January 2005 archives

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Monday, January 31, 2005

Demolition clears way for new shopping center

Demolition has begun on the apartment buildings now occupying the future site of the Berkeley Commons Shopping Center. The new shopping center will be built on the west side of North Berkeley Boulevard between Parkway Drive and Hill Drive Circle,...

Black history on display

A roomful of paintings, pictures, and other artifacts depicting black history are on display at the Wayne County Museum throughout February. Sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, the display on the second floor of the museum combines local...

Public records

Man robbed A Goldsboro man was robbed Sunday of $280 in the 200 block of West Ash Street, according to a Goldsboro police report. Charles Lee Johnson, 30, said a man approached him at about 11:30 a.m., displayed a handgun...

Opinion: Level the field

"If you have to pay them to come, you don't want them." Craig Kennedy said something like that many years ago. He was economic development director during one of Wayne County's early successful periods of industrial expansion. But things have...

Sunday, January 30, 2005

Lee Borden to receive DCA

Lee Borden will receive the Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award this year. The award will be given during the Tuscarora Council DCA Banquet on April 18 at the Goldsboro Country Club. Tickets are available for donations of $200 and up....

Wayne County Reads events to begin

Wayne County Reads begins this week, and organizers have planned several events to lure readers in. This year's selection for the countywide reading project is "Big Fish," and the schedule includes events tied to the book, to its movie adaptation...

Arts Council to stress fund-raising

A new year will mean a new look at fund-raising for the Arts Council of Wayne County. The Arts Council's board of directors met Thursday afternoon at the art center and discussed the importance of energizing its membership drive. The...

Jo Ann Summerlin announces for Clerk of Court

An experienced paralegal has announced her intention to run for Wayne County Clerk of Court in 2006. Jo Ann Summerlin, a Democrat, said she believes her 38 years as legal secretary to the late Sen. Thomas Strickland and as a...

Wayne has new agriculture agent

Kevin Johnson has joined the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Center as an agricultural extension agent. He will be responsible for educational programs in tobacco, field crops and pesticide application. Johnson spent the past seven years as a regional agronomist for...

Agribusiness conference begins

MOUNT OLIVE - Mount Olive College will kick-off a four-day Agribusiness Professional Development Conference today directed to young farmers and cooperative extension agents. The conference, sponsored by Altria-Shared Solutions, will cover the economics of farming, environmental aspects of farming and...

Wayne man dies in accident

A Wayne County man was killed in a traffic accident Friday morning in South Carolina. Leslie Herring, 29, of 624 Sheridan Forest Road, was killed when the truck he was driving for the Pate-Dawson Co. of Goldsboro was involved in...

More on WCC list

Thirty more students have been added to the previously-published fall 2004 President's List for Wayne Community College. To be named to the president's list, students must be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours and earn a quality point average...

Students learn about Japan

Doris Ginn's fourth graders at Eastern Wayne Elementary School are being treated to an excursion to another world and another culture. Without leaving their classroom. Colorful kimonos in vivid reds, blacks and blues line the back wall. Posters with landscape...

Briefly

Passport deadline extended The deadline to get passports from the Wayne County Clerk of Courts Office has been extended from Monday to March 31. Clerk of Court Marshall Minchew said Friday that the deadline was being extended so that the...

East Carolina students recognized

The following students from Wayne County graduated from East Carolina University in December: Elson Amurao, bachelor of science, broadcasting; Saundra Beamon, master of fine arts, art; Felicia Best, bachelor of science, elementary education; Heather Bliss, bachelor of science, nursing. Kristin...

Duplin Expo planned

WALLACE -- The Duplin First Council is sponsoring the Duplin County Expo Friday and Saturday, March 4 and 5, at the New Duplin Warehouse on Railroad Street in Wallace. The show hours are Friday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m....

Public records

Break-ins cleared with man's arrest A 19-year-old Goldsboro man has been arrested by Goldsboro police and charged with numerous felony crimes in connection with vehicle break-ins, burglaries and thefts. Michael Christopher Fields of Third Street was arrested Monday by police...

Mount Olive Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Rogelio Alberto Mireles, 32, Pear Tree Road, Mount Olive, no operator's license, 60 days suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, $50 fine and costs. *Kendrick Ward, 34, Pacific Drive, Dudley,...

District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Nancy Lou Barnes, 41, Mount Carmel Church Road, Pikeville, harassing phone call and threatening phone call, not guilty. *Danny Fritz, 46, Racegate Run, Pikeville, communicating threats, not guilty. *Billy D....

Deputy suspended

A Wayne County sheriff's deputy has been suspended for two weeks after a case of mistaken identity involving a Dudley woman. When Lee Davis returns to work, he will be assigned to the courtroom as a bailiff, Sheriff's Department officials...

Friday, January 28, 2005

Winter weather likely, but little snow

It's that time of year so don't be surprised to hear that snow is in the forecast for Wayne County this weekend. The National Weather Service in Raleigh issued winter weather advisories beginning Saturday afternoon for most of central North...

City zoning proposal would ban search light at William Street club

The search light that sweeps across the skies over Wayne County each night, beckoning people to a William Street nightclub, may soon be outlawed by the Goldsboro City Council. Once the sun goes down, the William Street light begins cutting...

Mount Olive man wins highest Scout award

CLAYTON -- Craig Hansen of Mount Olive received one of four Silver Beaver Awards presented by the Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Hanson and the other recipients, Janet Medlin of Princeton, Dr. Lewis Fetterman Jr., of Clinton...

Professor says cheap drugs are dangerous

Buying cheap prescription drugs from other countries may end up being costly, says the dean of Campbell University's pharmacy school. Dr. Ronald Maddox, who is also a professor at the school, has been traveling around the state trying to spread...

Defendant used jail account number, homemade checks in unique scam

A man described as a career con artist has been sentenced to at least 29 years in prison for making counterfeit checks on the Johnston County Jail's bank account, using them to buy cars and then passing them to post...

Public records

House fire A malfunctioning water pump was blamed Thursday for a fire that damaged a utility house, a carport and a house at 1912 N. Berkeley Blvd., a Goldsboro fire official said. Assistant Fire Chief Ray Boyette said the resident,...

Money being raised for Duplin Commons

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County commissioners have approved a study to prepare for a campaign to raise money for the Duplin Commons. Ed Emory and Tom Fife of the Duplin Commons Foundation told commissioners this week that the study, to be...

Briefly

Going back in time The time capsule found unexpectedly by crews demolishing the Community Building will be opened next week. Trustees for the building will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Gray Room at the Herman Park Center to...

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Eureka residents split on whether to unincorporate

EUREKA -- Some residents of Eureka say they want to unincorporate the town. A petition is circulating that asks State Rep. Louis Pate to introduce a bill in the General Assembly to dissolve the town charter. It cites disinterest in...

Radford leaving headmaster job at Wayne Country Day

Eddie Radford, the headmaster at Wayne Country Day School, has told its board of trustees that he will leave the job at the end of the school year. Beverly York, chairman of the board, said, "He indicated that business opportunities...

Briefly

Evans back home The chairman of the Wayne County commissioners, J.D. Evans, is home and resting comfortably after a recent heart attack. His wife Shirley responded to a call from the News-Argus and said Evans was released from Wake Medical...

Public records

Shooting victim's condition upgraded to fair A 43-year-old man who was beaten and shot numerous times early Jan. 11 near Dudley is listed in fair condition at a hospital, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's official. Roderick Underwood was assaulted...

Eastern Wayne Elementary creates rain forest

Pat Peoples joined Eastern Wayne Elementary School this year as curriculum facilitator, working with academically gifted students. She has also been state-trained in writing end-of-grade tests, a talent she incorporated into the fifth graders' recently-completed project on the rain forest....

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Wayne's new shelter may cost 1.2 million dollars

Wayne County may spend as much as $1.2 million on a new animal shelter, which would be built to last, officials say. The animal control advisory committee asked the county commissioners Tuesday to build a 10,000-square-foot shelter on Clingman Street...

Yard sale will raise money for Duplin County kennel

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin Animal Rescue Team is planning a yard sale to raise money to help renovate a kennel that is being used to hold unwanted animals. The kennel is at the home of Michael Quinn's home outside Kenansville....

Air Force officer has praise for Wayne County schools

Col. Leonard Coleman, commander of the 4th Mission Support Group at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, applauded the Wayne County school system's efforts to accommodate military families during a tour of two schools on Tuesday. "Anytime you talk to a...

Second gas leak forces evacuation in Goldsboro

A severed gas line kept city employees out of their downtown offices Tuesday for more than an hour. Construction workers accidentally cut a gas line, just before 1 p.m., while doing foundation work on the new city hall building. City...

Public records

Chase ends in multiple charges An alleged drunk driver led Goldsboro police on a 20-minute chase Tuesday night after she allegedly damaged a car in a grocery parking lot. Penny Gayle Jervis, 43, of 4th Street, Smithfield, faces multiple charges,...

Golden "A"s awarded by health department

Schlotzky's Deli again captured the top award for restaurant sanitation given by the Wayne County Health Department. The award is based on scores given during the year's health inspections. The "Golden A" awards, presented annually to restaurants and foodstands that...

Barbecue king's widow observes 100th birthday

Irene Griffin celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday, crediting her longevity to "not smoking, not drinking and eating right." Mrs. Griffin, the widow of the late restauranteur Lloyd Griffin, worked part-time for years as a cashier in her husband's well-known...

Briefly

Future millionaire? Melinda Murphy Sink, a 1976 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School, has been chosen as a contestant for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," a television game show hosted by Meredith Vieira. The segment will air on Thursday...

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Chamber awards

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Honored at the annual banquet of the Chamber of Commerce of Wayne County are, from left: Glenn Rains of the Goldsboro News-Argus, the Rookie Ambassador of the Year; Betsy Rosemann of the Hampton Inn, the Ambassador of...

Duplin Board rejects proposal from Johnston Ambulance

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Commissioners has rejected a company's proposal to provide paramedic-level emergency care for the county. The commissioners voted Monday to reject the proposal by Johnston Ambulance Service. On two other emergency-service issues facing the...

Three middle schools to get after-school program

An after-school program designed to improve end-of-grade test scores for middle school students has been funded through a grant and is drawing support from several groups. The Wayne County public schools and Wayne County 4-H collaborated in obtaining a 21st...

Edmundson honored at chamber banquet

Jimmie Edmundson was presented the Cornerstone Award, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's highest award, on Monday night. Hundreds of people attended the chamber's annual banquet, held at Lane Tree Golf Club, and saw outgoing chairman Tony Worrell pass the...

Wayne social services determined to find homes for 10 special children

Wayne County Social Services will launch a new effort next month to find permanent homes for some hard-luck children. The "Campaign for Kids" is scheduled to begin Feb. 18, DSS Director Judy Pelt told the Board of Social Services on...

Happy Store closed for now but may reopen

The lights are on, but nobody's home at the Happy Store on Berkeley Boulevard. During the day, construction workers huddle inside the convenience store, trying to get warm during a lunch break. The gas pumps are gone, and black gas...

Arrest made in LaGrange shooting death

Murder charges filed in LaGrange killing LAGRANGE -- Authorities arrests a Beaulaville man Monday and charged him with murder in the shooting death of Kenneth Rouse. John Linwood Sutton, 38, was being held in the Lenoir County Jail. Rouse, 49,...

Public records

Chase leads to arrest A 19-year-old Goldsboro man was arrested today by Goldsboro police after a predawn chase and charged with stealing a 20-year-old car. Michael Christopher Fields of Third Street was apprehended in the 1800 block of Wayne Memorial...

Duplin deputies seize money, stolen property

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County deputies have seized money, stolen property and arrested several people in connection with an armed robbery, several recent break-ins, a traffic stop and an illegal drug buy. Sanderson's Quick Stop in Warsaw was robbed last week....

Monday, January 24, 2005

Last picture show

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit The sign this morning tells the story. The United Artist Theaters on Berkeley Boulevard showed movies for the last time Sunday, according to a spokesman for the theater. The four-screen complex was opened in 1983....

Huffman takes oath as new city manager

Goldsboro's new city manager was sworn into office this morning and welcomed by city staff, residents and local officials. Joe Huffman took the oath administered by District Court Judge Rose Williams. "I'm excited about being here, and I appreciate the...

Group says Wayne residents get off light on taxes

Goldsboro residents pay some of the lowest local taxes and fees of any in North Carolina's largest cities, a new report says. Wayne County also charges its residents less than average, according to "By the Numbers 2005: What Government Costs...

Food addiction will be focus of WATCH health program

Wayne Action Teams for Community Health (WATCH) and its Substance Abuse Task Force will launch a weight-and-exercise management program next week. The program will target food addiction and breaking patterns of unhealthy behavior. The first meeting will be held on...

Chamber leadership class tours schools

The Leadership Wayne County class held its annual "Education Day" Friday. In the morning, class members divided up to tour Tommy's Road Elementary, North Drive Elementary, Eastern Wayne Elementary, Greenwood Junior High and Dillard Middle School. Many volunteered in classrooms....

Public records

Armed robbery A 27-year-old man said he was robbed Sunday night by two armed men at Pikeville-Princeton Road and N.C. 581, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office report. Tremayne Prescott Coley of Four Oaks told deputies that he had...

Wayne Community holding free seminar on increasing sales

The Business and Industry Center of Wayne Community College will offer a free seminar next month on successful sales strategies. "Time-Tested Ways To Increase Sales" will be held on Thursday, starting Feb. 17, from 1-4 p.m. in Room 145 of...

OPINION -- Musical mutilation

Several years ago there was some discussion about changing the National Anthem. If I remember correctly, the respected Walter Cronkite entered the debate, suggesting that The Star-spangled Banner was "unsingable." The late Congressman Walter Jones Sr., who favored sticking with...

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Old roads a path to past

The old trails and paths that wind through North Carolina could provide a deeper understanding of the state's heritage and history than some written records. That's what members of the Old Dobbs County Genealogical So-ciety learned Sat-urday, when Tom Manguson...

Duplin hospital readies 50-year fete

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin General Hospital is at the threshold of a celebration, the kind that a half-century of history makes possible. A committee has been working for nearly a year planning a day-long celebration of the hospital's 50th anniversary to...

Upcoming dance night envisioned as way of promoting family values

Seeing daddies dance with their little girls is a beautiful sight, says Vanessa Spiron, director of the Family Y's WARM Hearts mentor program. She said last year's Father-Daughter Dance was an amazing event and that she hopes this year's will...

LaGrange police look for possible witnesses, clues in fatal shooting

LAGRANGE -- "We're still following several leads," LaGrange Police Chief John Sullivan said late Friday about the investigation of last week's fatal shooting of a self-employed businessman. Sullivan said no arrests have been made. The body of the victim, 49-year-old...

Another crash occurs at accident-prone location

For the third time in five days, the Highway Patrol investigated a traffic collision at U.S. 70 and Beston Road, just east of Walnut Creek. On Friday, it involved one of their own. The administrative assistant in the patrol's Wayne...

Mount Olive College's Rendall makes presentation

MOUNT OLIVE -- David Rendall, assistant professor of management and organizational development at Mount Olive College, recently presented a session at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside's Nonprofit Institute. He spoke about the topic of social enterprise, which is a revenue generation...

James Sprunt gets nurses program grant

KENANSVILLE -- James Sprunt Community College has received a $151,806 grant for its new evening and weekend Associate Degree Nursing Transition program from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust of Winston-Salem. The program, which began last fall, is targeted to...

Public record

Officer dragged after stop A Goldsboro police officer had minor injuries after a traffic stop Friday afternoon. After stopping Marcus Derrell Whitfield around 2 p.m., Police Officer Dave Cloutier asked Whitfield to get out of the car, according to official...

Friday, January 21, 2005

Bus shelters expected by the end of February

The bus shelters ordered last month by the Goldsboro Wayne Transportation Authority haven't been delivered, but City Manager Richard Slozak says he expects them to arrive by the end of February. Slozak told the Gateway board on Wednesday that there...

Wayne keeps in touch with Pentagon, Congress

Wayne County leaders maintain ties with the Pentagon and with members of Congress to ensure that they are aware that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is appreciated in its home community. Local government and civic leaders meet regularly with base...

LaGrange shooting

LAGRANGE -- The fatal shooting of a LaGrange man remains under investigation today by LaGrange police. The victim, Kenneth Rouse, 49, was found dead Wednesday night in his backyard at 201 Ed Herring Road. Neighbors heard gunshots at about 7...

Local teacher wins national award

Cathie Hooks, a fifth-grade teacher at Tommy's Road Elementary School, has won a technology leadership award from the AOL@SCHOOL National Education Association Foundation. Mrs. Hooks is the first recipient of the national award that recognizes teachers who have demonstrated a...

Pikeville seeks 500,000 dollar loan for sewage plant

PIKEVILLE „ The town board decided Thursday to apply for a $500,000 low-interest loan to help build the town's new sewage treatment plant. The new plant will cost a total of $4.1 million. A $3 million grant was approved for...

Watson joins Mount Olive College business faculty

MOUNT OLIVE -- Kerr F. Watson has joined Mount Olive College as chairman of management and human resources. Watson, a Winston Salem native, earned his bachelor of science degree in chemistry and mathematics from Greensboro College, his masters degree in...

Police urge businesses to check video cameras

The Goldsboro Police Department is urging businesses to examine their surveillance cameras to make sure that they are in good working order. Cpl. Teresa Cox, a police crime prevention officer, says a clear videotape of a possible crime from a...

GOP precinct meetings planned

The Wayne County Republican Party will hold its first 10 annual precinct organizational meetings beginning on Feb. 1. The following meetings will be held at Republican headquarters, 147 S. Center St. *Feb. 1, Precinct 23, Goldsboro Wesleyan, 6:30 p.m. *Feb....

News calendar

REFORMERS UNANIMOUS The Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program will meet tonight, and every Friday, from 7-9 p.m. at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 3177 Indian Springs Road. Information: 252-569-1138. FISH STEW FAISON -- A free fish stew will be served today,...

Briefly

Ordinance review An informational meeting to review the proposed Unified Development Ordinance is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 27, at 10 a. m. in the City Council Chambers, upstairs in City Hall. The ordinance will replace existing regulations pertaining to subdivision,...

Alpha Phi Alpha banquet Saturday

Rep. Larry Bell will be the guest speaker at the 40th anniversary banquet of Theta Omicron Lambda Chamber of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Saturday at Lane Tree Country Club. During the event, the chapter will honor and recognize...

Public records

Store robbed Two armed men robbed a store Thursday night of an undetermined amount of money and fled, according to a Goldsboro police report. The men, one armed with a rifle and the other with a handgun, entered the Dykes...

Correction

The name of Dr. Hector Pedraza, a partner in Golds-boro Orthopaedic Associates, was inadvertently left off a caption on a picture of the groundbreaking for the firm's new building. The picture was published on Sunday, Jan. 16. The News-Argus regrets...

Thursday, January 20, 2005

More snow on the way overnight

Wayne County's snow lovers had the best of both worlds Wednesday. They got to see a dusting of the white stuff covering cars and grassy areas without the nasty road conditions that plagued Raleigh and other areas north and west...

Heat restored at Wayne schools; officials await next wintry blast

Heat has been restored in all the county schools, but now students may be given Friday off if tonight's snow forecast comes true. Eastern Wayne Elementary, Norwayne Middle and Northeast Elementary schools were without heat on Tuesday because of electrical...

Council ponders raise for employees

Three members of the Goldsboro City Council said this week that they aren't ready to give city employees a cost of living raise, but they agreed to consider the matter again in February. City Manager Richard Slozak recommended giving employees...

Counterfeit operation discovered

MOUNT OLIVE -- Police say they have broken up a counterfeiting ring and that a suspect involved in it may have had a hand in robbing a Mexican restaurant earlier this month. Mount Olive Police Lt. Tommy Brown said he...

City in good financial shape, manager says

Goldsboro City Manager Richard Slozak gave the City Council a parting piece of good news before his retirement on Friday: The city is in great financial shape. The six-month financial analysis, presented Tuesday by Slozak and Finance Director Richard Durham,...

County reserves increased in 2004

Wayne County has reversed a trend of spending its savings, commissioners learned this week. For a second straight year, the county was able to increase its unreserved fund balance for the general fund. That term refers to the county's savings...

Sensory garden created at Edgewood School in memory of autistic student

The memory of an autistic child lives on at Edgewood School in a garden that was created to give other children a chance to enjoy the sensory experiences that he loved so much. Chad Comer was a 6-year-old student at...

Public records

Arrest made after holdup A man with a gun robbed a fast-food restaurant on Berkely Boulevard on Wednesday night of an undetermined amount of money. Police arrested a suspect 25 minutes later. An assistant manager at the Sonic Drive-In at...

Republican precinct meetings to be held in February

The Wayne County Republican Party has scheduled several of its annual precinct meetings. These meetings are now set: *Precinct No. 23 (Goldsboro Wesleyan), 6:30 p.m., Feb. 1 *Precinct No. 20 (First African Baptist), 7:30 p.m., Feb. 1 *Precinct No. 2...

Fremont Town Board decides to participate in block grant program

FREMONT -- The Fremont town board has agreed to participate in a second scattered-site Community Development Block Grant program. The board made the decision during Tuesday night's monthly meeting at Town Hall. The program will be administered by Wayne County....

Democratic chairman to speak at MOC business breakfast

MOUNT OLIVE -- Barbara Allen, chairman of the state Democratic Party, will be the featured speaker Thursday, Jan. 27 at Mount Olive College's Business Breakfast Briefing. The breakfast buffet will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the Hennessee Room of the...

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Breaking ground

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Mayor Al King leads the Goldsboro City Council and other dignitaries in breaking ground for the new City Hall annex at the corner of Center and Mulberry streets on Tuesday. From left are Grimsley Hobbs of Partin...

Winter weather advisory issued

Wayne is among counties that were placed under a winter weather advisory this afternoon when snow began falling in neighboring counties. According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a band of heavy snow was moving east across the...

Three schools without heat Tuesday

Power outages Tuesday and today caused three county schools to be without heat, with students at one school dismissed early today. In all three schools -- Northeast, Eastern Wayne Elementary and Norwayne Middle -- instruction continued Tuesday, and students were...

Petition seeks removal of Superior Court judge

PIKEVILLE -- A group of people angry over the way Judge Jerry Braswell handled the appointment of magistrates is trying to raise a petition to get him removed from office. About 30 people gathered Tuesday night at the Masonic Lodge...

4th Fighter Wing jets part of inaugural ceremonies

Four jets from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will perform a fly-by today at the presidential inauguration events. President Bush will take the oath of office Thursday but the fly-by will be held today because the airspace will be restricted...

Benefits accrue to Wayne Community College attendees, study finds

*A person who attends Wayne Community College will earn an average of $3,129 a year for every year of full-time study. *For every dollar that a student invests in attending WCC, he will get back $4.45 in higher future earnings...

Little River's Mike Aycock named 'Fireman of Year'

As veteran firefighter Mike Aycock listened to the speaker at Tuesday night's annual Wayne County Firemen's banquet, he began to get a little suspicious. The speaker was describing the firefighter who had been chosen as Fireman of the Year and...

City approves money to renovate Paramount Theatre exterior

The Goldsboro City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $64,800 to repair the exterior of the Paramount Theater. Goldsboro assumed ownership of the theater in 1993, after extensive interior renovations. The outside walls of the Center Street theater consist of...

Public records

Motel fire deemed suspicious A suspicious, predawn fire caused about $21,000 in damages today to a room at the Knights Inn, the former Ramada Inn, at 802 W. Grantham St., a Goldsboro fire official said. Assistant Fire Chief Ray Boyette...

Officials break ground for City Hall addition

Bundled against the cold, a small group of officials and Goldsboro residents broke ground Tuesday for the new addition to City Hall. Mayor Al King led the ceremony, tossing a shovelful of earth with a gold-plated shovel as members of...

Slozak bid formal farewell to City Council

Goldsboro City Manager Richard Slozak bid a formal farewell to the City Council and city staff Tuesday during his last council meeting as city manager. Slozak retired from the city in December but has been working this month on an...

Consultant firm sought to develop countywide land-use plan

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners agreed Tuesday to seek an outside firm to help develop a countywide land-use plan. The board voted unanimously to ask consulting firms to submit their qualifications for working on the project. The commissioners will...

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Community Building demolished

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Workmen from A-K Grading and Demolition Co. of LaGrange look over the rubble this morning after tearing down the Wayne County Memorial Community Building at the corner of William and Walnut streets. The building was completed in...

Time capsule uncovered during demolition of Community Building

Demolition crews uncovered a time capsule Monday in a corner of the old Community Building. It was a surprise. Neil Bartlett, director of the city's recreation and parks department, said that the existence of the time capsule was unknown to...

Council may soon be ready to present new zoning ordinance to public

After years of discussion, the Goldsboro City Council will soon be ready to hear comments from the public about the proposed zoning ordinance. The ordinance has hovered at the completion stage several times over the past two years, but has...

Snow?

Oh yes, they are talking about it, and a few of the more daring weather forecasters are actually predicting it. Snow. That white stuff. The stuff we last saw the Sunday after Christmas. We could see it again. This weekend....

Public records

6 people hurt in county collisions Six people were injured and damage was estimated at $38,600 in six recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, the Highway Patrol reported. *Two passengers were injured and damage was estimated at $7,500 in a...

Briefly

4th Wing gets honor Fliers from the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will provide a flyover during President George W. Bush's inauguration ceremony Thursday. A base spokesman said a team from the Rocketeers, the 336th Fighter...

School lunch menus

Following are menus for Wayne County Public Schools for the week of Jan. 24-28: Monday -- Breakfast: Apple turnover. Lunch: Baked chick fillet on a bun, burrito with salsa, golden corn, pinto beans, chilled applesauce and milk. Tuesday -- Manager's...

Monday, January 17, 2005

Wreck on U.S. 70

A wreck on U.S. 70 this morning killed a 6-year-old girl and injured her monther. For more information see 6-year-old girl is killed in car crash....

6-year-old girl is killed in car crash

A 6-year-old girl was killed before dawn today when her mother's car was struck by an oil tanker truck at U.S. 70 and Beston Road, just east of Walnut Creek. The girl, identified as Nikita Pearson of 3061 New Hope...

300 attend annual King breakfast

More than 300 people turned out this morning for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration breakfast. The event was held at the H.V. Brown Hall in the Goldsboro-Dillard Alumni Center. Goldsboro Mayor Al King welcomed the crowd. "I hope...

Hearing on bond money scheduled for Tuesday

Goldsboro citizens can voice their opinions Tuesday about extending the period in which the city must issue its sewer bonds. The city received permission for an extension in November from the Local Government Commission. The commission oversees debt issues for...

Samaritan's Feet founder says simple donation can change a life

Emmanuel Ohonme, founder and president of Samaritan's Feet International, summed up his organization's mission as giving "a sole for a soul." Ohonme has made it his mission to reach 10 million impoverished people over the next 10 years and "through...

Land-use plan on Tuesday agenda

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will decide Tuesday whether to work toward a comprehensive, countywide land-use plan. The county Planning Board voted unanimously last week to urge the commissioners to begin work on the land-use plan. The next step...

Public records

Check scheme Four unidentified men were arrested Saturday by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with 13 felony counts each of forgery and uttering. The Hispanic men, who said they lived in Raleigh, were placed in the Wayne County...

Undercover probe prompted wildlife charges

Wayne County's wildlife officer said an undercover wildlife officer bought 192 pounds of deer meat from Joe Cunningham of Dogwood Trail. Cunningham was charged Friday with six game law violations. Wildlife officers seized 138 pounds of deer meat they found...

OPINION -- He's back!

Michael Newdow is the atheist who tried to remove the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. He's back! Last week he filed suit to stop a Christian minister from offering a prayer at the presidential inauguration. Prayers have...

Review: D'Ambrosio's passion proves enthralling

Before singer Franc D'Ambrosio could finish the song "Music of the Night," an audience of about 300 people was cheering. D'Ambrosio had already performed one of the best shows brought to Goldsboro in the past 19 years. Most famous for...

Scientist to speak on global climate

MOUNT OLIVE -- "Global Climate Change: Implications for Human Ecosystems and Society" will be the topic for the 2005 Lorelle F. Martin Science Lecture to be held at Mount Olive College on February 10. The event is scheduled for 7:30...

Sunday, January 16, 2005

Herman Park gets new playground equipment

By the end of February, the city will have completed its efforts to refurbish or replace the Herman Park playground equipment. A gust of wind whips the yellow and black police tape that surrounds the playground, but no crime has...

Crime rate down in Goldsboro

Goldsboro police are taking a bite out of crime. Chief Tim Bell says the rate of major crimes was down by 2 percent in 2004 from 2003. But what makes Bell proud is that the drop was the fifth in...

Martin Luther King celebrations set

Goldsboro will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday today with a special play, and on Monday with an annual breakfast. The holiday celebration will start with the Kuumba Ensemble's "The Rumble in My Voice Production" at the Paramount Theater...

Miss Eastern Wayne Pageant Friday

The Paramount Theater will be the setting Friday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. as 10 women compete for the title of "Miss Eastern Wayne High School 2005." The theme of the 12th annual scholarship pageant is "Carolina Girls." Sponsored...

Purnell MOC directior at New Bern

MOUNT OLIVE -- Vaughn P. Purnell has been appointed director of the Mount Olive College location at New Bern. He is replacing Joe Klotz who was director for more than six years. Klotz will continue to teach psychology at New...

Sunday Briefly

State arts council The North Carolina Arts Council will crisscross the state in February to seek public input for its long-range strategic plan. Wednesday, Feb. 9, will find Arts Council board and staff members in Kinston in the Jenkins Room...

Four arrested on check charges

MOUNT OLIVE -- Four Hispanic men were placed in the Wayne County Jail without bond Saturday under charges of forging and passing checks from Carolina Turkeys. They were booked under the name John Doe Saturday night as investigators tried to...

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. For more information, people can contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151...

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Angelo Applewhite, 43, Red Hill Road, Fremont, first-degree rape, 288 to 355 months. *Patrick Ernest Borders, 43, Nahunta Road, Pikeville, possession of cocaine, 10 to 12...

Silver gets honorary degree

Dr. George Silver of Goldsboro was awarded an honorary doctorate by North Greenville College in Tigerville, S.C. The presentation was made during December commencement exercises at the college. Silver was president of North Greenville College from 1975 until 1980. According...

Mount Olive District Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Anthony Earl Rivers, 16, South Center Street, Mount Olive, injury to personal property, 45 days. *Kenneth Ray Devone, 22, Clinton, expired registration, 30 days suspended, 12 months supervised probation,...

Hunter's safety class Friday

FREMONT -- The Fremont Fire Department and the B and W Hunting Club are sponsoring a hunter's safety course for those age 10 and older. The class will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and from...

District Court

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *David Ray Cannon Sr., Harrison Drive, second-degree trespass, not guilty. *Leila Livingston, Bolling Drive, communicating threats, not guilty. *Lon Devargo Nowell, 30, Koonce Street, larceny, 90...

Business Plan seminar

The Business and Industry Center of Wayne Community College will offer the free seminar "Develop A Business Plan That Works For You" on Tuesday, Jan. 25, from 6-9 p.m. in Room 145 of the Dogwood Building on the Goldsboro campus....

Public records

Investigations The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating the following crimes: *An employee at Tropical Pools at 4209 U.S. 70 East told police somebody took two pools and decks from behind the business. They are valued at $8,000. The report said...

Friday, January 14, 2005

Soggy morning

Bobby Williams If you headed to work after 7:30 this morning, you might have faced some torrential rain in Wayne County. This rainy morning picture was taken on Berkeley Boulevard about 8 a.m. Clearing late today will lead to...

Ash Street sidewalk project advancing

Unseasonably warm temperatures have allowed the city to move faster than expected on its Ash Street sidewalk project, which will bring sidewalks all the way up to Berkeley Boulevard. Goldsboro received $44,625 in enhancement funds from the state transportation department...

Retiring city manager honored at reception

More than 200 people gathered at the Goldsboro Country Club on Thursday to honor retiring City Manager Richard Slozak. A number of current and former city employees, two previous city managers, the city council, as well as many state and...

United Church Ministries volunteers are honored

Doris Peterson was named Volunteer of the Year by United Church Ministries. The announcement was made at the organization's annual banquet on Tuesday night at Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church. In addition to donating 87 hours to United Church...

Public records

Homes vandalized Homes near Pikeville and Mount Olive were vandalized in what the victims claim were domestic disputes, according to reports filed with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Joseph Warren Page returned to his home in the 100 block of...

Briefly

Service to veterans A small department brings some big bucks into Wayne County, county commissioners learned this week. The veterans services office, with only two employees, helps people who have left military service apply for compensation and pensions. The county...

Allen to speak

MOUNT OLIVE -- Barbara Allen, chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, will speak in the Lois K. Murphy Regional Center at Mount Olive College at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27. She will address political, financial, and economic expectations...

Thursday, January 13, 2005

United Way surpasses goal

United Way of Wayne County surpassed its 2004 campaign goal by $39,000, raising a total of $1,371,028.88. Volunteers held up the numbers as Donnie Barnes, 2004 campaign chairman, made the announcement Wednesday at the United Way's annual awards luncheon. That...

Worleys named Farm Family of the Year for North Carolina

The Bryant Worley family of Wayne County has been chosen as North Carolina's Farm Family of the Year by the state's Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Worley family, which includes Bryant, his wife, Debbie, and their daughter,...

Wayne Memorial Hospital to improve customer service

CSI: Goldsboro. No, that's not a new TV series on the fall schedule. But it is being broadcast locally and exclusively at Wayne Memorial Hospital. CSI in this case stands for customer service initiative. Sherry Rogers, director of staff development,...

Survey team to map Goldsboro sewer system

A survey team has hit the streets of Goldsboro as part of a project designed to use technology to plot and maintain the city's sewer system. The city council voted in November to spend $323,450 to create a map of...

Public records

Counterfeit payroll checks being passed At least two counterfeit payroll checks with the name Waste Management Corp. have been passed -- and each was signed with the name of a former congressman, a Wayne County sheriff's detective says. Both checks...

Cash appointed to Seven Springs board

SEVEN SPRINGS - Allen Cash was appointed Wednesday by the Seven Springs Town Board to fill the unexpired term of Emma Ward. Cash, 29, will serve three years. His appointment was unanimous. "I noticed nobody my age on the board,"...

Wayne emergency system working well

Wayne County's emergency medical services system is better, faster and, in a sense, cheaper than the volunteer-run service it replaced, county officials say. The EMS system has cut minutes off the average response time to the scenes of accidents and...

Briefly

Monday is school holiday Monday is a holiday for the Wayne County Public Schools. All schools and the central offices will be closed. Students will be dismissed early on Tuesday, Jan. 25, in order for teachers to attend staff development...

MOC to host Agribusiness conference

MOUNT OLIVE -- On Jan. 30, Mount Olive College will kick-off a four-day Agribusiness Professional Development Conference directed at young farmers and cooperative extension agents. The conference, sponsored by Altria-Shared Solutions, will cover the economics of farming, environmental aspects of...

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Work on Wayne land-use plan to begin in spring

Wayne County officials plan to begin work this spring on a comprehensive, countywide land-use plan. The land-use plan would be a guide to how the county wants to develop, officials say. It would designate areas for agricultural, residential, commercial and...

Rosewood sailor aboard submarine that went aground

Tuesday night's phone conversation between Roxann Barnes of Rosewood and her Navy son Bryan was brief but priceless. The days preceding it had been fraught with emotion. On Saturday, she came home to find a phone message from a naval...

Contracts awarded for hangar construction

Pilots who have been waiting for hangar space at the Goldsboro-Wayne Airport should be able to move in later this year. The airport authority voted Tuesday night to award three construction contracts, including a new 12-bay hangar that would serve...

Alleged assailant in Dudley assault charged

DUDLEY -- A 43-year-old man from Dudley was beaten and shot numerous times early Tuesday in a mobile home on Everittsville Road. Wayne County sheriff's officers arrested a man Tuesday night and charged him with the crime. Roderick Underwood was...

Girl Scouts begin annual cookie sale

The Girl Scouts' annual cookie sale has begun. Scouts in the Council of Coastal Carolina will be taking orders over the next few weeks and delivering cookies in February and March. Booth sales will also take place during February and...

Public records

Woman charged in kidnap scheme A woman who said she was assaulted and kidnapped last weekend and then recanted her story was arrested Tuesday night by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with filing a false police report. Grace...

County seeks way to upgrade emergency communication system

Wayne County's emergency responders are often unable to talk with each other, due to an outdated and underpowered radio system, officials say. It could cost more than $1 million to upgrade the system, but those costs would be cut dramatically...

Red Cross bloodmobile schedule

Donors who give blood this month will receive a special package containing a lapel pin, a magnet and a window decoration. It's the American Red Cross' way of thanking donors during National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, said Don Best, blood...

Goldsboro Fire Deartment report

The Goldsboro Fire Department answered 183 fires or service calls, including three major house fires, in December. Fire Chief Bobby Greenfield said in his monthly report that the three major fires accounted for $6,400 in damages. A fire on Dec....

Briefly

Concert tickets The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is selling tickets to the performance of Milton Bullock, the Golden Platter, an original member of the Platters. The performance will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Goldsboro High...

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

August through June term set for schools

The Board of Education on Monday approved a calendar for Wayne County schools next year, cutting the Christmas vacation in half and stretching the school year from late August until early June. The proposed 2005-2006 school year has students reporting...

Construction on City Hall addition begins Tuesday

It's been over a century since Goldsboro built the existing City Hall. Next week the city will break ground on a new building. On Tuesday, Jan. 18, councilmen will don hard hats and pick up shovels to ceremoniously upend the...

Children in Wayne County react to those affected by tsunami disaster

The ripple effects of the tsunami tragedy have struck children in Wayne County. "Even though it's halfway around the world, it does affect our kids here," said Kristy Fair, public relations officer with Wayne County public schools. Pupils were at...

Mt. Olive considers applying for grants

MOUNT OLIVE -- Town Manager Ray McDonald says he has been inundated with calls from agencies asking if the town wants to apply for grant money. Various agencies and organizations normally call this time of year, McDonald told the Mount...

Mt. Olive buys land for cemetery expansion

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Board of Commissioners agreed Monday night to buy 11.7 acres of land to add to the Carver Cemetery. The town ran out of space in the cemetery about six weeks ago and had no...

Mt. Olive residents complain about shots fired in city

MOUNT OLIVE -- Some people are firing guns inside the city limits, and it's frightening the town's residents. Mount Olive Town Commissioner Ora Truzy said Monday night that she has received several telephone calls from concerned citizens who are frightened...

Public records

Witness recants kidnapping story A 34-year-old woman has recanted her story that she was abducted last weekend by a man from the 100 block of Ellis Drive, a Wayne County Sheriff's official said today. Grace Hall had told deputies that...

Briefly

Tables turned The tables were turned on school board members Monday night, when they were called to center stage to be recognized. Representatives of the Principals and Assistant Principals Association honored the Board of Education at its own meeting for...

Monday, January 10, 2005

Downtown group to get two awards

The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. will receive two awards this month from the state's Main Street Awards Program. Awards for the development group include special recognition for its sponsorship campaign and for the renovations of Weslyan College. Main Street is...

County officials describe efforts to save, and collect, money

When you're contemplating spending millions on the jail, schools and other buildings, every dollar helps. That's why Wayne County commissioners were grateful Friday to learn about efforts to save the county money. Friday's work session included updates from the leaders...

Public records

Man wanted in kidnapping Wayne County Sheriff's officers are looking for a man accused of assaulting and kidnapping a woman from early Saturday to Sunday afternoon. Davis George Thomas Davis, 28, was described as black, 5-feet-7 and 195 pounds with...

Samaritan's Feet Founder To Speak, Receive Shoes

The Rev. Emmanuel Ohonme, founder and president of Samaritan's Feet International, will be the guest speaker for Wayne Community College's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration. He will speak at 1 p.m. on Thursday in Moffatt Auditorium on...

Davis named Braswell scholar

MOUNT OLIVE -- Brandon Davis of Wilson has been named the 2004 Braswell Teaching Scholarship recipient. Davis is a graduate of Beddingfield High School and is the son of Jimmie and Debra Davis. The Braswell Teaching Scholarship is funded by...

Sunday, January 9, 2005

County jail expansion recommended

Wayne County commissioners were advised Friday that they need to spend more than $14 million on an expansion of the county jail. Brennan Associates Inc. is recommending the overcrowded jail be expanded with a new wing on what's now a...

Revote could cost county $20,000

Two months after Election Day, North Carolinians still don't know if Steve Troxler or Britt Cobb will be the next agriculture commissioner. But one thing is certain -- resolving the dilemma could cost Wayne County more than $20,000. The State...

Inmates to rebuild bikes for tsunami survivors

Chris Christman was wondering on his way to work Tuesday morning what he could do to help the victims of a tsunami that struck Indonesia on Christmas Day. He works at Wayne Correctional Center as the assistant superintendent for programs....

Dennis Hill named News-Argus city editor

Dennis Hill, a long-time Goldsboro newsman, has been appointed city editor of the Goldsboro News-Argus. Hill has held nearly every job in the News-Argus newsroom. He joined the newspaper as a reporter in 1986 and worked his way up to...

As 'mini-society' thrives, fifth-graders gain an appreciation for how commerce works

The gymnasium at Tommy's Road Elementary School was converted into an open air marketplace last week as fifth-grade pupils displayed their wares. It was "Market Day," the culmination of a three-month-long social studies activity conducted by teachers Cathie Hooks, Mary...

Flu vaccines available Tuesday for high-risk groups

Wayne County Health Department will hold another flu shot clinic on Tuesday, with 800 vaccines available for high-risk groups. Appointments are not necessary for the clinic, which will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Health Director James Roosen...

Wayne Community College student honored for biomedical presentation

A Wayne Community College student has been recognized for her poster presentation during the 2004 Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. Qwan Michelle "Mickey" Turton of Goldsboro, a sophomore, was the only winner from a community college in her category...

Public Record

Second man held in assault, robbery The Wayne County Sheriff's Office has arrested a second man in the felonious assault and armed robbery last month of a 61-year-old Dudley man. Jonathan Lee Reeves, 23, of Mobile Circle, Dudley, was charged...

Friday, January 7, 2005

Visiting SJAFB

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Rep. Silvestre Reyes of Texas talks with a group of airmen over breakfast at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base this morning. Reyes is a Vietnam veteran. For more information see Congressmen bring greetings to airmen at Seymour...

We won't be fooled -- but mild temperatures sure are nice

Wayne County residents are not easily fooled. While not averse to enjoying this long stretch of unusually warm weather, they know it won't last. Nevertheless, insects have crawled out of hibernation and plants are flirting with the idea of blooming,...

Congressmen bring greetings to airmen at Seymour Johnson

Camaraderie filled the Southern Eagle dining hall at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base today as several members of Congress members thanked the airmen for their service. Five members of the House Armed Services Committee -- Chairman Duncan Hunter and Reps....

One ex-policemen given active prison term

Former Mount Olive Police Sgt. Joshua Joseph Ehnert will spend 75 days in prison for stealing from Hispanic men he had stopped for traffic violations. He and two other former officers, Freddy Norman Southerland and David Allen Johnson, pleaded guilty...

All seven county commissioners on education panel

J.D. Evans, chairman of the Wayne County commissioners, has taken an unusual step that is intended to keep the entire board focused on education this year. Evans appointed all the commissioners, rather than the typical three, to the county's education...

Belk expected to move some of its operations into Proffitt's in mall

Belk is expected to use the acquisition of Proffitt's in Berkeley Mall as an opportunity to expand. The Charlotte-based group confirmed Thursday that it will buy four of the nine Proffitt's in the state. All four - Kinston's Vernon Park...

Public records

Theft of firearms cleared with arrest The larceny of $7,143 worth of firearms, a bulletproof vest, electronic equipment and computer equipment was cleared Thursday with the arrest of an 18-year-old man. Evans Tiszon Olajuwon Evans of U.S. 13 South was...

Getting the picture

MOUNT OLIVE -- Bart Albertson came to Mount Olive College looking for a "good art program." "I drove up and spoke with the art professors for an hour or so," said Albertson, a sophomore visual communications major at Mount Olive...

Sewer bond hearing to be held by city

Goldsboro citizens can voice their opinions about extending the period in which the city must issue its sewer bonds, but the state has already approved the extension. The City Council scheduled a public hearing for Jan. 18. It received permission...

SAFE KIDS promotes booster seat law

Wayne County SAFE KIDS is working with its state counterpart to educate parents and others about the new booster seat law. Free booster seats are being offered locally for families who qualify. As part of a "Booster Seat Blitz" to...

Town to seek 304,000 dollar grant to help finance Floors park

PRINCETON -- The Princeton town board will apply for a federal grant to pay for part of the $304,650 cost to complete the Ray M. Floors Memorial Park. The board agreed to the application Monday after a presentation on the...

Power outage cause unknown

Progress Energy officials aren't sure what caused a power outage along New Hope Road on Thursday evening. Keith Westbrook, spokes-man for Progress Energy, said that the line and service crews didn't find any problems with the line. Westbrook said the...

Local digest

Walker wins award Former Goldsboro resident Sally Walker has won the Heini Hediger award for outstanding and dedicated service to the zoo and aquarium profession. Ms. Walker is founder and director of the Zoo Outreach Organization -- ZOO -- and...

Briefly

Master's meeting Educators in Duplin, Greene, Johnston, Lenoir, Sampson and Wayne counties who aspire to a senior-level administrative position are invited to an information meeting on a new East Carolina University doctoral cohort program. ECU's Department of Educational Leadership is...

Thursday, January 6, 2005

Learning English

News-Argus/Phyllis Moore Gaspar Gonzalez and Willie Cartagena, standing left to right in background, have been teaching English to Hispanic women at Brogden Primary School since September. For more information see Program helps Hispanic parents learn English....

Mt. Olive officers to plead guilty to charges related to theft of money from Hispanics

Wayne County District Attorney Branny Vickory said this morning three former Mount Olive police officers were expected to plead guilty this afternoon to charges stemming from complaints by Latino men that money was missing from their wallets after traffic stops....

Lots once owned by Goldsboro sold in foreclosure auction

The undeveloped lots in Harris Street Estates were sold to a Raleigh construction company Wednesday during a foreclosure sale at the Wayne County Courthouse. The land was owned by the city of Goldsboro, but the city won't get any money...

More National Guardsmen scheduled to return

More than half of the N.C. National Guard's 230th Support Battalion have returned from Iraq, and the rest should be back by late Monday, said a Guard spokesman. Two of the battalion's units, the Charlie Medical Company and the Headquarters...

New North Carolina law creates run on child car seats

A new state law that requires children under age 8 or 80 pounds to ride in car seats has caused a run on the equipment in stores around North Carolina. Tammy Lewis, department manager for infants at the Wal-Mart Super...

Program helps Hispanic parents learn English

Martha Patricia Ibarra and her husband moved 10 years ago to Wayne County from Mexico for a better life. The couple send money back home to support their family, which includes two children, 15 and 17, whom they haven't seen...

Public records

Robbery charge A 20-year-old man was arrested Wednesday by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with the assault and armed robbery of a 61-year-old Dudley man. Ricky Allen Ballance Jr. of Paradise Lane, Dudley, was accused of Thursday's crimes,...

Wayne Community College getting Biotech funds

Wayne Community College is preparing to expand its program to train workers in the growing biotechnology industry. The college has received a boost in this effort with a $43,000 grant for equipment and supplies. The college is also working on...

Briefly

More flu shots The Wayne County Health Department will hold another flu shot clinic on Tuesday, with 800 vaccines available to those considered high risk. Clinic hours will be 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. James Roosen, health director, asked that...

Wayne Grand Jury returns indictments against 53

A Wayne County man has been indicted on an armed robbery charge, and another man has been ndicted on 14 sex offenses. The Wayne County Grand Jury returned true bills of indictment against 51 other defendants during its monthly meeting....

Crime Stoppers

A murder was solved with three arrests and a fugitive was captured as a result of recent anonymous calls, say officials with Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers. Three Southern Wayne High School students from Dudley were charged with the fatal shooting...

Calypso begins adding sewer customers

CALYPSO -- Calypso has started adding customers to its new sewer system. Twenty-five residents will be added. They are the first for the system that will link with Mount Olive. They will also be the only customers until Mount Olive...

Wednesday, January 5, 2005

Waiting in the wings

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Equipment to build a concrete plant on Central Heights Road is in place. For more information see City delays concrete plant's plans....

County extends development moratorium

Property owners around Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will have one last chance next month to speak on proposed changes in how they can develop their land. They will also have to wait longer before they can proceed with any...

City delays concrete plant's plans

A decision on whether to allow a concrete plant to be built on Central Heights Road was postponed Monday by the City Council. Goldsboro Planning Director Randy Guthrie recommended giving S&W Concrete Co. more time to respond to additional requirements...

Man indicted on sex charges

A Wayne County man has been indicted on an armed robbery charge, and another man has been indicted on 14 sex offenses. The Wayne County Grand Jury returned true bills of indictment against 51 other defendants during its monthly meeting....

Tip leads to murder arrest

A murder was solved with three arrests and a fugitive was captured as a result of recent anonymous calls, say officials with Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers. Three Southern Wayne High School students from Dudley were charged with the fatal shooting...

Eight to compete for Miss Spring Creek title

Eight contestants will compete for the title of Miss Spring Creek High School on Saturday. The scholarship pageant will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro. The pageant theme is "Luck Be a Lady Tonight." Special entertainment...

Briefly

Bloodmobile The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross will have a Bloodmobile on Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church. Donors will receive a coupon for a free car wash. Flu shots Doctors...

Public records

Rape charge A man wanted for a rape charge has been apprehended, say Wayne County sheriff's officers. On Jan. 4, Crime Stoppers received two anonymous reports that Tiszon Evans, 18, of U.S. 13 South was at a residence on Seymour...

Duplin honors volunteers

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County commissioners congratulated five groups and individuals who received volunteer awards from the governor. The board acknowledged the volunteers Monday in the County Administration Building on Seminary Road. Delilah Gomes, chairman of the Community Building Task...

Mt. Olive seeks name for downtown

MOUNT OLIVE -- Downtown has come close to getting a new name. Mount Olive's Small Town Development Committee met Tuesday at the Southern Bank downtown and took a big step toward finding a catchy name with which to market the...

Rotarian goes to India

Dr. Bryson Bateman of Walnut Creek has embarked on a trip to India as an ambassador for Rotary clubs in northeastern North Carolina. Bateman is a member of the Three Eagles Rotary Club of Goldsboro and will serve as the...

Tuesday, January 4, 2005

Going out of business

News-Argus/Dennis Hill Ralph Casey, rear, and his wife, Lena, left, in their store on their final day of business Friday. With them are their daughter, Teresa Thompson, standing, their granddaughter Nita Thompson, seated, and their great-granddaughter, Ricki Lane. For...

Judge to tell city to redo annexation

Goldsboro will have to start over again in its efforts to annex a portion of Wayne County, according to a decision by a Superior Court judge. The Wayne County Clerk of Court's office notified the lawyers in the annexation lawsuit...

Bank robber caught, say police

A 31-year-old man from Greensboro was arrested Monday by Goldsboro police and charged with Friday's robbery of The Little Bank downtown. Brian Jermaine Smith was charged with common-law robbery, a holdup without the use of a weapon. The robber had...

One of the last store of its kind closes

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Ralph Casey's Grocery and Auto Parts store is a piece of living history every day the door stays open. People have told the family there are no more small country stores like the one they have on...

States economic outlook is bright, say officials

RALEIGH -- The outlook for North Carolina's economy in 2005 is bright, except for the 10,000 to 15,000 textile jobs that are expected to be lost. That was the message Monday at a state economic forum. The job loss in...

Accused killer asks for and gets 4,000 pages of evidence

Eric Glenn Lane, who is accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering a 5-year-old girl more than two years ago, now wants a copy of the 4,000 pages of evidence that the state has accumulated. The new judge assigned to hear...

N.C. Railroad plans to repair downtown warehouse

The N.C. Railroad Co. plans to repair a historic warehouse in downtown Goldsboro and put it back to work. The railroad will spend more than $100,000 to repair the roof of the warehouse and make other repairs, President Scott Saylor...

Public records

Man wounded A Goldsboro man was shot Monday night as he stood on Sherrod Court near Alabama Avenue, according to a Goldsboro police report. Deandre Javan McCall, 21, of Sherrod Court was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital, where he was...

Briefly

Hispanic Christmas celebration A "Three Kings Day Festival" is planned for Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Old Waynesborough Village. Willie Cartagena of the Hispanic Community Development Center, which sponsors the event, said the festival reflects the Hispanic...

Calypso commissioner angry over Wayne stoplight

CALYPSO -- Rubylene Lambert is back on the town board, and she's irate that U.S. 117 South in Wayne County got a traffic light, and a deadly intersection near her town didn't. Mayor Tom Reaves called her to come to...

Princeton gets peek at new town hall

PRINCETON -- A drawing of a proposed $761,000 Town Hall was unveiled to replace an outdated building that was called an eyesore and an embarrassment to Princeton. The Princeton town board approved an application in December to seek a federal...

Duplin cuts rescue squads' contributions

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County commissioners have cut the monthly contribution to volunteer rescue squads in half. The volunteer squads used to receive almost $850 from the county each month. After the commissioners' vote Monday morning, each of the seven...

Pikeville unveils veterans memorial design

PIKEVILLE -- The town board viewed a drawing Monday of what a proposed veterans memorial would look like. But it has not decided where in town it will go. Dennis Lewis, resident, developed the idea for the memorial and said...

Monday, January 3, 2005

End of the road

Bobby Williams State Highway Patrol troopers and Wayne County sheriff's deputies examine a car Sunday after a high-speed chase through Lenoir and Wayne counties. The driver was charged with numerous felony and misdemeanor offenses relating to an armed robbery...

Chase ends with driver hitting trooper's car

A 28-year-old Fayetteville man wanted by authorities in Cumberland, Duplin and Wilkes counties on numerous charges was arrested Sunday in Wayne County after a chase through two counties at speeds of more than 100 mph. Michael Albert Morris was arrested...

Jones gets magistrate job after all

A veteran Wayne County magistrate who was not reappointed got his old job back over the weekend. R. Allen Jones returned to work after magistrate candidate Tim Brannan decided not to take the job. "I just decided to turn down...

Commissioners schedule work sessions

The Wayne County commissioners will begin 2005 with a series of all-day work sessions, starting this week. The county board has set four days to meet -- this Friday; Tuesday, Jan. 11; Tuesday, Jan. 25; and Tuesday, Feb. 1. These...

OPINION -- Sentimental journey

The old year was melting down to its last minutes. It was time for reflection. Time to brush away the cobwebs of the mind and dust off old memories. Not just of the past year, but of times long past....

Public records

Woman calls man, confesses to theft A woman called her former boyfriend Saturday and said that she had damaged his apartment and had stolen a video-game system, according to a Goldsboro police report. When the resident, Tavarus Deon Sutton, got...

Mental Health Association seeks members, donations

The Mental Health Association in Wayne County is in the midst of its annual membership drive, its incoming president said today. The drive will raise money to support the association's plans for 2005, Bobby Jones said. "It's an exciting time...

Teacher education courses

The N.C. Model Teacher Education Consortium will hold two on-site registration sessions for spring 2005 courses. The sessions will be held on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Lumberton High School and on Monday, Jan. 10, from 4-7...

Sunday, January 2, 2005

First baby of 2005

News-Argus/Dennis Hill The newest resident of Wayne County arrived at 1:24 p.m. on New Year's Day. Hugo Arellano Jr. weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21 1/4 inches long when he was born at Wayne Memorial Hospital. His...

Libby Braswell makes adjustments

This is "Libby time." That's what Libby Braswell calls the current crossroads of her life. But while that could sound selfish to some, for the 33-year-old woman whose life was nearly taken in a car accident, it is a matter...

Public records

Wanted man Goldsboro police have issued warrants for the arrest of Cedric Levern Smalls of West Chestnut Street in connection with a shooting early Saturday. Police received a call that a shooting occurred at 120 Vanderbilt Circle in Westhaven Housing...

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...