February 2007 archives

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Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Glenwood Burden broke color barrier at GHS

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Glenwood Burden, now 60, talks about his experiences as the first black student to attend Goldsboro High School and being a part of the Class of 1964. For more information see His historic first day — as...

Downtown master plan revealed

There used to be a park running down the middle of Center Street -- a finely cut lawn lined with tall trees, bushes and flowers. Urban designer Allison Platt told residents Tuesday that if her downtown master plan is approved...

His historic first day

He could have been anybody’s 15-year-old child walking up the steps on the first day of high school. He wasn’t particularly large for his age. In fact, he probably even appeared frail as he made his way through the...

Officers catch 10 on drug charges

Members of the Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad collared 10 people during two raids conducted this month in response to numerous citizen complaints. Agents raided 209 E. Elm St. Tuesday and found unspecified quantities of crack cocaine and ecstasy and four...

Fire damages apartments at housing project

Two families were forced to evacuate after fire sparked from faulty wiring damaged two adjacent apartments on Edgerton Street Tuesday. More than 13 firefighters in six fire trucks raced to the homes at about 3 p.m. to snuff out the...

State eyes success at local school

One local school's success has captured the attention of state officials, prompting a visit this week from the state's Department of Public Instruction. Tommy's Road Elementary School, which has about a 50-50 ratio of white to minority students, has maintained...

Roadwork not cause of crash at crossover

A safe movement violation, not nearby construction, was the cause of a three-car accident Tuesday morning at U.S. 70 East and the entrance to the Village of Walnut Creek, according to the Highway Patrol report. Trooper Frankie Davis said Wilbur...

Juveniles try to start gas line explosion at church

DUDLEY -- Two juveniles' attempt to set off a gas explosion at Brogden United Methodist Church on U.S. 117 South ended with a snap, and a fizzle, but not quite the pop they were looking for. Wayne County sheriff's officials...

'Egypt' to be shown Sunday at library

The film version of "Walking Across Egypt" will again be shown free to the public at the Wayne County Public Library on Ash Street. The film was shown Feb. 18, but popular demand prompted organizers to give the community another...

Public record

Crime of the Week Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office are seeking information about a home break-in that occurred in the 700 block of Mills Road, Mount Olive between 7:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Feb. 21....

Goldsboro Rifles subject of speaker

Local historian Stacey Jones will discuss the Goldsboro Rifles militia in the aftermath of the Civil War on Thursday night at a meeting of Camp 760 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m....

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Many turn out to say goodbye

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Mary Ann Padgette, left, tries to help 10-year-old Kevin Ezzell understand the story about the child who was abandoned at a vacant house on Chelly Street in Warsaw. Officials are investigating the incident — and looking for...

3-car pileup at disputed intersection

Three vehicles were involved in a wreck Tuesday morning at an intersection that has been a source of argument for state officials and residents over the past few months. Although no one was hurt in the accident at the intersection...

Rest in Peace Baby Boy Doe

WARSAW -- Tears trickled down her cheek as JoAnn Benson stared at the tiny, white coffin that held the abandoned baby boy found dead at a vacant home on Chelly Street three weeks ago. Ms. Benson was one of more...

New rule could put a strain on hospitals

Following a recent directive from the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, officials at Cherry Hospital are preparing to limit transfers from other sources, most notably, Wayne Memorial Hospital's emergency department. The order will halt transfers when Cherry's 90-bed adult...

Professor talks about book's Southern roots

Although Clyde Edgerton's book, "Walking Across Egypt," is set in Listre, N.C., local residents have enjoyed this year's Wayne County Reads selection because it could have just as easily been set in Goldsboro or Mount Olive, a college professor told...

Volunteers help landscape at Waynesborough

Volunteers from local garden clubs and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base have added a touch of spring yellow to a new area in Waynesborough Historical Village. The volunteers removed several forsythias Monday from a patch in the parking lot and...

Public records

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Gerald Dana Lamb reported someone shot him in the leg at a home in the 200 block of Brandywine Drive at about 10:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Lamb, 27, of South Goldsboro...

Smoke warning issued in Johnston

SMITHFIELD -- Motorists traveling to and from Smithfield for the next several days could be met with heavy smoke from by a stump dump that caught fire in the Loop Road area. Emergency crews are working to control the fire....

Monday, February 26, 2007

Grant will improve water system

Wayne County's industrial park ParkEast will receive a $500,000 grant to improve its water system, Sen. John Kerr, D-Wayne, announced last week. Wayne County Development Alliance President Joanna Thompson confirmed the announcement Thursday saying the grant from the Rural Center...

Man dies in one-car weekend accident

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A local man was killed Saturday when he ran off the road, rolled into a field and was thrown from his pickup, Highway Patrol officials said. William Lopez, 24, was traveling north on Drummersville Road when he...

Gospel singer 'Slim' Hunt dies at 72

The Rev. Howard "Slim" Hunt , a fixture in Wayne County music and religious circles for decades, died Sunday at Wayne Memorial Hospital at the age of 72. Hunt's musical career as the leader of Slim and The Supreme Angels...

Duplin students can choose to graduate early

Duplin County students who want to graduate from high school early now have one more option at their disposal. Approved by the state General Assembly three years ago, this year's freshman class is the first to have the chance to...

Teacher publishes new 'reading script'

Gregory Brown, a reading teacher at North Drive Elementary School, has always been a champion of the underdog -- possibly because he considers himself one. Brown grew up on a farm in Saulston, graduating from Eastern Wayne High School in...

Duplin commissioners asking lawmakers for penny sales tax

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution last week to be sent to the county's state legislative delegation -- Democrats Rep. Russell Tucker and Sen. Charlie Albertson -- asking for Duplin County to be allowed the...

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Airport's hangar open for business

Construction is now complete on a new corporate jet hangar at Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal Airport, which county and airport officials said will serve existing industries and bring more jobs to Wayne County. Goldsboro-Wayne Airport Authority members and county commissioners gathered outside...

Building costs headed up for Wayne developers

The cost of building in Wayne County could be increasing soon -- in part because of measures outside anybody's control, but also because of fee increases currently being fought in the state legislature. One set of fees, administered through...

U.S.'s new bird of prey

The F-15E Strike Eagle isn't used to being upstaged on the flight line at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. But when an F-22A Raptor landed at the base Thursday evening, most everybody took notice. Described as "unmatched by any known...

Students honored for their courage

Joey Lanier started school at age 6 with several strikes against him -- attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder, speech deficits, a seizure disorder and behavior problems. Three years later, his problems were compounded when his father died of a massive heart attack....

United Way recognizes Albertson at annual meeting

The United Way of Wayne County gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate its successful 2006 fundraising campaign and to recognize one of the organization's long-time volunteers -- Dr. Kay Albertson. Mrs. Albertson, who has been involved with United Way for a...

Awards commend children's expressions of unity

When Fourth Fighter Wing historian Dr. Roy Heidicker took the Wayne Center stage Saturday evening, he told 100-plus Wayne County residents that when people come together, great things can happen. "You can do so much as one person," he said....

Duplin residents will have say on school uniforms

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County students may or may not be wearing uniforms when the 2007-08 school year starts in August. Right now, though, the matter is still up for debate and within the coming months, county residents will have the...

Students to describe trip to France

MOUNT OLIVE -- The experiences of seven Mount Olive College students' study-abroad trip to France will be discussed during a seminar on France on Monday at 8 p.m. Rodgers Chapel. Along with their professors, the group stayed in the heart...

Softball tournament raises money for Relay for Life

When Conner Davis stepped to the plate Saturday afternoon, she wasn't just swinging for the fences. Wearing a purple T-shirt with "D. DAVIS" printed across the back, the 12-year-old was swinging for her grandfather, Dick, too. "I'm just thankful he's...

Public record

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Ernest Woodley Triplett reported Feb. 21 that a man pulled a woman out of his car. When he went to see about the woman, the man jumped behind the wheel of...

Mount Olive teacher to visit Costa Rica

A Mount Olive Middle School teacher will be one of two in North Carolina chosen to travel to Costa Rica next month as part of the Toyota International Teacher Program. Art teacher Karen Helms will receive the fully-funded trip to...

29th Annual Greater Goldsboro Road Run to be held March 31

The 29th Annual Greater Goldsboro Road Run will be held Saturday, March 31, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Pedestrian Plaza on Center Street. The event is a major fundraiser for the Sunrise Kiwanis Club, which supports a number organizations...

Faison restaurant featured in March Southern Living magazine

FAISON --More than a year ago, chef Joani Babcock promised this small northern Duplin County town of mostly teetotalers that if they approved the sale of alcohol on Sundays that her restaurant, Southern Exposure, would be featured in either Southern...

Daniels and Daniels honored by U.S. Corps of Engineers

Daniels and Daniels Construction Co. of Goldsboro was awarded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' South Atlantic Division Outstanding Small Military Contractor of the Year for 2006 at a recent ceremony. Presentation of the award was made Feb. 15 during...

Cinco de Mayo festival deadline is April 1

The Hispanic Community Development Center is seeking volunteers and vendors for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo festival. The deadline for signing up is April 1 for the event, which will be held on May 5 from noon until 5 p.m....

Burning discouraged in eastern counties

Dry, windy conditions across the eastern part of the state have led officials with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources to discourage burning in counties to the north, east and south of Wayne. On Friday, forestry officials issued a red...

Bridge work gets started

State highway officials began construction last week to fix the bridge on Kelly Springs Road, which was heavily damaged during Tropical Storm Ernesto last September. A part of Kelly Springs Road, a road east of Mount Olive that connects Wayne...

Friday, February 23, 2007

Grass fire

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Firefighters from Arrington, Dudley and Indian Springs responded to a grass fire on Lipscomb Lane, off Emmaus Church Road, around 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Investigators said the fire, which destroyed a shop and melted the vinyl siding...

Funeral set for abandoned baby boy

WARSAW -- A graveside funeral service will be held Monday for an abandoned baby found dead earlier this month at a vacant house. Police are still looking for the parents of the baby boy, who was discovered Feb. 6 at...

News-Argus wins state awards for '06 editions

RALEIGH -- The Goldsboro News-Argus is the second best newspaper of its size in the state, according to judges in a state journalism contest. The News-Argus news staff won second place in the General Excellence category in the 15,000 to...

Suspect will face charges in gun grab

Attempted first-degree murder now tops the list of charges lodged against a man who allegedly managed to grab a policeman's gun and a knife during a scuffle at the county magistrate's office Tuesday. The charge was filed against Robert Edward...

Former Southern Wayne teacher charged in ex-girlfriend's stabbing

A former Southern Wayne High School coach was arrested earlier this week and charged with repeatedly stabbing his estranged girlfriend. Michael Orlando Olliver, 47, of Raleigh was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Georgetown, S.C., during a traffic stop. He allegedly stabbed...

Search for man sought in death ends in Georgia

MOUNT OLIVE — A Mount Olive resident who fled the state after he allegedly murdered a man on Center Street is now in custody. Ahmad Stewart, 24, accused in the Feb. 9 shooting death of Bobby Seaberry, 27, of...

Dr. William Plummer named to NCPC Hall of Fame

GREENVILLE -- It came as no surprise to those in the audience -- well, except for Dr. William Plummer, himself. In fact, when the longtime Goldsboro veterinarian heard the details of his career listed before the North Carolina Pork Conference's...

Livestock Association reviews fair, honors volunteers

Wayne County Livestock Development Association members and their families gathered at the Wayne Center Thursday night to reflect on one of the group's most successful years and to look ahead to this year. Wayne was North Carolina's leader in livestock...

Library will host pair of programs

The public is invited to two free programs at the Wayne County Public Library this weekend in conjunction with Wayne County Reads. Kelly Swanson, a High Point-based humorist, will be the guest at both events, which will be held in...

Fire spreads, destroys neighbor's antique car, motorcycle, mower

A Dudley man's antique car, motorcycle and riding lawnmower were destroyed when a woman's fire grew out of control Thursday and blew over to his business on Lipscomb Lane off Emmaus Church Road. Members of the Arrington Volunteer Fire Department...

Bus will be in Goldsboro Saturday for medicine help

A bus carrying experts on health insurance will make a stop Saturday in Goldsboro to help people learn how they may get help in paying for prescription medicines. The "Help is Here Express" will be at the WAGES building at...

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Former jewelry store spared

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Greg Riley stands outside the old Giddens Jewelry store on Center Street, the home of his law firm, Riley and Orander. The building, the oldest commercial structure downtown, was spared the morning the Paramount Theater burned. For...

Proposed shelter site won't work

Wayne County officials are looking for another home for a new animal shelter after engineers' reports concluded the soil at the proposed site near the Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal Airport cannot support the facility. County officials, contractor Walter Vick and other architects...

Standoff ends peacefully

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A standoff with law enforcement and a wanted man ended peacefully Wednesday when a relative intervened and led them to the suspect who was hiding in a closet. Wayne County sheriff's deputies and state troopers descended on...

Potter chosen as Seven Springs mayor

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The Seven Springs Town Board of Commissioners has elected Steve Potter as mayor. The vote was split during the board's meeting Wednesday night at Town Hall. Commissioners Danny Carter and Allen Cash voted for Carter as mayor,...

Not all was lost: Paramount fire did not destroy historic store

Not all was lost when the Paramount Theater burned. In fact, while crowds watched the flames and smoke rise above a town landmark with tear-filled eyes, one of Goldsboro's most historic structures was spared -- the old Giddens Jewelry store...

Deputies practice school response

Gripping handguns, Wayne County sheriff's deputies inched down the school hallway. They knew a man had barged into the learning facility and killed several children, and they had one mission -- to take him out. This was the mock scenario...

Rawlings new Fremont police chief

The Fremont Police Department has a new chief. The Town of Aldermen unanimously voted Tuesday night to name Ron Rawlings, a retired highway patrol first sergeant, to the post. Rawlings, 54, of Goldsboro, is expected to take the helm in...

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

U.S. 70 - Beston Road debate

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Jerry West was one of about 20 residents who addressed the Wayne County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning pleading for a stoplight at the intersection of U.S. 70 and Beston Road. Construction crews are building a directional...

Airport zoning changes approved

Despite protests and concerns expressed by nearly two dozen speakers, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved rezoning land around the Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal Airport to support the airport's expected growth. One of the county commissioners' concerns Tuesday morning...

Commission not likely to back stoplight query

Residents who are asking their commissioners to put a stoplight instead of a crossover at the intersection of U.S. 70 and Beston Road made their case Tuesday, but are not likely to get the answer they want. About 40 residents...

Duplin leaders battle for hours over budgets and bills

KENANSVILLE -- Tempers flared at Duplin County's Board of Commissioners meeting Monday as its members debated the financial status of several of the county's departments. Opening that discussion was emergency medical services director Brian Pearce. After first presenting to the...

Public record

Investigations An unknown person or persons broke into a building at Spring Creek Elementary School on St. John Church Road in Goldsboro sometime between Sunday and Tuesday, investigators with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said.. Damage and stolen electronic equipment...

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Best: Programs, not just buildings

A Facilities Master Plan Team meeting Monday to hear recommendations for the school system erupted into a debate about graduation rates when one county commissioner raised concerns over education in the county schools. The brief meeting, convened to review findings...

Facilities committee recommendations

The following recommendations were made by two focus committees designated by the Facilities Master Plan Team, comprised of members of the county commission and Board of Education. The education committee and facilities/real estate committees visited all 31 public schools, with...

Mosque request sparks debate

Dr. Waheed Akhtar has to go to Raleigh to pray. There just are not any suitable places in Goldsboro for a Muslim to worship in, he said. So he bought some land at the corner of Wayne Memorial Drive and...

Womble is named new city attorney

Goldsboro City Council members named a new city attorney Monday at City Hall moments after Tim Finan officially submitted his letter of resignation. James D. Womble Jr., a real estate attorney and partner in Finan's law firm, will take the...

Legislators react to State of the State

Reactions to Gov. Mike Easley's fourth and final State of the State address Monday night were fairly positive among local legislators this morning. "I think his ideas were really good," said Rep. Larry Bell, D-Sampson. "I haven't seen the budget...

Help with prescription drugs available Saturday at WAGES

The "Help is Here Express" national bus tour will be in Goldsboro with U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield Saturday at the WAGES office to help people having trouble affording their prescription medicines. The tour sponsored by pharmaceutical research companies has visited...

Alzheimer's caregiver workshop next week

Caring for someone with dementia can take its toll on friends and family. Alzheimer's Association of Eastern North Carolina is sponsoring a free workshop next week designed to build knowledge and skills for professional, family and community caregivers. It will...

Monday, February 19, 2007

Enough space?

News-Argus/Greg Sousa The Wayne County Senior Center is one of several areas county officials say needs more space — and could be part of a planned expansion for several county offices next budget year. For more information see County...

County officials take look at expansion needs

When Wayne County Services on Aging Director Yvonne McLamb envisions a senior center, she sees a facility that is large enough to facilitate any program or class idea for the ever-increasing number of seniors in the county. Throughout the building,...

Legislators will look at N.C. death penalty rule

It's not an issue that state legislators thought they were going to be dealing with when their session opened in January. But now, the question of North Carolina's death penalty has been tossed back onto the lap of the General...

Man dies after car pins him

PRINCETON -- A game between friends at an apartment on Barden Street took a deadly turn Sunday when a man accidentally pinned a Wayne County man against the residence with a car. The victim, James Richard Howell Jr., 27, of...

Jets will fly low on Tuesday

Goldsboro and Wayne County residents can expect low-level flying and excessive noise Tuesday morning around 9:30. The 4th Fighter Wing's F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team is scheduled to practice its routine. The team, which performed in front of its home...

Commissioners to discuss Beston Road, airport zoning plan

Taking the advice of state legislators, residents around Beston Road and U.S. 70 will make a plea to the Wayne County commissioners for a stoplight during the board's Tuesday morning meeting. State Department of Transportation officials began work in November...

Mount Olive teenager named Youth of Year by Boys and Girls Clubs

Saderio Simmons of Mount Olive won the Youth of the Year competition sponsored by the Wayne County Boys & Girls Clubs and will vie for the state title March 29-30. Miss Simmons will represent the local Boys & Girls clubs...

Wayne educators attend lawmakers' Technology Day

The Wayne County Public Schools system was represented at the Legislative School Technology Day last week in Raleigh. Tommy's Road Elementary teachers and students attended the event, held at the North Carolina General Assembly Building, on Tuesday. More than 65...

Sunday, February 18, 2007

SUN - Wayne Uplift takes over Lighthouse

By MATTHEW WHITTLE News-Argus Staff Writer Almost three months ago, The Lighthouse of Wayne County closed its doors. Now the Wayne Uplift Resource Association has stepped up to at least partially fill the void that was left behind. Uplift executive...

Residents take aim at U.S. 70-Beston Road crossover

The "chances are slim" for a stoplight at the intersection of U.S. 70 East and Beston Road, officials from the North Carolina Department of Transportation told area residents Friday. Local residents have clamored for a stoplight, but state engineers say...

Air Force captain tells stories of Afghanistan

Ted Janicki didn't have to go to the desert -- the Air Force captain already had two missions to tend to in Wayne County. A member of the 916th Air Refueling Wing and an assistant professor at Mount Olive College,...

Events planned for Wayne County Reads

Wayne County Reads will host free events for all ages over the coming week -- from a movie and book discussion to an award-winning comedienne and storyteller coming to town. This year's choice, "Walking Across Egypt" by Clyde Edgerton, has...

Duplin seeking anti-gang funding

With illegal immigrants and gang activity continuing to increase in Duplin County, Sheriff Blake Wallace is hoping that his office will soon have a new way to address both problems. Taking advantage of a little-used federal program that's been...

'Project Prom Dress' begun

Prom season is fast approaching, which translates to a flurry of activity as girls select just the right outfit for the big occasion. For many, though, the cost-prohibitive burden of buying that one special dress can be overwhelming. Last...

Senior caregivers honored at luncheon

Eugene Eloshway was never one to accept help until he discovered he could no longer take care of his wife, Minnie, the way he wanted. Then he met Senior Companion Lula May McLean, who came to his home from...

Habitat needs cooks to feed student volenteers

From staff reports Habitat for Humanity is looking for organizations willing to feed college students who will be coming to help build a house in Wayne County during the first three weeks in March. Habitat officials say college students from...

Public record

Wanted Ricardo Morales Vasquez, a Hispanic man in his early 20s, is wanted by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for first degree murder in connection with the Jan. 20 murder of Arturo Acevedo Trejo in the Dudley area. Vasquez is...

Former trooper publishes book

From staff reports A local retired Highway Patrol trooper and graduate of Mount Olive College has published a book that describes his 32 years of experience in law enforcement. "A Black Cop in the South," was written by Ronald K....

Superior and District Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Jose A. Santiago, 41, East Mulberry Street, robbery with a dangerous weapon reduced to common law robbery, second-degree kidnapping, 36 to 53 months suspended, 48 months...

Friday, February 16, 2007

Unexplained blaze

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber The front of an apartment building on McClean Drive shows damages from a fire that broke out Thursday night. No one was at home at the time. Investigators found evidence that led them to believe the fire...

Smith: New director's age a non-issue

In only his first week as the county's animal shelter director, some Wayne County's commissioners are being asked why they hired a 21-year-old. But many of the commissioners said the choice to hire Justin Scally was not their decision. "I...

Stuart files for chance to be mayor

A candidate has emerged for mayor of Goldsboro. Local businessman and former U.S. Air Force security officer D.A. Stuart announced Wednesday his intention to run for the city's top seat, a position he sought in 2003 as a write-in. "By...

Apartment fire ruled arson

Heavy flames and smoke damaged an apartment in the 2800 block of McClain Street about 9:45 p.m. Thursday, leaving more than $35,000 in damage. Fire investigators determined that the fire was purposely set and said that the investigation would continue....

State agriculture commissioner advises farmers to get involved

North Carolina farmers must become political activists if they expect to survive as their numbers and the amount of farmland dwindle, state Agriculture Secretary Steve Troxler told a group of Wayne farmers Thursday. Troxler, a Guilford County native, spoke to...

United Way wants to hear community's view of local needs

With its 2006 fundraising campaign behind it and 2007 allocations made, the United Way of Wayne County is looking toward the future as it sends out 4,200 community need assessment surveys to randomly selected county residents. The survey, which started...

Pikeville chocolate festival Saturday

The town of Pikeville is gearing up for its Chocolate Festival, "Life is Sweet," which will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Charles B. Aycock High School to raise money for the Relay for Life....

Mrs. Tucker officer of Sir Walter Cabinet

RALEIGH -- Geraldine Tucker, wife of state Rep. Russell Tucker, D-Duplin County, was elected vice president of the Sir Walter Cabinet earlier this month. The Cabinet is comprised of the spouses of the members of the General Assembly and other...

Public record

Investigations Goldsboro police are investigating these reports: *Someone broke into Original Tabernacle of Prayer, 1005 S. John St., and stole a stereo cassette player, valued at $20. *Melody Robinson reported someone broke into her home in the 900 block of...

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Controversial crossroads

Photo courtesy ALAN MARTIN Construction of a crossover at the intersection of U.S. 70 east and Beston Road is being opposed by a number of neighborhood residents and business owners, who say they want a stoplight instead. Highway officials...

Officials forming military caucus

With six military bases and more than 100,000 military personnel in North Carolina, members of the state government, including Rep. Louis Pate, R-Wayne County, have decided that it's time for a more organized effort to protect those interests. So far,...

Beston Road intersection meeting Friday

State Department of Transportation representatives will meet again with property owners near the U.S. 70 and Beston Road intersection on Friday to discuss the effects of building a directional crossover at the intersection. Engineers say the directional crossover, which would...

City likely to stick with same law firm

Officials at City Hall said they do not expect the search for a new city attorney to take long. Goldsboro City Manager Joe Huffman said while no decision has been made on a replacement for local attorney turned judge Tim...

Police looking for store's robbers

Goldsboro police are hunting for four suspects who robbed Bob's Convenient Mart on South Slocumb Street and then exchanged gunfire with the shopkeeper as they dashed from the business Tuesday. Mohssen Ali Almogaded, 38, was inside the store at 1717...

MOC teacher-soldier to talk about war

MOUNT OLIVE -- Dr. Ted Janicki, assistant professor in the Tillman School of Business at Mount Olive College, who is currently serving in the Air Force Reserves in Afghanistan, will return to the area Friday to speak about the war...

Duplin commissioners to consider budget, redistricting

KENANSVILLE -- Meeting Monday to discuss a variety of issues involving the upcoming budget process, the Duplin County Board of Commissioners left after three hours with no decisions made, but with a lot of items for consideration. "I think we...

Builder wants to construct apartments near school

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive officials are considering allowing Goldsboro contractor John T. Bell build low-to-moderate income apartments near Carver Elementary School. Developer John T. Bell is seeking a special use permit to construct the apartment complex on a parcel...

Public record

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Wayne County deputies are searching for a man accused of defrauding his own grandmother out of $8,000. An arrest warrant has been issued for Willie C. Yelverton Jr., 62, of Goldsboro...

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Holiday is full of hearts and flowers

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Brogden Primary School first-grader Lindsey Whitman picked assistant principal Linda Rouse to be her valentine. All across Wayne County today, florists were busy with bouquets, balloons and well-wishes as loved ones of all sorts honored the holiday....

Jones will speak for anti-surge resolution

In 2002, U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-North Carolina, voted for the use-of-force resolution that gave President George W. Bush the authority to enter Iraq. Later, Jones changed his mind and began publicly taking a stand against the war. Today, Jones...

Board eyes new plan for highways

The Wayne County Planning Board took the first steps Tuesday to approve a county Freeway Development Plan that is intended to guide development along its major highway corridors. The plan, which board members hope will be approved by all of...

Area lawmakers say they aren't surprised by news about Black

As word of state Rep. Jim Black's anticipated guilty plea began to filter out Tuesday night and this morning, state House representatives from Wayne and the surrounding counties were disappointed, they said, but not surprised. "If it had happened two...

Smith: Parental involvement still key to successful schools

The hard-won fight to educate blacks must not go by the wayside, said Thelma Smith, vice chairwoman of the Wayne County Board of Education Tuesday during a program at Wayne Community College as part of Black History Month. Amelia Hall,...

Pikeville Chocolate Festival Saturday

The town of Pikeville will be holding a chocolate festival, "Life is Sweet," on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Charles B. Aycock High School to raise money for the Relay for Life. For a $5 admission, people...

Cattlemen named to Angus board

Several area cattlemen were named to the North Carolina Angus Association Board of Directors recently at the association's annual meeting and banquet in Winston-Salem. They are Roy Outlaw of Seven Springs, Russell Vinson of LaGrange, Stephen Williamson of Kenansville and...

Johnston Democrat precincts meet

The Johnston County Democratic Party will hold organizational precinct meetings in all precincts on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. The meetings will be held at the regular precinct polling location with the following exceptions: West Clayton Precincts 11a and...

Public record

Assault Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating the report of a sexual assault on the 400 block of Durham Lake Road. An 18-year-old girl told investigators that she had been assaulted by an unknown suspect....

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Reading Kick Off

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Dr. Mary Ellis Gibson speaks about the culture and history of Southern cooking during the kick-off event for Wayne County Reads held at Goldsboro High School Monday night. Dr. Gibson is a professor at UNC-Greensboro. For more...

Warrick will run to keep his seat

A second member of the Goldsboro City Council has announced his intention to run for re-election this November. Jackie Warrick, a retired Goldsboro police chief who has represented District 6 for the past four years, said Monday he wants to...

Blaze hits city family's house

Fire raced through a home on Dollard Town Road Monday forcing two adults and three children to escape in the wee hours of the morning. Joe Spruill and his family were in the home at 190 Dollard Town Road when...

A novel, cooking take on southern attitude

Southerners take their eating -- and their stories -- seriously, an area professor told audience members at the 2007 kickoff for the Wayne County Reads selection. Dr. Mary Ellis Gibson, director of women's and gener studies and a professor of...

Local lawmakers receive assignments

With more than 150 pieces of legislation already introduced in the state House, members finally got their committee assignments Monday, but, Rep. Louis Pate, R-Wayne County, said, they probably won't actually begin going through those bills until later this week...

Candles honor 554 victims of child abuse

Flickering flames from more than 500 candles reminded those who gathered at a candlelight vigil Monday of the children whose lives have been touched by abuse or neglect last year. Six tall candles with large blue ribbons tied around them...

Outlaw named Maury prison superintendent

MAURY -- The state Department of Correction has named Travis Outlaw the new superintendent at Eastern Correctional Institution. He succeeds Carla O'Konek Smith, who has retired. The medium-custody facility houses more than 400 male inmates and has some 300 staff...

Talent show Saturday

Wayne County employees are putting on a talent show, "Wayne County's Got Talent," to raise money for the Relay for Life. The show will be held Saturday night at the Wayne Center. Tickets are $10. For information about the event,...

Woman charged in robbery

A Goldsboro woman faces charges for allegedly robbing a 69-year-old man in his home late last month. Melissa Irene Odom, 33, Spring Branch Road, was arrested Monday on one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon, Wayne County sheriff's Detective...

Public record

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Haywood William Outlaw reported Saturday that someone shot out the front windows of his home in the 200 block of Sydney Drive. Damage was set at $500. *Brenda Carol Davis reported...

GOP plans precinct meetings

The Wayne County Republican Party is holding precinct meetings this month. Below are listed the meetings for the remainder of the month. Anyone who missed their precinct meeting is invited to attend the Feb 26. meeting at 7 p.m. All...

Monday, February 12, 2007

Burns get out of control

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Goldsboro and Wayne County firefighters spent time over the weekend responding to a number of runaway grass fires sparked by residents failing to contain controlled burns. County Fire Marshal Bryan Taylor said people who want to burn...

Marijuana found in murder victim's car

Goldsboro police found 12 bags of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the car of the man who was fatally shot in his car Feb. 4 -- allegedly by three Dudley teens. Karemond Abdullah Spells, 30, of Goldsboro, was found...

United Way releases list of 2007 allotments

After a long fundraising campaign, the United Way of Wayne County has made its 2007 funding decisions and is in the process of beginning to distribute the more than $1.44 million that was raised. United Way executive director Steve Parr...

City plans new set of fines for signs

Signs have been ordered, new parking spaces created and fines handed out. But Goldsboro Chief Building Inspector Ed Cianfarra said there is still work to do before the 900-plus violators of handicapped parking standards within the city are cleared. Last...

City attorney gets judge job

Goldsboro City Attorney Tim Finan has been chosen by Gov. Mike Easley to serve as a new District Court judge. Finan will take the seat held by Rose Vaughn Williams, who took a job with the state Insurance Commissioner's Office...

New restaurant set to open February 19

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina will open its doors Feb. 19 at its new location next to Starbucks on Berkeley Boulevard. General manager Greg Thering, along with franchise owner Mike Milligan, said Salsarita's Fresh Cantina is known for its "hot, healthy and...

Eating disorders focus of MOC speakers

MOUNT OLIVE -- A program designed to shed light on the issue of eating disorders is planned for Tuesday at Mount Olive College. The program will be held in the Southern Bank Auditorium in Raper Hall beginning at 7 p.m....

Public record

Larceny Tom Garrou of Wayne Community College reported the theft of a $2,000 video projector from the campus sometime between Jan. 26 and 29....

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Mother dies after one-car accident

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Dudley woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident when she was thrown from her car as it left the road and overturned in a ditch on Breazeale Avenue Saturday. April Michelle Hall, 29, of Rhodes Drive,...

Suspect sought in Mount Olive murder

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive police have launched a countywide manhunt for the suspect who shot and a killed a 27-year-old man Friday afternoon and left him in someone else's front yard. Police responded to a shooting at 217 S....

Officers look for baby's parents

WARSAW -- The hunt continues for the mother who abandoned her newborn baby Tuesday at a vacant home on East Chelly Street. The small, male infant was found wrapped in a blanket about 1 p.m. by a couple who were...

Field of candidates narrowed in Fremont police chief search

FREMONT -- The search for the town's new police chief continues to heat up with more than 14 candidates vying for the position. While no decision is expected, the Board of Alderman was scheduled to narrow the list of candidates...

Public records

Investigations Wayne County Sheriff’s Department is investigating these cases: •Wayne County sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Robert Golimowski arrested Phillip Joseph Goff, 20, of Daw Pate Road, Pikeville, for breaking and entering and larceny after the fact. He was being held...

Wayne County Reads Event Monday

Food is a staple in many Southern novels, and "Walking Across Egypt," and Wayne County Reads' 2007 selection, is no different. Author Clyde Edgerton included many such references in the pages of his book. And on Monday at 7 p.m.,...

Duplin advisory committee makes fiscal suggestions

Four months and close to a dozen meetings later, the Duplin County Fiscal Advisory Committee finally presented a list of 13 recommendations to the county Board of Commissioners. On that list were suggestions regarding how the budget process should flow,...

Friday, February 9, 2007

Congressman talks to students

News-Argus/Bobby Williams U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, speaks to the students at Eastern Wayne High School this morning. In addition to listening to the students’ views, Butterfield also updated them on upcoming events in the U.S. House of Representatives this...

Three teens charged with murder

Two Southern Wayne High School students and another teen stand accused in the Feb. 4 shooting death of a 30-year-old Goldsboro man. Michael Jahmel Allen, 18, of Canterbury Court, Dudley; Marcus Antwan Graham, 16, of Clint Drive, Dudley; and Davon...

Butterfield makes stop at school to share news from Washington

Back in eastern North Carolina for a few days, U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield, D-District 1, decided to take advantage of the opportunity to visit several area high schools, including Eastern Wayne Senior High, and talk to students. Speaking for about...

Goldsboro could soon get new signs at both ends of U.S. 117

Goldsboro might soon no longer be invisible to drivers along U.S. 117. With the help of state Sen. John Kerr, D-Wayne County, the Goldsboro City Council has requested that the N.C. Department of Transportation place two "Welcome to Goldsboro" signs...

Wayne County Reads sponsors essay contest

In conjunction with Wayne County Reads this year, residents will also be encouraged to do some writing. An essay contest is being held for both youths and adults. This year's book selection, "Walking Across Egypt" by Clyde Edgerton, is a...

Chamber, Jaycees recognize volunteers

MOUNT OLIVE -- Paul Smalley and the Rev. Chris Currie received Mount Olive's top honors Thursday night. Smalley became the first person to receive the Lillian B. Langley Award for outstanding volunteer service to the Mount Olive Area Chamber of...

Job interviewing class starting at WCC

Working professionals ready for a job change will be able to take a human resource development course offered at Wayne Community College starting Feb. 19. "Advanced Interviewing, Resume and Application Skills Training" will be taught on Mondays and Wednesdays from...

Advertising 'Lunch and Learn' session Tuesday

Local business owners can learn the importance of effective advertising during the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's Lunch and Learn seminar Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. Bill Johnston, the general manager for Curtis Media Group East, will facilitate the...

Public record

Investigations *Wayne County sheriff's officials are investigating an arson fire that broke out in a wooden outbuilding owned by Ralph Ronald Griffin at 782 Sandhill Road, Dudley, Feb. 7. The alleged culprits were unknown. The fire damaged a glass rear...

Nominations needed for N.C. Award

RALEIGH -- Nominations for the 2006 North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state, are now being accepted. Created by the General Assembly in 1961, the award recognizes significant contributions of individuals in the fields of fine...

Cinco de Mayo participants sought

The Hispanic Community Development Center is signing up non-profit organizations and business information booths, arts and craft vendors, bands and Hispanic Traditional dancers for its annual Cinco de Mayo. Deadline for sign ups is April 1. It will be held...

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Pouring concrete

News-Argus/Bobby Williams From left, Ronald Jones, Corey Oates and Bruce Kornegay work on pouring and leveling new sidewalks along Berkeley Boulevard. Goldsboro General Services Director Joe Sawyer said the crew will continue its work until funding for the project...

County appoints shelter director

Wayne County's Board of Commissioners might not know where they will locate a new animal shelter, but county officials know who will run it. Justin Scally, 21, of Baltimore, will begin work as the county's animal control director Feb. 12....

Police look for parents of baby

WARSAW -- Police and the State Bureau of Investigations officials are looking for the mother of a newborn baby abandoned in a vacant house on Chelly Street in Warsaw. Officials are not sure how or when the baby boy died....

Driver in serious condition after crash

A woman was sent to the hospital with serious injuries after a one-vehicle accident on Elm Street and Berkeley Boulevard Wednesday. Telecia Gail Cameron, 35, of Courtyard Circle, was traveling east on Elm at about 3 p.m. when she veered...

City tries to stretch dollars for current sidewalk project

Marion Fussell doesn't drive her car much these days. Between expensive repairs and the increased cost of gasoline, walking to places that are relatively close to her home is a better way to get by month to month. From her...

Man will face molestation charge

A Goldsboro man will face charges for allegedly sexually molesting a family member more than a decade ago. Ronald Charles Dotter, 69, of Kelly Court, was charged Sunday with three counts of first-degree statutory sex offense with a child after...

Kerr renamed co-chairman of Senate Finance Committee

After sitting in session for almost two weeks, North Carolina's state senators got their committee assignments Wednesday and for those representing Wayne and surrounding counties, the results were good news. All three senators, John Kerr, D-Wayne County, Fred Smith,...

Drug squad searching for suspect in roundup

Thirty-two down and one more to go. That's what Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad Co-Commander Lt. Tom Effler said Monday as he announced the latest arrest made in connection with a drug roundup conducted Sept. 27. Paul Anthony Stover, 25, of...

Mount Olive College singing group to perform

MOUNT OLIVE -- Praise Ensemble, a gospel performance group at Mount Olive College, is taking to the road in the coming weeks as part of Black History Month. Originally formed in 2004 by Warren Jones, a minister, the group was...

Man charged with damaging fire trucks

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Wayne County man will face charges for allegedly damaging two fire trucks after he removed them from Pricetown Volunteer Fire Station without permission. Shelton Douglas Southerland Jr., 29, of Billy Price Road, Seven Springs, faces two...

Mount Olive Rotary Club golf tournament planned

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Rotary Club is planning another Cabin Fever Golf Tournament to help raise money for an endowment. Club spokesman Patti O'Donoghue said earnings from the endowment would be used to provide funds for needy families...

County talent show February 17

Wayne County employees are putting on a talent show, "Wayne County's Got Talent," to raise money for the Relay for Life. The show will be held Feb. 17 at the Wayne Center. Tickets are $10. For information about the event,...

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Celebrating unity

News-Argus/Bobby Williams The Rev. Edward Tatum speaks to the gathering at the annual Human Relations Breakfast held at Ray of Hope Church this morning. Looking on are 4th Fighter Wing commander Col. Steve Kwast and Goldsboro Mayor Al King....

Court won't hear annexation case

The North Carolina Supreme Court has denied a petition for discretionary review of a case involving residents fighting annexation by the city of Goldsboro. Residents of neighborhoods near Buck Swamp and Salem Church roads had asked the state's highest court...

City picks bank for City Hall funding

City Council members have chosen a bank to finance the $4 million renovation of Goldsboro's original City Hall. Finance Director Richard Durham recommended Monday that the council accept the terms of a loan for the project from BB&T. Unanimously, its...

Memorial service planned for Wright

Barney Mashburn has a few choice words to say to the man accused of fatally stabbing his friend during a confrontation late Sunday. But for now, he said, he will hold his tongue. He knows those words will do little...

City, county residents recall attitude changes at Human Relations breakfast

When Mayor Al King moved to Goldsboro three decades ago, he said there was a noticeable divide among races living inside the city limits. "People would refer to others by their race," he said. "That bothered me." Times have changed....

Duplin commission welcomes new business, grants

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Commissioners welcomed a new business to the county Monday morning, approving the sale of a five-acre parcel of land in the Southpark Industrial Center to Veteran Fire Inc. for $30,000. Veteran Fire, a...

Association recognizes volunteers

Members of the Wayne County Mental Health Association gathered Tuesday to honor some of their own and to hear from the new commander of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Fourth Fighter Wing Commander Col. Steve Kwast said the base is...

Bell elected new majority whip in House

State Rep. Larry Bell, D-Sampson County, was elected Tuesday as one of three majority whips. Bell, who also represents Wayne County, is entering his fourth term in the House. This will be his second term serving as a Democratic Party...

Public record

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Someone stole $7,400 in merchandise from Down East Travel Center, 2600 U.S. 117 South. *James Craig Sellers reported someone broke into his home in the 200 block of Charlie Braswell Road...

Pikeville gets good financial report

The Town of Pikeville Board of Commissioners were commended for properly managing its fund balance and turning a profit in its electric, water and sewer funds during an audit presentation given Monday night. Accountant John Anthony told the commissioners that...

Library plans black history programs

The Wayne County Public Library has several things planned for February in observance of Black History Month. On Feb. 13, the library will host Zora's Stories, a family story night beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be stories for all...

Kindergarten workshops scheduled

Kindergarten readiness workshops for parents will be held Feb. 22 in the Charles B. Aycock High School media center, March 8 at the Southern Wayne High School media center and March 22 at the Wayne County Public Library. The workshops...

Injured passenger charged with drug possession

KENLY -- The survivor of a crash that killed two high school students late last month has been charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Authorities discovered Travis Whitley Foster, 16, of Kenly, to have the drugs and paraphernalia...

Dillard Motown benefit February 24

An evening of soul music will be held at the Dillard Alumni Center at 801 Poplar St. on Saturday, Feb. 24. Proceeds from the perfmance by the Motown Revue Show will go to pay for scholarships given out by the...

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Children make cards for airmen

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Second-grade students in Kym Chamblee’s class at Carver Elementary in Mount Olive got a chance to make some special valentine cards for airmen overseas and veterans here at home. Putting final touches on their creations are Adriana...

School board backs state bond plan

Wayne County Board of Education voted Monday night to back the $2 billion proposed statewide school bond referendum, which it hopes the General Assembly will put to a public vote. School boards across the state are lending support to the...

City Council pays bill for consultant on project

Goldsboro City Council members approved the expenditure of $160,000 at their meeting Monday for the next set of plans from Pearce, Brinkley, Cease and Lee -- the firm charged with designing the new Wayne County Memorial Community Building. Last month,...

Wishes for their heroes

Kym Chamblee's husband, Erik, has been deployed to Korea since October. Married nine years, this is the longest the couple have been apart, she said. Fortunately, the teacher at Carver Elementary School has found herself surrounded by more support than...

Duplin Commissioners consider tax cut

Duplin County's property tax rate hasn't been lowered yet, but on Monday, the county Board of Commissioners took a step toward dropping it from 80.5 cents-per-100-dollar-value to at least 79 cents. Voting on a motion made by Commissioner Cary Turner,...

Museum's display will reveal local black history

An exhibit depicting the stories and memories of local black history will open today at the Wayne County Museum. Wayne County NAACP member Linda Wilkins Daniels has set up the exhibit, which will run through February as part of the...

Public records

DWI case delayed The case of a Wilson County trooper charged with drunken driving has been postponed until April. The court date for Trooper Darian Neal Smith, 31, of Goldsboro, was scheduled for Monday, but the case has been reset...

Julie Hatchett honored by conservation agencies

Julie Hatchett of Goldsboro was recently awarded the Earth-Team Volunteer of the Year award by the N. C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the USDA-Natural Resource and Conservation Service. The award was given during the Annual meeting...

Monday, February 5, 2007

Celebrating their win

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Colts fans, Jennifer Perkins, left, and Amy Burton celebrate their team’s 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears at Ham’s Restaurant Sunday. Fans from around the region gathered at parties at businesses and homes to watch the historic...

Legislators try to decipher ethics rules

With new ethics laws on the books this year, state legislators are scrambling to try to figure out what's permissible and what's not. And while training sessions have been offered to House and Senate members and their staffs -- including...

Alleged dealer gets jail sentence

Twelve jurors put an alleged dealer's drug peddling operation out of business after they found him guilty of selling more than 250 grams of cocaine to another man in October. It only took jurors about an hour and 15 minutes...

Argument resuults in stabbing, then death

One U.S. Air Force airman is dead and another man is in custody after a brawl that erupted Super Bowl night at a Kendall Lane home over a missing $20 bill. Vincent Wright, 43, of Pony Drive, Pikeville, died early...

For base-schools liason, her work has always been about the children

Nancy Mayo has made it her business to be about relationships. A licensed marriage and family therapist for more than three years, it has been her job to develop a good working relationship between the public schools and the Air...

Public television stations seeks World War II veterans' stories

With World War II veterans dying at a rate of 40 to 50 a day, the importance of capturing the stories of the Greatest Generation in written, audio and visual archives is becoming increasingly important. It is the motivation...

Public records

Murder suspect sought Goldsboro police are searching for the gunman who murdered a Raleigh man late Sunday. Karemond Abdullah Spells, 30, of Faber Drive, Raleigh, died this morning at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, from complications from a gunshot...

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Public Record

Investigations The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating these incidents: *Donald Vincent White reported Saturday that his 1983 Ford pickup truck was stolen between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday night as he and his son visited a friend on Slocumb...

County's dropout rate up from 2005

The number of dropouts from Wayne County Public Schools has risen and is above the state's average, officials said. Earlier this week, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released the state's annual dropout rate report. It showed that the...

GHS graduate promoted to brigadier general

A Goldsboro High School graduate was promoted to brigadier general in the United States Army last month. Brig. Gen. Al Aycock, a 26-year Army veteran, received his promotion at a ceremony at Fort Bragg. Aycock, a 1974 Goldsboro High School...

Mount Olive will present awards at first banquet

All the nominees are in, the winners have been selected and on Thursday, the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Olive Jaycees will have their first annual awards banquet in the Murphy Regional Center at Mount...

Congressman will open Black History Month programs at WCC

Wayne Community College will celebrate Black History Month with several special events this month, all free and open to the public. The lineup also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the college, said Janice Fields, minority affairs coordinator. "It's an...

Tickets still available for Paramount benefit

Tickets are still available for a fun-filled evening that will benefit the resurrection of an historic landmark downtown. Margaret Baddour and Geoff Hulse will host the first of several fundraisers for the new theater this month, with proceeds going to...

Friday, February 2, 2007

Frosty the Snowman

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Thursday, Wayne County enjoyed its first real snowfall of the season - even if it did not stay very long. Cairns Edmondson, left, and his brother, Cooper, did not let the cold temperatures and falling snow stop...

City council eyes staggered terms plan for members

NEW BERN -- Instead of voting for all six Goldsboro City Council members in future elections, council members decided at their annual retreat Thursday to look into staggering terms. The idea, suggested by City Manager Joe Huffman during the second...

Relay for Life volunteers prepare for '07 campaign

Wintry weather might have kept many people away from the annual Relay for Life kickoff Thursday, but spirits ran especially high for those attending as they promised to fight cancer with a renewed determination. The atmosphere was a festive one...

Chamber board chairman named

The new chairman of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's board of directors said this week that she is prepared to lead the organization into a prosperous new year. Georgia Dees, director of marketing for The Pines of Goldsboro, took...

Ex-sheriff's deputy apologize for DWI

PINETOPS -- Former Wayne County sheriff's Deputy William Roscoe Young apologized to his former boss in the wake of a DWI charge levied against him in Edgecombe County late Monday. Wayne County Sheriff Carey Winders said Young issued a verbal...

Duplin murderer is up for parole

A Duplin County man convicted of a 1994 murder is being considered for participation in the state's Mutual Agreement Parole Program. Facing trial for the death of Georgia May Newkirk of Magnolia, William Houston Smith pleaded guilty to second degree...

Public records

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's officials are searching for the alleged thieves who stole two fire trucks from the Pricetown Volunteer Fire Station on Zion Road in Mount Olive, damaged them and then parked them back at the fire station this...

WCC offers EMT course

Wayne Community College Continuing Education will offer a course to train emergency medical technicians (EMT) starting Feb. 5. The 21-week EMT-Basic course prepares students to take the examination for state certification. Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30...

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Girl, 12, in critical condition after crash

By LEE WILLIAMS News-Argus Staff Writer DUDLEY -- They came from different places, but on Wednesday, two Spring Creek High School students and a Rosewood Middle School teacher's worlds collided in a tragic way in a head-on collision on...

Winter hits Wayne County

From staff and wire reports Snow blanketed Wayne County this morning, forcing the closing of the county's public schools and slowing traffic to a crawl along most roads. The county school's issued a two-hour delay for today on Thursday but...

Can you help find these 5 fathers?

One person has been captured, but officials with Wayne County Child Support Enforcement Agency are asking the public to help find five other parents who owe their children nearly $215,000. Tarrian Damon Gaines, 37, who owes more than $55,385 in...

Legislator seeks high-speed access

Even though the North Carolina General Assembly is still the process of organizing itself, legislation is beginning to be introduced and on Tuesday, Rep. Russell Tucker, D-Duplin County, co-sponsored a bill to help continue to bring high-speed Internet access...

Local twin girls share dollars with victims

Although it was just a passing mention from the "Weekly Reader" in her third-grade class, the message weighed so much on Madison Walton's mind that she had to take action. Teacher Stefanie Adams was talking about items in the scholastic...

Reading program ready for kickoff

Wayne County residents are encouraged to take a walk across Egypt in the coming weeks without leaving the comforts of home. North Carolina writer Clyde Edgerton's book, "Walking Across Egypt," has been chosen for this year's Wayne County Reads selection....

Public Record

Robbery charged As a result of an investigation of a breaking and entering to a home on the 600 Block of Mill Road in the Village Of Walnut Creek, Sarina Lynette Thompson was charged with breaking and entering, larceny and...