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The nomination period for the 2025 North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state, has been extended to April 15.Created by the General Assembly in 1961 and administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the award recognizes “notable accomplishments by North Carolina citizens” in the fields of literature, science, fine arts and public service.

Joseph Hiatt has been promoted to park superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery and Mitchell counties, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. Hiatt is serving as the first park superintendent of the state natural area, which was previously managed by staff at Grandfather Mountain State Park.

Governor Josh Stein announced today that six traditional artists or groups will receive the 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards for their lifetime contributions to the state’s cultural vitality. The N.C. Heritage Award is the state’s highest honor for traditional artists.

The State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services (ABLS) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 Eastern NC Regional Braille Challenge, a compelling event that promises to highlight the talents and achievements of blind and visually impaired students in the realm of Braille literacy.Taking place Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, this event is a unique opportunity for media professionals to capture and share inspiring stories.

James Robert Walker Jr., a prominent civil rights attorney from northeastern North Carolina, soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker.

Friday at the North Carolina Museum of Art, Pamela Brewington Cashwell took the oath of office as secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Cashwell was joined by her husband, David Cashwell and sons as N.C. Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls administered the oath. Cashwell will serve as a member of Governor Josh Stein’s cabinet and oversee the department’s nearly 2,400 employees and more than 100 locations across the state.

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced that Erin Brown has been named a superintendent at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Brown has moved into the position that Crystal Lloyd vacated last year when she transferred to Carolina Beach State Park. Brown joins David Mumford, the lead superintendent.

Jacob Brown is the new park superintendent at Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. Brown succeeds John Privette, who became the division’s law enforcement specialist last year.Park superintendents manage operations and administration at a park and have wide-ranging responsibilities that include staffing, training, law enforcement, planning, resource management, interpretation and education, and visitor services.