August 2005 archives

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Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Sticker shock

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Drivers found themselves with a much higher bill at the pumps this morning. For more information see You might need to win lottery to fill gas tank....

Special session, 2 absent senators and N.C. has a lottery

Sen. John Kerr (D-Wayne) voted in favor of the lottery. "I think my constituents overwhelmingly supported the lottery, and I think I'm a representative even though I have personal concerns. I think it was time to get this behind us,"...

You might need to win lottery to fill gas tank

Motorists dug deeper for gas money this morning, eyes widening as they looked up at the price. Debra McLaurin of the N.C. 111 community near Goldsboro pulled up to the Save More on Ash Street. "That's ridiculous. What choice do...

Wilson pleads guilty to manslaughter

With jurors deadlocked throughout the day in the first-degree murder trial of Leandren Andre Wilson, the defendant pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Wilson faced charges in connection with the July 11, 2004, murder of Corey Lavon Grantham....

Taste of Wayne kicks off 2005 United Way drive

Amid colorful balloon arches, teddy bears and model trains, Wayne County restaurants served up some of their tastiest fare at the 15th annual Taste of Wayne County Tuesday. About 650 people attended the kickoff to United Way of Wayne County's...

Volunteers, workers on way to help families battle back

Wayne County people have always been willing to help their neighbors -- even when those neighbors are a thousand miles away. The local chapter of the American Red Cross is one of many across the state asked by national Red...

Singer shares song to benefit victims

Around 5 Tuesday morning, D.J. Coles was jolted from a sound sleep, words of a song swirling around in his head. It took a moment to realize that the haunting lyrics were the words he had written several months earlier...

Public records

Teen is charged in car break-ins A rash of vehicle break-ins in northern Wayne County was solved Tuesday by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office with the arrest of a Goldsboro teen-ager. Leamon Corderius Holmes, 18, of Woodrose Drive was charged...

September Bloodmobile Schedule released

Here is the September Bloodmobile schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: Sept. 1 -- Latter-day Saints 2nd Ward from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 -- Nahunta Friends Church from noon to 4 p.m. Sept....

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Murder case

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Leandren Wilson reacts to the people in the courtroom as he comes back in after talking about a plea with his lawyer and his mother. Wilson is charged in the July 2004 shoothing death of Corey Lavon...

Company announces plans for fifth turbine

Progress Energy officials announced plans Monday to build a fifth combustion turbine at its Wayne County Energy Complex west of Goldsboro. The $80 million investment will not only give the plant increased electric capacity but add significantly to the county's...

Jury gets murder case

Jurors were expected to begin deliberations today in the first-degree murder trial of Leandren Andre Wilson. Wilson, 28, of North Kornegay Street, is charged with shooting to death Corey Lavon Grantham July 11, 2004, outside a Goldsboro nightclub. Closing arguments...

Public records

Apprehended Deputies from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office apprehended William Allen Jackson IV of O'Berry Road near Dudley after a report of a break-in at the home of Dean Blake Graham on the southern end of Flowers Road. Blake said...

Loaned executives are a crucial part of United Way campaign

United Way of Wayne County will once again this year get a helping hand from loaned executives from companies around the county. This is the 10th year of the program. Loaned executives are volunteer employees that local companies provide to...

Brooks and Dunn, Big and Rich thrill Raleigh audience

When was the last time you attended an outdoor concert and saw a six-foot-tall black cowboy and a two-foot-tall video star, and heard a combination of rap, rock and country, swirled together with pyrotechnics, smoke and a light show? And...

Monday, August 29, 2005

Young Robin

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Mildred Cannon gives Robin, a robin the Cannon family raised after it fell from its mother's nest, a kiss at their home in Goldsboro Friday. Robin is so tame that the little bird comes when Mrs. Cannon...

Officials want to talk with neighbors

Mayor Al King and City Manager Joe Huffman know Goldsboro has problems that must be addressed, and that each neighborhood has a different idea of which need is most pressing. For some residents, it is crime, while others are worried...

This robin is just a whistle away

Melvin and Mildred Cannon of Black Jack Church Road are worried about their daughter, 3-month-old Robin. Like any parents, the Cannons wonder what will happen when their "little girl" comes of age. Will she go off on her own, or...

Volunteers should train now to help in disaster

Although Wayne County has not been hit by a hurricane this year, the season is not over until the end of November. That still leaves three months during which a hurricane could strike. Chuck Waller, director of the Wayne County...

Public record

Incidents These incidents were reported to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the Goldsboro Police Department. *An unknown person took an electric 1993 Ez-Go golf cart from a carport on E. Evans Road, according to owner Jerry Arnold Turner. The...

Blood drive Tuesday

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Tuesday from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at Wayne Christian School. Donors will receive a Red Cross wristband and an Adam's Auto Wash coupon for a free...

Pat Boone to open concert series season

A performance by Pat Boone will open the 2005-06 season of the On Stage Concert Series at Johnston Community College in Smithfield. Boone's "Farewell Tour" concert is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m. in the Paul A. Johnston...

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Officials: BRAC decisions a victory

The news has been good so far for North Carolina military bases in general and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in particular, but there is still no reason to sit back and relax just yet, local and state officials said....

New vice commander takes helm

Col. Charles G. "Chuck" Duke, 4th Fighter Wing vice commander at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, is no stranger to North Carolina. In fact, he's back for a second assignment at Seymour Johnson. With a father in the Army, Duke...

22 Wayne murder cases unsolved

Nineteen people have been murdered in the last 10 years in Wayne County, and no one has been charged with the crimes. Three other people were murdered in cases more than 25 years old. And their killers remain at large....

Wilson says he didn't have reason to kill

Leandren Andre Wilson, a first-degree murder defendant, told police investigators and others he did not have a reason to kill Corey Grantham last summer. The revelations came as part of the continuing testimony in the murder case against Wilson. He...

Parkinson's awareness walk set for Sept. 17

Pat Darden found out in her early 40's that she had Parkinson's Disease. She waged war against the debilitating illness for 23 years, until it claimed her life this past February. She was 65. Family and friends provided much support,...

Earl Brinkley shares his vision

Eastern North Carolina can improve its economy by taking advantage of its links to it seaports, says a Duplin County entrepreneur who has spent his career in international business logistics. Earl Brinkley spoke to about 150 people Friday at the...

Wayne County District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Kenneth Earl Leach, 50, Stanley Chapel Church Road, Mount Olive, failure to return rental property, not guilty. *Christopher Todd Minchew, 32, Marlin Lane, Pikeville, second-degree trespass and injury to...

Superior Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Jamarcus Donte Lennox, 18, Edgerton Street, breaking and entering, five to six months. *Randy L. Jordan, 51, Hicks Street, Faison, misdemeanor possession of stolen goods, 89 days active, 45 days...

Student news

After six years of study and training at the University of Tennessee and Yale University, Melinda Schuessler Harper, Ph. D. has successfully passed her state and national psychology boards and is now a licensed clinical psychologist in North Carolina. She...

Mount Olive District Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Kalp Bryant Chestnut, 62, East Kelly Street, Mount Olive, possession of stolen goods, 120 days suspended (appealed). *Dannil Lee Bell, 40, South Johnson Street, Mount Olive, driving while license revoked,...

News of our military men and women

Nikki Daniel Air Force Airman Nikki Daniel has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies;...

Friday, August 26, 2005

Skydiving bride

Photo submitted Members of the skydiving bride's wedding party are, front row from left, bridesmaids Heather Gurley of Pikeville and Michelle Martinez of Kinston, Melissa Kearney, the bride-to-be, and Janice Hatch of Goldsboro, Ms. Kearney's aunt. On the back...

Ex-inmate says Wilson told him about shots

A former Wayne County Jail inmate says first-degree murder defendant Leandren Andre Wilson told him about last summer's shooting of Corey Levon Grantham near a Goldsboro nightclub. Mitchell Percell testified Thursday in Wayne County Superior Court that Wilson said he...

District shows 319 increase in enrollment

Wayne County Public Schools opened its doors for a new school year on Thursday, with early figures showing an increase of 319 students as compared to the first day for the 2004-05 school year. The numbers continue to rise in...

Bride decided to take the plunge ... literally

One might say that Melissa Kearney has taken the adage about falling head over heels a little too literally. The bride-to-be even took others on a "flying leap" recently after deciding to go skydiving for her bachelorette party. It was...

Mount Olive College to add new location in Beaufort

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College officials announced the school will open its sixth location in October. Mount Olive College already has existing locations in Mount Olive, on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, New Bern, Wilmington, and Research Triangle Park...

Mount Olive board to discuss zoning that may be for Wal-Mart

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 to discuss zoning land behind the Southern Belle Motel, which is now labeled agricultural residential, and changing its designation to heavy commercial district. Mount Olive...

Public records

House fire A neighborly deed turned bad Thursday night and led to a kitchen fire that caused about $60,000 in damages to a home at 2005 Glenhaven Lane, a fire official said. Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Langston said a neighbor...

Jones to speak at Legion

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) will speak Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Post 11 American Legion building. The building is located on Highway 117 South. Representatives of veterans groups are invited. The meeting also is open to...

Birthday party recognizes patient advocate

What started out as a few friends taking their pennies to a benefit birthday dinner has turned into a big fundraiser to help local cancer patients. Four years ago, Helen Harwood, patient advocate at the Southeastern Medical Oncology Center, was...

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Officer injured in chase

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Emergency personnel tend to Officer Todd Dos Santos after a police chase through the southern part of Mount Olive Wednesday. The suspect, Ryan Allen of Dogwood Lane, ran after an officer tried to stop his car, later...

Owners feel bite of price at pump

Higher gas prices aren't just hitting drivers where it hurts; they are also affecting local businesses. Many local business owners rely on the same gasoline to fuel their delivery vehicles, and the rising costs get passed on to consumers. When...

Mount Olive police chase ends on foot with arrest

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Mount Olive police officer was injured during a chase through the southern part of town Wednesday afternoon that ended with most of the department on hand to apprehend a man wanted for several traffic violations. Officer...

Witness describes shooting

An eyewitness on Wednesday identified murder defendant Leandren Andre Wilson as the man who fatally shot another man last summer outside a Goldsboro nightclub. Tory Thompson said in Wayne County Superior Court he thought the gunshots were directed at him...

Owner of W.P. Rose Supply creates 'Brick Village'

A quaint village has sprung up on Patetown Road. You can't see it from the road, but it's there. Inside the W.P. Rose Supply building at 501 Patetown Road is The Brick Village. What was once the Americal hosiery factory...

Public records

Accidents Damages were estimated at $16,850 Wednesday in two traffic accidents in Goldsboro, police reported. *Damages were estimated at $6,300 in a two-vehicle collision at 5 p.m. Wednesday at South Dr. M.L. King Jr. Expressway, the U.S. 117 bypass, and...

Mentors help new teachers

Beginning teachers often have a lot of have a lot to look forward to in their first year teaching. At the same time, a classroom full of students can be intimidating. With looming teacher shortages, school systems are facing the...

Warsaw sign will honor those serving in the military

WARSAW -- The Chamber of Commerce and Warsaw town officials unveiled a sign Thursday morning in honor of those serving in the military service. Warsaw Chamber President Jim Harris was master of ceremonies during a brief unveiling ceremony in front...

Goldsboro native composer

"Cloud Dance," a collection of classical pieces and Celtic jigs recorded by the ensemble, Consonance, has been released internationally on the Independent Records label of Blairstown, N.J. All but two of the works contained on the compact disc were composed...

Brinkley to speak at economic luncheon

The speaker at Friday's luncheon sponsored by the Goldsboro and Mount Olive committees of 100 is a Sampson County native who spent years working with logistics for the John Deere Co. before starting his own business logistics firm in Wallace....

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Early morning accident

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Dudley Volunteer Fire Department firemen and Wayne County rescue workers responded to a single-car accident on Emmaus Church Road at about 3 a.m. today, after a car carrying two people ran off the highway and struck a...

Eyewitness identification of shooter rejected

An eyewitness' identification of the alleged killer of a man outside a Goldsboro night club was not allowed Tuesday in the murder trial of Leandren Andre Wilson. Judge Jay D. Hockenbury said the witness, Antoinette Saul, the victim's aunt, could...

Fluoride is back in city water

Fluoride is again being injected into the city of Goldsboro's water, after city officials received a letter of reassurance from the state health director. Fluoride injections stopped in June after concerns were raised by studies that indicated possible problems with...

Chickens enlist for West Nile warning system

One of the most important jobs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is for the birds. Chickens are being used to help base health official watch for signs of the West Nile virus. Through a partnership with the Wayne County...

Area volunteers honored for their community work

Five local people received Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Awards and another was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at a ceremony Tuesday. Volunteer awards went to Technical Sgt. Greg Wilson, Pat Faircloth, Ann Adams, Durwood Bostic and...

County gets ready for 2005 Fair

Get ready for fireworks, funnel cakes and ferris wheel rides. The 57th Annual Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is coming. The fair will be Sept. 29 through Oct. 8 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Organizers say they expect the award-winning agricultural...

Public records

Shooting A 28-year-old woman reported that a man threatened to kill her Wednesday and then fired several shots, damaging her home, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department said. Quiyam Damali Archibald of Camp Trailee Road, Dudley, told deputies that the suspect...

County holds haz-mat training exercise

New Hope and Belfast volunteer fire departments, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel are learning how to handle a hazardous materials situation. About 50 people from the different agencies responded to a staged five-hour exercise,...

Officials remind drivers of bus rules

With schools across the county being back in session this week comes the need for motorists to be more mindful of road safety. The start of school means families will be adjusting schedules to make sure everyone gets out the...

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Open houses

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Eastern Wayne High School freshman Jazmine Middleton, left, and her mother, Helen, look over homeroom assignment sheets in the school lobby during an open house Monday evening. For more information see Big crowds attend open houses at...

Big crowds attend open houses at Wayne schools

Open house can be compared to a trial run for the first day of school, without the tardy bells. Traffic congestion outside, crowds of people in the hallways, parents and students vying for teachers' and principals' attention -- at middle...

Autopsy shows strangulation was cause of death

Brenda Lee Owens, whose body was found Friday in the Neuse River, died of asphyxiation after being strangled, according to a preliminary autopsy report. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office received the tentative report Monday from the state's Chief Medical Examiner's...

New courthouse security measures working well

A loaded handgun, ammunition, knives and boxcutters have been seized in the first four weeks of new security measures at the Wayne County Courthouse. "What this tells me," County Manager Lee Smith said, "is that if people were walking through...

Defendant rejects plea bargain

A first-degree murder defendant from Goldsboro on Monday rejected a plea bargain in Wayne County Superior Court, passing up a maximum 13-year sentence, and went on trial with a possible life sentence in the balance. Leandren Andre Wilson, 28, of...

Committees of 100 to hold joint biannual meeting

From staff reports The Goldsboro and Mount Olive Committees of 100 will hold a joint biannual meeting on Friday at the Goldsboro Country Club. Both committees will conduct their business session at 11 a.m., which includes the election of officers...

Public records

Accidents A pedestrian was injured and damages were estimated at $10,400 in three recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *A Habitat for Humanity truck was too high to squeeze under the low railroad bridge on North Carolina Street...

Bus Routes

Goldsboro City Bus Stops First Day Of School Aug. 25, 2005 2005-06 School Year Carver Heights Grades K-5 Pick-up time beginning at 7:20 a.m. Berry St & S Best St 229 S Claiborne St & Hawthorne St 229 S Claiborne...

Michael Martin Golf Tournament Thursday

From staff reports The Annual Michael Martin Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held Thursday at the Southern Wayne Country Club. The event, held in memory of state Highway Patrolman Michael Martin, who was killed in the line of duty, raises...

Ingram appointed to Duplin County Board of Elections

From staff reports The state Board of Elections has appointed Carolyn Ingram of Kenansville to replace Jimmy Sauls of Warsaw on the Duplin Board of Elections. Sauls did not seek another two-year term on the board. Ms. Ingram is a...

Monday, August 22, 2005

Getting ready at SJAFB

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Seymour Johnson airmen raise their dogtags during a pre-deployment briefing this morning. For more information see Airmen preparing for deployment....

Airmen preparing for deployment

About 80 airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base underwent briefings and medical tests this morning as they prepared to deploy to Southwest Asia this week. About 250 airmen from the base are expected to leave for various duty...

Back to school at MOC

More than 630 students are pre-registered for the fall semester at Mount Olive College, where classes begin on Wednesday. The dorms are already at full capacity, officials say, with the overflow being put up at a nearby hotel. Many students...

'Stuff the bus' scheduled for Tuesday

Communities In Schools' "Stuff the Bus" campaign is scheduled for Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Spence Market at the corner of Spence and Royall avenues. The purpose of the campaign is to collect school supplies to be...

Public records

Sexual battery charged Lonnie Casey Jr. was arrested Sunday night by Goldsboro police and charged with three misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. Casey, 62, was placed in the Wayne County Jail in lieu of a $10,000 secured bond. He later...

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Body of woman found in river

The body of a woman who had been reported missing a day earlier by her husband was found Friday afternoon in the Neuse River, officials said. Brenda Lee Owens of 869 Riverbend Road in the Rosewood community had been murdered,...

Seymour airmen to deploy

From staff reports More than 250 airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will deploy to Southwest Asia over the next few weeks in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, U.S. Air Force officials announced late Friday. The...

Murder trial begins Monday

A 28-year-old Goldsboro man will go on trial Monday in Wayne County Superior Court for the first-degree murder of another man outside of a night club. Leandren Andre Wilson of North Kornegay Street was accused of fatally shooting Corry Lavon...

Winn-Dixie in final days

Southern Family Markets officials have confirmed the purchase of the Winn-Dixie at 1805 Wayne Memorial Drive, and the store and its pharmacy will change hands next week. Chief Operating Officer Frank Curci said Friday morning the store on Wayne...

Medicare meetings are set

Several sessions are being planned in communities around Wayne County to discuss questions about changes to Medicare. Beneficiaries of Medicare of N.C. Senior Care cardholders to invited to attend any of the information sessions. Coun-selors will be available to answer...

Fremont man has complaints

FREMONT -- An elderly Fremont man says he has complained about drug sales, squalling tires, loud music and burning violations, but the town's police have done nothing about the problems. James Haire, who lives on Lee Street, told a recent...

Student News

Kyle Sasser has been invited to participate in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference to be held this fall in Washington, D.C. He will join over 200 outstanding middle school students from across the United States in a six-day, interactive...

Voluntary 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...

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Phillip A. Herring, 56, Rita Lane, communicating threats, not guilty. *Dennis Keith Mayo, 32, Frank Road, Kenly, possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and...

Public records

Thieves get equipment in ballpark break-in Thieves broke into an equipment room at the Mar Mac Community Ballpark on Old Grantham Road and stole about $7,470 worth of baseball equipment, according to a report filed with the Wayne County Sheriff's...

Pianist Greg McCallum to perform on Thursday

KENANSVILLE -- North Carolina pianist Greg McCallum will give a free performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Monk Auditorium at James Sprunt Community College. McCallum lives and teaches piano in Carrboro. He has performed in the U.S., Europe and...

Military news

Deborah Jones Lt. Col. Deborah R. Jones retired from the United States Air Force with 20 years of service. A retirement ceremony was held on Aug. 5 at the Women in Military Service for American Memorial in Arlington, Va. Her...

Wayne County District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Isidro Lemos Jeronimo, 23, Grandview Drive, Albertson, driving while impaired, fictitious registration and no liability insurance, 12 months. *Anthony Morris Herring, 45, Capps Bridge Road, Pikeville, driving while impaired, no...

Course on mental illnesses offered

A free course for families and friends of people diagnosed with serious mental illness will start Sept. 14 for the Wayne, Lenoir, Duplin and Sampson counties. Participants will meet in the fellowship hall of Daniels Memorial United Methodist Church at...

Arts Council lists programs

The Arts Council of Wayne County will sponsor the following classes for September. *Violin Lessons for Adults and Children. Students register for private one half-hour lessons on Mondays or Wednesdays. Classes are offered on a monthly basis. Monday classes will...

Friday, August 19, 2005

Police investigating disappearance

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Investigators look for clues in the disappearance of Brenda Owens on River Road in the Rosewood area. For more information see XXX.-->...

Man shoots himself; wife missing

A man's body was found Thursday after he had reported that his wife was missing, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said today. The man was identified as Robert Owens of 869 River Bend Road. His death was attributed to an...

Federal Prison Camp will close in early 2006

The Federal Prison Camp at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base should close sometime in mid-February or March, officials announced Thursday. "We don't have an exact closure date," Warden Gary Winkler told members of the Federal Prison Camp at Seymour Johnson...

Albertson says his 'no' vote on lottery is one of principle

BEULAVILLE -- All that stands between North Carolina instituting a lottery and the issue dying again in the Legislature are five Democratic senators who believe it will do more harm than good. One of the five is Sen. Charlie Albertson...

Gale Lewis is Wayne's top Teacher of the Year

A reading teacher at Spring Creek Elementary School has been named Teacher of the Year for Wayne County Public Schools. Gale Lewis was recognized during a banquet Thursday night at Goldsboro Country Club. Administrators chose her from a pool of...

Wayne Red Cross honored in region for blood program

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross has been recognized by the Carolinas Blood Region for its outstanding blood donor program. The chapter was presented a plaque at the Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony in Winston-Salem recently. Wayne...

Public records

Third suspect held in robbery A third person was arrested Thursday by Goldsboro police and charged with the armed robbery of the BB&T branch bank in the Little River Shopping Center. Warren L. Baker Jr., 19, of Courtyard Circle was...

Firefighters will be 'filling the boot'

Goldsboro firefighters will be "filling the boot" for the Muscular Dystrophy Associ-ation and the families the organization serves this weekend as they try to raise money for research into the disease. The annual event will be held at Wal-Mart on...

Junior Volunteers honored for their work at hospital

Two youths were recognized for their contributions as volunteers at Wayne Memorial Hospital over the summer. The 2005 Junior Volunteer celebration was held Thursday night in the hospital cafeteria. The theme was "Volunteers Plant the Seeds of Kindness," said Donna...

Ed and Rae Allen establish scholarship fund at MOC

MOUNT OLIVE -- Ed and Rae Allen of Goldsboro recently established the Rae Allen Endowed Scholarship Fund at Mount Olive College. The initial gift of $500, along with continued gifts from the Waylin and Wayne County AARP chapters, will help...

Arts Council lists programs

The Arts Council of Wayne County will sponsor the following classes for September. *Violin Lessons for Adults and Children. Students register for private one half-hour lessons on Mondays or Wednesdays. Classes are offered on a monthly basis. Monday classes will...

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Breakfast for teachers

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Juanita King, left, and first-grade School Street School teacher Stephanie Boykin share a laugh during a breakfast for teachers and staff by the St. James AME Zion Church in Goldsboro this morning. For more information see Churches...

Health board wants fluoride back in water

The Wayne County Board of Health voted Wednesday to ask the city of Goldsboro to resume adding fluoride to its water supply. Board member Charles T. "Tommy" Gibson made the motion, saying the benefits of putting fluoride in the water...

BB&T branch robbery

An armed man on Wednesday robbed the BB&T bank in the Little River Shopping Center of an undisclosed amount of cash. Later, a man and a woman were arrested by Goldsboro police and charged with the crime. A man entered...

Churches treat some schools' staffs to first-day breakfast

Several community churches treated some Wayne County's teachers and staff to a back-to-school breakfast this morning in honor of their first official step back into the classroom. It was an opportunity for pray for the educators, encourage them and send...

ATV law may have little effect

A new state law that increases the minimum age for users of all-terrain vehicles will not have much effect on Wayne County law-enforcement agencies. The measure bars children under 8-years-old from operating a four-wheeler. Until recently, North Carolina is one...

'Karolee Myers, come on down'

When Don Myers asked Karolee Jones to marry him, he got an enthusastic yes. And then she started planning the honeymoon. "I wanted to go to Hawaii, so I could make a stop in Los Angeles," Karolee said. Why? Well,...

City enforcing 'demolition by neglect'

Some Goldsboro residents are receiving unwanted attention from the city because they ignored the peeling paint on their house or postponed roof repairs. That's because the city's Inspection Department is now enforcing the "demolition by neglect" ordinance approved by the...

Duplin EMS gets rescue devices

KENANSVILLE -- It looks like a space mask but Duplin County EMS's new piece of resuscitation equipment can help patients get to the hospital alive. Shift Supervisor Jeremy Kaiser said paramedics used the new Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device the...

Man arrested in connection with firearm theft

A 24-year-old man from Jacksonville has been arrested in connection with the theft of firearms from a home in Walnut Creek. Erik Rubio Fuentes was charged with possession of two firearms that were stolen during a break-in July 22 at...

Public record

Robberies A thief grabbed a cash register with $60 and fled from a store; armed men barged into a home in Dudley and stole property; and another man foiled an armed robbery in separate crimes, according to reports. A black...

Foundation offers class on Film Noir

The Foundation of Wayne Community College will offer a lecture course entitled "Film Noir: Hollywood's Dark Side." Arts and Humanities Program Director Bill Brettmann will lead the four-week course. It will meet 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Aug....

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Honoring a veteran

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber The family of George Bollin listen Monday as U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones recounts the experiences Bollin would have had in the prisoner of war camp he was held in during World War II. Bollin's widow, Mary,...

School facilities plan next for county

After voting unanimously on a compromise funding agreement between the county and the school system, commissioners said Tuesday the next challenge will be working on the schools facility plan. Commissioner Efton Sager said some citizens thought the past turmoil between...

Fremont will join campaign for growth

FREMONT -- Finding $1,500 for a cash-strapped town was not easy, but Tuesday night, the Fremont town board decided to pledge the money to join an economic development program. The board agreed to pay the requested $1,500 donation for each...

Veteran, teen honored for service

A recognition of the past and a celebration of the future converged Monday in the Wayne County Courthouse. Kate Nichols, a rising senior at Charles B. Aycock, and George Bollin, a World War II prisoner of war, were both honored...

Jaycees recognize teams of emergency personnel

For the first time, the Goldsboro Jaycees did not honor an individual police officer or firefighter during their annual appreciation banquet. Instead, they honored the two entire departments Tuesday night. Police Chief Tim Bell said he and Fire Chief Bobby...

Convicted murderer could get chance for parole in 2007

Larry Buckram, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Melvin Best near Mount Olive in 1990, has been approved for release program that could end in his being paroled by the state Parole Commission. Buckram has been...

Health department worker recognized

A nutritionist with the Wayne County Health Department has been nominated for a Public Health Staff Recognition Award in recognition of outstanding service in the local community. Stephanie Howard was among 30 individuals or health departments from around the state...

Albertson named as new vice-president at WCC

Dr. Kay Albertson is Wayne Community College's new vice president for academic affairs and student services. She assumes the leadership of the student services area, which includes admissions and records, counseling, testing, financial aid, student activities and recruiting and cooperative...

Volunteers needed by Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County want to work with volunteers from college and high school clubs. Boys & Girls Club spokesman Sarah Wheeler said volunteers are needed to work with children on a weekly and monthly basis...

Public record

Man found dead Cleveland Ray Lewis, 61, was found dead at his apartment on E. Beech Street when his employer went to check on him. According to reports, Jacob Scott of Jackson Auto Sales became concerned when Lewis did not...

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Drug bust

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Michael Smiley, Chris Worth, Goldsboro police Chief Tim Bell, Wayne County Sherrif Carey Winders, Randy Thompson and Mike Cox, kneeling, are shown from left looking over drugs seized in a Monday night traffic stop. For more information...

Traffic stop nets $600,000 in drugs

A traffic stop for man driving without a valid operator's license on Monday led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of more than $600,000 worth of drugs and $75,000 in cash. Wayne County Sheriff's Cpl. Michael Cox...

Argument ends with son's death

From staff reports A 23-year-old man was fatally shot Monday night by his father during an argument in their home, according to a report filed by Goldsboro police. The victim, identified as Henry Alva Rudisill, was wounded at about 6...

Commissioners OK deal with schools on budget

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners today approved a compromise with the county Board of Education that gives the schools additional money for the 2005-06 school year. The school board had filed a legal protest with the amount of money...

Council approves rules for comment

Citizens wishing to address the Goldsboro City Council must follow new guidelines beginning next month. Council members voted Monday night to amend its policy regulating the public comment period at council meetings. On Aug. 1, the council decided that anyone...

Lenoir man gets prison time for meth trafficking

From staff reports A 33-year-old Lenoir County man was sentenced Monday in Wayne County Superior Court to more than 18 to 23 years in prison under the state's toughened laws dealing with methamphetamine. Gustavo Lopez Juarez, of Church Road, LaGrange,...

Public records

Teen is charged in three break-ins A teenager has been arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with nine felony offenses in connection with three break-ins. Philip Joseph Goff, 18, of Walters Drive was charged with three counts...

Trio sentenced

Three men from Dudley have been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to possessing property stolen from a home. A fourth person also was charged in the crime but has not been tried. Two of the three men also pleaded...

Citizens eye shrimp trawling plan

They came to listen to comments on shrimp trawling. But mostly they heard concerns about fish -- or the absence of fish -- in the state's coastal waters. Representatives of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries held a public hearing...

Correction

Correction State Sen. John Kerr said a penny of the increased cigarette tax should bring the state about $7 million in new money, not $70 million, as was reported Monday. He said the 30-cent increase might bring a total of...

Monday, August 15, 2005

School budget meeting

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Lehman G. Smith, left, and Dr. Stephen Taylor, right, along with the rest of the Wayne County School Board meet Monday to discuss a proposal to end budget negotiations with the Wayne County Board of Comissioners. For...

County, schools budget deal in works

More money from the governor and a change in the rules for fines and forefitures could have helped bring an end to the county, school budget battle. That is, if the Wayne County Commissioners approve the plan at their...

Manhunt continues for suspect

MOUNT OLIVE -- Police are still looking for a man wanted in connection with the June shooting death of a 22-year-old woman. Mount Olive police and the Goldsboro-Wayne Crime Stoppers are offering a total of $1,000 reward for information leading...

Keeping teachers in the classroom

Wayne County Public School officials say they have been working long and hard to offset the growing teacher shortage. Every year, there is a turnover of educators lost to retirement and military reassignments, but the biggest challenge faced is in...

Kerr says new cigarette tax best deal available

The increase in the state tax on cigarettes isn't something Wayne area lawmakers wanted to see but Sen. John Kerr said the compromise represented the best deal legislators could come up with. "I've always been a strong supporter of the...

Fair Share donors get chance to win a car

Wayne County residents once again have the opportunity to win a new vehicle during this year's United Way campaign. Hal Howard, owner of Goldsboro Chrysler Dodge Jeep, has donated a 2005 PT Cruiser as part of the Fair Share Challenge....

Teens charged with stealing officer's bikes

Alert residents helped police on Sunday arrest two teens in connection with the theft of two bicycles from a shed in east Goldsboro. What the thieves did not know was that the bikes belonged to Goldsboro police Sgt. David Kelly....

Public records

Woman charged in rape of teen A 25-year-old woman has been arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with felony statutory rape and a felony statutory sex offense of a 15-year-old boy. Shannon Kathleen Munn of Lee's Country...

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Schools might off budget deal

From staff reports The budget scuffle between the Wayne County Board of Education and the county commissioners could soon be at an end. The board has called a special meeting for 10:30 a.m. Monday with several items on the agenda,...

Inquiry ongoing in police shooting

An investigation of the shooting of a 19-year-old man by a Goldsboro police officer is nearing completion by the State Bureau of Investigation. "We're waiting on one report, and then we will deliver a full report to the district attorney,"...

Teen will face other charge in adult court

A 16-year-old charged with stealing pain-killers from Wayne Memorial Hospital will not have the chance to answer a marijuana possession charge in Teen Court. Thomas Bradshaw II, the son of Wayne Memorial Hospital Vice President Tom Bradshaw, had been given...

Plan in place to put end to sewer clogs

A 2-year-old city program aimed at keeping hardened grease from clogging up Goldsboro's sewer system is almost fully implemented. "We're down to a few stragglers, who have either changed their kitchen layout or their location," Chief Building Inspector Ed Cianfarra...

One hearing on agenda for county on Tuesday

County commissioners only have one public hearing scheduled for their Tuesday morning meeting. Wayne County and the towns of Eureka, Fremont, Pikeville, Mount Olive and Walnut Creek have developed a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. The plan will serve as a...

School open house dates announced

Open House for most middle schools and high schools in the Wayne County Public Schools system will be on Monday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m, but one high school will host its open house this week. Charles B....

Love is behind success of Connect Four program

A program aimed at turning young people from criminal activity relies on family connections to change their behavior. Connect Four was developed as a way to divert juvenile offenders from progressing into a life of crime, but Kimberly Armstrong, the...

Wayne Community summer honors lists are announced

Wayne Community College students earn Summer 2005 President's and Dean's List honors Eighty students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement in the summer 2005 semester, earning a place on Wayne Community College's President's or Dean's List. The college recognizes...

Volunteer 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...

Some registrations continue Monday

Wayne Community Col-lege's Continuing Education Department will continue registering students Monday, although curriculum registration has ended. Those taking Basic Skills, Adult High School and GED can register any time, and so can those who want to take English as a...

Public record

Accidents An unknown driver crossed the median of U.S. 70 Bypass twice near Elizabeth Street and struck a guard rail, doing $4,000 in damages to the vehicle and $3,000 in damages to a guardrail. The vehicle was owned by...

Officers installed at Exchange Club

The president was honored, officers and two new members were installed at an Exchange Club of Goldsboro banquet two weeks ago. Club President Franklin Lane was honored as Exchangite of the Year. He was presented a plaque by President-elect Ronnie...

Mount Olive District Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Patricia Ann Lalonde, 36, Carolina Lane, Calypso, prostitution, 45 days suspended, 18 months supervised probation, $100 fine and costs (appealed). *Blanca Montalvo, 26, Lewis Drive, Mount Olive, hit and...

Military news

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Tyrone Faison Jr. has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs...

Law enforcement class graduates

Wayne Community College graduated its 46th Basic Law Enforcement Training class during ceremonies last week. The 13 cadets who completed the college's academy received certificates to work as sworn law enforcement officers in North Carolina. Certificates were conferred on Stephen...

Dr. Damon to lead new music program at Mount Olive

From staff reports MOUNT OLIVE - An accomplished musician has been hired by Mount Olive College to lead its new program in instrumental music this fall. Dr. Sherri Marcia Damon, a trombonist, composer and band director, will be responsible for...

Wayne County District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Veronica K. Allen, 29, Hereford Drive, harassing phone call, dismissed. *Andrea Bonita Higginbotham, 34, Force Road, worthless check, dismissed. *Frankie Hines, 51, Olivia Lane, larceny, 120 days (appealed); larceny, 46...

Courses cancelled

Two Wayne Community College Continuing Educa-tion courses scheduled to be held in Mount Olive have been cancelled. Introduction to Computers and Introduction to Excel 2000 were to begin Tuesday at the Mount Olive Train Station, a new venue for the...

Briefly Sunday

Bloodmobile The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Neuse Correctional. Donors will receive a Red Cross wristband and an Adam's Auto coupon for a...

58 More at Four slots are added in Wayne

The Partnership for Children of Wayne County has added 58 More at Four slots to the 2005-2006 programming year. That brings the total number of children served to 468, a 14.2 percent increase from last year and an 867 percent...

Friday, August 12, 2005

Leaking truck

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Firefighters prepare to approach a truck that was carrying liquid nitrogen along U.S. 70 today. Emergency crews escorted the truck to its destination. For more information see Truck leak stops traffic on U.S. 70....

City: No tax hike to fund theater

Goldsboro officials say plans to rebuild the Paramount Theater or construct a new facility in its place can't advance until they learn how much money can be obtained through grants or government incentive programs. City Manager Joe Huffman told members...

Truck leak stops traffic on U.S. 70

A tractor-trailer leaking liquid nitrogen caused traffic to come to a standstill today on the U.S. 70 bypass near its intersection with Wayne Memorial Drive . The truck was en route to National Welders on U.S. 117 North when the...

Students sign up for WCC classes

Students trickled into the Wayne Learning Center this morning for the last day of registration at Wayne Community College. College President Ed Wilson said enrollment should be about the same this year, except for the loss of federal prison students....

City will get money to widen roadway

It wasn't the million dollars the city was hoping for, but Goldsboro will get more than $200,000 in federal money to help widen Berkeley Boulevard. A representative from Rep. Walter Jones' office notified city officials that Congress has allotted $236,800...

Princeton incumbents get challenge

PRINCETON -- Two incumbent town commissioners will be challenged by a newcomer for a seat on the Princeton town board. Billy Sutton, a state Transportation Department employee, will oppose David Starling and Larry Withrow for a four-year seat on the...

Wayne Planning Board clears way for city to extend jurisdiction

The Wayne County Planning Board cleared the way Tuesday for Goldsboro to extend its extra-territorial-jurisdiction on Patetown Road. Connie Price, the county's planning director, told the board that about one-fourth of a 219-acre tract under development in the Stoney Creek...

Crops doing well in Duplin despite hot, dry weather

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County farmers are keeping a close eye on the weather as crops reach a critical point in their development. Despite the hot temperatures of the past few weeks and dry conditions for much of the summer crops...

Public records

Apartment fire A cigarette left in a bedroom couch caused a predawn fire today in a Goldsboro Housing Authority apartment at 910-A S. Audubon Ave., a Goldsboro Fire Department official said. Lt. Carlton Parks said the occupant, Precious O. Harper,...

Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. seeking board members

The board of directors of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation is seeking new members who share an interest in improving downtown. This is an active volunteer board that supports a fun, social downtown by offering over 20 events each year....

Bloodmobile

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the women's ministries of First Pentecostal Church and Sunday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Daniels United Methodist...

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Getting ready for the show

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Even though the temperatures are a little less stifling this week, that doesn't mean members of the Goldsboro High School Marching Band found it any easier to practice Wednesday. Holding their positions and waiting for the next...

Lane appeal process starts slowly

The appeal of Eric Glenn Lane, who was sentenced to die for the murder of 5-year-old Precious Ebony Whitfield, is starting slowly. "It takes a while for the trial transcript to be typed, because it was such a long transcript,"...

New rules coming for flood plain

A proposed revision of the Wayne County flood ordinance would require new buildings in the county flood plain to be constructed a foot higher to avoid flood water. The existing ordinance requires buildings to be built one foot above the...

Seven Springs eyes new town hall

SEVEN SPRINGS -- An independent contractor will renovate a former church on Spring Street in Seven Springs to turn it into a new town hall. The Seven Springs town board voted unanimously Wednesday night to hire Jimmy Alphin to do...

Hawk has a new life as a teacher

An injured red-tailed hawk that can never return to the wild has begun a new life as a teacher. Ruger is in her second year and lives in a flight cage near Goldsboro at the home of Judy Wilt, a...

Goldsboro Fire Department puts out nine major fires in July

A month after not responding to any major fires, the Goldsboro Fire Department put out nine major July fires, including one in which two people died. The residents of an apartment at 206-C N. George St. were found dead July...

Public records

Juvenile charged in robbery attempt A 15-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with the attempted armed robbery of a convenience store at Genoa and Pecan roads two days earlier. As a clerk opened...

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Afternoon storm

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Traffic slows on East Ash Street due to minor flooding in Goldsboro on Tuesday afternoon. For more information see Storm drops 2-4 inches on Wayne County....

Storm drops 2-4 inches on Wayne County

Storm clouds dumped heavy rain on parts of Wayne County Tuesday afternoon, with some areas getting as much as four inches. The rain was heaviest in the central and northern sections of the county, with much of it falling in...

City Hall project half complete

Work on Goldsboro's new City Hall building is about half complete, and the project is moving along despite some delays, said a city official. "We expect it to be finished by mid-February," said Assistant City Manager Tasha Logan."It's about 40...

Cyclist killed in chase

A 26-year-old motorcyclist was killed during a high-speed chase Tuesday night when he tried to elude a Wayne County sheriff's deputy, the Highway Patrol reported. The victim was identified as Jacob Allen Hobbs of 3379 U.S. 117 North. Sheriff Carey...

Patti O'Donoghue steps down after 12 years on job

MOUNT OLIVE -- A reception at the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce last week to honor its outgoing president and welcome its new one was bittersweet, with local business people saddened by the leaving of Patti O'Donoghue but eager to...

Tournament benefits local community college

KENANSVILLE -- Braving the midsummer heat, 54 teams competed and supported a good cause in the James Sprunt Foundation's 20th annual golf tournament held Aug. 4 at River Landing Country Club in Wallace. The tournament is the foundation's major fundraising...

Memory Walk set for October 15 at park

It used to be that when Anne Paugh would attend health fairs, people would walk briskly past her Alzheimer's awareness booth. Now, she says, many ask for information. Increased awareness of the disease in recent years has led to a...

Teens boost efforts to attract members, to create community network

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County this week launched Reaching Out, a new outreach program to encourage teens in Goldsboro to join the organization now called "The Club." Boys & Girls Club spokesman Sarah Wheeler said the teenage...

Public records

Robbery tries Two women were the victims of attempted holdups Tuesday night, according to Goldsboro police reports. A man displayed a handgun and threatened a woman from Burgaw at the Berkeley Mall parking lot. Cheryl McGregor, who works for a...

Downtown businessman Willie Simmons dies at 89

Willie E. Simmons Sr., one of Goldsboro's most colorful citizens, died on Friday at Wayne Memorial Hospital after collapsing in his home. He was 89. Mr. Simmons and his wife, the late Mamie Clara Jenkins Simmons, moved to Goldsboro in...

Tuesday, August 9, 2005

High school football

News-Argus/Bobby Williams North Duplin's Doug Lloyd (10) hands off to Matt Potter during football practice. North Duplin finished last season 3-9 and 2-4 in the Carolina 1-A Conference, losing in the first playoffs at East Wilkes. The Rebels open...

Hospital board OKs 9 percent increase

Patients will pay 9 percent more for some services at Wayne Memorial Hospital in 2005-06, but will also see infrastructure and equipment improvements that will contribute to better and more efficient patient care, officials said today. The hospital's board of...

Pharmacies wait for word on limits on tablet sales

Going to the drug store for a nasal decongestant or relief from hay fever or allergies? Depending on what store you go to, you will have to ask for the former over-the-counter product and maybe sign a register for it....

Officials share tips from trip to convention

The three Wayne County commissioners who attended a national commissioners conference in Hawaii last month said the information they picked up from four days of meetings with other commissioners from around the country will help them in their role as...

Wroblewski joins News-Argus staff as newspaper's circulation director

Dan Wroblewski has assumed the duties of circulation director at the News-Argus. Wroblewski has more than 33 years experience in newspaper circulation, having worked at eight newspapers, including the Houma Daily Courier in Houma, La., The Rocky Mountain News in...

Campaign launched to provide school supplies

A campaign to provide school supplies to needy students collected nearly $6,000 worth of materials last year and organizers hope they can do even better this year. Sudie Davis, the executive director of the Communities in Schools program in Wayne...

Market print sale will benefit town's festival

FAISON -- Folk artist Ivey Hayes of Wilmington will sign original paintings at his booth during the Market Day Festival. The festival is set for Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Faison. Market Day is held...

New Scouts will get free tickets to local racetrack

The Tuscarora Boy Scouts Council has launched an aggressive recruiting campaign for Cub Scouts. All of the first- through fifth-graders who sign up to join the Cub Scouts in the council's three districts, Torhunta, Neusiok and Coharie, will be invited...

Center Street Jam

On Thursday, Goldsboro residents can enjoy the Caribbean sounds of Captain Cook & the Coconutz. The North Carolina group was established in 1986 in Charlotte, and works almost 50 weekends a year. They have performed at festivals, clubs and outside...

Public record

Repo man says he got right SUV Mike Lancaster, the owner of Interstate Search and Recovery of Smithfield, says his driver did repossess the right sport utility vehicle last week. "We didn't get the wrong SUV," he said Monday. "We...

Monday, August 8, 2005

Tobacco acreage up in 2005

Wayne County farmers planted nearly 800 more acres of tobacco in the first year after the end of the quota system, officials said. The federal government bought out quota holders last fall. This is the first time in more than...

Robbery foiled

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Sheriff's Cpl. Joe Smith waits with his search dog, Maggie, outside of the Genoa Mart convenience store that two men tried to rob before dawn today. For more information see Robbers flee without money....

Robbers flee without money

Two men tried to rob a convenience store near Dudley before dawn today but fled without any money. Five people foiled another robbery Saturday night, and a man was robbed Saturday of $20, according to law-enforcement reports. When a woman...

John Tart now former 'Mr. President'

GRANTHAM -- John Tart III knew he wanted to be in 4-H the first time his parents took him to the fair. He was 5. "I went to the state fair and they were showing lambs in the main arena,"...

Teen charged with stealing drugs from hospital

The 16-year-old son of a Wayne Memorial Hospital vice president has been charged with stealing narcotics from the hospital pharmacy. Thomas Bradshaw II was charged by the State Bureau of Investigation with two felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance...

Salvage yard owner seeks zoning change

Sun glints off the metal framing from a line of cars behind Young's Auto Center and Salvage Yard on alternate U.S. 117, south of the fairgrounds. Although a paneled fence and shrubbery partially hide the junked cars, one side is...

Public record

House fire Ashes left in a trash can from a Sunday barbecue caught fire before dawn today and damaged a home at 1800 Palm St., a Goldsboro Fire Department official said. Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Langston said the fire quickly...

Mount Olive moves forward on holding ponds plan

MOUNT OLIVE -- Some residents and business owners say Mount Olive should create holding ponds to trap rainwater during sudden storms. Some properties along Breazeale Avenue and downtown flooded last week when a heavy storm dumped more than four inches...

WCC registration Thursday, Friday

Time for soaking up the sun has run out for procrastinators who plan to attend Wayne Community College this fall. The last opportunity for new and returning students to register for classes is this week. Registration will be 8 a.m....

Board of Election appointments

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has given official notice of appointments to the Wayne County Board of Elections. Returning to the board are Joe Daughtery for his third term and Chester Beverly for his second term. Elections Board...

Sunday, August 7, 2005

County, schools meeting delayed

Wayne County's commissioners and school district officials will wait one more week before continuing their discussion about how to spend county taxpayers' money. County Manager Lee Smith said the meeting, which was to be held this Wednesday, was moved to...

Few make last-minute trips to file for election

Friday's noon deadline for filing for municipal offices passed with little fanfare at the Board of Elections offices, leaving no candidates for Eureka in Wayne County and Calypso in Duplin. Late filers Friday morning in Wayne County included Jessie Jack...

City eyes options for Paramount

The city is getting closer to deciding what to build at the site of the old Paramount Theater. The Paramount Committee has visited theaters and convention centers in Raleigh and Rocky Mount to get ideas for the rebuilding process. The...

Officials still unsure NCER is doing its job

The Wayne County Economic Development Commission is pushing for changes in an organization developed to bring jobs to eastern North Carolina. EDC members say the North Carolina Eastern Region partnership isn't doing its job, and is spending too much money...

Vice commander gets Pentagon assignment

Col. Donald Jurewicz, vice commander of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, is taking on a new assignment. Jurewicz will transfer to the Pentagon to be the deputy director for Air Force capability and analysis. His...

Kids, Diversity days keep families busy

Saturday was a day full of entertainment for Goldsboro families from one side of town to the other. Children began trickling into the Boys & Girls Club on Royall Avenue just before 11 a.m. to celebrate a day in their...

Tournament brings in record amount for WCC

The annual Wayne Com-munity College Benefit Golf Tournament held recently at Lane Tree Golf Course in Goldsboro raised the most money in the event's history and more than any other North Carolina community college's golf tournament, college officials report. The...

WAGES gearing up its Head Start program

As the summer winds down and families begin preparing for school to resume, WAGES' staff is also gearing up for its Head Start program at several locations across the county. Head Start is a quality comprehensive child and family development...

Senior assistance provided for Medicare plan

With the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan going into effect on Jan. 1, several local agencies are combining efforts to assist seniors in Wayne County through the transition. WAGES, Services on Aging and the Social Security Administration are working...

Public records

Embezzlement at Officer's Club Cheryl Lewis McKnight of Pinemont Circle was arrested Friday by Goldsboro Police and charged with embezzlement. Ms. McKnight is accused of taking money from the Officer's Club on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base while she worked...

Last of library movies Tuesday

The Wayne County Public Library will run the last two "teen and tween" movies of the summer over the next two weeks. On Tuesday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the library will show an action packed film starring Dennis Quaid. In...

Friday, August 5, 2005

Suspicious fire

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit A suspicious pre-dawn fire destroyed a vacant wood-frame home today at 1117 Olivia Lane and damaged a home next door. An investigation of the cause of the fire has been turned over to police. Fourteen firefighters answered...

Wayne schools get report cards

North Carolina school report cards are in, with good news for some Wayne County schools and more work ahead for others. Not counting sixth-grade reading scores helped keep Goldsboro High School off the state's sanctions list. Dropping the numbers also...

Sheriff, GPD: County has no gang problem

Wayne County law enforcement authorities say they are concerned about gang activity around the county but that groups here are more "wannabe gangs" than organized rings of criminals. And unwarranted publicity about the possibility of gang activity will only encourage...

Remembering Hiroshima

Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki three days later led to the surrender of the Japanese government on Aug. 15, 1945. Although the plane and...

Red Cross Vial of Life

It's that time of year when the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is encouraging residents to update their Vial of Life information. And the Red Cross is also urging those who don't participate in the program to...

Public records

Repo man takes the wrong SUV A man came to a woman's home Thursday on Mallard Drive and said he was repossessing her sport utility vehicle, according to a report filed with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Tonia Susan Geigher,...

Briefly

Bloodmobile The Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Berkeley Mall. Donors will receive a Red Cross wristband and an Adam's Auto coupon for a free...

Counties debut on state Web site

The region's culture and history are now plugged in as Wayne, Greene, Lenoir and Jones counties make their debut on North Carolina's HomegrownHandmade Web site. The region of Wayne, Greene, Lenoir and Jones counties has been titled "Creeks, Cooking &...

Second Stewfest set

ALBERTSON -- Residents will now not only be able to find something good to read at their new library. In November, there will be stew as well. The library board met in the town's new facility Tuesday. The members' first...

Thursday, August 4, 2005

Competing for the Golden Whistle

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Andrew Corley, left, brings Janea Kraus to safety during the rescue tube relay with passive victims event in the Goldsboro Family Y's lifeguard competition at Mina Weil Park's swimming pool on Wednesday. Four-member lifeguard teams were judged...

Wayne County Schools test scores have reached a plateau

End-of-year test scores for public school students in Wayne County have leveled off, school officials say. Dr. Craig McFadden, assistant superintendent for testing and student accountability, told the county Board of Education this week county schools continue to demonstrate strong...

Legislators predict more budget talks

Wayne County legislators have no idea when the General Assembly will approve a budget, saying there are still a number of sticky points to be resolved. "It's a moving target right now," said Sen. John Kerr (D). "There are some...

New rules for mobile homes spark Faison meeting debate

FAISON -- A room full of angry mobile home owners prompted the town board to postpone amending Faison's zoning ordinance. Faison town commissioners agreed to meet with the planning board at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15 to "fine-tune" the proposed changes....

Goldsboro houses new state office on Civil War tourism

During the Civil War, Goldsboro was at the center of the action in eastern North Carolina. The railroad junction here made the town a strategic target for both Union and Confederate forces throughout the conflict. One-hundred and forty years later,...

Public records

Man is charged in thefts, assault A 45-year-old Dudley man was arrested by Wayne County sheriff's detectives and charged with multiple offenses in connection with two weekend vehicle thefts and an assault. Donnie Ray Ivey of Potts Road was accused...

August Bloodmobiles scheduled

Here is the August Bloodmobile schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: *Aug. 5 -- Lowe's from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. *Aug. 6 -- Berkeley Mall from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *Aug. 9 --...

Watchdog group criticizes county commissioners

Members of a new government watchdog organization accused county commissioners of using their position to benefit themselves. Willie Ray Starling said citizens are often misled by elected leaders who make "rules and laws that benefit their own agenda without as...

New Small Town Main Street chairman named

MOUNT OLIVE -- Stephanie Kornegay is the Small Town Main Street project's new committee chairman. She replaces former chairman Patti O'Donoghue, who resigned her position with the committee as well as her job as president of the Mount Olive Area...

Six indicted on armed robbery

Six men have been indicted by the Wayne County Grand Jury on armed robbery charges. The indictments stemmed from three holdups. Jabari Fields, 20, of Flamingo Circle, Dudley, and Quentin L. Kenon, 17, of Neil Street were indicted for the...

Wednesday, August 3, 2005

National Night Out

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Officer David Rose, left, and Cpl. Rebecca Sasser work at the balloon tent handing out balloons and stickers to Tajahnay McGuire, 3, and her grandfather Warren Baker, during the National Night Out in Herman Park Tuesday. For...

County raises 911 fee

Wayne County Commissioners decided Tuesday to increase the county's telephone surcharge by a dollar a month to keep the county's emergency response system up-to-date. The increase will increase the surcharge from 85 cents to $1.85 cents per month, starting in...

Getting to know the neighbors

The Rev. Dr. Louis Leigh Jr. urged Wayne County residents to be like Moses, turning back law-breakers and teaching their children to follow the law. Leigh referred to the biblical leader during his speech Tuesday night at the 22nd annual...

Pikeville to vote on beer, wine

For the fourth time in 13 years, Pikeville residents will have the chance to vote for the sale of beer and wine inside town limits. Town commissioners voted Monday night to place a beer and wine referendum on the November...

Five more candidates file for fall election

Five candidates filed Tuesday to run for public office in Wayne County. The filing period for municipal offices ends Friday at noon. Seven Springs town commissioner Rodolph Adams filed Tuesday to seek re-election, and Stephen Potter filed for a seat...

Public records

Trio caught in armed holdups; another sought Two Goldsboro teenagers were arrested Tuesday by Goldsboro police and charged with three armed robberies of restaurant delivery men. Derek Andre Kornegay, 18, of South Herman Street, and Gilbert McNeil III, 19, of...

Correction

Goldsboro Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Inc., will give away a Chrysler PT Cruiser in a drawing at the conclusion of the 2005 United Way campaign. Fair share givers are eligible to win. The Goldsboro dealership donated a truck to the United...

Princeton residents complain about water bills

PRINCETON -- Two residents, Tracey Fields and Marvin Woodard, who live just outside of the Princeton town limits, think their water bills are too high. Fields and Woodard voiced their complaints during Monday night's monthly town board meeting in the...

Lifeguards compete for bragging rights

Wayne County's lifeguards will be competing for awards and bragging rights tonight. The first ever Wayne County Lifeguard Challenge will be held at the Mina Weil Park swimming pool, 235 House St., beginning at 6:30 p.m. It is being sponsored...

Mount Olive reports sewage spill

MOUNT OLIVE -- Town officials released a notice Monday that about 201,000 gallons of sewage and rain water spilled from the Mount Olive wastewater treatment system Friday, and about 156,000 gallons reached surface waters. The notice is required by state...

Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Mount Olive flooding problems

News-Argus/Bobby Williams The parking lot in front of the Piggly Wiggly store on Breazeale Avenue in Mount Olive is covered with water after a torrential rain Friday night. For more information see Trying to stop flooding....

Board chair questions commission attitude

School board members said Monday night they have been optimistic about resolving their differences with the county commissioners, only to be blindsided by critical comments made during a commissioners' meeting broadcast on television. Board Chairman Lehman Smith said that when...

Pope to get visit from BRAC today

Base Realignment and Closure commissioners Harold W. Gehman and James T. Hill were visiting Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville today, according to the commission's Web site. Pentagon officials have recommended the commission close Pope and turn its facilities over...

Meth lab found, 3 arrested

MOUNT OLIVE -- A potential methamphetamine lab was found in a mobile home and three men were arrested by Wayne and Duplin County authorities and the State Bureau of Investigation. The arrests early Monday capped a day-long investigation. Duplin County...

Trying to stop flooding

MOUNT OLIVE -- Piggly Wiggly store owner Moses King said he has been waiting 20 years for Mount Olive to solve his store's flooding problems. Every time the area gets a heavy rain, runoff from the north and west settles...

Chamber offers to take over Travel and Tourism

The Chamber of Commerce of Wayne County is offering to manage travel and tourism promotion for the city of Goldsboro. Chamber officials are proposing a contract with the city that would put management of the city's Travel and Tourism Advisory...

City to allow speakers without prior notification

People who want to address the Goldsboro City Council will no longer have to sign up in advance to have their say. The council decided Monday to allow anyone to speak for three minutes without having to notify city officials...

Mount Olive has liveliest election races in Wayne

Municipal races are shaping up in Mount Olive as the Friday filing deadline approaches for the November election. But filing for public office in several towns in Wayne County is lagging. Mount Olive has the liveliest races, with all seats...

Training for substitute teachers begins

Registration began Monday for substitute teaching training to work in Wayne County Public Schools. Individuals who are not certified are encouraged to attend one of two sessions being offered at the administrative offices on Royall Avenue. The first will be...

Public records

Driver arrested on Wilson County rape charge PRINCETON -- When Princeton police investigated the criminal record of an alleged speeding driver on Sunday, an officer found the driver was wanted in Wilson County on a 4-year-old sex charge. Officer John...

Princeton board votes 4-0 to annex six properties

PRINCETON -- The town of Princeton may be getting a little bigger. Two landowners asked to be annexed, and the town on Monday night started the process to annex involuntarily four other properties. One of the four property owners, Jackie...

Pilots are looking for cheaper fuel, too

Local drivers are not the only ones in search of lower gas prices. Pilots are also searching for bargains on increasingly more expensive jet fuel, local airport officials say. Some pilots are stopping at Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal and Duplin County airports...

Student gets 1,000 dollar scholarship from Coca-Cola Foundation

Wayne Community College Student Jenna Christine Fail has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. She is one of 400 students attending schools granting two-year degrees to receive a $1,000 scholarship this year from the Coca-Cola Two-Year...

Calypso targets property cleanup

CALYPSO -- Town commissioners are looking into how much it would cost to clean up overgrown lots that some Calypso residents have been complaining about for months. Jimmy Turner told the Calypso town board Monday night the overgrown lot near...

City council denies rezoning

The Goldsboro City Council denied the rezoning of property on Country Day Road to permit an office. Council members voted unanimously Monday to deny the request by J. Isaac Gurley Farms to rezone a two-acre lot on the southeast corner...

Monday, August 1, 2005

A sweet treat

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Nice weather sent many Wayne County residents back to traditionally cool treats this weekend. Here. Alisa Collins and Richard Walker taste the watermelons that were on sale at the corner of Spring Bank Road and N.C. 111...

Showers make up for lost moisture

July ended on a rainy note for Wayne County, with an average of about an inch falling across the county over the weekend. Mount Olive got about a month's worth of rain in a few hours Friday, when a storm...

United Way gets ready for '05 campaign

The 2005 United Way campaign that gets under way this month in Wayne County is not strictly about raising money, says its chairman. It's about helping people. When people understand where their contributions go, said Jane Rustin, they are more...

WARM Hearts matches teens with new role models, friends

A perfect match. That's what Vanessa Spiron, director of the Family Y's WARM Hearts mentoring program, called the pairing of 10-year-old Zada Foy with Joyce Cunningham. But it is not something she takes credit for or takes for granted. She...

Schools are still looking for drivers

With classes only a few weeks away, Wayne County school officials are still scrambling to find bus drivers. School officials must hunt to find enough drivers to keep the system's 225 routes operating, and work year-round to recruit and keep...

Public records

Robberies Three men were robbed over the weekend in separate holdups, according to reports. A man was assaulted and robbed Saturday night of cash and his car, and then the suspect bought drugs with the stolen money and smoked it...

Duplin appoints temporary prosecutor

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County has hired Wendy Sivori as its temporary county attorney while county commissioners decide whether to retain a full-time lawyer to represent the county or to use a legal firm as needed. Ms. Sivori takes the place...

Diabetes group supports patients and families

The number of cases of diabetes diagnosed in children and adults is steadily rising, bringing with it the need for more information and support. Wayne County Diabetes Group, begun several years ago for diabetics and their families, is also growing,...

Two sentenced in shootings

Two Goldsboro men have pleaded guilty to unrelated shootings and have been sentenced in Wayne County Superior Court to about three years in prison. One got an active term. The other received probation. Brian Devon Harvey, 25, of Central Heights...

Peer coaching program involves 170 teachers

More than 170 teachers in Wayne County Public Schools work with their peers as coaches. The peer coaching program began in the school system in 1996 and has grown increasingly popular among educators as an individual professional development tool. The...