North Carolina ranks near the nationwide average for lung cancer survival rates. The American Lung Association released its annual State of Lung Cancer report, which shows the nationwide five-year lung cancer survival rate at 21.7%, just slightly above North Carolina’s rate of 21.5%. Nationally survivor rates have improved 26% over the last decade.  The American Lung Association says early screening correlates to higher survival rates. Nationally only 21.5% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage, with North Carolina at the same rate.

Two-hundred-and-seven new jobs are on their way to Beaufort County. A press release from the Governor’s Office says Pamlico Yachtworks will open a new facility in Beaufort County. Pamlico Yachtworks is a new manufacturing division of MJM Yachts, which has been building yachts since 2002. The company plans to invest $12 million to operate the facility to be sited in Washington. While wages will vary depending on position, the average wage will be over $45,000, above Beaufort County’s average wage of nearly $38,000.

Beginning Sunday, November 17th, seven recreation sites in the Croatan National Forest will implement standardized hours, closing at sunset and reopening at sunrise. These sites include Black Swamp OHV area, Cedar Point recreation area and Tideland Trail, Fisher’s Landing, Flanner’s Beach recreation area, Pine Cliff equestrian trails parking lot and recreation area, and Siddie Fields.

A research team at East Carolina University will travel to Saipain in 2020 to study the preservation threats of sunken World War II aircraft in the Pacific Ocean.  ECU's Maritime Studies Program and Department of Biology received a $29,652 grant from the National Park Service to conduct the study.