July 2004 archives

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Friday, July 30, 2004

Teacher, pupils and parents get acquainted at open house

Charles and Nikki Brown entertained their three children as they waited to meet a teacher Thursday night during open house at Grantham School. Kareema, 13, will be a seventh-grader this year and says she is excited about being a...

Democrats turn out to rally for Bowles

U.S. Senate candidate Erskine Bowles and former Gov. Jim Hunt rallied with Wayne County Democrats Thursday night at Wilber's Barbecue Restaurant. Bowles hopes to replace Sen. John Edwards and is on a "North Carolina First" bus tour. He faces...

WATCH program moves to hospital

Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, or WATCH, will take up residence at Wayne Memorial Hospital next week. Since it was formed in 1998, office space has been provided at Wayne Community College. It has grown from one staff...

Superintendent runoff will cost county $20,000

The Wayne County Board of Elections will need to scramble to hold an Aug. 17 primary for two state candidates. Although a formal announcement had not been made as of this morning, the State Board of Elections is preparing...

Complaints about more substandard housing surface

Though some of the substandard housing problems in Goldsboro have been fixed since citizens complained in April, others have surfaced. Rotting floors and problems with sewage back-up seem to be the major complaints, causing several properties to be placed...

WCC Tournament proceeds mean college educations

Record-breaking proceeds from this year's Wayne Community College Benefit Golf Tournament will help send more than 100 students to school this fall. The 12th annual tournament, held last month at Lane Tree Golf Course in Goldsboro, raised $50,000 from player...

Public records

Woman assaulted, has two collisions A woman's former boyfriend collided with her car Thursday, then later broke into her car, assaulted her, causing her to drive into a parked car, and stole her jewelry, Goldsboro police reports said. Nikita Quachell...

Eastpointe can't contract for services

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Eastpointe board has rescinded an action that created a nonprofit entity to contract with administrators of mental health care. The Administrative Services Organization would have allowed the four-county coalition of mental health services to free...

Defense tradeshow scheduled

FAYETTEVILLE -- Officials from the chambers of commerce and economic development groups near the state's military installations will learn more Monday about how to help businesses compete for military contracts. A member of the N.C. Advisory Commission on Military Affairs...

Briefly

Orville Wright Achievement Award Brig. Gen. Rick Rosborg, 4th Fighter Wing Commander at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, presented the Orville Wright Achievement Award to Capt. Dominic Chiapusio, a member of the 333rd Fighter Squadron, as the outstanding graduate of...

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Church fire

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Goldsboro firefighters work on the roof of Adamsville Church of God at 3913 McLain St. A lightning strike caused a fire that destroyed the steeple. But firefighters kept the blaze from spreading into the attic. Damages were...

Wayne schools pick their teachers of the year

Candidates for the 2004-2005 Teacher of the Year have been announced by Wayne County public schools. The list of top educators will be narrowed to three finalists, with the winner announced at the annual banquet, scheduled for Aug. 12. Each...

United Way sends leaders on a mission

The people that United Way is hoping will lead off this year's fund-raising campaign got to see what it's like to be a part of one of the organization's many charities. Donnie Barnes, this year's United Way campaign chairman,...

Lightning strikes church; fire's spread prevented

A lightning strike on Wednesday destroyed a steeple atop Adamsville Church of God at 3913 McLain St. But a quick response from Goldsboro firefighters prevented a fire caused by the strike from spreading, an official said. "Everyone did an...

Girl Scouts looking for 1,000 new members

The Girl Scouts want 1,000 new members in Wayne County. Wayne County has about 800 Girl Scouts, and the 1,000 new members mean a 25 percent increase, said Deborah Brady of the Girl Scout Council of Coastal Carolina. The...

Forests getting eaten up by urban development

SMITHFIELD -- The decrease in forests in North Carolina and increase of urban development were hot topics Wednesday during a summit at Johnston Community College. Around 600 N.C. residents attended a day-long conference about the future of the state's...

Dupont to be sold

KINSTON -- The former DuPont plant will change ownership for the second time in four months, according to an article in the Kinston Free Press. Koch Industries, which is based in Kansas, acquired the plant when it purchased DuPont's Invista...

Public records

Robbery foiled When an armed, masked man entered a convenience store Wednesday night and demanded money, the 66-year-old owner had a solution, Goldsboro police said today. The owner of H&A Quick Mart at 3515 Central Heights Road -- Ahmed Mohammed...

Briefly

Diversity Day Goldsboro is starting a new tradition next month by holding its first "Community Diversity Family Fun Day." The event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 7, will be at the H.V. Brown Memorial Park and is sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated....

August Bloodmobile schedule

Following is the August Bloodmobile schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: Aug. 6: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 10: Red Cross chapter at 600 N. George St. from...

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Crowd objects to base zoning

Around 110 people turned out Tuesday night for Wayne County's hearing on proposed zoning and building guidelines for high-noise areas around Seymour Johnson. Seventeen people spoke during the hour-long hearing. Nearly all opposed some part of the county's plans....

Wrongful embalming alleged against Rhodes Funeral Home

Rhodes Funeral Home of Goldsboro is being sued by a brother and sister from California over the handling of their mother's body. Victor Collins and Linda Collins of San Diego County are seeking more than $10,000 for negligence, wrongful...

Glitch in school phone system causes sleepless nights

The last days before school starts are expected to prompt sleepless nights -- but not because of repeated calls from the school. A glitch in programming the automated phone system at Eastern Wayne Elementary School caused some residents to...

Man accuses co-worker of sexual harassment

MOUNT OLIVE -- Stanley Craig Odom has filed a lawsuit against the town of Mount Olive accusing a male employee of sexual harassment. The lawsuit, filed July 16 in the Eastern District Court, alleges Odom was sexually harassed while he...

Election canvass changes vote totals but not outcome

The Wayne County Board of Elections' canvass changed some vote totals, but there were no changes in the winners of last week's elections. The Elections Board took four hours Tuesday to certify the results of the July 20 primaries....

Public records

Teen stabs brother A 17-year-old boy was stabbed Tuesday by his 14-year-old brother during a fight in their home in the 400 block of Hazelwood Drive, a Wayne County Sheriff's Office report said. Justin Pate was taken to Wayne Memorial...

Briefly

Housing confusion? Gene D. Thomas, executive director for the Goldsboro Housing Authority, says there's been some confusion about the ownership of public housing in Goldsboro. The Goldsboro Housing Authority is only responsible for the following developments: Fairview Homes Apartments, Lincoln...

Wayne County Museum -- Gift Shop and Exhibit open

The Wayne County Historical Association is continuing its efforts to bring more people to the county museum by improving its gift shop and through exhibits. A portion of the gift shop has been moved closer to the entrance so...

Eastpointe cuts allocation for Duplin Sheriff's office

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Eastpointe board has cut the same amount of money out of its allocation to the Duplin sheriff that the county cut from its budget. The Duplin County commissioners voted 4-2 in June to adopt a...

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Fatal wreck

News-Argus/Dennis Hill The driver of this vehicle fled the scene, but was later arrested by police. The passenger died at Wayne Memorial Hospital. For more information see Man killed in wreck, driver flees....

Seymour Johnson may get funding for 10 more F-15Es

Seymour Johnson should receive 10 additional F-15E Strike Eagles as part of new legislation approved by Congress. The planes are not obligated to be added right away, said Kristen Quigley, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Walter Jones. The base...

Researcher unveils two alternatives for treating hog waste

RALEIGH -- Two alternatives to treating hog waste have proven to be better for the environment, according to research results released Monday. Whether farmers can afford them, however, has not been determined. The test sites for the alternative technologies...

Man killed in wreck, driver flees

A 28-year-old man died Monday of injuries from a hit-and-run collision at East Ash and North Jackson streets in Goldsboro. The driver with whom the victim was riding ran from the wreck, but was arrested Monday night and charged...

Manager says longevity pay OK'd in spite of clause in his contract

Goldsboro's city manager receives longevity pay even though his employment contract, signed 18 years ago, specified that he would not get it. The manager, Richard Slozak, says he is entitled to it because the City Council approved it the...

Family Y getting $300,000 makeover, new equipment

The Goldsboro Family YMCA will close for a week beginning Aug. 3 for a $300,000 renovation that includes all new exercise equipment. Four areas will remain open: the pre-school and after-school programs, the aerobics room and the gym. The...

For WCC students, summer's nearly over

Students who plan to attend Wayne Community College this fall have three weeks to finish soaking up the sun or scramble to complete their paperwork. Classes start Aug. 16 and there are a number of deadlines to meet before then....

Burkette Raper retiring

MOUNT OLIVE -- Dr. Burkette Raper is retiring after 50 years at Mount Olive College. Raper announced Monday that he plans to retire by the end of November. On Aug. 1, he will complete a half-century of service to Mount...

Public records

Wallet theft leads to credit card fraud A woman's wallet was stolen Friday as she shopped at a Goldsboro store, and the thieves used her credit cards to run up a bill of more than $1,500. Edna Hill of Seven...

Social Services board questions number of names on daycare waiting list

Wayne County Social Services recently removed more than 200 families from the waiting list for subsidized child care after finding they no longer wanted or needed help. The action caused some Social Services board members to wonder whether families...

Carver Heights among schools with additional week of school

Carver Heights Elementary School will again have an additional week of school this year, despite improvements in test scores over the past two years. The school is among three dozen across North Carolina requiring extra instruction due to a...

Briefly

School open house Open house for students going to Wayne County public schools are being held this week. Elementary schools will hold open house on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Parents and students in middle and high schools will...

Monday, July 26, 2004

Five injured in wreck

Bobby Williams photo A Wayne County sheriff deputy and a North Carolina Highway Patrol officer at the scene of a two-car wreck at N.C. 111 South and Ditchbank Road. Five people were injured and both vehicles were demolished, the...

United Way drive begins with new twists

With some big changes in its 2004 campaign, United Way is hoping it won't fall short of its goal for the third year in a row. Donnie Barnes, owner of Grand Rental Station, is this year's campaign chairman. He...

Base-area zoning, eight months in the making, to get final review

After eight months in the works, Wayne County's new development rules in high-noise areas around Seymour Johnson are nearing completion. The county commissioners have called a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Courtroom 1 in the Wayne County...

TransPark funding survives but Kerr says it's time for payoff

The Global TransPark has survived its annual death-watch again, receiving $1.3 million in state funding this year. But N.C. Sen. John Kerr of Goldsboro said it's time for the GTP to pay off on some of its promise. "Something...

Flood victim afraid ditch will cause more problems

LaGRANGE -- A Hurricane Floyd victim says he's afraid he will be flooded again by a ditch the state has deepened on his property. Willie Draughon said he saw a state Department of Transportation crew working across Beston Road...

OPINION -- Friday's appeal

A recent discussion among friends was about the contributions to North Carolina made by Bill Friday, regarded by many of us as the state's most outstanding man of the last century. The president emeritus of the University of North...

Public records

Home destroyed A wood-frame home at 3611 U.S. 13 South was destroyed today before dawn by a fire caused by an electrical failure in the kitchen, a fire official said. The resident, Ginger Casey, was awakened by a pet dog...

Sunday, July 25, 2004

Animal shelter: Not fit for a dog ... or a cat

Business leaders are thinking about locating their company in Wayne County. You're showing the company's representative around. Would you want to take that person to see the county's animal shelter? Dr. Stan Griffith, head of the Wayne County Animal...

Fun days unite base and community leaders

Paintballs splattered and sounded like firecrackers as they struck their targets. Men and women in white coveralls maneuvered around the outdoor game area and were picked off one-by-one by members of the opposing team. Local community leaders were taken...

Public Record

Teen charged with robbery A Goldsboro teen-ager was charged with armed robbery Friday after a tire company was held up in the morning. Investigator M.K. Horstmann of the Goldsboro Police Department arrested Derontae T. Lee, 19, of Central Heights Road...

Briefly

Unemployment rises The unemployment rate rose in Wayne County in June. Around 2,583 county residents, or about 5.1 percent of the workforce, were unemployed, according to the Employment Security Commission. That's an increase of about 296 people from May, when...

Rotary's Centennial Bell coming to Wayne

Similar to the traveling Olympic Torch, a Centennial Bell will be coming to Wayne County next month to ring in Rotary International's 100th year. The bell will make stops at four Rotary clubs in Wayne County. It will arrive Aug....

WCC students honored

Wayne Community College students Ina Royer and Thomas Garrou were honored recently by the N.C. Community College System. The students were selected for recognition at the system's annual Academic Excellence Awards Luncheon in Raleigh for their academic success and leadership....

Goldsboro ballet gives preview

The Goldsboro Ballet and Goldsboro School of Ballet gave an audience a free preview of dances it has been working on this summer. The pieces, performed Friday afternoon at Herman Park Center, will continue to be rehearsed and will...

Volunteer Wayne

Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151, extension 336, or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer...

Wayne County Court News

Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Kevin Ray Hales, 28, Hales Road, Pikeville, possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, 12 to 15 months. *Cephus Robert Faison, 41, Slaughter Street, possession with intent...

Local digest

Farm worker union to protest at trial DUDLEY -- Activists from the Wayne County office of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, or FLOC, will attend the trial of two of its members at 9 a.m. on Aug. 3 in Nash...

In the Military

Matthew Sellers Matthew Edward Sellers graduated from Navy Basic Training in Great Lakes, Ill. After completing technical training at NAS Pensacola in Pensacola, Fla.,, he will be stationed aboard the USS Enterprise homeported in Norfolk, Va. Sellers is a 2004...

Friday, July 23, 2004

Historic Legion building destroyed

News-Argus/Barbara Arntsen All that's left of the black American Legion on Pine Street is a pile of rubble. The building was condemned by the city several months ago, and demolition began Thursday. For more information see Goldsboro loses landmark....

Runoff would cost Wayne $20,000

Wayne County may have to spend $20,000 next month to hold a second Democratic primary for two candidates for state schools superintendent. Following Tuesday's primary, an Aug. 17 election seemed likely to decide two statewide races. Richard Vinroot made...

Parents get school-transfer letters

Fewer than half of Wayne County's public schools have met new federal guidelines, which means parents at some of those schools have the right to transfer their children. The 2004 "adequate yearly progress report" was released Monday by Wayne...

Brother sues sister

A 19-year-old man is suing his 17-year-old sister for her share of an inheritance after she was convicted in Wayne County Juvenile Court of participating in their mother's murder. Jacob Eugene Lofton, whose home address was listed as North...

Byrd takes pay cut for job in Princeton

Gene Byrd, a former principal in Wayne County, has taken a $2,300-per-year pay cut to become assistant principal at Princeton High School in Johnston County. His last official day in the Wayne County school system was Monday, according to...

Family, friends gather for sad farewell to murdered mom

April Best reached tiny hands toward her father and cried. David Best, who was allowed to leave Neuse Correctional Institute to attend the funeral of his former wife, held his 8-month-old daughter briefly while the family filed into the...

Goldsboro loses landmark

Bricks crumbled into dusty piles Thursday morning on Pine Street as a piece of Goldsboro's history was erased by a wrecking crew. The black American Legion building at 221 W. Pine St. was a center of activity during World...

Woman sentenced for bilking residents

A 33-year-old woman who reportedly spurned college basketball scholarship offers and embarked on a life of crime was sentenced to about four year in prison after being convicted of 11 fraud charges. Louretha Mae King, a former Goldsboro resident...

Public records

Two men wanted Joyner Reeves Two neighbors are being sought by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office on felony charges of breaking and entering, larceny and possession of stolen goods. Jasper Wayne Joyner, 24, and Jonathan Lee Reeves, 22, both of...

Woman reports dog poisoned

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a report of animal cruelty at New Hope Trailer Park. Clara Worley of Josh Lane told investigators she thinks somebody poisoned her dog. She said she found her dog dead around 9 a.m....

Learn about legal assisting careers

Wayne Community College Continuing Education will offer a new introductory course for people considering careers as secretaries or assistants in law firms. The Introduction to Legal Assistant class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays,...

Jackie Robinson League completes first season

More than 100 people gathered Thursday at the Dillard Alumni Center to celebrate the end of a season and the beginning of a dream. It was a banquet marking the end of Goldsboro's first season of the Jackie Robinson...

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Wayne death rate is slightly above state's

Wayne County residents tend to die more often from heart disease, cancer and diabetes than do North Carolinians as a whole. The annual death rate in Wayne has consistently been slightly higher than the state average, according to a...

City hires consultant to hire manager

The Goldsboro City Council has picked an Atlanta-based firm to conduct the search for a new city manager. The council considered firms based in Charlotte and Virginia Beach before deciding on the Mercer Group. City Manager Richard Slozak will...

Fremont residents get bill delay

FREMONT -- Fremont water customers will get an extra 10 days to pay their bills. The town Board of Aldermen agreed to extend the cutoff day from the 10th of each month to the 20th to accommodate customers who...

Continuing education registration to begin

Early registration for fall semester continuing education courses at Wayne Community College will be held next week. Students can sign up and pay fees from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 7 p.m., July 26-29, and 9 a.m....

Public records

Two robbed A woman and a man were robbed in separate crimes, according to law-enforcement reports. Teresa D. Franklin, 33, told Goldsboro police that she was robbed at about 3 a.m. today by three armed men outside of her home...

Briefly

Dale Carnegie Course The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will start a new Dale Carnegie Course. The course helps people strive for ambitious new goals and to communicate clearly and concisely. The course runs for 12 weeks, one night per...

4-H to hold craft day

Wayne County 4-H will have a craft day Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wayne Center. It will feature several crafts that youths can make and enter into the county fair. Crafts include: *Pottery for ages 12...

Around Wayne

This Thursday feature is designed to assist readers in planning activities for the weekend and beyond. Coming up are: Friday: Preview of Goldsboro Ballet "Dance Cornucopia" program, 4 p.m., Herman Park Center. Free. Saturday: Wayne Miniature Aeronautics Club's 14th annual...

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Ballet to perform

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Sayward Russell, center, teaches Goldsboro Ballet apprentice dancers some new choreography. Ms. Russell is one of three guest instructors working with the apprentice and company dancers this week. She is a dance education and performance dance major...

Mooring upsets Chance in deeds primary

Lois Mooring has a special request for her family, friends and other backers -- mow your lawns. "I need to ask my supporters to cut around those yard signs a little longer," she said this morning Mrs. Mooring will...

Butterfield picked as new congressman

A hint of scandal didn't seem to bother voters in the 1st Congressional District, who not only returned a Democrat to Congress, but picked one who acknowledged a longtime friendship with U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance, who resigned the seat....

Only about 13 percent turn out for elections in Wayne

Wayne County had only a light voter turnout for Tuesday's primaries and special election. The Board of Elections was still determining this morning how many ballots were cast, but turnout was less than 7,500, or about 13 percent of...

LaRoque beats Starling in House race

Willie Ray Starling of Mount Olive failed in his attempt Tuesday to unseat N.C. Rep. Stephen LaRoque. In the Republican primary, Starling bested the legislator in both Wayne and Greene counties, but LaRoque proved too strong in Lenoir, his...

Pope, Edwards are honored by Jaycees

One winner was described as being as old as dirt, and the other was just getting started. Police Sgt. Ken Edwards and firefighter Jourdon Pope were honored Tuesday night by the Goldsboro Jaycees as the police officer and firefighter...

Briefly

Model-airplane show The Wayne Miniature Aeronautics Club will hold its 14th annual model-airplane show Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its field on N.C. 581 north of Cherry Hospital. The show is free to the public. Food and...

Concerns raised over plan for historic district

No one was totally against a city ordinance Monday that would attempt to stop the deterioration of historic buildings, but citizens did voice some concerns about how it would be enforced. The Goldsboro City Council held a public hearing...

John Berry to perform

John Berry will be the special guest at the 23rd annual Colgate Country Showdown on Saturday at the Paramount Theater at 7 p.m., and will perform a concert immediately following the contest. Berry has multiple gold and platinum albums...

Correction

The name of Elsie Hall, program administrator for the Central Michigan University campus at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, was incorrect in Sunday's News-Argus article about CMU's graduation....

Raza Festival endorsed

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin commissioners voted Monday to endorse the upcoming Raza Festival in Warsaw. Commissioners Chairman L.S. Guy said last year's festival held in Faison was a huge success without endorsement from the county. It had great support from...

Public records

Shooting arrest A Goldsboro teen-ager was arrested Tuesday by Goldsboro police and charged with shooting a man after taking his car last week. Kelvin Buffalo Jr., 16, of Vanderbilt Circle was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent...

DART-Cherry probation officers have unique job

Wayne County has more than 40 probation and parole officers, but three who have unusual jobs are assigned to the Drug and Alcohol Treatment center at Cherry Hospital, the only such facility in the state. Steve Roman, Matt Winslow...

Peacock reunion

The 22nd annual reunion of the Peacock Family Association of the South will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Holiday Inn Express in Goldsboro. Highlights of the reunion will include the unveiling of the Peacock Cookbook and a...

Old Waynesborough Commission may seek funding

The Old Waynesborough Commission is developing ideas of what needs to be done with the recently acquired state park land and how much it will cost to make the ideas a reality. After the decisions are made, commission board...

Neighbors object to school site

Neighborhood residents opposed a request Monday to put another Montessori School on South Harding Drive. Larry and Linda Lean asked the city to rezone the north side of South Harding Drive between New Hope Road and North Park Drive...

Unfinished house burns

KENANSVILLE -- Investigators don't know what caused an early Tuesday morning fire that destroyed a house under construction on Ward's Bridge Road. Duplin Fire Marshal Jimmy Pate said the investigators will be out at the scene again today trying to...

Duplin election results

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County Commissioner L.S. Guy of Faison edged out his challenger, Snodie Wilson of Kenansville, again in Tuesday's primary election. Guy was 19 votes ahead when he received 51 percent of the votes in District 1. The...

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Man who officers say shot woman and self was stalker, say woman's relatives

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A man who authorities say murdered his ex-girlfriend and then turned the gun on himself had been stalking the woman before she agreed to meet him, relatives say. Jamie Faulkner arranged to meet Debra Best of...

Judge rules annex suit can proceed

A judge denied a motion Monday by Goldsboro to dismiss an annexation lawsuit, but did say the city was entitled to more specific information about the allegations. Harrell Everett, former city attorney, filed the motion to dismiss the annexation...

Polls see little activity so far in today's elections

Voting got off to a smooth but slow start at 30 Wayne County precincts, an elections official said. County officials had hoped for at least 10,000 voters for today's primary elections and a special election of a replacement for...

Chatman picked as new Goldsboro councilman

Former Goldsboro Planning Director Don Chatman was selected Monday to fill the District 3 vacancy on the City Council. Chatman was one of the three candidates selected to interview for the position. Eight people applied for the vacancy. The...

Mobile-home dealers object to city's base zoning plan

Goldsboro's attempt to restrict development around Seymour Johnson Air Force Base by implementing a noise ordinance raised support and opposition at Monday's council meeting. The noise overlay district, as defined by the city, extends east from the base's main...

Briefly

Gooden named college trustee Michael D. Gooden, a retired Goldsboro doctor of obstetrics and gynecology, has been named to the Wayne Community College Board of Trustees. Dr. Gooden, who last practiced at Wayne Women's Clinic and Wayne Memorial Hospital, was...

Game-room expansion plan irks neighborhood advocates

A request Monday to the City Council to expand a game room raised concerns about a lack of recreational opportunities for youth in the Slocumb Street area. Hilda Hill asked for a special use permit to put two more...

Public records

To tell the truth The scene was just like one from the old television game show, "To Tell the Truth," when all three contestants claimed to be the same person. In this case will the real Quinyarda Denise Fowler of...

Duplin women's shelter receives insurance check

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin commissioners have agreed to give a $49,000 insurance check to the county's battered women's shelter. Dee Beddingfield, director of Sarah's Refuge for battered women and children, told commissioners Monday it breaks her heart to have to...

Ballantine campaigns in Goldsboro

Patrick Ballantine dropped by two Goldsboro restaurants Monday, hoping to carry out some votes along with his barbecue. Ballantine, a Republican running for governor, and his wife, Lisa, campaigned at both Wilber's and McCall's restaurants during lunch Monday. It...

Monday, July 19, 2004

Getting ready

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Wayne County Elections Director Gary Sims loads voting equipment into a car this morning. Equipment and supplies were being transported to polling places today. For more information see Time to vote....

Seven Springs woman killed, man then turns gun on himself

LaGRANGE -- A young Seven Springs woman was murdered Sunday by her former boyfriend who then turned the weapon on himself in a moving car, Lenoir County authorities said today. Debra Howell Best, 19, of 3523 N.C. 111 South, Seven...

Two principal changes are recommended

Dr. Steven Taylor, Wayne County schools superintendent, has announced that he will recommend principal changes in two schools. Keith Wright will be recommended as principal for Eastern Wayne Middle School and Dexter Evans will be recommended as principal for Southern...

Time to vote

More than 1,000 Wayne County residents chose to vote early in Tuesday's primary elections. When one-stop early voting concluded Saturday, the Wayne County Board of Elections had collected 1,027 ballots. The Goldsboro library, with 737 voters, was the most...

Taste of Wayne comes earlier this year

Wayne County residents should hone their tastebuds early this year. The 14th annual Taste of Wayne will be held Aug. 31, not in September as in the past. The feast is the annual kickoff to the United Way's campaign...

Employees suggestions sought in city cleanup

The Goldsboro City Council is considering implementing an employee suggestion program as part of its quest to clean up the city. Councilman Bob Waller suggested the idea during a work session last week. "Maybe we could give an award...

Bill changing school year is approved

Next summer's vacation will end later for most Wayne County students, thanks to legislation passed early Sunday morning by the N.C. General Assembly. In one of the concluding acts of the 2004 session, the Legislature voted to require local...

School supplies drive is on

Sudie Davis says her heart goes out to parents who can't provide things their children need for school. "I recently had one mother call me, looking for ways to get school supplies for her children," she said. The woman...

Zoning hearings scheduled at city meeting tonight

Two public hearings scheduled for tonight's city council meeting concern amendments to Goldsboro's still unfinished zoning ordinance. The council is soliciting comments on the "demolition by neglect" and "noise overlay district" additions to the ordinance. The council and the...

Wilson challenges Guy for Duplin board

Snodie Wilson of Kenansville is challenging L.S. Guy of Faison for the Democratic nomination to represent District 1 seat on the Duplin Board of County Commissioners. The challenger Wilson says if he's elected he will strive to bring more...

Public records

Drug charges A 42-year-old man from Goldsboro has been arrested by the Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad and charged with two felony drug trafficking offenses. Jonathan William Brock of Colonial Drive was placed in the Wayne County Jail in lieu of...

OPINION -- Confused?

There was a suggestion recently that the national elections in November might be postponed in event of a terrorist attack in the United States. The idea surfaced after intelligence reports of "chatter" that might indicate something big was in...

Sunday, July 18, 2004

Voters to go to polls Tuesday for primaries

Summer-time and the voting is easy. Few, if any, lines are expected during Tuesday's primary for county, state and national elections. Polling places will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Wayne County Elections Director Gary Sims...

WCC teacher program growing

Debbie Grady believes Partnership East will grow beyond anyone's expectations. The new teacher education program being offered by East Carolina University was introduced at Wayne Community College in December, with classes beginning in August. The program is already filled,...

Who's on the N.C. ballot

The following is a short description of candidates seeking state office. Where possible, the candidates' Web sites are listed for more information. Note that both Democrats and Republicans can vote in the nonpartisan race between four candidates for a seat...

District 1 Congress race will have three ballots

From staff and AP reports WILSON -- He withdrew from the 1st Congressional District race in May and resigned his congressional seat a month later, but former U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance still casts a long shadow over the fight to...

Democrats have two choices for registrar

The only Wayne County race on Tuesday's ballot matches two first-time candidates. John Chance, appointed last year as Wayne County's register of deeds, hopes to remain in the office, but Lois J. Mooring, a deputy clerk in the Clerk...

Starling faces Rep. LaRoque for state House

Wayne County voters will have a small say in whether one of their own can help unseat a N.C. legislator. Willie Ray Starling of Indian Springs Road in southern Wayne has challenged N.C. Rep. Stephen LaRoque of Kinston in...

Duplin voters to decide contests for commissioner, schools

Duplin County Democrats will choose Tuesday who will make it to the November election for three county commissioner seats and one seat on the school board. Commissioners L.S. Guy of District 1 and Reginald Wells of District 6 face...

Volunteer Wayne

Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151 ext. 336 or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer...

Wayne County court news

Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Mary Patricia Moody, 32, Central Heights Road, breaking and entering (habitual felon), 80 to 105 months. *Gregory Dean Lanier, 30, Kinston, larceny (habitual felon), 70 to 93 months....

Briefly

'Our Story' planned Stagestruck alumni Benton Whitley and Brian Letchworth will perform a show of music and nostalgia called "Our Story Goes On." The show will be performed Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre as a...

Student news

McKenzie Allen, a graduate of Rosewood High School, is the recipient of a High Honors Scholarship at Barton College. The renewable scholarship will cover $4,500 of tuition for the freshman year. Ms. Allen is the daughter of Mac and Joy...

Public records

Wanted William "Von" Maye is wanted by Goldsboro police on felony charges of possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maye was described as being black, 22 years old, 6-feet-2 and 170 pounds...

Political Digest

Schools candidate endorsed by state employees union The political committee of the State Employees Association of North Carolina has voted to endorse J.B. Buxton for state schools superintendent. SEANC represents the interest of over 57,000 current and retired state employees,...

MOC prepares for new school year

MOUNT OLIVE -- College officials are making final preparations for incoming freshman and returning students at Mount Olive College. Freshman will move in on Aug. 22. Returning students are expected to arrive on Aug. 24, and traditional classes begin in...

Duplin Digest

Raza Festival seeks vendors WARSAW -- The deadline is Sept. 10 to sign up for a booth at the second annual Raza Festival on Sept. 25 at the Veteran Park in Warsaw. The festival will go from 11 a.m. until...

Military News

Jerad Hand Air Force 2nd Lt. Jerad M. Hand has graduated from undergraduate pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The student completed 190 flying hours in either the T-37, T-38, or T-1A aircraft, 62 flight simulator hours, 342...

Goldsboro ballet workshop

The Goldsboro Ballet will begin preparing for its September "Dance Cornucopia" performance with a workshop that begins Monday. Galina Panova, a ballet theater at East Carolina University, will be preparing an original dance piece for the Goldsboro Ballet. The instructor...

Where to vote in Wayne County

Three polling places have been relocated for Tuesday's primary election. The new locations are as follows: *Precinct #2, Eureka United Methodist Church (formerly Mt. Nelson Church). *Precinct #11, Greenleaf Christian Church (formerly Wayne Country Day School). *Precinct #29, Wayne County...

Dority tries for second chance

Greg Dority hopes the second time's the charm. Dority, of Washington, N.C., is in his second race for the District 1 seat in the U.S. House. He faces G.K. Butterfield on Tuesday to see who will replace Frank Ballance who...

'Dolphin' volunteers needed

Would you like to be a Dolphin? A Dolphin is a volunteer who becomes a friend to one resident in a nursing home or retirement community. The most important requirement is a desire to become a friend to a person...

Council to pick new member Monday

Several public hearings are scheduled for Monday's Goldsboro City Council meeting, including two on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance. The council is also expected to select a candidate to fill the District 3 vacancy on the board. One amendment,...

Butterfield visits Goldsboro

G.K. Butterfield made several appearances in Goldsboro on Friday in a final flurry of campaigning before Election Day. Butterfield, a Democrat seeking the U.S. House's 1st District seat, visited several offices at the Wayne County Courthouse. He then met...

Blood supply is critically low

Blood supplies are low nationwide. Local supplies are critically low, says Don Best, blood services director with the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He said the Carolinas Region, of which Wayne County is a part, has...

Man charged with several break-ins

Officers say they believe numerous residential break-ins in Wayne and other counties have been solved with the arrest of a 22-year-old man from Sanford. Mitchell Jermaine Percell was arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with 13...

Friday, July 16, 2004

Downtown fun

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Sherry Archibald, Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. promotions coordinator, coaches three girls as they test their voices at karoke during the Downtown Farmer's Market ice cream social Thursday afternoon. The young singers are, from left, McKayle Wallace, Anna...

Farmers, politicians hope leaf buyout will become reality

North Carolina farmers and politicians offering their reaction to a new congressional initiative to buy out tobacco growers and quota holders were universal in their hope that the goal was in sight. It will be a new day in...

Candidates give views on ways to improve city

Two of the candidates for the vacant Goldsboro council seat spent Thursday afternoon answering questions about their qualifications for the job. The City Council interviewed Don Chatman and Naomi Williams about their experience, strategies for economic development, keeping the...

Crowd gathers for free ice cream

Temperatures may have cooled slightly Thursday, but it was still hot enough for a crowd of people to want to slurp down free ice cream at the Farmer's Market. The annual ice cream social, sponsored by the Downtown Goldsboro...

Edwards will hold new post until retirement

Jerry Edwards, who has served as director of Cherry Hospital for seven years, will retire in February. The hospital has undergone a consolidation with O'Berry Center. Before Edwards retires he will serve as community consultant with the Community Policy Management...

Restaurant sanitation score cars to get new look

Restaurant sanitation score cards from the state will have a new look next month. Environmental health officials are introducing the new score cards Aug. 1. Instead of being a different color for each grade, the cards given after restaurant...

Former police officer sentenced

KENANSVILLE -- District Attorney Dewey Hudson announced Thursday that a former Kenansaville police office has been sentenced for making a false report. Joshua Lanier was also sentenced for injury to personal property and failure to discharge the duties of his...

Public records

Man shot twice A 39-year-old man was shot twice Thursday while he was trying to get his car back from another man, a Goldsboro police report said. Rudolph V. Kelly of Emmaus Church Road, Dudley, was rushed to Wayne Memorial...

Briefly

Bloodmobile The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross will have a Bloodmobile on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Saulston United Methodist Church. Donors will receive a coupon for a free car wash. One-stop to stop...

Thursday, July 15, 2004

Fire at gas station

Bobby Williams photo Best Gas and Grill at 4453 U.S. 117 Alternate, Dudley, was destroyed today in a predawn fire that was being investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation and Wayne County Sheriff's Office. For more information see...

Wayne farmers see bumper corn crop

Harold Overman of Grantham is cautiously optimistic about his corn crop. "I hate to brag, because it's not in the bin yet," he said. "A storm could blow it down." But Overman says this crop is probably going to...

Fire destroys Dudley gas station; cause undertermined

DUDLEY -- Best Gas and Grill, a combination service station and grocery store, was destroyed before dawn today in a fire. The cause of the fire at the store at 4453 U.S. 117 Alternate South is being investigated, but...

Arrest made in shooting death

A 27-year-old man wanted by Goldsboro police on a charge of murder was arrested Wednesday in Benson. Leandren Andre Wilson of North Kornegay Street was charged with shooting Corry Lavon Grantham, 26, of Nor-Am Road. Grantham's body was found Sunday...

City says officer move wil put greater emphasis on cleanup

City code enforcement officers will soon have a more prominent spot in Goldsboro's daily operations. The two officers will move offices July 26 from the maintenance complex on Clingman Street to the city manager's office downtown. It's part of...

Public records

Safe stolen A safe and a tip jar with money were stolen before dawn today from Brooklyn Pizzeria at Mar Mac. Wayne County sheriff's deputies saw two men drive away from the restaurant, chased their car and recovered the stolen...

Briefly

Transparent toad The mystery of a pinkish toad found in a Pikeville yard last week is still being researched, but the amphibian has been invited to be guest of honor at a program on Saturday night. Jana Barfield of the...

Smart Start hires two new employees

Two new employees have been hired by the Wayne County Partnership for Children to work with Smart Start early childhood programs. Lora Lee is the director of program coordination and evaluation, and Cristy Barnes is a program associate for...

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Downy mildew

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit The brown object above was once a fine-growing watermelon before a fungus called downy mildew struck Jimmy Herring's field in Walnut Creek. The fungus has taken an especially heavy toll on cucumber farms....

Fungus decimates cucumber crops

Wayne County farmers have seen a drastic reduction in their cucumber yields this summer due to a devastating airborne fungus that has caught them by surprise. Elton Harrison watched all of his 80 acres of cucumbers in LaGrange get...

Schools defend funding for Goldsboro High

Members of the NAACP and Concerned Clergy are alleging that Goldsboro High School has not received federal money it is entitled to for the past two years. Charles Wright, the parent of a Goldsboro High student, said the school...

Mount Olive runway plan endorsed

The Wayne County Transportation Committee has endorsed an extension of Mount Olive Airport's runway. The group of city, county and business representatives voted unanimously Tuesday in support of plans to lengthen the runway from 3,700 feet to 5,000 feet....

Cobey campaigns in Goldsboro

Bill Cobey campaigned in Goldsboro this morning as part of his "Clean Start for North Carolina" tour, a last-minute push to emerge as the Republican candidate for governor. "This election is about providing our state and our nation with...

Planner criticized for zoning recommendation

Wayne County's planning director was accused Tuesday night of pushing his own ideas, instead of the Planning Board's, for development in high-noise areas around Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Joe Daughtery, a mobile home dealer, and Ed Wharton both...

Public records

Five charged with guns on same street Six people, including four teen-agers, were charged Tuesday night with carrying concealed guns. Five arrests occurred on 9th Street. Deshawnte M. Artis, 18, of Slaughter Street; David A. Dodson, 23, of Renee Drive,...

North Duplin family suing board of education

FAISON -- A northern Duplin County family is suing the school board for allegedly refusing medical attention to an injured student. Family members say 14-year-old Justin Alphin's jaw was wired shut until last week when the final wires came...

Briefly

Animals of the month The animals of the month at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park are frogs and toads. On Saturday, the park ranger will present a program about several animals with a focus on the hopping amphibians....

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

A hot deal

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Earl Cape of Warsaw signals the price of a watermelon to a passing customer Monday in the parking lot of the Mount Olive Centre. With temperatures soaring to well in the 90s, three bucks for a juicy...

Finalists picked for open council seat

Three of the eight applicants for the vacant Goldsboro council seat will advance to Thursday's interview phase. The finalists are Don Chatman, Naomi Williams and Cheryl Alston. The city's screening committee met Monday to winnow the list down to...

Grant approved to buy land around base

RALEIGH -- A $1.7 million grant was approved Monday that is designed to restore acres of wetlands and protect Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from development that could hinder its mission. The city of Goldsboro and Wayne County requested...

Study favors rail link for Goldsboro

A new study shows that commuter rail service from eastern North Carolina, including Goldsboro, to Raleigh is an affordable, workable idea. But it will take some political muscle and sweat to turn the idea to reality, a a commuter...

Health insurance costs affect hospital staff

Even health-care workers struggle with the rising cost of health insurance premiums, according to a survey of employees at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Two-thirds of the employees and managers who participated in a recent job-satisfaction survey listed the escalating out-of-pocket...

Briefly

Ice cream social Get ready to cool those parched throats at the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation's annual ice cream social on Thursday. The social will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. at the downtown Farmer's Market on the 300...

Public records

Copper stolen Thieves took copper in two break-ins reported to the Goldsboro Police Department. George Street Grill at 620 N. George St. reported Monday morning the theft of $200 worth of copper wiring that had been attached to the air...

Monday, July 12, 2004

Dinner time

Associated Press/Chuck Beckley/Jacksonville Daily News This black-crowned night heron appears to have decided on a large seafood platter for dinner as it works to swallow a pinfish it has picked up while patrolling the shallow waters of Town Creek...

Schools face competition for building funds

When the Wayne County commissioners began talking about a school building program last fall, the key question was "what can we afford?" When they talk about schools this fall, they will also consider "what else do we need?" Classrooms...

Veto of billboard bill pleases city

Goldsboro officials got the decision they were hoping for Friday when Gov. Mike Easley vetoed a bill requiring local governments to compensate billboard companies that are ordered to remove their signs. "It was a bad bill," said Mayor Al...

Schools seek waiver on lateral-entry teachers

Wayne County public school officials say they need another year to comply with a federal law requiring "highly qualified" teachers in schools that receive federal funding. Wayne, like other counties across the state, needs a one-year extension to continue...

Man killed outside club; arrest warrant issued

A 26-year-old Goldsboro man was murdered early Sunday outside of a night club, and Goldsboro police have issued an arrest warrant. The victim, Corey Lavon Grantham of 2079 Nor-Am Road, Pikeville, was fatally shot at about 3 a.m. outside...

Public records

Fire at Wal-Mart A "suspicious" fire damaged women's clothing on a rack Sunday night at Wal-Mart at 1002 N. Spence Ave., causing an estimated $500 in damages, according to Goldsboro fire and police reports. The fire was put out by...

OPINION -- Etiquette and manners

BEAUFORT - A newcomer to the neighborhood had just completed “swimming the cut” and was proclaimed a “bona fide” member of our Taylor’s Creek Aquatic Team. The “team” swims down the creek at near-high tide each day during the...

Sunday, July 11, 2004

Summerfest at Waynesborough brings fun with a historical flavor

Gunpowder smoke blasted out of a cannon Saturday in Waynesborough Historical Village, hanging heavily in the humid air before wrapping around a small band of soldiers. "We're going for two-second intervals," yelled one of the gunners, right before a...

After 51 years, veteran has his war medals

Frank Ingram had spent 15 months as a rifleman in the Korean War and was ready to return to home soil in 1953. A ceremony was held for Ingram and the other men of the Item Company, 3rd Battalion,...

Frogs like this one don't come hopping around here every day

Dylan Barfield had already found one frog in cousin A.J. Barfield's back yard Thursday night. They were pursuing their next mission, finding food for it, when a unique sight caught their attention. "We saw another frog hopping around," said...

Public records

Incident probed Goldsboro police investigated an incident Friday in fields along Graves Drive, but they said little about what had happened. Maj. Jay Memmelaar said their investigation should be completed in a few days, but he declined to say what...

Court news

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Joyce Gardner, Brewington Road, Dudley, second-degree trespass, not guilty. *Kenneth Goodman, 36, Stevens Mill Road, assault inflicting serious injury, not guilty. *Crystal M. Ingram, 19, Shirley...

Friday, July 9, 2004

Downtown Jam

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Billy Scott and the Prophets performs during the Downtown Jam on Thursday evening. Rainy weather stopped the Jam temporarily, but the crowd stuck around waiting for it to resume. After 30 minutes, the skies cleared and the...

Base urges residents to be alert

With local and national elections coming up this year, Air Force officials are urging Wayne County residents to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity that could lead to terrorism. The Office of Special Investigations at Seymour Johnson...

Waynesborough gets deed to expand

The Old Waynesborough Commission received the deed Thursday for 130 acres of state park land. "We're thrilled to get it finally; now the real work begins," said Arnold Leder, vice president of finance. He said many people used to...

Chatman applies for council vacancy

Former Goldsboro Planning Director Don Chatman has applied for the vacant District 3 council seat. The city received Chatman's application Thursday. He joins three other candidates -- Nathaniel Best, D.A. Stuart and Naomi Williams -- in applying for the...

Manager search firms make pitch

Finding a new city manager may not be as hard for the Goldsboro City Council as deciding which firm to hire to conduct the search. The council interviewed consultants from two firms Thursday and were impressed with both companies....

Goldsboro Fire Department battles five major structure fires

The Goldsboro Fire Department put out five major structure fires among the 188 calls that it answered in June. The fires -- four of which occurred in kitchens -- caused an estimated total of $78,200 in damages, Assistant Fire...

Public records

House fire A brick ranch home at 986 Daw Pate Road was damaged heavily before dawn today in a fire that authorities have called suspicious. Sixteen Patetown volunteer firefighters answered the 2:42 a.m. call with five trucks. Belfast assisted with...

Briefly

Museum events planned The Wayne County Museum has several educational and fun events coming up this month. Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will be "I Scream for Ice Cream," where participants will learn how ice cream was made...

Thursday, July 8, 2004

Community Building events find temporary homes

Goldsboro young people can thank the YMCA for being able to swim this summer. The fire that destroyed the Wayne County Memorial Community Building in May left a gap in swimming programs offered at the center, until the Family...

Thursday briefly

Summerfest Waynesborough Historical Village will be filled this weekend with games and entertainment during the 11th annual Summerfest. The event is free and open to the public. On Friday through Sunday there will be Civil War re-enactors, birds of prey,...

Public records

Man robs same store twice, say police A 33-year-old man was charged Wednesday by Goldsboro police with the theft of money almost two years ago from a cash register at a gas station after an anonymous call to Goldsboro-Wayne County...

Preventing heat-related illnesses

The hot, humid weather of summer can be more than just uncomfortable; it can also be life-threatening if precautions are not taken. Health officials are cautioning the public to guard against heat-related illnesses, many of which are preventable. "The...

Ag candidate Gilmore touts accomplishments

How important is it for North Carolina to have a strong agriculture commissioner? The answer was right under Democrats' noses this morning, Tom Gilmore said. As the Wayne County Democratic Men's Club ate breakfast at Wilber's Barbecue, Gilmore asked...

Deadline approaches for council candidates

Only three candidates have surfaced for Goldsboro's vacant City Council seat, and time is running out. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday. The District 3 seat was held by William Goodman, who resigned on June 2. Nathaniel...

Schools pick top administrators

Two members of Wayne County public schools' administrative staff have been honored and now move on to district competitions. Nan Barwick, assistant superintendent for finance, has been named 2004 Administrator of the Year by the Wayne County Association of Educational...

Wayne Grand Jury issues robbery charges against two

A Goldsboro man has been indicted on two counts of armed robbery, and another man has been indicted on charges of burglary and strong-armed robbery. The bills of indictments were handed up this week during the monthly meeting of...

Global TransPark tenant to offer non-stop flights to Europe

KINSTON -- A new acquisition at the N.C. Global TransPark will increase the tax base of Lenoir County and bring more traffic to the park. Segrave Aviation, one of the GTP's tenants, acquired a Challenger 600 jet last week...

Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Cooling off

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Two girls on tow a boy riding a tube Tuesday on the lake at Walnut Creek. Temperatures hovered around 95 throughout the afternoon, and the forecast calls for hot weather throughout the weekend....

County hires firm to find way to pay for building

The Wayne County commissioners hired a firm Tuesday to plan how to pay for future building projects, including schools, without increasing property taxes. County officials also said that the current $82 million building plan requested by the schools could...

Schools seek compromise on teacher pay

The Wayne County school board says it is prepared to make some cuts to its budget, but first wants assurances that the county commissioners will continue to pay recurring annual costs. During a special meeting called Monday night in...

Base adds $434 million to economy, study says

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's economic effect on Wayne County was more than $434 million for last fiscal year, according to a recent study. That figure is down more than $13 million from the last study, completed in 2002....

Gerald Whitley, 34-year veteran of Wayne County schools, dies

Former Goldsboro High School Principal Gerald Whitley lost his battle with cancer Tuesday evening at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Whitley, 55, recently retired from the Wayne County public schools, where he has been assistant superintendent for personnel since 2000....

Smithfield lawyer seeks state insurance post

Cindy Huntsberry brought her campaign for state insurance commissioner to Goldsboro on Tuesday. Ms. Huntsberry, a Smithfield lawyer, spoke to the Goldsboro Rotary Club in the afternoon. She then came by the News-Argus for an interview. She faces C. Robert...

Princeton board has fleeting quorum

PRINCETON -- This time the Princeton town board had a quorum -- sort of -- to pass its new budget. The board could not act on its proposed budget last week, because two of the four town commissioners, Eddie...

City asked to set up patrol to enforce handicapped parking

Violators of handicapped parking spaces beware: George Wood is watching you and has plans to bring you to justice. Wood, a city resident, appeared Tuesday before the Goldsboro City Council to make a case for a volunteer patrol force...

Public records

Woman robbed in park A 28-year-old woman from Winston-Salem was robbed Tuesday night of a cell phone and $3 in Herman Park, according to a Goldsboro police report. Tania M. Reavis told officers that two masked men approached her at...

One-stop voters have ballot choices

One-stop and primary voters face several choices this month, including a congressman to serve at least six months. Gov. Mike Easley decided to use the July 20 election to choose a successor for former U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance, who resigned...

Wayne sets record overall scores on end-of-grade tests

Wayne County has recorded its highest number of students passing state standardized tests, according to early results. Students in grades 3 through 8 saw a .2 percent increase in those scoring at or above grade level on the end-of-grade math...

Grant to improve polls

The Wayne County Board of Elections has received a $37,125 grant to make polling places more accessible. The Elections Board will be adding wheelchair ramps, new signs and other features to make it easier for those with limited mobility to...

Briefly

Hilary Russo in production Hilary Russo of Goldsboro has been cast in The North Carolina Theatre production of "The King and I," starring Tony-nominated actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Phillips is reviving his role as the King that he played on...

Tuesday, July 6, 2004

Chase ends in Tar River

Associated Press A man is arrested after jumping in the Tar River following a nearly two-hour pursuit that covered four counties on Monday and finally ended in Rocky Mount near U.S. 64 and Atlantic Avenue. For more information see...

Court delays Goldsboro annexation

A court order delaying the June 30 effective date of Goldsboro's plan to annex an area north of the city was issued last week. The stay relieves the city of its obligation to provide services or negotiate and budget...

New hospital system set to cut time, costs

A new inventory control system at Wayne Memorial Hospital is being touted as a time-saver for the staff and a way to save money. The "Pyxis" brand system is a fully automated, vending-machine approach to tracking medical supplies. It...

Arrest in river ends long chase

A high-speed chase that came through Wayne County ended Monday in the Tar River near Rocky Mount. Highway Patrol troopers pulled a Dare County man from the Tar River, then charged him, following a multi-county chase that began Monday when...

Briefly

Whitley at Kitty Askins Former Goldsboro High School Principal Gerald Whitley has been admitted to Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Whitley, who officially retired from the school system at the end of June, has been battling lung cancer for the past...

Public records

14 people injured in Wayne collisions No traffic fatalities were reported over the long July 4 holiday weekend in Wayne County. But 14 people were injured and damages were estimated at $77,500 in 12 weekend collisions, officers reported. *A sport...

Correction

A photo caption in Monday's News-Argus for a picture of fireworks gave the incorrect name and address of the church. It was the Northeast Original Free Will Baptist Church at 489 Northeast Church Road....

Mount Olive writer wins award

Ada Batten of Mount Olive has won a $100 award for her story, "The Bath, the Snake and the Streak." The story will appear in the book, "Crank Victrolas and Wood Cook Stoves," a collection of histories of Wayne,...

Monday, July 5, 2004

July 4th in Mount Olive

Bobby Williams photo Fireworks over Northeast Original Free Will Baptist Church at 489 Northeast Church Road. Revised on Tuesday, July 6, 2004...

Fire provides new spark for youth program

The fire that drove the Wayne County Youth Outreach Program out of the Community Building gave the agency a new lease on its life -- literally. After the May 2 fire that destroyed the downtown landmark, Daryl Woodard, executive...

Voting has begun at one-stop sites

One-stop early voting has begun for the July 20 primary elections. Registered Wayne County voters can visit one of three designated locations and cast early ballots. The locations and hours are: *Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E. Ash St., Goldsboro,...

Waynesborough Village to offer variety of charms

Waynesborough Historical Village will be filled next weekend with games and entertainment during the 11th annual Summerfest. For three days, July 9 to 11, there will be Civil War re-enactors with cannon fire, birds of prey, tours, tug-o-war contests,...

Public records

Charges dropped The remaining seven sex-offense charges against Donald Robert Deaver of Dobbersville Road have been dismissed by the District Attorney's Office. A Wayne County Superior Court jury deliberated for three days last week and deadlocked on the charges against...

Commissioners to hold hearing on farm districts

The public will get to speak out Tuesday on a proposed program designed to defuse conflict between farmers and their neighbors. The Wayne County commissioners have called a hearing for 9:15 a.m. on the revised voluntary agricultural districts program....

Sunday, July 4, 2004

WCC day care features Web cam

Tammy Peele remembers the first time she saw her 14-month-old child at a table coloring a picture. And she wasn't even in the same room. In fact, she was across town at the time. Tammy works with the Wayne...

Pikeville celebrates the 4th

PIKEVILLE -- Carolyn Mack could not get enough of the water slide. It was the first thing she headed towards when she arrived Saturday morning for the Independence Day Festival. Her mother, Crystal, watched as she slid down four...

Officers trained for 'Street Survival'

Representatives from 25 law enforcement agencies across the state learned they must be vigilant, adaptable and mentally prepared to survive in the changing society that is their "office." Nearly 150 officers from the Triangle to the coast participated in the...

Briefly

Biotech degree James Sprunt Community College will begin the fall semester with a new two-year biotechnology program in collaboration with Pitt Community College. "Biotechnology is an emerging field in eastern North Carolina, and we want our students to be qualified...

Marilyn Roseborough new support center director

A father comes through the doors of the Family Support Center desperately trying to find a way to contact his son who is deployed to Iraq. He has to look no farther. After one visit to the center on...

Calypso homebound served meals

CALYPSO -- A Volunteer delivered the first homebound meals to Calypso's elderly on Thursday. The first one to deliver, the Rev. Bruce Powers, is co-pastor of Calypso Baptist Church with his wife, Traci. He loaded the five meals into...

Volunteers needed

Organizers of the upcoming Raza Festival in Warsaw are looking for volunteers. Raza means "all races" in Spanish, and the organizers say the term is used all over Mexico. The people there call it "the people's festival." This year's...

East Carolina grads listed

The following Wayne County students received degrees from East Carolina University during 2004 Spring Commencment: McDonald Armond received a bachelor of science degree in construction management and design. Lindsay Barwick graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science in...

UNC graduates listed

The following students from Wayne County received degrees from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill during 2004 spring commencement: Ayesha Quanette Atkinsonm, bachelor of arts, studio art; Jessica Nicole Bonney, bachelor of arts, biology; Kevin Jawarren Carr, bachelor of...

Wayne County Superior Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *George Washington Chavis III, 50, Autumn Winds Drive, larceny from the person, 70 to 93 months (habitual felon). *Daniel R. Boseman, 20, South Church Street, Mount Olive, breaking and...

Mount Olive District Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Anthony Jerome McKinney, 41, East Franklin Street, Mount Olive, possession of drug paraphernalia, 45 days suspended, 12 months supervised probation, 30 hours community service, $100 fine and costs. *Tiffany...

Wayne County District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Javarus Juante Wooten, 23, Dory Circle, Dudley, assault on a female, 150 days; resisting arrest, 45 days; assault on a female, 150 days; second-degree trespass, 20 days; domestic violence...

Student news

Phillip Lampron, a graduate of North Duplin High School, received a North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He also received the Lois W. Precythe Memorial Scholarship of $5,000, to be divided over...

Music festival Saturday

"An Evening of Blues," the third annual WEJA Music Festival, will take place Saturday from 6 until 8:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro. Tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased at the theater beginning at 2...

Volunteer Wayne has opportunities

Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151 ext. 336 or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer...

Friday, July 2, 2004

Sprite melon

Bobby Williams photo It is harvest time for sprite melons on Jacob Odom's farm in Princeton. Odom is one of several farmers in Wayne and Lenoir counties who produce the melons, which are sweet and have a fruity, pear-like...

City to hire executive search firm to find manager

The Goldsboro City Council has decided to hire an executive search firm to help find a new city manager. The council will not vote to hire a search firm until its meeting Tuesday, but members agreed Thursday that it...

84 percent of grads to attend college

Eighty-four percent of the recent graduates from the Wayne County public schools are planning to continue their education in colleges this fall, say county school officials. More than 1,000 seniors graduated this year from Wayne County public schools. About 430...

State hopes sprite melon will be one alternative to tobacco

Some farmers across the state, including in Wayne County, are venturing into producing a sweet specialty crop called sprite melons. The melons are designed to be an alternative cash crop to tobacco. A farmer in Wayne County, Jacob Odom,...

Weekend fireworks planned in Wayne

Residents can see public fireworks displays on Saturday and Monday in Wayne County. On Saturday, fireworks will be displayed at 9 p.m. at the Mount Olive Municipal Airport and at Pikeville's park. On Monday, Berkeley Mall will have a fireworks...

Women have fun in gun class

KENANSVILLE -- Deborah Garner stood on the firing line with a .44-caliber revolver. She handled it well, punching hole after hole in the target. It was easy to tell she was having fun. After every shot, she used a line...

Volunteers wanted for Warsaw festival

Organizers of the upcoming Raza Festival in Warsaw are looking for volunteers. Raza means "all races" in Spanish, and the organizers say the term is used all over Mexico. The people there call it "the people's festival." This year's...

Public records

High-speed chase A high-speed chase ended Thursday night with a struggle and Goldsboro police apprehending a man who was suspected of breaking into a coin-operated machine. A police officer said he was on routine patrol when he saw an SUV...

Briefly

Light agenda The Goldsboro City Council will have a light agenda for Tuesday's meeting. George Wood is scheduled to speak to the board about a need for a volunteer handicap parking team to assist in identifying violators who misuse handicapped...

Thursday, July 1, 2004

County considers paying $300,000 to save APV jobs

Wayne County may give a $300,000 grant to try to keep open a Goldsboro factory that employs about 260 people. The county commissioners have called a public hearing for 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, to consider whether to offer...

Man gets life in fatal shooting

The story was as old as time. It involved one woman and two Goldsboro men. One man was dead, and the other has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for his murder. Gary Anthony Williams of Olivia...

Duplin board raises taxes to pay for EMS

KENANSVILLE -- Property owners in Duplin County will pay 2.5 cents more on the tax rate following the approval Wednesday of the county commissioners' new budget. The tax increase will be used to pay for phasing in countywide ambulance...

Respected teacher says politics caused her to leave Wayne

A respected high school science teacher says she is leaving the Wayne County public schools because of politics in the school system and her unwillingness to compromise her integrity. Julie West has been at Southern Wayne High School for...

Eureka finds little relief in meeting with Fremont to resolve sewer issues

EUREKA -- Eureka and Fremont officials tried Wednesday to determine the best way to correct sewer billing problems that have been causing headaches for Eureka officials for months. Eureka residents have voiced their concerns about the high sewer bills...

Sex-case jury deadlocks

A 37-year-old defendant, charged with 11 sex offenses against a young girl, left the Wayne County Courthouse on Wednesday a free man. Donald Robert Deaver of Dobbersville Road was acquitted on one charge, three charges were dismissed, and the jury...

Walnut Creek annexes 205 acres

No increases in sewer or water bills and no increases in taxes. That was the decision Wednesday by the Walnut Creek Council when it approved its new budget. The budget totals $865,200 and will include a 4 percent pay...

Briefly

Mt. Olive 4th of July An article in Wednesday's issue of the News-Argus placed the Mount Olive Jaycees' fireworks and the Exchange Club's celebration in Westbrook Park on the same day, but they're on different days. The fireworks display begins...

Public records

Clerk, pizza man report robberies A convenience store clerk and a pizza delivery man were robbed Wednesday, Goldsboro police reports said. The store clerk at the Spur gas station at 2000 N. William St. said that at about 9:30 p.m....

Pendergrass arrested

Farm organizer charged with trespass Blake Pendergrass, organizer for the Farm Labor Organizing Committee in Dudley, was arrested while trying to organize farm workers in Nash County. Pendergrass and a student intern, Francisco Heredia, were meeting on June 25 at...