October 2007 archives

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Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Okay, so they aren't so scary

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Sara Elizabeth Bell, right, Urvi Patel, Elanie Hinson and Rohan Shreenath sing along with their Spanish teacher Sarah Perlungher in their preschool class at Wayne Country Day School. The preschool classes dressed in their Halloween costumes this...

Lighthouse shelter runs into problems

Almost a year after The Lighthouse of Wayne County was forced to close the doors to its safehouse, county officials are still working with the state to re-open it. The problem, explained County Manager Lee Smith, is that once the...

Deputies hunt for sheep rustlers

FREMONT -- State-owned sheep are going missing at Charles B. Aycock's birthplace, possibly headed for dinner plates in the area, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office says. "I think, my personal opinion, I believe they are eating these animals," Det. Sgt....

Voters have until Saturday to fill out first ballots

Municipal voters looking to avoid the potential crowds on Election Day still have until Saturday to cast their ballots at the county's one-stop polling place at the Wayne County Board of Elections Office on William Street. Currently booths are open...

Candidates share views at Mount Olive chamber's forum

MOUNT OLIVE -- They wanted to hear someone take a stand against the drug dealers along South Church Street. They clapped when "slum lords" were condemned. But for the residents of Mount Olive who turned out Tuesday evening to meet...

Christmas could mean frustration for parents on hunt for holiday toys

Recent toy recalls have parents of small children rethinking their shopping plans this year for Christmas. Where a toy was manufactured might be as important as how much in demand it is this season. That's because during the past two...

Motorcycle toy run to be held Saturday

The Harley Owner's Group (H.O.G.) will have its annual toy run Saturday. About 500 bikers are expected to participate. They will start at Shelton's Harley Davidson in Smithfield at noon and arrive at Shelton's Harley Davidson in Goldsboro about 12:45...

Public record

Thefts reported *Roberta Ellis of Charles Street reported someone broke into her home over the weekend and stole electronics equipment valued at $600. *Mary Smith of Royall Avenue reported jewelry and a camera valued at $900 total had been stolen...

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Guilty plea for Seven Springs shooting

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Roy Legg sits inside a courtroom at the Wayne County Courthouse after entering a plea of guilty to all charges stemming from the attempted robbery on May 24, 2003 at Ralph Casey’s Grocery in Seven Springs that...

Legg makes deal in store shooting

Amid tears and apologies, the widow and daughter of Ricky Thompson hugged family members of a man who killed their father in 2003 and shot at them as he tried to escape. But they did not buy the explanation of...

Wayne Board of Education wants power to tax

Increasingly tired of having their "hands tied" financially, the school board voted Monday night to support a House bill that would authorize local boards of education to gain tax levying authority. House Bill 1740 -- School Board Fiscal Accountability Act,...

Goldsboro obtains permit to temporarily fix flood structure

Crisis nearly averted. The 38 million gallons of water that were bypassing the city of Goldsboro's intake system daily will soon be back in action. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave the city a permit to temporarily fix the...

Butterfield talks drought with Wayne County farmers

Farmers suffering from this year's drought can expect help from Washington, perhaps attached to the Farm Bill being debated now, U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield told Wayne County farmers Monday. Butterfield spoke to farmers gathered at the Thoroughfare Volunteer Fire Department...

Wayne County school lunch menus

WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Week of Nov. 5-9, 2007 Monday -- Breakfast: blueberry muffin; Lunch: stuffed crust cheese pizza, tuna salad w/crackers, corn on the cob, collard greens, baked apples, orange. Tuesday -- Breakfast: cheese toast; Lunch: baked chicken nuggets,...

Halloween safety tips

Wednesday night is when the goblins and ghouls will be out and about in Goldsboro. But even scary creatures have to be safe on Halloween. So the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross offers these suggestions for a...

Monday, October 29, 2007

Riding for United Way

News-Argus/Greg Sousa United Way 2007 Campaign Chairman Jimmie Ford, center, gathers with motorcycle riders from the R-Riders Motorcycle Club preparing to start their run Sunday. Nearly 100 riders participated, raising $1,149 for United Way as it heads into the...

Schools take aim at staph infection

The best way to ward off an outbreak of MRSA, officials say, can be boiled down to the same long-held recommendation for preventing the flu -- frequent hand-washing. "If I had to say it in three words -- wash your...

Officials consider plan for reservoir

Despite the overcast skies and the rain of the last few days, Wayne County still finds itself in the midst of a drought that the National Drought Mitigation Center has classified as exceptional. Because of that dwindling supply of water,...

69 years in the air and still flying

For 69 years retired Air Force Col. Ray Kleber has flown airplanes. At age 13, before he had even driven a car, the man who would later fly 302 missions in the Vietnam War was at the controls of a...

Museum collects artifacts from local plantations

Plantations will be the focus of a new exhibit opening at the Wayne County Museum Thursday. Museum volunteer Chris Lawson is gathering artifacts for the display, which museum officials say might grow to a point where it requires space upstairs...

Albertson Stew Fest Saturday

ALBERTSON -- Duplin County's only private library will hold its annual Stew Fest Saturday, with proceeds going to buy new books and support the facility. Activities begin at 9 a.m. at the Grady-Outlaw Memorial Library at the intersection of N.C....

Attempted robbery at Mar Mac restaurant foiled by employee

A Bojangle's employee foiled a robbery attempt at the Mar Mac restaurant Sunday night by locking herself away from the suspect, authorities say. As the restaurant was closing for the night, around 11 p.m., an unidentified black male approached the...

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Dwayne Dail responds to lawsuit

Faced with a lawsuit by his former girlfriend who is seeking back child support for their son, Chris Michaels, Dwayne Allen Dail says he is disappointed about this latest turn of events. "To use our son as a pawn...

City Council tweaks rules list for water usage

Construction crews will not have to stop work until the city's water use restrictions are lifted, but car dealerships aren't going to be able to clean up their rides for customers. And those who run car washes had better make...

SJAFB sergeant earns Purple Heart

Somewhere in the desert, along a stretch known to U.S. troops as "The Cloverleaf," an insurgent buries another Improvised Explosive Device in the sand. Cleveland Sanders knows the road well. The Air Force staff sergeant nearly died on it. But...

Jail laundry room violation might cost county $50,000

Prisoners jailed in Wayne County usually pass this door riding in the back of a deputy sheriff's cruiser, inside a sally port lined with razor wire. But now the door is off limits to all prisoners and jail trustees. Wayne...

If public donates, they will get buzz cuts

Construction of the Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center is under way, and there's a buzz in the air, but it's not coming from the equipment at the Clingman Street site. Rather, it's coming from the dozens of...

United Way motorcycle run

By MATTHEW WHITTLE News-Argus Staff Writer Hoping to help the United Way make its fundraising goal before its Dec. 6 deadline, the R-Riders Motorcycle Club is hosting its first annual community ride today. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. at...

SUN-Halloween Festivities

From staff reports It is almost that time again for ghosts and goblins to make their way out in public. Next Wednesday is Halloween, and area cities and towns are ready for the costumes and candy. The city of Goldsboro...

Man sought after van runs into home

As of 8:15 p.m. Saturday, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office was looking for Tony Frank Anderson, 48, after a warrant was sworn out for his arrest for misdemeanor breaking and entering Saturday afternoon. Anderson was reported to have driven to...

Friday, October 26, 2007

League of Women Votors forum

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Goldsboro mayoral candidate D.A. Stuart, right, fields questions from voters during a candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wayne County Thursday at Herman Park Center. Also in photo are District 1 candidate Michael...

Now it's official: No more watering

Goldsboro water users only have a little more than a week left to get their lawns watered -- or to wash their cars at home. As of Nov. 5, Goldsboro will enter the third -- and most restrictive -- phase...

Candidates square off at League of Women Voters debate

The candidates who attended the League of Women Voters forum Thursday night all had one goal in common -- they want to better their community. City council and mayoral candidates from Goldsboro, Fremont, Seven Springs and Walnut Creek, along with...

Results of N.C. Big Sweep in Wayne County

The totals are in from this month's North Carolina Big Sweep -- the 20th year the statewide cleanup event has been held -- and as a result, Wayne County is much cleaner. With 352 people covering 15.5 miles at 14...

Fly-in planned for this Saturday at county airport

The Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal Airport will host a Federal Aviation Administration Wings Day Fly-in on Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. The event, which is sponsored by the FAA and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, is primarily for licensed pilots and...

APV named 2007 Industry of the Year for Wayne

With 135 employees and 25 years at its West Ash Street location, APV Heat Transfer Systems was named the 2007 Industry of the Year Thursday night at the Wayne County Industry Celebration reception. "This year was the closest contest we've...

Woman missing since May

Kathy Holt Alfaro fears the worst about her sister, who police say has not turned up since Ms. Alfaro reported her missing in August. Ms. Alfaro said sister Patricia Herring, 43, hasn't been seen by friends or acquaintances in more...

Public record

Assault reported A homeless Goldsboro man reported being beaten with a baseball bat by two black menwhen walking through an open field in the 500 block of South Slocumb Street on Wednesday around 9 p.m., Goldsboro police said. Ralph Croom...

Fall Garden Festival planned for Saturday

The Cooperative Extension Service and the Wayne County Master Gardener Volunteer Association are sponsoring a Fall Garden Festival and Plant Sale Saturday for people to come in any time from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wayne Center located at...

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Rain, rain don't go away

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Tracy Beyer makes her way to the front entrance of Wayne Memorial Hospital in the rain on Wednesday afternoon as showers and thunderstorms finally made their way into Wayne County....

Ex-girlfriend's lawyer: Dail should pay support

A Goldsboro attorney says even though Dwayne Allen Dail was wrongfully imprisoned, he is still obligated to pay for his child. But the attorney representing Dail says state law holds that jailed mothers and fathers aren't subject to back child...

Student caught with gun at EWHS

A 16-year-old took a handgun to class at Eastern Wayne High School Wednesday, leading to charges against the student, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office says. Equan Jerell Bowden of Woodside Circle was charged with possessing a firearm on school grounds,...

Burning could put homes at great risk

Residents in some areas of Wayne County could be playing with disaster if they -- or anyone else -- ignore a statewide burning ban, local officials say. Fires in wooded areas are dramatically up in 2007, Wayne County Forest Ranger...

Duplin officials: Navy unlikely to pick Angola Bay for OLF

As the U.S. Navy continues its search for an outlying landing field in either North Carolina or Virginia, officials in Duplin County are still skeptical that the Angola Bay game lands are being seriously considered. Referencing a discussion he had...

Sculptures inspired local artist's creation

Local artist Jim Norman has placed a statue he created called "The Reader" in the Children's Memorial Garden beside the mural at the Wayne County Public Library's main branch on Ash Street. The statue is that of a young child...

Agency gets funds to tackle childhood obesity across N.C.

The Partnership for Children of Wayne County has been awarded a $26,771 grant to participate in a statewide project addressing childhood obesity. State officials said recently that Wayne County has 37.5 percent of its children ages 2-4 considered at risk...

Walnut Creek names new village clerk

The Village of Walnut Creek Council picked a new village clerk at its meeting Wednesday night. After many interviews with several people, a unanimous vote led to Denise Kagel filling current clerk Sandra Allen's spot. Ms. Allen gave her letter...

Public record

School burglarized Someone threw a brick through a window at Eastern Wayne Middle School on Central Heights Road on Monday night to gain entry, Goldsboro police say. A bag of candy, sports drink, keys and $8 were reported stolen, police...

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Cotton picking time

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Farm workers harvest cotton in a field off of Rosewood Road. Dry weather has hurt production of most field crops across Wayne County and the rest of North Carolina. For more information see 2007 will be remembered...

Dail's ex-girlfriend sues for child support

After spending 18 years in prison for a rape he did not commit, Dwayne Allen Dail now faces a civil lawsuit seeking back child support, court records show. Dail's former girlfriend, Goldsboro's Lorraine Michaels of Harley Trail, filed a civil...

Walnut Creek to cut water consumption

The Village of Walnut Creek is following suit in water conservation. Mayor Ken Ritt implemented mandatory conservation last Thursday because Gov. Mike Easley encouraged communities to cut down. With Easley's push to decrease consumption 50 percent by Halloween, village officials...

Other towns ponder water restrictions

With the Village of Walnut Creek and the city of Goldsboro already having implemented mandatory water conservation measures, and Gov. Mike Easley calling on the state to cut its usage in half by Halloween, the town of Mount Olive has...

2007 will be remembered by most Wayne farmers as bad crop year

With Wayne County and the majority of the rest of the state in the throes of an exceptional drought, area farmers are suffering much of the brunt of the impact. "Everything has been way off (its usual production)," said county...

Fremont man, 60, facing sex assault charges

FREMONT -- A 60-year-old Fremont man is being held without bond on Virginia charges of aggravated sexual battery and taking indecent liberties with a child, authorities say. Richard Weyland Yarbrough, 60, of Airport Road, Fremont, was arrested on two fugitive...

MOC officials seek economic links to Mexico

Mount Olive College professors are combining efforts to expand opportunities for North Carolina businesses, both home and abroad. During the recent fall break, five professors led by Dean Ken Stokes traveled to Mexico to attend a workshop focusing on economic...

Candidate forum Thursday

Officials with the Wayne County League of Women voters are reminding candidates for all local offices and the public of the organization's candidates forum Thursday at Herman Park Center. The forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. with candidates for sanitary...

Public record

Car stolen Demetric Moore of Old Grantham Road reported his 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, valued at $12,000, stolen on Monday, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department said. Dogs stolen *Gerlinda Clark of Rosewood Road reported that her rat terrier, named Gracie...

Three earn human relations awards

Three area people and groups came home with awards from the 2007 North Carolina Human Relations Awards that were held in Raleigh last Wednesday. The youth award went to Joshua Coley, who is city engineering department worker Ronnie Coley's son....

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Clearing out the sand

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Bags of sand are lined along the banks of the Neuse River at the city of Goldsboro’s water intake site. Divers have been having to vacuum the sand at the site in order to keep up with...

Turn off the water

Citizens can still water their lawns a few days a week -- but not for much longer. Goldsboro City Council members did not make any decision on when to implement stricter water conservation measures at their meeting Monday night. But...

No news on fate of Days Inn

The Days Inn on Wayne Memorial Drive, damaged in August by a serious windstorm, might not remain on the site much longer, the hotel's owner says. Daley Investments officials said they are still talking with their insurance company to determine...

Fred Smith makes stop in Wayne

Potential Republican gubernatorial nominee Fred Smith says he has a plan to help make health care more accessible and a vision to grow the economy, but that so far in his campaign, changing the culture in Raleigh has become the...

Dental clinic will offer care for local low-income patients

A successful free weekend dental clinic is being brought back to Goldsboro next month. Dr. Rick Stovall, a local dentist and member of the Board of Health, told the board last week the clinic will be Nov. 16-17 at St....

Public record

Theft A break-in was reported at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. on South George Street on Sunday night, Goldsboro Police said. Nearly $12,000 in tools were reported stolen, police said....

Monday, October 22, 2007

Plowing the back 40

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Tyler Brock, 7, son of Neil and Melinda Weeks of Mount Olive, took to the field Friday afternoon. His battery-operated tractor wasn't powerful enough to do too much heavy work, but Tyler tackled the grass anyway. The...

Water will take center stage tonight

Goldsboro residents are conserving water -- but city officials say they need to continue to conserve more and could take action tonight to further restrict water usage. Officials say with each day, the city water level decreases, and in turn,...

Schools changing dates for grad night

Graduation dates for 2008 have been announced for six public high schools, with two opting to hold ceremonies on a Monday this year. Traditionally, diplomas have been handed out on a Friday or Saturday, but since the last day of...

Boards seek new volunteers to serve

A year ago this month, the problems surrounding the fiscal viability of The Lighthouse of Wayne County began becoming public, and eventually, the domestic violence organization was forced to shutter its doors and begin the process of closing its...

WORKS director tasked with getting more area residents ready to work

When a coalition of county, education and local industry officials joined together earlier this year, they did so with the goal of improving Wayne County's workforce. The problem, explained Mike Hainey, existing industry specialist for the Wayne County Development...

O'Berry gets set for 50th anniversary celebration

O'Berry Center will unveil its new name next month, when it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The name change -- to O'Berry Neuro-Medical Treatment Center -- was approved by the General Assembly in June, reflective of the direction the center is...

Fremont weighs city mapping program option

FREMONT -- With hopes it might help avoid future problems like its once-imploding sewer system, town officials are looking to relatively new technology. Town Manager Kerry McDuffie said he became familiar with how useful geographic information systems are when he...

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Suspect caught from Mount Olive drug raid

MOUNT OLIVE -- A "major player" in the Wayne County drug trade was taken into custody Friday afternoon, Mount Olive police Chief Ralph Schroeder said. Travis Lemont Barksdale, 28, was arrested at a residence on Franklin Street close to two...

Kidney a small price to pay for years of love

A younger Donnie Butts walked hand in hand with his "little girl" along the shore of an under-populated beach. Diane still calls it "our place." Summers at the coast just always seemed to bring out the best in their father-daughter...

9th Air Force commander stops at SJAFB

Two weeks ago, Lt. Gen. Gary North was at a military base in the Middle East, shaking hands with members of the 4th Fighter Wing's 336th Fighter Squadron. So when the 9th Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces...

Scouts talk to the world

Up a dusty road in Four Oaks Saturday, more than 1,000 eager Boy Scouts took to the field at Camp Tuscarora. But this time, instead of just practicing local camping skills, they got to communicate with people around the globe....

Council will tackle water conservation at Monday's meeting

Goldsboro residents should know Monday night if they will be able to continue to water their lawns -- or wash their cars. The Goldsboro City Council has a packed agenda for Monday night's meeting with an expected mandatory water conservation...

Mount Olive Chamber plans candidate forum

The Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce will hold a "Meet the Candidates" Educational Forum at 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the Senior Citizen's Center in Mount Olive. All candidates running for office are encouraged to attend. The forum is...

Classical concert Monday

The Foundation of Wayne Community College is spreading its cultural wings. On Monday evening, the foundation, in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church, will present a program of classical music at 7 p.m. in Moffatt Auditorium. The free event is open...

Youngest legislator visits Eastern Wayne

The state's youngest female legislator visited Eastern Wayne High School on Friday, having been invited by a student who met her while serving as page this past summer. The visit was arranged by Hailey Best, a junior at Eastern Wayne,...

Wheelchair hockey sponsors sought

The North Carolina Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association and the Carolina Fury Powerhockey team is seeking sponsors to help defray the costs of operation. The organization has spaces available on its rink walls for business sponsors for the 2008 season for...

Greene Ag-Fest starts Wednesday

SNOW HILL -- The Snow Hill Lions Club will sponsor its 12th Annual Greene County Ag-Fest this week, starting on Wednesday and running through Saturday. The event will feature rides, food, exhibits and entertainment, including a tractor pull for children...

Salvation Army Stuff-a-Stocking pickup this week

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary is again sponsoring its "Stuff a Stocking" project to provide Christmas cheer to needy children. Volunteers are urged to pick up mesh stockings at the Salvation Army building at 610 N. William St. and fill...

'Red Ribbon' Week aims to reduce youth drug use

Students across the county will participate this week in one of the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention programs, as part of "Red Ribbon Week." The event promotes living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle and encourages students to be drug free,...

Public record

Locker room theft Someone stole $485 in personal property from a locker room at Central Heights School on Thursday while a game was taking place, Goldsboro police said. Theft R.N. Rouse and Co. officials reported someone crossed over the fence...

Memory Walk draws hundreds

For more than 500 people, Saturday morning was a time to save minds. They were each "taking steps to end Alzheimer's" by participating in the Neuse Regional Memory Walk. Before the walk, inspiration came from a prayer asking for care...

Low-income energy assistance available

The Wayne County Department of Social Services will be taking application for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program Nov. 5-16. Applications will be accepted from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Social Services office on the...

Concert to raise money for EWHS scholarship

A concert to raise money for the "Just Believe" Scholarship Fund will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, at Eastern Wayne High School. The event will feature a number of acts, including national touring award winner ilyaimy from Maryland, Dragline of...

Industry Celebration Week starts Monday

The Wayne County Development Alliance is sponsoring its annual Industry Celebration Week Monday through Thursday of this week, starting with a golf tournament Monday at the Southern Wayne Country Club. The rain date for the tournament will be Tuesday. On...

Fremont won't move mini park

The Fremont Friends of the Library got their wish this week when town officials canceled plans to move a "mini-park" next to the town's library. Town Aldermen voted Tuesday to instead go forward with the Friends of the Library's plans...

League of Women Voters forum Thursday

The League of Women Voters of Wayne County will have a candidates forum for all Wayne County races for the November election, including the sanitary district boards. The forum will be held Thursday from 6:30 p.m until 9 p.m. at...

Alzheimer's caregiver workshops offered

November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month and in honor of the event, the Wayne County Services on Aging is sponsoring a free caregiver education series. Three separate training sessions will be held, aimed at helping people who take care of...

Agricultural expo Nov. 19-20 at WCC

An agricultural exposition, sponsored by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, the state Cooperative Extension Service, the Karl Best Agricultural Awareness Committee and Wayne Community College, will be held Nov. 19-20 at the college. The expo starts at 10 a.m....

Friday, October 19, 2007

Stoney Creek Park Alliance will wait to apply for grant

The Stoney Creek Park Alliance won't receive the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant this year to help with the park project. They will not even apply. The alliance decided Thursday that they want to hold off on the application...

Man, 19, will faces charges in sex case

A Dudley man will face charges of first-degree rape of a child after taking a 12-year-old from her home, authorities say. Brigido Santos Hernandez, 19, Jake Drive, Dudley was jailed in lieu of $250,000 bond for an incident first reported...

Committee honors employer, volunteer, worker at banquet

Vick Woodard didn't let a disability stop him from having a full life, and at Thursday's annual awards luncheon for the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities, he described how determination can overcome all odds. Woodard, an instructor at Wayne...

Trooper handcuffs suicidal man just before he tries to jump off area bridge

A Highway Patrol trooper says he grabbed and handcuffed a suicidal man just before the man tried to jump off a bridge into the Neuse River in the Goldsboro area. Trooper J.B. Smith said a 57-year-old Goldsboro man with a...

Public record

Walnut Creek thefts probed The Walnut Creek Police Department is investigating a series of car break-ins, including a theft on Breezewood Avenue and another at a country club parking lot, Police Chief Delisa Staps said. Members of the Walnut Creek...

WCC's Madry in leadership program

Wayne T. Madry, director of admissions and records for the continuing education division at Wayne Community College, has been chosen to participate in a statewide leadership program. He is one of 36 participants representing 34 community colleges to be named...

Schools score big on store's payback plan

Credit card purchases have paid off for three area schools. Through Target stores' "Take Charge of Education" program, families, teachers and members of the community can designate an eligible K-12 school to receive approximately one percent of credit card purchases...

Nurse Aide registration at WCC

Registration for Wayne Community College Continuing Education's spring Nurse Aide I courses will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. in Room 101 of the Walnut Building. This course prepares students for the competency evaluation required for...

Fall events planned this weekend

The Parks and Recreation Department will embrace the cooler weather by sponsoring two activities this coming weekend -- a Fall Festival and a Nature Day. This Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Herman Park Center, the fall festival will...

Farmland preservation workshop at MOC November 7

The date of a workshop on farmland presevation was incorrectly listed in a story in Thursday's News-Argus. The North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund is holding a series of workshops around the state on farmland preservation, with...

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Remembering Andre

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Jacquail Ray, Johnathan Ramos, Joshua Ramos and Najuhn Davis of the North Drive flag football team sit on the sideline during a game on Tuesday night at Mina Weil Park in Goldsboro. The patch on their sleeves...

Selma driver wanted in hit and run

PRINCETON -- A Selma man is wanted in the hit-and- run death of a Rosewood woman, Princeton police Chief Ed Lewis said today. Vela Marcelo Mendoza of North Pollock Street is wanted for questioning after a passenger in the van...

Brush fire takes out three acres on city street

Two days after Gov. Mike Easley issued a statewide ban on open burning, a fire on South 11th Street took out three wooded acres, authorities say. Louis Pope of Philadelphia, Pa., was given a warning ticket for a brush fire...

Mother sets up fund for children

Shenita Wilder-Dancy remembers how her 8-year-old son, Andre, used to light up a room with his smile. She can see the time he put his hands over a Band-Aid on her finger and told her it would be OK. She...

Historic home set to make national debut

A Goldsboro historic home will soon get national exposure -- as will the city as a whole. This Old House magazine will feature the Molly Smith Thompson House at 111 N. Virginia St., while Our State magazine will tell Goldsboro's...

Vaccine charges increase at Health Department's clinics

The Board of Health on Wednesday approved an increase to vaccine charges at the Health Department, as officials announced they have "plenty of vaccine" on hand. The fee change comes just in time for Friday's flu clinic. Health Director James...

Public record

Shooting into vehicle reported Gerald Meadows of Magnolia reported his 1997 Jeep Cherokee was shot into twice at the intersection of Crawford Street and Olivia Lane, Goldsboro police said. The first shot shattered the rear window of the vehicle, then...

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Suspicious fire

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Mel Powers of the Wayne County Office of Emergency Services and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Detective Robert Golimowski investigate the scene of a double-wide mobile home fire that happened shortly after 2 a.m. today on Stevens Mill...

County: Three centers will still take trash

After receiving multiple phone calls and faced with nearly two dozen residents at the Wayne County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning, county officials decided to temporarily reconsider the closing of three of the 13 solid waste convenience centers. The...

Don't light the fire: Rules will tighten on burning

Local folks whose back yards double as yard waste incinerators might answer to the law while a statewide ban on open burning is in effect. Normally, open burning allowances depend on whether you live in a city or town, or...

Investigators try to find cause of early morning blaze in county

An arson investigator with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office was on scene at a suspicious Stevens Mill Road house fire this morning, authorities say. "I think it's safe to say that it's under investigation as a suspicious fire, or we...

On to November 6: Official results are in for primary vote

The results are in, officially. Al King and D.A. Stuart will be on the ballot for November's mayoral race, and Donnie Chatman and Jerry Broadhurst will battle it out for the District 3 City Council seat. Wayne County Board of...

New director of nursing ready to begin next mission at Cherry

Two years ago, at age 46, Bonnie Gray was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. Today, she is ready to take over duties as Cherry Hospital's new director of nursing. But getting to this point wasn't easy. As a nurse at...

Fremont will reject older mobile homes now

FREMONT -- If you hope to move a mobile home into town, you will need to know its birthday. Town aldermen passed a resolution Tuesday night prohibiting new installations of mobile homes older than eight years. That took place after...

Visa issue cancels concert by Mexican folk artists

Gran Folklorico de Mexico will not perform in Goldsboro on Friday, Oct. 26, as originally planned due to its members' visas being denied. According to information the Wayne Community Concerts Association received, this is the first time in 23 years...

Public record

Car window shot into Helen Whitfield of Harris Street reported someone shot her rear right-side window Monday afternoon, possibly with a BB gun, while it was parked at Central Heights School. The incident caused $300 in damages, police said....

Arts Council photo exhibit reception Friday

The Arts Council of Wayne County will have an opening reception for its "Open Photography Exhibit" on Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. The exhibit will feature more than 100 photographs from local and North Carolina photographers, and all works...

Parent seminar Thursday

Wayne County Public Schools' Title I program will hold a district-wide parent seminar on Thursday at the H.V. Brown Center on Poplar Street. Twelve presenters are expected to provide parents with information that can help students academically and socially, with...

Nature Day entertainment sought

The city Parks and Recreation Department is still looking for entertainment for this Sunday's Nature Day at Stoney Creek Park. Those interested should contact Tammy Greene at 739-7491 by Thursday....

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

All dried up

News-Argus/Bobby Williams The Neuse River is seen this morning off Bill Lane Boulevard, looking south from Price’s Landing. According to the National Weather Service, the river level is only 2.4 feet, with no increase in sight. For more information...

Watering rules to change

Put away the hoses. That's the message city officials could be sending residents during the next couple of weeks as they respond to an emergency call from the governor Monday to conserve water. City Manager Joe Huffman said this morning...

Duplin Commissioners postpone animal control ordinance

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County pet owners don't have to worry about registering their cats and dogs -- at least not yet -- now that the county Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to delay any actual decision until after a...

Carver Heights student receives ASU scholarship

Nakia Atkins, a fourth-grader at Carver Heights Elementary School, beamed as he greeted each visitor to his school Monday afternoon. He knew they were there to honor him. But it was more than that, said his principal, Carole Battle, who...

Public record

Razor attack A Dorsey Street woman reported that a woman she knows cut her with a razor on the lower left leg after awaking her by punching her in the face, police said. Lakeisha Edwards said she was staying at...

Thompson promoted at WCC

William T. "Bill" Thompson Jr. has been promoted to associate vice president of institutional advancement at Wayne Community College. Thompson has worked at the college since 1990, following 25 years of service in the United States Air Force as a...

Mother and son face charges in theft

A Princeton mother and her son, who had just left prison in August, face felony charges for stealing less than $200 in construction goods from a Pikeville home, authorities say. Brandon Michael Boyd, 27, Linda Street, and his mother, Teresa...

Goldsboro Christmas Parade entries sought

The Goldsboro Jaycees' Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. in downtown Goldsboro. The theme of this year's parade will be "Polar Express." Entries are being accepted. To participate in the parade, an entry form must be...

Wayne County Public Schools lunch menus

WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Week of October 22-26 Monday -- Breakfast: blueberry muffin; Lunch: sausage pizza, baked corn dog, garden peas, baked apples, pear halves, orange Tuesday -- Breakfast: ham biscuit; Lunch: toasted cheese sandwich, PBJ sandwich, veggie soup...

Wayne County Public Schools will have early dismissal Wednesday

Wednesday is an early release day for students in Wayne County Public Schools. Students will be dismissed early so that employees can attend staff development workshops. Dismissal times vary by school, so parents are advised to contact individual schools for...

Monday, October 15, 2007

Renovations continue downtown

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Thanks to good weather, work on the restoration of the old city hall building is ahead of schedule, according to city officials. The $4 million project begun in April is expected to be completed by February. The...

Teen, 14, sought in weekend shooting

A 14-year-old Goldsboro resident is wanted in the non-fatal shooting of a 39-year-old in a parking lot at Courtyard Circle, police say. Investigator Dave Cloutier said police have obtained charges against the juvenile, but cannot release a name yet. Cedric...

Reuel incentive package on agenda for Tuesday's commission meeting

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings Tuesday on the proposed incentive package for Reuel Inc. The first -- a routine one that involves no county money -- is for the commissioners to authorize the Wayne...

2007 Days of Caring organizers report more lives impacted

Hands got dirty. Long hours were worked. Tears were shed. But more importantly, lives were made better -- and that's what made this year's United Way Days of Caring a success. Nearly 4,700 people, and 10 animals, were impacted through...

Local fire squads choose winner of Fire Princess title

Maybe it was the play on popular culture -- a young girl dressed in a leopard-skin skirt, emerging from a makeshift cave that her "husband" had just caught on fire. It could have been the way the capacity crowd inside...

Truck mechanic takes home top diagnostic award

Mechanic James Frain can now officially say he is among the best in the world at finding out what's wrong with garbage trucks. Frain won first place in international competition in the recent 2007 International Road-E-O held by Solid Waste...

Guardian ad litem program recognized

The state Guardian ad Litem program has received certification by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA). The certification recognizes that the program meets national CASA standard for operations and management. Colleen Kosinski, director of Wayne County's Guardian ad...

Habitat to welcome visitors from Guatemala

Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne will welcome guests from Guatemala on Thursday. For every house built in Goldsboro-Wayne County, Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne contributes a tithe to Habitat International to support builds in other countries. Habitat of Goldsboro-Wayne has...

Wallace art show, train depot grand opening

WALLACE -- On Saturday, Nov. 3, the historic train depot in downtown Wallace will be transformed. More than a dozen of the area's finest artists will be on hand to showcase their creations. On display will be paintings, sculptures, photography,...

Public record

Copper theft attempt Sybil Scott, owner of Scott's Barbecue and Sauce Co. on North William Street, told police that a thief who tried to steal the copper wiring from the business's air conditioning system last week did about $1,100 in...

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Barry's new bunch: TV star named honorary member of 4th Fighter Wing squadron

A younger Barry Williams might have joined the service had his warm smile not caught the eye of a Hollywood casting director. He would have, perhaps, been a member of the Coast Guard like his father. He would not have...

Susan Farfour to run as write-in candidate for City Council

Susan Farfour wants people in the city's fifth district to have a choice. So, when she learned that only one candidate -- the incumbent -- had filed for the race, and with a little encouragement from some friends, she decided...

Basketball program helping keep youth off the streets

Every Tuesday night, more than 150 young people who might otherwise have no place to hang out are shooting hoops at Goldsboro High School instead. Smart Choices for Youth, a non-profit group serving Goldsboro since 1989, is paying for "Midnight...

Dr. Tayloe is president-elect of American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. David Tayloe of Goldsboro Pediatrics has been named president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the nation's largest pediatric organization. He will officially take office during the October AAP National Conference and Exhibition in San Francisco, Calif., and will...

WCC unveils Hope Monument to local 'heroes'

From staff reports In memory of those who lit the path, a monument and brick walkway at Wayne Community College were unveiled this week. Hope Monument, a six-foot black granite monolith, is surrounded by a ring of bricks engraved with...

Memory Walk Saturday at Herman Park

A walk, honoring those who have struggled with losing their memories, will be held in Goldsboro this weekend. The sixth Neuse Regional Alzheimer's Memory Walk will kick off Saturday in Herman Park with registration at 9 a.m., followed by one-...

Workshops on saving energy Oct. 30-31

From staff reports As thermometers drop and energy prices likely start to climb, local residents and businesses can learn no-cost and low-cost ways to save on energy bills at two free educational workshop "Reducing Energy Expenses at Your Home and...

Make a Difference Day Oct. 27

Wayne County residents will be doing a variety of community service projects during Make A Difference Day 2007 on Saturday, Oct. 27. Make A Difference Day is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network....

Friday, October 12, 2007

Ready to fry fish

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Ralph Casey, left, and George Raecher unload boxes of fish early this morning at Herman Park Center. The Wayne County Shriners are holding their annual fish fry today from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and from 4...

Dail case won't affect eyewitness--based cases

Since the late 1990s, scrutiny of the reliability of eyewitness testimony and police lineups reached the likes of former Attorney General Janet Reno. And when Dwayne Allen Dail was exonerated in August, eyewitness reliability came to the forefront in a...

Plan for station closer to debut

Architect David Gall isn't in his yellow construction hat today -- at least not at Union Station. Now, he has his pencil out and is starting to turn his vision of a revitalized train station into a concrete development plan....

Flat tire foils plot to steal from cars

Using a car stolen out of the Dudley area proved the downfall of two Dudley teenagers -- and a flat tire might have kept them from getting away, authorities say. James Timothy Sauls Jr., 19, Fulton Road, and John Henry...

Wayne Country Day team wins spelling bee

Walnut Creek Country Club was abuzz Thursday night as a fight-to-the-finish word match drew to a close. The sixth annual spelling bee, hosted by the Wayne Charitable Partnership, a non-profit arm of Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, came down to...

Partnership reports year of helping ounty children start right

Partnership for Children of Wayne County completed another year providing a solid foundation for parents and children, local and state officials reported Thursday at the group's annual meeting. Since the partnership's inception nine years ago, the list of services has...

Butterfield to name post office for John Henry Wooten

Hoping to honor a man he described as a "legend," U.S. Rep G.K. Butterfield introduced legislation Wednesday to have the Cashwell Drive post office named after the former educator and Wayne County commissioner, John Henry Wooten Sr. "John Wooten was...

Public record

Student charged A Goldsboro High School student faces charges for threatening a teacher Wednesday afternoon, police said. Tramaine Surrette, 17, of Courtyard Circle, threatened a teacher and attempted an assault before being subdued, according to an investigator's report. Police said...

Library book sale set for this weekend

The Friends of the Wayne County Public Library are sponsoring their annual Fall Book Sale today through the weekend in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the Main Library on East Ash Street. Sale hours Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5...

League of Women voters forum

The League of Women Voters of Wayne County will have a candidates forum for all Wayne County races for the November election, including the sanitary district boards. The forum will be held Thursday, Oct. 25, from 6:30 p.m until 9...

Car hits cow

A Wayne County Sheriff's deputy hit a cow in his personal vehicle on Stevens Mill Road early Thursday morning, a state trooper said. Deputy Mike Biggins was headed to his job as a security officer at Wayne Memorial Hospital around...

Auto show to benefit Children's Hospital

PRINCETON -- An auto show to raise money for the Duke Children's Hospital will be held Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Food Lion in Princeton. There will be food, a kids costume contest, a 50-50 drawing, race cars...

Clarification

In a Sept. 27 story on The Village of Walnut Creek approving a plat for The Links subdivision, it was incorrectly said that the subdivision will include more than 300 homes. There will be 65 homes in the first phase...

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Governor gives Dwayne Dail an official 'not guilty'

Nearly a month and a half after being released from prison after serving 18 years for a crime he didn't commit, Dwayne Dail received a full pardon from Gov. Mike Easley Wednesday afternoon. The phone call -- from Chris...

Timeline to freedom

Sept. 4. 1987 -- A 12-year-old girl told police that a man climbed into her bedroom window in Jefferson Park and raped her. May 9, 1988 -- A Wayne County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Dail...

Four face charges in drug raid in Fremont

FREMONT -- Law enforcement officers have arrested four men on drug charges, with three charged after a raid Tuesday at 108 W. Mill St. Investigators said the house had been under surveillance. Fremont police Chief Ron Rawlings said his officers...

County department will move offices to Borden Building

Come Monday, the Wayne County Department of Social Services' child and adult protective services, and the other divisions currently housed in the annex building on U.S. 117, will reopen in their new home in downtown Goldsboro. "We're making the move...

Youth member advises board to think of teens

Ebony Hagans, 16, is tired of not having anything to do in Goldsboro. She is not in a gang. She doesn't cause trouble. She is just plain bored. The newest member of the Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission wants...

Don Davis files for John Kerr's seat in N.C. Senate

With John Kerr, Wayne County's state senator, undecided as to what his plans will be in 2008, Snow Hill Mayor Donald Davis is stepping up and has announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for the position. Davis, who...

MOC 'Bridge Builders' donate $507,000

MOUNT OLIVE--More than $507,000 was contributed to Mount Olive College last year through the efforts of Free Will Baptist churches throughout eastern North Carolina. Called "Bridge Builders," 2,081 individuals and church organizations contributed $100 or more during the 2006 annual...

Public record

Thefts reported *Mark Russell McDowell of Fallin Bouelvard reported his 1998 Kawasaki motorcycle stolen from his apartment complex, police said. Estimated value was $5,000. *Edmund Carter and Neil Gallagher of Chevy Cadillac of Goldsboro on U.S. 70 reported $3,050 in...

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Tickets are Set

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Goldsboro Mayor Al King, left, and City Councilman Don Chatman wait for the official results of Tuesday's primary elections in The Corner Coffee Shop in downtown Goldsboro. King and Chatman will both face challengers in November after...

King, Stuart get nods from voters for mayoral contest

As Mayor Al King sat in the Corner Coffee Shop Tuesday night waiting for the results of that night's primary vote, he said he knew he was going to win the primary election. What he wasn't sure of was who...

Chatman will face Broadhurst in fight for District 3 seat

As the unofficial numbers came in for the third district of Goldsboro City Council manual receipts, those in the Wayne County Board of Elections board room were still wondering which two of three candidates would be on the list for...

Man, 39, assaults 2 teens, principal

A Johnston County high school principal was slapped in the face by an intruder who also used his belt to assault two students Tuesday morning, authorities say. Billy Ray Anderson, 39, of Bryant Pond Road, Dunn, faces charges including two...

Municipal elections will now heat up as hopefuls start fall campaigning

With one election behind them and the field now set for Goldsboro's municipal races, the Wayne County Board of Elections office is already looking ahead to November. Fortunately, interim county elections director Erin Burridge explained, with elections director Gary...

One in custody from MO drug raid

MOUNT OLIVE -- One of three suspects not captured in Friday's raid is now in custody, Mount Olive police officials said. Police Maj. Brian Rhodes said Danielle Deboris Vann, 26, turned himself in at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Tuesday...

Five county businesses named top N.C. earners

Five Wayne County companies are being recognized this month by a leading state business magazine for their places among the state's top earners. For at least the second year in a row, all five businesses were ranked among North...

Man stabbed during robbery on William St.

A Clayton man told police he drove all the way home from Goldsboro before realizing he suffered a serious stab wound at a North William street convenience store, an investigator says. Gary Devon Dudley, of South Moore Street, Clayton reported...

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Picking candidates - polls are open until 7:30 p.m.

News-Argus/Greg Sousa Wayne County Board of Elections Precinct Assistant Steve Meadows hands a ballot to Sue Ballenger at the WAGES building on Royall Avenue as she and her husband, Paul, prepare to vote in today’s primary municipal election. As...

Cherry Hospital earns clear state review

With Cherry Hospital no longer having to worry about having its certification as a Medicare and Medicaid provider being revoked, a survey team from the state Division of Health Service Regulation returned last week -- three days after the de-certification...

Company will add 350 more jobs here

One of Wayne County's newest industrial residents, AAR Cargo Systems, announced Monday that it plans to grow its Goldsboro facility by more than 350 more jobs than originally planned. The corporation, which moved to Goldsboro in 2006, originally intended the...

Water use rules keep shortage in check

Goldsboro city water hasn't dried up yet, but officials are warning that conservation is not a luxury -- it is a necessity if residents want to stay out of extreme drought and much-stricter regulations. If rain continues to fall, and...

Hospital wins lawsuit claiming wrongful death in ER diagnosis

A Goldsboro area man's death in Wayne Memorial Hospital's emergency room wasn't caused by negligence of a doctor or other employees, a jury found. A malpractice suit filed against the hospital and an emergency room doctor ended Friday when a...

Rotary Club members work on project in Chile for orthopedic patients

Drs. Bob and Charlotte Campbell of Goldsboro originally went to Chile to catch fish. Instead, they caught a plan -- one that is enabling the Three Eagles Rotary Club in Goldsboro to help an island people who suffer in large...

Warsaw prepares for parade

Organizers are gearing up for Warsaw's 87th consecutive Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 10. The day's events will kick off with a memorial service at 10 a.m. in Veterans Park, with the parade scheduled to follow at 11 a.m....

Breen joins Habitat for Humanity staff

Rochelle Breen has joined the staff of Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne as a one-year AmeriCorps member. She brings organizational skills from her previous non-profit experience with Youth Missions Organization in Sacramento., Calif. She says she was attracted to the...

Monday, October 8, 2007

River's past, present and future

News-Argus/Greg Sousa A view of the Neuse River from a lookout at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. For more information see The eye of the Neuse....

The eye of the Neuse

Wayne County's relationship with its 41-mile stretch of the Neuse River is, at best, complicated. For many residents the river is a source of enjoyment -- a place to swim and boat -- while some can remember its fish serving...

Search continues in Mount Olive sting

MOUNT OLIVE -- Police are still searching for three suspects tied to drug possession, manufacturing and sales charges, two days after five others were arrested as part of Operation Clean Streets. Mount Olive and Goldsboro police officers joined with agents...

Hospital staff ready in case hurricane hits

Shutting down services at a hospital is not an option, so officials at Wayne Memorial make it their business to be ready for any type of emergency. Patient care cannot be interrupted, so back-up generators are constantly tested and massive...

He's the top duck in decoys

Duck decoy carving expert Tommy Rogers of Snow Hill will carry about a dozen of his students' decoys to regional competition this weekend. Rogers recently trained seven duck carvers with grant money from the National Endowment for the Arts. He...

MOC lunch-and-learn series aims to help gardeners, landscapers

The Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at Mount Olive College is sponsoring a lunch-and-learn series as an outreach to the surrounding community. Entitled "Growing to Serve You," Dr. Sandra Maddox, associate director of the business center, said, "The series will...

'Diamonds in the Ruff' saving unwanted dogs

After years of seeing abandoned, abused and neglected dogs at the Wayne County Animal Shelter, sisters Susan Wheeler and Terri Moore decided to take action. They individually started to rescue puppies and dogs from the shelter, providing proper vet care...

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Mayoral hopefuls battling for spots

Goldsboro voters will decide Tuesday who will battle for the chance to represent them in the mayor's office this fall. Three candidates will be vying for the two open spots on the ballot. Voters will decide which two when the...

Multiple arrests made in Mount Olive raid

MOUNT OLIVE -- C.J. Weaver wanted his team to be prepared for anything -- a firefight, guard dogs, chases. So the Mount Olive police detective met with 30-plus local, state and federal law enforcement officers a few hours before Operation...

New rules could alter questions by officers

When police interview a suspect, they don't start with the hard questions first. It's called establishing rapport -- making an interview subject feel more comfortable with the investigator. And there's some question as to whether a new law might have...

Committee, community start another conversation on youths

Edna J. Turner wonders why efforts to combat youth violence are divided along political lines. Ms. Turner was at Goldsboro Public Library on Saturday, taking part in the Committee to Save the Children and Nesti Inc.'s conversation about youth crime...

Chatman will battle challengers for ballot

Residents in the third City Council district have three choices on the primary election ballot this year -- incumbent Donnie R. Chatman Sr. and challengers Jerry Broadhurst and Constance Foy Nixon. And on Tuesday, they will decide which two will...

Is city going to be ready if a hurricane hits?

Carlton Parks can tell you what a hurricane might leave in its wake. The Goldsboro Fire Department captain was one of the few on the streets after Hurricane Floyd left much of the city under water. "It was bad --...

Duplin approves incentive package

KENANSVILLE -- Thankful for the more than 100 jobs provided by Menlo Logistics Inc., the Duplin County Board of Commissioners wasted no time this week approving a $210,000 incentive package for the distribution and warehousing company located along U.S. 117...

Salvation Army seeks donors for 'Stuff a Stocking'

For the past 21 years, churches, civic groups and other organizations have taken part in helping the local Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary with its Christmas Stocking Project. And the auxiliary is once again calling on Wayne area residents to help....

Public record

Missing persons *Jamika Shamone Car-michale, 15, O'Berry Center Road, was reported missing by her mother, Temeeka Honey, Thursday at 10:15 p.m. Ms. Carmichale is described as black, 4 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 120 pounds, with black hair and...

High school talent takes center stage at fair competition

Thursday night's audience clapped, stomped and even danced along with some of the acts at the ninth- through 12th-grade talent show. Acts ranged from drum and guitar solos to clogging and step team performances. One of the first up in...

Senior health fair Wednesday

A senior health fair will be held Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Wayne County Agricultural Center at the corner of Chestnut and George streets. Flu shots and pneumonia shots will be available. Flu shots will be...

Goldsboro native honored as Air Force Spouse of the Year for Washington area

Michale C. Newton, a native of Goldsboro, received the Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award for the Virginia-Maryland-Washington, D.C., area. She is the daughter of Linwood and Betty Cherry of Dudley and the granddaughter of the late...

Flu clinic at county Health Department Oct. 19

A flu clinic will be held Friday, Oct. 19 at the Wayne County Health Department from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. However, in order to promote faster processing, individuals are requested to report as follows per...

Talent takes stage at 2007 county fair

Some played difficult numbers on the piano, while others belted out well-known tunes. Still more did challenging gymnastic routines. All of the younger participants in the talent show at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair were winners just for having enough...

Carver students chosen for state elementary chorus

MOUNT OLIVE -- Two Carver Elementary School students have been chosen to sing in the N.C. Music Educators "Elementary Honors Chorus" next month. Elizabeth Vaughan, a fifth-grader, and Zachary Price, a fourth-grader, were chosen from more than 450 students across...

Health board needs nurse representative

The Wayne County Board of Health is accepting applications for a nurse representative. Board members serve a three-year term and can serve up to three terms, for a total of nine years. It is the members' responsibility to make health-related...

Friday, October 5, 2007

Charles B. Aycock

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber A showcase at his birthplace in Wayne County displays the pen former North Carolina Gov. Charles B. Aycock used to sign his oath of office on Jan. 15, 1901, as well as the walking stick he used...

What's the fuss about Charles B. Aycock

Almost a week after state treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Richard Moore decided to attack Gov. Charles B. Aycock -- a favored Wayne County son -- for his segregationist views during his term in office in 1900, Wayne County residents are...

Gov. Charles B. Aycock historical perspective

Gov. Charles B. Aycock was a segregationist. On that point there seems to be little debate. However, that's not all the Wayne County native was. He was also North Carolina's education governor -- a fact that Moore seemed to ignore...

Public schools respond to rise in autism

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism over the last decade and with it, the need to provide specialized teachers, Wayne County Public Schools officials say. The once-rare disorder is becoming more prevalent...

Arnold Jones to run for Superior Court Judge

Arnold O. Jones II has announced that he will run for the Wayne County senior resident Superior Court judge's seat in 2008. Jones, 42, the son of the late Judge Arnold Jones, will officially kick off his campaign Oct. 29...

Eight champions earn honors at fair spelling bee

One by one, the students nervously walked up to the microphone. Each received his or her word to spell. One by one they were eliminated. Until all that were left were eight champions -- one for each grade level. That...

Horses, mules and donkeys take center stage at the fair

It was family feud night in the horse ring at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Thursday night. Sister competed against sister. Mothers stood toe-to-toe with their children. And a wife looked for revenge against her husband. For a moment, Thursday...

Students compete at the fair's Auto Mechanics Vocational Competition

Splash through a puddle with this brake rotor installed, and you might find yourself with a broken-down vehicle, 16-year-old Tyler Holmes said. Students had the brake rotors in front of them at one station in the Auto Mechanics Vocational Competition...

WCC Foundation scholarships open

New and returning students who plan to attend Wayne Community College for the spring 2008 semester may apply for Foundation of Wayne Community College scholarships through the end of October. Scholarship applications are available in the Foundation office in the...

Revolutionary War espionage to be topic of October 16 lecture

"Espionage in the American Revolution" will be the topic of Conway J. Rose's program Oct. 16 at the Wayne County Public Library. It will be held in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at 7 p.m. Rose will discuss how espionage was...

Environmental workshop to be held October 17 at MOC

MOUNT OLIVE -- Dr. Dan Gall, environmental science coordinator and associate professor of geology and archaeology at Mount Olive College, will give a presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from noon until 1 p.m. in the Hennessee Room of the Lois...

Educators planning 'McTeachers' night October 16

School staffs and teachers will soon put on aprons and play host to their students and parents as part of "McTeachers' Night" at McDonalds restaurants around the county. On Tuesday, Oct. 16, the one-night fundraiser will support the schools by...

Camp out Carolina

Earth Share of North Carolina, a coalition of 63 non-profit organizations working to protect the environment is calling on people to show their support by camping out the night of Oct. 19. Whether you pitch a tent in the backyard...

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Firm earns millions in base contracts

A Goldsboro construction company was recently awarded a contract it says will keep more than $23 million right here in Wayne County. Daniels and Daniels beat out national competition for the project, one that will culminate in the construction of...

County will weigh incentive grant for Reuel Inc.

Meeting Tuesday morning, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners voted to schedule two public hearings -- one for its next meeting on Oct. 16 and one on Nov. 6. The first, which will begin at 9:15 a.m., will be to...

Coverage for mental health care examined

With the stigmas surrounding mental illnesses continuing to lessen and more and more people seeking services, the state General Assembly took the large step this year of passing legislation to require insurance companies to improve their coverage of mental health...

Just around a fair corner, a bit of history

An 8-year-old boy spent most of his Wednesday afternoon staring down at the concrete floors inside one of the Wayne County Fairgrounds' exhibit buildings. Lucas Hoffman looked up shortly after his mother, Liza, passed the Christmas trees on display. "I...

Legislator speaks to city youth council

State Rep. Tricia Cotham started in politics at an age when most of her contemporaries were more worried about boys having cooties and playing kickball at recess, she told members of the Goldsboro Mayor's Youth Council Wednesday. At age 10,...

Exhibits offer look at growers' produce

The strong aroma of tobacco leaves fills the exhibit area. A huge watermelon catches a visitor's eye first thing. All around are colorful fruits and vegetables. It's part of the agricultural display at this year's county fair. One of the...

Mom organizes vigil for those who mourn child

Alittle more than a year ago, Wendy Womble was getting ready for the birth of her third child, a daughter. It would have been the first little girl born into her husband's family in two decades, she said. September 2006...

Jenkins takes first at national golf event

Alan Jenkins, a Special Olympics athlete from Goldsboro, recently participated in the 2007 National Golf Invitational in both individual and team events. Part of the 11-member North Carolina golf team, he also competed in the individual skills division at the...

Rodeo makes return to county fair

The lights were bright, the energy high. The audience was ready to see dirt fly. Words from Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" rang out over the loudspeakers, evoking memories of "Top Gun," but these weren't riders in the sky. They were...

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Digging Up a New Spot

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Marjorie Britt, left, Sandy Davis and Wayne County Animal Control director Justin Scally let the dogs do the work at Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony for the new animal shelter on Clingman Street. For more information see New shelter...

Attorney wants IQ numbers for suspect in 2005 murder

A man accused of a summer 2005 murder in Mount Olive needs an evaluation to see if he is intelligent enough to stand trial, his court-appointed attorney says. Richard Lee Swinson, 27, had been scheduled for arraignment Tuesday before Senior...

$44 million lowest cost for jail plan, study finds

Faced with a jail that routinely holds about 50 more prisoners than it was built for, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners listened Tuesday morning to two possible solutions -- either renovate and expand the existing facility or build a...

New animal shelter is on the way

It might have been the size of the crowd watching and cheering. Or it could have been the fact that several had been told to stop playing in the dirt while the officials made their remarks. But whatever the reason,...

Neighbor charged in timber theft

A Rosewood area man is accused of cutting down $250,000 worth of a neighbor's trees and selling some of the timber, authorities say. Don Twiggs, 54, Howell Road, Goldsboro, is charged with obtaining property by false pretenses, Wayne County Sheriff's...

Bakers battle for honors in fair pie contest

Ruby Thornton awoke at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday for one reason -- to bake for the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. It was the day of the annual pie contest, and she was not about to miss it. "I started entering so...

Residents upset over proposed fees on animals in Duplin

MOUNT OLIVE -- Hunters and pet owners from across Duplin County converged on the Oak Wolfe Fire Station outside of Mount Olive Monday night -- some because they didn't like the idea of being hit with another tax and some...

Candidates for mayor, council speak out at NAACP forum

Candidates for Goldsboro's mayoral and city hall races answered prepared questions at Goldsboro Public Library Tuesday night, in a session sponsored by the local chapter of the NAACP. Mayor Al King had to leave after a few questions, but voiced...

Wayne County fair results

MONDAY Vocational competition Carpentry: Ethan Ipod, Charles B. Aycock High School Health occupations spelling bee: Amanda Holland, Charles B. Aycock High School TUESDAY Salute to senior citizens Outstanding senior citizen: Jimmie Head of Eureka Youngest grandparent: Barbara Malpass of Faison,...

County seniors get their day at the fair

Senior citizens cut loose at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Tuesday afternoon. They turned out for the salute to senior citizens event, "Spotlighting Seniors." It was sponsored by the Wayne County Extension and Community Association. Four contestants competed for the...

Public record

Sexual assault A woman living on Eleventh Street reported being sexually assaulted by a 39-year-old man she knows at her home on Monday afternoon, Police Investigator Dave Cloutier said....

Bentonville living history Saturday

A demonstration of open-hearth cooking will be part of a living history demonstration Saturday at Bentonville Battleground. The Fall Civilian Living History Programwill be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. In addition, there will be discussions of the hardships...

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Their day at the fair

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Students from Northwest Elementary pause for a moment to look at some prize-winning squash during their visit to the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Monday afternoon. Hundreds of students got their chance for a special behind-the-scenes tour at...

Goldsboro City Council adds $20,000 to this year's budget

Goldsboro City Council allotted more money for demolishing rundown city structures, and made arrangements to make interest payments on the rebirth of another at its meeting Monday night. Council members learned that with construction of the new Paramount Theatre getting...

Goldsboro City Council Council - other business

In other business, council approved a lease of a city-owned vacant lot on Arrington Bridge Road to Williams Farms Inc. for farming purposes. Council also set a public hearing for Oct. 22's council meeting to allow citizens to discuss whether...

U.S. 117 gets OK to allow trucks

A few months after the first tickets began appearing, the new U.S. 117 bypass is once again open for business for truckers hauling trailers more than 48 feet long. On Friday, a committee of the Federal Highway Administration approved the...

Mount Olive sets new rules on riding horses in town

MOUNT OLIVE -- Don't form a posse. No more wild riding. And you might want to find an oversized pooper-scooper. Mount Olive Town Board members tightened the reigns on local horseback riders Monday, passing an ordinance they say will "protect"...

Mount Olive Town Board discusses resurfacing, honors firefighters

MOUNT OLIVE -- Residents along Crest Drive might soon have relief from bumpy drives to and from their homes, as Mount Olive Town Board members discussed resurfacing the 200 block of the road at their meeting Monday. Town Manager Charles...

Celia James named Principal of the Year

For the second time in eight years, Meadow Lane Elementary School principal Celia James has been named Wayne County Public Schools' "Wachovia Principal of the Year." Mrs. James has more than 34 years experience in education. She began her career...

Public record

Dog dragged by car A woman reported her boyfriend tied her dog to the back of a Buick Regal and dragged the animal along Highland Avenue around 11 p.m. Sunday, police said. Trucker Kevin Collier Posey, 20, North Drive, is...

Pikeville fire rates reduced

PIKEVILLE -- As of Monday, it's cheaper to insure a house against fire in the Pikeville-Pleasant Grove Fire District, the fire chief said. After an April inspection by the N.C. Office of the State Fire Marshal's Department of Insurance, the...

Wayne County Public Schools lunch menus

WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Week of October 8-12 Monday -- Breakfast: blueberry muffin; Lunch: pepperoni pizza, baked corn dog, steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, applesauce, orange Tuesday -- Breakfast: apple turnover; Lunch: taco w/cheese, salsa & spanish rice, chicken...

Charity cars campaign seeking donations

A campaign to obtain and refurbish motor vehicles to donate to victims of domestic abuse is seeking donations this month, which is both National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Car Care Month. Organizers had hoped to have a half-dozen...

Monday, October 1, 2007

First Derby Rolls

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Cutline For more information see Crashing to claim 'king of the heaps'....

Official will ask for more demolition funds

Roofs are rotting. Floors are falling apart. Windows are worn and wrecked. And the dilapidated houses and buildings will stay that way for now -- at least until Chief Building Inspector Ed Cianfarra receives more money from the city to...

Jobless rate hits seasonal low level

As expected, Wayne County's unemployment rate dropped in August, matching the state average of 4.7 percent. After reaching a high of 5.5 percent in July (the state was at 5 percent), Wayne's rate plummeted in August, due largely to a...

Providers identified for errors in service

The mental health private provider network in Wayne County is in the process of being shaken up, but Eastpointe Director Ken Jones said he is not too worried about any potential adverse effects on the client base. Currently, the network...

Crashing to claim 'king of the heaps'

Seven days ago Larry Lane of Dudley was lying in a hospital bed, having just undergone colon surgery. On Sunday, ignoring the pain and the stitches, he was sitting, helmet on, in his demolition derby car listening to the final-round...

Weekend fair results

SATURDAY Open junior beef heifer show Grand champion: Colleen Jones of Kinston Reserve grand champion: Billy Lewis of Walstonburg Showmanship ages 9 through 11: Wyatt Scott of Lucama Showmanship ages 12 through 14: Colleen Jones of Kinston Showmanship ages 15...

Commission will get look at jail study at meeting

After voicing concerns at the Wayne County Board of Commissioners last meeting in September about the recent spate of short agendas, Commissioner Andy Anderson shouldn't have any complaints on Tuesday as the group faces a jam-packed meeting, highlighted by a...

New first sergeant takes over Goldsboro post

Dealing with speeding drivers and accidents is about the same today as it was in 1989 -- it's the way things are handled afterward that's different. So says Jerry Burton, the new first sergeant at the Wayne County Highway Patrol...

Raleigh girl takes top spot in hog show

Emma See of Raleigh swept the junior market hog show at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Friday, earning two blue ribbons before being named grand champion of the event. The 12-year-old, whose grandfather raises pigs, said she has been showing...

Public record

Investigations Goldsboro police are investigating these reports: *Charles Knight of South Slocumb Street reported a break-in at a residence Friday night. Attempts were made to enter through a front door, but the security bar was in place, so instead a...

GTP adds transportation director

KINSTON -- A former senior U.S. Navy officer with an aviation background has been appointed to the post of transportation director at the N. C. Global TransPark, a new position at the GTP. Randy Robb will take major responsibility for...

Fire Department prevention store at mall Saturday

The Goldsboro Fire Department will kick off Fire Prevention Week with the opening of the Fire Prevention Store in the Berkley Mall on Saturday at 10 a.m. On the opening day, firefighters will be featuring an expo in the parking...