November 2008 archives

View Archive

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Goldsboro City Council to look at Stoney Creek Park plans

Goldsboro City Council members will get to take a look at the final site plan for Stoney Creek Park Monday at their work session. Members are expected to give their approval so that the Stoney Creek Park Alliance can...

Ring in a good cause: Salvation Army kettle drive begins

The Salvation Army has kicked off its annual red kettle drive as the Christmas-giving season gets fully underway this weekend after Thanksgiving. Some volunteers, however, are hearing fewer clinks in the bottom of their kettles this year as donations are...

Age makes no difference in Wii showdown

It was life experience versus youthful video game savvy at the Wayne County Senior Center Wednesday, as six seniors took on a group of children from the Seymour-Johnson Youth Center in a Nintendo Wii bowl-off. Tonya Cedars from the...

Toys: What's hot this year from tots to teens

If you talk to those stocking store shelves this holiday season, you might gain some perspective. They know what toys are in high demand. They see children stop and stare. At least that is the case at the local Target,...

Pikeville, Fremont electric rates going up

Rates for ElectriCities members -- towns who are part of the public power co-operative -- will soon go up by an average of 4 percent. In Wayne County, though, those rates affect just two groups of people: Fremont and...

Bending Bev's ear: Here's what Wayne wants to ask, tell the governor-elect

If given five minutes with Governor-elect Beverly Perdue, local small business owners would have plenty to give her an earful about -- from taxes to education to infrastructure. At two recent roundtable forums for business and civic leaders --...

Three Wish Trees up in Berkeley Mall

Three Wish Trees have been placed in Berkeley Mall, and they are ready for shoppers to adopt a child or a senior citizen and buy a Christmas gift for them. The trees are located at the front entrance of the...

Services on Aging to hold Christmas bazaar Saturday

Services on Aging and the Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department are holding a Christmas Bazaar fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Herman Park Center on 901 E. Ash St. For $10 residents can rent a...

Parkstown seeks parade entries

The Parkstown Community will host its annual Christmas parade Thursday, Dece. 11 at 3:45 p.m. Roads in the vicinity will be closed at 3:30 p.m. Parking will be directed by volunteers. Bishop Leamon Dudley of St. Delight Holiness Church will...

Operation Transition collecting winter clothes

Operation Transition is collecting winter apparel and blankets to give those in need. This is the organization's first coat drive in Goldsboro. Collections will run from Dec. 1 until Dec. 12, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at J.J. Ashley Bakery...

County museum to celebrate 20 years

The Wayne County Historical Association will celebrate the Wayne County Museum's 20th anniversary on Tuesday, Dec. 9 with dinner and entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. The dinner at the museum, located in the city's historic district at 116 N....

Three honored during MOC Founders Day

MOUNT OLIVE -- Two students and a former campus minister at Mount Olive College were honored during the college's annual Founders Day celebration on Tuesday. Tiffany Hope McPherson of Clarendon and Laura Keith Thompson of Kinston received the Founders Leadership...

Election costs county more than $250,000

Wayne County's one-stop voting sites not only saw the most voter activity during this month's election, they also accounted for slightly over one-half of the election's $253,889 price tag. One-stop expenditures were $130,196 (51 percent) compared to Election Day...

With revaluation, Duplin Commission expected to discuss new taxes

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin commissioners are expected to adopt a new property value schedule and discuss a new tax rate during their regular meeting Monday. But first, a new commissioner, Frances Parks of Calypso, will take the oath of office,...

Friday, November 28, 2008

Back in black: Retailers look to year's biggest shopping day

For many, shopping on the day after Thanksgiving is a family affair. Angel Webb and her daughter Baillie of Snow Hill were part of the early crowd hitting Goldsboro stores this morning but said they had actually started shopping...

Christmas in Beautancus

Santa greets parade goers Thursday at the annual Beautancus Christmas Parade in northern Duplin County. The annual impromptu event drew several hundred people....

Local seasonal employment down

People may not be spending as much on holiday gifts this year, but in the tradition of the season, shoppers are still expected to be out in masses over the next few weeks. And customers might have to wait in...

Wayne to receive $400,000 housing grant

A $400,000 grant announced this week for Wayne County will allow the county to tackle housing needs not being addressed by its Community Development Block Grant. No local match is required to receive the grant. Commissioners will be briefed...

Woman, 99, dies in crash

CALYPSO -- A 99-year-old Burgaw woman died Thanksgiving morning in a one-vehicle accident on U.S. 117 Bypass North. Catherine Guy, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Duplin County Medical Examiner Dr. Hervy B. Kornegay Sr., was a...

Communication system gets OK from county

Wayne County commissioners adopted a $10.8 million capital project ordinance this month, clearing the way for the county to proceed with plans to build a new communication system. The plan, which has received the blessings of the Local Government...

Charles named interim parks director

Gail Charles will lead the Parks and Recreation Department once current director Sonya Shaw departs the city in early December to take a position in Garner. City Manager Joe Huffman announced her appointment as interim director earlier this week....

Boys & Girls Club open on Saturdays

The Boys & Girls Club on Royall Avenue is now open every other Saturday. Membership is not required to visit on Saturdays as long as you intend to join the club eventually, Teen Center Director Willemina Williams said earlier...

Bank blood challenge Dec. 14

The challenge is on. Wayne County's bank employees will be rolling up their sleeves and donating blood Dec. 14. The 5th Annual Bank Challenge blood drive will be held from 12:30 until 5 p.m. at the Wayne County Chapter...

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Bickering with family? Try working instead

As you enjoy time with your family and other loved ones this Thanksgiving, there are some who still must report to work.  See what they had to say in our Latest Video.  To watch, click on the headline (above)...

A feast to share: Taking care of their neighbors

Some have nothing -- not even a home. Others have tables, but not enough money to put food on them this Thanksgiving. Each of the hundred-plus expected to dine at the Community Soup Kitchen today has a story to tell,...

Turkey day no holiday for some employees

This Thanksgiving, Alex Westbrook and Linda Overton might rush to your aid if you choke on some particularly dry turkey. And if your annual Thanksgiving dinner family bickering turns into more than a scuffle, Goldsboro police officers Claude A. Jackson...

Friends of North Drive Elementary work to give back to community

Leonard Compton regularly volunteers in his grandson's classroom at North Drive Elementary School. But on one chilly day as the youngsters played outside, he noticed some without coats. "He asked me about it and I said there are a lot...

Public record

Kenly 911 tapes sealed Tapes of 911 calls made before a man was shot by Johnston County deputies have been sealed from the public by a judge, a Sheriff's Office official says. Superior Court Judge Tom Lock signed an order...

Their first Thanksgiving ... with a bit of a twist

There was fruit salad mixed with marshmallows, corn served with chili mayonnaise and plenty of creamed onions to go around. In fact, just about the only thing that resembled traditional Thanksgiving fare was the turkey sitting in between two...

Planning Commission considers two site plans

The Goldsboro Planning Commission considered two site plans Monday, approving one while rejecting the other. The first plan approved, 601 E. Elm St., was for a new building with several modifications. No use was specified by the owner in...

Empty Stocking Fund will provide holiday for children

With a little help, Christmas morning will come early for more than 600 children who, otherwise, would likely have no gifts this year. Some come from broken homes. Others have at least one parent who has lost a job. But...

Still serving, this time with turkeys and fixings

They didn't do it for the thank-yous, but plenty of gratitude was extended to members of the local Military Retirees Club Tuesday as they passed out Thanksgiving meals to struggling Wayne County families. Club president Thomas Scales said the men...

The first Thanksgiving ... according to first-graders

The very first Thanksgiving was a gala affair, which may have even been attended by some of your relatives. At least that's what first-graders in Debbie Turner's class at Spring Creek Elementary School said. In all fairness, the bird's eye...

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Needy families get boxes to help with holiday dinner

Pam Sheffield knows a few families who might have gone without a turkey dinner Thursday. The Carver Elementary School social worker sees real need every day. But with the help of some local businesses, members of the Dudley-based Hispanic Com-munity...

Travelers get ready for melee across country

Thanksgiving week traditionally kicks off the busiest travel season of the year, but in a subdued economy and with other holiday expenses looming large, some travelers might be rethinking their plans. AAA Carolinas expects 17,000 fewer drivers will hit the...

Closings planned for Thursday and Friday

Most government offices across Wayne County will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving, along with many businesses. The county public school system will dismiss early today and resume classes on Monday. Waste Industries will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Officials...

Time to twinkle: Christmas in the city

Leon Wallace holds out his hands. "How did they do that?" the 6-year-old says, looking skyward at the white flakes falling on Center Street just after sunset. "That right there. How did they do that?" His father, Charles, smiles. "Must...

Hospital: Cameras offer look at issues

Security surveillance cameras, initially installed at Cherry Hospital to ensure patient and staff safety, have become a centerpiece in the ongoing discussion about the institution. Over the past year, a patient death captured on those cameras resulted in the dismissal...

Cherry workers found guilty of assault, seek trial

Two former Cherry Hospital workers accused of beating a patient were found guilty of misdemeanor assault on a handicapped person on Tuesday, Wayne County District Court officials said. Before a "very small audience," Judge David Brantley weighed evidence presented...

Public record

Student sold marijuana A 15-year-old male student from Cedar Road sold a 5 gram bag of marijuana to another student for $8 at Eastern Wayne High School on Monday, leading to a juvenile petition filed against the student who made...

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

County tax collection up 5 percent

Wayne County's tax collection rate is proving to be a bit of a bright spot in an otherwise steady diet of bleak economic news reflecting about a 5-percent increase -- about $2.7 million -- over the same period last...

Getting ready for turkey day

Sharon Hines, left, of Goldsboro was looking for just the right size turkey to feed her family on Thanksgiving  early this morning at Carlie C's supermarket on Wayne Memorial Drive. She is getting help from Emma Murchisom, the assistant market...

MOC recognizes Tyrrell educator

MOUNT OLIVE -- James Cahoon of Columbia received the 2008 Distinguished Service award during Mount Olive College's annual alumni homecoming weekend. The award took on particular significance since it was presented by Cahoon's former roommate at the college, Barry...

Man charged with assault on girl, 11

A Johnston County man faces felony charges for allegedly taking indecent liberties with an 11-year-old girl, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said. James Sanders Tew, 46, was jailed under $75,000 bond for on two counts. An investigation by Sheriff's...

Farm/City banquet honors three

The three people recognized during Monday night's annual Farm/City Week banquet reflect more than just a commitment to agriculture, they also demonstrate how members of that community give back to the community at large, said Howard Scott, N.C. Cooperative...

County approves $100K local match for grant to bring firm to Mount Olive

A $100,000 local match for a state grant that was recently used to help recruit a new industry to Mount Olive was unanimously approved by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners following a short public hearing last week. It...

Golf tournament raises $85,000 for WATCH program

The eighth annual WATCH golf tournament, held last month, netted $85,000 to help sponsor the free clinic that has helped thousands of Wayne County residents over the years. Five corporate sponsors contributed $5,000 or more, while other individuals and businesses...

Public record

Pizza man robbed at gunpoint A Domino's pizza driver was robbed at gunpoint for two pizzas late Sunday night in the 200 block of Spearwood Drive, Goldsboro police reports show. Jason Kaupa of Friendly Drive said that a black male...

Jaycees still accepting entries for Christmas parade

Entries are still being accepted for the Goldsboro Jaycees Christmas Parade, which will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Goldsboro. The theme for the parade is "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Entries submitted this week until...

Monday, November 24, 2008

Pikeville's chief has plans for police department

PIKEVILLE -- As a Raleigh patrolman for nine years, Pascal Tucker got his start in a bigger city. Now, he is the chief of the Pikeville department, his jurisdiction covering a population of about 719 people. Tucker is no stranger...

Battle of the bots at Charles B. Aycock High School

Charles B. Aycock High School freshman Payton Bailey was not happy with her fighting robot. "What are you doing? Stop being stupid!" she told it, as the tiny robot -- named, coincidentally, "Stupid" -- successfully fended off an attack, only...

County, city surrender $3 million grant

A lack of interest by landowners around Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has spurred county commissioners and City Council into surrendering a $3 million North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant. The grant had been obligated, but never...

Director's departure won't slow projects

With Goldsboro Parks and Recreation director Sonya Shaw leaving the city in December to take a position in Garner, some of the large projects that she plays a major role in -- the Community Recreation Center, Stoney Creek Park...

Torhunta Boy Scouts Council annual awards

The Tuscarora Boy Scouts Council's Torhunta District, which is made up of Scout units in Wayne County, recently gave awards to volunteers and local Scout units during the district's annual banquet held at the First Presbyterian Church. Recipients of...

Wayne County out of drought condition

Goldsboro might not have to be under voluntary water restrictions much longer. Since Sept. 30, Wayne County has remained in the abnormally dry category. But on Thursday, the North Carolina Drought Manage-ment Advisory Council announced the county wasn't listed in...

Child fatalities lower, heath officials report

Infant deaths in Wayne County have dropped over the past five years, while the Health Department is keeping pace on treating infectious diseases, officials told the Board of Health Wednesday. Health Director James Roosen released the latest report on...

Jazz event coming to Paramount on Nov. 29

The last time Laura Didier lived in Goldsboro, she spent most of her time handling "typical Air Force wife stuff" -- raising her children while her fighter pilot husband, Chris, focused on the 4th Fighter Wing's mission. So the fact...

Martin Lancaster receives community college award

Special to the News-Argus RALEIGH -- "Relentless," is how Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, State Board of Community Colleges chair, described President Emeritus H. Martin Lancaster. "I'm amazed he found time to accomplish so much," she said. His latest accomplishment is the reception...

Empty Stocking Fund

Help us help more than 600 needy children this Christmas. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund should be mailed to: Empty Stocking Fund, c/o The News-Argus, P.O. Box 10629, Goldsboro, N.C. 27532, or simply dropped off at the newspaper office...

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Volunteer Wayne loses state funding

State budget cuts will force Volunteer Wayne, a program that connects thousands of volunteers with nonprofit and charitable organizations in Wayne County, to close its doors Dec. 31. Wayne Community College cannot afford to continue sponsoring the program due to...

Stoney Creek Park Alliance chooses park design

The Stoney Creek Park Alliance selected a final site plan for Stoney Creek Park Thursday, voting unanimously on a draft that includes a dog park, a disc golf course and a children's area. But before the plan can be finalized,...

Kitchen Table Conversation postponed

The second Kitchen Table Conversation, sche-duled for Monday evening as part of the Wayne County Public Schools' forum for parents and community members to discuss topics pertaining to local public education, has been postponed. The event will now take place...

Citizens can get first look at work on Union Station

Wayne County and Golds-boro residents will soon be able to get a sneak peek at the progress of the Union Station renovations. Work on stabilizing the historic building expected to be finished in December. And to celebrate all that has...

District and county staffs will meet on facilities plan

Wayne County school board and county staffs could meet Monday or Tuesday to work on tightening the timeline for the school system's $22 million facilities plan. County Manager Lee Smith, county finance officer Pam Holt, county attorney Borden Parker...

GHS alum pushes students to follow dreams

By PHYLLIS MOORE News-Argus Staff Writer A former Goldsboro High School student who briefly played for the L.A. Lakers and now makes his living as a Hollywood actor returned to his alma mater Thursday to encourage students to get...

Evergreen speaks to 3 Duplin principals

KENANSVILLE -- After vigorous resistance from school officials, consultants hired by the Duplin County commissioners to assess the financial state of the county's schools started interviewing the district's principals Wednesday. County officials contracted with Evergreen Solutions, which is based...

Chamber seeks names for Cornerstone Award

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is now taking nominations for the Wayne County Cornerstone Award. Every year, the award recognizes an individual who has truly been a "cornerstone" for this county. Created in 1996, past recipients of the...

Group hosts tree to help needy SJAFB children

Their Christmas wishes are simple -- some winter clothing, maybe a doll, book or action figure. But some Air Force children won't find those items under the tree this year. At least, not without a little help. So 4th Fighter...

AF chief: F-15 here for a while

WASHINGTON -- Gen. Norton Schwartz knows the F-15E is aging. But the Air Force chief of staff insists that despite a stressful workload, the Strike Eagle likely still has at least a decade of service left in it. The future...

volunteer column

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 Barbara Stiles at (919) 735-5151, ext. 702 or at...

MOC welcomes alumni

More than 75 alumni and family attended the Mount Olive College's Alumni Awards and Reunion Recog-nition Saturday, the second day of the college's homecoming weekend. Seven alumni and honorary alumni received awards, but none of them expected the honors. As...

Builders, homeowners can now locate inspections results from county online

For the past few weeks Wayne County inspectors have been using laptop computers to travel the information highway -- virtual travel that county officials hope will supplant the more traditional and costly road miles. And county officials hope the...

Friday, November 21, 2008

Schools asked to return $760,000 to state

Wayne County Public Schools is being asked to return $759,977 to the state to help ease its government shortfall, sending officials scrambling to determine where cuts can be made before the end of the year. Earlier this week, the Department...

Holiday Choral Showcase finishes second night

A total of 24 schools participated in the two-night Holiday Choral Showcase at Dillard Middle School. Concerts were held Tuesday and Thursday nights. It is an annual event...

County might add 4-day workweek for departments

Wayne County's 5-month-old experiment with a four-day workweek for most county offices could expand in mid-January to encompass all county offices. County Manager Lee Smith said this week that will be his recommendation to county commissioners next month. Currently,...

Firefighters respond to fire

A fully involved structure fire at 250 Piney Grove Church Road caused about $50,000 in damages to the structure in a Thursday night fire, authorities said. Lt. Rob Loreman of the Elroy Fire Department said that fire officials got...

Lighting the lights: Mount Olive gathers for annual celebration

MOUNT OLIVE -- The stars came out as the lights came up Thursday in Mount Olive at the city's sixth annual Holiday Open House. Drivers stopped their cars in the middle of Center Street to listen to the Mount Olive...

Chamber awards $9,000 in grants

More than $9,000 worth of mini grants was distributed among 22 teachers from 12 Wayne County schools Thursday night. It was the sixth year for the program, part of the Business and Education Partnership, sponsored by the Wayne Charitable Partnership...

Thursday, November 20, 2008

YMCA seeking funds for repairs or Mount Olive pool could close

A swimming pool that has been part of Mount Olive since the 1960s is in danger of being lost if the community fails to rally behind the efforts of the Goldsboro YMCA. Meanwhile, the town of Mount Olive appears...

Davis gets 30 years after plea to murder

Donald Wayne Graham Sr. stood near the front center bench of Wayne County Superior Court Wednesday afternoon and faced his son's killer. The Grahams, their family and friends had nearly filled the center aisle of Courtroom No. 5, waiting...

Three fired at Cherry in wake of death

After being directed to review the disciplinary actions taken against the staff involved in the negligent care of Steven Sabock, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that Cherry Hospital has fired three of the employees...

Duplin resident questions tasks of workers

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to instruct the Solid Waste Department to stop doing work for other departments while the county attorney finds out if such actions are illegal. Commissioners added Jimmy Dixon of...

Extension director will deliver MOC Founders Day speech

Wayne County Extension director Howard Scott will deliver the Founders Day address at Mount Olive College this year. Scott has extensive ties to the college, having graduated in 1974 when it was still a two-year school, with an associate's...

County will increase fees for non-emergency transportation

It is going to cost more for people to use the county's ambulance services for non-emergency transport. Commissioners Tuesday morning agreed to a recommendation from County Manager Lee Smith to amend the 2008-09 Wayne NET (Non-emergency Transport) fee schedule...

Public record

Copper theft About $2,500 worth of copper wire and copper pipe were reported stolen from an East Walnut Street property belonging to Dale Davis of Fremont, Goldsboro police reports show. The thief also took an air conditioner worth $3,500,...

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Industrial property buys stall; buildings approved

Two wrinkles have complicated, but not halted, Wayne County's plans to secure potential industrial property sites, while commissioners have given the OK to acquire two other sites -- one for a new library and another for a potential county...

County students sing

Haley Cannon of Eastern Wayne Elementary School sings a solo during Wayne County Public Schools' eighth annual Holiday Choral Showcase held at Dillard Middle School Tuesday.  Other schools participating included Carver Heights, Meadow Lane, North Drive, School Street and Spring...

City's Parks and Recreation director leaving in December

Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Director Sonya Shaw will be leaving the city staff to take a position as parks and recreation director for the town of Garner, Goldsboro City Manager Joe Huffman announced Tuesday. Mrs. Shaw has worked with the...

Murder suspect will face jury today

The murder trial of Terreakus Antonio Davis, 25, of Mount Olive, accused of killing one man and injuring another, began Tuesday and is expected to continue through today. The charges against Davis stem from a March 9, 2007, incident...

Cherry Hospital announces holiday jewelry sales, Christmas gift drives

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Cherry Hospital, with decorations put up Monday and plans being made for upcoming holiday events. Christmas at Cherry kicks off with drives to ensure the season is bright for patients...

Public record

Man sought again A man with a long criminal record is wanted again for a break-in at church, Goldsboro police said. Jackie Franklin Sutton, 38, who made a list of Goldsboro's "most wanted" in 2007 before police discovered he was...

Great American Smokeout on Thursday

Thursday marks the 33rd Great American Smokeout, an opportunity for smokers to quit smoking for one day, if not long-term. Wayne County Substance Abuse Task Force announced several resources to aid in the process. American Cancer Society Quitline gives...

Local seventh-grader receives $20,000 scholarship for college

A seventh-grader at Brogden Middle School was one of 10 middle school students in the state to receive a college scholarship worth up to $20,000. Dulce Munoz, described by a teacher as a hard-working, dedicated student, was named Monday...

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Former airman charged in child porn case

A former 4th Fighter Wing airman pleaded guilty to taking nude pictures of a 9-year-old girl and will serve 25 years in federal prison, authorities said. Authorities first announced charges against Aldo Cesar Ruiz, then 29, in December 2007, but...

Who's that on the pickle line to benefit Heart Association?

MOUNT OLIVE -- Success is sweet. It was also dill, bread and butter and thoroughly relished by the Mt. Olive Pickle Co. Heart Walk team, who watched Friday morning as company president Bill Bryan and nine other supervisors took...

Duplin officials tell commission budget woes will affect county

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County officials said Monday that financial problems are threatening education, public safety and even water quality in the county. Duplin Utility Director Donna Brown and Sheriff Blake Wallace told the county Board of Commissioners that they are...

Ready for the onslaught

U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Garnet Edwards prepares to load some packages into his mail truck at the main Goldsboro post office on William Street this morning. The postal service is expecting to deliver more than 20 million pounds...

Paramount gets alcohol OK

Groups that rent the Paramount Theatre can now sell beer and wine at their performances -- but doing so will not be cheap. The Goldsboro City Council approved an alcohol policy for those who rent the theater or the...

U.S. Census phone number clarification

After telling Wayne County residents who called the toll-free number that their local U.S. Census Bureau office was in Charlotte, the bugs are out of the system and the Greenville location is now up and running. Greenville will serve as...

Huddle House shooting suspect arrested

A Dudley man accused of twice shooting a man in a Genoa travel center turned himself into authorities Monday, a detective says. Shabazz Germaine McKinney, 36, of Georgia Farm Drive, Dudley, was found shot early Saturday morning at Downeast...

Local author to sign books Thursday at Holiday Open House

Author Patti O'Donoghue of Dudley will hold a book signing Thursday during Mount Olive's annual Holiday Open House in the downtown area. Mrs. O'Donoghue will be available to personally autograph her books from 4-8 p.m. at Especially for You...

Monday, November 17, 2008

Residents begin the process of rebuilding

KENLY -- Jerry Peacock was asleep in the mobile home on N.C. 222 he shares with his elderly mother when he was awaken early Saturday morning by a roaring wind and the sound of cracking and breaking trees followed...

Mount Olive library to move

What has been an empty storefront for close to a decade soon could enjoy renewed life as the new home of Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive. The first step in that direction could come Tuesday when County Manager...

County weighs holiday workweek plan

Wayne County government's four-day workweek has forced the county to juggle days for its upcoming holiday schedule. That juggling means county offices will be closed Nov. 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving and Dec. 22-26 for Christmas. With about 70...

Commission to hold public hearings

Three public hearings are on tap when county commissioners meet Tuesday morning. The hearings will get under way at 9:15 a.m. in the commissioners' meeting room on the fourth floor of the courthouse annex at 224 E. Walnut St. Two...

Annual toy run takes to the road

Santa Claus Wendall Wood is pulled in his sleigh by a motorcycle during the annual Wayne County Motorcycle Association Toy Run. A total of 214 bikes and around 500 riders participated in Sunday afternoon's event....

Lost pigeon finds new home in Fremont

Six-year-old Kimberly Hooks caught and then re-caught a racing pigeon that took a wrong turn on its way home. The bird was one of many racing pigeons released at Hope Mills, and its owner was expecting it to arrive...

WCC Adult High School honors 22

Wayne Community College's Adult High School Program has honored 22 students for outstanding academic achievement in the first fall 2008 session. The scholars list, for compling at least two courses in the eight-week session with an A average included...

Wayne County Schools to host choral showcase

Students from 24 public schools will kick off the holiday season during the annual districtwide choral showcases this week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Dillard Middle School. Both performances start at 7 p.m. This is the eighth year...

Free dental clinic

Dr. Scott LeFevers, left, Stephanie Rarick and Dr. Rick Stovall III provide dental care for one of the patients at the free dental clinic held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Harris Street Saturday. The portable free dental program offered...

Mt. Olive Pickle Co. to eliminate its truck fleet

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mt. Olive Pickle Co. officials have said that the company's decision to eliminate its private truck fleet does not reflect any weakness in its overall operating results. The company's finances remain strong, the officials said, but...

Sunday, November 16, 2008

No changes in final Wayne vote tally

Wayne County's 658 provisional ballots included one from a South Carolina truck driver who apparently was so concerned he wouldn't make it home in time to vote that he stopped here to cast his ballot. The unusual ballot was...

Lobbyists for seniors set list of priorities for next year

With the election now behind them, Wayne County's Tar Heel Senior Legislators took time Thursday to begin promoting their 2009 legislative agenda. Speaking to a group of about 40 residents at the Wayne County Senior Center, legislator Peggy Seegars...

Tornado leaves two dead near Kenly

KENLY -- A tornado ripped through Johnston and Wilson counties early Saturday, destroying homes and leaving two people dead. Maryland Gomez was killed and her husband seriously injured when the twister touched down just east of Kenly. A child...

Mount Olive committee agress on animal rules

MOUNT OLIVE -- The ad hoc committee charged with reviewing how police respond to calls involving dogs following a September incident in which police killed a family pet has released it recommendations. "I am really pleased with what we...

Local Christmas parades

You better watch out. You better not cry. A black-booted strike force of goodwill is converging on Wayne County, armed with all the holiday cheer of a herd of red-nosed reindeer. The Christmas parade season is now in full swing...

Date set for kitchen table conversation about schools

Wayne County parents, teachers and citizens are going to get another chance to talk to county school personnel -- and among themselves -- about what the next step should be to improve local schools. The first in a series of...

Jaycees Christmas Parade looking for entries

The Goldsboro Jaycees' Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. in downtown Goldsboro. The theme of this year's parade will be "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Entries for the parade are now being accepted. To participate in...

Motorcycle toy run today

The Wayne County Motorcycles will have their annual Toy run today beginning at 2 p.m. Motorcyclists should gather at noon outside Sears at the Berkeley Mall to begin the journey, which will end at the Country Time Tavern on Williams...

Preservation group meets in Goldsboro

Members of the Preservation North Carolina Board of Advisors, the only private nonprofit historic preservation organization in the state, visited Goldsboro this weekend for their quarterly board meeting. Preservation North Carolina picked the city in part because of the collaborative...

City's new human resources director starts Wednesday

Goldsboro's new human resources director is no stranger to city government. Faye Reeves has worked as a city employee twice -- once in the 1990s and since 2000 in her current term as Golds-boro's operations manager and purchasing agent. Ms....

City Council meets Monday night

The Goldsboro City Council has a packed work session schedule Monday night, but has a slim regular session agenda. Council members will discuss the alcoholic beverage policy at the Paramount Theatre during the work session. During the Nov. 3...

County will eye building purchase for relocating several departments

Wayne County Manager Lee Smith Tuesday will recommend county commissioners authorize $850,000 for the purchase of the old Masons Department Store property at 1016 N. William St. The appropriation would come from the county's fund balance. The site eventually...

MOC alumni weekend Nov.21-23

MOUNT OLIVE -- The annual Mount Olive College homecoming weekend, planned for Nov. 21-23, featuring a scholarship golf tournament, the annual Pickle Classic and other events for alumni. The 12th annual golf tournament will be held that Friday, with...

Friday, November 14, 2008

Wayne County considers its options on land

A "mega-site" for new industries could be created if Wayne County commissioners agree to take an option on 89 acres of land off the U.S. 117 Bypass south of Mount Olive. The proposal will be discussed at the commissioners'...

Renaissance man turns to teaching

DUDLEY -- John Martindale will be the first to admit he's had some really cool jobs. From a brief stint in the Army to working for a large manufacturing firm and later for a motorcycle dealership, he has seen and...

Chiefs return from training mission with Allied air crews

Maj. Jarrett Lewis called it training for "the big war" -- two weeks at Red Flag, an advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted at Nellis Air Force Base. He and other members of the 4th Fighter Wing's 335th Fighter Squadron...

Man guilty of sex with girl, 6

With the conviction Thursday of William Allen Fritz on four counts of first-degree sexual offense with a child and four counts of indecent liberties with a child, April Wilkinson and Bobby Ivey are looking forward to closing this chapter...

Public record

Thefts *Someone reported Wednesday that a ladder, mini fridge and a printer/scanner/copier, all valued at $499, were stolen from New Hope United Methodist Church at 200 E. New Hope Road, Goldsboro police said. *Someone reportedly broke into a residence on...

Habitat ReStore opens Saturday

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore invites you get a jumpstart on your holiday and decorative shopping when they open the doors at 124 East Mulberry Street on Saturday, Nov. 15 for their Holiday Open House. Shoppers will find dozens...

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Gas prices slide

Gasoline prices have dropped dramatically over the past month, and have yet to show signs of bottoming out as they have slipped, at some stations, under the $2 mark for the first time in years....

County: Jail liaison falsified time cards

Jail liaison Corin Craft was let go last week for allegedly falsifying three time cards -- cards signed by her supervisor, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Jerry Braswell. County officials say Ms. Craft campaigned for Braswell during some of...

City signs contract for help lobbying

City Manager Joe Huffman acted last week on a council recommendation to renew the city's contract with the Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm Marlowe & Co. The city hired the firm in 2007 to pursue federal funding for three programs:...

Pikeville ups deposit for renters' electricity

PIKEVILLE -- Over the protests of a few local landlords, town officials doubled the amount renters must deposit for their electric bills this month. Pikeville's auditor, John Anthony, said that although Pikeville is in good shape financially, the town has...

Cherry patients gain skills in work therapy program

Cherry Hospital has found a way to provide job-training for patients while creating a business that replenishes funds for the program. Back in the early days of the hospital, the work therapy program encompassed a working farm and enlisted...

Workers sought to begin preparing for 2010 Census

The U.S. Census Bureau is beginning to prepare for the 2010 Census count, and it's looking for help. "Our job, beginning early in 2009, is to complete an operation called the address listing," said John McEwen, Greenville census office...

Re-enactment set for weekend

KINSTON -- Cannons will belch smoke and fire; musicians will play; and costumed re-enactor sailors and Marines will mass on the banks of the Neuse River Saturday and Sunday at the CSS Neuse-Caswell Memorial State Historic Site in Kinston. A...

Housing program has open city slots

Eastpointe residential coordinator Albert Barron has rooms and he is looking to fill them. Since July, Barron has been working to administer two new programs through Eastpointe, the local mental health management entity, but, he said, there is still...

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

YMCA opens new preschool at Montessori

Goldsboro Family YMCA preschoolers are enjoying their new, larger classrooms at the Wayne County Montessori School after the Y purchased the building earlier this year. The Montessori School is renting half the space and will continue to operate from...

City says fire department concerns addressed

Faced with an audit report describing the Goldsboro Fire Department as "in a state of disarray and chaos," City Manager Joe Huffman said Monday that ever since receiving the report nearly a month ago, the city has been working...

Tribute to heroes: Wayne County thanks those who served

Ed Shumate reaches a hand into his pocket before revealing the tattered piece of silk he has carried around for more than 60 years. "It's about to go, isn't it?" he said. "But you should still be able to make...

DMV: No more stickers for vehicle inspections

The familiar windshield inspection sticker is on its way to becoming a thing of the past. The North Caro-lina Division of Motor Vehicles launched its new electronic inspection program Nov. 1. Meanwhile, the cost of safety-only inspections has increased from...

Hardee's location closed on Berkeley

Hardee's on Berkeley Boulevard closed this week, and company officials say they are unsure what will happen to the property. Rick Rountree, a spokesman for Boddie-Noell Enterprises, the family-owned restaurant company based in Rocky Mount that leases the building and...

Program takes money out of state elections

A pilot program designed to wrest control of campaign fundraising from special interests and return it to the grassroots level got its first workout last week in three Council of State races. The Voter-Owned Elections Pilot Act of 2007...

Habitat ReStore to hold open house Saturday

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 124 E. Mulberry Street will hold an open house Saturday to jump-start holiday and decorative shopping. The ReStore will be closed on Friday in preparation of the event. Items featured will include things like...

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veterans march from Center Street in Goldsboro

See what veterans had to say at Goldsboro's Veteran's Day parade. Find the video by clicking the headline above, or in the "Latest Video" box on the NewsArgus.com main page. And for the most complete coverage pick up a copy...

Duplin pondering revaluation

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County's appraiser told commissioners Monday that there are several things they can do to help ease the burden of new values on property owners. Duplin is undergoing revaluation of property, as required at least every eight years...

Murder charge heads list of indictments

A man accused of killing 33-year-old Joseph Antonio Payan was indicted this month by the Wayne County grand jury. Devon Dejatorian Jones-Waters, 29, was named Goldsboro's "most-wanted" man by city police in January, after the Nov. 17, 2007, shooting. A...

Dept. of Ag. declares 59 counties state of emergency

Wayne County is among 59 counties to receive disaster-area designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of crop losses caused by this year's extreme heat and drought. Gov. Mike Easley made the announcement on Monday. Duplin, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt,...

Duplin AYP test scores take drop

A new, more rigorous reading curriculum and higher scoring standards are chiefly to blame for poor test scores, Duplin County school officials said after the state released results of the No Child Left Behind and ABC program. The state released...

Cherry staffers will be uniformed

Cherry Hospital was already headed in the right direction before the state stepped in to correct practices that led the federal government to pull its support, says one of the consultants hired to aid the hospital in regaining its Medicaid...

Living for their memory

Wyche Ray can still hear a gunnery officer assistant pumping machine gun rounds skyward from a Landing Ship Tank anchored just off Omaha Beach. "We cut it down," the retired sailor said. "We brought it down in a hurry." He...

Monday, November 10, 2008

In shape for Christmas

LOOKING A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS ALREADY: Armando Ruiz uses a trimmer to shape up a Christmas tree on the Teri-Jim Tree Farm on Ruskin Road in Dudley last week. With the holidays coming up, tree farmers are hoping a sagging...

FFA student earns national honor

Farming is all Rex Price has ever wanted to do. "When I get up and go to school, it's all I think about. I'd rather be out in the dirt," the 17-year-old Spring Creek High School senior said. "You might...

Local government offices closed for Veterans Day

Wayne County, Goldsboro and Mount Olive government offices will be closed Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day. In Goldsboro, all sanitation services scheduled for Tuesday will be serviced on Wednesday. In Mount Olive, sanitation services normally handled on Tuesday...

Street project ahead of schedule

MOUNT OLIVE -- Work is ahead of schedule on one long-delayed project here while another continues to experience difficulties getting out of the starting gate. The two projects have been on the town's to-do list for years -- renovations...

Carver High School Alumni receive surprise $15,000 donation

MOUNT OLIVE -- What Al Southerland found when he opened the envelope caused him to shout -- inside was a check for $15,000 for the Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association's building and scholarship funds. For Southerland, the...

Duplin leaders address planned meeting

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County's commissioners might be a step closer to a meeting with the county's Board of Education and deeper discussion of a plan to improve school facilities. But a county commissioner says a community facilities committee's involvement...

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Veteran: Also honor county's new roster of heroes

Noggie Smith can't walk quite like he could before a bomb blast from a downed plane ended his service in World War II. The physical strength he possessed as a boy working farms in Wayne County has diminished with...

Bank loan will pay for radio system

The bank-qualified financing the county will use to pay for a new $9.7 million communications system is similar to how a person would finance a house, County Manager Lee Smith said. In this case, instead of a house serving...

Mount Olive receives $717,000 state grant to fix town's sewers

MOUNT OLIVE -- Officials are hopeful a $717,000 Clean Water Management Trust Grant the town has been awarded will help correct problems that have plagued the town's sewer system for decades. The money will be used to repair holes...

Benny gets his bronze collar honor from AKC

Debbie Kandoll looks down at her German shepherd, Benny. He is sprawled across the floor -- head down, tail at rest. Seeing him there, she can't help but picture the fate he would have met had she not found him....

Party leaders revisit 2008 election, look to next fight

In every election there are winners and losers, and on Tuesday when the final tallies were announced, it was the Republican Party coming up short while the Democrats celebrated. For county Democratic Party Chairman Bronnie Quinn, it was a...

Audit slams ex-Goldsboro fire chief

Goldsboro city officials still refuse to say whether former city fire chief Alvin Ward resigned or was fired on Oct. 29. But on Friday, the City Council released the results of a recent functionality audit of the Goldsboro Fire...

Wayne crime-stopper telethon raises funds

About three hours into a Wayne County Crime Stoppers telethon, Sgt. Dot Ardes was wishing she still had her big blue tent. "At our old location, we had this blue tent, and people would drive by and say 'Oh yeah,...

Campaign4Change message targets youth

Tyrel Alvarado didn't ask to become part of a skit on Goldsboro High School's stage on Saturday. But his uncle and his younger cousin, Marquis Colebrook, wanted him up there. "We were screaming and pointing," Marquis said, which prompted the...

Former command chief speaks at ceremony

From Americans' caring comes courage. Caring about veterans was the message imparted during a service meant to honor veterans past and present on Saturday afternoon at Woods Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro. The event paid homage to veterans...

WCR pick 'Blackbeard' in stock at local stores

Plenty of copies of the 2009 selection for Wayne County Reads have arrived. The selection for the next Wayne County Reads season is "Blackbeard: America's Most Notorious Pirate," by Angus Konstam. Copies of the book are available at the Wayne...

HealtHabit's annual benefit will help theater

Wayne County residents can enjoy a glass of wine and help promote arts in their community this weekend. In their 14th year of sponsoring the event, HealtHabit is partnering with The Paramount Theatre for its popular Benefit Tasting of...

Work to begin on bridge replacement on Lanetown Road

Work could begin as early as Dec. 1 to replace an existing bridge on Lanetown Road (S.R. 1532) over the Nahunta Swamp north of Goldsboro. The state Department of Transportation awarded the $736,651 contract to S.T. Wooten of Wilson...

Duplin to hold summit on land valuation

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County commissioners Monday will host local bankers and real estate agents in an economic summit beginning at 9 a.m. in the commissioners' meeting room in the county administration building. The summit is the outgrowth of a...

Goldsboro Veterans Day Parade

The Goldsboro Veterans Day Parade will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, starting on South Center Street. The route will run from South Center Street, up to the traffic circle and back down the other side of Center Street, where it...

Mount Olive alley dispute continues

MOUNT OLIVE -- Former Mount Olive businessman Rick Kraft Thursday said the town did not notify him or his attorney about its plans for an easement condemnation of a narrow strip of his property adjacent to a building he...

Friday, November 7, 2008

Stop the Funeral Initiative reaches out to offenders

Edward Harris started selling cocaine at the age of 15. "I had to go through a lot of road blocks and fences to get where I am," said Harris, an entrepreneur who eventually earned his GED and now serves as...

Mount Olive now will fine owners of loose pets

MOUNT OLIVE -- People who allow their dogs to roam free in town could face civil penalties. Town board members this week unanimously approved an amendment to town ordinances authorizing the penalties. The amendment is the result of a...

Duplin County names Kornegay, Grady to local Hall of Fame

KENANSVILLE -- Two Duplin County men, one living and one deceased, were praised Thursday night during the 13th annual Duplin County Hall of Fame awards banquet for making a lasting impact on the lives of county residents. Dr. Hervy...

Veterans Day parade scheduled for Tuesday

The Goldsboro Veterans Day Parade will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, starting on South Center Street. The route will run from South Center Street, up to the traffic circle and back down the other side of Center Street, where it...

Almost 50-50 on No Child Left Behind

Nearly half of the public schools tested in Wayne County -- 15 out of 31 -- did not make Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, under federal No Child Left Behind, but officials had anticipated it being much worse because of...

No tax on energy-efficient appliances now through Sunday

North Carolina will hold its first tax-free weekend for energy efficient appliances, Friday through Sunday. Announced by Gov. Mike Easley, the weekend will give consumers a break from state and local sales taxes on large appliances that carry the...

Thursday, November 6, 2008

O'Berry employee earns state honor

Tracy Dawson enjoys caring for people, but going to work at O'Berry Center, even on a part-time basis, almost changed her mind. "I remember the first weekend I was here, it was a Saturday. After about an hour, I...

Stop the Funeral Initiative opens second gang conference today

The Stop the Funeral Initiative will open its second annual Drug Dealer Gang Member Redemption Confer-ence today at the organization's headquarters at the Goldsboro Raleigh Assembly at 214 Hooks River Road. The three-day event will feature speakers and exhibitions...

Officials planning next step for depot

As stabilization on Goldsboro's Union Station progresses, discussions continue on whether the facility will be used for a commuter or a passenger rail. The North Carolina Department of Transportation bought the facility and grounds about a year ago and entered...

County has 600 more votes to count

Despite finding the county had more provisional votes cast Tuesday than expected, Wayne County elections director Vickie Reed said she is confident that the unofficial results will stand when canvass is held next week. Originally estimating the number to...

Woman guilty in man's stabbing death

A Wayne County Superior Court jury convicted a Pikeville area woman Monday of voluntary manslaughter in her trial for second-degree murder. The jury found Mary Kim Little guilty of stabbing Jose Enriquez III, 45, but for a lesser charge...

A politician says thank you

"If the voters made the effort to come out and vote for me, then I can make the effort to come out and thank them," said Efton Sager as he waves to passing motorists from the back of a pickup...

Gillespie keeps seat on Duplin school board

KENANSVILLE -- Incumbent Willie Gillespie turned back challenger Kraig Westerbeek in the race for the District 1 seat on the Duplin County Board of Education. It was the only contested non-judicial local race in the county. Gillespie finished with 54...

Online service to offer free background checks this weekend

123nc.com, a North Carolina-based company that allows users to search North Carolina criminal records online, is providing free access to their Web site this weekend. 123nc.com provides instant access to state courthouse records and contains criminal record data ranging...

$100,000 contribution to MOC given for bookstore

MOUNT OLIVE -- Dr. Pepper Worthington, a longtime friend, supporter and faculty member at Mount Olive College has contributed $100,000 that will be designated for expansion and relocation of the college's bookstore. The 1,500 square foot addition will bring the...

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Taking part in making U.S. history

Standing with her 21-year-old daughter, Amazing, and other Barack Obama supporters late Tuesday evening, Anita Jones began to cry. "Our ancestors fought for this. This is a day my children and grandchildren will hear about," the African-American said. "I...

Jones replaces Braswell

Thirty-four years ago, Arnold O. Jones won a seat on the District Court bench by 17 votes. Tuesday, his son and namesake defeated Superior Court incumbent Jerry Braswell by thousands more. Before all 30 precincts made it official -- 26,167...

McCullen takes commission at-large seat

Dr. Sandra McCullen of Dudley has become the second woman to ever be elected to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Mrs. McCullen claimed that distinction in Tuesday's election by defeating Hal Keck for the at-large seat on the...

Wayne County voters picked McCain, Perdue

For Wayne County elections director Vickie Reed, Tuesday's results were a dream come true -- not that Sen. Barack Obama was elected president or that Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue was elected governor -- but rather that nearly 72 percent...

Wayne votes prove key to winning post for David Rouzer

Wayne County voters helped lift Republican David Rouzer to victory in the race for the District 12 seat in the state Senate. Rouzer and Democrat Kay Carroll ran neck and neck in Johnston County, which makes up the majority...

Braxton holds off LaRoque

Incumbent Democrat Van Braxton narrowly defeated Republican Stephen LaRoque in the race for the District 10 seat in the state House. Braxton's showing in Greene County carried him to a second term. LaRoque won in Lenoir, which makes up...

Davis will be next senator in District 5

For the first time in long memory, Wayne County will not have a senator in the state General Assembly come January after Snow Hill Mayor Don Davis beat out state Rep. Louis Pate for the District 5 seat. Claiming...

Pikeville Town Board chooses new member

PIKEVILLE -- Monday night bore witness to a major personnel shakeup in the town of Pikeville. Town officials named a new police chief, announced the resignation of a town official, and then his replacement, and also promoted the town...

Republican Sager defeats Griffin to capture District 11

Running for a seat that had been targeted by both the state Republican and Democratic parties, it was Republican Efton Sager who came out on top in the state House District 11 race with nearly 58 percent of the...

Gaylor captures seat on District Court

A big turnout in Wayne County helped Charles Gaylor III easily defeat Kinston lawyer Chris Rogerson to win a seat on the 8th Judicial District bench that serves Wayne, Lenoir and Greene counties. Gaylor, a Goldsboro lawyer, finished with...

Bud Gray defeats Starling

Commissioner Roland "Bud" Gray, a Goldsboro Democrat, turned back Republican challenger Willie Ray Starling of Mount Olive in Tuesday's voting for the District 5 seat on the county board of commissioners. In unofficial results, Gray captured 4,159 votes (52.87...

Keen captures commission seat

Steve Keen of the Rosewood community kept the District 4 commission seat in Republican hands Tuesday, defeating Democrat Denny Tart of Grantham 5,239 votes (60.97 percent) to 3,354 (39.03 percent). The seat was left vacant when Republican Commissioner Efton...

Evans unopposed in District 2

District 2 Commissioner J.D. Evans of Dudley was unopposed in his re-election bid. Unofficially, Evans received 4,626 votes. Unlike some local races, there were no write-in votes....

Anderson holds off Bruton to keep seat

District 1 County Commissioner Wilbur "Andy" Anderson of Pikeville retained his seat on the board by a comfortable margin, outpacing challenger Charles Bruton of Fremont 5,850 votes to 4,091. Anderson, a Republican, captured 58.85 percent of the vote, while...

Bell holds off Republican challenger Pearsall

Winning by more than a 50 percent margin, Wayne County District 3 Commissioner John Bell said Tuesday night that he is looking forward to serving a third term, and he attributed his victory to his experience. "I went out...

City Council to proceed with annexation

Goldsboro City Council members decided during their work session Monday that they would continue with their annexation plans. Members decided to move forward with Phase 12 which would include a 997-acre area of land including some of Morgan Trace, Lane...

Eddie Radford beats Faulk to earn at-large schools seat

Winners in the hotly contested school board races -- Eddie Radford and Thelma Smith -- were among the last to find out final results Tuesday night. At-large candidate Radford received 53 percent of the vote over Ven Faulk, who had...

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Wayne elections

For election results, see our election results page. For more news about this year's election, please read Wednesday's Goldsboro News-Argus. Election Winners...

Suspect caught in Doubt murder

A man suspected in a Sept. 7 shooting that left 18-year-old Craig Doubt III dead turned himself in late Monday night at the Wayne County Magistrate's office. Monterio Devon New-some, 20, of Powell Road, did not say much except...

Morning turnout steady in Wayne

Because of the historical level of one-stop early voting, Kathie Davidson wasn't sure what to expect this morning when polls opened at Oak Forest Church of Christ. What she found was a line of 20 voters waiting for her...

Town board OKs water line plan, land purchase

MOUNT OLIVE -- A water line, sponsoring an application for a Homeland Security grant and purchase of property, all involving the town and Mount Olive College, were approved by commissioners Monday night. Commissioners approved working with the college to...

Fremont library branch set to reopen in early December

FREMONT -- More than a year after hearing the county library system was considering closing their town's branch, Fremont residents are about 30 days away from seeing the library they saved. The newly renovated public library might be ready to...

Public record

Armed robbery Willie Grace of Ball Street told Goldsboro police Sunday that a man approached him in his back yard and brandished a handgun after asking for a light. The man, described as in his mid 20s, about 5 feet...

School board pays tribute to departing Pete Gurley

As today's election determines his replacement on the Board of Education, at-large member Pete Gurley was remembered Monday night as a friend and mentor whose arrival 12 years ago helped unite the group. Gurley had announced earlier this year that...

Late Shriner, wife leave $700,000 to children's hospitals

DUDLEY -- Ray Casey had a message about bull horns to send to his departed friend, Rufus "Rooster" Jackson Best, long time member of the Sudan Wrecking Crew. Best, with his wife, Marie Forrest Best, donated about $700,000 to the...

AKA Black and White Ball set for Saturday

The Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will sponsor the Centennial Black and White Ball Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Dillard Goldsboro Alumni and Friends Building located at 801 Poplar St....

Monday, November 3, 2008

Winders will wait to fill chief investigator's job, eyes staffing

The faltering economy will mean one less administration position for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, at least for now. Retiring Maj. George Raecher, who oversaw the investigations division, along with a bevy of other duties, will not be replaced...

Officials stay on track with facilities

School officials remain guardedly optimistic about what the economic situation means for facilities in Wayne County Public Schools. After all, they have made it this far in the process. As recently as Oct. 21, Sprunt Hill, assistant superintendent for auxiliary...

Jeff Hansen named new business manager at News-Argus

Jeffery Hansen has been named the new business manager for The News-Argus, publisher Hal Tanner Jr. has announced. Hansen has more than 15 years of experience in managing all phases of newspaper financial operations, serving most recently as the group...

Will the vote go their way?

Fifteen students eagerly awaited their turn to vote this morning in a mock election at the WAGES More at Four Smart Start Program. Students had the chance to learn firsthand what the election process is like. In the end, Barack...

Half of county's voters already finished

Election Day isn't until Tuesday, but already nearly 50 percent of registered voters have cast ballots in Wayne County -- a record number, according to county elections director Vickie Reed. "As I understand it, it is," she said, adding...

Bell set for more work in state's legislature

With no opposition challenging him in his bid for a fifth term in office, state Rep. Larry Bell has little reason to worry Tuesday. But, he said, that isn't going to make him complacent when it comes to representing...

Tayloe takes over as president of American Academy of Pediatrics

Now that Dr. David Tayloe has been officially inducted as president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he plans to take his experience and passion into the federal arena. The upcoming year will be a whirlwind, he said during a...

Public record

Veteran has ring lifted off finger An 87-year-old veteran told Goldsboro police officers that he had a $1,000 gold ring stolen right off his finger during a handshake with a stranger Halloween night. Wyche Ray told officers that he was...

Toy run

More than 550 motorcycle riders took part in the annual Harley Owners Group toy run on Saturday. The riders started at Shelton's Harley-Davidson in Smithfield and finished at Shelton's on U.S. 70 in Goldsboro. Hundreds of toys were donated to...

Civil War dedication Dec. 13

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A ceremony to dedicate a Civil War monument in honor of Confederate soldiers and sailors who were killed at the Battle of Whitehall in 1862 or served aboard the ironclad CSS Neuse will be held Dec. 13...

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Wayne unemployment drops a bit

Wayne County's unemployment rate fell again in September, this time to 6.3 percent. It was the county's second consecutive drop since the rate reached a 17-year high of 6.9 percent in July. It was 6.7 percent in August. However,...

City Council will consider annexation zoning shifts

Goldsboro City council members are expected to approve initiation of city zoning requirements Monday night for property along Buck Swamp and Salem Church roads that was officially annexed into city limits Sept. 30. All of the property in the area...

County moving forward on school facilities

Despite a daily dose of roller coaster economic news, the county is not taking a "wait-and-see" approach to its $22 million school renovation and building project. Rather, it is continuing to lay the groundwork for it. "It is too...

Remembered ... at last: Duplin honors Vietnam heroes

KENANSVILLE -- Edith Boney wiped her eyes. She had been holding back tears for hours, but when "Taps" started blaring from an 82nd Airborne specialist's trumpet Saturday afternoon, her emotions got the best of her. The solo marked the culmination...

Veterans Day service at Woods Chapel Church

The public is invited to a special service on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. at Woods Chapel Free Will Baptist Church on New Hope Road to honor the military service of veterans, active duty and reserve personnel, guard troops...

Regional water plant dedicated near Kinston

KINSTON -- A dedication/check-signing ceremony was held last week near Kinston for the $140 million Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority water plant. The state-of-the-art plant will boast a daily production capacity of 12.5 million gallons of water. The...

Johnston Veterans Day Parade Saturday in Princeton

PRINCETON -- The Princeton Veterans' Committee will hold the sixth annual Johnston County Veterans' Day Celebration and Parade on Saturday in Princeton. Events begin at 10 a.m. with food, antique tractors and craft vendors, with the parade at 1 p.m....

Attorney Lindsay Warren honored with endowment

Friends of Goldsboro lawyer Lindsay Warren have raised $35,000 to start an endowment in his honor. The former senator and past president of the N.C. Bar Association said it came as a complete surprise to him but that he...