October 2009 archives

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Friday, October 30, 2009

Weekend holiday plus extra hour reason for caution, officials advise

Halloween falls on a weekend this year -- a weekend that might mean later closing times for bars within Wayne County's various city limits. Because Halloween is on a Saturday -- the day before clocks "fall back" one hour --...

Pikeville church wants to build new outreach center on property

Some members of the town of Pikeville Board of Commissioners and the Elm Grove Church in Pikeville met Tuesday to discuss a possible new development coming to the town. An Open Door Community Development Corp., an outreach of Elm Grove...

Pumpkin patch

Anne Edmundson, left, helps Hannah Goudy, center, 5, and her daughter, Amanda Edmundson, right, 7, carve out a design on their pumpkin during a parent and child pumpkin carving event at the Arts Council of Wayne County Wednesday. Trick or...

Alliance picks top industry of the year

WALNUT CREEK -- Franklin Baking Co. president Tom Buffkin accepted the Wayne Development Alliance's Industry of the Year award Thursday -- and offered a little insight into what he thinks might have given his company the inside track. "I...

Habitat hires new executive director

Tieshia Moore is no stranger to service to the impoverished. Mrs. Moore, recently named the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Goldsboro-Wayne, spent much of her childhood doing missionary work with her mother, Bonnie Daniels. "I grew up in the...

Public record

Trailer severely damaged A trailer belonging to a Pink Hill man was severely damaged on all four sides after an unknown suspect or suspects hit it with an unidentified object, Goldsboro police said. Milron Miller, 33, of Lester Houston Road,...

Aycock Birthplace marks anniversary

A celebration marking the 150th anniversary of former Gov. Charles B. Aycock's birthday and the 50th anniversary of the opening of his historic birthplace in Fremont will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The highlight of the...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Deputies make arrest in series of break-ins

KENANSVILLE -- An arrest has been made in connection with more than 104 residential jewelry thefts across Duplin and Onslow counties, officials announced. Sheriff Blake Wallace said deputies arrested Thomas Duane Ruckman, 34, 766 Grace St., Jacksonville, Wednesday in connection...

WATCH eyes five-year plan for expansion

Wayne Action Teams for Community Health has continued to add more and more patients since opening a second clinic, with officials now introducing a five-year plan for future expansion. Sissy Lee-Elmore, executive director, updated the organization's board Wednesday. Family nurse...

Boo It scheduled for Friday in city

Halloween will come twice this year for those children who attend "Boo It" in downtown Goldsboro Friday evening. The annual Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. event, set to run from 4 to 5 p.m. at Cornerstone Commons, will offer pumpkin painting,...

Cherry worker acquitted on abuse charges

After one final review of surveillance video, a jury took less than five minutes to acquit a Cherry Hospital worker of an assault charge at trial on Wednesday in Wayne County Superior Court. Sheila Yvetta Lane, 38, of Royal...

Boys & Girls Club installs new metal bleachers

The 40-year-old bleachers at the Boys and Girls Club have been replaced. Three sets of state-of-the-art aluminum bleachers were recently installed, replacing five sets that have been at the Royall Avenue site since around 1969, said Mary Ann Dudley, executive...

A 'Thriller' of a fundraiser

Students from Greenwood Middle School joined forces with people from all around the world in an attempt to break the world record for largest simultaneous dance by dancing Michael Jackson's "Thriller," on Saturday afternoon.  Ninety-four students and four teachers danced...

Coin show set for weekend

The Fourth Annual Wayne County Coin Club Coin Show is happening Saturday and Sunday at the Elks Lodge, 105 E. Chestnut St. Barry Hauck, Show organizer and owner of Goldsboro Jewelry and Pawn, said the show is a great...

False alarm evacuates Wayne County Courthouse

The Wayne County Courthouse was briefly evacuated on Wednesday morning after a false alarm involving cigarette smoke, a county official said. County Buildings and Grounds Facilities Director Sue Farmer said that someone pulled a fire alarm after smelling cigarette...

Duplin deputies seize 87 grams of crack

KENANSVILLE -- A Sanford man who was allegedly trafficking in cocaine in Duplin County was arrested on numerous drug charges after Duplin County Sheriff's deputies stopped his vehicle recently on N.C. 403 near Faison, Sheriff Blake Wallace said Wednesday....

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

County patients caught in UNC data loss

Elizabeth "Ann" Thompson thought she was just getting a mammogram. Instead, the Pricetown woman also got entered into a large, federally approved database that included sensitive, personally identifiable information like Social Security numbers, last names and birth dates. And because...

Alleged cop shooter pleads to gun charge

A man accused of a weapons charge related to the shooting of a Goldsboro police officer has pleaded guilty in federal court, the U.S. Attorney's office said in a news release earlier this week. Jerome Demond Wright, 26, formerly...

Spelling to help county's schools

The line to the buffet table at Lane Tree Country Club Tuesday night looked like contestants from "Let's Make a Deal" -- from beauty queens and Dr. Seuss characters, nerds and cowboys, to the Beatles, including Yoko Ono and Ed...

Dog pack pins buck outside of courthouse

A buck being chased by a pack of stray dogs caused trouble at the Wayne County Courthouse this morning, law enforcement officials say. Blood splatter on the court- house atrium doors was the first thing some early visitors saw this...

North Drive student earns $20,000 ASU scholarship

Alize Wright arrived at school more reserved than usual on Tuesday, her principal at North Drive Elementary School, Carol Artis, said. The fourth-grader might have appeared to be quiet and shy, but on the inside she was preparing to...

Norwayne giving students tools to stand against bullies

From the time children start school, bullying takes on different forms -- teasing, picking on others who are different, even escalating into threats or physical violence. Nationwide, it has soared to epidemic proportions, and has been blamed as part...

MOPD receives new technology, including in-car cameras

The Mount Olive Police Department went shopping last week for new pieces of technical equipment that will hopefully help officers keep the public, and themselves, safe while they are on the job. The department installed Monday two new office computers...

DOT making Dudley intersection four-way stop

Rain has delayed the N.C. Department of Transportation plans to turn the intersection of Sleepy Creek Road (State Route 1120) and Emmaus Church Road (S.R. 1932) east of Dudley in Wayne County into a four-way stop. Currently, vehicles on...

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Cliffs of the Neuse plans haunted hayride

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is going to the ghosts. The Ghost of the Carolinas hayride is planned for Friday staring at 7 p.m. at the park's lake parking area. Although costumes are not required, children and adults of...

Few head to polls for head start on voting

As of Monday morning, only 26 people had taken advantage of the early one-stop early voting that began Oct. 15 for the Nov. 3 municipal elections. One-stop voting site will continue through Saturday at the Wayne County Board of...

Mother also charged in baby's death

Police have filed neglect charges against the mother of a 6-month-old baby who allegedly died at the hands of her father, Goldsboro police said today. Doniesha Elouise Core, 21, of Randall Lane, was charged with negligent child abuse and...

Students learn what it's like to be homeless

Students at Wayne School of Engineering converged on the sidewalk outside the school Oct. 17 with decorated cardboard boxes -- lined with pillows and blankets -- to experience firsthand what it was like to be homeless. The only difference was,...

Monday, October 26, 2009

It's not just the gavel ...

The Job: Mayor of Goldsboro The Company: City of Goldsboro The Location: City Hall I am officially only responding to "Mayor Collins" from here on out. Going into this gig of being mayor for the day alongside Mayor Al King,...

Pikeville will choose two board members

Six candidates from the town of Pikeville are vying for two town commissioner seats. Incumbents Lyman Galloway and Edith McClenny join Ward Kellum, Charles Lee McGrady, Regina Wassenhove and write-in candidate Ronald Potts in the running for the open seats....

County might front money to relocate phone lines

Wayne County Manager Lee Smith is willing to front the state money to relocate phone lines at the county courthouse annex, but only with a signed agreement it will be repaid. For the past several weeks, the county has...

Sending help to those caught in the fighting

Grace Doherty has never been to Afghanistan. She is only 12 years old. But her father, Patrick, is the vice commander of a fighter wing that has seen the country from the cockpits of F-15E Strike Eagles. So that little...

Wayne health officials are fighting seasonal flu

More than 300 people showed up for Friday's seasonal flu clinic at the Health Department, while officials continue to wait for H1N1 vaccines to distribute to health care providers. Wayne County Health Director James Roosen said a limited supply of...

Two more charged in Fremont robbery

Two more men have been arrested in connection with armed robberies in Fremont. Julious Bryant, 21, of Dudley, and DeQuan Braswell, 18, of Goldsboro, were arrested over the weekend and both charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. Daniel...

Making a difference

As its Make A Difference Day project, SaySo (Strong Able Youth Speaking Out) collected 200 pieces of luggage and several boxes of personal hygiene items, including toothpaste, lotion, hairbrush and deodorant, for children who go into foster care in Wayne...

Duplin targeting new rules on ethics

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County officials sought input recently on how to comply with a new state law requiring local politicians to brush up on their ethics. House Bill 1452 passed the North Carolina General Assembly and was signed into law...

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Veterans Day Parade to be held Nov. 11

The Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition will hold its Veterans Day Parade and ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Goldsboro. The coalition is seeking entries in the parade with a military or patriotic...

Jobless rate for August is down slightly to 8.8

For the second month in a row, Wayne County saw a decrease in unemployment. August's unemployment rate dropped .01 percent from 8.9 to 8.8. Unemploy-ment Security Commission Manage Bill Pate said while it's a drop, the area isn't out of...

Roommate dispute ends in bulldozed residence

A Wayne County man was arrested Saturday after driving a front-end loader into a mobile home. Michael Ricks, 27, of 381 Slick Rock Road was reportedly living in the home with two women. After a financial dispute between Ricks and...

Taste of Pennsylvania offers wreaths, baskets, furniture

Tina Holloman is trying to bring some Pennsylvania to Goldsboro. Holloman, owner of A Taste of Pennsylvania, opened her new shop Oct. 1 at 1301 N. Berkeley Blvd. The store features homemade wreaths and baskets, among other things. "We like...

Here she is... Miss Goldsboro

Ashlee Perkinson, an East Carolina University student majoring in neuroscience, was named Miss Goldsboro Saturday night at the 2010 Miss Goldsboro Scholarship Pageant. "I'm very excited to begin my year as Miss Goldsboro," Miss Perkinson said after receiving her...

Albertson to host stewfest

ALBERTSON -- Fans of bluegrass music, hearty food or just a good game of horseshoes are invited to the community of Albertson for the annual Grady-Outlaw Memorial Library Stewfest. The festival will raise money for the library, Duplin County's only...

MOC hold baseball clinic

MOUNT OLIVE -- The baseball field at Mount Olive College was packed with youngsters learning the fundamentals of the game Saturday afternoon as the school hosted a free clinic featuring the entire Spartan team and some special guests. The...

Attorney charged with HUD violations

A Goldsboro lawyer has been sanctioned by the North Carolina State Bar for misrepresenting loans involving the purchase of property in which he served as closing attorney. William D. Orander III was involved in 56 such transactions between Jan....

Johnston flu clinic canceled

SMITHFIELD -- The Johnston County Public Health Department hasa announced that its planned walk-in flu clinic scheduled for Tuesday from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. has been canceled. The county has temporarily exhausted its supply of both the seasonal and...

Downtown's newest advocate

Geoff Hulse remembers the innocence of childhood -- when learning to swim and riding a bicycle were the most pressing things to accomplish in downtown Goldsboro. He can still see families walking the streets en route to local stores and...

Fremont police nab suspect in robbery

A Dudley man has been charged in connection with a Fremont armed robbery. Daniel Talib Smith, 18, 100 block of Running Deer Circle, was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, according to Fremont Police Chief R.K. Rawlings. Robert...

Duplin gets 359-page report on daily operations

Duplin County department heads are getting a first look this week at the Evergreen agency's efficiency audit results, and will have the chance to provide commissioners with their own comments. The draft report of the audit, 359 pages long, was...

City Council will examine parade policy

City officials called concerns regarding the Nov. 11 Veterans Day parade valid Friday and said new rules that would leave members of the Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition picking up trash along Center Street after the event will soon...

Judges name top chili, funds raised for soup kitchen

The third annual Really Chili Challenge benefit for the Goldsboro Community Soup Kitchen attracted hungry crowds and chili cooks ravenous for victory Saturday at Cornerstone Commons. Soup kitchen director Andrea Heekin has worked with the cook-off since late radio personality...

Count to recognize local businesses, industry

Wayne County commissioners adopted a resolution proclaiming Oct. 26-29 as Industry Celebration Week in the county. The Wayne County Development Alliance Inc. hosts the industry celebration each year to thank the more than 50 major manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and...

Commissioners plan to look at mobile home ordinance

Mobile home parks are a dying breed and if the county wants to hasten their demise, then all it needs to do is pile on yet more regulations, Gran-tham resident Steve L. Herring told county commissioners this week. Herring...

Friday, October 23, 2009

City to vets: You will have cleanup duty after parade

When a group of local veterans showed up at the Goldsboro Police Department earlier this week to obtain a permit for their annual Veterans Day parade, they were "shocked and appalled" by the response they received. The Wayne County Veterans...

Partnership reviews year, updates agenda

Children learn through play, so why shouldn't those attending the annual meeting for Partnership for Children of Wayne County? From the moment attendees entered the auditorium at Wayne County Public Library Thursday morning, it was all about educational games --...

Police find on-the-run suspect in '08 murder

A man accused of a September 2008 murder in Goldsboro was arrested in South Carolina after Goldsboro police tipped off authorities there, a police spokesman said. James Sanders, 36, formerly of Brewington Drive, Dudley, is accused of shooting Eric Lamont...

Trick-or-treat times set for four area towns

The ghosts, goblins and other creatures that will haunt Mount Olive, Seven Springs, Calypso and Faison on Halloween will be following a similar schedule. The hours for trick-or-treating will begin at 6 p.m. and residents who plan to pass...

Duplin commission, schools still at odds over salary funding

The Duplin County school system will run out of money to pay janitors' salaries before the end of this school year if officials are unable to come up with an alternative source of funding. Right now, the janitors and clerical...

He's going to Disney World ...

His eyes wide open, Kaden Odem brought a fork to his mouth -- watching as cake and red icing hit his lips and tongue. Were he older, he might understand why he got his very own cake on a day...

Public record

Knife at school A 12-year-old girl at Dillard Middle School was found with a 4-inch knife in her possession while in classroom on Wednesday, according to a Goldsboro police report. The student was not charged with juvenile petition, but school...

Bloodmobile schedule for November

The following is the November blood drive schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: Nov. 9: Wal-Mart in Mount Olive from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the Red Cross chapter house, 600 N. George St.,...

Make a Difference Day Saturday

Wayne County residents will join with other people across the nation Saturday for Make a Difference Day. The event is the nation's largest volunteer service day. Last year, three million people participated in the event. Several groups in Wayne County...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Fremont targets trash dumping in town ditches

Fremont will be taking a closer look at trash in the ditches around town. At Tuesday night's Board of Alderman meeting, board members addressed concerns about trash in ditches around the Fremont Rest Center. Ann Lewis, who lives near the...

'Buzz' picked to patrol bee Tuesday

At this year's spelling bee, the playing field is wide open. Contenders from The Pines, which won in 2006 and 2008, and came close in 2007, will not be back this year, Georgia Dees said. "We just haven't been able...

No new leads in Duplin murder

KENANSVILLE -- The apparent shooting death of an Albertson teenager Sept. 25 is still being investigated by the Duplin County Sheriff's Office but no concrete motive for the homicide has been established, Sheriff Blake Wallace said this week. The victim,...

Board of Health re-evaluates 4-day workweek

The four-day workweek as it relates to Health Department services might need revamping, the Board of Health conceded Wednesday. The abbreviated hours of operation came under fire on several levels at the board's monthly meeting, not the least of which...

City eyes new rules for rental properties

With his eye on a cleaner, safer city, Goldsboro's chief building inspector remains committed to making significant changes to the way he and his staff approach dilapidated rental property. Ed Cianfarra this week reiterated that adopting the Rental Unit Certificate...

Goldsboro firefighters posing for Habitat for Humanity

Melanie Easto isn't afraid to admit that some women's taste for a man in uniform played a role in selecting the subject of her calendar -- Goldsboro's firefighters. Mrs. Easto, an assistant manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore shops,...

Eureka VFD gets grant

The Eureka Volunteer Fire Department has received a $9,600 grant from the North Carolina Volunteer Fire Department fund to buy new equipment. The equipment is purchased using matching funds and must be approved by the Department of Insurance Office of...

Volunteers to be honored

Five Wayne County people will be honored for their service at the annual Outstanding Volunteer Service ceremony Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. at WAGES multipurpose room. One North Carolina Medallion winner will also be announced. The medallion is the highest...

Unused pills to be destroyed

Outdated and unwanted pills -- both prescription and over-the-counter -- will be collected and destroyed during the Pills Can Kill Campaign on Saturday. The event is being sponsored by the 4-H Prevention Program, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and...

Free dental clinic needs volunteers

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is hosting a free dental clinic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21, at St. Andrew's, 901 Harris St. The Colgate bus also will be on location for free dental screenings on Saturday....

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Father, 20, charged in death

Goldsboro police on Tuesday arrested a man accused of abuse that caused the death of his 6-month-old daughter, a police spokesman said. Ronald Everette Smith, 20, took Diamond Nicole Smith to Wayne Memorial Hospital the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 14,...

County OKs new rules for planning

By a 5-2 vote, Wayne County commissioners Tuesday gave themselves the final say-so on all preliminary and final subdivision plats effective Nov. 1. It was the second vote on the proposal. The first was taken at the board's Oct....

Commissioners question rules for removing board member

At least two county commissioners want a kinder and gentler way of telling future Planning Board members that they can be removed from office at any time with or without cause. The first crack at that wording will go...

Working on the railroad

TRACKS TO BE REPLACED: Corey Lyden, left, and Marion Bradford, Goldsboro Parks and Recreation maintenance supervisor, work on digging up a section of track at the Kiwanis Train at Herman Park on Tuesday afternoon. The Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro is...

Five arrested on meth charges in Duplin

Five people were arrested Saturday on methamphetamine charges after a Duplin County sheriff's deputy on another call discovered a meth lab near Mount Olive. Sheriff Blake Wallace said Deputy Joseph Kennedy, who was checking a suspicious vehicle report, saw something...

Fremont, Pikeville to target drugs on I-795

In an effort to combat drug trafficking in northern Wayne County, area police departments are considering forming a new drug interdiction team. Fremont police Chief R.K. Rawlings and another member of the Fremont Police Department, along with members of the...

Residents can apply for help with bills

The Wayne County Department of Social Services next month will take applications for the Low-Energy Assistance Program. Applications will be taken Monday through Thursday, Nov. 2-12 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exception will be Nov. 11 when...

Writers group hosting memoir discussion

Three North Carolina writers will be featured in a panel discussion at Wayne Community College next month. "Me and My Memoirs," sponsored by the college's foundation, will be held on Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in Room 101 of...

Theft victim just wants personal photos back

Lee Stowe, owner of Trinity Auto Body, runs a small but honest business. He tries to do right by his customers, and trusts the same will come his way. Because of the small staff, he normally secures the office...

Schools holding career fair for seniors

More than 1,200 high school seniors from Wayne County Public Schools will attend the second annual career fair, planned for Thursday at Goldsboro Family YMCA. The event gives students a chance to see businesses in Wayne County and become...

Cold ... but warming back up

Ralphfred Robinson, of Dudley, plays with his 3-year-old son, Tyshown Robinson, Monday morning at Herman Park. They were out early enjoying  a cool brisk day in the park. The week's early cool weather brought a bit of frost to some...

Mount Olive Fire Department holding open house Sunday

On Sunday the Mount Olive Fire Department will be holding an open house from 2 pm until 4 p.m. The open house is being held in conjunction with fire safety month. Fire apparatus from today and yesterday will be...

Library to present Southern cooking program

Southerners know food -- from shrimp and grits to fried green tomatoes -- the South has a rich history of diverse culinary delights. The Wayne County Public Library invites the public to celebrate the good food of the South...

'Give a Child a Smile' day is Saturday

Strong Able Youth Speaking Out -- the group also known as SaySo -- will hold its annual "Give a Child a Smile" project for USA Today's 19th Annual Make a Difference Day on Saturday. SaySo's goal is to collect...

Brogden films U.S. Cellular commercial spot

Brogden Primary principal Wendy Hooks, along with several students, recently got a taste of Hollywood as they were filmed for a national commercial spot promoting U.S. Cellular's 2010 "Calling All Communities" campaign. "It was 'lights, camera, action' for our...

State awards contracts for repair work on I-795

Contracts totaling almost $12 million have been awarded to two companies to repair pavement damage along the 18-mile section of Interstate 795 between Goldsboro and Wilson. The contracts require that the damaged asphalt in the outside lanes be removed...

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Father arrested in baby's death

A father charged with an open count of murder in the death of a 6-month-old was arrested at his mother's home on Tuesday morning, Goldsboro Police said.Ronald Everette Smith was being held without privilege of bond in anticipation of a...

County seeks state permission to use 911 fees for towers

By the middle of next year Wayne County should be eligible to receive nearly $2 million in 911 fee revenues being held by the state. But under state law, the money won't be available for use by the county...

Pig truck driver suffers burns in crash, fire

Frank Graves, 56, of Goldsboro is in critical condition after an overnight collision on I-95, according to North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center officials. Graves suffered third-degree burns on about 50 percent of his body after the tanker he was...

Halloween hours

Goldsboro Mayor Al King said Monday night that the city will recognize Halloween festivities -- trick-or-treating -- from 5 to 8 p.m. the day of the holiday. But after that, parents need to get their children off the street,...

H1N1 has hit schools; seasonal flu next worry

H1N1 has hit Wayne County schools, health officials say, while school officials caution that it's not a crisis situation. Health Director James Roosen said this morning the Health Department has received reports that there has been a lot of absenteeism...

Company will build new Fire Department bays

The Goldsboro City Council appropriated just more than $237,000 for construction of the addition of a two-bay building at Fire Station No. 4 at their Monday meeting, but one member of the board was not convinced that all the funds...

Duplin commissioners reject request for funding for schools

KENANSVILLE - Duplin County school board member Reginald Kenan appeared Monday before the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, asking commissioners to reconsider a budget amendment to pay the school system's custodians and clerical staff. Kenan was not sent as a...

GPD: Baby's death a homicide

Goldsboro police are looking for the father of an infant who was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital last Wednesday and then later died at Pitt Memorial Hospital, authorities said. Ronald Smith, 20, of Hines Drive, is being sought on...

State honors Wayne Mental Health Association

The Mental Health Association in Wayne County was recognized by the Mental Health Association of North Carolina at its annual conference. MHA Wayne County received the Operation Santa Claus Award given to a staffed affiliate that has made the most...

Public record

Woman shot An Oleander Avenue woman was found shot in the legs after unknown persons fired on Linwood Avenue, police said. Patricia Moore, 44, was playing cards with friends when the shots were fired late Friday....

Little River VFD receives grant

The Little River Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $7,524.09 grant by the Volunteer Fire Department Fund of North Carolina. The money will be used to buy equipment. The equipment is purchased using matching funds and must be approved...

Monday, October 19, 2009

Workin' it - Packing pickles ... poorly

The Company: Mt. Olive Pickle Co. The Job: Hand line packer The Location: Mount Olive It's possible the most intimidating person in Wayne County works at the Mt. Olive Pickle Co. She fooled me with her seemingly soft appearance, looking...

Snow Hill teen dies in ATV accident

A 17-year-old Snow Hill teenager was killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident on Saturday, Greene County Sheriff Lemmie Smith said this morning. Smith said Ryan Kornegay was killed after his all-terrain vehicle was involved in an accident, but the...

Pikeville will pick its mayor

PIKEVILLE -- With Election Day on Nov. 3 and early voting already in full force, Pikeville residents will decide whom they want to serve them as mayor for next four years. Incumbent Mayor Herb Sieger and town resident Johnny Weaver...

Project will get bandanas, Psalm 91, to those serving

Inez Owens of Goldsboro wanted to find a way to show support for the military, especially those on the battlefield. So when she learned about "Operation Bandanas" -- begun in Fayetteville in 2006 to provide Fort Bragg soldiers with Psalm...

Goldsboro High Key Club, DGDC decorate city with scarecrows

Lorne Edwards II wants to be a mortician when he graduates. It was perhaps fitting, then, that he designed one of the more gruesome -- yet oddly culinary -- scarecrows lining the streets of downtown Goldsboro. The scarecrows are a...

Health care facilities get grants from government

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Family Medicine Center is slated to receive a $76,300 grant through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $30 million...

Two county schools receive funds

Two area schools received donations recently to increase their media collections. Charles B. Aycock High School media center was awarded a $750 grant from the ExxonMobile Educa-tional Alliance program to support the library collection, while Fremont STARS Elementary School received...

AA meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the corner of U.S. 117 South and Arrington Bridge Road on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Thursdays at noon, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.,...

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Howling good time planned at park site

It's almost time for dog lovers to get their running shoes on and to leash up their dogs for the Stoney Creek Park Howl-o-ween. After nearly a year of preparation, the Stoney Creek Park Alliance is moving forward with plans...

Arts Council receives thousands in grant funds

The Arts Council of Wayne County has received a grants totally nearly $40,000 to assist with the costs of bringing arts programs to the area. The North Carolina Arts Council awarded the council $30,602, based on programming and population,...

Walking so others can remember

Just about everyone attending Saturday's Memory Walk had a story of someone they knew who has been affected by Alzheimer's or dementia. Faye Davis, a teacher at Charles B. Aycock High School, was accompanied by a group of students...

Council will eye zoning of Keen property

Wayne County commissioner Steve Keen's plan to move forward with a 51.17-acre development on the south side of U.S. 70 just east of N.C. 581 will take another step toward that end Monday night, as Goldsboro City Council members are...

County will take vote on planning issues

Wayne County commissioners are just one vote away from making major changes in how the county has handled approval of subdivision plats for the past several decades. That vote is expected during the board's Tuesday meeting and, if approved, commissioners...

Decal to honor local woman lost to cancer

A friend of the family of Tonya Hill Matthews, who died Sunday after battling cancer, is in the fundraising decal business in Hawaii and has created a decal honoring her. Leisa Snyder said she is donating all of the proceeds...

Retired revenuer tells of chasing moonshiners at Wayne Museum

Two former enemies turned friends Friday night at the Wayne County Museum, as a retired revenuer shook hands and swapped stories with an out-of-business moonshiner. George Robert Powell Sr., retired Wilkesboro revenue agent and author of "Moonshiners, Fast Cars...

Part of I-795 to close this week

The state Department of Transportation will close the southbound lane of I-795 between Pikeville and U.S. 70 on Monday night and early Tuesday morning, from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. for construction....

New rules affecting Duplin solid waste sites

The Duplin County solid waste sites have undergone, and are still undergoing, a number of changes with new state and local regulatory policies recently going into effect. Since state law went into effect banning plastic bottles, wooden pallets and...

State Grange gives Masseys Lifetime Achievement award

Lloyd and Elizabeth Massey of Wayne County received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the North Carolina Grange at the organization's 81st Annual Convention in Fayetteville. The awards are based on outstanding leadership and accomplishments. Massey is a charter member of...

State Grange honors going to Grantham for third year

The Grantham Grange has been named North Carolina State Grange of the Year for the third time in the past six years. Five members of the organization also took home awards for their dedication to the community. President Bobby...

Agency not allowing disabilities to slow its clients down

It has been about two months since Darryl Atkins started working at the Kangaroo Express on Berkeley Boulevard, and already his boss is bragging about him. "He's been a positive influence. He's great with customers," store manager Beverly Fenech...

Friday, October 16, 2009

Health officials: Syphilis, AIDS up in county

HIV is still a serious problem in Wayne County, and likewise there has been a dramatic increase in syphilis cases, health officials say. "(Syphilis) is a disease that 10 years ago, we thought would have been eliminated by now," Health...

Mayor's Committee honors disabled, those who help them

Three people were honored Thursday for their contributions to persons with disabilities and another, who is disabled himself, for his work at a local business. The honors were presented during an awards luncheon at Lane Tree Country Club in...

A hero's farewell

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Katie McDowell broke down when Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Carrol Chandler kneeled before her Thursday morning holding a folded flag, which, moments earlier, had been draped over her husband, Mark's, casket. The Air Force...

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Pilot laid to rest in service at Arlington

ARLINGTON, Va. -- A burial service was held this morning for one of two 4th Fighter Wing officers who died in Afghanistan July 18. 336th Fighter Squadron Capt. Mark McDowell was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery as his...

Planning board eyes changes to county's rules for mobile homes

The Wayne County Planning Board Tuesday night recommended only one change to proposed alterations of the county's mobile home park ordinance that will be discussed by commissioners when they meet next week. The board wants commissioners to state, in...

Early voting starts

One-stop early voting began today for the Nov. 3 municipal elections and will continue through Oct. 31 at the Wayne County Board of Elections office at 209 S. William St. Hours will be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 15...

Strike up the band

Lt. Col. Alan Sierichs, the commander and music director of the United States Air Force Band, leads the group during its performance at Mount Olive College's Kornegay Arena on Wednesday night. The band played a variety of classical pieces, along...

Kitty Askins breaks ground on 12-bed expansion project

Groundbreaking for the long-awaited expansion of Kitty Askins Hospice Center was set for Wednesday and no amount of rain could dampen the spirits of those gathered for the ceremonies. Officials simply moved the hour-long festivities under a large tent, where...

State's form change delay could affect tax payments

Businesses, beware. The monthly or quarterly ritual of reporting state sales tax might be more complicated this month due to an unexpected change in paperwork. When state legislators approved a tax increase that raised combined state and county taxes to...

Arson attempted at courthouse, again

A toilet paper arsonist struck the Wayne County Courthouse for the third time in recent months Tuesday morning, authorities said Wednesday. Housekeeping staff stumbled onto the fire just after 8 a.m., when a housekeeper entered the first-floor bathroom, according...

Seasonal flu clinic set for next Friday

The Wayne County Health Department will hold a mass seasonal flu clinic on Friday, Oct. 23, from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. It will be open to the public. Flu shots will be provided on a first come, first...

Missing person

Shauna Hayes, 31, has been missing since Sept. 30. She was last seen at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Goldsboro Police Department Investigator Paige Learnard confirmed that Ms. Hayes was released from the hospital on that date. Investigators and hospital staff will...

Duplin cancer fundraising festival set for Saturday

KENANSVILLE -- Volunteers are needed for the "Hogs n' Hens" barbecue cook-off and festival at the Duplin County Events Center Saturday. "Hogs n' Hens for Hope" is the first major fundraiser for the recently launched North Carolina chapter of...

Aycock birthplace showing 'Anatomy of a Murder'

FREMONT -- Fifty years ago, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy was running for president, it cost as little as a quarter to see stars like Elizabeth Taylor or Jerry Lewis light up Goldsboro's Paramount movie theatre, and the Gov. Charles...

Capt. Mark McDowell laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery

Hundreds of family members and comrades of Capt. Mark McDowell gathered on Fort Meyer at the Old Post Chapel earlier this morning before making their way to Arlington National Cemetery where they paid their final respects to the fighter pilot...

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Seven arrested in city prostitution sting

Large increases in the number of reported syphilis cases in Goldsboro played a role in a prostitution round-up over the weekend, a police major said. Seven people accused of prostitution -- including one male charged with soliciting a "crime...

Leaders: U.S. 70 needs to be top priority

KINSTON -- Gov. Beverly Perdue and state Transportation Secretary Gene Conti Tuesday morning said they want to see the U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass project expedited. State Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco weighed in as well, expressing frustration over the drawn...

Pikeville residents share their thoughts on alcohol at forum

PIKEVILLE -- About 20 people showed up Tuesday night for the first beer and wine sales forum in Pikeville to weigh in on the resolution on November's ballot. Voters will have three options on the ballot: to vote for or...

Eastpointe director: Governor right to add $15 million

Eastpointe Director Ken Jones was pleased to hear this morning that Gov. Beverly Perdue had decided to restore $15 million in cuts to the mental health system. "I am surprised," he said. "We didn't expect this. I think it...

Commerce secretary: Economy getting help

State Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco Tuesday told Goldsboro Rotarians he does not have a crystal ball to look into the future of the state's economy. But he said he believes the state is moving in the right direction....

From class to field, teacher shares passion for horses

The sounds of cadenced hoofbeats have been dancing in Dominique deVarona's ears since she and her sister Natalia were children. When she was 8 years old, Ms. deVarona convinced her parents to buy her a horse, on the condition...

Wayne Memorial Hospital hires new plastic surgeon

Dr. Benjamin Eskra wants to be known for giving great care and taking a personal interest in every patient. So, the plastic surgeon left a private practice in his home state of Pennsylvania to become the first doctor affiliated...

New nonprofit thrift store opens

A new thrift store has opened its doors in downtown Goldsboro. Trinity Mission Thrift Shop is located at 111 S. Center St. and sells everything from clothing to furniture to toys -- anything that is donated. Proceeds from the...

Perdue voices support, expectations for TransPark

KINSTON -- Gov. Beverly Perdue reminded the Global TransPark board of directors Tuesday morning of her long association with the TransPark, voiced her expectations that it develop into a center for the state's aerospace industry and heard an update...

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Library gets grant for technology, science books

Wayne County Public Library has been awarded a $20,000 grant to be used to purchase books that will support local school curriculums in the areas of science and technology. WCPL will receive one of 185 grants totaling $4.7 million, awarded...

Chocolate-covered bacon among treats on 2009 State Fair menu

RALEIGH -- Chocolate-covered bacon, a handcrafted urn built for two and racing pigs all have a home this year at the 142nd North Carolina State Fair. This year's fair runs from Oct. 15 to Oct. 25 and features traditional favorites...

County realizes Medicaid savings

Wayne County could realize a savings of $700,000 as a result of the Medicaid/Article 44 sales tax swap that was finalized Oct. 1. The savings could have been as high as $2 million had the economy not tanked, County...

Terror drill -- practicing for emergency

Goldsboro police Capt. Al King brought a radio up to his mouth at just after 7 a.m. "You can roll," he said to the Emergency Response Team on the other end of the line. Within minutes, the men were creeping...

Public record

Armed robbery Thomas Deaver of the Trinity Mission Thrift Store on South Center Street reported a black male subject took $67 from the store after entering wearing a mask and carrying a black semi-automatic handgun on Saturday afternoon, police...

Dudley man sought on charges of drug dealing

A Dudley man is wanted on drug trafficking charges, according to the Goldsboro Wayne-County Drug Squad. Antonio "Rooster" Lamont Strickland, 32, of Marshall Drive, is wanted on multiple drug-related counts, including conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, distribution of crack...

Eastern Wayne honored for graduation rate

A Wayne County high school has been recognized by the state for its graduation rate. Eastern Wayne High School is one of two schools its size recognized during ceremonies in Raleigh Monday afternoon. Recipients were determined by cohort rate,...

Old Dobbs to present Contentnea Quaker program

Members of the Old Dobbs Genealogical Society invites the public to join them on Saturday at 10:30 am for a presentation "Whence Contentnea: Finding Colonial Landmarks." The program will be held at the Wayne County Public Library on Ash...

Monday, October 12, 2009

Towns will start casting ballots Thursday

One-stop early voting for the Nov. 3 municipal elections will get under way Thursday and will continue through Oct. 31 at the Wayne County Board of Elections office, 209 S. William St. The hours will be from 8 a.m....

It's called 'barking:' Running the water gun races at the fair seemed easy, but it really take personality, patience and business savy

The Company: Powers Great American Midways The Job: Fair games worker The Location: Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Drawing people to the water gun game at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair was a little trickier than I expected. "Hey man, you...

$844,000 comes to cities from Powell Bill allocation

Municipalities in Wayne County have received more than $844,000 in state Powell Bill funds and a total allocation of more than $1 million from the state. The funding comes from revenues generated by the state gas tax and other...

Officers receive training honor from state

A program that encourages additional training and college courses for North Carolina police officers honored three Goldsboro police officers this quarter. Officers Pat Carcirieri, Cpl. Marissa Davis and Steven Powers were recognized as having "advanced" law enforcement training. The designation...

Work First enrollees to wait for benefits

Participants in the Work First program who receive cash assistance checks will now have to wait until the end of the month for their benefits. Beginning this month, as part of the newly state-implemented Work First Benefits/Pay for Perform-ance philosophy,...

Memory Walk set for Saturday at city park

The Wayne-Duplin County Memory Walk to raise awareness and research funds for Alzheimer's Dis-ease will be held Saturday at Herman Park. This is the eighth year for the event, with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by the one- and...

Charges filed in May car accident

A slew of charges including death by motor vehicle have been filed in connection with a May wreck on U.S. 117 at the intersection of the Old Mount Olive Highway that left one dead and two others injured, including...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Judges call truck ugly, man calls it beautiful

Marvin L. Coley's truck gets him from Point A to Point B -- making it beautiful to him -- but his wife Annie wouldn't be caught dead in it. "My wife says it's ugly," Coley said of his 1968 Chevrolet...

Area students show aptitude for math

Wayne Early/Middle College High School tallied the winning total to win this year's county math contest, held at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair on Oct. 1. Using pencils and calculators, the team of Matthew Forster and Walker Smiley amassed the...

Disabled American Veterans sell peanuts to raise funds

Bart Gool was working at Lowe's three years ago when a member of the Donald H. Kirkman Chapter 45 of the Disabled American Veterans approached him. "He said, 'I understand you're a veteran and that you might be disabled,'" Gool...

SJAFB to participate in crisis response exercise

If you hear sirens whaling from -- or see ambulances racing toward -- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base next week, don't be alarmed. It's just a test. Seymour Johnson and the communities outside the installation gates will be hosting a...

Col. Mark Kelly reaches 3,000 flight hour mark

Mark Kelly didn't ask that a crowd of people stand waiting for him on the flight line when his F-15E touched down Friday afternoon. He wasn't expecting a cake or standing ovation. But the men and women who serve under...

Pikeville residents to hold alcohol sales forum

Pikeville residents will have the chance Tuesday night to weigh in on the upcoming alcohol sales resolution on November's ballot. Voters will have three options on the ballot: to vote for or against permitting off-premises sales only of malt...

Mount Olive College hosts H1N1 awareness event

When a group of community and business leaders turned out for a Mount Olive College and Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce information session about H1N1 influenza, MOC Director of Health Services Jo Morgan reached for her tape measure. She...

Faison Market Day honors town's long agricultural heritage

The sixth annual Faison Market Day began Saturday under the threat of rain, but the skies remained clear for the morning as vendors lined Main Street and the smell of funnel cakes and fresh-roasted nuts filled the air. Local businesses...

Economy helps fair

Despite a wet final day, Wayne Regional Fair Manager Milton Ingram said Saturday evening that he was pleased with how this year's event had turned out. "We have really had an exciting fair in place this year," he said....

High above the fair couple gets engaged on Ferris Wheel

It wasn't the ride on the Ferris wheel that left Stephanie Suggs's head spinning -- it was the proposal she had hoped for coming when she least expected it. Ms. Suggs, 20, had not given much thought to seeing...

Crash. Bang. Last derby a doozy

Jimmy Hare's derby car was stuck in a bale of hay, his tires spinning uncontrollably, as other cars sped up to smash into his '87 Chevy station wagon. The bales of hay that caught Hare's Chevy were stacked around...

Lee found guilty of string of robberies

A Goldsboro man was sentenced to a maximum of 75 years in prison in Wayne County Superior Court on Friday after being convicted for a string of armed robberies. Anthony Jerome Lee, 41, was found guilty by a jury...

State: Not clear when Union Station will have rail

Top officials from the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division were in Goldsboro Friday to discuss the Union Station project with members of the City Council and Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. But while they came with good news...

Health Dept. preps for H1N1 vaccines

Health officials are bracing for the arrival of the first batch of H1N1 vaccines, with plans to distribute initial doses to those most at risk. On the heels of the announcement that Wake County had received 3,500 doses of H1N1...

He worked for the love of his county

For Atlas Price, there's no place like Wayne County. A native of Pricetown and a long-time resident of Seven Springs, not only did Price never consider leaving, he dedicated about a third of his life to working for Wayne...

Friday, October 9, 2009

There's fish frying in Goldsboro

Art Green, left, of the Wayne County Shriners Mini-Rigs and Seven Springs Mayor Stephen Potter mix batter for the Shriners' Fish Fry, which will be served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and again from 4-7 p.m. at Herman...

Chili cookoff teams still being sought

A dozen teams are already getting their recipes ready for the Community Soup Kitchen's Third Annual Real Chili Challenge set for Oct. 24. With little more than a week left until the Oct. 16 deadline for entry, organizers say...

Jury out in Lee case

A jury was to continue deliberating this morning on charges that a Maple Street man committed a string of convenience store robberies and muggings last year. Anthony Jerome Lee, 41, waived his right to counsel and chose to represent himself....

Transit plans surprise some

Two members of the Goldsboro-Wayne Transpor-tation Authority expressed surprise this week that the authority's GATEWAY transfer station will be located in a new building and not the renovated Union Station. Authority Director Alan Stubbs reminded the board that a...

Horses, ponies and mules take center stage at Wayne Fair

It was a long trip from the Grand Canyon to Goldsboro, but Dan Lancaster's hinny, Arizona, made the journey from national park pack mule to show ring star Thursday at the Wayne County Regional Agricultural Fair horse show. Like several...

Tractor competitors have to scramble

"We need a brick to put in it (seat)," Betsy Hood said as she watched her son, Garrett, fighting to keep the tractor he was driving in Thursday night's competition at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair from cutting off....

Fair winners - Thursday

Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Thursday winners Talent Contest Vocal Solo 1st Place, 6-8: Dillion Green, Norwayne Middle School; 1st Place, 9-12: Holly Jones, Rosewood High School Instrumental Solo 1st Place, 6-8: Isaac Wilson, Norwayne Middle School; 1st Place, 9-12: Ashley...

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Progress Energy project gets first state OK

Progress Energy's plans for a $900 million natural gas-fueled power plant in Wayne County have been approved by the N.C. Utilities Commission. "This is a major milestone moving this project forward, and we are very excited about it," said...

Rotary delivers dictionary donations

Students at Eastern Wayne Elementary School have been studying about organization within communities and the importance of volunteers. So when Goldsboro Rotary Club members showed up on Wednesday distributing dictionaries to third-graders, it gave them yet another way to understand...

Pork Chop Barn here to stay

It started under a simple tent -- dozens of members of Walker Memorial United Methodist Church slinging pork chop sandwiches to passersby at last year's edition of the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. They sold drinks out of coolers, dealt...

Wayne County's got a lot of talent

Students in grades K-5 from schools across Wayne County participated Thursday in the talent competition at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. Categories included vocal solo, instrumental solo, dance solo, novelty act, vocal group, dance group, novelty group, instrumental group and...

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

County eyes subdivision plat approval

County commissioners by a 4-2 vote Tuesday morning moved another step closer to asserting authority over subdivision plats -- a step taken without any discussion of recommendations from the Planning Board. A second vote has to be taken before...

Pie-palooza

Samara Sanders, 3, was the youngest entrant in this year's pie-baking contest at the fair on Tuesday. She and her mom, Nikki Sanders, brought in five of the baked goods -- apple, Cool Whip, Rocky Road, key lime and Reese's...

Vandals slow down Northeast students

Vandalism on several school buses at Northeast Elementary School delayed students' arrival this morning. Ken Derksen, public information officer for Wayne County Public Schools, said "multiple buses were damaged but three were unable to get on the road." Officials had...

Robbery suspect finishing defense

A man charged with 11 armed robberies who is representing himself in Wayne County Superior Court had one witness left to examine this morning. Anthony Jerome Lee, 41, of Maple Street, is accused of using a sawed-off shotgun in...

City earmarks funds for lights, widening

Planning Director Randy Guthrie asked members of the Goldsboro City Council for guidance Monday, as he and his staff prepare to set aside some $3.5 million in street bond money for upcoming road projects. And by the end of the...

AAR announces plans for expansion, to receive land deal

A $900,000 expansion project at AAR was announced Tuesday morning following a closed session held by Wayne County commissioners. The closed-door session with Development Alliance President Joanna Helms was to discuss the expansion and conveyance of five acres of...

Parental involvement seminar set for Thursday

Parental involvement in the schools is still a vital part of education, and will be the focus of a free seminar on Thursday at the H.V. Brown Center on Poplar Street. This is the 13th year for the Wayne County...

Your 2009 Fire Princess contestants

The 35th annual Wayne County Fire Princess Pageant will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre on Center Street in downtown Goldsboro. At center, in the pink, is April Tucker, the 2008 Fire Princess, who will crown...

100K winning lottery ticket bought in a Goldsboro store

A Carthage man won $100,000 in the state lottery after stopping in Goldsboro to buy a ticket. Jesus Lugo will get $68,001.60 after taxes, according to lottery officials. He claimed his prize Monday. He bought the Mega Bucks tickets...

Kids Fest to be held Saturday at Berkeley Mall

The 12th Annual Kids Fest will be held Saturday at Berkeley Mall, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. More than 30 health and safety educational exhibits will be on display, compliments of the Wayne County Health Department and 23...

Annual Faison Market Day to be held Saturday

Music, food, arts and crafts and more are in the works for the sixth annual Faison Market Day this Saturday. The town of Faison holds the festival every year to shine a spotlight on agriculture -- a large part...

County names its math teacher of the year

Caroline Brown, a third-grade math teacher at Tommy's Road Elementary School, has been named Wayne County Public Schools' 2009-10 elementary mathematics teacher of the year. She has been in the education profession for 14 years, serving for the past...

Duplin set to study school population

The Duplin County Board of Education on Tuesday approved moving forward with the next step of an upcoming countywide school population study. The board members previously voted to hire the North Carolina State University Operations Research/Education Laboratory to conduct...

Busco Beach officials deny rumors of sale

Don't believe everything you hear. That's the message Busco Beach officials are trying to stress to their customers and citizens of Wayne County. "We are not for sale. We are not looking to sell," said Nanette Lang, manager. She said...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Dog shot after attack on woman

An East Maple Street woman suffered severe bites from a neighbor's dog on Monday morning before a Goldsboro police officer shot and killed the animal, investigators said. A German shepherd-akita mix attacked Tyler Young, 36, after she had dropped...

Duplin commissioners refuse to grant funding to schools

The Duplin County Board of Education will not be allowed to use $727,000 in local funding to pay some public school workers, the Duplin County Board of Commissioners decided Monday. The Board of Education does not have enough money to...

Powder puffs take on demolition derby track

The first Powder Puff Demolition Derby at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair got off to a smashing start. "There's nothing like the smell of antifreeze on a Monday night," announcer Charlie Belknap said. The rain and wet track caused some...

Keen takes project to city

Wayne County commissioner Steve Keen is moving forward with plans to develop a 51.17-acre piece of property located on the south side of U.S. 70 just east of N.C. 581, despite opposition from his own board. Just two months after...

School officials seeking 'positive' image for district

Wayne County Public Schools officials are setting their sights on improving the school district's image -- and they are starting with a positive attitude of their own. Board members noted at their meeting Monday that even though the district received...

Tackling planning

Proposed changes to the county's Planning Board ordinance would not address whether commissioners would still be allowed to serve on both boards at the same time, but it would grant commissioners the authority to remove a member with or...

Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair schedule

Today SENIOR CITIZENS DAY (Free admission for all persons 60 years of age and above) 8:00- Noon Second Flower Show Entries accepted Noon Gates open to all exhibits Noon Pie Baking Contest - Pavilion 1 p.m. Judging Second Flower Show...

Public record

Man shot A Nelson Drive man told police he was shot in the head by unknown suspects in the 1600 building of Day Circle on Sunday morning, according to a report. Elliott Bowden, 38, was conscious and able to talk...

October dates set for career readiness tests

The Wayne Occupational Readiness Keys for Success (WORKS) program will offer four opportunities in October for the public to take the WorkKeys(r) tests for Career Readiness Certification. Testing sessions are set for 8:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 15,...

Monday, October 5, 2009

Commission to discuss subdivision rules Tuesday

Proposed changes to the county's subdivision ordinance will be back before commissioners when they meet Tuesday morning. The proposal that would give final approval of all subdivision plats to commissioners was the subject of two public hearings last month...

Group will watch businesses' reporting of their use of dangerous chemicals

Rebuilding a group that helps businesses report dangerous chemicals to emergency workers should make Goldsboro safer, its proponents say. The Local Emergency Plan-ning Commission had been dormant since 1991, said Eric Lancaster, Goldsboro Fire Department assistant fire chief. That made...

Battle At The Fair

Spectators cheer as cars collide during the first demolition derby at this year's Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. First place went to Shaun Andrews of Goldsboro; second place to Jason Hargrove of Goldsboro; and third place to Larry Lane of...

Honeydipping 101

The Company: Brock's Septic Tank Service The Job: tank installer and pumper The Location: Wayne County The logo on the hat Curtis Brock handed me said, "When Doody Calls." I was sincerely hoping that doody would be too busy to...

Web site will gather Adamsville memories

Interest in the community that Goldsboro annexed in 1970 has grown since a summer of 2004 exhibit at the Wayne County Museum. Jenny Butler Wilder has compiled information from local residents and businesses and will manage a Web site devoted...

Council will eye station's progress

Goldsboro City Council will discuss two annexations and get an update on the Union Station project this evening. Two public hearings, both regarding noncontiguous an-nexation requests, are the only items, aside from the consent agenda, scheduled to be addressed by...

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Committee to eye planning board

The county committee charged with reviewing the more-than-40-year-old ordinance that created the Wayne County Planning Board will hold its first meeting Monday at 2 p.m. in Room 458 in the county courthouse annex, 224 E. Walnut St. The committee...

Blessings for them, too

Father Albert Vannorsdall, left, blesses Jackie Baker's dachshund, Molly, at St. Francis Episcopal Church's Blessing of the Animals Saturday morning. Jocye Murdock, center, also brought her dachshund, Lucy, to be blessed at the annual event....

Diploma hunter: A new coach at Goldsboro High

Barbara Wilkins knows she looks different from the majority of the students she is hoping to convince to stay in school at Goldsboro High School. And the self-described "little old white woman" knows her new job as graduation coach will...

Duplin case timeline

It has been more than a year since a jury awarded the Duplin County Board of Education nearly $4.8 million in funding. Money that has not been paid. County commissioners are contesting the jury's ruling. This timeline marks major events...

Duplin's funding case hits Court of Appeals

RALEIGH -- Attorneys representing the Duplin County Board of Commissioners and the county's Board of Education made their arguments Thursday before the state Court of Appeals in a battle over how much money the school district should receive from the...

Wayne Country Day students honored

Two Wayne Country Day School seniors have been named commended students in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship program. Blake Marchese and Virginia Yarboro are among 34,000 commended students across the nation being recognized for exceptional academic promise. Marchese is the...

Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair schedule

Today at the fair 1 p.m. Gates open to all exhibits 1 p.m. Powers Great American Midways open 2 p.m. Demolition Derby -- Grandstand 2 p.m. Star Family Circus & Thrill Show -- near White Building 2 p.m. "Almost Amazing...

Lamb wranglers take their charges to county fair ring

Rosewood High School student John Smith was just a bit nervous Saturday as he made his way into the grandstand arena at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. It wasn't that he was afraid the lamb he was getting ready to...

Presbyterian Church presents piano concert

Jeremy Thompson will give a concert 7 p.m. Friday in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 1101 E. Ash St. His program will feature works by Haydn, Debussy and Chopin on the church's newly restored Steinway grand piano. A native...

Red Cross announces bloodmobiles for October

Here is the October schedule of blood drives for the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross: Tuesday: Charles B. Aycock High School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Eureka United Methodist Church from 2:30 to 7 p.m....

Hunting for coins

MONEY SCRAMBLE AT THE FAIR: Sarah Peters, center on the ground, reaches for a quarter while her mother, Meredith Peters of Nahunta, right, holds a bag for her to place the coins in during the first night of the Wayne...

Mount Olive College concert Tuesday night

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive College Symphonic Band with give its fall concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Southern Bank Auditorium in the W. Burkette and Rose M. Raper Hall. The concert will feature two popular marches...

It's really sometimes just about competing

Jacob Sauls is still convinced he has a winning hog, even if "Marshmallow" -- or whichever of the many names his 12-year-old handler has for him happens to be in use -- wasn't quite cooperating Friday evening. "It's kind of...

Library fall book sale set for Friday through Sunday

The Friends of the Wayne County Public Library will hold its annual Fall Book Sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-11 in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the main library at 1001 E. Ash St. There will be a...

Kids' Fest Saturday

The Wayne County Health Department will hold its 12th annual Kids' Fest set on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Berkeley Mall. Twenty-three organizations will participate, with more than 30 educational exhibits and fun activities promoting the health,...

Habitat for Humanity planning fundraiser ball

Habitat for Humanity will hold its Drywall Ball on Friday at the Walnut Creek Country Club. The fund-raising event will feature the band Legends of Beach, a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and a chance to win $500. Tickets are $100...

Hannah Singleton crowned this year's Queen of the Fair

From the moment the contestants hit the stage in the "Queen of the Fair" contest Friday night, one stood out as a crowd favorite. Contestant No. 7, Hannah Singleton, a senior at Spring Creek High School, had a groundswell of...

Competitors battle for blue ribbons

By the 10 a.m. start of Saturday's heifer show, the temperature had started to climb and cows and people alike were squeezing into whatever shade was available at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Large generator-powered fans were positioned to keep...

Chamber is extending Cornerstone deadline

The deadline for nominations for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone Award has been extended until Nov. 2. The Cornerstone Award recognizes annually an individual, living or deceased, who has truly been a "cornerstone" for this county. A...

Public record

Man shot in arm A Goldsboro man was shot in the arm around 12:15 p.m. Thursday, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Rico Donta Sutton, 19, told police two men came to the door at 103 Deer Meadow Drive...

Christmas parade entries being sought

The Goldsboro Jaycees' Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. in downtown Goldsboro. The theme of this year's parade will be "Rocking Around the Christmas Trees." Entries for the parade are now being accepted and are due...

'Celebrate Recovery' program starting at St. Luke Church

A new faith-based recovery for people who are seeking help in dealing with drug or alcohol abuse, sexual disorders, compulsive gambling, or any other personal issues, will start this week on Monday nights at St. Luke Methodist Church. Celebrate Recovery...

Red Cross chapter announces October class schedule

The Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross is offering the following classes during October: * Oct. 10 -- baby-sitting class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class arms pre-teens and teenagers between the ages of 11 and...

Friday, October 2, 2009

Kidnapper composite drawing released

From staff reports The Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the Halifax County Sheriff's Office are investigating a report of a woman being kidnapped, physically assaulted and robbed. Late Tuesday night, Richard Earl Moore reported Kimberly Diane Matthews missing. He...

Two die in vehicle crashes in area

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A Lenoir County man was killed Thursday evening in a single vehicle accident on N.C. 55 just west of Seven Springs. Luis Angel Ramos Jr. died at the scene, Highway Patrol investigators said. Ramos' sport utility...

Courage, honored

An outpouring of love. That is how 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Mark Kelly described the aftermath of the F-15E crash that claimed the lives of two of his airmen in Afghanistan July 18. "So proud" -- how Goldsboro...

Flu vaccine available at clinic Tuesday

Beginning next week, the Wayne County Health Department will be providing annual seasonal flu vaccine to those at high risk. Residents 19 and older will be seen by appointment only, officials said. At this point, only the seasonal flu vaccine...

Goat competitors open fair's livestock shows

Most people at Thursday's opening of the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair were there for the midway rides and games, the candy apples and cotton candy. Avery Faulkner was there for a large shiny new belt buckle. But it's not...

Eastpointe explains changes to service

Eastpointe has to comply with budget constraints imposed by the state, but there might be creative ways to do it, director Ken Jones told a group of parents and providers Thursday night during a public forum at Wayne Center. One...

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Seymour Johnson AFB gets OK for new Mission Support facility

By next summer, construction is expected to begin on a $10 million facility that will house the 4th Fighter Wing's Mission Support Group, thanks to a contract recently awarded to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base by the U.S. Army...

Officers look into alleged assault, kidnap

Authorities in Wayne and Halifax counties are investigating a woman's report that she was kidnapped after picking up a hitchhiker in southern Wayne County. Late on Tuesday night, the woman's "significant other," Richard Moore, reported Kimberly Diane Matthews missing,...

Radio personality Jerry Wayne, 38, dies of cancer

Radio disc jockey Jerry Wayne Sandusky, whose enthusiasm for charity work helped raise thousands of dollars for everything from the Relay for Life to the Children's Miracle Network and helped make him a local celebrity, died Wednesday from cancer...

Farm animals ready for fair debut

Although the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair doesn't officially open until 4 p.m. today, Jeff Turner began getting ready at 4:30 a.m. Turner, the 4-H program director at Shiloh Farm, started preparing the chickens, ducks, turkeys and pheasants to be...

New laws take effect today

Beginning today, residents will face new state bans on wooden pallets, oil filters and plastic bottles at the county landfill. Residents should sort their plastic bottles by number, which typically can be found on the bottom of your bottle, usually...

Fundraiser set for former deputy Wells

As a young child, Billy Wells dreamed of becoming a police officer and helping people in his community. But late last year that dream ended as he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer -- a non-seminoma choriocarcinoma...