December 2016 archives

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Saturday, December 31, 2016

Seven murders go unsolved in 2016

More than half of all homicides that took place inside the city limits this year remain unsolved, and police have little to work with to aid their investigations. Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West said there is no new information...

Change allows concealed carry at SJAFB

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has loosened restrictions on carrying concealed weapons on base, according to a post on the base. The change is part of the updated base Integrated Defense Plan, and allows Department of Defense employees with...

Leaders discuss priorities for 2017

Building a stronger police force while working on projects that improve quality of life top the list of goals for the Goldsboro City Council in 2017. "I still want to figure out how we get more citizen involvement and participation,"...

Faith Christian Academy celebrates 50 years

A 1966 vote by the members of the Faith Free Will Baptist Church establish a Christian school and thus was born Faith Christian Academy. The doors opened the following January. Deacons comprised the school board and then-Pastor Frank Davenport...

Seven murders go unsolved

More than half of all homicides that took place inside the city limits last year remain unsolved, and police have little to work with to aid their investigations.Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West said out of the 11 homicides this year,...

Pickleball marathon begins today

Instead of bringing in the new year watching a falling giant acorn or big apple, some people in Wayne County will welcome 2017 by playing pickleball.The pickleball marathon to be played from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 31,  at...

Friday, December 30, 2016

Local police, U.S. Air Force investigators execute second drug raid

Local and federal authorities raided a house on South Slocumb Street in Goldsboro this morning after receiving information from a confidential informant about heroin and crack cocaine being sold out of the residence to the community and possibly to military...

Wayne County GOP HQ break-in

A mural at the Wayne County Republican Party headquarters on 147 S. Center St. has been vandalized. Nothing appears to have been taken even though TVs and computers were in plain view, Wayne County GOP Chairman Brent Heath said....

Year in review

July 1 -- Col. Christopher Sage takes command of the 4th Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Mark Slocum during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Sage took command after most recently serving as senior military assistant to...

MO Pickle Drop

MOUNT OLIVE -- Instead of tossing confetti to mark the start of the new year, those attending Saturday's New Year's Eve Pickle Drop are being asked to donate canned food to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North...

Sheriff's Office SWAT team, U.S. Air Force investigators raid area hotel

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team raided Room 222 at the Days Inn at 801 U.S. 70 Bypass East this morning after receiving information about methamphetamine being sold out of the room, possibly to military personnel. The U.S. Air...

Don't shoot

What goes up must come down -- including bullets. Plenty of people celebrate New Year's Eve by shooting fireworks or firearms into the sky when the clock strikes the 12, but law enforcement is urging people in the city to...

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Maj. Wyche relieved of command

4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Christopher Sage relieved Maj. Gilbert Wyche from command of the 4th Security Forces Squadron Thursday amid an ongoing investigation into an incident in which one of Wyche's subordinates allegedly drove drunk and killed a 17-year-old....

Mural defaced at GOP headquarters

A mural at the Wayne County Republican Party headquarters on Center Street has been vandalized. GOP officials said it appeared someone came up the outside stairs at the back of the building sometime after Monday and gained entry by kicking...

Year in review: A look back at 2016

Jan. 5 Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base respond to a call to a house on Hillcrest Drive after the resident reports what she thinks might be a live hand grenade. Jan. 16 Jennele Lea...

Kenneth Brinson, former schools superintendent, dies at age 81

Retired superintendent Kenneth Hill Brinson fought to merge Goldsboro city schools with the county for 11 years. His colleagues and family will always remember the love he had for students. Brinson, 81, died Saturday in the memory care unit at...

Ag center personnel a concern

The $20 million Maxwell Regional Agricultural and Convention is attracting attention even though it isn't expected to open until March 1, 2018. But while that is encouraging, Wayne County commissioners are concerned that the county is behind the curve...

Honoring heritage

Jovane Holland celebrates African American heritage and honors her history through the observance of Kwanzaa. She has done so for the past 15 years and the basic principles of growth, unity and cultural celebration, continues to resonate with her, she...

Charles B. Aycock High School, JAS broken into over holidays

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating two break-ins that took place over the holidays at Charles B. Aycock High School and Johnston Ambulance Service.According to incident reports, 16 Dell desktop computers valued at a combined $12,800 were stolen from...

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Bee school to begin in January

A basic beekeeping class is open to anyone interested in becoming a beekeeper or those wanting to refresh their beekeeping knowledge and skills. The course is sponsored by the Beekeepers of the Neuse in partnership with the Wayne County Cooperative...

Sheriff's Office makes drug arrests

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office arrested two people Friday and Saturday for drug possession, according to a press release. Joshua Jermaine Cox, 23, of 149 Vanderbilt Circle, is charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver heroin and resist,...

Lula Newkirk gives back because she received

MOUNT OLIVE -- With each box of food handed out by Helping Hands United Mission, the Rev. Lula Newkirk is trying to repay the help her family received while she was growing up. She and her late husband, Edward Cornell...

Drop into new year early at Pickle Drop

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mt. Olive Pickle Co. will hold its 18th annual New Year's Eve Pickle Drop Saturday, Dec. 31, at the corner of Cucumber and Vine. One of the traditions of the Pickle Drop is the canned food drive...

Community says thanks with cookies, fruit

MOUNT OLIVE -- Police Chief Tommy Brown popped the lid off of a cookie can. One European chocolate cookie remained. It's good to be the chief. Brown did not mind that his officers had already eaten the rest; the community...

Foundation awards grants

KENANSVILLE -- The board of advisers of the Duplin County Community Foundation and Duplin Foundation for Youth Advancement have announced more than $65,000 in local grant awards. This year's Duplin County Community Foundation nonprofit recipients include: • $570 to Albritton...

A finish line still to be reached

MOUNT OLIVE -- The University of Mount Olive's new track and field/lacrosse complex may look complete. But don't get the idea that the finish line has been reached for the project that also includes an area for shot put and...

Disaster grants awarded

The North Carolina Community Foundation is allocating grants from its Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts related to Hurricane Matthew and flooding in affected areas of the state. The Duplin County Community Foundation, a local affiliate of North Carolina...

Masonic breakfast

MOUNT OLIVE-- James Dills, right, pours freshly made sausage gravy into a pan so that Christina Santiago can add it to her plate during the Mount Olive community breakfast Christmas Eve morning hosted by Masonic Lodge No. 208. Dills has...

County gets more than $16 million for relief

More than $16.25 million in federal disaster aid has been pumped into Wayne County as of Dec. 26 in response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew. Of that total, $8,632,812 is in Federal Emergency Management Agency/State Disaster Assistance...

Residents connect inadequate drainage system to flooding

Pamela Lawrence was living more than two months without central heating due to flood damage she believes was caused by an inadequate stormwater system. She lost one vehicle, which was lifted by floodwaters, her home was filled with nearly 2...

Discipline takes a tiered approach

Wayne County Public Schools takes a more nuanced approach to discipline than the community might realize, according to its administrators. Most people today are familiar with the term "zero-tolerance" as it is applied to the education system. Another common...

State, local offices to close

Local, state and federal offices, banks and post offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday that falls on Sunday. The FEMA/North Carolina Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Center will be closed Saturday,...

Lighthouse Food Mart is broken into Monday

Police are investigating a break-in at the Lighthouse Food Mart in Goldsboro. According to a police report, someone took a hammer and broke into the store at 902 Herman Place early Monday morning by busting out the glass of one...

Warm weather play

A cool breeze wafted through the air at Herman Park Tuesday afternoon as children on vacation from school laughed and chased each other while their parents talked or even joined in. Newly-vacated swings rocked back and forth in the...

Annual Mardi Gras Gala to raise money for Kitty Askins and 3HC

The 10th annual Mardi Gras Gala, the 3HC and Kitty Askins Hospice Center's annual fundraiser, is underway with seven couples vying for the title of king and queen. The gala, which also includes a $5,000 grand prize in the reverse...

Police continue to investigate shots fired in city

Officers responded to three reports of shots fired over the holiday weekend, one of which resulted in a car being struck by several bullets on Christmas day, according to police reports. Shotspotter, the city's automatic gunshot detection system, alerted officers...

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Kitchen fire displaces family

A Tuesday evening kitchen fire displaced a family living at 907 S. Madison Ave. after the house suffered extensive smoke damage. Assistant Goldsboro Fire Chief James Farfour said the fire started on the stove around 5:15 p.m. while a family...

Early morning fire results in arson charge

Police arrested and charged a man with felony first-degree arson after he allegedly set fire to furniture inside a house at 608 W. Mulberry St. early this morning. According to a police report, Donzell Crawford, 64, used a lighter to...

County teachers begin 'instructional rounds'

Low-performing schools in Wayne County are getting a shot in the arm from a practice prompted by the medical profession, officials say. Marcia Manning, hired earlier in the school year as innovative programs coordinator for Wayne County Public Schools, said...

Waiver extended for flood victims

The waiver deadline for certain county building and inspection fees has been extended for victims of October's Hurricane Matthew. Meanwhile, Monday, Jan. 9, is the deadline for registering for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In Goldsboro, the...

Monday afternoon wreck slows interstate

A female driver suffered minor injuries after her pickup truck flipped multiple times traveling south on I-795 Monday afternoon, according to witnesses and the N.C. State Highway Patrol. Interstate 795 South was reduced to a single lane as crews worked...

Temps to be unseasonably warm today

Today is expected to be unseasonably warm with highs in the upper 60s.  There will be a light drizzle in the morning. It will remain mostly cloudy throughout the day with southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight there...

Monday, December 26, 2016

SJAFB EOD explodes found dynamite

Wayne County Sheriff's deputies evacuated the southern Wayne County community of Wingspread Monday afternoon after a local farmer found between 75 and 100 sticks of dynamite in the old Herring Mill building off of U.S. 13. Sheriff Larry Pierce said...

Night club closes down after Christmas shooting

The owners of the club Epiphany LLC off of U.S. 117 South voluntarily surrendered their ABC permits today around 2:30 p.m. after a manager at the club was shot in the leg around 3:30 a.m. Christmas morning, according to  an...

Dynamite found in building

Update ---- Firefighters at the scene are preparing to evacuate approximately 35 homes in the Wingspread subdivision along Wingspread Drive near U.S. 13 South. Officials say the dynamite ---- the amount found has not yet been confirmed ---- was found...

Dr. Clark Gaither awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Dr. Clark Gaither, left, medical director of WATCH, is presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the governor's highest award to the state's citizens, by Steve Keen, former county commissioner now representing Governor McCrory's office, during Wednesday's WATCH board...

Bikes for boys and girls

Zoreion Jones, 8, stands with his new bike and helmet at the Goldsboro Boys and Girls Club Thursday.  Employees at Best Distribution including Munroe Best (pictured in background) are responsible for purchasing and assembling 14 bicycles for children of Goldsboro....

Education fast track: high school senior first to complete WCC certificate

Tyler Weeks is a Nana-quoting, job-and-school-juggling teen who holds down an internship and plays in the band at his church. The Wayne Christian senior also just learned that he is the first dual-enrolled student at Wayne Community College to complete...

Woman dies in collision

A Goldsboro woman is dead and one man is in critical condition after a wreck that took place Christmas evening at Friendly Drive and Braswell Road in Rosewood. North Carolina Highway Patrolman Nolan Sanders said 65-year-old Charles Aaron Mitchell ran...

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Schools get Gaston donation

A little Christmas cheer came Wednesday to several school districts affected by Hurricane Matthew, thanks to some generous students and staff from the western part of the state. Representatives from Gaston County Schools paid a visit to Wayne County Public...

Local children meet Santa

In addition to preparing for his present-delivering trip around the world, Santa Claus also made the time the past few weeks to visit Berkeley Mall. Local children took advantage of the opportunity to talk to the jolly old elf. On...

Lighting up home, yard a big part of holiday for many

[email protected] PIKEVILLE -- Tucked away in a small neighborhood near Pikeville, George Bell and Carman Ballance are each bringing their own style to Christmas spirit. The two neighbors, who live across from each other on Lancaster Street, go all out...

Fremont Board 12/20

FREMONT -- The Fremont Board of Alderman recently held a public hearing for a proposed ordinance amendment which would impose fines on those who violate garbage and recycling ordinance's in the town. The board then tabled discussion on actually...

Carolina Games Summit returns

The Carolina Games Summit will return to Goldsboro in February with plans to host the video gaming attraction for two days in downtown Goldsboro. The summit, which started in 2006, was previously held at Wayne Community College through 2013 before...

Alone on the streets

-- Being homeless is hard enough. Tack on having nowhere to go during the holidays, and life gets much harder. But, for many women, surviving on the street is a daily struggle as unforgiving at Christmas as it is any...

SJAFB Security Forces commander reassigned amid Soler investigation

In the midst of an investigation into the Dec. 10 wreck that killed 17-year-old Johny Robert Watson, Chief Master Sgt. Hector Soler's commanding officer, Maj. Gilbert Wyche, has been reassigned from the 4th Security Forces Squadron to the 4th Mission...

Property tax deadline Jan. 5

By STEVE HERRING [email protected] Wayne County taxpayers have until 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, to pay their 2016 property taxes without incurring a penalty. Any payments received after that time are delinquent and subject to a 2-percent penalty, Tax Administrator...

Baking for those behind the badge

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive Police Chief Tommy Brown popped the lid off of a red and green cookie can.One European chocolate cookie remained.It's good to be the chief.Brown did not mind that his officers had already eaten the rest;...

Friday, December 23, 2016

Empty Stocking Fund

* Kena Blain, $50 * Anonymous, $50, in memory of Van Nunn * The Shipman Network Group Office, LLC, $25, in memory of Michael D. Shipman * Randolph Augustus, $100, in memory of Delores White Augustus * C.S. Brown Lodge...

Group gives away toys to children in need

For children growing up in tough situations, something as simple as getting a gift for Christmas can make a world of difference. That was the idea behind the Bridging the Gap Youth Foundation's toy drive at H.V. Brown Park Thursday...

Shoppers hit the stores

Damita Mayhue strolled through Kmart Thursday with her children looking for last-minute gifts just days before Christmas. Instead of shopping on her own, she decided it was better to let her children pick out their gifts, which will be wrapped...

Property tax listing begins Jan. 3

The tax-listing period for all property subject to ad valorem tax begins Sunday, Jan. 1, and continues through the end of January. However, since the Wayne County Tax Department is closed on Sunday and on Monday because of the...

Teen charged

Goldsboro police arrested a teenager Thursday accused of breaking into 11 vehicles in the Bayleaf subdivision in October. Lamonte Touche Anderson, 404 Day Circle, is charged with 10 counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, two counts felony larceny,...

Shoppers hit stores as Christmas draws closer

Damita Mayhue strolled through Kmart Thursday with her children looking for last-minute gifts just days before Christmas.Instead of shopping on her own, she decided it was better to let her children pick out their gifts, which will be wrapped and...

Suspect charged in vehicle break-in

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office arrested a man Thursday charged with breaking into a car the day before on U.S. 70 West.Mark Randall Williams, 48, of 277 U.S. 13 South, is charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle, two...

Man charged in theft of trailer

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged a man Wednesday for allegedly stealing a trailer, according to a press release. Sgt. Ryan Sasser responded to a call about the stolen trailer being found at 210 Ebenezer Church Road and...

Victim airlifted after Thursday night wreck

Update ---- Names of wreck victims released A two-car wreck at the intersection of N.C. 222 and N.C. 581 late Thursday night sent at least two people to the hospital. According to North Carolina Highway Patrolman Justin Gorman, a Cadillac...

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Man charged after deputies find firearms, drugs

A Goldsboro man is facing numerous felony charges and several misdemeanors after deputies found a firearm and drugs inside his car when he was stopped for speeding in the city. Decarlos Tavaris Godwin, 41, of 504 Denmark St., is charged...

Law enforcement offers holiday shopping, travel tips

Maj. Tom Effler with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office urges people to stay safe this holiday season when it comes to walking in shopping center parking lots. "Of course in the shopping area, there's a plenty of people out shopping,...

Public to weigh in on junk rule

The public next month will have the opportunity to weigh in on proposed revisions to Wayne County ordinances governing mobile home parks and abandoned and junked vehicles. Wayne County commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposals at...

Retired attorney Gene Braswell dies at age 74

Retired attorney Ronald Gene Braswell Sr. is being remembered by friends and co-workers today for a legacy of judicial excellence and community service. Braswell 74, died Wednesday morning surrounded by his family at his home in Goldsboro. The family...

Four inches of separation: Holiday travel and safety

The centerline on a road spans a mere 4 inches in width. That does not leave much space between a motorist and an impaired driver this holiday season. Statistics from AAA Carolinas and the North Carolina Department of Transportation...

Law enforcement offers holiday shopping, travel safety tips

Maj. Tom Effler with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office urges people to stay safe this holiday season when it comes to walking in shopping center parking lots. "Of course in the shopping area, there's a plenty of people out shopping,...

Drunk driving and the holiday season

The center line on a road spans a mere 4 inches in width. That does not leave much space between a motorist and an impaired driver this holiday season. Statistics from AAA Carolinas and the North Carolina Department of Transportation...

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Security Forces sergeant charged in domestic assault involving a firearm

Police arrested a staff sergeant stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Tuesday accused of pointing a gun at his girlfriend during an argument several days prior. According to an incident report, Daquan Andre Hardin, 27, of 206 Coachmans Place...

Schools announce makeup days for Matthew

Wayne County Public Schools on Tuesday announced makeup days for Hurricane Matthew closures. During the General Assembly special legislative session last week, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2016 was passed, giving guidance to districts impacted by the October hurricane...

County to buy police software

Wayne County and the city of Goldsboro have reached separate agreements with a software company for a public safety software system to streamline recordkeeping, data flow and accessibility. But while they are separate projects, the software being purchased by...

Bevan Foster chosen to serve as mayor pro tem

Councilman Bevan Foster was selected by the Goldsboro City Council to serve as its mayor pro tem in 2017. Councilman Gene Aycock, council's mayor pro tem for the past year, recommended Foster to the post during the council's meeting...

North Pole fun

For the North Pole Games at North Drive Elementary School on Tuesday, teachers Cathy Rose and Mindy Lane came up with the idea of using theme games and available equipment to teach students skills like balance, speed and aim....

Toy drive at North Drive

Brianna King gets a toy from the Bless a Child giveaway Monday at North Drive Elementary School. This marks the third year C2C Entertainment has gathered toys and money from the community to provide gifts for children, but this year...

Dr. Tayloe awarded Order of Long Leaf Pine

Dr. David Tayloe, center, was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Steve Keen, left, representing Gov. Pat McCrory's office. Also pictured is Tayloe's wife, Denise. The honor was established in 1963 by then-Gov. Terry Sanford and is...

Crime of the week

On Dec. 18 around 5 p.m., officers responded to 911 Fairview Circle in reference to a subject being shot. Once officers arrived they found that Kenya Artis had been shot once in the back. Artis was taken to Wayne Memorial...

Brookside Mart's future uncertain

The future of a small grocery store on South Slocumb Street remains uncertain as the owner tries to work with city leaders to meet permit and building standards. Inside Brookside Mart, at 2000 S. Slocumb St., buckets are situated on...

Bridges to be replaced in area

Seven bridges in Johnston County and one in Wayne County will be replaced under a $7.6 million contract recently awarded to T.A. Loving Co. of Goldsboro by the N.C. Department of Transportation. Herring Road bridge over the Yellow Swamp...

UPDATE: Four arrested in Margaret Drive meth raid

Authorities raided a methamphetamine lab at 2002 Margaret Drive Tuesday morning. Four people are charged in connection to the drug operation. Sgt. Charles Shaeffer said the Wayne County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on a home at 10 a.m....

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Authorities raid meth lab on Margaret Drive

Authorities raided a methamphetamine lab at 2002 Margaret Drive this morning. Four people are charged in connection to the drug operation. Sgt. Charles Shaeffer said the Wayne County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on a home at 10 a.m....

Designing safe landings

Experts have estimated that the first people to walk on Mars will come from the children of today. To reach that point, it is going to take inspiration, energy and a willingness to make mistakes. For the kids at...

Hector Soler appears in court

Chief Master Sgt. Hector Soler, charged in the drunk-driving death of 17-year-old Johny Robert Watson, appeared in Wayne County District Court Monday morning. Soler, security forces manager at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, came in front of Judge Charles...

City Council approves new software for police

The days of shuffling through paperwork and making multiple calls to track down case information could become a part of the past with the Goldsboro City Council's decision Monday to buy a $457,764 public safety software package. The purchase...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Noah Sites, $25 * Pikeville St. Joseph Methodist Church, $100 * Rick Potts, $100, in loving memory of my parents, Fred and Elizabeth Potts * Mr. and Mrs. John M. Bell, $100, in loving memory of our son, pastor...

Hurricane victim protests, Democrat responds to surprise special session

Viola Ryals-Figueroa was enraged. The local political activist said she grew upset when she found out the North Carolina General Assembly called a surprise special session to limit the appointment powers of the Democratic Governor-elect Roy Cooper. The move came...

Traffic stop leads to arrest

A Saturday traffic stop ended in a convicted felon being arrested for having a gun. According to a press release, Wayne County sheriff's deputies stopped Travis M. Davis, 40, of 402 S. William St., Saturday on William Street. Deputies searched...

Man facing drug charges

A Pikeville man is facing drug charges after his arrest Thursday. According to a press release, Wayne County Drug Unit members found Jondre Terrell Spencer, 38, of 402 Sweeten Branch Road, behind the Food Lion grocery store in Pikeville....

Man charged, mower recovered

A man has his lawnmower back after authorities investigated an October larceny report and returned the allegedly stolen property to its owner. Ricky Lee Martin, 60, of 370 Hopesway Drive, Dudley, is charged with felony larceny and possession of stolen...

FEMA hours change for holiday season

Hours of operation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency/North Carolina Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Centers will change during the Christmas holiday season. The change in hours also will affect mitigation outreach specialists providing information at Lowe's home improvement stores...

Dr. David Tayloe awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Dr. David Tayloe, center, was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Steve Keen, left, representing Gov. Pat McCrory's office. Also pictured is Dr. Tayloe's wife, Denise. The honor was established in 1963 by then-Governor Terry Sanford and...

Dollar General robbed at gunpoint

Authorities are investigating a Thursday night armed robbery of the Dollar General at 2251 U.S. 13 North.According to an incident report, a 6-foot-1-inch tall, black man forced two employees back inside the store at gunpoint  and demanded money around 10:30...

Monday, December 19, 2016

Deputies: Pikeville man had heroin, cocaine on him behind Food Lion

A Pikeville man is facing drug charges after his arrest Thursday. According to a press release, Wayne County Drug Unit members found Jondre Terrell Spencer, 38, of 402 Sweeten Branch Road, Pikeville, behind the Food Lion grocery store in Pikeville....

Woman charged with drug possession on jail premises

A woman is charged with opiate trafficking and possession of cocaine on jail premises after authorities found drugs inside her car during a traffic stop Saturday.According to a press release Wayne County sheriff's deputies stopped Yolanda Renee Lewis, 33, of...

Special session called to repeal HB2

Gov. Pat McCrory says he will call a special session Tuesday to repeal the contentious HB2, which limited the protections of the LGBT people.The special session is in response to the Charlotte City Council repealing the ordinance  that inspired the...

Soler makes first appearance in District Court

Chief Master Sgt. Hector Soler, who is charged in the drunk-driving death of 17-year-old Johny Robert Watson, appeared in Wayne County District Court this morning. Soler, security forces manager at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, appeared in front of Judge...

New Teen Court director hopes to help students

When BreAnna VanHook volunteered in the Teen Court program in high school, she had no idea it would lead to her college major or to a career path. In August, the 25-year-old who now holds a law degree became Teen...

Man shot, injured in city

Police are investigating a Sunday evening shooting that left one man injured. Kenya Marques Artis, 40, of South William Street, told police that he was shot once in the back while behind 911-B Fairview Circle Sunday around 5 p.m....

Local, state offices to close for holidays

Local, state and federal offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays. State offices will be closed Dec. 23, 26, 27 and Jan. 2 while federal offices, banks and post offices will be closed Dec....

Board to address ordinance revisions

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning will hold work sessions on possible revisions to the county's mobile home park and abandoned and junk vehicle ordinances. The sessions are a continuation of the board's goal to review existing ordinances. Commissioners already...

Biogas facility breaks ground in Duplin

WARSAW -- Groundbreaking ceremonies for a $100 million biogas facility were held last Thursday at 855 Penny Branch Road in Warsaw. Biogas (also called renewable natural gas) is a clean-burning, "carbon-neutral" alternative to fossil fuels. When completed it will...

Man sentenced for Medicaid fraud

The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced this month that in federal court, Donnie Lee Phillips II, 37, of Greenville, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and three years of supervised...

Crime Stoppers using one telephone number

You can NOW call and text one number 919-735-2255 to reach Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers has updated its service to the Goldsboro-Wayne County community by combining the call in number and the text number, making it is easier to remember...

Gunman enters home, robs three

Authorities are investigating a Sunday morning armed robbery at 809 Prince Ave. Three people were inside the home around 11:15 a.m. when a 6-foot-tall black man wearing all black came into the house and held them at gunpoint, according to...

Police investigate shooting

Police are investigating a Sunday evening shooting that left one man injured. Kenya Marques Artis, 40, of South William Street, told police that he was shot once in the back while behind 911-B Fairview Circle Sunday around 5 p.m. Artis...

Cold, rain chase off weekend warmth

Sunday's high of 73 degrees gave way to rain and falling temperatures overnight. Commuters woke up Monday morning to more of the same. Today will remain overcast with pockets of rain throughout the day and into the evening, according to...

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Salvation Army's Angel Tree gifts distributed

Tamika Mickens broke her wrist a few months ago and was laid up for a while after surgery, unable to work. She and her five children became homeless, going to different people's homes until she can get back on her...

An Olde Fashioned Christmas

A little girl's doll small enough to fit in two hands has a cardboard tube body and a dress is made of taffeta. Although the frail little doll is falling apart, it most likely gave much joy to a little...

Electors prepare to finalize vote for Trump

Ann Sullivan and Linda Harper knew they were going to be part of something historic. What they didn't count on was being inundated with hundreds of cards and letters and thousands of emails -- not to mention phones calls at...

Class of 2016 bids farewell to UMO

MOUNT OLIVE -- The University of Mount Olive announced the names of 280 graduates during the fall commencement ceremony Saturday afternoon. Families filled the Kornegay Arena to watch their loved ones walk across the stage to receive diplomas for their...

Lee-Jackson banquet Jan. 21 in Kinston

The Goldsboro Rifles, the Dr. B. T. Person and the Smithfield Light Infantry camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans are hosting a Lee and Jackson banquet on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at King's Restaurant in Kinston. The...

Council to consider software for police

The Goldsboro City Council will consider buying a $457,764 police safety software package during its meeting Monday. The software, which would be owned by the Goldsboro Police Department, includes an agreement to share the equipment with the Wayne County Sheriff's...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Goldsboro Chapel F.W.B. Church, $100 * Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church, $100 * Melba Uzzell, $100, in memory of J.P. Uzzell * John Kinsey, $20 * Emma Hamilton, $50 in memory of Eli and Margaret H. Brown * Emma...

Gifts for Christmas

Trahn Bryant lost her house and her car during Hurricane Matthew. Her three children gained everything Saturday morning when they received a toy and clothes for Christmas. Anyah Whitehead, 9, Kamaurye Whitehead, 7, and Phoenix Merchant, 3, showed their mother...

Duke Progress Energy cuts rates

Duke Energy Progress customers will be paying lower electric rates following rate changes in December and January. A rate decrease went into effect Dec. 1 that reduces residential rates by 6.5 percent, commercial rates by 7.2 percent and industrial...

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Gifts for Christmas

Trahn Bryant lost her house and her car during Hurricane Matthew. Her three children gained everything Saturday morning when they received a toy and clothes for Christmas. Anyah Whitehead, 9, Kamaurye Whitehead, 7, and Phoenix Merchant, 3, showed their...

Electors prepare to finalize vote for Trump

Ann Sullivan and Linda Harper knew they were going to be part of something historic. What they didn't count on was being inundated with hundreds of cards and letters and thousands of emails -- not to mention phones calls at...

Honoring the sacrifice in the season

The cold and the fog could not chill the spirits of the hundreds who gathered at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery at noon today. They came to place wreaths on the graves of nearly 500 veterans ---- a somber effort meant to...

Friday, December 16, 2016

Freezing rain possible this evening

The National Weather Service in Raleigh says Wayne County could get some freezing rain this afternoon and tonight before changing over to all rain tonight as temperatures warm above freezing. In Greene and Pitt counties, a freezing rain advisory is...

Teens charged in Dudley break-in

Two juveniles are in custody on burglary charges after a concerned Dudley citizen reported a break-in at their neighbor's house, according to a Friday press release from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. According to the release, the Sheriff's Office responded...

Local man charged in forgery, theft

A man is in custody for four separate incidents in which he allegedly stole property and forged checks, according to a Friday press release from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Deputies arrested Justin Edward Howell, 27 of 847 Ebenezer Church...

UPDATE: Senior Air Force member charged with teen's death, SJAFB releases statement

Chief Master Sgt. Hector Soler, security forces manager at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, turned himself in to Goldsboro police Thursday evening on charges of felony death by motor vehicle.Soler walked out of the Wayne County Magistrate's Office 40 minutes...

Groups express interest in ownership of old W.A. Foster Center

Residents, organizations or other groups interested in preserving the aging W.A. Foster Center have until the end of February to lay out their plans to city leaders. Nearly two dozen people attended an informal meeting Thursday with the Goldsboro...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Anonymous, $100 * Richard and Snow Proctor, $50, in honor of all the wonderful people who came to our aid after the flood * Jacqueline Harvey, $25, "What's to come is better than what's been." * Brunetta F. Bradshaw,...

Public hearing on Pegasus tankers highlights community, partnership

Community and partnerships were the underlying themes in comments by most of the 10 people who spoke at a Thursday night public hearing in support of the Air Force's proposal to base a reserve squadron of 12 of the...

Activists, residents speak out against Duke permit

A group of activists, community members and environmental experts gathered at the Wayne County Center Thursday night to speak out against a draft wastewater permit currently sought by Duke Energy. The permit would allow Duke to discharge water from the...

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Senior Air Force member charged in death of teen

Chief Master Sgt. Hector Soler, Security Forces Manager at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, turned himself in to Goldsboro police Thursday evening on charges of felony death by motor vehicle. Soler walked out of the Wayne County Magistrate's Office 40...

Teen dies from injuries sustained in wreck

Johny Robert Watson, the 17-year-old hit by a drunk driver Saturday night, died at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville today after being taken off of life support, according to a GoFundMe page set up after the wreck.He died after having...

Wayne Memorial Hospital welcomes donations for toy box

The toy box on the pediatrics unit at Wayne Memorial Hospital is looking a little sparse. A few blankets, some handmade stuffed animals. Even a poker set. The problem, though, is not how much is being donated -- it's making...

Council considers buyout of guns

The goal of getting guns off the streets is driving the Goldsboro City Council's interest in a possible gun buyout program. Gun buyouts, which offer cash or gift cards for weapons under a no-questions-asked policy, have taken place across the...

Working to overcome barriers

Ralee peels a freshly-printed T-shirt off the conveyer belt and studies his work. He holds it up for Charles Brooks to see. Ralee smiles. Brooks smiles. Then they exchange high-fives. A year ago, Riley wouldn't have been able to react...

Duke: Rate changes means customers will pay less

Duke Energy Progress customers will be paying lower electric rates following rate changes in December and January. A rate decrease went into effect Dec. 1 that reduces residential rates by 6.5 percent, commercial rates by 7.2 percent and industrial rates...

Police: Woman had drugs on her during court

A Mount Olive woman, sentenced in district court to three weeks in jail Monday, now  faces three additional felony charges for drugs found in her possession as sheriff's deputies processed her into the Wayne County Detention Center. Sheriff's Office officials...

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Life, Inc. offers way for intellectually disabled to build confidence

Riley peels a freshly-printed T-shirt off the conveyer belt and studies his work.He holds it up for Charles Brooks to see. Riley smiles. Brooks smiles. Then the two high-five.A year ago, Riley wouldn't have been able to react that way.Riley lives...

Shots fired into vehicle on Wayne Memorial Drive

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident where a shot was fired into a truck on Wayne Memorial Drive Sunday night.According to a report filed with the sheriff's office, the shooting happened after Jamie Paul Hare, 33, got...

Feeding the Christmas spirit

MOUNT OLIVE -- Lula Newkirk doesn't know how many boxes of food her Helping Hands United Mission has given out over the past 20 years. But it is probably more than 3,000 based on an average of 150 boxes a...

Unity organization accepting applications for Black History Parade

MOUNT OLIVE -- Applications are being accepted for the Unity organization's ninth annual Black History Parade to celebrate Black History Month. The deadline is Jan. 31. There is no fee to participate in the parade, event founder Sheila Oates said....

Students give out coats, gloves

DUDLEY -- Santa, normally the center of attention in a room full of children, sat patiently on stage Friday at Brogden Primary School as students picked out brand new winter coats, gloves and toboggans. That mission accomplished, the students still...

University's fall graduation is Saturday

MOUNT OLIVE -- The University of Mount Olive will graduate approximately 325 students on Saturday during 2 p.m. commencement exercises in its George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena. Dr. Thomas A. Walker Jr.  will be the guest speaker. He began his...

Fake money becomes a problem for Mount Olive businesses

MOUNT OLIVE -- Fake money entered Mount Olive three months ago, and local businesses and the police are ready to stop it. The counterfeit money, which looks real from a distance, reads "for motion picture use only" at the...

Plans for ash removal released

Plans to excavate coal ash from four basins at the H.F. Lee Plant in Goldsboro to be recycled for use in concrete products were announced Tuesday by Duke Energy. "We don't have cost details just yet... we need to...

Firehouse Subs, Chipotle to open by early 2017

Development of a new multi-tenant building on North Berkeley Boulevard is nearly complete with early 2017 openings planned for Chipotle Mexican Grill and Firehouse Subs. Other businesses planned to open in the center include Sport Clips Haircuts, Sleepy's mattress...

Wayne roads to be in state plan

Improvements to U.S. 70, U.S. 117 and Wayne Memorial Drive are expected to be included in the state's next draft 10-year transportation plan, which will be released in January 2017 The plan calls for upgrading U.S. 70 to freeway...

Shots fired into elderly woman's home

Someone fired a single shot into an elderly woman's home on Fifth Street late Monday night. According to an incident report, Mary Jean Gregory, 67, was inside her home at 910 Fifth St. when a single bullet came through...

Seven Springs station gets $25,000

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Joey Roberts heard a vehicle go past his home near Seven Springs on the night of Oct. 10 as Hurricane Matthew raged. He realized that the vehicle had been swept away by floodwaters. A member of...

Fugitive from Pennsylvania arrested in city

Goldsboro police arrested a man Monday on a fugitive warrant out of York County, Pennsylvania, for allegedly impersonating a student and choking a girl in the bathroom of a high school. Timothy Justin Hannah, 24, is charged with felony...

Christmas in the neighborhood

Joyce Medeiros bikes down Norlee Drive followed by a few of her neighbors Sunday during a community Christmas parade. People were invited to decorate their bikes, mowers, golf carts or anything else with wheels as they rode around their neighborhood...

Stars shine for Disney World

The choral music program at Goldsboro High School is being revamped, starting with a new performance group called GHS Stars that has its sights set on performing at Disney World in the next year. Ariella Hendershaw, a military spouse from...

FEMA offers tips at Lowe's

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer home repair information, tips and literature at several communities this week. FEMA mitigation specialists will be at Lowe's Home Improvement stores in Kinston, Lumberton and Kill Devil Hills Tuesday through Saturday from 7...

Crime of the week

On Dec. 9, the Dollar General at 1400 W. Grantham St., in the Little River Shopping Center was robbed as the employee was closing and locking up the store around 10:15 p.m. A black male with a gun forced the...

Man wanted in Pennsylvania assault arrested in Goldsboro

Goldsboro police arrested a man Monday on a fugitive warrant out of York County, Pennsylvania, for allegedly impersonating a student and choking a girl in the bathroom of a high school. Timothy Justin Hannah, 24, is charged with felony aggravated...

Fog slows morning commute

Commuters were greeted by patchy fog this morning, with a slight chance of rain, according to the National Weather Service. Wayne County residents woke up to relatively mild temperatures, with highs today expected to be in the mid 50s. There...

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Chief Master Sergeant facing felony charge after drunk-driving crash

A Chief Master Sergeant stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is facing a felony charge after allegedly driving drunk and crashing into the back of a car at 70 miles per hour Saturday night. Hector Soler, 47, is charged...

Shots fired into elderly woman's home

Someone fired a single shot into an elderly woman's home on Fifth Street late Monday night.According to an incident report, Mary Jean Gregory, 67, was inside her home at 910 Fifth St. when a single bullet came through the door...

Embers of Christmas

The Embers brought their annual Christmas show to the Paramount Theatre on Monday night, and the veteran beach music band did not disappoint. From traditional songs such as the opening "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," to...

Schools awarded 'Best Projects'

The new Grantham and Spring Creek middle schools have received Engineering News-Record's annual Southeast Best Projects Award in the K-12 education category. Annually general contractors/construction managers submit projects in various categories such as health care, higher education, multi-family, retail...

Will the General Assembly attempt to pack the court?

Wording in the governor's proclamation convening today's special legislative session has some worried that it opens the door for the Republican-controlled General Assembly to pack the Supreme Court with Republican justices. Fueling the concern has been an unwillingness on...

Special session begins today

The Cherry Research Farm and Claridge Nursery, both damaged during Hurricane Matthew, would benefit from a proposed $200 million financial aid package being crafted by state legislators. The package would also offer housing assistance, help nonprofits and address the...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Marie Malpass, $50, in loving memory of my son, Ronnie Malpass, and my grandson, Ron Malpass * Anonymous, $50 * Helen A. Gerald, $25, in loving memory of Sarah Atkinson and Rosa Atkinson Kelley * Charles and Brenda Newton,...

Inmates charged with drugs

Authorities charged three inmates for allegedly having narcotics inside the Wayne County Detention Center. Joseph Conrad Cerny, 39, Anthony Maurice Harris Jr., 27, and Cameron Givens, 19, were all charged with felony possession of a controlled substance on prison/jail premises....

The Embers of Christmas: performing for a good cause

The Embers brought their annual Christmas show to the Paramount Theatre on Monday night and the veteran beach music band did not disappoint. From traditional songs such as the opening "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," to the...

Rain likely this afternoon

Today will be cloudy with rain likely in the afternoon. The temperature highs will reach into the lower 50s with east winds coming in at 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain will hover around 70 percent.Tonight will also be...

Monday, December 12, 2016

Local man charged with trafficking MDMA

Authorities executed a search warrant at 403 Lime St. Friday and found large quantities of several different drugs resulting in the arrest of one man, according to a press release. Corey Ramon Best Jr., 23, who lives at the address,...

Out of the shadows: Mount Olive police work to address concerns, use body cams, offer programs

MOUNT OLIVE-- Lovern Massey walks just about everywhere he goes. His black sneakers have no tread and a chipped heal. Massey said he has lived in the town of Mount Olive for several months and he has seen, and encountered...

Out of the shadows: In the communities

Despite investments from the Goldsboro City Council, the city's Police Department remains shorthanded. The latest numbers show 22 positions vacant within the department, many of them patrol officer slots, which has been a consistent issue over the last several...

High tea

The Wayne County Museum sponsored a "high tea" on Saturday at the museum. Shown enjoying the event are, from left, Pat Harrell, Kelly Anders and Payton Anders....

Eureka parade

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Eureka on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the town's annual Christmas parade. The parade featured the Charles B. Aycock and Eastern Wayne high school bands, pageant queens, fire trucks, church and civic group floats,...

Out of the shadows: Small town police must handle a lot with minimal resources

PIKEVILLE -- In the small town of Pikeville in northern Wayne County, Police Chief Craig Edwins is trying to do a lot with a little. Edwins has spent 23 years in law enforcement, working first in the Mount Olive Police...

Police investigate three armed robberies from weekend

The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating a string of armed robberies, three of which took place over the weekend. According to the first police report, the Dollar General on West Grantham Street was robbed at gunpoint Friday night as an...

Day to be warmer with chance of rain

Today is expected to be cloudy with areas of fog in the morning.There is a chance of rain with area drizzle in the morning, but as the day wears on the chance of showers will increase in the afternoon with...

LaGrange man sentenced for drugs

NEW BERN -- The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has announced that in federal court on Dec. 6, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced Huberto Espindola-Soto, 37, of LaGrange to 146 months...

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Out of the Shadows: Part II Former airman refutes claims he is a gangster

Local and federal investigators say a former active duty airman assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base through 2015 is also the statewide leader of a Chicago-based, nationally recognized street gang -- the Gangster Disciples. Curtis DeWayne Thomas, 28, who...

Out of the Shadows: Part I Gangs of Wayne

Goldsboro and Wayne County are home to higher-than-average levels of gang activity when compared to cities of similar size across North Carolina. Federal Bureau of Investigations Task Force Officer and Wayne County Sheriff's Office deputy Matt Miller said the county...

W.A. Foster Center meeting

[email protected] The future of the former W.A. Foster Center will be explored during a community meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15. The Goldsboro City Council will hold a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the former W.A. Foster Center at 516...

Public hearing for HF Lee plant wastewater permit

[email protected] The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality will have a public hearing Thursday for anyone interested in offering comment on Duke Energy's wastewater permit application for the H.F. Lee plant in Goldsboro. Public comment will be received during the 6...

Rosy cheeks greet Pikeville Christmas parade

[email protected] PIKEVILLE -- Holiday cheer warmed the crowd during Pikeville's Christmas parade Saturday as temperatures teetered around 40 degrees while the procession rolled through the main thoroughfares of the town. Six-year-old Destanee Ayers didn't miss a single piece of candy...

Families flock to Jingle in the Park

[email protected] Thousands withstood the winter weather to converge on Herman Park for this year's Jingle in the Park. Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Director Scott Barnard estimated that 750 people attended the event's opening night Friday, and expected around 2,000 people...

Duke plan

CHARLOTTE -- Plans submitted Wednesday by Duke Energy include offering public water connections or water filter systems with long-term maintenance to residents who live near its Goldsboro H.F. Lee plant. Also, in the coming weeks, the company will finalize the...

Avoid delays FEMA says

Incomplete or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance after Hurricane Matthew. North Carolina survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance after Hurricane Matthew are encouraged to stay in...

Indictments returned

[email protected] A Wayne County grand jury indicted a Dudley man on a first-degree murder charge earlier this month. Valentine Morales Morales, 33, of 100 Spring Drive, allegedly shot and killed his nephew at a Goldsboro vehicle repair shop in February....

Out of the Shadows: Gangs of Wayne

Recently, the Goldsboro Police Department confirmed that it has over the last six months been able to identify and validate 254 gang members in the city alone. Countless man hours, telephone conversations and emails later, Goldsboro News-Argus staff writer Ethan...

Elderly woman carjacked outside WAGES Thursday

Police are investigating an armed carjacking that took place Thursday morning in the WAGES parking lot at 601 Royall Ave. Betty Jean Thompson, 76, reported to police that a man was standing near her car when she left the WAGES...

Loaded down with love and care

Madison Howell brushed her doll baby's hair one last time. She then placed it in a box to give a child in need. Madison, then just a year old, has always been a generous soul. Now 12, she has orchestrated...

Man shot in head near Eastern Wayne Middle School

Update ---- A man is recovering in Vidant Medical Center in Greenville after being shot in the back of the head in front of Eastern Wayne Middle School Friday night. Officers responded to a call of someone being shot and...

Meeting Thursday on old Foster Center building

The future of the former W.A. Foster Center will be explored during a community meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15. The Goldsboro City Council will hold a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the former W.A. Foster Center at 516 S....

Inmates found with drugs

Authorities charged three inmates Friday for allegedly having narcotics inside the Wayne County Detention Center. Joseph Conrad Cerny, 39, Anthony Maurice Harris Jr., 27, and Cameron Givens, 19, were all charged with felony possession of a controlled substance on prison/jail...

Friday, December 9, 2016

Public hearing scheduled on H.F. Lee plant wastewater permit

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality will have a public hearing Thursday for anyone interested in offering comment on Duke Energy's wastewater permit application for the H.F. Lee plant in Goldsboro. Public comment will be received during the 6 p.m....

Christmas for the history books

The Charles B. Aycock Birthplace held its candlelight tour Thursday night. The event featured historic portrayals and shadow puppets....

Fire burns through family home

A father and daughter lost a home that had been in their family for generations Thursday evening after a small heater caused the building at 202 Claridge Nursery Road to catch fire, firefighters said. Hubert Daynor, 88, was spending...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Monica Kobayashi, $100 * From your wife, daughters, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, $75, in loving memory of Jimmy Rose * Dolly Boone, $50, in loving memory of my parents, Ann Vail Crawford and Ivey J. Crawford Sr. *...

No one hurt but vehicle damaged in shooting

The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating a Tuesday night shooting that injured nobody but left a car damaged. According to a police report, the shooting took place in the 400 block of Banks Avenue around 9:15 p.m. when 27-year-old Devon...

Two men charged with possession of marijuana

Authorities executed a search warrant at 604 Marshall St. Wednesday and seized 500 grams of marijuana valued at $5,000. The Goldsboro/Wayne County Inter-Agency Drug Task Force charged Kelvin Tyrone Hagans, 32, and Randolph McKinney Jr., 37, both of 604 Marshall...

Family Y's Men event Sunday

For the 15th consecutive year, the Goldsboro Family Y will help needy families in Wayne County. The Y partners with the public schools, Boys and Girls Club, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, WAGES, local churches and the domestic violence program...

Teenager charged in stabbing

Police charged a 13-year-old boy Thursday in connection with Wednesday morning's assault at the Royal Grande Laundry Mat on Royall Avenue. Rosari Rogel, the victim of the crime, told officers a young black male came inside the laundromat and tried...

Car crashes into nail salon

Authorities secure the scene after motorist Sang Thi Thu Nguyen drove her car into the front of Pro-Nails Spa located at 1248 Cashwell Drive on Thursday morning....

Man shot in city early Friday morning

Police are investigating a shooting this morning on North John Street that left one man injured. An unknown suspect shot Qushawn Mondrell Broadhurst, 31, of 1904 N. William St. Lot 9, around 3:30 a.m., but police have no suspects in...

A chill will linger throughout the weekend

Temperatures will increase slightly throughout the day Friday, topping out around 43 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The day should remain sunny with a light to moderate wind up to about 13 mph. Occasional gusts of up to...

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Fire burns through family home

A father and daughter lost a home that had been in their family for generations Thursday evening after a small heater caused the building at 202 Claridge Nursery Road to catch fire, fire fighters said. Hubert Daynor, 88, was spending time...

Mount Olive lights up

MOUNT OLIVE -- Hundreds gathered Friday night to watch as the 3,200 Christmas lights on the town's radio tower blazed into life for the first time this season. They stayed to listen to a performance by the Mount Olive Middle...

Hooping it up

MOUNT OLIVE -- They ran. They passed basketballs. They dribbled and took shots at the basket. Some even tried to go one on one with University of Mount Olive basketball players. And they did it all within a wide range...

Wayne County man charged with rape of a child

Authorities arrested a man Wednesday accused of raping a child over a three-year period.Matthew Gordon Williams, 30, of 4220 Stevens Mill Road, is charged with first-degree sexual offense of a child, indecent liberties with a child, three counts of incest...

Top education leaders hold panel discussion

Wayne County's top three education leaders Wednesday were questioned about issues ranging from cooperation and collaboration, the state budget and coping with rapidly changing technologies. Dr. Michael Dunsmore, Wayne County Public Schools superintendent; Dr. Philip Kerstetter, University of Mount Olive...

Library commemoration inspires local recollections of Pearl Harbor

An 11-year-old William Teague didn't really know what to make of what he had just heard on the radio. But as he and his brother sat in the back seat of the family car on the way home that...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Bobbie H. Jacobs, $25, in memory of William H. Jacobs * Bobbie H. Jacobs, $25, in memory of Roland and Geraldine Hunter * Kellie and Steve West, $50, in loving memory of Jack Weir, Rudolph West, Brent West and...

Racial makeup of schools not a new point of concern

The Wayne County public school system remains under review by the United States Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights over a 2009 NAACP Title VI complaint alleging that racial disparities across 26 of the 33 schools in the...

Disparity at issue in schools

Wayne County Public Schools is moving forward with a new application process in the lottery system used to select students at Wayne School of Engineering and Wayne Early/Middle College High School. The method whereby students are chosen to attend...

Hardee's robbed at gunpoint

The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating an early morning armed robbery at a fast food restaurant off of Wayne Memorial Drive. The incident took place around 6:50 a.m. at the Hardee's at 1109 11th St., where officers are collecting evidence...

Colder weather coming

Temperatures in the Wayne County area are expected to plunge into the upper 20s tonight after a week of relatively mild weather. Those same temperatures are predicted to drop even further, into the lower 20s, on Friday night, according to...

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Teen charged in Wednesday morning stabbing incident

Police arrested and charged a 13-year-old boy today in connection with Wednesday morning's reported stabbing at the Royal Grande Laundry Mat at 2607 Royall Ave. Officers found the teen near the laundromat following an investigation of the scene. Maj. Anthony...

Remembering Pearl Harbor

The Empire of Japan accomplished its mission in the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941. After moving a massive fleet that included six aircraft carriers undetected across the vast Pacific Ocean, it staged a devastating surprise attack that...

Section of U.S. 70 dedicated to Grey Bailey

Millie Bailey paused several times to wipe away tears Tuesday afternoon as she thanked those responsible for dedicating a section of U.S. 70 West as Grey Bailey Highway in memory of her husband, Grey. "This road dedication has been...

WCC's Fine Arts Festival to be Thursday evening

This year's Winter Fine Arts Festival at Wayne Community College takes on a slight twist -- it will also include "WCC's Got Talent." The public is invited to the free event Thursday evening in Moffatt Auditorium, said Brad Collier, music...

Lawsuit challenges 20-week abortion ban

Various women's health groups filed a federal lawsuit Nov. 30 in an attempt to overturn a measure passed by the state legislature in 2015 that severely limits the exceptions to the 20-week ban on abortions. North Carolina physicians along...

Empty Stocking Fund

* H.G. Moore III & Associates, $100 * Bert and Frances Allen, $50, in memory of Richard and David Wayne * Dennis Bunn, $2,000, in memory of Clement and Christine Bunn * Dennis Bunn, $200, in memory of Deborah Bunn...

Slew of vehicle break-ins reported

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a slew of motor vehicle break-ins reported in Pikeville Monday morning. Seven reports were filed from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. stating vehicles were entered sometime between Sunday night and the next...

Pikeville board OKs library funding

PIKEVILLE -- The Pikeville Town Board approved additional funding for a new library security system at its meeting Monday night, adding $910 to the previously approved $2,000 security budget to account for extra surveillance both inside and outside the...

Harris Teeter gas station expected to open in January

Construction of a new Harris Teeter gas station should be finished this month with a planned January opening on Wayne Memorial Drive. A specific opening date has not been determined for the Goldsboro location, one of a handful of Harris...

Cliffs of the Neuse gets three new park rangers

After having no official park rangers during the summer months and into the fall, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park now has three new rangers. Eric Siratt is the senior ranger and Adam Pharr and Eryn Staib are the two...

Flotilla, tree lighting to be Friday

Christmas will go on at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park despite the flooding and many downed trees caused by Hurricane Matthew back in October. The park's annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Flotilla is scheduled for Friday beginning at...

Several cars broken into in Pikeville

Update ---- This is an updated version of the initial report to include the streets on which the motor-vehicle break-ins where reported.The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a slew of motor vehicle break-ins reported in Pikeville Monday morning.  Seven...

Goldsboro police investigate early morning stabbing

Police are investigating an early morning stabbing that took place before 7 a.m. at The Royal Grande Laundry Mat. Sgt. Dale Foster said police responded to a call of a woman being stabbed at the laundromat, located at 2607...

Christmas parades Saturday and Sunday

There will be two Christmas parades held in Wayne County this weekend. The Pikeville Christmas Parade, postponed from last Saturday because of bad weather, will be held this Saturday, starting at 2 p.m. The Eureka Christmas Parade will be held...

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Board approves events fees

Organizers of most special events attracting 500 or more people in Wayne County will now have to secure a permit from the county. They will be required as well to pay a fee to cover the cost of county...

Pate, Gurley to lead board

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners have a new chairman and vice chairman, as commissioners Bill Pate and Joe Gurley were elected to the respective positions Monday morning. Pate had been serving since last December as vice chairman. Joe Daughtery...

Transportation Authority offers later bus route hours for residents

Residents interested in making evening trips to Walmart, Berkeley Mall or Wayne Memorial Hospital will get the chance with later bus route hours planned for the Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority. Three bus routes, including two of the most popular, will...

Three sworn in to serve on board of education

The makeup of the Wayne County Board of Education changed again Monday night, as three members were sworn in and new leadership was elected. Judge Ericka James was on hand to install the recently elected members, all of whom...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Sadie Whitfield, $100, in memory of late parents and niece Marlene Whitfield Hill * William King, $25, in memory of Harvey and Mary McPhail * William King, $25, in memory of Eddie and Martha White King * William King,...

Laid to rest

When diagnosed with a life-threatening illness like cancer, a person must make a choice. They can give up, accept that their life is over and let the illness define them. Or they can fight, unceasingly and without apology, to see...

Some city bus routes to extend hours

Goldsboro residents interested in making evening trips to Walmart, the Berkeley Mall or Wayne Memorial Hospital will get the chance with later bus route hours planned for the Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority. Three bus routes, including two of the most popular,...

Monday, December 5, 2016

Two Florida men, one local arrested on drug and gun charges

Authorities arrested three men on various drug and gun charges Friday night after a traffic stop at the intersection of James and Workman Streets. According to arrest reports, Jermaine Antonio Godard, Charles Edward Fryar Jr. and Tyre Jaquan Newkirk were...

Gov. McCrory concedes

Update ---- Cooper responds to McCrory's concessionGov. Pat McCrory conceded the North Carolina governor's race in a video message this afternoon, throwing full support behind governor-elect Roy Cooper. In his statement, he said he believed that voters had spoken and...

ACE Team nets three arrests

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team arrested three people on various drug charges while working several areas of the county Saturday. An investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics in the Hickory Hills area of Wayne...

Charles B. Aycock High School automotive program wins second in national competition

The Charles B. Aycock High School automotive program wound up in second place in the national Quaker State "Best in Class Challenge." The school had been one of 55 schools in the nation vying for the opportunity to win...

Public asked to weigh in on tankers

Wayne County residents are being encouraged to attend a Thursday, Dec. 15, public hearing on the U.S. Air Force's proposal to base a reserve squadron of 12 of the new state-of-the-art KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air...

Kitty Askins moves back

Kitty Askins staff and patients, displaced since flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, are back home on Wayne Memorial Drive. Patients and staff returned Friday, said Mary Bartlett, vice president for finance and CFO at 3HC. The forced...

Angels in Wayne: U.S. Navy demonstration team Blue Angels visit SJAFB

The Blue Angels are one of only two flight demonstration squadrons in the American military, flying the F/A-18 Hornet in tight formations and performing acrobatic maneuvers at air shows all across the country.  On Friday, two Blue Angels arrived at...

Rain expected throughout the day, temperature highs in the upper 50s

There will be a chance of rain throughout the morning with the skies clearing up slightly for a partly sunny afternoon. The temperatures won't be as cool as they were over the weekend reaching in the upper 50s today. North...

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Fleeing Cuba: Local woman recalls Castro's rise

When Fe Finch learned of the passing of Fidel Castro, she spent most of the day crying. But not because he died. Memories of her early life in Cuba -- where her father and uncle had both been appointed by...

WCC recognizes students

Wayne Community College's Adult High School Program has honored three students for outstanding academic achievement. Bailey Jewel Evers and Manuela Braach Kenny were named to the honors list for the fall session. To be included on this list, students must...

Wayne County DOT workers honored

RALEIGH - Three employees from Wayne County Maintenance were recognized with the N.C. Department of Transportation's Extra Mile Award for rescuing trapped motorists during Hurricane Matthew. Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson presented the award to Clifton Merritt, Roger Peeden and Luther...

Wendy Snow Walker to be new leader at county's arts council

As the new director of the Arts Council of Wayne County, Wendy Snow Walker wants to really grow and increase the classes and other activities the group is now offering. The 47-year-old took over the position last month from Sarah...

Little Bank and Union Bank merge

The Little Bank and Union Bank have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and will operate under the Union Bank brand name, with headquarters in Greenville. The combined bank will have about $665 million in total assets and...

City council to hold public hearings on incentive grant and property fees

The Goldsboro City Council will hold public hearings Monday for a proposed economic incentive grant and property assessment fees for residents living at Balsam Place. City officials are considering a $25,000 economic incentive grant for Alta Foods, which plans...

Gingerbread creations: Annual contest entries include a barn, carousel and even one of downtown Goldsboro.

Creating a gingerbread carousel wasn't easy for Karin Thompson. While baking some of the dough into a cylinder shape, it turned into one big blob instead. The very last horse didn't want to stick to the carousel and kept falling...

Spirit in the streets

Chilly weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the hundreds who turned out for Christmas parades in Goldsboro, Fremont and Mount Olive Saturday, as people gathered along the streets to celebrate the season with their communities. The day...

FEMA centers begin to close

Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery centers closed Friday afternoon in Johnston and Lenoir counties. However, people can still call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or download the ReadyNC and FEMA mobile apps. Meanwhile FEMA officials say that volunteers...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Gail and Mike Lancaster, $200, in memory of Bobby Lancaster, Ruby Beamon and Brenda Beamon * Barbara Davis Howard, $50, in loving memory of my husband, J.D. Howard * Ann Thornton, $100, in memory of Mark H. Parks, Edwin...

DOT customer survey

RALEIGH - The North Carolina Department of Transportation has opened the department's second annual customer survey. All citizen feedback will be collected online. Citizens wishing to participate can visit go.ncsu.edu/customerservice2016. The survey takes 15 minutes to complete and the survey...

Hearing to be held on events ordinance

The public Monday morning will have the opportunity to comment on a proposal before Wayne County commissioners to establish a special events ordinance for the county. Should the ordinance be approved, commissioners are also expected to adopt a fee...

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Pikeville woman remembers fleeing Cuba

When Fe Finch learned of the passing of Fidel Castro, she spent most of the day crying.But not because he died.Memories of her early life in Cuba -- where her father and uncle had both been appointed by Castro as...

Eureka holds Christmas tree lighting ceremony

EUREKA -- Several hundred people attended the town of Eureka's first tree lighting ceremony on Friday night. "We just wanted to do something to bring this small community together," said Delores Gray, who along with her sisters Denise Ballance and...

Friday, December 2, 2016

Men charged for possession of two pounds of marijuana

Two men were charged with marijuana-related offenses Wednesday following an investigation by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.According to a press release, authorities received a drug complaint Wednesday involving 35-year-old Isaiah Lee Uzzell.Authorities then conducted surveillance on Uzzell, which led them...

Officials: GHS lockdown a drill

A lockdown at Goldsboro High School this morning was part of a practice drill, said Ken Derksen, director of communication services for Wayne County Public Schools. "That's something all of our schools do periodically throughout the school year," he told...

Shots fired into home on Herman Street

Someone fired several shots into a house on Herman Street with four people inside Wednesday night, according to a Goldsboro police report. The report said four people were inside the home at 409 S. Herman St. when ShotSpotter alerted...

Parades abound Saturday

Christmas parades will be held Saturday in Mount Olive, Fremont and Goldsboro. Pikeville will hold its parade Sunday at 3 p.m. The day of parades gets under way Saturday at 10 a.m. in Mount Olive followed by the Fremont...

Internet gaming sites begin to reopen

Internet sweepstakes businesses are starting to flash neon "Open" signs once again after being closed since late 2015 in the Goldsboro area. Two of the businesses are back in operation, one on North Berkeley Boulevard and another in the...

Empty Stocking Fund

* Elm Grove Church Ministries, $50 * Anonymous, $25 * Beatrice Newsome and Kay Newsome Cox, $25 * Eloise Helms, $25 * Kate and David Snodgress, $50, in memory of Elizabeth Reed * Mary Davis, $25, in memory of Martell...

Authorities search for suspect in Family Dollar armed robbery

Police are searching for a 6-foot-tall black man in his mid-20s in connection to Wednesday morning's armed robbery at the Family Dollar at 2529 E. Ash St. Maj. Anthony Carmon, head of the Goldsboro Police Department's Investigative Services Bureau, said...

Drug round-up sweeps through Mount Olive

Local law enforcement agencies joined forces in Mount Olive for a sweep of alleged drug dealers Thursday, resulting in 20 arrests. Wayne and Duplin County Sheriff's Office SWAT Teams; Goldsboro, Mount Olive and Warsaw Police Departments; and Wayne and Duplin...

Sunny skies for Saturday parades

The weather for Christmas parades across Wayne County on Saturday is expected to be sunny and brisk, as forecasters with the National Weather Service are calling for clear skies and temperatures in the mid 50s. Parades are scheduled for Mount...

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Unknown suspect sought in armed robbery

Police are searching for a six-foot-tall black man in his mid-20s in connection to Wednesday morning's armed robbery at the Family Dollar at 2529 E. Ash St. Maj. Anthony Carmon, head of the Goldsboro Police Department's Investigative Services Bureau, said...

UPDATE ON ELM STREET SEARCH: Search results in drug charges

Authorities executed a search warrant at 504 E. Elm St. Wednesday afternoon, which resulted in two arrests and the seizure of several ounces of marijuana. An undercover officer with the Goldsboro Police Department's VICE Unit said the warrant was executed...

Light and relief

Sharon Blount's laughter blends with the sounds of power tools and hammers as her home on Walnut Street undergoes long-overdue repairs. Volunteers from Weaverland Mennonite Disaster Services are hard at work removing and replacing severely damaged drywall in the...

Racial disparity at issue in schools

Wayne County Public Schools is taking a look at its lottery system and how students are selected to attend its two newest schools, Wayne School of Engineering and Wayne Early/Middle College High School. At issue - racial parity across the...

Councilman to pay thousands in back taxes

Goldsboro Councilman Antonio Williams has agreed to pay down thousands of dollars in back taxes to avoid the foreclosure of his Center Street property. Williams and Akeata Moore, owners of the 143 N. Center St. building, agreed in late...

78-year-old Goldsboro woman publishes a book

Twenty-six years ago, while lying in bed one morning, Sarah Newkirk Pearson heard a voice. Her eyes thrust open. She sprang up. Her right hand grabbed a pen; her left hand clutched a sheet of paper. "God spoke to...

I-95 closures ahead of peak holiday travel

The N.C. Department of Transportation will close a section of Interstate 95 during nighttime hours for bridge repair work. The Interstate, between mile marker 121 and 127 where the U.S. 264 and N.C. 97 exits are located in Wilson County,...

Temperatures to dip tonight

Skies were expected to begin clearing today as temperatures began to drop, although it is expected to continue to be unseasonably warm through the afternoon. The National Weather Service in Raleigh called for Goldsboro and Wayne County to experience highs...