June 2016 archives

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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Insurance Commissioner makes stop in Goldsboro

N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin says voters should consider him for another term in office because he works for them and that unlike his opponent, he has no ties to the insurance industry. Goodwin, who is seeking his third...

Vehicle provisions to become law

Five new motor vehicle provisions passed by the General Assembly, affecting either vehicles or drivers, are to become state law on Friday. They include: * House Bill 148 requires registered mopeds to carry liability insurance. About 28,000 registered North...

Local, state offices to close

Local, state and federal offices as well as banks and the post office will be closed Monday in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. The Wayne County Courthouse and all county offices will be closed along with the...

City bond initiative moves forward

Efforts to partially fund construction costs for a new multi-sports complex and speed road repairs are motivating factors that could result in a $10 million Goldsboro bond referendum in November. The Goldsboro City Council voted in favor of a...

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Dunsmore talks schools takeover

Escalating buzz about low-performing schools being taken over by other entities is just one reason for the recent school regrouping plan being introduced in Wayne County Public Schools, its superintendent says. Whether the state, charter schools, or anyone else...

Career reflection

Col. Mark Slocum is sitting on the flight line, watching what he calls "the machine." F-15E fighter jets and KC-135 Stratotankers alike take off and land while wrenches crank on parked planes around him. This is what he will...

Shooting results in injury on Olivia

A man was shot in the leg around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 900 block of Olivia Lane. Corea Shaleto Pearsall, 38, suffered a single gunshot wound to the leg, but officers do not know what type of gun...

Two are charged for felony trafficking

A man was arrested Monday on cocaine trafficking charges after allegedly eating cocaine during a traffic stop on June 24. Rinardo Quatrell Howell, 33, of 916 N. Beston Road, LaGrange, was arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and...

Public gives comments, questions about William Street improvements

The public had the opportunity Tuesday night to comment on, and ask questions about, a $21 million roadway improvement plan to turn North William Street (U.S. 117 North) into a four-lane, median-divided highway between U.S. 70 and the new...

Law enforcement discusses drunk driving during holiday

State and local law enforcement held a press conference Monday afternoon at the Public Safety Officers Memorial at Wayne Community College to discuss Operation Firecracker -- an operation that began June 24 and will run through July 5 that...

A call for peace

Craig Doubt Jr. has seen his name on a tombstone twice. Once was expected -- his father, Craig Doubt Sr., died of lung cancer at 61. But the second time was never supposed to happen. Doubt's son and namesake,...

Crime of the week

On Nov. 11, 2015, around 9 p.m. the Wayne County Sheriff's Department responded to a subject being shot at 300 Rollingwood Drive in Dudley. Upon their arrival, Deputies discovered 15-year-old Deyelle Morrisey deceased from a gunshot wound. Further investigation revealed,...

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Sheriff's office presents seminar on church security

Nearly 300 people from churches across Wayne County were at First Free Will Baptist on East Ash Street Monday evening for a house of worship safety and security training session presented by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Robin...

Man arrested in robbery of downtown business

A man was arrested Sunday in connection with the June 23 robbery of Goldsboro Used Furniture at 151 N. Center St. Philip Andrew Kirby, 30, of 209 Vinwood Ave., was arrested and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon...

DOT to host public meeting

The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold an open-house public meeting today for proposed improvements to U.S. 117, also known as North William Street, from the U.S. 70 bypass to U.S. 70. The meeting will be from 4 to...

Council discusses benefits, merit pay raises

City of Goldsboro employees now have the option to receive partially funded dental benefits or a gym membership following a decision by the Goldsboro City Council Monday. The council discussed the option as part of follow-up discussions regarding the...

Monday, June 27, 2016

Jan Archer to lead National Pork Board

Wayne County pork producer Jan Archer has been elected president of the 15-member National Pork Board that represents America's hog farmers. Mrs. Archer and her husband, Jack, are owners of Archer Farms LLC. The sow farm markets 28,000 weaned...

Teen killed on Carver Drive

A Goldsboro teenager is dead and an 18-year-old is in custody following a murder Sunday afternoon on the 900 block of Carver Drive. Jacques Torraine Atkinson, 18, of 808 S. Best St., turned himself in at the Wayne County...

Majesty Rose releases first EP album, 'Bloom'

Majesty Rose, the Top 10 finalist in the 2014 season of "American Idol" with Goldsboro ties, has released her first album. The EP, or extended play, album, "Bloom," features five original songs and is available through social media. The...

GPAC call-in set for Tuesday

The Goldsboro Partners Against Crime initiative will notify 13 violent criminals of the consequences of committing another crime during its second call-in of 2016 at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Goldsboro City Hall. The GPAC notification is their last warning and...

City looks at hotel near the ag center

Goldsboro officials have started talking with interested developers that could bring a full-service hotel to the Maxwell Regional Agricultural and Convention Center. Randy Guthrie, Goldsboro assistant city manager, said he and other city staff have been talking with several...

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Worship safety seminar Monday

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office will hold a house of worship safety and security seminar at 7 p.m. Monday at First Free Will Baptist Church. The public is invited. The church is located at 604 E. Ash St. Sheriff...

Kids triathlon

Nearly 90 kids took part in the first Goldsboro YMCA Youth Triathlon Saturday. Board of directors member Betsy Wisniewski said, "This is a new event and we hope it will become an annual event." The event was organized by the...

Night shift with the GPD

Friday night. It's just after 7 p.m. I'm standing in the Walmart parking lot at 1002 N. Spence Ave., and a 2-year-old's dirty diaper is smearing its contents onto my arm. Officers with Goldsboro Police Department's D Shift are searching...

Man charged with 16 felonies

A Pikeville man has been charged with 16 felonies in relation to several breaking and entering cases in Farmville and Wayne County. Marcus Keont'a Lashley, 23, of 4269 U.S. 117 North, Pikeville, was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts...

City Council to discuss bond issue

The Goldsboro City Council will consider Monday whether to support a $10 million bond referendum that asks voters to support funding for the construction of a multi-sports complex and street improvements. The council will review the bond proposal that includes...

State cornhole competition held

Some of the best cornhole players in the nation were among the more than 100 competitors who were in Goldsboro Friday night and most of Saturday vying for the North Carolina state single and double cornhole championship titles. The...

Red Cross installing smoke detectors in homes for free

Wanda Faison and her husband, Donnie, had been talking about the need to have smoke alarms installed in the home they moved into on Friday. So when Red Cross volunteers arrived at her door Saturday morning offering not just...

Planning panel to meet Monday

A Harris Teeter gas station and a new Dollar General store will be reviewed by the Goldsboro Planning Commission during its Monday night meeting. The seven-pump gas station is proposed to locate along Wayne Memorial Drive, off U.S. 70...

Grant money available through United Way

Wayne County has been awarded $52,821 in Federal funds under an Emergency Food and Shelter Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In Phase 32 (2014 spending period) this program assisted local charities in providing emergency assistance in the...

FSA nominating period ends Aug. 1

Wayne County USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Richard Toler, announced that the nomination period for local FSA county committees began on Wednesday, June 15. "County Committees are unique to FSA and allow producers to have a voice on federal...

Duplin County ECA holds awards program

CLINTON -- Duplin County's Extension Community Association recently had its first awards program in years. The North Carolina ECA is a creative and motivated group with a focus on strengthening families' quality of life. This organization has been around for...

County schools honor 75 retirees

Wayne County Public Schools recently recognized 75 retirees from the district, who collectively amassed 1,725 years in the education profession. The 2015-2016 retirement ceremony was held at Lane Tree Golf Club and Conference Center. Board of Education members Arnold Flowers...

Bridge dedicated to Johnston deputy

SMITHFIELD --The North Carolina Department of Transportation, together with the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, recently dedicated the bridge on Business 70 East in Smithfield to honor Deputy Clendon Paul West Sr. A special ceremony was held on the bridge itself...

Friday, June 24, 2016

Sheriff's office to sponsor church safety, security seminar

First Free Will Baptist Church will host a house of worship safety and security seminar sponsored by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office on Monday, June 27, at 7 p.m. at the church at 604 E. Ash St. The church's...

Hospital won't raise rates

On average there are no rate increases for Wayne Memorial Hospital patients in the new fiscal year that begins July 1. It is the first time in three years that rates have not increased. Also, there will be a...

Goldsboro Used Furniture robbed, owner is assaulted

The owner of Goldsboro Used Furniture at 101 N. Center St. in downtown Goldsboro was robbed and assaulted Thursday morning inside his business. An unknown suspect entered the business that is located across the street from City Hall just...

The amazing race

Ahmad Stewart, 13, and Vann Frere, 15, are handed word searches by Penny Dawson Wednesday at Steele Memorial Library during the teen reading program. Ahmad, Vann and a group of teens spent the afternoon on a scavenger hunt modeled...

China Taste is robbed at gunpoint

The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that happened Wednesday at China Taste Chinese Restaurant at 301 N. George St. An unknown suspect walked into the restaurant just after 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, pointed at shotgun at...

Road rage results in shots fired on U.S. 117

An unknown suspect fired a single shot at a vehicle in a road rage incident Wednesday on U.S. 117. A husband and wife were driving a red 2007 Ford F-150 when a blue 2016 Dodge Ram began following them...

Armed robbery suspect charged

A man wanted for the June 6 armed robbery of the Five Points Food Mart on U.S. 13 south was arrested Wednesday after authorities received a tip on his whereabouts. John Earl Hinton Jr., 61, of Goldsboro, was found...

Local man victim of prize scam

A local man fell victim to a fraud scheme after transferring $100 to an unknown person promising him that he had been selected to win $2.4 million and a Mercedes. Marlon Lopez went for a job interview Wednesday at...

Police charge man for three vehicle thefts

A Goldsboro man has been charged with 10 felonies and one misdemeanor in connection with the theft of three vehicles. All three were recovered by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Joshua Ray Daniels, 22, of 137 Parks Road, was...

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Family of eight loses home to fire

PIKEVILLE -- In the midst of charred ruins that was all that was left of her family's home and possessions, Caroline Reynolds found a cross that had been untouched. "It means that God was there with us and watching...

Contract awarded for ag center

A $3,001,446 contract was awarded by Wayne County commissioners Tuesday for site work for the Maxwell Regional Agricultural and Convention Center. The board also scheduled groundbreaking ceremonies for the facility for 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14. Also on Tuesday,...

Miss North Carolina begins with preliminary competition Wednesday

RALEIGH -- Forty-one young women competing for the title of Miss North Carolina 2016 and 41 vying to be the state's Outstanding Teen participated in the first round of preliminary competition Wednesday evening. There are three nights of preliminary...

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

County schools announce administrative changes

More administrative changes have been announced by Wayne County Public Schools, including five principal shifts and more than a dozen assistant principals named. Earlier in the month, officials had made two principal changes -- moving Grantham Middle School Principal...

County reneges on WATCH increase

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning reneged on a promise made less than week ago to increase funding for Wayne Action Teams for Community Health (WATCH) by $35,000. Commissioners John Bell and Ed Cromartie, who voted for the increase last...

25th STARBASE: Students learn science and math through aerospace applications

The 25th anniversary of the STARBASE program launched this week at Greenwood Middle School, where upcoming fifth-graders learn science and math -- aerospace style. Sixty-four military and non-military children met Tuesday at the school for Science and Technology Academy...

Police work to reinstate SWAT

The Goldsboro Police Department is taking steps toward reinstating its currently nonexistent SWAT team in the wake of the Wayne Community College shooting that happened in April 2015. The department will hold a two-day training SWAT orientation course on...

Fremont sewer in danger of failing

FREMONT -- Ten sewer pumps in Fremont could potentially be in danger of failing, a town Public Works employee said at the Fremont Town Board meeting Tuesday evening. Kenneth Wayne Stanley with public works said the 10 above-ground sewer...

City begins search for tourism director

The search for a new Goldsboro travel and tourism director is underway with the city already receiving more than 50 applications. The applicant pool includes several out-of-state candidates, a few from Goldsboro and others from across North Carolina, said...

Magical time

First African Baptist Church's second annual Summer Fest for children in Lincoln Homes featured magic tricks by David Hersh of Magic by David & Co. of Raleigh. Thursday's event also included hot dogs and hamburgers and sign-up for Vacation...

Paschal to make visit to Pikeville

It's not too often that a Grammy Award-nominated artist visits Wayne County. That's exactly what will happen July 16 when inspirational Christian and gospel singer Janet Paschal visits Pleasant Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church in Pikeville. She will...

Crime of the week

On June 2, Goldsboro police officers responded to a break-in at a home in the 800 block of Eleventh Street where someone caused an estimated $20,000 worth of property damage to the residence once they broke in. Before leaving the...

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Woman reported missing found

A South Carolina woman reported missing near Mount Olive Sunday was found alive Monday morning lying nude under a patch of briars and sticks. Angel Denise Phillips, 33, of Darlington, S.C., was reported missing by her 15-year-old son after...

Traffic delays slated in city

Traffic delays are expected as crews repave several blocks in the downtown area this month. Sections of John, Walnut and Mulberry streets have been either milled or repaved this week and work will continue during the next 10 days,...

Police charge man for theft of more than 20 pounds of pork

A Goldsboro man was arrested late Saturday night for allegedly breaking into several vehicles at Neese's Country Sausage and taking more than 20 pounds of pork product. Roger Raynor, 55, of 1701 N. George St., was arrested and charged...

Monday, June 20, 2016

Leaders question salary add-on

Wayne County commissioners last Tuesday questioned, but let stand, a $66,000 salary supplement for the Wayne Community College president. The supplement is included in the county's 2016-17 budget that was the subject of a four-hour work session on Tuesday....

Paramount Theatre gets new service coordinator

Stephanie Slusser is the new theater service coordinator for the Paramount Theatre. She replaces Vincent Bridgers, who moved to Colorado. In her new position, the 29-year-old Ms. Slusser will have a variety of duties, including helping with rentals at...

Woman missing after wreck

Wayne County authorities are searching for a woman that was reported missing by her son on Sunday. Angel Denise Phillips, 33, was reported missing by her 15-year-old son when he told the Wayne County Sheriff's Office he had not seen...

Delta Dental gives support for mobile program

The Wayne County Health Department recently received a $1,500 check in support of its mobile dental program, from Delta Dental of North Carolina. The 50-foot tractor trailer, which bears the colorful kid-friendly logo, "Miles of Smiles," was at Eastern...

County to adopt spending plan

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning are expected to adopt a new budget and to move forward with the Maxwell Regional Agricultural and Convention Center. The meeting will get underway with an 8 a.m. agenda briefing followed by the formal...

Authorities find missing woman

Angel Denise Phillips, 33, of Darlington, S.C., was found alive by Wayne County authorities this morning. She was found in a wooded area off N.C. 55 near Old Harvey Sutton Road near Mount Olive after approaching a road worker. She...

Family Awareness Day June 25

Cutral Holmes began Inspiring Hope Group Inc. two years ago in order for young people to make better decisions for the future, and on Saturday, June 25, at H.V. Brown Park at 500 HV Brown Lane in Goldsboro, Holmes...

Sunday, June 19, 2016

WCC board chooses leader

Normally under the state's Open Meeting Law a public body can consider the qualifications of a candidate in closed session, but the actual appointment has to be made in open session. However, Shante Martin, general counsel for the N.C. Community...

Days of Action to begin Tuesday

United Way of Wayne County will begin holding volunteer events in Goldsboro and Mount Olive Tuesday as part of the week-long "Days of Action" volunteer program. The program was created thanks to a grant United Way received from Depend,...

Making a difference

Twelve-year-old Mackenzie Hinson has been a hero in Wayne County ever since she started Make A Difference Food Pantry two years ago. And on Saturday, Tyson Foods recognized her as a hero also. Tyson gave Mackenzie a brand new,...

Casey Croom to compete for Miss North Carolina crown

This will be quite a week for Casey Croom, Miss Goldsboro 2016. Monday, her 23rd birthday, she heads to Raleigh to compete for the Miss North Carolina crown. That afternoon, contestants will be at the Governor's mansion, with interviews...

School regrouping passes

The school regrouping plan designed to improve performance and scores at schools in the central attendance area was approved Friday morning by the Wayne County Board of Education. It will take effect with the 2016-2017 school year. The board...

Bloodhound Olympics

A group of fresh United States Army recruits -- all of which ship off to basic training later this year -- are standing in a huddle in a field behind Wayne Community College. Each recruit in the group is...

Work on ag center to begin in July

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, for the Maxwell Regional Agricultural and Convention Center. Construction is anticipated to be completed by December 2017 or January 2018. "It really depends on the weather and...

Friday, June 17, 2016

Taking the final flight

It was a fond farewell for a beloved commander. A large audience gathered on the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base flight line Thursday afternoon to celebrate Col. Mark Slocum's final flight before the base changes command later this month. The...

Legacy groove

Aaliyah Trotter, 5, gets her groove on while listening to the Legacy Motown Revue at Center Street Jam on Thursday evening in downtown Goldsboro....

Board splits on director position

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday afternoon split 4-3 in an unofficial vote on a budget proposal to create a communications department just a year after eliminating the county's public information office as a cost-cutting measure. County Manager George Wood is...

School meeting becomes heated

The special called community meeting Thursday night to discuss the school district's regrouping plan started out with the Wayne County Board of Education and the audience comfortably, and calmly, in neutral corners. As it unfolded, it became at times...

Saturday barbecue cook-off to benefit local food pantry

The Make a Difference Food Pantry will host its first Father's Day Weekend BBQ Competition Cook-off on Saturday at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Teams will begin cooking at 7 a.m. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m. Twelve-year-old Mackenzie...

Bad Dog Coffee Works closes

Bad Dog Coffee Works, a downtown hangout with open mic and vinyl record nights, is now closed after operating a year from its East Walnut Street location. Owner Parker Croom said he enjoyed the business and atmosphere it offered the...

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Local students go to All State Chorus

Nine students from Wayne County Public Schools recently represented the district as part of the 2016 North Carolina Middle School All State Chorus. Hundreds of students from across the state showcased their voices and musical talents in the annual...

Man charged after fighting police

A Siler City man was charged with three counts of injury to personal property Tuesday for bleeding on an officer's unfiorm during a fight and kicking out the windows of two police cars. The incident occured when Jonathan Johan Herrera-Mejia,...

Board increases WATCH funding

Wayne County commissioners by a 5-2 margin Wednesday afternoon increased funding by $35,000 for Action Teams for Community Health (WATCH). They did so despite some lingering concerns over how clients are screened to avoid abuse and unanswered questions as to...

Dillard Middle to offer new programs, change schedule

Since becoming principal at Dillard Middle School in 2012, veteran educator Sonja Emerson admits it has been tough. "We had a lot of teacher turnover, some that just left and some that needed to leave. Some that we needed...

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Well Travelled Beer to open today downtown

Step away from the Bud Light. Drop the Pabst Blue Ribbon. The long awaited, first-ever craft beer store in Goldsboro opens today at 3 p.m. Well Travelled Beer, located at 201 S. Center St., carries a stock of more...

On a mission

Military Affairs Committee Chair Julie Daniels gave a thumbs-up to her husband from the Spirit of Goldsboro F-15E Strike Eagle Tuesday afternoon just before 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Mark Slocum took her up for her first jet flight....

Board talks bonuses, salaries

Wayne County commissioners made only a few minor tweaks to the county's $148,292,780 general fund budget proposal Tuesday during a nearly four-hour budget workshop. The meeting including an hour-long closed session called to discuss a possible industry. Another hour...

A proper retirement

The Boy Scouts are planning to make the flag retirement ceremony an annual event for Flag Day, with hopes that it will grow into a community event....

Makenzy Schinsky recognized as part of Duke TIP

A Norwayne Middle School seventh-grader has been recognized as part of the state's Duke Talent Identification Program, or Duke TIP. Makenzy Schinsky was among 65,000 middle school students from across 16 states who took the ACT and SAT test...

Crime of the week

A victim who resides in Smithfield reported she was in a restaurant at 802 North Berkeley Boulevard in Goldsboro on May 25, 2016 when someone took her wallet from her purse and immediately made numerous charges on her credit cards...

Roof on old Cherry building catches fire

The roof of the Royster Building at Old Cherry Hospital caught fire Tuesday evening while a contractor was working on the roof with a torch. Everyone inside the building was evacuated and no one was injured. "They are working...

Three county legislators honored

RALEIGH -- Three of Wayne County's late lawmakers were honored by the state Legislature over the past week, with resolutions passed by the General Assembly noting their contributions to the state. The late Sen. Henson Barnes, the late Sen....

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Coin club is encouraged to stay active

The Wayne County Coin Club might have lost some members recently, but those who remain are determined to keep the club alive. Thirteen members met at Adamsville Baptist Church last Thursday evening to discuss old coins, but also the...

Board invites input on regrouping

The Wayne County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting later this week to broaden the discussion about the proposed school regrouping plan. The public is invited to the session Thursday at 7 p.m. at Goldsboro High...

Construction at fairground to be complete by end of week

DUDLEY -- Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the week on a new building at the Wayne County Fairgrounds that will serve as an emergency command post. During the off-season the approximately $12,000 structure can...

Six to attend Governor's School

Six rising seniors from Wayne County Public Schools will be attending sessions at the Governor's School of North Carolina this summer. The 2016 session runs from June 19-July 27, with 670 of the state's most distinguished rising high school juniors...

Man charged with breaking into vehicles

A homeless man was arrested during the weekend by the Goldsboro Police Department for two separate vehicle break-ins that happened in May and the second week of June. Joao Martins Neves, 30, who was living on the streets of Goldsboro,...

Clues to 'Lost Colony' presented

The "Lost Colony" may not be so lost after all. That was the message when David Weil spoke at the Wayne County Museum Monday evening. The 40-minute presentation focused on recent findings which may point to where some of the...

Monday, June 13, 2016

Schools make principal changes

Wayne County Public Schools has announced two administrative changes for the coming year, moving the longtime Grantham principal across the county and replacing the retiring Brogden Middle School principal. The Board of Education approved the reassignments, traditionally announced at...

Arts Council gets third year of support

For the third year, the Arts Council of Wayne County has announced PNC Bank's sponsorship of the Wayne County Jazz Showcase. The funding allows the Arts Council to make the concerts free and open to the public. PNC presents...

Mount Olive Town Board approves $6 million budget

MOUNT OLIVE -- A $26,000 allocation to study drainage problems in the southern section of Mount Olive was the only item from the town's 2016-17 budget discussed during a Monday night, June 6, public hearing. But the discussion was...

Rain bolsters county crops

Recent rain has boosted most field crops in Wayne County, according to Wayne County Extension agent Tyler Whaley. Whaley said the recent rainy weather caused a few minor delays for planting and field work, but that the weather has...

Water line break closes North John Street

An unexpected water line break during other utility repairs led to the partial closing of North John Street in downtown Goldsboro last week. City crews closed off a portion of the road Tuesday morning to repair an old, abandoned...

Downtown parking study being conducted by firm

Representatives from VHB of Raleigh held a meeting at City Hall on Thursday evening to share with the public the results so far of an $80,000 traffic study the company is conducting for the city. About 15 people attended the...

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Spring Creek graduation held

MOUNT OLIVE -- Cassie Alphin has always hated endings -- be it a book, camp or even summer. Graduation could also fall into that category, the salutatorian and student body president at Spring Creek High School admitted during commencement...

North Duplin graduates 72

MOUNT OLIVE -- North Duplin Jr./Sr. High awarded diplomas to 72 seniors Saturday afternoon during the school's 61st commencement exercise held at Kornegay Arena on the University of Mount Olive campus. Family members stood as the soon-to-be graduate's name...

Budget workshops this week

Wayne County commissioners will hold two budget workshops this week. The meetings will be held in the commissioners' meeting room on the fourth floor of the Wayne County Courthouse Annex and are open to the public. The first workshop,...

244 turn tassels at Eastern Wayne

When he turned his tassel at his graduation ceremony, Rodney Perry didn't feel like it was real. "I knew I would make it here," he said, "But it just came so soon." He was one of 244 students who...

Run for Life

More than 100 people took part in the second annual Run for Life sponsored by the Wayne Pregnancy Care Center on Saturday at Walnut Creek. The event raised nearly $32,000. Jordan Phillips raised the most money for a youth, $1,500;...

Police searching for armed robber

Goldsboro police are searching for an unknown suspect who robbed a woman at gunpoint, who was walking near 1002 S. Slocumb St. on Thursday. The victim described the suspect as a 5-foot-5-inch black man, weighing 150 pounds carrying a...

Saturday accident

Officers with the Goldsboro Police Department discuss the scene of a wreck involving a motorcycle and a Honda Civic that happened Saturday evening in front of Outback Steakhouse. The driver of the motorcycle was traveling west on North Park...

Unusual cabbage

Bill Lee of Goldsboro displays his pointed head cabbage which has four heads on Thursday at the Goldsboro News-Argus. Lee pulled it from his garden on Wednesday and said he's never grown one with four heads before....

Free legal aid clinics Tuesday, Thursday

Legal Aid of North Carolina is holding a free self-help legal clinic on custody on Tuesday and simple divorce on Thursday at the Legal Aid office at 102-A S. William St. The clinics educate participants about their legal rights and...

Homes still being sought for exchange students

Homes are still being sought for several French students who are visiting the United States this month through the Terre des Langues/Terra Lingua program out of East Carolina University. Five high school students -- three boys and two girls...

Couple looking for help in bringing dogs overseas

Jasmine and Daisy need help. And so do their owners, Daryl and Brianna McCarthy. On Monday, the McCarthys leave for Great Britain -- without Jasmine, a Labrador-beagle mix, and Daisy, a husky-shepherd mix. McCarthy, who is a crew chief at...

Friday, June 10, 2016

Southern Wayne holds 50th graduation

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Southern Wayne High School Class of 2016 holds a special distinction in school history -- it is the 50th to graduate from the Dudley school. Thursday night in a packed Kornegay Arena on the University...

Wayne County to benefit from state sales tax distribution rule

Wayne County is one of the counties that will benefit from changes enacted by the General Assembly in how sales tax revenues are distributed. The county's 2016-17 budget proposal reflects what County Manager George Wood calls a "significant" revenue increases...

Hospital president search moves forward

Interviews are expected to begin next week in the search for a new president for Wayne Memorial Hospital. The search has drawn national attention, said Bob Walker, hospital board member and chairman of the search committee that includes board...

Goldsboro High School: Turning the tassels

Goldsboro High School held its 2016 graduation ceremony Thursday with nearly 130 students receiving diplomas. After Jaliyah Davis delivered the national anthem, Sterling Hamm-Jones, 2016 class president, took the stage to greet her classmates. Ms. Hamm-Jones, who graduated with...

Charles B. Aycock's class of 2016 celebrates

The graduating class of Charles B. Aycock High School sat with pent-up energy, shaking cans of silly string as they waited for principal Earl Moore's signal to turn their tassels. Moore told the seniors they made Aycock High School...

Bypass may affect tax revenue

Wayne County's 2016-17 budget proposal reflects what County Manager George Wood calls a "significant" increase in sales taxes revenues. However, those revenue projections are scaled back somewhat because of uncertainty over how the new U.S. 70 Bypass will affect...

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Salvation Army to host Community Garden Day

Growing a garden and waiting for vegetables to pop out of the ground can be exhausting. But the benefits of gardening and eating natural food outweigh all of the pain from waiting on home-grown squash, cucumbers, rutabagas, tomatoes and...

Missing two

Rosewood High School graduated 130 students at its Wednesday night commencement ceremony, but two students -- Spenser Garrison and Malia Porter -- were absent. The two students, lost in a tragic double suicide in January 2014, would have graduated...

Council adopts design change

Downtown businesses that serve alcohol in outdoor seating areas will now have to add enclosures, based on changes to the city of Goldsboro's downtown design guidelines. The Goldsboro City Council approved the changes Monday, following a lengthy review process...

Advocates talk WATCH funding

Murray Porter, who helped found WATCH, Tuesday morning told Wayne County commissioners he wasn't at their budget public hearing to fuss at them. But he did bring a warning. "I want to let you know that without the funding...

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

County approves funding for schools

Wayne County commissioners got a round of applause from Southern Wayne High School supporters Tuesday morning when they gave the go-ahead to a school facilities plan that includes a new gym and classrooms at that school. But while approval...

Last day of school

For the last 16 years at Northwest Elementary School, teachers and students have gathered to wave goodbye to students riding in buses as the drivers circle around the loading area several times honking the horn with dozens of hands...

Council approves developer progress

A Virginia-based developer cleared the first hurdle Monday in an effort to pursue a multimillion-dollar residential and commercial property in downtown Goldsboro. The Goldsboro City Council voted to allow the city manager to enter into a purchase contract with...

Woman slapped with chicken

A Goldsboro man was arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Monday after he was accused of hitting a woman in the face with a chicken. James Clark McCullen, 52, of 259 Mills Road, was charged with assault on a...

Possible gas leak at Eastgate causes hour-long evacuation

A potential gas leak caused the Eastgate Shopping Center at 2503 E. Ash St. to be evacuated for nearly an hour Tuesday morning. A patron walked into TradeIt! at the shopping center, and then walked over to Jersey Mike's...

Wayne Community to offer courses for teachers to update, renew license

Teachers and potential teacher substitutes can take a variety of courses this summer through Wayne Community College Continuing Education Services to update or renew their licenses or be eligible for positions. One of the courses, offered this month, is...

Southern Dames put on skit at national conference

Four members of Goldsboro's Southern Dames of America chapter performed an original skit in Birmingham, Ala. The occasion was the National Conference of the Southern Dames of America on June 4. The skit was written by Goldsboro's Marian Westbrook....

Crime of the week

On May 30, the Subway Restaurant in Mar-Mac was robbed by a white male subject in his mid 20s, of average height with a medium/slim build. He was wearing a dark ball cap and a medium blue shirt. At approximately...

Hogs stolen from farm

Authorities are searching for a suspect accused of breaking in a hog house and stealing hogs. William Jackson, owner of Dexten Jackson Farms Inc., told Wayne County sheriff's deputies that his employee, David Ramirez, discovered a turned-on water pump...

Meeker makes campaign stop in city

Charles Meeker is interested in expanding the role of the North Carolina labor commissioner with a focus on economic development in his Democratic bid in the November election. Meeker also plans to remove photos of Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry...

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Pikeville board chooses Daniels & Daniels as builders

PIKEVILLE -- The Pikeville Town Commission decided Monday to choose Daniels & Daniels Construction Co. and Loving Design as the builders for its new town hall project. Scheduled for completion in late 2017, the new town hall will provide...

Former mayor of Mount Olive dies at 91

MOUNT OLIVE -- A moment of silence in memory of the late B.R. "Ruff" Huggins was held before the start of Monday night's Mount Olive Town Board session. Huggins, a World War II veteran, former mayor, former senior vice...

Williams questions equality of raises

Goldsboro City Councilman Antonio Williams asked the council to wait on adopting the 2016-17 budget Monday after questioning if African-American employees received lower pay increases than the rest of the city's workforce. Williams, who referred to a list of...

School 'regrouping plan' fails

After an hour-long debate and a vote failed to pass the superintendent's proposed "regrouping plan" to consolidate several inner city schools, the school board Monday night decided instead to hold a community meeting next week followed by a special...

Police seek robbery suspect

The Five Points Food Mart at 335 U.S. 13 South was robbed at gunpoint Monday morning. Police are searching for 61-year-old John Earl Hinton Jr., of 523 Stadium Drive Apt. A, in connection with the robbery. Authorities say Hinton...

Monday, June 6, 2016

Local man earns award for volunteer service

Charlston Terrell received the 2016 North Carolina Governor's Award for outstanding volunteer and community service. A volunteer receptionist at Belfast Head Start Center and several other areas, he was also named WAGES 2015-2016 Parent of the Year, officials said....

Special primary election Tuesday

A light voter turnout is expected for Tuesday's special primary, which for Wayne County voters has only one race. In that nonpartisan race North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert H. "Bob" Edmunds is facing challenges from Michael R....

Our Community Cares Celebration

Michelle Branch, 10, runs through a large sprinkler provided by the Goldsboro Fire Department on Saturday during the Our Community Cares Celebration at The Grand at Day Point....

Nearly 1,200 students to graduate this week

Wayne County Public Schools will graduate nearly 1,200 seniors in its Class of 2016 this week. Commencement ceremonies are planned for this week for the six traditional schools in the district, with 1,177 diplomas being handed out. Graduation events...

County seeks public input on budget

The public will have an opportunity Tuesday morning to comment on Wayne County's proposed $148,292,780 budget that reduces the tax rate from 66.50 to 66.35 cents per $100 of property value. There are no fee increases in the proposal...

Robinson scholarship awarded to five seniors

Five graduating seniors from Wayne County Public Schools have been chosen to receive Emmet and Mary Robinson Trust Fund scholarships. The trust fund was set up by the Robinsons to award students in the school system with scholarship money,...

Rosewood High closed today

Classes at Rosewood High School were canceled today due to a power outage, officials said. The school was apparently struck by lightning over the weekend, damaging the underground power lines leading into the school, Ken Derksen, public information officer for...

County commissioners to discuss ag center progress

Wayne County Manager George Wood Tuesday morning will update Wayne County commissioners on plans to finance the Maxwell Regional Agricultural and Convention Center and a new 911 call center. In a related matter, the board will recognize AgCarolina Farm...

Sunday, June 5, 2016

WCC narrows search for president

The pool of candidates for president of Wayne Community College has been narrowed down to six finalists -- four from within the state and the others from Nebraska and Tennessee. As the search nears completion for Dr. Kay Albertson's...

On TOP of the game

For the members of The Outreach Program for Soccer of Goldsboro, anything is possible. The soccer program, which gives children with special needs an opportunity to learn and play the game as part of a team, held its last...

Student news - National Merit Scholarships

Two Wayne County students have been named among the 3,000 winners of National Merit scholarships financed by the nation's colleges and universities. Thomas Donica of Goldsboro, co-salutatorian at Wayne Christian School, plans to attend Liberty University and study chemical engineering....

The heart that could

Jason Kendall is all boy. "He jumps off of anything he can jump off," Cari Kendall, says of her 2-and-one-half-year-old son. "He loves superheroes, dinosaurs and robots. "He is not afraid of anything." "He will chase it down," echoes...

Homes sought for exchange students

Terre des Langues /Terra Lingua, an international exchange program, is seeking host families this summer in the Goldsboro area for high school school students from France and Spain, ages 16-18. Dates for the French students are June 14- July 13...

Police release identity of body

Human remains found in a freezer at 1723 B Holly St. during Memorial Day weekend have been identified as 75-year-old Arma Ann Roush. Warrants have been secured for Ms. Roush's daughter, 56-year-old Goldsboro resident Marcella Jean Lee, who is...

County to talk $28.2M school funding

[email protected] Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning will consider approval of $28.2 million in school facilities that would include a new Meadow Lane Elementary School. The new school would be built on the existing campus on East Ash Street and include...

Cruise the Neuse welcomes hundreds of kayakers, canoers

Consider the Neuse thoroughly cruised. A sizeable crowd took part in the fifth annual Cruise the Neuse canoeing and kayaking event Saturday, as about 200 people made the more than three-mile journey. After parking their cars next to the...

Court records

Wayne County Superior Court The following cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: * Daniel Boseman, 32, 902 S. Church St. Mount Olive, possession of heroin, 8-14 months. * Richard Oliver Isom, 64, 1619 Atlantic St., Wilson, larceny,...

Council to consider purchase contract

The Goldsboro City Council will consider a property purchase contract Monday involving a Virginia-based developer interested in a multi-million dollar residential and commercial building in downtown. Second Act Communities, a nonprofit based in Virginia Beach, Va., is offering $250,000 for...

Camp to focus on life in 1800s

FREMONT -- The Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace will have a summer fun camp this year, running from June 20 through 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each day will focus on a different aspect of life in...

Friday, June 3, 2016

Two more arrests are made in armed robbery

A continuing investigation into the May 8 robbery of Wayne Pharmacy led to two more arrests this week. Jesus Luis Fonseca, of 3708 Wayne Memorial Drive, was arrested and charged with three counts of trafficking in opiates, possession of...

N.C. leaders press to have Cherry open

"We stand here today as concerned legislators wanting answers from those responsible for the mismanagement of this project and answers for the taxpayers who deserve answers here in North Carolina. I will be sending the Department of State Construction Office,...

Showing appreciation

When it comes to honoring the military, downtown Goldsboro does it in style. This was evident Thursday as about 1,000 people congregated off Center Street to enjoy the pleasant weather and music by Spare Change at the Military Appreciation...

A Drummers World is granted non-profit status for fundraising

A Drummers World acquired its 501(c)3 non-profit status, giving the organization that offers drum, dance and character guidance to youths the opportunity to pursue other types of funding. Alando Mitchell, founder of A Drummers World, said getting the non-profit...

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Cochran is named teacher of the year

A Rosewood High School math teacher and volleyball coach was named Wayne County Public Schools' 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year on Wednesday evening. Jennifer Cochran, who has spent all 18 years of her career at the school, was lauded...

National Doughnut Day offers up chance to give

The Salvation Army and Krispy Kreme are celebrating National Doughnut Day. All day Friday, customers will receive a free doughnut of their choice, as well as have an opportunity to donate to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army will...

Autopsy reveals no foul play

The North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday no foul play was involved after completing an autopsy of human remains that were found in a freezer on Holly Street less than a week ago. A press release from the...

Public invited to talk about parking

Preliminary results of a downtown traffic and parking study will be presented to the public next Thursday, June 9, at City Hall. A 5 p.m. meeting, which includes public input and participation, will be held in the City Hall annex...

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

WCC to begin to bus students from GHS, Eastern Wayne

The idea behind a pilot program opening Wayne Community College to two more high schools sprung from a conversation Dr. Gene Smith had with his daughter several months ago. Now, starting this fall, students from Goldsboro and Eastern Wayne...

Dudley man is shot, injured

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that happened Tuesday afternoon that left a Dudley man injured. Quamain Leighton Earle, 22, was walking to his home from a convenience store in the area of South Running Deer...

Day of safety and fun

Students at Wayne Preparatory Academy were screaming with glee as they pointed at the sky. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office helicopter had just zipped past the school on its northern side and disappeared from sight. "Get to the choppa,"...

Public comments on city budget

The Goldsboro City Council held a public hearing Tuesday for its proposed 2016-17 budget and accepted several changes recommended by the city staff. Several residents spoke during the hearing, including the director of an area nonprofit group. Donald Coles...

Exhibit at museum details county's history through paintings by artists with local ties

The Wayne County Museum and Wayne County Public Library have partnered on an exhibit for the museum titled "A Stroll Down Memory Wayne." The exhibit will detail Wayne County's history through paintings. It came about when local history librarian...

Through the shots

Alone in a hallway at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, Tyler Stark came face-to-face with a killer. It was a day like any other. Stark, then a freshman, was sitting down at lunch with his friends, Nathan and...

Crime of the week

On Sunday, May 29, a 31-year-old man reported being at 1015 Slaughter St. when a black man, wearing all black clothing, brandished a handgun at him and attempted to rob him. The suspect patted the victim's pockets, then hit the...

Local Government Commission: Mount Olive sewer still a concern

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Local Government Commission has told the town that while the condition of its water/sewer operation continues to improve that some concerns remain. In a letter to the town, Sharon Edmundson, director of the fiscal management...