March 2013 archives

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Sunday, March 31, 2013

DGDC turns some activities over to other groups

Tasked with taking more of an economic development focus on downtown, the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. has farmed out several of its programs to local community groups and civic organizations. It's an effort that actually began last fall as...

Fremont welcomes spring, daffodils Saturday

FREMONT -- "Awesome. Ummmm," Paige Varney, 9, exclaimed as she took a bite of her funnel cake, her movements sending powdered sugar cascading all the way down to her colorful boots. Hearing her excitement, older sister Jayda, 10, walked over...

Walnut Creek Council rejects sewer

The Walnut Creek Village Council voted unanimously last week to end its push for a village-wide sewer system. After the proposal caused an uproar among most residents, the five council members chose to find another way to deal with...

Three hurt in Saturday wreck

Speed and alcohol were both factors in an one-vehicle wreck that injured three men inside the car that Highway Patrol troopers said was destroyed in the wreck. The two of the injured were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected...

Number served still increasing for Soup Kitchen

Every year lately, the number of meals served at the Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro has increased, topping out at 36,739 in 2012 -- an average of 137 people a day. "We were up 4,000 (meals) more from the...

Veterans seeking help to welcome the Wall

They claim that their home county is among the most patriotic in the country -- that the presence of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and a large veterans community inside its limits makes Wayne County bleed red, white and blue....

Commission: Fees for seniors?

The Wayne County Commission continued its questioning of department heads this past week, with a pair of sessions Thursday covering five areas of operations -- and including a question about instituting fees at the new Wayne County Senior Center....

Commissioners to discuss Planning Board powers Tuesday

Wayne County commissioners will discuss Tuesday morning proposed changes to the county subdivision ordinance that would return authority for certain plat review and approval to the Wayne County Planning Board and/or the county planning director. That authority was stripped...

Multi-sports complex tops City Council consent agenda

The Goldsboro City Council will meet Monday, with the council holding a work session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting starting at 7 p.m. in the Council chambers at City Hall. On the work session agenda are an...

Man tries to buy car, is robbed, escapes with $3,500

A Bailey area man who was in Goldsboro to buy a car he had seen advertised online managed to escape uninjured and with his $3,500 in cash after two men robbed him at gunpoint. Adrio Lallegos, 25, of 1020...

Meeting, loving, helping animals

Jennifer Moye isn't scared of going to the animal shelter. And she doesn't want you to be either. That's the reason that she decided to join forces with Dr. Charles Zwerling, founder of the Heritage Dance Foundation, to see...

Funds raised, animals adoped and pet owners educated at Wonderland

Being dressed as a giant mouse didn't keep 12-year-old Alexis Godwin of Goldsboro from walking around to look at the dogs available for adoption. She saw several she liked, but with three dogs already at home, she knew she...

Friday, March 29, 2013

Second arrest made in murder

A second arrest has been made in the October 2012 murder of 25-year-old Justin Travis Lancaster, of Dudley, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday. Shyquan Omar Lattner, 22, of 105 Ridgefield Drive, has been charged with conspiracy to commit...

Hop, hop, hop

Eric Vaughn Sr.'s Easter egg hunting tips to his children were both simple and effective. "My daddy told me to run straight ahead to the tree," said Eliana Vaughn, 7, Eric's daughter. After the whistle trilled, she did just...

County leaders worry about funding

Unfunded mandates, shifting state responsibilities onto the backs of counties and the erosion of state funding for programs like libraries and the Department of Social Services topped the concerns of Wayne County commissioners during their Thursday special session to discuss...

Cherry Hospital behind schedule

Despite a building that looks largely completed from the outside, construction of the new Cherry Hospital on West Ash Street is about four or five months behind schedule and is now not expected to be complete until the end...

Motorcycle racing set for April 6 at Busco Beach

Fast and Furious flattrack motorcycle racing returns to Busco Beach on Saturday, April 6, as part of the Southeast Motorcycle Dirt Track Racing Association Eastern N.C. race weekend doubleheader. The first event is Friday, April 5, at B and...

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Soup kitchen volunteer recognized for dedication

Every Tuesday for nearly the last six years, Anne Marie Johnson has gone to the Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro, not to receive a meal, but to help serve one. And on Monday, it was that dedication that led...

Fremont touts schools, debunks rates

FREMONT -- Promoting Fremont's high-quality schools while debunking the town's reputation for high utility rates needs to be pursued as the town looks for ways to make itself more attractive to potential newcomers. That was the consensus opinion Tuesday night...

Teen warns peers about drunk driving dangers

Danielle Peedin was in seventh grade when it happened. By 10th grade she was being asked her to speak to her peers about it, but she wasn't ready. On Wednesday, though, with students at Rosewood High School and the...

Police search for second suspect

The Goldsboro Police Department is still searching for a local man officers suspect was the second perpetrator of an early-morning armed robbery at Donnell's Express Mart on March 8. Devon Melvin Williams, 20, is wanted for robbery with a dangerous...

Resident helps police catch burglar

A quick-thinking citizen called 911 Tuesday when he saw a man breaking into a neighbor's home at 2708 Warrick Circle, leading to an arrest later that night. Officers from the Goldsboro Police Department's A-shift found the door forced open when...

Second arrest made in connection to murder

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office has arrested a second suspect in the case surrounding the murder of Justin Travis Lancaster. Gerald George Lee was arrested and charged with Lancaster's murder on March 16. Officials with the Sheriff's Office said...

ECU joining Big East in all sports

East Carolina will join the soon-to-be-renamed Big East as an all-sports member, instead of just for football as originally planned. The league and school announced the move Wednesday. East Carolina had already been set to join Cincinnati, Connecticut, South Florida...

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

College to face spending freeze

Despite the possibility of further budget cuts, Wayne Community College President Dr. Kay Albertson remains resolute about the coming year, she told trustees Tuesday night. That is due, in part, she said, to the population served by the institution. The...

The circus is in town

Workers set up the Cole Bros. Circus of Stars' "Big Top" early this morning at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. The circus will feature a performance tonight at 7:30 p.m., and performances on Thursday at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Ticket...

House: Permit records will be secret

RALEIGH -- The North Carolina House has voted to bar the public from reviewing the detailed records of concealed weapons and pistol permit holders issued. The House voted 97-20 on Tuesday in favor of making confidential lists of people...

Holding discusses budget cuts, immigration and gun control

Allowing some federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense, flexibility in implementing sequestration cuts should help them continue to fulfill their mission by targeting specific areas instead of making across-the-board cuts, freshman Congressman George Holding said during a Tuesday morning...

Farm workers' rights

Jean Chapman holds a sign in support of better pay for farm workers during the Pilgrimage for Peace and Justice in Goldsboro. Members of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee took to the streets on Tuesday demanding better wage and...

Doctor recommends colonoscopies, says process is improving

Mention the word colonoscopy and many grimace at the prospect. But not just about the procedure itself. It's also the "prep." Getting an accurate reading requires completely emptying the colon, and that means drinking hefty amounts of a liquid...

Commissioners planning another round of departmental reports

Wayne County commissioners Thursday morning will hold their third and final special session to hear presentations by county department heads as the county moves toward coming up with a budget for fiscal year 2013-14. However, the special session won't be...

Benefit concert to be held for Floydie

Three popular gospel groups will perform at a benefit concert Friday night in Goldsboro for Floydie Harris, the Dudley man whose right leg was partially amputated last month after an accident at his home. The 45-year-old father of four...

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Third rape suspect caught

A third suspect has been charged in the home invasion and rape that took place at a residence on Genoa Road in Dudley earlier this month. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that Montrel Keith Crawford, 16, of 1213...

Group cancels pug giveaway

"Animals of Wonderland" organizers have canceled the raffle of a pug puppy. All other events planned for this Saturday remain unchanged. "We are looking forward to a great event that promotes the mission of the Wayne County Humane Society...

Seats with history

The ornate chairs stand beneath a large oil painting of George Washington in the foyer of the Wayne Masonic Lodge. The story behind them is a long one, dating back to the Civil War and the generosity of a...

Butterfield: Sequestration likely to remain done deal

As he spends the first half of his two-week break from Washington, D.C., touring eastern North Carolina, U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield, D-District 1, says the one thing he keeps hearing over and over is a desire for certainty. "People...

Shelter restarts volunteer program

Volunteers who have not been allowed to work at the Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center since the first of the year are expected to return by late April or early May -- but with better training and a...

Monday, March 25, 2013

T-shirt fundraiser to help with expenses for Wall

They have already secured the funds necessary to bring the Wall That Heals to Goldsboro, but members of the Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition want to ensure that the other expenses associated with what they consider one of the...

DGDC sets budget for 2013

The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. board of directors approved the nonprofit portion of its budget Wednesday, while also expressing its support for one of the district's newest businesses through the approval of an economic incentive grant. The nonprofit budget,...

Fremont teen tapped for state honor by club

FREMONT -- Many of the youths Patrick Smith met when he started coming to the Boys & Girls Club at 8 years old are no longer there. "I started being the oldest, by maybe two or three years," he said,...

Benefit for local animals in need is Saturday

Proceeds from the family-oriented musical play "Animals of Wonderland," to be presented Saturday, March 30, at the Paramount Theatre, will benefit the Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center and the Wayne County Humane Society. Some characters will be in...

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Helping students 'see and reach into their tomorrow'

Kiesha Cousar, a Goldsboro native who now lives and works in Raleigh, has spent 15 years teaching youth and adults about self-esteem and pursuing their passion. But she was taken aback recently by something she was asked by a...

County prison also included for closure in budget

Among the cuts proposed in Gov. Pat McCrory's $20.6 billion budget this year, $20.3 million would come from the closure of prisons in five counties, including Wayne. On the chopping block is Wayne Correctional Center, located at 700 Stevens...

Legislators talk on governor's budget

Speaking after the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's legislative breakfast event Friday, the county's three Republican legislators gave their thoughts on Gov. Pat McCrory's $20.6 billion budget -- including the two line items that targeted Wayne County specifically. Those...

Wayne County's three Republican legislators share thoughts on session with Chamber

Speaking at a legislative breakfast event, Wayne County's three Republican legislators took time Friday morning to discuss the issues facing the North Carolina General Assembly, including Gov. Pat McCrory's proposed $20.6 billion budget. Overall, the three said they are...

Aycock Birthplace slated for shutdown

State officials say the proposed closure of the Charles B. Aycock Birthplace in Fremont is unfortunate but necessary given the budget demands in Gov. Pat McCrory's $20.6 billion state spending plan. However, said Keith Hardison, director of the Division...

Deputies arrest duo for long string of car break-ins

By its own admission, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office had been run ragged chasing down a string of 36 vehicle break-ins that occurred over the last four months -- that is, until Wednesday. Sheriff's deputies forced their way into...

Wayne County health: 59 out of 100

A new study released last week by the University of Wisconsin ranks Wayne County as the 59th healthiest county in the state. The news did not come as a surprise to Davin Madden, Wayne County health director, who likens...

Wayne Community College students win Golden LEAF scholarship

Fifteen college-credit students from Wayne Community College were selected to receive spring semester scholarships through the Golden LEAF Scholarship program for the North Carolina Community College System. Recipients and their programs of study include Heather Aycock, Krystal Braswell, Arminda...

DOT to replace eight Wayne and Wilson bridges

Two bridges will be replaced in Wayne County and six in Wilson County as part of the N.C. Department of Transportation's $450 million state-funded bridge plan for 2011-13. The Wayne County bridges to be replaced are on Parkstown Road...

Walstonburg to host annual 'Proud to be an American Day' on April 20

WALSTONBURG -- The Greene County town of Walstonburg will hold its fifth annual "Proud to be American Day" celebration on Saturday, April 20. The event will take place at the American Legion Building at 102 S. Main St. in...

Crews respond to Mount Olive house fire

Crews from four area fire stations were called to the corner of North Church Street and Dail Street in Mount Olive on Thursday after 1 p.m., where they found a working structure fire. Preliminary reports indicated someone might be...

County GOP meets, elects slate of leaders for the year

The biggest controversy during Saturday morning's business session of the 2013 Republican Convention centered around ensuring the integrity of secret ballot election was maintained after a second candidate was nominated for first vice chair of the party. No new...

Pink Hill Rose Festival to be held on April 13

PINK HILL -- The second annual Pink Hill Rose Festival will be held April 13 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Pink Hill. Sponsored by the non-profit Pink Hill Area Preservation and Development Committee, the festival will...

Norwayne Middle School team wins regional Battle of the Books

After nine previous attempts, Norwayne Middle School's Battle of the Books team emerged victorious from the recent regional contest. The Region 2 event, held March 15 at Northside High School in Jacksonville pitted students from 10 counties against one...

Mount Olive College to host free PENC workshops for Praxis I & II tests

Mount Olive College is hosting two workshop sessions sponsored by the Professional Educators of North Carolina for the Praxis I & Praxis II tests. These workshops are being held for free to all North Carolina educators and education majors....

Purdue Pharma gives grant to Mount Olive College for summer research

Mount Olive College has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Purdue Pharma. The money will be paid out in $5,000 increments over the next three years, and will provide financial support for biology, chemistry, and math majors involved in...

Owner hopes photos, memories of dog will be found

Kimberly Bishop knows there will never be a way to bring back her dog, King Kong. The huge Labrador/Great Dane mix died several weeks ago. But she is hoping that she can salvage some of the fond memories of...

Host families needed for foreign students in June, July

Ten host families are being sought in the Goldsboro area to allow some French and Spanish students to be exposed first hand to an authentic American experience. French students will be here from June 14 to July 8. Spanish...

Most local, state offices to be closed Good Friday

Most local as well as state offices will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. Banks, the post office and federal offices, however, do not observe the Easter holiday. Town halls in Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Pikeville, Walnut Creek...

Friday, March 22, 2013

Man, 22, will face assault charge

A 22-year-old Liberty man was arrested and charged Sunday by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office in connection with a March 6 sexual assault. Justin Bryce Griffin, of 10958 N.C. Highway 49 S., Liberty, has been charged with two counts...

All-County Band

The All-County Middle School band performs under the direction of Marty Spitzer at the All-County Band Festival in the Goldsboro High School auditorium. More than 100 students from 15 Wayne County public schools took part in the annual event...

News-Argus takes home NCPA honors

Staff Writer Kenneth Fine earned five more awards and Editor Renee Carey was, again, honored for her editorial writing -- Fine has now been honored 15 times since he joined the paper in 2005. This year's winners, judges said, stood...

Kasell named North Carolinian of the Year

CHAPEL HILL -- Goldsboro native and National Public Radio broadcasting legend Carl Kasell was named North Carolinian of the Year on Thursday night by the state Press Association. The award was presented by News-Argus publisher Hal Tanner III, the...

Sandbox 'escape' Saturday

MOUNT OLIVE -- Five Mount Olive area residents will help in the form of donations this Saturday to escape from the sandboxes that they will be "trapped." And those donations will help the Mount Olive Friends of the Parks...

Local Red Cross kicks off annual Heroes Campaign

Like most people, Dave Sanderson never dreamed he'd ever need the Red Cross -- until the day he almost died in a plane crash. The last person off of USAirways flight 1549, now known as the Miracle on the...

Nurse aide testing offered

Wayne Community College Continuing Education Services will perform Nurse Aide II competency testing. The college has been approved by the N.C. Board of Nursing to do the testing. "We are receiving a high demand for this service, therefore new...

Thursday, March 21, 2013

City police capture alleged bike thief

Investigators with the Goldsboro Police Department recovered two bicycles, stolen March 12 from a residence on Peachtree Street, at a local pawn shop and they say they have the man responsible for the theft in custody. Officers arrested 19-year-old Jacob...

Goldsboro to offer residents 'free pickup'

During April, Goldsboro will waive charges for the collection of discarded furniture, large and small appliances, hot water heaters, mattresses, box springs and other bulky items. Scheduled pickup days will be every Wednesday in the month -- April 3,...

Bypass work on schedule

Construction on the eastern and final leg of the $246 million U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass is expected to start later this month. The completed bypass is anticipated to open in the fall of 2015. The state Department of Transportation also...

Promise Land Road access closed today

The state today was to permanently close access to Promise Land Road north of U.S. 70 in Lenoir County, west of LaGrange, as part of the construction of the U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass. Once access is closed, traffic on U.S....

Airman ID'd from Pikeville shooting

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials have identified the member of the 916th Air Refueling Wing who was found dead in a Pikeville park early Tuesday evening. Senior Airman Colin Marshall, 24, had been stationed at the Goldsboro installation...

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Nearly 7000 pounds of dog food donated

Nearly 7,000 pounds of dog food have been donated in less than four weeks to the Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center after officials there appealed for the public's assistance to help save more than 40 dogs surrendered by...

John Bell

RALEIGH -- As the sixth or seventh youngest state representative, and Wayne County's only freshman legislator, Republican John Bell IV acknowledged Wednesday that the pace of work has been a little surprising. "It can be overwhelming at times," he...

Goldsboro Partners Against Crime

He spoke as if he were alone in the room with them. He talked to them as though any one of them might have been the one who killed his son. Then, he addressed them as if they were...

Fremont board hears utility cost complaints

FREMONT -- Fremont residents turned out Tuesday night to complain to the town board about their utility costs. Charles Hamilton was the first to speak. He said the total cost of utilities for his one-story home was about $500...

Public record

Fraud A case of stolen identity was reported to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Monday. James Earl Herring, 73, of Country Club Road, Mount Olive told deputies that more than $5,900 was stolen from his Wells Fargo bank account by...

Goldsboro water meter problems

Goldsboro city officials are working to decide how best to handle a problem that is causing the failure of automatic water meter reading devices throughout the city. For now, though, the only solution, said Finance Director Kay Scott, is...

All-County Band Festival

Guest conductors have been working with middle and high school bands this week, in anticipation of the 2013 All-County Band Festival at Goldsboro High School on Thursday at 7 p.m. District officials said 120 students from 15 schools around...

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Bill would give control of school facilities to county commissioners

A state Senate bill that would allow county commissioners statewide the option to seize control of all school facilities was barely mentioned during a Friday meeting between the Wayne County Board of Education and Board of Commissioners. The two-hour...

Driver facing charges in two deaths

RALEIGH -- A Raleigh man with Goldsboro ties will be charged with drunken driving, driving the wrong way and felony death by motor vehicle after he was involved in an accident Sunday that killed an elderly couple. Ray Norman...

Leaders will talk issues Friday

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and the Goldsboro News-Argus will host an "Eggs & Issues" legislative breakfast on Friday starting at 7:45 a.m. at the Lane Tree Golf Club. The breakfast will feature state Sen. Louis Pate and state...

Council takes look at plans for future

Four public hearings dominated the Goldsboro City Council meeting Monday night, but little was said on any of the subjects, which ranged from conditional use permits to a new long-term plan for the city's future. None, though, required the...

Groups eye humane solution to feral cats

Feral cats were not on the agenda Monday night, but they once again ended up dominating the early stages of the Goldsboro City Council meeting as a group of concerned citizens and animal activists from Raleigh converged to suggest...

Monday, March 18, 2013

Royall Avenue roadwork could cause one-lane traffic

Periods of possible one-lane traffic and slowdowns on Royall Avenue between Sunburst Drive and North Berkeley Boulevard can be expected to continue over the next several months and into the summer. However, those should be relatively minor in scope,...

Drink stop

Jake, a 4-year-old golden doodle, takes a break from playing in the 75-degree heat Saturday by taking a drink from a faucet at Stoney Creek Park, while his owner, Stasia Fields, handles the flow. "I'm ready for it and...

Legislators differ on session's progress

RALEIGH -- Even on a slow day at the N.C. General Assembly, the one thing that both Democrats and Republicans agree on is that 2013 has, so far, been a busy, fast-paced year. Of course they disagree about whether...

Woman first to lead American Legion post

Zoe Mossberg never set out to be the first female commander of her American Legion post -- she wanted to continue to serve. The Montana native retired from the Army in May 2011 after nearly 28 years in uniform....

Officers catch holiday revelers

The final numbers are not yet in, but the first night's tallies from the St. Patrick's Day Booze It and Lose It campaign show the program is working. The Goldsboro Police Department joined forces with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office...

One big fish

Steve Gregory, right, and his son, Lukus, fishing in the shad tournament sponsored by the Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department and EZ-Tackle. The tournament was held across Wayne County. Scott Mooring took first place, catching a white shad that...

Commissioners taking second tour

The former Belk's department store building in Mount Olive will be the first stop Tuesday morning for Wayne County commissioners during their tour of county-owned facilities. The county plans to renovate the building to use as the home of the...

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Vietnam veterans to share experiences in two speeches

Two fighter pilots from the Vietnam War will be guest speakers during ceremonies honoring the coming of The Wall That Heals, the traveling replica of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, to Wayne County. Retired Air Force Col. John Stiles...

Commissioners, school board look into future of facilities

Class was in session Friday morning for both Wayne County commissioners and Wayne County School Board members as each sought to school the other on their respective roles in public education. Funding, normally a driving force behind meetings, did...

Supporters: Program needs better quarters

It is called the HOPE program. For the mentally and physically disabled adult men and women the Wayne Opportunity Center program provides jobs for, it is a second home. Now they are being told they have to move. Protesters gathered...

Program will take first step to curb city crime

Calling all criminals. The Goldsboro Police Department has joined forces with the community and the court system in an effort to stamp out violent crime in the city with a new initiative called the Goldsboro Partners Against Crime, which will...

Two face charges in rape, robbery

An investigation into a home invasion in Dudley earlier this month led to a pair of arrests late Thursday and early Friday; both suspects are charged with first-degree rape. Tavares Monderio Allen, 21, of 1802 John Court, and Jay Mark...

Military procedures will dictate next steps in case against airman

Air Force officials have still not charged Senior Airman Matthew Theurer with a crime in connection with the death of his 15-month-old son. But once they determine -- after they receive the official autopsy report sources at the Chief Medical...

Suspect caught in 2012 murder

Not long after an arrest warrant was issued for Gerald George Lee by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for the October 2012 murder of Justin Travis Lancaster, 25, the 19-year-old has turned himself in. Lancaster was shot and killed on...

Salvation Army's annual barbecue fundraiser Thursday

The Salvation Army's biggest fundraiser will be held Thursday, March 21. The Women's Auxiliary will have its barbecue meal sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for dine in, take out, drive through or delivery. The fundraiser started in...

Red Cross to kick off its Heroes Campaign

The Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross will host its annual Heroes Kickoff event Thursday beginning at noon at First Pentecostal Holiness Church at 1100 The First Church Road. The kickoff will feature guest speaker Dave Sanderson,...

Board takes back power

The Wayne County Planning Board voted unanimously last week to adopt several changes to the approval process of subdivision plats, giving back to the board and County Planner Connie Price authority that was taken over by the county Board of...

Partnership for Children set for annual lobster fundraiser

A date for the ninth annual Lobster and Shrimp Fest has been set, and tickets are now on sale, said Charles Ivey, executive director of the Partnership for Children of Wayne County, event sponsor. It has developed into the agency's...

Dance troupe performs with faith

Now in its 12th year, Dance For Christ is bringing music and dance with a message to the Paramount Theatre. The event portrays stories of the Bible through dance, and is presented by Artistic Productions Inc. of Goldsboro. Director Patricia...

City Council will meet on rezoning

The Goldsboro City Council will meet Monday at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, following a briefing session at 5:30 p.m. The council will hold four public hearings, including one on a rezoning request by Jesse...

Banks answer call for Red Cross blood challenge

Wayne County's financial institutions will roll up their sleeves and battle it out during the 10th annual American Red Cross Bank Blood Challenge. The blood drive will be held Monday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Red Cross chapter...

Friday, March 15, 2013

College ready to help airmen

A move to suspend college tuition assistance for active-duty military personnel will definitely be felt by Wayne Community College, officials said Wednesday. The Air Force announced earlier this week that airmen have been notified that new applications for tuition assistance...

Suspect caught in 2012 murder

Not long after an arrest warrant was issued for Gerald George Lee by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for the October 2012 murder of Justin Travis Lancaster, 25, the 19-year-old turned himself in. Lancaster was shot and killed on...

Suspects sought in robberies at stores

The Goldsboro Police Department is asking for community assistance in identifying suspects in the armed robbery of a local video game store. Three men held up the Game Stop video game store located at 910 N. Spence Ave. on March...

Habitat project

Seven students from Minnesota State University and nine from the University of Virginia volunteered to work for Habitat for Humanity during their spring break....

Commissioners update flood maps

Updated flood insurance maps have been approved for sections of northeastern Wayne County at its border with Greene County. The changes, adopted Tuesday by Wayne County Commissioners, do not alter elevations, but do include additional data points along the affected...

CBA homecoming queen to compete in state contest

Charles B. Aycock High School senior and homecoming queen Tiffany Hill leaves Saturday for Salisbury, where she will compete in the 33rd annual North Carolina Homecoming Queen contest, with hopes of advancing to the national event held later this summer...

Autopsy is back on baby

Air Force officials will not yet say whether the body found along a Columbus County road Tuesday afternoon is the 15-month-old son of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Senior Airman Matthew Theurer, but a spokesman for the Chief Medical Examiner's...

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Family: 'Little Matt' was happy, sweet, loving child

Those who loved "Little Matthew" Theurer are still in shock. In an exclusive interview with the News-Argus, the toddler's aunt, Davene Steen, said this morning that she still can't believe that he is gone -- and that her niece, Amy...

Commissioners, school board plan to meet Friday

The agenda for Friday's meeting between Wayne County commissioners and the Board of Education offers little clue as to what to expect, but the leader of the county school board says he and his fellow board members are prepared for...

Board eyes jail needs

Wayne County's commissioners discussed ways to ease overcrowding at the county jail on Wednesday. And the idea of a type of mobile home park that would serve to house some inmates came up as a possibility. Sheriff Carey Winders appeared...

Airman in custody; inquiry is ongoing

The father of a 15-month-old found dead on the side of a Columbus County road has not yet officially been charged by the Air Force in connection with the child's death. Reports Wednesday indicated that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base...

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Airman charged in son's death

The father of a 15-month-old found dead on the side of a Columbus County road -- on the shoulder of U.S. 905 between Whiteville and Tabor City -- has been charged by the Air Force in connection with the child's...

Commissioner questions Board of Elections raises

A verbal scuffle over operations in the county's Board of Elections ended with one commissioner questioning another over his intentions as a new member of the county's governing body. Commissioner John Bell challenged Commissioner Joe Daughtery during the board's meeting...

Man enters plea in his brother's murder

The trial of a man accused of shooting his brother ended abruptly this week when the defendant decided to take a plea deal instead. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Delbridge said Alonza Barnes "reconsidered his position." Barnes, charged with the 2012...

Helping the bunny out

Mary Scott Best, 8, paints her Easter egg to sit alongside her papier mache bunny while her sister Hannah, 6, does the same during the "Hop To It!" event at the Arts Council of Wayne County. Sarah Merritt taught...

One dead in Tuesday crash

An accident late Tuesday afternoon ended in the death of a county woman. Authorities identified the victim of the crash on Hood Swamp Road as Belva Jackson of Hare Road. N.C. State Highway Patrol Supervisor First Sgt. Jerry Burton said...

Mobile mammography center to be at Berkeley Mall on Thursday

The BelkGives on the Go Mobile Mammography Center is making a stop in Goldsboro Thursday to offer free screenings for local women. The unit is a 39-foot long state-of-the-art screening center on wheels. Exams will be performed by licensed...

Airman investigated in baby's death

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials are currently investigating the death of the 15-month-old child of an airman stationed at the Goldsboro installation -- and the discovery of the child's body in Columbus County Tuesday afternoon. Sources with knowledge of...

SJAFB investigating death of 15-month-old

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials are currently investigating the death of the 15-month-old child of an airman stationed at the Goldsboro installation -- and the discovery of the child's body in Columbus County Tuesday afternoon. For the complete story,...

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Almost spring

Ella Trosclair, 3, left, enjoys a ride in a swing as she gets a push by a friend, Alexander Troyer, 3, while they take advantage of a warm day at Herman Park on Monday....

Brother's murder trial begins

Jury selection began Monday in the murder trial of Alonza Ervin Barnes, a Goldsboro man arrested in May 2012 for allegedly stabbing his own brother to death during a fight. Goldsboro police found 35-year-old Charles Ervin Barnes dead inside his...

Commissioners talk voting

Monday's presentations by Wayne County department managers before the county Board of Commissioners were billed as a way for commissioners to learn more about the departments and their budget needs as the county prepares to craft its 2013-14 budget. The...

'Excellent': 4th Fighter Wing celebrates top marks on Operational Readiness Inspection

Their base under attack, airmen stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base still had to generate combat-ready aircraft. They had to react, quickly, to a shooter opening fire inside the installation's gates. They had to not only survive, but rise...

Deadline nearing for Tickled Pickle Poetry entries

The deadline for student pickle poetry submissions is Friday for the N.C. Pickle Festival's Tickled Pickle Poetry Contest. The contest is open to school-aged children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students will compete in six different graded categories: kindergarten...

One of two suspects arrested in armed robbery

The Goldsboro Police Department has arrested one of two men suspected in Friday's armed robbery at Donel's Express Mart. Johnathan Maurice Waters, 22, surrendered voluntarily at the Goldsboro Police Department on Monday where he was being questioned after he...

Monday, March 11, 2013

WAGES: Taking care of the community for more than 3 decades

Head Start. Meals on Wheels. Foster Grandparents. These are familiar programs to many. But mention WAGES, and some might not realize that it serves as the central clearinghouse for these and other service agencies, 11 in all. "WAGES -- Wayne...

Former Relay co-chair loses his battle with cancer

From the time he was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening cancer two years ago, Isaiah Henderson valiantly believed he would defeat it. His family joined him in the fight and would not entertain any hints that a cure would not...

Republicans to meet for convention; will pick officers

The Wayne County Republican Convention will be held Saturday, March 23 with registration from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Wayne Center. Precinct meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by the convention at...

County to eye flood maps

Wayne County commissioners' brief agenda for Tuesday includes two items pertaining to the county's flood ordinance and maps. The session will start at 8 a.m. with an agenda briefing followed by the official session at 9 a.m. Both will be...

Man, 27, killed in accident

A Mount Olive man was killed just outside of Faison Sunday when the vehicle he was driving went off the road, struck a ditch and overturned. Officials with the Sampson County State Highway Patrol said Jamal Wright, 27, was...

4th FW earns 'Excellent' for ORI performance

Members of the 4th Fighter Wing were declared combat ready by an inspection team that has been in Goldsboro for more than a week -- earning an "Excellent" for their performance during Operational Readiness Inspection CORONET WHITE. For more details,...

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Walnut Creek had sewer plan

The plan's tattered corners shows its age, but besides its condition, it could pass for a current map of Walnut Creek. The shopping center and inn plotted on it don't exist and some of the roads don't begin or...

A traveling tribute

There will be memories to share and heroes to honor as the Wall That Heals makes its mid-April visit to Goldsboro. One of them will be a fighter pilot who was shot down and evaded capture -- another, a self-described...

Kindness: 'Just Because'

Random acts of kindness are popping up all over town, as the result of a tiny business card that captures the concept in two words -- Just Because. Stories are being shared of residents paying for a struggling friend's groceries,...

Former drug dealer speaks at social worker conference at MOC

At the age of 14, Reginald Brown couldn't find the support he needed from his family, so he turned to where he could find it -- in the gangs of eastern Raleigh. Now, at 27, Brown, a three-time felon,...

Shelter helping 43 needy dogs find new homes

The Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center is asking for the public's assistance in its efforts to help save more than 40 dogs that have been surrendered by a Mar-Mac area man. Officials are in the process of...

Two plead guilty in 2011 murder

In separate plea agreements, Natasha Monet Bonaparte and Virgil Devon Cox were both sentenced Thursday in Wayne County Superior Court for their roles in the March 2011 shooting death of 46-year-old Edward Lee Brewington. Brewington was assaulted and shot several...

Four-hour closed session minutes released

The legally required minutes kept of a four-hour closed session of the Wayne County commissioners amount to four sentences, the News-Argus has learned. State law requires government bodies meeting behind closed doors to continue to keep minutes, just as they...

Plans firmed for play, benefit for homeless animals

Charles doesn't like animals, and he is certainly not happy with the fact that he has to take his little sister, Lacie, to a parade celebrating them. What Charles didn't count on was that a journey through Wonderland with Lacie,...

7A March MO town board

Friday, March 8, 2013

Voting in full swing for Stars benefit

Voting has been open for a month now for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and Wayne Education Network's Dancing Stars of Wayne County Battle of the Studios competition. Although a clear leader has emerged, it isn't over until the...

Senior Center success: So busy, they're carding

Anyone trying to get into Wayne County's exclusive, and free, new hot spot had better be prepared to show some identification -- proving that not only are they at least 60 years of age, but that they are Wayne County...

Teachers add certification to credentials

Wayne County Public Schools' pool of National Board Certified educators now has 224 teachers and counselors with the credentials. The Board of Education on Tuesday night recognized six more teachers in the district who have earned the status. National Board...

Explore the world at Wayne Community College

The public is invited to "visit the world in a day" on March 15, as Wayne Community College hosts is second annual International Day on campus from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The college's Cultural Diversity/Global Education Task Force...

Marching to a different beat

Alasdair Wells, 3, marches alongside fellow students as he pretends to play a handmade bagpipe as he represents Scotland during the eighth annual Multicultural Parade held at Protestant Preschool and Kindergarten in Goldsboro Thursday. Children from classes at the...

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Duplin man honored for work with colleges

A Duplin County native with a passion for learning and credited with being the founder of the N.C. community college system, was memorialized Wednesday at Wayne Community College and the state's other 57 institutions. Commissioned portraits of Dr. W....

Artists' display

A painting by Spring Creek High School student Jorge Perez sits among the artwork of fellow Spring Creek students early Wednesday morning in Berkeley Mall. Displays of art created by students from all Wayne County Public Schools will be...

Crash victim identified

The N.C. State Highway Patrol has identified a woman who died from injuries sustained in an early morning accident Wednesday. Carmen Sanchez, 51, had moved to Goldsboro from Guatemala only three months ago. She died after being ejected through the...

Commissioners start budget talks

Wayne County commissioners will meet next week in two special sessions to hear budget presentations from county department heads. The presentations, that have been held for a number of years as the county prepares its budget, will be held...

Chicken house fire

An abandoned chicken house used to store hay and farm equipment on Kelly Griffin's farm at 590 Mark Herring Road caught fire Wednesday just before 3:30 p.m. Firefighters from Seven Springs, Indian Springs and Pricetown responded to the fire....

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Four hurt in morning crash

An unidentified woman is clinging to life after an early morning accident at the intersection of Dollard Town and Ditchbank roads. A Ford F-250 pickup collided with a Toyota Corolla at the crossing just before 7:45 a.m. Authorities have...

Living history

Tomas Garcia, 9, right, dressed as Colin Powell, speaks to teachers and fellow students on the life and achievements of the former Secretary of State during the fifth annual "Living Museum" held in Cathy Drew's fourth-grade class at Spring...

N.C. Pickle Festival makes state's list of Top 10 events

MOUNT OLIVE -- The North Carolina Pickle Festival, to the "dill-light" of its organizers, has been named one of the Top 10 Attractions in North Carolina by AmericaTheBeautiful.com. The festival, now in its 27th year, is scheduled for April...

City approves solar farm

Goldsboro will let the sunshine in now that its City Council has approved the first solar farm in the city limit. Strata Solar Development got the go-ahead Monday night to begin construction of its proposed 59-acre solar farm on...

Used computers to be collected Saturday

The Goldsboro Optimist Club will collect used computers from the public Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sam's Club parking lot. The following items are needed for its Optimist Computers4Kids program: laptop, desktop and tower computers...

Turtle talk at the Cliffs

Park Ranger Crystal Lloyd talked Sunday afternoon about the different types of turtles that can be found in Cliffs of the Neuse State Park and along the Neuse River....

Board wants drivers, dialogue

School board members Tuesday night reiterated their stance on two issues -- providing a secure way for district teachers and staff to express concerns without fear of recrimination and finding bus drivers. On several occasions, John P. Grantham, board chairman,...

Artillery display highlight of Bentonville event

FOUR OAKS -- Said to be the "King of Battle," artillery played a key role in the 1865 battle of Bentonville. Come view the destructive firepower of massed artillery at Bentonville 148th anniversary program, "One Continuous Fire of Destruction," on...

Girl Scout cookie sales to end soon

Girl Scouts in Wayne County are making their final push this weekend as the annual cookie sales are coming to an end, even as they are in danger of falling short of their goal. Sunday is the last day...

House on Devereaux damaged by fire

Time and time again they transformed flames into plumes of smoke -- the dozen or so firefighters battling a structure fire at 1004 Devereaux St. Tuesday evening. But for the better part of a half-hour, each time it looked as...

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Drivers identified in Thursday wreck

The N.C. Highway Patrol has released the names of the drivers involved in the two-car accident on N.C. 55 East in Mount Olive on Thursday. Seven people were injured, one victim remains hospitalized. The driver of a white Ford...

County students to participate in statewide tornado drill

Wayne County Public Schools students will join students from across the state Wednesday as they participate in the state's annual Severe Weather Awareness Week tornado drill. All Wayne County schools, departments and administrative offices will participate in the statewide...

Police catch robbers in the act

A Goldsboro man and two accomplices were arrested just after 2:30 a.m. today, after breaking into a pair of businesses and leading officers on a jaunt through a neighborhood cemetery. A Goldsboro police K-9 unit tracked one suspect, who turned...

BSA chief discusses future of Scouting

Scouting has for decades been an important part of the American fabric, but now it is essential for the country's continued development, the chief executive of the national organization said Monday. Wayne Brock spoke at the kickoff dinner for...

Complex gets first approval from city

The Goldsboro City Council will allow PIRHL Southeast to move forward with its proposed apartment complex on West Lockhaven Drive, but asked Monday night that it submit a more detailed site plan before giving the developer the green light...

A family's faith - school, church raise thousands to assist Harrises

DUDLEY -- Floydie and Rhonda Harris know all about the power of prayer. They are reaping its benefits every single day since the Jan. 31 morning when their lives changed in an instant. Harris was outside repairing a fence at...

Monday, March 4, 2013

Making a difference: not-so-silent prayer

Each Wednesday, for 30 minutes, the south end of Goldsboro is awash in prayer. From Devereaux Street to Hugh Street and along South Slocumb Street from East Elm to Olivia Lane, a booming voice asks God's blessings on Goldsboro...

Council's vote could stop nightclub from reopening

The Goldsboro City Council's decision concerning a beach bingo parlor tonight will likely spell the end of a nightclub with a checkered past. Teasers Nightclub closed down in December and surrendered its Alcoholic Beverage Control permits last week, but...

Police running short of storage

The Goldsboro Police Department is running out of storage space. A law passed in 2009 extended the requirements surrounding the various lengths of time evidence must be held based on crime and conviction criteria. In many cases, the evidence collected...

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base involved in ORI all week

They have been honing their skills for months -- training for what Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials have characterized as a no-fail mission designed to determine whether or not airmen stationed at the Goldsboro installation are ready for war....

Sunday, March 3, 2013

The color of caring

A weeklong effort to support the father of two students at Faith Christian Academy was a "tremendous success," principal Walter Sloan said Friday night. Since the Jan. 31 freak accident -- when a fully loaded semi truck left the roadway...

Teen pleads to voluntary manslaughter in 2012 case

A 17-year-old Mount Olive man charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting on Dogwood Lane in September 2012 pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter Wednesday in Wayne County Superior Court. Giovanny Santos Rodriguez, of 210 Glen St., was sentenced...

Too many cats in city

Goldsboro City Council is reviewing an ordinance that would make feeding feral cats a crime. And if cited for a violation, the perpetrator could face a $25 fine. It's a measure that the community has asked for, said Goldsboro...

MOC officials explain goals, plans to county commission

MOUNT OLIVE -- A $20 million capital campaign is under way at Mount Olive College, with the money to be used for renovations and new buildings on the campus, as well as a possible downtown presence for the college....

Roman Gabriel III warns about drugs, alcohol

Roman Gabriel III is a commanding presence by any standard -- both in stature and legacy. His father was a successful football player from Wilmington who went on to play for N.C. State University and then the Los Angeles...

Celebrating Latino culture

A festival celebrating Latino culture was held Saturday afternoon at the Wayne Center. The afternoon's event featured booths representing dozens of Latino countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico and Ecuador. The booths showcased traditional clothing, toys and other items from...

Southern Bank gets fifth straight 'Outstanding' rating

MOUNT OLIVE -- Southern Bank and Trust Co. has received its fifth consecutive Community Reinvestment Act "Outstanding" rating -- the highest CRA rating possible granted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The "Outstanding" rating is based on the bank's...

Sweeney's Martial Arts moves down Ash

The principles he instills in his students haven't changed -- discipline, respect, honor and pride. But the lessons Berris Sweeney strives to pass along to those he guides on a daily basis are now unfolding in a new location...

Wayne County gets new facility to help people move past DWIs

When anyone in Wayne County gets a DWI, they will, at some point, end up at an assessment and treatment facility. One of the newest facilities here is Advanced DWI Services. "We provide assessments and counseling services for individuals...

Saturday evening fire

Faith Christian Academy fifth-grader Carissa Holloman holds a yellow flower and has a yellow bird on her shoulder during the "Yellow Day" assembly at the school.  The assembly was part of a weeklong fundraiser for Floydie Harris, a father...

100 voices, orchestra to perform Monday in Goldsboro

It's an example of Christian unity and cooperation, says the Rev. Edwin Jewell. The North Carolina Baptist Singers & Orchestra will perform in Goldsboro Monday evening but not at a Baptist church. Instead, the concert will be held at...

Livestock Association awards scholarships, elects officers, talks fair

Nearly $11,000 in scholarships were presented Monday night by the Wayne County Livestock Development Association, which also elected officers and highlighted its main fundraiser -- the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. The fair allows the association to meet its goals...

Builders want approval for new apartment complex

The Goldsboro City Council could clear the way for a new apartment complex off Wayne Memorial Drive if it accepts the Planning Commission's recommendation during Monday night's meeting. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in Historic City Hall...

Cole Bros. Circus in town March 27-28

Cole Bros. Circus of Stars will be at the Wayne County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28 with performances at 4:40 and 7:30 each day. Advance tickets on sale through March 26 at www.tickets.com or by...

Black history marching

MOUNT OLIVE -- Malcolm X and Rosa Parks had a chance to speak during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday afternoon in downtown Mount Olive, but they declined to comment. "Usually, they're pretty talkative," said Diane Williams of...

Norwayne Middle wins county Battle of the Books

Norwayne Middle School marked its fifth year winning the Battle of the Books contest, Friday at Goldsboro High School. This year, 10 middle schools from around the county participated in the 27th annual event, where Wayne County Public Schools...

Friday, March 1, 2013

United in caring: It takes a community

Last year's United Way goal was to raise $1,234,000. Only 92 percent came in, or $1,136,250, officials said. Despite that, 2012 was a turning point for United Way -- introducing a strategic plan that has "laser-focus" on key community issues...

Transportation secretary outlines goals for new administration

Tony Tata, North Carolina's new transportation secretary, didn't bring promises of new highway projects or money for old ones during his Thursday stopover in Goldsboro. Rather, Tata used his time at the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Forum to...

District honors students with promise, hard work

Lisa Poandl and her husband, Jim, have always been proud of their two children. And, like most parents, they hope others see what they do. On Thursday night at Tommy's Road Elementary, they got their wish. PROMISE Awards, hosted each...

Council weighs hookah bars OK

Goldsboro City Council members passed the hookah at their meeting Feb. 18. Well, pictures of hookahs. The pictures were provided by Planning Director Randy Guthrie to illustrate what a handful of residents had expressed interest in: allowing the opening...

Smart Choices for Youth holds YouthBuild graduation ceremony

Smart Choices for Youth held its YouthBuild graduation recently, with Congressman G.K. Butterfield as the guest speaker. A number of young people earned accolades at the event. Many helped build seven homes over a period of 18 months with Habitat...

Latino festival Saturday at Wayne Center

Wayne County Reads will sponsor a festival Saturday to celebrate Latino heritage and culture as part of its focus on the book "Bless Me, Ultima," which was the book chosen for this year's program. The festival will be held...

Girl Scout Day at Tryon Palace

All Girl Scouts are invited to Tryon Palace for a full day of crafts, games and tours during Girl Scout Day on Saturday. Designed to help school-aged girls understand how food has defined our cultures and traditions over the years,...

Some DMVs will try hours on Saturday

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles on Saturday will roll out expanded hours at a number of driver's license offices across the state, state Transportation Secretary Tony Tata said Thursday during a stopover in Goldsboro. The new schedule is an...