Archived News

Lots of Free Events This Summer at the Library
Every year about this time, the Hocutt-Elligton Memorial Library becomes the center of attention for a large segment of the town's residents---our youth

Parks & Recreation Department Modernizes Procedures
New "membership" program will speed things up and keep better track of recreation facility usage patterns

New Movie Being Shot in Johnston County
By Clayton-based Webster Falls Films, maker of the recent film Blaire's Bridge

Grant Funding Available for Local Art Projects
Town of Clayton Cultural Arts Grant program supports activities that foster development and growth of the arts to benefit Clayton residents

"Best Local Artist" Exhibits at Clayton Center in July
Raleigh Painter Eric McRay

"Band of Oz" at Town Square Thursday, July 29
As part of the Town Square Concert Series

Youth Theater Offers Youngsters "Backstage Pass"
Think your youngster might be a good candidate for the Clayton Youth Theater? Now might be a good time to find out

Artists Invited to Join 2011 Clayton Center Exhibitions
Art on display will hang for a scheduled one month period in the Center Lobby at 111 E. Second Street

New Town Budget Holds Taxes, Cuts Spending
The Town Council has approved a scaled-down $36.1 million budget for the coming fiscal year that includes large cuts in spending and continues to hold the line on taxes

Sunday Film Series for Kids This Summer
"Lazy Sundays Cinema At The Center film series" runs from June 20-July 25

"Central Park Band" in Concert Thursday, July 15
The first of two Town Square concerts in July

Large Crowd Packs Library for Mural Unveiling
Town of Clayton’s latest public art piece--a colorful mural depicting the life and times of Clayton

Plans for New Law Enforcement Center "Impressive"
19,000-sq.ft. brick complex with lots of glass and high quality metal trim made of zinc

Clayton Historic District Wins Federal Approval
Town officials have not yet been officially notified of the listing on the National Register of Historic Places, but the announcement was made on the National Park Service website

Waste Pickup Adjustments for July 4 Holiday Week
Garbage and recycling pickup crews will be off July 5, so that means normal pickup will be shifted forward one day that week

Recession Forces Cancellation of July 4 Celebration
Declining town revenues cause budget crunch

Men's & Adult Coed Softball Registration June 7-30
The season runs August through October

New Parks & Rec Classes Set to Begin
At the newly-opened Clayton Community Center at 715 Amelia Church Road

"Traffic Calming" Available for Neighborhoods
Is traffic barreling too fast through your neighborhood?

Girls Fast Pitch Softball Registration June 14-28
It's time to start signing up

Town Mosquito Spraying Underway
Between 3 am and 7 am

Youth Soccer Registration June 14-28
For youngsters ages 4-7

Beautiful Art at Clayton Center During June
Artists Robert L. Daniels of Raleigh and Adelaide Page of Holt Lake

Another Teen Charged in Day Care Center Fire
Authorities have dropped charges against one teenager and brought them against another

Craig Woolard Band on Town Square June 24
His third appearance as part of the town's free concert series

Town has Requests for General Assembly
To officially use web site and town television channel for public notices and to levy an "Occupancy Tax" on local motel bills, with the funds going to promote area tourism

Beatles Tribute Coming to Town June 19
Britishmania at The Clayton Center

"Live Burn" Training Exercise Planned for June 19
Fire Department will block portions of two streets around a house at 400 E. Hinton Street

"Lunch Bunch" Concert Coming Up June 16
Year's first performance of the "Music for the Lunch Bunch" series at The Clayton Center

Special Olympics Torch Comes Through Clayton
Carried to the Wake County line by members of the Clayton Police Department

Millstock Music & Arts Faire Downtown, Saturday June 5
A full day of music and art

Laurie Lee is Top Clayton Center Volunteer
Scene Stealers Volunteer of the Year

Come And See the Library Mural
A colorful mural depicting the life and times of Clayton

Hershey's Track & Field Event Here Saturday, June 5
Features the long jump and softball throw, plus the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m events and 4x100 relay for youngsters 9 to 14 years of age

New Center Needs Books for Children's Area
Parks & Recreation Department is asking the community to donate books and play items

Not Counted Yet? Give the Census Bureau A Call
You can request a form or give your answers over the telephone

Another Policeman Honored by State Commission
Lieutenant John Owens earns "Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate," the highest such honor awarded by the state

Student Art Exhibit at Clayton Center in May
About three dozen art students from Clayton High School will be displaying their work

Masterplan for Downtown Getting Updated
Downtown Development Association will meet May 20 and June 3 to work on the 10-year-old plan

$268.7 Million Talecris Expansion Nearing Construction
Town officials got a good look recently at what the expansion is going to look like

Children's Author Here May 27 for Book Signing
Emma Burtch-Price of California at the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library downtown to sign copies of her new book, Portia's Incredible journey

Traffic Accident Snarles Traffic Along US 70
For more than two hours Monday afternoon, and periodically through the evening hours

Town Awards Grants for Downtown Improvements
$6,938 to two local businesspeople to help pay for renovations to two downtown building

Town Salutes Volunteers
"They are very much appreciated." - Mayor Jody McLeod

Downtown Will Become Movie Set Sunday Morning
A portion of downtown will be closed off to traffic while a production company films an episode of the web series The Carrier

Town Square Concert Series Begins Thursday, May 13
With the popular rock band Nantucket

Town Asks State for Help With Industrial Road
$300,000 in improvements to Pony Farm Road in East Clayton in support of the successful effort to lure commercial baker Northeast Foods to build a new state-of-the-art operation there

Large Crowd Helps Open New Community Center
More than 200 residents, including dozens of youngsters, looked in on classrooms, bounced basketballs, produced their own art and had fun in the play area

"Community Meeting" on Suspected Arsons
Officials wlll be available to talk with local residents and answer questions

Police Offer Reward in Suspected Arson Cases
Two more suspicious fires

27th Clayton Road Race May 8
Registration is underway

Clayton Farmers Market Begins Second Year
From 9 am to 3 pm each Saturday through October

Johnston County Senior Games
Features more than 30 athletic and arts events April 19-30

Clayton Youth Detained in Day Care Center Fire
The 13-year-old is charged with Breaking & Entering and Burning of a Building Under Construction, both felonies

"Fitness Special" This Month at Communty Center
Want to get your body in shape or just tighten up that figure but don't know which exercises are best for you? The Parks & Recreation Department may have the answer

Photographs, Paintings at Clayton Center in April
Clayton Photographer Heidi Wood and Fuquay-Varina Artist Roxanna Alexander headline the monthly art exhibit

Electric Meters Will Be Upgraded During April
Old electric meters all over town will be replaced with new ones that help the utility system operate more efficiently

"QuickStart Tennis" for the Very Young
Classes in April, using new techniques and equipment designed for the very young

New Sign Welcomes Visitors Downtown
"Gateway" at the corner of E. Main Street and US 70

Tennis Lessons Available During April
Parks & Recreation Department is offering lessons beginning April 7 on Wednesdays at Community Park

Young Horticulture Students Plant Trees at School
Bald Cypress and Redbuds along US 70 and Fayetteville Street as part of town beautification effort

Wildfire Danger Reaching High Level Here
The lack of significant rain over the last few weeks, coupled with windy conditions, has left the area highly susceptible to wildfires, especially during the next few days

Water System Annual Cleaning Almost Finished
Just a few more days of possible low pressure, discoloration or bad smell

New Pottery Classes at Community Center
The Pottery Room will be getting a heavy workout this month as classes of all types, for both youngsters and adults, get underway

"Crime Stoppers" Helps Solve Vandalism Case
Vandals who did more than $100,000 worth of damage at the Community Center construction site more than a year ago have been brought to justice thanks to a call through Crime Stoppers

Police Say Day Care Fire "Intentionally Set"
A prliminary investigation into Monday's fire "indicate that the blaze was intentionally set," according to Police Chief Glen Allen

Work Near on East Clayton Community Park
Work is expected to begin this summer on a new 60-acre park on Glen Laurel Road that will greatly expand the town's rcreational facilities

Terry Johnson Has A Lot of Loves in Her Life
Employee Profile- Town's Utility Billing Specialist has normal ones like family, friends and her three dogs---but some unusual ones, too, like yard work and deer hunting

Poor Response to Census Will Hurt Finances
Town stands to lose a substantial amount of federal funding unless a low response rate here for the 2010 census can be turned around

Community Center Grand Opening Sunday April 11
Activities all through the new building, special actvities for children and a formal ceremony

Site Being Prepared for Downtown "Centerpiece"
Town work crews have begun preparing the empty lot at the corner of Main and Lombard Streets for construction in the spring

Arbor Day at New Clayton Community Center
Mayor Jody McLeod and Assistant County Ranger Doug White led the ceremonial planting of trees Friday on the grounds of the new Clayton Community Center

Yard Waste Pick-up Crews Speeding to Catch Up
They've gotten behind schedule over the last few days, but intend to catch up and get back on schedule

Details Coming Together for Latest Economic Coup
Town Council takes first step in formalizing financial arrangement with commercial baker Northeast Foods, the town's latest economic development coup

Town Leaders Praised at "State of Clayton" Seminar
Nearly 200 of the area's leaders in business, industry and government came together to explore the moves and decisions that have turned Clayton from a sleepy southern village into one of the strongest and most desirable small towns in America

Commercial Bakery Brings 84 New Jobs to Town
Average salary of nearly $42,000 a year is much more than the Johnston County average

Recycling Success Saving Environment, Money
Since recycling upgrade two years ago, population is rising but trash sent to landfills is going down--recycling has more than tripled

Town Water System Getting Annual Cleaning
Residents may get some discolored water, a musty odor or a strong chlorine odor during the process

Three Artists Featured at Clayton Center in March
The exhibition is free and open to the public

Girls Scouts Get Q & A Session With Mayor
A good start toward one of their longterm goals--community involvement

Officer Kevin Prudent Promoted to Sergeant
In the Patrol Division's "A" Squad

Get Expert Help Finding A Job
State's "JobLink Mobile Unit" will be at Mount Vernon Christian Church at 300 N. Lombard Street from 9 am until noon

Spring Book Sale at Library Offers Bargains
Thousands of books, DVDs and videotapes on sale at low prices Saturday, March 20

Work Underway on Mural at Downtown Library
Town's second public art project in just over a year

Prep Work Underway for new Law Enforcement Center
Demolition phase costing less than expected

Clayton Will Host 2012 "Main Street" Conference
Will bring officials of the 61 Main Street towns and cities, as well as the 28 Small Town Main Street communities across North Carolina to town for a series of workshops and meetings

After-school Art Class Studies Great Masters
The techniques of Matisse, Rodin, Picasso, DaVinci and many more great masters of art

Adult Softball Leagues Registration Underway
Men's and Coed Softball leagues for those 18 years of age and older

Youth Baseball, Softball Registration
Featuring leagues for children of all ages

Town of Clayton Operating at Full Strength
The Public Works Department just hired a new Instrumentation Control Technician, filling the last job vacancy on the books

Town Government Will Miss Bob Ahlert's Impact
The man who gets a lot of the credit for the town's strong financial position is taking it easy these days

Customer Service Remaining Open Until 6 pm Wednesdays
Beginning March 1, the Department at Town Hall will go back to its regular 8 am opening time on Wednesdays but continue staying late on Wednesday afternoons.

Report Says Town Finances Remain Strong
Auditor Kenneth R. Anderson praised town officials for "prudent fiscal management during a major economic downturn"

Rec Department Offers New Classes in February, March
Including two ongoing fitness classes for residents more than 55-years-of-age

Four Town Streets Getting Upgrades
Second, Barbour, Church and Kennel Streets

Sewer Lines Completed Along U.S. 42 West
For the new Johnston County Medical Center, which is scheduled to open later this year

Upgrades Provide Better Options for Handling Electric Outages
On Fayetteville Street and at Glen Laurel subdivision to start

Work Completed on Operations Center Expansion
The 3,000-sq. ft. addition to the Center on Highway 42 West adds more space for the Public Works Department

Completion Near on Water Control Project
Work is nearly complete on a stormwater drainage project at the edge of downtown that replaced a failing stormwater control pipe

East Clayton Industrial Area Sewer Line Upgraded
Work has been completed on a $550,000 project to replace an undersized and aging sewer line that serves local industries in East Clayton

Sewer Outfall Replacement is Complete
Much improved service

Food Fair to Bring Farmers and Public Together
"2010 Johnston FRESH: A Local Fresh Food Fair" at the Clayton Center

Kiwanis' Miss Catastrophe Pageant
Proceeds will benefit programs for children

Parking Available During "Centerpiece" Work
Town intends to add a few temporary 30-minute-limited spaces near Beddingfield Drug Company for elderly residents getting the medication they need

Fire Department Has Oxygen Masks for Pets
Now firemen can prevent pets from falling victim to smoke inhalation, the most common killer of animals caught in a home fire

Two Newcomers Join Board of Adjustment
Seven-member board has two new members in the new year, joining one who is starting another term

Fire Department Wins Grant for "Pre-fire" Planning
Will pay for digital cameras and a computer to chart buildings across town so that firemen will have immediate access to information and photos should any of them catch fire

Short Circuit Offers "Dinner and A Movie" Saturday
Independent film aficionados can talk over dinner with the filmmaker panelists appearing at the festival

DMV Office Closing A Few Days for Renovation
From 2 pm Friday, Jan. 29 until 8 am on Tuesday, Feb. 2

Short Circuit Film Festival Here Saturday, Feb. 6
Featuring panel discussion with three distinguished contemporary filmmakers

Town of Clayton to Remain "Cat Friendly"
More than two dozen animal lovers came to Town Hall Monday and persuaded the Clayton Town Council to keep their outside cats on the right side of the law

Fireman Mitch Boyette is "Model Employee"
Winning the "Clayton Fireman-of-the-Year" award is certainly an honor, but it often means more to some people than to others

We're Looking Forward to A Good 2010
A Message from Mayor Jody McLeod

Short Circuit Film Festival Here Saturday, Feb. 6
At The Clayton Center beginning at 1 p.m.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Through Here Near Reality
A $3.6 million state grant, most of which is federal stimulus funds, will speed construction

Etta May's One-woman Show Here Friday, Jan. 22
The reigning Queen of Southern Sass returns to The Clayton Center

Mission Group Back Home After Ordeal in Haiti
Rescued by American troops

Some Town Bills Have Incorrect Due Date
The correct due date for bills dated 12/17/09 is Jan. 6, 2010, with a cutoff date of Jan. 13, 2010

Town's Surplus Items Listed at Online Auction Site
Need a used car at a good price? How about a used Ditch Witch or a metal deck trailer? Those are just some of the items that the town is selling online

Electricity Usage Soars as Cold Spell Lingers On
Some ideas from Clayton Public Power for controlling your electricity usage--and the size of your electric bill

Mission Group on Their Way Back Home from Haiti
Should be back in North Carolina Friday afternoon

Relief Planes Grounded but Residents Coming Home
All private flights into Earthquake-striken Haiti were grounded Thursday, but the four local residents there on a medical mission are being evacuated

Community Mobilizing to Help Haiti Survivors
Mayor Jody McLeod has put out an urgent call for donations of money and supplies for the survivors of Tuesday's massive earthquake in Haiti, including four Clayton residents who are there on a medical mission

Town Boards and Committees Ready for 2010
Several Town Boards and Committees are getting new members this year, joining those who have agreed to serve another term

Town Hires Local Artist for Public Art at Library
A mural at the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library in what will be the town's second major public art project

Upgrades Progressing on Four Town Streets
Should be completed in the Spring

Huge Expansion at Talecris Biotherapeutics Creates New Jobs
Gov. Bev Perdue and several top state officials joined company executives and officials of Clayton and Johnston County to announce a $268.7 million manufacturing expansion that will bring 259 new high-paying jobs to the area

Computer Expert Tommy Roy is Town "Employee of the Year"
The IT Technician helps keep the town's computer systems up and working

Thousands Fill Downtown for Tree Lighting
Nearly 4,000 poured into downtown for the annual Christmas Village and lighting of the town Christmas Tree

Town Employees Make Large Donation to Local Food Bank
All sorts of food goods will be distributed locally through the New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry

2009 Was A Very Good Year for Clayton
Mayor Jody McLeod looks back at 2009 and the progress made as one of the state's brightest up-and-coming municipalities

Local Quilts on Display at Clayton Center During December
Sixteen members of the local quilting group, Undercover Quilters

Clayton Police Earn Elite Status Through Accreditation
Joining just over 700 worldwide who have earned the honor

Longtime Clayton Policeman Promoted to Sergeant
Jason Barnes moves to the Police Department's Patrol Division

Former Editor Named Downtown "Champion"
Margaret Ritchie, edited the Clayton News Star for years, who passed away a few months ag

Two More Police Earn Advanced Certification
Sgt. Kenneth Lunger Jr. and Detective Pat Millar

Bond Issue Provides Pavillion for All-Star Park
Town officials are talking with prospective builders and hope to have details worked out in time for the project to be completed in the spring

Grannis, Satterfield, Holder Win Council Seats
Incumbents Michael Grannis and Bob Satterfield won reelection to the Clayton Town Council Tuesday, but Incumbent Bob Ahlert lost his seat to newcomer Art Holder

Weekly Curbside Leaf Vacuuming Underway
They'll get to your home on the week day following your regularly scheduled household trash pickup

Wilmington Artist Featured at Clayton Center
The paintings of M.J. Cunningham of Wilmington will be on display this month

Fire Department Assists Young Burn Victims
They joined other firemen from around the state for a 38-firetruck parade that transported nearly 150 young burn victims to a NC Jaycee Burn Center-sponsored weekend camping experience in Wake Forest

Clayton Police Force Adds Two New Officers
Catherine Daniel of Wilson and Michael Keen of Clayton

Bypass Passed Over for National Transportation Awards
The project was one of 10 nationwide vying for the Grand Prize award, which is chosen by a panel of judges, and the People's Choice award, which is chosen by vote of the public

Turkington Plant on US 70 Ready to Expand
The first phase of construction includes a huge warehouse

Girl Scouts Give Communty Park A Cleaning
Troops 672 and 430 of Clayton cleaned up the Park recently as part of a special project

Fire Department Gets Polaris 6x6 Utility Vehicle
Though an Operation Ranger grant

Town Seeks Local Artist for Public Art at Library
A mural at the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library downtown in what would be the town's second major public art project in a year

Walden Woods Getting Electric System Upgrades
Residents there may experience short power outages from time to time over the next four to six weeks while work crews upgrade electric lines in the area

Town Partners Health Benefits With Wellness
Town will cover health insurance premiums for employees who do well in ongoing wellness program

More Residents Paying for Town Services Online During Flu Season
Use has increased steadily since the town added the new service a few months ago, but it's going up even more lately

Bald Was Beautiful Here Saturday
The list of newly bald residents from the St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraising event reads like a Who's Who of Clayton

Police Receive Grant for New Bulletproof Vests
The $4,500 from the US Bureau of Justice Assistance will pay for about nine vests

County Visitors Bureau Awards $14,750 in Event Grants
To 40 groups from around the county, including the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Area Development Association, Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation and Clayton Youth Theater

Senior Games Attract Visitors to Clayton
Bocce State Finals attracted 170 participants, boosting local businesses and giving visitors from all over the state a look at the area's fastest growing town

Clayton Historic District Gets Recommendation
National Register Advisory Committee says proposal merits federal adoption

New Law Mandates Plastic Bottle Recycling
Beginning next month, it will no longer be legal to toss plastic drink bottles--or most other plastic bottles--into the trash

Ricky Skaggs Kicks Off 2010 Palladian Series
The Clayton Center’s 2009-10 performing arts season opens with two shows by the bluegrass icon

New Law Enforcement Center On the Way
Town officials are moving forward with plans for the $6 million complex that would provide much needed space for the town's highly regarded police force

Open House for Fire Prevention Week
At Fire Station No. 1 on West Horne Street from 1 pm to 4 pm

Fire Training Includes "Live Burn"
On NC Highway 42

Are You Planning to Have A Yard Sale?
There are some common-sense town rules you will need to know and follow about posting your Yard Sale signs

Poster Art Collection Moved to High-Traffic Area
Town's collection now hangs at the second floor landing of The Clayton Center near Customer Services

Heidi Stump Appointed to County Visitors Board
Executive Director of The Clayton Center has a seat on the board of the Johnston County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Town Awards Grants to Six Local Arts Groups
A total of $25,000 for the Clayton Youth Theatre, Clayton Visual Arts, Clayton High School Band Boosters, Johnston County Arts Council, Johnston County Chorale and Clayton Historical Society

Town Council Drops Youth Curfew Proposal
Instead, town will look for ways to get more children involved in ongoing youth activities

Police Earn Accreditation Recommendation
A team of assessors for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) has told town officials they will recommend "full accrediation" for the Clayton Police Department

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Meeting
"Informational Meeting" to outline progress on the section that winds through Johnston County near Clayton

New Self-Storage Facility Gets Green Light
Storage buildings, a climate-controlled storage building and an office building on Powhatan Road

Catherine Daniel Joins Police Department
A member of the Department's C-Squad

Fun at the Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Parks & Recreation Department sponsors all sorts of games on the second and fourth Tuesday and Thursday afternoons of each month

Clayton Bypass Named "N.C. Scenic Byway"
State officials say the 10.7-mile stretch of highway, which opened two years ago, helps "to embody the diverse beauty and culture of the Tar Heel State and provide travelers with a safe and interesting alternate route"

Water & Sewer Rates Going Up--Just A Little
To cover a price hike from Johnston County, the town's water supplier

Caterpillar Gets Green Light
Scaled-down plans for a new Product Development Center that would bring jobs to town got the approval of the Board of Adjustment this week

Gated Community Planned for Vinson Road
Intended for those 55-years-of-age and older

Health Fair Opens New Medical Center
The long-awaited Johnston Medical Center-Clayton

Poster Contest Winning Painting Donated to Town of Clayton
"Morning Bridge" by local Artist Dan Lee will soon be hanging in the Clayton Center

New Downtown Farmers Market Doing Well
"State of the Farmers Market" report says the Market is getting stronger financially and seems to be meeting all of its major goals—including its top goal of providing farm-fresh food to Clayton residents

Volunteers Needed to Serve on Town Boards
The Planning and Zoning Board, the Board of Adjustment, the Clayton Recreation Advisory Committee, the Clayton Library Board and the Downtown Development Association (DDA)

Arts Grants Deadline July 27
Despite recent budget reductions, grants to local artists and arts groups are still available through the town of Clayton's Cultural Arts Grants Program

New Town Budget Cuts Spending, Holds Line on Taxes
Scaled-down $37 million total reflects realities of sluggish economy

New Water Tower Proposed for East Clayton
It would enhance fire protection in the area and serve as a backup for the town's water supply

Town/County Will Close Gap in Water Pipeline
A major 16-inch water pipeline through Johnston County that stops when it gets to Clayton, then resumes on the other side

Recreation Advisory Committee Gets Three New Members
Jatinder Jaijee, Anthony Stanback and Jenny Gorman will join 11 others on the board in advising town officials on recreational matters.

Bea Smith is Clayton Center "Volunteer of the Year"
She is one of about 70 local residents who volunteer during the Palladian Series and Sundays in Clayton shows

Turkington Industries Moving to East Clayton
The multi-national company, which manufactures equipment for the baking industry, must move out of their present facilities in Goldsboro when their lease expires this fall

Rookie Firemen Get Battle Tested
The Fire Department will be setting fire to barns, houses and cars over the next week as part of "Live Fire Training" exercises

"Crime Stoppers" Program Should Help Police
A special phone line where residents can anonymously leave information about crimes—and get a cash reward for doing it

Special Olympics Torch Made Its Way Through Clayton Thursday
Carried to the Wake County line by members of the Clayton Police Department

Biking Enthusiasts to Gather Here Saturday to Work, Ride
Local mountain bikers will celebrate National Trails Day by first working on the Legend Park Mountain Bike Trail, and then going on a group ride

Police Department Adds Two New Officers
Army Veteran Owen Phillips and Former Sheriff's Deputy Drew Medlin

"Business Block Parties" Help Find Answers
An opportunity to bring downtown businesses together to network and, hopefully, learn something new.

Policeman Kenneth Lunger is "Officer of the Year"
A leader in getting drunk drivers off our roadways

Town Leaders Decide Focus for Year Ahead
Goals include a public transportation system, more space for the police department, more planning for growth, better communication with residents, more grant money, more support for industry, a downtown centerpiece and continued finiancial strength

Town Honors Rochelle Bolyard for Gift to Parks
The lifelong resident donated $20,000 last month

Downtown is Improving says DDA Annual Report
Sales are up, and the number of downtown stores is growing

It's Not Hollywood, But Clayton is On the Air
The Town's new PEG (Public, Educational and Governmental) Cable Access Channel is up and running on Time Warner Cable

Senior Games
More than 30 athletic and arts events

Would You Commute to Raleigh by Train?
The North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) will be asking that as they look deeper into a proposal for a commuter rail system that would link Clayton with Raleigh and Goldsboro

Town Moving Ahead With New 60-acre Park
On Glen Laurel Road in East Clayton, after a favorable response at a recent public forum and a thumbs-up from the Town Council

Town Getting New Shopping Center, Subdivision
A shopping and office center on NC 42 near the new medical center and a new mixed use subdivision on Vinson Road near the Glen Laurel subdivision

Finance Department Earns More Honors
Deputy Town Manager Nancy Medlin has won her profession's highest award---for the eighth year in a row

Downtown Leaders Want Business Experts
Downtown Development Association wants to get a chapter of the business-savvy organization SCORE started in Clayton

Local Resident Donates $20,000 for Parks
Eighty-seven-year-old Rochelle Bolyard, a lifelong resident and familiar figure at the Senior Games

Hundreds Crowd Downtown for Opening of Farmers Market
A few vendors sold out

Violent Crime Down, Police Successes Up
Violent crime in Clayton is on the decrease, and the level of sophistication in fighting it is on the increase

Town Water System Annual Cleaning is Underway
Residents may get some discolored water, a musty smell or a strong chlorine odor during the process

Water and Electric Meters Getting Upgraded
"We want to operate more efficiently," says Customer Service Director Ann Game

Town Hires New Finance Director
Robert McKie takes over for highly lauded Finance Director Nancy Medlin, who was appointed Deputy Town Manager a few months ago

Town Will Get Its Own Cable Channel Soon
A PEG (Public, Educational and Governmental) Cable Access Channel on Time Warner Cable to broadcast information important to town residents

Caterpillar Wants to Build New Product Development Center
On a 252-acre parcel of land near the intersection of NC 42 East and Glen Laurel Road

Two Town Boards Get New Members
Board of Adjustment and the Planning & Zoning Board

Fire Department Once Used Hand-drawn Buggies? It's history.
"The more into our history I get, the more interesting it is and the more I understand that unless we do something, people will forget." - Fire Chief Lee Barbee

Town's Financial Standing Earns Higher Rating
After years of building a reputation for fiscal responsibility, the town of Clayton has been rewarded with an upgrade in its financial rating from A to AA by Standard & Poor's

Town Seeks Funds for Tree Management
Continuing the ambitious tree preservation program that began a couple of years ago

Clayton Fire Chief and Former Chief Honored
By the Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association

Library's Christmas Food Drive Sparked Giving
They didn't collect much money in fines for overdue books, but they sure did help out the food bank at Clayton Area Ministries

Start the New Year Right--With Yoga Classes
Ten-week, ninety-minute sessions at The Clayton Center starting next week

Town Officials Formally Unveil Clayton Center Mural
A large crowd packed the upper floors of the Clayton Center Monday to see Clayton's first public art project, a mural of town scenes called "Clayton Patchwork"

It's Official--Farmers Market Coming to Town Square This Spring
On Saturday mornings beginning April 4

New Community Center Set to Open This Spring
Current estimates project the opening for early May

DDA Begins New Year With New Leader
Retired telecommunications executive Ed Knight is the new chairperson of the Downtown Development Association

Rezoned Land Eyed for Industrial Use
A 250-acre parcel near the intersection of NC 42 East and Glen Laurel Road

Local Artist Designs White House Ornamet
The lovely Christmas Tree in the East Wing of the White House in Washington DC is decorated with many beautiful ornaments, but none so beautiful as the one that Clayton Artist Cheryl Micaela McCardle designed and painted for the tree

Police Department's "Blue Santa" Helps Kids at Holiday Time
Know of any children who might not be having a good Christmas this year?

Town Finance Department Earns More Praise
Auditor Kenneth R. Anderson says Department "well-run"

Preparation Keeps Town in Good Shape Financially
Clayton continues to be in good shape financially, despite the economic downturn that's causing problems for individuals and governments alike all across the country and right here in North Carolina

Cub Scouts Get Meeting with Mayor Jody McLeod
Earning a "Citizenship Badge" in the process

Businesswoman Joyce Blackley Named Downtown "Champion"
The longtime advocate for downtown has been named this year's "NC Main Street Champion" for Clayton

Clayton History Book Available at Library
A long awaited book on the history of Clayton, written by two local residents, is on sale at the downtown Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library

Town Council Says "Good Bye" to Former Mayor
Mayor Jody McLeod and the Clayton Town Council recently presented a “Memorial Proclamation” to the family of former Mayor Herman E. Jones, honoring the longtime town leader who died a few weeks ago

One-Call Will Help Protect Underground Utilities
The Town of Clayton has joined the national One-Call utility location service, making it easier for builders and others to avoid damaging the town's underground utilities when they dig here

New Community for Seniors-Only On the Way
The Town Council has given its blessing to a plan by Developer Fred Smith to build a 238-home Seniors Community on Pritchard Road, complete with a clubhouse and shopping center

Three More Downtown Buildings Getting Upgrades
Two on Main Street and one on Fayetteville Street will be getting Downtown Façade Improvement grants totaling $11,000 to help improve their looks

Sending Treated Wastewater to Golf Course is a Win-Win
Pine Hollow Golf Course is lush and green this year, and the town is making money

Plans Unveiled for Downtown Centerpiece at Lombard and Main
The open space at the corner of Lombard and Main Streets will become an “aesthetic centerpiece” for the downtown area and provide a place for a farmers market and other events

Conservation Rules Relaxed for New Landscaping
Some yards will be allowed more irrigation while grass and landscaping take hold

Town Bans Tethering of Animals
The new law will take effect this fall

Clayton Donates $100,000 to New Hospice Center
The $3.8 million Center will fill a longtime need in Johnston County

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Nearing Reality
The section through here could be ready in a year or two

How Much Do You Really Know About Clayton?
Take the quiz. You might learn something

Town Computers and Phones are Getting Updated
Many services will soon be available over the internet

Electric System Named One of Nation's Best
American Public Power Association says Clayton system reaches "highest standards"

Johnston County Arts Council Needs Office Equipment and Volunteers
A great way to support the arts in Clayton

Town Says 'Thanks' to Bond Committee
Clayton Center ceremony honors those who helped secure funding for streets and parks

Join the Clayton Youth Council
High Schoolers have a chance to serve their community

Council Offers Incentive for Downtown Development
Will make commercial ventures more affordable while adding to town revenues in the long run

Downtown Facade Program Gets First Success Story
The Cider House Studio completes its makeover, gets praise and check from town officials

Voters Approve Bonds for Streets, Parks
The town's financial consulting firm says our finances are in great shape and the bond issues won't have any effect on taxes

Notice of Water Use Restrictions
Irrigation policy relaxed. View policy and conservation based rate structure

Finance Director Honored
Nancy Medlin wins her profession's highest award---for the seventh year in a row

Rec Department Offers Fun Classes
Pottery, Tennis, Tai Chi, Yoga, Tae Kwon Do and more