Good morning, Greenville.

Brian Pecheles, president of the local Pecheles Automotive Group, has been nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award - a recognition for auto dealers committed to community service.

He will be honored next February at the National Automobile Dealers Association show in Orlando.

ECU Guitar Festival returns after a two-year break with three days of concerts, masterclasses, and competitions at Fletcher Recital Hall.

Tickets for public, student, and community auditor options are available from Oct. 23 through Oct. 25.

Pitt County Schools honored Kirby Maness of Ayden-Grifton High and Megan Harrell from Farmville Middle as principal and assistant principal of the year at a Thursday celebration at the Rock Springs Center.

Hiba El’Shaer, an ECU graduate student, deployed seven sensors in Grifton to measure groundwater, soil moisture, and creek levels for flood research and to collect real-time data that will help town manager Dylan Haman and local officials improve preparedness.

Governor Josh Stein announced that the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved grants in eight counties to boost economic growth.

The grants include $80,000 for Edgecombe Furniture’s expansion in Greenville — creating 10 jobs — and $50,000 for building renovations for MJM Yachts in Washington — creating 13 jobs.

Pitt County launches a PATS Rideshare pilot for Winterville and Ayden residents offering discounted Uber rides; riders pay the first $3 plus PATS covers up to $12 on trips available Monday to Saturday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CarolinaEast Medical Center in Greenville will rejoin Blue Medicare on Jan.

1 next year after ending coverage in July; emergency services remain available for Blue Medicare patients + its physicians will remain in network for permitted non-emergency care.

Saving Graces 4 Felines is helping a playful kitten named Poppy find a forever home in Greenville.

The shelter requires a $95 cash fee and a good vet reference and ensures the kitten is spayed/neutered, tested for feline illnesses, vaccinated, and microchipped.

The Vikings clinched the conference championship after sweeping the Rampants in a decisive series + the team now prepares for upcoming playoff challenges.

On Thursday, the East Carolina Pirates lost their overtime conference game against the UAB Blazers — an early touchdown by Emory Williams did not secure the win as a late UAB drive tied the score and ended 30-17 in favor of UAB.