Who Should Consider Semaglutide Therapy in Greenville, NC?

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) -How safe is your drinking water? A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that 20 new drinking water systems across North Carolina have been identified to exceed the proposed safe levels for toxic PFAS contaminants known as “forever chemicals.”

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), being exposed to PFAS chemicals can lead to cancer, thyroid diseases, weakened childhood immunity, and other health problems.

That is why the EPA proposed regulating lower levels of PFAS, but many counties in North Carolina are not meeting that level yet.

Water is an essential part of life.

However, a new report from the EPA shows that much of the country’s drinking supply is now contaminated with so-called forever chemicals known as PFAS, and despite efforts to filter it out of drinking water systems, experts say it’s not that simple.

Riley Lewis, the White Oak waterkeeper says, “Hopefully in the next couple of years we’ll be able to have safe drinking water. however, this is going to be very expensive and hard to implement for these water treatment facilities. especially since there are so many ways these pollutants are still entering our environment, groundwater, and our homes.

The EPA’s report shows that some of the affected sites are here in eastern North Carolina, including the Greenville Utilities Commission, Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority which covers Lenoir and Pitt Counties, and Martin Country Regional WASA.

It says that some of the chemicals detected were bromate, chloroform, and chromium, all of which are known to cause cancer.

Officials with the GUC say that’s why they are already taking steps to keep the water as clean as possible.

Steve Hawley, the public information officer at Greenville Utilities told WITN, “We’ll continue to do the testing that we have to do, we’ll continue to monitor other water treatment plants and see what they’re doing to lower the levels, and we’ll also stay in touch with water organizations to study the best practices.”

Researchers at East Carolina University say there are also steps individuals can take to be better prepared.

Jamie DeWitt, the ECU pharmacology and toxicology professor shared, “Arming yourself with information is the first step to reducing your exposure and reducing your health risk. find out where your water comes from, find out what type of filtration is used, find out if you need to install filtration, and then find out how you can minimize your exposure through products at your home.”

According to Professor Jamie Dewitt, people can purchase filtration systems with granular activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis to filter out most PFAS in the water.

Currently, there are only safety recommendations called health advisories for PFAS levels in drinking water.

The EPA has pledged to finalize PFAS drinking water standards by the end of the year and utilities will then likely have three to five years to comply.

Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost two decades.

Copyright 2023 WITN. All rights reserved.

Greenville, NC, combines small city charm with big opportunities for digital creators and tech companies.

Nestled in the lush eastern North Carolina region, Greenville is already known as a place to find small-town charm within the resources of a city. Located between Raleigh and the coast, it’s home to East Carolina University and several well-established industries such as manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. The vibe is friendly, the housing is affordable and the local outdoor adventures beckon to be explored. It’s decidedly unlike traditional tech hubs, and yet, Greenville is becoming just that.

Homegrown tech companies are driving job growth through significant recruiting efforts and new, creative partnerships with local colleges. Simultaneously, local organizations are doubling down on this new sector with innovative developments supporting technology and innovation.

YouTube’s Mr. Beast, founded by Greenville native Jimmy Donaldson, is number one on the Forbes list of 2022 Top Creators. His channel, known for expensive stunts and extreme philanthropy, is the largest platform on YouTube, with his main channel (one of five) garnering 139 million subscribers and counting. Content creation is a multi-billion-dollar industry. As companies like Mr. Beast expand, more skilled employees are needed to support content creation.

That was the inspiration behind the new partnership between Mr. Beast and East Carolina University (ECU). Together they’re developing an online training and credentialing program focused on entry-level industry skills.

For a company like Mr. Beast, which employs approximately 125 people and continues to grow, it can be challenging to find employees who are appropriately trained in such a new field. Dr. Sharon Paynter, ECU’s acting chief research and engagement officer, worked with Mr. Beast to develop this program based on the creator industry’s need for a more qualified workforce. She believes that offering the program entirely online enables students and employees global access to this innovative training. Many of these students will also realize the resources located locally in Greenville.

“East Carolina University has long been a leader in online education, and the Greenville area offers the lifestyle amenities — like recreation and affordable cost of living — many professionals seek,” Paynter explained. “While this program will be primarily an online educational option that supplies workforce for creator companies anywhere in the world, the hope is it will also draw digital media content creators to Greenville, increasing the number of these types of companies located in this region.”

Other tech companies established by Greenville natives are also seeing significant growth. For example, Grover Gaming, which was established in Greenville in 2003 by CEO Garrett Blackwelder, is a software development and design company. As they expect to bring in hundreds of new jobs in the next five years, they’re putting significant effort into drawing the best talent to Greenville.

Like Mr. Beast, Grover Gaming is also investing in expanding educational opportunities to support their field’s long-term growth. They’ve partnered with the local Pitt Community College to create the “Simulation and Game Development AAS Degree” and two certificate programs: SGD-Art Certificate and SGD-Programming Certificate. The curriculum’s broad background in simulation and game development allows students to apply their creative skills in a practical way. This hands-on program teaches students to build 3D and 2D games — something Grover Gaming needs to fuel its growth.

Although local tech companies are driving these partnerships, there is extensive support for this new economic opportunity throughout the community. For example, the Greenville Eastern North Carolina (ENC) Alliance is a public-private partnership created to support economic vitality through community collaborations, promotions and development. Their CEO, Josh Lewis, values their traditional manufacturing industries while strategically developing the tech and innovation sector to drive growth.

“The majority of the job growth in the next 10 years is going to be within white-collar professions and professional services. So, understanding that we have a foundation here that we can build on with content creation and gaming development. We will shift some of our focus and resources towards those industries in a way that we haven’t done previously,” said Lewis.

An example of this collaborative support is evident in the current development of Intersect East, an urban “innovation campus” of mixed-use space combining tech, light manufacturing and research opportunities with lifestyle amenities such as housing and dining. Bridging the ECU campus with local industries is another way Greenville utilizes its current resources to develop this new sector.

“We’re trying to create programming and an infrastructural support system that highlights these companies that were organically created here by entrepreneurs within the environment that exists today and make the environment better,” Josh Lewis explained. “We have a continuous pipeline of talent that comes through this area that we can do a better job of retaining if we have the jobs of the future that they have an interest in.”

Its position outside of the traditional tech hubs may actually be fueling Greenville’s newfound attraction. Grover Gaming is finding that employees who have relocated to Greenville are drawn to the fun city activities and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities without the crush of big city crowds. The affordable cost of living is also particularly attractive.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising then that according to RentCafe, Greenville ranked first in their analysis of the “Best Cities for Gen Z Renters.” As young people turned away from big cities during Covid, they set their sights on communities like Greenville. In fact, Greenville saw an 84% spike in apartment applications by Gen Z renters in 2020.

ECU’s Dr. Payntor explained how Greenville has embraced these new opportunities. “Our community has been excited about the potential for this program, and we have strong support from local stakeholders.”

With new and unique training opportunities for students, ready-made industry infrastructure and organizational support, it’s easy to see why Greenville is garnering attention as a hub for digital creators and tech. Factoring in its tight-knit community and affordability, the city appears poised for growth.

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What’s everyone talking about? While the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the “it” places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight the spots crowds are flocking to at the moment or generating a big buzz. Folks are asking, “Have you been yet?” Try one of these newbies today.

Greenville openings continue to press into historic neighborhoods while what’s traditionally considered Downtown welcomed restaurants expanding from other markets. The additions are driving a happy hour culture unlike what Greenville’s experienced, and locals are embracing the extra hours out. More family-friendly options are also creating a dining culture that feels all ages, something that works with Greenville’s uber-friendly vibes.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

The cheery counter service restaurant on Wade Hampton offers every variation of birria (note: the dipping broth is an extra order). A loaded nacho comes with nearly a $17 price tag but is topped with enough pork, steak, seared chicken, and whole shrimp to feed two to three. There’s also birria ramen and fried rice and seasonal specials. Layered drinks, in massive cups, offer a Mexi-Cali dining experience in the Upstate.

Lewis Barbecue says Greenville will be its only expansion market. Its location just outside of downtown, on Rutherford Road, edging towards Stone Avenue, seems to support the claim. The redesign of the landmark Tommy’s Ham House left a good bit of the footprint and feels like a nice homage to its origin story. Two cuts of brisket continue to be the hallmark order at Lewis, but daily specials include massive beef back ribs on Tuesdays— they are rather delicious in their sticky state— and short ribs on Saturdays.

Small-batch ice cream made locally now has two locations — and neither are downtown. The first location is in Historic Overbrook and the second, which is brand new, is in the Parkins Mill neighborhood, not far away. The honey lavender ice cream feels instantly classic and affordably priced scoops are a tenant of the company. Owner Caitlin Clare went to ice cream school at Penn State and started with an ice cream bike just a couple of years ago.

Harry’s Hoagies draws a lunch crowd to the Historic Overbrook neighborhood. Built on seeded hoagie rolls from Liscio’s Bakery in New Jersey, a menu of inventive sandwiches have captured Greenville’s fancy like the MAP with its fried mozzarella, arugula salad, marinated cantaloupe, and prosciutto. The husband-and-wife team of Michelle Pavlakos and Andrew Fallis recently pulled over their cheesesteak concept, Mike’s, from the outdoor food hall Gather, making a stop at Harry’s extra warm and inviting.

The pop-up doughnut company found a brick-and-mortar store in Historic Overbrook in the same strip center as Harry’s Hoagies. They call their super-fluffy, many-layered cronuts “doughnuts” and often sell out. The remedy is to pre-order a dozen of 13 online for pickup. A cinnamon sugar base donut is delicious by itself, but varieties can be glazed, filled, or topped. Store hours are Wednesday through Saturday mornings only.

The dim sum spot next door to Fire Forge Brewery on East Washington is the brainchild of proprietor Khailing Neoh. Her handmade shumai is offered in more variations from her pop-up days and other dishes have been added to the menu such as char siu pork, egg custard tarts, Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, and blistered green beans. The sustainable restaurant offers no take-out and during the day transforms into Coffee Coffee, an exquisite coffee counter run by Jermiah Romo, which opens at 7 a.m.

And Greenville makes four. Indaco is now in Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and in the heart of Greenville’s Main Street district. It shares a footprint with O-Ku, across the street from the Peace Center complex. Its updated take on craft pasta, pizza, and seasonal apps has hit a note with Greenville regulars who go out often and mid-week. A well-designed dining room cleverly utilized massive mirrors so the action in the open kitchen can be observed from any indoor table.

And Greenville makes eight. O-Ku is now in Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, DC, Nashville, Raleigh, Jacksonville Beach, and in the heart of Greenville’s Main Street district, sharing a footprint with its sibling restaurant Indaco. Beautiful precise sushi, both traditional and avant-garde, is paired with sake offerings and cocktails. The Reedy River roll is a fun play with torched salmon, kimchi, and lemon zest. Chef Masatomo Hamaya is spot on tailoring each location’s menu to its clientele, making O-Ku its own experience to visit in each market.

The Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-themed bar in West Greenville includes a covered front porch as well as an intimate back bar that can be reserved for parties. Travis Giarratana, a beloved member of the Urban Wren team, has recently moved over to the Rabbit Hole. A limited menu has kept the focus on drinks — like the Morning Mahogany comprised of Elijah Craig, Borghetti espresso, and Montenegro — but the addition of Giarratana could mean interesting changes to the menus soon. Picturesque interiors and clever bathroom decor keep cameras popping.

Bringing fine dining to Greenville’s Eastside is Patterson Kitchen + Bar, part of the new Hotel Hartness. Executive chef Tanner Marino and chef de cuisine Gianna Smutzki present updated Southern plates such as crab-stuffed ahi tuna and duck cavatelli. There’s also beet salad, cioppino, filet, and gluten-free desserts. The 73-room boutique hotel sits within a 467-acre urban village. The Captain is the property’s intimate cocktail-driven bar and sits inside the original manor home.

The cheery counter service restaurant on Wade Hampton offers every variation of birria (note: the dipping broth is an extra order). A loaded nacho comes with nearly a $17 price tag but is topped with enough pork, steak, seared chicken, and whole shrimp to feed two to three. There’s also birria ramen and fried rice and seasonal specials. Layered drinks, in massive cups, offer a Mexi-Cali dining experience in the Upstate.

Lewis Barbecue says Greenville will be its only expansion market. Its location just outside of downtown, on Rutherford Road, edging towards Stone Avenue, seems to support the claim. The redesign of the landmark Tommy’s Ham House left a good bit of the footprint and feels like a nice homage to its origin story. Two cuts of brisket continue to be the hallmark order at Lewis, but daily specials include massive beef back ribs on Tuesdays— they are rather delicious in their sticky state— and short ribs on Saturdays.

Small-batch ice cream made locally now has two locations — and neither are downtown. The first location is in Historic Overbrook and the second, which is brand new, is in the Parkins Mill neighborhood, not far away. The honey lavender ice cream feels instantly classic and affordably priced scoops are a tenant of the company. Owner Caitlin Clare went to ice cream school at Penn State and started with an ice cream bike just a couple of years ago.

Harry’s Hoagies draws a lunch crowd to the Historic Overbrook neighborhood. Built on seeded hoagie rolls from Liscio’s Bakery in New Jersey, a menu of inventive sandwiches have captured Greenville’s fancy like the MAP with its fried mozzarella, arugula salad, marinated cantaloupe, and prosciutto. The husband-and-wife team of Michelle Pavlakos and Andrew Fallis recently pulled over their cheesesteak concept, Mike’s, from the outdoor food hall Gather, making a stop at Harry’s extra warm and inviting.

The pop-up doughnut company found a brick-and-mortar store in Historic Overbrook in the same strip center as Harry’s Hoagies. They call their super-fluffy, many-layered cronuts “doughnuts” and often sell out. The remedy is to pre-order a dozen of 13 online for pickup. A cinnamon sugar base donut is delicious by itself, but varieties can be glazed, filled, or topped. Store hours are Wednesday through Saturday mornings only.

The dim sum spot next door to Fire Forge Brewery on East Washington is the brainchild of proprietor Khailing Neoh. Her handmade shumai is offered in more variations from her pop-up days and other dishes have been added to the menu such as char siu pork, egg custard tarts, Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, and blistered green beans. The sustainable restaurant offers no take-out and during the day transforms into Coffee Coffee, an exquisite coffee counter run by Jermiah Romo, which opens at 7 a.m.

And Greenville makes four. Indaco is now in Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and in the heart of Greenville’s Main Street district. It shares a footprint with O-Ku, across the street from the Peace Center complex. Its updated take on craft pasta, pizza, and seasonal apps has hit a note with Greenville regulars who go out often and mid-week. A well-designed dining room cleverly utilized massive mirrors so the action in the open kitchen can be observed from any indoor table.

And Greenville makes eight. O-Ku is now in Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, DC, Nashville, Raleigh, Jacksonville Beach, and in the heart of Greenville’s Main Street district, sharing a footprint with its sibling restaurant Indaco. Beautiful precise sushi, both traditional and avant-garde, is paired with sake offerings and cocktails. The Reedy River roll is a fun play with torched salmon, kimchi, and lemon zest. Chef Masatomo Hamaya is spot on tailoring each location’s menu to its clientele, making O-Ku its own experience to visit in each market.

The Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-themed bar in West Greenville includes a covered front porch as well as an intimate back bar that can be reserved for parties. Travis Giarratana, a beloved member of the Urban Wren team, has recently moved over to the Rabbit Hole. A limited menu has kept the focus on drinks — like the Morning Mahogany comprised of Elijah Craig, Borghetti espresso, and Montenegro — but the addition of Giarratana could mean interesting changes to the menus soon. Picturesque interiors and clever bathroom decor keep cameras popping.

Bringing fine dining to Greenville’s Eastside is Patterson Kitchen + Bar, part of the new Hotel Hartness. Executive chef Tanner Marino and chef de cuisine Gianna Smutzki present updated Southern plates such as crab-stuffed ahi tuna and duck cavatelli. There’s also beet salad, cioppino, filet, and gluten-free desserts. The 73-room boutique hotel sits within a 467-acre urban village. The Captain is the property’s intimate cocktail-driven bar and sits inside the original manor home.

GREENVILLE, N.C., June 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LBA Hospitality, an Alabama–based hotel management company, today announced that it has opened the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Greenville, North Carolina. The 118-suite hotel located at 420 Moye Boulevard is owned by BPR Properties of High Point, North Carolina.

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Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville is situated directly across the street from ECU Health Medical Center, two miles from Pitt-Greenville Airport and Uptown Greenville. The four-story hotel offers guests convenient access to East Carolina University, Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Minges Coliseum, Clark-LeClair Stadium, the Greenville Convention Center and numerous business parks and corporate headquarters.

"Homewood Suites Greenville is an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of top-notch hotels," said Beau Benton, President, LBA Hospitality. "We are delighted to again partner with BPR Properties. Together, our history of success will drive long-term growth and make this hotel a top performer in the Greenville market."

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville offers spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with separate living and sleeping areas designed to let you live, work and relax. Each suite is outfitted with fully equipped kitchens complete with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and twin-burner stove. Guests can also enjoy a toaster, coffee maker, cookware, utensils and place setting for four so they can cook home-like meals without leaving their suite. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, inviting communal spaces, a 24-hour Suite Shop convenience store and guest laundry.

Additional amenities at the pet-friendly Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville include a complimentary full hot breakfast, a business center, a well-equipped fitness center featuring Peloton bikes, electric vehicle charging stations, a stunning double-sided fireplace in the lobby and 625 square-feet of meeting space.

For more information on the Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville or to make reservations please call directly at 252-751-6150, or visit their website.

About LBA Hospitality

Established in 1973, LBA Hospitality is one of the leading hotel management, development, and consulting companies in the US. With an extensive portfolio of award-winning hotels in the East, Southeast, and Southwest, LBA Hospitality is a recognized leader in developing and operating the most respected brands under Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Best Western, and InterContinental Hotel Group franchise licenses. For more than five decades, LBA Hospitality has continued to set a higher standard in hotel development, management, and guest satisfaction, resulting in sustained, profitable growth for owners. For more information, visit www.lbahospitality.com.

About BPR Properties

Headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, BPR Properties was founded in 1983 with the purchase of its first property: a smoke shop in Staten Island, New York. Since their humble beginnings, BPR Properties has acquired and developed more than 50 hotels, developed nearly 1,500 acres in commercial and residential real estate, and grown in the sophisticated company that it is today.

Contact:Judy CluckVice President of Sales and MarketingLarry Blumberg & Associates, Inc.678-977-8316[email protected]

SOURCE LBA Hospitality

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - A TV network is shining a spotlight on a jail here in the east.

The A&E’s “60 days in” series took a deep dive into the Pitt County jail, sending seven people in to see if they could last for 60 days...

Jacyn Abbott sat down with Sheriff Paula Dance, as she shares the reason why she agreed to let the cameras in.

“I’m a cop!” said Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance.

Dance says she’s never been one for reality tv.

“I don’t like kissy cop shows,” said Dance.

However, her youngest son got her to give the A&E show “60 days in” a chance, and just two months later, producers from the show reached out.

“I’m like what are the odds,” said Dance. “because I had never heard of it.”

After deliberating her reservations, she says the pros outweighed the cons to allow the Pitt County Jail be in the spotlight for season eight of the program.

“The only way I would be able to really truly get the information I needed was from an inmate and most real inmates don’t snitch,” said Dance.

The filming of season eight started in September of 2022 and wrapped up in May.

“I’m absolutely okay with what we’ve done and I think the citizens of Pitt County will be proud of the Pitt County Detention Center and what we are doing,” said Dance.

So what does it take to survive behind bars?

“you got to be a little bit tough to be in here.. a little bit ya know.. to fit in but once you’re in, everybody, they all treat you with respect,” said Detention Officer Deberoh Lee. “The inmates are friends with each other and they watch out for each other.”

She says she had her suspicions, but it was a great experience in the end.

“It’s not all fun and games, that’s for sure!” said Lee “I mean, you are coming in and you are going to get your time served.”

Sheriff Dance says this is about transparency to the public, encouraging citizens to stay out of jail, and uncovering what improvements can be made in Pitt County and she would budge on spoilers

“So welcome to Pitt County Thursday nights,” said Dance.

There’s a two-hour preshow that aired Thursday night at 9 p.m. The network says it is the first inside look before a season drop.

The show’s first episode debuts tonight and the series starts next Thursday, June 15.

Copyright 2023 WITN. All rights reserved.