog Promise funding) to help every student succeed.

Scattered storms provided slight relief in Craven, Jones, and Onslow counties yesterday, yet eastern North Carolina remains in a moderate drought as officials urge residents to limit water use (conserve watering lawns and washing cars) due to low groundwater and reservoir levels.

Sound Rivers said that after some rain this week, fecal bacteria levels rose at seven ENC water sites, including spots in New Bern and Havelock (which may make people and pets sick).

Town planning announced on Friday, Aug.

14 that it will upgrade Circle Beach Access with improved walkways and parking. The project is expected to begin soon and aims to enhance community access and safety at the beach.

Veterinary hospitals, rescue groups and volunteers hosted the Village Vet Project’s first spay/neuter clinic last week at Animal Care of Greenville (61 cats were sterilized in a day) to ease pressure on shelters after Spay Today closed in spring 2024.

The project plans to expand future services.

ECU Health experts offer tips to help children transition to the new school year with better sleep habits and balanced meals as summer ends.

Parents in Greenville are encouraged to start adjusting routines early to support a positive mindset and classroom readiness.

Local teens launched a nonprofit after a shared tragedy to supply trauma kits across town; the group aims to improve residents' access to lifesaving first aid supplies.

The effort has already drawn community support as it begins making a difference in Greenville.

Local health officials shared back-to-school health advice on Friday, Aug.

14 to help families prepare for a healthy school year. They urged students to follow safe practices (regular hand washing and balanced meals) both at home and in school.