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13 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY APRIL 2026 DINE-IN OR TAKEOUT FROM 4:00-6:00PM AUCTION BEGINS AT 6:00PM TICKETS $10 BBQ & BBQ CHICKEN DINNER & AUCTION PIKEVILLE PLEASANT GROVE VFD APRIL 25, 2026 JOIN US FOR PLEASANT GROVE'S ANNUAL April opens with strong energy across Wayne County agriculture, following the successful grand opening of the Farm Credit Farmers Market on March 28. The ribbon cutting, held with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, marked the start of a new season of local food and community connection. Families visited with vendors, enjoyed local products, and took part in Farm Fest activities hosted by the Wayne County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers. This year's opening also introduced a new seating area inside the market–bistro tables designed to give visitors a place to relax, socialize and enjoy the items they've purchased. The space will serve as a gathering spot throughout the season and reflects the market's growing role as a community hub. As April begins, farmers across the county are preparing fields for spring planting. Crops will soon by going into the grounds, and produce growers are tending early crops while watching the weather closely. Livestock farms are entering one of their busiest stretches of the year, with spring births, pasture management and herd health all top priorities. Extension agents are working alongside farmers on planting decisions, soil fertility and pest management as the growing season begins in earnest. With the farmers market now open and fields coming to life, April offers residents a chance to reconnect with the farms that anchor our local economy and rural heritage. Wayne County Extension Agents Working With Farmers By Jennifer Johnson Jennifer Johnson is an Extension Agent with the Wayne County Cooperative Extension. Or should I ask, what is that growing on or near your cat's tongue? What is an oral mass exactly? An oral mass is any abnormal growth or swell- ing in the mouth or surrounding tissues. This includes the gums, tongue, oropharynx (part of the throat at the back of the mouth), larynx (area of the throat containing the vocal cords), glottis (the primary valve between the lungs and the mouth), epiglottis (the flap that covers the tra- chea during swallowing), hard and soft palates (the roof of the mouth), cheeks, lips, tonsils, and the glands, lymph nodes, and bones of the mouth. An oral mass in a cat does not always mean cancer. The mass may be caused by infection, inflammation, an immune system disorder, trauma, or the formation of abnormally dividing cells (cancer). However, if left untreated, even a benign oral mass in a cat can become fatal. Early detection and diagnosis of oral masses is key for reducing the morbidity and mortality of feline patients. It is very important that you take your cat to their veterinarian yearly, so they can do a thorough examination of your cat's mouth to identify any diseases and start treatment early in the disease process. Regular dental hygiene at home and annual dental cleanings can also lead to early diagnosis of an oral mass. Call us to learn more about oral health care for your cat or dog today! Symphony Mobile Veterinary Clinic 919-330-6747 Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic 919-778-3058 "Cat got your tongue?" By Dr. Symphony Roberson Symphony Mobile Veterinary Clinic and Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic The next generation of agricultural leaders will take center stage at the Wayne Regional Fairgrounds on Thursday, April 9, 2026, for the annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show & Sale. The event marks the culmination of months of dedication, responsibility, and hands- on learning for local youth participants. We have over 50 participants signed up this year showing hogs, cattle and goats. These kids have been in the barns every morn- ing and evening since January(or before). They are learning financial management, animal husbandry, and the value of a hard day's work. When you support this show, you are directly investing in the future of Wayne County agri- culture. Event Details: •What: Wayne County Jr. Livestock Show & Sale •When:Thursday, April 9, 2026 (Shows begin at 8:15 am) •Where: Wayne Regional Fairgrounds, 2801 US-117, Dudley NC 28333 •Who: Open to the public; admission is free. The Wayne County Junior Livestock Show & Sale is organized by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Wayne County Center, in collabora- tion with the Wayne County Livestock Development Association. For more information on how to become a sponsor or to view the full show schedule, please contact the Wayne County Extension Office at (919) 731-1521 or visit wayne.ces. ncsu.edu. Wayne County Youth to Showcase Hard Work at Annual Jr. Livestock Show & Sale on April 9 Participants from the 2025 Show and Sale At the Partnership for Children of Wayne Coun- ty, we proudly celebrate the Week of the Young Child each year to recognize the importance of early childhood and the vital role that families, educators, and communities play in helping young children grow and succeed. This national celebration, organized by the National Associa- tion for the Education of Young Children, highlights the critical early years of develop- ment and encourages communities to invest in programs and resources that support young learners. During the week of April 13, the Partnership for Children of Wayne County will join communities across the country in celebrating young children and the programs that support them. The early years of life are a time of rapid growth and learning. At PFCW, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. As part of this celebra- tion, PFCW will host a Teddy Bear Picnic in Herman Park on April 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Childcares, families and young children are invited to come out and enjoy a fun morning together filled with activities that cel- ebrate learning and childhood. Later that same day, from 4:00-6:00 pm, families are invited to a Family Resource Fair Community organizations will be present to share valuable information about programs and services available to support children and fami- lies throughout Wayne County. Children and families will also have the opportunity to enjoy free rides on the Kiwanis Miniature Train, pro- vided through the support of the Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro Week of the Young Child By Valorie Wallace