Press Releases

23
APR
2024

Harnett County to host Ribbon Cutting and Jamboree to celebrate new Jetport terminal

Harnett County is excited to announce that on Saturday, May 18, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Jamboree will take place to celebrate the opening of the new Harnett Regional Jetport Terminal. The event will include static aircraft displays, County booths, business displays, food trucks, …

15
APR
2024

Harnett County selects Ainsley Johnson as new Public Health Director

The Harnett County Board of Health appointed Ainsley Johnson as the new Public Health Director at their April 4 meeting. “I am honored to have been selected as the health director and am eager for the opportunity to further serve the citizens and employees of Harnett County,” said Johnson. “My …

9
APR
2024

Harnett County EFS Program Awarded Federal Funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program Phase 41

Harnett County Emergency Food and Shelter Program has been awarded $48,122.00 in funding from the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program Phase 41. This funding is to supplement established emergency food and shelter programs across the county. It is important to note this is not an individual assistance grant; this is …

8
APR
2024

Harnett County Library System Celebrates National Library Week

National Library Week, April 7-14, 2024, is a time to invite the community to join the celebration of libraries, library staff, and the various offerings that libraries provide. “This year we are embracing the theme Ready, Set, Library to highlight how our library connects and enriches our community in countless …

26
MAR
2024

Harnett Regional Water Launches New Free Digital Water Management Portal For Customers

Harnett Regional Water has recently partnered with WaterSmart Software to launch WaterSmart, a digital portal that allows customers to access detailed information regarding their household water use. WaterSmart is a free management portal that allows customers to: View & track water usage hourly, daily, and historical. Set …

22
MAR
2024

Triangle Business Journal Names Angie Stewart a 2024 Women in Business Award Winner

The Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) has revealed the winners of its annual 2024 Women in Business Awards. Among the winners is Harnett County Government’s own Senior Economic Developer, Angie Stewart. Stewart has been employed in economic development with Harnett County for 16 years. As Senior Economic Developer, she participates in …

18
MAR
2024

Harnett County Tax Department is accepting applications for tax relief programs

The Harnett County Tax Department is currently accepting property tax exclusion applications for elderly/disabled persons and disabled veterans. Each year from January 1 – June 1, the Tax Department accepts applications for individuals to receive property tax relief for their permanent residence where the residence is occupied by the qualifying …

11
MAR
2024

Harnett County seeks volunteers for Spring Litter Sweep

Harnett County’s Keep Harnett Beautiful Program will host a Spring Litter Sweep from April 1 until April 26. Harnett County is seeking community-wide participation in the Spring Litter Sweep to transform Harnett into a cleaner environment and protect the watershed and water quality. Harnett County is seeking community members, civic …

27
FEB
2024

Harnett County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Accepting Proposals for Youth Programs

The Harnett County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is now accepting proposals from organizations to receive funding for Teen Court programs that will serve delinquent and at-risk youth in Harnett County. JCPC anticipates receiving $27,723.00 from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS), Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for …

15
FEB
2024

Harnett County Seeks Citizen Input in Comprehensive Land Use Plan Survey

Let your voice be heard on how Harnett County should look to you Harnett County has launched a community survey to gather valuable feedback from citizens regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The County kicked off the beginning process of updating the Plan in August 2023 …

9
FEB
2024

Harnett County Celebrates the Grand Opening of the new Benhaven Public Library

Harnett County celebrated the grand opening of the new Benhaven Public Library with a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, February 8. The Benhaven Campus served the community for 100 years and the community gathered to celebrate the much-anticipated moment of its new purpose. “We are not …

7
FEB
2024

Harnett County mourns the loss of Deputy Sheriff Chris Johnson

Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of one of our own. Deputy Sheriff Chris Johnson has honorably served the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office for 16 months. He served as a School Resource Officer at Highland Middle School. He previously worked with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office for …

17
JAN
2024

Free Tax Assistance services for Harnett County residents, begin February 8, 2024

Free tax services are available from February 8 through April 4 Harnett County Public Library in partnership with Campbell University School of Business, will provide free tax return services to Harnett County residents beginning on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Harnett County residents will have the opportunity to …

12
JAN
2024

Harnett County Board of Elections to host ‘Get Your Vote On Expo’

The Harnett County Board of Elections will host the ‘Get Your Vote On Expo’ on Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Harnett County Resource Center and Library Training Room. “The expo will educate Harnett County voters on North Carolina voter laws and the election …

4
JAN
2024

Harnett County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Accepting Proposals for Youth Program Funding

Proposals accepted through February 5, 2024 The Harnett County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is now accepting proposals from organizations to receive funding for programs that will serve delinquent youth and youth most at risk of becoming delinquent in Harnett County. JCPC anticipates receiving $320,045.00 from the …

21
DEC
2023

Harnett County Reappraisal to begin on January 2, 2024

The Harnett County Tax Department will begin reappraising Harnett County properties starting the week of January 2, 2024. Field appraisers will review over 73,000 parcels of land in Harnett County, including residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial land, to update property values. The 2026 reappraisal is the process of updating real …

15
DEC
2023

Harnett County Sheriff’s Office hosts 10th annual Shop with a Sheriff

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office held the 10 th annual Shop With A Sheriff (SWAS) program on Thursday, December 14. The program provided 21 children with the opportunity to purchase up to $300 worth of items they desired for Christmas. Major Aaron Meredith spearheaded the program in 2013, and in …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

26
JUL
2022

Commissioners Appoint Christine Wallace as Acting Tax Administrator

At the July 26 work session, Harnett County Board of Commissioners appointed Christine Wallace as the County’s Acting Tax Administrator. County Attorney Dwight Snow administered the oath of office in the Commissioners Meeting Room at the Harnett County Resource Center & Library in Lillington, and Wallace’s husband, Jason, and son, Luke, …

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 …