Thursday, January 31, 2013
Windy, but no damage in area
Compared with other parts of the state, Goldsboro and Wayne County came through unscathed by the high winds that crossed North Carolina Wednesday night, with only about 50 customers still without power this morning, said Jeff Brooks, spokesman for...Published: Jan 31, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Another fire claims house downtown
The Goldsboro Fire Department arrived at 401 N. George St. Wednesday just after 7:40 p.m. to find a working fire inside the residence. "The blaze began on the back porch and caused damage in the kitchen and downstairs areas...Published: Jan 31, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
It's only a test
In an effort to avoid confusion, 4th Fighter Wing officials have released details about an exercise set to unfold Monday on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base -- an "active shooter" simulation that will begin at 10:45 a.m. and will last...Published: Jan 31, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Truck rolls, hits worker at fence
A worker was struck by a tractor-trailer on Pecan Road near Mitchell Road just before 8 this morning. The N.C. State Highway Patrol was still gathering information at press time, but said that the victim had been taken to the...Published: Jan 31, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Drive-thru heads for record pace Friday
Just beyond the golden arches, in a modest brick building with a burnt red roof, a group of local residents is preparing to chase glory -- a victory that, by 9 a.m. Friday, will be measured in biscuits, McMuffins...Published: Jan 31, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Gaming Summit rolling out red carpet
Wayne Community College will roll out the red carpet for the international gaming community Saturday as it hosts the annual Carolina Game Summit. Literally. Along with 24 tournaments, speakers from across the video game industry and a panel of...Published: Jan 31, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Walnut Creek Village Council member could have a conflict of interest
WALNUT CREEK -- The Village Council could make its decision concerning the expansion of the sewer system as early as its Feb. 27 council meeting -- just after the public hearing on the matter which is expected to attract...Published: Jan 30, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Local Scouts eyeing gay ban proposal
Local Boy Scout officials offered no immediate comment about the news that the national organization is considering lifting its ban on admitting openly gay Scouts and Scout leaders. The measure, which will be voted on at the national Scouting...Published: Jan 30, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Commissioners look at facilities
The Wayne County Facilities Committee met Tuesday and discussed ways to relieve overcrowding at the county jail. One option, likely the cheapest, would be to renovate the old bank building, which until recently housed Services on Aging, to provide more...Published: Jan 30, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Teens, attorneys prepping for spring mock trial
A new partnership between public schools and local attorneys kicks off on Saturday with a workshop to prepare students for a countywide mock trial competition. Teens and Attorneys Partnership for Success in Wayne County, or TAPS, is a variation...Published: Jan 30, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Prepping for sale
Kayla Thornton, 16, a student at Spring Creek High School and a member of the FFA, works with her show goat Tuesday afternoon. She named her goat "Nibbles" because he is always nibbling on something, she said. She spends...Published: Jan 30, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Three blazes hit Goldsboro
The alarm calls came one after another, three structure fires in less than an hour. First, a T-shirt shop and then a tire store -- the third, on Frank Street, was an abandoned residence thought to have a squatter...Published: Jan 29, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Mount Olive College drive includes $20 million for campus renovations
MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College unveiled a $20 million capital campaign aimed at improving its residence halls, constructing a downtown presence in Mount Olive and expanding its athletic program during a gala event last Thursday night. Since the...Published: Jan 29, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
She's a soldier and a teacher
For Maxine Carr, there is no question of her loyalty. To the Army National Guard. To Wayne County Public Schools. Both have employed her. And both have had to, at times, share her. When she was hired as an exceptional...Published: Jan 29, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Public records
Stabbing Ronald Rosales, of 373 Lassiter Road, was stabbed in his front yard by a man whom witnesses said works with the victim. Israel Hernandez, 31, Jose Gomez, 53, and Monetz Jacobo, 44, all of the same Lassiter Road address,...Published: Jan 29, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, January 28, 2013
Morning blaze
A Wayne County home went up in flames early this morning and firefighters are currently investigating just what caused the blaze. Nathaniel and Elizabeth Mitchell, of 1651 Old Mount Olive Highway, managed to get out of the house unharmed, but...Published: Jan 28, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
More jet noise
Wayne County residents can expect to see more low-level flying -- and hear more jet noise and loudspeaker announcements -- for the next several days as members of the 4th Fighter Wing continue to prepare for their upcoming Operational Readiness...Published: Jan 28, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Wayne County Reads announces 2013 pick
The 10th annual Wayne County Reads selection will explore the Latino culture and offer a series of events and programs throughout February, organizers announced. The one-book, one-community project features the classic novel, "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya, a...Published: Jan 28, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Commission to talk facilities
An hour-long discussion on a $256,000 budget amendment for renovations at the Wayne County jail last week was used by county commissioners as an opportunity to vest more authority in its facilities committee. The session was also a springboard...Published: Jan 28, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Council honors 120 Eagle Scouts, longtime volunteers
MOUNT OLIVE -- More than 120 boys earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Tuscarara Council this past year -- a council record -- and they were honored with a reception Sunday. Also, four adults active in Scouting were...Published: Jan 28, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Goldsboro crowns its Miss
While much of Wayne County remained under a thin sheet of ice Saturday night, the competition was heating up inside the Paramount Theatre for the 2013 Miss Goldsboro Scholarship Pageant. Aspiring opera singer and Miss North Carolina hopeful Beth Stovall...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
GPD: All calls are equal
Goldsboro police say they followed department procedures in dealing with a shooting Wednesday night that left the victim's body undiscovered until the next morning. Some residents of the community where the body of Shabazz Arness Woods, 18, was found...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Local student earns $10,000 scholarship
A senior at Wayne Early/Middle College High School with aspirations of going to Yale and becoming a child psychologist is among 16 legally blind students chosen to receive a $10,000 scholarship from Jewish Guild Healthcare. Alyssa Odell, 17, of Pikeville,...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Local agency to handle Medicaid recipients
As of Jan. 1, Eastpointe, the local mental health management agency, has officially taken over managing the care of Medicaid recipients in its 12 member counties. The change is one that had been expected and planned -- and was...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Odom voted off ABC board
Wayne County commissioners cast a split vote Tuesday on a motion to make an appointment to the county Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, with the Republican members of the board voting not to re-appoint a sitting member of board who had...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Wayne Community College to host discussion on Latino migration
Wayne Community College will host a discussion on Latino migration to the United States and North Carolina on Monday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. in Moffatt Auditorium. Dr. Hannah Gill, assistant director of the Institute for the Study of...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Gamers coming to Wayne Community College summit
A doctoral student studying games with a purpose at N.C. State University has been added to the schedule of the upcoming 2013 Carolina Games Summit at Wayne Community College, to be held Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. until 8...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Students fourth in N.C. legal tournament
In his first year as sixth-grade social studies teacher at Wayne School of Engineering, former attorney Jesse Pittard has provided his students with firsthand knowledge about the judicial system. He put together two teams for the Justice Iredell Middle School...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Chef in training
W.A. Foster Recreation Center assistant Viola Kinney helps Trisond Gerald, 8, stir the noodles for Hamburger Helper during the cooking program at the center. The program teaches children how to prepare food, clean up after themselves and how easy...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Miss Spring Creek High School Pageant Saturday
Seven contestants will vie for the title of Miss Spring Creek 2013 during the scholarship pageant Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Scholarship awards to the college...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
February blood drives schedule
The following is the schedule of February blood drives for the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross: * Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Berkeley Mall. * Feb. 5 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Four men charged in heists at hog, turkey farms
KENANSVILLE -- Four men have been arrested in connection with a string of break-ins and larcenies at hog and turkey farms in the Mount Olive, Faison and Warsaw areas of Duplin County. Darren Gray Goodman, Dustin Lee Bowden, Christopher...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Benefit for needy animals recasts 'Alice in Wonderland' theme locally
Streetscape not only changed the face of downtown Goldsboro -- it apparently uncovered at least one rabbit hole. And a local boy and girl and other performers will share the story of that journey -- and raise funds for needy...Published: Jan 27, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Friday, January 25, 2013
More closings
Goldsboro city offices, as well as city Parks and Recreation facilities, will close at 3 p.m. today. County offices and facilities closed at 2 p.m....Published: Jan 25, 2013 2:22 PM Full Story
Ice, ice maybe? Likely.
With a winter ice storm approaching, precautions were being taken today by local officials to minimize the storm's impact, including the early closing of the county's public schools. Wayne County is expected to escape the brunt of the storm,...Published: Jan 25, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Residents protest sewer hook-up plan
WALNUT CREEK -- More than 40 residents crowded into the Walnut Creek Municipal Building Wednesday night, most to express opposition to a proposal by the Village Council to extend the sewer system. That extension, if approved, would require village...Published: Jan 25, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Police review response to calls
Members of the Goldsboro Police Department have answered one of the questions that surfaced when a body was found in between the homes located at 414 and 415 Seymour Drive early Thursday morning. The man allegedly shot to death...Published: Jan 25, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Residents say 'no' to request for apartments
Residents of 12th Street are concerned about the traffic impact that another apartment complex on Lockhaven Drive will have on the Wayne Memorial Drive corridor. They spoke Tuesday night at the public hearing on the matter while members of...Published: Jan 25, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Family doubles $1,000 reward
The family of 25-year-old Justin Travis Lancaster, murdered on Linen Lane just before 11 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2012, has decided to double the reward money for information leading to an arrest and conviction of his killer. The family said...Published: Jan 25, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Dollar General suspects arrested
Goldsboro police have arrested and charged one of two suspects in connection with the Jan.16 armed robbery of the Dollar General at 2107 N. William St. The second suspect, who has not yet been identified, remains at large. Police said...Published: Jan 25, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Schools to close early Friday
Officials with Wayne County Public Schools announced this evening that school will be dismissed three hours early Friday due to the threat of a winter storm and potential hazardous road conditions. In addition, all after-school programs and school-sponsored events...Published: Jan 24, 2013 5:55 PM Full Story
WATCH will add a third clinic
WATCH is in the process of replenishing its nurse practitioner pool and plans to open a third clinic in the fall, using recently acquired funding from Golden LEAF Foundation. The full-time clinic has been funded for a year. The original...Published: Jan 24, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Victim shot in projects
They had been speculating about who was behind the large, red tarp for more than an hour -- the Seymour Drive residents who, a few at a time, were awakened to news that police were investigating a fatal shooting in...Published: Jan 24, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Commission considers giving power back to board
The Republican-controlled Wayne County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning signaled that it could return at least part of the authority that the county Planning Board lost to the previous Democratic commission just over three years ago. Commissioners started the process...Published: Jan 24, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Getting ready for storm
A state Department of Transportation truck spreads a salt solution on Royall Avenue this morning. Highway officials are preparing roadways across Wayne County in anticipation of what weather forecasters say is a storm Friday that could bring sleet and...Published: Jan 24, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Chamber chief resigns her post
For the second time in seven months, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is preparing an interim leadership team now that President Bonnie Grady has resigned. Ms. Grady formally submitted her resignation Wednesday, Chamber Chairman Tom Bradshaw said this...Published: Jan 24, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Shooting victim identified
Members of the Goldsboro Police Department have identified the man found shot to death at 414 Seymour Drive early this morning. Shabazz Arness Woods, of 402 E. Mulberry Street, was 18 years old. For complete details and more from the...Published: Jan 24, 2013 1:28 PM Full Story
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
County makes mobile homes change
Owners of mobile homes that are 15 years old or older can now start moving the homes into Wayne County. Wayne County commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the county's mobile home ordinance Tuesday eliminating a ban on mobile homes...Published: Jan 23, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Brogden teacher finds blogging lucrative
When Randi Fleming began looking for teacher resources online a couple years ago, blogs were just hitting the Internet. The chance discovery prompted her to consider creating one of her own. "That was, like, when the blog world blew up...Published: Jan 23, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
American Legion in Pikeville starts project at cemetery
PIKEVILLE -- No one can remember the last time Old Glory flew over the Pikeville Cemetery, but the flagpole's halyard (rope) has dry rotted, says James Carter, Pikeville American Legion Post 541 commander. And while at least 86 veterans are...Published: Jan 23, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
County OKs match to state incentive grants
Local matches totaling $99,125 for state industrial incentive grants were approved Tuesday by Wayne County commissioners after no one spoke at two public hearings on the grants. The grants are for two projects that will create 67 new jobs while...Published: Jan 23, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Council talks about park plans
The long-running discussion concerning placement of new amenities at Stoney Creek Park might be coming to an end, but not without drastic changes to the proposed layout. Parks and Recreation Director Scott Barnard shared maps with Goldsboro City Council...Published: Jan 23, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Parks and Recreation plan focuses on accessibility, sprucing up amenities
When the Goldsboro City Council takes a second look at the revamped Parks and Recreation Master Plan during tonight's meeting, it will be considering the future of a department working to keep pace in an industry that has seen...Published: Jan 22, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Parade for MLK
Members of the Eastern Wayne High School marching band perform Monday during the Martin Luther King Jr. parade in LaGrange. The parade was, in many ways, the culmination of the events held in Wayne County and surrounding areas commemorating...Published: Jan 22, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Not waiting for spring
Michelle Branch, a first-grader at Dillard Academy, removes weeds from the flower bed at the school's garden. FoodCorps, Dillard Academy and WAGES hosted a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at the garden on Monday. Volunteers spent the morning...Published: Jan 22, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
NCSU College of Agricultural and Life Sciences holding listening sessions as it plans for future
As N.C. State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences charts its future, it is looking for insight from the people of North Carolina. On Thursday, the college's dean, Dr. Richard Linton, will lead a listening session at the...Published: Jan 22, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, January 21, 2013
Man, 18, charged with sex offenses
MOUNT OLIVE -- An 18-year-old Mount Olive man is being held in the Wayne County Jail under a $1 million bond after being charged by Mount Olive police with sexual offenses with a child under the age of 13....Published: Jan 21, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Community marks MLK holiday with annual breakfast, speech
Repeating the words from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "drum major" sermon, delivered just two months before his assassination in 1968, Damesha Smith called the more than 200 attendees at the city of Goldsboro's annual celebration of the life of...Published: Jan 21, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Commissioners to discuss business incentive grants
The public will have an opportunity Tuesday to voice its opinion on requests that Wayne County provide $109,125 in local money to match grants for two projects that would create 67 new jobs while making nearly $6 million in total...Published: Jan 21, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Duplin agribusiness banquet Jan. 28
The Duplin County Agribusiness Council will hold its annual dinner meeting on Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Ed Emory Auditorium of the Lois G. Britt Agricultural Center. The center is located at Duplin Commons, across from James...Published: Jan 21, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Council will eye bill for project
Goldsboro City Council will discuss two requests and examine the costs associated with Phase I of its Streetsscape project at its meeting Tuesday. Meetings are typically held on the first and third Monday of each month, but the meeting...Published: Jan 21, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Groups joins National Day of Service to give back however they can
Julie Alvarez swung a hammer. Ken Klem manned an electric saw. And Sherry Frye sorted through dirty clothing at the Habitat ReStore. Dozens of Goldsboro residents -- and even a few outsiders -- participated locally in the nationwide National...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
WCC to hold annual Praxis Film Festival Friday, Saturday
A free film festival planned for next weekend at Wayne Community College has the potential to become a regional event. "We started this two years ago and I had 75 to come. Last year, we had 150. This year I'm...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Wayne Regional again one of state's best
DUDLEY -- The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair continues to set the standard by which other fairs are judged, having won the Image Award for the best agricultural fair in 2012 in North Carolina for the 15th time since the...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Veteran retraining help still available
The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program is still accepting applications. As of Thursday, there were 75,275 of the target of 99,000 VRAP applications approved. Veterans may apply for assistance until Oct. 1, with training concluding by March 31, 2014, and...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
AARP offering tax help at Veteran's Building
In a change this year, AARP volunteers will not be at the Peggy M. Seegars Senior Center, nor will the appointments be set by the senior center. Instead, AARP volunteers will be at the Veteran's Building at 2001D E....Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Five contestants to face off for Miss Goldsboro title
The Miss Goldsboro and Goldsboro Outstanding Teen pageants will be held Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. Five contestants will compete for the Miss Goldsboro crown. They are Armani Perry, 18-year-old freshman at the University of...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Military Order of the Purple Heart looks to help, expand
A new headquarters. Aid for the county's homeless population. A taste of home for troops fighting overseas. All in a day's work. Touched by what they consider a cause worthy of their support, members of the local chapter of...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
County Commission wants to look at facilities
Wayne County commissioners not only want an inventory of all county buildings, but also their cost to taxpayers, who the tenants are, and whether or not they are paying for use of the buildings. They also want to know...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Lighthouse Food Mart shooting took place on Slocumb Street
A shooting that resulted in members of the Goldsboro Police Department investigating the parking lot at the Lighthouse Food Mart on Herman Street late Friday morning actually unfolded along the 1700 block of Slocumb Street. A 32-year-old Goldsboro resident...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
County field crop agent steps down
John Sanderson of the Four Oaks community in Johnston County has resigned after just eight months as the Cooperative Extension Service field crop agent for Wayne County. Sanderson submitted his resignation Jan 2., and his final day on the...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Electric truck donated to CBA
Students in the automotive program at Charles B. Aycock High School are learning more about green technology, thanks to the donation of an electric truck powered by solar energy. The bright yellow vehicle, which resembles a miniature truck on...Published: Jan 20, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Friday, January 18, 2013
Suspect gets jail in meth blast
The third of four suspects in the March 2011 explosion that rocketed through the rental property that was once the Goldwater Motel in Dudley has been sentenced to more than six years in prison. Regina Ann Rugkit, 30, pleaded guilty...Published: Jan 18, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
County leaders talking schools
Wayne County Commission Chairman Steve Keen Thursday tried unsuccessfully to block discussion of education during the board's seven-hour planning retreat, arguing that it would "supersede" a pending joint meeting between commissioners and the Wayne County Board of Education. The nearly...Published: Jan 18, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Worker charged in sexual assault
The former director of maintenance at Goldsboro Assisted Living who was charged with sexual assault on Aug. 8, 2012, has been sentenced to 60 days in jail. The sentence was suspended, however, and Gerald Dean Blizzard, 68, will instead serve...Published: Jan 18, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Blood battle: And the winner is ...
It was a bloody battle, but in the end, the city emerged victorious. The first-ever county versus city blood drive was held at the same time, but at different locations. County employees gave blood at the Red Cross chapter house,...Published: Jan 18, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Police investigating shooting
Goldsboro Police are at Lighthouse Food Mart on Herman Street, investigating a possible shooting. According to information from the scene, a man was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. It is unclear at this time if...Published: Jan 18, 2013 11:50 AM Full Story
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Waiting for first flakes
Snow plows were being attached to trucks and the brine solution readied this morning as Wayne County and the rest of the central part of the state were bracing for the first winter storm of the season that could drop...Published: Jan 17, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Sheriffs talk to worried groups
Sheriff Carey Winders was among the three sheriffs invited to Zebulon by the Moccasin Creek Minutemen Wednesday to discuss the potential fallout from President Obama's announcement of 23 executive orders related to gun control. Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harris and...Published: Jan 17, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Veterans need help with care packages
They were neatly packaged and sent overseas -- the simple offerings donated by members of a community that prides itself on standing behind the men and women living within it who wear the nation's uniform. Audie Brown was among...Published: Jan 17, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Closings planned for Martin Luther King Day
Local, state and federal offices, along with banks and the post office, will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Wayne Community College and Wayne County Public Schools are closed, too. Wayne County offices, the...Published: Jan 17, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Chamber marks successful year; eyes 2013 goals
Outgoing Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Richards characterized 2012 as a year of transition Tuesday night, and indeed it was for the membership organization. Speaking at the Chamber's annual banquet at the Walnut Creek Country Club, Richards...Published: Jan 17, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
System trouble slowing food stamps
A cumbersome new software system and understaffing are being blamed for a backlog in processing 500 food stamp cases in Wayne County, leaving families in need waiting for benefits. The problem has grown so bad since the new state software...Published: Jan 16, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Dr. David Tayloe honored with Cornerstone Award
Dr. Larry Nickens stood before a throng of the county's elite Tuesday night to introduce a colleague as the winner of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's highest honor. With Cornerstone recipient Dr. David Tayloe looking on from the...Published: Jan 16, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Royall Avenue widening project to begin soon
Work is under way to relocate utilities, including water and gas lines, on Royall Avenue in advance of a $400,000 project to widen the road to three lanes from Sunburst Drive to North Berkeley Boulevard. That initial work is...Published: Jan 16, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Commissioners to gather Thursday for retreat
Wayne County commissioners do not appear concerned that they do not have an agenda for what is expected for Thursday's day-long planning retreat. The retreat, which is open to the public, will get under way at 8:30 a.m. at...Published: Jan 16, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Prep for Mount Olive Black History Parade under way
Messenger Staff Writer Vicky Darden, vice president of the Unity Organization, is having problems with her phone. "They already started calling and blowing the phone up," she said. Ms. Darden is in no danger, except from maybe a headache or...Published: Jan 16, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Don Davis to speak at WCC MLK celebration
The 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom will be the focus of Wayne Community College's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The public is invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King...Published: Jan 16, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
School board retains facilities plan
The Board of Education voted Tuesday to retain the remaining projects on its 2007 prioritized facilities plan, and when it holds a joint meeting with the county commissioners will seek additional funding for maintenance needs in the district. The latest...Published: Jan 16, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Wayne Country Day expansion on schedule
Excitement continues to gain momentum at Wayne Country Day School, building upon the 2011 announcement of the $5 million capital campaign and three-phase expansion that will double the 40-year-old school's size. Efforts started with basic renovations and remodeling that were...Published: Jan 15, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
County health needs presented
After a year's worth of meetings, 10 focus groups and 1,400 surveys collected, preliminary findings of the Wayne County Health Needs Assessment were presented Monday night at Wayne Community College. The only thing missing was the public. Health Director...Published: Jan 15, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
City vs. County blood drive Thursday
County and city employees are ready to do battle Thursday, and it's expected to be a bloody affair. But there will be no fisticuffs. The local government employees will be competing to see who can raise the most blood...Published: Jan 15, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, January 14, 2013
Officials waiting for word to close cafes
Internet cafes are continuing to operate in parts of Wayne County and across the state in violation of a state Supreme Court ban prohibiting the sweepstakes games as gambling. Most of the establishments closed last week in compliance with...Published: Jan 14, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Warm weather could cause crop confusion
Wayne County residents driving by wheat fields in some areas of the county might think that the crop is looking good, and it is -- if it was late February or March. And while the moderate weather that is expected...Published: Jan 14, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Battling the flu: Just in case
About the only obstacle to getting a flu shot in Wayne County is taking the time to go in and get it. A quick canvass Friday showed an ample supply of the flu vaccine, with no waiting. Only two outlets...Published: Jan 14, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Heating bill assistance numbers lower
Through Friday, 428 Wayne County households have been approved for assistance with their heating bills through the state-administered federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program. That brings the total aid received to $93,100, as compared to 468 households and $127,400...Published: Jan 14, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Wayne County Public Schools science fair winners announced
Wayne County Public Schools' annual science fair was held Jan. 12 at Greenwood Middle School. The following is a complete list of winners and their categories in the local contest. K-12 Division Winner: Isaiah Austin of Meadow Lane Elementary...Published: Jan 14, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Red Cross blood drives
Following is the schedule of the remaining January blood drives for the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross: * Jan. 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Eureka United Methodist Church. * Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to...Published: Jan 14, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Civil War, heroes, films are among college's offerings
Bill Brettman's letters to patrons of the arts and humanities programs at Wayne Community College have grown increasingly longer over the years, reflecting the diverse list of events on its calendar. The director of the arts and humanities program likens...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Army staff sergeant set to receive Medal of Honor
When President Barack Obama hangs the Medal of Honor around the neck of a former Army staff sergeant next month, he might not mention that the fact that Clinton Romesha will be present to receive the nation's highest award for...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Children arrested for thefts
The Goldsboro Police Department announced felony charges Friday against four juveniles in connection with a December break-in. A 9-year-old, a 10-year-old and two 12-year-olds now face trial dates in Juvenile Court. Police first arrested Dominique Rivers, 18, 142 Adler Lane,...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Group to offer help for disabled veterans
The local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is currently working to help improve the quality of living for disabled Wayne County veterans -- offering to construct ramps at the homes of those who need wheelchair accessibility....Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Jet noise will increase
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's fleet of F-15E Strike Eagles will be flying low -- and making more noise than normal -- late into the evening for the next several days, as the 4th Fighter Wing conducts an operational readiness...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Attorney: Commissioners' decision to close meeting is 'questionable'
Wayne County commissioners' closed-door discussion of the county's now discarded problem-riddled payroll system was "inappropriate," the attorney for the North Carolina Press Association said Friday. Following the closed meeting, commissioners voted, without comment, to end the county's contract with Ceridian...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Foster grandparent inspired new Senior Companion chief
As a child growing up in Stevens Point, Wis., Lisa Pence didn't envision herself working with the elderly. But an unexpected pairing changed the course of the life of the woman who would become Wayne County's new administrator of the...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Recycling business brings jobs, revenue
It's often decried as a cause with value only in its environmental impact, but Greg Brown is championing the role recycling plays in combating the U.S. trade deficit with China -- and its ability to put more cash in...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Commissioners clear way for two local industrial projects
Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning scheduled public hearings on providing local matches for $60,000 in state incentives for two separate industrial projects. Together the two projects would bring 67 new jobs to the county and nearly $6 million in total...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
New commissioner
Ed Cromartie is sworn in by Judge David Brantley, not seen, as he stands alongside his wife, Hilda, left, and Shirley Evans, right, the widow of the late J.D. Evans, during his swearing-in ceremony in the commissioners' meeting room...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Future scientists
Cindy Sugg looks at Norwayne Middle School student David Williamson's first-place winning science presentation, "No Power Cords," during the Wayne County Public Schools Science Fair held at Greenwood Middle School on Saturday. Williamson won first place for the technology...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
GPD's Cox promoted to captain
For only the second time in the history of the Goldsboro Police Department, a black female officer has been promoted to the rank of captain. Teresa Cox, a 20-year veteran of the police force, was officially elevated to the rank...Published: Jan 13, 2013 1:50 AM Full Story
Friday, January 11, 2013
County returns to last payroll system
After months of public angst and at times pointed discussion, and a near uprising by the county's emergency responders over the county's payroll system, Wayne County commissioners this week decided to return to the old system. The decision came after...Published: Jan 11, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Jobless numbers down across area for November
Counties across the state continued a trend of declining unemployment rates when compared to their 2011 counterparts, but a local official said an influx of new jobseekers in November led to increases from October marks. Area jobless numbers were...Published: Jan 11, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Fetch
Jeniffer McGee tosses a tennis ball for her dog, Strawberry, a 4-year-old basset hound mix, to chase at the Stoney Creek dog park. She got the rescue dog six months ago. The dog has become a close companion for...Published: Jan 11, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Sheetz gets OK to start project
Sheetz will begin working toward a second location in the city after the Goldsboro City Council Monday night approved its consent agenda which contained three measures concerning the proposed convenience store and restaurant. The annexation request, initial zoning code...Published: Jan 11, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
No plans yet for former theater lot
More than five years after its final showing as a movie theater, the building which previously housed the Carmike Berkeley Cinema Four is no more. Construction crews tore down the Cashwell Street structure Monday. The theater operated from 1976...Published: Jan 11, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Pate chosen for Senate leadership
RALEIGH -- In an effort to improve efficiency, the General Assembly opened its two-year session Wednesday with one day of electing its legislative leaders before adjourning until Jan. 30, when the Legislature is required by statute to open. Among...Published: Jan 10, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Solar farm firm has eyes on town
MOUNT OLIVE -- A solar energy development company is planning to start construction on a 32-acre 6.4 megawatt solar farm on the northwest side of Mount Olive sometime in late January or early February depending on when the town...Published: Jan 10, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Peek-a-boo
Lorien Milsted, 4, looks through a hole in a piece of playground equipment at her grandmother Sue Obermeit while playing at Herman Park on Wednesday. "I've been looking forward to this all week long," Mrs. Obermeit said, referring to...Published: Jan 10, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
SJAFB off first list for tankers
They still believe that, eventually, Seymour Johnson Air Force will host a fleet of KC-46As -- that 916th Air Refueling Wing crews are "well-positioned" to command the state-of-the-art tankers that will enhance refueling capacity and capabilities, improve efficiency and increase...Published: Jan 10, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Residents with medical concerns can get help with heating bills
Help is available for Wayne County families with health concerns who are facing the danger of losing their heat because of non-payment of their bills. The county has received $332,652.82 in funding through the federal Crisis Intervention Program for households...Published: Jan 10, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Change to mobile home ordinance gets first OK
Mobile home owners in Wayne County are one vote closer to being able to set up them up even if they are more than 15 years old following a unanimous decision by Wayne County commissioners to eliminate the county's ban...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Doctor charged with DWI
A Goldsboro Pediatrics physician was charged by Goldsboro police Sunday with driving while impaired, hit and run driving and assault. The incident occurred Sunday night near Wayne Memorial Hospital. Dr. Michael Shane Hoover, 37, of 703 Beech St., was on...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Commissioners pick Cromartie for seat
Ed Cromartie of Mount Olive will be sworn into office Friday as the newest member of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. A retired educator and member of the Mount Olive town board, Cromartie, 66, will serve the first two...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Two arrested for cocaine possession
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office Aggressive Criminal Enforcement team conducted a traffic stop Monday that led to two arrests and the seizure of more than four ounces of cocaine. According to a press release issued by the Wayne County...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Cafe permit denied
The Goldsboro City Council denied a conditional use permit for an Internet cafe Monday on the heels of a decision by the state's highest court that the sweepstakes games the businesses offer constitute gambling and are illegal. The Planning...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Wayne students chosen for state honors chorus
Eight students from Wayne County Public Schools were chosen for the North Carolina Elementary and High School Honors Choruses. Students from across the state auditioned to become part of the 150-170-member choruses, sponsored by the N.C. Music Educators Association. After...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Veteran lawman honored for 45 years on the job
Wayne County Sheriff's Office Capt. Ken Pennington has seen a great deal in his 45 years of service to the community of Wayne County. He has worked for three sheriffs and can remember a time when there were a total...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Science fair Saturday
The annual districtwide science fair for Wayne County Public School students who have already won similar events at their respective individual schools will be held Saturday at Greenwood Middle School. The public is invited to attend the event, which...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Courthouse work
Curtis Construction workers remove siding from the Wayne County Jail. Renovation to the jail began Jan 2 and will last for four months. County commissioners agreed to a $1.5 million budget amendment to pay for the project. Major renovations...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
MLK supper to be held Jan. 20
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.'s Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter will sponsor America's Supper Sunday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. in the AKA room of the Neal A. Stitt building. The Rev. Larry...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Father-daughter dance to be held Feb. 2 at YMCA
The Goldsboro Family YMCA will host its annual father-daughter dance on Feb. 2 from 7 p.m. to raise funds for its Warm Hearts mentoring program. Tickets are $20 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter or granddaughter. Only 200...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Board eyes calendar for school year
The debate about school calendars versus state tourism continued at Monday night's school board meeting. The board approved the draft for the 2013-14 district calendar, but not unanimously. Board member Eddie Radford was the sole vote of opposition. The problem,...Published: Jan 9, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Pikeville eyes possibilities for new town hall
PIKEVILLE -- Pikeville Town Board member Lyman Galloway is proposing that the town buy a new modular home to use as its new town hall. The 2,080-square-foot building would be erected on a lot owned by the town across...Published: Jan 8, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Mount Olive board considers fees for solar farms
MOUNT OLIVE -- New solar farm fees popped up on the town's agenda after a number of companies have expressed interest in bringing their sun-powered operations into Mount Olive. The board discussed the proposed changes during Monday night's Mount...Published: Jan 8, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Board of Education talks about guns in schools
Recent shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., sparked a lively debate on the need for improved campus safety at Monday night's Board of Education meeting. "Limited resources" in school districts are just one problem, Board Chairman John...Published: Jan 8, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Welding courses at Wayne Community College lead to AAR jobs
Through a successful public-private partnership with Wayne Community College, global aerospace and defense leader AAR has designed an eight-week welding certificate program to address a shortage of welders at AAR Mobility Systems. It typically takes a year to earn a...Published: Jan 8, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Air Force museum: Up for sale?
In the first indication of the city's intentions with its proposed Air Force Museum building, District 5 Councilman Chuck Allen asked Monday night that the Goldsboro City Council begin making preparations to put the property on the market. Speaking...Published: Jan 8, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, January 7, 2013
A dying skill? Not just yet.
As educators scramble to keep pace with rapidly changing technology, many school districts are trading in pencil and paper for a keyboard or hand-held device. One of the potential casualties has been cursive writing -- the oft-anticipated rite of passage...Published: Jan 7, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Mobile homes are on county agenda
Wayne County commissioners will once again take up whether they should eliminate the county's ban on mobile homes older than 15 years when they meet Tuesday. Commissioners were to have held a public hearing Dec. 18 on the Wayne County...Published: Jan 7, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Community health survey results set to be released
Results of the yearlong effort to determine the county's health status, and to improve upon it, will be released at a public meeting next week. The Community Health Needs Assessment will be presented Monday, Jan. 14, from 5:30 until 6:30...Published: Jan 7, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Council to eye change in rules
The Goldsboro City Council is expected to bring an end to months of discussions about the city's sidewalk requirements at its meeting tonight where members will consider an amendment to the city's Unified Development Ordinance, which will tie sidewalk...Published: Jan 7, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Man hurt in shooting
A 19-year-old shooting victim was treated and released from the emergency room at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Friday night. Michael Antonio Thompson, 127 Mill Creek Court, told Goldsboro police he was shot in the right leg while on the 900...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Mount Olive College to hold Visitation Day on Jan. 21
MOUNT OLIVE -- Potential college students can experience campus life at Mount Olive College's Visitation Day on Monday, Jan. 21 . Registration in the Lois K. Murphy Center begins at 9 a.m. High school juniors and seniors and their parents...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Man arrested after allegedly holding a gun to 8-year-old's head
A Goldsboro man who allegedly forced his way into a Mount Olive home and held a gun to the head of an 8-year-old girl was arrested Friday morning at the Econo Lodge in Goldsboro. Shawnquel Futrelle, 25, who was...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Ericka James sworn in as new district court judge
There were three standing ovations on Friday. The first two were for the 8th Judicial District's first black female judge to be elected and sworn in, the Honorable Ericka Y. James. The third was for her husband, Ronald. Dignitaries...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
67 new jobs set to come to Wayne County
In one of her last acts in office, former Gov. Beverly Perdue and the Wayne County Developmental Alliance announced Friday nearly $6 million in total investments and 67 new jobs from new and existing industries in Wayne County. In...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Geocaching: hidden treasures all around
On March 23, 2010, Ralph Benedetto attached a travel bug to a blue Wayne Community College keychain and dropped it in a wooded area on the grounds of the college, hopeful it would wend its way around the globe...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Truck driver dead in Friday night accident
A 43-year-old Seven Springs man driving a truck containing a load of turkeys was killed at the scene of a one-vehicle accident shortly after 9 p.m. Friday. The N.C. Highway Patrol said speed was a contributing factor in the...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Register of Deeds warns of scam
Wayne County Register of Deeds Lois Mooring is warning residents of a scam that tries to get people to fork out money for something they can get for free. In a news release, she said that she has become...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Cromartie nominated by Democrats to replace Evans
Despite the non-binding nature of its nomination, the Wayne County Democratic Party nonetheless put forward Ed Cromartie as its choice to replace the late J.D. Evans on the county Board of Commissioners. In a vote held Friday, Cromartie, a...Published: Jan 5, 2013 10:40 PM Full Story
Friday, January 4, 2013
Driver dies after collision on U.S. 13
Goldsboro resident James Wells, 65, of 238 Ryan Way, was killed Sunday night when the pickup truck he was driving was involved in an accident at the intersection of Saulston Road and U.S. 13 North. The accident happened about 10:30...Published: Jan 4, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Reading time
Linda Olanovich helps her 16-month-old granddaughter Eleanor Swanson put paper feathers on a cutout of a peacock that they were making after story-telling time at the Pikeville branch of the Wayne County Library on Thursday. The library, located on West...Published: Jan 4, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Plant is now up and running
A recently completed $900 million modernization project at the Progress Energy H.F. Lee Plant began commercial operation this week. The 920-megawatt plant is now using a natural gas combined-cycle design that is more efficient than the old coal-fired units. It...Published: Jan 4, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Suspect sought in home invasion
MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive police are searching for two men, one of them identified, in connection with a pair of violent break-ins pulled off simultaneously on Dec. 31. An arrest warrant has been issued for Shawnquel Camorra Futrelle,...Published: Jan 4, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Thursday, January 3, 2013
First day
Paige Nunn, left, counselor at Eastern Wayne Middle School, talks with students in Yuzette Smith's seventh-grade math class Wednesday. When Wayne County Public Schools resumed after the holiday break, students at Eastern Wayne and Norwayne middle schools returned to...Published: Jan 3, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Internet cafes closed
The State Supreme Court-issued ban on Internet sweepstakes cafes went into effect today, but local law enforcement officers have been left scratching their heads as to whose responsibility it is to enforce the edict that the businesses shut down. "We're...Published: Jan 3, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Officials: Get flu shot
The new year might not have officially ushered in this year's flu season in Wayne County, but health officials agree something is in the air and are giving fair warning to those who haven't yet gotten the flu shot....Published: Jan 3, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Sinkholes discovered near Streetscape lights
Concerns expressed in recent weeks by local business operators about sinkholes surrounding at least five new light poles near the roundabout on East Ash Street and on North Center Street -- part of the Center Street Streetscape project -- were...Published: Jan 3, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
State changes car tax due date
Wayne County tax officials are anticipating an upswing in revenue collections once a state law passed in 2005 finally goes into effect on July 1 that requires vehicle taxes to be paid at the same time vehicle registrations are renewed....Published: Jan 2, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Traveling Vietnam Wall will make stop in Wayne County
He visits his former battlefield commander daily -- the young radio operator who was cut down in Vietnam so many decades ago. Richard Strawl was different from the other men retired Marine Bill Carr lost during the tour that has...Published: Jan 2, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Ready for his close-up: Wayne County's first baby of the new year makes his debut
When Amanda Zachwieja started having contractions around 2 p.m. Monday afternoon, her initial thoughts were not on winning any sort of pool predicting the baby's birth -- they were on doing her job. "I was having contractions, but they weren't...Published: Jan 2, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Learning with new equipment
FFA programs at both Charles B. Aycock High School and Rosewood High School recently each received $5,000 grants for upgrades to the programs from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Rosewood used its funds to add ventilation and permanent...Published: Jan 2, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Communities in Schools hopes to increase physical, fiscal support
Since taking over the reins of Communities in Schools in October 2011, Executive Director Selena Bennett has embarked on some lofty projects -- gearing up for the non-profit's accreditation status in the spring and applying for $150,000 in funding...Published: Jan 2, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Pickle plops; 2013 official
MOUNT OLIVE -- Alyssa Klinger's heart was racing when she heard her ticket number called out, and it took some urging from her father for her to step forward and to claim her prize -- a giant 3-foot-long plastic...Published: Jan 1, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Pace up for parole after 1985 murder
The N.C. Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission announced Monday the possibility of parole for a Goldsboro man convicted of second-degree murder in 1986. Originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of James Smith Jr. in...Published: Jan 1, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story
Woman gets run over at drive-thru
A Goldsboro woman was run over by a car Saturday, just before 10 a.m., after she allegedly assaulted a driver at the McDonalds drive-thru window at 100 Mollie Drive. Camona Allen Fray, 32, 126 Thimbleweed Lane, according to a...Published: Jan 1, 2013 1:46 PM Full Story