January 2006 archives

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Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Plans on track for new shelter

While Wayne County officials await bids for designing a new animal shelter, residents supporting the project say they are continuing to collect signatures on a petition calling for its creation. Doris Petrak, a member of Concerned Citizens of Wayne County,...

Crowded jail prompts county to eye extension

Overcrowding has been a continuous problem at the Wayne County Jail since it was built in 1994, Sheriff Carey Winders said. And if extensions are not made within the next two years, Wayne County Manager Lee Smith said the problem...

Events planned for Black History Month

The Wayne County Library will sponsor the 2006 African American Read-In, beginning Sunday and continuing through the following day, in honor of Black History Month. By simply reading a book by a black author on either day, participants can win...

She's a wife, and an F-15 pilot

Capt. Holly Grant, a pilot with the 335th Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, is filling two roles lately. Not only is she a fighter pilot, but she's also a wife left at home waiting for word from...

OPINION - Cherry Hospital's age is showing

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight and Sen. John Kerr took time last week to visit Cherry Hospital. They spent upwards of two hours being briefed by staff members, asking questions and then touring some of the facilities....

Public records

Wanted man caught after chase A man wanted on an outstanding warrant for criminal contempt tried to flee from authorities Monday but was captured in less than an hour. Timothy Wayne Adams, 45, of Old Smith Chapel Road faces more...

Pikeville board to sue over two abandoned buildings

The Pikeville Town Board of Commissioners voted to authorize town attorney Jean Hollowell to proceed with legal action against resident Hugh Howard for alleged violations of the town's abandoned structures ordinance. According to the resolution signed by Mayor Herb Sieger,...

Commissioners meeting canceled

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting for Feb. 7. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the board will be Feb. 21. Commissioners meet at 8 a.m. in their board room on the fourth floor...

Correction

A photograph in Monday's News-Argus incorrectly identified a father and daughter at the YMCA's W.A.R.M. Hearts dance as Wayne and Lauren Smith. The photograph was of Dean and Jessica Poirier....

Monday, January 30, 2006

Dancing with daddy

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Dean Poirier and his daughter, Jessica, above, top, share a laugh at the Family YMCA Father-Daughter Dance Saturday. More than 170 ladies and their dates, who could include a father, stepfather or other special male role model,...

Residents can tour new city building soon

Residents could soon get a chance to see where some of last year's tax dollars were spent downtown. City officials said they hope to open Goldsboro's new City Hall for public tours as soon as the work is finished in...

Two new agents join Extension Service

The Wayne County office of North Carolina Cooperative Extension has added new faces to its roster. New agents Jessica Hyatt and Mandy Barnes began working earlier this month. Ms. Hyatt, 26, is the new extension agent in horticulture, or garden...

Faison puts an end to Sunday sales ban

FAISON -- The Faison Town Board has overturned an ordinance that prohibited the sale of beer and wine on Sunday afternoons. Joani Babcock, chef at the Southern Exposure restaurant, had asked the board to rescind the ordinance, saying it hurt...

Womanless beauty pageant February 11 at WCC

Eleven contestants will flaunt their figures in evening gowns, demonstrate their talents onstage and show off their brainpower by answering tough questions. But this will be no ordinary pageant. The contestants all will be men. They will compete for the...

Wayne Community College students planning gaming expo

Hundreds of video-game enthusiasts are expected to flood the atrium at Wayne Community College on Saturday when a video gaming exposition will be held. The Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity is sponsoring the event, which will feature not only the...

Public records

Burglaries Wayne County authorities are investigating two weekend burglaries. A couple was kidnapped, bound and robbed Friday of a rifle in a home in the 100 block of Mobile Circle near Dudley, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office report....

Crime Stoppers calls help lead to arrests

Calls to Crime Stoppers helped lead law officers to make arrests in three crimes in Mount Olive -- a bank robbery, a break-in and a drug case. The agency's law-enforcement coordinator, Goldsboro police Sgt. Dot Ardes, told the Crime Stoppers...

Child-care conference to be held February 18 at WCC

Child-care professionals and parents are invited to attend the 6th Annual Child Care Conference to be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Wayne Community College. Thirty-two workshop sessions will be offered, with topics including...

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Web site can track sex offenders

Wayne County residents can click on the Sheriff's Office web page and instantly see if any registered sex offenders live near their home or their child's day care or school. The Sheriff's Office is the second in North Carolina to...

Salvation Army kettle campaign comes up short

The Salvation Army 's 2005 kettle campaign came up almost $30,000 short. The goal was $70,000, but a little under $41,000 was raised, Salvation Army commander Maj. Andrew Wiley said. In 2004, the campaign raised a little more than $70,000....

Doctor: Patients still confused by drug plan

Changes in prescription drug plans offered through Medicare have got many scampering to untangle the information in time to take advantage. WAGES, Wayne County Services on Aging, and the Social Security Administration are several agencies that have been holding seminars...

Holocaust scholar discusses 'Night' as part of Wayne Reads

Reading Elie Wiesel's "Night" isn't easy, but then again, it is not supposed to be. That is the message that Holocaust expert Dr. Steve Gowler left with the more than 180 people who packed the Wayne County Museum on...

General performs re-enlistment ceremony

Nine local reservists renewed their commitment to the U.S. Air Force Reserves Saturday in front of their national commander. Lt. Gen. John Bradley, commander of the Air Force Command at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, administered the Air Force...

For Chinese, today begins Year of the Dog

If you sweep your floor today, you could be destined for an unlucky year. And make sure to wear plenty of red. As people around the world celebrate the Chinese New Year, many superstitions and traditions will guide them through...

New County property, liability insurance approved

Wayne County's Board of Commissioners has approved a new bid for the county's property and liability insurance, kept the business in the county and saved some money.. The county's current insurance was due to renew Feb. 1. The commissioners approved...

Bicyclist rides cross country to raise diabetes awareness

From staff reports Ernest "Sonny" Neupert is determined to ride diabetes into the ground. After 10 months and more than 8,000 miles of cross-country cycling, Neupert, 65, stopped briefly in Goldsboro on Friday, catching a little rest before continuing on...

Rose Banquet Feb. 15

Local youths will be treated to a free spaghetti dinner, entertainment and a drama skit at the annual Rose Banquet to be Feb. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wayne Center. The Wayne Council on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention...

Rep. Jones seeks tougher immigration laws

Rep. Walter Jones is urging congressional leaders to create tougher regulations to curtail the influx of illegal immigrants into the United States. Jones said federal officials are not doing enough to prevent illegals from entering the country. They cost taxpayers...

Public records

Two hurt in wreck Two people were injured and both cars were demolished Friday in a collision at West Ash Street and the new U.S. 117, Goldsboro police reported. One driver, John Delton Underwood, 49, of East Hillsboro Street, Mount...

Parents can have car seat checks

From staff reports Wayne County Safe Kids chapter through the Partnership for Children of Wayne County will host free car seat checks next month. Held in conjunction with Child Passenger Safety Week, the events will take place the week of...

Children can design 100 Best poster

Children all over the county are participating in a poster contest to help celebrate Wayne County being named one of the nation's 100 best communities for young people. The 100 Best Communities Committee has sent out the call for posters...

Friday, January 27, 2006

Gen. Duncan McNabb visits Goldsboro

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Visiting Gen. Duncan McNabb, right, speaks with Atlas Price Jr. over lunch at the Base Community Council meeting at Goldsboro Country Club Thursday afternoon. McNabb is commander of the Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill....

General says airmen proud to serve nation

Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command, wants Wayne County residents to know that members of the U.S. Air Force are proud to serve and ready to continue the fight against terror. McNabb,...

Annexation case will go to trial

Judge Ridley Rand denied the city of Goldsboro's motion for summary judgment Thursday night, ruling in favor of Good Neighbors United and sending the group's challenge of the city's annexation order back to court. The trial is scheduled to begin...

Security, roofs top discussion for committee

A weekend break-in at the Wayne County School District central office prompted board members to discuss security during a meeting of the board's facilities committee Thursday afternoon. Although committee members did not discuss the pending 2005 facilities funding plan, they...

Country growers slated to receive $12 million in buyouts

More than $12 million is being paid to Wayne County tobacco growers and farm owners this year as part of the Tobacco Transition Payment Program, a Farm Service Agency official said. Wayne County land owners are receiving $8.4 million, while...

Four leaders honored with Scout award

Four volunteers received scouting's highest honor during the Tuscarora Boy Scout Council's 83rd annual scout recognition banquet Thursday at the Goldsboro Country Club. The 2005 Silver Beaver awards went to Howard Huff of Goldsboro, Alice Overby and Hank Daniels, both...

Authority planning extension of runway

The Goldsboro-Wayne Airport Authority approved plans Thursday to extend the airport runway 1,000 feet and build more hangars. Authority members have said they want to improve the airport so that it can handle larger planes and more traffic. The existing...

Engineers get OK to start work

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Airport Committee gave engineers tentative approval to proceed with plotting a proposed runway extension to the south. The committee met Wednesday with engineer Jay Talbert. Committee members present at the meeting said the approval...

Valentine's Day event will raise funds for theater

Song, dance and a little bit of romance will help rebuild the theater that brought a duet together years ago. The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. announced a new act for its Valentine's Day Downtown campaign, performing duo Addison-Russo. Proceeds from...

Public records

Break-in charges filed Wayne County authorities have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with a string of break-ins. Linwood Ray Boykin Jr. of Talbert Road was charged with five felony counts each of breaking and entering and larceny and one...

Mount Olive awaiting grant to hire officer

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive town officials are crossing their fingers and watching for the mailman, hoping he will bring good news about a grant that would pay for a new police officer and patrol car. The grants from the...

Deadline extended for Wayne Reads bus trip and essay contest

The deadlines to sign up for the Wayne County Reads bus trip to Washington, D.C., and to enter the "Sunflower" essay contest have been extended until Feb. 3 Wayne County Reads is sponsoring the March 18-19 bus trip to visit...

correction

The telephone number to call for information about a scholarship fund for teenagers taking part in the Wayne County Board of Health's abstinence essay contest was listed incorrectly in a story Wednesday. For information or to make a tax-deductible donation...

Thursday, January 26, 2006

WATCH Van

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Family Nurse Practitioner Kathy Johnson checks Steven Mitchell's heart at the WATCH van this morning at House of Fordham. Officials have put a temporary hold on new patients for the mobile medical unit, which they say cannot...

WATCH van isn't taking any new patients for now

Working beyond capacity for some time, the WATCH program is not accepting any new patients. At least for right now. At Wednesday's board meeting of WATCH, which stands for the Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, director Sissy Lee-Elmore said...

Commanders make stop at Seymour Johnson AFB

Two high-ranking Air Force generals will be inspecting the 916th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base this week. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb is commander of Air Mobility Command, based at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Air Mobility...

City gives more time for repairs to house

City officials said Willie Worrells is doing the best he can to bring his dilapidated home up to code -- new wood, fixtures and windows show progress. Monday, at their final meeting of the month, Goldsboro City Council members rewarded...

Wreck victim still critical at Pitt Memorial

A Wayne County man injured Friday in a head-on collision on N.C. 111 south remains in critical condition at Pitt Memorial Hospital, a spokesman said today. Clift McCall, 46, of Dobbs Place, was traveling north when the accident occurred, investigators...

She wanted donations for shelter instead of gifts for herself

All it took were a few words to get her interested, but what really tugged at Hannah West's heartstrings was a picture of a dog cowering in the corner of a pen at the Wayne County Animal Shelter. That is...

Holocaust expert opens celebration of reading

The annual Wayne County Reads program kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. at the Wayne County Museum. The program will focus on both the Holocaust and Jewish tradition, and will include a reception, a presentation on the group's 2006 selection,...

Engineer -- Sewer budget not in bad shape

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The engineer who designed and oversees the town of Seven Springs' sewer system said the system's financial situation is not as bad as it might appear. Town board members got bad news last month when they learned...

Public records

Drug charges Two people were arrested Wednesday by the Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad and charged with felony drug offenses. Nakita Donta McGee, 17, of Olivia Lane was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana after an investigation...

Cold War film subject of library discussion

A six-part discussion series on the film "Post War Years, Cold War Fears: American Culture and Politics, 1946-1960" begins Sunday in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium of the Wayne County Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Rhonda Konig, a reference...

Artist will be honored at Arts Council Friday

Goldsboro artist Zeno Spence will be honored with tributes, a cocktail buffet and exhibits of his work Friday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Arts Council of Wayne County. Gene Price, editor emeritus of the Goldsboro News-Argus, will serve...

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Welcome home

News-Argus/Turner Walston Airman 1st Class Alan King hugs his sons Sutton, left, and Trevor, while wife Michele looks on at the Base Community Center Tuesday. Fourteen airmen returned home from duty overseas. For more information see Airmen are back...

State officials present case for new water usage rules

Tougher restrictions on water use during droughts would hurt small businesses that depend on water to operate, several speakers said Tuesday at a public hearing at Wayne Community College. State officials are proposing new regulations governing water use during droughts....

Duplin names new county schools chief

KENANSVILLE -- The superintendent of the Rowan County-Salisbury School System has been hired as Duplin County's new superintendent. The hiring of Dr. Wiley J. Doby was announced by the Duplin County Board of Education at a called meeting of the...

Airmen are back from duty

Cheers erupted and flags waved Tuesday afternoon as a bus carrying 14 members of the 4th Fighter Wing arrived at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Community Center. Family members embraced loved ones and airmen greeted their team members, who...

Groups join forces to hunt down flu vaccine

Through the efforts of health officials, 900 doses of the flu vaccine were obtained before Christmas and redistributed as a preventive measure for those who work closely with animals. While growing concern over avian flu might have prompted the concern,...

County tax collection on track for '06

Nearly 90 percent of Wayne County property tax bills for 2005 were paid by mid-January, tax officials said. The deadline for paying taxes without penalty was Jan. 5. Two percent interest is added to the bill the first month payments...

Recycling could get new look

Wayne County residents and businesses generate 525 tons of solid waste every day, county officials say, and the county needs to find a way to recycle more to cut down on the amount of waste that ends up at the...

Sampson authorities seize $20 million worth of cocaine

Sampson County law officer seized about 440 pounds of cocaine during a raid at a house Monday about 5 p.m. on Edmond Matthis Road in the Ingold community. Two men were arrested and charged with trafficking in the drug. Alejandro...

Public record

Attempted robbery at Salvation Army Goldsboro police responded to a call from the Salvation Army, 610 N. William Street, Tuesday evening in reference to an alleged breaking and entering. Representatives from the organization said they saw a person enter their...

Police officer promoted

A Goldsboro police officer has been promoted to investigator, Chief Tim Bell announced Tuesday. Dwayne Bevell, 30, had served as a patrol corporal since November, when he was promoted from patrol officer. Bevell joined the Police Department on Aug. 19,...

Casey cleared of assault charges

A former candidate for mayor of Goldsboro has been cleared of charges that he fondled several women who lived in his mobile home park. Lonnie Casey Jr., who operates Casey's Trailer Lodge at 1700 S. Slocumb St., was found not...

Chairmen picked for Mount Olive College School of Business Advisory Board

Two area men have been named officers of the newly formed Mount Olive College School of Business Advisory Board. Dr. Gregory M. Bounds, chief executive officer of Goshen Medical Center, was elected chairman, and Samuel Ernest Taylor Jr., owner of...

LaGrange choose couple for 2005 Citizens of Year

LAGRANGE -- Herbert T. "Bud" Curdts and Mary Margaret Harrison have been named LaGrange's 2005 Citizens of the Year. The announcement was made by the LaGrange Chamber of Commerce at its annual meeting Tuesday. Both Curdts, 66, and Ms. Harrison,...

February Bloodmobile schedule

Here is the February Bloodmobile schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: Feb. 2: New Hope United Methodist Church from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 7: Wayne Country Day School from 8 a.m. to noon. Feb....

Free programs planned at Cliffs of the Neuse this weekend

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Cliffs of the Neuse State Park will offer two free programs this weekend. "Animals of Cliffs of the Neuse" will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. at the museum. A park ranger will talk about animal habitats...

Scholarship will reward essay contest winners

Scholarships rewarding abstinence among teens are being heralded by health educators, with hopes that the public will also support the effort. The annual abstinence essay contest has been sponsored by the Health Department and the Wayne Council on Adolescent Pregnancy...

It's 114 degrees ... somewhere

No, Goldsboro is not in the middle of a heat wave. Drivers on Berkeley Boulevard might be a little disoriented by the new time and temperature sign in front of the News-Argus. Crews installed a new LED display this week...

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

YMCA mentoring program

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Majesty Phillips, right, a sixth-grader at Goldsboro Middle School, right, rests her head on the shoulder of her mentor, Jerrica Ashford, a Goldsboro High School senior, as they listen to a presentation in the Building Better Teens...

Judge will review arguments in annexation case

A Superior Court judge could rule this week on whether a lawsuit against the city of Goldsboro opposing the annexation of an area north of the city limits can proceed. Lawyers for the city and Good Neighbors United presented arguments...

Council sets new rules on parking

Trucks soon will no longer be able to park on the Center Street median, Goldsboro City Council members decided Monday. Despite concerns voiced by business owners last week that parking restrictions downtown would limit advertising opportunities and put their trucks...

$46,000 set aside to acquire lot in city

Goldsboro City Council made a move Monday signifying the city's intention to acquire property around the Paramount Theater. At their final meeting of the month, councilmen voted to appropriate $46,000 into the city's general fund to be used for the...

Residents share their thoughts on land use

The Wayne County Planning Department began the process of gathering public opinion for the county's Comprehensive Land Use Plan during a public meeting Monday night at the Wayne Center. The process of developing a plan began more than a decade...

Growth will stay on agenda for Pikeville officials

PIKEVILLE -- Lonnie Graves will leave his position as Pikeville town administrator Friday. But even though he will now work for his family's health-care business in Burlington, Graves said he still hopes to help the next person who will lead...

Mentoring program for teens

Majesty Phillips, 12, a sixth-grader at Goldsboro Middle School, doesn't worry about talking to her mentor, Jerrica Ashford. They share the same interests -- cheerleading, shopping and talking about boys. But, most importantly, Majesty said she likes her mentor in...

Public records

Store robbed Two black teenagers, one armed with a handgun, shot a man Monday night during an attempted robbery of a grocery store, according to a Goldsboro police report. The suspects entered the Fourth Street Grocery at 815 Fourth St....

Sutton sentenced for assault on deputies

A 21-year-old man from Rosewood who assaulted several Wayne County sheriff's deputies last year has been sentenced to about four years in prison. Darryl Sutton of Fisher Drive was accused of assaulting and injuring Sgt. Sherwood Daly and Deputies C.T....

Monday, January 23, 2006

Driver rescued

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Rescuers who found this car overturned about 12:20 a.m. today on Dobbersville Road heard tapping coming from inside and found the driver pinned beneath the vehicle in a ditch containing a foot of water. Firefighters from Jordans...

Annexation motion hits court today

The city of Goldsboro will seek to have a lawsuit challenging its plans to annex an area northwest of the city limits dismissed today in Wayne County Superior Court. If Judge Ridley Rand rules in favor of the city, the...

Huffman looks back at first year

Organization, attention to detail and long-range planning. These qualities are among those City Manager Joe Huffman feels he brings to the table. Just a week shy of the one-year anniversary of his appointment, Huffman said his experience in the city...

Agency makes plans for fundraiser auction

Home Health and Hospice Care Inc., 3HC, is gearing up for its fourth annual reverse drawing and silent and live auctions next month. Featuring a $10,000 grand prize this year, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Kitty Askins...

Health Board supports flu vaccine proposal

The Wayne County Board of Health has decided to support a state movement designed to change how flu vaccines are paid for and distributed in North Carolina. Health Director James Roosen told the board that health departments had been asked...

Public records

Goldsboro home damaged in fire A home at 915 E. Elm St. was damaged heavily Sunday in a predawn fire bedroom fire, according to a Goldsboro Fire Department report. The owner and resident, Vincent Weeks, escaped the fire that caused...

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Katrina orders cause traffic tie-up

Since Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, a Wayne County industry has been operating 24 hours, seven days a week to supply shingles to help reconstruct the city. But although the boom is good for business at GAF Materials Corp, the...

Man critical after head-on crash

A Wayne County man remains in Pitt Memorial Hospital after the pickup truck he was driving drifted left of center and hit an Eagle Transport gas truck head-on Friday morning. Clift McCall, 46, of Dobbs Place in Goldsboro, was traveling...

New rules for Center Street parking considered

Motor oil stains line the sidewalks on Center Street. A large moving truck parked Friday across from the Paramount Theater is one of the culprits, its front end covering more than half of the median, well in front of the...

Wayne gets ready to read

Wayne County residents who haven't yet gotten their copy of "Night" by Elie Wiesel should rush the nearest bookstore. Oprah's Book Club fans just might clean out the stacks. The annual Wayne County Reads program will kick off its 2006...

Speaker says ports could be boon here

During the next decade, North Carolina's ports could become a gateway to markets around the world, providing industry, jobs and revenue for the state, a director of the North Carolina State Port Authority told members of a regional transportation committee...

Fremont preparing to spend nearly $2 million on sewer system

FREMONT -- Fremont is preparing to spend almost $2 million to continue to improve its sewer system. Most of the money will come from two grants. Town residents, meanwhile, will have to dig a little deeper to pay their electric...

Prayer breakfast Feb. 1

The annual human relations prayer breakfast, sponsored by the Goldsboro Community Affairs Commission and Wayne County, will be held at 8 a.m. Feb. 1 in the fellowship hall of Goldsboro Chapel Free Will Baptist Church at 1314 Ben Brewington Court....

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...

Wayne County Superior Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Gerald Patrick Lee, 32, South Slocumb Street, breaking and entering, 101 to 131 months (habitual felon). *Tiszon Olajuwon Evans, 19, U.S. 13 South, possession of a firearm by a convicted...

Wayne County District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Robert Gene Bailey, 70, Fayetteville, failure to work after being paid, dismissed. *Christy Allen Stevenson, 21, Ukraine Drive, LaGrange, communicating threats, dismissed; assault, not guilty. *Linda Brown Burks, 38, South...

Processing of buyout payments slowed

Software problems have slowed processing as Farm Service Agency officials make Tobacco Transition Payment Program payments this week. Processing of the tobacco buyout payments began Tuesday. As of Thursday morning, the agency had completed about 3,600 of the nearly 5,700...

Friday, January 20, 2006

Closed for good

News-Argus/Dennis Hill This building on U.S. 70 East near Beston Road housed the Doll House for several years. For more information see Judge orders club closed....

Judge orders club closed

A nightclub in eastern Wayne County has been permanently closed after a judge signed a consent order in Wayne County Superior Court this week. Judge W. Allen Cobb of Wilmington signed the order Tuesday against The Doll House at U.S....

Man draws two life sentences for murders

A Goldsboro man was sentenced Thursday to two consecutive life terms in prison for his part in a "grisly" double murder on New Year's Day 2004. Christopher Lee Brown, 22, of Forest Knolls Road, pleaded guilty in Wayne County Superior...

State Fair midway vendor is familiar to Wayne residents

People who attend the North Carolina State Fair this year will find out what Wayne County officials say they have known for several years -- Powers Great American Midway puts on a good show. Powers was selected Thursday by state...

Mount Olive Chamber names director

MOUNT OLIVE -- Gena Knode has been named to take the helm of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce. Mike Rackley, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, announced the appointment of Knode as the chamber president...

Atlanta Company apparent low bidder for project

MOUNT OLIVE -- An Atlanta contractor is the apparent low bidder for a project to build a sewer plant for the town of Mount Olive. The consultants who opened the five bids Thursday at the Mount Olive Town Hall told...

Public records

3 hurt in wrecks Three people were injured and damages were estimated at $7,300 in two recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision at 5:55 p.m. Thursday at North William and...

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Fighter Squadron Deployment

Air Force photo Capt. Paul Siegler and 1st Lt. Kyle Meyer of the 336th Fighter Squadron prepare for take off this morning for deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Seymour Johnson Air Force...

Reporting for duty

After-burners lit up the night sky just after 3:30 this morning as the first deploying F-15E Strike Eagles left Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to entering the cockpit, officers and...

They've earned their As

The Golden A awards, given annually to restaurants and foodstands that earned 95 percent or higher throughout the year, were presented to 135 recipients Tuesday night at the Wayne Center. It was the eighth year for the awards program, based...

Commission hears list of school needs

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County commissioners acknowledged the county school system's five-year facility needs list Monday, but not without a dissenting vote. The list is a collection of wants, not needs, dissenting commissioner Larry Howard said. The list contains the board...

Committee looks at consolidating county services

Consolidation of water, sewer and other utility services in Wayne County would require cooperation from all the organizations involved, said the executive director of the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments. Larry Moolenaar spoke Wednesday to a meeting of the county...

Public records

Mobile home fire A malfunctioning heater was blamed Wednesday night for a fire that caused about $1,500 in damages to a mobile home at 551 Watery Branch Church Road, a fire official said. The unidentified occupants escaped the fire in...

Condemnation proceedings expected to continue in Princeton

PRINCETON -- Princeton is expected to continue condemnation proceedings against three dilapidated buildings. Police Chief Eddie Lewis said Tuesday that the town's attorney, Robert Spence Jr. of Smithfield, was beginning the paperwork against properties at 640 Dr. Donnie Jones Boulevard,...

West promoted to captain in Goldsboro Police Department

From staff reports Michael D. West, a 14-year veteran with the Goldsboro Police Department, has been promoted to captain, Chief Tim Bell announced Wednesday. West replaced Glenn Barnes, who retired recently. West, who specializes in collision reconstruction, joined the department...

Black history artifacts sought

From staff reports The Goldsboro-Wayne branch of the NAACP will sponsor a black history exhibit at the Wayne County Museum throughout the month of February. Memorabilia and artifacts, including photographs, newspaper clippings, books, clothing or other significant items are being...

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Baker's Chapel Road fire

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Dudley firefighters get ready to break a window in a house at 452 Baker's Chapel Church Road about 6:30 a.m. today. Firefighters from Dudley, Mount Olive and Smith's Chapel and EMS Station 9 responded to the blaze,...

Driver saves woman from Mount Olive blaze

An unidentified driver who just happened to be passing by a Mount Olive fire this morning helped a local woman escape the blaze. Mount Olive Fire Department officials said Evelyn Anderson, of 452 Bakers Chapel Church Road, was sleeping when...

State rejects sewer permit for feed mill

CALYPSO -- Concern that waste generated by a new Case Farms feed mill might push the town of Calypso over its sewer limit has delayed construction of the project until engineers can satisfy state regulators. Duplin County Economic Development Director...

Machines coming for May election

Wayne County voters will have new voting machines in time for the May election, but the county's board of elections members and commissioners say they are not happy about the limited choices or the uncertainty of what costs might still...

Howell honored as top local firefighter

Jack Howell, a firefighter for almost 40 years and a chief for almost 20, was honored with the Wayne County Firemen's Association highest award. Howell, the chief of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department on two occasions, on Tuesday night received...

Opportunity Center officially opens doors

Wayne Opportunity Center has merged with the H.O.P.E. program, a rehabilitation center for mentally handicapped clients, on the old campus of Wayne Community College at 804 E. U.S. Highway 70 Bypass. Funded by the United Way of Wayne County, Wayne...

Public records

Quick response helps in arrest A Wayne County man was arrested by Wayne County sheriff's deputies within 15 minutes of a strong-armed robbery after a detective heard the suspect's description. A man on Sunday night pushed through two customers at...

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Heroes' sendoff

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Seymour Johnson airmen load their bags and make final preparations for their deployment to southwest Asia Monday night. For more information see 200 Seymour Johnson AFB personnel deploy for next mission....

200 Seymour Johnson AFB personnel deploy for next mission

Airman Jeff Jamieson didn't have much time to be a newlywed before getting the call that he, along with 200 other airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, would be deploying to southwest Asia. The 19-year-old and his wife, Sarah,...

Starbucks, bigger stores on list for Wayne

A long-rumored coffee shop is planning to locate in Goldsboro, and two major retailers in the city are planning extensive renovations. Starbucks Coffee submitted plans to the city Inspections Department last week to build on an outparcel in front of...

Businesses look more to region for expansion

Wayne County saw a lot of economic growth in 2005, and that trend should continue, said Steve Hicks, president of the Wayne County of Chamber of Commerce. "Without a doubt, 2005 was a very memorable year for Goldsboro and Wayne...

State officials want to talk about water use; meeting set here

State officials will hold a public hearing Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. at Wayne Community College for residents of the eastern part of the state to comment on proposed changes in how the state deals with water shortages. The state...

Public records

Cigarettes stolen from Eureka store EUREKA -- About $1,028 worth of property, including 48 cartons of cigarettes, was stolen between Sunday and Monday from the Eureka Mini-Mart at 2710 N.C. 222 East. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported that the...

MOC alumnus to perform Jan. 26 at Rodgers Chapel

MOUNT OLIVE -- Scott Bircher, a contempary Christian singer, will perform in Rodgers Chapel at Mount Olive College on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. The performance, co-sponsored by the campus Activity Board and Big Coffee, is free and open...

Monday, January 16, 2006

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. annual breakfast

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Damesha Smith, MLK committee chairperson, talks with Goldsboro Mayor Al King before the breakfast and memorial tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today. In addition to a couple of speeches, the event included entertainment and a...

Case still pending against driver

Goldsboro police say they are continuing to put together their case against a driver who allegedly struck two 13-year-old eighth-graders last year as they crossed East Ash Street near Greenwood Middle School. Police Sgt. Trey Ball said when he completes...

Officials to finalize new voting machines

Wayne County's commissioners will pick voting machines for the county and determine how much to set aside to pay for them at the board's meeting Tuesday. Last year, the General Assembly approved legislation requiring each county's Board of Elections to...

New high school seeks applicants for fall semester

Wayne County Public Schools is preparing to open its 32nd school this fall, to be located on the Wayne Community College campus. Wayne Early/Middle College High School, part of a national high school reform initiative, will become the school system's...

Celebrating his dream: Annual breakfast honors Dr. King

Singing, dancing, prayer -- all in honor of a champion of the civil rights movement. More than 400 county residents arrived at H.V. Brown Hall this morning to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as the city hosted...

Fitness program sponsored by county, extension service

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service and the Wayne County Health Department are sponsoring a fitness program for Wayne County residents. Wayne Gets Fit! begins Jan. 24 and run through April 10. The program will be held every Tuesday from 4:30...

Goldsboro native pens WCC play

The Wayne Community College Fine Arts Club will sponsor performances of a play written by a Goldsboro native. Spat, written by Ayinde Hurrey, will be performed Jan. 21, 21, 27 and 28 at 8:15 p.m. in the music room of...

Public records

Wanted Three people are wanted by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office on two felony warrants for breaking and entering and one felony warrant for larceny. Brian Curtis Herring, 30, of Smithfield, Amy Herring Ham, 23, of Hugh Street and Ricky...

Sunday, January 15, 2006

250 to deploy from Seymour Johnson

Members of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base are deploying this month for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. By the end of January, more than 400 airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will have deployed...

Everett sues to get retirement

The former Goldsboro city attorney is suing the state Local Government Employees' Retirement System over benefits he says he was unfairly denied upon retirement. Harrell Everett filed suit in Wayne County Civil Superior Court last week, asking that a decision...

FBI investigates military record

FBI agents in Raleigh are reviewing allegations that a Wayne County veteran faked portions of his military record, including claiming medals for valor in combat that he might not have earned. Under investigation are medals Preston Garris, 60, claims to...

Turkey houses destroyed in storm

Three turkey houses and several buildings in western Greene County were destroyed after strong winds ripped through the area in the early morning hours on Saturday. Three of six turkey houses on Jimmy Herring's farm near Shine's Crossroads were destroyed,...

Boy Scout council looking for new executive

Tuscarora Council officials say they hope to have a new scout executive by March 1. Former Boy Scout executive Bill Lappin left the council in December after a 21-year tenure serving the Wayne County region. Tuscarora President Jim Daniels said...

McDonald found not guilty on assault charge

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive Town Manager Ray McDonald was found not guilty Friday of assault on a man at a polling place on Election Day. Judge Les Turner also dismissed a charge of communicating threats against McDonald. The charges...

Fathers will escort daughters to fundraiser dance

For the past two years, a father-daughter dance has been held at the Family YMCA to raise funds for the WARM Hearts mentoring program. With family dynamics rapidly changing, the concept has been expanded to include grandfathers, uncles or a...

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...

Wayne County Superior Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Shaun Hayes, 24, Trailridge Lane, Princeton, first-degree trespass, not guilty; injury to personal property, dismissed. *Billy Simpson Herring Jr., 38, Forest Knolls Road, solicitation to commit a sex offense, 62...

Students named to academic lists at WCC

Wayne Community College has honored 225 students for outstanding academic achievement in the fall 2005 semester. The college recognizes the students listed below for earning a place on its President's and Dean's Lists. President's List To be named to the...

Student news

Sara Ann Baker, daughter of Robert and Karen Baker of Mount Olive, has been selected to present her senior thesis at the 20th Annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research.The conference typically receives 3,000 applications nationwide. Miss Baker, a senior history...

Officers to be installed at firemen's banquet

New officers of the Wayne County Firemen's Association and its auxiliary will be installed Tuesday night during the group's annual banquet meeting at Lane Tree Golf Club. The annual G. Edgar Summerlin Award will be presented to the fireman of...

Mount Olive District Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Carla Ray Seaberry, 42, East Williamson Street, Mount Olive, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, 30 days suspended, 12 months supervised probation, 24 hours community service, $50 fine and costs (appealed)....

Local officials hope online quiz helpful in pregnancy campaign

The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy will be May 3, and a local task force hopes an online quiz will be helpful in raising awareness and education efforts. Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, or WATCH's Teen Pregnancy Task...

Wayne County District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *William Raynor, Seaboard Street, assault on a female, not guilty. *Kevin Michael Newhart, 32, Central Heights Road, larceny, 120 days. *Steven Tyrone Barnes, 27, A Street, intoxicated and disruptive, 20...

Arts Council to offer classes, workshops

The Arts Council of Wayne County will offer the following classes and workshops in February: *How to Work with Acrylics for Beginners, workshop for adults, Ann Humphries, instructor. Students will be introduced to materials and learn about values, colors and...

Friday, January 13, 2006

Crash on U.S. 117

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Two people were injured in an accident shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday on the U.S. 117 bypass, Goldsboro police said. The driver of the car, Myra P. Outlaw, 78, of South Center Street, Mount Olive, was treated...

Teachers must meet guidelines

Changes prompted by the federal No Child Left Behind Act have left some special education teachers scrambling to meet the criteria by this spring. Letters sent out by Wayne County Public Schools before Christmas informed some teachers that they might...

Results are in from inquiry into accident

A Wayne County pilot's failure to apply heat to the carburetor of his aircraft led to a crash he barely survived, according to findings by the National Transportation Safety Board. Kent Larson's Cessna crashed into the Neuse River near New...

SJAFB staff chosen for promotion to colonels

Five lieutenant colonels from the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base were recently selected for promotion to colonel. The officers were selected by the Promotion Board at the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base,...

United Way recognizes volunteers at ceremony

United Way of Wayne County celebrated its campaign victory for 2005 by holding a recognition ceremony Thursday night at Goldsboro Country Club. The 2005 campaign chairman, Jane Rustin, made the official announcement that last year's campaign raised a total of...

Verizon Wireless enters Goldsboro market

A new player is entering the wireless communications market in Goldsboro. Verizon Wireless has secured site-clearing and building permits for construction at 1202-B N. Berkeley Blvd., in front of Lowe's Home Improvement. The building is being developed by Jeff Irvin...

Second round of tobacco payments are on the way

It's the second time around for tobacco buyout payments, and a Farm Service Agency says the process should go a little more smoothly. The agency will begin mailing the second round of payments for the Tobacco Transition Payment Program, commonly...

Public records

Buses vandalized Twelve school buses and 12 building doors were vandalized between Wednesday and Thursday at Eastern Wayne High School, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported. A substance like liquid cement had been poured into the ignition switches of the...

Thursday, January 12, 2006

United Way campaign is a success

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit United Way campaign chairman Jane Rustin pulls off the last piece of tape revealing that the organization met its 2005 goal of $1.425 million. For more information see United Way hits goal....

A champion for education

About 60 years ago, five friends at the University of North Carolina Law School formed a study group that later would change the university they loved. Friday, they will say goodbye to one of their most prominent -- and, they...

Duplin voting machine cost might be lower

KENANSVILLE -- New voting machines might cost less than Duplin County officials had anticipated in this year's budget -- if the federal government comes through with some money. The county's budget contains $77,500 for the purchase of voting machines required...

United Way hits goal

The extra generosity of a handful of dedicated United Way supporters enabled the organization to meet its financial campaign goal for 2005. Last-minute contributions by several businesses and individuals pushed the Wayne County annual campaign over its goal -- by...

Seven Springs residents will see higher sewer bills

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Seven Springs officials are facing sever financial problems with its sewer system, town board members learned Wednesday night. Bookkeeping errors have led the town's sewer fund deep into the red, auditor Connie Huffman said. To compensate, the...

Princeton board tries to solve water mystery

PRINCETON -- Just who should be supplying water for a few customers west of Princeton and for what rate remains a mystery because three water districts overlap the area, officials say. The Princeton Town Board members tried to unravel the...

Speaker at King event urges women to get more involved

Women need to realize their role in the church and community is vital, said a speaker at a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial service Wednesday night. The Rev. Dr. Mazie Ferguson was the featured speaker as members of the congregations...

Holiday garbage collection schedules

Some city services will be operating on a holiday schedule next week, as officials and residents observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As the city observes the holiday, trash pick-up will be affected. All sanitation collections services scheduled for Monday...

Public records

Stolen pickup hits 4 parked vehicles A stolen rental pickup truck sideswiped four parked cars Wednesday night on Hugh Street, inflicting about $11,300 in damages, Goldsboro police reported. During the collision, the southbound pickup lost a wheel that was found...

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Testing a voting machine

News-Argus/Andrew Bell Tom Janyssek, a regional sales manager for New Bern-based Printelect, assists Billie Bethea, a member of the Wayne Federation for the Blind, during the Wayne County Board of ElectionÍs voting machine public forum Tuesday morning. For more...

Board says it's time to address inner city issues

Wayne County Board of Education members said Monday it is time to do more than just talk about the challenges facing families who live in Goldsboro's inner city. Gangs, drive-by shootings and generational problems with public housing are interferring with...

Teen surrenders to officers to face murder charge

A Wayne County teenager wanted for the murder of a Goldsboro man surrendered Tuesday to Wayne County authorities and was served with an arrest warrant. Andre Monterio Todd, 17, of North Hereford Drive, is wanted for questioning in connection with...

Voters test new machine choices

Wayne County residents took an early look at voting equipment that could be used in the next election at the county's Board of Elections board room Tuesday. Board of Elections director Gary Sims said the board chose the cheapest configuration...

Town's new Wal-Mart asking for rule change

MOUNT OLIVE -- Wal-Mart is planning to build a store in Mount Olive, town officials said Tuesday night. The company asked the Mount Olive Planning Board for permission to increase the density of parking at a proposed store site behind...

Experts -- Diet, exercise still best ways to beat the bulge

Meat, cheese, greasy fries and a scoop of ice-cream. Feel free to pile on a few extra carbs, too. Many county residents made an age-old resolution for the new year when the clock struck midnight Jan. 1. "I'm going to...

Schools reluctantly approve consultants

The school board voted, albeit reluctantly, to support a consultant hired by the county commissioners to conduct a financial and facilities review for the school system. "As unnecessary as I believe it to be, I move that we approve the...

December was busy month for Goldsboro Fire Department

Goldsboro firefighters in December put out five major blazes that caused an estimated $70,600 in damages. Fire Chief Bobby Greenfield said his department went to 180 fire and-or service calls during the month. A faulty panel box may have caused...

Pikeville to consider sign ordinance

Outgoing Pikeville town administrator Lonnie Graves is hard at work wrapping things up. In addition to preparing a package for his successor, Graves has been charged by the town board with drafting a sign ordinance to be presented at the...

Stolen log splitter found

FREMONT -- A Fremont couple got good news this week, just when they thought there wasn't any. Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Dail of Vance Street had reported the theft of their new log splitter on Friday to Fremont police. It...

Public records

Store robbed A convenience store was robbed Tuesday of about $150, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office report. A woman clerk at the El Tianguis store at 1484 N.C. 111 South told deputies that the suspect walked through the...

Photo exhibit at Arts Council

Work by internationally-known photographers Yousuf Karsh, Ernst Haas and Annie Leibovitz is now on display at the Arts Council of Wayne County. The photographs are from the collection of local oncologist Dr. Ernest Marshall and are featured on the second...

Leadership class learns about government

Members of the 2005-06 Class of Leadership Wayne County spent a day learning about law and government recently. The regents for the day were Christine Smith, a Cooperative Extension agent and Julie Beck, the director of student activities at Mount...

County schools holding surplus sale Feb. 7

Wayne County Public Schools will hold a public auction Feb. 7 for equipment and vehicles that have been declared surplus, officials announced. The sale for auction items ranging from computer equipment to band uniforms will begin at 9 a.m. at...

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Sheriff's Office provides security at courthouse

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Special Deputy Ray Thompson, right, and Deputy William Kates, top left, act as security Monday afternoon for the Wayne County Courthouse in the absence of guards provided by a firm hired by the county. The firm lost...

Schools' reserves drop to $1.5 million

The school board voted Monday night to send a formal resolution to county commissioners about the school system's critical fund balance situation. Expenditures over the last year - including teacher salaries and supplements as well as rising fuel costs -...

New lights planned for crosswalk

The Wayne County Board of Education voted Monday to support a combined effort with the Goldsboro City Council to pay for flashing lights to alert drivers to the school zone near Greenwood Middle School, where two students were hit by...

Courthouse security firm goes down over weekend

A lapse in certification by the security firm providing security at the Wayne County Courthouse did not mean a lapse in security for people working there. County officials learned Monday that Pro-Tek of Greenville, the company that had been hired...

First case of flu hits county's hospital

The season's first case of flu in Wayne County has been reported, with the youth admitted to Wayne Memorial Hospital over the weekend. Dr. Dave Tayloe of Goldsboro Pediatrics said the practice saw several children with flu-like symptoms on Friday....

No more water use restrictions, for now

Five-minute showers, dusty cars and lightly watered gardens are things of the past in Goldsboro -- at least for now. Mayor Al King lifted voluntary conservation of water for the city Monday at the first City Council meeting of 2006,...

Service will honor Martin Luther King Jr.

New Spirit Church Ministries, Greenleaf Christian Church and the Religious Affairs Committee of the North Carolina Conference of the NAACP will co-sponsor the Martin Luther King Community Service Wednesday at 7 p.m. The event, which will be held at New...

Sheep theft leaves lamb without mom

FREMONT -- An adult Gulf Coast Native sheep was stolen from the Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace, leaving a day-old lamb without its mother. The sheep was stolen between 3 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday from the sheep barn,...

Public records

Fire damages shop A grass fire spread out of control Sunday and damaged a repair shop at 2216 N.C. 55 West at Old Grantham Road, officials said Monday. Damage was estimated at $1,000 to the building, Smith Chapel Volunteer Fire...

Princeton board OKs park construction bid

PRINCETON -- A town park in Princeton became a step closer to reality Monday night. During its monthly meeting the town board approved a low bid from Lumina Builders of Wrightsville Beach to build much of the park. "We can...

Patchwork problems stall Pikeville's paving project

The paving of some streets in Pikeville is on hold after pavers discovered issues with temporary patchwork. APAC Paving Co. has stopped paving work in the Collingwood neighborhood after it was discovered that the patches could not withstand the weight...

Mount Olive board members sign petition for new shelter

MOUNT OLIVE -- Town board members have signed a petition calling for a new animal shelter in Wayne County. Doris Petrak and Melanie Ladd asked the Mount Olive town board of commissioners during their regular meeting Monday night at Town...

Financial aid available

Students who plan to attend Wayne Community College in 2006-07 can get assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms from 9 a.m. to noon on 18 in the Wayne Learning Center. Contact the College Foundation of North...

Monday, January 9, 2006

Planting tobacco

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Workers transplant tobacco on the Major Ivey farm in northern Duplin County last spring. Eastern North Carolina growers are expected to plant more acres of tobacco this year, as the free market opened by the end of...

Longtime attorney dies at 85

William Archie Dees Jr., 85, the dean of Wayne County's legal profession and the first elected chairman of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, died early today at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Dees was the senior partner of the...

Man dies when car overturns in county

A passenger was killed Saturday when he was ejected from a car that overturned on top of him on Gurley Dairy Road, the Highway Patrol said. The driver survived the wreck after rescue efforts by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office,...

District reminds parents of calendar changes

With the first semester of the current school year coming to a close, Wayne County Public Schools is reminding parents and students about changes to this year's academic calendar. High school students will take final exams and End of Course...

O'Berry Center workers use creativity to make patients' lives easier

At O'Berry Center, seven men make up "custom adaptation services," customizing whatever the residents need, from wheelchairs and beds to safety helmets and harmonica holders. The department could more aptly be called an imagination station. With backgrounds ranging from welding...

Public records

7 hurt in wrecks Seven people were injured in four recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *Two people were injured and damages were estimated at $8,500 in a two-vehicle collision at 12:21 p.m. Saturday on North Berkeley Boulevard...

Some student records to be destroyed

On March 1, Wayne County Public Schools will begin destruction of records for all exceptional students, special education students and students with disabilities who were born before Sept. 1, 1979 and attended Wayne County Public Schools or the former Goldsboro...

Tuskegee airman to speak at King event

A member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen will be the featured speaker at a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Thursday at Wayne Community College. Wilson V. Eagleson II, a retired Air Force first lieutenant will speak at 1 p.m. in...

Sunday, January 8, 2006

Wayne County's worst intersections

Motorists in Wayne County have suspected the county has some intersections on the state's list for the most hazardous crossroads in North Carolina. Now, the state's Department of Transportation has confirmed their suspicions. Seventeen of the top 20 accident-producing intersections...

Crash frequency list

Intersection Crashes 1. U.S. 70 & N. Berkeley Blvd. 101 2. E, Ash St. & Berkeley Blvd. 89 3. U.S. 70 & N.C. 111 80 4. N. Berkeley Blvd. & Cashwell Drive 75 5. U.S. 117 & Old Mount Olive...

Mount Olive starts search for manager

MOUNT OLIVE --The search for a new Mount Olive town manager will officially start this week, officials said. A search committee has been formed and will begin running a classified ad Tuesday announcing that the town is accepting resumes from...

Butterfield talks about priorities for coming year

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield invited county and city officials throughout District 1 to discuss national issues that affect eastern North Carolina Friday afternoon at Goldsboro City Hall. "This is not a political meeting, and I didn't come here with a...

Festival honors Hispanic traditions

Joseph, Mary and their newborn son walked from inn to inn Saturday hoping someone would offer them shelter from the cold. After numerous rejections, the shunned couple forged down a dirt road at Waynesborough Historical Village, followed by a large...

Girl Scouts set to take buyers' cookie orders

Girl Scouts have started taking orders for cookies. The kickoff for the Coastal Carolina Council's cookie sale was Friday at Eastern Wayne Elementary School, with more than 300 girls and adult volunteers taking part in a bake-off contest featuring desserts...

Duplin board will check references

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Education met in executive session Thursday to start calling references for the last three applicants for superintendent. Board chairman Emily Manning said the board "is pretty much on track with the search" for...

Public Records

Drug charges A man and woman were arrested Saturday and charged with drug offenses. James Vernon Barrett of 701 Hare Road was charged with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of keeping or selling...

Fundraising dinner to benefit soup kitchen

Wayne County, get your tastebuds set for old-fashioned shrimp and grits and do a good deed at the same time. The Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro will have a celebrity shrimp and grits fundraiser Jan. 21 at Billie's Restaurant. Proceeds...

Statistics are in from New Year's holiday weekend

Wayne County authorities investigated 32 wrecks, charged more than 100 people with crimes and filed more than 100 incident reports during the long New Year's holiday weekend. The Highway Patrol investigated 19 wrecks, and Goldsboro police went to 13 more....

Applications for ECU degree program due in February

Applications for the East Carolina University bachelor's degree programs in elementary and middle grades education at Wayne Community College are due in February. Applications for the ECU Wachovia Partnership East South Central Consortium middle grades math and science degree program...

Friday, January 6, 2006

Checking the plans

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Roger Casey eyes the master plan for Goldsboro's new Stoney Creek Park. His son and daughter-in-law are planning to purchase a home near the southwest perimeter of the park. For more information see Planning Stoney Creek Park;...

Stepfather indicted for rape, murder

The stepfather of a 14-year-old girl has been indicted by the Wayne County Grand Jury on charges that he raped and murdered her last year. Roger Lamonte Sutton, 33, of Hinnant Road, Pikeville, was indicted on charges of first-degree murder,...

Planning Stoney Creek Park; security, privacy concerns

Flooding, lack of privacy and the possibility of children drowning. These concerns and others were addressed by city residents Thursday as the Stoney Creek Park Development Committee hosted a public forum at the Herman Park Center. Officials unveiled the final...

Voters can try proposed voting machines

The Wayne County Board of Elections will have a public forum Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noon to allow county residents to see the new voting equipment expected to be in place by the May elections. Election Systems & Software...

Committee weighs limits on billboards

Making highways in Wayne County safer will be a chief aim of the county Transportation Committee this year, members said at their meeting Tuesday. Committee members discussed several ways to reduce accidents at key intersections and crossings, including adding flashing...

Pikeville administrator will leave post January 27

Lonnie Graves will step down as town administrator in Pikeville, effective Jan. 27. Graves, 29, will take an administrative position with Carolina Solutions, a rehabilitative care facility owned by his family in Burlington. "I just have so many obligations back...

Public records

Drug charges An undercover operation by the Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad led to the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics and the arrest of a 19-year-old man this week. A total of 24.3 grams of methadone and 10.6 grams...

Library event to recognize Wayne's cultural diversity

Wayne County is as diversified culturally as any in North Carolina. Its residents come from backgrounds with roots in every continent. The county Public Library staff will recognize that diversity by holding a special event to honor the variety of...

Wayne Gets Fit program beginning

Wayne County people now have the opportunity to get fit through a program sponsored by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the health promotion program of the Wayne County Health Department. Wayne Gets Fit! will start Jan. 24 and...

Duplin quiz bowl January 12

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Public Library Quiz Bowl will be held Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in Monk Auditorium at James Sprunt Community College. The annual event is sponsored by the local public library and the North Carolina...

Applications for ECU degree program due in February

Applications for the East Carolina University bachelor's degree programs in elementary and middle grades education at Wayne Community College are due in February. Applications for the ECU Wachovia Partnership East South Central Consortium middle grades math and science degree program...

Thursday, January 5, 2006

New store work begins

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit The old Piggly Wiggly and Beauty World in Wayne Plaza in the 1800 block of East Ash Street are being torn down to make way for a new Food Lion store. The new store will replace the...

GMS teens progressing well

The progress made by two Greenwood Middle School students since being struck by a vehicle on the way to school is "unbelievable," says one of their teachers. On the morning of Nov. 18, Carson Thomas and Mackenzie Wessels, both 13,...

Local man charged in rape case

A man was charged Wednesday with raping an 11-year-old girl after he was found unconscious from an alleged drug overdose in a car parked at Wayne Memorial Park. Investigators with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office charged Keith John Lewis, 36,...

Kitten, raccoon infected by rabies

Wayne County animal control authorities are investigating two cases of rabies reported within the past several days. Chief Animal Control Officer Jerry Pate said one of the animals infected three county residents before it was quarantined. The owner of a...

Tier change could limit development efforts

Wayne County's economic ranking has improved for 2006, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. However, depending on who is asked, that is not necessarily good news. "It's a double-edged sword," said Joanna Thompson, Wayne County Economic Development Commission...

Blood donors earn chances to win ACC ball

During January and February, donating blood will give Wayne County people the chance to win a signed ACC basketball. The ACC Basketball Blood Donor Challenge will start with the first blood drive of the year, today at Oak Forest Church,...

Suspect in Newton Grover murder extradited from S.C.

A man was extradited Wednesday from South Carolina by officers of the Sampson County Sheriff's Office to face charges in connection with the rape and murder of an 83-year-old woman. Christopher Levon Terry, 42, of N. McKay Avenue in Dunn,...

Public record

Officers assaulted Two police officers were assaulted Wednesday night during an altercation with Leodis Hamlin, 29, of Goldsboro, according to police reports. Officers Christopher Melvin and Adam Fowler said they responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home in...

City accepting applications for public service funding

The City of Goldsboro began accepting proposals for assistance for public service activities, including after school enrichment programs, health services, home buyer education, and senior programs Monday, officials said. Goldsboro's community development coordinator Wilmur Conyers said the applications will be...

Applications being accepted for More at Four program

The Partnership for Children of Wayne County is currently accepting applications for next year's More at Four program. More at Four is a free state-funded pre-kindergarten program. Classrooms are located in public school classrooms, Head Start facilities and child care...

Wednesday, January 4, 2006

Mayor optimistic about 2006

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Goldsboro Mayor Al King said 2005 was a year of siginificant developments for the city, with even more good news ahead on fronts such as economic development. For more information see City's mayor will stay 'just Al...

Teen sought in death of Dudley man

A 21-year-old man was fatally shot Tuesday night near Dudley, and another man is being sought for the murder. The victim, Jarrett Ledairis Garner of 1172 Old Mount Olive Road, was shot at about 6:30 p.m. in a home on...

News-Argus purchases Plymouth newspaper

Sale of the Roanoke Beacon was announced today by Gary R. Cunard, editor and publisher. The weekly newspaper was purchased by Wayne Printing Co. Inc., of Goldsboro, which publishes the Goldsboro News-Argus. Cunard, who also owns the Franklin Times of...

City's mayor will stay 'just Al King' in 2006

Al King never aspired to be mayor of Goldsboro. In fact, he would have been satisfied living out his second retirement on a golf course or in a sports car, he said. But when former Mayor Hal Plonk died unexpectedly...

County should not 'buy' jobs, residents say

The only two speakers at public hearings on Wayne County's decision to provide land and money to new businesses in exchange for creating jobs argued that county leaders shouldn't be in the business of buying jobs. The Wayne County Board...

Duplin leaders divided on issue of new landfill

KENANSVILLE -- A proposed landfill ordinance for Duplin County is such a touchy subject that county commissioners can't even agree whether to talk about it or not. Commissioners voted three times Tuesday on the issue and deadlocked 3-3 each time....

MOC holding visitation day Jan. 16

MOUNT OLIVE- Potential students are encouraged to attend the next visitation day at Mount Olive College on Monday, Jan. 16. Registration begins in the Lois K. Murphy Center at 9 a.m. Prospective students will have the opportunity to tour classrooms,...

Mount Olive chamber set for banquet January 19

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual membership banquet at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Southern Wayne Country Club. The keynote speaker will be Earl Brinkley, who formed Accu-Track Logistics in his...

Zeta moving toward U.S. coast

Tropical Storm Zeta is moving southwestward and maintaining its intensity, according to reports from the National Hurricane Center. At 5 a.m., the center of the storm was located about 1,325 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Island. Maximum sustained winds...

Public records

Truck strikes door and wall collapses A tractor-trailer truck, leaving a warehouse at 604 N. John St., caught the bottom of the door Tuesday, pulling it down as the adjoining wall collapsed. The accident resulted in about $89,000 in damages,...

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Identity Theft

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Capt. George Raecher of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office displays some of the fraudulent documents confiscated by detectives investigating scam operations in the country. Officials say it is very hard to catch the perpetrators, and that common...

Scams capturing residents' identities

"Win up to $50,000,000," screams the big headline on the flier. "You may have won $100,000 in the Swiss lottery," says the letter. "Buy a 2005 Cadillac Escalade for $12,000," offers the caller. These are just a few of the...

Scout's effort nets over-goal blood drive

Tyler Santifort wanted to help as many people as he could with his Eagle Scout project, so he chose to host a blood drive. The 16-year-old helped plan a blood drive at St. Luke Church Friday for the Wayne County...

Questions about health will continue

CALYPSO -- Residents living within two miles of a proposed landfill in northern Duplin County are being asked about their health as part of a group's effort to keep the landfill from being built. Citizens for a Safe Environment hired...

Former town board member isn't ready to slow down yet

MOUNT OLIVE -- Former town commissioner Paul Smalley said he is staying plenty busy since leaving his board seat late last year. After six years of service, Smalley said he is trying to head back into private life, which gives...

Public records

Residents robbed by two burglars Two men on Monday night barged into an apartment in the 200 block of Hereford Drive and stole cash, a jacket and personal papers from the occupants, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department reported. The occupants...

Correction

Clarification A story on Habitat for Humanity's plans in Monday's News-Argus listed Ken Jones and Bryan Walker of Walker Construction as heading up planning for the of building a house this summer. Ken Jones operates Ken Jones Trim and Construction...

Lunch Menus

Following are lunch menus for Wayne County Public Schools for the week of Jan. 9-13: Monday -- Breakfast: Sausage biscuit. Lunch: Pepperoni pizza, baked corn dog, green beans, black-eyed peas, chilled applesauce, fresh orange and milk. Tuesday -- Breakfast: Cinnamon...

Monday, January 2, 2006

Home destroyed

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Dudley firemen pour water on a mobile home fire Sunday afternoon on Pine Branch Lane off Eagles Nest Road. The single-wide dwelling valued at $2,500 and owned by Earl Andurs Jr. was destroyed. More than 30 firefighters...

Schools, waste on 2006 agenda

During the four years Lee Smith has been employed as the Wayne County manager, he said one of the top priorities each year has been to find a solution to the school facilities plan. The new year will be no...

Mount Olive man killed on highway after tractor is hit

A Mount Olive man was killed Sunday when a car struck the tractor he had been driving and pushed it on top of him. Braddock Bernard Gross, 67, of Edenton Road died at about 5:50 p.m. Sunday. The accident happened...

Habitat, builders plan blitz this June

Professional home builders and Habitat for Humanity volunteers will build a house in one week this summer. The Wayne County effort is part of a national project, Home Builders Blitz for Habitat for Humanity, scheduled for June 5-9. During that...

Volunteers saved county agencies labor costs, provided extra touch

Depending on the measuring stick used, services provided by volunteers saved the county millions of dollars, local officials say. Figures are based on the Independent Sector, a leadership forum for charities and giving programs, said Barbara Stiles, director of the...

Farm Service Agency puts maps on computer

The federal Farm Service Agency is shifting to the use of digitized maps that will enable farmers and farm agents to more quickly glean the information necessary for farmers' participation in federal programs. The new maps will eventually be available...

FEMA money available for food, shelter

Wayne County has received $55,640 in funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, administered by FEMA. Local governmental or private voluntary organizations that operate as non-profit organizations, have a financial audit and a non-discrimination policy in place and thaty...

Wine-tasting tops $100,000 mark over 11-year history

Proceeds from an annual wine-tasting sponsored by HealtHabit and Billie's Restaurant pushed the 11-year-old event over the $100,000 mark in money raised. The event held in November raised about $14,000 for Volunteer Wayne its affiliated organization, the Retired and Senior...

Public records

Officers arrest man in church Goldsboro police officers responded before dawn today to a burglar alarm at First Presbyterian Church at 1101 E. Ash St. and later arrested a man who was inside. During an external check of the church,...

Cultural diversity celebration January 14

The Wayne County Public Library is sponsoring a celebration of the county's cultural diversity. The event, which will feature stories, music, poetry, dance and food, will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, from 2-4 p.m. The public is invited. The event...

Sunday, January 1, 2006

BRAC decision, Paramount fire top Wayne stories in 2005

The past year was one of ups and downs for the people of Wayne County. A quick look back at 2005 focuses on the biggest stories of the year. 1. Seymour Johnson survives BRAC The announcement in mid-May that Seymour...

2005 news timeline

January Jan. 4 -- The North Carolina Railroad Company plans to repair historic building on James Street. Jan. 17 -- Six-year-old Nikita Pearson killed in a vehicle accident at intersection of U.S. 70 and Beston Road. Jan. 18 -- Goldsboro...

Economic development on agenda

Economic development and the budget will be extremely important issues in the next year, Wayne County Manager Lee Smith said Friday. To begin the new year, the county's Board of Commissioners will discuss both topics during the board's Tuesday meeting...

Bigger farms, fewer farmers predicted in 2006

More older farmers may choose to retire in the coming year but the amount of cotton and tobacco grown in Wayne and surrounding counties could increase, said Kevin Johnson, a field crop agent with the state Cooperative Extension Service. With...

New year good time for resolutions

Making resolutions is a time-honored tradition at New Year's. The start of a new calendar just seems a good time to make a change for the better, whether it means losing weight, getting better organized at work or taking more...

Duplin commissioners to consider voting machines

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Admin-istration Building on Seminary Road to discuss several matters, including voting machines, what to do with a vacant building and whether to adopt a...

Calls to Crime Stoppers lead to arrests in several robberies

A bank robbery, a holdup, a drug case and several break-ins were among the cases cleared by law enforcement officers with help from Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers. Goldsboro Police Sgt. Dot Ardes, the agency's law-enforcement coordinator, told the Crime Stoppers...

Price of postage going up on Jan. 8

Starting Jan. 8, the price of a first-class postage stamp will increase two cents. Wayne County businesses and government agencies have already begun recalculating their office budgets to accommodate the new 39-cent stamp. Postmaster Randy Turnage at the downtown Postal...

Public record

Investigations These incidents are being investigated by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office: * An unknown suspect used Kevin Jones' debit card to make two transactions in Mexico, according to a report. Jones of Pikeville was informed of the transactions totaling...

County wants petitioners to ante up

Last month, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners began the process of building a new animal shelter by approving a location for the structure. However, the commissioners still need to find a way to pay for the facility. And they...