November 2011 archives

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Lost woman is located in Herman Park

Officers with the Goldsboro Police Department located a woman Tuesday, less than 12 hours after she was reported missing. Leslie Bobbie-Renee Watkins was found in Herman Park around 10:10 a.m. by authorities. She was reported missing by her caretaker,...

Dillard Academy sets sights on 25-book reading goal

Just outside the main office at Dillard Academy is a tall glass trophy case. Instead of awards and trophies, it is filled with something far more precious -- books. "We do books instead of trophies because that's what we're...

Water district change prompts mass shut-off

Wayne Water Sanitary District customers who have leaned heavily on grace periods in recent months might no longer have that luxury now that the company has begun cutting off water to homes the day after payment becomes past due....

Public record

Boat stolen Donnie Wiggs reported the theft of his 18-foot boat and trailer from his home in the 500 block of Ebenezer Church Road on Sunday. The boat was a 2009 G3 1860 center console with a 90 Yamaha...

Making a joyful noise

Northwest Elementary School chorus students take their cue from their choral director, Sharon Cauthron, right, Tuesday night during Wayne County Public Schools' holiday showcase at Goldsboro High School. This was the second of three performances for the annual district...

Johnston County bus overturns

Firefighters from Nahunta, along with law enforcement, work at the scene of a single school bus accident Tuesday afternoon on Old Kenly Road just inside the Wayne County line. Johnston County Public Schools bus No. 275 was carrying 13...

Energy assistance requests accepted Thursday

Beginning Thursday, Wayne County residents can apply for help with their energy bills through the state's Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Applications will be taken through Jan. 31, 2012, or until the funds are exhausted. In Wayne County applications...

Sixteen to get Golden Leaf scholarships

Sixteen students from Wayne Community College have been chosen to receive scholarships next fall through the Golden LEAF Scholarship program for the N.C. community college system. Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation and even child...

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Teasers gets its permit back

Following a nearly two-week ban, Teasers of Goldsboro has been reissued its permit to sell alcoholic beverages to its customers. Under pressure from local law enforcement agencies, the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission suspended the permits held by the...

Christmas elves are singing

The Carver Elementary School chorus sings Monday evening during the Wayne County Public Schools' annual holiday showcase. The group sang "Sing After Me" and "Jingle Bell Boogie." Eleven different schools participated in the event, with others represented tonight and...

Parades start marches this weekend

Santa Claus will be busy over the next week or so, if only to make appearances at the many Christmas parades to be held in Wayne County and surrounding areas. No less than eight parades are scheduled through Dec....

Four SJAFB personnel to receive their first stars

Four former Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officers, including the man who led the 4th Fighter Wing until April 2010, were nominated by President Barack Obama Monday for appointment to brigadier general. And should the Senate approve the recommendation, Cols....

Silver Alert issued today for missing Goldsboro woman

The N.C. Center for Missing Persons has issued a Silver Alert for a Goldsboro woman believed to be suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairment. The alert, which was issued about 5 a.m. today, is for Leslie Bobbie-Renee Watkins,...

N.C. DOT to host seminar for possible contractors

The N.C. Department of Transportation will host an outreach meeting Wednesday in Goldsboro for small business enterprises and historically underutilized businesses interested in subcontracting opportunities with the department on upcoming transportation projects in eastern North Carolina. The meeting will...

Public record

Burglaries, break-ins and larcenies *Jose Huerton reported a burglary at his home in the 100 block of Oak Ridge Drive in Dudley on Friday around 11 p.m. According to the report, two suspects entered his home and demanded money. Nothing...

Monday, November 28, 2011

Pet food drive ends Dec. 9

With the holiday shopping season in full-swing, people around Wayne County are searching for ways to take care of everyone on their shopping lists. But it's the four-legged family members that have Jeri Lynn Coker and Nancy Connolly concerned....

Wayne farmers suffer yet another tough crop year

Wayne County's crop losses from a hot dry growing season and Hurricane Irene could reach $30 million -- a "substantial" amount considering that each year crops contribute $75 million to $80 million to the county's economy, said Kevin Johnson, the...

Drug sweep targets street dealers

The Goldsboro/Wayne County Drug Squad began an arrest sweep last week as part of a campaign targeting street-level dealers. The sweep is the latest phase of a five-month effort to take highly visible drug dealers off the street. Lawmen...

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sears Auto ready to move, site to be clear for Olive Garden

Sears Auto Center's new home beside Kmart in the Ashley Plaza shopping center should be ready for the business to relocate this week, paving the way for the construction of a new restaurant at the Berkeley Mall. Kmart floor...

WCC fall enrollment drops after record spring

Wayne Community College officials are blaming a lack of hope for a drop in enrollment number for its fall semester. And now, they are considering phasing out several programs where the numbers are the lowest. Only a few months...

Mount Olive College's 58th winter commencement to be held Dec. 10

Mount Olive College will graduate approximately 250 students at its 58th winter commencement on Dec. 10. Graduation exercises will be held at 2 p.m. in the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena. The commencement speaker will be state Sen....

Giving thanks while lending a hand

Pulley and Arrieta put the front porch together Saturday for a new Habitat for Humanity home at 400 S. Audubon Ave....

The shopping spree continues

It was hard to piece together when one day ended and another began for Jeremy Willman and Joann Talton during their weekend shopping marathon. The couple were at Wal-Mart for its frenzied opening and then went and waited at...

Chamber still seeking Cornerstone nominations

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for a deserving individual for the Chamber's prestigious Cornerstone Award. The award is given annually to an individual that has truly been a "cornerstone" for Wayne County. The nomination form...

D.J. Coles releases Christmas album; EWHS to honor him

D.J. Coles, youth ministry coordinator and youth pastor at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, has released a new Christmas CD, "Christmas Messages." Coles, a graduate of Eastern Wayne High School, Wayne Community College and the University of North Carolina...

More than $3.4 million in federal AmeriCorps grants being made available

Gov. Beverly Perdue recently announced more than $3.4 million in federal grants are available for North Carolina non-profits and government agencies to recruit AmeriCorps members. Interested non-profits and government agencies that provide tutoring, mentoring, disaster services, environmental stewardship, education...

WCPS holiday choral showcase starts Monday

Wayne County Public Schools' 11th annual holiday showcase will be held this week. The districtwide performance of school choruses has grown to the point where it now spans three nights, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, all at Goldsboro High School....

Arts Council sending students to theater

A $9,000 grant from the N.C. Arts Council will be used to send 1,000 local students to a spring performance at the Paramount Theatre. The cARTwheels II Arts in Education grant will allow the Wayne County Public Schools students...

Cliffs to hold Christmas flotilla

The Cliffs of the Neuse state park will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Party, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday with the flotilla at 7:30 p.m. The annual holiday event is sponsored by Friends of the Cliffs. It will...

Case donates 20,000 pounds of poultry for Thanksgiving

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, Case Farms recently donated more than 20,000 pounds of poultry to community organizations and its employees. Over the past several weeks, CAI Sports, the Salvation Army, the Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro, House...

Annual B&G Club Pancake Day on Saturday

Get ready for the familiar taste of syrup and butter, as Saturday marks the 33rd year for the Boys & Girls Club's most popular Pancake Day fundraiser. The event will be held at the Paley Unit, 1401 Royall Ave.,...

Friday, November 25, 2011

Judge charged with DWI

A District Court judge for Wayne, Lenoir and Greene counties has been charged with driving under the influence. Judge Lonnie Carraway was charged by the state Highway Patrol after his vehicle, a 2005 Nissan, ran off the right side...

Shoppers hit the stores

Shoppers began arriving at Target on Thursday afternoon about 3:30 p.m. and steadily grew until the line wrapped around the back of the building by the time the store opened its doors at midnight. The traditional Black Friday shopping frenzy...

Crop agent candidates interviewed

Interviews have begun with the three candidates for the field crop agent job with the Wayne County Extension Service -- a position that has been vacant since former field crop agent Kevin Johnson was promoted to director of the agency....

Alleged assaults turned over to district attorney

MOUNT OLIVE -- An investigation by Mount Olive police has been completed into an alleged rape and an alleged attempted rape at Mount Olive College without any charges being filed. However, the police have submitted their case files to...

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Local church takes prayer mission to its community

Many drive past Salem United Methodist Church each day without giving it a second thought. But it's those who feel they haven't got a prayer that church members are seeking. "We just talked about all the cars going by...

A place at their table

"It's good," 8-year-old Zamya Pixley said as she took a big bite of ham while watching little sister Zatiyia Weaver, 6, gobble down the last of the rice on her plate. "I like the ham best," Zamya said. "I came...

Parker to go to prison for fraud

A Goldsboro man was sentenced Tuesday to three months in prison and ordered to make $100,000 in restitution for his part in a scheme to defraud two banks. Robert Keith Parker, 46, was sentenced in federal court by Chief...

Stores set for Friday crowd

Holiday shopping seems to always focus on what's new and innovative, but merchants this year appear to be taking cues from shopping days gone by with a big emphasis on low prices and even the return of layaway. Randy...

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

No bomb, just scare, again

For the eighth time since January -- and the third time this month -- members of the 4th Fighter Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight responded to a bomb scare outside the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base gates. But the team...

Wayne Sherriff's dive team helps Johnston County officials

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office dive team assisted in a murder investigation conducted by Johnston County lawmen Tuesday afternoon. The divers were needed to search for undisclosed evidence in a creek several feet deep near East Evans Road, off...

Correction

A story on award winners at the Farm-City Banquet in Tuesday's edition incorrectly referred to Betty Gainey in the final paragraph. The reference should have been to Clara Sauls, who is active in the Eureka United Methodist Church and is...

Thanksgiving closings

While stores are gearing up for a late Thursday night or early Friday morning opening for holiday sales, federal offices, banks and post offices will be closed Thursday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. State and some local offices...

Need help with Thanksgiving?

For a growing number of people the kitchen is not where they want to spend most of their Thanksgiving or Christmas Day -- or even the day before. Fortunately, there are other options available to help them escape the...

Holidays officially begin with "Lights Up Downtown"

It was almost too much for Daniel Baynes Jr. on Tuesday night. Just 2 years old, the lights lining Center Street, throngs of people and Winnie the Pooh had him unable to focus as he and his father waited...

Public record

Home break-ins *Kamiyla Lofton reported the theft of a $1,500 television from her home in the 200 block of North Hereford Drive in Dudley on Monday between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. She told authorities that an unknown person(s) entered...

Fire chief: Caution prevents accidents

It might result in a moister turkey, but deep frying also provides an added amount of danger for those who choose to cook their birds with the volatile combination of gas, open flame and oil. Goldsboro Fire Chief Gary...

Thanksgiving worshippers exceed fundraising goal for the soup kitchen

Organizers had hoped to raise $1,000 for Goldsboro's Community Soup Kitchen at a community Thanksgiving service. Instead, the worshipers donated $1,637.22. It was more than double what similar services had raised for charities in past years. The service was...

Church offers airmen, families a holiday meal

Patrick Moran and Cheryl Brim have been there. They know what it is like to be stationed far away from their families, and how difficult it is to manage a household when a spouse is deployed. That's why they helped...

Mount Olive library beats $350K target

MOUNT OLIVE -- Bids are expected to go out shortly after the first of year for the $3.4 million renovation of the former Belk's department store building to become the new home of Steele Memorial Library. It will take about...

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Council talks about facade grant

A work session presentation on Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp.'s facade grant brought about the most discussion Monday night during a Goldsboro City Council meeting that was otherwise uneventful. The presentation by DGDC Design Committee Chairman Glenn Barwick included dozens...

Agriculture community inducts two into Hall of Fame

Wayne County's rural and urban communities Monday night paid tribute to three people for supporting and promoting agriculture, which contributed more than $700 million to the county's economy last year. Two of the honorees, Curtis Shivar of Dudley and the...

Pennies from Angels fundraiser nets $1,400

Pennies from Angels held a ministry-through-arts concert in Wilson at Bible Missionary Church. The benefit, which featured a mime team, saxophonist, praise team, choir and gospel group, raised $1,400 for the organization. All proceeds will go to assist cancer...

A little extra help for local families

Her eyes fixated on one of the paper ornaments dangling off a Christmas tree that had been positioned in the lobby of the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base commissary, Dee Dee Doherty reached out her hand. Moments later, she studied...

Train victim officially identified

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Police Department received confirmation on Monday of the identity of the victim struck and killed by a train on Friday afternoon. The department received the report from the state Medical Examiner's Office at...

Coat donations sought for here, Afghanistan

One of the 4th Fighter Wing's latest missions is unfolding on the homefront. But if the communities outside the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base gates rally behind the campaign, the results might just make a significant impact in Afghanistan. Members...

Worker dies in accident

A Tri-County Electric employee was killed Sunday night while making repairs to a power line on N.C. 111, just north of the Wayne/Duplin county line. Donnie Deaver, 45, of Dobbersville Road in Mount Olive, was thrown from the bucket...

Bomb threat at new Cherry Hospital site

Members of the 4th Fighter Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight -- and Military Working Dogs from the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base kennel -- were mobilized late this morning in response to a bomb threat at the new Cherry Hospital...

Monday, November 21, 2011

No official word concerning details of Mount Olive train death

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive police still would not confirm this morning the identity of a man struck and killed on Center Street on Friday afternoon by a train. Police Chief Brian Rhodes said early today that he is...

There is still time to help feed a needy family

There is still time to donate food items for a hungry family this Thanksgiving. * The Soup Kitchen needs turkeys, hams, stuffing, vegetables, collards, desserts and sweet tea. The turkeys and hams need to be taken to the Soup Kitchen...

Helping those in need

For some Wayne County families, this Thanksgiving will be a time of want and not a day of plenty, local volunteers say. And that number is expected to be higher than usual -- as it has been all year...

Santa's helpers ride for children

Santa Claus, a.k.a. Wendell Woods, prepares to take off from Berkeley Mall on Sunday at the start of the 23rd annual Wayne County Motorcycle Riders Toy Run. Riders left the mall parking lot at 2 p.m. and ended up...

Bids coming for work on new center

Bids are expected to be ready to be let out by the end of the year for Wayne County's renovation of the former Sportsman's World building on Ash Street. The project, expected to cost about $1 million, will convert the...

Ingram gets life for 2007 murder

A Wayne County Superior Court jury took about 75 minutes Friday to find Windsor Devone Ingram guilty of first-degree murder. The 24-year-old was sentenced to a mandatory term of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for for the...

Early deadline for church announcements

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, church announcements for this Friday's religion page will be due by 4 p.m. Tuesday....

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Pedestrian killed by train

MOUNT OLIVE -- A 27-year-old man was killed Friday afternoon when he stepped into the path of a CSX train headed south on Center Street. Police would not confirm the identify of the victim. But sources said the man...

Budget cuts delay Christmas in the Village

Santa won't be stopping by Waynesborough Historical Village this year. Due to budget constraints and declining attendance, Christmas in the Village won't be held this holiday season. "The basic reason why we're discontinuing Christmas in the Village is money, that's...

A peek at holiday shopping

Emily Best tries on a hat at The Chapeau Chateau booth of the Merry Market, held at First Presbyterian Church Friday and Saturday. This is the third year for the fundraiser, sponsored by the women of the church to...

Civil Air Patrol promotes Travae Willis

RALEIGH -- Travae Willis, formerly of Goldsboro, has been promoted to 2nd lieutenant in the United States Civil Air Patrol. Willis is an air crew member and a mission operations officer. He also serves his squadron as its drug demand...

Schools facing tougher budgets

Larger class sizes, fewer new textbooks and having to compensate for the state's budget shortfalls are just a few of the economic woes being faced by districts like Wayne County Public Schools. Nan Barwick, assistant superintendent for finance, said...

A ho, ho ho-liday kickoff

SEVEN SPRINGS -- It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas Saturday afternoon as residents gathered on Main Street in Seven Springs, where nearly four dozen entries lined up under sunny skies for the annual Christmas parade. The holiday...

Holiday closings planned for city, county

Federal offices, banks and post offices will be closed Thursday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. State and some local offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. Wayne County offices, with the exception of the landfill and convenience centers,...

Operation Christmas Child

Donors have today and Monday to drop off shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child at Adamsville Baptist Church on N. Berkeley Boulevard. First Baptist Church at 300 N. Chestnut St. in Mount Olive is also serving as a relay center for...

New auto dealership opens for business

Twenty-five years ago, Lee Motor Company opened up its first Hyundai dealership in Fayetteville to serve the city's military population. After a quarter of a century of service, Lee Hyundai is the highest producing Hyundai dealer in the Carolinas,...

Public record

Break-ins reported *Cindy Powell reported an invasion into her home in the 800 block of Tommy's Road on Thursday. She told Wayne County Sheriff's deputies that she was sleeping around the time someone entered her home and came into her...

Girl Scouts attend convention

Two Wayne County Girl Scouts were among thousands who attended the organization's 52nd annual national convention recently in Houston, Texas. Aaliyah Tate, the daughter of Shirley Hoyt and Girl Scout Membership Executive Grazia Mostella, both of Goldsboro, were among the...

Masons join to open 1911 cornerstone time capsule

KENANSVILLE -- Two Duplin County Masonic Lodges joined forces Friday to take a trip back in time and to make history. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free...

Council eyes downtown grant

The future of a downtown facade grant and the approval of two more sweepstakes/Internet parlors in the city are among the agenda items to be discussed at the Goldsboro City Council's work session meeting Monday night. The session will...

Friday, November 18, 2011

Sheriff: Jail leaks must be fixed soon

The Wayne County Jail is plagued by a leaky roof, leaky plumbing and elevators that regularly break down and Sheriff Carey Winders says the county needs to do something about the needed repairs immediately. County Manager Lee Smith said...

Jury will get Ingram case today

Closing arguments were to begin this morning in the first-degree murder trial of Windsor Devone Ingram, who could be sentenced to life in prison if he is found guilty of killing Tomorris Njai Raynor in September 2007. Ingram went...

Naval history Saturday at CSS Neuse

KINSTON -- Cannons will thunder and sailors and Marines will gather at the Neuse River Saturday and Sunday as the CSS Neuse State Historic Site in Kinston hosts its annual Civil War living history program, which this year will feature...

Partnership for Children looks back at the year

Despite a year fraught with challenges, particularly with the national economy and state budget crisis, the Partnership for Children of Wayne County managed to prioritize programming needs and allocate limited resources, officials said. The majority of the past fiscal year,...

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The gingerbread man

Jack Hallow, right, decorates a snowman Wednesday at the Arts Council of Wayne County. He put the snowman on the front of his gingerbread house. Jack and other children learned about the history of the gingerbread house from instructor...

Murder trial hits phones, bullets

Eight bullet casings collected from the front yard of a Mount Olive home and eight grams of crack-cocaine found in a dead man's hand were presented as evidence Wednesday in the trial of Windsor Ingram. The 24-year-old Goldsboro man...

Boy Scouts to start new pack for local disadvantaged students

Thanks to a grant from the United Way -- and the dedication of local volunteers -- a group of boys who would likely never otherwise get the opportunity are now Boy Scouts. And Tuscarora Council Scout Executive Tim Harper said...

Public record

Home struck with gunfire Brenda Best reported that an unknown person(s) shot holes through her daughter's home in the 3200 block of Central Heights Road between 11 p.m. Monday and 3 p.m. Tuesday. No one was home at the time...

Schools make plans for spending $50,000

When a nationwide contest offering a share of $1 million was announced recently, area schools started scrambling for a piece of the pie. As the third year of U.S. Cellular's "Calling All Communities" campaign unfolded, the competition reached a fever...

State board cites pesticide violators

The N.C. Pesticide Board recently approved the following settlement agreements regarding violations of state pesticide regulations. *Tony M. Jones, owner of Smith Chapel Supply & Ag Services in Mount Olive, agreed to pay $1,800 for selling restricted-use pesticides without...

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Redemption Conference planned to reach drug dealers, gang members

Rebuilding Broken Places CDC, the NAACP and concerned local clergy will sponsor the fourth annual Drug Dealer Gang Member Redemption Conference Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Rebuilding Broken Place at 2105 N. William St. For a more than four...

School work begins

A Caterpillar 320 Track Hoe from Monteith Construction tears down an exterior wall of the building in the Eastern Wayne Middle School complex. Demolition of the eighth-grade classroom building at the school began Tuesday, as part of the $17.7...

Retrial begins in Mount Olive murder case

Opening arguments began Tuesday in Wayne County Superior Court in the first-degree murder trial of Windsor Devone Ingram, who is accused of killing Tomorris Njai Raynor outside of his Mount Olive home four years ago. Ingram, of Goldsboro, was...

Commissioners weigh merger of mental health agencies

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning endorsed the merger of the Beacon Center and Southeastern Regional Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services with Eastpointe Human Services. The move did not actually approve the merger. That action will require yet...

Rocky Mount man to again represent Wayne to DOT

Gus Tulloss of Rocky Mount has been reappointed by Gov. Bev. Perdue to the North Carolina Board of Transportation representing Division 4 that includes Wayne County. "Thank you for your willingness to continue to serve the state of North...

Justice allows petition to move forward

The federal Department of Justice has signed off on the North Carolina General Assembly's allowance for the deannexation of Goldsboro's Phase 11 area, subject to a petition process, according to a letter from Christian Herren, the chief of the...

Duplin Masons to reveal cornerstone time capsule

KENANSVILLE -- St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 13 will host a meeting of the North Carolina Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons Friday at 10 a.m. at the Lodge, 113 Lodge St. The Deputy Grand Master of...

Applications being taken for energy assistance

Applications will be taken next month for the state's revamped Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Applications for persons age 60 and older or disabled persons who receive SSI, SSA or VA disability and who are receiving services through the...

Public record

Gunman holds up Ash Street KFC Kentucky Fried Chicken was robbed by an armed suspect Monday about 7:30 p.m. Employee Connie Lord reported the theft of $180 from the fast food restaurant, 700 E. Ash St. Ms. Lord told police...

Christmas is coming

Mount Olive public works employee Lathomas Holmes hangs the lighted angels and Christmas banners along North Breazeale Avenue on Tuesday....

Wayne Chamber taking Cornerstone Award nominations

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce announced that nominations are now being accepted for members of the community to nominate a deserving individual for the Chamber's prestigious Cornerstone Award. This award is given annually to an individual that has...

All clear at ECU

GREENVILLE -- Officials at East Carolina University have ended a lockdown of the campus after a man carrying a gun was see on 5th Street shortly after 10 a.m. The campus residence halls were secured and students and faculty were...

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

SJAFB detail called out again

Less than two weeks after a small black briefcase left next to a gas line prompted the evacuation of several stores along Ash Street -- and a response from the 4th Fighter Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight -- members...

Mayo named to commission

Goldsboro businessman Ray Mayo was appointed today by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners to the District 1 board seat that for the past 19 years has been filled by Commissioner Andy Anderson, contingent upon Anderson submitting his formal letter...

Shoeboxes full of Christmas spirit

Miriam Perez sorts through pairs of socks Monday at Adamsville Baptist Church. She and other volunteers help assemble shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts for Operation Christmas Child, which sends the boxes to thousands of children around the world. Adamsville...

Public record

Church larceny Providence United Methodist Church, 251 Providence Church Road, was broken into and items were removed between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday. Stuart Annette noticed three males in and around the Boy Scouts' building behind the church...

Downtown lights going up

Attendees of the Veterans Day Parade held downtown might have noticed some sagging Christmas decorations as the city prepares for the holiday season, but Scott Newsome, the city's buildings and traffic maintenance superintendent, said they will be fixed before...

Monday, November 14, 2011

U.S. 70 on track for 2016

Traffic could be moving on the first section of the new U.S. 70 bypass before the end of the year, state highway officials say. At about the same time, bids should be ready to be awarded for work on the...

Baptism by hurricane

Scott Barnard steps up to the first tee at Stoney Creek Park and peers through the trees to find his target: a disc golf basket with dangling chains. He's an avid disc golfer, but finding each tee, a couple...

Base explosive disposal team called out to Brogden

According to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials, the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was mobilized this morning about 11:42 a.m. to assist local authorities with a possible unexploded ordnance near Old Mt. Olive Highway in Brodgen....

Sunday, November 13, 2011

War dead honored with memorial

Gail Hargove wiped tears from her eyes when a choir began singing a medley of patriotic songs -- when a group of retired Marines saluted the American flag being raised at the corner of William and Walnut streets. She...

Where does your money go?

Updated 1/3/12 Budget revisions in what Goldsboro Mayor Al King called "the 11th hour" of the budget season freed up an extra $308,429 in the city's general fund in June -- funds that were budgeted into increasing the salary of...

Veterans call 2011 parade 'greatest ever'

William Westbrook had his hands full -- an American flag in one; his 5-year-old sister, Melissa's, arm in the other. But when members of the North Carolina National Guard tossed some candy out the window of their humvee, the...

List of highway projects created for area

Local highway projects totaling almost $462 million, including $206.8 million for a new U.S. 117 South, have been assigned ranking points by the Goldsboro Metropolitan Planning Organization. Sidewalks along Royall Avenue and Wayne Memorial Drive, a paved shoulder along N.C....

Man pleads guilty in 2009 Pizza Hut murder in Wallace

KENANSVILLE -- A New Hanover County man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder Thursday in Duplin County Superior Court and will spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance of parole. Mario Brown, 24, pleaded guilty to...

N.C. ABC Board pulls alcohol license from Teasers

Faced with an increasing number of violent incidents and requests from Goldsboro police for action, the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission on Thursday stripped Teasers of Goldsboro of its permit to sell alcohol. The Goldsboro Police Department and state's...

Whitley Church wants physical footprint as large as its spiritual

Come Jan. 2, Whitley Church, currently involved in a $3.6 million building project to nearly double its occupancy size, will add another milestone -- a new name. The "one church with two locations" theme will continue, only now with...

Entries still being accepted for Jaycees Christmas parade

Goldsboro Jaycees will hold their annual Christmas parade this year downtown on Dec. 3 beginning at 4 p.m. This year's parade theme will be "Miracle on Center Street." Entries for the parade are being accepted through Nov. 28, although...

Mount Olive board puts off salary discussion

MOUNT OLIVE -- When the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners approved its 2011-12 budget in June, members promised town employees they would revisit the issue of pay raises by the end of the year. However, employees may have to...

Ten WMH nurses recognized for excellence

Ten employees at Wayne Memorial Hospital were recognized recently with nursing excellence awards. The nurses, nursing assistants, technicians and surgical staff were chosen from among 48 nominees on the basis of integrity, enthusiasm, compassion and competency. This year's winners...

Commissioners to vote on Eastpointe meger

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning will consider approval of a resolution calling for the merger of Eastpointe Human Services, Beacon Center and Southeastern Regional Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services local mental health management entities. The merger...

County Girl Scouts looking for memorabilia for exhibit

Girl Scouts in Wayne County are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year and they're looking for some help -- and any memorabilia that current or former Scouts can lend for an upcoming exhibit at the Wayne County Museum. Lillie...

Friday, November 11, 2011

One Marine to another

Frank Drohan crouches down and places a hand next to the image of a young man etched on a headstone nestled deep inside Elmwood Cemetery. "I don't know why, but I just look at him there and I don't know,"...

New Walnut Creek board of directors named

Dave Sychtysz, general manager of the Walnut Creek Country Club, has announced the new board of directors for the coming year. They are: Gene Braswell, president; Scott LaFevers, vice president; chairman of the executive and social committees; Faith Wright, secretary;...

Public Record 11.10.11

Police search for armed robber Goldsboro police are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect responsible for robbing Murphy's Oil Company, a gas station located at 103 N.C. 581 N., with a shotgun about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. Lindsay...

Searching for Willie Tate

There was no heroic moment during a firefight -- no medals awarded for valor. He wasn't even on the front lines. At least, not that they know of. But when, thanks to her daughter, Pamela, Julia Tate came to...

Students mark holiday with tributes to military

Wayne County Public Schools celebrated Veter-ans Day this week through a variety of activities and events. School is not in session today, so most of the schools held celebrations earlier in the week or will have an event on...

Third man charged in break-in, assault

A third arrest was made Wednesday in a 2010 home invasion of an elderly couple in the Hood Swamp community. Bakari Maurice Teachey, 21, of 105 Daryl Dr., was taken into custody and charged by the Wayne County Sheriff's...

Andy Anderson to step down as Wayne County commissioner

Wayne County Commissioner Andy Anderson of Pikeville, the senior member of the county Board of Commissioners, has announced his intentions to step down from his District 1 seat on Dec. 6 ending a 19-year career on the board. Anderson,...

City sought OK on letter-writing effort

While Goldsboro officials debated how best to fight the pending decision from the Department of Justice concerning preclearance for the deannexation petitions, they sought out legal advice from the city attorney, their hired legal team at Parker-Poe in Charlotte...

Searching for Willie Tate

There was no heroic moment during a firefight -- no medals awarded for valor. He wasn't even on the front lines. At least, not that they know of. But when, thanks to her daughter, Pamela, Julia Tate came to...

Third man charged in break-in, assault

A third arrest was made Wednesday in a 2010 home invasion of an elderly couple in the Hood Swamp community. Bakari Maurice Teachey, 21, of 105 Daryl Dr., was taken into custody and charged by the Wayne County Sheriff's...

Students mark holiday with tributes to military

Wayne County Public Schools celebrated Veter-ans Day this week through a variety of activities and events. School is not in session today, so most of the schools held celebrations earlier in the week or will have an event on...

New Walnut Creek board of directors named

Dave Sychtysz, general manager of the Walnut Creek Country Club, has announced the new board of directors for the coming year. They are: Gene Braswell, president; Scott LaFevers, vice president; chairman of the executive and social committees; Faith Wright, secretary;...

One Marine to another

Frank Drohan crouches down and places a hand next to the image of a young man etched on a headstone nestled deep inside Elmwood Cemetery. "I don't know why, but I just look at him there and I don't know,"...

Public Record 11.10.11

Police search for armed robber Goldsboro police are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect responsible for robbing Murphy's Oil Company, a gas station located at 103 N.C. 581 N., with a shotgun about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. Lindsay...

Andy Anderson to step down as Wayne County commissioner

Wayne County Commissioner Andy Anderson of Pikeville, the senior member of the county Board of Commissioners, has announced his intentions to step down from his District 1 seat on Dec. 6 ending a 19-year career on the board. Anderson,...

City sought OK on letter-writing effort

While Goldsboro officials debated how best to fight the pending decision from the Department of Justice concerning preclearance for the deannexation petitions, they sought out legal advice from the city attorney, their hired legal team at Parker-Poe in Charlotte...

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Veterans parade will have 70 entries

Not long after event organizers disclosed that a lack of entries threatened to make this year's Veterans Day parade a forgettable one, the community started to respond. And by the time the window to sign up a float closed late...

'Freedom Rock' taking shape at Dudley church

In front of Dudley Christian Church stands a large red, white and blue striped tent. Underneath, a 24-ton rock is being painted in a patriotic theme by Pastor Blane Smith to honor the men and women in the United...

Students make toys for shelter animals

Darlene DeBruine, a family and consumer science teacher at Rosewood Middle School, is always looking for creative ways to teach her students. One year, her classes made pillows for cancer patients at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. When it came...

Chamber hits goal

Although the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce celebrated reaching its campaign goal at a victory party Wednesday night, Chamber President Marian Mason noted that contributions were still rolling in. That became particularly evident when chamber officials auctioned off a...

Drug raids end in arrests

The Goldsboro/Wayne County Drug Task Force began a campaign Wednesday targeting people who have been identified as unlawfully purchasing pseudoephedrine in Wayne County. Pseudoephedrine is a drug found in many over-the-counter medications available in area pharmacies and it is...

Public record

Thefts at businesses *Jerry Keen, an employee of Johnson Steel Company, reported the theft of 9,000 pounds of steel from the business between Oct. 12 and Nov. 8. Keen told Goldsboro police the stolen steel was located in a...

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Neighborhood pothole battle continues

The wheels are in motion to create a neighborhood group in the suburbs north of Buck Swamp Road between Perkins and Salem Church roads which could lead to better days for the paved roads that traverse the development. The...

A gobbling creation

Hannah Best, 5, and her mother, Angie, work on creating a turkey out of papier mache at the Arts Council of Wayne County on Tuesday. The Bests took part in an Arts Council program that gave young children a...

Group will eye museum project

Goldsboro City Manager Scott Stevens said a committee to discuss the future of the city's newly acquired building on East Ash Street should be formed within the next few weeks. The building at 2406 E. Ash Street, formerly the...

Few voters cast ballots Tuesday

Wayne County had its smallest election in recent memory as only 4.44 percent of the eligible voters came out to the polls. But that was in large part because the county's biggest municipalities -- Goldsboro, Mount Olive and Fremont...

Two rape attempts reported at Mount Olive College dorms

An attempted rape at Mount Olive College's men's dormitory is being investigated by Mount Olive Police. The victim is a 19-year-old female, according to police reports. The incident was the second attempted rape at the college that police have...

Public record

Deputies look for missing woman The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public in attempting to find a 26-year-old Goldsboro woman who has been missing for more than a week. Latoria Renea McClarin voluntarily left her residence,...

Cultural celebration

The American Indian Celebration at the Wayne County Museum on Saturday coincided with the opening of a new exhibit at the museum, "The American Indians of North Carolina: Then and Now." Traditional artwork and food were also on display....

WCPS names outstanding elementary math teacher

Wayne County Public Schools named its 2011-12 outstanding elementary mathematics teacher of the year this week. Amber Craig, a fourth-grade math teacher at Grantham School, was recognized at Monday night's school board meeting. An educator for 10 years, officials...

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Veterans Day Parade plans in place for Friday march

Some will make their way downtown to see which military vehicles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will roll along Center Street. Others will show up to relive childhood memories of the packed sidewalks they used to experience every time...

Council sets road closures, talks about demolitions

A light agenda allowed the Goldsboro City Council to make quick work of its charges Monday night at the Council Chambers, with most of the regular meeting dominated with talk about Veterans Day festivities. Each council member and Mayor...

New facility to offer care for Alzheimer's patients

PIKEVILLE -- A $325,000 construction project to convert the former Countryside Assisted Living facility into Wayne County's only free-standing Alzheimer's community is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with residents possibly moving in by Christmas. Renamed Countryside Village, plans include...

Moms help create new support group for other women who have lost a child

One of the hardest things that Rhonda Dutton ever had to do was give birth to a baby she would never raise. And even though it's been six years now, the memories of that day are still fresh. "I was...

Public record

Fire reports The Goldsboro Fire Department responded to a total of 32 calls between Oct. 28 and Nov. 3. In the seven-day period, the department's call log includes nine vehicle accidents, eight assists to Wayne County Emergency Medical Services...

Board members raise questions

Two of the school board's newest members again questioned board procedures Monday night, lobbying for their counterparts to join forces in several areas. Len Henderson and Arnold Flowers have become perhaps the board's most vocal members since joining the board...

Choices limited on ballots today

Polls opened this morning at 6:30 and will close at 7:30 p.m for the few elections on today's ballot. No candidates filed for the three open seats on the Eureka town board where the election will be decided by write-ins....

Monday, November 7, 2011

A trophy for Coach Les

MOUNT OLIVE -- Kevin Getchell lowers his head and pulls his hat down over his face when the tears start falling. It's not like him to show this kind of emotion in front of his players. It's only happened once...

Clinic offers dental care for patients at low cost

Wayne County employs a dentist. And although the more than $130,000 salary is on the books, federal and state funds allow the program to help local needy families get the care they need, county officials said. The Wayne County Health...

Food activist working to help others eat better

Kebreeya Lewis never envisioned herself as a trailblazer when she made the personal choice two years ago to start eating healthier. And yet the 17-year-old senior at Wayne School of Engineering has done just that -- working with several...

Caucus sets its sights on issues

The fledgling African American Caucus-Wayne County Democratic Party (AAC-WCDP) has grown from an initial membership of 12 when it formed on May 19 to 154 members this month on its way to a goal of 500 members by the end...

Red Cross names development director

Tammy Forrester, who has served as health and safety director for the Wayne/Lenoir Chapter of American Red Cross, has been named director of development for the chapter. Forrester's Red Cross career began in December 2006, when she was named Wayne...

Volunteer opens doors to magic of reading, books

Her passion for the classroom began in science. But now, retired chemistry and physics teacher Sue Potter's mission is simple: To make sure children at the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County experiment with the magic of reading. And...

Sunday, November 6, 2011

The boys who never came home

Evelyn Westbrook takes a deep breath and runs her fingers across the cover of an undersized Bible that dates back more than 70 years. She thumbs through its pages until she reaches the passage her brother, David, marked before he...

Suspects plead to string of robberies

RALEIGH -- Two more suspects have pleaded guilty in connection with a series of robberies committed in Wayne and Wilson counties between January and April 2010. Anthony David Brown, 23, and Derrick Dove Jr., 21, each pleaded guilty in...

County school board to review dress code policy

The higher standard dress code, initially approved by the Wayne County school board in June 2007, will again come under debate during Monday night's board meeting, along with nearly two dozen other safety and curriculum policies. The county Board of...

Duplin names three to county Hall of Fame

KENANSVILLE -- Thanks to an unprecedented tie, three honorees were inducted into the Duplin County Hall of Fame Thursday. Typically only one living and one deceased person are inducted each year. "The board decided to break with tradition and...

Less than 100 vote early

Fewer than 100 people took advantage of the 13 days of one-stop voting to cast their ballots in the handful of local municipal and sanitary district elections on tap for Tuesday's election. Only 80 people had voted when one-stop...

Murder suspect in custody

A 32-year-old man was murdered early Saturday morning in Mount Olive. Edwin Alexander Sura-Cruz was found dead in his home at 598 Waller Road about 2 a.m. by Wayne County Sheriff's Office deputies who responded to an assault call....

MOC celebrates 60th Founders Day

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College held its 60th Founder's Day Thursday, this year inviting the community that has supported it throughout the decades to celebrate with it. Moved from Southern Bank Auditorium to Kornegay Arena to account for...

Fremont break-ins increasing

FREMONT -- The frequency of home break-ins in Fremont has increased in recent months, Chief Paul Moats of the Fremont Police Department said. Moats said he attributes the increase, at least in part, to his department's reduced manpower following...

Habitat for Humanity observes 10th birthday

Sure, you could measure the impact of Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County in years, but the figure that truly reflects the organization's influence on the Wayne County area over the past decade is 45 -- the number of...

Three arrested in March Goldwater Motel explosion

Three people have been arrested and a fourth is wanted in connection to the March 11 explosion at the former Goldwater Motel in Dudley. The motel, now rental complex, on U.S. 117 Alternate, was partially destroyed when a suspected...

City Council to consider budget amendments

Goldsboro's City Council will consider two budget amendments at Monday's council meeting that, if approved, would decrease the unappropriated fund balance of the general fund by a net of $90,000. The consent agenda contains a budget amendment that allocates...

Help the News-Argus make Christmas possible

The fund, created in 1912, raises money to provide toys and clothing and the party for the children. The party will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. at Dillard Middle School. Every penny collected goes to the children....

Government offices closed for Veterans Day

Federal, state and some local government offices will be closed Friday in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. Banks and the post office will be closed as well. Wayne County Public Schools will be closed while Wayne County government...

I-795 asked to be named for Anderson, Lancaster

The Goldsboro Metropolitan Planning Organization will be asked Thursday to adopt a resolution that the state Department of Transportation name the Wayne County section of Interstate 795 in honor of senior Wayne County Commissioner Andy Anderson and former U.S. congressman...

Chamber fundraiser focuses on veterans

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a "Lucky 11 Party" on Friday to help make local veterans and active service members more aware of the opportunities that can be found by choosing to make the county their...

Friday, November 4, 2011

Repairs continue on mall

Despite a collapse of Berkeley Mall's roof near the Belk mall entrance in late August due to Hurricane Irene, mall Manager Jan Luttrell said holiday shopping should go off without a hitch this season as shoppers begin making out...

For Bronze Star recipient, serving is the real honor

No ceremony could trump the feeling that comes with realizing a boyhood dream. No decoration could render the journey toward it obsolete. At least that's how David Evans sees it. So when the 4th Fighter Wing lieutenant colonel was awarded...

Pinching their pennies

Bundled up in a scarf in her office, Boys and Girls Club Director Mary Ann Dudley says despite budget constraints and increased usage, the children who attend the programs at the club haven't noticed any differences in services. Well,...

County: Tell us what you think

Wayne County residents, or at least a sampling of them, could soon find themselves with the opportunity to let county officials know what they think about certain topics, possibly including the quality of customer service. Using a survey to help...

Thursday, November 3, 2011

School projects ready to start

Work is expected to begin Monday at Eastern Wayne Middle School, with Norwayne Middle School's project set to start a few weeks later, as the county embarks on a $17.7 million school construction/renovation project. The commissioners, who in September approved...

Lane will file appeal

Eric Glenn Lane, convicted in 2005 of murdering 5-year-old Precious Whitfield, has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal of his conviction in Wayne County Superior Court. Lane, now 40, was sentenced to death in 2005 after...

Local officials gather for dedication of plant

DUDLEY -- Watching flames shooting from the flare at the Wayne County landfill might be fascinating for most people. But for Methane Power Inc. officials, that flame means money and electricity. The company's power plant that converts the methane...

Former officer at SJAFB to get his third star

A former 4th Fighter Wing officer will soon add his third star. President Barack Obama has nominated Maj. Gen. John W. Hesterman III for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general. Hesterman, an F-15E pilot who trained at Seymour Johnson...

Briefcase bomb threat ends with just a fizzle

A small black briefcase left next to a gas line outside a check cashing business prompted the evacuation of stores along Ash Street late this morning -- and a response from the 4th Fighter Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight. Members...

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Mobile home parks exempted from fee

Wayne County mobile home park owners have been exempted, at least for this year, from paying the county's $45 convenience (recycling) site fee -- a move that will create a $150,000 dent in the county budget. The vote Tuesday by...

WCC aviation program open house Friday

The aviation systems technology program at Wayne Community College will celebrate its facilities renovation with an open house Friday at the Wayne Executive Jetport north of Goldsboro. The event, from 10 a.m. until noon, will include tours and demonstrations...

Spaghetti for Kennedy

A spaghetti supper is being planned Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northeast Elementary School cafeteria to raise funds for the Deans' medical expenses. The event will include a raffle and live auction. Tickets are $7, with...

King elected as board officer for League of Municipalities

Goldsboro Mayor Al King was elected second vice president of the N.C. League of Municipalities Board of Directors during its annual conference held Oct. 22-25 at the Raleigh Convention Center. He will serve a one-year term. Nearly 1,200 municipal...

Cheering for Kennedy

One minute 7-year-old Kennedy Dean was playing on the playground at Northeast Elementary with other second-graders at her school. Seconds later, she was suffering from what would later be diagnosed as a brain hemorrhage. Virtually each day since that...

County approves grant match

It will take Wayne County less than two years to recoup the $157,400 it will provide as a local match for Cooper Standard Automotive to receive a $157,400 One North Carolina Fund grant and the benefits after that "will be...

Boy Scouts focus on breast cancer awareness

Boy Scout Troop 8, sponsored by New Hope United Methodist Church, conducted a breast cancer awareness event on Oct. 25 for the troop's "scouting family." The event was in collaboration with the American Cancer Society and a breast cancer...

Public record

Man shot in leg A 44-year-old Goldsboro man was shot multiple times in his upper leg around 1 a.m. this morning. Goldsboro police responded to the shooting of Tyrone Lee Hicklin in the 400 block of North Kornegay Street, where...

Building, not just selling

Members of the Goldsboro Wayne County Association of Realtors were helping put the finishing touches on a Habitat home on Ben Brewington Court that will be dedicated Saturday. On Thursday, they are scheduled to help work on a home...

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Sampson gets biofuel plant

Wayne County appears to have lost out to Sampson County in the competition for a $90 million pioneering technology ethanol biofuels plant that would create 65 new and mostly local jobs with average salaries of $48,415. According to the U.S....

Drug seizure money assists police

The Goldsboro Police Department can thank drug forfeitures for its newest four-legged employee. Elvis, a German shepherd, can credit his employment as a police dog, which began in early August, to federal and state tax remittance money received by...

Big toys will help CIS raise money for graduation coaches

Communities in Schools is hoping getting a chance to see some "big toys" will help raise funds for a program to encourage students to graduate from high school. The organization will sponsor Big Toy Day from 10 a.m. until 4...

This time, they're the ones being helped

GRANTHAM -- Sherrill and Lois Aman say they are humbled by the response of their neighbors in the Jordans Chapel/Grantham community -- a community known for rallying behind their neighbors in times of need. Normally the Amans would be...