October 2012 archives

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Morning chase ends in arrest

A Goldsboro teenager was arrested early Wednesday morning after he allegedly broke into a Pikeville home, raped a woman who resides there and fled from authorities. Marvin Devon Breeden, 19, of 315 E. Walnut St., was charged with first-degree burglary,...

Southern Wayne High School program allows students to explore

DUDLEY -- Sometimes the first step to getting good grades in high school is to take some of the pressure off and offer classes students enjoy. "We realized that the more kids get involved in school, the more successful...

Assault rifle found in child's closet

MOUNT OLIVE -- A stolen and loaded assault rifle was found inside a child's bedroom closet by Mount Olive police who have charged Lashawn McCullen, 27, 108 E. Kornegay St., in connection with the theft of the weapon. He...

LaGrange Arts Center to hold exhibit

LAGRANGE -- The LaGrange Arts Center will have an exhibit opening and reception on Sunday at the center from 2-4 p.m. featuring local photographer Robert Washington and student artwork from Banks Elementary School, Frink Middle School and LaGrange Elementary...

Mount Olive College to hold program on N.C. in WWII

Mount Olive College Moye Library is hosting a program by Kevin P. Duffus called "War Zone: World War II off North Carolina's Outer Banks" on Monday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in videoconference rooms 114 and 115 of the...

County will hear soon on Golden LEAF funds

Wayne County should know in just over a month how $2 million in funding through the Golden LEAF Foundation's Community Assistance Initiative will be split among six local projects. The decision will signal the end of a nearly year-long process...

A Sterling Halloween

Rosewood Middle School students Rebecca Drew, Mary Barnes, Savannah Bajuette and Hunter Newell pet Cricket the poodle while he is held by Lois Wood, 89, at the Sterling House in Goldsboro. The students were at the Sterling House as...

Red Cross blood drives

Following is the November blood drive schedule for the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross: Nov. 1 -- Southern Wayne High School from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 4 -- Oakland Community Church from noon to 4...

Ghosts, goblins set for holiday trek for treats

Trick-or-treaters will hit the streets this evening as Halloween comes to Wayne County. The official time for costumed youngsters to knock on doors -- and hopefully fill their bags with candy and other goodies -- is from 6 until 8...

Tedesco hopes different experiences will carry him to schools superintendent

John Tedesco says that even without his experience on the Wake County Board of Education, his own childhood is reason enough for him to be stumping for the role of state superintendent. Long before he became a member of...

Christmas in the Forest starts Friday

St. Francis Episcopal Church will hold its 34th annual Christmas in the Forest on Friday and Saturday. The holiday bazaar will feature handcrafted gifts by various artisans, homemade baked goods and demonstrations on bow making, wood carving, beading and...

Goldsboro Disc Golf Club to hold its first event at Stoney Creek Park

Organizers are in the midst of registration for the first event hosted by the Goldsboro Disc Golf Club, scheduled for Nov. 11. Online registration ends Friday at 1 p.m. for the Greater Goldsboro Turkey Shoot, a two-round disc golf...

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Senior Center opens its doors to residents

Mary Hardy, 65, was ready to dance Monday to express her joy over Wayne County's new Senior Center on Ash Street. "It is a beautiful place, and we are so happy to get in here," Ms. Hardy said. "I mean...

Station OK'd for Spence

The Goldsboro Planning Commission Monday night recommended the approval of a site plan for a Sheetz location on Spence Avenue across from Walmart. The business will demolish two buildings -- formerly Uncle Yammy's Rib Shack and Captain D's --...

Police watching for those driving under the influence

The Governor's Highway Safety Campaign will be cracking down on drivers overindulging in the Halloween spirits this week. The saturation patrols and random checkpoints began operating Thursday, and will continue through Halloween, Wednesday. More than 10,000 alcohol-related accidents occurred...

Monday, October 29, 2012

Shooter wasn't searched

A man suspected of shooting to death a patron at a nightclub was not checked for weapons before entering, according to documents obtained from the Goldsboro Police Department and the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Jarius Mikeal Saunders Jr.,...

Storm impacts coast, but county gets winds

There have been no reports of damages or injuries caused by Hurricane Sandy's slight brush with Wayne County. It appears that even grocery stores escaped the usual onslaught the storms normally generate. "A little bit of rain, a little bit...

Fremont planning ongoing

FREMONT -- The town of Fremont is continuing to move forward in its effort to improve the area's economy through a program created by the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. Residents have been working with representatives from the...

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Four Wayne Memorial nurses picked for award

Wayne Memorial Hospital has four registered nurses on this year's list of the state's Great 100 Nurses. Patricia Austin, Becky Byrd, Kim Muntz and Yvonne Williams, all past recipients of the Nurse Excellence Award at the hospital, were recently...

Schools try new planning process

Teacher lesson plans are nothing new. But this year, the process got a lot more complicated. In June 2010, North Carolina adopted the Common Core Standards for math and English language arts in all grades. The initiative is an effort...

Battle of the chilis

Micah Thompson Ryals lined up two tiny cups of chili on a table set up in the Family YMCA gym Saturday morning, poised to dip a little white spoon in to taste them. The occasion was the sixth annual...

Wayne prepared for storm

Wayne County officials are cautious, but not concerned, after hearing that projections for Hurricane Sandy put the storm well to the east of the area. But they stayed in touch Saturday night anyway, just in case. Even though no special...

Daughtery says budget is a priority for the county

The News-Argus posed three questions to candidates for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Here are the responses from Republican Joe Daughtery who is running in District 6. Incumbent Commissioner Jack Best of Goldsboro, a Democrat, did not participate. Q:...

County prepares for trick-or-treaters

Halloween trick-or-treating in Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Wayne County will be held Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Officials ask residents who wish to participate to leave a porch light on to let...

Early vote count soaring

As the final week of one-stop voting begins, 18,589 ballots already have been cast in Wayne County ahead of the Nov. 6 general election. One-stop voting continues through next Saturday. Today also signals the opening of satellite one-stop voting locations...

Public to see museum concept boards

In a little more than three weeks, the consultant team hired by the city to put together a plan for an Air Force museum will present its findings to the Goldsboro City Council, meaning things are quickly coming together...

Three hurt in double accident

Three people were injured in two accidents Friday night that involved four vehicles. Two state Highway Patrol troopers from the Highway Patrol investigated the accidents, which happened shortly before 11 p.m. on N.C. 55 near its intersection with Pineview Cemetery...

Friday, October 26, 2012

Senior Center to open doors Monday

The Wayne County Senior Center will close its doors downtown for the final time today before reopening Monday in its new and much larger quarters at 2001 E. Ash St. And while the center's regular programs will continue uninterrupted, the...

Two arrests made from meth raid

MOUNT OLIVE -- Authorities have charged Joseph Irvin Powell Sr., 68, and Dean Tyler Powell, 28, both of 1165 W. Main St., in a second round of arrests made by the Goldsboro and Wayne County Interagency Narcotics Task Force this...

Forecast cancels Cliffs Trunk-or-Treat, moves jazz and chili events

Two Wayne County events have been moved inside this weekend and a third has been canceled due to concerns about inclement weather. The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Trunk-or-Treat program has been canceled for Saturday night due to forecasts...

Man, 72, killed in accident

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Duplin County man died in an accident on Summerlin's Crossroads Road in north central Duplin County shortly before 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Officials with the state Highway Patrol's office in Kenansville said James Arthur Barwick, 72, of...

Cooper Standard named top industry

Cooper Standard Thursday night was recognized as Wayne County Industry of the Year, not only because of its business operation, local economic development officials said, but because it is a "total community supporter," as well. "They are not just one...

It's chili time

The heat will be on at the Family YMCA in Goldsboro on Saturday when judges will separate the champions from the chumps at the Really Chili Challenge. The event is moving from downtown because of the chance of inclement weather,...

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Wayne Community College gets ready for spring classes

Fall semester enrollment at Wayne Community College held steady, and now officials are preparing for the spring session, announcing several opportunities to register over the next three months. College officials announced this week that the curriculum student headcount, after Fall...

Council looks at next step for block

Goldsboro City Council members voiced their opinions at their meeting Oct. 15 on the future of the Center Street Streetscape project as the first phase of the city's signature downtown revitalization effort nears its Nov. 5 completion date. Finance...

Sharing a picnic with Teddy

Jaila Pryor, 2, holds her teddy bear while sitting with her mother, Thomasina Lee, as they listen to children's stories during a Teddy Bear Picnic held at Cornerstone Commons in downtown Goldsboro early Wednesday afternoon. Put on by the...

Murder victim's body found in street

The body of a Dudley man was found in the middle of a county road late last night. Wayne County Sheriff's deputies found Justin Travis Lancaster, 25, of 117 Moore Allen St., Dudley, lying in the center of Linen Lane...

4th is among best, again

When a hurricane was approaching Wayne County, they "masterfully" executed the evacuation of 72 F-15E Strike Eagles in less than 24 hours. When combatant commanders in war theaters across the world called for their precision, they provided a blanket of...

Driver not charged with DWI

A story that ran in Sunday's edition, based in part on an incomplete report obtained from the Goldsboro Police Department, listed an incorrect charge. Joshua Craig Sutton, 32, 2730 Meridian Drive, was cited for failure to maintain lane control, not...

Home and Garden Expo Saturday

The 2012 Home & Garden Expo, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Wayne County in partnership with the Goldsboro Wayne Association of Realtors, will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 until...

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Suspected bank robber apprehended

A suspect wanted for bank robberies, including an attempted robbery of the Heritage Bank in Fremont, has been captured in Asheville after a standoff with police. The Asheville Police Department received information Tuesday that a man wanted for bank robberies...

Cotton pickin' good crop

Shayne Paul watches as a hopper full of freshly picked cotton is dumped in a packer in a field farmed by Michael Lancaster near Airport Road in northeast Wayne County on Tuesday. Agriculture officials say Wayne has about 11,000...

Sidewalk policy under scrutiny

Sidewalk construction again emerged as a contentious topic at the Goldsboro City Council meeting earlier this month as council members continue to wrestle with a site plan modification request from an area church that carries a sidewalk construction requirement....

Crime Stoppers fundraiser Nov. 1

In the 30 years since its inception, Wayne County Crime Stoppers has led to more than $10 million in recovered property and narcotics seized, and helped solve more than 8,000 cases. "The basic concept of the program has worked well...

Murder suspects still being sought

Goldsboro police are still actively searching for two murder suspects, wanted in separate cases, and are asking for the public to assist. Angelo Mandril Burden, 38, is wanted for the murders of Gary Devon Buckom and Donald Lee Mewborn....

Art, jazz to be featured this week in downtown events

Downtown Goldsboro this week becomes a haven for jazz fans as the Arts Council of Wayne County and Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. are bringing artists in to celebrate the city's music traditions through Jazz on George and the Arts...

Domestic violence vigil to be held Thursday night

The Wayne Uplift Domestic Violence Program will host its second annual candlelight vigil, "Lights for Change," Thursday to remember victims and honor survivors of domestic violence. The vigil will be held at Herman Park at the gazebo from 5:30...

Home and Garden Expo to be held Saturday at fairgrounds

The Home Builders Association of Wayne County will hold the 2012 Home & Garden Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fairgrounds. The expo highlights the...

Embracing life, showing heaven, giving hope

There have been stories about youths dealing with drugs, alcohol and bullying. There have been stories about families dealing with tragedy and conflict. And there has even been stories about the rapture. But they all have one thing in...

4th is 'first'

A Wednesday morning announcement affirmed that active duty airmen stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base are living up to their unit's motto -- that the 4th Fighter Wing is, indeed, "first." Air Combat Command Commander Gen. Gilmary M. Hostage...

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Non-English speaking students increasing

The number of non-English-speaking students in Wayne County Public Schools continues to grow by leaps and bounds, along with the number of languages represented in the district. Hope Meyerhoeffer, director of English and language arts, second language, English as a...

Anderson, Lancaster honored for I-795 work

Two men credited with being the driving force behind a four-laned U.S. 117 between Goldsboro and Wilson and securing its designation as Interstate-795 Monday morning sought to move the spotlight on to the many others whom they said played major...

Veterans Parade to be Nov. 10

There will be Boy Scout troops and marching bands. The keynote speaker, a 4th Fighter Wing officer, will ensure that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is represented. But as Nov. 10 approaches, members of the Wayne County Veterans and...

Three running for at-large seat on school board

Incumbent Eddie Radford, the current chairman of the Wayne County Board of Education, is facing challenges from another board member and a write-in candidate in his bid for re-election to the at-large seat on the board. District 2 member...

Bus driver helps save student

A substitute bus driver is being hailed as a hero after alerting a student to an oncoming car after exiting a school bus Monday afternoon. The incident occurred at 3:46 p.m. on Big Daddy's Road near Lancaster Road, according to...

Monday, October 22, 2012

County sticks to Election Day schedule

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will continue its tradition of canceling their Election Day meeting even though the two Republican members, both of whom are unopposed in the election, questioned the need and reasoning for doing so. The cancellation...

City takes action against violence

The Goldsboro Police Department, newly realigned and bolstered by an additional $100,000 for its new community policing program, is taking steps to combat the increasing rate of violent crime in the city. The department has adopted some of the anti-crime...

Gray seeking re-election

The News-Argus posed three questions to candidates for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Following are the responses of Democrat Bud Gray of the LaGrange community who is seeking re-election to the District 5 seat. 1. The budget is perhaps...

80? 81? No matter, Sarah Kornegay still going strong

MOUNT OLIVE -- The years are counted in green -- or harvest -- seasons at the Mt. Olive Pickle Co., and Saturday morning Sarah Kornegay was at work and counting down the end of yet another one, just has she...

One-stop voting continues

One-stop voting for the Nov. 6 general election continues this week. The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wayne County Public...

Pate looks to unseat Gray

The News-Argus posed three questions to candidates for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Following are the responses of Republican Bill Pate of the Saulston community who is running for the District 5 seat. 1. The budget is perhaps the...

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Candidates in Wayne County's two competitive legislative races tackle the issues

The News-Argus spoke to the five candidates running in the two competitive N.C. House of Representatives races about five areas of importance. The candidates for House District 4 are incumbent Republican Jimmy Dixon of Duplin County, Democrat Rebecca Judge...

A few swipes away from her first word

Raelin Rogers slides a finger across the screen before the relentless tapping begins. The little girl is still getting used to her newest learning tool. She's only 3 years old. But when she opens an application that pits her against...

Cooks heating up for Really Chili cook-off

For about a quarter century, the Wednesday Night Crew has come together most weeks to cook out, shoot pool and play cards. Saturday morning, however, the group will come together for a new purpose: to compete for a chili...

Fighting Alzheimer's one step, one wag at a time

Cruella De Vil ushered her Dalmatians onto the field as the music began, past a sitting Sylvia Brady. Mrs. Brady watched from behind dark sunglasses alongside her husband of 52 years, Sam, as the Woodard Care team members, dressed...

AMC's 'Walking Dead' teaming with Red Cross to urge blood donations

AMC and the American Red Cross have joined forces for "The American Red Cross Zombie Blood Drive" -- a campaign designed to put the spotlight on the constant need for blood. "We're honored to team up with AMC's 'The...

Commission candidates: Wayne Aycock, Republican, at-large

The News-Argus posed three questions to candidates for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Following are the responses of Republican Wayne Aycock of Pikeville who is seeking the at-large seat. 1. The budget is perhaps the biggest duty a...

Commission candidates: Sandra McCullen, Democrat, at-large

The News-Argus posed three questions to candidates for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Following are the responses of Democrat .Sandra McCullen of Dudley, is seeking re-election to the at-large seat. 1. The budget is perhaps the biggest duty...

Gurley remembered as a weightlifter

A bodybuilder who lifted weights and the spirits for generations of athletes has died Oct. 6. R.L. Gurley, a Wayne County native and one of the nation's weightlifting pioneers, was the founder of Gurley's Gym and instrumental in bringing...

Board of Elections warns people to be wary of scams

Voters should be aware that they cannot vote by phone or use absentee ballots that they did not receive themselves from the Board of Elections, officials are warning the public. Board of Elections Director Rosemary Blizzard told Wayne County...

Candidates take questions at Bear Creek

A candidate forum held jointly by the Bear Creek Association and the Goldsboro-Wayne chapter of the NAACP attracted more than 20 candidates for election to the Bear Creek headquarters on South Slocumb Street Friday evening. There Bob Hall, executive...

Operation Medicine Drop successful

Operation Medicine Drop netted more than 550 prescription and over-the-counter medications Oct. 13. A shopping bag full of samples was also collected during the event. It was part of Kids Fest and was held to collect unwanted and outdated...

Disabilities luncheon honors those who overcome, help others overcome

Disabilities exist in many forms, but all with one thing in common -- hurdles to overcome. Tyrone Starkie has had more than his share. Born with a form of muscular dystrophy, he has spent the bulk of three decades...

Commission candidates: Kenny Talton, Republican, District 2

The News-Argus posed three questions to candidates for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Following are the responses of Republican Kenny Talton of Mount Olive who is seeking election to the District 2 seat. 1. The budget is perhaps...

Commission candidates: J.D. Evans, Democrat, District 2

The News-Argus posed three questions to candidates for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Following are the responses of Democrat J.D. Evans of Dudley who is seeking re-election to the District 2 board seat. 1. The budget is perhaps...

Fremont board looks at zoning

FREMONT -- The Fremont Town Board Tuesday night came within a single vote of altering the accepted uses of land zoned as R6 residential to include food stands, but Mayor Darron Flowers' tiebreaking vote sent the matter back to...

Duplin Hall of Fame banquet tickets available

The Duplin County Fall of Fame Board wants to remind the public of the 17th annual banquet that will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Country Squire Restaurant in Kenansville at 6:30 p.m. Each year, the Duplin...

Dillard alumni honor Stitt

Dillard-Goldsboro Alumni & Friends Inc. recently renamed and dedicated a building on its headquarters campus in honor of one of the organization's founding members. The former North Building was renamed Neal A. Stitt Building during ceremonies Oct. 14. A...

Chickens allowed within city limits

Goldsboro residents can now keep chickens after the City Council approved an amendment to the city's animal ordinance Monday. Council members approved a measure by a 6-1 margin to legalize the keeping of domestic fowl within the city limits,...

Car almost hits former New China

A driver who piloted his Mazda 3 off the road and more than 270 feet before coming to a stop in front of the former site of New China on Berkeley Boulevard walked away from the accident before being...

Friday, October 19, 2012

Queen of the day

PRINCETON -- A name is called out over the loudspeakers that projects across the Princeton High School football field and the crowd rises. Valerie King has just been named homecoming queen. But the girl is numb as she faces a...

Early voters hit the polls

Nearly 2,400 ballots were cast Thursday during the first day of one-stop voting, which continues through Saturday, Nov. 3, and includes Sunday, Oct. 28. The Wayne County Public Library on East Ash Street reported 1,066 ballots cast, Woodmen of the...

Lawyers beat docs at club's fundraiser

The Cardinals and the Tigers have nothing on the "Sharks" and the "Quacks." Not familiar with the latter two teams? Perhaps because it's been a few years since they dusted off their jerseys and picked up a bat. But...

Benefit walk set for this Saturday

When Candie Marriner volunteered to co-chair this year's Alzheimer's Walk, she had no idea how close to home the cause would be. About a year ago, her father was diagnosed with the disease. There had been signs long before, she...

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Second plantation tour set

It's been the site of battles and the home to heroes. A nuclear bomb lies in a swamp in its northern swamps and generations have cultivated its farmland, but many who call Wayne County home don't realize the history...

County changes overtime for workers

Wayne County Commissioners Ray Mayo and Steve Keen Tuesday morning grilled County Manager Lee Smith as to why commissioners had been left out of a decision to change how overtime is calculated for emergency medical services employees. But while the...

State hopefuls present positions at forum

Protecting the military's presence in eastern North Carolina, creating jobs and being willing to cross partisan lines to achieve goals were the chief topics raised at a legislative candidates' forum Wednesday at Wayne Community College. The forum, held by...

Four men arrested in car theft, kidnap

Goldsboro police have arrested the last of four men charged with kidnapping an airman from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and stealing his car. Curtis Antonio, 19, of 1380 Old Grantham Road, turned himself into police Wednesday. He was placed...

Veterans put together soldier care packages

DUDLEY -- Somewhere near Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, a 24-year-old soldier and his comrades are engaging enemy forces. But Pfc. Justin Garrison's reach extends far beyond the war torn country he is currently serving in. Thousands of miles away,...

Volunteers needed to help at library garden on Saturday

Volunteers are sought to help prepare the Wayne County Public Library garden for autumn. A community garden workday is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday. Volunteers will help with cleaning and weeding. Volunteers are asked to meet at the garden...

Dictionary delivery

Goldsboro Rotary Club member Tommy Jarrett hands out dictionaries to Eastern Wayne Elementary students Aniyah Thompson, 8, left, and Tramel Griffin, 9, on Wednesday. The Rotary's annual Dictionary Project sees members of the club deliver hundreds of dictionaries to...

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Man charged in meth lab raid in Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Goldsboro and Wayne County Interagency Drug Squad struck again Tuesday, this time in Mount Olive, making an arrest at a suspected meth lab. The narcotics unit, acting on information developed throughout the course of an...

Man hit while crossing U.S. 70

A Virginia man was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville Tuesday night, after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. 70 East near Wood Peck Road just west of the Elroy Fire Station. William Ray Stolins, 47, was in...

Ribbon cut for county's new facility for seniors

For Peggy M. Seegars, it is the people that the county's new Senior Center will benefit and what it stands for -- not her name being on the building -- that is the true measure of the facility's value and...

Board will not penalize lawyer

A complaint filed by the N.C. State Bar against a local attorney was dismissed Oct. 12 after a panel ruled unanimously that allegations of wrongdoing in the case of Gregory Riley could not be proven. Riley, formerly of Orander...

Grocery store breaks ground

Workers have broken ground at the site of the county's first Harris Teeter grocery store on Wayne Memorial Drive. Construction began at Memorial Commons next to Office Depot Oct. 8 as earthmovers descended on the former site of Nichols...

Park to host zombie apocalypse

Waynesborough Park will be ground zero for a zombie outbreak this weekend as dozens of undead volunteers will be chasing visitors down the historic village's trails during the park's Zombie Apocalypse and Haunted Village events. The historic village will...

Store caught in annexation fight

It's been a tumultuous three months for the Kangaroo Express location at the corner of Buck Swamp Road and Huntington Drive in what was formerly the northwestern portion of the city. A state law left the convenience store on...

Frights await at downtown haunted house

Whatever scares you, be it crazed chainsaw murderers, enclosed spaces or clowns, you're likely to find it in Goldsboro's downtown haunted house where two local brothers are providing a local venue for all of your frightening needs during the...

Candidates visit Grantham for talk

Wayne County should not make any financial commitment to the city of Goldsboro's proposed Air Force museum, the two candidates for the at-large seat on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners said during a Tuesday night candidates forum. And...

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Veterans try to raise funds to bring replica wall to Goldsboro

He lives with it every day -- the hole in his heart that grew larger with each life lost in Vietnam. He sees their faces every night -- friends and comrades cut down in their prime. So if the Wayne...

Student struck by deer

A student on her way to Eastern Wayne High School early this morning today received a broken leg after a deer struck by a passing vehicle hit her as she was walking along New Hope Road. Ashley Katherine Kedzierski, 16,...

Senior center opening today

It will be late this month or early November before the county moves into its new and larger Senior Center at 2001 E. Ash St., but today, it will be dedicated as the Peggy M. Seegars Senior Center. A...

Local mom takes aim at bullying

Saddened by stories about young people who were bullied turning to violence, Terasina Hayes decided to do something about it right here at home. So, she launched her own anti-bullying campaign. "I don't know where the idea came from," she...

Museum exhibits priced in the millions

The Air Force Museum Citizen Committee Monday learned what could be the final price tag attached to the city's proposed museum as a consultant briefed members on exhibit costs -- the final portion of the Verner Johnson's plans for...

Mount Olive to host candidates Thursday

The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special Business Before Breakfast to give members and non-members the opportunity meet this year's candidates for elected office. Scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the new Sleep Inn...

Monday, October 15, 2012

Man, 71, dies in collision with car

DUDLEY -- A Dudley man died Sunday after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing U.S. 117 Alternate South, just north of Outlaw Road, according to Highway Patrol reports. Wilbert Filmore Jones, 71, attempted to walk across the two-lane...

One-stop voting to start

One-stop voting for the Nov. 6 general election begins Thursday and will continue through Saturday, Nov. 3. It also includes Sunday, Oct. 28. The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday, Oct. 27,...

Expert is examining bone find

Human bones unearthed last month by a work crew appear to have been buried for a "long, long time," an official with the state medical examiner's office said Friday. Wayne County Sheriff's Office Major Tom Effler said there was...

Still Superman

DUDLEY -- Isaiah Henderson is teaching the Brogden Middle School community about compassion and generosity. The 13-year-old eighth-grader just wants to be a "regular kid," but he is also keenly aware of the importance of living life to the fullest...

State takes aim at ending copper thefts

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning will be briefed on a new law aimed at making it more difficult for people to sell stolen metals, particularly copper. Copper thefts have become a major problem in the county, with thieves stripping copper...

Wayne Community College recognized as military friendly

Wayne Community College has been named a "Military Friendly School" for the third year. The Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's military...

U.S. Cellular opening new location

A week will separate the openings of two adjoining businesses on Berkeley Boulevard, with U.S. Cellular announcing that it will open its retail store today -- seven days before Olive Garden next door will begin serving customers. The store...

Wayne County's distinguished young women receive scholarships

Molly Glover was named Distinguished Young Woman of Wayne County 2013 on recently as 13 senior girls from Wayne County competed for a share of $8,000 in cash scholarships. Miss Glover received a total of $3,450 in cash scholarship...

Park plans scary ride to mark Halloween

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Zombies, ghouls and maniacal murderers will be on the loose at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Oct. 27 as visitors brave the debut of the Campground Chaos Hayride. In past years, the Cliffs has had a...

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Local author finds his own voice with thought-provoking novel

A 6-year-old extends a completed "script" to his mother -- an episode of "The Partridge Family" composed on the notepad she had, days earlier, provided to him. The memory of that moment is still a source of joy for Mark...

United Way tempts crowd at annual Taste of Wayne

The decision to move the annual Taste of Wayne fundraiser for United Way to a site downtown proved a recipe for success Saturday as more than 1,000 people attended the annual food festival to officially kick off the United...

Convicted robber's sentence delayed

A sentencing hearing for a Wayne County man convicted of a string of business robberies in 2009 and 2010 has been continued until December. Domonic Devarrise Usher, 30, was to be in Raleigh Monday for sentencing by U.S. Chief...

Council eyeing land buy for new museum

The Goldsboro City Council will receive an update on its Air Force Museum project Monday during its 5 p.m. work session before potentially doubling down on its intent to purchase more property near the proposed site of the facility....

Voters to meet hopefuls at forum

Voters who are deciding for whom they will cast their ballot in this year's state elections will have a chance this week to hear what some of those who hope to represent them will do if they are elected to...

News-Argus welcomes circulation director

Chris Bell has been named the circulation manager of The Goldsboro News-Argus. Bell, 45, comes to the newspaper from Kansas, where he was circulation director for the Journal-World in Lawrence. A native of Evansville, Ind., Bell also worked as circulation...

Association sets sights on new roof for building

The Wayne County Historical Association is raising funds to preserve a part of local history. The 1856 Presbyterian Church, or Town Meeting Hall as it's also known, is located at the corner of Ash and James streets and is the...

Operation Christmas Child picks up steam

With the holiday season approaching, Wayne County residents are being reminded of the annual campaign to collect shoeboxes full of gifts for poor children around the world is gearing up. Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by the Samaritans Purse charity led...

Fire Princess crowned

First she captured the character, then she captivated the audience. After portraying a scene from the movie "Forrest Gump," Katie Stallings, 17, of the Pikeville-Pleasant Grove Fire Department won the title of Wayne County's 2012 Miss Fire Princess. The...

At the dog wash

Diamonds in the Ruff volunteer Brendan Kerlin, 15, pets and plays with Cooper, a rescued collie mix, during the Pet Adoption and Dog Wash held at Cuts-4-Muttz in Goldsboro Saturday morning. The rescue organization and the grooming business joined...

Fire Prevention Week observed

The American Red Cross is offering fire prevention tips for families and business in observance of National Fire Prevention Week, which was observed the second week of October. "We respond to about one home fire every nine minutes across...

Candidates speak to local voters at conservative party gathering

The Wayne County Citizens for Constitutional Liberties hosted its N.C. Conservative Council of State Forum Saturday before a crowd of more than 30 people at Goldsboro's Paramount Theater. Candidates seeking the conservative vote were invited to speak and to partake...

Big Sweep collects more than 600 pounds of trash

Big Sweep 2012 was held earlier this month across the nation. Wayne County had 16 sites cleaned. Nine of those sites have turned in results, reporting that 141 volunteers collected 501/2 bags of trash weighing 636 pounds. They cleaned 19...

Teen's wish for ring, health come true

Nearly two years ago, Abigail Keen was a Southern Wayne High School student whose life "changed in a second" when she was diagnosed with a rare liver disease and placed on a transplant list. Now 16, she had the transplant...

Friday, October 12, 2012

City has rules for sidewalk location

There is a place where the sidewalk ends, but since 2005 city officials have been focused on ensuring that place isn't Goldsboro. That year the Goldsboro City Council put in place the city's Universal Development Ordinance, which required that...

For the birds

Elwin Green examines the details of a wood carving of a red-tailed hawk, which took him more than 200 hours to complete, during a session of the Neuse River Wood Carvers Club held at the Senior House next to...

Former UNC President Bill Friday dead at age 92

William "Bill" Friday, who has been called the personification of higher education in the state, died today in his sleep. He served for 30 years as president of the University of North Carolina system. Following his retirement in 1986,...

Club sets date for softball battle

Local doctors and lawyers will find themselves in the same arena next week with the uttering of two words -- Play ball! Rick Sumner, board chairman of the Boys & Girls Club, said the idea for a fundraiser pitting the...

Suspects sought in car theft, assault

A robbery-kidnapping allegedly took place just before 1 a.m. today, in the 1000 block of Poplar Street, according to Goldsboro police. The victim, Marcus Toney, a 21-year-old airman, was eventually released, unharmed. Toney, according to the report, was on Poplar...

Eikenberry named to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Former ambassador and retired Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry was honored recently by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which announced his election as a new member. Eikenberry currently is the Frank E. and Arthur W. Payne Distinguished Lecturer...

Thursday, October 11, 2012

WAGES gets $100,000 N.C. grant

WAGES Head Start/Early Head Start has been awarded a grant to provide training and technical assistance to child care providers in Wayne, Greene, Lenoir, Johnston and Wilson counties. The three-year $100,000 grant is part of the N.C. TQRIS, or...

Industry asks for zoning change

An industrial building closed since January 2008 could be on the verge of reopening, but with a new tenant and approximately 30 employees. The Wayne County Planning Board Tuesday night recommended approval of a request by National Salvage & Service...

Shooting suspects face new charges

Additional charges have been filed against the two men Goldsboro police allege opened fire on a group of people in the 800 block of Slocumb Street Saturday. Arraqib Ahad Hardy, 20, 615 S. Claiborne St., and Miguel Valdez Phillips, 24,...

Community call: Success partners

A local church is spearheading efforts to recruit adults to work with youths at Goldsboro High School. "We really need mentors as soon as we can," said Chretien Dumond, internal assistant to the youth pastor at Bethel Church. He also...

County schools battle for top spots in Calling All Communities campaign

With less than two weeks to go in the Calling All Communities campaign, Spring Creek Elementary School is gunning for first place. The school led the pack out of the gate for the Top 100 schools in the nationwide contest...

$40,000 in jewelry stolen at store

A local jewelry store was robbed of roughly $40,000 worth of gold Wednesday, according to an investigation report obtained at the Goldsboro Police Department this morning. Employees at Jewelry Unlimited, 920 Spence Ave., told investigators that a person wearing...

WCC to offer intro to manufacturing class

The Wayne Business and Industry Center will offer a course to help workers interested in manufacturing jobs. "Introduction to Manufacturing" will introduce students to the basic skills needed in that type of business. Classes will be offered at Wayne...

Goldsboro woman takes Association of County Commissioners post

Goldsboro native Johanna Reese has been named director of government relations for the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. She began her new duties Oct. 8. Ms. Reese has served as deputy commissioner of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles...

No injuries when bus hit

There were no injuries and no citations issued Wednesday afternoon when a construction vehicle struck a school bus in Pikeville, according to a spokesperson with Wayne County Public Schools. Bus 108, which was transporting students from Norwayne Middle School,...

Wayne-Duplin BPW Club taking names for Career Woman of the Year

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Wayne-Duplin Business and Professional Women's Club is accepting nominations for Career Woman of the Year. The winner will be honored by the club at its Nov. 1 meeting. All nominees must be at least 35...

Donations sought for Boy Scouts annual event

The Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America is now accepting donations for its second annual dinner auction to benefit Camp Tuscarora. The dinner auction, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, will help raise...

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Leaders talk about base relationship

They talked about current and future deployments -- just what the men and women stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base have done, and will do, in defense of their nation. They talked about what the installation will look like...

Mobile homes may get reprieve

The Wayne County Planning Board is recommending the county lift its ban prohibiting 15-year-old and older mobile homes in the county. However, a public hearing must be held first, and the final decision rests with county commissioners who asked the...

Fourth generation Ervin seeking seat on court

For many politicians, name recognition is a key ingredient for success. And in North Carolina, if your name is Sam Ervin, a lot of people might think that would be enough to get you noticed. But Sam Ervin IV,...

WCC well represented at state conference

Wayne Community College will be well represented at this year's Community College System Conference, being held in Raleigh this week. The largest event sponsored by the N.C. Community College System office kicks off the celebration of the system's 50th...

Wayne School of Engineering recognized

Wayne School of Engineering is one of 12 STEM schools in the country chosen for a study to determine strategies that have attributed to its success as a school focused on science, technology, engineering and math. A research team...

Shewolf design tries to capture female spirit

Rudyard Kipling's law of the jungle in "The Jungle Book" says that the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack. The same can be said of Shewolves, according to sisters...

Local counties rank high for animal auto wrecks

Three surrounding counties ranked among the top counties in wildlife-related automobile crashes in the state in 2011, as well as for the period of 2009-11. Duplin was second in the state with 646 such crashes in 2011 and had...

JCC seeks entries for Howell Woodstock photography contest

Johnston Community College is seeking entries for a photo contest associated with its upcoming Howell Woodstock event at the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center on Saturday, Nov. 10. A panel of local artists will judge photos entered in three...

Big Sweep

Elizabeth Taylor helps local Girl Scout Troup 95 clean litter at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park during the 2012 North Carolina Big Sweep, which took place Saturday at 13 sites throughout Wayne County. Forty volunteers with the Girl...

Grantham Grange honored with top state award

The Grantham Grange has received the state Grange's top community service award, and has been named a Distinguished Grange by the national organization. The community service award and several individual honors were presented at the state Grange's annual convention...

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Parents can get tips on helping children in school

Parents are invited to a free workshop later this week designed to help them support their child in school, both academically and socially. The 16th annual "Empowering Parents for Student Success" seminar will be Thursday from 9 a.m. until...

Up in the air: Keeping planes flying

PIKEVILLE -- David Perry was the kind of child who had 25 model airplanes hanging from his bedroom ceiling. Fascinated with anything that flew, he operated remote control planes as a youngster, which served to tide him over until he...

Open house to offer a glimpse at aviation

Pilots desiring additional training or credit, as well as the public, are invited to Wayne Executive Jetport Wings Fly-In on Saturday, the annual free aviation safety event. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. in the corporate hangar at the airport on...

County talks payroll, politics

Wayne County commissioners and county staff Monday afternoon agreed that the county's new payroll system isn't working as it should; that the problems need to be corrected sooner rather than later; and that no employee should suffer because of the...

Outdated drugs to be collected

Operation Medicine Drop will be Saturday. The event to collect unwanted and outdated prescription and over-the-counter medicines will be part of Kids Fest at Berkeley Mall. Members of the Wayne County 4-H Prevention Program, the Sheriff's Office and Wayne...

95,000 attended local fair

DUDLEY -- Rain, and the threat of more, hurt attendance during the first weekend of the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. But a strong lineup of entertainers -- and lots of sunshine -- turned those numbers around. "We ended on a...

Monday, October 8, 2012

How Powell Bill money is disbursed

The first disbursement of Powell Bill funds were given to qualified municipalities in 1951, when 386 municipalities were given a combined $4.5 million. This year's total disbursement will be $142.8 million, divided among more than 500 municipalities based on a...

Local towns get funding for roadwork

Wayne County's seven municipalities will have received more than $1.25 million in state street aid funds by the time the second disbursement of Powell Bill and N.C. Highway Trust Fund money is handed out in January. The first disbursement,...

Southern Wayne High School Boosters crown pig champ

DUDLEY -- For Kim Brock of Calypso, the trophy her family received for Best in Show at this past weekend's Pigskin Cook-Off wasn't about winning the $200 prize. It was about remembering her sister by giving back to her...

School construction projects are likely ahead of schedule

Construction and demolition projects at Eastern Wayne and Norwayne middle schools are right on schedule, as officials anticipate moving students and teachers in within a few months -- possibly as soon as Christmas break. "We're supposed to be finished about...

County to eye mobile home change

The Wayne County Planning Board has been instructed to review and to make recommendations on a county ordinance that prohibits mobile homes 15 years and older from being set up in the county. However, county commissioners, not the Planning Board,...

Club's permit suspended

For the second time in a year, Teasers nightclub on U.S. 117 has had its alcoholic beverage permits suspended by the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. The announcement from Raleigh, effective immediately, came Saturday, less than a week after...

Writer hopes to win contract to publish her romance novel

A Goldsboro native is vying for a book publishing contract, the prize in an online writing competition sponsored by Harlequin and Mills & Boon. "So You Think You Can Write" is part of a global search to find new...

Arrests made in Saturday afternoon shooting

Goldsboro Police cannot yet say why the two suspects they now have in custody opened fire on at least three people in the 800 block of Slocumb Street, after 1 p.m. Saturday. Arraqib Ahad Hardy, 20, 615 S. Clairborne...

16-year-old girl missing for a month

Breanna Steffenhagen will have been missing for a month come Thursday. Penny Steffenhagen reported her daughter missing to Goldsboro Police on Sept. 11, after the 16-year-old failed to return home. Breanna left her residence at 809 S. Best St....

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Citizens question center location

Goldsboro's answer to its W.A. Foster Recreation Center problem is a nonstarter for residents who live near Mina Weil Park, the proposed location for a new center. The days are numbered for the building Parks and Recreation Director Scott...

Student will face six felony charges

The Southern Wayne High School student arrested last week for allegedly having drugs and weapons in his vehicle made his first appearance in court Thursday. Braxton Allison Hood, 16, of 295 Falling Creek Church Road, Goldsboro, appeared before Judge Arnold...

County to discuss payroll

Wayne County commissioners will meet Monday in special session to discuss continuing payroll problems with the county's Office of Emergency Services. The session will be held in the commissioners' meeting room on the fourth floor of the county courthouse annex...

Just one word: Raelin's journey

One word. Just one word would mean so much to a woman who says a mother is all she ever really wanted to be. So Jessica Rogers waits. She dreams smaller than other parents. She carries the emotional burden...

Fundraiser targets end of heart disease

MOUNT OLIVE -- LaRue Tart spent much of her Saturday morning walking around the Mt. Olive Pickle Co. parking lot -- passing out informational pamphlets about an organization that offers peer-to-peer support for people like her. She was one...

County responses to payroll questions

Wayne County Emergency Medical Services employee Donna Santifort last Tuesday submitted a two-page, 14-question letter to county commissioners concerning problems with the new payroll system. Commissioners, who will meet in special session Monday to discuss the problems, promised responses to...

Registration opens for eight-week WCC classes

Students interested in getting a jump start on earning college credits have an opportunity this week as Wayne Community College holds registration for "Fall II" courses. Registration for the second eight-week classes, which begin Oct. 17, will be Thursday...

WCC to hold food handling classes in November

Wayne Community College Continuing Education Services will provide a class to help food service workers comply with new regulations for restaurants and other food vendors. WCC will teach the "ServSafe" Food Handler course, to prepare employees for the National...

WCC set to hold 'Discover Wayne' open house Oct. 18-19

Wayne Community College will hold its annual "Discover Wayne" open house on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 18 and 19, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. both days. Potential students will have the opportunity to tour the campus and learn about programs of...

Operation Christmas Child only a month away

With the holiday season approaching, Wayne County residents are being reminded that the annual campaign to collect shoeboxes full of gifts for poor children around the world is beginning to gear up. Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by the Samaritans...

Beef heifer show 'moooves' into the fair

There were short horns and blue roan, Angus and cross breeds, all on display in the Open Junior Beef Heifer competition Friday at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. Russell Vinson and his grandson, Caleb Heath, 11, were the only...

Wayne County Fire Princess competition

The Wayne County Fire Princess Pageant will be held Saturday. The contestants are, from left, Lizzie Yelverton, Eureka Fire Department, Wayne Early Middle College High School senior; Jace Woods, Nahunta Fire Department, Charles B. Aycock High School senior; Katie...

Fire department urges people to have fire escape plans

According to the National Fire Protection Association, one-third of Americans households would have at only six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. For many, the time would be less. That is one reason the...

'Wild man' wins spot at State Fair

DUDLEY -- Mud was flying. Engines were screeching. Metal crushed metal. A driver steamrolled over the hood of one of his competitors. Another car got lifted -- and stuck -- on the wall that guards the ring. And the...

WCC to hold several Career Readiness Certification

The WorkKeys tests for Career Readiness Certification will be offered several times in October, all on the Wayne Community College campus. The Wayne Occupational Readiness Keys for Success program will provide testing sessions 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Oct. 23...

City Council OKs cell phone tower on New Hope and Central Heights

Nearly three months after originally filing its request, U.S. Cellular finally got its conditional use permit to allow the cell phone company to erect a communications tower in the city last Monday night after the Goldsboro City Council approved...

Beautiful disasters: Ugly is in Saturday

DUDLEY -- The dashboard was peppered with signs of deterioration -- thick cracks running along sun-bleached material; dust and debris lining the windshield. Cobwebs had formed in the many places along the body that had, over the course of...

Friday, October 5, 2012

Suspect pleads to assault charge

One of the men involved in a November 2010 home invasion and assault on an elderly couple has pleaded to one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Bakari Teachy, 22, was sentenced Thursday in Wayne County Superior Court to...

Shriners fish fry

Owen Jackson, front, and Jimmy Hudson prepare fish for frying at Herman Park early this morning. The Wayne County Shrine Club is holding its fried fish lunch and dinner today to raise money for the club's charity, the Shriners'...

County lists state goals

Protecting military air space, easing regulations on jail space requirements and supporting agriculture top the list of legislative goals Wayne County commissioners have submitted to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Commissioners plan to follow up on the list...

Lawyer asks to stop burial

The family of murder victim Kennedy McLaurin will have to wait until at least February to be able to bury him after a defense lawyer for one of the young men charged in connection with the teen's murder argued that...

Cowboys, cowgirls battle for chance to claim top horse honors

DUDLEY -- Emily Dunn of Grantham guided her charcoal gray miniature stallion into the arena at Wayne Regional Agriculture Fair Thursday evening. The 12-year-old recalled the advice she had been given by her aunt, Rose Massey -- "You've got to...

Friday and Saturday at the fair

TODAY AT THE FAIR 4 p.m. -- Gates open to all exhibits 5 p.m. -- Midway opens 5 p.m. -- Junior Barbados Lamb Competition 5:30 p.m. -- Vocational Competition 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. -- Almost Amazing Rex and Dana Ryan...

Fair winners

THURSDAY Talent Contest Vocal Solo -- 1st (6-8) Rebecca Eliassiant, Dillard Middle School, (9-12) Tristan McCoy, Goldsboro High School Instrumental Solo -- 1st (6-8) Janelle Abad, Rosewood Middle School, (9-12) Erik Ordonez, Spring Creek High School Dance Solo -- 1st...

Fair recycling contest allows entries to get creative

DUDLEY -- If fairgoers think they have seen the pink little pig and her cute two little piglets before, they may be right. But they might find it hard to believe that was when the pigs were still just...

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Southern Wayne High School student had gun in car

DUDLEY -- A 16-year-old Southern Wayne High School student was arrested Wednesday after a tip about drugs in a vehicle turned up several weapons during a search. Braxton Allison Hood, 16, of 295 Falling Creek Church Road, Goldsboro, was arrested...

Skeleton found on bypass work site

Little information has come to light concerning skeletal remains that were unearthed Sept. 15 by a construction crew working on the new U.S. 70 Bypass near Salem Church Road. The discovery temporarily halted the work until the Wayne County Sheriff's...

Entries sought for Veterans Day parade

They put more pressure on themselves every year. Their expectations elevate. So even though their annual parade is more than a month away, members of the Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition are already urging the community to sign...

County OKs jail rehab money

A $1.581 million budget amendment to earmark funds for major renovation work at the Wayne County Jail was unanimously approved by county commissioners Tuesday morning as part of their consent agenda. The money will come from the fund balance. "As...

86, and he's still behind New Hope Church counter

DUDLEY -- You won't find Harold Coltrane behind the grill at the New Hope United Methodist Church fair booth anymore, but he can still tell you just how to make his favorite sandwich. Stirring the egg and throwing it...

Rose Hill preparing jubilee to celebrate poultry on Saturday

ROSE HILL -- The public is invited to a day and evening of fun at the Rose Hill Poultry Jubileee planned for Saturday on Main Street in Rose Hill. The event will include a parade, entertainment, carnival rides, a...

More than routine cheering at the Wayne Regional Fair

They jumped, tumbled, danced and cheered. Sometimes the routine was perfect. Sometimes it wasn't. But cheerleaders from across the area all carried on with an unstoppable spirit Wednesday night at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. Because the recent downpours...

Murder suspect in court

The body found by local law enforcement several weeks ago has not yet been identified as Kennedy McLaurin, Superior Court Judge Arnold Jones was told early today in a Wayne County courtroom. For complete details on this revelation -- and...

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Pie-off: Bakers wait anxiously as judges try their creations

DUDLEY -- As contestants brought in their pies and then sat patiently waiting as the judges carefully evaluated each one Tuesday afternoon, it was hard to tell who was sweating more -- the pies or their creators. With temperatures climbing...

EMS payroll error concern goes on

Wayne County Emergency Medical Services employees Tuesday morning warned county commissioners that ongoing problems with a new payroll system that overpays some and underpays others have reached a "critical" stage and are affecting customer service, public safety, other departments and...

Murder suspect in court

A man charged with killing his sister last summer was inside a Wayne County courtroom this morning, as Superior Court Judge Arnold Jones set a date for a hearing that will determine whether, if convicted, he would face the death...

Testing livestock skills at the fair

Students from local counties competed in the Livestock Skillathon held in the Livestock Arena during the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair early Tuesday afternoon. The event tested each individual on basic agricultural knowledge, including farm equipment and animal identification....

Third-party candidate makes fair stop

Most people attending the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Tuesday probably didn't realize it, but they were sharing the space with a presidential candidate. Running as a certified write-in candidate for the Constitution Party, Virgil Goode, a former six-term congressman...

Testing spelling skills at the fair

Students in grades five through 12 competed for a $50 prize during a spelling bee held in the Entertainment Arena during the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair late Tuesday afternoon....

Updated Move Over law into effect for roadside utility and maintenance crews

A new version of the law that requires motorists to change lanes or slow down to avoid emergency and law enforcement vehicles went into effect Monday. It now includes roadside utility and maintenance crews bearing flashing amber lights. Beginning...

Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair winners, Tuesday, Oct. 2

Salute to Senior Citizens Youngest grandparent -- Eloise Briley, Goldsboro Most children -- Mary Lewis, Four Oaks Most recent grandparent -- Edith Sasser, Mount Olive Most grandchildren -- Demetrius and Ludie Raynor, Four Oaks Most great-grandchildren -- Sarah Head, Mount...

Mount Olive delays action on Internet cafes

MOUNT OLIVE -- Town commissioners Monday night appeared more comfortable with a scaled-back proposal for establishing the town's first set of rules regulating Internet cafes, or electronic gaming operations. However, for the second time in as many months, the...

Seniors show off talents at fair Tuesday

From Anne Murray to gospel to show tunes, this year's Salute to Senior Citizens contest at the county fair was all about music. The four contestants all sang songs for their talent. Sherry Aycock took home first place with...

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Ride 'em, cowboys: Wicked Bulls take the arena

More than 300 spectators were on hand to see the hats and horns fly Monday as Wicked Bulls Productions returned to the Wayne County Agricultural Fair for a hoot and a holler, or, more simply put, a bull riding...

Broker pleads to insurance scheme

A Seven Springs man is facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine after his guilty plea on charges of conspiring to make false statements, to make material false statements and to commit mail and wire...

Wayne County Senior Center dedicated to local advocate

Wayne County has named its new Senior Center at 2001 E. Ash St. in honor of Peggy M. Seegars, the county's Senior Tar Heel Legislator. Mrs. Seegars has been a longtime supporter of local senior citizens and has been a...

Pikeville crowd rejects plan for town hall

PIKEVILLE -- Residents of the town of Pikeville were invited Monday night to express their opinions on how the town board should proceed in deciding what to do about their town hall facility, which has been a mobile home...

Sidewalk dilemma stymies council

The Goldsboro City Council approved a conditional use permit for a nightclub on Center Street during Monday's meeting, but opted to delay approval of site plans for a church on West Ash Street. District 3 City Councilman William Goodman...

School board passes budget

Wayne County Board of Education Monday night approved a $196.4 million uniform budget for the upcoming year, $2.5 million in contracts and a resolution opposing coastal wind projects in military flight training areas, and voted to change the dismissal time...

Monday, October 1, 2012

Two hit in Saturday shooting in city

A mid-afternoon shooting in the 900 block of Seaboard Street on Saturday left two wounded. Dwayne Lee Hardy, 28 and Bridgette Lashaya Weeks, 23, were both hit when unidentified shooters opened fire on them and others just after 2 p.m....

Saying 'thank you' to fair's champion

DUDLEY -- His friends described him as a man of many words -- the kind of person who never passed up an opportunity to tell a joke or to share a story. But when the time came for Milton...

Police seek murder suspect

One man died early Sunday morning after a shooting inside Teasers nightclub at 1716 U.S. 117 South. Goldsboro police responded to a 911 call of shots fired at the club at 1:14 a.m. and, when they arrived on scene, discovered...

Crashing for glory

DUDLEY -- A standing room only crowd at the Wayne County Fairgrounds watched Sunday as demolition derby drivers slid and slammed into one another for top honors in the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder classes, with a five-car battle royale deciding...

Council to weigh nightclub request

Goldsboro City Council will vote on a wealth of site and landscape plans tonight as part of a 15-item consent agenda to be presented during the council's first meeting of October at 7 p.m. in Historic City Hall. The...

Today at the fair

4 p.m. Gates open to all exhibits 5 p.m. Midway opens 5:30 p.m. -- Vocational competition, carpentry 5:30 p.m. -- Health occupations spelling bee 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. -- Almost Amazing Rex and Dana Ryan 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30...

City trash pickup to be delayed this week

Garbage collection will be delayed in the city of Goldsboro Wednesday and Thursday by about two hours while workers with the city's sanitation division attend customer service training sessions. Collection schedules will resume Friday....