April 2006 archives

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Sunday, April 30, 2006

Driver due back in court Monday

The 24-year-old Duplin County driver who struck two 13-year-old eighth-graders who were crossing East Ash Street is scheduled be back in Wayne County Superior Court. Wilder Fidelmar Mejia Alvarado of Bennett's Bridge Road, Mount Olive, is scheduled to return Monday...

Clerk's race will top ballot Tuesday

Wayne and Duplin county voters will determine the candidates for a number of local and state offices Tuesday. Democratic and Republican primaries will be held in races across North Carolina, and voters in most counties will use new, electronic voting...

Polling places

The following is a list of the polling places in Wayne County. *Fremont Fire Station at 401 N. Sycamore St. *Eureka United Methodist Church at 128 N. Church St. *Little River Fire Station at 622 Gurley Dairy Road *Pikeville Fire...

Rec Center committee still trying to cut cost

Goldsboro Recreation Center Committee members discussed ways to cut costs on the once estimated $12 million project Wednesday after Mayor Al King and others voiced their concerns about the price tag at their April 12 meeting. The committee also entertained...

Brown will take over Mount Olive job June 5

MOUNT OLIVE -- Assistant Town Manager Charles Brown has had about 10 weeks to learn the ropes -- now, he's ready to take the reins as Mount Olive's town manager. "(Current Town Manager) Ray McDonald has basically set June 2...

Wayne Memorial steps up nurse recruitment efforts

Recruitment efforts at Wayne Memorial Hospital are paying off, with 75 RNS and six LPNs signing on in the last year and another 33 new nursing graduates committed in the coming months. William Paugh, chief executive officer and president of...

Thousands crowd town for annual pickle festival

MOUNT OLIVE „ There was plenty to relish at the 20th North Carolina Pickle Festival on Saturday. Food, music, crafts, rides and games lined the streets of Mount Olive. With temperatures in the mid-60s most of the day, men, women...

Public Record

Missing person Dwight Andre Jones, 47, a resident of Salem Lodge on Salem Church Road, is described as black, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Jones wears hearing aids in both ears,...

Hospital recognizes 60 nursing staff members at annual banquet

Wayne Memorial Hospital recognized 60 nurses and nurses assistants Thursday night at Walnut Creek Country Club, with 15 receiving the Excellence in Nursing award. Candidates were nominated by co-workers, managers and others based on compassion, leadership and upholding the vision...

Ms. Gurley named Administrative Professional of Year at Cherry

Kay Gurley was named Cherry Hospital's Administrative Professional of the Year for 2006. The office assistant in the social work department is so popular three people nominated her for the honor, which was bestowed on her during an event...

Nurses Day ceremony Tuesday

All Wayne County nurses are invited to a candlelight ceremony at 8 p.m. Tuesday on the front lawn of Wayne Memorial Hospital. Nurses who have a nursing lamp are invited to bring it to use for the ceremony, which will...

Guardians ad Litem honored at luncheon

About 130 volunteers who advocate in court for abused and neglected children in Wayne, Greene and Lenoir counties were honored Friday with an appreciation luncheon. These volunteers, or Guardians ad Litem, were recognized by the district supervisor, Colleen Kosinski; the...

Students say hearing comments can be tough

Goldsboro High School junior Marcus Uzzell said his parents and grandfather also went to his school. So, when he hears people making negative comments about his family's alma mater, it's personal. "I want to say, 'Y'all, where we at?' A...

Parents: School deserves support as programs continue to improve

Both of Sonlita Brown's sons attend her alma mater, Goldsboro High School, which she says has served her children well. And like her, she says they were upset by the news that Judge Howard Manning suggested that the school was...

Electronics Recycling Day Thursday at Sam's Club

Wayne County residents are encouraged to get rid of their old electronic equipment Thursday when Keep Wayne County Beautiful sponsors its annual Electronics Recycling Day in the Sam's Club parking lot. Items will be accepted for recycling from 9 a.m....

Council will eye plan for facade

The Paramount Theater facade is among the issues Goldsboro City Council will take up Monday during its first meeting of May in council chambers at City Hall. The majority of the meeting will focus on rezoning issues and site and...

Center Street Jam gets ready for season debut

Dust off those lawn chairs, clean out your coolers and put your dancing shoes on. The seventh annual Center Street Jam kicks off Thursday, as the widely recognized Band of Oz will perform in the Waynesborough House parking lot on...

Friday, April 28, 2006

Marijuana plants

News-Argus/Bonnie Edwards These soon-to-be-destroyed marijuana plants had not yet poked through the potting soil when deputies from two counties found them. Shown with the confiscated contraband are Duplin Sheriff Blake Wallace, left, and Wayne Sheriff Carey Winders. For more...

Deputies destroy 48,0000 marijuana plants

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin and Wayne County sheriff's officers have discovered and destroyed a field of marijuana in the northeastern part of Duplin County that investigators said contained 48,000 plants. The street value of the plants upon maturation would be an...

Allen says city didn't use race issue to decide to annex

As residents question the motives of the city's annexation request for the neighborhoods near Buck Swamp and Salem Church roads, Goldsboro City Council member Chuck Allen said officials are simply acting in the best interest of the city. Recently, some...

'There's more to Goldsboro than just scores' (part 2)

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second installment of a three-part, in-depth look at the issues facing Goldsboro High School after Judge Howard Manning's warning that it has been included on a list of state high schools that must improve their...

CPA will face tax evasion charges

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Wayne County certified public accountant and his wife have been charged by the state Department of Revenue with failing to file tax returns. Jerry U. Britt, 52, and Angela W. Britt, 44, of Mount Olive were...

County luncheon honors more than 135 volunteers

With brightly colored flowers of all sizes hanging on the walls and on tables and butterflies and miniature hot air balloons suspended from the ceiling, the atmosphere was a festive one as Wayne County celebrated its volunteers Thursday at an...

Weather won't stop N.C. Pickle Festival

MOUNT OLIVE -- The start of the 20th annual North Carolina Pickle Festival is just hours away, and the town of Mount Olive is ready for its biggest event of the year. While rain forced the postponement of Thursday's Pickle...

Public records

Man is charged in home thefts The Wayne County Sheriff's Office has cleared two residential larceny cases that involved almost $12,000 in stolen property with the arrest of a 27-year-old man from Dudley. Jason Lawrence Taylor of Eagles Nest Road...

WATCH coordinator honored as 'Coach of the Year'

Rosa Tuckson, WATCH coordinator, has been named "Coach of the Year" for participating in a program that resulted in Clinton City Schools becoming a tobacco-free school system. In the fall of 2005, Question Why Empowerment Center of Eastern North Carolina...

MOCstudent-athletes raise $1,000 for charity

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Student Government Association raised more than $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation through the College's first womanless beauty pageant since 1988. Six male athletes traded in their sports gear for...

Girl Scouts raise $3,000 for projects

The Girl Scouts raised more than $3,000 in gifts and pledges at their second annual lunch event held in Goldsboro. Each of seven table captains treated about nine of their friends to lunch Wednesday at the Goldsboro Country Club. Lunch...

Thursday, April 27, 2006

One killed in early morning crash

News-Argus/Bobby Williams A Rosewood firefighter and rescue workers from Wayne County Emergency Services Station 2 looks over the scene of a fatal traffic accident this morning at the intersection of O'Berry Road and U.S. 70 bypass west. Whitney Taylor,...

Woman killed in early morning crash

A Goldsboro woman was killed this morning when she failed to yield to a car traveling eastbound on U.S. 70, troopers with the state Highway Patrol said. Three vehicles were involved in the accident. Whitney Taylor, 21, of Deer Acres...

Is Goldsboro really a failing high school?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first installment of a three-part, in-depth look at the issues facing Goldsboro High School after Judge Howard Manning's warning that it has been included on a list of state high schools that must improve their...

Twice-robbed ABC store will reopen Friday

FREMONT -- The Fremont liquor store -- the target of armed robbers twice within three days in late March -- will reopen Friday, state officials said. The store at U.S. 117 and N.C. 222 will be open from noon to...

Schools name top volunteer of the year

A woman with a heart for Hispanic children was named volunteer of the year for Wayne County Public Schools. Maruci Diaz, a parent volunteer at Spring Creek Elementary School, received the Terry Eugene Pilkington award during a reception for volunteers...

Public records

Fire damages home An earlier kitchen fire that the owner thought she had put out smoldered Wednesday and started a second blaze that heavily damaged a modular home at 419 S. Slocumb St., a Goldsboro Fire Department official said. No...

Schools dismiss early Wednesday

Students in the Wayne County Public Schools will be dismissed early on Wednesday, May 3, in order for teachers to attend staff development workshops. This is one of 10 days set aside in the school calendar for student early dismissal....

City resources director starts

A new City of Goldsboro human resources director began work Wednesday. Pamela Leake, 35, replaced Rick Roberson, who left in December. City Manager Joe Huffman said Mrs. Leake will be a benefit to the the city. "It was clear to...

City Hall phone lines down Friday

Phone lines to Goldsboro City Hall and the City Hall annex will not be operational from 1-5 p.m. as BellSouth is making upgrades to the system, city officials said. The city manager, mayor, finance, inspections, human resources, planning, community development,...

Deadlines near for two crop programs

Two important deadlines for Farm Service Agency programs are approaching. May 15 is the deadline for crop reports on wheat, barley, oats, rye and any fruit and vegetable planted or growing before May 15. All cropland on a farm must...

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Gas line ruptured

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Goldsboro Fire Department helps workers off the roof at the new building at the mall after a gas line was cut at about 11 this morning. For more information see Broken gas line causes trouble at mall....

Broken gas line causes trouble at mall

Natural gas filled the air of the Berkeley Mall parking lot after construction workers at the Daniels & Daniels construction site in the mall parking lot penetrated a main gas line this morning. It took workers more than an...

School board wants to talk budget

The Wayne County Board of Education has approved a preliminary budget, but board members are doubtful it will be approved by county commissioners unless the two groups sit down together to discuss the school system's needs. During a three-hour work...

Neighbors ask for help getting 'drugs, thugs' out

Diane Weeks choked up as she urged her friends and family to take back their neighborhood -- from the drug dealers, gang culture and "thugs" constantly lurking on the block. "My concern is all the crime and the gangs," she...

Historical village has trails ready

The hiking trails are open behind the historical village, groundskeeper Ken Krueger told members of the Waynesborough Commission Tuesday during the group's quarterly meeting held in the Hatch House. The only task left to finish is a footbridge in the...

Free Will Baptists establish foundation

Leaders of the Original Free Will Baptist denomination have announced the establishment of a foundation that they believe could equal Mount Olive College in importance. It is called the North Carolina Foundation for Christian Ministries. It will be an apparatus...

Rain helps crops; strawberries look good

Recent rain has helped farmers with spring planting, said county Extension Service agent Kevin Johnson. The inch or so of rain that fell on Saturday has allowed many farmers who had not begun planting cotton and tobacco to start, Johnson...

Public records

Woman beaten A 31-year-old woman was assaulted Tuesday by two men as her 2-year-old son watched in their home in the 100 block of Timothy Street near Dudley, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported. Karen Elaine Gregory told sheriff's deputies...

Crime Stoppers helps authorities in drug raids, investigations

Nine people were arrested and 23 cases were cleared in March after anonymous calls to Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers, the agency announced. Among those arrested was Bobby Lee Rawlings, who was charged with the attempted murder of a police officer....

Women's History Month essay winners announced

From staff reportsThe 12th annual Women's History Month essay contest awards program was held on April 6 in the Eastern Wayne High School Media Center. This year's theme was "Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams." Created and sponsored by the...

WCC business students pick up honors at state competition

Members of Wayne Community College's of Phi Beta Lambda business education student organization collected nearly two dozen honors at the organization's State Leadership Conference in Raleigh. The Gamma Chi chapter competed against 37 other college and university chapters from across...

Mayor's disability walk

The 10th Annual Hal Plonk Disability Awareness Walk, sponsored by the Goldsboro's Mayor's Committee Persons with Disabilities will be held May 11. The five-block walk will line up at 9:45 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, at 204 E....

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Torhunta Distinguished Citizen Award

News-Argus/Bonnie Edwards Torhunta Distinguished Citizen Award recipient Harold Brashear and his wife, Jody, stand with his portrait, which was painted by local artist Zeno Spence. For more information see Scouts honor Brashear as Distinguished Citizen for 2006....

Company will get several incentives

AAR Manufacturing Inc., a division of AAR Corp., will begin operations soon in Goldsboro after about 10 months of corporate meetings, discussions and negotiations. Incentives to lure AAR into Wayne County included Lot 18 in ParkEast, the county's industrial and...

Profit-taking or market shift?

WASHINGTON -- President Bush this morning ordered a tempory halt to deposits to the nation's strategic petroleum reserve to make more oil available for consumer needs and relieve pressure on pump prices. Bush also announced steps to ease environmental standards...

Scouts honor Brashear as Distinguished Citizen for 2006

Boy Scout supporters roasted Goldsboro accountant Harold Brashear on Monday night and honored him as the recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award given by the Torhunta District of the Tuscarora Council. The award is given annually to a longtime supporter...

Duplin will eye funds available for budget

KENANSVILLE -- Outgoing Duplin County Manager Fred Eldridge presented a balanced budget to the county Board of Commissioners earlier this month, but he did so with some trepidation. Eldridge told the commissioners that he had prepared a proposed budget based...

Program to match boys with mentors

Eugene Hines grew up in Wilson, the only male in a six-female household. Since he lacked a father figure, his grandmother steered him to the Boys Club even before he was old enough to join. "I was 6 years old,...

It's just about time for pickles in Mount Olive

The 20th annual North Carolina Pickle Festival will be held this weekend in downtown Mount Olive. Events start Thursday at 1 p.m., with the Pickle Festival Golf Classic teeing off at the Southern Wayne Country Club. On Friday, from 10...

Public records

Couple charged after store robbery A couple was arrested Monday in connection with a convenience store robbery. A clerk at The Pantry at 2007 Wayne Memorial Drive told Goldsboro police that a man entered the store at about 2:40 a.m.,...

Freda Jones People's Choice winner in Mrs. N.C. Pageant

A Goldsboro woman was the People's Choice winner at the Mrs. North Carolina Pageant held Saturday at Gaston College. Freda Jones said learning she had been chosen for the award, which was decided upon by the contestants themselves, along with...

Monday, April 24, 2006

Record-breaking speech - She came in second in the U.S.

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Terrie Nelson won $17,500 in scholarship money over the weekend in a national orator contest held at the American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis. She is the daughter of Barbara and Ricky Nelson, who is pictured at right....

Judge decides to support clerk candidate

The entry of one judge into the race for Wayne County clerk of court has led another to decide to openly support a candidate. District Court Judge David Brantley said he has decided to publicly support Pam Minshew for the...

Wayne Christian freshman brings home prize for speech

A 15-year-old Wayne Christian School student finished second in the national American Legion Oratorical Contest over the weekend, earning a total of $17,500 in scholarship money in the process. Terrie Nelson was the first freshman in 69 years to represent...

County still waiting for report from consultant

Wayne County commissioners are awaiting a consultant's report on public school needs as they work on developing a budget for 2006-07. A report by Evergreen Solutions has been due for several weeks. The commissioners hired the Florida company to analyze...

Officials will meet with city residents

Now that cold winter nights are behind them, city officials say they are ready to take to the streets again. Tuesday, the spring neighborhood meeting schedule kicks off, on the 600 block of Holly Street at Franklin Bakery's loading dock....

10 Wayne County students earn North Carolina teaching fellowships

Ten area high school seniors and one alternate have been chosen to receive North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarships, representing four of the school system's six high schools. Designed to attract talented high school seniors to become public school teachers in...

Riverkeepers discuss future of Neuse Basin

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The future of the Neuse River Basin and the lives of the thousands of people who live in it will be determined over the next few years, as development speeds up and nature's limits are tested, said...

OPINION, Lost and found

Somewhere out there is -- or was -- someone with the initials "SRP." The initials were inscribed in a Seven Springs High School class ring, Class of 1963. It apparently was lost many years ago at a drag strip. Charles...

Public records

Woman robbed A 31-year-old pizza delivery woman was robbed and sexually assaulted Saturday night in the 200 block of Acreview Drive, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported. The woman told deputies that she had stopped at about 9:20 p.m. at...

Mount Olive agrees to settlement with former town employee

The Town of Mount Olive agreed last month that St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company would pay $41,750 to settle a lawsuit brought against the town by former employee Craig Odom. Odom filed suit in July 2004, alleging that...

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Fighting a new battle

U.S. Army Cpl. Maurice Burden felt uneasy as his Humvee crossed the median of a major highway in Iraq last September. "When we started across, I just thought something wasn't right. I was about to tell the driver to slow...

Police keep eye on school crossing

Officials are continuing to look at ways to make crossing East Ash Street safer after a 2005 incident that left two eighth-graders injured. For now, increased patrols are slowing down traffic, city and school officials say, but there are other...

Agencies prepare for increasingly older Wayne

Wayne County is getting older, rapidly, -- and county agencies are getting ready now to make sure services are in place to meet the needs of the increasingly elderly population. Officials said the 2000 census shows that 29,973, or 26.5...

Duplin schools get new chief

Duplin County's new superintendent of schools didn't have to wait long to see how his new county feels about its schools. Dr. Wiley Doby appeared before the Duplin County Board of Commissioners to talk about the benefits of local funding...

No swimming at Cliffs

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The swimming area at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is filling up, but it's not ready for swimmers yet. With six weeks to go before the lake's scheduled opening, Park Ranger Dan Smith said the...

Student is doing well at contest

Wayne Christian High School freshman Terrie Nelson will go for the gold today in a national oratorical contest. Miss Nelson, 15, is one of the final three to vie for first place today in the national American Legion Oratorical Contest...

Public record

Credit card thefts reported Goldsboro police are investigating two reports of credit card thefts. Donna Ann McMurray of Lucama said somebody stole her credit card and used it at several places. She said the credit card company notified her and...

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *James Russell Alexander, 50, St. John's Church Road, misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury, dismissed. *Tavarus L. Lane, 30, Battleboro, fleeing to elude arrest and failure to...

District Court

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Randy Windley Ham, 44, Radford Drive, second-degree trespass, not guilty. *Milton Aarow Howell, 28, Harley Trail, driving while impaired, 12 months (appealed). *Jerry Linwood Hines, 50,...

Friday, April 21, 2006

Down the Neuse - Kayakers make trip downriver

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Dean Naujoks, Larry Baldwin and Bill Olah, members of the Neuse River Foundation, kayak down the Neuse River with guests from the Whitetail boatramp in Goldsboro this morning. The Neuse River Foundation works to better the water...

Industry breaks ground at ParkEast

A manufacturing company announced the purchase of the ParkEast shell building and the creation of 135 jobs this morning at a press conference on the site of the future home of AAR Manufacturing Inc. The company received a contract last...

City of Goldsboro now has its very own KC-135 Stratotanker

The city of Goldsboro officially has its own KC-135 refueling plane. Col. John P. Hall Jr., special assistant to the wing commander of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, christened the KC-135 "City of Goldsboro" during a ceremony held at the...

High bids take home livestock champions

Courtney Butler had never shown a hog before. So when the first-grader took 270-pound Wilber into the ring at the Junior Livestock Show and Sale Thursday, she didn't know what to expect. She certainly didn't expect to be crowned Grand...

New lights erected at school crosswalk

New traffic and walk lights are being installed on East Ash Street between Greenwood Middle and Meadowlane Elementary schools, where two boys were struck last year by a sport utility vehicle. Tony Best, the state Department of Transportation's signal technician...

Litter sweep Saturday

Wayne residents can help clean up the county's roadsides Saturday during the annual Litter Sweep. Groups should to meet at the courthouse at 8:15 a.m. Pick-up sticks and trash bags will be provided. Participants will meet back at the courthouse...

Public records

Kitchen fire A kitchen fire on Thursday at a vacant rental home at 1206 Edgerton St. caused about $15,300 in damages, the Goldsboro Fire Department reported. Assistant Fire Chief Eric Lancaster said the last occupant had left a week ago...

City Council approves annexation, toughens traffic restrictions

The Goldsboro City Council discussed a possible annexation, upcoming city events and possibly assisting a local program during its meeting Monday night at City Hall. City Planning Director Jimmy Rowe said the city received a non-contiguous annexation request from the...

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Show, then sale - Handlers parade their projects

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Junior showmanship contestants watch the judge as he inspects each goat and handler during the junior meat goat show at the Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale at the fairgrounds Wednesday. For more information see Livestock...

County getting new business

Wayne County officials are expecting the creation of about 135 new jobs when a company officially announces it has bought the shell building at the county's industrial park, ParkEast. Joanna Thompson, president of the county Economic Development Commission, said today...

Livestock handlers compete for Grand Champion honors

As the judge walked up and down the rank of boys, girls and goats, the tension mounted. All of the 10 contestants had finished either first or second in their respective divisions and had been selected for the Grand Champion...

Builders get OK to plan clusters

Developers in Wayne County can plan more "cluster subdivisions" after the county Board of Commissioners approved the design plan this week. County planning officials had recommended commissioners approve the new subdivision regulation, which permits developers to build homes in a...

Door conflicts delay opening of new city hall

A conflict between fire codes could delay the opening of the new Goldsboro City Hall. Assistant City Manager Tasha Logan told Goldsboro City Council members Monday night there is an issue with the exit doors near the stairwell of the...

County health board presents $7.6 million budget

The Board of Health approved the county Health Department's proposed $7.6 million budget Wednesday, which reflects a nearly half million dollar increase over the previous year's figures. Health Director James Roosen said the projected amount for 2006-07 includes a $98,000...

Nostalgia revived by museum exhibit

Memories flooded back as Mary Johnstone gazed at the USO sign in the new exhibit at the Wayne County Museum. She met her husband at the USO, she said, back in 1942 when she was a hostess and he was...

Public records

Man wounded A 63-year-old Goldsboro man was shot and robbed of $20 Wednesday night at his home in the 300 block of North Carolina Street, according to a Goldsboro police report. Roychester Lee Brodie was found at about 8:45 p.m....

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Stoney Creek

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Querida Thompson, left, with her dog, Daniel, and Mavis Hills walk down Walnut Street - as they do every day. The two say plans for improvements to Stoney Creek Park will make their morning jaunts even more...

Facilities analysis gets temporary county OK

The county commissioners will receive the school facilities report prepared by Wayne County Public Schools to satisfy requirements from state officials, but no action on the contents will be taken until the independent consultant's review is in, they decided at...

Park plan not benched

Stoney Creek Park Committee members have a plan -- now they are looking for money to help turn those blueprints into reality. The committee is considering joining the Wayne Charitable Partnership, which members say could get the public more involved...

What's killing Eastern North Carolina?

MOUNT OLIVE -- Death is stalking eastern North Carolinians at a faster pace than the rest of the state, and researchers at East Carolina University are trying to find out why. Chris Mansfield is a professor at the Brody School...

Fremont board takes new look at highway plans

FREMONT -- The Fremont town board saw its 7-year-old thoroughfare plan -- perhaps for the first time -- during Tuesday night's monthly meeting in Town Hall. Town Administrator Kerry McDuffie said he wanted to bring the state Department of Transportation...

Museum chronicles Wayne through wars

For more than 200 years, soldiers from Wayne County have left their homes and families, joined the ranks and offered up their lives for their country. Their contributions will be recognized with a new exhibit that opens tonight at the...

Fremont police chief takes oath of office

FREMONT -- Wayne Schwark was sworn in Tuesday night as Fremont police chief as his wife, Edna, held the Bible. Mayor Devone Jones, whose tiebreaking vote snapped a 3-3 deadlock by the town board during an earlier meeting, administered the...

Wayne athlete earns spot on state team

Special Olympics Wayne County athlete Erica Walderman hopes to one day play golf alongside her role model, Tiger Woods. She has already won many awards and honors in her 13 years participating in Special Olympics. She recently earned a place...

Public records

Driver injured A driver was injured and damages were estimated at $11,800 in three recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *A driver was injured in a two-vehicle collision at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at North Herman and East Mulberry...

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Copper Chopper

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Eric Parsons shows off his new copper-colored Big Hog Ridgeback Chopper, which he won in a national contest. For more information see Dream of road gets its wheels....

Driver has been released from jail

A Guatemalan national who pleaded guilty to driving into two Greenwood Middle School students has been released from jail but is under electronic house arrest, authorities said today. Wilder Fildemar Mejia Alvarado was released from the Wayne County Jail on...

Medicaid, lottery among concerns for local leaders

Eastern North Carolina legislators met with Wayne County and Goldsboro officials Monday morning to discuss everything from state lottery money and new rules for stormwater runoff to how to pay for health care. The meeting is an annual gathering during...

Wayne County clinic part of breast cancer drug trial

Initial results are in from one of the largest breast cancer prevention studies ever done, with local health officials hopeful that women will take advantage of having a second drug option. Southeastern Medical Oncology was one of more than...

City residents speak against building plans

More than 20 Goldsboro residents spoke in opposition of a plan to rezone and develop office buildings near their subdivision on the west side of Wayne Memorial Drive between New Hope Road and Tommy's Road during a public hearing at...

Citizens tell Duplin to spend more on schools

KENANSVILLE -- More than 250 teachers, parents and school administrators filled the auditorium at Duplin Commons on Monday afternoon to let county commissioners know they don't believe the county is spending enough money on education. The afternoon session of the...

Dream of road gets its wheels

Eric Parsons always dreamed of having his own motorcycle, but he never really thought he would. That is, until he entered the Copper Chopper Sweepstakes and brought home one of 25 Big Dog Ridgeback choppers. But just as he was...

Public records

Three charged in check scheme Three people were arrested Monday by Goldsboro police and charged with felony offenses in connection with a forged check scheme. *Tony Foster Patrick, 32, of Central Heights Road was charged with forgery, uttering and attempt...

Missing

The Sampson County Sheriff''s Office is investigating the disappearance of Delbert Mooring, who walked away from a rest home in the Ivanhoe Community of Sampson County on April 6. Mooring voluntarily left the facility, however he has a mental condition...

School menus

Following are menus for Wayne County Public Schools for the week of April 24-28: Monday -- Breakfast: Strawberry Pop Tart. Lunch: Sausage pizza, Salisbury steak with rice , gravy and whole wheat roll, corn nibblets, garden peas, chilled mixed fruit,...

Battle of Whitehall re-enactment set for Seven Springs festival

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A re-enactment of the Civil War Battle of Whitehall will be held June 10 when the town of Seven Springs celebrates its Old Timey Days festival. More than a century ago, Seven Springs was known as Whitehall....

Monday, April 17, 2006

Easter weekend hits new highs

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Although the temperatures felt a bit more like the Fourth of July than Easter weekend, Wayne County residents enjoyed some traditional fun as part of their holiday celebrations. In advance of Easter egg hunting Sunday, Myia Walker,...

GMS driver could leave county jail today

A man who pleaded guilty to driving into two Greenwood Middle School students in November, severely injuring them as they walked to school, was expected to be released from the Wayne County Jail as early as today. Wilder Feldemar Mejia...

Tuskegee Airman Eagleson dies at 86

Wilson V. Eagleson, an original member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, died Sunday. He was 86. The unit of World War II fighter pilots broke the color barrier, leading to the integration of the armed forces, and eventually, all levels...

Couple gets $1 million judgment against builder

Although a couple won one of the biggest civil lawsuit amounts in Wayne County history, the wife is saying only one thing: "We're ruined." Lisa Daniel and her husband, Paul, were awarded $846,000 by a Superior Court jury after they...

Junior Livestock Show planned at fairgrounds

Young livestock farmers across Wayne County have been preparing their animals for the 58th annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale that will be held this week at the Wayne Regional Fairgrounds. Animals will be weighed in Wednesday from...

Public records

Couple robbed; home damaged Two armed robberies are being investigated by Wayne County authorities. A couple were robbed Friday night by two armed men of about $500, according to a report filed with the Sheriff's Office. William Jason Edmundson, 26,...

OPINION - Speaking with spirits

"Is anybody there?" That was the insistent question when folks in my earlier years were trying to communicate with "the spirits." They would be sitting around a table at night. Usually four of them. Their hands would be spread,...

Rep. Tucker, Herring face off in District 4

Duplin County and some Onslow County voters will determine between Rep. Russell Tucker and Martin Herring who will face Richard Kaiser in November for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 4 seat. Voters will have the opportunity to cast...

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Woods wildfire destroys 100 acres in southeastern Wayne

From staff reports SEVEN SPRINGS -- About 100 acres of woodlands in southeastern Wayne County were burned Friday. Fire service officials said no buildings were damaged, and no injuries were reported, although some surrounding homes were threatened. Reports of more...

Litter sweep to be held Saturday across Wayne

Wayne County volunteers will take to the streets April 22 for the 2006 Litter Sweep campaign. The volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. at the Wayne County Courthouse on the Ormond Street Entrance side and will clean along the...

Refueling tanker to be to be named for city

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce members who come to Business After Hours this Thursday will get a chance to do more than just greet friends and make business contacts. They will also be the first to see a KC-135 refueling...

Circus coming to town

Elephants Tina and Jewel will be among the performers Monday and Tuesday when the Cole Bros. Circus returns to Goldsboro. Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars features an all new performance that includes camels, miniature horses, a mind-reading pony and...

Library poetry 'slam' Saturday

The Wayne County Public Library is observing National Poetry Month with several events planned this week. A "poetry slam" for high-school and middle-school students will be held Saturday, April 22, from 2 until 5 p.m. in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium...

'Earth Day' activities Saturday at Cliffs Park

From staff reports SEVEN SPRINGS -- Cliffs of the Neuse State Park will present "Earth Day at Cliffs of the Neuse" Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. People can join the park rangers for a day of Earth Day...

Consultants report might be done soon

A report detailing Wayne County Schools' facilities needs -- and what the county can afford to provide -- could be in by the end of the week, county officials said. The Wayne County Board of Commissioners and the county's Board...

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Curtis Washington, 20, Fayetteville, armed robbery (two counts), dismissed. *Henry C. Jones, 25, Beal Street, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, 27 to 42...

Public records

Teen sentenced in two robberies An 18-year-old Goldsboro man has been sentenced in Wayne County Superior Court to about three years in prison for his part in two robberies last year in Goldsboro. Shawnquel C. Futrell of Ball Street pleaded...

District Court

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Omar Rashan Armwood, 25, Durham Lake Road, Dudley, driving while impaired, 24 months. *Bobby Detorus Harvey, 25, West Hooks River Road, driving while license revoked and...

Friday, April 14, 2006

Eagle eye view - from the skies of Iraq

USAF Photo/Staff Sgt. Joshua Strang An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron gets refueled by a KC-135T from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over Southwest Asia on April 11. The F-15 is from Seymour Johnson...

GHS principal says meeting with state was success

A meeting between state and local education officials at Goldsboro High School on Thursday was positive, the school's principal said. Two representatives from the Department of Public Instruction visited the school as part of the state's focus on improving low-performing...

SJAFB airmen share stories from the sky

For airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, stationed halfway around the world in support of Operation Iraqi Enduring Freedom, it is the little things about home that they miss most. Four members of the 4th Fighter Wing spoke by...

Officials continue push for U.S. 70 corridor

Jones County will be a member of the Highway 70 Corridor Commission, but its representatives say the county will not be able to contribute any money to further the effort. But that doesn't mean the counties involved in the coalition...

No problems on first day of early voting

Thursday was a day of firsts for the Wayne County Board of Elections -- the first day of early one-stop voting for residents and the first time voters could use the county's new voting machines. It was also the first...

Investigators looking for clues in robberies

Local law enforcement officers are continuing their investigation into armed robberies of the Fremont liquor store and two convenience stores in northern Wayne County -- but for now, they are finding few leads in the cases. "We're still working on...

Sue Howell chosen as top local Realtor

Sue Howell of Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group had a special guest with her at the podium as she accepted the 2006 Realtor of the Year honor Thursday night. Two-year-old Elizabeth greeted her grandmother with a big hug...

Public records

4 people injured in crash identified The four people involved in a two-vehicle collision Thursday at the U.S. 117 bypass and Hooks River Road have been identified by Goldsboro police. One driver, Jose Santiago Lopez, 41, and his passengers, Lucy...

Conservation program deadline extended

The sign-up deadlines for both the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the special CRP re-enrollment and extension opportunities have been extended until April 28, USDA's Farm Service Agency announced. FSA will evaluate offers based on cost and the Environmental Benefits...

Thursday, April 13, 2006

It's Tobacco Time

News-Argus/Bobby Williams PLANTING TIME: Willie Howell, front, Curtis Howell, Tony Garris and Timmy Sasser set tobacco plants tuesday on the farm of Gerald Howell on N.C. 111 North. Howell was the first farmer in Wayne to start planting tobacco...

Four injured in crash at US 117 intersection

Two vehicles collided on U.S. 117 North shortly before 9 a.m. today and occupants in both cars, including two young girls, were injured and taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital. Goldsboro Police Department Sgt. Trey Ball said a white Nissan Frontier...

State makes official visit to Goldsboro High

State officials are visiting Goldsboro High School today as part of a previously scheduled visit to assess the needs of the state's low-performing schools. Wayne County Schools officials said the visit is not related to a judge's recent ruling that...

City eyeing rec center cost

Although the design has changed slightly, a Goldsboro Community Recreation Building is still a possibility for local residents -- as long as city officials can generate the $12 million needed for the project. Mayor Al King, Wayne County Chamber of...

Migrant workers union opens office in Dudley

Farm Labor Organizing Committee officially opened its new North Carolina office Wednesday evening at 4354 U.S. Highway 117 Alternate in Dudley. "Welcome to our new home," said Leticia Zavala, the state FLOC director, as a crowd of attendees cheered. FLOC...

No injuries in crash at area airport

KENANSVILLE -- No injuries were reported after a North Carolina Forestry Service aircraft crashed upon landing Wednesday afternoon at the Duplin County Airport. After a routine fire patrol, an l-19 Bird Dog plan spun after touching down about 4:40 p.m.,...

Public records

Man charged in larcenies Goldsboro police arrested a 39-year-old Goldsboro man on Wednesday and charged him in connection with a strong-armed robbery and an attempted robbery in March. A woman was robbed March 21 as she entered her car in...

Red Cross to give away grill to lucky blood donor

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for people who are "in love with the grill next door." The chapter will give away a Vermont Castings grill worth $1,100 to the winning blood donor during its...

Plonk Disability Walk to be held May 11

The 10th Annual Hal Plonk Disability Awareness Walk, sponsored by the Mayor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities, will be held May 11. Walkers will line up at 9:45 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 204 E. Chestnut St....

Aycock bus driver wins county school's bus rodeo

From staff reports James Jones, a bus driver for Charles B Aycock High School, won Tuesday's School Bus Rodeo sponsored by the Wayne County Public Schools. After mastering the challenging obstacle course and being awarded the first-place trophy, he moves...

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Music from the county's best

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Members of the Middle School All-County Chorus sing their first number in the Dillard Middle School auditorium during the 2006 All County Choral Festival Tuesday night. Select students from middle and high schools across the county were...

Equipment, polling places ready for early voting

Wayne County voters can begin casting early ballots Thursday in the May primary races. All early one-stop voting will take place at the county Board of Elections office at 209 S. William St. Voting can start at 8 a.m. Thursday....

County's first black surgeon dies at 73

A Wayne County medical pioneer died this week. Dr. Lonnie M. Hayes was the first black surgeon in the county and the first to obtain operating privileges at the county hospital. He was 73. Hayes was a native of Bertie...

Building will open next year at college

The floors have been poured and construction continues on the roof of the Spruce Building at Wayne Community College, the last building to be funded by the 2000 Higher Education Bond money. Officials say they are pleased with prospects of...

Mount Olive gets first of two Habitat for Humanity houses

MOUNT OLIVE -- Habitat for Humanity held its first groundbreaking ceremony in Mount Olive Tuesday morning at the future home of Vernell Wolfe and her daughters, Shauntai, 13, and Tamieka, 16. "I feel fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity,"...

WATCH pregnancy prevention program gets $10,000 grant

A recently-received grant for $10,000 will ensure teens in Wayne County will have a second youth summit this fall. The teen pregnancy branch of Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, or WATCH, was awarded the grant from Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention...

Meadow Lane Elementary to be recognized

Meadow Lane Elementary School will be honored later this month for reaching out to a sister school in Louisiana devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The St. Tammany Parish Public School System in Covington, La., recently named Meadow Lane Elementary a finalist...

Public record

Meter stolen Zeb Langston of Harris Street said someon stole an electric meter valued at $375 owned by Progress Energy from his rental property at Devereaux Street. Roy Clayton Everett reported damage to two meter boxes at $2,000 and two...

Child hurt in accident

A three-year-old Hispanic child, reportedly sustained head injuries after being struck by a vehicle late Tuesday afternoon, and was transported to Wayne Memorial Hospital, law-enforcement officers said. Further details were unavailable at presstime, pending receipt of an accident report filed...

Maundy Thursday service planned

First Presbyterian Church will present a dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci's painting of Christ's last supper with his disciples during a Maundy Thursday Communion service on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church at 1101 E. Ash...

Expert on old photos to speak at library

Area residents with old family photographs they want to preserve will want to atttend a Saturday meeting of the Old Dobbs Society at the Wayne County Public Library on Ash Street. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. The library will...

Correction

Hubert "Pepsi" Merritt, a candidate for Duplin County Clerk of Court, received his mathematics degree from East Carolina University, not the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as was printed in a story in Tuesday's News-Argus....

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

New polling place

News-Argus/Lisa Teachey Belfast Pentecostal Holiness Church on U.S. 117 North will be the polling place for the May 2 primary for Wayne County Precinct No. 5. For more information see Fire department bill forces poll shift....

Fire department bill forces poll shift

Voters will not cast ballots at the Belfast Volunteer Fire Department this year after the Wayne County Board of Elections denied the fire department's request for $1,500 to cover expenses incurred on Election Days. Wayne Board of Elections Director Gary...

Workers protest with their wallets

Fernando Valencia wasn't one of the hundreds of Wayne and Duplin residents who headed for Raleigh and Wilmington Monday to protest legislation before Congress concering illegal immigration. He read about last week's demonstrations, but thought the issue had "calmed down."...

Duplin District 3 commission race

There is a crowd in the race for the District 3 commission race in Duplin County. Incumbent Arliss Albertson will face Rebecca Judge in the Democratic primary, while Republicans Titus Swinson and Harold Raynor will campaign for that party's nomination....

Children's group - Community can help stop abuse, neglect

Wayne County residents and child advocates gathered Monday to do their part to make sure that not one more name is added to the list of 111,581 children who were abused and neglected in North Carolina last year. The Wayne...

Primary will decide two Duplin races

Duplin County voters will determine in May who will get the Clerk of Court's job and the District 2 seat on the county Board of Education. With no Republicans in either race, the May 2 Democratic primary will decide the...

Public records

Hair dryer blamed for starting a fire A hair dryer was blamed for starting a fire that caused about $30,000 to a home in western Wayne County, a fire official said Monday. The hair dryer had been turned on Friday...

Correction

A police report in Sunday's public record indicated a robbery of a guest had taken place at the Quality Inn & Suites on Corporate Drive. The incident took place at the Econolodge....

Monday, April 10, 2006

New stars added to local Walk of Fame

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit George Trautwein listens to speeches after his star is unveiled. For more information see Two more stars added to college Walk of Fame....

Two more stars added to college Walk of Fame

Two men who made early impressions on the Goldsboro landscape and went on to do the same in other parts of the world returned to Wayne County over the weekend to be memorialized on the Walk of Fame at Wayne...

Emergency workers to gather business information 'just in case'

If a disaster strikes a Wayne County business, the Office of Emergency Services is ready to handle it -- and it also has a new disaster response trailer, just in case. Blair Tyndall, the emergency medical services manager, said his...

LaRoque, Starling fight for GOP nod

Two familiar faces will square off beginning this week in the Republican primary race for the District 10 seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Rep. Stephen LaRoque and Willie Ray Starling will face each other again in the...

Coates family offers tours of home to benefit Red Cross

Robert and Dorothy Coates wanted to do something to help the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross. So they are opening the doors to their historic home for a public tour with proceeds going to the chapter. The...

Musician Aycock to be honored as N.C. 'Icon'

Jimmy Aycock of Fremont will be the first artist honored in November Entertainment's "Carolina Icons" program. A long-time musician, composer and teacher, Aycock will be featured in a live concert and documentary. The idea to produce such a show was...

Public records

Third defendant gets 4-5 years The third defendant charged with robbing several restaurant delivery men has been sentenced to about four to five years in prison. Gilbert McNeil III, 20, of Olivia Lane pleaded guilty last week to two counts...

Holiday trash collection schedules announced

The city of Goldsboro and Wayne County offices will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. City trash collection normally scheduled for Friday will take place on Wednesday, city officials said. In the county, Waste Industries will collect trash...

MOC graduation May 6

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College will graduate about 350 students at its 52nd spring commencement on Saturday, May 6. Graduation exercises are scheduled for 2 p.m. in the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena. The commencement speaker will be...

Sunday, April 9, 2006

Four will battle for clerk of court

Wayne County voters will decide the candidates for county clerk of court in May. Early voting for the May primaries starts Thursday. Registration for the primary closed Friday. The primary will be held May 2. With the retirement of incumbent...

Gas price hike puts brakes on car trips

Edward McCullen didn't plan to travel Easter weekend because gas prices were already too high. Then, Friday morning they went up again. "I don't know what the reason is this time," he said. "Is it because it's spring time, or...

Reading, writing without borders

Victoria looked up from her notebook, admittedly confused and irritated. "My husband works in the garage and people paycheck him," she said. Her teacher, Gaspar Gonzalez, placed his hands on her shoulder and corrected her mistake, smiling. "No," he said....

Wayne County Democrats meet for annual convention

Party unity and voter turnout were common themes at this year's Wayne County Democratic Party Convention, held Saturday morning at the Wayne County Courthouse. No resolutions were passed during the hour-long session, which was followed by a reception at party...

Boys and Girls Clubs celebrate their reason for being

Cassandra Smith of Goldsboro has seen a big change in her 9-year-old son, Nicholas. Nicholas is her youngest. She has three grown children, and Nicholas was accustomed to being around people much older than himself. "Now, he associates with his...

Crime Stoppers honors officer

Goldsboro police Capt. Brady Thompson, who survived a bullet in the chest during a recent drug raid, was honored Thursday during an appreciation luncheon by the Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers. Lt. Col. Erik Rundquist, the commander of the security police...

Students, seniors 'grow together'

MOUNTOLIVE-- Third-grade students from Carver Elementary School in Mount Olive helped lift the spirits of residents at Sunbridge Rehabilitation and Care Home recently, while learning something about life themselves. A community service grant obtained by Carver teachers gave the students...

Public Record

Drug arrests After a joint investigation by the Goldsboro/Wayne County Drug Squad and the Raleigh office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as a vehicle stop on William Street, two arrests were made Saturday on drug-related charges. Walter Alexander...

New honor society formed at WCC

A new education honor society at Wayne Community College is said to be just one of three chapters in the world formed at a community college. The Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education chapter at the college received...

Friday, April 7, 2006

A view of the arts - students share their talents

News-Argus/Bobby Williams From left, Spring Creek Elementary School Principal Charles Ivey, with Spring Creek students Jesse Grady, Joseph Garrett, Virginia Grady and Lindsay Player look at a display at Wayne County Public Schools' annual Academically/Intellectually Gifted Program EXPO on...

No money for teacher scholarships from the county

A scholarship introduced by county commissioners six years ago to entice students to become teachers will not be available this year due to lack of funding, officials say. The Wayne County Teacher Scholarship Program was modeled after a similar program...

Pate named to Air Force chief's civic leader group

Retired banker Troy Pate said he loves representing Goldsboro and Wayne County. Now, he will be its eyes and ears, too -- at least from a military standpoint. Pate was recently appointed to represent North Carolina on the Air Force...

Grand jury returns indictments in break-ins, assaults

Two Wayne County men have been indicted by the Wayne County Grand Jury on numerous felony charges in connection with multiple break-ins during two weeks in October. William Allen Jackson IV, 19, of O'Berry Road, Mount Olive, was indicted on...

Fremont club could use help with repairs, yard

FREMONT -- The Fremont Boys & Girls Club is in need of repairs, said club officials, and any individual or civic group that would consider lending the facility a hand is welcome. The club is the smallest of the three...

Public records

Man hurt in wreck, then home burns A man was injured Thursday in a traffic collision and later that night his double-wide mobile home at 305 Becton Circle was damaged heavily in a fire. "Thursday was not a good day...

Man sentenced for armed robbery

A 29-year-old man from Fayetteville has been sentenced to four to five years in prison for his part in an armed robbery of a restaurant owner and assault in 2003 in Wayne County. Dennis Washington pleaded guilty to conspiracy to...

Healthy Kids Day at Family Y on Saturday

Goldsboro Family YMCA is expecting hundreds of children and their families to celebrate Healthy Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Activities include free snacks and drinks, six land and water inflatables, professional wrestling, free shaved ice, clowns,...

MOC business breakfast speaker

MOUNT OLIVE -- Dr. Chris Mansfield of East Carolina University will speak at Mount Olive College April 18 at 8 a.m. as part of the Business Breakfast Briefing series. The event will be held in the Hennessee Room of the...

Thursday, April 6, 2006

New firehouse for SJAFB

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber For more information see Seymour Johnson firefighters will unveil new station soon....

Jones says amnesty for illegal immigrants is not the answer

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones thinks someone needs to do something about the nearly 10,000 immigrants who illegally cross the border into the United States each week. And he says, in North Carolina, the first step in dealing with the influx...

Seymour Johnson firefighters will unveil new station soon

The biggest "family" on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is preparing to move into its new home -- a pair of high-tech facilities worth a combined $11 million. Fire Chief Thomas Wade said Seymour Johnson Fire Department has been waiting...

Rep. Jones to speak on Constitution at MOC

MOUNT OLIVE -- Congressman Walter Jones will visit Mount Olive College on Thursday to speak about the United States Constitution at 11 a.m. in Rodgers Chapel. The public is invited. "We are delighted to have Congressman Jones on the Mount...

Sheriff's chaplains share their stories and stresses

Law enforcement officers often have a difficult time unburdening themselves about the dangerous and sometimes depressing work they face every day, said officials with the North Carolina Sheriff's Chaplains Association. The organization was holding a biannual meeting in Goldsboro this...

Blueprint for county's future is advancing

Wayne County's Comprehensive Land Use Plan steering committee now has a blueprint for the county's future -- and a better idea of the steps necessary to get there, members say. The committee met Tuesday. Consultant Glenn Harbeck said the purpose...

Public records

Electrical failure blamed for fire An electrical problem has been blamed for a fire that destroyed a two-car garage and damaged a house, a swimming pool and a barn at 178 Hood Swamp Road, fire officials said Wednesday. New Hope...

Host families sought for coming high school year

The ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking local host families for boys and girls from Europe, Asia, the former Soviet Union, Canada, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Students are 15 to 18 years old and will be coming...

Human Society fundraiser Saturday

The Wayne County Humane Society will hold its 3rd Annual Fur-Bowl on Saturday at AMF Boulevard Lanes on Berkeley Boulevard from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and include three games, shoe rental, hot dog and drink. There...

Deadline Friday for signup for Alzheimer's workshop

A free workshop for people caring for Alzheimer's patients will be held next week in Goldsboro. Pre-registration is required by Friday for the workshop that will take place Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist...

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Arts response

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Alice Strickland, Arts Council of Wayne County executive director, is trying to keep "a positive voice of reason" in her mind when she thinks of the Goldsboro City Council's indecision on the Paramount Theater. Mrs. Strickland says...

Arts groups say all they want is place in county to perform

As discussions continue about the Paramount Theater, local art groups are waiting to see what will happen. The ideal, some say, would be to rebuild the Paramount. But, if that can't happen, having a performing arts center elsewhere in the...

For many, it's their home too

Felicia Mendoza thought first as a mother when she heard the story of the two Greenwood Middle School students who were hit by a Hispanic driver last November. Her concerns involved the two 13-year-old boys and their families. But that...

Fremont's new police chief was already at work in town

FREMONT -- Acting Police Chief Wayne Schwark was named Tuesday night as the new Fremont police chief, ending week-long deliberations by the town board. Mayor Devone Jones cast the tie-breaking vote after the board had split 3-3. The 45-year-old Schwark...

Goldsboro Middle School students given chance to learn online

Select students at Goldsboro Middle School will spend the next four weeks preparing for high school online courses. The Virtual High School, or VHS, exploration course is an enrichment opportunity for students interested in being challenged in such academic areas...

New Pikeville administrator taking over April 17

PIKEVILLE -- Pikeville's new administrator will begin work April 17. Robert Buchanan replaces Lonnie Graves, who had been the town's administrator since December 2002. Graves stepped down Jan. 27. Buchanan had been working in Guatemala City, Guatemala, as the vice...

Officials say no one was asked to resign post

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County officials are saying little about possible allegations against a county employee or potential problems with the delivery of emergency medical services in the county, despite a lengthy closed session earlier this week. The Duplin Board of...

Public records

4 hurt in wrecks Four people were injured and damages were estimated at $31,950 in five recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *A northbound driver was injured and damages were estimated at $8,000 in a two-car crash at...

Teacher job fair Saturday at GHS

Wayne County Public Schools' local recruitment effort will be held this weekend in the form of the annual teacher job fair. The event will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Goldsboro High School gymnasium....

Mount Olive puts teeth in junk car ordinance

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive Town commissioners adopted a new ordinance Monday allowing for the removal of abandoned, nuisance and junked vehicles. Mount Olive Code enforcement officer Danny Keel said the ordinance strengthens his ability to deal with the junked...

Hispanic health fair set

The Hispanic Development Center is hosting a health fair from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at Herman Park. The fair will feature eye exams by the N.C. Lions Club and screenings by Goldsboro Spine Center and Goshen Medical Center....

Gifted students expo Thursday

Wayne County Public Schools will hold its annual Academically/Intellectually Gifted Program EXPO on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the administrative offices on Royall Avenue. The public is invited to attend. The EXPO will showcase the various services offered to students...

ECU med school ranked high

GREENVILLE ---The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University moved up this year among medical schools that emphasize primary care, according to the annual listing of the best professional schools by U.S. News & World Report magazine. ECU is...

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

A different kind of classwork

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Mark Sanchez, 9, performs CPR on a mannequin during a water safety awareness event at Herman Park Monday. The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department sponsored the free event...

Driver could be out in 14 days

The driver who hit two Greenwood Middle School students as they crossed Ash Street last year near the school will spend about two more weeks in jail, a judge decided Monday. Wilder Fidelmar Mejia Alvarado, 20, of Bennett's Bridge Road,...

City asks residents to watch water use

Drought conditions are back, and city residents have been called on to conserve water whenever possible -- again. Goldsboro City Council made a declaration of voluntary conservation of water at its first meeting of the month Monday, nearly six months...

Grantham suggests alumni help with funds for schools

Wayne County Board of Education members heard a suggestion Monday that the school district ask alumni to assist in support of the schools and programs. There was no discussion of the future of the county's budget for the school district...

Council sets aside funds for center design

On the night when most City Council members got their first look at plans to construct a recreation center downtown, council unanimously approved spending $150,000 to begin work on the project's schematic design. Council member Chuck Allen, who also serves...

Duplin commission eyes personnel matter

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County Manager Fred Eldridge has been instructed to take disciplinary action after allegations were made against a county employee, the county's commissioners decided Monday. The commissioners went into closed session at 2 p.m. to discuss economic development,...

Public records

Traffic death A 19-year-old driver killed 11 days ago in a single-car crash near Dudley had lost control of his car, investigators say. The state Highway Patrol released the report on the accident Monday. Jared Tyler Tracy of Club Knolls...

Princeton board adds curb, gutters to project

PRINCETON -- Curbs and gutters are not usually a big problem, but they are in Princeton. The town board found out during Monday night's monthly meeting that the new town hall on West Dr. Donnie Jones Boulevard must have curbs...

Kindergarten registration Friday

Wayne County Public Schools will hold kindergarten pre-registration at all 15 elementary schools on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. A child must be five years old on or before October 16 to register for kindergarten for the coming...

Monday, April 3, 2006

DGDC board derails April celebration

At about this time last year, children were preparing to enjoy the 14th annual De-Rail-A-Bration in downtown Goldsboro. Not this year, city officials say. Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. Executive Director Julie Thompson said the DGDC board voted to cancel the...

Commission to eye cable, shell building in two weeks

Wayne County's commissioners have canceled their next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, but are creating the agenda for the April 18 meeting. Wayne County Manager Lee Smith said the meeting is canceled due to various trips and meetings throughout the week....

Remembering her friend

Kriquette Davis said she had talked to longtime friend Karen Crawford about doing something New Year's Eve, but no plans were made. She could not have imagined that by the time 2006 was ushered in, her friend would be dead...

Driver in court this morning

A man accused of running into two boys crossing Ash Street on their way to school was to have gone to trial today in Wayne County Superior Court. Wilder Feldemar Mejia of Guatemala was expected to face charges of assault...

Public records

Mobile home fire A mobile home at Lot 11, 3118 Central Heights Road, was destroyed Sunday night in a fire that had started in the living room, the Goldsboro Fire Department reported. Assistant Fire Chief Eric Lancaster referred a further...

Opinion - A fitting memorial service

There could not have been a more appropriate memorial service for Goldsboro's "Hal" Stewart. Probably no one in the history of this community had done more for the promotion and advancement of sports, especially baseball, than Luther Harold Stewart who...

Clues begin for annual pickle hunt

MOUNTOLIVE -- A jar of Mt. Olive Pickles has been hidden in Mount Olive. For the next four weeks, clues will be printed that will lead someone to the location of the pickles. The pickles will be labeled, "You are...

Sunday, April 2, 2006

Curtain call for Paramount? - It's not over yet

The house lights have dimmed and the crowd has dissipated, but Goldsboro Mayor Al King says dreams of a new Paramount Theater are far from shattered. Friday, King said Paramount Reconstruction Committee chairman Chuck Allen was "dead wrong" when he...

Greenwood driver will go to court

The man accused of hitting two Greenwood Middle School students at a crosswalk near the school last fall will have his day in court Monday, District Attorney Branny Vickory said. Wilder Feldemar Mejia, 24, of Mount Olive, will appear in...

Red Cross heroes donate $70,052

Local "heroes" raised $70,052 for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross during a month-long campaign. The Heroes Campaign wrapped up Friday with a luncheon at the Red Cross chapter. A hero is someone who commits to raising...

Chief search continues in Fremont

FREMONT -- The Fremont Town Board of Aldermen will resume their search Tuesday to name a new police chief. The town board met last week for three consecutive days, for more than five and a half hours, without reaching a...

O'Berry Center will take on new patient care role

O'Berry Center's role is changing, officials say, prompting a move to keep pace with the needs of its aging population and to expand services to cover a larger area. Officials at the center announced Friday plans to offer a more...

College prepares for Walk of Fame

Banking on the fact that "everybody loves to come home," Jack Kannan is confident that next weekend's "Walk of Fame" festivities will be the makings for some wonderful memories. Kannan, director of the Foundation at Wayne Community College, said the...

Public Record

Subway robbed The Subway on NC-111 South was robbed Friday, according to a police report. An unknown culprit allegedly threw a rock through the store's front door to gain entry. Once inside, they stole $20 worth of food. Total damages...

Superior Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Sakima Jivin Etheridge, 28, North Madison Avenue, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, not guilty; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, not guilty. *Virgil Devon Cox,...

Mount Olive District Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Tawana Monice Exum, 36, Mount Olive, assault and injury to personal property, 22 days. *Lonnie Jo Charles Williams, 44, Georgia Avenue, shoplifting, 15 days. *Thomas Eugene Dawson, 33, Saulsberry Lane,...

Wayne Count District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Williams Felton Chavis Jr., 51, Clinton, assault with a deadly weapon, dismissed. *Terrie Tyron Graham, 26, Capps Bridge Road, Princeton, driving while license revoked and fictitious registration, 120 days; driving...

Saturday, April 1, 2006

Not productive: A simmering standoff interferes with school needs

With all the other issues that have occupied the countyÕs interest over the last few weeks, there hasnÕt been much attention paid to a problem that continues to plague Wayne County despite months of discussion and even more waiting. And...