May 2006 archives

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Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Paramount Plans

News-Argus/Bobby Williams A&K Grading and Demolition workers prepare to take down the third floor of the Paramount. The decision was made because of potential danger to passers-by, city officials said. The building will be leveled to the same height...

Eight prostitutes caught in sting

Goldsboro police arrested eight women early today for prostitution. The department's Operations Division started Tuesday night concentrating its efforts on complaints of prostitution in several areas within the city. The round-up took four hours, officers said. All eight women were...

Paramount Theater's third floor to be removed

For the first time in months, there is action at the Paramount Theater, but the crews are not laying new brick or concrete -- they are knocking a piece of what is left of the building down. By order of...

Shelter start date is getting closer

Animal shelter advocates could see construction of a new facility within the next year, a county official told a meeting of the Animal Control Advisory Committee Tuesday. Wayne County Manager Lee Smith told committee members that some planning costs and...

Officials say no new tasxes for Fremont

FREMONT -- What was a balanced budget for 2006-07 for Fremont became unbalanced Tuesday night -- but not by much. Fine-tuning left the budget about $4,000 in the hole, Town Administrator Kerry McDuffie said after the town board's budget workshop....

Pikeville eyes cutting back trash pickup

PIKEVILLE -- Pikeville officials are considering hiring a private company to handle the town's garbage pick-up services as part of the 2006-07 budget. If the budget is approved as proposed, the town would seek bids from Onslow Container Service, Waste...

Actor Robert Sterling dies at 88

The Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- Robert Sterling, the handsome star of 1940s movies who appeared with his wife Anne Jeffreys in the television series "Topper," has died at his Brentwood home. He was 88. Sterling died Tuesday of natural...

Wayne County Special Olympics names two Athletes of the Year

Special Olympics Wayne County has named its two Athletes of the Year for 2006. Rob Presson, 14, was chosen Athlete of the Year for the schools and 31-year-old Shannon Moore is athlete of the year for independents and agencies. The...

Public record

Investigations The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating these reports: *Lashvonda Latrice Sutton said a man she knows kicked in her door and assaulted her with his hands and a wooden stick, also doing $120 worth of damage to the door...

Habitat for Humanity will build home in one week during 'blitz'

From staff reports Volunteers will raise the walls Monday on a house in Harris Street Estates as part of the national 2006 Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz. The national event will include more than 130 Habitat affiliates putting up...

Farmer's Day at Aycock Birthplace June 17

They average 9-feet tall and have heads of about 12 inches in diameter. They are the Mammoth Russian Sunflowers that are among plants in the heirloom garden at Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site near Fremont. The garden features varieties of...

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Lottery's Newest Game - Feeling lucky?

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Rachal Peters takes a look at the numbers the Comco Station computer picked for her Powerball ticket as store cleark Pebbles Stephems looks on. Other local residents have been using loved-ones' birthdays and anniversary dates to pick...

Pick your Powerball

Sean Sinclair plans on waking up Thursday as the country's newest millionaire -- thanks to his wife and son. Their birthdays, he said, hold the key to a Powerball win. "My wife has always been good to me," he said....

Farmers could start harvesting wheat crop

Farmers in Wayne and surrounding counties could begin harvesting wheat this week, said Kevin Johnson, a crop agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. The recent spate of hot weather has helped ripen the crop, he said. "I suspect...

Ceremony honors those who gave all

Veterans and their descendants gathered at Wayne Community College Monday morning to remember the cost of freedom. "Starting on Thursday and Friday, you could see ads for half-price sales on this and half-price sales on that, but I can assure...

Skit brings choices to stage

Health educator Rovonda Freeman did not want to talk to teens about issues like teen pregnancy, abstinence, avoiding drugs, the same old way -- with a lecture at the front of a classroom. So, she decided to use drama to...

Public records

Fire destroys Mar Mac house A one-floor brick home at 8013 Summit Drive was destroyed Sunday in a fire that started in a camper shell, a Wayne County fire official said Monday. Mar Mac Volunteer Fire Chief Bill Harrell said...

Stagestruck camp slots available

Stagestruck: The Young People's Own Theatre, 110 N. James St., will hold its summer STARS Camp for rising first through sixth graders Monday through Friday, June 12-23, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. This musical revue will be performed on...

Monday, May 29, 2006

The Water's Fine - Pools open for the season

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Taking a holiday weekend splash at the Family YMCA pool in Mount Olive are, from left, Emily Parker, Nikki Henson and Brittani Overman. The pool, like many across Wayne County, opened Memorial Day weekend....

Cleanup group faults unsecured loads

A group of Wayne County residents dedicated to keeping the county free of trash and debris says items thrown from cars might be a problem, but not the biggest challenge to keeping the county clean. Keep Wayne County Beautiful volunteers...

Teenager dies in surgery after shooting

A Fremont teenager died today after being shot in the chest in a car on Albert Drive. Another teen was arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with murder. The victim, John Setliff, 17, of East Wayne Street,...

Local governments turn surplus items into cash through online auction site

Some local governments are finding that one person's trash can be another person's treasure -- literally. Municipalities and county governments are turning to GovDeals.com, an online auction site that facilitates the sale of government surplus items nationwide. Wayne County has...

Clinic offers mental health care options

A new clinic at Wayne Memorial Hospital is giving mental health patients a new option for care in the wake of mental health reforms and other changes that are forcing some adults to look for new avenues for treatment. Stoney...

Public records

2 hurt in wrecks Two people were injured and damages were estimated at $28,300 in five weekend traffic collisions in Goldsboro, police reported. *A new car sustained about $10,000 in damages in a hit-and-run collision at 3:15 a.m. Sunday at...

Partnership hopes lobsters again will be popular fare

Advance tickets are available until Tuesday for the second annual Lobster Fest, and Partnership for Children employees are preparing for the big cookout next Friday. "Rain or shine, we'll be out there cooking," said Patty Huffman, the Partnership for Children...

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Pikeville dedicates veterans memorial

The sound of the 21-gun salute still echoed in the ears of those who came out Saturday to christen the Pikeville Price of Freedom Memorial ceremony when a member of the United States Marine Corps band started playing "Taps." Most...

Cherry Hospital funds depend on House approval

The North Carolina Senate has already given its approval of a proposal included in the new state budget that will help arrange the funds to build a new Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro. Now the budget -- and the measure --...

Chamber, city resolve differences

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's concerns about funds for the coming year were allayed Friday when chamber officials and Goldsboro City Council met to resolve budget issues. Chamber officials had been worried since council received the recommended 2006-07 fiscal year...

Parade starts day for Dillard-Goldsboro alumni

Some showed up to cheer on their classmates. Others came to seek out high school friends and teachers. And a few, just wanted to be a part of the celebration. Students, alumni and friends gathered Saturday on Center Street, as...

Central High alumni gather to reminisce

Within an hour after the conclusion of the Dillard/Goldsboro High School reunion parade, another celebration was just beginning roughly four miles north of Center Street. Alumni, friends and area neighbors lined Force Road and Longleaf Avenue Saturday afternoon to mark...

Duplin schools wait for budget numbers

KENANSVILLE -- Still waiting for a definitive budget from the state and county, the Duplin County Board of Education can only make projections on who will pay what and how much for programs and facilities during the school district's next...

Local students will take state tests this week

It's the moment teachers and students have been gearing up for all year: End-of-grade tests, which will be given this week for students in grades 3 through 8. Following Monday's holiday for the school system, testing will take place Tuesday...

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Jermaine Randall Broderick, 19, Raleigh, larceny and possession of stolen goods, not guilty. *George Thomas Davis, 29, Wilbert Lane, Pikeville, possession of a firearm by a...

Public Records

Stolen property *Sasser Home Builders reported property stolen from a construction site in Pikeville. An employee showed up to install appliances at a site, a noticed they were missing. Among the items allegedly stolen were a $350 range oven, a...

MO Court

Mount Olive District Court These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Gabriela Reyes Cruz, 53, Scotts Store Road, Mount Olive, speeding, $15 fine and costs. *Shemika Haretta McNair, 24, Peacock Street, Fremont, no registration, 30 days suspended,...

Many offices closed for Memorial Day

From staff reports Goldsboro and Wayne County offices and state and federal offices, including the Postal Service, will be closed Monday in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. City sanitation collection services scheduled for Monday will be made Wednesday, said...

District Court

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Lottie Mae Darden, 42, Courtyard Circle, breaking and-or entering, assault and communicating threats, not guilty. *Tanika Darden, 20, Courtyard Circle, breaking and-or entering, assault and communicating...

Friday, May 26, 2006

Flags and Smiles - SJAFB airmen back

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Lt. Col. Scott Kindsvater is welcomed home by his daughters, Sydney, left, and Samantha at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Thursday. More than 300 airmen returned from operations overseas. For more information see Heroes welcomed, 300 airmen...

Heroes welcomed, 300 airmen return home to cheers, hugs

Every day for the past five months, Marga Cruz and her two young sons placed a sticker on their "countdown board." With each sticker, Jackson and Kaleb's "daddy" was one day closer to coming home. The boys put the last...

Duplin EMS director resigns his post

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County Emergency Medical Services Director Curtis Brock has resigned, and District Attorney Dewey Hudson is reviewing possible evidence of antitrust violations involving the county's emergency services contracts in the county. An investigation by the State Bureau of...

Duplin officials will add tax hike

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Commissioners agreed during a work session Thursday to include a 3.5-cent increase in the property tax rate when they approve a budget for 2006-07. The rate is currently 77 cents per $100 worth...

Dillard Alumni crowns 2006 queen, scholars

Liz Williams of Atlanta said she wanted to do more than hand out scholarship money to a student Thursday night during the Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni scholarship awards program. So when she called Tammy Moody to the stage, she immediately handed her...

Cliffs of Neuse swimming will open this week

The Cliffs of the Neuse swimming area will open Saturday, but there won't be any diving until there is more water, park officials said. The water is still too shallow in the deep end for any diving, Park Ranger Dan...

City, chamber meet to discuss dues bill

Goldsboro City Council will hold a special meeting at City Hall this afternoon to discuss adjustments they made to the Travel and Tourism budget at a work session earlier this month. They will also decide what role Goldsboro will have...

Public records

5 people charged in vehicle break-in Five people from Goldsboro were arrested before dawn today by Goldsboro police and charged with felony breaking and entering of a vehicle, felony larceny and misdemeanor offenses. Kevin E. Cooley, 20, of Hunter's Creek...

Checkpoints a success, police say

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive Police Chief Emmett Ballree called two "Click It or Ticket," checkpoints held by his department this week a success. Checkpoints were set up on N.C. 55 East near near Country Club Road and on N.C....

Student 'commissioners' ante up for animal shelter

Students fromWayne County's six public high schools took part Tuesday in the annual mock commissioners meeting designed to give students a chance to see how local government operates. Participing students spent weeks preparing and researching topics for debate in their...

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Reviewing the Troops - Southern Wayne ROTC parades

News-Argus/Bobby Williams ROTC cadets from Southern Wayne High School participated in the 18th annual "Pass in Review" at the school on Wednesday. The military parade honored a distinguished person and recognized accomplishments of others. Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent of...

Wayne County officials say no tax hike

Wayne County Commis-sioners have a little more than a month before they are required to approve a budget but they are already certain that it will not contain an increase in the property tax rate. Commissioners raised the tax rate...

SJAFB airmen coming home

A large group of deployed airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will be returning home today, public affairs officers from the base said. Many of the airmen have been overseas since the beginning of the year, in support of...

$145 million for Cherry Hospital included in spending plan

Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight says $145.5 million to build a new Cherry Hospital at Goldsboro has been included in the state budget now being crafted by the General Assembly. The money would be provided through Certificates of...

Gas prices up for holiday weekend

Although gas prices are at their highest level ever for a Memorial Day holiday for the second straight year, but even at 70 cents more than last year, they are still lower than they've been in the past month. Ron...

Students help feed needy children

MOUNT OLIVE -- In a nationwide campaign to promote music education and help the hungry, Carver Elementary School raised more money per student than any other school in the country. With 100 percent student participation in the project, the school...

Public records

Teen accidentally shoots self, dies A 19-year-old man died following an accidental shooting Wednesday night, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported today. The victim was identified as Yohance Renjuan Jordan of 465 Old Grantham Road. "We're looking at it as...

Click It or Ticket campaign starts

Wayne County authorities are gearing up for the first big holiday weekend with the annual statewide "Click It or Ticket" program to ensure the use of passenger restraints. The statewide Click It or Ticket campaign started Monday. It will include...

World War II living history day Saturday

The Wayne County Museum will host a World War II Living History Family Day Saturday. From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. the Mid-Atlantic Military Association will have re-enactors portraying American, German and Russian soldiers and nurses under a war tent....

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Talking About Their Neighborhood - City meeting

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Goldsboro Councilman Don Chatman speaks to his constituents at a neighborhood meeting for the community around Leslie Street at the W.A. Foster Recreation Center Tuesday. The meetings give a chance for community members to speak about their...

Residents say drugs, violence plague their neighborhood

Gunshots and screaming -- sounds many residents of the Leslie Street neighborhood said they have come to expect and fear. And then there are the prostitutes, drug dealers, homeless and violent youths. Roughly 50 residents from the blocks surrounding Leslie...

Kerr seeks $4 million in state funding for Paramount

No state money is available for the Paramount Theater reconstruction project -- even though a local legislator has asked to bring some of North Carolina's budget surplus home to Goldsboro. Sen. John Kerr said he filed Senate Bill 1468 last...

Private schools will honor Class of 2006

Fifty-two high school students are expected to graduate from three private schools in Wayne County on Friday evening. Wayne Country Day School will have 15 graduates this year. Ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. Friday in the school gymnasium. History...

Fans make their 'Idol' predictions

He's not the mayor, a local pastor or the captain of the high school football squad -- he doesn't even live in Goldsboro. Still, American Idol finalist Taylor Hicks is stirring things up around town. Tonight, the gray-haired 29-year-old will...

Mount Olive Tribune building

MOUNTOLIVE -- The building occupied by the Mount Olive Tribune newspaper is for sale. The paper is seeking a smaller location. "We're right across the street from the pending Wal-Mart and we have more space than we need," said Publisher...

Food bank being formed

The Hispanic Development Center is forming a food bank. Organizers Willie Cartegena, his wife, Tammy, Guillermo Ortiz and Ana Cruz underwent training at the Raleigh Food Bank, which provides staple items. "We are official to the point that we can...

June 1 deadline for farm program

The deadline to register for the 2006 crop Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program at the Wayne County Farm Service Agency Office is Thursday, June 1. FSA will accept late-filed DCP applications through Sept. 30, if accompanied by a $100 late...

Chamber membership celebration Thursday

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's four-week long membership awareness campaign kicks off Thursday night with a membership appreciation celebration. Patty Graham, the chamber's director of membership and marketing, said the celebration will unite and honor former, current and future...

Public records

Sheriff's helicopter helps deputies find marijuana The Raven, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office helicopter, is on the prowl again, looking for illegal drug operations. Officers on board the Raven, the sheriff's Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team and patrol deputies on Tuesday...

3 sentenced for series of county break-ins

Three young men have been sentenced in Wayne County Superior Court for their parts in a string of break-ins in Fremont, Eureka and Rosewood in Wayne County and the Mimosa Park and Maplewood sections in Goldsboro. Mark Christopher Tadlock, 20,...

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Strawberry Fields

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Christopher Barwick samples some of the strawberries at Cottle Farms west of Faison during a Strawberry Festival held at the farm on Saturday. Hundreds of people attended the event. This year has been a good one for...

Kinston sends decision to Raleigh

KINSTON -- The Lenoir County Board of Elections ruled today to honor a protest filed by state Rep. Stephen LaRoque over the results of the May Republican primary in that county. The state Board of Elections will now hold a...

Duplin debates how to handle budget shortfall

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County commissioners argued over increasing taxes, but reached no conclusions Monday about what to do about the county's nearly $1 million budget shortfall or the looming deadline to get a spending plan approved. With five weeks to...

CPA pleads guilty in tax fraud case

From Staff Reports A Wayne County man pleaded guilty to tax charges filed by the North Carolina Department of Revenue Monday in Wake County District Court, officials said. Jerry U. Britt, a self-employed certified public accountant from Mount Olive, pleaded...

State superintendent outlines schools' future

The "power of one" could make all the difference in the education of a child, says the state superintendent of public instruction. Dr. June St. Clair Atkinson, the first woman to serve in the post, should know. She was elected...

Inmate dies after trying to kill himself in jail cell

By JACK STEPHENS News-Argus Staff Writer A 45-year-old man who tried to hang himself in the Wayne County Jail died Monday of his injuries, officials said. Durwood Nash Webb of Saxton Street died at about 4:15 p.m., Sheriff's Maj. Ray...

Public records

Man stabbed A Goldsboro man was stabbed in the left shoulder Monday night after an argument with another man in the 200 block of East Vine Street, according to a Goldsboro police report. Timothy Edmundson, 44, was taken to Wayne...

Farm program vote Thursday

From staff reports North Carolina feed and fertilizer consumers have the opportunity Thursday to vote on Nickels for Know-How, a 55-year-old voluntary assessment on feed and fertilizer purchased in the state. Feed and fertilizer manufacturers build the cost of the...

Monday, May 22, 2006

Remembering Soldiers - Confederate Memorial Day

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Members of the 1st North Carolina Volunteers stand at attention as wreaths were placed during the Confederate Memorial Day service Sunday. For more information see Sunday ceremony honors those who gave all....

Sunday ceremony honors those who gave all

Southern soldiers buried at Willow Dale Cemetery were not traitors to their country but men doing their duty by their families and homeland, speakers at Confederate Memorial Day Service said Sunday. About 100 people attended the annual event, held at...

Kerr legislation proposes millions for Cherry

Legislation introduced Thursday could result in Cherry Hospital being one of two psychiatric hospitals in the state to get new facilities. North Carolina Sen. John Kerr III, D-District 5, introduced the legislation at the General Assembly. The bill would provide...

Historic Fire Station sold; renovation set

Before the days when the historic Goldsboro Fire Station sat vacant and dilapidated, it had been a home to local firefighters, then a sales space, and finally, an apartment. But for the past five years, only birds and random wildlife...

Pikeville might see higher water bills

PIKEVILLE -- Residents might not see higher property taxes in Pikeville next year, but their water and sewer bills could show an increase, town officials are saying. The proposed increases are mostly due to the operation of the town's new...

Public records

Inmate hospitalized after trying to hang himself A Wayne County Jail inmate was hospitalized today after being found Saturday dangling from a towel in a single cell, Sheriff Carey Winders said. Durwood Nash Webb, 45, of Saxton Street was found...

Old Timey Days set for June 10

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Seven Springs will celebrate its sixth Old Timey Days festival June 10. Main Street will be closed from N.C. Highway 55 to Rockford Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the celebration. Produced by the Seven...

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Goal, plus some: Relay teams set new fundraising record

After the 2006 Relay for Life's debut fireworks were over Friday, volunteers knew they had hit their goal of more than a half-million dollars for the battle to find a cure for cancer. Little did they know that they had...

This one is for the children

Among those gathered for this weekend's Relay for Life were some young people who know what it takes to beat cancer firsthand. They walked for themselves, but also to make sure others like them will not have to face cancer...

Sharing thoughts on fixing schools

RALEIGH -- After a day talking with representatives from other schools on Judge Howard Manning's "hit list" that face possible closure, a contingent from Goldsboro High School returned with a common message -- they're not alone in trying to fix...

Officials continue work on flooding

MOUNT OLIVE -- After more than 4 inches of rain fell in 90 minutes in one day last year, Piggly Wiggly owner Moses King found a flood in his parking lot and standing water in his store. This year, he...

WAGES clothing giveaway

The WAGES CSBG Self-Sufficiency Project will hold a Ready for Work clothing giveaway Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the WAGES multi-purpose room at 601 E. Royall Ave. People involved in WAGES programs, including but not limited to...

National Dog Bite Prevention Week observed May 21-27

May 21-27 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The U.S. Postal Service has taken the lead in making the public aware of the need for controlling dogs so that they do not attack people. Despite the popular notion that letter...

EWHS student selected for leadership conference

Gary L. Battle II, a student a Eastern Wayne High School, has been selected to attend the Congressional Student Leadership Conference sponsored by LeadAmerica, at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Student Leadership Conference is a college-accredited invitational leadership...

Upcoming Dillard/Goldsboro homecoming has a giving theme

Counting on all roads leading to Goldsboro, Dillard/Goldsboro alumni are planning another extravaganza for their 51st annual homecoming celebration this weekend. Memorial Day weekend is traditionally packed with activities. Area hotels are typically at capacity as the alumni converge. This...

Ulis Dawson book-signing today

Ulis N. Dawson will hold a book-signing today from 2-4 p.m. at the Alpha & Omega Christian Center at 1210 Clingman St. Dawson is the author of "The Future is Now," an autobiography of his growing up in the LaGrange...

Summer camp for autistic children seeking donations

Kidz Dayz, a summer camp devoted to children with autism or other developmental disabilities, held a fund-raising yard sale Saturday to help defray the costs of the annual program. The organization is a non-profit program designed to help autistic children...

Public Record

Investigations These reports are being investigated by by Goldsboro police: *Michael Smith said two men stopped him while he was riding on his scooter in the 100 block of South Herman Street and tried to steal it. They assaulted him...

Pikeville to dedicate freedom memorial

Pikeville will dedicate the Price of Freedom Memorial on Saturday, the town's God & Country Day. Patriotic ceremonies and gospel music are scheduled for the event at Pikeville Park. The park will be decorated with about 2,500 crosses constructed by...

Performing Expo set for Friday

The African-American Arts Advocates will present Performing Expo 2006 on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Herman Park Center. The show will feature gospel singers, dancers, actors, poets and instrumentalists. A scene from the play "Dearly Departed," will be performed. A...

Norwayne student to attend School of Arts summer session

Jessica Sauls of Fremont has been accepted for enrollment in the summer session of the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. She will study dance. Jessica is the daughter of Danny and Renee Sauls and is a student...

Goldsboro band wins competition

UNION GROVE -- Avalanche, a seven-member band based in Goldsboro, took first place in the Battle of the Bands at the "Rockin' RibFest" in Union Grove on May 12. The grand prize was $500 in cash, a trophy, and goody...

Dillard-Goldsboro homecoming

From staff reports Dillard-Goldsboro Alumni & Friends will hold its 51st homecoming anniversary Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A parade will be held Saturday. Registration forms for the parade may be picked up at 801 Poplar St., or by calling...

Friday, May 19, 2006

Morning crash

News-Argus/Bobby Williams El-Roy volunteer firefighters help Leticia Reid onto a stretcher following a head-on collision on N.C. 581 Thursday. Before removing her from the car, the crew was forced to remove the driver's side door. Mrs. Reid was driving...

Woman pinned in Pikeville crash

Three people were injured and two vehicles severely damaged in a crash this morning about seven miles west of Pikeville. A van driven by Shari Sherene Nichols, 20, of Little Dove Road, Pikeville, was attempting to turn left onto Pikeville-Princeton...

Trucker takes officers for a ride

A man who took a tractor-trailer truck from a Wayne County repair shop and led authorities on a two-county chase at speeds estimated up to 90 mph was arrested Thursday in Wilson County. Wiley Lynn Ellis, 44, of Wilson was...

Four injured in collision on N.C. 111

Four people were injured Thursday when a child-care van and pickup truck collided on N.C. 111 near its intersection with Bill Lane Road. Wayne County Sheriff's Sgt. Sherwood Daly said he had been assisting a Highway patrolman with a routine...

Teams get campsites ready for Relay debut

Just after 8:30 this morning, smoke was already billowing out of a cooker on the Wayne Community College campus. A half-hour later, Jim Daughtry opened the lid and he and his teammates threw a pig in the center of the...

Survivors found courage to fight

More than 600 cancer survivors and family members gathered Thursday at First Pentecostal Holiness Church for the annual Cancer Survivors Banquet on the eve of the Relay for Life. Despite the seriousness of the event and the rough weather outside,...

Transportation panel discusses money shortage

The North Carolina Department of Transportation's budget shortfall and the development of strategic highway corridors were the topics of discussion Thursday morning during a meeting of the Eastern Carolina Rural Transportation Planning Organization at the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce....

Public records

Man is charged in two break-ins An 18-year-old man was arrested Thursday by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with seven felony offenses in connection with two residential break-ins on Wednesday. Demarcus Montreal Seaberry of Dawson Drive was charged...

Corrections

The "Cops on Top" fundraiser Saturday to benefit the Special Olympics will be held at the Chik-fil-A restaurant on North Berkleley Boulevard, not at Berkeley Mall, as was reported in Wednesday's News-Argus. Police officers will camp out on top of...

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Cancer Fight - Calling for more funding

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Mary Roberts, a one-year cancer survivor, signs the Wall of Hope at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center. The wall represents how far cancer research has come, and the opportunities that research has provided patients to live and have...

Lenoir will take look at LaRoque race

A public hearing on state Rep. Stephen LaRoque's primary election protest will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in the Lenoir County Board of Elections office in Kinston. LaRoque finished a handful of votes behind challenger Willie Ray Starling, of...

Children will have day at Relay

More than 300 Wayne County children will pack the track Saturday at the Relay for Life, conducting their own walk to find a cure for cancer. Kidswalk will be 9 to 10 a.m. at Wayne Community College. Children from birth...

Mount Olive likely to keep same tax rate

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive residents won't likely see an increase in their property tax rate in 2006-07. Assistant Town Manager Charles Brown said the proposed budget will look a lot like last year's, which came in at $4.3 million....

Texas hero still remembered

A slight breeze ripples a Texas flag above a grave at Willow Dale Cemetery, as it has for decades. Beneath the simple headstone lies the remains of a young Texan who came with his comrades to North Carolina to fight...

Second neighborhood will get chance to talk to city officials

City officials will once again ask local residents what they think as Goldsboro's neighborhood meetings schedule continues Tuesday. The event -- the second of the year -- will be held rain or shine at the W.A. Foster Center on Leslie...

Sanders named O'Berry Center Nurse of the Year

Nancy Sanders, an LPN in the nursing profession for 31 years, has been named O'Berry Center's first "Nurse of the Year." Ms. Sanders works the night shift in Cluster 5 and has been employed at O'Berry for 13 years. She...

Public records

Man wounded A 20-year-old man accidentally shot himself Wednesday night outside of his home in the 100 block of Lockside Drive near Dudley, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported. Renaldo Markel Frazier was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital, where he...

Goldsboro Fire Department answered 153 calls in April

Four structure fires that resulted in about $54,450 in damages were among the 153 fire and service calls that the Goldsboro Fire Department answered in April. Fire Chief Bobby Greenfield said a mobile home fire on April 2 at Lot...

More at Four applications accepted

The Partnership for Children of Wayne County is currently accepting applications for next year's More at Four program. More at Four is a free state-funded pre-kindergarten initiative designed to prepare eligible at-risk four year old children for success in school....

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Move-In Day - City Hall getting set up for business

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit City Engineer Terry Gallimore, center, uses a chart to help employees, from left, David Sutton, Rama Chittilla, Stan Smith and Ronnie Coley arrange the Engineering Department in the new City Hall this morning. For more information see...

City workers moving into City Hall

The moving trucks parked along North Center Street were a welcome sight for city staff on their way to work this morning. They were a sign that the wait to move into the city's new offices was almost over. Officials...

DGDC hires firm to chart new course downtown

When Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. Executive Director Julie Thompson unveiled the "City of Goldsboro Comprehensive Historic Neighborhood Revitalization Plan" earlier this year, she said the proposal aimed to identify and restore pockets of distress and decline within the city's historic...

Plenty to eat this weekend at Relay for Life

Food is big business at the annual Relay for Life. Whether you have your tastebuds set for poultry, seafood, barbecue, fries or something sweet, you are sure to find it there. Most of the teams set up camp and a...

First Sgt. D.W. Banks takes over State Highway Patrol here

First Sgt. D.W. Banks is back. Banks replaced Terry McLeod this week as the commander of the Wayne County district of the state Highway Patrol. "I'm home as far as I'm concerned," said Banks, of Elizabeth City. The 46-year-old Banks...

Eastern Wayne grad will study in Morocco

Nathan Lean has studied piano for 16 of his 21 years. Classically trained, he has also studied jazz and says his passion is playing contemporary Christian music. This summer, he will get to share his talents while absorbing the culture...

Public records

Teenager robbed A Goldsboro teenager was robbed Tuesday night of his watch by a man on East Ash Street near South Slocumb Street, according to a Goldsboro police report. Christopher L. King, 16, told officers that the suspect approached him...

No new taxes for Fremont

FREMONT -- Fremont residents will not pay any more for property taxes or for water and sewer and electricity in a proposed budget for 2006-07. Town Administrator Kerry McDuffie gave the six town aldermen their first looks at his balanced...

After shootout, stolen guns turn up in Texas

It was not the legendary Gunfight at the OK Corral, but two weeks ago an eastern Wayne County resident exchanged gunfire with one of two intruders who stole six firearms from his home. One suspect was found in Texas, where...

19 students graduate from Junior Leadership Wayne County

Nineteen youths recently completed the Junior Leadership Wayne County, with graduation ceremonies held earlier this month. This was the eighth class to go through the program, launched as a class project for Leadership Wayne County Class of 1999. Class members...

Rec department has activities for wide variety of interests

Want to learn to play tennis? Attend a tea party? Spend a day in the park enjoying music and games? Goldsboro Recreation and Parks Department will offer this and more this summer. All activities are free unless otherwise noted. Here's...

Art classes planned for children

The Arts Council of Wayne County will be offering a number of art classes for children during the summer. People who are interested in signing their children up should call 736-3300 or go by the Arts Council, 2406 E. Ash...

Descendant of Wayne settler visits Waynesborough

A California woman convinced her tour bus driver Tuesday to veer off his scheduled route and stop in Goldsboro so she could visit the Quaker meeting house at Waynesborough Park that one of her ancestors helped build. "This is wonderful,"...

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

School board, county ready to talk about facilities

The Board of Education and county commissioners, at odds over school facilities needs and how to pay for them, emerged from a joint meeting Monday night with a plan to join forces in lobbying state legislators for needed school funding....

Four teens charged in Eureka school fire

A 16-year-old student and three younger teens were arrested Monday by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with crimes in connection with the burning of the old Eureka School building that was being used as a church. Bobby Artis...

Murder suspect heads to court

Telly Cox, accused of taking part in the murder of two people on New Year's Day in 2004, has refused a plea bargain and will go on trial in late summer in Wayne County Superior Court. Cox, 24, of LaGrange...

Council hears comments on budget plan

Goldsboro residents had a chance Monday night to express their opinions on the city's proposed budget for 2006-2007 at a public hearing held by the City Council. City Finance Director Richard Durham presented the $42.5 million recommended budget to the...

Duplin no closer to budget, new work session set

Duplin County commissioners are no closer to approving a new budget for the county -- with six weeks to go before its due date. The commissioners met in a work session Monday but made no decisions regarding budget cuts or...

Improvements will mean more opportunities, Princeton mayor says

PRINCETON -- Residents can expect a new town hall, a park and an overhauled water and sewer system to bring economic development and growth to the area, Princeton's mayor said. "The future is very bright," Mayor Don Rains said. "We've...

Mayor says improvements will mean more opportunities for Princeton

PRINCETON -- Residents can expect a new town hall, a park and an overhauled water and sewer system to bring economic development and growth to the area, Princeton's mayor said. "The future is very bright," Mayor Don Rains said. "We've...

Public records

Chase, charges A car fleeing from Goldsboro police before dawn today crashed into a fence after the driver allegedly had sped away from a gas station without paying, reports said. The driver and passenger jumped from the car but were...

Cliffs events Saturday, Sunday

Two events are scheduled for this weekend at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, a beginner canoe class on Saturday at 2 p.m. for children 8-14 and a presentation Sunday afternoon about identifying leaves and making a leaf print...

Monday, May 15, 2006

Troops deploy - Next group of airmen head to Southwest Asia

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Seymour Johnson airmen talk amongst themselves and eat donated cookies as they wait to board their buses for deployment to Southwest Asia this morning. For more information see Called to duty: today's contingent of Seymour Johnson airmen...

Called to duty: today's contingent of Seymour Johnson airmen part of 700 being deployed

A contingent of airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base prepared today for deployment to Southwest Asia. About 700 airmen will be deployed over the next few days and weeks as part of the base's regular rotating routine, officials said....

County is asking to charge offenders

Wayne County's Board of Commissioners is asking legislators in Raleigh to help keep two programs profitable -- one helps convict drunken drivers, and the other helps keep people out of the county jail. When suspected drunken drivers are pulled over,...

Restaurant rumor mill ... unwrapped

They hear it at bingo, in the pews at church or from their neighbors -- and, yes, they are sure. Ask anybody if they know which restaurants are coming to Wayne County and you will get as many answers as...

Public records

Man robbed A Goldsboro man was robbed Sunday of his moped and $25, according to a Goldsboro police report. Steve Donnell Black, 47, told officers that eight or nine black men approached him at about 2:10 a.m. in the 1100...

Clarification

A story in Wednesday's News-Argus said LaDonna King was ranked eighth in her graduating class at Goldsboro High School. Ms. King was ranked fourth....

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Consultant's reports on school facilities is back

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education will meet Monday to listen to a consultant's long-awaited presentation concerning the finances and facilities needs of the county's public school system. Wayne County Manager Lee Smith said Dr. Linda...

Plan for Paramount gets rave reviews

Another turn in the Paramount Theater saga means more reaction from Goldsboro and Wayne County residents -- and the latest news has been met with excitement. Members of the arts community said they were happy to hear this week's news...

Events set for Relay kickoff

The 17th annual Relay for Life will be a celebration, complete with live entertainment, lots of food and some games. Teams will gather May 19-20 at Wayne Community College with a goal of $550,000 -- and more than $370,000 already...

480 graduate from Wayne Community College

Michelle Buchanan sat in wonder outside the Wayne Learning Center at Wayne Community College Friday night, still not believing all that stood between her and college graduation was a walk across the stage and the turn of a tassel. She...

Libraries will ask state leaders for more funding

Wayne County Library director Jane Rustin and some of her counterparts across the state say members of the General Assembly need to take another look at the importance of libraries to their communities as they begin setting priorities for...

Lawmakers say state employee raise likely

State employees have the best chance to see a significant pay raise that they have had in several years, legislators said Saturday. Three Wayne area lawmakers met with members of the State Employees Association for breakfast at Wilber's Barbecue. The...

No new leads in armed robberies

No news is not good news for law-enforcement agencies investigating crimes. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate three armed robberies and an attempted armed robbery in the northern side of the county. But Capt. George Raecher, who heads...

Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Jamie Antonio Johnson, 35, Goldsboro, common-law robbery (habitual felon), 80 to 105 months. *Derrick Anthony William-son, 39, Goldsboro, breaking and entering of a place of worship,...

Public record

Robbery attempt Wayne Sheriff's Office investigators believe someone tried to break into the Wild Indian Gun Co. at 2305 U.S. 13 North about 2:20 a.m. Saturday. Store owner Todd Gurganus said he saw two black men running from the store....

District Court

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *Lori Graham, 38, Nelson Drive, assault and battery, not guilty. *Natasha Owens, 30, Raleigh, assault with a deadly weapon, dismissed; communicating threats, not guilty. *James Arren...

Friday, May 12, 2006

Taking home their diplomas - WCC graduation

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Wayne Community College recognized its GED and adult high school diploma graduates during ceremonies at the college's Moffat Auditorium Thursday. For more information see A goal achieved: Graduates turn tassels....

Counties add to plans for U.S. 70

Officials from counties and municipalities throughout eastern North Carolina agreed Thursday afternoon that the long-term future of a U.S. 70 corridor lies in the creation of bypasses and interchanges similar to a freeway. Representatives from Lenoir, Craven, Carteret, Jones and...

Officials ready for flu, just in case

A local group formed to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic flu situation is determined to educate the public and to create a readiness response plan. A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spreads quickly around the world. In...

A goal achieved: Graduates turn tassels

Wayne Community College presented 288 students with their General Education Development degrees and 95 high school graduates with their diplomas Thursday night during ceremonies in Moffatt Auditorium. Tonight at 6:30, the college will confer 480 associate degrees, diplomas and certificates...

Duplin struggles with budget

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County Commissioners will try again Monday to come up with a budget that does not call for increasing the county's tax rate or dip too deeply into the county's reserves. The commissioners met Thursday in a work...

Gas price roller coaster not affecting patrols

Wayne County law enforcement, emergency and fire officials are keeping a wary eye on the price of gas, but they are not cutting back on services, and for now they say it is pretty much business as usual. Goldsboro police...

Firefighters learn how to handle F-15 crash

KINSTON -- Imagine an F-15E Strike Eagle is forced to make an emergency landing outside county lines -- or worse yet, one loses control and crashes. Who would take care of the safety of the surrounding community, crew and jet?...

It will be jazzy today on George

Blankets, lawn chairs and plenty of jazz -- all under the stars. The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. will host Jazz on George tonight, a new music event inspired by an interest from local residents in bringing fresh sounds to the...

Two WCC students honored for academics

Two Wayne Community College students have been honored for their academic success and demonstrated leadership ability. Tessa Brannon and Rebecca Mooney were selected for recognition at the N.C. Community College system's eighth annual Academic Excellence Awards Luncheon held recently in...

Two named to All-State Orchestra

Two area violin students were selected to be part of the eastern region Junior High All-State Orchestra. It was the third time that Claire Peterson and Andy Wagner, students of Krista Cala, received the honor. Miss Peterson, an eighth-grade student...

Teen historian wins award

Sydney Moye Briley won first place in the literary contest, secondary division statewide at the Tar Heel Junior Historian Contest the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. She also won the state genealogy award. Her genealogy books will be...

Public records

Man sentenced to three years A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to almost three years in prison after pleading guilty to common-law robbery, a holdup without the use of a weapon. Bruce Wiggins, who had addresses on Fussell Street in...

Mail carriers food drive Saturday

Local mail carriers are hoping to collect 21,000 pounds of non-perishable food to benefit seven local charities and food banks in Wayne County this month. The occasion is the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual food drive. On Saturday, more...

Electronic Recycling Day Saturday

Keep Wayne County Beautiful's annual electronic recycling day will be held Saturday in the parking lot of Sam's Club. Accepted items will include PCs, printers, keyboards, scanners, mouses, monitors, circuit boards, hard drives, telephones, cell phones, answering machines, pagers, typewriters,...

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Relay for Life - Annual fundraiser next weekend

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Ashley Bussard, right, and Gerrell Davis sort Relay for Life luminarias into alphabetical order with other Greenwood Middle School students. Connie Whaley's class is sorting all of the luminarias for this year's event. Luminarias are being sold...

No firm leads yet in Eureka fire

An investigation of Tuesday's fire that destroyed the old Eureka School has not determined if the blaze was accidental or arson, Sheriff Carey Winders said today. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office, the State Bureau of Investigation and the federal Bureau...

Lights to remember them by

Bright lights will shine at this year's Relay for Life for those who have lost their battle with cancer and those who are still fighting the disease. Luminarias are being sold in memory of and in honor of cancer victims....

WCC will honor first round of graduates tonight

Desiree Zuniga missed too much school taking care of her dying mother and her 18-month-old sister to finish the 10th grade. Angry at the world two months after quitting Charles B. Aycock High School, the 15-year old entered the high...

Electronic recycling day is Saturday, really!

OK. The News-Argus got it wrong. Twice. But don't let the confusion stop you from doing the right thing and disposing of that old computer or VCR in an environmentally friendly way. Keep Wayne County Beautiful's annual electronic recycling day,...

Scientists say new hog houses are more environmentally friendly

An innovative structure for housing hogs could help reduce the odor and water contamination that has come with the growth of corporate-style swine operations in eastern North Carolina, researchers say. About 200 farmers, researchers, environmentalists and local and state officials...

Medicare drug plan signup Saturday

The Medicare Part D prescription drug plan deadline is May 15, but Wayne County residents who have not yet registered will have one more opportunity Saturday. Officials say many county residents have not yet signed up for the prescription drug...

Class will recognize 'forgotten' governor

A 19th century North Carolina governor often overshadowed by another state leader who came along at the turn of the century is getting some overdue recognition, thanks in part to members of the 2006 class of Leadership Wayne County. Curtis...

Public records

3 more charges A teenager who was charged with trespassing on and damaging the yard of Wayne County Sheriff's Capt. Buddy King now faces felony charges. Gregory Debarge Wooten, 18, of Laurel Patch Drive was charged Wednesday by the Sheriff's...

Pate proposes bill to regulate eminent domain

Rep. Louis Pate, R-District 11, filed bills with other Republicans in both state Houses that would change North Carolina's constitution to restrict eminent domain. The constitution would be amended so that the state government, any local government or political subdivision...

Bell appointed to regional commission

Wayne County Commissioner John Bell has been appointed by Gov. Mike Easley to the North Carolina's Eastern Region Development Commission. "The governor wanted to make sure someone that is well aware of the issues and the region is on the...

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Remembering Heroes

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Members of the Wayne County Sheriff's Department honor guard prepare a flag to be raised at the Wayne County Emergency Services Memorial at Wayne Community College today. The ceremony honored nine law enforcement officers who were killed...

Fire destroys Eureka school

From staff reports EUREKA -- The old Eureka School, a northern Wayne County landmark since 1924, was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Eighteen fire departments answered the call about 6:40 p.m., nine from Wayne County, five from Wilson County and...

Group will raise funds to rebuild Paramount

Draw back the red curtain. It's showtime for the Paramount -- again. Mayor Al King said a "group of private citizens" has taken over efforts to rebuild the historic theater, a little more than a month after Paramount Reconstruction Committee...

Board passes budget, $90 million facilities plan

The Board of Education approved its 2006-07 local budget and a $90 million five-year facilities plan following a two-hour work session Tuesday afternoon. The $3.9 million budget for the school system was pared down from an all-inclusive list of needs...

Law officers memorial

Nine Wayne County law-enforcement officers who died in the line of duty were remembered today in an annual ceremony at Wayne Community College. "Today we honor the memory of the law-enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in...

LaRoque will challenge primary vote

Willie Ray Starling won the Republican nomination for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 10 seat by 11 votes following Tuesday's canvass, but incumbent Rep. Stephen LaRoque said he has filed for a recount with the state Board of...

700 will deploy to Iraq in May

Deployment of more than 700 airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will continue through May, with the next round scheduled to leave Monday. The deployments to various locations throughout Southwest Asia began at the end of April as part...

Public records

Two teens pick wrong yard to stop Two teenagers picked the wrong yard to turn around in Tuesday. The teens had stopped their van in the back yard of Wayne County Sheriff's Capt. Buddy King on Stoney Creek Church Road...

missing in Sampson

Missing The Sampson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the disappearance of Joel Howard Bryant, who left his home at 325 Tram Road on May 7 at 6:00 p.m. and has not been seen since. He was driving a 1997 gree...

Two GHS students receive scholarships

Two Goldsboro High School students are among 19 high school seniors from eastern North Carolina who have been awarded scholarship money for excellence in academics and community service. Adina Black and LaDonna King will each receive $1,000 in scholarship money...

Children's festival to be held at Wayne library Saturday

From staff reports The public is invited to a free children's festival this weekend at Wayne County Public Library. As part of national public awareness campaign, funding was received through a grant from United Way of Wayne County and is...

Calypso looking for mayor

Calypso is a town without a mayor. The town of 432, just across the county line in Duplin, is searching for leadership. Dr. Greg Day, campus minister at Mount Olive College, was elected mayor in November as a write-in candidate....

Buckle up in that truck

From staff reports Wayne County law authorities will emphasize the use of seat belts in pickup trucks next week during a high-visibility enforcement initiative called "Buckle Up in Your Truck." The campaign will start Sunday and extend through May 21....

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Coffee Wars Brewing? - Shops ready for chain

News-Argus/Bonnie Edwards Java Joe's owner Holly Rench welcomes Starbucks, saying down the street from one is the best place to be if you're in the coffee business. Local shop owners say their independence, quality and low prices are all...

50 guns stolen from shop

A gun shop was broken into twice last week, and more than 50 handguns were stolen, according to Wayne County Sheriff's Office reports that were released Monday. The firearms were valued at $14,812.92. A teenager was arrested over the weekend...

Who's afraid of Starbucks?

There's a showdown coming to Wayne County. And the weapons will be expresso machines, gourmet syrups, half and half -- and confidence. With national chain Starbucks coming to the Berkeley Mall parking lot sometime this summer, the stalwart coffee vendors...

Duplin will start interviewing five for manager's job

Duplin County officials are getting closer to hiring a new county manager -- a job that is a little more rushed now that the county's second-in-command has tendered her resignation also. County Manager Fred Eldridge has already left his job,...

Memorial will honor 9 officers

The annual Wayne County Law Officer's Memorial service will be 9 a.m. Wednesday at Wayne Community College to honor nine officers who were killed in the line of duty. The Sheriff's Office, Goldsboro, Fremont and Mount Olive police departments and...

McDonald's last day set for May 22

MOUNT OLIVE -- Current Town Manager Ray McDonald's last official day as boss in Mount Olive will be May 22. After that, the assistant he has been training will take over the reigns, full-time. The town commissioners voted last week...

Public records

Fires damage garage, home An unattached garage, a vacant mobile home and a workshop were damaged in recent fires, Wayne County fire officials said. The garage and its contents, including specialized tools used to repair vehicles, were destroyed early Sunday...

Two students from Goldsboro honored at MOC graduation

MOUNT OLIVE -- Two Goldsboro residents were among those students honored at the Mount Olive College's 52nd commencement exercises Saturday. Daniel Finkenstadt received the Lora W. and Maurice H. King award, presented to a student who completed a non-traditional program...

Mount Olive seeking to form community development corp.

MOUNT OLIVE--Mayor Ruff Huggins said the continued success of the North Carolina Pickle Festival shows the potential of downtown Mount Olive. Now he's hoping to make the area more attractive to businesses year-round. Following this year's festival, town commissioners told...

Marley Fund event Saturday in Kinston

KINSTON -- Car and bike owners can showcase their vehicles and save the lives of animals at the same time. The Marley Fund will hold its Third Annual Classics for a Cure Car and Bike Show Saturday from 9 a.m....

Head Start applications

WAGES Head Start and Early Head Start are taking applications Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 23 at the Royall Avenue Center, Carver Center, Pikeville Center, Royall West Center and Chestnut Center. Those applying must bring their...

1800s living history day to be held Saturday at Wayne County Museum

The Wayne County Museum will sponsor a living history program Saturday, based on life in Wayne County during the 19th century. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the museum on William Street. "A Living...

School menus

Following are menus for Wayne County Public Schools for the week of May 15-19: Monday -- Breakfast: Chicken Biscuit. Lunch: Pepperoni pizza, bologna and cheese sandwich, corn on the cob, black-eyed peas, chilled mixed fruit, fresh apple, and milk. Tuesday...

Monday, May 8, 2006

No new taxes proposed for city this year

There will be no increase in city taxes this year, a few positions will be added or upgraded and covering the increase in gas costs will be a major expenditure if Goldsboro City Council approves the proposed budget for 2006-07....

Schools feel pinch of high gas prices

The fuel provider for school systems across the state has decided not to renew his contract, leaving Wayne County Public Schools officials scrambling to find their own suppliers. As a result, the school system is readying to make whatever budget...

Goldsboro's city hall almost ready for occupancy

A little more than a year after city officials broke ground on Goldsboro's new City Hall, Assistant City Manager Tasha Logan said the $4.7 million facility is just about ready. "It looks good," she said after touring the building with...

Weekend's storms cut county's water deficit

Heavy rains this weekend might have put a damper on activities for some Wayne County residents, but for local farmers and water officials, the showers were good news. With water levels in Wayne County still below normal, this weekend's sustained...

Election canvasses set

Results from election canvasses Tuesday in Wayne, Lenoir and Greene counties could change the results of the Republican primary for the District 10 seat in the state House. Willie Ray Starling of Wayne defeated incumbent Rep. Stephen LaRoque of Lenoir...

Wayne Community College graduations Thursday, Friday

Wayne Community College will hold two graduation ceremonies this week. Commencement for adult high school and General Educational Development students will be held Thursday, and college students will graduate Friday. Unless it rains, both events will be held outdoors on...

Public records

Pizza restaurant damaged by fire The Always Pizza Time restaurant at 2410 N. William St. was heavily damaged Sunday night in a fire that remains under investigation, Goldsboro authorities said today. Assistant Fire Chief Gary Whaley said the cause of...

OPINION - Today's youngsters

"What is this younger generation coming to?" It was a lament -- not a question -- many of us now senior citizens used to ask. Mostly it was a reaction to the emergence (or explosion) of the hippie cult. As...

Mayor's Annual Disability Awareness Walk Thursday

The 10th Annual Hal Plonk Disability Awareness Walk will be held Thursday, starting with a lineup of walkers at 9:45 a.m. in the parking lot of St. Paul United Methodist Church at 204 E. Chestnut St. The five-block walk starts...

Sunday, May 7, 2006

State Board of Education chairman says closing Goldsboro High not an option

North Carolina's Board of Education chairman Howard Lee has heard more than a few times that Goldsboro High School faces challenges and that closure should be considered. It's just not an option he is willing to entertain. "Rev. Dr. William...

Mount Olive College Class of 2006 turns tassels

The Rev. Gary Bailey told the largest graduating class in Mount Olive College's history Saturday afternoon that there are four aspects of life they should never forget. "You should remember that we are all in a race. Today and every...

Cancer survivors banquet May 18

Wayne County's cancer survivors will gather May 18 to celebrate their victory over the disease. The 13th annual Cancer Survivors' Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. at First Pentecostal Holiness Church. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The banquet...

Fremont mayor says sewer overhaul a step forward

FREMONT -- Fremont leaders believe the northern Wayne County town is ready for the future, and a big reason is the continued overhaul of its aging sewer system. "I feel real good about where we're headed," Mayor Devone Jones said....

Humane Society plans pet photo contest

The focus is on photography as the Wayne County Humane Society prepares for its annual Pet Photo Contest and the 2007 Pet Photo calendar. The contest will be held on Saturday, with photos displayed at Berkeley Mall from 10 a.m....

Boy and Girl Choir concert set for June 3

From staff reports The Goldsboro Boy and Girl Choir continues its second season with its final concert of the season, a cavalcade of popular songs on Saturday, June 3 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The concert will be held at...

I-95 forum Monday in Smithfield

SMITHFIELD -- The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce and the Johnston County Visitors Bureau have invited chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus from across eastern North Carolina, business leaders, representatives from AAA Carolinas, the state Turnpike Authority, area legislators...

Wayne County Superior Court

Wayne County Superior Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Ashley N. Wheeler, 22, Kinston, obtaining property by false pretense, nine to 11 months. *Guy Phil Johnson II, 30, Simmons Street, larceny from the person, eight...

Public Record

Restaurant theft An unknown person stole $515 in cash from La Flama Restaurant, located on the 700 block of Corporate Drive on Friday around 10 p.m. A La Flama employee, Salvado Abrego, told Goldsboro police officers that another employee, Alex...

Mount Olive District Court

Mount Olive District Court These cases have been heard in Mount Olive District Court: *Mario Leach, 17, East Hillsboro Street, Mount Olive, communicating threats, not guilty. *Orlando Chairez, 19, Maysville School Road, Mount Olive, possession of marijuana and under-age possession...

Wayne County District Court

Wayne County District Court These cases have been heard in Wayne County District Court: *John Eddie Brunson, 38, New Bern, assault on a female, 150 days; communicating threats, 120 days suspended, 24 months supervised probation and costs. *Larry Nolan Smith,...

Bone-marrow donor tests Saturday in Mount Olive

A bone marrow drive test site will be held at the Carver Alumni Building behind Southern Academy Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The drive was previously planned on behalf of Carnice Barfield Pettit, 37, a Mount Olive funeral...

Friday, May 5, 2006

Jammin' Downtown - Concert series kicks off

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Sally, left, and Branch Pope dance to the sounds of the Band of Oz at the Center Street Jam Thursday. The annual downtown concert series will continue May 18, with a performance by Dakota Rain. Several thousand...

Ex-Aycock teacher sentenced in sex case

A female teacher at Charles B. Aycock High School has been ordered to give up her teaching certificate after she pleaded guilty to having sex with an 18-year-old male student. Lauri Spurlock, 36, of Devonshire Drive also received a three-...

Eldridge offers view of Duplin's future

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County Manager Fred Eldridge left his office for the last time Wednesday reflecting not only on his time in office, but also about what's ahead for the community that has been his adopted home for almost three...

SJAFB crew collects supplies for children in Southwest Asia

It began as an informal collection -- a few sheets of notebook paper and a box of crayons. But when a pair of deployed Seymour Johnson Airmen told their friends and family back in Goldsboro about their idea, a nationwide...

County grand jury hands up 31 indictments during session

Two people have been indicted on robbery charges by the Wayne County Grand Jury, and another has been indicted on an aggravated assault charge. The grand jurors handed up only 28 other true bills of indictment, including seven each for...

Waynesborough park events start Saturday

Waynesborough Historical Village will host a flower show and a civilian living history day in May and a two-day Summerfest in July. The flower show will be held Saturday and will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until...

Public records

Teen is arrested on drug charges A teenager was arrested before dawn today by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and charged with felony drug offenses after an investigation of a residential break-in and theft. Treven Ray Strickland, 17, of Saulston...

Lifeguards sought at Cliffs

The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is looking for lifeguards in case the state Parks and Recreation Department decides to permit swimming in the park's 11-acre lake. Low water levels prevented swimming last summer, but the lake levels are...

Faison historic homes tour Saturday

The town of Faison will host a Historic Homes Tour on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Four homes and the gardens of another will be featured on the tour. Three of the featured homes are listed on the National...

65 building permits issued in April

The Wayne County Building Inspections Department issued 65 building permits in April, and all but 19 were for new homes. Total estimated cost of all the projects came to about $7.3 million, with the average new home costing about $130,000....

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Relay for Life 2006 - Teams are breaking records

News-Argus/Becky Barclay James Smith, left, turns an apple jack while Les Singleton puts a few more of the pastries into the hot oil. Both work in the engineering department at Wayne Memorial Hospital and were the official cooks at...

State poultry officials say avian flu no threat here

KENANSVILLE -- Poultry officials held a regional meeting Wednesday at Duplin Commons to provide the poultry industry and the public with information about the threat of avian influenza. Officials around the world are looking for ways to prevent the spread...

County says Medicaid will cost millions

Medicaid will cost Wayne County taxpayers about $7.5 million next year, and local officials are trying to figure out a way to lessen the burden on the county's coffers -- and taxpayers. "Counties have no choice. If a person is...

Relay teams are breaking records, closing in on goals

The 17th annual Relay for Life is still three weeks away, yet team members have already raised 62 percent of this year's goal of $550,000. So far, they have collected a total of $346,000 to provide local services and to...

Hospital's team starts early to raise funds to fight cancer

To help raise money to find a cure for cancer, members of Wayne Memorial Hospital's Relay for Life team have dressed up as clowns, train engineers, 1950s waitresses and firemen. The hospital has had a Relay team for 12 years,...

Electronics Recycling Day is May 13 at Sam's Club

The annual Electronics Recycling Day sponsored by Keep Wayne County Beautiful will be held Saturday, May 13, in the parking lot at Sam's Club. A story in Sunday's News-Argus incorrectly gave the date as today. County residents with old computers...

Salvation Army thrift store reopens Friday with new look

When the Salvation Army Thrift Store reopens Friday, it will have a new look -- the look of a small department store. The store has been closed this week so renovations could be done. A group of airmen from Seymour...

Public records

Mount Olive man indicted in scam A Mount Olive resident who is a Mexican national has been indicted in federal district court in Raleigh on charges involving fraudulent passports. Leocadio Gallardo Velasco, 30, was indicted for making false statements and...

Handy Mart-MOC tournament this weekend

MOUNT OLIVE - The 20th annual Handy Mart/Mount Olive College Invitational Golf Tournament, which provides more money for scholarships, will be held this weekend. The tournament has raised more than $1.4 million and has awarded 432 scholarships to deserving students...

Cold Stone to donate first day's profits to Boys and Girls Club

A Cold Stone Creamery is coming to Wayne County, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County are taking advance orders for ice-cream cakes. The Cold Stone Creamery will open May 20 in Berkeley Commons and will give 100...

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

The Primary - Results from Tuesday's vote

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Democratic clerk of court candidate Pam Minshew receives a hug from one of her supporters on Center Street outside Billie's restaurant Tuesday night. Mrs. Minshew will face Republican contender Randy Winders this fall. For more information see...

Consultant's report delayed ... again

Wayne County and school board officials will have to wait until at least May 16 for a school facilities report that was scheduled to be completed April 1. Wayne County Manager Lee Smith said he talked with Dr. Linda Recio,...

Winders beats Scott by 71 votes in GOP race

Once the final votes were tallied in the Republican battle for the Wayne County clerk of court nomination, candidate Randy Winders was only too glad to call it a night. He would think about his battle against Democratic nomination winner...

Minshew claims spot in Democratic contest

Pam Minshew beamed Tuesday night after the unofficial results of the Wayne County primary showed she had beaten her opponent Jo Ann Summerlin for the Democratic nomination for the county's clerk of court race. Surrounded by friends and family at...

Starling defeats LaRoque in fight for 10th

Willie Ray Starling edged incumbent Stephen LaRoque by nine votes to win the Republican nomination for the District 10 seat in the state House. The district includes parts of Wayne and Lenoir counties and all of Greene County. Starling carried...

Harrell wil keep county clerk seat

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County voters overwhelmingly returned incumbent Clerk of Court Katie Harrell to office Tuesday. Mrs. Harrell defeated Hubert "Pepsi" Merritt, 2471 votes to 272 to win the Democratic primary. She faces no opposition in November. In the Democratic...

Commission continues budget fight in Duplin

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County commissioners will now have to look for more than just a county manager as they continue to work to meet the June 30 deadline for the county's 2006-07 budget. They will need an assistant county manager,...

Turnout low for Wayne primary

Despite using new voting machines for the first time, Wayne County Board of Elections officials said Tuesday's primary election ran smoothly. A precinct official at Goldsboro Wesleyan Church had a problem with one of the new voting machines shortly after...

Public records

Man, intruders exchange shots A resident in eastern Wayne County saw two men enter his home Tuesday and then exchanged gunfire with the intruders, who had stolen six firearms, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office report. Neither the resident,...

Fence causes disagreement

PRINCETON -- Douglas Langston wants to put up a $10,000 fence along his property on Iris Drive, but the Princeton town board says he cannot. Langston said he wants to erect the fence within four feet of the street so...

Cinco De Mayo celebration Saturday

The Hispanic Community Development Center will celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a festival Saturday at Herman Park, and Ana Cruz, who is one of the organizers of the event, said the center is looking for volunteers to help. The festival...

Princeton Town Board approves sewer work

PRINCETON -- About $211,000 worth of sewer and water line repairs were approved Monday night by the Princeton town board. The town's contracted engineer, C.T. Clayton Sr. of New Bern, said the money had been left over from a previous...

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Primary Vote - Polls will be open until 7:30 p.m.

News-Argus/Kaye Nesbit Richard Glosson signs in to vote at Greenleaf Christian Church at 8:10 a.m. today. Glosson was the 13th person to vote at the precinct this morning. Election officials expect turnout to be light for today's primary vote....

Driver will be deported in November

The driver who struck two eighth-grade students last fall will be deported later this year to his native Guatemala, a Wayne County Superior Court judge said Monday. Wilder Fidelmar Mejia Alvarado, who lives on Bennett's Bridge Road in Duplin County,...

Turnout light for primary

Voter turnout was low this morning in Wayne County, with most polls reporting single-digit numbers in the first hour of primary elections. Elections Director Gary Sims said a call from one precinct in Mount Olive at 8:40 this morning told...

College's new buildings should be done by fall

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College officials and their architects expect three new buildings to be finished in time for fall semester. Bam Allen, the college's vice president for finance, recently took eight of the college's 15 advisory committee members...

Number of exceptional children on rise in county

The number of exceptional children in Wayne County Public Schools is growing rapidly, officials say, while funding to support programs for them lags behind. Dr. Marlee Ray, director of instructional support services, told the Board of Education Monday night that...

Murder suspect declines first deal

A Wayne County man accused of taking part in a double murder on New Year's Day in 2004 has declined a plea bargain -- at least for the time being -- that would have eliminated the possibility of back-to-back life...

Owners get more time to avoid demolition

Goldsboro City Council members voted to condemn three dilapidated dwellings Monday. Chief Building Inspector Ed Cianfarra said the dwellings had gone through the three-phase condemnation process with little to no progress made by the property owners. Two of the houses,...

New Pikeville administrator getting familiar with town

In just two weeks as town administrator, Bob Buchanan has identified some good things in Pikeville, and some areas for improvement. Buchanan, 57, started in Pikeville on April 17. "Pikeville has a lot of opportunities and a lot of good...

Law officers to sell doughnuts for Special Olympics

Customers at Krispy Kreme Saturday will see something different. Instead of being served by the usual doughnut makers, they will be served by local law enforcement officers. The Goldsboro Police Department and the Department of Probation and Parole's Division of...

Council will wait to eye Paramount facade plan

Goldsboro City Council members discussed and voted on several issues at their meeting Monday, ranging from rezoning requests to site and landscape plans. Also on the agenda was a proposal for what to do about the Paramount Theater facade, although...

Public records

Woman dies from injuries sustained in accident A pedestrian who was struck April 24 on Bogue Road has died of her injuries, the Highway Patrol said. The victim, Mattie Newton Newsome, 88, of 421 Bogue Road, Fremont, died Thursday, Trooper...

Monday, May 1, 2006

National Boycott Day - Immigrants show impact

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber A sign on the door of El Corral informs any Spanish-speaking customer that El Corral will be "closed" today. Many Hispanics are participating in demonstrations across the country today to show the impact immigrants have on the...

Still no sign of consultant's report

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education are still waiting for a school facility report that is a month overdue. Wayne County Manager Lee Smith said Evergreen Solutions representatives told him last week the report was near...

Man dies after ATV accident

The operator of a four-wheeler was killed Saturday night in an accident at Busco Beach, the Highway Patrol said today. The victim was identified as 20-year-old Mark Conrad Haugen II of Richlands. State Trooper R.T. Edwards said the four-wheeler had...

Plants, schools handle fallout from protest

Local businesses and county schools are dealing with the effects today of a national boycott organized to show how much immigrants contribute to the American economy. The impact is already being felt on construction sites, in local classrooms and on...

Driver keeps date in court

A Guatemalan national who pleaded guilty to driving into two Greenwood Middle School students in November as they walked to school made an appearance in Wayne County Superior Court today. Wilder Fidelmar Mejia Alvarado of Bennett's Bridge Road, Mount Olive,...

County ready to take to polls for primary

More than 960 voters turned out for one-stop early voting in Wayne County and the county's Board of Elections officials are preparing for even greater numbers when the polls open for the primary election tomorrow. "From what I'm hearing, some...

Carteret joins push for U.S. 70 corridor

Carteret County is the newest member of the commission working to build a highway corridor from Clayton to Morehead City. All but one of the counties had to be a part of the U.S. 70 Corridor Commission before Carteret County...

Public records

Shooting charge A 30-year-old Goldsboro man was arrested Saturday by Goldsboro police and charged with shooting another man outside of a grocery store. Renell Lamar Wooten of Peachtree Street was accused of shooting Quaashon Phillips on March 30 outside of...

Opinion - Painless executions

Thousands of dollars in legal fees and court time were spent recently on the issue of whether a convicted murderer's execution could be administered painlessly. Willie Brown was convicted of kidnapping and killing convenience store clerk Vallerie Robertson Dixon almost...

MOC students honored at leadership conference

MOUNT OLIVE -- Five Mount Olive College students recently received awards at the State Leadership Conference Competition of the North Carolina State Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda. First and second place winners will represent the State Phi Beta Lambda Chapter...