🌱 How new county grants will change Smithfield’s Buffalo Creek Greenway

Cheers Smithfield! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How new county grants will change Smithfield’s Buffalo Creek Greenway
• How a Johnston County DSS caseworker stole $100,000 in SNAP benefits

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Smithfield? Post it to Smithfield photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Sunny and not as cold, with a high of 49 and low of 26 degrees.
• Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 55, low: 31.
• Thursday: An afternoon shower or two, with a high of 61 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• County commissioners approve open-space grants (johnstoniannews.com) — Johnston County commissioners have approved more than $350,000 in open-space grants, including $30,000 for the Town of Smithfield to repair three wooden bridges on the Buffalo Creek Greenway. Several other nearby towns and recreation groups will use their awards for new lights, accessibility upgrades, and park improvements, but Smithfield residents will see the most direct impact on a popular local walking and biking route.
   

• Former Johnston County DSS Employee Admits To Stealing SNAP Benefits (jocoreport.com) — In a case originating in Smithfield, a former Johnston County DSS employee has admitted in federal court to stealing more than $100,000 in SNAP benefits. Investigators say she misused client EBT accounts for online orders over several years, and she now faces up to 10 years in prison plus significant fines and forfeiture.
   

📸 Around Smithfield

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Smithfield

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 17

• 2025 The Embers Christmas Show, featuring Craig Woolard
  Triangle East Chamber of Commerce , 300 N Raiford St , Selma
  7:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• 2025 Christmas Jubilee
  Triangle East Chamber of Commerce , 1115 Outlet Center Dr , Smithfield
  12:45 pm
• Beginners Yoga Series
  Triangle East Chamber of Commerce , 1115 Outlet Center Dr , Smithfield
  6:30 pm

Friday December 19

• Christmas Carriage Rides
  Downtown Smithfield Courthouse Entrance , S Third St , Smithfield
  5:30 pm

Saturday December 20

• 2025 Christmas Jubilee
  Triangle East Chamber of Commerce , 1115 Outlet Center Dr , Smithfield
  12:45 pm

Sunday December 21

• Christmas Carriage Rides
  Downtown Smithfield Courthouse Entrance , S Third St , Smithfield
  5:00 pm

Monday December 22

• 2025 Christmas Jubilee
  The Rudy Theatre , 1115 Outlet Center Dr , Smithfield
  12:45 pm

📣 Smithfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• Foundation Board Meeting
  Triangle East Chamber of Commerce , 1115 Outlet Center Dr , Smithfield
  12:00 pm
• ALA-Johnston vs St. Thomas More Chancellors
  American Leadership Academy Johnston , 3770 US-70 BUS , Clayton
  4:15 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Meet and Greet with Paul Barringer
  Raleigh Brewing JoCo , 3174 US-70 , Smithfield
  5:30 pm
• The Embers Christmas Show
  Live at The Rudy Theatre , 300 N Raiford St , Selma
  7:00 pm
• 2025 The Embers Christmas Show, featuring Craig Woolard
  Triangle East Chamber of Commerce , 300 N Raiford St , Selma
  7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Morning All!
  Im looking fot a handyman/carpenter that has experience with entry door repairs and door remodeling. My door jams have some rot and the doors are… (Nextdoor West Market)
• Please watch out for Mail being stolen out of Mailbox and placing the empty bag back in box.
  There are unknown vehicles riding Everyday & especially at night. Make sure your security camera are working and Motion detection. Please watch out… (Nextdoor Swift Creek/210/Galilee)

• PSG Global Solutions posted a job opening for Material Handler in Smithfield. Apply here.
• American Eagle Outfitters posted a job opening for AE - Stock Associate - Evening (Off-Hours) in Smithfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smithfield here.

🗞 Nearby News

Selma

• Woman Charged With Selling 3 Vehicles Stored On Family Property (jocoreport.com)
• 10 Booming Burger Chains That Will Take Over 2026 (thedailymeal.com)

Clayton

Ok Smithfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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