April 2004 archives

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Friday, April 30, 2004

State chairman says smaller schools result in better performance

MOUNT OLIVE -- The chairman of the state Board of Education says that small schools should be a priority for communities, but it isn't the state's place to step in and rule on it. Former state Sen. Howard Lee,...

Evans files for re-election; U.S. Rep. Jones challenged

J.D. Evans was most likely the final Wayne County commissioner to file for re-election when he did so Thursday. U.S. Rep. Walter Jones also got a challenger Thursday in the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Wayne County. Evans, a Democrat...

Guardian ad Litem volunteers honored

Volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the courts were honored Thursday by district, regional and state officials of the Guardian ad Litem program. These volunteers are so important, said the district supervisor, Colleen Kosinsky, because child...

Meals on Wheels helpers get served

Hundreds of people, so used to spending their lunch hours delivering meals, tried something different Thursday -- being served. WAGES held its annual appreciation luncheon for Meals on Wheels volunteers at the Goldsboro Country Club. On the menu were...

Wayne sees largest crop of teaching scholarships

Wayne County public schools had a record number of students selected this year as recipients of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship. Fourteen students representing all six county high schools and one alternate were chosen for the award, which pays...

Keep Wayne County Beautiful recaps successful events

Keep Wayne County Beautiful just finished a month jammed packed with activities and will soon be gearing up for a new educational recycling program. One of the big events was the biannual Litter Sweep, which was held on April...

National Day of Prayer to be observed here Thursday

"Let Freedom Ring" is the theme for this year's National Day of Prayer, which will be observed on Thursday. The First Presbyterian Church, 1101 E. Ash St., will hold a service for the community to participate. The chapel will be...

Public records

Man wounded A Goldsboro man was wounded Thursday during a fight in a parking lot, and Goldsboro police say they captured the assailant in a nearby building. Keyshawn Carmichael Jones, 20, of South Best Street was shot while he was...

Mount Olive College graduation set for May 8

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College will graduate around 300 students at its 50th spring commencement Saturday, May 8. Graduation exercises begin at 2 p.m. in College Hall. The commencement speaker will be Robert J. Greczyn Jr., president and chief...

Briefly

Sherlock Holmes Film Festival The Wayne County Public Library will be the host of a month-long Sherlock Holmes Film Festival, beginning Saturday. The classic films will run every Saturday at 1:30 and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m....

Thursday, April 29, 2004

Mount Olive College gets $10 million loan

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College will be able to get started sooner on its ambitious expansion project. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole announced in a statement that the Mount Olive College Foundation will receive a $10 million loan from U.S....

Residents escape fire on Slocumb Street

A predawn fire that heavily damaged a home at 502 S. Slocumb St. was turned over to law authorities for a further investigation. One firefighter, Lt. Frank Sasser of Fremont, was overcome while fighting the blaze, and the listed...

Deadline looms but few sign up for sewer lines in annexed area

If residents in the area that Goldsboro recently annexed want sewer service within two years, they better sign up by today. Not signing up by today doesn't mean that the property owners will have to pay any more for...

Democrats file to challenge Ballance

An embattled congressman has picked up more opposition, this time from his own party. On Wednesday, two Democrats filed challenges to U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance in the 1st District, which includes Wayne County. The candidates are Sam Davis of Elizabeth...

Mount Olive Spring Fling promotes plan to revamp downtown

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive is continuing with its plans to revamp downtown and will hold a promotion event next month. A Spring Fling open house will be held from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 21, in...

State health director commends Wayne for school health clinics

The state health director commended Wayne County for having health clinics in four of its schools. She also said she wished the state would increase the ratio of nurses to students. Dr. Leah Devlin visited Dillard Middle School along...

Bowden residents look to incorporation to stop rendering plant

WARSAW -- Residents of Bowden are considering incorporating as a town, because they're afraid Georgia Pacific will sell its old saw mill to Smithfield Foods for a rendering plant. A Smithfield Foods official has admitted the company is looking...

Walnut Creek officials ponder annexation request

The Walnut Creek Village Council heard only one concern during a public hearing Wednesday on a voluntary annexation request. "I'm just worried about the traffic patterns in and out of the village," said Roy Lane. "We're getting pretty bottled...

Briefly

Flower show The Goldsboro Council of Garden Clubs is sponsoring a flower show with the theme "Reflections of the Past, Visions of the Future." It will be on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wayne County Museum....

Public records

Shooting remains under investigation FREMONT -- The fatal shooting of a 25-year-old Fremont man remained under investigation today by Fremont police and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Nicholas Lonte "Red" Jones of 308 W. Branch St. died at about 7...

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

State Health Secretary learns of clinics' needs

State Health Secretary Carmen Hooker Odom paid a visit Tuesday to one of the four school-based health clinics in Wayne County. Local officials said it was important for the high-ranking state official to see the service firsthand, especially since...

City attorney retirement question goes to Attorney General

The decision on whether Goldsboro's city attorney is eligible for state retirement is now in the hands of the state attorney general's office. Michael Williamson, director of the state retirement system, said that he had received a letter from...

Base Relay for Life effort grows

What started out as a single effort to honor a mother and father has turned into a community-wide endeavor to help the many people fighting cancer. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base began participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay...

Gray files for Flowers' county board seat

A firefighter provided the only spark Tuesday at the Wayne County Board of Elections. Roland "Bud" Gray, the long-time chief of the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department, was the only person to file for office Tuesday in Wayne County....

Chamber takes new approach to marketing

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce officials are taking a more proactive approach to finding out what they can do for their members. Jim Slowinski, chairman of the member services division, said he started the new tactic at this year's...

Local Phi Theta Kappa honor society brings home 12 awards

Wayne Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society won a dozen awards at its regional conference. The Upsilon Chi chapter earned Five Star certification, the highest level possible. According to chapter adviser Gene Smith, fewer than 10...

Public Records

Investigations The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a case of vandalism and theft of items owned by Helena Chemicals in a field at the intersection of Old Black Creek and Moye roads. An employee told investigators somebody stole...

Briefly

Black Expo The history and heritage of blacks in and around Wayne County will be at the forefront during a day-long festival at Waynesborough Historical Village. The free event, called Black Expo -- A Glimpse of History, will be on...

Rosewood pageat set for Saturday

Seven girls will compete in the Miss Rosewood Pageant to be held Saturday. The pageant will begin at 6 p.m. in the Rosewood High School gym. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5. The contestants are as follows:...

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Shootings

A Goldsboro man on Monday became the sixth person to have been wounded in the last nine days, according to Goldsboro police reports. The latest victim, Aratika Omhaya Anderson, 24, of East Elm Street, was shot at about 4:25...

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base deployment means pillowcases needed

Groups of airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will be deploying soon, and many children will have to deal with the temporary absence of one or both of their parents. The base is using a popular resource, pillowcases,...

Senior games begin

The 10th Annual Wayne County Senior Games started Monday morning with a ceremony at The Pines of Goldsboro. Joy Turnage, activity director at The Pines, gave the participants goodie bags that included a bottle of water and a 2004...

Election filings see incumbents lining up

Thirteen people signed up Monday at the Wayne County Board of Elections as candidates in this year's elections. After the first day of filing, voters are already guaranteed some choices and new faces this fall. County Commissioner Atlas Price...

Election filing in Duplin draws 12

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Elections had 12 people to file Monday for public office. The filing, which began at noon Monday, continues until noon on May 7 for the primary on July 20. Four of the...

County's Special Olympics holds track event

Special Olympics Wayne County recently held its 2004 track and field games on the track at Dillard Middle School. Wayne County had more than 400 athletes competing in running and walking events, the softball and tennis-ball throws, and standing and...

Public records

Church fire The old Mount Carmel Zion Church on Mills Road was heavily damaged in a fire, officials said Monday. A new congregation was buying the building. Members were burning trash Saturday, and the fire got away from them and...

Briefly

Special Olympics needs help Special Olympics Wayne County is raising money for its athletes. A yard sale fund-raiser will be held on Saturday from 7 a.m. until at 2007 E. Elm St. Donations and volunteers are needed by the nonprofit...

Meeting in Havelock promotes inmportance of military installations

HAVELOCK -- Promoting the importance of military installations in North Carolina was at the forefront of the meeting Monday of the N.C. Advisory Commission on Military Affairs. The commission approved a strategic plan for making North Carolina the most...

Shelters still needed for buses

Changes are coming to the Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation System. Not only has the Gateway Authority decided to hire an independent contractor to run the transit system, it is also actively seeking feedback from bus riders. At its last meeting, the...

Monday, April 26, 2004

Elections Board moves three precincts

Wayne County has relocated three polling places, effective for this year's primary and general elections. The Board of Elections decided last week to move these polling places: *Precinct 2 -- from Mt. Nelson Church in Eureka to Eureka United...

Candidates begin filing throughout state

From staff and AP reports RALEIGH -- Candidates for federal, state and local offices finally are signing on the dotted lines as the election filing season got under way in North Carolina today. The state Board of Elections and county...

Promoting sobriety

Every 15 minutes in this country, someone is either seriously injured or killed by an accident that involves alcohol. Because high school proms, spring break and graduation have the potential to be connected to those statistics, the N.C. Alcohol...

OPINION -- Making them happy

Making them happy The setting was a political function at the home of Phil and Margaret Baddour. Erskine Bowles was the guest of honor. Jack Best, Bud Gray, "Cousin" Atlas Price and I were sharing thoughts on the rewards and...

Public records

Fremont shooting under investigation FREMONT -- The murder of a young Fremont man early Friday remains under investigation by Fremont police and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Nicholas Lonte "Red" Jones, 25, of 309 W. Branch St. was shot fatally...

Cherry recognizes volunteers

Cherry Hospital volunteers were honored at an appreciation luncheon on Friday, with awards going to a group and an individual who have collectively donated 55 years of service. The Wilson County Mental Health Association received the Edythe O. Blanton...

Correction

An item in the News-Argus Briefly column on Friday reported that Jane Rustin of Goldsboro is president-elect of a state library association, but the name of the group was in error. Ms. Rustin, who is Wayne County's library director,...

Sunday, April 25, 2004

Filing period opens Monday

Political control of Wayne County is up for grabs as the 2004 election season officially begins this week. Filing opens at noon Monday at the Wayne County Board of Elections and other elections offices across the state. It closes...

Pickle Festival hot event

MOUNT OLIVE -- Several vendors ran out of food, and one vendor said he sold 70 gallons of ice cream in three hours at the 18th annual N.C. Pickle Festival here Saturday. Vendors did very well, said Gina Knode,...

WARM Hearts mentor program

When Airman 1st Class Tiffany Linares joined the Air Force nearly two years ago, she left behind more than just her family in Sacramento, Calif. She also gave up outings to the park with eight nieces and nephews. She...

Krafts want to improve alley

MOUNT OLIVE -- Rick and Debbie Kraft say they don't understand why the town board doesn't want an alley improved next to their building downtown. The Mount Olive town board is expected to vote at its next meeting at...

GHS grad receives band letter

Sharon McDowell-Vincent loved being a majorette, but one of the requirements was that squad members also had to play an instrument in the band. A French horn player was needed, so the Goldsboro Junior High School student signed up....

Chamber seeks ways to gain members

Wayne County Chamber officials gained some new ideas Friday about how to retain and expand the current membership. Chambers nation-wide have seen a drop in their membership over the past couple of years, said G. Daniel Hearn, president of...

Taylor Scholarship luncheon held

The 10th annual L. Gary Taylor Memorial Scholarship Awards Luncheon was held recently on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville. The scholarship was established by First Citizens Bank and the family and friends of the late L....

WCC honor inductees

Fifty-one students joined Wayne Community College's honor society in its traditional spring induction ceremonies witnessed by faculty, staff, friends and family. The students accepted the invitation of the Upsilon Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for...

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, or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer...

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Manuel Trimone Jackson, 23, Hare Road, possession of a controlled substance, not guilty. *Laurie Marie Lemaster, 32, East Mulberry Street, financial identity fraud, 12 to 15...

Briefly

Chest pain seminar A free educational program, "Coping with Angina," is planned for next month at Wayne Memorial Hospital. On Saturday, May 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., cardiologists, nurses and other health professionals will discuss what angina is,...

Student news

Brandon K. Briggs, a senior at Rosewood High School, is the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship at Barton College. The renewable scholarship will cover $6,000 of tuition for the freshman year. Briggs will enter Barton in the fall and plans...

Mount Olive Court

Mount Olive District Court These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Linda Hernandez Tamez, 31, Little Rock Church Road, Lucama, driving while impaired, 30 days active, 24 months suspended, 18 months supervised probation, 72 hours community service,...

Military News

George Farfour George R. Farfour, a Goldsboro native, was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force during a ceremony officiated by Major General Select Douglas Fraser, director of Air and Space Operations. Lt. Col. Farfour is...

James Sprunt students inducted

Students inducted KENANSVILLE -- Twenty-three students at James Sprunt Community College recently were inducted into the Beta Epsilon Chi Chapter of the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. To qualify for induction, students must have at least a 3.5 grade...

Jame Sprunt student news

KENANSVILLE -- Two students at James Sprunt Community College were honored recently for their work for the local and regional chapters of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. Joseph Ezzell of Wallace, vice president of leadership for the JSCC...

District Court

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Huber Castaneda Borja, 24, Edinboro Lane, Dudley, seat-belt violation, $25 fine and costs; child-restraint violation, not guilty. *Joey Lee Brown, 21, Lexington, driving while license revoked,...

Friday, April 23, 2004

Global TranPark hopes warehouse will attract businesses, jobs

KINSTON -- The N.C. Global TransPark will soon have an addition that officials say will spawn more business and create more jobs. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday at the TransPark for a 120,000-square-foot warehouse called GTP One. The...

Man who damaged hospital serves time

A Goldsboro man who went berserk last year at a hospital and then, when he went to court, pretended that he was an undercover federal agent and assaulted an audience member outside of a courtroom had his case heard...

Hines honored as Realtor of the year

Oscar Hines was honored Thursday night for his service to his country, his devotion to his family and his work for the real estate industry. He was so affected that he had to regain his composure before he could respond....

Man killed in shooting at neighbor's house

FREMONT -- A Fremont man was shot to death today in a neighbor's home. The victim was identified as Nicholas Lonte "Red" Jones, 25, of 309 W. Branch St. The shooting was reported at about 7 a.m. at 310...

Father doubts account of daughter's alleged plot

The father of a girl accused of plotting to kill him and his wife says the scheme was nothing more than the angry outburst of a love-struck teen-ager. Michael D. Johnson, 42, of Sandhill Drive says he was surprised that...

Letter says Duplin rendering plant plan may not be dead

KENANSVILLE -- A letter e-mailed to Duplin County commissioners said a rendering plant could possibly be built in the county. This letter prompted a vote Monday by the board to try to prevent such a plant from being built....

Rotary Centennial Project

Two memorials at Wayne Community College are now even more distinctive thanks to Goldsboro Rotary Club members. The Wayne County Emergency Services Memorial bears the names of fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel from Wayne County who gave their...

Warsaw group seeks change in Duplin school system

WARSAW -- Parents, grandparents and business owners will ask to be on the May 4 school board agenda to talk about consolidating high schools. They're inviting other parents to attend the meeting, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. on...

Hospital honors helpers

Volunteers contributed more than 33,000 hours of smiling, listening, comfort and cheer at Wayne Memorial Hospital last year. Honored during a luncheon on Thursday at Goldsboro Country Club, the 220 volunteers were reminded of how valuable they are to...

Transportation plan sets 2005 date for city bike paths

Goldsboro's long-awaited bike bath should be completed by the beginning of next year, say transportation officials. The Transportation Advisory Committee updated its plan for transportation projects Thursday. The plan includes completion of the bike path and continuing several on-going...

Public records

Man wounded A 22-year-old Goldsboro man was wounded Thursday night in a drive-by shooting in the 300 block of North Carolina Street, Goldsboro police said. William Javon Maye of South Slocumb Street told officers that he was walking down the...

City street vacuum to be ordered soon

Getting that trash vacuumed up from the sides of city streets is still a few weeks away, but the machine should be ordered by the beginning of next week. On April 5 the Goldsboro City Council approved buying a portable...

Girl Scouts honor leaders

The Girl Scout Council of Coastal Carolina honored all Girl Scout troop leaders on Thursday, which was Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day, for their outstanding dedication and commitment to over 8,500 Girl Scouts in the Council's 25 counties. Troop leaders...

Briefly

Library selections There is a correction for this notice Ms. Rustin, who is Wayne County's library director, is the president-elect of the N.C. Public Library Directors Association. The original notice follows: Two Goldsboro residents have been selected for positions to...

Thursday, April 22, 2004

MOC embarks on building campaign

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College has launched a campaign to generate $23 million, the biggest initiative the 53-year-old institution has ever undertaken to raise money. It was announced at a gala Wednesday night to 200 people at the...

Karen Peele named secretary of year

Karen Peele won double honors Wednesday at the Secretaries' Day Luncheon. She received a Golden Phone Award for the most considerate and was also named the 2004 Secretary of the Year. Ms. Peele, who works at Wayne Memorial Hospital,...

Fremont audit shows town spent more than it took in

FREMONT -- Fremont spent more money than it took in during the last fiscal year and lost money in its general fund and its water and sewer fund, an audit showed. Greg Pittman, filling in for his father, Jim...

Ayden woman killed in head-on crash

A 54-year-old woman from Ayden was killed Wednesday in a head-on collision on U.S. 13, about two miles north of Goldsboro, the Highway Patrol said. The victim was identified as Kay Laughinghouse Scott, a passenger in her husband's southbound car....

Brennand named top school volunteer

Volunteers and business partners for Wayne County public schools were honored at a reception on Wednesday afternoon. Volunteers of the year were named for each of the 31 schools, with Spring Creek Elementary School's representative selected to receive the...

Wayne County creates self-insurance plan

Wayne County officials have decided to create a self-insured workers compensation program for county employees. Beginning July 1, the county will be paying most workers-comp claims itself, rather than relying on an outside firm. The county will still buy...

Health budget would raise fees for lot inspections

The Wayne County Board of Health approved a $7.1 million budget for the Health Department, which includes additional employees, salary raises and fee increases for environmental health services, including those for evaluating lots for development. The figure represents a...

Briefly

Volunteer awards Nominations are being taken for the 2004 North Carolina Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Forms are available at Volunteer Wayne/RSVP at Wayne Community College. They are due no later than April 30. Five individuals, businesses or groups will...

Public records

Teen wounded A Goldsboro teen-ager was wounded Wednesday night as he was walking in the 900 block of Carver Drive, a Goldsboro police report said. Alroujan Sentell Smith, 17, of Lincoln Drive was rushed to Wayne Memorial Hospital, where he...

Local Digest

400 accept trash amnesty Around 400 people took advantage of the first "Amnesty Day" at Wayne County's landfill. The landfill took in more than 400 tons of trash Saturday, County Manager Lee Smith said. The county commissioners agreed to waive...

Krispy Kreme planning new shop

The Goldsboro City Council held a public hearing Monday on a request for a special use permit, which would allow Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to build a new store beside the current building. "I only have one question, but it's...

Depression is "equal opportunity disease", lecturer says

Nearly 19 million adults in the U.S. are struggling right now with depression. The disease hits both sexes and all ages, classes and races. "It's an equal-opportunity disease," Dr. Kimberly Johnson told an audience of 80 people Wednesday. "Probably...

County to hold zoning hearing

The Wayne County commissioners agreed Tuesday to call a public hearing for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, to consider John Lawhorne's request to rezone vacant property at the southeast corner of the intersection of Airport Road and Aviation Drive....

Award-winning basketball team holds fund-raiser

An award-winning amateur basketball team will hold an autograph signing and car wash this weekend to sponsor out-of-town trips. Goldsboro Mayor Al King congratulated the Eastern N.C. Goldsboro Pistons on Wednesday on one of its teams winning first place...

Alzheimer Caregivers conference draws crowd

Senility. Hardening of the arteries. Mental illness. All terms once used to describe the behavior changes that accompanied "old age." Today they might be more clearly defined as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. "We know now that...

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Murder for hire plot

A 16-year-old girl was arrested Tuesday by Wayne County Sheriff's officers and charged with asking two people to use a stolen firearm to kill her parents. One of the two accomplices was charged with possession of the stolen firearm and...

Flowers breaks ranks in Best vote

Wayne County Commissioner Arnold Flowers broke ranks with his party Tuesday and ended what could have been a two-month deadlock on the county board's vacancy. Flowers, a Republican, voted with the three Democrats to appoint Jack Best to serve...

Wayne officials to join The Latino Initiative

Wayne County officials agreed Tuesday to join The Latino Initiative, a year-long study of the county's fast-growing Hispanic and Latino population. The commitment includes sending an eight-member delegation to Mexico for a week next March to better understand their...

Belk lecturer explores Washington and slavery

Americans know George Washington as the father of our country and the one who could not tell a lie, but an image of him as a slave owner is not one that often comes to mind. Not only did Washington...

Old German cannon from city park goes on Ebay

The old cannon has seen a lot of action over the years. It has possibly been used in both world wars, and it mysteriously made its way to Goldsboro where it captured the hearts -- and one body --...

Crime Stoppers luncheon honors helpers

Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers turned the tables Tuesday. Instead of rewarding anonymous callers who help law enforcement officers solve crimes, the agency honored the officers who make the arrests and the news media who publicize them, at an appreciation...

Fatal car wreck

A person was killed today on U.S. 13 North near Saulston Road in a wreck. The identity or any other information about the person was not known at press time. Others were injured. The wreck occurred at about 11:15 a.m....

Briefly

Youth Sundays The Community Youth Program Family Sundays in the Park will start up again this year to be held every Sunday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Fairview Park, beginning May 2. The events are sponsored by various...

Public records

Driver charged in school bus wreck The driver of a car that collided with a school bus on Tuesday at Slocumb and East Walnut streets has been charged with a safe-movement violation and driving while his license was revoked. The...

Long range plan for Waynesborough includes expanded funding

Old Waynesborough Commission board members decided Monday that funding for the park is the most important part of their long-range plan, and they plan to ask the Goldsboro City Council and the county commissioners to pitch in more money....

Lane murder trial continued

The trial of Eric Glenn Lane, charged with the 2002 sexual assault and murder of a 5-year-old Precious Whitfield in Patetown, has been continued until the fall. The Wayne County Superior Court trial was scheduled for May 3, but...

Fremont town board allows replacement home

FREMONT -- A Fremont resident will be allowed to replace an old burned-out mobile home in a zone that does not allow them. The Fremont town board, after wrestling with the issue since August, approved a change in its...

Use of city compost studied

An experiment combining the resources of Goldsboro's compost plant, the Cooperative Extension Agency and the state Agricultural Department will help citizens know how to best use Goldsboro's compost. "We're basically trying to see how to grow different plants, using...

Cherry-O'Berry alliance update

Consolidating services at Cherry Hospital and O'Berry Center are creating leaner organizations better suited for the future of mental health services, officials said Tuesday. The two state facilities will have a single management team as of July. Discussions of...

Chance puts together advisory committee

Wayne County Register of Deeds John Chance has formed an advisory committee to give feedback on his office's operations. Many county agencies operate with some type of oversight board, Chance said Tuesday before the county commissioners. The Sheriff's Office...

Black Expo previewed

The history and heritage of blacks in and around Wayne County will be at the forefront during a day-long festival at Waynesborough Historical Village. The free event, called Black Expo -- A Glimpse of History, will be on Saturday,...

Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Goldsboro councilmen vote 5-2 to annex areas north and west

Goldsboro City Council members voted 5 to 2 on Monday in favor of annexing a portion of the county into the city limits, despite protests and threats of a lawsuit. Councilmen Jimmy Bryan and William Goodman voted against the...

Several people injured as school bus, car collide

Several people were injured this morning when a bus carrying students to Goldsboro High School and a car wrecked, with the car slamming into a child-care center. The school bus and a white Chevrolet Lumina collided in the intersection of...

Herring honored by Scouts

The Boy Scouts' District Distinguished Citizen award went to Sherwin Herring on Monday night. The award was presented during the Torhunta District's annual banquet, at the Walnut Creek Country Club. Tuscarora Council Exe-cutive Bill Lappin announced that the banquet...

Commissioner candidate appointed to fill vacancy on county board

The Wayne County commissioners voted 4-2 today to appoint Jack Best to fill an opening on the board. Best will replace Ken Gerrard, who resigned recently. Both Best and Gerrard are Democrats. The Wayne County Democratic Party was charged with...

Goldsboro Fire Department reports six major fires in March

The Goldsboro Fire Department went to six major structure fires among the 177 calls that it answered in March, Chief Bobby Greenfield wrote in his monthly report. The six fires caused an estimated $125,700 in damages. No injuries were...

Citizen praises city for stand on schools

A resident praised the Goldsboro City Council on Monday for its stand on the city schools. "My name is Mary Rhoe, that's with an "H," though the newspaper can't seem to get that right," she began. Ms. Rhoe said...

Duplin says no to rendering plant

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County commissioners say they will not allow a rendering plant to be built anywhere in the county. It didn't take a lot of discussion Monday morning for county commissioners to vote after hearing a presentation...

Public records

Siding burns A fire on Monday caused an estimated $1,000 in damages to vinyl siding at Italian Pizzeria at 503 N. William St., Goldsboro police and fire officials said. Goldsboro firefighters answered the 5:35 p.m. call with three engines, a...

Briefly

Fair Housing Conference A conference will be held this week to help landlords, tenants and first-time home buyers. The Goldsboro Police Department, the city Community Affairs Office and the Goldsboro Housing Authority will sponsor the conference Thursday, April 22, at...

Local Digest

Captain receives nursing award Capt. Sheila Davis with the 4th Medical Group at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base received the Excellence in Clinical Ambulatory Nursing Practice award from the American Academy of Ambulatory Nursing Practice. She is the group's health...

Goldsboro Fire Department promotes five

Five members of the Goldsboro Fire Department have been promoted to new positions. Richard Walker and Ronald Stempien have been promoted to lieutenant, and firefighters David Grice, Ronald Lee and Christopher Sauls have been promoted to fire engineer. These officers...

Monday, April 19, 2004

Deputies dive for debris

Tiny bubbles floating up to the surface of this stream by Mill Creek Road are the only indication of diver Jayson Hill's location in the black water. A slight breeze ruffles the dark water, and seconds later Hill emerges,...

Goldsboro Toastmasters celebrate 50th Anniversary

Evon Young walked into her first Goldsboro Toastmasters Club meeting a year and a half ago and saw a bunch of unfamiliar faces all around. She did not know much about the club and was even a little shy...

Author to speak at Library Friends annual meeting

Author Henry Wiencek will make his second appearance of the day in Goldsboro on Tuesday when he speaks at the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Wayne County Library at 7 p.m. His latest book "An Imperfect God:...

Spring Creek finishes second in state Odyssey of the Mind

Spring Creek Elementary School's Odyssey of the Mind team won second place in the state competition over the weekend and advances to the World Finals next month. The state event was held on Saturday at Appalachian State University, with...

OPINION -- The direct approach

Incentives can be a good management tool. I was working in the Washington office of Congressman Herbert C. Bonner back in the late 1940s and a rumor surfaced that the president's daughter, Margaret Truman Daniels, might be "expecting." One...

Public records

Shooting A 21-year-old Goldsboro man was wounded Sunday as he was walking north in the 900 block of Lincoln Drive near Olivia Lane, a Goldsboro police report said. Rossano Harris of Lincoln Drive was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital, stabilized...

Sunday, April 18, 2004

Council members mull Monday annexation vote

The Goldsboro City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on an annexation proposed for an area north of the city, and board members say the decision is not an easy one. "I will say that this is the most...

Other items on City Council agenda

Besides voting on whether to annex some property into the city, the Goldsboro City Council will also consider the following items Monday, including the building of a new Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop: *Hold a public hearing on a request from...

Wayne Democrats choose Edwards

Wayne County's three Democratic commissioners urged party members Saturday to rally support for their candidates this year. "We need Democrats to get out to the polls, but that's not enough -- we need them to vote for Democrats," Commissioner...

Man charged after argument ends in murder

There has been a correction to this story: This article incorrectly states that a murder, for which Marcus Dominique Moore was charged, occurred on Saturday. The shooting of Johnathan D. Yarborough was Friday. Moore was arrested on the charge on...

Volunteers rid roadways of other people's messes

Just in time for vacation season, Wayne County has shed more than five tons of unsightly weight. More than 150 people volunteered Saturday for the annual Wayne County Litter Sweep along Goldsboro and county roadways. Many Adopt-A-Highway groups also...

Airmen jump into fitness regimen

The mind and bodies of airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base are expected to become stronger each day under a new fitness test. "There has definitely been a change of atmosphere on base," said Lt. Col. Pat Sargeant,...

Author returns to Goldsboro for book signing

An award-winning writer and former Goldsboro resident will be at Books-A-Million Saturday from 1 until 4 p.m. to sign copies of the new book, "A Cup of Comfort for Teachers." Over the past decade, Thomas Smith, the former associate...

Briefly

Base named Tree City Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has been named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to its community forest. It is the fifth year the base has received this...

Public record

Rosewood man stabbed at store A Rosewood man was stabbed Friday afternoon during an altercation at a convenience store. Michael Wayne Bragy, 20, of Rosewood Road was transported to Wayne Memorial Hospital for treatment of a puncture wound to his...

Friday, April 16, 2004

Volunteers recognized

There was no pricey china nor waiters clad in tuxedos at the Volunteer Wayne luncheon. The "RSVP" for the event stood for Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. The volunteers like it that way. On Thursday, the members of Volunteer...

Livestock show a success

Youngsters from across Wayne County enjoyed competing against their peers again this year at the 56th Annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale. "Overall I thought we had a very successful show and sale," said Curtis Shivar, president...

State schools seek to coax students to take tests

From AP and staff reports North Carolina educators are turning to bribes and threats to get high school students to participate in government-mandated performance tests. The tests given to 10th-graders this month measure whether their schools meet performance levels in...

Man murdered

A 31-year-old man was fatally shot before dawn today, and Goldsboro police are searching for a man who is charged with killing him. The victim, Jonathan Deon Yarborough of Beal Street in Goldsboro, was gunned down at about 1:30...

Merci Center holding Open House

The Marion Edwards Recovery Center, or MERCI, 676 Community Drive, will have an open house on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. People are invited to stop by for free hot dogs and lemonade and a tour of the...

Public records

Chase ends in arrest A 21-year-old man from Goldsboro faces numerous traffic and firearms charges after a chase Thursday night with Goldsboro police. Moses Earl Broadie Jr. of Frank Street was arrested at about 10:15 p.m. by Officer Thomas Bailey...

Award-winning author, pastor at Books-A-Million

An award-winning writer and former Goldsboro resident will be at Books-A-Million Saturday from 1 until 4 p.m. to sign copies of the new book, "A Cup of Comfort for Teachers." Over the past decade, Thomas Smith, the former associate...

Substance Abuse Seminar scheduled

Substance abuse is a family and community crisis. So says the WATCH Substance Abuse Task Force, the sponsor of a free seminar on the subject Tuesday night from 6:30-8:30 in Moffatt Auditorium at Wayne Community College. Use of marijuana,...

Briefly

Presidential caucus The Wayne County Democratic Party will hold its presidential preference caucus Saturday at the County Courthouse. Any registered Democrat may come between 8 a.m. and noon and vote for one of the Democratic candidates for president. The courthouse...

Duplin digest

Duplin hires tourism director KENANSVILLE -- Robb Wells has been hired as Duplin County's tourism director. The county manager created the position in November and transferred Rosemary Blizzard from the Elections Board into that post. But shortly after that, she...

Thursday, April 15, 2004

Pond fills with more than water

When it rains, it pours. Trash, that is. Residents of one development in Goldsboro say they have problems with trash floating into their neighborhood every time it rains. Ava and Don Callahan live on Stephens Street in the Willow...

Old records reveal Mt. Olive can't close alley

MOUNT OLIVE -- The town board may rescind a vote taken earlier this month that allowed a businessman to close an alley. The town board approved Rick Kraft's plan to install a gate at the James Street end of...

Farmer's Market to open May 1

No matter what the weather is like, one of the absolute signs of spring in Goldsboro is the opening of the Farmer's Market. For more than 50 years the market on South Center Street has been a source of...

More file taxes electronically, fewer in Post Office lines

Goldsboro tax offices are still having last-minute filers, and many are choosing to send their forms electronically to the IRS. Unlike past years, post offices in the county aren't planning to stay open late on this tax deadline day....

Home, Health and Hospice holds career discovery day

Children on spring break this week were given an opportunity to begin thinking about careers in the health field. Employees at Home Health and Hospice were invited to bring a child to work on Wednesday as part of its...

Health Department holds abstinence essay contest

Wayne County high school students are being asked to explain why abstinence is the best choice for teens to prevent pregnancy. The Health Department is sponsored its first essay contest on the subject last year and received over 60...

Public records

Two motorists charged with reckless driving Both drivers were charged with reckless driving after a two-vehicle collision Wednesday on Salem Church Road near Fedelon Trail, a Goldsboro police report said. One northbound driver, Thomas Edgar Bauer Jr., 32, of Robin...

Briefly

World War II re-enactment The Wayne County Museum is holding a re-enactment on Saturday called, "The American and German Soldiers during World War II." The goal is to take attendees back in time to experience the war through the eyes...

Kenan, North Duplin school consolidation ideas sought

WARSAW -- A Warsaw businessman says his pro-consolidation group will entertain any ideas for a solution to problems in the James Kenan school district. Warsaw Chamber President Jim Harris said his group wants to consolidate James Kenan and North...

Caregiver Education Conference scheduled

More and more families are being affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. A caregiver education conference is planned for next week, with a full day of information sessions and resource options. The conference will be held on Wednesday in...

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Livestock Show and Sale

Heavy rains did not dampen the spirits of youngsters getting ready to show their livestock on Tuesday. The Wayne County Fairgrounds became a haven for goats, hogs and feeder calves brought in to be weighed, washed and brushed before...

Butterfield won't challenge Ballance

A potential Democratic candidate announced Tuesday that he would not challenge U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance in the Democratic primary. Superior Court Judge G.K. Butterfield, however, said he would run if Ballance dropped out of the race. Ballance, whose First Congressional...

Sen. Dole calls tobacco buyout "essential"

CLINTON -- Tobacco farmers could face a 33 percent reduction in their quota in 2005, which is even more of a reason why they desperately need a tobacco buyout, says U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole. "A tobacco quota buyout is...

Preservation N.C. to clean two historic homes

A team of debris-fighting citizens concerned with preserving historic houses will be cleaning two properties in downtown Goldsboro this weekend. A cleanup is scheduled by Preservation North Carolina for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at these houses:...

Cherry Hospital receives accreditation

Cherry Hospital received a clean bill of health from national hospital surveyors after a three-day inspection. According to Cherry Hospital Director Jerry Edwards, the hospital has achieved full re-accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The...

Murphy Brown will not build rendering plant

A Murphy Brown Co. official says he hopes a letter to the county manager will put to rest a rumor about a rendering plant coming to Bowden Crossroads. Signs saying "No Rendering Plant!" have popped up throughout the northwestern...

County planning board begins work on agricultural districts

The Wayne County Planning Board began work Tuesday night on the revised "voluntary agriculture districts" program. A decision is expected in May. Board members expressed hope that the public would learn more about the proposal and comment on it. The...

Briefly

Litter Sweep The Wayne County Litter Sweep is scheduled for Saturday, and county commissioners are urging all citizens and businesses to participate in the cleanup of roadways throughout the county. The event is sponsored by Wayne County, Keep Wayne County...

Section on state tax forms easy to overlook

A new section on N.C. tax forms is small and easy to overlook, especially in the last-minute rush to file. So representatives of N.C. Voters for Clean Elections are making a push this week to make sure people notice...

Public records

Steering, brakes fail as rigs collide A truck driver said the steering and brakes failed on his tractor-trailer Tuesday, and the rig ran off the road and hit a telephone pole and sign, according to a Goldsboro police report. Another...

Duplin joins nationwide cleanup

Duplin County is participating in the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup this year, with another amnesty on landfill fees. The county commissioners have waived the fees for household and yard waste delivered to the county transfer station on April...

Tuesday, April 13, 2004

Fire destroys furniture restoration business

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Monday afternoon fire of undetermined origin destroyed an old chicken house that was being used as a furniture restoration business. Red Hill Distributors was using the building on N.C. 55 to restore school desks. It was...

Half-brothers sentenced

Two half-brothers accused of gunning down two men outside of an illegal liquor house almost two years ago accepted 11th-hour plea bargains Monday. Both were sentenced to prison. Quavoris Kendra Wellington, 25, of North Madison Avenue entered an Alford...

TORNADO WATCH

A tornado watch was issued today for Wayne and surrounding counties until 4 p.m. The National Weather Service said severe storms are possible with winds up to 70 mph, hail one-inch in diameter and dangerous lightning. A watch means conditions...

Election Board takes registration to students

Politics is joining the latest movies, music and TV shows as hot topics at local high schools as hundreds of seniors become eligible to vote this year. The Wayne County Board of Elections has registered nearly 220 students during lunch-time...

Author, historian to speak at Belk Lecture

An award-winning author and historian will be this year's speaker at the Henry Belk Lecture. Henry Wiencek's latest book, "An Imperfect God -- George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America," has been nominated for the Los Angeles Times...

Atkins named to Best Doctor list

Dr. James Atkins of Southeastern Medical Oncology Center has again been chosen by his peers as one of the best cancer doctors in the country. For two years in a row, Atkins will be listed on the "Best Doctors"...

Money being raised for airmen memorial

Airmen stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base who lost their lives in battle will be memorialized in a new addition to Heritage Park. Construction of a memorial plaza should be completed in late August. It will be in...

Public records

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Four .22-caliber rifles and two shotguns were stolen Monday after a door glass was smashed at a home in the 100 block of Tilghman Drive, sheriff's deputies said. The resident, Ronald...

Woman gets new house through federal program

Hattie Mae Harper's smile broke through Monday's gray gloom as Mayor Al King handed her the keys to her new home. The sparkling new modular home stands on the same site where Ms. Harper's old home stood for 52...

Briefly

Medicare seminar The new Medicare prescription drug program will be discussed at a Medicare seminar April 27 at 10 a.m. at the Wayne County Public Library. The seminar is being sponsored by the seniors' health insurance information program of the...

Monday, April 12, 2004

Jack Best nominated for county board seat

The Wayne County Democratic Party has nominated Jack Best to replace former County Commissioner Ken Gerrard, who stepped down recently. The commissioners were formally notified of the nomination in a letter from party Chairman Larry Jones, received after the county...

Slocumb Street cleanup progressing

Though there are still some patches of litter on Slocumb Street, the city's efforts to get the road cleaned up are beginning to show. A few sites show scattered litter, but the trash piled on the side of the...

Resident wakes to find house on fire

A sleeping resident was awakened by a neighbor and escaped from his burning home. Another home also was damaged heavily in a weekend fire, a Goldsboro fire official said. Keith Rodgers was sleeping Friday night on a couch in...

Employment agency faces loss of money

The Employment Security Commission's offices in Goldsboro and Mount Olive are expecting a funding shortfall beginning July 1, possibly causing some employees to lose their jobs. "We are under a lot of financial stress," said Bill Pate, manager of...

Voluntary agricultural districts back before county planning board

After months of germination in committee, Wayne County's proposed "voluntary agriculture districts" program should resurface this week. The Wayne County Planning Board is expected Tuesday night to discuss the districts, which are intended to reduce conflict between farmers and their...

DuPont layoffs will not affect Kinston plant

DuPont today announced that it will reduce its global employee work force by 6 percent, or 3,500 positions, as part of its $900 million cost improvement program announced in December. In addition, the company is reducing 450 contractor positions....

OPINION -- Exit strategy

Can there be peace in Iraq? Probably not anytime soon, if ever. People in that part of the world have been killing each other seemingly forever. These are uncompromising religious wars. Victories on the battlefields do not change religious...

Public records

Seven people injured in 13 road crashes Seven people were injured and damages were estimated at $91,600 in 13 recent traffic collisions in Wayne County, officers reported. *Damage was estimated at $5,000 in a one-truck wreck at 2:50 a.m. today...

Sunday, April 11, 2004

Cancer patients find solace in art classes

Peggy Bill was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990, but for the next 11 years she thought she had beaten it. Three years ago, it returned. One suggestion from her doctor, Jim Atkins of Southeastern Medical Oncology Center, has...

Homeowner sues county over inspection

An unlicensed Wayne County building contractor, a county building inspector and the county are being sued by a homeowner who says her house that was destroyed in a fire was poorly rebuilt. Alice McCoy's home at 223 Slapout Road was...

Two to go on trial for murder at liquor house

Two Goldsboro men will go on trial Monday in Wayne County Superior Court for the murder of a man and the wounding of another outside of a liquor house near Goldsboro. William Darryl Braswell, 23, of North Drive and...

Student becomes the teacher

Mount Olive Middle School's newest teacher is barely older than some of her students. Pamela Braswell, 20, has been in college classrooms year-round since she graduated from Rosewood High School in 2001. In fact, she finished her requirements on...

Litter Sweep cleanup to be held Saturday

Less than a week remains before Wayne County residents will be out in force to pick up litter on city and county roads. The biannual Litter Sweep is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m....

Public Records

Woman charged with burning her house FREMONT -- A Fremont resident was charged Friday with setting her own house and her husband's car on fire, Fremont Police Chief Ben Reid announced. The fire damaged a bedroom, and smoke damaged the...

Briefly

Goldsboro mention Restaurateur Wilberdean Shirley has been notified that his establishment, Wilber's Barbecue of Goldsboro, will be mentioned in the lead story of the Southern Living Favorites issue, which will go on sale by April 15. The magazine's executive editor,...

Goldsboro to flush water system

Goldsboro to flush water system Goldsboro's General Services department will begin flushing the city's water distribution system today. The flushing activities will begin at 11 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. daily, except for Friday and Saturday of each week....

Student News

Dr. Keisha Counsela Stevens challenged students at Dillard Academy to set goals and work toward them. She was invited by Mrs. Vivian Stover to speak to the kindergarten through third grade. Dr. Stevens is a Duke University graduate who will...

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, ext. 336, or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer...

Friday, April 9, 2004

Annexation foes prepare legal fight

Opponents to Goldsboro's proposed annexation have hired a lawyer, named their group and elected officers. The meeting room at the Belfast Fire Department packed close to 100 people Thursday, all determined to see the fight against annexation through to...

Greene awaits drug-deal windfall

SNOW HILL -- An expected $500,000 payment thanks to an alleged drug dealer skipping out on his bond will likely fall into the laptops -- computers, that is -- of Greene County students. The money may come to the...

Wayne population drops, bureau reports

From staff and AP reports Wayne County is among 18 counties in the state that have lost population since 2000, the Census Bureau reported Thursday. The county had 113,104 residents as of July 1, 2003, according to the bureau's new...

MOC player from Venezuela tries to cope with mother's kidnapping

KINSTON -- David Marquez took batting practice and shagged flies with his Mount Olive College teammates Wednesday afternoon as the Trojans prepared to take on the Kinston Indians. Marquez is a straight-A student -- "he's never gotten a B...

Briefly

How Warsaw got its name The town of Warsaw was originally known as Mooresville and later changed to Duplin Depot. The town's Web Page, at www.townofwarsawnc.com, says the community was first settled around 1825. In 1838, Thaddeus D. Love of...

Public records

Drug charges A Goldsboro couple was arrested Thursday by the Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad and charged with drug violations in their home in the 400 block of Odell Street in Goldsboro. Officers also seized three pounds of marijuana during their...

To merge or not to merge?

CALYPSO -- The discussion is continuing on whether two high schools in Duplin County should be consolidated. Parent groups have formed, one favoring the consolidation of North Duplin and James Kenan high schools and another opposing it. Dr. Greg...

Local digest

Americal files for bankruptcy HENDERSON -- Americal Corp., once a large employer in Goldsboro, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to sells its Peds brand socks to an auction bidder, the Triangle Business Journal reported Thursday. The...

Thursday, April 8, 2004

Boards give differing responses to city letter

School board sentiments ranged from resentment about the Goldsboro City Council's letter threatening a lawsuit if problems with city schools are not corrected, to outrage that it is being blamed for the racial imbalance problem. Meanwhile, the Wayne County...

Commissioner Flowers questions Barber's organization

Is one of the most vocal critics of racial imbalance in Goldsboro schools contributing to the problem? That was the question raised Tuesday by Wayne County Commissioner Arnold Flowers. Rebuilding Broken Places seems to be building inner-city neighborhoods that...

Horse put to sleep after attack by pit bulls

FREMONT -- A 5-year-old pony had to be put to sleep Wednesday after it was attacked by two pit bulls. "It was a terrible sight," said Ray West, who arrived at the bloody scene not long after the attack...

Commissioners ban smoking at County Office Building

The Wayne County commissioners agreed to ban smoking around the entrances to the County Office Building, which is home to the Social Services and Health departments. "No smoking" signs will now be posted at the entrances on Herman, Lionel and...

Economic Development looks for new employee

The Wayne County Economic Development Commission is again asking the county for a new employee to focus on existing businesses and industries. The commission agreed Wednesday on a proposed 2004-2005 budget to submit to the county commissioners. The $370,000...

Agriculture commissioner lunches with 129 people

MOUNT OLIVE -- Britt Cobb thought he would have lunch Wednesday with Keith Beavers and a few of his friends. But when he arrived at the workshop on Beavers' farm in the Mount Olive area of Duplin County, 120...

Faison awards garbage contract to higher bidder

FAISON -- Onslow Container Service won Faison's garbage collection contract, though its bid was higher than its competitor. The town decided it no longer wanted to give the business to Waste Industries because residents complained it had not been...

Briefly

City hires planner Randy Guthrie joined the Goldsboro Planning Department Wednesday as its new planning director. The position was left vacant in December when Don Chatman retired. Guthrie's most recent employment was in Cary, where he spent the last year...

New Duplin election supervisor reviews voting schedule

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County's new elections supervisor, Suzanne Southerland, reported that the county has 24,390 registered voters, which is up by 150 since February. She told the county commissioners Monday that there's always an increase in registration in the years...

Public records

Fire in Fremont hits house, car FREMONT -- A "suspicious" fire on Wednesday damaged a home at 801 S. Sycamore St. and destroyed a car, Fremont authorities said today. An investigation of the cause of the fire was turned over...

Local digest

WKIX-FM gets new manager Curtis Media Group announced Wednesday the appointment of Sam Hassell as general manager of WKIX-FM radio station in Goldsboro. He assumes the duties from Tony Denton, who will remain with the company as general manager of...

Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Council threatens lawsuit over schools

The Goldsboro City Council threatened legal action today if its concerns about the problems facing schools in central Goldsboro continue to be ignored by the school board. Council members outlined their concerns in a letter to the county commissioners,...

County sets zoning hearing on changes to protect base

Wayne County residents will have a chance next month to speak about a proposal to make it tougher and more expensive to build near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The county commissioners agreed Tuesday to call a public hearing...

Fire at Wayne Motel to be investigated

A fire damaged three rooms at the Wayne Motel on Tuesday night and was referred by fire officials to Goldsboro police for a further investigation. The guests were evacuated quickly, and no one was injured. "We're trying to determine...

Men indicted for restaurant heists

Two men accused last year of robbing numerous businesses, including Chinese restaurants, in eastern North Carolina have been indicted on felony charges in Wayne County. The men were indicted by the Wayne County Grand Jury on charges of robbing...

Bowles says he's focused on east's needs

Erskine Bowles wanted to go to Congress two years ago to help improve the lives of rural North Carolinians, he said then. He still does, he said Tuesday. "It's been a long time since we've had a senator who was...

Borden building dedicated

The Borden Building was formally reopened Tuesday afternoon as the new home for local mental health services. More than 100 people, including Goldsboro Mayor Al King and the Wayne County commissioners, attended the dedication service. The ceremony also honored...

Youngster injured in traffic accident regains consciousness

A fourth-grader at Tommy's Road Elementary School remains hospitalized at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville after a Monday night accident that claimed his mother's life. Ryan Goins, 9, of South Harding Drive, was listed in critical condition but has regained...

Briefly

World War II re-enactment The Wayne County Museum is hosting a re-enactment called, "The American and German Soldiers during World War II." The goal is to take attendees back in time to experience the war through the eyes of the...

Three solutions given for Duplin schools

KENANSVILLE -- It looked as if a 1,000 people turned out Tuesday night to argue for and against consolidating high schools in Duplin County. Most of them were parents of students in either the B.F. Grady, the North Duplin...

Public records

Resident finds thieves in home A Dudley man returned home Tuesday and saw two men inside stealing his property, according to a Wayne County sheriff's report. The robbers had picked up a handgun, a holster, a jar of change and...

Forte loses appeal

Linwood Earl Forte, sentenced to death last year for the murders of three elderly people in Goldsboro, has lost his appeal of a seven-year sentence for assaulting a prison guard and trying to escape before his trial. After he...

City approves purchase of litter vacuum

Goldsboro roadways should soon be a little cleaner. The City Council approved buying a portable litter vacuum machine at Monday night's board meeting. The vacuum, which will remove debris and trash from roadways and right-of-ways, will cost the city...

Tuesday, April 6, 2004

Annexation opponents take fight to City Hall

Opponents to the city's proposed annexation packed City Hall on Monday, filling not only council chambers but spilling over into two other board rooms. More than 300 people showed up, many waving anti-annexation signs. News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Mayor Al King...

Criticism of school board answered

School board members say they are upset by innuendoes and misinformation about the school system that is coming from disgruntled community groups. Ever since the Wayne County board announced its $82.5 million construction plan two weeks ago, the school...

Woman killed in wreck; son hospitalized

A 36-year-old woman from Goldsboro was killed Monday night in a collision at Pikes Crossroads, the intersection of N.C. 581 and Pikeville-Princeton Road, the Highway Patrol reported. The victim was identified as Antonia Venise Procter of 501 S. Harding Drive....

Wayne youth to present livestock at annual event

About 80 young people will be showing off their prized possessions this year at the 56th Annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale. The event will be April 13-14 at the Wayne Regional Fairground's livestock arena. It is sponsored...

No Pikeville rate increase for out-of-town residents planned

PIKEVILLE -- Out-of-town residents do not have to worry about an increase in their electrical rates for the time being. The town board voted unanimously Monday to absorb the 1.2 percent rate hike. Mayor Tony Medlin established a committee...

Developer's letter to city intended to put rumors to rest

In a letter to Goldsboro City Council members, developer Bill Lane tried Monday to put rumors about his involvement in a proposed annexation to rest. Lane summarized the events surrounding the development and growth of Lane Farms and Lane...

Princeton town board agrees to penalty for sewer violations

PRINCETON -- The Princeton town board agreed Monday night to pay a state-imposed $1,892 penalty for three recent sewer plant violations caused by excessive rain. Mayor Don Rains said the town had been notified in a letter from the...

Public records

Fire damages home A fire today heavily damaged a one-floor home at 114 Sandy Drive. Goldsboro police are investigating, a fire official said. "It looked suspicious," said Assistant Fire Chief Ray Boyette, who noted that the owner had been away...

Briefly

Lighthouse update The Lighthouse of Wayne County has temporarily closed its thrift store, Etcetera, at 205 E. Walnut St. The organization will continue to accept donations of cleaning supplies, toys, office supplies and toiletries, but asks that any other donations...

Princeton police cars run up high gas bills

PRINCETON -- Rising gas prices are affecting the Princeton Police Department, says Chief Eddie Lewis. Lewis told Monday night's monthly town board meeting that the town's gas bill for two police cars was $446 in March. He said his...

Wayne County Democrats to hold caucus April 17

The Wayne County Democratic Party will hold its presidential preference caucus at the county courthouse Saturday, April 17, even though John Kerry has locked up the nomination. The statewide caucus is being held because the primary elections were delayed...

Mount Olive approves alley improvements

MOUNT OLIVE -- Rick Kraft's design to improve an alley beside his studio downtown is approved, but not without much discussion and a split vote. Kraft addressed the town's concerns about access to James Street for emergency workers and...

Monday, April 5, 2004

Miss America tells students to follow dreams

DUDLEY -- Ericka Dunlap has the key to Wayne County and to the hearts of Brogden Middle School students. Miss Dunlap is Miss America, a native of Florida, and today she spoke to the students at the school about...

Eva McKinley turns 100 today

MOUNT OLIVE -- Eva Grantham McKinley turned 100 years old today. Her grandchildren are planning a bash for her on Saturday at St. Mark Baptist Church on Nelson Street. They've booked a photographer and a videographer. "Miss Eva" and...

Base zoning on commissioners' agenda

The Wayne County commissioners will talk again Tuesday about zoning for thousands of additional acres in high-noise areas around the Air Force base. The board will also consider a ban on smoking around the entrances to the County Office Building,...

Growers take steps to protect strawberries

Strawberry farmers are continuing to protect their crop as cold weather makes its way to Wayne County. Harold and Pam Edwards operate Elroy Farms on U.S. 70 East. They have grown strawberries for 14 years and have about 60,000 plants....

Commodity prices rise

Many agricultural commodities from the 2003 crop season are selling for much higher prices, according to state officials. Sherry Warren with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture's market news said it is a volatile market, and prices are based...

Wayne ranks 34th in recycling

A new state report ranks Wayne County only 34th among the state's 100 counties in getting its residents to recycle. In contrast, Duplin County is collecting almost 50 percent more of recyclable materials per resident than Wayne County is. Wayne...

OPINION -- Callings

Dr. Robert Shackelford has a great repertoire of stories -- most of them real-life accounts of real people. He and Paul Garrison and I were drifting the Neuse below Pitch Kettle Creek recently when "Shack" came up with this...

Wayne Community hosts concert by Nnenna Freelon

Five musicians walked to their instruments on the Wayne Community College stage Saturday night. A sixth member soon followed, empty-handed at the microphone. Her instrument became apparent the moment she opened her mouth. Jazz singer Nnenna Freelon's voice poured...

Public records

Crime of the Week A robbery of two young Goldsboro women near Humphrey Street has been chosen by Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers as its latest "Crime of the Week." The women gave the man, whom they knew, a ride. Once...

Mount Olive holiday garbage collection schedule set

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive town offices will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. The yard waste and recyclable schedule will be as follows: *Monday, west side yard waste. *Tuesday, east side yard waste. Remember leaves and...

Sunday, April 4, 2004

Annexation opponents to hire lawyer

Opponents to Goldsboro's proposed annexation met Friday and decided to hire a lawyer as a way to stop, or delay, the annexation. Close to 140 people gathered for the meeting, not to rant and rave about the proposed annexation,...

Annexation laws complicated

State laws governing annexation are so complicated that people in areas being considered for annexation often don't understand the laws, or know what can be done to prevent annexation. Bill Burnette, a Wayne County resident living in an area...

Legislators hear concerns

Abandoned mobile homes clutter the roadsides. One in four people refuses to pay vehicle property taxes. Escalating Medicaid bills threaten to sink the county budget. State and federal officials heard about those problems, among others, during a legislative briefing...

Warrick to be sworn in

Jackie Warrick, the new representative for District 6 in Goldsboro, will be sworn in at Monday's City Council meeting. The council will recognize Councilman Delmus Bridgers, who has been a council member since 1992. City Manager Richard Slozak said that...

Civil rights complaint to be filed

A civil rights complaint will be filed on Monday by two Goldsboro groups, urging an investigation into practices by the Wayne County Board of Education. Concerned Clergy and the local NAACP chapter allege that the school board engaged in...

De-Rail-A-Bration 2004

Destinee Daughtry of Pikeville anxiously awaited a ride called "The Tempest" to begin spinning her around at a rapid pace. She waved at her mother, Crystal, and the anticipation grew stronger. The ride began and her face lit up...

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, ext. 336, or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer...

Superior Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *David Andrew Tilghman, 38, Aycock Street, embezzlement, not guilty; larceny by an employee, dismissed. *Paul Dudley Fowler, 22, Cameron Street, Calypso, common-law robbery and forgery, 13 to 16 months....

Briefly

Miss America coming Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap is coming to Wayne County. Ms. Dunlap will visit Brogden Middle School on Monday to speak to nearly 600 students on the importance of academic achievement. She will speak to one group...

District Court

These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Annette Best, 32, Johnson Lane, communicating threats, not guilty. *Rosa Christina Paullada, 32, Wilson, assault, not guilty. *Levy Worley Jr., 36, Pleasant Pines Drive, assault on a female, not...

ARC heroes campaign ends

Forty-nine Wayne County "heroes" raised a total of $46,517 for the local Red Cross. The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross concluded its second annual Heroes Campaign on Thursday with a luncheon at St. Luke United Methodist...

Antique tractors to be displayed

The third annual Antique Farm Equipment Days show is coming to the Wayne County Fairgrounds the first weekend in May, with events starting at 9 a.m. on both days. Admission is $5, and children under 12 get in free....

ABWA Woman of the Year

Sharon Dentzer has been named Goldsboro's American Business Woman of the Year by the Goldsboro Charter Chapter of the American Business Women's Association. Mrs. Dentzer will complete for the Top Ten National American Business Woman of the Year later this...

Friday, April 2, 2004

State asks job status of attorney

Goldsboro city officials have received a letter from the state retirement system asking for clarification on City Attorney Harrell Everett's employment status, and City Manager Richard Slozak said today he was working on a response. Slozak said that he...

Board hires firm to run Gateway

Public transportation in Wayne County will soon be managed by a bus contracting company based in Missouri. The Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority approved a proposal Thursday from Applebus Co. to manage the buses and vans that run in the city...

Students help student prepare for end of grade tests

As students ready for end-of-grade tests next month, Earl Moore says he wants to make sure all of his students have every advantage possible to do well. Since the fall, Moore, who is serving his first year as principal...

Duplin parents want new school

ALBERTSON -- Parents want to renovate B.F. Grady Elementary School and build a high school to keep their children in the community when they leave the eighth grade. The parents plan to have a representative present a proposal to...

Students contribute to Red Cross "Heroes"

Students across Wayne County have spent the last few weeks learning about the American Red Cross and what it means to be a "hero." Schools were invited to participate in this year's "Heroes" fund drive for the Wayne County...

Red Cross "Heroes" raised more than $46,000

Forty-nine Wayne County "heroes" raised a total of $46,517 for the local Red Cross. The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross concluded its second annual Heroes Campaign on Thursday with a luncheon at St. Luke United Methodist...

House fire started by child cooking

A home at 1002 N. James St. in Goldsboro was damaged heavily Wednesday night in a fire caused by unattended cooking. The home was occupied by Gwendolyn Jefferson, whose mother was the owner of the Jefferson Corner Grocery, which was...

Public records

Home invasions Four men from Honduras have been arrested by Sampson County authorities and charged with a series of violent home invasions. The men -- Carlos Velasquez, Edgardo Zuniga, Leonel Rivera and Roger Bonilla -- were accused of taking part...

Briefly

Spring break Students in Wayne County public schools begin Easter break next week. Schools will have early dismissal on Thursday, and there will be no school on Friday. Classes will resume on Monday, April 19. Park train begins season run...

Thursday, April 1, 2004

County, town attorneys get retirement pay

Wayne County makes retirement system payments for both of its lawyers, and so does the town of Mount Olive. The county has two lawyers, County Attorney Borden Parker and Tax Attorney Dortch Langston. Mount Olive's town attorney is Carroll...

State agriculture board meets at, tours, Cherry Farm

Providing farmers with economically viable ways to plant crops and raise cattle is just one goal of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro. It also is teaching young, bright future farmers what is involved in cultivating the...

Substance abuse task force points to many types of additions

Addictions are growing at a tremendous pace, but not all of them are in the form of drugs or alcohol. WATCH's Substance Abuse Task Force says that sex, on-line pornography and gambling can be just as addictive but are...

House burns

A home at 1002 N. James St. in Goldsboro was damaged heavily Wednesday night in a fire caused by unattended cooking. The home was occupied by Gwendolyn Jefferson, whose mother was the owner of the Jefferson Corner Grocery, which was...

Public records

Man robbed A Mar Mac resident was forced to disrobe at gunpoint in his home and then robbed Wednesday night of about $4,750 worth of property, a Wayne County Sheriff's report said. Raymond Francis Aube, 57, of Running Branch Circle...

Briefly

Walk for Hunger United Church Ministries will have its annual Walk for Hunger on Sunday. Registration will begin at 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Herman Park. The walkers will leave the park at 1:30. Everyone who finishes the 41ò2-mile...

Local digest

Spring lambs arrive at Aycock site FREMONT -- Spring has sprung at Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site, and two new lambs are leaping into the season. Baby Abigail arrived on March 8 and is doing just fine, say site officials....