Press Releases

4
DEC
2023

Harnett County mourns the loss of John Rouse, Health Department Director

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of John Rouse, Public Health Department Director. John Rouse began his career with Harnett County on November 10, 2003. He has served 20 years as the Local Public Health Department Director. “John has generously served the citizens of Harnett County …

20
NOV
2023

Harnett County Announces Application Process for Low Income Energy Assistance Program

Applications accepted through March 31, 2024 Harnett County Department of Social Services would like to announce the application process for this year’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program will be accepted beginning December 1, 2023 for the priority group …

17
NOV
2023

New Initiative Provides Payment to Support Relatives and Family Members Who Step in to Care for Children in Need

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley is visiting the Harnett County Department of Social Services on Monday, Nov. 20, to announce a new initiative that provides payment to relatives and family members who step in to care for children in need. The kinship care reimbursement …

14
NOV
2023

More North Carolinians can get health care coverage through Medicaid

The North Carolina Health and Human Services announced that beginning December 1, 2023, Medicaid will cover people ages 19 through 64 with higher incomes. If individuals did not qualify before, they may be eligible now. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps to cover medical costs …

6
NOV
2023

Harnett County to kick off Farm City Week on November 11

Harnett County Cooperative Extension will host Ag Day on Saturday, November 11, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to kick off Farm City Week. Farm City Week has been celebrated for over 25 years and aims to celebrate the importance of agriculture to the economy, quality of life, …

1
NOV
2023

Harnett County to Celebrate Veterans in Upcoming Ceremony and Launch ‘Operation Green Light’

Harnett County Veterans Services will host a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10 at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be held in Harnett County Veterans Park at 455 McKinney Parkway in Lillington. This year’s guest speaker will be Brent Trout, Harnett County Manager. Trout joined the army at age …

13
OCT
2023

Harnett County Chief's Association receives South River Grant to support Smoke Alarm, Canvassing and Installation campaign

(Left to right) J osh Sorrell, Brian Heath, Alan Jarvis, Mike Brown, Chris Prince, Ricky Edwards, Shawn Tripp, Jamey Roberts, Allen Monds, Sarah Tart South River Electric Membership Corporation provided $6,200 to the Harnett County Chief’s Association on Monday, October 6, to support the Smoke Alarm, Canvassing, and …

4
OCT
2023

I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance Breaks Ground on Workforce Training Center in Dunn

Community members, elected officials, and local businesses joined the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance (Alliance) on Tuesday, October 3, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the historic Magnolia School building in Dunn. Renovations of the building will begin in early 2024. Upon completion, the building will house the new …

2
OCT
2023

Harnett County Emergency Services New Paramedic Academy Program will host first graduation

The program will welcome six new paramedics Harnett County Emergency Services will host a Paramedic graduation on October 6, 2023, at 6 p.m. to celebrate six new Paramedics. Harnett County partnered with Central Carolina Community College to launch an in-house Paramedic Academy Program where Harnett County would …

18
SEP
2023

Harnett County Manager’s Office Will Host Next Citizen Information Session October 26

The session will be offered in-person and virtually on YouTube The Harnett County Manager’s Office will host the next Citizen Information Session on Thursday, October 26 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Resource Center and Library training room at 455 McKinney Parkway in Lillington, NC. The Citizen …

15
SEP
2023

Harnett County Board of Elections and Harnett County Public Library to Host Voter Registration and Voter Photo ID Event

In recognition of National Voter Registration Day on September 19, the Harnett County Board of Elections and the Harnett County Public Library partner to host a Voter Registration Drive and Voter Photo ID Event. The Voter Photo ID event is free, and no appointments are required. The event will be …

13
SEP
2023

Harnett County Animal Services increases partnerships for fostering

Adoption event slated for September 16 Harnett County Animal Services has been establishing partnerships with organizations to increase animal fostering throughout the county. The next adoption event will occur on Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Petco, located at 2450 W. Cumberland Street in Dunn. …

5
SEP
2023

Stephen Barrington to lead Harnett County Economic Development

Harnett County Government has a new leader for Economic Development. Stephen Barrington has been selected to serve as the Director of Economic Development and will assume the role on September 18, 2023. Barrington joins Harnett County from neighboring Sampson County, where he served as the Executive Director of …

29
AUG
2023

Cape Fear Valley/Harnett Health Breaks Ground, Further Invests in Harnett County’s Growth

Groundbreaking at Central Harnett Hospital Harnett County, N.C. - August 29, 2023 - Ground was broken yesterday at the Brightwater Technology Park in Lillington to celebrate the start of a project that will have an incredible impact on Harnett County and its residents needing access to care locally. …

14
AUG
2023

Harnett County to update Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Kicking off August 16 Harnett County will update its Comprehensive Land Use Plan to outline the vision and guide its future. The Comprehensive Land Use project will kick off this Wednesday, August 16. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan will guide the community’s vision, land use policy, funding, resource decisions, …

20
JUL
2023

Harnett County Emergency Services to launch new smoke alarm campaign

Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office has partnered with local fire departments in Harnett County, the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal and the American Red Cross to provide and install smoke alarms, and basic fire and life safety education throughout Harnett County. The 2023 Smoke Alarm, …

19
JUL
2023

Commissioners appoint Christine Wallace as Tax Administrator

Christine Wallace was officially appointed as the Tax Administrator for Harnett County at the Board of Commissioners Meeting on July 17. County Attorney Dwight Snow administered the oath of office, and Wallace’s son, Luke, and husband, Jason, held the bible during the ceremony. Wallace has been serving …

17
JUL
2023

Harnett County Hosts 2nd Annual Community Day August 17

Event is free and open to the public Harnett County will host the 2nd Annual Community Day on August 17 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Government Complex at 455 McKinney Parkway in Lillington, NC. Community Day is an event for Harnett County residents to learn more …

7
JUL
2023

Harnett Students Gain Conservation Career Inspiration at Resource Conservation Workshop

The Harnett County Soil and Water Conservation District shared the below press release: Joining over 30 other students from across the State, two Harnett County high school students attended the 58th annual Resource Conservation Workshop in Raleigh June 25-30, 2023. Students were selected by their local Soil and …

20
JUN
2023

Harnett County Commissioners Approve $5 Million Match for Workforce Development Center

Approved at Board meeting on June 19 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners voted to approve $5 million in matching funds to renovate the Magnolia Avenue School building into a workforce development center. “We are excited about the plans to renovate the Magnolia Avenue School building,” said Brent Trout, …

15
JUN
2023

Summer Reading Program Kickoff event slated for June 17

The Harnett County Public Library System will celebrate the beginning of the Summer Reading Program with a kickoff event on June 17, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Resource Center and Library located at 455 McKinney Parkway in Lillington, NC. The Summer Reading Program kickoff event is the …

2
JUN
2023

Harnett County Manager’s Office Will Host Next Citizen Information Session June 26

The session will be offered in-person and virtually on YouTube The Harnett County Manager’s Office will host the next Citizen Information Session on Monday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Resource Center and Library training room at 455 McKinney Parkway in Lillington, NC. The Citizen Information …

26
MAY
2023

100% Fiber Optic Internet Expansion Coming to Harnett County

Lumos announced Wednesday that they would invest over $50 million to bring its 100% Fiber Optic Internet services to residents and businesses in Harnett and Johnston County. Lumos is a service provider that provides 100% Fiber Optic Internet, whole-Home Wi-Fi, voice and streaming services to more than 200,000 homes and …

23
MAY
2023

Harnett County receives 2023 National Achievement Award for Compatibility Regulations

Harnett County received the 2023 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The Achievement Award honors innovative and effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Harnett County was awarded for the compatibility regulations program that Development Services spearheaded. “This award is a testament to …

1
MAY
2023

Harnett County Manager Presents 2024 Fiscal Year Recommended Budget

County Manager Brent Trout, presented the 2024 fiscal year recommended budget at the Board of Commissioners meeting this morning. The County’s annual budget estimates the total value of resources required to perform County operations and support citizen needs. “It is our responsibility as a County to adequately serve the citizens of …

17
APR
2023

Harnett County Regional Water meter project resume in April 2023

Harnett Regional Water meter upgrade project resumes after 9 months Harnett County announced in March 2021 that thousands of countywide water meters were being replaced, upgrading the system from mostly analog to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters. The Harnett Regional Water meter project began in spring 2021 and cycles seven, …

16
MAR
2023

Harnett County Names Desiree Patrick as New Community Relations Director

Harnett County has named Desiree Patrick as the new Community Relations Director effective March 6, 2023. In this role, Patrick will manage the County’s Public Information Office, overseeing the communications, marketing, and community relations efforts between the County and its residents. Patrick brings over 10 years of experience in communications, …

2
MAR
2023

Harnett County Economic Development Partnership Holds Inaugural Planning Retreat

The Harnett County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors held its inaugural planning retreat in Raleigh on February 23, 2023. This meeting convened to review last year’s progress and unite behind new annual priorities, outlining a plan of action for the coming year. Among progress made last year was the …

1
MAR
2023

ILC Dover Chooses Lillington to Expand Biopharma Footprint

ILC Dover LP , a world-leader in the design and production of solutions for biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and medical device markets, as well as a leading supplier for the aerospace industries, has completed construction of a 48,000-square-foot-facility at 900 Edwards Drive in Lillington. The company, specializing in innovative single-use solutions …

13
FEB
2023

Harnett County Welcomes Elizabeth Edwards as New Marketing Director for Economic Development

Harnett County is proud to announce Elizabeth Edwards as the first Marketing Director for Economic Development effective February 20, 2023. She brings over 15 years of experience leading digital marketing and communication initiatives, serving most recently as the Director of Communications and Donor Relations at William Peace University. Prior to …

10
FEB
2023

Harnett County Awarded Federal Funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program

Deadline to submit a letter of request March 9, 2023 Harnett County announced funding was awarded from the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program Phase 40 for $47,569. This funding is to supplement established emergency food and shelter programs across the county. Phase 40 will run concurrently with …

8
FEB
2023

Angier & Black River Fire Districts Receive New Rating After Inspection

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced today that the following Fire Districts completed their routine inspection and received the listed rating, on listed effective dates. The inspection, conducted by officials with the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), is required on a regular …

26
JAN
2023

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Accepting Proposals for Youth Program Funding

Proposals will be accepted through February 28, 2023 The Harnett County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is now accepting proposals for fiscal year 2023-2024. The JCPC’s Mission is to address the gaps in youth service by promoting prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare strategies, which strengthen families and community …

20
JAN
2023

Free Tax Assistance Available for Harnett County Residents

Assistance available February 8 through April 5, 2023 Harnett County residents can get their tax returns prepared free on Wednesdays, February 8 through March 1 and March 15 through April 5 at the Harnett County Public Library Resource Center and Library Training Room, located at 455 …

17
JAN
2023

Nomination Period Open for 2023 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award

Nominations due by February 5, 2023 Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. The awards program, created by the Office of the Governor in 1979, recognizes North Carolina’s most dedicated volunteers. Through the years, the award has …

14
JAN
2023

Harnett Regional Jetport Ranks # 10 for Jobs, Economic Output, and Annual Flight Operations for North Carolina’s General Aviation Airports

Harnett Regional Jetport (HRJ) ranks #10 out of 62 General Aviation Airports in North Carolina in job creation and economic output according to a NC Department of Transportation report released on Monday. The report titled, “North Carolina: The State of Aviation” indicated that Harnett Regional Jetport contributes the following to North …

10
JAN
2023

Harnett County Selected to Participate in National Reaching Rural Initiative

The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) announced that seven community leaders from Harnett County were selected to participate in the inaugural class of the Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions Initiative . Co-sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Justice Institute, the …

9
DEC
2022

Harnett County Manager’s Office Hosts Citizen Information Sessions

Harnett County Manager’s Office will hold information sessions later this month to provide citizens an opportunity to learn more about Harnett County Government departments, services, and initiatives. Citizens can choose to attend a virtual zoom session at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14 or an in-person session at 6 p.m. …

8
DEC
2022

U.S. 401 Corridor Study Open House | December 8 at 5pm

You are invited to an upcoming U.S. 401 Corridor Study Open House on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. at the Harnett County Resource Center & Library in Lillington, located at 455 McKinney Parkway. Click to download handout. These drop-in style meetings will provide an opportunity …

5
DEC
2022

Commissioners December 5 Meeting Recap

Harnett County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting this morning, December 5, in the Commissioners Meeting Room at the Harnett County Resource Center and Library. Commissioners kicked off the meeting approving several action items in the Consent Agenda. These action items included: Approval of the November 15, …

1
DEC
2022

Harnett County Public Library Announces Friends of the Library Book Sale

Harnett County Public Library will host the Friends of the Library Book Sale on Friday, December 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The book sale will take place in the Resource Center and Library Training Room, located at 455 McKinney …

19
SEP
2022

Harnett County Launches New Public-Private Partnership for Economic Development

Harnett County announced the launch of the Harnett County Economic Development Partnership, a public-private organization promoting living wage jobs and capital investment within the County and its municipalities. This collaboration brings together elected officials, business leaders, and educational stakeholders to strengthen talent attraction, workforce development efforts, product development, and other …

1
JUL
2022

Harnett County Emergency Management Updates Severe Weather Alert Notifications

New changes go into effect August 1 Harnett County Emergency Management announced changes to the way severe weather alert notifications will be delivered to the public. These new changes will go into effect on August 1, 2022. Harnett County Emergency Management will no longer send out weather …

21
MAR
2022

Harnett County Public Library Says Goodbye to Overdue Fines

Overdue fines now eliminated at all county library locations The Harnett County Public Library is turning a new page by eliminating overdue fines for circulating materials. All community members can now borrow and enjoy library items without the worry of returning them late. At the October 18, …

16
FEB
2022

Commissioners Approve County’s First Strategic Plan

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners approved the County’s inaugural Strategic Plan at their February 7 regular meeting. The 2032 Harnett County Strategic Plan will serve as a guide for the Board and County departments over the next decade. “I want to thank my fellow Commissioners for their leadership and …