April 2010 archives

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Friday, April 30, 2010

Hopefuls to battle for slots on ballot Tuesday

Turnout has been light for one-stop voting in advance of Tuesday's partisan primary, a trend that is expected to carry over to Election Day. There are no local races on the ballot. Democratic candidates on Tuesday's ballot are: *...

Walkathon targets multiple sclerosis

The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold the city's first Walk MS Saturday at Herman Park on Ash Street in Goldsboro. For the first time, people in Wayne County will have the chance...

Proposed budget includes program cuts, tax increase

If the Goldsboro City Council approves City Manager Joe Huffman's recommended 2010-2011 fiscal year budget -- released Thursday -- taxes won't be the only increase local residents will have to endure. The proposed budget also includes a 5 percent sewer...

Cherry Hospital honors volunteers

Cherry Hospital is in the "ebb and flow of change," but it will eventually realize its full potential as a model psychiatric treatment facility, Director Philip Cook said during the hospital's annual volunteer appreciation recognition ceremony Thursday night. And while...

Mount Olive christens long-awaited runway extension at Yeager Field

Scissors flashed and the yellow ribbon parted Thursday at a special dedication ceremony for the new Mount Olive airport runway extension. The town held the original dedication for Yeager Field 40 years ago this month. When it was first created,...

Thursday, April 29, 2010

They aren't just talking about a tax increase ...

If the Goldsboro City Council approves City Manager Joe Huffman's recommended 2010-2011 FY budget -- released today -- taxes won't be the only increase local residents will have to endure. For the complete story, see Friday's News-Argus....

Officials: County cannot take on road upkeep

Utilizing homeowners associations and benefiting from lessons already learned by other counties are options on the table for the county to explore as ways to ensure subdivision streets are maintained. One possibility the county has no interest in at...

Thanking those who also serve

Northwest Elementary School students march with banners and flags to honor children in military families on Tuesday.  April is Month of the Military Child Wayne County schools are celebrating....

Highway Patrol takes aim at teens who text while driving

Highway Patrolman Bennie Grady is troubled by the large number of teenage motor vehicle deaths that happened in Johnston County in recent years, and is hoping he can do something to prevent them from occurring in Wayne County. Grady worked...

Census return rate high in Wayne County

Wayne County boasts a high response rate to the 2010 census. The Wayne County participation rate is 73 percent, above the national rate of 72 percent, and up from its 2000 rate of 64 percent. "We are very pleased with...

Ex-assistant principal charged in money theft

MOUNT OLIVE -- John Fitzgerald Strickland, 37, resigned Tuesday as assistant principal at Mount Olive Middle School after having been arrested in connection with the theft of book fair money from the school. Strickland was charged by Mount Olive...

4th FW breaks ground for support center

A Wednesday ceremony on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was about much more than turning some soil. It might have been a simple "groundbreaking," but for those who will operate out of the 4th Fighter Wing's new Consolidated Support Center...

Child Abuse Awareness event held at courthouse

A crowd of 75 people gathered Wednesday morning in from of the Wayne County Courthouse to mark the closing of Child Abuse Awareness Month in the county. "Every two minutes a child becomes a prisoner of war, taken hostage not...

Silver Arts Follies draws full house

The Paramount presented the Wayne County Silver Arts Follies last Thursday evening to a full house. Jill Suggs Howell was mistress of ceremonies. Dolly Witt sang "Fever," the Song Birds sang "I Must Tell Jesus," Barbara & Ray sang "My...

Library book sale set for weekend

The Friends of the Wayne County Public Library invite the public to attend the Spring Book Sale April 30 through May 2 in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the Main Library, 1001 E. Ash St., Goldsboro. Sale hours Saturday are...

Give2thetroops seeks donations

The North Carolina Branch of Give2thetroops is collecting items for care packages for deployed troops in its "Beat the Heat" campaign. Items needed include snacks such as jerky, tuna in pouches, protein powdered drink mixes, nuts, granola bars, dried fruit,...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Wayne's Realtor of the Year

Dorothy Mills of Realty World shows off the gift she received after being named the 2010 Wayne County Realtor of the Year by the county's Board of Realtors Tuesday night. Mrs. Mills was honored with a special award plaque as...

Neal sentenced

A woman who was raped as a 12-year-old and the man who was wrongly convicted of the crime more than 20 years ago, along with their families, hugged Tuesday afternoon following the conviction of William J. Neal, 54, who...

Dry spell no worry for crops ... so far

While the recent lack of rain has proved something of a problem for Wayne County farmers, most crops that have been planted are doing well. Extension Agent Kevin Johnson said it has been dry so far this season, with only...

Leaders pick soup kitchen for county class project

The Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro is getting a face-lift thanks to Leadership Wayne County. The service project for the current Leadership class is focused on revamping and updating the soup kitchen, which serves about 100 meals every day. The...

Director, ex-guard not guilty in raid at concert

KENANSVILLE -- Former Duplin Events Center Executive Director John Vogt and former security guard Donald Farrior were found not guilty Friday of charges stemming from a raid by North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement on a Jan. 28 Willie Nelson...

GATEWAY takes look at transfer station lease

The prospect of a 40-year lease on a new transfer station Tuesday morning appeared unsettling to Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority members who questioned what form the authority would have, if it would even exist that far in future and what...

Beauty of Old Grantham Road drives her poetry

The blossoms that inspired Myra Brian, like the spring, are fading. The pinks, purples and reds, which, only a few weeks ago, transformed what would have been a routine drive down Old Grantham Road into something more, have all but...

Praisin', playin' in the park

Will Mitchell enjoys a day at the park with his big, orange inflatable bouncy-ball which he used as a volleyball and kickball during the Praise in the Park in Pikeville. This was the first year that the event, which featured...

Fremont preschoolers package help for Haiti

Since the earthquake in Haiti left thousands of people hurt, hungry and homeless, the outpouring of sympathy from Wayne County alone has been enormous. And the Fremont Methodist Church Preschool class has certainly contributed more than its share. In...

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Neal found guilty, faces life

William J. Neal was found guilty this morning in the 1987 rape of a 12-year-old girl. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Wayne County Superior Court. Both the victim and Dwayne Dail, who was exonerated in 2007 after he...

Planning Board will eye road rules

A Wayne County Planning Board committee will meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. to begin a review of how future subdivision roads will be maintained. The meeting will be in the Planning Department offices on the third floor of the...

Work on O'Berry changes ongoing

O'Berry Neuro-Medical Treatment Center is continuing its conversion from an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded to providing long-term care for the aging. As the center's population continues to grow older -- the average age of its residents is...

Water safety

Third-grade Spring Creek Elementary School students Miguel Avila, left, and Derek Drew play a water safety game while learning about hypothermia at Herman Park Center on Monday. The Wayne County chapter of the Red Cross holds a water safety event...

Neal trial headed for final argument

Closing arguments in the rape trial of William J. Neal were expected to begin today in Wayne County Superior Court after both the prosecution and defense finished presenting evidence on Monday. Neal is charged with raping a 12-year-old girl...

Goldsboro High valedictorian receives Gates Scholarship

Lakiyah Campbell already knew she was ranked No. 1 for the Class of 2010, making her its valedictorian. But now she also has the promise that her college -- including a graduate degree if she chooses to continue her education...

916th crew brings care to remote villages

The living conditions were better than the ones Dr. Frances McClure endured during previous stints in Peru, Nicaragua and Paraguay, but the Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel would tell you the dental health of those living in some of the...

Dental clinic

Peggy Rohleder examines the teeth of Arriel Staten as Margaret Hooper, Dashauna Sloan and Nia Smith look on during a free dental screening sponsored by the Goldsboro chapter of Continental Societies and featuring the Colgate "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" mobile...

Monday, April 26, 2010

Town set for 10th annual Ole Timey Days event

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The oldest town in Wayne County is preparing for the 10th annual Ole Timey Days Festival. Seven Springs will celebrate the early days of its 300 years of history May 8, with activities from 10 a.m. to...

No arrest made in weekend shooting

Police have a person of interest but are not ready to make an arrest in the shooting of a 15-year-old Goldsboro boy on Saturday evening. Spokesman Sgt. Chad Calloway said the as-of-yet unidentified teen was walking in the 700...

You can read his writing

When Nicholas Fletcher does his school work, he enjoys doing it well. And to him, that includes orderliness. "I like doing stuff neatly," the fourth-grader at St. Mary Catholic School said. Nicholas' attention to detail, and his artist's touch,...

231 have cast one-stop ballots

As of Friday afternoon 231 people had cast one-stop ballots for the May 4 partisan primary. Another 17 absentee by mail ballots had been returned -- seven civilian, eight military and two overseas -- and there were four same-day...

New council will help teach county adults how to read

A recently-formed adult literacy council will be the beneficiary of proceeds from this year's spring library book sale. Adrienne Strickland, executive director for Literacy Connections of Wayne County, came on board March 1 as its sole staff member. But the...

Antique Farm Days Friday, Saturday

The Eastern Carolina Vintage Farm Equipment Club will hold its ninth annual Antique Farm Equipment Days show Friday and Saturday at the Wayne Regional Fairgrounds on 117 South. There will be antique tractors, hit and miss engines and other related...

Keeping the roads safe

The Job: Trooper The Company: North Carolina Highway Patrol The Location: Wayne County The questions I was asked upon meeting the State Highway Patrol troopers I was shadowing left me a little uneasy. "You don't get car sick do you?"...

Sunday, April 25, 2010

County commissioners say no tax increase

No tax increase -- those are the instructions county commissioners have given County Manager Lee Smith despite lingering uncertainty surrounding the state budget shortfall and the possible cuts that have somewhat stymied progress on Wayne County's 2010-11 fiscal year budget....

GPD: No charges filed in girl fight

Managing Editor Goldsboro police do not plan to charge adults captured in a bdYouTube video apparently engaged in helping orchestrate a fight between middle school girls at Herman Park. Police issued a press release Friday afternoon, saying that although the...

City manager says tax hike likely

A potential tax increase first hinted at during Monday's City Council meeting was discussed further Friday when members of the Goldsboro board came together to vote on whether or not to move forward with construction of a multi-million dollar recreation...

Council votes down rec center

After investing more than $1 million over the past several years to fund plans to construct a recreation center in downtown Goldsboro, members of the City Council voted the project down 4-3 Friday afternoon. "It's dead now. I don't know...

Arrest made in deadly city shooting

Two men are accused of the April 17 murder of Charles Ray Morgan II in a Day Circle parking lot, Goldsboro police said. Henry Calvin Jones, 29, and Montrel Devon O'Neal, 18, each face an open count of murder...

Pickle Festival proves as popular as ever

MOUNT OLIVE -- It was a duel of dills, a showdown of kosher spears. It was brother versus sister in the Mt. Olive Pickle Co.'s Pickle Packing Challenge at the 24th annual North Carolina Pickle Festival, and 6-year-old John...

Viva Goldsboro festival set for Saturday

The Hispanic Community Development Center is sponsoring a "Viva Goldsboro" Festival to be held Saturday in downtown Goldsboro at the corner of Chestnut and Center streets. The event will feature a variety of musical acts, two groups of dancers, a...

State gives DNA evidence in Neal trial

Prosecutors made their strongest argument Friday that suspect William J. Neal is the real guilty party in the 1987 rape of a 12-year-old girl, presenting their DNA evidence. Continuing Neal's trial, which began on Monday in Wayne County Superior...

Mr. Crisp hosts his last Pickle Festival

MOUNT OLIVE -- Adam Tilley, 10, and his brother Grayson, 7, raced to grab Mr. Crisp and give him a hug as he made his way down Center Street Saturday during the 24th annual North Carolina Pickle festival. Adam...

Andy's hosts eating challenge at Pickle Festival

MOUNT OLIVE -- "Gentleman Joe" Menchetti, looking dapper in a tuxedo and top hat, threw out flowers as he headed for the stage and the Andy's Big A Challenge. And just 4 minutes and 30 seconds after the 50-ounce...

Friday, April 23, 2010

Retiree earns district's top award for volunteering

Try as she might, Judy Mallery can't get out of the classroom. Then again, she really hasn't tried that hard. Since retiring from a teaching career that technically ended in 1998 at Spring Creek Elementary School, she returned to...

Testimony continues in trial for 1987 rape

Jurors in the trial of William J. Neal heard testimony Thursday from a Raleigh woman raped in 1987, within months of another rape prosecutors allege Neal committed. Neal is on trial for the 1987 rape of a 12-year-old Jefferson...

Video of girl fight found on Internet

What prompted the fight is still unknown, but at least five Eastern Wayne Middle School students were allegedly involved in an altercation during which at least two adults appear to somehow be involved. However, Goldsboro police Sgt. Chad Calloway said...

It's (almost) pickle time

MOUNT OLIVE -- Julie Beck knows where the pickle is hidden, but she isn't talking. The chairman of the committee that organized this weekend's 24th annual N.C. Pickle Festival is as cool as a cuke as she prepares not...

Red Cross honors supporters at lunch

The Red Cross might not appear to be anything like an Olympic event. But Director Chuck Waller would have you think again. Partially because of its ability to rise to challenges -- sometimes on a shoestring budget and sparse staff...

Duplin commissioners say tax increase likely

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County property owners are likely to face a 14-cent supplemental tax this year to pay a nearly $4.8 million award to the Duplin County Board of Education. The Duplin County Board of Commissioners met Thursday to...

Public record

Saturday fire solved A house fire April 16 at 315 Brogden St. off Old Mount Olive Highway was determined by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office investigators to have been started by an electrical malfunction. Armed robbery Keon Crisp of Fairview...

Earth Day in Wayne County

Eleven-year-old Jamesya Wynn plants flowers in front of the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County. Helping were a few representatives from U.S. Cellular who donated the plants, as well as other club members on Thursday in celebration of Earth...

Rec center halted

The Goldsboro City Council, meeting in special session today, voted 4-3 to halt the recreation center project that has been discussed since the former recreation center on Walnut Street was destroyed by fire in 2004. The cost of construction...

Thursday, April 22, 2010

SJAFB Scouts raise $400 for earthquake relief effort

T.J. Hampton could tell you all about the coins he collected outside the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base commissary March 20. And Aidan Taylor remembers the dollar bills -- how he earned them for the boys' cause by holding up...

Fremont ABC store still open, for now

The decision on whether to close the Fremont ABC store was postponed Wednesday for at least another two weeks. The Wayne County ABC Board met Wednesday at noon, but ended up not approving the closure of the Fremont ABC...

Lawyers make opening statements in Neal case

Attorneys gave opening statements in a 1987 rape case being retried in Wayne County Superior Court because DNA evidence exonerated one man, and implicated another, in the rape of a 12-year-old girl. William J. Neal, 54, faces multiple felony...

Earthworms for Earth Day

Spring Creek sixth-graders Victoria Holland, left, and Amber Buchan learn how worms live in their natural environment during the eighth annual Earth Day event at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Wednesday. The event was sponsored by the Wayne County...

Board of Health has evening meeting

A Board of Health meeting moved to a nighttime venue to attract more public input only drew a handful of attendees, many who had left by the time the public agenda topics were covered. Wednesday evening's session at the Wayne...

Duplin considers assessing unpaid water bills onto taxes

ALBERTSON -- Duplin County water customers who do not pay their bills even after their water service is shut off could face wage garnishment or have a lien placed against their property. The Duplin County Board of Commissioners approved using...

Wayne Junior Miss contestants sought

Contestants are being sought for the Wayne County Junior Miss pageant. Informational meetings for interested girls will be held Sunday, May 2, at the Mathnasium Learning Center at 2517 E. Ash St., and Monday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m. at...

Rosewood choir performs at Disney World

Members of the Rosewood High School Show Choir became stars of their own Disney show March 26 when they took the stage at Melody Gardens at Innoventions West at the Walt Disney World Resort as part of the Disney Performing...

Public record

Knife at school A 12-year-old student brought a knife of some kind to Greenwood Middle School on Tuesday, according to a Goldsboro police report. A vice principal at the school questioned the student, who at first denied having it. But...

Motorcycle ride raises $3,300

A motorcycle ride fundraiser to benefit Relay for Life was a success, says one of its organizers. The fourth annual motorcycle ride, held Saturday at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, was sponsored by the Zion Marchers from Zion United...

Mosquito survey being conducted by students

Wayne School of Engineering and Wayne County Environmental Health are conducting their annual mosquito survey project to help reduce the county's mosquito population. Over the next two weeks, dozens of WSE students will go door to door conducting a...

County holds off on airport land rules

There is no pressing need at present to pursue a proposed moratorium on development around the Wayne County Airport, Wayne County Manager Lee Smith told county commissioners at their meeting Tuesday. Commissioners have been considering a 90-day moratorium to...

Duplin Board of Education mum about lawsuit

KENANSVILLE - The Duplin County Board of Education met in executive session for about two hours Wednesday night to consult with the board attorney regarding litigation between the school board and the Duplin County Board of Commissioners. When the Board...

Veterans services meeting

MAGNOLIA -- Veterans are invited to attend a Veterans and Community Information Outreach Fair on Tuesday, April 27, from noon until 4 p.m. at the Old Magnolia Golf Course in the Duplin County town of Magnolia. The event is...

Housing fair Saturday

Rebuilding Broken Places CDC will sponsor a housing fair Saturday titled "The Road to Homeownership is Open," from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at its office at 2105 N. William St. With Wayne County reporting nearly 100 new foreclosures already...

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

RSVP recognizes area volunteers

They couldn't cash the giant cardboard check for $967,144 RSVP Director Barbara Stiles presented to Goldsboro Mayor Al King representing the monetary value of the work retired and senior volunteers gave to the city and county in 2009, but the...

County will help administer $288K grant to assist Kitty Askins expansion project

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning not only agreed to administer a $288,000 state grant for the $4 million Kitty Askins Hospice Center expansion project, but to provide $8,640 of in-kind services as well. "We are excited about expanding," said...

Jurors will hear evidence in Neal rape case

Jury selection in a 1987 rape case began Tuesday in a Wayne County Superior courtroom, after a defense attorney argued and lost motions to dismiss the charges and evidence altogether. William J. Neal, 54, is accused of standing on a...

Berry picking

"There is no telling how long I have been picking strawberries," Lula Carlson said as she gingerly made her way through the Cottle strawberry field in Goldsboro. Strawberry season is here and will last for six to eight weeks. Local...

Officials: Fremont residents likely to lose their ABC store

FREMONT -- The Wayne County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board will decide today whether to close the Fremont ABC store, town Administrator Kerry McDuffie told the town board at its meeting Tuesday night. The board was expected to vote today...

Residents upset over sewer fees

They came demanding answers -- using words like extortion to characterize a resolution recently adopted by the Goldsboro City Council that would require newly annexed residents to pay special assessments for installation of a sanitary sewer system. But those dozens...

Scouts to honor Dr. Atkins

The Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America will be honoring Dr. James Atkins as its Citizen of the Year on May 4 at the Walnut Creek Country Club. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tickets must...

Appliance rebates kick off Thursday

The North Carolina Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program begins Thursday and runs through Saturday -- unless the $8.8 million federal funding runs out earlier. Through the program, area residents can purchase new, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and get a...

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Rec center vote delayed, but tax hike now on table

With too many questions still unanswered, the Goldsboro City Council ended its discussion about construction of a new recreation center downtown during its pre-meeting work session, agreeing to resume the conversation Friday at noon. But just before the board moved...

New tracks for Kiwanis train

Goldsboro Parks And Recreation department employee Landon Fleming drives the final spike into the Kiwanis Miniature Train track at Herman Park Monday afternoon. Fleming drove in more than 2,000 spikes when replacing the train's track, which was recently replaced for...

Girl Scout council receives grant for inclusion project

The area Girl Scout council has received a $15,000 grant to create more opportunities for children with developmental disabilities. The National Inclusion Project, co-founded by North Carolina native and former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken, has partnered with the Girl...

Neal begins to answer charges from 1987 rape

A crime scene investigator was on hand to supervise and attorneys donned blue rubber gloves when they handled all evidence, two unusually cautious measures in early stages of the rape trial of William J. Neal, which began Monday in...

Court to Duplin County: Pay up

ALBERTSON -- The North Carolina State Supreme Court will not revisit a 2008 ruling that the Duplin County Board of Commissioners must pay the Duplin County Board of Education nearly $4.8 million. The court approved a motion made by school...

Residents to City Council: No 'club' in my backyard

Some spoke about how an increase in traffic along Central Heights Road would be crippling to area residents. Others were concerned about the prospect of late-night noise. But the majority of the dozen-plus who turned out for a public...

Health Department looking for public input at Wednesday session

Wayne County Health Director James Roosen wants to put the public back in public health. One way to do that is to take the Board of Health meeting to the community. Typically, the board meets on the third Wednesday...

Monday, April 19, 2010

Rec Center vote could come tonight

Whether or not the Goldsboro City Council will move forward with construction of a multi-million dollar recreation center downtown could be decided tonight, as the board will meet for the first time since bids for the project were opened last...

Workin' it landscape style

The Job: Landscaping The Company: Landscape Design of Goldsboro Inc. The Location: Goldsboro As a reporter, you would think I'd ask more questions. When I scheduled the job with Landscape Design, I should have asked chief executive officer Darnay Barefoot...

County will weigh airport land rules

The future of development around the Wayne County Airport will be the subject of a Tuesday morning public hearing before county commissioners. Commissioners will take the first steps in determining what that future will be when they consider a...

Lobster Fest fundraiser sets sail May 7

The sixth annual Lobster and Shrimp Fest sponsored by The Partnership for Children of Wayne County will be May 7. What began as a fundraiser to support educational opportunities for area child care teachers has grown into a creative event...

Feeding hungry pets one step at a time

Gary Rollins of Fremont saw a need and took matters into his own hands last week, with the help of some friends. Rollins, 60, who volunteers for the Wayne County Humane Society, helps pass out pet food every month to...

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Jazz on George

Linda Little performs with Jeffrey Grimes and Friends during Jazz on George in Downtown Goldsboro....

Neal trial to begin Monday

Genetic evidence freed a wrongfully imprisoned man after 18 years -- the same DNA evidence the state will use against defendant William Jackson Neal in a rape trial starting Monday. Neal, 54, is accused the rape of a then 12-year-old...

Coming home from Bagram

A few thousand feet above the Hindu Kush mountains, Brig. Gen. Steve Kwast urged the others seated in a C-12 bound for Kandahar to look out the window at the campfires burning across the valley. "Those people down there just...

Democrats stand firm on policies, eye races

They called themselves "the voice of reason" -- the few dozen local Democrats who converged on the Wayne County Courthouse for their party's annual convention. But some of those who spoke -- particularly State Sen. Don Davis -- said...

Man found murdered in city parking lot

A Goldsboro man was found shot to death in a city parking lot and two others were wounded after an early morning shooting Saturday. Charles Ray Morgan II, 26, of Lincoln Drive, was found dead by Goldsboro police officers...

Chamber lays off two staff, battles shortfall

Faced with declining membership and a tough budget situation this year, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce eliminated its two membership positions Friday. In an e-mail from Chamber President Steve Hicks and Chamber Board of Directors Chairwoman Julie Daniels,...

Mario Kornegay says his new barbershop has cuts for anyone

Mario's Top Ranked Barber Shop, 314 Randolph St., is offering experience when it comes to fades, braids and hair cuts. Mario Kornegay, owner, said the shop has something for everyone. "The ladies do shampoos, twists, dreads, micro braids, corn...

All that jazz

The annual Jazz on George event in downtown Goldsboro featured three jazz and blues bands, a car show, a bike book run and vendors selling food. About a hundred people turned out for the free festival Saturday....

$50,000 donor pushes library project past halfway point

MOUNT OLIVE -- A $50,000 pledge announced Friday by the Southern Bank Foundation has pushed a grassroots effort to raise $350,000 for a new Steele Memorial Library past the halfway mark. It was the second $50,000 pledge within a...

Veterans trip to D.C. planned

The Goldsboro Exchange Club is planning a one-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials on Tuesday, April 27. Veterans of any of these wars who would like to go along...

Hospital volunteers honored for giving back

Some would say that 7,325 hours of volunteering at Wayne Memorial Hospital has finally paid off for Jean Bacon, this year's Volunteer of the Year recipient. They would be wrong, though, because volunteering started paying off for Ms. Bacon...

People expected to pack into Pickle Festival

MOUNT OLIVE -- Pickles are popping up all around Mount Olive in preparation for the 24th annual North Carolina Pickle Festival. Performers, vendors and the Pickle Festival committee are getting ready for the tens of thousands of visitors expected to...

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Trojans advance to conference championship

WILSON -- Following a masterful performance by pitcher Jackson Massey and plenty of run support, Mount Olive College advanced to the Conference Carolinas tournament Saturday, beating Belmont Abbey 15-1 at Fleming Stadium in Wilson. Coming into Saturday's contest thin on...

Friday, April 16, 2010

Agriculture secretary visits Mt. Olive Pickle Co.

MOUNT OLIVE -- North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and the Commissioner's Circle visited the Mt. Olive Pickle Co. Thursday to take a tour and talk about food safety. The circle members -- a group of farmers from across...

Courage to lead

The threat was credible: A suicide bomber was likely walking among the Afghan nationals and U.S. service members working on Bagram Airfield -- targeting assets on the flight line. Then-336th Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Neil Allen was one...

Tea for 200+

It was advertised as the second annual Tea Party Rally, but to any unsuspecting person who happened by City Hall Thursday afternoon it might have seemed more like a Republican Party rally -- five of the eight speakers were...

In tune ... countywide

The All-County Elementary school chorus sings and dances to "An American Song" during the 2010 All-County Festival, which was met by a standing ovation Thursday from the packed auditorium at Dillard Middle School....

Group hopes Saturday event will help start neighborhood watches

Leo Daughtry recently came home to a nasty surprise, finding broken windows outside and shattered glass throughout the interior of his Madison Avenue home. "With all the shattered glass, it looked like a bomb went off," Daughtry said of...

Duplin gets different calendars for 2010-11

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will operate on a slightly different schedule in 2010-11 than students attending the county's high schools. The Duplin Board of Education decided on the two-schedule system at its last meeting...

Would-be burglars had bad timing

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Two men who allegedly burglarized a home near Seven Springs on Tuesday had poor timing -- breaking in almost immediately after two Sheriff's Office detectives served a warrant at a house next door, authorities said. The...

Bandy will face time for shooting

A Wayne County Superior Court jury dramatically reduced the most serious charge against William Earl Bandy Jr., 29, Thursday, finding him guilty on three counts, none of which was murder. The jury, comprised of 10 women and two men,...

Public record

Wire theft at church More than $800 worth of copper wire was stolen from Yelverton United Methodist Church on Faro Road, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported. Two atrium windows at the church also had been smashed, causing about $580...

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Jury out in Bandy murder trial

Testimony Wednesday in the first-degree murder trial of William Earl Bandy Jr. focused on his mental ability. Bandy, 29, is accused of killing Fredrick Coleman, 31, in March 2006. Both sides rested their cases in the trial in Wayne...

Fun in the park

Six-year-old Aliyah Beamon, left, and her sister Shannon, 8, play on the equipment in Herman Park on Tuesday. Warm temperatures have led many Wayne County residents outdoors in recent days, and weather forecasters are calling for more sunshine and moderate...

Motorcycle riders will raise money for Goldsboro officer

When family members approached Brandon Massey about Goldsboro police Officer James Serlick, they told him the situation was dire. Serlick has been suffering from a rare form of leukemia and recently had a relapse. Massey has organized a motorcycle ride...

Public record

Home robbery Kimberly Anys of Cambria Lane reported Tuesday afternoon that her home had been entered through a rear door and property taken. The suspect specifically targeted one room in the house for unknown reasons, authorities said. Two laptop computers...

Wayne Memorial to assist with industrial recruitment

Wayne Memorial Hospital is joining the campaign to bring more business to the county. At the Wayne Memorial Hospital board of directors meeting on Tuesday morning, the board approved supporting IMPACT WAYNE, a non-profit arm of the Wayne County...

Ex-Mount Olive official still in hospital

MOUNT OLIVE -- The family of businessman and former town commissioner Jimmy Kornegay said that he "is holding his own," in the intensive care unit at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Kornegay, 68, who is listed in serious condition, was moved...

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Duplin officials capture dogfight suspect

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Mount Olive man was arrested on felony dog-fighting charges Tuesday morning after Duplin County sheriff's deputies raided a dog-fighting operation on Buck Hill Road just off Tram Road, about 12 miles southeast of Mount Olive....

Council opens bids for new rec center

Construction of a new recreation center in downtown Goldsboro is one significant step closer to becoming a reality, as elected officials and key members of the city staff attended a bid-opening for the project Tuesday at City Hall. And what...

A trip to college

Wayne Community College President Kay Albertson shows North Drive Elementary School kindergarten students her office during a tour of the campus. Besides meeting the president, three classes from the school visited the dental department, campus police, automotive repair shop and...

Goldsboro's fire insurance rating 2 points better

The city of Goldsboro's fire insurance rating has dropped by two points, which could mean lower insurance costs for businesses in town. Fire Chief Gary Whaley announced the rate drop Monday, saying the city Fire Department's rating now stands...

Planning Board discusses subdivision roads

Deteriorating subdivision streets have been attracting the attention of Wayne County Commissioners in recent months, raising questions as to why the streets aren't being properly maintained. It also has raised questions of protecting of homeowners and placing additional financial...

Spring Creek High FFA selling plants

The Spring Creek High School Future Farmers of America Spring Plant Sale is under way. With a wide variety of plants, flowers and vegetables, the public is welcome to visit the greenhouse (behind the school) Monday through Friday from 8...

WCPS annual teacher fair Saturday

Wayne County Public Schools will hold its annual teacher job fair on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Goldsboro High School gymnasium. Prospective teachers can visit and learn about the programs and job opportunities at the...

Still ... ready to Relay?

The message was made perfectly clear Tuesday -- while they might have different paths for reaching the end result, the American Cancer Society and Southeastern Medical Oncology Center are united in the fight against cancer and for those who are...

Sprucing up for spring

Terry Hughes applies a fresh coat of yellow paint to the poles at the Family Fun Center Putt-Putt course in Goldsboro recently  as the amusement center gets ready for the summer season. Outdoor businesses like the miniature golf center are...

Planning Board searches for place to meet, discuss plats

Like the boll weevil, the Wayne County Planning Board and people on hand for Tuesday night's meeting were just alooking for a home. The board normally convenes in the old commissioners' meeting room in the County Administration Building at...

Evidence heard in Bandy murder trial

The state closed evidence hearings Tuesday in the trial of William Earl Bandy, who stands accused of the shooting death of a Dudley man. Bandy, accused in the March 2006 shooting death of 31-year-old Fredrick A. Coleman, 31, of...

Two to attend Governor's School

Two Wayne County students have been chosen to attend Governor's School this summer. More than 1,700 public and private school nominees vied for the 600 slots in 10 curriculum areas. The rising high school juniors and seniors from across...

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

City police still seek Internet cafe thief

Police are still looking for a man caught on video during a robbery of an Internet cafe on South Berkeley Boulevard last week. Sgt. Chad Calloway said police do not have the man's name, but because the picture of...

Early voting opens Thursday

One-stop early voting for the May 4 partisan primary will begin Thursday morning and continue through May 1 at the Wayne County Board of Elections office, 209 S. Williams St. That will be the county's only one-stop location, Board...

Two members of 335th Fighter Squadron receive Distinguished Flying Cross

It should have been a successful ambush -- some 250 insurgents surrounding an 80-man Coalition outpost tucked deep in one of the many valleys scattered across Afghanistan. But when a troops-in-contact call reached the cockpit of an F-15E Strike Eagle...

Wayne jobless rate drops for February

The Wayne County unemployment rate dropped in February for the first time since October. The February unemployment rate was 9.8 percent, down from 9.9 percent in January. The rate was 9.2 percent in December and 9.0 percent in November. "It...

All-County Choral Festival concert set for Thursday at Dillard Middle

The annual All-County Choral Festival for Wayne County Public Schools will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Dillard Middle School, with 29 schools represented. More than 260 chorus students were chosen to participate in the vocal showcase....

Post offices won't stay open later

The deadline for mailing 2009 federal tax returns is Thursday and Postal Service offices in North Carolina will close that day at their normal times. Taxpayers are encouraged to mail their returns prior to close of business. The only options...

Jury to examine evidence in 2006 murder

A jury was selected Monday in the murder trial of William Earl Bandy, who is accused of shooting and killing a 31-year-old Dudley man in March 2006. Judge Paul Jones, the senior resident judge in Lenoir County, is presiding...

First tobacco planting

Antonio Saucezo carries trays of young tobacco plants to be transplanted on the farm of Major and Tony Jones of the Smith Chapel community in southern Wayne this morning. The Joneses got a jump on most tobacco farmers by starting...

Monday, April 12, 2010

Laurean trial set for August

The first-degree murder trial of former Marine Cesar Laurean that was scheduled for June 28 in Wayne County has been pushed back to Aug. 9. Onslow County Superior Court Judge Charles Henry this morning announced that he has approved...

Workin' it goes hog wild

The Job: Showing hogs The Company: Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale The Location: Wayne County Fair Grounds Never again. I've done a lot of jobs in this county: I pumped septic tanks, I picked tobacco, I even skinned...

Williams helps to save the 'Queen'

GREENVILLE -- The unimpressive lump of brown and gray material in Wayne County Museum Director Terry Williams' hand looked more like a cracked hunk of badly-poured concrete than a clue to a 300-year-old mystery. It took months to even...

Walk for Hunger

Participants in the annual Walk For Hunger get started at Herman Park on Sunday afternoon. Volunteers walked or ran 4.3 miles through the city to raise money for United Church Ministry programs that help the needy throughout the year. The...

Relay set to ride to raise funds

Relay supporters, get ready to ride. The fourth annual motorcycle ride for Relay for Life will be held on Saturday at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, sponsored by the Zion Marchers from Zion United Methodist Church. Zoe McKinney,...

Participants, sponsors sought for first PULSE golf tournament

The first PULSE Golf Tournament will be held on May 7, with proceeds to benefit PULSE, an organization of young professionals in the Wayne County area. The tournament will begin at noon with lunch with a 1 p.m. start...

Coharie to hold equipment auction

CLINTON -- Coharie Farms will hold an equipment auction May 20. The company, which had a number of contractors in the Wayne County area, filed for bankruptcy in November. The auction represents the first stage of the liquidation of Coharie...

Public record

Man shoots self Thomas Clay Henry, 27, of Princeton, reported at 2:20 a.m. Saturday that he had shot himself in the foot. Henry, who works at Neuse Corrections, said he was unloading his service weapon and it was accidentally discharged,...

Cliffs museum will be open by summer's end

A new visitors center and museum at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is expected to be open by summer's end, said officials, who also announced that the park is now open year-round. Construction for the 9,000- square-foot...

Two shot in Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- Two people were shot late Saturday evening at the corner of East Hillsboro and Conner streets, Police Chief Ralph Schroeder said this morning. Schroeder said police were not ready to release the names of the victims...

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Barbecues squeal for Boys and Girls Club

They're not just good at fighting crime. At Saturday's "Pig in the Park" barbecue cook-off, the Goldsboro Police Department team won first place out of 13 teams that participated in the event at Old Waynesborough Historical Village. At first, it...

WCPS kicks off stay in school effort

With about eight weeks to go before the school-year ends, officials are working to inspire students to give it their best. After a week-long spring break, students in Wayne County Public Schools return to classes on Monday. In the coming...

Relay for Life, Cancer Society to hold meeting

The American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Wayne County will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 13, from 6-8 p.m. at First Pentecostal Holiness Church. The meeting is open to the public and is an...

Silver Tappers have tappy feet

Chug-chug-chug. Tap-tap-tap. Choo-Choo! Pardon me, boy Is that the Chattanooga choo choo? Track twenty-nine Boy, you can gimme a shine I can afford To board a Chattanooga choo choo I've got my fare And just a trifle to spare ......

Kitty Askins Fundraiser held

Carl Kasell, one of National Public Radio's most trusted voices, talks to the audience at the Kitty Askins fundraising performance Saturday night at the Paramount Theatre. The Goldsboro native was home to emcee "Along the Way: A Homecoming." Proceeds from...

Help needed to make wishes come true

You don't have to fancy yourself a fairy godmother to make wishes come true. Make-A-Wish foundation is in great need of wish-granting volunteers in the Eastern North Carolina region including Wayne and its surrounding counties. "We all read fairy tales...

Girl Scout leader honored

Lillie Thompson was recently awarded the Leading the Way award at the Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines 3rd Annual Meeting. The award recognizes a Girl Scout volunteer who provides significant support to the Girl Scout leadership development program....

Corrections officer promoted

A Wayne County woman has been named female command manager for the North Carolina Division of Prisons, a move that will solidify the department's operational structure. Annie Harvey previously served as warden at the state Correctional Institution for Women....

Friday, April 9, 2010

Freedom pitch -- Seymour Johnson's own 336th Rocketeers honored

KINSTON -- Christopher Edwards has gotten used to performing under pressure -- launching fighter jets both at home and at war without the option of failure. So as the Air Force staff sergeant waited to throw out the ceremonial...

Shriners' fish fry

Alex Casey, left, and his father, Ralph, prepare fish for frying this morning at Herman Park. The Wayne County Shrine Club is holding its annual spring fish fry today, with meals served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from...

GPD officer arrested for DWI

A Goldsboro police officer is suspended without pay following an arrest for driving while impaired in Kenly late Tuesday, Police Chief Tim Bell said Thursday. Officer Earvin Eugene Howell Jr., 25, who was been with the police department for about...

Hogging the show -- youth livestock show concludes

It's going to be an interesting week at the Barwick household. Siblings Jensen, 9, and Madisen, 13, both won first place in their division in the Hog Showmanship portion of the annual Livestock Show and Sale Thursday. Jensen won first...

County considers building around airport

A possible 90-day moratorium on development around the Wayne County Airport will be the topic when county commissioners hold a 9:15 a.m. public hearing on April 20. The hearing will be held in the commissioners' meeting room on the...

Public record

Rock damages fire station Someone smashed a window in a roll-up door bay for firetrucks at the El-Roy Volunteer Fire Department substation on Dollard Town Road, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office report. Fire Chief Steven E. Mozingo...

Winners in the ECA Flower Show

Winners in the ECA Flower Show, "Hooray for Spring," were: Design Blue Ribbon winners *Elizabeth Fry, "How Great Thou Art." *Elizabeth Fry, "Lovely to Look At." *Trellis Phillips, "To Each his Own." *Barbara Coats, "Baby Face." *Myrna Tyndall, "It Might...

Cliffs hosting several weekend events

The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, which launched its new season in March, has several activities going on this weekend that are free and open to the public. "Bicycle Birding" will be held on Sunday from 9 to 10...

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Flower show

Wayne County Master Gardeners Mary Braswell, left, and Jessie Norris inspect flowers submitted for the Extension and Community Association Flower Show held at the Wayne Center on Wednesday. The three "Best in Show" winners were: Trellis Phillips of Town &...

County opposes highway funding changes

Eastern and western North Carolina will suffer if efforts are successful to base highway funding on population and reduction of traffic congestion, Wayne County commissioners say. A resolution in opposition to the proposed changes in state highway funding was...

Youth livestock handlers show off ring skills

More than 150 people attended the meat goat and feeder calf show at the 62nd Annual Livestock Show and Sale Wednesday night at the Wayne County Fairgrouinds. The event continued today, with the junior market hog show this morning,...

Duplin parts ways with VenuWorks

KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County officially severed ties with Duplin Events Center management company VenuWorks this week. Duplin County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to accept a termination agreement for the county's contract with the company, which has overseen the center's...

NPR's Kasell to emcee Kitty Askins event

Carl Kasell's love for broadcasting started when he was a boy growing up in Goldsboro. The famous National Public Radio speaker will return home this weekend to emcee a fundraiser for the Kitty Askins expansion project. "I listened to...

Two heroes from Wayne County honored

Two area men have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Correction for outstanding job performance and acts of heroism. Joseph Hackett, a probation/parole officer, and Lt. Jeffrey Pope, a corrections officer at Wayne Correctional Center, were among 22 honored...

Police release photo of suspect

Police have released a photo of a man caught on video during the Sunday robbery of an "Internet cafe" on South Berkeley Boulevard. Sgt. Chad Calloway said police do not have the man's name, but because the picture of the...

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Alleged 'Internet Cafe' robber photo released

Police released a photo Wednesday afternoon of a man who allegedly robbed an "Internet cafe" at gunpoint on Sunday, authorities said.The business, called "Cyber Connect 2," lost an undisclosed amount of money when a black male entered the business between...

Three students named Teaching Fellows

Three Wayne County students have been chosen as recipients of the N.C. Teaching Fellows scholarship, while three others will serve as alternates. Each year, 500 of the scholarships are awarded to outstanding students planning to become teachers. The Teaching Fellow...

City Council hears update on repair project

Within the next several weeks, the 84-inch corrugated metal pipe that failed near the intersection of Spence Avenue and Elm Street, forcing the closure of the popular thoroughfare, will be replaced. But City Engineer Marty Anderson said the project...

Getting ready for the show

Caroline Grady, 5, of Seven Springs, coaxes her goat into its pen at the Wayne County Fairgrounds this morning. The 62nd Annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale will begin this evening with the meat goat show at 6...

Jimmy Kornegay found, safe

MOUNT OLIVE -- Despite a night spent lying on the ground and having to chase off coyotes, the first thing that former town commissioner Jimmy Kornegay wanted to know when rescuers reached him mid-morning Tuesday was who had won the...

District responds to NAACP complaint

A complaint filed against Wayne County Public Schools in December by the NAACP alleging resegregation and unconstitutional practices is now in the hands of the Office of Civil Rights, officials said. Both the NAACP and school officials said they are...

The News-Argus is 125 today

Grover Cleveland had just been inaugurated as the 22nd president. The United States flag carried only 38 stars. Mark Twain had just published his new novel, "Huckleberry Finn." A practical automobile wouldn't be invented for another year. The zipper...

Duplin Education Foundation offering scholarships

The Duplin County Education Foundation is taking applications for several county scholarships. Applications and descriptions of scholarships are available at www.duplinschools.net. The deadline for application is April 16. Check with your guidance counselor for your local school deadline. Available scholarships...

New Bern looking for descendants for 300th anniversary celebration

As New Bern prepares to celebrate its 300th anniversary, a group has come together to discuss ways to honor their ancestors. The focus is on the families of New Bern and Craven County, but organizers say many of those have...

Public record

School vandalism A Plexiglas window was broken and two window screens were damaged in a breaking and entering attempt at Carver Heights Elementary School on Monday night, Goldsboro police reported. Authorities said, though, it did not appear that anyone had...

Police searching for armed robbery suspects

ROSEWOOD -- Three men wearing toboggans and bandannas to conceal their faces robbed a Domino's Pizza franchise on Martin Road on Monday night, Goldsboro police said. The robbery reportedly started when delivery driver Michael Gardner returned to the business...

Mount Olive College hosts luncheon for scholarship recipients, donors

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College held its annual Scholarship Luncheon on March 25 to give students an opportunity to meet and thank the benefactors who help support their educational goals. Donor Margaret Ard of Pink Hill feels it is...

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Lucky squirrel claims prize at Easter egg hunt

When it comes to building a nest or even a nest egg, there is at least one squirrel at Herman Park that doesn't work for nuts -- cash is another story. The hard-working rodent not only raided a Saturday...

Internet parlors face new rules

As of June 1, the half-dozen "Internet cafes" that operate inside the city limits will be required to turn over some of what Chief Building Inspector Ed Cianfarra characterized as lucrative profits. An amendment to the city's Code of...

County schools plan fair to attract new teachers

Marvin McCoy wasn't on a team in the NCAA and he didn't have to dunk or demonstrate any athletic prowess. But he said he still had his own version of March madness. "I have had several individuals coming in to...

Register today for Senior Games

Today is the final day for registration for the Wayne County Senior Games. The North Carolina Senior Games is a year-round, statewide health promotion, wellness and prevention program that involves more than 60,000 participants each year. The games will be...

Butterfield takes Goldsboro tour

First District Congressman G.K. Butterfield didn't mince words when he met with the Goldsboro City Council Monday to talk about local projects and needs. The financial picture in Washington is not promising, he said at the outset. But despite...

Bone marrow registration drive to be held on April 13

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross will have a bone marrow and blood drive April 13 from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Be The Match will be held at the chapter house, 600 N. George St. Be the...

Missing Mount Olive man found

A former Mount Olive councilman reported missing on Monday morning was found conscious, but unable to move on his own, off a trail on land near Smith Chapel Road, Police Chief Ralph Schroeder said. After hours of searching using a...

Monday, April 5, 2010

Workin' it: Just who is leading whom?

The Job: Horse caretaker The Company: Stepping Stone Stables The Location: Pikeville I have a 1,000-pound limit. If you weigh 1,000 pounds more than me, I have deemed you in charge. So when Sally, a horse at Stepping Stone...

Meet the Ogdens: 916th ARW's new chief takes a look around

They were just stopping by for a visit, the 916th Air Refueling Wing's incoming first family. But Col. Randall Ogden and his wife, Donita, didn't need much time to familiarize themselves with their new wing and its mission. In...

College loan law effect still mystery

It's a little too soon to tell how the White House's proposal for college loans will play out for area students, some officials say. A law signed by President Barack Obama last week could result in some big changes as...

County will eye request for plat approval

A subdivision plat recommended by the Wayne County Planning Board last month will go before county commissioners when they meet Tuesday morning. The plat had been on the Planning Board's regular March agenda. However, not enough board members were...

Preparing county livestock for sale

With the 62nd Annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale just around the corner, area students are putting the finishing touches on their animals. The show and sale will feature about 60 participants showing meat goats, market hogs or...

Sunday, April 4, 2010

SMOC breaks ties with Relay for Life, ACS

After years of working together, Southeastern Medical Oncology Center in Goldsboro is parting ways with the American Cancer Society. A letter from physicians James Atkins, Keith Lerro, I-Wen Chang and Samer Kasbari to the center's patients stated the economy as...

Maj. Gen. William Holland's SJAFB visits also homecomings

Maj. Gen. William Holland always welcomes the opportunity to travel to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base -- to help host an awards banquet, to take part in an airman's re-enlistment, or, most recently, to preside over a change of command...

Mum still word on chicken facility

Wayne County officials remain tightlipped about a proposed new $94 million chicken deboning facility that could employ up to 1,100 people and its potential impact on the county's economy. They argue that is simply too premature to comment since...

Easter bunny visits early

Ava Clymer, 3, races behind her sister Anna, 7, while searching for one of the eight hidden golden Easter eggs during the Lord's Table Church Easter Egg Hunt at Waynesborough Park on Saturday. Close to 100 children searched the field...

No word yet on allegations Duplin Schools misused funds

District Four District Attorney Dewey Hudson said his office is still working with the State Bureau of Investigation to examine alleged misuse of funding in Duplin County Schools. "We are looking at it," Hudson said Wednesday about the ongoing investigation....

WCC schedules classes in real estate

Wayne Community College Continuing Education is offering several real estate courses for those interested or already in the career field. The three 30-hour courses are required by the state for provisional brokers to complete within three years of licensure...

Pig in the Park barbecue festival will benefit local Boys & Girls Club

Barbecue fans will get to sample local specialties like Murphy's sweet tea, Scott's barbecue sauce and McCall's coleslaw, plus plenty of pit-cooked pork, at the first annual Pig in the Park barbecue cook-off Saturday, April 10. The main course of...

WATCH 5K run May 8 to raise money for program

Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, or WATCH, has come up with another way to meet some of the needs of the uninsured in Wayne County, while encouraging a healthier lifestyle. WATCH Me Run, a 5-kilometer run/walk event, will be...

Thompson, King honored by Girl Scouts

Two area residents were recognized for service to the Girl Scouts during the third annual meeting of the North Carolina Coastal Pines region, held recently at Walnut Creek Country Club. Lillie Thompson was awarded the Leading the Way award, given...

Smith Chapel VFD receives grant

The Smith Chapel Volunteer Fire Department has received a $5,430 grant through the 2009 Volunteer Fire Department Fund from the State of North Carolina. The money will be used to help buy needed equipment. The equipment is purchased using matching...

Sheriff's narcotics officers honored by DEA

The three men who run the Wayne County Sheriff's Office narcotics operations have received commendations from the top national drug enforcement agency. Sheriff's Lt. Chris Worth, Sgt. Mike Cox and Sheriff's Sgt. J. Brian Dawson all received commendations from Raleigh...

Public record

*Termaine Archuleta, 38, Scallop Place, reported the theft of a $300 GPS unit from a vehicle while parked on Parkway Drive. Entry was obtained through a vehicle, causing $300 worth of damage. *Emma Elliott, 58, Bizzell Street, reported the theft...

Norwayne second in regional book 'battle'

Norwayne Middle School's "Battle of the Books" team took second place in the regional content, held at Pamlico Community College. Topsail Middle School won with 160 points. Norwayne earned 156 points. The Norwayne team won the first round of competition...

Scrambled eggs

Erin Lenzner and her father, Blaine, of Virginia Beach, participate in a muddy Easter egg hunt at Busco Beach on Saturday. Competitors negotiated the muddy pool to grab as many of the thousands of floating plastic eggs as possible. Hundreds...

Lipizzaner Stallions to perform

KENANSVILLE -- The Lipizzaner Stallions will be performing at the Duplin County Events Center on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. each night. The world famous dressage troupe will sport all new music, choreography and...

Japanese agriculture students visit Rosewood counterparts

When Kylie Glisson joined Future Farmers of America at her school, she knew it would better prepare her for a career in animal science. What she hadn't anticipated was how much it would broaden her world. The Rosewood High School...

Wayne student elected Key Club district governor

A Wayne Early/Middle College High School student has been named the Carolinas District Governor for the region, which encompasses 231 high school Key Clubs throughout North and South Carolina. Sophomore Brinson Mitchell was elected to serve for 2010-2011 during...

Continued H1N1 shots being urged

RALEIGH -- The Centers for Disease Control has put a renewed focus on H1N1 activity in southeastern states after Georgia public health officials reported a dramatic increase in hospitalizations due to complications from flu. While North Carolina has not experienced...

Aycock business team takes thrd in state finals

Two Charles B. Aycock High School students recently placed third in the statewide "Hop on the Bus! High School Business Plan Competition." Hollie Baker and Alicia Sodoma, both seniors, will be formally recognized at the N.C. Council for Economic Education...

Friday, April 2, 2010

Busco Beach rapist pleads guilty

A Kinston man who stood accused of raping a 15-year-old girl at knife-point at a local campground and recreational riding center pleaded guilty to a reduced charge this week in Wayne County Superior Court. Tony Burton Taylor, 45, was...

Duplin drug charges filed

KENANSVILLE -- Some high-power rifles as well as other guns were seized, along with a substantial amount of crack cocaine when Duplin County sheriff's deputies, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and Immigration and Customs agents raided a Warsaw area home. Another...

The guidon is passed

For an event designed to signify the transfer of power from one Air Force colonel to another, Thursday's 4th Fighter Wing change of command ceremony seemed to have less to do with the officers on stage than with those airmen...

Tooting their horns

Members of the Middle School Wayne County Public Schools All-County Band Festival perform at Dillard Middle School in Goldsboro. The All-County Middle School band performed under the direction of Lou Ellen Wilson, and the high school band performed under Geoffrey...

Somebunny hid those eggs well

Kessy Love, 9,  left, opens an egg with her sister, Willow, 11, after their search for treats during the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at Herman Park Thursday. The Mayor's Youth Council placed more than 1,500 eggs around the area for...

Red Cross classes are offered

The following is a schedule of classes for April for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: *April 15: Adult CPR and automated external defibrillator in Spanish from 6-10 p.m. *April 19: Adult CPR and automated external defibrillator...

'50s music fundraiser for Howell on Saturday

The public is being invited to relive the music of the 1950s while helping to raise funds for those being served by RHA Howell Walnut Creek Center. Created in the early 1970s, Howell is home to 37 residents, ages...

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Col. Mark Kelly receives Legion of Merit, relinquishes command of 4FW

Col. Mark Kelly relinquished command of the 4th Fighter just after 2 p.m. during a ceremony on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Moments later, former Vice Commander Col. Patrick Doherty officially took the reins from 9th Air Force Commander...

Public asked to help nab thieves

The public's help is being sought for information that will lead to the arrests of persons responsible for recent residential break-ins in Wayne County. Sheriff Carey Winders said Wayne and surrounding counties have had a significant increase in residential...

Hudson objects to delay in trial

District Four District Attorney Dewey Hudson filed a motion Wednesday against a request for continuance issued by lawyer Richard McNeil, the defense attorney for a former North Carolina Marine charged with killing a pregnant colleague. McNeil filed the motion for...

Caesar takes on ... a chicken?

No dough was tossed. No togas tugged. No feathers flew -- although Pizza Hut mascot Hot Wings, also known as Adam England, said he did feel like the chicken suit he was sweltering in was beginning to molt. It...

King new chairman of military advisory board

RALEIGH -- Those who know Al King were not surprised when the Goldsboro mayor revealed that he was going to open his first session as chairman of the North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs with a story. So...

Deputies investigate Dudley gunfight

DUDLEY -- Wayne County Sheriff's Office investigators are trying to determine if Saturday shootings on Hideaway Circle are related. No one was injured and no arrests have been made. Judy Perry Hicks, 49, told deputies that a man she...

Kelly officially turns over command today

By just after 2 this afternoon, the 4th Fighter Wing will have a new leader. Col. Mark Kelly will have exchanged one final salute with young men and women he considers family. And seasoned aviator Col. Patrick Doherty will have...

April Red Cross blood drive schedule

Following is the April schedule of blood drives for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: Today: City employees of Goldsboro at 1601 Clingman St. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 9: Waukesha Electric from 12:30 to...

Public record

Attempted robbery Samuel Cox Jr., 67, an employee at Goldsboro Internet World on North Berkeley Boulevard, told Goldsboro police that three men tried to gain access to the business after it had closed. One of the men had a firearm,...