November 2010 archives

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Santa march

Larry Lane of Larry's Landscape and Design turns Santa cutouts to show the Santas to drivers on U.S. 117 South in Goldsboro. Lane says that cutouts are selling well this year, while tree sales have temporarily slowed. In fact, he...

Airman, 38, found dead in Pikeville

PIKEVILLE -- For the third time since October, members of the 4th Fighter Wing are having to cope with the loss of a comrade. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials confirmed this morning that Tech Sgt. Joshua Grotke was found...

Fundraiser planned for Kitty Askins expansion

The latest fundraiser for the addition to Kitty Askins Hospice Center is also a way to memorialize family and friends who spent time there. The "Fund-A-Foot" campaign is part of the public phase of raising money for the expansion,...

Health officials deny report of another death

Health officials today were unable to confirm a radio station's report of a sixth death related to the hepatitis B outbreak at GlenCare assisted living facility in Mount Olive. The station's report of a death surfaced Monday but was unsubstantiated....

Bank robber slips by officers

Goldsboro police are searching for a bank robber who struck the RBC Centura Bank at 106 N. Spence Ave. about 4 p.m. Monday. Police would not say this morning how the man fled the bank, but a report said...

Teacher talks to Eastern Wayne students about dangers lurking online

When it comes to cyberbullying and online social networking, parents need just as much education as their children. Karen Garris, media coordinator at Eastern Wayne High School, said she would like to see more adults involved in a discussion of...

Fremont Fire Department gets grant

FREMONT -- The Fremont Fire Department has been awarded a $20,256 grant through the North Carolina Volunteer Fire Department Fund. The money will be used to purchase new equipment. The grant funds must be matched by local funding. The...

Even sweet potatoes can make a difference

Late last month, Wayne County 4-H'ers got out in the hot field and gleaned sweet potatoes so others wouldn't have to go hungry as part of their Make A Difference Day project. They had a goal of donating 2,000...

Employer Support Freedom Award nominations due

ARLINGTON, Va. -- While Americans are reflecting on what they are thankful for, members of the Guard and Reserve and their families across North Carolina are encouraged to thank supportive employers this Thanksgiving by nominating them for the 2011...

Monday, November 29, 2010

MPO to look at U.S. 70 growth

The state's decision to expedite construction of the U.S. 70 Bypass, while welcomed by local leaders, has brought with it a whole new set of issues -- not the least of which is ensuring that the highway is built. On...

December blood drive

Want to donate blood? Following is the December blood drive schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: * Dec. 2: Wayne County employees at the Red Cross chapter house, 600 N. George St., from 10:30 a.m....

Wayne County receives grants to improve energy efficiency in county buildings

Wayne County has received $273,941 in federal stimulus money that will be used to improve energy efficiency in several county-owned buildings. Work is under way to draft the specifications for the projects that could be ready for bid by...

Injury drives home need for blood

Teresa Williams knows how to respond in a crisis -- with calm, quiet strength. It's worked for the 22 years she has been with the Wayne County Chapter of American Red Cross, first as a volunteer and later as emergency...

Man, 20, killed in Pine Level Saturday

PINE LEVEL -- A Smithfield man was shot to death early Saturday morning at a home on E. Pine Street, according to published reports. Devin Barber, 20, is the town's first homicide victim in memory, authorities said. Stefan Gudac, 23,...

Clothing drive helps women start over

Academic Abundance, a local non-profit organization, recently joined with more than a dozen local businesses and groups to help victims of domestic violence get off to a fresh start with a "Dress for Success" clothing drive. The organization, which...

Public records

Shots fired into occupied home *Two Goldsboro men face multiple charges after shots were fired into an occupied dwelling on South George Street. On Nov. 26 Goldsboro Police Cpl. Michael Sweet observed a black male fire a handgun into the...

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Despite interruption, facilities plan moving ahead

The past year has been one of upheaval for the school district's capital improvement efforts -- from the unexpected departure of the assistant superintendent responsible for the schools' facilities plan, to the economic downturn that stalled some of its...

Locally owned shops see good holiday start

Jacqueline McKinnie of Rose Hill wasn't swayed by all of the hoopla surrounding Black Friday shopping frenzy. "I knew where I was coming and it didn't bother me," she said Saturday afternoon as she paid for her new shoes...

When times are tough, group works to feed pets

Vickie Hare cuddles Coco in a blanket and gently kisses her on the head. When Coco looks up, you can see the staples keeping her left eyelid closed over an empty socket -- the result of a run-in with...

Microsoft and DPI providing technical know-how classes

While attending a conference in July, Erlene Brogden learned about a proposed pilot program that will ultimately provide technology training at every public high school in the state. She immediately recommended Spring Creek High School as a candidate. "The...

Mount Olive College bead project kicks off sales

When their hand-made beaded jewelry profiting Cure International went on sale last week, Mount Olive College art professor Larry Lean and his students didn't even make it out of the building with their stock before they made their first...

Mount Olive youth prepare, serve Thanksgiving dinner to the community

MOUNT OLIVE -- Youth at Mount Olive First Baptist Church didn't spent their Saturday after Thanksgiving shopping at the mall or at the movies -- they spent it helping prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal for needy people in the...

Two inmates break out of Wayne jail Friday

Two inmates escaped from the Wayne County Detention Center around 11:30 p.m. Friday. Inmates Michael D. Minard and Tracey A. Deaver attacked detention officer Sgt. Albert Anders during routine guard duty. Cellmates Minard and Deaver rigged their cell door...

Three dead in Greene County wreck Friday

Officials with the N.C. Highway Patrol confirmed Saturday that three people died Friday in Greene County after a fiery two-car crash. A spokesman at the N.C. Highway Patrol Communications Center in Raleigh confirmed that Shirley Francis Mitchell, 24, of...

Duplin school superintendent gives board new direction

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Education said farewell to a 20-year veteran board member Tuesday, and learned of Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan's recommendations for the school system's future. Board member Emily Manning, first elected to the board...

Pecans start slow, pick up

The holidays are here and that means all sorts of pies, cakes, candies and cheeseballs oozing with mounds of tasty pecans. But the weather and a shortage of pecans have delayed pecan processing this year. Not to worry, though,...

Friday, November 26, 2010

Christmas mailing deadlines nearing

They might be thousands of miles from home -- and aren't set to return to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base until after the New Year -- but the more than 700 members of the 4th Fighter Wing currently deployed...

Volunteers still needed to ring bells at kettles

The bells are ringing at area retailers as the Salvation Army starts its annual funding drive to help families in need. The iconic red kettles are in place around Wayne County as the non-profit organization asks for donations that...

Don't let holiday stress get you down

The cooking. The cleaning. The kids. The shopping. The bills. The holidays. With disrupted schedules, family responsibilities and the million and one other things that make the season bright, it's no surprise that some people get a little down...

Shoppers in stores early for holiday deals, bargains

Black Friday bargain hunters swarmed Wayne County stores before dawn this morning for one of the busiest shopping days of the year, braving long waits to take advantage of the best deals on toys, electronics and other gifts. More...

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Optimist Club's Farfour has been selling Christmas trees for 53 years

It's not about the money. In fact, Ed Farfour has never accepted a paycheck for his services -- not in 53 years. For the last remaining charter member of the Optimist Club, selling Christmas trees is its own reward. "I...

St. Mary students make cupcakes, learn about thanks, giving

Karlie Westbrook and Kyra Wardley, both 5, had their own strategies for decorating the cupcakes that would be taken to the Community Soup Kitchen on Tuesday. Kyra chose orange sprinkles and candy corn to adorn hers. "I got white icing...

Community takes care of needy all year long

The day before Thanksgiving, the phone rang every few minutes in Community Soup Kitchen Director Doricia Benton's office as an army of volunteers made sandwiches and prepared turkeys in the kitchen. Most of the calls were from people hoping to...

What's Thanksgiving all about? Turkey, football and Sarah, of course

Thanksgiving, according to a class of fourth-graders, is all about turkey, a woman named Sarah and a football game or two. Several students in Kathy Drew's class at Spring Creek Elementary School shared their own take of the holiday...

LaGrange man charged in child's death

Keefe Decarlos McPhail, 37, of LaGrange, has been charged with the murder of a 21-month-old. The charge is the latest action in a nearly month-long investigation. The child, Kamari Bryant, was taken to the Wayne Memorial Hospital emergency room Oct....

Fremont Police Chief Rawlings to train officers in Afghanistan

FREMONT -- Fremont police Chief R.K. Rawlings, 57, will step down from his job on Monday, and by Tuesday will be on a plane to Dubai, on his way to Afghanistan where he will train Afghan police officers. "I...

Embers coming back for Christmas concert at Paramount

For the second year in a row, North Carolina's premier beach music band will help usher in Christmas in Goldsboro. The Embers will perform at The Paramount Theatre on Monday, Dec. 20, starting at 7:30 p.m. The group, founded...

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wayne Community College looks at budget, future classes

Wayne Community College officials are looking at ways to maintain enrollment in curriculum programs for the next two years, while factoring in potential budget shortfalls and a soft economy. Typically, an economic downturn drives up the numbers returning to community...

Blackout pauses shoppers Tuesday

Equipment failure on an overhead power line was to blame for a Tuesday power outage along Spence Avenue and Harding Drive, Progress Energy officials said this morning. The failure occurred at 4:57 p.m. and power was restored by 5:52...

Let there be lights

His hands extended to catch the "snow" falling from the section of sky just above him, Robbie Franklin turned his focus to the horses that had, moments earlier, made their way up Center Street. "That's what I want for...

Intimidated by the turkey? There are other options

Cooks don't like to share their recipe secrets -- especially if that secret is a Thanksgiving Day meal prepared by people like Linda Herring and her cooking crew at the Mount Olive Piggly Wiggly deli or by cooks at the...

Duplin occupancy tax collections up

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County occupancy tax collections for the first quarter of the 2010-11 fiscal year are up more than 14 percent from the first quarter last year, according to Duplin County Tourism. Duplin County's occupancy tax collections are...

Mount Olive College marks 59 years at Founders Day event

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College celebrated its nearly six decades of operation, and honored the leaders who made it possible, at the annual Founders Day service Tuesday at Southern Bank Auditorium. Almost 59 years to the day after Mount...

MLK grant application deadline is Tuesday

Applications are must be postmarked by Nov. 30 from nonprofit agencies interested in being considered for grants of up to $5,000 per from the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. The grants were started to create or strengthen programs that...

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Christmas Child boxes

Adamsville Baptist Church members, from left, Beverly Cannon, Edith Colmore and Lindsey Cannon pack shoeboxes with toys and personal hygiene items Sunday afternoon as part of the local drive for Operation Christmas Child. The church served again this year as...

False alarms cost the city

When the alarm bell rings at the Goldsboro Fire Department, there is a one in five chance that the call will turn out to be a false alarm, usually triggered by a malfunctioning safety monitoring system. Nearly 20 percent...

Maxwells inducted into Agriculture Hall of Fame

It was an evening of records Monday night for the annual Wayne County Farm-City Banquet. Not only did the event boast its largest crowd ever, close to 250 people, it also was the first time in its 26-year history...

Mount Olive announces schedule for town's holiday events

MOUNT OLIVE -- The town of Mount Olive will celebrate the season with a weekend of holiday activities and many other Christmas events in the coming weeks. The eighth annual Mount Olive Holiday Open House, presented by the Mount...

Beautancus cancels Christmas parade

The annual Thanksgiving Day Beautancus Christmas parade will not be held this year. Organizers said a lack of participation from volunteers made it difficult to arrange the traditional "come-and- join" parade that is usually the first parade of the...

Monday, November 22, 2010

Officials looking at speed limit on U.S. 117 South

For the time being, motorists will not be able to drive 60 mph, at least not legally, on U.S. 117 Bypass South. The increased speed limit had been suggested by Connie Price, chairman of the Technical Coordinating Committee of the...

United Way campaign needs community's help

United Way of Wayne County has four weeks left to raise the slightly more than $450,000 needed to reach its $1,400,932 goal. However, campaign Chairman Lynn Williams is optimistic that the people of Wayne County will come through. And...

Goldsboro man to face child sex charges

A Goldsboro man was jailed under a $6 million secured bond Saturday after the Wayne County's Sheriff Office arrested him on charges of numerous sex offenses. Joseph Anthony Raczkow-ski, 50, of Garrick Lane, faces six counts of first-degree statutory...

Gang conference draws local interest

Former gang members and ex-drug dealers told their stories of loss and recovery to more than 1,000 young peopleduring a three-day conference last week in an effort to combat the growth of gangs and drug use among young people...

Jobless rate dropping in Wayne

Unemployment in Wayne County has dropped below 8 percent for the first time in months, but it's clear to officials that some jobs won't be coming back in the same numbers that existed before the 2008 recession. Few companies are...

Sunday, November 21, 2010

County officially OKs schedule of values

Wayne County commissioners took a second vote on the county's proposed schedules of real property values this week while urging tax officials to once again explain to the public what the schedules represent. The decision was unanimous in favor...

Volunteers renovating hero's home

EDITOR'SNOTE: The full names of the Marine and his family are being withheld at his request. BEULAVILLE -- Warren couldn't help but smile when his daughter, Faith, wrapped her arms around his leg -- pulling herself in for a long...

County's capital project list close to $289.9M

The clock is ticking and Wayne County commissioners will need to act by early January to position the county to seek $15 million in federal funding to pay for major renovation projects at Norwayne and Eastern Wayne middle schools....

County, city closings set for Thanksgiving

Local, state and federal offices, banks and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Some also will be closed Friday. The city of Goldsboro will observe the Thanksgiving holidays on Thursday, Nov. 25, and...

Goldsboro police chief will retire this March

The city of Goldsboro will begin looking soon for a new chief for its police department. After nearly 30 years at the department, Chief Tim Bell has announced plans to retire early next year. Bell has served as the...

County is looking for land for grant-funded cleanup

Nine of the 15 people at a Wednesday night meeting to explain and seek public comment on Wayne County's federal brownfields grant were either directly related to the program or associated with the county or Goldsboro city governments. Sue Farmer,...

Final week of county collections for Operation Christmas Child scheduled

Collections for the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign end Monday and Wayne County residents who have not yet filled a shoebox with gifts and personal hygiene items for needy children overseas are encouraged to do so now. Adamsville Baptist...

Apartment fire starts in kitchen

The Goldsboro Fire Department responded to an apartment fire at 602 E. Holly St., Apt. B, Saturday just before 4 p.m. Resident Patrick Hocutt said he was returning from the store to his apartment where his two sons, ages...

Friday, November 19, 2010

Railroad tie repairs cause traffic snarl

Railroad improvement work closed the intersection of Royall Avenue, Berkeley Boulevard and Central Heights Road for most of Thursday and into this morning, creating traffic snarls and long delays and detours for drivers. The state Department of Transportation closed...

MPO eyes plans for highway speedup

Brad Gurley said he is happy about the news that the U.S. 70 Bypass will be completed by 2016 even though it slices through his property. "I can get my bags packed and get off the property any day," Gurley...

Health officials keep eye on center outbreak

Recent weeks have been particularly busy for the Health Department, since the hepatitis B outbreak at GlenCare assisted living facility in Mount Olive, where eight cases were diagnosed and five residents died. Two state reports released over the past week...

County classrooms get thousands in grants

Veteran educator Tracy Salter is always looking for creative ways to teach her first-grade students. In the 21st century, that means one thing -- technology. "With first grade, I have to teach the skills on the computer and in the...

Mt. Olive Pickle to add on to its distribution center

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mt. Olive Pickle Co. breaks ground this week on an environmentally friendly expansion project that will double the size of its warehouse capacity. The company will add 138,000 square feet to its 170,000-square-foot distribution center...

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Crash victim linked to multiple break-ins

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office has connected a man who died eluding a state trooper to nearly 20 breaking and enterings in the county. Dustin Ray Mitchell, 21, of Princeton, died Nov. 3 after his car struck a tree as...

GlenCare faces fine of $20,000 from state

MOUNT OLIVE -- GlenCare assisted living facility will remain open, but faces fines up to $20,000, as the second of two reports was handed down Wednesday by the state Division of Health Service Regulations. The facility's state license could have...

Migrant worker found with TB infection

A migrant worker who recently relocated to Wayne County is being treated for tuberculosis, according to local health officials. The unidentified man, estimated to be in his mid-20s, is in isolation at Cherry Hospital, Health Director James Roosen said Wednesday....

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Steak Barn will reopen doors

The Steak Barn, a landmark Goldsboro restaurant that served patrons for more than 40 years, is reopening after shutting its doors in July. Owners Karen and Scott Adams say they want to make the new Steak Barn a return...

County balks at translation order

Extortion. That is how Wayne County Commissioner Andy Anderson Tuesday morning described a new federal rule that would force counties to translate certain documents into Spanish or face the loss of federal funding. Even though the plan under consideration currently...

Christmas choir

Three months to program, 72 motions, six people to assemble, a handful of watchers, one little boy with a big smile and 18 bears. The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra was assembled Tuesday morning at Berkeley Mall by the mall's media...

MPO will talk about changes required for U.S. 70

The state Department of Transportation's decision last month to complete the U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass within six years instead of in two decades or longer is forcing the Goldsboro Metropolitan Planning Organization to rethink many of its plans and timetables....

Commissioners will look at plans for draft capital spending projects

New homes for the Wayne County Health Department and Services on Aging and Mount Olive's Steele Memorial Library are expected to be part of a draft capital improvement plan to be unveiled Thursday. County Manager Lee Smith and his staff...

Deadline nearing for state internship applications

RALEIGH -- North Carolina residents attending a college, university, technical institute or community college have until Jan. 12, 2011, to apply for one of up to 65 paid state government internships available for summer 2011. The State Government Internship...

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Chief: Nine miles over speed limit not likely to earn drivers a citation

Driving nine miles per hour over the speed limit probably won't get you pulled over by Goldsboro police officers -- and in the event they do stop you, a verbal warning is far more likely than a ticket. That was...

Pirate chorus

The chorus of Meadow Lane Elementary School sings "Party, Me Hearty" under the direction of Matilda Marriner at the Wayne County Public Schools' Choral Showcase on Monday evening at Goldsboro High School. Eight school choruses participated in the showcase, the...

Woman killed in two-vehicle crash

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A two-car accident near Seven Springs resulted in the death of an 81-year-old woman Monday afternoon. Jettie Best Johnson of Mount Olive was killed when she pulled into the path of a vehicle operated by Franklin Ray...

Nursing staffers earn awards for their work

Wayne Memorial Hospital celebrated the dedication and professionalism of its nursing staff Monday night, presenting eight with the Nurse of Excellence awards. The annual recognition, started in 1999, acknowledges the role of nurses, nursing assistants, technicians and surgical staff,...

Tri-County Electric Membership holds 70th annual meeting at Mount Olive College

MOUNT OLIVE -- Tri-County Electric Membership Corp. Operation Round-up program began 10 years ago has raised $1,022,520.29 that has been given back to non-profit organizations and individuals in the company's service area. In that program, Tri-County members allow the...

Superintendent earns healthy schools award

Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools, was named the 2010 North Carolina Healthy Schools Superintendent of the Year for his leadership, support and commitment to coordinated school health programs across the district. The award was presented...

City Council: Black males crisis critical

A late-night television news program recently got to Chuck Allen -- so much so that during the City Council's pre-meeting work session Monday evening, the mayor pro tem ignited a discussion about what the program identified as a "shocking...

Monday, November 15, 2010

Volunteer is seeking flights for Wayne County veterans

If only for the duration of a brief presentation, members of the Goldsboro City Council will set aside talk of policies and public hearings this evening -- turning their focus, instead, toward a group of heroes that is growing smaller...

Stars and stripes

Belfast volunteer firefighters Jonathan Holland, top, and Amanda Wilkenson are silhouetted by the bright sun while standing on a ladder Saturday during the department's display of its equipment at a Herman Park festival. After several days of sunshine, showers are...

Wilson says 'no chicken plant'

Nash County commissioners earlier this month moved to solidify their county's position as a contender for a $94 million chicken processing plant. Northern Wayne County also is in the running for the plant, which would employ 1,000 people. But even...

Local schools' FFA chapters bring home national honors

Students from four area high schools were among more than 650 candidates attending the 83rd National FFA Convention held recently in Indianapolis. Two of the schools -- Southern Wayne and Rosewood -- returned with several honors, including national chapter awards....

4th Fighter Wing film to be previewed Tuesday

A film showing the history of the 4th Fighter Wing will be shown Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Wayne County Museum. The film, which runs about an hour and 40 minutes, covers the entire history of the storied...

Commission takes look at new plat rules, values

Proposed changes to the county's subdivision ordinance will be the subject of a Tuesday morning public hearing before Wayne County commissioners. The hearing will get under way at 9:15 a.m. in the commissioners' boardroom on the fourth floor of the...

Braxton facing assault charge

KINSTON -- State Rep. Van Braxton has been charged with simple assault and communicating threats by a Lenoir County man with whom he had a confrontation over a campaign sign. Ray Wiley, 50, of Falling Creek Road filed charges...

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Public schools' choral showcases Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights

An early dose of holiday cheer will be spread over three nights when Wayne County Public Schools' presents its annual district-wide choral showcases this week. Performances will be held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at Goldsboro High school. Doors...

Alleged screwdriver-wielding robber arrested

Following a stop-and-go foot chase, a screwdriver wielding man was arrested Saturday morning for allegedly committing two robberies and one kidnapping. John Curtis Nick, 48, Hines Drive, is charged with second-degree kidnapping and robbery with a dangerous weapon by...

Wayne Memorial Hospital rolls out new website

Wayne Memorial Hospital is taking a page from technology, in an effort to refresh its image in the community. In recent weeks, billboards and newspaper ads have been popping up, hinting that something is "coming soon" to Wayne County...

Foster and adoptive parents recognized at Herman Park event

More than 50 years after growing up in a foster setting herself, Shirley Deans sought to return that gift, bringing 5-year-old Najeea into her home despite already being in her 60s and having raised six children of her own. And...

Grand jury returns indictments

The Wayne County Grand Jury has indicted a man for allegedly committing a first-degree sex offense. Henry Tyron Randolph, 31, of West New Hope Road, was also charged by Goldsboro police with taking indecent liberties with a minor and...

State releases GlenCare report

MOUNT OLIVE -- Glucometers stored together in insufficiently labeled containers, inadequately cleaned or disinfected after use, and claims that medication technicians at GlenCare used devices on more than one patient were all part of a comprehensive report on the assisted...

Eagle Scouts invited to breakfast

The Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America will hold a breakfast for all Eagle Scouts on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church at 204 E. Chestnut St. Attendees are asked to come...

Historic downtown home burns

The cause of a blaze at one of Goldsboro's most historic homes is still under investigation today after a Friday night fire. The Paul Borden House, 305 W. Mulberry St., is one of several downtown built by the Borden family,...

Mount Olive sets new guidelines for budget

MOUNT OLIVE -- After weathering a tough financial year, the town of Mount Olive will take an unusual step in preparing for its 2011-12 budget: Creating a draft budget that does not include any revenue from state-collected taxes. The...

Public meetings to identify contaminated properties planned

The first of what is expected to be several public meetings will be held Wednesday night to help Wayne County officials identify property that might qualify for federal assistance in cleaning up soil or groundwater contamination. The meeting will...

Friday, November 12, 2010

Wayne County pays tribute to veterans

For a moment, as a group of airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base marched past her, Destiny Kornegay dismissed the blanket meant to shield her from the cold and picked up an undersized American flag. "Look Mommy. Look," the...

Ground broken for veterans memorial

Some saluted an American flag when a lone Air Force bugler started in with taps early Thursday morning at the site that once housed the Wayne County Memorial Community Building. Others bowed their heads and wiped tears from their eyes....

Shared needle linked to deaths

MOUNT OLIVE -- Despite word from the state that five medication technicians at GlenCare admitted they had used the same diabetic pen on several residents -- being linked to five recent deaths at the assisted living facility -- owners say...

Veterans Day in Rosewood

Local airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base walk in the Rosewood Elementary Veterans Day Parade Wednesday. Students from the school, many of whom have parents who are active military, showed their appreciation for their American heroes by waving flags...

Braxton accused of assault over sign

KINSTON -- Lenoir County authorities are investigating an allegation that state Rep. Van Braxton assaulted a man while trying to retrieve one of his campaign signs last week. According to the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office, investigators are trying to...

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Duplin schools forge deal with commissioners on court order

BEULAVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the board of county commissioners, ending more than two years of contention over school funding. The school board previously approved, by a 3-2...

Taking Jared's flight

As one of his young soldiers lay defenseless on a mountain path, Army Staff Sgt. Jared Monti dropped his radio and stepped in front of the enemy forces pinning down his unit -- exposing himself to a barrage of small...

DAV chapter hosting benefit car show at dealership Saturday to help veterans

For a group of local veterans, the event taking place at Chevrolet Cadillac of Goldsboro Saturday will be more than just another car show. It will also be a chance, they said, to raise money for their cause: looking out...

Former WCC chief Erwin dies at age 81

Former Wayne Community College President Dr. Clyde Erwin died Wednesday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. He was 81. President of WCC from 1966 until 1986, he was executive secretary of the N.C. State School Board Association and had served as...

Wine tasting to raise funds for Wayne County Reads

Tickets are still available for the wine-tasting to be held Saturday at Herman Park Center to raise money for the annual Wayne County Reads project. HealthHabit sponsors a charity wine-tasting every year. This year, the business chose the reading...

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Officials to county: Get your flu shot right now

It's difficult to predict what the upcoming flu season will be like, but local health officials are advising the public to get vaccinated in advance. "We had thousands of cases here in North Carolina (this past year) and H1N1 accounted...

Adoption takes spotlight this weekend at local event

The Wayne County Department of Social Services is hosting an Adoption Celebration in recognition of National Adoption Awareness Month. The event, supporting the many Wayne County residents who have adopted children, will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m....

Volunteers recognized at annual ceremony

When Master Sgt. Kathleen Parrish moved to Wayne County with her family five years ago, the Michigan native said she knew right away this was a place they could plant roots. "In the Air Force, home is where the Air...

Drug and gang prevention conference set for next week

Nearly 40 local churches and civic groups are collaborating to sponsor the fourth annual Drug Dealer/Gang Member Redemption Conference on Nov. 17-19. The three-day event is designed to reach young people who are involved in gangs and those who may...

Collard time

Nathaniel Davis cuts a mess of fresh collards Monday from his field at the intersection of Sleepy Creek and Emmaus Church roads. With temperatures dropping at night, including a couple of frosts earlier this week, the flavors have been set...

Civil War living history set to be at Mount Olive museum Saturday

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Area Historical Society will sponsor its third annual Civil War living history program on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the David John Aaron History Museum, 137 E. Main St. Some...

WEMCHS wins math contest

When time was called and the pencils were down, Wayne Early/Middle College High School's team became repeat champs of the County Math Contest. This was the 22nd year for the competition, held at Wayne Community College, has traditionally been...

Federal, state, county offices closed Thursday

State and federal government offices will be closed Thursday in observance of Veterans Day, along with most local government offices and the Wayne County Public Schools, as well as Wayne Community College. The city of Goldsboro's offices will be...

Hoog: 4th still first

From the skies over Afghanistan to the Goldsboro Air Force base they call home, members of the 4th Fighter Wing are living up to the legacy that has been written and reinforced by generations of men and women since World...

Civitas speaker: State budget looking 'bleak'

Brian Balfour, a policy analyst with the Raleigh-based Civitas Institute, painted a bleak future Tuesday morning for a state budget scarred by years of ever-increasing spending and a devastating recession. His message found an enthusiastic audience in the Golden...

County planning board approves three plats

It took the Wayne County Planning Board less than 15 minutes Tuesday night to handle its three-item agenda of plat approvals. The plats now go to county commissioners for final approval. One of the plats had been before the...

Goldsboro police still daring kids to just say no

Several area middle schools are using D.A.R.E. programs in their curriculums to help children make positive life choices. The D.A.R.E. program consists of an eight-week course that gives children information on tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and how to respond in...

Country star to perform in Seven Springs

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Country music star Darryl Worley will be performing Saturday night at Maynard's in Seven Springs. Worley, who has recorded seven albums and sold more than 2 million records worldwide, is one of Nashville's established hit-makers and...

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Businesses take losses from equipment thefts

A rainstorm that left ankle-deep mud in many areas of Wayne County did not stop someone from cutting a rusty, chain-link fence that surrounds the yard of Aycock Tractor Co. on U.S. 117. An overhead light was broken, and when...

Goldsboro police officer loses leukemia battle

Goldsboro police officer James Serlick was remembered Monday and today as a brave young man who battled cancer with the same determination and courage he showed as an officer of the law. Serlick, 26, died Friday at Wake Forest...

Teacher honored for work with math

Rosewood High School teacher Jennifer Cochran has been named secondary school mathematics teacher of the year for Wayne County Public Schools. An educator for 11 years, Mrs. Cochran was recognized for using a variety of teaching strategies, including the integration...

Rabies kills puppy in county

Rabies in animals is still a concern in Wayne County, with a case reported late last week at a Mount Olive veterinary office. A puppy from the Newton Grove area of Sampson County was brought to Waylin Animal Clinic Nov....

False alarms costing county

False alarms, many from the same source, and routine administrative-type calls are tying up the county's 911 emergency resources, creating the potential for tragedy, Wayne County Sheriff Carey Winders said. Unlike the city of Goldsboro, the county does not fine...

Public record

Shot while walking home James Edward Darden, 21, Hopesway Drive, Dudley, told deputies he was shot during an attempted armed robbery on Durham Lake Road. Darden said he was walking home from a party when a car pulled up and...

Monday, November 8, 2010

Chamber searching for new president

Less than a week after Wayne County Chamber of Commerce President Steve Hicks announced his plans to retire on Dec. 31, the board of directors has already begun the search for his replacement. "We definitely appreciate the job Steve's...

Hospice center on schedule for early 2011 opening date

Construction on the Kitty Askins Hospice Center expansion project is expected to be completed prior to Christmas, and the facility should be ready to accept residents by late January or early February. Fundraising efforts on the $4 million project...

Books chosen for 2011 reading project

Wayne County Reads will kick off its 2011 season with a wine-tasting fundraiser Saturday at Herman Park Center to help raise money for and to generate interest in the 2011 Wayne County Reads project. Organizers have chosen two books...

Public record

Charges These people were charged by the Goldsboro Police Department: *Troy Kintu Godwin, 28, Scriven Lane, larceny by employee, $1,500 secured. *Jay Jackson, 18, possession of marijuana up to half an ounce, West Seymour Drive, released on a written promise...

Giving Wayne County's language a 'G' rating

Think before you speak. And when you say anything, make sure to choose your words carefully. That's the message students at Charles B. Aycock High School are promoting through a "No Cussing" campaign. The campaign started out as a class...

Fifth GlenCare resident dies

MOUNT OLIVE -- A fifth resident of GlenCare has died of complications related to hepatitis B, while findings have been released from one of the earlier deaths by the state's medical examiner's office. Last month, the state announced that since...

Broadway fascination gives life to production, graduation project

Heath Radford has always had a fascination with Broadway. He's made it as far as New York City, but has yet to see a Broadway show. "Since I was younger, I have always liked music and stuff," he said....

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Final preparations made for memorial

Members of the trustees for the Wayne Memorial Association plan to break "hallowed" ground on Veterans Day -- marking the beginning of construction on a monument meant to honor those sons of Wayne County who never made it home from...

Low-income residents will get energy-saving advice from company

More than 1,700 low-income Wayne County residents will receive a free home energy efficiency upgrade, thanks to a community partnership with Progress Energy. Progress Energy Carolinas created the Neighbor-hood Energy Saver low-income energy efficiency program to help customers keep their...

Commission to eye 2011 capital costs

A preliminary capital improvement plan for Wayne County that would include a new home for Mount Olive's Steele Memorial Library and the county Health Department and Services on Aging is expected to be presented to county commissioners when they...

County students speak 27 languages

The number of foreign-speaking students in Wayne County Public Schools continues to climb, as do the students exiting the English as a Second Language program after passing the state's proficiency test. Hope Meyerhoeffer, director of the ESL program for...

Motorcycle toy runs start holiday charitable efforts

Santa Claus didn't have eight tiny reindeer with him when he pulled into Shelton's Harley-Davidson Saturday afternoon, but he did have more than 400 bikers backing him up with boxes of toys. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and an entire...

Dudley man dies in high speed wreck

DUDLEY -- A 22-year-old Dudley man died Saturday in a high-speed wreck on Outlaw Road in southern Wayne County. Juan Deigo Cruz Esquivel of Caraway Creek Road in Dudley reportedly lost control of his Ford Mustang while traveling on...

Blood drives

The students at Carver Elementary and Eastern Wayne Middle schools may not be old enough to donate blood, but that doesn't stop them from sponsoring blood drives. Both schools will have blood drives Nov. 23 from 2 to 6:30...

Goldsboro writer wins award for history book

Emily Weil of Goldsboro received the Willie Parker Peace History Book Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians Inc. at a recent awards banquet in Mooresville. The award was for her book, "Cornwallis' Campaign: Wilmington to Yorktown." The...

New laws will affect N.C. drivers in December

Starting next month a license plate frame or cover that obscures certain parts of a vehicle's plate could cost the vehicle's owner up to $100. The new law is one of several passed by the General Assembly affecting the...

Albertson Fox Hunt and Stew Fest

Willie Rouse of Albertson fills a cup with some of his famous fish stew during the annual Albertson Fox Hunt and Stew Fest. The event is held to help raise money for the local library. Other vendors were on hand...

Warsaw Veterans Parade

Members of the Dunn Clowns strut their stuff during the annual Warsaw Veterans Day Parade on Saturday. Thousands of people line the streets along the parade route to get a peek of the nation's oldest Veterans Parade....

Towns ask for tax collection help

The Duplin County tax office could take over one element of delinquent tax collection for county municipalities. Most Duplin towns were represented recently at the meeting where Wallace Mayor Charlie Farrior asked the commissioners to take on the task, which...

Cancer Society offers program to help patients look good, feel better

The Wayne County Unit of the American Cancer Society is now offering a free program designed to help women undergoing cancer treatments with the cosmetic effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The Look Good....Feel Better program teaches women...

Students turn ceramic art into community service project

Northeast Elementary School students are turning an art project into a community service project. Cindy Kimble's art classes were enlisted to help students from Wayne Early/Middle College High School in an honors leadership development class. Seniors Heath Radford, Mallory...

Local educators speak at Red Cross conference

Wayne County educators, Melissa Lewis of Spring Creek High School, and Faye Davis of Charles B. Aycock High School, were featured speakers at the American Red Cross' iGive, weLive 2010 All High School Conference. It was held recently in...

Duplin plant to receive grant for 89 jobs

BEULAVILLE -- A state grant will help a Duplin County plant add 89 jobs and make a $3.4 million investment over the next three years. Gov. Bev Perdue Friday afternoon announced that Precision Hydraulic Cylinders Inc. (PHC), a leading...

Drive nets local organization $9,815 in school supplies

A school supplies drive organized by Communities in Schools has generated more than $9,815 worth of items for distribution throughout the school system, said Sudie Davis. The "Stuff the Bus" campaign kicked off in August with a large blue school...

Volunteers can help local cancer patients on their 'Road to Recovery'

The American Cancer Society in Wayne County is looking for volunteers for its Road to Recovery program to help drive cancer patients to and from their cancer treatments. For many cancer patients, getting to and from treatment, is their...

Local survivors offer helping hand to breast cancer patients

When someone hears those dreaded words, "You have cancer," they may go through a myriad of emotions from feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable and alone, to confused and even numb. The American Cancer Society can help with the Reach to Recovery...

Friday, November 5, 2010

One found dead along highway

Richard Leon Cook, 53, was found dead in the median of U.S. 70 early this morning, the victim, authorities believe, of a hit-and-run accident. Cook's body was discovered near the U.S. 70 and Community Drive intersection about seven miles...

Two caught in failed home invasion

With the help of a series of phone calls from area residents, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office arrested two men Wednesday following a home invasion and armed robbery. According to a report, at about 12:50 p.m. Wednesday, several calls...

Chamber tries to recruit dancers to become stars

Two by two Thursday evening, instructors from Top Hat Ballroom Dance Studio of Goldsboro demonstrated possible options for potential dancers in the upcoming Dancing with the Wayne County Stars gala event -- the mambo, rumba and disco among them. Seated...

Economic developer named BPW Career Woman of the Year

MOUNT OLIVE -- Joanna Helms said she is used to being the person handing out the awards, not the person receiving one. Thursday night she was honored as the Wayne-Duplin Business and Professional Women's Club's Career Woman of the...

DOT schedules 'listening sessions'

One of four public "listening sessions" scheduled by the N.C. Department of Transportation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m. at the Global TransPark Center Training Facility auditorium at Kinston. The meetings, to be held across the...

Public record

Armed robbery at Hasty Mart Hasty Mart, located at 113 Millers Chapel Road, was the victim of an armed robbery Tuesday at about 11:30 p.m. The suspects are two black males. One suspect was wearing a jacket with the letters...

Keeping Post 215 thriving for his heroes

A younger William Johnson was often asked about a house in Goldsboro -- a place where "many a man met a good wife," where dancing was done in shifts because the crowds were simply too big for everybody to be...

Hit and run victim found on U.S. 70

Richard Leon Cook, 53, of Jackson Springs, was found dead this morning in the median of U.S. 70 West near its intersection with Community Drive, the victim, authorities believe, of a hit-and-run accident. Cook's body was found about 7:30 a.m.,...

Thursday, November 4, 2010

County stars will dance for schools

Debbie Grady's role as an educator might soon be coming to end -- she retires Dec. 1. But that doesn't mean her efforts to replenish the county's teaching pools will stop. For the past six years, she has served as...

County's schedule of values gets OK

Wayne County's new schedule of real property values were approved by commissioners Tuesday morning following a brief public hearing during which a Dudley man questioned whether board members knew what they were doing. Jim Barnwell of Dudley said he and...

Face to face

Cody Ezzell, 1, and Digger, a bull mastiff, came face to face at the weekend gathering to break ground for the Stoney Creek Dog Park. Although Digger probably weighs 100 pounds more than Cody, he keeps a kindly eye on...

Commissioner raises concerns about roads

Questions were raised Tuesday morning about the need and potential economic harm of proposed access management improvements along U.S. 70, particularly on the section of highway between William Street and Wayne Memorial Drive. The questions led to back-and-forth maneuvering between...

WAGES to hold clothing giveaway

The WAGES Community Services Self-Sufficiency Project will hold a clothing giveaway on Friday, Nov. 12, at the WAGES Multi-Purpose Room at 601 E. Royall Ave. The giveaway will start at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. It is designed...

Several unopposed candidates also will be taking or returning to office

Now that the dust from Tuesday's elections has settled and the night's winners and losers have been sorted out, there are some candidates still standing who received 100 percent -- or nearly 100 percent -- of their races' votes....

Video conferencing system likely to help relieve congestion in courts

The hardware for a high-tech communication system that will allow Wayne County court officials to handle routine hearings for inmates without moving them from the county jail is currently being installed and the system is expected to be online...

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Winders wins fifth term as sheriff

Wayne County Sheriff Carey Winders won a fifth term in office Tuesday, defeating challenger Glenn Barnes with 64 percent of the votes cast in his favor. Winders attributes his success to those close to him. "I had enormous support...

Flowers, Pridgen claim victories

Former county commissioner Arnold Flowers defeated veteran school board member George Moye to represent District 5, while incumbent Rick Pridgen held onto his seat in District 6. Moye, who will celebrate 22 years on the board in December, garnered 1,900...

Power shift

Ann Sullivan leads Republican supporters in a cheer Tuesday night at Wayne County GOP headquarters on Center Street as another Republican victory is announced. It was a big night for the Republicans, as they won several local races and took...

Children's lesson: Share letters with heroes

When Tara King's husband began a six-month tour in Afghanistan earlier this fall, she got to thinking. Perhaps, the Spring Creek Elementary School art teacher thought, there was a way to use the experience of being a military spouse...

Rouzer easily keeps his N.C. Senate seat

David Rouzer, R-Johnston, will return to the state Senate for a second term after beating Democratic challenger, Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod. For Rouzer, with the Republicans picking up a majority of the state Senate for the first time in...

LaRoque unseats incumbent Braxton

Republican Stephen LaRoque defeated incumbent Democrat Van Braxton handily Tuesday night, taking back the state House seat he lost to Braxton four years ago. LaRoque, a Kinston businessman, defeated Braxton in all three counties in the 10th House District,...

Chamber's director will leave post at end of year

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce president and executive director Steve Hicks, 67, announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the year. Hicks, who guided the chamber through a restructuring in response to declining membership, said the decision...

Duplin candidates ride Republican wave

Republicans will represent Duplin County in the North Carolina General Assembly after winning district seats previously held by Democrats. Republican Brent Jackson carried the state Senate District 10 vote, winning the seat with 52.58 percent of votes over District Attorney...

Wayne-Duplin BPW to name Woman of the Year

MOUNT OLIVE -- Wayne-Duplin Business and Professional Women's Club will honor a local "Career Woman of the Year" at the regular November BPW dinner meeting which will be held Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at the Pizza Village on North...

Pate claims Davis' seat

Former state Rep. Louis Pate will be returning to Raleigh in January after besting state Sen. Don Davis in a repeat of their 2008 showdown. Pate, a Republican who served four terms in the state House before losing to...

Republicans: For some, it was a chance to 'change'

Her 6-year-old grandson, Jaden, resting on her shoulder, Donna Woodard made her way through the Wayne County Public Library parking lot Tuesday evening shortly after casting her ballot. "In 2008, I voted for me -- to see a black president...

Bell headed back to his seat in N.C. House

Democrat state Rep. Larry Bell of Clinton bucked the Republican tide Tuesday, handily winning his sixth term serving House District 21 by an unofficial margin of 9,295 to 4,263 over newcomer Deann Poirier of Mount Olive. Bell had commanding leads...

Butterfield wins another term in House

At 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Democratic U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield declared victory in the 1st Congressional District. "I'm feeling good," Butterfield said, about winning his fourth term. "It was a very rigorous campaign. We covered all 23 counties over the...

Democrat faithful: Down, yes, but now attention turns to '12

Local Democratic leaders were not particularly surprised by the results of Tuesday's elections. "It's like a wind blowing. We knew it was coming," said Bronnie Quinn, chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Party. "And there was nothing we could...

Clyde King dies

Clyde King, a gentleman who graciously shared his passion for baseball and life with those young and old, died peacefully Tuesday evening at Wayne Memorial Hospital with his family at his bedside. He was 86. King is survived by...

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Voters cast ballots

Poll worker Beatrice Whitaker gives Kirk Keller a ballot early this morning at Carver Heights Elementary School in Goldsboro. Local election officials expect turnout to be about 35 percent -- considered a good percentage for a non-presidential election year....

Who is on the ballot?

U.S. SENATE * Richard Burr, R * Elaine Marshall, D * Michael Beitler, L U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 1 * G.K. Butterfield, D * Ashley Woodard, R. DISTRICT 4 * Walter B. Jones, R * Johnny G. Rouse, D...

Board debates policy on naming

Wayne County Board of Education voted to name three high school gyms after former coaches, then put a moratorium on the practice until a more substantive policy could be enacted for the district. Also during Monday night's meeting, the board...

April date planned for Seymour Johnson AFB air show

Monday's Goldsboro City Council meeting lasted all of 15 minutes -- a consent agenda was passed and board members made announcements -- but during a pre-meeting work session, Travel and Tourism director Betsy Rosemann primed the councilmen for a...

Alley battle settled for $500 after $200,000 bill

MOUNT OLIVE -- A long-running legal battle involving the town of Mount Olive that cost the town $200,000 in legal fees has been settled for $500. For more than five years, the town has been wrangling with former Mount Olive...

Monday, November 1, 2010

Parties ready for Election Day wins

When the polls open Tuesday morning at 6:30, almost 15,000, or some 21 percent, of the county's eligible 69,785 voters will have already cast ballots in the mid-term election. The polls will close at 7:30 p.m. Local election officials are...

Tax chief: Wait for spring mailing

Wayne County's proposed schedules of real property values are nothing more than base cost figures and cannot be used by themselves to determine the tax value of any specific piece of property, county tax officials say. In other words, the...

Veterans Day parade fast facts

* The parade is set to begin Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. along downtown Goldsboro's Center Street. * Rep. Efton Sager will serve as grand marshal. * Last year's parade was canceled due to rain. * Dozens of floats...

Dental clinic coming Nov. 12

For the fifth year, a free portable dental clinic will be coming to Goldsboro. On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13, the clinic will be set up at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 901 Harris St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m....

Three co-workers save man choking on piece of candy

An employee at WorkSource East in Goldsboro likely owes his life to the quick thinking and action of three co-workers who stepped in to help when he choked on a piece of candy. The last thing graphic arts instructor Jimmy...

Public record

Booze It, Lose It Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, 38 law enforcement officers from Goldsboro Police Department A Shift, B Shift and D Shift, Wayne County Sheriff's Department, N.C. State Highway Patrol and Pikeville Police Department conducted a...

Comrades, forever

Their lives would be far simpler if they had never gone to Vietnam -- if they could forget all they saw during the long months spent serving a country that, at the time, wasn't grateful for their sacrifices. The condition...