Briefly
By Mike Rouse
Published in News on January 18, 2004 11:03 PM
Barbecue news
"He makes the bet and I pay the debt," said Wilber Shirley. He was talking about Gov. Mike Easley.
He was just joking, though. He didn't mind the governor putting up a mess of Wilber's barbecue in a bet with the governor of Pennsylvania. Easley bet the Carolina Panthers would beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football Conference's championship game tonight. The Pennsylvania governor, Edward Rendell, bet some Philly cheesesteaks and sandwiches that the Eagles would win.
Easley's ante included some barbecue from Lexington. It isn't wise politically to leave out one part of the state when you're dealing with barbecue.
Shirley was asked how much barbecue Easley had promised. He didn't know. But he said he hoped it wasn't enough to pay off Pennsylvania's state debt.
It wasn't. A check with the governor's office later revealed that it was just a pound, plus sauce and slaw.
The folks in the governor's office didn't know how many cheesesteaks were at risk.
Smith to talk to firemen
State Sen. Fred Smith of Johnston County will speak Tuesday during the annual Wayne County Firemen's Association banquet.
The event will be held in the Moose Lodge at 800 W. Mulberry St. starting at 7 p.m.
The annual G. Edgar Summerlin Award will be presented to the outstanding firefighter, and the outstanding auxiliary and auxiliary member will be honored.
New association and auxiliary officers will be installed, and perfect attendance and life memberships will be awarded. The county fire princess, Merry Wellons of Pinewood, also will perform.
Spay-neuter clinic
The Wayne County Humane Society will hold its spay-neuter clinic on Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at the Wayne County Public Library.
The clinic is an application process to offer financial help to low- or fixed-income families. To apply, a person needs to bring proof of income. Information: 736-PETS.