February 2012 archives

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Several candidates file at last minute today

The field of candidates for public office grew substantially on the final day of the filing period, with people filing for a number of seats that will be on the ballot in Wayne County. Former Goldsboro City Councilman William Goodman...

More file intent to run for office

With the filing period for public office ending Wednesday at noon, candidates have only one day to decide whether to enter races for local, state and national office. In recent days, a number of candidates have plunked down their...

Back on the diamond

It's the bottom of the seventh inning and Eastern Wayne needs a rally. Their home opener isn't unfolding the way they hoped it would. The bats just won't wake up. "Come on, boys," a man yells from his seat on...

Connecting farms and faith

The intersection of faith, farms and food was the focus of Monday's Faith and Rural Life Conference at Mount Olive College. Drawing state representatives, ministers, students, community leaders and residents from across the region, the second annual "Faith and...

Vigil marks plight of abused children

Several flames burned brightly for 17 tiny lives lost too early, while 600 small candles flickered for the children who are still victims of abuse and neglect during a candlelight vigil held Tuesday at Berkeley Mall. Sponsored by the WAGES/Wayne...

ECU chief: Education is vital to development

Rick Niswander, vice chancellor for administration and finance at East Carolina University, discussed the role of public universities in regional economic development before an audience of Goldsboro and Wayne County business and governmental leaders Tuesday at the Wayne County...

Students compete to demonstrate black history knowledge

The study packets were distributed a month ago. Public, private and home-schooled students in grades six through eight worked individually and in groups preparing for the annual Black History Quiz Bowl, held Tuesday night at Wayne County Public Library....

Public record

City Fire Report The Goldsboro Fire Department responded to 72 calls in the recent two-week period from Feb. 10 to Feb. 23. During the time period, the department made a total of 27 assists to Wayne County EMS, 13 vehicle...

Man found dead in home after recent fire

A 75-year-old man was found dead after a fire last week in his apartment at 1405 Popular St., No. 39, in the Popular Street Apartments complex off of South Slocumb Street. Walter Mewborn was found by his health care...

Donations sought for victims of recent fire

Donations are being sought to help a family that lost their home and almost all of their possessions in a house fire Feb. 21. Major Clark and his wife and 2-year-old daughter are in need of donations of clothing,...

O'Berry grant to train caregivers

O'Berry Center Foundation and the Caswell Center Foundation in Kinston will use a $25,000 Ribbon of Hope grant from N.C. GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to develop a training program for professionals and caregivers working with developmentaly and intellectually disabled residents in...

Red Cross blood donation schedule

For those wanting to donate blood, here is the March blood drive schedule for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross: March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Southern Wayne High School. March 9 from 9...

AgCarolina scholarships available

AgCarolina Financial has announced that 27 college scholarships will be available to children or grandchildren whose parents are customers or employees of the cooperative. The scholarship program is part of the cooperative's corporate giving program, the Fund for Rural...

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

One day left to file for office

With the filing period for public office ending Wednesday at noon, candidates have only one day to decide whether to enter races for local, state and national office. In recent days, a number of candidates have plunked down their...

Jones: Stolen Valor Act should be protected

He supported the Stolen Valor Act nearly a decade ago, when Congress -- and later, President George W. Bush -- approved a law that made it a federal offense to falsely represent oneself as having received a military decoration...

Black History Month

Meadow Lane Elementary School first-grader Shukun Wu, right, rolls up his sleeve as he prepares to answer a question from teacher Belinda Ham on Monday. She is holding  Shukun's black history project presentation box. Each student in the class...

Bryant Worley family named Outstanding Livestock Producer

The fifth-generation Bryant Worley Family Farms at Princeton was honored Monday night by the Wayne County Livestock Development Association as its Outstanding Livestock Producer for 2011. Also honored during the association's 64th annual meeting was longtime Wayne Regional Agriculture Fair...

Longtime fair manager says he will retire

Milton Ingram, who is celebrating his 28th year as manager of the award-winning Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair, has announced he will retire at the end of this year's fair. Eddie Pitzer, secretary-treasurer of the Wayne County Livestock Development Association, which...

Man, 28, pleads guilty to murder

KENANSVILLE -- Anthony Nay Smith, 28, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Ashley Ann Mercer, 19, of Pink Hill on Monday in Duplin County Superior Court. Smith was sentenced by Judge Jack Jenkins of Carteret County...

Public record

Missing person The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating Jessica Lynn Garino, 21, 1585 Old Grantham Road, who has been missing since Jan. 23 when she was last seen at home. She is described...

Monday, February 27, 2012

College adding teacher licensure

MOUNT OLIVE -- For education majors at Mount Olive College, the path to teaching is now an easier one to navigate. In the past, students had to take the first three years of classes at MOC, but student teaching...

Streetscape: Pro or con?

I am in favor of our city going forward with the Streetscape project. We are all concerned about incurring debt given the economic climate, but the positive goal of improving downtown, making it a more desirable place to shop, dine...

At-large member files for re-election

Eddie Radford, current school board chairman, has filed to run for a second term in the at-large seat. The 35-year education veteran -- teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal with Wayne County Public Schools as well as a stint as...

Grant funds available for housing work

Grant money could be available for housing assistance for Wayne County through the Community Development Block Grant program and groups should contact county officials soon if they have proposed projects in mind. No one from the public spoke at a...

Sunday, February 26, 2012

New ESC chief has view of plight of jobless

Freshly graduated from Atlantic Christian College, Darlene Williams had no idea where life was about to take her. It was 1983 and her degree in business management had gotten her a job at the nearby Employment Security Commission office...

Officials waiting for word on pre-K funding

Officials at The Partnership for Children of Wayne County are in a "holding pattern" awaiting word from the state about funding for its Pre-K program. Gov. Bev Perdue this past week announced she is shifting unused child-care subsidy money to...

City's money dilemma

The Goldsboro City Council retreat unofficially kicked off the budget season as council members poured over ideas during the two-day event, which was heavy on financial discussions as the city eyes the beginning of the fiscal year July 1....

Restaurant marks 275-unit expansion plan, name change

MOUNT OLIVE -- Twenty-one years ago, Kenney Moore, armed with just $500 and a desire to control his own destiny, launched Andy's Cheesesteaks and Cheeseburgers with just one store. On Friday, he announced that over the next six to...

Wayne Community College artwork on display in Raleigh

Four Wayne Community College students will have works in the 2012 N.C. Community Colleges Art Exhibition, on display in Raleigh beginning next month. The pieces and their creators are, "The Real Man of Steel," a welded steel sculpture by...

United Way holds annual meeting, gives volunteer award

Sherry Rogers had lived and worked in Wayne County her entire life, but didn't realize that there was a defense contractor employing more than 400 workers right in her own hometown. As a career employee at Wayne Memorial Hospital,...

Pre-K applications now being taken for 2012-13

North Carolina pre-kindergarten applications are now being accepted by The Partnership for Children for the 2012-13 school year. Priority is given to eligible children who have not been served in any other preschool or child-care program. The community-based program...

Council listens to zoning requests

Five people spoke at the Goldsboro City Council's meeting Monday concerning a conditional use permit allowing a convenience store to open at the corner of Cuyler Best and New Hope roads. The permit, requested by E.J. Pope, seeks to...

Parade: 'A celebration of cultural differences'

The final weekend of February was one filled with events honoring Black History month as Mount Olive's Black History Parade and an annual program sponsored by the Carver Alumni Association were held Saturday. The parade, which featured hundreds of...

Sorority chapter celebrates 60 years of service

Clarise McLeod stared down at the plaque in her hand as Renita Allen-Dawson listened intently. Mounted on the plaque was a photo of Mrs. McLeod, 82, and the rest of the charter members of the Epsilon Phi Omega chapter...

Friday, February 24, 2012

After-school activities canceled, some schools to dismiss early

Central attendance area schools, including Goldsboro High School, Dillard Middle, Carver Heights Elementary, School Street Elementary and North Drive will dismiss one hour early today, as will the Wayne School of Engineering and the Wayne Early Middle College High...

Veterans get head start on Memorial Day plans

Some watched comrades fall in Vietnam. Others have attended funeral services for those World War II veterans time simply caught up with. They don't need a holiday to remember the brothers and sisters they have lost. So it seemed fitting...

Wayne County resident will file for governor

Wayne County resident Paul Wright announced Thursday his plans to run for the GOP nomination for governor. Wright, who lives outside of Mount Olive, said he planned to formally file his paperwork at the state Board of Elections office...

Warm weather

Taking advantage of the warm weather, from left, Sophia Rendall, Anna Rendall, Emma Rendall, Mason Verhaeghe and Brady Suggs play in a tree Wednesday at Herman Park. The number of days of warm weather has many Wayne County residents...

Judge pleads guilty to DWI

SNOW HILL -- District Court Judge Lonnie Carraway of Walstonburg pleaded guilty this morning in Greene County District Court to driving while under the influence of prescription drugs. Carraway was sentenced to 60 days in jail. The sentence was...

Teen convict caught after escape

A 16-year-old Wayne County youth with a history of violence was captured without incident at a Dudley residence late Thursday night just hours after escaping by overpowering two Department of Public Safety officers who were taking him back to a...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Selma Davis reported the theft of her 2007 Ford Focus from the 900 block of Hugh Street that occurred Wednesday. The vehicle has a reported value of $6,000. She said the keys were taken from her...

Pancake day

Mayor Al King, center, buys the first tickets to the Lions Club annual Pancake Day fundraiser that will be held Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club on Royall Avenue. King is shown with Joe Batkoski, right, president of...

Thursday, February 23, 2012

County weighs lifting limits

For the second time this month, Wayne County commissioners have confronted their five-year-old policy that spells out how the public comments section of their meetings will be conducted. For Commissioner Steve Keen, who raised the issue at the board's...

916th chief to join mission

Watching young men and women board aircraft bound for war has become a part of his routine. Telling them their families will be taken care of while they are in harm's way -- that they are prepared to meet the...

Students get glimpse of career possibilities

A high school student's goal is ultimately more than just accepting a diploma -- it's about having a well-paying and satisfying career. And in that regard, it's never too early to make them aware of emerging or currently available...

Suspect caught in store robbery

SNOW HILL -- Police in Snow Hill have arrested a man in connection with the armed robbery of a Bojangles restaurant Wednesday morning. Justin Tyson, 22, was charged with armed robbery. A car also believed to be involved in the...

Public record

Theft at auto shop Billy Holland, owner of Holland Auto Parts, reported the theft of oxygen and acetylene tanks from his business, located at 2063 U.S. 117 S. The theft occurred between 8 p.m. Monday and 8:15 a.m. Tuesday,...

Sheriff's deputies still searching for kidnap victim

A 48-year-old Goldsboro man remains missing after he was kidnapped Jan. 29 in eastern Wayne County. Sheriff's Office detectives are continuing to investigate the abduction of Geniro Jamis, who was allegedly forced out of his car by seven masked...

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

County eyes night meetings

Wayne County commissioners continue to be prodded to change their meeting times from mornings to evenings. Tuesday, the latest suggestion was from the board's newest member, Ray Mayo. However, such a move is not as simple as it might appear...

New senior center gets final go-ahead

Approval of a new senior center Tuesday morning was greeted with applause, hoots and hollers from the senior citizens packed into the Wayne County commissioners' meeting room. Commissioners unanimously agreed to the $1.2 million contract with the design-build team of...

Names added to list for vote

Several newcomers have filed for elected office in Wayne County, adding to the list of candidates seeking election to either state or local office. Kevin Hayes of Mount Olive, a Libertarian, has filed for the District 4 seat in...

Keen seeking re-election to county commission seat

Republican Wayne County Commissioner Steve Keen Tuesday filed for a second term representing District 4 on the board. Filing for the May 8 primary ends Wednesday, Feb. 29, at noon. A local property developer and former owner of Adam's...

A firsthand view of life with an Alzheimer's patient

Kivett Ivey had seen other families experiencing Alzheimer's disease. But nothing prepared him for when it struck his own. "The first time my wife asked me who I was -- 'Who are you?' -- I kind of went into shock,"...

Public record

Assault with firearm Toney Peterson reported that a man came to his home in the 1200 block of East Elm Street about 7 p.m. Monday to collect $100 owed by Peterson. When Peterson did not have the money the...

Two advance to state science fair

Three area students captured honors at the Southeast Regional Science Fair at Feb. 11, with two advancing to the state competition next month. Southeast Regional Science Fair was held at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Nearly 200...

StageStruck collecting books for kids

Since StageStruck's upcoming "Seussical" play is based on a book, the cast and crew decided to perform a community service project as well. And what better project, they concluded, than donating new and used books to a program that...

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

City Council to seek downtown grant

During a specially called meeting, the Goldsboro City Council reversed an almost week-old decision on pursuing a transportation grant that, if awarded, could result in renovations of four downtown blocks and the city's Union Station. The city submitted a...

Benefit set for EWHS student

A showcase of local talent has been enlisted to perform in a fundraiser for a Wayne County teenager recently diagnosed with leukemia. "Gala of Hope" is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, organizer...

State 911 center rule changes prompt local project slowdown

Wayne County's plans for a $2 million 911 call center have been put on hold temporarily pending revised state and national standards for such facilities. The delay will allow the county time to consider adding a 311 information element to...

Goldsboro police get new, dark uniforms

The men and women of the Goldsboro Police Department will have a new look starting Wednesday. Officers are changing from light blue shirts and dark pants to matching dark shirts and pants. The new color scheme will give the...

Monday, February 20, 2012

Faulk to seek seat on school board

Ven Faulk is making his third attempt in four years for a seat on the Wayne County Board of Education. The father of five children in the school system -- ages 13, 7 and 6-year-old triplets -- credits them...

Design in place for new Steele Memorial Library

The design for a new Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive has been unveiled, and bids for the project are scheduled to be let April 18, pending final approval by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. The building's design...

WATCH not adding patients

WATCH, or Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, has once again decided not to accept new patients. The non-profit health care option for uninsured Wayne County residents is operating at full capacity, officials say, prompting the recent move. "This was...

Gaylor files for re-election for judge

District Court Judge Charles P. Gaylor III of Goldsboro has announced he will seek re-election to the 8th Judicial District bench. Gaylor was elected in 2008 and in announcing his bid for re-election, cited his experience and knowledge of...

Banquet honors those making a difference

A sorority dedicated to public service, a non-profit business that provides services for youths, and a volunteer who has given time to help the elderly, youths and the needy were the winners at the annual Human Relations Banquet held...

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Here she is: Blair Mozingo takes crown

A sold-out crowd filled Paramount Theatre Saturday for a night of glitz and glamour at the 2012 Miss Goldsboro Scholarship Pageant. Blair Mozingo, 22, of Duplin County, was crowned Miss Goldsboro after winning the hearts of the judges. "It...

Roads to get traffic relief

Relief could soon be on the way for motorists who find themselves snarled in traffic bottlenecks on Wayne Memorial Drive and North William Street (U.S. 117). Widening projects for both roads are part of the state's future highway plans, but...

Wish list for county's new senior center on agenda

Wayne County commissioners will hold a workshop session Tuesday on the design-build approach for the county's new Services on Aging building. Bids for the approximately $1 million project are expected to go out within the next 45 days. Tuesday's session...

Council will rediscuss grant

Monday will be a busy day in City Hall as the Goldsboro City Council will hold an extra session along with its regularly scheduled council meeting and work session to discuss, again, the city's preapplication for a grant. The...

School under fire for finances

PIKEVILLE -- A private school for children with Asperger's syndrome has come under fire for failing to pay its teachers and because of some concerns about its curriculum. But Steve Smith, board chairman for Asperger Connection, disputes the complaints,...

Author to discuss book at Wayne Community College today

A Southern debutante in New York City makes for good fodder, and Jane Borden chronicled that in her first book, which she will discuss this afternoon at Wayne Community College. Ms. Borden, niece of local businessman Ed Borden, grew up...

Mount Olive town board member can run for one seat only

MOUNT OLIVE -- Town board member Kenny Talton will not be able to run for re-election to the board and be a candidate for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners at the same time. Talton, a Republican, had planned...

Wayne County Reads to finish events

Wayne County Reads will wrap up its 2012 "season of reading" this week with a look at the roles of caregivers and a celebration for all ages. A panel discussion is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Wayne...

Smith honored for conservation work

Chris Smith was recently recognized at the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation Banquet for his service to the landowners of Johnston County. Smith worked with agricultural producers to design and install conservation practices to prevent soil erosion and protect water...

Hearing planned to choose names for streets

The first completed section of the new U.S. 70 Bypass did more than provide a quicker trip between Wayne Memorial Drive and Interstate 795 -- it left some roads split with dead-ended sections in need of names. When Wayne County...

Community Lenten services set to begin Wednesday

Lent is a time of prayer, penance and sacrifice in preparation for the Easter season. And, once again, people in Wayne County will join together to celebrate Lent at special community services. The services will start Wednesday and go...

Public record

Burglary suspect sought An investigation into a break-in at a home in the 1500 block of Humphrey Street in late January resulted in the arrest of one man and the identification of second suspect who Goldsboro police are trying...

Bentonville activities March 17-18

FOUR OAKS -- Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will present a weekend program, March 17-18 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., demonstrating the trauma of wartime injury. The free program entitled "War So Terrible" will offer numerous medical care comparisons...

Friday, February 17, 2012

Hospital plans teddy bear clinic Saturday

As anyone anticipating an operation knows, there can be a bit of anxiety attached. For a child, the fear is compounded. Whether going into the hospital for surgery or if they know it is happening to a loved one, the...

Base sets sights on 2012 projects

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials might not yet know what the installation's $53 million medical center will look like -- funding for the project would be allocated in 2013 should President Barack Obama's defense budget be approved by Congress...

His battle back: no limits

They smiled for the first few moments -- the dozens who showed up at St. Paul United Methodist Church Thursday evening, in part, to hear Dave Galloway speak. Some even laughed when light-hearted photographs scrolled across the screen. But Galloway...

Public record

B&E and larceny Kenneth Grant reported the theft of a Browning 270 Stalker short magazine rifle with a scope, valued at $1,300, from his home in the 1800 block of N.C. 111 N. that occurred between Jan. 2 and Sunday....

Names added to list for vote

The field of candidates for public office grew Thursday as candidates for a number of posts filed their intent to run. The filing period ends at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 29. William Holding, a former federal prosecutor, filed for...

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Students present play with message

Kristie Johnson is very much at home on the stage. From playing the lead in "Anne of Green Gables" at Wayne Community College to a lesser role in "Snow White" for Missoula Children's Theater, the 16-year-old has enjoyed any opportunity...

Looking at cost vs. gain for land

Residential development might be attractive because of the money it pumps into the county, but a recent study found that for each $1 of revenue generated, it costs Wayne County $1.24 to provide community services to development uses, while each...

County exhausts heating aid funds

It has taken less than a week for Wayne County to go through the additional $72,893 it had received for the federally funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Applications for funds to help the needy with heating bills opened last...

Mayor will run for his third term

Goldsboro Mayor Al King announced Wednesday he will run for re-election. King made the announcement during the Goldsboro City Council retreat at the Paramount Theatre, following a presentation by a representative from the N.C. League of Municipalities. King notified...

School building rising

Construction at Eastern Wayne Middle School is on schedule, officials say, partly because of the warm, dry weather in recent weeks. Steel beams are being erected and welded together, and the structure received its first floor of cement this...

Local men in Shriner leadership roles

Two Goldsboro men are serving leadership roles with the Sudan Shriners. B.F. Smith Jr. was re-elected in January to his 14th term as the recorder of Sudan Shriners and George L. Raecher was appointed by Potentate Steve Norris as...

City eyes course, W.A. Foster

The Goldsboro City Council's two-day retreat at the Paramount Theatre this week wrapped up Wednesday, and although there were few binding decisions made, the city's elected officials gave direction to department heads that will factor heavily into the city's...

Public record

Man stabbed in car Mario Farmer reported that a woman stabbed him in the his hand while the two were in his vehicle Tuesday about 8:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of South Slocumb Street. Farmer refused medical treatment...

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

A Valentine's Day visit with heroes

DURHAM -- For James Ward, it was more than just a simple exchange -- the conversation that carried on for the better part of an hour inside the Durham VA Medical Center. It was a chance, the 25-year-old said, to...

Candidates file to seek local offices

More candidates for public office officially filed with the Wayne County Board of Elections on Tuesday. The filing period began on Monday and ends Wednesday, Feb. 29, at noon. On Tuesday, Democratic incumbent state Rep. Larry Bell filed for...

Council balks at Streetscape grant

There was only one binding vote held during Tuesday's session of the City Council Retreat at the Paramount Theatre, but that single decision might have signified a dramatic turn in the council's pursuit of the city's signature downtown revitalization...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Amber Capps, the owner of Eagle's Nest Diner, located at 516 N.C. 581 N., reported the theft of $175 from the business' cash register. According to the incident reports, entry was made into the eatery by...

County weighs future projects

It will be another three months before a possible capital improvement program is ready for Wayne County commissioners to consider, but in the meantime the county is moving forward on three projects -- construction at Norwayne and Eastern Wayne middle...

Miss Goldsboro pageant to be Saturday

Six contestants will be vying for the title of Miss Goldsboro 2012 Saturday night. The pageant starts at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theater. The box office opens at 5 p.m. but there are limited seats available, says Kim...

Law enforcement gearing up for Special Olympics fundraisers

After a revitalization of the Goldsboro Police Department's Torch Run program last year, officers are looking to continue their success of supporting the North Carolina Special Olympics. Through a number of fundraising activities during 2011, nearly $16,000 was generated...

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Wayne Community College set in case of campus emergency

Wayne Community College officials, like their counterparts around the state, don't anticipate any dire campus emergencies. But they are going to make sure the college is prepared just in case. Recent lockdowns at Wake Tech Community College and similar...

Woman found dead after apartment fire

A 75-year-old Princeton woman died in her home after a fire Monday. Iris Toleito was pronounced dead at the scene after Princeton officials arrived at her apartment at 410 W. Third St. The cause of the fire is yet...

Making valentines

Mary Emma Talton, a second-grader at St. Mary School, makes a Valentine's Day card Monday. Class members all made cards to give to their special friends. After the craftwork was over, teacher Brook Chatham read to the class about...

Filing period officially begins

Filing for public office began Monday at noon in Wayne County and a number of candidates for a variety of offices plunked down their filing fees at the county Board of Elections to enter races at the local and...

Duplin man will face charges in drug stop

BEULAVILLE -- A Rose Hill man is facing several felony drug charges following a traffic stop Sunday in Beulaville. Luis Adrian Sanchez was charged with four counts of trafficking in cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture sale and deliver...

Military spending cut back: What's planned for Seymour Johnson AFB?

4th Fighter Wing officials confirmed Monday that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has been allocated funding for a $53 million medical facility in 2013, should President Barack Obama's $613.9 billion defense budget pass. But that is about all they could...

Five affected in SunBurst chemical spill

Five employees of SunBurst Foods were treated and released at Wayne Memorial Hospital on Monday after breathing fumes released from mixed cleaning solutions. SunBurst Foods, located at 1002 Sunburst Drive near the Logan's Steakhouse and Chili's restaurants, is a...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Ted Ivey, of Goldsboro Milling Company, reported the theft of a $2,000 wire welder and a $900 air compressor from the business' property, located at 435 Dogwood Trail. The theft occurred Sunday. Ivey told authorities he...

County starts budget debate

When Wayne County commissioners finished counting out their stacks of $100 in play money Monday afternoon, they found themselves left with only $8 to work with. The exercise was the culmination of a daylong retreat devoted mainly to county finances...

Monday, February 13, 2012

Public record

Enter stCity fire report The Goldsboro Fire Department responded to 35 calls during the week of Feb. 3 and Feb. 9. Of all the calls made, 13 were assists to Wayne County EMS, eight were to vehicle accidents and seven...

Wayne County Reads to include several activities this week

Wayne County Reads continues its discussion of the book "The Pleasure Was Mine" this week with several events planned. The book, by Asheville author Tommy Hays, describes a husband's coping with his wife's growing dementia. On Tuesday, Feb. 14,...

Davis to run for 5th District

Former state senator Don Davis is running for office again, two years after losing the District 5 seat to current Sen. Louis Pate. Davis announced Friday he would run for the Democratic nomination in the majority-minority District 5, which...

Election filing period officially begins today

The filing period for several local elections began today at noon, when several people were expected make their candidacies official. Municipal elections, held over from November because of redistricting, will be held for the mayor and full town boards...

DOT eyes Dudley interchange

DUDLEY -- The intersection at U.S. 117 South and O'Berry Road could be replaced within five years with an interchange that would rid the four-lane highway of the only stoplight between the Wayne County Fairgrounds and Interstate 40. The state...

Students honored for beating obstacles

Six-year-old Devonte Moses is a typical boy, who likes running and playing on the floor with his cars and trucks. He has also had more than his share of health obstacles since birth -- among them being diagnosed with a...

Sunburst Foods evacuated

Sunburst Foods on Sunburst Drive was evacuated this morning shortly before 11 a.m. because of a chemical spill. Goldsboro and Elroy fire departments, along with Wayne County EMS responded. Several workers were sickened by the fumes and were taken to...

Sunday, February 12, 2012

City Council will focus on 10-year plan at retreat

Scott Stevens will attend his first Goldsboro City Council retreat beginning Tuesday and continuing Wednesday at the Paramount Theatre where he will solicit ideas from the council members as they plan out the city's vision for the future. The...

Scouts help fill food shortage

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from dozens of troops and packs across Wayne County raised enough food in their Saturday-to-Saturday food drive to keep the Salvation Army shelves stocked for months, officials with the organization said. Although much of...

Wayne Opportunity to celebrate 47 years

Wayne Opportunity Center is celebrating its 47th anniversary with a special dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The organization, a private community-based rehabilitation facility, was established in 1964 as the Wayne County Sheltered Workshop....

Chamber gives $10K to 29 area teachers

The annual "Prize Patrol" from Wayne County Chamber of Commerce has made its rounds to area schools, distributing more than $10,000 in mini-grants to teachers for creative and innovative classroom projects. The funds, generated from the 2011 Dancing Stars...

Eureka woman to be on 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'

Shirley Proctor is no stranger to the stage. So when a friend told her she should to try out to be on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," she had no qualms. Mrs. Proctor, 43, is a local actress...

J.B. Price expected home from burn center

A Goldsboro man injured in a fire while burning trash was expected to be released from the burn center in Chapel Hill this weekend. J.B. Price, who works at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home, has been hospitalized since the Jan. 24...

Candidate filing opens Monday

Redistricting has changed the political landscape for candidates who can begin filing at noon Monday for municipal, county, state and federal offices. Filing will end at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 29. The primary will be held May 8, and...

County to talk finances, priorities

A two-day planning retreat this week is expected to set the stage for a series of work sessions for Wayne County commissioners leading into work on the 2012-13 budget -- a budget that County Manager Lee Smith says will...

Continental Society celebrates 50 years of service

The women of the Goldsboro Chapter Continental Society wore red suits and dresses, to signify their love of children as they commemorated 50 years of service at an anniversary celebration held Saturday afternoon. Chairwoman Comatha Johnson said the colors...

Friday, February 10, 2012

Man, 78, charged with child sex abuse

A 78-year-old Goldsboro man has been charged with three sexual offenses toward an underage girl. Frank Gardner is accused of having inappropriate conduct with the child on three occasions, which began in October 2010, Goldsboro police say. Gardner has...

Mayo to seek election to board of commissioners

Ray Mayo, who was appointed in December to the District 1 seat on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, has announced he will seek election to the office. Filing for office begins at noon Monday and ends at noon on...

Councilman Williams will run for fifth term

During a Goldsboro City Council meeting that saw three incumbent council members announce they would not seek re-election this election year, many listened to District 4 Councilman Rev. Charles Williams' comments with bated breath. Williams let it be known...

Public record

City fire reports During the week of Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, the Goldsboro Fire Department responded to 35 calls. Of all the calls made, 14 were assists to Wayne County Emergency Medical Services, seven were false alarms and five...

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Public comment rules, voter ID discussed

The public comment section of Wayne County commissioners' Tuesday morning meeting at times more closely resembled a Republican rally than a public forum. Of the six speakers, two, Kenny Talton of Mount Olive and Bill Pate of Goldsboro, are GOP...

Stuart to run for mayor of Goldsboro

D.A. Stuart, a familiar face in city politics, has announced that he will again run for mayor in the upcoming election. Stuart, 56, announced Tuesday that he will run for the non-partisan position. He ran unsuccessfully in 2007, and...

New area code will change 919 dialing

Making local calls will require a touch more dexterity beginning March 31. The N.C. Utilities Commission announced in January that the implementation of a new 984 area code would result in the requirement of 10-digit dialing within the 919...

New mountain bike trail seen as economic boost

Following Steve Desrochers as he walks around the newly carved mountain bike trail through Stoney Creek Park north of Ash Street, it's easy to understand why he's known as Steve 21. Studying Desrochers' long, brisk strides, there's no doubt...

Kinston man sentenced on federal drug charges; Goldsboro Police Department assists

RALEIGH -- McKinley Fogg, 30, of Kinston was sentenced Tuesday in United States District Court to 11 years in prison on drug charges after an investigation in which Goldsboro police assisted. The sentence will be followed by five years...

Public record

Thousands of baby chicks killed Donnie Wiggs reported that his business, Gum Pond Farms, at 701 Ebeneezer Church Road, was sabotaged between 10 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. Tuesday. He informed authorities that the night switches in a poultry house...

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Opening a whole new world

In his native country of Colombia, Alcives Perez worked in economics. Now he has a job at Butterball. Hugo Cruz, a police officer in El Salvador, currently works for a sanitation company, cleaning equipment. Kpoti Adjovi relocated to the U.S....

Citizens say 'no' to closing of road

Residents of the Zion Church Road community east of Mount Olive were successful Tuesday in convincing Wayne County commissioners not to recommend dead-ending their road. To help persuade commissioners, one resident, William Farmer, has agreed to donate the land necessary...

Wayne County Reads begins year

When Tommy Hays began writing his novel "The Pleasure Was Mine," he didn't set out with the specific goal of creating a story to inspire readers who were dealing with a family member with Alzheimer's. He just wanted to...

Public record

Handgun assault Anthony McNair reported that while he was walking in the 300 block of South John Street about 8:15 p.m. Monday, a man in a black mask pulled up on a blue moped, removed a pistol from his coat...

$104 million bypass contract awarded

A $104.4 million contract has been awarded to Barnhill Contracting Co. of Tarboro to design and construct the eastern leg of the U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass. The contract for the western, and final segment, of the bypass is scheduled to...

Woman injured in crash

A Dudley woman is in critical condition this morning at Pitt Memorial Hospital after she was involved in a traffic accident Tuesday afternoon about a mile north of Mount Olive. Anne Wells, 59, of Pacific Place, was taken to...

Bell makes N.C. House candidacy official

John Bell IV made official Tuesday his intention to seek the state House District 10 seat. While no announcement has been made by the incumbent Republican Rep. Stephen LaRoque of Kinston, Bell said he fully expects him to seek...

Mount Olive College to host Faith and Rural Life conference for second year

Agriculture and religion are the inspirations behind the second annual Faith and Rural Life Down to Earth Ministry at Mount Olive College, which community members and students of all ages are invited to attend. The idea for the event,...

Investigation leads to Fremont drug arrests

FREMONT -- A man was arrested recently following a two-month long investigation into alleged drug activity taking place at his Fremont home. Fremont police conducted a search warrant at the home of Tamarice Hill, 32, at 603 E. Vance...

Wayne County Public Schools gains 10 board-certified teachers

Ten teachers in Wayne County Public Schools have joined the ranks of those with National Board Certification. The newly certified employees bring the district's total number of teachers and counselors to 181. Earning certification is a stringent and time-consuming...

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Waller, Chatman, Warrick won't seek re-election

The Goldsboro City Council will have a distinctly different look come July as three current council members announced Monday night they will not run for re-election. Those three seats, in districts 2, 3 and 6, will be open as...

Streetscape decision delayed, 4-3

Discussion of the Center Street Streetscape project will continue into the Goldsboro City Council's retreat Feb. 14-15 as council members voted 4-3 Monday night to delay a decision on it while authorizing the city's finance director to proceed with...

More heating money available

Needy Wayne County residents could begin applying as early as Wednesday morning for help with their heating bills thanks to an infusion of more than $500,000 for two separate federally funded programs administered locally by the county Department of Social...

Man shot by police

A Goldsboro police officer shot a 20-year-old man Monday afternoon following a brief pursuit. Officer Anthony Ravine fired several shots into the Toyota driven by Johnathan Ray Williams, of 309 N. Jefferson St., after he struck the officer with...

Girl, 6, brings determination to 'Jump Rope for Heart'

Zephyr Cazeault was born with a heart condition. But that was so long ago. She's 6 years old now and isn't about to miss a beat. "My heart feels great," she said. "I can almost jump 11 times. I...

Former ESC chief to run for commissioner

Bill Pate of Goldsboro has announced that he will file as a Republican candidate for the District 5 seat on the Wayne County Commission now held by Democrat Bud Gray. Pate, 55, is retired manager of the Wayne County...

Radford defends work at Goldsboro High School

Wayne County Board of Education Chairman Eddie Radford admits he is protective of Goldsboro High School, since he is not only a graduate of the school but formerly served as an administrator there. He knows how hard staff and...

United Church Ministries makes its annual report, honors donors, volunteers

United Church Ministries held its 28th annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet on Jan. 20 at Salem United Methodist Church. Chairman Pat Stokes welcome the group and the Rev. Sandy Schaller of Salem UMC gave the invocation. The men of the...

Public record

B&Es and larcenies *Juston Dungea reported a break-in at his home in the 500 block of East Beech Street that occurred on Saturday. During the break-in more than $1,500 of property was stolen, including two game systems, two laptops...

Monday, February 6, 2012

Sager announces bid for re-election to House seat

State Rep. Efton Sager, R-Wayne, says he will run for a third term in the state House this year, despite being forced into a primary with fellow Republican Rep. Jimmy Dixon of Duplin County after the General Assembly redrew...

City sees restaurant boom

Those going out to eat in Goldsboro will soon have more options as a restaurant boom on Berkeley Boulevard between Ash Street and Royall Avenue is expected to result in four new eateries along that corridor. Goldsboro's Planning Commission...

A Valentine's Day without balloons?

Beth Worley fills a balloon with helium at Paper Place on Cashwell Drive, just as she’s done countless times before as manager of the party supply store. Around her float nearly one hundred other pink balloons that have been...

Public record

Cash missing from register Employees at the Waffle House on Berkeley Boulevard told police Wednesday that someone stole cash from the store's register. Nearly $50 was taken. Wayne Uplift robbed Employees at Wayne Uplift told police that $2,500 in computer...

Hearing set for N.C. 55 crossing

A public hearing will be held Tuesday morning on a proposal that would eliminate the Zion Church Road intersection with N.C. 55 and N.C. 403 about 5 miles east of Mount Olive. The state Department of Transportation has asked Wayne...

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Library supporters rally in Fremont

FREMONT -- With their town's library saved at the last minute from the county's chopping block last year, supporters rallied Friday to urge their new county commissioner to fight to keep the facility's doors open during the upcoming budget...

Video gamers gather for summit at college

John Martinez didn't seem to mind the onlookers. He saw no need to save face. Dancing with your mom can be cool. Especially when it's competitive -- and you're winning. "Woo, that wore me out," the boy's mother, Pattina said,...

Air Force releases fiscal year cuts plan -- Seymour appears safe

Top Air Force officials have unveiled a plan that will save the branch nearly $9 billion in fiscal year 2013. And while more than 60 installations in 33 states will be affected, either through the retirement or realignment of planes,...

New health clinic opens with new doctors

Wayne Health Medical Clinic opened late last month with three new physicians and more expected, thanks to the recruiting efforts of Wayne Memorial Hospital. The new hires are in the area of internal medicine and endocrinology, and all are...

Wayne County Reads starts Tuesday

With its focus this year on Alzheimer's and dementia, Wayne County Reads will kick off its 2012 program Tuesday with a talk by its featured author, Tom Hays. "The Pleasure Was Mine," a finalist for the 2006 Southern Independent...

GATEWAY considering new home

A feasibility study is under way to determine whether it would be more cost effective for the GATEWAY administrative offices to remain at its current location at 600 N. Madison Ave., or to move into the new transfer station...

County unemployment rate rises in December

Wayne County's unemployment rate increased in December, along with 92 other North Carolina counties, according to the latest data released by the Department of Commerce's Division of Economic Security. Wayne County's rate in December was 8.7 percent, up from...

City Council set to vote on Streetscape Monday

Even as the Goldsboro City Council's second vote on bids for the Center Street Streetscape project nears, its supporters and opponents are moving even farther apart as the discussion becomes a debate that pits investment against debt. That disagreement...

Mount Olive, NCDOT to hear from public on intersection

MOUNT OLIVE -- A public hearing for the proposed safety changes to the intersection of U.S. 117 South and Main Street in Mount Olive is planned for Monday's Mount Olive town board meeting. Officials from the North Carolina Department...

Golden LEAF to hold community forum

The public is invited to attend a community forum hosted by the Golden LEAF Foundation on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in room 101 of the Walnut Building at Wayne Community College. The purpose of the forum is...

Hospital to hold LiveWell Women event

Wayne Memorial Hospital is holding what organizers are calling its biggest LiveWell Women event yet on Tuesday. Themed "Eat Smart, Laugh Often, Take Heart," the program will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in the hospital dining room. Among...

City Council to meet Monday

Two presentations will highlight the Goldsboro City Council's 5 p.m. work session ahead of its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday. Wayne County Chamber of Commerce President Marian Mason will address the council, sharing the Chamber's annual report, while...

AARP offering free tax counseling, preparation

Free tax counseling and simple income tax preparation for senior citizens and taxpayers with low incomes is now available from AARP Tax-Aide counselors at the Wayne County Public Library on Mondays and Tuesdays. Help will be available from 9...

AP Exhaust acquires Ga. company

AP Exhaust Technologies has acquired the assets of Georgia-based ANSA Automotive Parts Distributors Inc. and folded them into its Goldsboro operation. The Georgia plant has been closed. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. All work will move to...

Friday, February 3, 2012

Bell may battle LaRoque in GOP primary

John Bell IV, Wayne County GOP first vice chairman, said today that he will make an official announcement on Tuesday, but that he is preparing to challenge fellow Republican state Rep. Stephen LaRoque for the House District 10 seat....

Now he faces life in prison

Marvin Williams, who was convicted of murdering security guard Theron Price during a robbery in 1989, has been removed from death row. Superior Court Judge Arnold Jones II announced his decision Thursday in Wayne Superior Court just two days...

A passion for finding a cure

Some hung their heads when a 13-year-old had to lean on his grandfather to make it across the stage. Others wiped tears from their eyes when he began reading a story called "The Miracle" -- a narrative he wrote for...

Health walk on Saturday

Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will have a "Pink Goes Red Affair" event Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at H.V. Brown Hall cafeteria in Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni and Friends building. It will start with...

Scout food drive starts Saturday

Wayne County residents are reminded that Boy Scouts and Cub Scout across the Tuscarora Council will be out Saturday morning, hanging plastic bags on doorknobs in hope of collecting non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army. Following the holidays, many...

One arrested, one on the run in shooting

Goldsboro police have one man in custody and are searching for another in connection with the attempted murder of a 19-year-old Goldsboro woman. Kenya Tyree Floyd, 22, was arrested about 10:15 p.m. Tuesday at his home at 505 Cardinal Drive....

Search for kidnapped man continues

A 48-year-old Goldsboro man remains missing after he was kidnapped Sunday night. Geniro Jamis and his son, Israil Aguirre, 24, were forced out of their vehicle by masked gunmen while they were near their home on D & W...

Public record

Boy found with handgun A 13-year-old boy was taken into custody by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for allegedly carrying a concealed chrome .45 ACP handgun. Deputies received a call about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday that a boy was in the...

Christine Denton competing in N.C. Distinguished Young Woman

LaGRANGE -- Christine "Cissi" Denton, who was named Distinguished Young Woman of Wayne County in October, is in Greensboro preparing for the Distinguished Young Women of North Carolina Scholarship Program. Miss Denton is there with 18 other high school...

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Driver gets six years for three crash deaths

Mark Aaron Pope, 18, will spend 6 to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to three counts of death by motor vehicle in Wayne County Superior Court. Pope, of Fremont, lost control of the car he was driving...

Jinnette announces he will run for mayor

City resident Henry Jinnette has announced that he intends to file as a candidate for mayor of Goldsboro when the filing period begins Feb. 13. The filing period continues until Feb. 29. Jinnette, 71, said an incident a few...

Blockbuster store to close doors on April 15

After decades of renting movies in Goldsboro, Blockbuster's Spence Avenue branch has reached the point of no return. The store announced Tuesday that it will be closing and liquidating its inventory over the next two months. The store's closing...

Public record

Thefts *Toby Dillard reported the theft of $1,500 of property from his home in the 100 block of Dear Track Place in Pikeville on Tuesday. The stolen items included two 32-inch TVs, a laptop and a PlayStation 3 console. Entry...

Energy funds already gone

In a little over an hour, the Wayne County Department of Social Services on Wednesday approved 15 applications and committed $3,600 of the $20,000 remaining in the county's $720,000 allocation for the revamped Low Income Energy Assistance Program -- the...

Girl Scout cookie booths to open

Beginning Friday, Feb. 3, Girl Scouts throughout central and eastern North Carolina will offer all eight varieties of this year's cookies at booths each weekend through March 11. To find a cookie booth near you, visit www.nccoastalpines.org and click on...

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Scout food drive Saturday to help Salvation Army

Hundreds of Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will crisscross Wayne County over the next two Saturdays, collecting non-perishable food items in an effort to fill depleted shelves at local kitchens that serve the needy. The drive is being co-sponsored...

Mental Health Association won't dissolve

The Mental Health Association in Wayne County will not be dissolved. At least for now. After months of debating the fate of the organization -- as well as a Dec. 21 letter to supporters hinting at possible closure --...

Scholarship recipients say thank you at Wayne Community College event

The strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" filled Moffatt Auditorium at Wayne Community College Tuesday evening, but for a different kind of commencement. Students crossing the stage were acknowledging their being able to continue their education thanks to scholarships made...

4-H holds annual awards banquet

Wayne County's 4-H'ers and adult leaders were recognized at an awards banquet last week for doing everything from giving of their time for local service projects, to completing project record books, to participating in a nationwide cleanup. The top...

County says radio rules need to be followed

Inferior lapel microphones and handheld radios smothered by bulky firefighter turnout gear has contributed to the poor performance attributed by many Wayne County emergency personnel to the county's new $10 million emergency communications system and its new radios, county officials...

Beekeeper classes set

KINSTON -- The Neuse Regional Beekeepers will hold its beginner beekeeper school on three consecutive Saturdays: Feb. 11, 18 and 25, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Service offices in Kinston. Tuition is $35,...

New Black History Month exhibit

Terry Williams, left, and Chris Lawson move a settee Tuesday at the Wayne County Museum. The furniture is a part of the museum's new exhibit on Thomas Day pieces. Day was a free black American furniture designer and cabinetmaker...

Public record

Teenage girl missing Goldsboro police are asking the public's help finding a teenage girl who has been missing for nearly three months. Natalie Nicole Hampton, 17, was last seen by her mother on Oct. 31, 2011. Police say the girl...