May 2012 archives

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Three face charges in gun thefts

Three men have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than $72,000 worth of guns from WT's Gun Shop in May. Quandre Roshawn Weeks, 20, of 804 N. Pineview Ave., is charged with breaking and entering, larceny...

Sonny the Pickle Pup memorialized

MOUNT OLIVE -- The pickle pup with the big personality, who was dyed and groomed to resemble Mt. Olive Pickle Co. mascot Ollie Q. Cumber for the North Carolina Pickle Festival in April, died during the night Tuesday at...

Harris Teeter grocery store chain signs lease for Goldsboro

After no less than two false alarms and months of speculation, it has been confirmed by a Harris Teeter spokesperson that the company will bring one of its grocery stores to Goldsboro. Danna Jones, the Matthews-based company's communication specialist,...

New program gives students chance to buy electronic texts

As the price of a college education continues to rise, and along with it, the cost of books, sometimes students are forced to choose between the two. "It's been a struggle for students to afford the tuition and the textbooks...

City man found dead on street

A city man was shot and killed Wednesday night. Goldsboro police found the body of Delindao Alijuwon Miller, 23, in the 600 block of West Holly Street at about 11 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Miller's...

Marker planned for local B-52 crash site

Some were stirred by a thunderous crash -- and looked outside to find their world on fire. Others remember helicopters flying overhead -- how the government locked down a huge portion of a small community in the middle of the...

Public record

Shots fired into home Delbert Taylor, 87, said a bullet came into his house in the 1900 block of Englewood Drive while he was in the home about 8 p.m. Monday. He said he was watching a Western TV show...

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Retirees make decisions as schools seek new staff

Wayne County Public Schools will have positions to fill next year, depending on the result of state budget talks, as more county teachers and staff decide this is the year they will retire. The latest pool of educators who...

Election director facing scrutiny

The Wayne County Board of Elections met behind closed doors for two hours Tuesday morning with state Board of Elections Director Gary Bartlett before recessing the meeting until 8:30 a.m. Friday in the commissioners' meeting room on the fourth...

City sets its sights on disc golf tourneys

Goldsboro is making plans to bring major disc golf tournaments to Wayne County in the next three years in an effort that will also result in an additional disc golf course at Berkeley Park. Travel and Tourism Director Betsy...

Deannexation gets final OK

The eight-year battle surrounding the involuntary annexation of the Buck Swamp and Salem Church Road area northwest of Goldsboro has come to a close now that the General Assembly has approved a law canceling that annexation outright along with...

Five students receive Robinson scholarships

Five Wayne County Public Schools high school seniors have been awarded scholarships to continue their education in the fields of medicine, nursing, agriculture or the ministry of the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches. The Emmet and Mary Robinson Trust Fund...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Lloyd Jackson reported the theft of $1,500 of tin siding, a stand for a 55-gallon oil drum and four tire rims from his home in the 800 block of Ditchbank Road that occurred between May 21 and...

Mount Olive College names its professor of the year

MOUNT OLIVE -- Dr. Patricia Prunty, associate professor of psychology, is the 2012 recipient of the Mount Olive College Professor of the Year Award. The award is given to a full-time faculty member who exemplifies devotion above and beyond...

Area students receive McDonald's scholarships

Four area students, who also work at McDonald's restaurants, have been awarded $1,000 scholarships by the company. The Ray Kroc scholarship awards were presented recently to McDonald's employees furthering their secondary education. At a ceremony in Greenville, 16 students...

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

A salute to heroes lost

Monica Kornegay bowed her head moments after an image of a little boy clutching a teddy bear flashed onto the screen. She started trembling when she saw a grieving widow draped over her husband's casket. She cried when a lone...

A road by many other names ...

The opening of N.C. 44 -- soon to be the new U.S. 70 Bypass -- will mean a quicker trip from Raleigh to the coast, but it has also meant the severing of one of the city's oldest and...

Public record

Armed robbery at restaurant Lonnie Pike, 24, reported that he was the victim of an armed robbery while outside of Chili's restaurant about 10 p.m. Saturday. Pike told Goldsboro police that he was changing clothes behind the Sunburst Drive...

Some neighbors not happy about city permit requests

More than 50 citizens gathered at the Goldsboro City Council chambers last Monday night to comment on or to show their support for or opposition to the city's seven public hearings. Opponents voiced concern at a rezoning request and...

Monday, May 28, 2012

One last posting

DUDLEY -- They had heard these particular sounds before -- a gavel striking an old wooden table; rifles being crisply maneuvered during the presentation of arms; a bugler playing taps. But when those familiar noises echoed off the walls...

Mount Olive ceremony

Richard Hansen, left, past commander of VFW Post 9959, salutes the flag held by VFW member Pete Kascsak as taps is played during Sunday's Memorial Day ceremony in Mount Olive's Maplewood Cemetery. More than 50 people attended the ceremony....

County jobless numbers decrease

The state's jobs outlook has continued to brighten for another month after a report released Friday showed unemployment rates dropped in 93 of the state's 100 counties from March to April. Wayne County's rate decreased from 8.7 percent in...

Communities in Schools seeks more funding sources

Just six months into her role as executive director of Communities in Schools for Wayne County, Selena Bennett is in the throes of getting it accredited, with an eye toward funding and expanding programs and services. She explained that...

Wayne Community College medical assistants graduate

The 16 members of the 2012 Medical Assisting class at Wayne Community College were presented their pins in a formal ceremony recently. The annual service, which includes presentation of medical assistant pins and red roses to students by the...

Postal drive collects 13,500 pounds of food

More than 13,500 pounds of food was collected during a local campaign conducted by the National Association of Letter Carriers. The campaign, co-sponsored by United Way, was part of a national effort to help fill local food banks. These charities...

Sunday, May 27, 2012

'I'm doing it for Don'

Their uniforms were almost frightening -- the young sailors who gathered alongside one of the graves nestled inside Wayne Memorial Park last June. Those finely pressed jackets and pants meant that Don Harrell was really gone -- that a...

What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange is a blend of tactical herbicides the U.S. military sprayed from 1962 to 1971 during Operation Ranch Hand in the Vietnam War to remove trees and dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover. More than 19 million gallons...

Honoring the fallen

Members of the American Legion, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and other volunteers partook in breakfast Saturday morning at American Legion Post 11 before setting off to five different cemeteries in the county to place American flags...

Vocational students have high grad rate

Wayne County Public Schools' career and technical education students continue to graduate at a higher rate than their peers. According to the Wayne Education Network's latest "report card" to county residents, the graduation rate for those students is 86.4...

Wayne Community College gives out annual awards

Wayne Community College honored its outstanding students recently during annual recognition ceremonies. Following are awards presented during the event. *Student Government Association Club Awards were given to student clubs that excelled in participating in events and activities on and...

A summer of celebration for Wayne Country Day School, then the rest of their lives

Freshly graduated less than five minutes before, Catherine Ford was already beginning to tire of the madness outside Wayne Country Day School's gymnasium. Family members, friends and fellow graduates were clamoring for photographs together and just after Ms. Ford...

With formula for success, students leave their only school

The commencement speaker compared their situation Saturday, as the Wayne Christian School seniors waited to get their diplomas and call themselves graduates, to that of the Joshua in the Old Testament as the Lord prepared him to enter the...

Second transportation meeting set for Thursday

Organizers were slightly disappointed in the number of people who attended Thursday's session concerning the Goldsboro metropolitan area's comprehensive transportation plan held at The First Pentecostal Holiness Church. About a dozen participants broke into two small groups and shared...

Engineering school says bye to 'freaks' and 'pioneers'

Taylor Carrere had nothing to lose as she approached the podium to deliver her graduation speech at Wayne School of Engineering Friday night. So she opted for a more irreverent take on high school, starting with her first impression...

Public record

Three firearms stolen from home Kennedy McLaurin reported the theft of three pistols, valued at more than $800, and $800 in quarters from his home in the 1900 block of Rose Street during a break-in that occurred Thursday between 5:30...

Princeton to hold Community Day

PRINCETON -- The town of Princeton will hold its second annual Community Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Princeton Elementary School, 650 Holts Pond Road. The day's activities will include games, exhibits, food and entertainment. Special...

Passenger rail discussions still chugging along

On-again, off-again discussions about passenger rail service in eastern North Carolina are on again, Durwood Stephenson, U.S. 70 Corridor Commission director, told people attending the commission's meeting at Goldsboro City Hall earlier this month. An Amtrak official attended a...

Mount Olive budget up slightly, but has no tax hike

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive town officials are taking one last look over the town's proposed 2012-13 budget before it comes up for approval in June. The proposed $5,383,222 budget represents a $259,676 increase over the current spending plan....

Jet Beauty hails from Goldsboro

As a little girl, Donminique Gramby would flip to one particular page in Jet magazine when it was delivered to her home -- the Beauty of the Week. She dreamed that one day her face would adorn the page....

At Dillard/Goldsboro celebration, the love remains strong

The streets of downtown bustled with thousands of people Saturday morning for the annual Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni Parade. Many of the graduates traveled from distant locations including Detroit, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Maryland, while others traveled from only a few blocks...

For Central/Eastern alumni, togetherness feels just like family

Alumni of Central and Eastern Wayne high schools showed their pride Saturday at the 40th annual alumni homecoming celebration parade. Members of Central's Class of 1962 led the way, followed by the booming sound and spectacle of the Eastern Wayne...

Friday, May 25, 2012

Take that

Abigail Fields, left, a preschool student at Fremont United Methodist Church, gets a chance to hit Sherri Stewart in the face with a pie Thursday morning at the Fremont Public Library. Abigail earned the chance by reading the most books...

County prepares to honor local fallen heroes Monday

The Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition will begin its annual three-day memorial to those who have fallen in combat Saturday morning. The public is invited to attend an 8 a.m. breakfast to be held Saturday at the American...

Wayne Early/Middle College seniors turn tassels

Wayne Early/Middle College High School graduates are a family whose members took the road less traveled in their journey through high school, student speakers said during the school's Thursday evening graduation ceremonies held at Wayne Community College. Three students...

County looks at child's death

A young Wayne County child's death was caused by tuberculosis, although not the communicable kind, Health Department officials said this week. Health Director Davin Madden said once it was determined that the strain of TB was not contagious, it became...

Mount Olive police investigate robbery

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Friendly Mart in Mount Olive was robbed at gunpoint about 2:15 this morning. A man entered the store at 819 N. Breazeale Ave. with a bandanna covering his face and brandishing a handgun, Mount Olive...

Annexation bill gets House OK

Goldsboro residents in the Buck Swamp and Salem Church Road areas are one step closer to being deannexed from the city after the House passed a local bill which, when effective, cancels nine contentious annexation attempts by municipalities throughout...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Reteva Jones reported the theft of a $1,200 stove and a $1,000 refrigerator from a home in the 200 block of Blue Ridge Drive in Dudley that occurred sometime in the last two weeks. No forced entry...

Former housing official faces jail time

NEW BERN -- A former Goldsboro Housing Authority official faces up to five years in prison on his plea of guilty Wednesday in federal court to charges of making material false statements. The charge pertains to Jimmie Lewis Farmer's...

Second juvenile escapee caught

The second of two Goldsboro juveniles who escaped from the Lenoir Youth Development Center in Kinston is back in custody, law enforcement officials reported Thursday. SirCalvin J. was wanted by authorities after he failed to return to the facility...

Dillard/Goldsboro parade route

Due to construction on Center Street, the Dillard/Goldsboro alumni parade Saturday will start near the old CP&L building, turn right onto Walnut Street, left onto John Street, left onto Mulberry Street, left onto James Street, left onto Walnut Street and...

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Parks and recreation master plan

Goldsboro's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking opinions from citizens on the future of the city's 11 parks and recreation centers as part of a master planning process. The city is getting a deal on its master plan through...

Health board change options getting look

A proposed legislative bill to consolidate county health services under the jurisdiction of the county commissioners would be an option and not a mandate, County Manager Lee Smith told the Wayne County Board of Health. He attended Wednesday's meeting to...

Doherty's final flight

An Air Force general extends his arms -- and a flag that represents a band of brothers and sisters that has thrived since its inception during World War II. The man on the receiving end doesn't hesitate. He knows the...

Public record

Student attacks teacher A 16-year-old student is accused of assaulting a 26-year-old teacher in a Southern Wayne High School classroom about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Ty'von Oates has been cited with disorderly conduct and assault for allegedly pushing and hitting Anthony...

Golden LEAF applications

As part of Golden LEAF's Community Assistance Initiative process in Wayne County, the Foundation is now accepting proposal ideas that directly address the funding priorities established at a series of community meetings. To be considered, project ideas must be...

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Doherty takes final flight as 4th FW commander

Col. Patrick Doherty landed his F-15E Strike Eagle one final time as commander of the 4th Fighter Wing just moments ago. See an exclusive look back at Doherty's 26-month command of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's storied unit in Thursday's...

Renovation begins

Although construction on the Center Street Streetscape has only just begun, the breaking of ground on the city's signature downtown revitalization project represents the culmination of seven years of planning and waiting for Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. Director Julie...

Bell defeats LaRoque

After almost two days of recounting ballots, Rep. Stephen LaRoque of Kinston did not pick up the votes necessary to erase his loss to political newcomer John Bell IV of Goldsboro for the Republican nomination for House District 10, although...

Officers on hunt for youth offenders

EDITOR'S NOTE: State law prohibits release of a juvenile offender's full name, age or crime. One of two juveniles who escaped from the Lenoir Youth Development Center in Kinston while on a home visit to Goldsboro this past weekend remains...

Golden LEAF to look over projects

Wayne County is assured of funding through the Golden LEAF Foundation's Community Assistance Initiative, but first the group steering the process faces the daunting task of narrowing $18.5 million in potential projects to fit the grant's $2 million cap....

Wilson to be interim boss at Chamber

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will have a familiar face at its helm as it searches for a new president now that it has been announced that Ed Wilson will serve as interim director. John Richards, the chairman...

Public record

Black swan, more taken Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating a break-in and theft at the home of Lawton Caswell McKenzie, 32, 400 Old Black Creek Road, Fremont. More than $9,600 worth of property was reported stolen. Items taken...

Price talks about, reflects on years in journalism with the News-Argus

Former News-Argus Editor Emeritus Gene Price was the guest speaker Tuesday night in the latest of a series of lectures being held in conjunction with the Wayne County Museum's exhibit on journalism. Price, who served the newspaper in an...

Government offices, more to close for Memorial Day holiday

Local, state and federal offices, the post office and banks will be closed Monday in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. All Wayne County offices will be closed including the landfill and convenience centers. Wayne County Public Schools will...

Chance email leads man back to racetrack

As a youth, Mick O'Donnell enjoyed racing go-karts and later sports cars. But that was more than 50 years ago. It never occurred to him to take another lap around the track, until about a month ago when he...

Optimists collecting computers for children

The Goldsboro Optimist Club will hold a Computer Donation Day in the parking lot at Sam's Club Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to collect computers for its new Computers4Kids program. Free popcorn will be given...

Fire departments to standardize firefighter identifications

One of the newest pieces of safety equipment for Wayne County firefighters isn't a state-of-the-art truck or turnout gear -- it's a simple identification card. Actually, the cards have been around for years, but over time a lack of...

Host families needed for 12 exchange students

Twelve host families are needed in the Goldsboro area for 12 high school students from France and Spain and two teachers, who will be in the area June 16-July 7 and June 26- July 24. Hosts will expose the...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Three UNC friends kick soccer balls across Goldsboro

The drag of three soccer balls on pavement echoed once more across the early morning stillness today near Elroy. It's been the same noise each morning for the past 18 days for the three soccer enthusiasts behind those balls...

Eastern Wayne senior receives second award

An Eastern Wayne High School senior recently awarded a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has received a second prestigious award to the university. Marques McPhail was selected to receive the Joseph E. and Grace...

Students start tests as year winds down

It's that time of year when students are getting spring fever and teachers are anticipating a much-needed break. Before that can happen, though, there is one final requirement that must be checked off the list -- end-of-grade tests. Considered the...

City's budget faces $230,000 setback

The Goldsboro City Council decided at its Monday meeting to postpone most of its budgetary discussions until its next budget work session, set for May 30 at noon, but one member of the council did reveal some concerns with the...

Airports receive $150,000 grants

The Wayne Executive Jetport, Mount Olive municipal airport and Duplin County Airport are among airports to receive $150,000 each through the federal Vision 100 program. Wayne County is using the funds for a light approach system update and a...

Public record

Man shot in city A Goldsboro woman was shot in the leg while in his home about 2:45 a.m. Sunday. Synthia Denese Royal, 51, told Goldsboro police that three unknown suspects entered his home in the 100 block of Old...

Golden LEAF to hold meeting today to discuss grant process

The Golden LEAF Foundation will host the latest in a series of public forums on its Community Assistance Initiative grants-making process targeting the state's economically distressed counties. The meeting will be held today at 5:30 p.m. in Room 101...

Monday, May 21, 2012

Wayne County Public Schools seniors to turn tassels

Wayne County Public Schools will graduate approximately 1,184 seniors over the course of the coming weeks, officials say. In addition to the six traditional schools in the district, which will produce 1,048 candidates, the two non-traditional schools will hold ceremonies...

916th ARW commander gets new assignment

There is no word yet on just when he will relinquish command of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, but Col. Randall Ogden has received his next assignment. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials confirmed this morning that the colonel will,...

Confederate memorial

Glenn Fields of the Sons of Confederate Veterans unveils a portrait of Civil War soldier William Gray Hollowell during a Confederate Memorial Day Service at Willowdale Cemetery on Sunday. Hollowell was a private in the Goldsboro Rifles who enlisted...

Seven Springs woman speaks for seat belts

Liza Mozingo of Seven Springs, who was paralyzed from the waist down following a traffic accident three years ago, was to speak this morning about the importance of wearing seat belts during the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program "Click...

Kenansville man killed in crash

A Kenansville man was killed Sunday morning after striking a ditch at a high rate of speed on his motorcycle. Jeffrey Wellington, 39, of Kirby Quinn Road, was traveling on that road at about 6 a.m. and failed to...

Leaders will eye mobile homes

Wayne County Commissioner and former Planning Board chairman Steve Keen recently scolded fellow board members for seemingly thwarting development projects when they reach the board for final approval even though they have met county rules and regulations. But for Commissioners...

Alumni groups planning reunions

Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends will hold its 57th homecoming celebration during Memorial Day weekend, May 24-27. Celebrating reunion classes will be those ending in 2's and 7's. Kicking off the annual event will be the scholarship and awards program...

911 questions necessary, EMS says

Wayne County 911 emergency dispatchers want people to know they are not being "nosey" when they question callers, they just want to be able to connect the right emergency service to the right person. The questions are necessary to mount...

Public record

Counterfeit money found Cathy Eubanks, principal at Easter Wayne Middle School, filed a report on May 16 alleging counterfeit money was found on school grounds. A student reportedly found a $10 bill against a fence and attempted to use...

Central/EW Alumni reunite this weekend

The 40th annual homecoming of Central/Eastern Wayne Alumni & Friends will be held Friday through Sunday, featuring the Central High classes of 1942, '52, '62 and the Eastern Wayne classes of 1972, '82, '92 and 2012 . Events will...

Air Force museum survey planned

Kathleen Tinworth of ExposeYourMuseum wrapped up her community evaluation concerning the city's proposed Air Force museum May 16 at the Goldsboro Youth Council meeting where she asked a few quick questions, but mainly highlighted an online and paper survey...

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Volunteer fire department grants announced by state

More than a dozen Wayne County volunteer fire departments were among those that received grants through the state Volunteer Fire Department Grant program. The grants were announced recently by Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin. A total of...

Eastern leaders agree to work together to protect state highway funding

Potential threats to the state's highway funding formula and the need for eastern North Carolina to present a united front on road projects dominated discussion at Thursday's meeting of the U.S. 70 Corridor Commission. The current state formula for distributing...

School of Engineering to add classes

The specialized STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math -- high school introduced in Wayne County Public Schools five years ago could be even more successful if students are recruited in younger grades, school officials say. Gary Hales, principal...

Courage packed into a purple shirt

Their stories are many, their experiences diverse, but those who made their way around the track for the opening Survivors Lap at the 2012 Relay for Life had two qualities in common -- faith and perseverance. For Amanda Odom,...

Concert Thursday at St. Luke to raise money for Relay

There is still a way to help the Relay for Life effort and to enjoy some music at the same time. Wayne County native sons the Malpass Brothers will headline a benefit concert for Relay for Life Thursday at 7...

Kid's Walk ends 2012 Relay

Relay for Life co-chairman Ethel Barnes told those who gathered Saturday morning for the event's closing ceremonies that it will be a little while before anyone knows exactly how much money was raised this weekend. But, she said, she knows...

For a good cause, and for their heroes

Behind the elaborate decorations, the yummy food and the calls to buy, the campsites at the 2012 Relay for Life had a purpose -- to help raise one more dollar, perhaps the one that will fund the research that will...

Cards carry wishes and prayers

(The News-Argus gave attendees at the Relay for Life a chance to write a note to a loved one and place it in a "Wishing Well," Here are some of the messages.)Larry Hartley -- We love and miss you! Love,...

A light burning in their memory

Daniel McIntyre used to fear darkness. It meant nightmares would find him shortly after he closed his eyes. It meant his sister's wailing would creep through his bedroom wall and echo off the hardwood floors. It meant death and...

Embers concert may be rescheduled

Fans may yet have a chance to see Center Street Jam regulars The Embers as the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. will continue to have discussions with the beach music band about rescheduling after the first show of the year...

Goldsboro native Hulse honored by university

A Goldsboro native has been named Graduate Teacher of the Year at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Diana Hulse, the daughter of Rowena Hulse and the late Herbert B. Hulse, was selected based on student nominations and reviews by a student-led...

Faith Christian graduates Class of 2012

If it hadn't been for Faith Christian Academy, Daniel Wallace might very well have been doing something completely different Friday night. He would have followed his seventh-grade dream, to be a country singer. But instead, Wallace, one of 22 Faith...

The man who put 'wild' in blue yonder

She didn't leave much to the imagination -- the black-haired beauty covering her body with nothing but an oversized cowboy hat. Perhaps that is why, nearly 60 years after he first laid eyes on her, Don Allen can still remember...

Chamber of Commerce designating May 21-25 as Small Business Week

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is devoting the week of May 21-25 to the area's small business community through four days of seminars and a business exposition as part of its first-ever Small Business Week. Lara Landers, marketing...

City Council to take up budget Monday night

Budget discussions and eight public hearings are scheduled for Monday's Goldsboro City Council meeting, which begins with the council's work session in the City Hall Annex at 5 p.m. Finance Director Kaye Scott will lead discussions about the city's...

Friday, May 18, 2012

County canvass done; no surprises

There were no big surprises in the Wayne County Board of Elections' Tuesday canvass, Elections Director Vickie Reed said. There was a difference of 110 votes -- 104 provisional and six absentee -- between the unofficial and official total. That...

City's newest restaurants on track for opening days

The first of a handful of new restaurants on and near the Berkeley Boulevard corridor opened Wednesday with another expected to follow next month. East Coast Wings, at the corner of Berkeley Boulevard and Ash Street, is serving its...

Ready to Relay

Relay for Life volunteers Brenda Robinson, left, and David Trivette check the damage at the Relay committee tent caused by Thursday night's heavy rains and gusty winds that knocked down about half of the 10 or so tents that...

Cancer warrior and mother of the bride

When Jill Parks' daughter, Morgan, walks down the aisle this August, her mother will be there to fluff her dress, to kiss her on the cheek and to watch as she says her vows. But that was not always how...

Senate to eye annexation issue again

The state Senate has dusted off a House bill from last year that could result in the deannexation of the Buck Swamp and Salem Church Road areas of Goldsboro as early as July 1. The General Assembly convened this...

Public record

*Alice Crawford, 71, reported Wednesday that she was scammed out of $3,500 by a person calling her on the phone claiming that she was her granddaughter. *Bryan Vanderpool reported the theft of $8,000 in copper wiring from a home...

Miss Goldsboro High Pageant to be held Saturday

The 2012 Miss Goldsboro High School Pageant, the school's first since 2004, will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at GHS. In order to qualify, the contestants were required to be a current sophomore or junior,...

Juried art show reception Saturday

Eric Schreffler took the Best in Wayne County prize in the National Juried Fine Arts Exhibition for his acrylic work titled "Jimi." Sponsored by the Arts Council of Wayne County, this year's competition featured 117 entries using everything from oils...

'Cure for Colors' raises $50,000 for cancer fight

The "Cure for the Colors" cancer fighting fundraiser sponsored by Southeastern Cancer Care on April 21 raised more than $50,000 to help benefit cancer patients in eastern North Carolina. Proceeds go to help people currently battling cancer or who are...

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Three private schools recognize honor grads

The first round of high school graduations kicks off this weekend. Faith Christian Academy will have 22 students receiving diplomas Friday at 7 p.m. Ceremonies will be held at Faith Free Will Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dann Patrick,...

Date set for city election

Goldsboro citizens will go to the polls to elect their leaders July 17 now that some U.S. congressional candidates have requested secondary primaries in other races. The effect will be three more months of campaigning in advance of the...

Surveyors want health opinions from public

Is Wayne County a good place to raise children, to grow old, to get help during a time of need? And what about health care? What services could benefit from improvements? These are just a few of the questions on...

Dam repairs delay swimming at Cliffs

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Swimmers at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park won't notice anything different at the lake this summer, but had it not been for a $375,000 repair to the dam, there would not have been a lake to...

Public record

A/C theft *Wayne Wright reported the theft of two air conditioner units valued at $4,000 from a home in the 500 block of Rudolph Street on Tuesday....

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

SJAFB not among first three to get tanker

They still believe Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will be the home of a fleet of KC-46As one day -- that the 916th Air Refueling Wing is well-postured to be a recipient of the military's newest tanker. But now that...

Commission sets specific time for public comment

Wayne County commissioners, with little comment among themselves, agreed Tuesday to devote a specific time during their meetings for public comments. Currently, a public comment period is tacked onto the end of the board's agenda. But now, rather than having...

Yes, another Walmart

PIKEVILLE -- Plans to erect a Walmart Express in Pikeville are in the works, officials say. The mega retailer is expected to begin construction of the store, which will include a fueling station and pharmacy, in June at a...

Still in God's hands

He believes in Heaven, but still sheds tears. He has faith in God's plan, but couldn't stop himself from imagining how his family would go on without him. Even pastors have their moments. So when a phone call revealed that...

City is asking about museum

Cold interviews with citizens concerning Goldsboro's proposed Air Force museum will wrap up tonight as the consultant firm's public survey period of the project comes to a close after a 7 p.m. meeting with the Goldsboro Youth Council at...

WCPS recognizes art teacher of year

Forty-three student artists and an outstanding art educator from Wayne County Public Schools were recognized during the recent annual visual arts awards reception. Merle Elam, an art teacher at Rosewood Elementary, was named Zeno Spence Elementary Art Educator for...

Vocational teacher honored by county

A masonry instructor at Southern Wayne High School has been named the 2011-12 outstanding high school career and technical teacher of the year for Wayne County Public Schools. Durrell Coley is also part of the school's construction academy. He...

Two local students win singing awards

Two Goldsboro vocalists attending University of North Carolina School of the Arts received high marks in the Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions, held recently in Maryland. Madeline Edwards, a high school junior, placed first in her...

County plans to add two new emergency response vehicles

Population growth is straining the ability of Wayne County's emergency medical services to maintain the eight-minute average response time county commissioners set 10 years ago when a countywide EMS system was established. On Tuesday, commissioners agreed to buy two quick...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *John Wellington reported the theft of a pair of false teeth valued at $800. The teeth were taken from his home in the 200 block of North Hereford Drive Friday or Saturday. Wellington said several people were...

Fourth-graders help kindergartners read

A cross-age reading program that paired kindergarten students with fourth- or fifth-graders has received high marks from UNC-TV and PBS. For six weeks, students at Meadow Lane Elementary School participated in the Martha Speaks Reading Buddies Program, becoming the...

Coldwell Banker merges with Houser Associates

Coldwell Banker announced Tuesday the merger of the real estate company with Houser Associates Real Estate of Goldsboro. The merger will strengthen both businesses, said Gary Rabon, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Advantage in Raleigh. Representatives of Coldwell...

Battling cancer? You are not alone

The American Cancer Society provides free services to cancer survivors and their caregivers. Following are programs and services available in Wayne County: * Reach to Recovery. Volunteer breast cancer survivors do one-on-one visits with women with breast cancer who will...

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Seymour Johnson will likely not be among first to receive new tanker

A formal training unit, a first main operating base led by active duty and a second main operating base led by an Air National Guard unit will be among the first wings to receive the new KC-46A tanker -- an announcement that will...

Street work begins

Work on the Center Street Streetscape project began Monday morning and will continue for the foreseeable future as Daniels and Daniels Construction begins the project to renovate downtown's main street between Mulberry and Ash streets. The construction will prevent...

Garden spot

Brenda Wilkens pulls weeds from what will become a flower garden outside the building at Herman Park between the Herman Park Center and the Wayne County Library, which is being converted into a new senior center. Volunteers began work...

Grant to help families without homes

There are homeless people in Wayne County, says Albert Barron Sr., housing director of Eastpointe Human Services, but there is no stereotype. "It's not just like you see people pushing a cart down the street or lying in the park,"...

Misdials causing trouble

It's been more than a month since callers in Goldsboro and surrounding areas made the transition to 10-digit dialing, but residents in the 919 area code are still adjusting to the concept. Just ask Switzon Wigfall. The senior operations analyst...

Public record

Gunman fires at car The Goldsboro police are investigating an incident of shots fired into an occupied vehicle that took place Saturday about 10:45 p.m. in the 200 block of Seymour Drive. The two men inside the 2000 Acura...

Coldwell, Houser merge

Coldwell Banker announced today the merger of the real estate company with Houser Associates Real Estate of Goldsboro. The merger will strengthen both businesses, said Gary Rabon, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Advantage in Raleigh. Representatives of Coldwell from...

Monday, May 14, 2012

Guns taken from shop

An early morning break-in today at WT's Guns has resulted in the theft of 12 firearms. Wayne County sheriff's deputies said an alarm was triggered at the store, which is located at 115 Centura Drive off U.S. 70 West,...

Police: Stabbing was not accident

The man arrested and taken into custody for the stabbing death of his brother early Saturday morning is scheduled for his first court appearance today. Alonza Ervin Barnes, 31, was arrested without incident after officers responded to a call...

Streetscape work begins

Work on the Center Street Streetscape project began this morning and will result in the 200 north block of the street being blocked off at its intersections with Mulberry Street and Ash Street at the traffic circle. Parking for...

Dillard Academy adds new classrooms

Dillard Academy, the county's sole charter school, has spent nearly a decade campaigning and fundraising for additional classroom space. On Friday, school personnel, supporters and students dedicated the new annex building in the name of the superintendent and founder...

County will eye EMS system

Wayne County commissioners will follow up on discussions from an earlier planning retreat about plans for the county's emergency services system and a new senior center at their meeting Tuesday. The meeting will start with an agenda briefing at 8...

New extension agent takes on Wayne County field crops job

John Sanderson, 55, a native of the Four Oaks community in Johnston County, has been hired as the new field crop agent for the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Service. It is the first time that slot has been filled since...

Museum survey continuing today

A community input specialist with Verner Johnson will be in town through Wednesday soliciting opinions and ideas from citizens on Goldsboro's proposed Air Force museum. Kathleen Tinworth was at the Goldsboro Family YMCA this morning and is scheduled to...

DOT holding contract meetings with minority businesses for U.S. 70

Contracts for the section of the U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass from west of N.C. 581 to I-795 are on target to be awarded next month with construction beginning later this summer. Businesses classified by the state as Disadvantaged Business...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Edna Forte reported $2,440 worth of items and damage to her Toyota Camry at her home, including air conditioning/heat controls, wheel covers, speakers and a radio. The incident occurred between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 6:17 a.m. Saturday....

Parents now can access grades, etc. online

Parents who want to know more about their child's progress in school will be able to track it online, thanks to a web-based initiative being introduced in Wayne County Public Schools. The Parent Assistant Module, or PAM, runs in tandem...

Leadership Wayne helps bring city park up to standard

Thomas Pate reached down to the playground mulch and gathers some in his hands while Charlie Ivey spoke from a podium. Ivey was dedicating the mulch and kiosk the Leadership Wayne class of 2011-12 worked to donate to the...

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Diploma? Check.

Tech Sgt. Brian Haynes has encountered more than a few challenges while trying to obtain his Associate of Arts degree from Wayne Community College. Since he and wife, Susan, moved to Goldsboro in 2005, their family has expanded to include...

Eastern Wayne student earns NCSU scholarship

An Eastern Wayne High School senior has been named recipient of the prestigious Park Scholarship to attend N.C. State University. Khari Cyrus plans to major in human biology on the pre-med track and hopes to one day become an orthopedic...

City man stabbed to death

A man is dead after being stabbed by his brother early Saturday morning. According to Goldsboro police, Charles Ervin Barnes Jr., 35, was found dead inside his home when officers responded to a call at 808 N. Virginia St....

Relay schedule

FRIDAY: 6 p.m. -- Opening Ceremony * Prayer led by the Rev. Jerry Mitchell * Welcome by Mayor Al King * Introduction of Honorary Chairs by Debbie Pennell * Recognition of caregivers by Brenda Robinson * National Anthem performed by...

County teams set to Relay

The main event is still five days away, but Wayne County's Relay for Life already has plenty of momentum. To date, the annual campaign has seen nearly $300,000 raised toward the fight against cancer -- more than half of the...

County likely to get more lottery funding

Wayne County could receive an additional $200,000 in its state lottery proceeds should Gov. Bev. Perdue's budget proposal be approved by state lawmakers. The proposal includes an appropriation of $116 million in funds from the North Carolina Education Lottery...

Grocery store rumor heats up

Although not yet a done deal, Harris Teeter appears to be prepping for the opening of a Goldsboro store, according to a photo of an internal memo posted on Facebook. The Facebook group "Bring Harris Teeter to Goldsboro" has...

Man dies in Friday accident

A 60-year-old man was killed Friday afternoon after driving his Chevrolet Corvette into the back of a stopped 18-wheeler on U.S. 70 West at 55 miles per hour. Roger Lanier McDaniel Jr., of Raleigh, was the only passenger in...

Goldsboro to get new flashing yellow lights

A new style flashing yellow arrow signal, at least for the Goldsboro area, will be installed later this summer on Berkeley Boulevard for northbound traffic turning left into Berkeley Mall, and for southbound traffic turning left onto Graves Drive....

Wayne Community College summer credit registration May 21

Registration for summer credit classes at Wayne Community College will be held May 21 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the college's main campus in Goldsboro. Available courses include general subjects such as introduction to chemistry, fundamentals of...

Next lecture in Wayne Community College Civil War series to be Tuesday

Two local history scholars will lead the next lecture in a series commemorating the 150th anniversary of several Civil War battles this week. Jim Hinnant and Kirk Keller will speak about Stonewall Jackson's 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign, Tuesday at...

Wayne Community College Allied Health courses to start Wednesday

Wayne Community College Continuing Education Services will offer several Allied Health courses this summer. "Health Unit Secretary," a hybrid class (classroom and online), will be held on Tuesdays, May 29-July 31. "Medication Aide" (for skilled facilities) is set for...

Wayne Community College to offer medical billing this summer

Wayne Community College Continuing Education Services has added two courses to its medical billing and coding offerings that will prepare students for system changes. The current diagnostic code set used by medical coders and billers to report health care...

Commission looks at secondary road plan

State highway officials explained the secondary road improvement plan for Wayne County for the coming year at a meeting of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners earlier this month. DOT District Engineer Chris Pendergraph was the only person who...

Heart failure support group to start at Wayne Memorial Hospital on Thursday

A support group for patients, family members and caregivers of those with congestive heart failure will start this month at Wayne Memorial Hospital. First meeting of the Congestive Heart Failure Support Group will be Thursday from 1 to 3...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Velma Baldwin reported the theft of a $3,000 air conditioner during a break-in at her home in the 100 block of Sundance Trail in Dudley that took place between May 3 and Thursday. The back door to...

Seven Springs offers up day of old-fashioned fun

Jayden Sturgill lined up with a black beanbag in hand, and tossed it several yards to where his competition, his aunt Hannah Thompson-Welch, was standing by her Harley-Davidson raised platform for a friendly game of cornhole. The two were...

Library celebrating Older Americans Month this week

The Wayne County Public Library next week will sponsor a series of programs celebrating Older Americans Month. All of the programs will be held in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the Goldsboro Library. * Monday, the Song Birds will...

Riders ride for Special Olympics

Hundreds of motorcycles roared down U.S. 70 East shortly after noon Saturday to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina. The ride was hosted by Goldsboro HOG and sponsored by Shelton's Harley-Davidson. At Shelton's Harley-Davidson were door prizes, 50/50 drawing, food...

US Cellular asking for public input on new cell tower in Mount Olive

United States Cellular Corp. (US Cellular), an FCC-licensed wireless provider in North Carolina, recently announced its intention to construct a 300-foot telecommunications self-support tower off Pineview Cemetery Rd., Mount Olive, N.C. 28365. People interested in submitting comments on the...

Lizard Lick crew heads to Mount Olive

Hundreds of "Lizard Lick Towing" fans lined up outside Lee Inc. in Mount Olive on Saturday to meet the personalities of the show. One fan, Ralph Pipkin of Wilson, said he could even relate to the main crew members...

Goldsboro native Ronnie Wooten directs state honors high school band

Goldsboro native Ronnie Wooten was one of three conductors to lead the North Carolina All State Honors Bands May 5 in Chapel Hill. Conductors are nominated and selected by membership of the N.C. Bandmasters Association from a slate of...

Pulitzer Prize winner Gene Roberts talks about time in newspapers

Gene Roberts doesn't come back to Goldsboro and Wayne County often, but he does carry with him fond memories of the place that got him started on a career that saw him cover the John F. Kennedy assassination, the...

iPad donation helping Wayne Country Day School third-graders

Nine-year-old Cam Gerrard is calculating how much money he has available to buy parts for a rocket. The third-grader at Wayne Country Day School has a budget, he says, gesturing to the screen of his iPad. "You can go...

Pate agrees that schools need better funding model

School districts in this state have been doing more with less for too long, and that needs to change -- starting with reversing a legislative decision of how teachers are paid, said state Sen. Louis Pate, R-Wayne, a member...

Smoking new focus of pediatric practice

A recent survey conducted at Goldsboro Pediatrics produced a staggering statistic -- 25 percent of its patients are exposed to smoke in the home or car. The practice caters to a younger demographic, said Dr. Dave Tayloe, founder, but...

Friday, May 11, 2012

Students bring home diplomas from adult high school, GED ceremonies

Billy Moses might have appeared composed Thursday night as he strode across the stage at Wayne Community College to receive his high school diploma. But an even more appropriate word describes his journey there -- perseverance. It took him...

Pikeville tapped for spot in MPO

The organization mandated by the federal government to be responsible for transportation planning for the Goldsboro area is expanding to take in Pikeville, and there has even been discussion about optional growth along the U.S. 70 corridor to the Johnston...

Fourth shooting reported in city

For the fourth time in a week, the Goldsboro Police Department has been called on to investigate a shooting. Carlos Atkinson, 51, told investigators he was shot near Mina Weil Park early Thursday morning -- struck in the arm while...

Hopefuls turn out for 'Iron Man 3' call

KENANSVILLE -- People of all ages, shapes and sizes showed up for a casting call in Kenansville Thursday afternoon in hopes of seeing their faces on the silver screen as an extra in the third installment of the blockbuster...

Public record

B&E and larcenies *Richard Scott reported the theft of a $500 laptop from his home in the 300 block of Brazil Street that occurred Wednesday or Thursday. Entry was made by breaking through the front door of the home. *Lane...

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Barbecue event expected to net more than $25K

The third annual Pig in the Park held last month at Old Waynesborough Park is expected to net between $25,000 to $30,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County. While the proceeds are still being counted from the...

Honoring local law enforcement heroes

The Law Enforcement Memorial Service, which was held Wednesday, honored the memory of all peace officers who have died in the line of duty. More than 160 officers sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in 2011 --...

LaRoque asks for recount

State Rep. Stephen LaRoque, who lost the GOP nomination for the House District 10 seat to political newcomer John Bell IV, has decided to ask for a recount -- after telling his opponent and saying publicly Tuesday night that...

City launches new vegetable program

Local farmers markets, like the two in Goldsboro, not only provide consumers with access to fresh food, they contribute to the farm economy, said Kevin Concannon, U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, during a visit...

Clergy will meet to discuss churches, immigration issues

A group of clergy will get together next week to discuss their role in dealing with the issue of immigration and the people affected by it. "From Hostility to Hospitality: Immigration and the Church" is one in a series...

Disability Awareness Walk

More than 300 people took part in the 16th annual Hal Plonk Mayoral Committee Disability Awareness Walk in Goldsboro. Several organizations that deal with people who have disabilities, including Wayne Opportunity Center, took part in the walk. The marching...

Public record

Deputies investigate damage to home James Bridges reported an incident of property damage at his rental property in the 300 block of West Pine Street. that took place on Saturday or Sunday after he evicted the residents from the property....

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Dixon beats Sager

When the final numbers rolled in, state Rep. Jimmy Dixon, R-Duplin, said he had expected to win, but that he was surprised at the margin of victory over state Rep. Efton Sager, R-Wayne. Dixon, who took 62.24 percent of...

Mooring defeats Coram

Democrat Lois Mooring will remain Wayne County's register of deeds. The primary challenge between the incumbent and challenger Constance Coram was the only contested portion of the race for the job. Mrs. Mooring faces no Republican opposition in November. "It...

Making their voices heard

Gloria Flowers, left, and Linda Harper celebrate at Wayne County Republican Party Headquarters early Tuesday evening as results from the voting for the marriage amendment on the state ballot are read. Soon after the polls closed at 7:30 p.m.,...

Carraway will fight for seat

The only district judicial judge election in the 8th Judicial District was one of the closest races for area voters Tuesday. The nonpartisan race will send the top vote-getters, incumbent Judge Lonnie Carraway and assistant district attorney Ericka James,...

It's King vs. Jinnette

Goldsboro Mayor Al King ended Tuesday's primary on top, but will face Henry Jinnette in the upcoming general election. King captured 63.88 percent of the vote, compared to Jinnette's 19.02 percent of the ballots cast, while perennial challenger D.A....

Bell beats LaRoque

Fifty-four votes were all that separated Wayne County's John Bell IV from state Rep. Stephen LaRoque, R-Lenoir. Those votes, spread across four counties, are what will now propel Bell, a political newcomer, to the general election in November. Bell,...

County mirrored most state results

A third of Wayne County's 71,092 registered voters went to the polls in Tuesday's primary for the most part following statewide voting trends. According to unofficial results, 23,234 ballots (32.68 percent) were cast in the county compared to 34.37 statewide....

Postal food drive to be held Saturday

The local chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers and Rural Carriers, in partnership with United Way of Wayne County, will be conducting a food drive on Saturday. The local drive is part of a national effort by...

Public record

PD investigates armed robberies *Patricia Shelby, 18, told Goldsboro police officers she had an arranged meeting with an 18-year-old man, and during the meeting he robbed her at knife point of $200 and a $25 Guess wallet. The incident occurred...

Mayo gets GOP nod for county commissioner District 1

Just as he was when he was sworn into office as District 1 commissioner, Ray Mayo of Pikeville Tuesday night was surrounded by his family as he easily won a three-way race for the Republican nomination to remain in...

Williams to run against Clark in Goldsboro District 4 election

In the Goldsboro City Council District 4 race, the Rev. Charles Williams led his primary by a large margin, according to unofficial results, as his quest for a fifth straight term will continue into the city's general election. Williams...

Pate wins for GOP in county's District 5, will face Gray

Bill Pate of Goldsboro handily won the Republican nomination Tuesday to challenge Democratic incumbent Bud Gray for the District 5 seat on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners in November. Pate finished with 1,205 votes, or 80.87 percent, compared...

Fremont picks Flowers as new mayor, selects Mooring again

FREMONT -- Voters chose Darron Flowers to be their mayor Tuesday night, rejecting current Mayor Pro Tem Leroy Ruffin. "I am very tired today. It has been a long, hard day, but I am very pleased with the results,"...

House race unofficial because of challenge

Anyone looking to follow the state Senate District 5 race on the county or state Board of Elections' websites was likely surprised Tuesday to find it unlisted. After all, even though Tony Moore had been declared ineligible to run...

In Mount Olive, McDonald, Thompson win again by wide margins

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mayor Ray McDonald and Commissioner-at-large Ray Thompson will continue to serve town residents -- even though the wait to hear who actually won the town council seat was a little longer than usual. Shortly after 7:30...

Election results are in

On the state level, Walter Dalton beat the field for the Democratic nomination for governor, while Pat McCrory did the same on the Republican side. Also, the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage passed by an overwhelming majority. On...

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Record number set to graduate at Wayne Community College

Students hoping to graduate from Wayne Community College this week are wrapping up final exams today and Wednesday, as a record number is expected to participate in the two ceremonies. Officials said Monday that 604 curriculum graduates will be presented...

Final tweaks made to Mount Olive library plans

Construction documents for a new Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive are expected to be completed today, reviewed by county staff on May 22 and ready for Wayne County commissioners to act on at their June 5 board meeting. Wayne...

Computers stumble a bit during early primary voting

When the polls for today's primary opened at 6:30 a.m., the four voters on hand at the old Carver High School gym in Mount Olive had to wait a few minutes while computers that have replaced the voter roll books...

Students use garden to explore science

Nestled in the back of Cathie Hooks' classroom at Wayne Country Day School are several "earth boxes" containing thriving produce from the students' garden. Currently, the seventh-grade science class is growing cabbage and strawberries. But earlier in the school...

Council weighs raises for city workers

The Goldsboro City Council got its first look at the proposed $51,098,766 budget for fiscal year 2012-13 during a brief presentation at Monday's work session in the City Hall Annex. Financial Director Kaye Scott made a short presentation on the...

Schools to ask for more funds

The Wayne County Board of Education agreed Monday night to increase the price of school lunches by 25 cents. Board members also agreed to ask the county commissioners to increase the local appropriation for public schools for the coming year....

Public record

Woman assaulted while intoxicated Rachel Lewis, 24, of Goldsboro, reported that she was assaulted after leaving Gators Sports Pub, 1105 S. George St., early Sunday morning. Ms. Lewis told Goldsboro police that the last thing she could remember was...

Barber pleads guilty to charges

RALEIGH -- The Rev. William Barber pleaded guilty Monday in Wake County District Court to misdemeanor disorderly conduct for his behavior while protesting budget cuts at the Legislative Building last year. Barber, president of the state NAACP, and six...

Police eye another shooting

For the third time in less than a week, members of the Goldsboro Police Department have been called to investigate a shooting. Jaquan Amahd Dennis, 19, was shot in the foot Monday afternoon while standing in the EZ Choice Tinting...

Monday, May 7, 2012

Wayne voters face array of ballots

Precincts carved up by redistricting that created new state legislative and congressional districts could be a confusing recipe for voters in Tuesday's primary election. But throw in 17-year-old voters and municipal elections postponed from last November and Wayne County voters...

Teen shot Sunday in car on Olivia Lane

A teenager is recovering at Vidant Medical Center after being shot Sunday afternoon. But because of his age -- the boy is only 15 -- the Goldsboro Police Department is not releasing his name. They would, however, provide details about...

Back behind plate

Jake May catches the ceremonial first pitch before an Eastern Wayne High School baseball game Thursday. The team was  to hold its "Senior Night" a week earlier, but when Jake got delayed at Duke Hospital, the team decided it...

Mayoral candidates plan to unseat King, Allen

An online post by a Goldsboro mayoral candidate says he plans not only to unseat incumbent Al King, but to remove Mayor Pro Tempore Chuck Allen through either a write-in campaign with a fellow mayoral candidate or by bringing...

Habitat blitz erects two homes, hosts one marriage ceremony

PIKEVILLE -- The work site is on a dead-end appendix off of a suburb just south of Gurley Dairy Road. It's set up against a forest of untamed briars and undergrowth attempting to choke hundreds of trees. But beneath...

National Day of Prayer draws hundreds

Carla Lewis says she has always believed in the power of prayer, relying on it to help her make decisions in her life, including a recent career change. So it was that belief that led her to take part...

Public record

B&E and larcenies *Three tractors left stationary in a hay field on Carmack Road near N.C. 111 South were damaged by unknown suspects sometime on Wednesday or Thursday, reported Glenwood Davis II. Holes were cut in the rear tire of...

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Center Street work set for May 14

Construction on Goldsboro's Center Street Streetscape project should begin May 14, the city's planning director said. The Daniels and Daniels Construction crew should move a trailer to the area early this week, Randy Guthrie said. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church...

A path to follow. A legacy to honor.

Fennan Kandeel took her father's hand and told him just how much he was loved. She knew the tube in his throat would keep him from speaking -- that he might not even be able to hear his youngest...

370 turn tassels at Mount Olive College

MOUNT OLIVE -- The strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" brought a green flood into Kornegay Arena Saturday afternoon as 370 students graduated from Mount Olive College. This was the first year the college's undergraduates donned the forest green robes...

Students might pay more for their lunch

The Wayne County Board of Education is expected to approve a 25-cent increase to school lunch prices at its Monday night meeting, officials said last week. The move would mean charging $2.25 for K-12 student lunches starting in the fall....

Animal shelter ready to reopen

The Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center, which has been closed since mid-April after an outbreak of canine distemper, will reopen Monday at 10 a.m. The outbreak of the fatal and highly contagious viral disease was traced to eight...

Golf tournament raises $13,000 for United Way

The United Way of Wayne County held its annual Founders Cup presented by Enterprise Car Sales golf event April 27 at the Walnut Creek Country Club. The event raised more than $13,000 for United Way of Wayne County. The 2012...

Local Girl Scouts share cookies with 916th Air Refueling Wing

Members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing were on the receiving end of the first Operation Cookie Drop donation made by North Carolina Girl Scouts Friday afternoon. And in return, the storied unit gave the girls a thrill --...

Silver Arts Follies Tuesday

Goldsboro's Parks and Recreation will be hosting the Silver Art Follies Annual Talent Showcase as Goldsboro's gifted group of seniors take the stage. The event is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Seniors of all ages will...

Candidates vie for chance at fall ballot

Wayne County voters go to the polls Tuesday to select candidates for offices from the county courthouse to the White House. The polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. The May 8 primary features a full slate...

City vote can be confusing

Due to redistricting and a difference in the city of Goldsboro's charter from most other municipalities, the city will hold a separate election during which the two pairs of candidates who capture the most votes Tuesday will vie for...

Old Timey Days festival Saturday in Seven Springs

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The Old Timey Days festival held in Seven Springs is a week away, but organizers are already starting to plan for next year's festival. The new town website, sevenspringsnc.com, should be up and running by the...

Riding for Red Cross

The Blue Knights biker club and other riders took to the streets and open road throughout Wayne County Saturday morning to help raise money to support the American Red Cross. The Oakland Fire Department women's auxiliary and members from...

Public record

Deputies investigate armed robbery Three men reported they were robbed at gun point while outside of a home in Pikeville about 12:30 a.m. Friday. Fredy Lopez, Jose Montero and Mike Everette told Wayne County sheriff's deputies they were at Everette's...

City Council to get first look at proposed budget Monday

The Goldsboro City Council will get its first look at the city's proposed 2012-13 budget Monday as Finance Director Kaye Scott is expected to make her annual budget presentation at the City Council's work session at 5 p.m. in...

Goldsboro/Eastern Wayne alumni set homecoming

Central/Eastern Wayne Alumni and Friends Inc. will have its 40-year homecoming celebration Friday through Sunday, May 25-27, for the classes of 1942, 1952 and 1962 of Central and classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002 and 2012 of Eastern Wayne. A...

Friday, May 4, 2012

Gunfire claims 21-year-old

EDITOR'S NOTE: The names of the bystanders and eyewitnesses quoted in this story have, at their request, been withheld for their protection. A young woman took a few steps before falling to her knees. A few hundred feet away, Khyrie...

National Day of Prayer

Carla Lewis, center, and Erin Taylor, right, sit in meditation during a National Day of Prayer event Thursday evening at Cornerstone Commons. Ceremonies featured a youth service at the commons and a prayer service across the street at the...

Charity care big expense at Wayne Memorial Hospital

More than 11 percent of the Wayne Memorial Hospital budget goes for uncompensated care -- a combination of charity and services rendered to patients who don't pay. According to the Community Benefit Report, released by N.C. Hospital Association, the...

Faro area homeowners to get home insurance break

Homeowners in the Faro Fire District could realize a 20- to 30-percent savings on their homeowner's insurance policies once the district's new insurance rating of 6 on a 10-point scale becomes effective on Aug. 1. The state ranks fire...

Man robbed outside ATM at BB&T

Goldsboro police are investigating an armed robbery and kidnapping of a man making an ATM transaction at BB&T at 210 N. Spence Ave., early Thursday. Lafayette Joell Hines, 34, told police he was making a withdrawal from the bank's drive-up...

Public record

Investigations Law enforcement officers are investigating these reports: *David Onstine said someone stole a $2,000 air conditioner from the rear of a rental home in the 1900 block of Pinemont Circle between April 30 and Thursday. *D'Keya Nickerson said her...

Local family offered queen of Netherlands sanctuary in 1940

It was the spring of 1940 and world war loomed. Germany had conquered Poland the year before and had just taken over The Netherlands. And a Wayne County couple who had left Holland only a few decades earlier let...

Goldsboro Rescue marks 59th

The Goldsboro Rescue and Emergency Medical Service squads celebrated their 59th anniversary recently at the Wayne Shrine Club. The Goldsboro unit is the second oldest organization of its kind in North Carolina. It was organized in 1953. Its first call...

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Work set to begin on road in Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- The intersection of U.S. 117 and Main Street will be closed to traffic over the next few days as the state Department of Transportation begins a safety improvement project. The work was expected to begin today...

Jury finds insufficient evidence to convict three in 2008 robbery, shooting

Two words rocked a Wayne County courtroom Wednesday afternoon -- leaving one group of loved ones distraught while another celebrated. The state had failed to meet its burden in its case against Joshua Davis, Quentin Kenon and Rashard Oliver....

Best: Scale back station

Providing a $250,000 match for a proposed new GATEWAY transfer center would not pose a problem for the county, but the center needs to be an "office building" with parking and not a "Taj Mahal," Wayne County Commissioner Jack Best...

Nurses will pay final tributes to comrades

"Mary Ann Berry, please report to duty," said retired nurse Flo Harrington. No response. "Mary Ann Berry, N.C. license number 12345, please report to duty," she said. Silence. After a third attempt netted the same results, Billy Tart, a nursing...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Hosea Daniels of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, located at 601 W. Elm St., reported the theft of tools, valued at $1,000, and a tool box from the property that occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday. Copper tubing, valued...

Man killed in shooting

A 21-year-old man was shot to death this morning outside of the Madison Meat Market, 622 N. Madison Ave. According to the Goldsboro Police Department, the victim, Khyrie Roberts, was shot while standing in the parking lot at the corner...

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Not guilty

Less than an hour after two words rocked a Wayne County courtroom, two of the men found not guilty in the 2008 shooting of a local store owner celebrated their freedom with family members and friends.Joshua Davis and Quentin Kenon...

Investigator grilled on crime scene processing

Moments after the state rested its case against the three men accused of shooting a Goldsboro convenience store owner in 2008, the defendants addressed the court. But the jury was not present when Joshua Davis, Quentin Kenon and Rashard Oliver...

Jeffreys to receive annual Distinguished Service Award

The Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America has announced that it will present its annual Distinguished Service Award to George Jeffreys. The presentation will be made at a banquet June 5 at the Walnut Creek Country Club....

Wayne Community College student wins state award

Karen Peralta, a medical assisting student at Wayne Community College, was recently presented an academic excellence award by the N.C. Community College System. This award recognizes one student from each of the state's 58 community colleges as exemplary in...

Church, leaders join for luncheon, prayer

Faith Free Will Baptist Church's men are once again pairing with local community and business leaders to provide support through prayer. This will be the 21st year that the church has done a National Day of Prayer event. It will...

Commissioners get close look at jail woes

Some of the ceiling tiles in the Wayne County Jail have been damaged by leaks so many times that they are no longer being replaced, leaving gaps in the ceiling. "No telling how many times they have been replaced," Wayne...

Sixth book is most personal for North Drive teacher, author

Gregg Brown has always been shy about meeting new people. So when he attended an educator's conference at Atlantic Beach several years ago, he was admittedly nervous but compelled to step out of his comfort zone, he said. "It...

County jobless rate falls in March

Wayne County's unemployment rate tumbled from February to March, along with 97 other counties in the state, although two nearby counties bucked the statewide trend. The slight increases in Greene and Wilson counties -- both counties saw a 0.1...

Website to connect volunteers to groups

A local mechanism to connect volunteers with needy agencies has received a shot in the arm in the form of an updated website as Volunteer Wayne debuted its new look online last week. The new site boasts an ability...

Leadercast set for Friday at Mount Olive College

Tickets are still available for the Chick-fil-A Leadercast Friday at Mount Olive College. Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leader development event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Ga., to hundreds of sites throughout the nation, including Mount Olive College. The local...

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Agreement reached on road intersection

MOUNT OLIVE -- A right-of-way agreement has been signed that clears the way for the state to close the Zion Church Road intersection with N.C. 55 and N.C. 403 and move it farther east on N.C. 55. The intersection, located...

Ruling: City strip club can sell beer

In a reversal of a previous decision by the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, a judge within the state office of administrative hearings has determined that the Playground nightclub on North William Street should not have been denied its...

Judge denies jurors tour of crime scene

Special Superior Court Judge Jack Jenkins ruled Monday that jurors would not take a trip to the scene of a 2008 shooting that led to the death of a Goldsboro convenience store owner -- in part, because he was worried...

Chamber chief resigns position

After a year that has seen the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce debut a new fundraising program and a new logo as part of its rebranding campaign, its members will now need to find a new leader after the...

City's senior programs draw many out of house

Not everybody in the adult swimnastics class at the YMCA readily dived right in. "I didn't put my head under the water until I was 65," said Edna Watson, who turns 90 in December. "I don't participate an awful lot...

Wayne Community College to hold Fine Arts Festival

Wayne Community College will hold its Spring Fine Arts Festival on Thursday. The event, free and open to the public, is hosted by the school's Fine Arts Department. Art created by instructor Torey Romero's Design II and Drawing II...

Fire department benefit to be held May 12

The Arrington and Dudley volunteer fire departments will hold their fifth annual Sportsman's Giveaway on Saturday, May 12, to raise money for equipment and other needs. All proceeds will go to the departments. The event will be held at...