August 2014 archives

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Saturday, August 30, 2014

Scholarship established to honor late school board member

The Birthday Ladies normally gather to celebrate members' birthdays. However, next month they will celebrate the life and legacy of the late Thelma Smith by raising funds for a scholarship that has been established in her memory. Mrs. Smith,...

Lawsuit filed over HF Lee contamination

The Southern Environmental Law Center is planning to sue Duke Energy on behalf of Matthew Starr and the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation over alleged contamination of the Neuse River by the recently closed H.F. Lee Plant coal ash facility. James...

Dental program expands with mobile unit

The Health Department has acquired a mobile dental clinic that will soon travel to three area schools, providing services for children in need. The 50-foot tractor-trailer recently arrived, after more than a year working to secure funding and being...

30-year-old dies in wreck

No charges will be filed in a Friday morning wreck that claimed the life of a Seven Springs man. Jacob Anthony Gray, 30, 5614 N.C. 55 died en route to Wayne Memorial Hospital after he was injured when his...

Local pastor honored by congregation

DUDLEY --Apostle Lester Coward's influence extends beyond the pulpit. His work is seen at the barber shop, the auto shop, the bank and the doctor's office. He is many things to many people -- a preacher, a counselor, a...

Friday, August 29, 2014

Teachers see bump in checks

Public school teachers will get a little surprise in today's paycheck -- in addition to their legislature-promised raise, some back pay. The additional money reflects the teacher pay raise that went into effect July 1 because the budget was...

Prevention, priceless

Firefighters have a tough job. Day or night, rain or shine, in 100-degree heat or in freezing temperatures, when the alarm goes off, they go. And while the community is accustomed to seeing the big red trucks with lights...

Man hurt in morning knife fight

One man is in custody and another is in Vidant Medical Center in Greenville after an early morning fight on North Carolina Street in Goldsboro. Corea Shelton Pearsall, 36, 409 B N. Carolina St., was driven by personal vehicle...

Suspect sought in theft, assault

New details about the kidnapping and shooting of a 24-year-old Albertson man during the early morning hours on Aug. 24 have been re-leased along with the identity of one of the suspects in the case. Goldsboro police are searching for...

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Local governments announce closings list for Labor Day holiday

Local, state and federal offices, banks, the Postal Service, and Wayne County Public Schools will be closed Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Wayne County government offices will be closed, as well as the landfill and convenience...

Icy water and warm hearts

There are millions of people who have stood, scrunched up with their eyes closed and fists clenched waiting for the deluge of water and ice as part of the ALS ice bucket challenge. But at Rosewood Baptist Church, the...

Fraternity celebrates 50 years of leadership

The Theta Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recently celebrated 50 years of leadership and community service. "We have been around 50 years and we hope to be around for another 50 years perhaps, but we are...

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Chief: Gangs are in city

Goldsboro police Chief Jeff Stewart admitted Tuesday night that there are nationally recognized street gangs operating in Goldsboro. Speaking after a Goldsboro Partners Against Crime call-in, at which 14 violent offenders were cautioned to change their ways or to...

Local dad, daughter make finals in dance contest

Thanks to viewers of one of the most popular morning shows in the nation -- and the Goldsboro and Wayne County residents who took to the Internet to cast votes -- a 4th Fighter Wing airman and his little girl...

Aid, with strings

The Salvation Army of Wayne County is not just handing out fish anymore. Learning how to fish is part of the assistance -- and the requirements -- too. Capt. Kenny Igleheart said the organization is still helping families and...

Mail is stolen from city dental offices

Nine mailboxes outside the offices at Wayne Dental Center, 2300 Wayne Memorial Drive, were pried open and robbed Sunday. Dr. Dwight Smith, a dentist at the facility, which houses several practices, said a crowbar likely was used to force...

Beak Week is coming to city this September

Goldsboro residents are in for a "hen of a good time" as the first Beak Week Festival kicks off Sunday, Sept. 7. The weeklong series of events is aimed at celebrating the local poultry industry, one of the largest...

Free fitness

Diamond George stands before a Wayne County juvenile court charged with assaulting a teacher. The judge asks if she feels any remorse. The 11-year-old, uncertain, glances around the courtroom. "No," she answers. "I just shook my head," Tricia Haigler...

Peggy Tate is honored for her volunteer work

A lot of people are glad Peggy Tate learned more about Medicare than she ever imagined she would need to know. And they often express that appreciation with hugs. Those hugs and the satisfaction of being able to help others...

Fremont officials eyeing change in town

FREMONT -- The town of Fremont will soon be getting something of a facelift after several decisions were made by the Small Town Economic Prosperity committee at a meeting Tuesday night. Following a presentation by Judy Hills on the results...

Crime of the Week

On Monday, Aug. 25, at approximately 10:20 p.m., employees of the Sky Light Mini Mart located at 720 East Ash Street reported two black males entered the store, displayed a handgun at them, struck one employee with the handgun and...

Marijuana seized during drug bust

A member of an alleged outlaw motorcycle club operating in Wayne County has been arrested as the result of a joint drug investigation conducted by local and federal law enforcement agencies. Anthony Kirk Phillips, 43, 1200 Old Grantham Road,...

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Victim from fire identified; help set for teen

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross has reached out to the 12-year-old boy injured in a house fire that claimed the life of his mother Monday. Sharon Kascsak, 51, 133 Bass Lake Drive, was killed when...

Killer up for parole again

Goldie Jones ministered to her killer. The Goldsboro woman met him while volunteering with a prison ministry. On parole from a 12-year sentence for an attempted rape conviction, Garfield Noah Prevette kidnapped, bound and gagged and sexually abused the...

Dancers named for annual fundraiser

Fifteen people and five dance studios have signed on for the fourth annual Dancing Stars of Wayne County fundraiser for education, planned for Oct. 17 at the Paramount Theatre. A kick-off meeting to introduce the participants was held Wednesday...

Ready for her close-up

Some showed up to wish a former student well. Others wanted to support a friend. And beauty queens of all ages were eager to meet the young lady who currently possesses the state's top crown. Friends, family members and...

Officials say number of students down

Officials with Wayne County Public Schools reported 108 fewer students enrolled on the first day of classes Monday than the same time last year, and announced that one school opening had been delayed until later this week. The district's...

Gunmen escape store with money

A pair of gunmen entered the Skylight Mini Mart, 720 E. Ash St., at 10:16 p.m. Monday and robbed the business. Two people were assaulted. According to a Goldsboro police report, the robbery took just four minutes. Timothy James...

Monday, August 25, 2014

Man, 24, shot in robbery, assault

An Albertson man is recovering at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville today after he was shot in the leg during a robbery and attempted kidnapping Sunday. The incident unfolded between 2 and 4 a.m., according to a Goldsboro police...

Traffic shift starts today on eastern portion of bypass

Beginning today, traffic will be permanently shifted onto a newly built bridge and roadway of U.S. 13 between A&K Farm Road and Saulston Road. The new road and bridge are part of the U.S. 70 Bypass section that connects...

First bells ring

The school year officially began today for students and staff in Wayne County Public Schools, with the typical adjustments, said Ken Derksen, director of communication services. All 29 district schools got off to a good start this morning, he...

SJAFB dad and daughter place in video contest

A 4th Fighter Wing airman and his little girl will be featured on national television Tuesday morning. 4th Maintenance Group Tech. Sgt. Aron Lee and his daughter have been named finalists in the "Good Morning America Daddy/Daughter Dance Off" and...

Child survives morning fire

A Dudley woman is dead and a 12-year-old boy is being treated for injuries after a fire broke out in a mobile home in Dudley early this morning. The fire took place at a mobile home park on Bass...

Sharing their very first day at school

Bella Franklin woke up just a little excited, and a bit nervous, this morning -- and so, too, did her mom, Mary. After all, both of them were preparing for "first days." For Mary, today is her first day...

Goldsboro Partners Against Crime to hold call-in Tuesday night

The Goldsboro Police Department and a community alliance known as Goldsboro Partners Against Crime will hold their quarterly call-in at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers inside historic City Hall Tuesday. As a condition of their probation, violent...

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Wayne Montessori School's new chief sets sights on growth

Wayne Montessori School has a new headmaster. Faith Seiglie, who has 23 years of experience, has begun her role as the school's new leader, with an eye to helping it move into an even more successful future. "Montessori education...

'Blue Suede' kickoff for United Way

A firecracker exploded at United Way of Wayne County's kickoff concert Friday at the Paramount Theatre. And not the kind you usually see in the sky on July 4th either. This particular sparkler was Ann Minkler, 63, a diehard...

Sting nets arrest in theft from cell tower

A Pikeville man was charged with felony possession of stolen goods after an undercover investigation linked him to the theft of more than $81,000 in equipment from the area near a cell phone tower. Joseph Conrad Cerny was arrested...

University of Mount Olive tassels turned

MOUNT OLIVE -- Shouts of joy pierced the air Saturday afternoon as students' families and friends cheered on University of Mount Olive's most recent batch of alumni. This round of graduates were part of Mount Olive's 61st commencement --...

September blood drive schedule

Here is the September blood drive schedule for the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross: * Sept. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at O'Berry Center. * Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at...

Salvation Army planning fall bazaar for September

To provide a unique shopping experience and to help the needy of Wayne County, the Salvation Army of Wayne County is holding its third annual fall bazaar fundraiser. It will be held Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2...

Norwayne alumni reunion set for Aug. 29-31

Norwayne Alumni & Friends will celebrate its 42nd reunion on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29-Aug. 31. This year's theme is "Lion Pride, Keeping the Golden Dream Alive." Activities will begin with a social at 7 p.m. on Friday at...

Mount Olive chamber planning reverse drawing

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Reverse Raffle Fundraising Dinner Sept. 16 at the Wayne Shrine Club in Dudley. The cost is $100 per couple. There are only 200 tickets available....

Police chief says shortfall no cause for worry

Goldsboro police Chief Jeff Stewart says that although city police officers have been busy this year -- 28 people have been shot in the city since January -- a manpower shortage has in no way affected the department's ability...

Deadline for Arts Council of Wayne grant submission is Sept. 12

The Arts Council of Wayne County is taking applications for the 2014-15 Regional Artist Project Grants. The program is managed through a partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council and 29 local arts councils throughout eastern North Carolina, including...

Daniels and Daniels has low bid on veterans cemetery

[email protected] A Goldsboro company submitted the low bid for the construction of the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery to be built on Long's Plant Farm Road east of Goldsboro. However, approval of the bid and contractor is not expected for...

Bus report: New transportation director put safety as top priority

After three years of declining bus maintenance state inspection scores, Wayne County Public Schools officials decided to make a change, thinking a new leader might bring a new focus on the problem and, perhaps, a solution. New transportation director...

Actor from 'Sound of Music' to discuss role at fundrasier

[email protected] Dan Truhitte will probably be best known for playing "Rolf" in "The Sound of Music," but it was a role he hated. The actor will talk about how he got the part and give some behind-the-scenes stories about the...

Friday, August 22, 2014

Looking at I-795, U.S. 70 impact

Completing Interstate 795 between Goldsboro and I-40 in Sampson County would save travelers and businesses millions of dollars and speed development in the region, experts said Thursday. Finishing the highway upgrade would result in $74 million in business cost...

They are excited

There is something about walking into an elementary school on the threshold of a new school year. Colorful signs await, greeting all who enter. "Welcome to First Grade." "Kindergarten is Monstrously Fun." "Kick Start a New Year." Open houses...

Come see what she will wear at the pageant

It's not easy being queen. But the reigning Miss North Carolina, Beth Stovall, said so far the nerves associated with preparing for the upcoming Miss America Pageant haven't hit her yet. "I still feel eager and anxious. I feel...

Thursday, August 21, 2014

County seeks U.S. 117 status change

Wayne County commissioners are worried that U.S. 117 between Goldsboro and Interstate 40 is not included in proposed federal legislation designating Interstate status to two other highways in the area. Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a resolution calling on Sen....

County tax bills are in the mail this week

Wayne County residents have begun receiving their property tax bills. And by the end of the month, all of the 71,000 tax notices being mailed out by the county tax office should have been delivered. Taxpayers who do not...

Shooting victim dropped at Wayne Memorial Hospital

A man who arrived at Wayne Memorial Hospital at 3:10 a.m. today with an apparent gunshot wound declined to cooperate with Goldsboro police. Adrian Devonta Warren, 21, of Woodrow Street, did not say who shot him or why. Investigators...

Teenager robbed at gunpoint at store

A man with a handgun robbed a Rosewood teenager who was in a parked car outside the Walmart on U.S. 70 West Wednesday, Goldsboro police said. The robbery took place at 10:30 p.m. Gregory Kenneth Moser, 17, was in...

Open houses begin

The new school year officially kicks off Monday for Wayne County Public Schools, but open house offers students the chance to find classes and to meet teachers. Open houses were held at middle and high schools on Wednesday evening. Today...

City to get new housing project

A Raleigh development company has been awarded $660,000 in federal tax credits to build Lochstone, an 84-unit affordable apartment complex on West Lockhaven Drive. Pendergraph Development LLC will construct the complex. Another $461,966 in tax credits went to Brookwood...

Fremont updates its nuisance ordinance

FREMONT -- At Fremont's Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday night, the board voted to update its nuisance ordinance to quicken the process of abatement on any given nuisance violation. An abatement means the removal of a problem that...

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

School of Engineering teacher wins Teacher of the Year

An educator whose philosophy is to "save the world by grading papers" was named the 2014 Teacher of the Year for Wayne County Public Schools. Allyson Daly, an English teacher at Wayne School of Engineering, received the distinction Tuesday...

Streetscape

Downtown business owners are worried that the second phase of Streetscape, which is expected to begin today, will be a real problem for their patrons and their bottom line. About six local business owners met with city officials on...

Small business owners can learn new skills at WCC

This fall the Wayne Business and Industry Center's Small Business Center at Wayne Community College will be taking several of its offerings on the road. In addition to offerings on the WCC campus, the packed schedule of free seminars...

Agent will face charges of fraud

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Mount Olive insurance agent has been arrested on fraud charges. Manargo Victor Boykin, 52, of 604 N.C. 55 West, Mount Olive, is charged with one count of obtaining property by false pretense and six counts...

Police are looking for missing runaway teen

The Goldsboro Police Department is asking for the community's help in finding a missing Florida teen who might be in Wayne County. Cierra Faye Smith, 14, of Sarasota County, Fla., is possibly in Wayne or Harnett County, authorities said....

Pikeville to begin search for new town administrator

PIKEVILLE -- The Pikeville Town Board agreed Tuesday night to begin the process of seeking a new town administrator. The Town Board held a closed session lasting just over an hour in which personnel matters were discussed. After the closed...

A shiver to find a cure

More than $31 million has been donated to the ALS Association as a result of the social media spawned trend sweeping the nation -- the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Goldsboro Fire Chief Gary Whaley took the challenge. So did...

Fremont reports crime is down

FREMONT -- Fremont citizens can rest a little easier after police Chief P.E. Moats told the town Board of Alderman on Tuesday that crime is down in the town. Moats said that the police department has taken 161 fewer reports...

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

GATEWAY appoints interim director

GATEWAY has hired an interim director after former transportation chief Lynn Lamberth's resignation earlier this month. The Transportation Authority's board hired Alfred Fontana on Friday to serve in the job temporarily. His first day will be Thursday. He will...

Man chases off intruder after early break-in

Goldsboro police and a K-9 unit were unable to track a burglary suspect after responding to a residential breaking and entering on North Virginia Street early this morning. The incident took place at 3:45 a.m. Herman Sharper Jr., 54,...

The house a wing built

FREMONT -- Andre Suitt is no stranger to service -- or to having a hammer in his hand. In his spare time, he's a mentor, a basketball coach and a community volunteer. So when he heard about the chance...

City weighing automatic trash trucks

Goldsboro sanitation workers might soon see changes if a plan to fully automate three of the city's garbage trucks comes to fruition. Public Works Director Jose Martinez presented the plan to the Goldsboro City Council at the board's meeting...

Sewer repairs to take months

Several blocks of Mulberry Street will be closed in the coming months as Keen Plumbing works under contract with the city to repair the sanitary sewer line under the street that has broken or eroded in several areas. Director...

Three charged in county break-ins

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office charged three Wayne County residents with breaking and entering Friday. The investigation stems from a larceny reported July 28 in the neighborhood of Providence Church Road. Michael Scott Butts, 36, Sandra Michelle Williams, 33,...

Monday, August 18, 2014

County schools to pick Teacher of the Year

Three finalists for Wayne County Public Schools' Teacher of the Year have been chosen, and the district winner will be announced at the annual banquet on Tuesday at Goldsboro Country Club. Finalists at the three school levels -- elementary, middle...

Officials warn of phone calls from fake IRS agents

If you answer your phone this week and it is the tax man, be wary. A new telephone scam in which the caller claims to be from the Internal Revenue Service is targeting local residents. Crime Stoppers officials said...

Students, parents invited to schools

Wayne County Public Schools is gearing up for the upcoming school year, which starts next Monday. Two schools, Wayne Early/Middle College High School and Wayne School of Engineering, already resumed classes earlier this month. The remaining 29 public schools...

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Kayakers rescued after flipping

Emergency responders from Wayne and Johnston counties helped rescue four kayakers on the Neuse River Saturday after two of the watercraft overturned. Grantham Volunteer Fire Department Chief Richard Proctor said two people were in the water for about an hour...

WATCH will open its third clinic next month

WATCH, or Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, will open its third clinic next month when it moves into the former Wound Care Center behind Wayne Memorial Hospital. WATCH opened in August 2000 and provides free primary and acute health...

Police probe two shootings

Officers with the Goldsboro Police Department responded to two separate shooting incidents on Friday. Both cases are under investigation. The first shooting took place in the Westhaven housing community at about 7:20 p.m. Carlton Jackson III, 24, of Olivia...

Streetscape starts up Monday

The second phase of the city's Streetscape project will begin Monday, causing several street closings and odd traffic patterns. The southbound lane of Center Street will be closed completely for construction, though pedestrian access will remain open for the...

Back to school

University of Mount Olive students Jarred Miller and Jean Tacury carry a roll of carpet for a fellow student moving into a dormitory early Saturday morning. Students will start their first day of school on Monday....

WCC to offer early childhood education in Mount Olive

Wayne Community College will offer an early childhood education course in Mount Olive this fall. Curriculum Planning will be taught 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Mondays at Mt. Olive Kiddie College. "This is the first semester in many years that an...

Pharmacy tech students pinned

The 14 members of the Wayne Community College Pharmacy Technology Class of 2014 were recognized during a recent formal pinning ceremony. The annual service includes presentation of pharmacy technician pins and roses by the faculty of the program and...

Nursing students pinned at WCC

The 13 members of the Wayne Community College Practical Nursing Class of 2014 were recognized during a recent formal pinning ceremony recently. This year's graduates are: Tasmin Marie Oliver and Morgan Katherine Roberts of Dudley; Belinda Marilu Hidalgo of...

Mount Olive Heart Walk scheduled for Oct. 18

MOUNT OLIVE -- Health awareness and historic preservation will join forces Saturday, Sept. 13 when organizers of the Mount Olive Heart Walk and homeowner Connie Wells host an Open House for Heart from 1 to 5 p.m. at the...

Checkpoint nets 65 citations

The Goldsboro Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Pikeville Police Department joined forces Friday night, setting up three separate DWI checkpoints throughout Wayne County. The measure is part of the Governor's Highway Safety Plan's "Booze It and Lose...

County to discuss highways

Wayne County commissioners will tackle several transportation issues spread out over three different meetings this week. Two will involve the Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority and the third, U.S. 117/Interstate 795. Commissioners on Tuesday will consider amending the 1988 agreement with the...

Burglary, arson attempt reported

A Goldsboro woman watched from a neighbor's home Friday as man broke into her house at about 9:15 p.m. and emptied an entire bottle of lighter fluid on the floor of her home. The suspect fled before lighting the...

Big crowd turns out for National Honey Bee Day

Hundreds of Wayne County residents joined The Beekeepers of the Neuse in Waynesborough Park Saturday to celebrate National Honey Bee Day. Families came out to enjoy tractor rides, face painting, candle-making, a chicken coop and goat pen, and of course...

1,400 cases heard in courthouse Friday

Only those with a court date or court business were permitted to enter. Spectators were asked to wait outside. Still, by 9 a.m. on Friday, an hour after the Wayne County Courthouse doors opened to the public, the line...

Friday, August 15, 2014

Community meets to discuss 'baby talk'

Brains are built, not born. That was the message Person County kindergarten teacher Deborah Rickman delivered to those who attended the Teaching Babies to Talk forum Thursday night at the Paramount Theater -- an event that saw parents, teachers...

Pikeville official resigns

PIKEVILLE -- Pikeville's town administrator Blake Proctor abruptly resigned Thursday afternoon, citing his ailing mother as the reason for his leaving. His resignation is effective Aug. 28. However, Proctor will not be returning to work, according to Mayor Glenn...

Voices for victims

Some are abused; others are neglected. In extreme cases, the child has been sexually assaulted. By the time Colleen Kosinski and the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts Guardian ad Litem program are contacted, a child might have...

Sheriff's Office charges three in break-in

A Wayne County Sheriff's Office investigation into a residential break-in in Dudley July 17 resulted in three being charged Tuesday, a man and two juveniles. Shameek Johnson, 19, of Burgaw, is charged with breaking and entering and has been...

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Smithfield man shot in Goldsboro

A Smithfield man says he was shot while in Goldsboro Tuesday by an unknown assailant who used a shotgun, but that he did not report the incident. Goldsboro police found out about the shooting late Wednesday night after being...

Transfer station project moving forward

City officials, community members and Congressman G.K. Butterfield broke ground Wednesday on the new GATEWAY transfer center on Carolina Street. The project was made possible by the TIGER V grant of $10 million, gifted to the city for the...

So long, sweet summer

Kathryn Hamilton, 11, decorates her locker with magnets, a mirror and dry erase board at Wayne Country Day School Wednesday. WCDS is the first school in the county to resume classes after summer break....

Crash test: What would the response to a SJAFB aircraft crash look like?

A 916th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker crashed shortly after it left Seymour Johnson Air Force Base early this morning. At least one airman is presumed dead and several others were critically injured. That was the scenario painted by...

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

SJAFB officials break ground on med center

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials broke ground on a "state-of-the-art" medical facility Tuesday morning. The new facility, which, upon its October 2016 completion, will be the biggest building on the Goldsboro installation, will replace the current medical center...

Man escapes Tuesday night shooting

An apparent drive-by shooter missed his mark Tuesday evening, but caused damage to the brick and light fixtures of a city storefront, according to a Goldsboro police report. The shooting took place at Adams Convenience Store, 601 W. Ash...

GATEWAY director Lambert resigns

Lynn Lambert has resigned as director of the GATEWAY transportation system, effective Aug. 1. In a one-sentence resignation letter, Ms. Lambert cited personal differences with the agency's board of directors, as well as actions of certain members of the...

Girl power

Allison Patton isn't staying home anymore. A little shy, she had preferred to stay home rather than to get out and meet people. Not anymore. The Power of Girls has changed that. "It helped me be more social and get...

Burglar who was shot by owner charged

Charges have been filed against the man a homeowner shot and wounded during an alleged early morning break-in at her residence in Dudley Aug. 7. Detectives said the victim acted within the law and will not be charged. Christopher...

Library event set for Saturday

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Steele Memorial Library cornerstone is finally home -- or it is at least at the site where the man is pays tribute to used to have his home. A rededication ceremony for the cornerstone will...

Crime of the Week

On Aug. 10, the Goldsboro Police Department responded to the area of 210 North Carolina St. at approximately 3:15 p.m. regarding shots being fired. Officers arrived on scene and were advised that a subject may have been shot and witnesses...

Whiz kid

Step aside, Bill Gates. When Jarret Raiford's double-monitor Samsung desktop system fires up, so does his desire to be the best at Microsoft Word -- the best in the world, that is. Raiford, a rising junior at Spring Creek...

Faith Free Will Baptist youth pastor never imagined himself in position

When Christian Powell came to Faith Free Will Baptist Church as youth pastor fresh out of college, he never imagined being there 20 years later, much less stepping into the chief leadership role. The Raleigh native graduated from Southeastern...

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

WATCH taking on new patients

WATCH, or Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, is once again accepting new patients and is even considering serving people who are covered under the lower rungs of the federal Affordable Care Act. WATCH, a non-profit health care option...

New teachers gather to celebrate next step

Wayne County will have nearly 100 new teachers in class this fall, and they received an early welcome Monday morning at a teacher appreciation breakfast sponsored by the county Chamber of Commerce and school administrators at the Lane Tree...

Pursuing perfection

Brandi Matthews is no stranger to trauma. The Mar Mac native can still recall her family having to evacuate their home by boat during the devastation caused by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. She was 11 years old. "My entire...

Mount Olive resident injured during home invasion

MOUNT OLIVE -- Two masked men, including one armed with a pistol, were involved in a home invasion that left a victim "covered in blood" after he fought with the suspects. The incident occurred shortly after 2:30 a.m. last...

Kinston man shot in city

A Kinston man shot in Goldsboro Sunday has been released from Wayne Memorial Hospital. Goldsboro police have yet to identify a suspect in the shooting. Officers were called to the 200 block of North Carolina Street Sunday at 3:12...

Forum on teaching babies to talk set for Thursday

There will be a community forum on teaching babies to talk and young children to read Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. Sen. Louis Pate and Dr. David Tayloe will co-host the forum. Two guest speakers will present...

Monday, August 11, 2014

Man chases suspect after break-in try

A fleet-footed citizen chased a suspect from the scene of an alleged motor vehicle break-in at 1:20 a.m. Sunday. The suspect got away, but was soon captured by Goldsboro police. Jacob David Smith, 21, of Audubon Avenue, is charged...

Taking Wayne in a new direction

Wayne County Manager George Wood sums up the county's most pressing need in one word -- facilities. And it is an overcrowded jail that is at the head of that list. The existing jail is costing the county nearly...

Man victim of second drive-by shooting

For the second time in 31 days, bullets fired from a passing vehicle failed to hit Solomon Herring, Goldsboro police say. Herring, 25, has twice been the victim in reported drive-by shootings at his residence in the 1600 block...

Suspect tries to become victim

A man flagged down a Goldsboro police officer near the scene of a reported breaking and entering in progress Saturday and claimed to be the victim, but was later identified by a witness as the suspect, according to police....

WCC's Albertson, White-Wallace honored

The Wayne Community College unit of the Association Educational Office Professionals, or AEOP, recognized its administrator and professional of the year at its annual administrators luncheon recently. WCC President Dr. Kay Albertson was named this year's Administrator of the Year...

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Rain causing issues with tobacco crop

[email protected] There have been scattered reports of drowned tobacco in the county as result of last month's heavy rainfall that dropped anywhere from 5 to nearly 11 inches on areas throughout the county. The heavy rain also delayed the tobacco...

Neighbors thwart alleged abduction

[email protected] Investigators say they have no idea how a 4-year-old ended up with a man in the Seven Springs area Wednesday. Oscar Juarez Perez, 40, is charged with felonious restraint and abduction of a child and is being held in...

Community can learn about bees at annual celebration

[email protected] Prepare to bee-amazed, but don't worry about getting stung unless it is with a desire to raise your own bees after attending the second annual National Honey Bee Day Celebration. The event is planned for Saturday from 9 a.m....

Duplin Hall of Fame nomination deadline approaching

KENANSVILLE -- The deadline for nominations for the Duplin County Hall of Fame is Sept. 25. Each year the Duplin County Hall of Fame honors the lifelong contributions of two Duplin County residents and inducts them into the prestigious Hall...

Dunham's Sports opens its doors

[email protected] Nearly 100 people were waiting in line Friday for the 9 a.m. grand opening of the new Dunham's Sports at the Goldsboro Promenade, 301 N. Berkeley Blvd. The opening marked a weekend of sales and promotions. The first 100...

Crime rate drops in mount olive

[email protected] MOUNT OLIVE -- Reported crime was down 21.81 percent in Mount Olive during 2013, according to figures released last week by the State Bureau of Investigation. "I am proud of my guys and how they are doing their job,"...

County settles radio system lawsuit

[email protected] Wayne County will pay $289,138 to settle a breach of contract lawsuit filed by the company originally hired to build its new $10 million radio system -- a system that has been plagued by problems since its installation. Commissioners...

Police seek suspect in drug seizure

[email protected] The Goldsboro Police Department is searching for a suspect from whose home investigators seized 23 grams of cocaine and 40 bindles of heroin. Rashad Antwan McDuffie, 28, is wanted on charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver...

Vendors being sought for Beak Week

The Arts Council of Wayne County is accepting vendor applications for the city of Goldsboro's first Beak Week Festival. The festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in front of City Hall on...

Friday, August 8, 2014

Officials break ground on new middle schools

Wayne County officials broke ground Thursday for two new middle schools residents have hoped for -- for years. Mark Hood has been part of the Grantham community for 71 years. Now, he is finally going to see a new Grantham...

Banquet honors county's Purple Heart recipients

The First Church of Goldsboro is a starkly different setting than Chu Lai, Vietnam. But for Ken Quakenbush, both places have one thing in common: the Purple Heart. The Goldsboro/Wayne Purple Heart Foundation held its annual ceremony Thursday night...

Two men get jail time for murders

The state accepted guilty pleas in two separate murder cases in Wayne County Superior Court Wednesday. One of the cases dates back six years. Herman Philip Best, 51, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the June 2008 beating death...

Legislators share their thoughts on budget, Medicaid

Medicaid is a broken system in North Carolina -- broken so badly that state legislators won't have time during what remains of their short session to effectively tackle it, state Sen. Louis Pate said Thursday. While Medicaid reform was the...

Thursday, August 7, 2014

New chief appointed in tax office

Alan Lumpkin has two milestones to celebrate today. First, it's his 51st birthday, which has its positives and negatives. Second, he is the county's new tax administrator. The Wayne County Board of Commissioners appointed Lumpkin to the new job...

Pit bull attack case put on hold

A court case involving a man whose dogs mauled an elderly woman was continued in Wayne County District Court on Wednesday. Terry Tremain Butler, 35, of 112 Country Run Lane faces charges of allowing dogs to run at large...

Local missionaries put hold on trips to West Africa region

Wayne County residents who volunteer with local church mission groups could easily find themselves in the midst of the same kind of danger faced by the missionaries in West Africa. But local groups say there are precautions taken when...

Her people's cop

When Goldsboro police officer Michelle Warren pulls up in front of Mr. Sam's makeshift home, she can barely contain a smile. She knows he will be glad to see her. So will his dog. "I've got so much respect...

Woman shoots intruder

A Wayne County woman will not be charged after shooting an intruder early this morning outside a residence along Providence Church Road. Investigators with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said she acted in self-defense. Paige Ham, 28, an employee...

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

A fun 'Night Out'

More than 1,000 local residents poured into Herman Park Tuesday night to mingle with law enforcement, county, city and community representatives, and with each other. The 31st Annual National Night Out was, by all accounts, a success. Music could be...

School groundbreaking

Because of limited parking at Thursday's groundbreaking ceremonies for Wayne County's two new middle schools, a shuttle service will be provided if needed. The groundbreaking for the new Grantham Middle School will be held at 9:30 a.m. at 3054...

Missing woman comes home

A woman, whom relative have not seen since they dropped her off at the bus stop in Dudley with a ticket to New York City July 4, is home. Family members reported Patsy Mitchell McMillan, 49, missing to the...

Suspect arrested on meth charges

A Mount Olive man is in custody on drug charges stemming from an ongoing investigation into a meth lab seized in Gran-tham. Michael Joseph Theriac, 28, 524 NE Center St., is charged with 11 counts of possession and distribution...

County to hire assistant manager

Wayne County commissioners on Tuesday opened the way for the hiring of an assistant county manager who would also serve as the director of emergency services for the county. Commissioners reclassified the Office of Emergency Services director's position, clearing...

Wayne Extension offers gardening workshops

The Wayne County Extension Office will be offering a series of "Successful Gardening" workshops this fall. The Landscape Design Basics Workshop will teach the basics of landscape design and proper plant selection for planning a successful landscape. These sessions will...

Mount Olive officials indicate a potential new industry

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive town officials continue to hint that an announcement could be on the horizon concerning a new tenant in the town's industrial park. Mayor Ray McDonald Sr. said during Monday night's town board meeting said...

National Night Out

More than 1,000 local residents poured into Herman Park Tuesday night to mingle with law enforcement, county, city and community representatives, and with each other. The 31st Annual National Night Out was, by all accounts, a success. Music could...

Crime of the Week

On July 25, 2014 an 80-year-old victim reported her wallet being stolen which contained several credit cards. On the same date, the victim's credit card was used at the Handy Mart located at 2830 U.S. 70 West, the Wilco Hess...

WorkKeys tests for Career Readiness Certification

The Wayne Occupational Readiness Keys for Success (WORKS) program will provide testing session for WorkKeys tests for Career Readiness Certification (CRC) four times this month. The dates are at 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 19; 12:30 to...

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Likely no charges from seizure of marijuana plants

Wayne County Sheriff's Office deputies are no longer working to identify the people responsible for growing marijuana plants seized recently from a secluded area off U.S. Highway 70. Aggressive Crime Enforcement Team officers dug up 105 plants in two...

City OKs $20,000 for meals program

Expect to see Meals on Wheels serving more seniors in the city after Goldsboro City Council decided to allocate $20,000 to the meals program. Monday night's council meeting began with a request by Martha Bryan, who was representing the...

Dogs' owner due in court Wednesday

A man whose four pit bulls mauled a 71-year-old Wayne County woman is scheduled to appear Wednesday in District Court. Terry Tremain Butler, 35, of 112 Country Run Lane faces charges of allowing dogs to run at large and...

Monday, August 4, 2014

Investigators to look into suspicious fire

Dudley, Mount Olive and Arrington fire departments spent an hour putting out a fire in an abandoned residence Sunday afternoon. The fire has been ruled suspicious. Fire crews arrived on scene eight minutes after receiving the alarm at 1:05...

County to eye solar farms

Wayne County commissioners on Tuesday will try again to come up with a countywide ordinance regulating solar energy facilities. A first attempt in February ended with commissioners sending a proposal deemed too restrictive back to the county Planning Board...

Man charged in business break-ins

Goldsboro police have charged a man they say is responsible for breaking into the same local business on two separate occasions and stealing money. Joel Allen Register, 34, 2447 Old Grantham Road, is charged with two counts each of...

School gets new look

MOUNT OLIVE -- The former Mount Olive High School is being renovated to house the University of Mount Olive's music program. The building, known for years as the Mount Olive Historic Assembly Hall, is being revamped at a cost...

Chase ends in crash Friday

MOUNT OLIVE -- A car being pursued by Mount Olive police early Friday wrecked and flipped over in view of officers, but the driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, escaped injury, Chief of Police Brian Rhodes...

Groundbreaking planned

Groundbreaking ceremonies will be Thursday for the new Grantham and the Spring Creek middle schools. The ceremony for Grantham Middle School will be held at 9:30 a.m. at 3054 U.S. 13 South, just east of Grantham. The Spring Creek...

Owner catches suspects

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office arrested two people after a homeowner confronted them outside his residence at 3 a.m. Sunday. Brandon Lee Cannon, 22, and Marissa Dayne Cannon, 21, face charges of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, larceny...

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Tanning salon robbed

Goldsboro police and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office were thwarted by the rain while searching for the man who robbed a North Spence Avenue business Friday morning. A man wearing a red shirt and dirty jeans entered the Sunsational...

Optimist Club holds its annual computer event

Goldsboro Optimist Club president Raymond Clark said there are two key issues heading into the 2014-15 Wayne County school year. The first is that kids today must be computer literate to succeed in the classroom. Secondly, not every family can...

Lawmen arrest suspects in fires

A brother and sister are in the Wayne County Jail today pending a first appearance in court Monday on arson charges. Stephen Leon Williams, 33, 1227 N. John St., and his sister, Laketta Shawntell Williams, 25, 602 W. Mulberry...

University of Mount Olive graduation set for Aug. 23

MOUNT OLIVE -- Approximately 220 students will receive their degrees during the University of Mount Olive's summer commencement on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. at Kornegay Arena. Sarah Merritt, executive director of the Arts Council of Wayne County,...

Small business center nurturing 'big ideas'

Do you have the next big idea? Do you dream of owning your own business? A resource at Wayne Community College might just be able to help you make that goal a reality. "Our main goal is to help people...

County tests back-up center

Dispatchers for the Wayne County Communications Center moved to an undisclosed location early last week to conduct operations, interim director of the Wayne County Office of Emergency Services Mel Powers said. The reason for the move was two-fold --...

Local teachers selected for program

Two area women have been accepted into the Teach for America program, a national non-profit that assigns educators to urban and rural public schools in low-income communities. Myeshia Bryant, a 2010 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School, and Teresa...

Passion project

Crew leader Katrina Hornung holds a rail in place while her team measures the wood for a fence around the overlook at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Wednesday. The team of 10 is working to repair and clean...

Kwast earns third star

Less than a decade ago, Steve Kwast was the 4th Fighter Wing commander -- leading the airmen stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and motivating local military advocates to protect the installation at all costs. Friday, the former...

Country music star to perform at UMO

CMT Music Award nominee Dustin Lynch will perform Thursday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. in Kornegay Arena on the University of Mount Olive campus. Aaron Goodvin will be the opening act during the fourth annual Fall Fest concert in...

Friday, August 1, 2014

Goldsboro teenagers tackle nutrition issue

A group of teens is working in Goldsboro to break the cycles of nutrition deficiency and obesity among themselves and others. SWARM, or Students Working for an Agricultural Revolutionary Movement, is a teen leadership group, offered through the Center...

County man, 26, charged with sex offense

A Seven Springs man is in the Wayne County Jail today for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old relative, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Florencio Lopez Gomez, 26, 2123 Pineview Cemetery Road, is charged with the statutory rape and...

Pikeville man arrested for meth, pot

A tip, a stakeout and traffic stop resulted in an arrest for the Goldsboro/Wayne County Drug Task Force Tuesday. Douglas Wayne Howell, 28, 104 Newberry Court, now faces 11 criminal charges. Acting on information they received concerning the whereabouts...

Horse play

Dust flies. A rhythmic thud pounds like drums. One used to race. Another pulled a cart. But these days, inside the Spring Bank Equestrian Center, a group of horses has found new meaning. Members of 4-H's The Riders of...