Friday, February 28, 2014
News-Argus brings home NCPA awards
The newspaper's staff earned first place in the "Best Community Coverage" category, which recognizes a publication that proves, through its content, that it puts its community first. The centerpiece of the winning editions was "Missed Direction," a series written and...Published: Feb 28, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Cheering her on ...
Precious Grant, 14, is the spitting image of her big sister. They are the same size and share everything including clothes, she said. Her mother, Lori Grant, wears a single rose in her hair. Neither of the women could...Published: Feb 28, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
She's in the Top 10
Majesty Rose got the best possible birthday present Thursday night -- moving forward as a Top 12 contestant on "American Idol." Today is her 22nd birthday. The Goldsboro native continues to do well in the reality show contest, earning accolades...Published: Feb 28, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Development chief: More jobs ahead
Three industry expansions that could add 245 jobs in Wayne County, and two new projects that could create another 50 to 200, are possible this year, Wayne County Development Alliance President Joanna Helms said Thursday. "This is forecasting. It...Published: Feb 28, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Livestock Association officers
The Wayne County Livestock Development Association approved its officers for 2014 and directors for four-year terms during its 66th annual meeting on Monday. They are, from left: Second Vice President Ashley Glover, President Curtis Shivar, Director Valeria Barwick, First...Published: Feb 28, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Agriculture scholarships available
AgCarolina Farm Credit has announced that 27 college scholarships are available and will be awarded in the coming months. The Raleigh-based farm lender has long been a supporter of young and beginning farmers and others who live in rural North...Published: Feb 28, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Thursday, February 27, 2014
The science of slime
Nathan Rasmussen, 8, of Goldsboro, handles a batch of green slime he made along with sister Elissa, 6, and Joe, 14, during Wednesday's Science Kids program at the Wayne County Public Library. The kids used borax, glue, water and...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Make-up days announced
Make-up days have been announced for the four snow days that the Wayne County public schools were closed earlier this month, relying on early dismissal days and teacher workdays to offset time lost. District administrators with Wayne County Public...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
SWHS sandwich shop teaches students about world of work
More than any other lesson plan she creates, Judy Moody believes in teaching her students character. Even in something as simple as making a sandwich. The "Life Skills" teacher in the Exceptional Children program at Southern Wayne High School...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Deadline to file is Friday
The filing period for the May 6 primary ends Friday at noon. The filing period opened on Feb. 10 and there have been no local filings since Feb. 19. Candidates for local office file at the Wayne County Board...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
First city school of government class full, but apps encouraged
Registration for the first school of government classes offered by the city of Goldsboro is full, but city officials are not asking for application to stop. "We may need to open up another class or keep them for the...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Muddy trucks
Despite a rainy morning, Southern Wayne High School still had five students with muddy enough vehicles for a Muddy Vehicle Contest held last Wednesday during FFA week. The two winners were sophomore Trey Pate and junior Noah Blackman. The...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Majesty wowing judges on 'Idol'
The Top 13 on "American Idol" performed Wednesday night, with Goldsboro's Majesty Rose York making a strong showing in front of the judges. Several changes to the show's format were also announced, which will make voting much easier for...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Child care conference Saturday
The annual Wayne County Child Care Conference for child care providers will be held Saturday at Wayne Community College, offering a variety of learning opportunities as well as training credit. Sponsored by WCC and The Partnership for Children of...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Battle of the Books Friday
Students from nine schools will participate in the Wayne County Public Schools 28th annual Middle School Battle of the Books on Friday. The event is a quiz bowl-style competition that encourages reading. Contestants in grades 6-8 must read 27...Published: Feb 27, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Before she made her 'American Idol' debut
Majesty Rose is the moniker she adopted when she walked into the Atlanta audition for "American Idol," and by which the nation now knows her. But long before Majesty York became part of the show's Top 13 lineup, she...Published: Feb 26, 2014 4:01 PM Full Story
Contract awarded for state veterans cemetery
SfL+a Architects has been awarded the contract to design the new state veterans cemetery planned for the Long's Plant Farm Road area just east of Goldsboro. The company, which has offices in Raleigh, Fayetteville and Charlotte, has designed state...Published: Feb 26, 2014 2:05 PM Full Story
Storms leave big bill
Recent winter storms added unexpected expenses to the budgets of the city of Goldsboro and the state Department of Transportation office in Wayne County. The two recent storms that hit the county cost DOT $58,000 in road pre-treating with...Published: Feb 26, 2014 2:05 PM Full Story
Meadow Lane student raises over $1,000 for American Heart Association
Zephyr Cazeault still has a heart for a worthy cause. Two years ago, at age 6, she set out to raise money for Jump Rope for Heart, the annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Schools across the country...Published: Feb 26, 2014 2:05 PM Full Story
GPAC takes another bite out of crime
The Goldsboro Partners Against Crime call-ins that began a year ago resumed Tuesday evening in the council chambers at old City Hall, this time with Mount Olive police Chief Brian Rhodes joining the panel. Of 64 offenders notified since...Published: Feb 26, 2014 2:05 PM Full Story
Wayne County Reads winding down for 2014
During the last Wayne County Reads event before the big finale next Tuesday, Dr. Alan Lamm, head of the history department at the University of Mount Olive, gave a historical overview of the Vietnam War. Lamm described the 18-year...Published: Feb 26, 2014 2:05 PM Full Story
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Two shot in robbery
A botched robbery in a mobile home park off South Harding Drive just before 10 p.m. Monday resulted in both the victim and one of the alleged perpetrators being shot. Demetrius Montray Kornegay, 29, 105 B S. Harding Drive,...Published: Feb 25, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
County: Payroll issue is nearly resolved
All Wayne County government employees early this morning received an email informing them that they will not be paid on time because the February payroll was not deposited into their accounts. "We are working diligently to determine what happened...Published: Feb 25, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Farmers, producers review year
Thanks to a week and a half of sunshine, last year's Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair had the second-highest paid attendance ever and helped the Wayne County Livestock Development Association earn $197,000 over the previous year, association President Curtis Shivar...Published: Feb 25, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Schools in works
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners reversed its one-week-old course on two school construction projects Monday after behind-the-scene negotiations enabled the commissioners to hammer out a compromise with the county Board of Education. Commissioners last Tuesday told the Board...Published: Feb 25, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, February 24, 2014
Woman charged in man's death
After seven months of investigation, the Goldsboro Police Department and Wayne County District Attorney's Office have charged Courtney Arielle Cole, 22, with misdemeanor death by vehicle in the death of Lawrence Mayo, 45. Mayo was killed in a traffic accident...Published: Feb 24, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wayne Community College to revamp in student areas
A renovation project to streamline the registration process for students at Wayne Community College is under way and should be completed by this summer. "One hundred fifty days to be exact," said Don Magoon, chief of administrative services. "That's...Published: Feb 24, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Offering offenders a second chance to build new lives
As Carolyn Jones sits behind the desk in her new office, she counts on each finger the number of loved ones she has lost either to violence or to prison. Among them -- her brother. He spent 11 years...Published: Feb 24, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Residents seeking less strict solar rules
Five speakers at Tuesday's public hearing on proposed zoning rules for solar facilities echoed earlier comments by some Wayne County commissioners that the regulations are too restrictive. One speaker, former commissioner Andy Anderson, did not address the issue of...Published: Feb 24, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Friday storm spins off 1 tornado
Michael Bryan wasn't sure whether it was a tornado that destroyed a vacant mobile home on his property Friday on Jordans Chapel Road, but on Saturday, the National Weather Service confirmed that one touched down within five miles of...Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Pierce to focus on drugs, school resource officers
Newly appointed Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce has not yet fully settled into his new office. The walls are bare. A single plant sits beside his desk. And he is still getting the hang of the inter-departmental telephone system....Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Schools say no to design/build
The design/build method of construction is not the best way to build new schools, and the county commissioners who voted Tuesday ordering that method used to build new schools at Grantham and Spring Creek, need to rethink the issue,...Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Woman to face cruelty charges
The owner of the Wayne County stable where two horses died in late January and a third had to be euthanized has been charged with five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. The charges were filed Wednesday against Avalon Stables...Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Saturday forum focuses on 'prison industrial complex'
As of Wednesday, the Wayne County Jail housed a total of 203 inmates, 143 of them black males. Of the 1,739 people on probation or parole in Wayne County on Jan. 31, 1,083 were black -- 790 of them...Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Parade in Mount Olive celebrates black history
Blank faces, fancy footwork and frenzied stick-flips are the norm for A&T State University's all-male drum line, known as Cold Steel. And for some in the band, their participation in Mount Olive's Black History Parade on Saturday was a...Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Fremont approves solar farm
FREMONT -- The Fremont Board of Aldermen last week approved a zoning change allowing solar farms to be built in its residential-agriculture zoning areas. The request came from Strata Solar, a Chapel Hill-based solar farm company. The zoning change allows...Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
'Cure for the Colors' fundraiser April 25-26
Southeastern Cancer Care "Cures for the Colors" fourth annual walk/run marathon fundraiser will be held Friday and Saturday, April 25-26. Southeastern Cancer Care's goal is to assist patients in eastern North Carolina with food, utilities, gas, prescription drugs and...Published: Feb 23, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Friday, February 21, 2014
United Way of Wayne honors top volunteer at annual meeting
Volunteers with United Way of Wayne County gathered at Lane Tree Golf Club for the organization's annual meeting Thursday morning to celebrate a successful year and to recognize volunteer Dr. Glenn Phillips Jr. Phillips received the Emil Rosenthal Award, given...Published: Feb 21, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Pridgen files to keep seat on school board
All four incumbents up for re-election to the Wayne County Board of Education have filed. District 6 representative Rick Pridgen of Goldsboro on Wednesday became the latest to seek re-election. As of Thursday morning, Pridgen and District 5 representative...Published: Feb 21, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Man has seizure during stop in Dudley
A Goldsboro man died during a traffic stop conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office on Thursday in the Dudley area. Reginald Sherwood Grady, 56, of Scott Street, began convulsing in his car after deputies pulled him over on...Published: Feb 21, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Still fighting
When Kasey Swartz sat down to tell her story during Thursday night's Wayne County Relay for Life Kickoff Banquet, she brought a prop, something she called a "cancer perk." Purple, sequined, and with three-inch heels, a glittery pair of...Published: Feb 21, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Teams are already busy getting ready to Relay
"Are you ready to Relay?!" Brenda Robinson, executive committee board chair, got cries of enthusiasm from the 300-member crowd when she asked that question during Thursday night's Wayne County Relay for Life Kick-off Banquet. "We're so excited to have you...Published: Feb 21, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Goldsboro singer earns Top 13 spot on 'American Idol'
Majesty York is in the Top 13 on "American Idol." Her name was the eighth called, the fourth female, in the Top 10 on Thursday night's results show. The three additional contestants rounding out the Top 13 were "wild...Published: Feb 21, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Man dies during traffic stop
A Dudley man has died before 11:30 a.m. today during a traffic stop conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office along Emmaus Church Road. Reginald Sherwood Grady, 56, of Scott Street in Dudley, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials...Published: Feb 20, 2014 2:50 PM Full Story
Wayne County commissioners agree on division of loan funds
A turf war of sorts erupted Tuesday over how Wayne County commissioners should dole out the $576,923.08 they will borrow from the county's Eastern Region Trust Fund. The debate also sparked allegations that a decision on how to split...Published: Feb 20, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Child, 6, injured in crash at school
A 6-year-old female student at Northwest Elementary School is in stable condition today at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville after an accident involving four cars in the parent pick-up section outside the school Wednesday afternoon. The student suffered a...Published: Feb 20, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Man, 19, charged in break-in, rape
Goldsboro police arrested a man they say committed a break-in and forcible rape of a 13-year-old girl back in October 2013. The incident was first reported to police in January. Walter Phillip Coley, 19, 426 Piedmont Airline Road, is...Published: Feb 20, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Majesty update
Will she make it to the next round? We'll find out tonight. After opening the "American Idol" live shows with a lauded performance of Pherrell Williams' hit "Happy," Goldsboro's Majesty York will find out her fate this evening on live...Published: Feb 20, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Man claims lottery prize after week-long winning streak
Gary Baldwin Jr., a gas truck driver from Pikeville, is celebrating a lucky lottery win streak that ended with a $200,000 prize in the $200,000 Extreme Cash game. "I did something nice for someone last week and ever since...Published: Feb 20, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Board of Education eyes design/build
Frustrated. That's how school officials described their reaction to the county commission's 4-3 vote Tuesday favoring the design/build method to construct two new middle schools. The vote pre-empted the school board's intent to put forth a resolution securing support...Published: Feb 20, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
F-86 plane moved to SJAFB for refurbishing
The moving of the F-86 Sabre fighter jet from the Goldsboro Police Department to Seymour Johnson Air Force base in the wee hours of the morning made for quite a spectacle as the plane, loaded on a flatbed trailer, made...Published: Feb 20, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Students injured at Northwest
A 6-year-old female student at Northwest Elementary was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital this afternoon by the Wayne County EMS after being wedged between two vehicles during a four-vehicle accident as parents were arriving to pick up students. The full...Published: Feb 19, 2014 3:58 PM Full Story
Another challenger files in nonpartisan board race
A second primary has emerged among the nonpartisan Wayne County Board of Education seats to be decided in the May 6 primary. Phillip J. Sexton of Goldsboro has filed for the District 1 seat now held by Chris West...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Commissioners put conditions on Board of Education's plans for school construction
Wayne County School Board officials shook their heads, murmured, and traded glances as Wayne County commissioners by a 4-3 vote Tuesday morning told them they could continue with their plans for two new schools, but that they had to...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Kickoff banquet set for Thursday
The Wayne County Relay for Life will hold its annual kickoff banquet Thursday at 7 p.m. at First Pentecostal Holiness Church. Volunteers and participants in this year's Relay will use the occasion to both launch the fundraising campaign and to...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Majesty update
What a way to kick off the live shows. Goldsboro's Majesty York was the first to perform on "American Idol" Tuesday and was praised by the judges for her take on the Pharrell Williams hit "Happy." Jennifer Lopez and Keith...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Commission hires temp for manager slot
A Georgia native with a background mostly in city government is the county's new interim county manager. Tuesday's unanimous vote by Wayne County commissioners to appoint George A. Wood to that position comes two weeks after the resignation of...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Workers charged in thefts at station
A loss prevention employee for The Pantry Inc., which operates the Kangaroo gas station at 2035 U.S. Highway 70 W., reported two employees suspected of stealing money to the Goldsboro Police Department. Both women have since been charged. Janet...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Man dies in wreck
A Dudley man died in a two-vehicle wreck at the intersection of Emmaus Church Road and Indian Springs Road in Dudley late Saturday. Ilmer Ortiz-Roblero, 33, 104 Will Anderson Road, died at the scene. "He was traveling south on...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
City gets set to move plane for makeover
The F-86 Sabre fighter jet that has graced downtown Goldsboro will make a trip to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for refurbishing. The city of Goldsboro will move the plane, which has sat on a pedestal outside the Police Department...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Nine to compete for Miss Aycock on Saturday
Nine senior girls at Charles B. Aycock High School will compete for the title of Miss Aycock on Saturday. The pageant will begin at 7 p.m. in the school's gymatorium. Admission will be $5. The following contestants are vying...Published: Feb 19, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Child hears fire alarm, saves uncle
A quick reaction by an 8-year-old boy potentially saved the life of a Goldsboro man when a fire broke out at a home on South Taylor Street just after 11 a.m. Monday. Denerreo Nobles, of 1005 S. Taylor St.,...Published: Feb 18, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Non-English speakers increasing in schools
The number of languages represented in Wayne County Public Schools might have dropped slightly this year, but the number of non-English-speaking students, and those categorized as "immigrants" continue to climb. Hope Meyerhoeffer, director of the district's English as a Second...Published: Feb 18, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Goldsboro songbird Majesty York takes to the 'Idol' stage tonight
Majesty York is getting pumped for her national TV debut tonight, as "American Idol" launches its first live shows of Season 13. The Goldsboro native auditioned in Atlanta and has been among the hopefuls who received a golden ticket,...Published: Feb 18, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Council balks at final vote
The Goldsboro City Council tabled a vote Monday night to accept the conceptual designs for Mina Weil Park, Herman Park and Herman Park Center. Following a lengthy discussion of the plans, Goldsboro City Manager Scott Stevens suggested pushing discussion back...Published: Feb 18, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Hit and run
A Goldsboro man has been charged with hit and run and leaving the scene of an accident following an early morning wreck in Herman Park Monday. Richard Wilson, 36, of 417 Whitfield Drive, allegedly drove his Toyota Camry over a...Published: Feb 18, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Albertson fox hunt set for Saturday
Get ready for another day of fish stew and field trials. The Albertson Ruritan Club will be hosting the 29th Annual George Washington Day Fox Hunt, one of the small community's top fundraisers, on Saturday, Feb. 22, starting with...Published: Feb 18, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, February 17, 2014
Voting for 'Idol' hopeful starts Tuesday
When she was a senior at Eastern Wayne High School in 2010, Majesty York's superlative in the yearbook probably seemed like a lofty aspiration -- "Next American Idol." The chance to move her closer to that dream comes Tuesday...Published: Feb 17, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Strickland to seek District 4 seat on school board
A mother of four has officially announced her intentions to run for a seat on the Wayne County Board of Education. Jennifer Strickland is seeking the District 4 seat, now occupied by Board Chairman John P. Grantham. Four seats are...Published: Feb 17, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Solar farm hearing on board agenda
Wayne County commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. on a proposed zoning ordinance regulating solar energy facilities in the county. The board session will begin with an 8 a.m. agenda briefing, followed by the formal...Published: Feb 17, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Council to adopt park plan
The Goldsboro City Council is expected to adopt the conceptual master plan for Mina Weil Park as well as Herman Park and Herman Park Center at its meeting tonight. The plan was pulled from the consent agenda during the meeting...Published: Feb 17, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Candidates file for election
The filing period for the May 6 primary cannot be extended to make up for the time lost because of closings as result of last week's winter weather, said Veronica DeGraffenreid, election preparation and support manager for the N.C....Published: Feb 17, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Sunday, February 16, 2014
City crime numbers are in
Black males are three times more likely to be arrested for a drug crime in Goldsboro than white males, says a study done over the past five years. The Goldsboro Police Department released its annual Uniform Crime Report recently....Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Are you part of the Majesty York fan club?
A Goldsboro girl has made it to the top 30 on "American Idol," and we want you to help us get her to the next step. Next week is a critical week for votes -- the top 12 will be...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Dogs of all shapes, sizes 'woof' it up
Wayne County residents came out for all things canine Saturday to the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fairgrounds for the first Woof Fest, sponsored by the Curtis Media Group. The festivities included vendor booths, competitions and exhibitions by both airmen from...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
WCC: Use Pinterest for business marketing
The Wayne Business and Industry Center will offer the free seminar "Small Business Marketing with Pinterest" 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Room 104 of the Walnut Building on Wayne Community College's main campus in Goldsboro. Strategic use of...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Red Cross offers pet first aid app
A new app recently released gives iPhone and Android smart phone users instant access to expert information on how to maintain their pet's health and what to do during emergencies. The Red Cross' new Pet First Aid App costs...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Daddies' girls
Ernesto DiVittorio holds his 4-year-old daughter Jaclyn as they dance the night away during the Father/Daughter Dance at the Goldsboro YMCA on Friday. Roughly 100 daddy-daughter combos attended the event....Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Mayor takes on role of president of NCLM
A new year means a new initiative for the North Carolina League of Municipalities under the banner of the 2013-14 league president, Mayor Al King. Since taking over in October, King has made it his goal to expand involvement with...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Black History Parade features bands, grand marshal
For Vicky Darden and Sheila Oates, it has been five years of running around behind the scenes to make sure the Black History Parade goes off without a hitch. This year, they come with the experience to make the...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Farmers make trip to talk issues
A visit to Washington, D.C., from a group of Wayne County farmers didn't make waves in the nation's capital, but at least it had North Carolina legislators talking. A total of 14 Wayne County farmers and agribusiness professionals took...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
School board approves $40 million for new schools
The Wayne County Board of Education is proceeding with a $40 million plan to build high-performance (energy efficient) middle schools in the Grantham and Spring Creek communities through a lease-purchase agreement with a developer. The school board would make...Published: Feb 16, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Friday, February 14, 2014
Friends to sweethearts
Cupid took his time with Marie Womack and Carl Ray Grantham, but he finally shot his arrow of love and the couple were married two months ago -- both at the age of 81. They were not strangers when they...Published: Feb 14, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Police catch suspect in thefts
Investigators with the Goldsboro Police Department have recovered weapons, ammunition and property stolen during two separate heists that took place over the last two months, according to a press release issued Thursday. Antwan Jamal Stackhouse, 24, of 823 S....Published: Feb 14, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Pierce takes sheriff's oath
Larry Pierce was sworn in as the new sheriff of Wayne County before a gathering of more than 300 people in the main courtroom at the Wayne County Courthouse this morning. With his right hand raised and his left...Published: Feb 14, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Snow out of county
Parker Strickland, 3, winds up to launch a snowball toward his mother, Adrienne, at their home in Goldsboro on Thursday. Yesterday might have been the last day to get in a good snow battle as temperatures climbed and the...Published: Feb 14, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
It's official: Majesty York is in AI's top 30
It's official -- Majesty Rose York is in the Top 30 on "American Idol." After weeks of Internet rumors and spoilers listing the Goldsboro native among the 15 female contestants who will perform live on the show starting next...Published: Feb 14, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Thursday, February 13, 2014
More snow predicted for today; clearing for weekend
Despite forecasts showing the mixed bag of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain coming back again today, many Wayne County residents woke up this morning to find the roads surprisingly clear. As the snow moved in Wednesday about 11...Published: Feb 13, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Exhibit celebrates culinary traditions
Food -- everybody needs it, and special events in our lives center around it. To celebrate the culinary traditions of Wayne County, the Arts Council of Wayne County will have an exhibit Food! through March 21. "I think it's a...Published: Feb 13, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
County clears school project funds
Wayne County commissioners have approved more than $12.3 million in school renovation projects. The move came after commissioners turned back an attempt by Commissioner Steve Keen to add another $600,000 to the total by including projects at Rosewood Middle...Published: Feb 13, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Goldsboro FD crews stand ready as snow falls
As the city braced to be socked in by ice Wednesday night, the guys at Goldsboro Fire Department Station 1 -- headquarters -- were busy in the kitchen making dinner. Firefighter Cliff Best and Engineer Ray Wells do most...Published: Feb 13, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Ice-strophe?
The winter storm that will move across the state today and into Thursday is expected to add another one to two inches of snow and up to a quarter inch of ice on top of the two to four...Published: Feb 12, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Woman reports a threat by rock
A Goldsboro woman found herself on the receiving end of a gang threat Sunday when someone handed her a rock with gang symbols and the letters "R.I.P." written on both sides. The word "Crip" also appeared on the rock....Published: Feb 12, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Two men to face heroin charges
After an investigation by the Goldsboro Wayne County Drug Squad conducted in the Saulston area, two men are in jail on charges of selling heroin. Stolen guns also were recovered in a raid executed by the drug squad at...Published: Feb 12, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wayne Memorial Hospital reports $2.4 million deficit
Thanks in part to being pushed out of network by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Wayne Memorial Hospital is facing a $2.4 million budget hole after the first three months of its fiscal year. The contract...Published: Feb 12, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Crime of the Week
On Tuesday, Feb. 4, at approximately 12:45 p.m., employees of the Southern Bank, located at 4517 US 117 Alt. in Dudley, reported three, unknown men came to the bank in a four-door, gray colored Nissan Maxima or Altima. One suspect...Published: Feb 12, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Open house shows Edgerton Building apartments
It has been almost 45 years since Doris Mooring stopped working in the Edgerton Building on Walnut Street in downtown Goldsboro. When she left in 1971 for a new job she would never have dreamed her old office would...Published: Feb 12, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
94 newly minted Eagle Scouts honored at annual banquet Saturday
On Saturday night, more than 250 local Scouts, volunteer Scout leaders, families, and friends gathered to honor 94 local young men who earned the Eagle Scout award in 2013. The event was held in the Lois Murphy Regional Center...Published: Feb 12, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Delivery delays
Due to the condition of many roadways across Wayne County, some newspaper carriers may be unable to deliver Wednesday's News-Argus as scheduled. The newspaper website will be opened up to enable Wayne residents to keep up with the latest in...Published: Feb 12, 2014 12:51 PM Full Story
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Here we snow again
Winter weather is heading into North Carolina again. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory until midnight tonight and a winter storm warning from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 6 p.m. Thursday. Snowfall is expected to range...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Suspect arrested on drug charges
A Goldsboro man free on bond awaiting trial on charges of selling and delivering cocaine is back in the Wayne County Jail, this time on charges of manufacturing marijuana. Rueben Knowles Armstrong, 49, 602 W. Mulberry St., also charged...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Fremont will wait to hire administrator
FREMONT -- The town is suspending its search for a new town administrator to control expenditures following the resignation of its past administrator in November. Former Town Administrator Kerry McDuffie left Fremont to accept the position as town manager of...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Nine file for spots on May primary ballot
Nine candidates filed Monday at the Wayne County Board of Elections office during the first day of the filing period for the May 6 primary. Filing continues until noon on Feb. 28. Larry Pierce of Goldsboro, who was appointed...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Officer talks down suspect in rape
A detective with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office talked a rape suspect holding a knife to his own throat out of a pond in the North End section of the county Sunday. David Jacob Lambert, 28, 162 Beston Drive,...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Board accepts Smith's resignation
Wayne County Manager Lee Smith will be paid $325,000 as part of a resignation agreement unanimously approved Monday afternoon by Wayne County commissioners. There was no discussion. The county expects to name an interim manager as soon as possible,...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Jazz showcase planned
Wayne County has a new monthly jazz event. The first Wayne County Jazz Showcase will be held Feb. 21 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Arts Council of Wayne County. It will feature one of the event organizers...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Group working to stop underage drinking
A collaborative effort between WATCH, law enforcement and bar owners is being formed to reduce access to alcohol by underage youth. The WATCH Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, or SAPTF, met recently with law enforcement officers from Buncombe County,...Published: Feb 11, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, February 10, 2014
Woman wins $100,000
A Seven Springs woman has become the latest person to win a $100,000 prize in the N.C. Education Lottery's Diamond 7's game. After state and federal taxes were withheld, Carmen O'Quinn received $69,201, state lottery officials said. Ms. O'Quinn purchased...Published: Feb 10, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wayne may lose food stamp money
Wayne County stands to lose as much as $100,000 monthly in federal reimbursements if the state fails to make progress in clearing its backlog of food stamp applications prior to today's federal deadline. Losing the reimbursements would leave Wayne County...Published: Feb 10, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Eastern Wayne Elementary student earns ASU scholarship
When Keyara Wilson was recently summoned to the principal's office at Eastern Wayne Elementary School, the 9-year-old admits she had a little trepidation. "I thought I was in trouble," she said. Until she was informed that quite the opposite was...Published: Feb 10, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Cromartie to seek election to commissioners
Wayne County District 2 Commissioner Ed Cromartie of Mount Olive has announced he will file for election to the final two years remaining on the unexpired four-year term of the late J.D. Evans. Cromartie is a Democrat. The filing period...Published: Feb 10, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
WCC students to make up classes on Saturdays
Wayne Community College students who missed classes earlier this month due to the 3 inches of snow that fell across the county will be making up two of those days on Saturdays. Community college officials announced last week that classes...Published: Feb 10, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Middle School Career Fair postponed
Tuesday's Middle School Career Fair at the Family YMCA is being postponed, due to the possibility of inclement weather. Organizers met earlier today at the Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the annual event as part of its Wayne Education Network...Published: Feb 10, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Police secure warrants after break-in, assault
A Goldsboro woman called 911 to report a man kicking in her door Sunday morning at 4:30 a.m., according to a Goldsboro police report. Shannon Cobb, 27, 1800 E. Holly St., told police an acquaintance showed up at her door...Published: Feb 10, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Trust Fund requests made
Wayne County has $576,923 in its portion of the Eastern Region Trust Fund. The money can be loaned to local municipalities for economic development. But the county's municipalities have requested a total of $1.5 million in requests and the...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Neal ruling set for March
A Superior Court judge will decide next month whether a convicted rapist will receive a new trial. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Arnold O. Jones will rule March 3 on a motion for appropriate relief filed by William Jackson Neal....Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
City construction increases
Construction in the city of Goldsboro increased over the past year, leading officials to say that the local economy is beginning to look up. Construction was up $16 million over the previous year, according to the city Inspections Department. Goldsboro...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Autopsy: Victim was strangled
Autopsy results are in on one of the victims in the double homicide that took place off Waller Road near Mount Olive in November 2013. Tyrone Beamon Jr., 27, died by strangulation. The autopsy results for the second victim, Shondrea...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Filing period for elected offices gets started Monday
The filing period for local, state and federal elected offices will open at noon Monday and will continue through noon on Friday, Feb. 28. The primary will be held Tuesday, May 6. Candidates for local office will file at...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
City to demolish 13 worst buildings
The Goldsboro City Council accepted a bid for the demolition of 13 of the city's most dilapidated vacant houses at its meeting last week. The addresses came from the city's list of minimum housing code violations. After they are...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Wayne Reads: 'Shooting the Moon' author at library
Author Frances O'Roark Dowell visited the Wayne County Library on Saturday morning to talk about her experiences as an "army brat" that were partially translated into her 2008 children's novel, "Shooting the Moon." The talk was sponsored by Wayne...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
GPD: 1 retires, 1 gets promotion
Veteran police captain and Goldsboro Police Department Command Staff member John J. Biggins officially retired Saturday after 27 years on the job. Stepping into the role vacated by Biggins is Dwayne Dean, formerly the sergeant over criminal investigations. Dean...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Kitty Askins to hold 10th annual gala fundraiser
Five local couples are vying for the title of King and Queen of Mardi Gras, part of Kitty Askins Hospice Center's 10th annual gala event. The gala will be held Saturday at Walnut Creek Country Club. It starts at...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Delbridge announces bid for District Attorney
Assistant District Attorney Matt Delbridge has announced that he will file for district attorney. Delbridge, who has served as an assistant district attorney for the 8th Judicial District for 30 years, is the senior assistant district attorney in the...Published: Feb 9, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Friday, February 7, 2014
Two county teachers earn National Board certification
Two teachers in Wayne County Public Schools have earned National Board Certification and were recognized by the Wayne County Board of Education earlier this week. National Board Certification is granted by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, the most...Published: Feb 7, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Mount Olive honors distinguished citizens
MOUNT OLIVE -- Gaynell Brock, longtime operator of the Southern Belle restaurant, received the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce's highest honor, the Ruff Huggins Lifetime Community Service Award, during the eighth annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony held Thursday...Published: Feb 7, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
State specialists testing old city petroleum spill site
Environmental specialists are in Goldsboro this week to do a routine check on a 1994 petroleum spill. Work began mid-week to suck up groundwater along Jefferson Avenue at Ash Street, the site of a nearly 20-year-old leak from Kangaroo Express...Published: Feb 7, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Man, 21, pleads guilty to rape
Marvin Devon Breeden, 21, pleaded guilty to first-degree rape in Wayne County Superior Court Wednesday. He received an active sentence of 20 to 25 years in prison. According to testimony, the victim awoke in the middle of the night...Published: Feb 6, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Father to serve 10 years for son's death
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Delbridge called it the toughest case in his 30-year career. Brendan Pemberton, 22, pleaded no contest in Wayne County Superior Court Wednesday to second-degree murder in the death of his 4-month-old son. Judge Arnold O....Published: Feb 6, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
On 'American Idol,' a chance to inspire
"I try not to look too far ahead," she said. "The goal is to win, but with me I just want to take it step by step and see why I'm in this position right now, how am I going...Published: Feb 6, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
New jail to be named after sheriff
Progress has come to a halt on securing a new Wayne County jail until the state decides whether or not it will convey the old Wayne Correctional Center to the county. But when a new jail finally does open,...Published: Feb 6, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Recycled fence sale proceeds pay for controlled access project
The Goldsboro Public Works Department made enough from recycled metal fencing from the first phase of a U.S. 70 beautification project to fund the remainder of the project, city officials said. The plan to replace the rusty fencing along...Published: Feb 6, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Businesses needed for Middle School Career Fair
The fifth annual Middle School Career Fair is coming up next week and organizers are encouraging area businesses to support the event. "It's not too late to be a part of the middle school career fair this year to...Published: Feb 6, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Wayne Community College offering business training
After a lengthy career in manufacturing, Steve Herring now finds himself providing education, training and support services for local business and industry. As director of the Customized Training Program at Wayne Community College, his role ranges from assisting local industry...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Ex-dental assistant charged with prescription fraud
A former dental assistant at Immediate Dental Care, 1208 E. Ash St., has been charged with using stolen prescription pads to obtain drugs. Goldsboro police say Tiffany Nicole Nelson, 30, of 1125 Bryson Drive in Greenville, will face two counts...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Schools announce snow make-up days
Make-up days for those missed last week due to snow have been announced, without having to go to a Saturday schedule or infringe on the upcoming spring break. Director of communication services Ken Derksen said this morning that a change...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Father pleads no contest to abuse charge
Brendan Pemberton, 22, pleaded no contest in Wayne County Superior Court today to second-degree murder in the May 2012 beating death of his 4-month-old son, Jaylin Maurice Pemberton. He could serve up to 40 years in prison. Jaylin Pemberton died...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Wayne County commissioners talk about new schools
Wayne County commissioners Tuesday said they are ready for the Board of Education to proceed with $12.3 million in renovation projects, but balked at the idea of spending more than $50 million for two new schools. One commissioner, Joe Daughtery,...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Reacher elected new recorder for Sudan Temple
Goldsboro resident George Raecher was elected as the new recorder for the Sudan Temple at the Sudan Winter Ceremonial on Jan. 25 in New Bern. He is only the 11th Shriner to hold this position in the 98-year history of...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Poet laureate helps Wayne Reads kickoff
Wayne County Reads selection, "The Things They Carried," is a seminal work of fiction, North Carolina's poet laureate said Tuesday night, and one of the best war novels ever. Joseph Bathanti spoke before a gathering at Wayne Community College as...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Pikeville town board changes meeting time, discusses administrator role
PIKEVILLE -- The Pikeville Town Board changed its regular meeting time from 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month to 5:30 p.m. The board's action came at its meeting Monday night. The issue of changing the meeting day...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Director of Partnership for Children of Wayne County chosen for state honor
Charles Ivey, executive director of The Partnership for Children of Wayne County, has been chosen one of 12 early childhood leaders to participate in a statewide program. The Leaders Collaborative prepares local executive directors in Partnerships for Children to improve...Published: Feb 5, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Deal: Hospital, BCBS now have an agreement
After more than 18 months of active negotiations and nearly two months with no contract, officials with Wayne Memorial Hospital and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina finally reached an agreement on a new, three-year contract. The...Published: Feb 4, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Teacher dies in one-car crash
MOUNT OLIVE -- A Mount Olive resident and Duplin County Schools employee, Stephanie Hardy Alphin, 45, died today in a single-vehicle accident just after 7 a.m. on Garner Chapel Road in Duplin County, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol....Published: Feb 4, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Arrest is made in shootings
The shooting of two Goldsboro women Friday evening outside the Brookside Mart at 2000 S. Slocumb St. was not a random act of violence, the Goldsboro Police Department said Monday. A suspect is in custody. James Nathan Crawford Jr.,...Published: Feb 4, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Pierce picked for next sheriff
A Wayne County Republican Party executive committee voted unanimously Monday to nominate Larry Pierce, Mount Olive resident and head of Nahunta Pork Center, as the next sheriff of Wayne County. This morning, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners also...Published: Feb 4, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Council approves bond items; will wait on park plan
The Goldsboro City Council approved two resolutions to allow the city to seek an $18.9 million parks and recreation bond referendum in May, but chose not to accept a proposed master plan for Herman Park along with the resolutions....Published: Feb 4, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Board of Education OKs resource officers for schools
The Wayne County Board of Education approved funding of four school resource officers at 21 schools in the district and paid tribute to the late Sheriff Carey Winders, who had championed the addition. "We applied to the (N.C.) Department...Published: Feb 4, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Historian to speak on Black History Month at UMO
Dr. Freddie L. Parker will be the 2014 Black History Month speaker at the University of Mount Olive. The event will take place in Rodgers Chapel at 11 a.m. Thursday. The theme of Black History Month nationally this year...Published: Feb 4, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Monday, February 3, 2014
Merchants join forces
After meeting three times, the revived Downtown Goldsboro Merchants' Association is going strong, its leaders say, with businesses banding together to boost the downtown district's economy. The association formed late last year as a collaboration of Wayne Turner of...Published: Feb 3, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Fremont, Mount Olive seek portion of county trust fund money
Fremont town officials are hopeful that they can take advantage of a county trust fund to help erase their town's long-term debt and in doing so, clear the way for securing loans and grants for much-needed infrastructure projects. Mount...Published: Feb 3, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Suspects arrested in thefts at farm
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office charged three men in a December robbery of more than $7,000 worth of farm equipment from Sleepy Creek Farms. The suspects, Jordan Daniel Legg, 21, of LaGrange, Corey Shane Willis, 22, of Seven Springs, and...Published: Feb 3, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
February blood drive schedule
Following is the February blood drive schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: Feb. 4 -- Wayne Community College from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 -- Butterball from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb....Published: Feb 3, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Veterans writing workshop Wednesday
Local veterans can get an opportunity to express their feelings about their experiences in combat during a writing workshop Wednesday at Wayne Community College. North Carolina poet laureate Joseph Bathanti will speak Tuesday night about this year's selection for...Published: Feb 3, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Goldsboro police charge two in car thefts
A Goldsboro police officer was injured this weekend during the arrest of two men charged with the attempted breaking and entering of 15 motor vehicles at Jackson Motor Sales at 411 N. William St. Sunday. Kevin Devon Hines, 42,...Published: Feb 3, 2014 1:46 PM Full Story
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Who is affected?
As officials with Wayne Memorial Hospital and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina continue to discuss their contract dispute, a number of county residents are finding themselves wondering what the future might hold. All total, according to Blue...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
BCBS, hospital say no deal yet
Nearly two months after Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina terminated its contract with Wayne Memorial Hospital, little has changed. The two sides have continued discussions, but no agreement has been reached, and because of a pledge by...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Two women shot in parking lot Friday
Two women were shot late Friday afternoon during an attempted armed robbery in the parking lot of Brookside Market at 2005 S. Slocumb St. The Goldsboro Police Department report provided scant information about the shooting, which happened just before...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Farewell, friend: More than 1,000 gather to say goodbye to Sheriff Carey Winders
MOUNT OLIVE -- Big heart, big shoes, a sense of humor that was second to none -- and a legacy that will live on for years to come -- that is how those who gathered Friday to remember Sheriff Carey...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
City to seek comments on park bond
The Goldsboro City Council is expected to discuss two resolutions related to a proposed $18.9 million Parks and Recreation bond after a public hearing to explore the issue during its meeting Monday. The bond, if passed, would go to...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
UMO Winter Glitz to take magic carpet ride
The University of Mount Olive is preparing for its annual Winter Glitz event which will take place in the Lois K. Murphy Regional Center on Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. The event costs $75 per person, or $125 per...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Habitat for Humanity will host college students
More than 200 student volunteers will be hammering, lifting and drilling for the Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne this March as part of Habitat's national alternative to the spring break, the Collegiate Challenge. "We are grateful for them volunteering...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Southern Bank announces two branch closures
Southern Bank will be closing two Wayne County bank locations in Pikeville and Dudley this spring in a "realignment plan" created to help consolidate costs. The accounts at the branch in Dudley, located at 4517 U.S. 117 Alt., will...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Filmmakers share stories at WCC's film festival
Alonso Alvarez Barreda was 12 years old in his native Mexico when he saw the movie "The Shawshank Redemption." "I remember when the movie ended I felt something I had never felt before," Barreda said. "I felt really touched....Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Council offers glimpse at plans for park
The Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department will present its proposed Herman Park Master Plan at the City Council meeting Monday night along with the proposed renovations to Herman Park Center as part of a possible $18.9 million Parks and Recreation...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story
Local girl is clogging champion
Brooke Mackenzie Hinson, 9, of Mount Olive recently competed in the America's Clogging Hall of Fame competition, "The Oak City Invitational" in Louisburg. She placed third in contemporary clogging solos in the 8-9 age category. He also took first...Published: Feb 2, 2014 1:50 AM Full Story