February 2004 archives

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Sunday, February 29, 2004

Architects present proposal for city hall renovation

Goldsboro council members got their first view last week of what the new City Hall will look like, and they liked what they saw. "This is exciting, and I think the citizens will like it," said Mayor Al King....

Norwayne Middle School student dies in house fire

A 12-year-old girl died in a house fire on Kimberly Lane shortly after midnight on Saturday morning. The house, located north of Goldsboro off of Stoney Creek Church Road, was engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived. They discovered...

Briefly

'Mockingbird' trivia Ashley Lane Parker of N.C. 111 South knew "nothing," which helped her win last week's "Wayne County Reads" trivia contest. The question was, what does it mean in "To Kill A Mockingbird" when someone is said to "buy...

Pyramid scheme alert

Wayne County authorities are warning residents and consumers not to take part in pyramid schemes being promoted as "gifting programs." Sheriff Carey Winders, Goldsboro Police Chief Tim Bell and District Attorney Branny Vickory issued a consumer alert Friday about the...

Public records

Break-ins The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating four cases of breaking and entering which occurred over the past few days. Griffin Exterminating Co., at 2208 N. William St., reported that a break-in Friday morning. Approximately $700 worth of merchandise was...

Mount Olive District Court

These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *John F. Williams, Charlie Braswell Road, Goldsboro, assault on a female, not guilty. *Tiffany Thornton, 16, Fields Drive, Mount Olive, communicating threats, not guilty. *Robert Dylan Benbow, 20, North Center...

Wayne County District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Daishaun Cornell Leak, 22, Astor Court, assault, not guilty; communicating threats, not guilty. *Jimmy McKeel, 38, South Tiffany Road, communicating threats and assault, not guilty. *Jimmy Ray Smith, 34, Norbert...

Goodman charged with falsifying reports

City Councilman William Goodman was charged Friday by the State Bureau of Investigation with falsifying expense reports while employed by the state Department of Correction, according to a report in the Raleigh News & Observer. Goodman was freed on a...

Friday, February 27, 2004

Mother Nature brings wintry mix

Snow buried Wayne County in a blanket of white Thursday, but the county was likely to escape a second round that piled up more snow today on areas east of Interstate 95. Snowfall amounts across the county ranged from...

Wayne has 3 auto industries

While the farming and government sectors of the Wayne County economy often get the most attention, there are three large car parts manufacturers here that have helped alleviate the economic downturn. The three companies -- Cooper-Standard Automotive, Uchiyama America...

Concert goes on

Concert will take place The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band will perform tonight at 7 at Mount Olive College as scheduled. Admission is by free ticket until 6:55. After that, anyone who arrives will be seated on a...

House fire cause still unknown

The cause of Thursday's fire that destroyed a home at 707 E. Spruce St. remains undetermined, a Goldsboro Fire Department official said today. Assistant Fire Chief Gary Whaley said he did not believe the fire was set. Whaley said...

United Way honors volunteers

Not even a snowstorm could stop United Way of Wayne County from honoring its volunteers. At its annual meeting Thursday, United Way presented the coveted Emil Rosenthal Award to Don Magoon, vice president of community investment. Presenting the award...

Public records

House destroyed by fire FREMONT -- A house that a family had planned to move into this weekend was destroyed Thursday night in a fire caused by an electrical failure, a Fremont fire official said today. The home at 210...

Duplin's strategic plan

The Duplin County commissioners plan to vote in April about adopting a strategic plan developed over the past two years by a committee and several subcommittees. The committees have been working since December 2002 on community buildings, education and...

Briefly

BRAC restrictions Military officials at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and other bases are restricted by the U.S. Department of Defense from providing specific details regarding the Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, while the DOD internal deliberation process is...

Thursday, February 26, 2004

Snow, lots.....

Snow, much more than anyone expected, began falling this morning and was quickly building up to the National Weather Service's promise of a major winter event. Instead of the rain mixed with sleet that had been forecast, the dynamics of...

City proposes more cleanup employees

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH -- A proposal from Goldsboro's city manager to hire three additional code enforcement officers to clean up the city wasn't denied by the council Wednesday, but members said they needed more information. "We can talk later about...

Broken window payoff

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH -- Goldsboro City Council members each paid $20 of their own money Wednesday to end an ongoing discussion about broken windows. For months, City Councilman Charles Williams has talked about windows broken by errant golf balls at...

House fire

A man escaped from a burning house this morning in Goldsboro during the snow storm. Witnesses say they heard the man yelling from inside his house, and he was unable to get out. He later emerged from the back of...

Educating educators about mold

Mold and asbestos. Two words that can send people into high gear. But there is a lot of misinformation out there, says the safety coordinator for Wayne County public schools. Allen Smith has been going to classes about the...

Gun lock program

Parents who have firearms can get free gun safety locks from the Goldsboro Police Department. The police got 600 safety locks this week from a federal grant. The Mount Olive Police Department also received 600 of the locks. Bob...

Mt. Olive officials ponder budget requests

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive town board members heard requests for more money from Public Works and Mount Olive Police departments during a workshop Thursday morning. Police Chief Emmett Ballree said he has lots of turnover in his department,...

Mt. Olive studies water loss

MOUNT OLIVE -- The town's water system is losing 37 percent of its water, the town board was told Thursday during a workshop. Some of Mount Olive's water mains are 100 years old. The valves are leaking on some...

Briefly

Job fair set More than 60 representatives from a variety of fields plan to be at a job fair at Wayne Community College next month. Technical and vocational occupations are the focus of the fair to be held Wednesday, March...

Public records

High-speed chase A 31-year-old man from Goldsboro was arrested before dawn today by Goldsboro police after a high-speed chase and charged with numerous traffic, weapons and drug offenses. Police Officer T.L. Collins said he saw a car speeding on Clingman...

Mockingbird Exhibit

People have the chance to relive or learn more about the 1960s thanks to a new exhibit at the Wayne County Museum. The exhibit called, "When the Mockingbird Landed: The Changing World of the Early '60s," opens today at...

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Goldsboro City Council on retreat

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH -- The Goldsboro City Council decided Tuesday on a fee schedule for 169 sewer customers that received service for as long as 12 years at no charge. The city is prepared now to estimate what those bills...

Jury tampering

A man on trial Tuesday in Wayne County Superior Court for drug offenses was returned to jail without bond after he and a woman friend allegedly asked a juror during lunch "to help us out." Judge Ernest B. Fullwood...

School officials admit to mold

School officials say they are handling any reports of mold and have measures in place to counteract the problem. Residents in northern Wayne County said they were concerned about problems in several schools Monday night during a community meeting...

Accident on Breazeale Avenue

Bobby Williams Mount Olive firemen work to free a passenger in a pick-up truck that was hit by a tractor-trailer about 4 p.m. on Tuesday at Breazeale Avenue and N.C. 55 in Mount Olive. Spring Creek High School senior...

Cattle producers hear new ID program

WILSON -- Cattle producers across the state will soon participate in a new animal identification program to help prevent the spread of diseases, like mad cow. The goal of the state program is to quickly trace the path of...

Fremont board wants grant for sewers

FREMONT -- Fremont is seeking a federal grant to pay off a $772,000 loan for sewer repairs and is hoping to get more money from the state. The town had applied to U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr. for...

Fremont sidewalk work begins after festival

FREMONT -- New sidewalks on the first block of East Main Street will not be constructed until after the annual Daffodil Festival. The sidewalks are part of the $431,000 project that includes renovating Town Hall, placing wires underground and...

Pate named to OLF board

RALEIGH -- A group charged with studying the effects of locating a landing field in eastern North Carolina will consist of government, environmental and military officials, Gov. Mike Easley said Tuesday. Troy Pate of Goldsboro has been selected to serve....

Briefly

Could this be 'in-sourcing'? A Goldsboro business got a mention in the Wall Street Journal this week, as an example of a Mexican company that has brought jobs to the United States. The article Monday spoke of Gruma Corp.'s purchase...

Public records

Home trashed An estimated $1,760 worth of damages was inflicted between Monday and Tuesday to furniture and other items in a home in the 4900 block of U.S. 117 Alternate near Dudley, a Wayne County sheriff's report said. The resident,...

Tuesday, February 24, 2004

Northern Wayne wants share of school plan

Northern Wayne County residents weighed in with school board members Monday night about getting their share of the proposed construction plan. Nearly 100 residents met at Charles B. Aycock High School for two hours, voicing concerns about the plan...

Mold problems being ignored by school officials

Schools in northern Wayne County have a mold problem that is being ignored by the school system, residents say. During a community meeting Monday night at Charles B. Aycock with the Board of Education about the proposed construction plan,...

Wreck survivor faces uncertain future

Twelve-year-old Sandra Reynoso remembers her last conversation with her family before they died, says a family friend. Sandra, who is in stable condition at Wayne Memorial Hospital, started remembering the accident, and the doctor had to tell her she's...

Several honored at livestock meeting

The Wayne County Livestock Development Association recognized several award winners, reflected on the past year and discussed what is ahead at its 56th annual meeting at the Wayne Center on Monday. Susan Sauls received the 2003 Wayne County Outstanding...

Wayne County Reads update

Lola Delbridge was too busy raising three children to read "To Kill A Mockingbird" when it first came out, and she never found time over the next decades. But the "Wayne County Reads" project prodded her to open the...

DSS seeks grant for Strive program

Wayne County Social Services is applying for a $200,000 grant to help parents who don't pay child support find jobs and keep them. Social Services officials are optimistic that the Strive employment program could make some of the absent...

Public records

Three hurt in wrecks Three drivers were injured in three recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *A driver was injured in a two-vehicle collision at 7:45 a.m. Monday on an entrance ramp to Dr. M.L. King Jr. Expressway,...

Briefly

Troops deploying The soldiers from the Charlie Medical Company of the 230th Support Battalion were scheduled to board a plane bound for Iraq this morning at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville. The North Carolina Army National Guard soldiers are...

Monday, February 23, 2004

Project Homestead; warnings unheeded

GREENSBORO -- In-dependent auditors for a non-profit homebuilder warned for six years against its sending top leaders on more than a dozen Caribbean cruises and giving employees cash advances. The warnings -- along with encouragement for Project Homestead to...

Survivor of crash still critical

Sandra Maldonado, 12, is in the intensive care unit of Wayne Memorial Hospital in critical condition, the only member of her family to survive a collision that occurred Saturday near Mount Olive. She was riding with her parents and sisters...

AcuScan in all hospital units

New electronic equipment to ensure that patients get accurate doses of medicine is now in use throughout Wayne Memorial Hospital. The equipment is based on bar codes. The hospital has been putting it into use for more than a...

Leak might threaten Mt. Olive plant

A state agency has released information on its website about a possible industrial plant in Mount Olive before the deal was completed. Now Wayne County's economic developers are waiting to see if there will be any repercussions from the...

Three Wayne youths get Congressional awards

Three Wayne County youths received Congressional Awards Thursday at a ceremony at the Wayne Center. They were Jonathan Stutts, Sarah Finch and Kate Nichols. Presenting the awards was Congressman Walter Jones. The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership created...

OPINION - Gene Price

How Elmer met Matt Elmer "Pappy" Simmons was one of Goldsboro's more affable characters of the last century. Until retirement, he served for many years as the superintendent of Goldsboro's streets. He also was one of the original members of...

Public records

Nine people injured in county collisions Nine people were injured and damages were estimated at $58,000 in six recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *A car ran off the right side of Spruce Street near Hollowell Street at...

Sunday, February 22, 2004

Seven Springs pleads to move library

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Wayne County library trustees said they would give more thought to allowing Seven Springs to move the library back into the main part of town. But they still are concerned about the potential for flooding. The...

Briefly

'Mockingbird' trivia In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the Finch children's aunt suggests their family is high class by showing them a book written by their cousin, Joshua St. Clair. Is that the cousin who was locked up for so long?...

Wedding earns award

Jason Wedding of the Goldsboro Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol has earned the Mitchell Award. This award honors the late Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, an aviation pioneer and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for the United...

Public record

Several break-ins reported The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a rash of break-ins that were reported Friday. Juanita Fay Phillips told deputies that a 19-inch television, VCR and six "Blue's Clues" tapes were taken from her home in the...

Who came up with 'The Garden Spot' for LaGrange?

LaGRANGE -- The great-granddaughter of the man credited with giving LaGrange its nickname "The Garden Spot" in the early 1900s has written a children's book honoring her family's history. Judith Shaw was born and reared in Brooklyn, N.Y., but...

Volunteers needed to help start inner-city baseball league

A plan to revive baseball and softball leagues for inner-city children is moving forward, needing only the help now of committed volunteers. "We're having a meeting Monday, and we want to see what kind of response and participation we...

Health Educator forms dance troup at GHS

When Kisha Floyd became a full-time health educator at Goldsboro High School, she did not envision her role would expand into advising a dance troupe. Amanda Cotton, a senior at the school, approached Ms. Floyd several months ago with...

Farm laborer group rallies in Goldsboro

Around 130 people demonstrated in Goldsboro on Saturday afternoon for better living and working conditions for immigrant laborers. The Farm Labor Organizing Committee, which wants to organize people who harvest cucumbers for Mt. Olive Pickle Co., held a rally...

Four killed in accident

Four people, including two children, were killed Saturday morning when their vehicle (pictured above) crashed near Mount Olive, turned over, landed on a junked car at a vacant house and caught on fire. The N.C. Highway Patrol identified the victims...

City could lose land from failed deal

Goldsboro may lose the undeveloped land in Harris Street Estates now that the developer, Project Homestead, is in bankruptcy. Moreover, the city might have to repay a sizable amount of money that it got from the state because the...

Community Lenten services to begin Wednesday

Wayne County residents of all denominations and races will once again gather for a series of midday services during Lent. The First Baptist Church on John Street will serve as the host church for the Community Lenten Services, which begin...

Medal of Honor recipients to attend museum event

The heroism of three Metal of Honor recipients from North Carolina is captured in a new book, and the men will gather next month to sign copies and tell their stories at the Wayne County Museum. The book, "Medal of...

Friday, February 20, 2004

Retreat

The Goldsboro City Council will spend two days at the coast next week discussing city issues. It's the council's annual retreat, and it will be held at the Sunspree Resort in Wrightsville Beach. Beginning at noon on Tuesday, the...

Bell ARC award

Cindy Bell, director of the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross, has received a regional award for her outstanding work. The Pride Award was presented to the director Thursday at a board meeting. News-Argus/Becky Barclay Teresa Williams,...

Senate candidate Richard Burr

Integrity. Security. Jobs. These are the three points U.S. Rep. Richard Burr hammers home as he makes the rounds these days campaigning for a seat in the U.S. Senate. The seat is held by Sen. John Edwards, who is...

Haithcock lawsuit

Worth T. Haithcock II, who stopped to help a stranded driver, then was struck by a passing vehicle and lost a leg in the collision, is suing the other driver for more than $10,000 for gross negligence. Haithcock, the son...

Ferrell gets Award

MOUNT OLIVE -- Milly Maxwell Ferrell is the Distinguished Service Award winner for 2003. She received the award Thursday night during the Mount Olive Jaycees' 52nd anniversary banquet at the Southern Wayne Country Club. Mrs. Ferrell's nominator described her...

Mock Press Conference

During a mock press conference Thursday, Wayne County 4-H'ers had the opportunity to get U.S. Rep. Walter Jones' opinions on a variety of subjects. Questions ranged from What can be done to reduce taxes? What can the government do...

Crime Stoppers helps capture man

The arrest of a man charged in a double murder in Wayne County was made possible because of an anonymous call to Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers. The tip led to the arrest of Christopher Lee Brown, 20, of Forest...

Public records

Hit with his own beer A Goldsboro man walking from a gas station and convenience store was assaulted with his own beer and robbed of $10 before dawn today, a Goldsboro police report said. Thomas McNeal, 51, told officers that...

Community Concert review

Strauss Damenkapelle was small in number, but mighty in talent. The six musicians and two singers earned a full standing ovation twice and a partial standing ovation once during their concert Thursday night at Wayne Community College. The performance...

Briefly

Student team advances A team from Eastern Wayne High School is one of four selected to compete on March 10 in the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association automotive technology competition in Burlington. Students James Israel and Tyler Sasser make up...

Black History Month banquet

The connection between Ghana and Goldsboro may get closer if a Georgia professor's message is heard this weekend. Dr. Joseph "Pete" Silver graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1971. Today he is vice president of Savannah State University and...

Thursday, February 19, 2004

Oppositional Defiant Disorder or just behaving badly?

Hearing that Bruce Moyer, the director of psychological services at Cherry Hospital, was going to talk about "oppositional defiant disorder," a friend of his quipped, "so you're going to be talking about bad kids, right?" Are people with diabetes...

Chamber Annual Meeting

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce recognized its outstanding members Wednesday during its annual meeting. Chamber officials reported that over 300 people attended the meeting at Walnut Creek Country Club. A television was placed in front of the room...

School forums rescheduled

The Community Forum for a Mount Olive high school has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 4. It will still be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Mount Olive Historic Assembly Hall, which once served as the old Mount Olive High...

Confederate group warns school board

The Sons of Confederate Veterans says it has warned the Wayne County Board of Education that its policy against students wearing Confederate-themed clothing could have legal consequences. In a letter Monday, Roger W. McCredie of Asheville, a member of...

Ugly business signs

The city's appearance continued to dominate a zoning discussion this week, as Goldsboro council members recommended imposing stricter standards for business signs. City Councilman Chuck Allen said that even though the city has regulations on the size of a...

Calypso homebound meals

CALYPSO -- Meals on Wheels will be rolling toward Calypso soon. The town is about five volunteers away from having its own route of food deliveries to its home-bound residents. The Duplin County Services for the Aged delivers meals...

Carver Heights hear Ghana speaker

Fourth- and fifth-graders at Carver Heights Elementary School learned about Ghana, West Africa, this week as part of Black History Month. Ken Duah, a pastor from Ghana, visited a classroom and spoke during an assembly at the local school. He...

WCC Scholarship Ceremony

The Foundation of Wayne Community College recognized its scholarship recipients and donors in its annual scholarship awards ceremony at the college. More than 300 students who received scholarships for the fall 2003 and spring 2004 semesters had the opportunity to...

Briefly

School schedule change Make-up days and a change in high school graduations have been announced for students in Wayne County public schools. Three days were missed due to ice on Jan. 26, 27 and 28. The days chosen by the...

Public records

Property stolen from home An estimated $12,245 worth of property, including firearms, jewelry and entertainment equipment, was stolen Wednesday after a window was smashed at a home in the 100 block of Lakewood Drive near Dudley, a Wayne County sheriff's...

Airman found dead

An airman from the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was found dead in his room on base quarters Wednesday morning. The cause of death is under investigation by the Seymour Johnson Office of Special...

HD Web Site for teens

The Board of Health said it supports a proposal to develop a Web site targeting teens in Wayne County. At its meeting on Wednesday, Health Director James Roosen asked the board to consider using existing resources at the Health...

Child Care Conference

Child-care providers who have not signed up for the "Preparing Children for Success" conference can still register on site at Wayne Community College on Saturday. The regional conference runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $20. The...

Cherry sponsors nursing scholarships

A scholarship program has been launched at Wayne Community College to recruit nurses to Cherry Hospital. Cherry has given $25,000 to the college's foundation for scholarships to entice nurses into the field of psychiatric medicine. In return, recipients will...

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Movie theater race tightens

The race between two movie theaters intent on locating in Goldsboro is tightening. The City Council approved a subdivision plan for the site of a proposed 12-screen theater off the Martin Luther King Expressway, near the Best Western Motel...

Grantham break-ins

Two employees at Grantham Supply saw a couple walking Tuesday behind the store with bags and went outside to check on them. The couple ran away. Ted Grantham, also a Grantham volunteer fire chief, chased and caught the man,...

Perdue states military's importance

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue speaks Tuesday with Troy Pate, co-chairman of the N.C. Advisory Commission on Military Affairs, at the Goldsboro Rotary Club meeting. Not everyone in North Carolina understands the importance of the state's military bases,...

Metal detectors at school not related to attack

Metal detectors were set up at the entrances to Spring Creek High School today, but officials say it was not in response to a girl being cut with a razor blade. A 15-year-old girl was cut Tuesday with a razor...

Bell seeks re-election

Wayne County Commis-sioner John Bell announced Tuesday that he will seek re-election in District 3. Bell is proud of the board's accomplishments in the past four years, which include the creation of a countywide emergency medical services system. Bell "I...

County begins discussion of animal shelter

A modern, sanitary and safe animal shelter probably would cost as much as $1 million, Wayne County officials say. County Manager Lee Smith believes the animal control task force, which requested the million-dollar budget, was close to the cost...

Landfill location still unknown

Somewhere around the middle of Duplin County a new landfill is going to be built. Nobody will know exactly where until engineers finish their investigation of five potential sites, county officials say. First, they have to get permission from...

Briefly

Oh, deer! Pat Nunn of Goldsboro says she thought Friday the 13th was the day you're supposed to see a black cat, but instead she saw two deer crossing in front of her while she was on Berkeley Boulevard. She...

Rallies rescheduled

Two public rallies to discuss community high schools in Grantham and Mount Olive canceled due to Tuesday's pending weather will be rescheduled. A date has not been set for the Grantham rally, and the public forum in Mount Olive...

Public records

Teacher dies LA GRANGE -- A sixth-grade teacher at Frink Middle School was killed Sunday in a traffic collision on U.S. 117 in southern Wilson County. Shonté Nicole Edmundson, 24, of LaGrange, was making a left turn onto Church Loop...

Honor Farfour, but uphold city policy

The man known as "Mr. Tennis" throughout the state will be honored by the Goldsboro City Council, but city policy prohibits the council from naming city tennis courts after him. In October, the Goldsboro Tennis Association sent a letter...

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

Snow or no?

From staff and AP reports Pennsylvania's groundhog knew the sad truth when it saw its shadow earlier this month, signifying six more weeks of winter. At least that's how it's going to be today and Wednesday before more seasonable weather...

Annexation target date set

The city's planners outlined the services Goldsboro will provide to areas proposed for annexation in a special report Monday. The areas, on the east and west sides of Salem Church Road and the north and south sides of Buck...

Gateway orders bus shelters

The Goldsboro-Wayne Transpor-tation Authority decided Monday to postpone decisions about route changes until it hires a private company to run the transportation system, and gave its approval to order bus shelters. Gateway began considering hiring a private contractor to...

Chance files for Clerk

Wayne County Register of Deeds John Chance announced Monday that he intends to run election this year. Chance Chance, a Democrat, was chosen by his party to serve out the last year of the unexpired term of Debbie Lane. Mrs....

Rebuilding Broken Places gives report

A faith-based community development organization has brought in over $5 million to the local economy in the past few years and is continuing to expand its programs. That's what Goldsboro council members learned Monday about Rebuilding Broken Places Community...

Appalachian Symphony in free performance

The Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of former Goldsboro resident James Allen Anderson, will present a concert at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Dillard School, weather permitting. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The orchestra is an 80-plus...

Mt. Olive school rally postponed

Mount Olive High School rally postponed MOUNT OLIVE -- A rally planned tonight for residents who support a Mount Olive High School has been postponed because of the weather to Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Mount Olive Historic Assembly...

Tuesday Briefly

Business course offered for people who speak Spanish A free business development course is being offered for Wayne County residents who speak Spanish, with child care and transportation also covered. Budding entrepreneurs from surrounding counties can have all costs except...

Construction stalled

KENANSVILLE -- Construction delays have finally ended for Duplin Commons, with the commissioners awarding contracts worth $11 million. The Duplin County commissioners voted Monday to award the contracts to start building the agricultural office building and the multipurpose arena...

Public records

Man robbed A 33-year-old Goldsboro man said he was robbed early Sunday of $500 and other property, according to a Goldsboro police report filed Monday. Victor Jose Lopes Magdalena told police that two men, one armed with a knife, approached...

Monday, February 16, 2004

Weather

Wayne County missed much of the wintry precipitation forecast for overnight and woke up to find just a dusting of snow and blustery winds. The next round could be a different story, however. The National Weather Service is calling...

New animal shelter plan

The Wayne County commissioners will begin discussions Tuesday on the new animal shelter, which could be under construction later this year. The county board has two decisions to make -- how much it's willing to spend and where the...

School system explores emergency plan

Wayne County public schools are exploring ways to more quickly alert parents in emergencies. The facilities committee of the school board heard two presentations last week from companies that have systems to improve communication and school safety. The plans...

Chief's home burns

Friday the 13th was not a good day for Indian Springs Fire Chief Leroy Blizzard. He had just returned from an uneventful business trip, and then his house at 2727 Indian Springs Road caught on fire. "We have a...

Gene Price column -- A little history

It was in the depths of the Great Depression. Young James H. Askins had just come out of Clemson University with a brand new degree and dismal prospects for employment. He accepted a job with a Timmonsville, S.C., casket manufacturer,...

ARC yard sale

One of the many events the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is having for its Heroes Campaign will be a giant yard sale March 6. It will be held inside the chapter house from 7 a.m....

Base waste hearing

There will be a public hearing concerning the draft hazardous waste renewal permit for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base on March 23 at 11 a.m. in the Goldsboro City Hall Anteroom at 214 N. Center St. All attendees will...

Public records

Crime of the Week A car theft has been chosen by Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers as its latest "Crime of the Week." A blue, two-door 1989 Ford Probe was stolen Friday from a driveway in the 1900 block of Rose...

Sunday, February 15, 2004

Flooded land revived as outdoor classroom for forestry students

Four years after the Neuse River spilled over its banks and destroyed a neighborhood south of Goldsboro, Wayne Community College students have begun bringing the land back to life. Forestry students are converting 31 acres off Bryan Boulevard into...

Crowd says farewell to National Guard

FAYETTEVILLE -- A large crowd filled the Crown Coliseum on Thursday to bid farewell to nearly 5,000 soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard's 30th Heavy Separate Brigade, which includes members from Wayne County. The 230th Support Battalion is...

After three decades, Senior Companions' mission still the same

By PHYLLIS MOORE News-Argus Staff Writer 1974. Eight-track tapes, the year Richard Nixon resigned from office, the 55 mph speed limit was introduced, and the Vietnam War ended. Just a few flashbacks introduced on Friday as WAGES Senior Companions marked...

Couple plans Valentine wedding

Valentine's Day is almost here -- a time when sweethearts celebrate their special love. Couples who are engaged celebrate a new love. Couples who have been married for years celebrate a long-lasting love. One couple celebrating a new love...

School board continues work on building plan

The school board is closer than it has ever been to getting its construction plan in motion, say some board members. "We're a whole lot closer to seeing some brick and mortar going up," said board Vice Chairman Lehman...

City to get tougher on portable signs

The city is looking for signs. Literally, that is. After a zoning ordinance review meeting last week, the city has renewed its intentions to make sure portable signs and other signs don't clutter the rights of way on city...

Annexation report on its way to Goldsboro City Council

The Goldsboro City Council will receive an annexation report at Monday night's council meeting. The report will outline the area to be annexed and show that it meets the legislative standards to be annexed. At the council's last meeting on...

Soldier focused on preparing Iraq for eventual self-rule

Capt. Adlai Wood of Goldsboro is one of the U.S. Army soldiers who have spent months helping to rebuild Iraq so the country can establish its own government. He is stationed with the 1-37 Armored, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored...

Ceremony marks start of new facility for Boys & Girls Club

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive might have a new Boys & Girls Club next to the old Carver School by the time children get out of school for the summer. That was the expectation expressed during a groundbreaking ceremony...

Girl Scout cookies arrive by the thousands

Girl Scout moms loaded some of the 100,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies from the dock of Security Storage on U.S. 117. They were picking up the orders for their troops in Wayne and Greene counties. Not many Girl...

Public record

Pedestrian hit Anthony Gray, 17, of Hopkins Street, was treated and released at Wayne Memorial Hospital Friday afternoon after he walked into the path of a car driven by Elaine Davis Coats of Pinkey Church Road, Fremont. About $100 damage...

Arts Council plans two-day drawing workshop

The Arts Council of Wayne County will sponsor "Tips, Tricks and Techniques," a two-day drawing workshop for adults, on Wednesday and Thursday, March 17 and 18, at the Arts Council of Wayne County. The sessions are being taught by Jill...

Friday, February 13, 2004

Farewell

News-Argus/Sam Atkins Pfc. Jacob Bowen, far right, with the 230th Support Battalion Headquarters Company, joined his family after the farewell ceremony in Fayetteville. He is stationed in Goldsboro. From left are his mother Susan, brother Sean, dad Tom, brother...

Crowd says farewell to National Guard

FAYETTEVILLE -- A large crowd filled the Crown Coliseum on Thursday to bid farewell to nearly 5,000 soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard's 30th Heavy Separate Brigade, which includes members from Wayne County. The 230th Support Battalion is...

Couple plans Valentine wedding

Valentine's Day is almost here -- a time when sweethearts celebrate their special love. Couples who are engaged celebrate a new love. Couples who have been married for years celebrate a long-lasting love. One couple celebrating a new love...

School board continues work on building plan

The school board is closer than it has ever been to getting its construction plan in motion, say some board members. "We're a whole lot closer to seeing some brick and mortar going up," said board Vice Chairman Lehman...

United Way receives gift

The United Way of Wayne County received a special Valentine's Day greeting from the Goldsboro plant of Cooper Industries' Cooper Bussmann division and the Cooper Crouse-Hinds plant at LaGrange. It was a check for $9,559 to match all the 2003...

Public records

Armed men rob bakery, workers Three men, two armed with handguns, robbed a Hispanic bakery Thursday night and fled with $2,000 in cash and $6,500 in prepaid telephone calling cards, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office report. The store...

EWM teachers receive grants

Two Eastern Wayne Middle School teachers have been selected to receive national grants funded by the Aerospace Education Foundation. Beverly Boltinhouse and Wilson Mewborn were two of only four North Carolina teachers chosen for the 2004 Educator Grants. The teachers...

Briefly

Perdue to visit Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue is scheduled to speak next week at the Goldsboro Rotary Club. The club meets Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Goldsboro Country Club. A buffet lunch costs $5. The public is invited. Ms....

School raises $11,000 for heart

Schools across the county and the country participated in Jump Rope for Heart this week to support the American Heart Association. Eastern Wayne Elementary School students raised more than $11,000 for the cause. Terry Butler, physical education specialist at...

Schools plan to comply with grease trap rule

Wayne County school officials say they have known about the need for grease traps since last year and are complying with the city's request to have them at 16 schools in the system. At a meeting of the school...

Correction -- Barratt promoted

Information about Deputy Ian Barratt, one of the six Wayne County sheriff's officers recently promoted, was inadvertently omitted from Wednesday's issue. Barratt was promoted to sergeant in the civil division. The information should have read: Barratt, a Southern Wayne High...

Thursday, February 12, 2004

New Air Force uniform?

Associated Press U.S. Air Force personnel model the old camouflage style uniform, left, and a new model at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on Wednesday. About 100 people at the base will wear test the new uniform, developed at...

Strategic plan seeks to make N.C. the most military-friendly state

A strategic plan for making North Carolina the most military-friendly state in the nation was presented Wednesday to the N.C. Advisory Commission on Military Affairs. The commission, meeting in Goldsboro, established four committees to develop the plan of how...

Civic center estimated to cost $15 million to $18 million

Goldsboro and county officials learned more Wednesday about what kind of civic center should be built, what it would cost and how long it would take to build it. Consultant Ken Betsch of Design Strategies of Greenville, S.C., said...

Wayne sees some snow but mostly rain

A storm that was expected to leave another coating of snow across North Carolina on Thursday fizzled into a more manageable mix of rain and snow. Wayne County residents saw a sloppy wet morning. As of this morning, any...

Sports memorabilia auction to be part of Red Cross Heroes auction

Sports enthusiasts who collect memorabilia will have the opportunity to bid on items such as basketballs, baseballs, bats and books signed by sports legends at an auction March 18. The memorabilia auction is part of the Wayne County Chapter...

Rosewood Elementary sponsors Character Week

What started as a class activity at Rosewood Elementary School has blossomed into a schoolwide project. Now, second-graders are asking the community to also join in promoting positive character traits. Students in Wendy Hair's class are calling the five-day initiative...

Public records

Internet fraud A 21-year-old woman trying to sell her car on the Internet was flimflammed out of $4,800, according to a report from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. The Goldsboro woman told deputies that she had corresponded with a man...

Mount Olive Chamber seeks better business climate

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce will develop a check list to help new business owners navigate government regulations. The chamber's board of directors set this and several other goals Wednesday during its annual planning session,...

Briefly

Principals and pancakes Wayne County public school leaders plan to show off their cooking skills later this month to raise money for a good cause. The Wayne County Chapter of the Principals and Assistant Principals Association will sponsor a pancake...

Man charged with impersonating officers

A Charlotte man was arrested Wednesday and charged with impersonating a Goldsboro police detective and flimflamming a couple out of $4,000. Charles Henry Arms, 63, also was charged with second-degree kidnapping, breaking and entering and larceny. He was accused of...

Seven Springs urged to move on church plans

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Town board members were urged Wednesday to move ahead with plans to bring Town Hall and the library down the hill. After the flood in 1999, town offices and the library branch were relocated to the...

Financial assistance is available for farmers

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible producers affected by natural disasters. This federally-funded program covers noninsurable crop losses. Growers of noninsurable crops have only until Feb. 28 to apply for risk protection coverage for crop...

GFD puts out four major fires

The Goldsboro Fire Department put out four major structure fires among the 172 fire and service calls that it answered in January. Damages were estimated at $60,600 from the four fires, Chief Bobby Greenfield said in his monthly report....

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Meeting the President

Ashley Parvin, Southern Wayne High School senior, talks with President George Bush during her visit to Washington, D.C., as part of the Presidential Classroom. For more information see SW student chosen for D.C. Leadership....

Wayne poultry leaders wait and see

Tests confirmed avian flu on a second central Delaware farm, a surprise that creates a "serious situation" for the region's poultry industry, state agriculture officials announced Tuesday. The discovery was sure to hurt efforts to lift bans by foreign...

Work begins to clean Slocumb Street

The slovenly appearance of Slocumb Street has improved over the past two days, since prison inmates began picking up trash, but there is still work to be done. Much of the trash piled on the side of the road...

Civic center planning progresses

Wayne County and Goldsboro officials were to meet today with a consultant to discuss the next step in the civic center process. Design Strategies of Greenville, S.C., was hired by the city in September and has spent the last...

Paving contract for U.S. 117

The N.C. Board of Transportation has awarded a $12.6 million contract to complete the vast majority of the new U.S. 117. The state board voted last week to give the contract to the S.T. Wooten Corp. of Wilson for...

Embezzlement charged

A 44-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday by Wayne County sheriff's officers and charged with embezzling more than $100,000 from her former employer, Pate-Dawson Co. of Goldsboro. Delilah Dickerson of Red Hill Road, Fremont, was arrested after Pate-Dawson Co. had filed...

Police impersonator investigation

WILSON -- A man charged with impersonating a police officer is being investigated in five other towns in eastern North Carolina, including Goldsboro, Wilson police said. Charles Henry Arms, 63, of Charlotte, is charged with five counts of impersonating...

Sheriff promotes 6

Six more people will have new jobs with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office after the final round of promotions. Sheriff Carey Winders has announced these changes: *Deputies Robert Chunn, Michael Reid and Christopher M. Bezio were promoted to detective...

SW student chosen for D.C. Leadership

A Southern Wayne High School senior turned a trip to Washington into an opportunity to meet two presidents and chat with other dignitaries. Ashley Parvin, 17, of Mount Olive was chosen to attend the Presidential Classroom program in law...

Briefly

Snow possible Wet snow mixed with rain is possible in Wayne and surrounding counties overnight and into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service is predicting just a mix of rain and snow in Wayne with the potential of 2 to...

Public records

Deputy puts out fire A Wayne County sheriff's deputy on routine patrol Tuesday saw thick smoke coming from a mobile home, then went inside, made sure the residents were safe and put out the fire with an extinguisher. Deputy Chuck...

Alleged murderer pleads guilty

KENANSVILLE -- A man charged with killing a woman and burning her car near Faison has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Duplin County Superior Court. Jimmy Lee Cashwell, 34, also pleaded guilty to felony burning of personal property when...

"For Children" magnets

Soon, blue ribbons will be popping up on cars all over Wayne County. They are being sold by the Wayne County For Children Council as part of a campaign to stop child abuse and neglect. The magnets are dark...

Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Code enforcer

News-Argus/Matt Shaw Wayne County code enforcement officer Julian Nelms is on the lookout for signs in mobile home parks that identify lot numbers. The county is now reviewing 203 rental parks for compliance with its ordinance. For more information...

Base ads $800 million to economy

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base affects nearly 15,000 employees and contributes $800 million to the state's economy, according to a new study. The study was prepared for the N.C. Advisory Commission on Military Affairs, which makes recommendations to the...

Clean Water Grant to aid base

The N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund gave preliminary approval Monday to a $2.3 million project to restore wetlands near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The proposal is to buy 500 undeveloped acres, nearly all of which is in...

Inspecting mobile home parks

People may think of mobile home parks as dirty, nasty, even dangerous. They have had good reason, Julian Nelms figures. Last week Nelms, Wayne County's code enforcement officer, drove through some parks and pointed out why some have a...

Mapping county vision

Wayne County officials spent three hours Monday defining a vision for public schools, economic development and quality of life issues for the area. And they all agreed that it would be difficult to move forward without public involvement and...

Mockingbird panel

Organizers of "Wayne County Reads" hoped to get people reading and then talking about what they read. So far so good. Around 80 people came to Wayne Community College Monday night for the panel discussion of "To Kill A...

Talking trash

Goldsboro City Council members spent some time during a zoning review meeting Monday talking trash, and trying to get something done about it. Councilman Bob Waller wanted to know if there was something enforceable in the existing ordinances that...

New MRI scanner

Wayne Memorial Hospital has received conditional approval from the state for a second MRI scanner. William Paugh, hospital president, told the board of directors today that the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services approved the request for a...

Briefly

New election dates Following Monday's postponement of the primary elections, the Wayne County Board of Elections has a new schedule for this year. The filing period for local and state candidates opens at noon Monday, April 26, and closes at...

Public records

Man wanted for crimes A 40-year-old man with relatives in Wayne County is wanted by authorities in Berks County, Pa., after being tried and convicted in absentia of several aggravated sexual assaults and sentenced to 21 to 42 years in...

United Way incentive

United Way has added something new to its 2004 campaign -- a chance for donors to win a brand new car. As a campaign incentive this year, Goldsboro Chrysler Dodge Jeep has donated a Dodge Dakota, worth about $15,000,...

Monday, February 9, 2004

Messy Street

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Cars, some unlicensed, are parked in front of a garage on Slocumb Street. Several are in the right-of-way. For more information see Trash lines Slocumb Street....

Rhodes drops appeal

Former Goldsboro Councilman J.B. Rhodes has dropped an appeal of his election defeat to Jimmy Bryan. The decision ends a three-month process that involved recounts and overturned results. It also clears the way for Bryan, who was sworn in...

Trash lines Slocumb Street

Goldsboro's elected officials say they are getting fed up with the dismal appearance of the city and want something done about littered streets. High on their list of priorities is Slocumb Street. "It's deplorable out there," said Mayor Al...

Centenarian educator dies

James H. Carney Sr., who died at the age of 101 on Thursday at his home in Goldsboro, had dedicated his life to education, and in 1972, he became the first black person elected to the Wayne County Board of...

West wins award

RALEIGH -- A Wayne County family that has farmed acres of cropland since before the Civil War has received a state award. The family of Jerry West accepted the 2003 Tobacco Farm Family of the Year award Friday at...

Filing periods and primaries delayed by state

The State Board of Elections decided this morning to postpone North Carolina's primary election until July 20, because federal judges haven't finished reviewing proposed new districts for General Assembly seats. The filing period for state and local offices, which...

The one-liners

Dr. William Friday, president emeritus of the University of North Carolina, loves a one-liner. And when he interviewed Carl Kasell at Walnut Creek Country Club for his "North Carolina People" public television series, Kasell accommodated him in grand fashion. Kasell,...

Public records

Tip leads to car break-in arrest A 41-year-old man from Greenville was arrested Sunday by Goldsboro police after a citizen reported a vehicle break-in at a restaurant parking lot on North Spence Avenue. Darrell Delon Cooke was charged with breaking...

Wayne Memorial Hospital

Debbie Phillips has been appointed director of health services at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Her duties include the management of units on second floor east and west in addition to the sixth and seventh floors. Mrs. Phillips has been an employee...

Correction

An article in the Sunday Briefly column on the Potter's Wheel Ministries fire gave the incorrect phone number for Mark Thomas. The correct number is 736-2438....

Sunday, February 8, 2004

On North Carolina People

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Dr. William Friday, left, and Carl Kasell at event Friday night.. For more information see Carl Kasell honored....

Filing period may be delayed

Robins are said to be the first sign of spring. People interested in another season -- Election Season -- will have their eyes on Raleigh Monday. The State Board of Elections will meet at 10 a.m. to decide whether...

Carl Kasell honored

Dr. William Friday and the production crew of "North Carolina People" arrive at the Walnut Creek Country Club to do something they don't normally do: Tape an episode of the UNC-TV series in front of a live audience. The...

Municipal election won't change

The controversy over state legislative maps will not affect the District 6 municipal race scheduled for March 23. Danny Roseborough and Jackie Warrick will face off in the new election for the district that covers eastern Goldsboro. District 6...

School Counselors make awards

A student who couldn't speak English. A football player and class president who works 30 hours a week as his mother battles cancer. A homecoming princess who was the sole survivor in a car accident that claimed the lives...

Advertising paying off

The right kind of exposure, and good advertising, is beginning to pay off for Goldsboro, says Travel and Tourism Director Marlise Taylor. Not only are the occupancy rates at hotels steadily increasing, but interest in the Wayne County area...

Human Relations Awards Banquet

A District Court judge will speak at the 30th annual Human Relations Award banquet, to be held Feb. 21 at the Goldsboro Country Club. Judge Addie Rawls, District Court judge for Johnston, Harnett and Lee counties, was first appointed to...

Business seminars planned

The Business and Industry Center of Wayne Community College and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will present these free seminars in the college's Dogwood Building, room 145: *"How to talk so others will listen," presented by Kathy Sprau on...

Wayne Men and Women in the Military

Melissa Knight Melissa L. Knight graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base. She also completed technical school training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and has been assigned to Health Services Management, 48th Medical Operations SQ,...

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151, extension 336, for more information....

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Odell Kareem Copeland, 23, South Baker Street, Eureka, possession of cocaine, 56 days active, four to five months suspended, 24 months supervised probation (six months intensive...

Student News

Ryan Lewis has been selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law to be held in Washington D.C. on Feb. 17-22. Lewis will join approximately 350 high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement and...

Public record

Drug arrests As a result of an investigation conducted by the Goldsboro/Wayne County Drug Squad, a man has been arrested on felony drug violations. Michael Shayne Lee, 27, Rose Street, was arrested Friday following a vehicle stop on Jefferson Street....

Briefly

County tab A 16-page tabloid publication describing Wayne County government is being distributed with today's News-Argus. The tab describes the functions of the various county departments and includes comments form department heads. The content was provided solely by the county....

Friday, February 6, 2004

Duplin fire

Bobby Williams Fire destroyed a pallet plant in Duplin County Thursday night. For more information see Potters Wheel fire....

Robbers sentenced

Four men who took part in a week-long string of armed robberies and were captured by Sheriff Carey Winders were sentenced Thursday to four to 14 years in prison. A female accomplice also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit...

Potters Wheel fire

MOUNT OLIVE -- Fire destroyed a pallet plant at a drug rehabilitation center near Summerlin's Crossroad in Duplin County Thursday night. One narrow path giving access to the Potter's Wheel eight miles east of Mount Olive slowed the seven fire...

Relay chairman knows from experience

Patricia Warren is a three-year cancer survivor who has been through the physical and emotional horrors of the deadly disease. Now, as honorary chairman of the Wayne County Unit of the American Cancer Society's 2004 Relay for Life, she's...

Two die in collision

PRINCETON -- Two people were killed Thursday night in a head-on collision about four miles west of Princeton on U.S. 70 near Holt's Pond, according to the state Highway Patrol. Rodney Britt, 33, of Goldsboro, and Floyd Long, 42, of...

School board incumbents

Three school board members have announced they will seek re-election for another four-year term. Pete Gurley, Shirley Sims and Thelma Smith's terms end in November. The filing period is scheduled to start Monday. Pete Gurley, chairman of the Board...

Internet voting scrapped

From staff and AP reports The Pentagon has scrapped plans for an Internet voting system for overseas U.S. citizens, including Wayne County residents, this fall because of concerns about its security. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz made the decision to...

Briefly

Severe weather Wayne and other counties east of Interstate 95 could see isolated severe thunderstorms late this afternoon through the evening as a strong front moves over the state. A mix of warm air and a cold front moving in...

Upset with Waste Industries

FAISON -- Some residents are upset with Waste Industries for taking their recyclable items to the dump. It's time for the town of Faison to renew its contract with its garbage hauler, Waste Industries. The company has been taking...

Tyndalls endowment

A retired Goldsboro couple has a rather novel idea for a 50th wedding anniversary gift this year: scholarship money to entice students to teach in Wayne County. Dr. and Mrs. Durwood Tyndall recently donated $25,000 to Wayne Community College...

Rotary Scholarship

FREMONT -- The Fremont Rotary Club, in conjunction with other Rotary clubs in northeastern North Carolina, is offering the opportunity to local teachers and other professionals or public servants who work with the Hispanic population to apply for a three-month...

Public records

Drug charges Two men from Goldsboro were arrested Thursday by the Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad and charged with numerous felony drug violations in their homes. Thomas C. Griffin, 24, of Bobwhite Lane was charged with one count each of possession...

Apollo Show Set for Feb. 12

Student talent will be showcased in The Apollo Show at Wayne Community College on Thursday. The public is invited to the show at 2 p.m. in Moffatt Auditorium on campus. Admission is $1. The program is modeled on the amateur...

Thursday, February 5, 2004

Barn, antique cars destroyed

News-Argus/Brent Hood Elroy volunteer firefighters spray water into an open window Wednesday as flames engulf a barn on U.S. 70 East. The barn and several antique cars were destroyed. Elroy Fire Chief Steve Mozingo said the cause of the...

Crime rate down

Police Chief Tim Bell had good news and bad news about crime last year in Goldsboro. The good news was that the overall crime rate declined by 8 percent, he said, but the bad news was that violent crime...

EDC sets goals

The Wayne County Economic Development Commission made plans Wednesday for a busy 2004. Despite the news this week that Goldsboro is rated the fourth most attractive area in North Carolina for economic development, the commission cannot afford to rest,...

Endless zoning

It doesn't just seem like the Goldsboro City Council has been discussing zoning issues for years: It has. And if the pace the council has set for reviewing the proposed ordinance is any indication, it may continue to discuss...

Top industrialist

WARSAW -- Dan Blackshear, president of Carolina Turkey Co., is the 2003 Industrialist of the Year. The Duplin County Economic Development Commission honored Blackshear with the award Wednesday during the 17th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon at the Country Squire....

County gets audit

Strict budgeting has allowed Wayne County to halt a trend of cutting into its savings, officials say. At its meeting Tuesday, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners received copies of the annual audit. Nunn Brashear & Co. examined the...

T-shirt design contest

Wayne County artists have the chance to show their skills and participate in a T-shirt design contest. The Waynesborough Historical Village is sponsoring the contest, which is open to all art students and artists in the county. The purpose...

Fox hunt this month

ALBERTSON -- This is the month of the annual fox hunt. The Washington's Day Fox Hunt will be Feb. 21 at the Albertson Ruritan Community Building on N.C. 111 at Albertson. Fox hunts were popular in the 1940s when...

Briefly

Human Relations Award Banquet is Feb. 21 The Community Affairs Commission, in conjunction with Wayne County government, will hold its 30th annual Human Relations Award Banquet this month. The event will be on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at...

Public records

Drug roundup Seven people were arrested Wednesday by the Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad and charged with felony drug violations after an investigation and search of a home in the 400 block of East Chestnut Street. The resident, Demarci Earl Davis,...

NoonLiting weight loss program

A weekly support group formed this week for co-workers and friends fighting the "losing battle" of extra weight. The 15-week nutrition and wellness program will focus on weight management, food selection and preparation, and the importance of exercise. Its...

James Sprunt classes

KENANSVILLE -- The Continuing Education Department at James Sprunt Community College has announced the following classes: *Two step aerobic classes are being offered at Wallace Rose Hill High School, either Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. or Tuesday and Thursday...

FSU lunch

The Fayetteville University Chancellor's Luncheon, sponsored by the Gold-Wayne Chapter of FSU Alumni, will be held Saturday at Lane Tree Golf Club. Dr. T.J. Bryan, FSU chancellor, will speak. Dr. Bryan is the first woman elected by the University of...

Wednesday, February 4, 2004

Nationally certified

Wayne County teachers who earned National Board Certification are, front row, from left, Pamela Beaman, Rachel Jones, Lynn Collins, Sonia Jordan and Beth Jorgensen; middle row, Sharon Dentzer, Sheila McCullen, Vivian Lamm and Annita Rao; and back row, Dawn...

Goldsboro among top 50

The Wayne County Economic Development Commission announced Tuesday that Goldsboro has been ranked 36th in Expansion Magazine's sixth annual "America's Hottest Cities" for business expansion or relocation. Expansion Magazine, a trade publication in economic development, asked 70 site selection consultants...

Methamphetamine a growing problem

Wayne County is starting to see the spread of an illegal drug that's both dangerous to users and to the community, a sheriff's officer told the county commissioners Tuesday. Maj. Ray Smith said his office is alarmed by the...

Date set for city re-election

The Wayne County Board of Elections is getting ready for Goldsboro's rematch election between Danny Roseborough and Jackie Warrick in District 6. Warrick and Roseborough will face off in a new election on March 23 for the district that...

13 teachers are board-certified

The Wayne County school board recognized 13 teachers who have earned National Board certification. This brings the total number of board-certified teachers in the school system to 106. On Monday, board members Lehman Smith and George Moye presented the...

Frank Tillman dies

Frank Tillman, owner of the Frema Motors Mazda and Volkswagen automobile dealership in Goldsboro, died Tuesday night while on vacation in Las Vegas. Family and friends at the dealership were still in shock this morning over his unexpected death....

School district lines shift

KENANSVILLE -- The school board has changed district lines between B.F. Grady and North Duplin schools, but not all students will have to change schools. The Duplin County Board of Education voted 5 to 6 Tuesday night to move...

Public records

Grand jury acts The Wayne County Grand Jury handed up 48 true bills of indictment on a variety of charges during its February session. Eleven people were indicted on such property charges as breaking and entering, larceny and possession...

Wooten hired by Wayne schools

An educational consultant from LaGrange has been hired by the Wayne County public schools to coordinate federal programs. Dr. Willette C. Wooten currently works as a consultant for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, a position she has held since...

Student transfer appeals

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin schools have a new student transfer policy. The school board approved the policy change Tuesday night during a regular meeting, and it will become effective at the beginning of the next school year. Three spaces...

Princeton board

PRINCETON -- More than half of the affected property owners in Princeton have not complied with the town's ordinance to install a backflow prevention device. Town Clerk Marla Ashworth told the town board Monday that only 25 of 64...

New deputies

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County's deadbeat parents will have a new deputy coming to serve them papers. Duplin County commissioners voted Monday to create a new position in the Sheriff's Office for the Social Services Department. The Sheriff's Office already...

Lost everything

Gary and Kristen Bunn are living with her mother since losing everything last month in a house fire. The couple lived in a mobile home on Westbrook Road in the Rosewood community of Wayne County when a fire broke out...

Grantham educator remembered

Hundreds gathered in the Grantham School gymnasium last week to pay tribute to the late Eunice Davis, a Wayne County educator who succumbed to a battle with colon cancer in December. A ceremony involving students, faculty and staff was held...

Fremont board

FREMONT -- The Fremont town board decided Tuesday night in a special meeting at Town Hall to revisit a thorny mobile home issue that has been debated for almost six months. The six-man board agreed to rescind the zoning...

Briefly

Russo to perform Hilary Russo of Goldsboro is in the ensemble of the North Carolina Theatre production of "My Fair Lady" at the BTI Center in Raleigh. The production is each night through Sunday at 8:05. In addition, there will...

Tuesday, February 3, 2004

Fun with newspapers

News-Argus/Brent Hood A group of Mount Olive College basketball fans, known as "The Sixth Man," pulls the old "looking at the newspaper" trick as the Barton Bulldogs are introduced before the basketball game Monday night. In retaliation, a group...

Annexation approved

The Goldsboro City Council passed a resolution Monday declaring its intention to annex land near Salem Church and Buck Swamp roads. The area includes Ashby Hills, Fallingbrook Estates, Morgan Trace, Buck Run, Pineview Acres, Tarklin Acres and Canterbury Village...

School board under pressure

The Wayne County school board is facing pressure from all sides to put a bond referendum on the table to fund construction projects. But don't count on it to pass unless there is something for everybody. Groups from Grantham...

Bryan takes seat

The Goldsboro City Council got a new member Monday and said good-bye to a councilman who has served 16 years. After months of waiting, Jimmy Bryan was sworn in Monday night as the new District 1 City Councilman. Bryan's...

Princeton gets sewer money

PRINCETON -- The town of Princeton, which has been fined numerous times because of sewage spills and other problems, accepted an offer of almost $1.6 million Monday night in federal money for sewer plant construction and sewer line repair....

Confederate T-shirts

Three Southern Wayne High School juniors appeared before the school board Monday night to voice their concerns over the Confederate flag on clothing being banned. One of the three received a three-day suspension last month after refusing a request...

Too soon to school

Saying that the school calendar is "beginning to get out of whack," school board Vice Chairman Lehman Smith set off similar comments from fellow board members on Monday night. The board approved the proposed 2003-2004 school calendar submitted by...

Election director moving

After a decade of working for the Wayne County Board of Elections, almost to the day, Suzanne Southerland is leaving to take a position as director of the Duplin County Board of Elections. She is scheduled to begin her new...

Briefly

Jobless rates drop The unemployment rate fell slightly in Wayne County in December. Around 2,649 county residents, or about 5.1 percent of the workforce, were unemployed in December, according to the Employment Security Commission. That's a decrease of about 144...

Public records

Investigations Wayne County law-enforcement officers are investigating these reports: *A total of $2,494 worth of building supplies was stolen between Jan. 13 and Monday from a yard in the 2100 block of U.S. 70 West, sheriff's deputies said. The property,...

Subdivision approved

The land that could be the site of a future movie theater in Goldsboro made it through one hurdle at Monday night's City Council meeting, but there are still obstacles ahead. "All we're doing tonight is subdividing the land,"...

Pikeville sewer update

PIKEVILLE -- The town board learned that the construction of its sewer plant should begin by this summer. Tyndall Lewis of McDavid Associates, the town's engineer, recommended Monday that the plant's capacity be expanded from 99,000 to 140,000 gallons...

Hospital diversity

Two dozen health care workers from across the state are meeting in Goldsboro this week to learn about bridging the diversity gap. For four days, representatives from four hospitals will gather information to pass on to their cohorts at...

Financial aid forms

Individuals who plan to attend college in the 2004-05 academic year and their families can get assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA forms on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Wayne...

Eureka swearing in

EUREKA -- The town board has officially sworn in all of its members and is ready to move forward at full capacity. Mayor Pro-Tem Randy Bass was sworn in as mayor, and Shirley Hobbs, a write-in candidate from the...

City assistant leaving

After only a little over a year in Goldsboro, Joi Flowers is leaving her post in the city manager's office and heading to Tennessee. Ms. Flowers took the position of assistant to the city manager in November 2002, but is...

Bloodmobile schedule

The February Bloodmobile schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is as follows: Feb. 6: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for active-duty military, dependents and retirees. Feb. 10:...

Auto inspection classes at WCC

Wayne Community College Continuing Education will offer two courses on motor vehicle safety and emission inspection three times in the next three months. Cost for the courses is $50 each. The two-session class "Auto Safety and Inspection" will be held...

Monday, February 2, 2004

The colors of dawn

News-Argus/Brent Hood Cold air plus hot steam plus a beautiful winter sunrise equals a colorful early morning photo opportunity. The complimentary colors of the blue sky and the orange steam combined this morning at the Georgia Pacific Plant near...

Royall project falls through

Goldsboro's plan to extend Royall Avenue has been derailed by a breakdown in right-of-way talks with a railroad company. The extension would have made an ordinary four-way intersection of the congested offset intersection on North Berkeley Boulevard. It was...

School forums scheduled

Community meetings have been scheduled at Grantham and Mount Olive to promote efforts to build high schools in the two communities. Residents of Grantham who support the proposal were asked to attend a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m....

County finance review

Wayne County commissioners will receive their annual review of the county's finances Tuesday. Nunn Brashear & Co. is scheduled to present the county's 2003-04 audit at the commissioners' regular meeting. Typically, the audit is presented in January, but new regulations...

Book panel discussion set

"To Kill A Mockingbird" readers will flock together next Monday at Wayne Community College. The next "Wayne County Reads" event will be a panel discussion of the novel. It will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in Moffatt...

Battle re-enactment

The re-enactment of the Battle of Goldsborough Bridge over the weekend brought the biggest weekend crowd ever to Waynesborough Historical Village. It was the first time in Wayne County's history that the battle had been commemorated with a re-enactment....

Public records

7 people injured in county collisions Seven people were injured and damages were estimated at $55,400 in 10 recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *A southbound driver was injured in a two-car collision at 12:30 p.m. Sunday on...

Who's running?

My credibility as a political prognosticator has been pretty well wiped out by results -- so far -- of the Democratic Party's gyrations to select a presidential nominee. Dick Gephardt, a good man, was knocked out in the first round....

Sunday, February 1, 2004

The Battle of Goldsborough Bridge

News-Argus/Brent Hood Union infantry soldiers, foreground, ready themselves to enter the battle as the battery companies clear the way with cannon fire during a re-enactment of the Battle of Goldsborough Bridge on Saturday in the Old Waynesborough Village. The...

Hundreds gather for re-enactment of Battle of Goldsborough Bridge

Few people in Wayne County know that Goldsboro was the site of a fierce Civil War battle in 1862. But Saturday about 500 people heard a about the Battle of Goldsborough Bridge and then saw soldiers re-enact the battle...

Jimmy Bryan excited about new council seat

Offices for City Councilman-Elect Jimmy Bryan's business are right behind the water tower in downtown Goldsboro. It's no coincidence that Bryan, who is scheduled to be sworn in Monday as the city's newest councilman, chose downtown over the industrial...

Bryan's swearing-in; Rhodes to be honored

Jimmy Bryan's swearing-in ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Monday in council chambers in City Hall. Before the swearing-in, the Goldsboro City Council will present a resolution of appreciation to Councilman Rhodes for his 16 years of service. After...

Seven Springs breaks ground on CSS Neuse replica

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Volunteers committed Friday to building a replica of the C.S.S. Neuse, a Civil War ironclad boat that was built along the banks of what is now called Seven Springs. Students, town leaders and volunteers gathered at...

Rosewood cheerleader to go to Pro Bowl

Olivia Neal of the Rosewood community is on her way to perform at the National Football League Pro Bowl game at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. The game will be broadcast at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, on ESPN. The...

Air Force band to present free concert

MOUNT OLIVE -- The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band will present an evening of musical entertainment at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at Mount Olive College Hall. The concert is being sponsored by the Goldsboro News-Argus and...

Red Cross to teach abduction prevention

Wayne County Red Cross volunteers will be going into the public schools during March and April to teach more than 9,000 children about abduction prevention and first aid. The Home Alone program will be given to children in grades...

Volunteer Wayne

Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151, extension 336, for more information....

Three students nominated to Naval Academy

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. REP. Walter B. Jones has nominated three Wayne County high school students to military academies. Rosewood High School senior Joshua Allen and Jerome Frederick Jr. of Southern Wayne High School were nominated to both the United...

Wayne County Court

Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Odell Kareem Copeland, 23, South Baker Street, Eureka, possession of cocaine, 56 days active, four to five months suspended, 24 months supervised probation (six months intensive probation), $100...

Student news

Five area residents have been named to "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities" at Barton College in Wilson. Students are nominated by college faculty based on academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for...

Public records

Dog bites crook A residential break-in during which the homeowner's dog attacked the thief and was, in turn, assaulted has been chosen by Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers as its latest "Crime of the Week." The break-in occurred between 6 p.m....

Neuse River study would include Wayne

The central section of the Neuse River basin, which includes Wayne County, has been selected for a study designed to protect the water quality of the river. North Carolina's Clean Water Management Trust Fund has awarded $300,000 to the Conservation...

Mozingo named Mount Olive Rescuer of the Year

MOUNT OLIVE -- Phyllis Mozingo is the 2003 Rescue Person of the Year for Mount Olive's emergency services squad. Ms. Mozingo has been with the Mount Olive squad four years. She spent many a night at the squad building...

Lt. Col. Converse promoted

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Lt. Col. Richard "Rick" H. Converse has assumed command of the 2nd Communications Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He is the son of Roland and Royann Converse of Goldsboro and is a...

Briefly

'Mockingbird' trivia In support of "Wayne County Reads," the Goldsboro News-Argus is sponsoring a weekly trivia contest about "To Kill A Mockingbird." Submit guesses on paper at our office, 310 N. Berkeley Blvd., or mail them to Trivia Contest, Goldsboro...