May 2015 archives

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Sunday, May 31, 2015

WATCH backers: Program deserves funding

In the years since Wayne Action Teams for Community Health began providing health care for the uninsured in Wayne County, its director has seen the program grow beyond the mobile van to a satellite clinic at the YMCA and...

Community gathers for a Saturday of fun

Katy Brewer lined up the shot with her bow and arrow -- the deer was in her sights. Kim Knight, a sergeant with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in Johnston County, helped her hold the bow steady to...

Second suspect arrested in rash of thefts

The second suspect identified in a series of motor vehicle break-ins that took place in January has turned himself in to the Goldsboro Police Department, according to a press release. Deshawn Lamont Rowe, 22, is charged with two counts of...

County reviews budget proposal

Wayne County's proposed 2015-16 budget of $177,854,151 reduces the property tax rate from 66.65 cents to 66.5 cents per $100 of property value, eliminates several positions but then adds 28 employees for the new jail. It provides for 2...

Eastern N.C.'s champion

John Kerr III towered over the Wayne County political scene for more than two decades. A state representative and later a powerful senator, Kerr never met a stranger. A man who loved to talk, he was friendly and truly interested...

Fourteen Faith Christian seniors turn tassels

The Rev. Christian Powell gripped a baton during the commencement speech he gave to the 2015 Faith Christian Academy graduating class Friday night. That baton, he said, represented the education and the upbringing the graduates have. He said that...

Paddle party

Becky Winslow lined up her canoe at the bottom of the boat ramp, sliding half of it into the water. She eased down into the craft and prepared herself for three hours of paddling. Then, as she started to move...

Commission to hear budget comments

Wayne County's proposed 2015-16 budget of $177,854,151 will be open for public comment Tuesday during a hearing before the county board of commissioners. The public hearing will start at 9:15 a.m. The meeting will begin with an agenda briefing...

Friday, May 29, 2015

County defunds health agency

Nonprofits have been in the crosshairs of Wayne County commissioners for the past couple of years. But Thursday only two, Literacy Connections and WATCH (Wayne Action Teams for Community Health), were singled out for attention. Literacy Connections survived the...

Beauty queens preparing for state pageant

Two years ago, Victoria Baskett was fighting for her life in the North Carolina Children's Hospital. "In June 2013, I was on life support and a medically induced coma for four days and in the hospital for about four...

Downtown concert honors the military

Thursday night's Center Street Jam was more than a celebration of summer, it was a celebration of service. The festivities honored the men and women of the United States military. Flags and banners decorated the main stage, and opening remarks...

Police seeking 4-5 in home invasion

Investigators with the Goldsboro Police Department are working to identify a group of young black men who forced their way into a woman's home at about 1 a.m. this morning and robbed her at gunpoint. The victim, a 45-year-old...

Cast of 'Lizard Lick Towing' expected to attend Princeton Community Day

The town of Princeton will host its fifth annual Princeton Community Day at Princeton Elementary School Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Scheduled to attend are members of the cast of the television reality show "Lizard Lick Towing,"...

Essay winners

Winners of the Exchange Club of Goldsboro and Wayne County 4-H essay contest were chosen recently. The two groups partner to offer a job shadowing program in the Wayne County public school system each year. Pictured are, from left, Shamayah...

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Officials: College safety protocol worked

At its first board of trustees meeting since the April 13 shooting on campus, Wayne Community College President Dr. Kay Albertson said the institution's safety plan "worked" and later announced the creation of a new position to strengthen security....

One sought, one caught in vehicle break-ins

One man has been caught and another is wanted in connection with a motor vehicle break-in reported on New Year's Day in Goldsboro. According to a Goldsboro Police Department press release, the investigation has also led to charges in...

Two men charged in theft of tools

Two Wayne County men already in jail in other counties for separate crimes are now charged with the theft of a trailer filled with tools taken from a residence in Goldsboro. The trailer and tools, valued at $12,842, was...

No limits

Pernatthia Marshall just wants to be a regular teen. She describes herself as "easy to get along with" and while she admits she is shy, she considers herself "really funny." She doesn't like to draw a lot of attention...

Leak closes eatery

A natural gas leak forced the evacuation of the Chick-fil-A at 1201 N. Berkeley Blvd. at about 9 this morning. The restaurant will not reopen today. Goldsboro Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Frank Sasser said a gas leak behind the...

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

WATCH on list for cut

Appropriation: $0. Dr. Clark Gaither, WATCH medical director, said he was disappointed, but not surprised, on Tuesday when he received a letter from the county finance office that the agency would not receive any of the approximately $220,000 requested...

Slated for arrival

Goldsboro's new 4,800-square-foot transfer center on Carolina Street is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 25. The project, funded in part by a TIGER V grant received from the federal government, will finish three months ahead of the Streetscape...

Copper thief caught as he returns to scene

An alleged copper thief returned to the same South George Street warehouse one too many times this month, a Goldsboro Police Department press release said. Mourice Nathaniel Wilder, 25, 1507 Catalpa St., now faces seven criminal charges including breaking...

Commander fired

One of the highest-ranking officers on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base -- the decorated colonel responsible for overseeing everything from security, food services and personnel support for the 4th Fighter Wing -- was fired Friday after his commanding officer...

Council members take closer look at proposed new budget numbers

The Goldsboro City Council is expected to adopt a budget for fiscal year 2015-16 on Monday that includes a 1-cent tax increase and funding cuts to agencies across the board. This decision comes on the heels of a budget...

Report: Lice no reason for absence

The condition might be uncomfortable, a nuisance or an embarrassment, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, head lice are not a reason to keep kids home from school. In an updated clinical report by the AAP in...

Thompson earns Spence Art honor

A Meadow Lane Elementary School art teacher and outstanding student artists were recently recognized during Wayne County Public Schools' 24th annual visual arts awards reception. Terri Thompson was named the Zeno Spence Art Educator of the Year for 2014-15....

Student gets first place in Duke's TIP

A fourth-grader at St. Mary School was recently selected as first place winner in the a writing contest sponsored by Duke University's Talent Identification Program. Emilyn Steele placed first in the fourth grade division of the annual 4th-6th Grade...

Crime of the week

On May 25, the Goldsboro Police Department responded to a residence located in the 1200 block of Park Avenue B. The citizen reported they left their home secure on that date and when they returned at noon they found a...

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Suspect faces rape, sexual offense charge

A Goldsboro man accused of rape and sexual offenses against a minor is in custody today, according to a Goldsboro police report. Brian Keith King, 20, 311B Charles St., is charged with three counts each of statutory rape and...

Community gathers to salute those who gave their lives in service to their country

C. Ray Smith had already made up his mind that he wasn't coming back from his deployment. Going into his mission, his supervisors had told him they would be lucky if 10 percent of the men that went on...

Schools keeping senior projects

The graduation project is still alive and well in three Wayne County high schools. Introduced statewide to the freshman class of 2006 as a requirement to earning a high school diploma, it was at times a controversial topic. Officials...

Monday, May 25, 2015

Veterans can get benefit information

JACKSONVILLE -- The American Legion, Department of North Carolina, Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation Division will hold a Veterans Benefits Action Center from June 16-18 at American Legion Post 265, 146 Broadhurst Road. The event is for veterans and their...

Former senator dies

John H. Kerr III, who championed eastern North Carolina causes during more than two decades in the state General Assembly, died Sunday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. He was 79. Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week by...

Honoring the fallen

MOUNT OLIVE -- Memorial Day was not established to mark the start of summer, and any nation that forgets those who have served and died defending it will be forgotten itself. That was the message Sunday afternoon of Marine...

Groups ask city to keep funding

With word out that Goldsboro City Council is considering cutting certain allotments to several local charitable organizations, local leaders came to the budget discussions to plead their cases. Literacy Connections director Pat Yates gave a lengthy presentation to the...

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Wayne School of Engineering graduates 77

Wayne School of Engineering graduated 77 students Friday evening, among whom were the first two graduates in the history of the school to obtain both a four-year high school diploma and a two-year associate degree. The two students --...

School district human resources director resigns

The human resources director of Wayne County Public Schools for nearly a decade departed abruptly earlier this week, leaving the district tight-lipped and him claiming the reason was to seek "other educational pursuits." Dr. Marvin "Steve" McCoy was named...

Twenty earn diplomas at Wayne Christian graduation

Austin Howell and Tanner Rose raced rolling chairs down a hallway to calm pre-graduation jitters. Blake Floars was worried that a temperamental zipper on his graduation gown wouldn't work -- it didn't, but no one seemed to notice. And...

Faison restaurant closed by state for tax bill

FAISON -- The popular Southern Exposure restaurant was shuttered Tuesday after being seized by the state Department of Revenue for failure to pay state sales tax. According to published reports, the restaurant is nearly $16,000 in arrears on its...

No final numbers on Relay for Life

Relay for Life organizers are still tallying how much was raised from this year's event, held May 15-16 at the fairgrounds. It may be awhile before they have a total, said Brenda Robinson, Wayne County Relay for Life co-chairman....

Memorial Day events planned

Memorial Day ceremonies will be held this afternoon in Mount Olive and Monday morning and afternoon in Goldsboro. The Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition will sponsor the Goldsboro observances. The Mount Olive event is sponsored by VFW Post...

Volunteers place flags to remember heroes

kballard@newsargus.com Kelley Craver paused over the grave of Ralph Ringgold Faison. "Oh sir, thank you," she said. She knelt by his grave and placed a small American flag in front of it. Faison served in both World Wars before passing...

Dillard/Goldsboro alumni gather for fellowship, memories

Hundreds of alumni of Dillard and Goldsboro high schools jammed the streets of south Goldsboro on Saturday to celebrate their 60th annual reunion, with floats, pageant queens and marching bands. The annual Dillard-Goldsboro reunion drew graduates from all over...

DGDC says more than 30 new businesses have opened downtown

The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. is letting its community know -- 37 new businesses have opened downtown since the start of Streetscape in 2012. The organization says that the new businesses that have opened within the Municipal Service District...

Local Government Commission tells city its fund balance is too low

Goldsboro received a letter from the North Carolina Local Government Commission on Monday warning the city that its available fund balance, as of the 2013-14 fiscal year audit, did not have enough funds to support current city operations. Finance...

Central/Eastern Wayne alumni gather to see old friends

Graduates of Central High School and Eastern Wayne High gathered Saturday to see old friends and to celebrate their alma maters as alumni held their annual reunion this weekend. "It's like a family reunion, basically," said Chandra Williams, who...

Friday, May 22, 2015

Up first for Class of 2015: Wayne Early Middle College High School

PRINCETON -- Arlin Castellanos was only 2 years old when his father moved the family from Honduras to the United States for a shot at the American dream. That dream came true Thursday night as Arlin walked across the stage...

Up first for Class of 2015: Wayne Country Day School

The 44th commencement exercise at Wayne Country Day School on Thursday night was rife with milestones -- not just for the students receiving diplomas but the school family. "This will be our last time graduating on property," Headmaster Todd...

GHS/Dillard alumni set to gather

Thousands of alumni of Dillard/Goldsboro High and Central/Eastern Wayne High will gather this weekend in Goldsboro to renew friendships and celebrate homecoming. The annual reunions of the Dillard/Goldsboro High alumni association and the Central/Eastern Wayne alumni association start today...

Thursday, May 21, 2015

City woman charged in check crime

A Goldsboro woman charged with stealing and forging checks and cashing them at various locations around the county is in custody today after Wayne County Sheriff's deputies found her camping in the woods off Overman Road. Her boyfriend, wanted...

Ready for class: Board visits new schools

Wayne County Public Schools held two celebration ceremonies Wednesday at the district's newest middle schools, currently under construction in Grantham and Spring Creek and slated to open in the fall. "Top off celebrations" were held at the district's "energy-positive...

Guns, cash stolen from house

An assortment of rifles, handguns and shotguns are on the street this morning following a residential break-in that took place while the homeowner was out of town. Thirty-six pocket watches and $17,700 in cash were also reported stolen. The...

Computer system on tap for DSS

Wayne County commissioners on Tuesday balked at the initial cost of $1,353,136 and then $153,740 annually for each of the following four years for support services for a new hardware and recordkeeping software system for the Department of Social...

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

County finalizes pay plan

Three of seven Wayne County commissioners expressed reservations about switching to a merit-based pay plan based on employee evaluations out of concern that it could become a "buddy and friend" system. However, Commissioners John Bell, Ed Cromartie and Joe...

Locals set to honor fallen

Nearly 4,000 small American flags will be placed on veterans' graves Saturday as Wayne County prepares to celebrate Memorial Day, said Bill Graham of the Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition. Observances will be held in Goldsboro and Mount...

Tassel turners

The first round of high school graduations are upon us, as five private and alternate schools kick off the season with ceremonies starting this week. Commencements start Thursday evening with two ceremonies planned. Wayne Country Day School will graduate...

Goldsboro High School conducts 'signing day'

Goldsboro High School counselor Jason Willoughby wanted to generate student interest in planning for the future, so he took a page from what is often done for athletes who receive college scholarships. Traditionally, once a standout player is wooed...

Garbage collection guidelines change

When it comes to garbage trucks, it's out with the old and in with the new -- rules and regulations included. As automated garbage trucks are implemented throughout the city, updates to routes and rules regarding placement of garbage...

Icing down

With the weather heating up, some are preparing for a busy summer season, especially workers at businesses that offer cooler treats....

Twenty-five graduate from Junior Leadership program

Twenty-five local high school juniors recently graduated from the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership program. An outgrowth of the Wayne County Leadership program, the student version was introduced in 1999. Each year, high school juniors are selected...

Inmate found dead in cell

KENANSVILLE -- An investigation is being conducted into the death of a Duplin County Jail inmate found hanging in his jail cell Tuesday. No foul play is suspected. Anthony Ray Baker, 36, was found hanging in the shower of...

Crime of the week

On May 15, officers of the Goldsboro Police Department responded to a residence in the 700 block of Prince Avenue regarding a break-in. Once on scene they spoke with the reporting party who stated the residence was secure on May...

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

160-mile walk brings man through Wayne

A lone man, dressed as a Confederate soldier, crested the top of the hill. Philip Brown hardly noticed a car speeding past him. He is re-creating the walk home by a paroled Southern soldier after the Civil War --...

Dudley man charged with statutory rape

A Dudley man is charged with statutory rape after engaging in sex acts with a 14-year-old girl, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office press release. Tyrell Devon Tann, 18, 211 Brentwood Drive, is charged with two counts of statutory...

Promise ... kept

Beth Carr has a special place in her heart for the group of students she taught more than 10 years ago at Rosewood Elementary School. In what would be her last year at the school, 2003-2004, it was a...

City budget cuts appropriations

A Goldsboro City Council budget discussion Monday afternoon revealed that the proposed budget for 2015-2016 will cut funding for many organizations, such as the Wayne County Museum and Literacy Connections, or remove funding entirely for some agencies, such as...

High-speed chase ends in crash

A Goldsboro man was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville after a high-speed chase with police on a four-wheeler through a residential area ended in a wreck Monday evening, a Goldsboro Police report said. Speeds in excess of...

8-year-old served as Relay for Life honorary chairman

bbarclay@newsargus.com Anna Beth Sanderson had to face the harsh reality of cancer at a very young age. But she didn't let it get the best of her. In fact, when she completed her chemotherapy, she wore a Disney "Frozen" Elsa...

Monday, May 18, 2015

Wayne Community Concerts is folding

After almost 80 years of bringing musicians, comedians and dancers from all over the world to Goldsboro, Wayne Community Concerts has folded. The nonprofit organization had been providing four to five performances each year, shows that people in Goldsboro...

Man, woman face charges in break-ins

A man and a woman charged by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Friday in connection with a pair of motor vehicle break-ins reported May 11 might also be responsible for break-ins in the city. Since March, dozens of motor...

Attendance for Wings Over Wayne Air Show weekend: 205,000

1st Lt. Zach Purser and 1st Lt. Josh Wilson sit atop a 4th Fighter Wing F-15E Strike Eagle while watching the Combined Arms Demonstration at the Wings Over Wayne Air Show Sunday afternoon. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials...

New director tapped for Board of Elections

Rosemary Blizzard is stepping down May 27 after serving just over two and a half years as director of the Wayne County Board of Elections. Dane Beavers, 57, an election technician with the county since September 2012, has been...

Board to eye budget, salaries

Wayne County commissioners will get their first look Tuesday at the second part of a new employee classification and pay plan. On May 5, the board by a 6-1 vote adopted a merit-based pay plan based on employee evaluations....

Jerry's Memorial Ride to raise money for sarcoidosis research

Tim Tucker of Goldsboro and the late Jerry Grimes were not only friends, they were neighbors. And in an ironic twist of fate, Tucker has been suffering for 14 years from the disease that claimed his friend's life just...

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Freedom's ROAR

It looked a lot like the school bus they ride every morning -- the deep yellow vehicle making its way toward the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base flight line. But when a flame shot out of its back end,...

WCC Class of 2015: Tassels turned

Like her fellow graduates in Wayne Community College's Class of 2015, Lisa Mozingo was about to start a new chapter in her life. Her pursuit of two associate degrees -- one in general education and the other in human...

They came. They saw. They Relayed.

Judie Harrison and Carol Lancaster were laughing uproariously together before the Wayne County Relay for Life Survivors Lap began. They were laughing like only people who have been friends for 40 years can laugh. They have weathered devastating storms,...

Traffic stop ends in drug, weapons arrest

A Goldsboro man who ran after a traffic stop conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office warrant squad and the Goldsboro Police Department Patrol Shift D Tuesday faces drug and weapons charges. Cornelius Weeks, 28, 804 N. Pineview St.,...

Guess who will be on 'The Bachelorette'?

One of the bachelor contestants on Season 11 of "The Bachelorette," which premieres Monday night, is from Seven Springs. The two-night event, which airs on ABC Monday at 9 p.m. and continues Tuesday at 8 p.m., launches with a...

Infamy relived

Gavin Richardson raised a fist into the air -- jumping and shouting as one World War II-era aircraft after another left trails of fire and smoke along the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base flight line. "Yes," the 8-year-old said,...

Air Force's precision team inspires students

Why is the five upside down? What happens if a Thunderbird pilot sneezes while flying? The students of Rosewood High School peppered the Air Force's elite aerial demonstration team with questions during an assembly Friday morning. The pilots explained that...

Making their aerial wishes come true

Myasia Stokes, 9, was having the time of her life. She was all smiles at Friday's Wings Over Wayne Air Show practice. When the Thunderbirds arrived to sign autographs, Myasia skipped between pilots -- presenting each with a pen...

And as the sun set, they paused to remember

Some stood still with heads bowed, some embraced, and some simply looked on as hundreds of luminarias lit up the night sky one by one Friday night at the Wayne County Relay for Life. Inside each little bag was a...

Teams find creative ways to help fund cancer fight

It started innocently enough. Ryan Bevell made a big red Deadmau5-style helmet his sophomore year of college for a Halloween party. It was a hit. So when he was trying to think of a unique way to raise money for...

Two friends offer monogramming, heat press services in Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- Sherry Lee and Shelby Hargrove have been friends for nearly 30 years. They also work well together, opening their new business a little more than a month ago on North Breazeale Avenue. Sassy Stitches-N-Such Inc., located...

Senior living centers merge

Brookdale at Country Day Road held a ribbon cutting on Thursday afternoon to celebrate a merger between Brookdale and Emeritus senior living homes that occurred in August 2014. At front center, the facility's longest staying resident, Louise Dunmyer, assists...

American heroes get a glimpse of 'American Idol' during song

Signaling the start of the aerial performances at Wings Over Wayne on Saturday morning, she was introduced simply over the loudspeaker. "The next voice you hear will be that of hometown hero Majesty Rose." No "American Idol" reference. No...

Chef Herbert Herbst opens new restaurant with varied influences

Chef Herbert Herbst went from engineer to caterer to chef to restaurateur. After his career at Stanley Cooper ended, he searched for a new passion. "I've been exposed to food all my life," he said. His father was in...

Girl Scouts seek help sending girls to camp

RALEIGH -- North Carolina Coastal Pines announced that the organization is seeing an increase in financial assistance requests by girls and families for its 2015 summer camp program. Since February, more than 200 girls have applied for financial aid...

French and Spanish students seek homes

Eight host families are sought in the Goldsboro area for French and Spanish students. Between June 13 and July 14, five high school students from France and between June 23 and July 20, three high school students from Spain...

Dillard-GHS alumni to gather May 21-24

Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends Inc. will celebrate 60 years of education and service during Memorial Day weekend, May 21-24. Alumni, especially those graduating in years ending in 0 and 5, will be celebrating class reunions with lunches, banquets, dances and...

Carolina Panthers kicker Gano nearly answered call to serve

Kicking a football, shaking hands and signing autographs -- those are the easy things. But being at home while your brother is deployed in Iraq being shot at -- sometimes going days with no idea how he is doing?...

Friday, May 15, 2015

WCC grads turn tassels

Carlos Chavez has told his story many times over the years, but standing on the stage in Moffatt Auditorium for his own graduation ceremony Thursday night, emotion almost overtook him. One of two speakers chosen to address classmates in...

Superintendent hired

The Wayne County Board of Education named a new superintendent for Wayne County Public Schools this morning. At a called meeting at the central office, the school board unanimously voted to sign Dr. Michael Dunsmore to a three-year contract...

County hotels are already full

It is 10 a.m. on Thursday -- the last day before Goldsboro will be flooded with travelers attending the Wings Over Wayne Air Show -- and hotel desk clerk Michelle Berot is on the phone. "I'm sorry, unless somebody...

The drop zone

Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Figel takes aim. The "X" in the middle of a 10-foot woodchip circle marks the spot. But hitting the considerably wide target is not as easy as it sounds. Not when you are coming at...

Local officers plan for weekend traffic

The major points of congestion heading into the 2015 Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base this weekend will most likely be the access gates at North Berkeley Boulevard and East Elm Street, at South...

Saturday's air show schedule

8 a.m. Gates open to the public 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. F-15E load demo 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.: Military working dog demo 10 a.m. Aerial performances begin * U.S. Army Black Daggers * Star-Spangled Banner * 4-ship...

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Wishes granted

Tyler Mendygral had three wishes. He wanted to sleep on a train. He wanted to go to Hogwarts. He wanted to drive a train. And on May 28, his dream is coming true. Tyler is the 3,000th Make-A-Wish recipient in...

County weighs 4-day week

The Wayne County Health Department is looking at the merits of the four-day workweek, introduced at all county agencies in 2008 as an energy savings measure. "We're currently evaluating it," Health Director Davin Madden told the Board of Health...

Woman pens book about living and coping with painful illness

Annette Jackson knows all about pain. She wrote the book on it. In her book "I Hurt Like Hell," Mrs. Jackson explains what it is liking living with fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS. The disease affects 80 million people worldwide....

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

They're here: Air Force's precision flying team arrives with a roar

Mac Faircloth pulled his car over in the Wilber's Barbecue parking lot. "I thought it was them," he said, craning his neck skyward. The insignia on the bottom of the jet was unmistakable. The Thunderbirds had arrived. More than 100,000...

Want to see the Thunderbirds fly?

The United States Air Force's Thunderbirds will perform Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. An autograph session for all the aerial acts will follow the Thunderbirds shows each day at 3 p.m....

Car enthusiasts to be on 'American Pickers'

The History Channel's "American Pickers" show will air an episode featuring Pikeville's Collier Motors AMC tonight at 9 p.m. The episode is called "Hard Rain is Gonna Fall." The antique show hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz -- self-described...

Local rail travel affected

Amtrak officials this morning said that trains would continue to operate through North Carolina today, but that northbound traffic would terminate at Philadelphia. An Amtrak train headed to New York City derailed and crashed Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The southbound...

Eighth annual Sportsman's Giveaway will feature grand prize of $10,000

DUDLEY -- Arrington and Dudley fire departments will sponsor their eighth annual Sportsman's Giveaway Saturday, May 23, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Each $25 ticket has a chance to win one of 37 prizes with...

Swimming for the win

Robert Kendall pushes off for his 50-meter backstroke in the Wayne County Senior Games. The swimming events were held at the Family Y Tuesday. Robert's younger brother, Richard, is a member of the aquatic team at the Y. "It's...

Mount Olive Area Heart Walk shatters record by raising more than $40,000

MOUNT OLIVE -- The 2014 Mount Olive Area Heart Walk generated $40,633 for the American Heart Association, well over its goal of $25,000, and marking the first $40,000 year ever. Last year's event, held Oct. 18, also set a...

Mt. Olive Pickle reorganizes leadership

MOUNT OLIVE -- Rapid growth in the Mt. Olive Pickle Co. is playing a role in changes in the company's organizational structure and management team. Bill Bryan, has served as the president and CEO for the past 25 years,...

Man suffers serious injuries in fall

MOUNT OLIVE -- A 35-year-old Mount Olive man is in critical condition at Vidant Hospital in Greenville after he suffered a serious head injury Sunday afternoon after apparently falling off his bicycle. Roderick Devon Leach, 218 S. Center St.,...

Crime of the Week

On May 7 the Goldsboro Police Department responded to the 100 block of Oxford Boulevard regarding a break-in at a residence. The victim reported that he left his residence secure on May 1 and when he returned on May 7...

Flushing program to begin Sunday

The City of Goldsboro Public Works Department will begin its annual unidirectional water line flushing program on Sunday, May 17, at 10 p.m. Crews will be flushing lines from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily, except on Fridays and...

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Town releases information on sewer spill

MOUNT OLIVE -- Approximately 215,580 gallons of untreated waste spilled from the town's sewer system over a 13-hour period Monday. The untreated waste entered the headwaters of the North East Cape Fear River. The spill occurred as a result...

Silver stars

Turner Rushton is a funny woman. Standing in front of a full house at the Paramount Theatre, she drew laughs from the audience with her comedic, geriatric routine. She poked fun at herself, saying a doctor compared getting plastic surgery...

Plan to cost hospital millions

A state Senate bill limiting state and local sales tax refunds to nonprofit hospitals could cost Wayne Memorial Hospital $2 million a year, hospital officials said today. Senate Bill 700 limiting sales tax refunds for nonprofit hospitals was filed...

Farmers playing catch-up after rain

Dry weather last week allowed Wayne County farmers to play catch-up on getting their corn and tobacco crops into the ground. That was particularly important in the northern part of the county, where soil conditions have been wetter, making...

Expert: DNA matches Lane

Independently tested DNA evidence defense attorneys hoped would exonerate convicted killer Eric Glenn Lane in the 2002 rape and murder of 5-year-old Precious Ebony Whitfield failed to do so Monday. The evidence instead isolated Lane as the sole contributor...

Monday, May 11, 2015

DNA matches

After several months of speculation fueled by death row inmate Eric Lane's legal team, a DNA expert testified this afternoon that the DNA found on several pieces of biological evidence collected in 2002 as part of an investigation into the...

Cliffs of the Neuse swim lake set to open May 25

As the weather gets hotter and summer approaches, thoughts turn to how to cool off. One way is to spend the day at Cliffs of the Neuse swim lake. The swim lake opens Memorial Day. It will be open...

Dudley couple will face charges

A Dudley couple are charged with attempted murder and robbery following a string of incidents that took place in Wayne County between early April and May 2. Derwood Eugene Smith III, 24, 202 Westpointe Drive, and Amy Caroline Smith,...

The 'bite' wing

"Sir, may I see your ID," Sgt. Nicole Gilley asks. It is a routine check. But instead, the man backs away. Sgt. Gilley's K-9 partner Kuli stands at a tense attention. "Come back, sir," she commands. She warns him a...

Investigation results in arrest for trafficking

A five-month drug investigation conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation culminated in two arrests Saturday. Both suspects were arrested in Duplin County. Randee Kornegay Walker, 42, and Michael Daniel Lanier, 32, were...

Mother's Day creations

Addison Bond, 8, left, and Darius White-Spencer, 7, work on books called "I Love You Because" during Jenny Heim's multi-age class at Meadow Lane Elementary on Friday. The class made books as well as cards and a piece of...

Sunday, May 10, 2015

City's west end slated for new look, less crime

Goldsboro's West End neighborhood could look very different five years from now. The area, which is bordered by Elm Street, William Street and U.S. 117, was recently designated by the Goldsboro City Council as a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area....

Courage, shared

Growing up, Shilo Harris could sense that he had a calling. He just didn't know what it was. It took his Christian faith and journeys through two doors separated by thousands of miles, time, agonizing suffering and recovery to...

Traffic stop ends in arrest for robbery

A traffic stop conducted by a deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Wednesday led to the arrest of a man wanted for armed robbery. Brandon Lamar Jacobs, 25, 1575 Old Grantham Road, is charged with robbery with a...

New superintendent pick close

The search for a new schools superintendent is wrapping up, with plans to name the district leader soon. "The negotiations are ongoing. Hopefully, we will have an announcement in the next 7 to 10 days," board chairman Chris West...

Students receive Duke University awards

Two students from Wayne County have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin N. Duke Memorial Scholarship at Duke University. The award covers full tuition, room, board and mandatory fees for eight semesters. Students from the Carolinas who have demonstrated high...

Career, technical teachers honored

Wayne County Public Schools announced two Career and Technical Education teachers of the year, for the middle and high school levels. Ginger Holland, chairperson for the middle school Family and Consumer Sciences Education program in the district, was named...

Optimist computer camp scheduled

The Optimist Computers4Students Summer Camp will provide students with the skills necessary to refurbish and build their own functional computer systems from parts obtained from used computers. Students will also learn how to install the Edubuntu operating system. The...

Entries sought for annual Health Department essay contest

Wayne County teens are asked to weigh in on some of the health concerns in their community, by participating in an essay contest sponsored by the Health Department. The 2015 Teen Public Health Essay Contest is sponsored by the...

Battlefield classroom

Children's screams echoed across the battlefield long after the smoke of the cannon faded. They cheered as Kerry Thompson and his friends reloaded it for another demonstration. On Friday, Tommy's Road Elementary's fourth-grade and St. Mary Catholic School's sixth-grade...

Central/Eastern Wayne High alumni homecoming set

Central/Eastern Wayne High School Alumni & Friends will observe its annual homecoming May 22-24. Classes ending in 0 and 5 will be honored. The banquet will be held on Friday, May 22 at Best Grove MB Church at 7 p.m....

BBQ contest carries $10,000 top prize

DUDLEY -- A $10,000 cash prize is waiting for the person who can cook up the best-tasting barbecued pork in Wayne County. The second-place winner will receive $1,000 and third-place, $500. Sponsored by Greater St. John Free Will Baptist...

Friday, May 8, 2015

Chlorine causes trouble at YMCA

An over-chlorinated spa inside the women's locker room at the Goldsboro Family Y forced the evacuation of the entire building Thursday, Goldsboro Fire Department officials said. One person was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital to be evaluated. Assistant Fire...

Hotel tax hike still an option

Goldsboro and Wayne County officials, local legislators and state travel and tourism representatives are expected to meet by the first of the week in Raleigh to revisit a proposal to increase the city's hotel occupancy tax by one cent....

In one, strong voice

Nothing could stop the fifth annual National Day of Prayer, not even a chlorine problem that closed the Goldsboro Family YMCA, where the event was being held Thursday. Organizers moved chairs and bleachers outside and the event continued outdoors, with...

Five to seek title of Miss Rosewood

Five contestants will vie for the crown of Miss Rosewood 2015 tonight at in the Wayne Community College auditorium. A tradition since 1969, the pageant is sponsored by RHS DECA: Emerging Leaders in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Tickets are $10...

Thursday, May 7, 2015

System working despite glitch

Despite a glitch a week ago, Wayne County's new emergency radio system is working as it should, said Mel Powers, emergency management and security director with the county Office of Emergency Services. "We did have an issue Friday," Powers...

Member balks at statement changes

Wayne County Public Schools has adopted simpler, more streamlined vision and mission statements. The majority of the Board of Education on Monday night approved the new recommendation, with the only dissenting vote, Dr. Dwight Cannon, expressing concern that the...

Disability Walk

From left, Joshua B., 5, Leslie V.P., 5, and India B., 4, students at WAGES, hold a sign that reads "Joining Hands for Autism" while participating in the Mayor's Disability Walk that began at  St. Paul United Methodist Church...

Saving local lives one drop at a time

Genetta Goodman knows -- personally -- the importance of giving blood. In 1991, she gave birth to her daughter, Kara, who had a congenital heart disease. At 5 weeks old, Kara had surgery and needed blood. "I asked, 'Can...

City to begin annual water line flushing

The City of Goldsboro Public Works Department will begin its annual uni-directional water line flushing program on Sunday, May 17, at 10 p.m. Crews will be flushing lines from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., daily, except on Fridays and...

Summer movies at the Cliffs park

Movies by the beach are back again this year. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park will have movies on the big screen at its lake beach the first and third Friday of each month starting at 8:30 p.m. or whenever...

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

County to award raises by merit

Wayne County commissioners by a 6-1 vote Tuesday morning adopted a new pay plan that replaces across-the-board raises with merit pay increases based on employee evaluations. Commissioners John Bell and Ed Cromartie voiced concerns that merit-based salary increases could...

Honoring their fallen

Flags flew at half staff this morning as law enforcement officers and their families gathered at Wayne Community College to commemorate officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers live constantly on a subtle...

Board approves $25.9 million budget plan

The Wayne County Board of Education voted Tuesday to send the county a $25.9 million budget request, which includes $2.5 million in capital outlay money to fund maintenance projects at all 31 schools and administrative offices. The district's finance officer,...

A field day

Victor Prezbindowski stretches his body toward the inflatable hoop while competing in the 4-Man Tug and Dunk at the Wayne Community College Spring Spectacular Tuesday on the graduation field. Students enjoyed giant slides, an inflatable obstacle course, games and...

Board honors MODEL teachers

Forty-two employees in Wayne County Public Schools have been named MODEL Educators and were recognized earlier this week by the Board of Education. MODEL, an acronym that embodies five areas -- master educator, obligation to a respectful learning environment, demonstrates...

Wayne County to have hazardous waste collection day this month

Wayne County will have a Household Hazardous Waste and Pesticide Disposal Collection Day Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the county landfill (Dudley convenience site). County residents can bring unwanted and old pesticides that they...

Crime of the week

On Sunday, May 3 at 7 p.m. Goldsboro police officers responded to shots being fired in the 1000 block of North James Street. The officers' investigation led to the discovery of two churches being damaged by gunfire. The churches listed...

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Cancer victim's mom shaves head

For the first time Friday night, Morgan's Bar fell silent. Patrons flocked to the center room, ashing their cigarettes outside and gathering around to watch what was about to happen. The clock had struck midnight, and it was time...

Food collection planned

Postal letter carriers hope to pick up more than just mail around Wayne County Saturday. This is the 21st year for the annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive. The actual drive will be Saturday, but...

Pickler will perform at air show

In her Red High Heels, Kellie Pickler will take the stage at this year's Wings Over Wayne air show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. She is scheduled to perform after the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration on Saturday...

Council says no to Internet cafe

Goldsboro City Council voted unanimously Monday to deny a conditional use permit to allow an Internet sweepstakes cafe on the north side of Spence Avenue between Ash Street and Cashwell Drive. City Manager Scott Stevens said an earlier discussion...

Stewart to retire later this summer

Goldsboro Police Chief Jeff Stewart announced Monday he plans to retire later this summer. No official date has been set for Stewart to vacate the office he has held for the last three years. City Manager Scott Stevens said...

Board to rebid project at GHS

The Wayne County Board of Education voted, albeit reluctantly, to proceed with rebidding a project to create a commons area at Goldsboro High School and also discussed an "emergency situation" with a hot water heater at North Drive Elementary...

Cliffs of Neuse looking for 'pals'

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is once again offering the opportunity for children to become Park Pals. The program is open to children ages 5 through 8 and is free. It runs for six weeks, from June 22 through...

New trail at Cliffs of Neuse

There's one more reason to visit the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park near Seven Springs -- a new trail is opening this month. The Lake Loop Trail will be open to hikers May 30. To celebrate, the park is...

Mount Olive board proposes 5-cent property tax increase

MOUNT OLIVE -- A proposed $6.26 million budget that includes a 5-cent increase in the town's property tax rate was unveiled during Monday night's town board meeting. The proposal includes $3.5 million in the general fund, up from $3.13...

Monday, May 4, 2015

'Fashion' statement

Some liken it to something Lady Gaga would wear on a red carpet. Others simply praise its beauty. But "Marry Me," a piece of art that saw pieces of plastic bottles combined to form a light blue, 1950s-style dress,...

More vehicle break-ins at apartment complex

Fourteen new reports of vehicle break-ins filed Sunday with the Goldsboro Police Department bring the total number of break-ins at the Legacy at Berkeley Place Apartments to 21 since March 31. Each of the 14 cars that were broken into...

McAuliffe set to retire from county post

Eryn McAuliffe will retire this month as director of Wayne County Services on Aging in order to move to Cape Coral, Fla., to care for her elderly father. Mrs. McAuliffe said she is "very conflicted" about the move because...

County pay plan could change

A possible update to the Wayne County job classification and pay plan will come before Wayne County commissioners when they meet Tuesday. During an early January budget retreat commissioners instructed County Manager George Wood to review the existing plan...

Man hides from police in woman's closet

A man Goldsboro police say ran from a traffic stop in the Day Circle area late Friday night faces several charges after he also hit a police vehicle and ducked into a woman's house to hide. Frank Tyler Valme,...

Radio tower interference results in communication issues for police

Interference to a radio tower out in the county caused sporadic frequency hopping Friday that interrupted communications capabilities for police and first responders, Wayne County Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said. A $3 million upgrade to the county's ailing communications...

Lemonade aid

Presli Grey Toler, 6, from left, Haylee Kennedy, 7, and Jimena Delgado Yepez, 6, hand out glasses of lemonade with the rest of Randi Stallard's first grade class at Rosewood Elementary on Friday. The class raised $503 for Alex's...

Four to compete for title of Miss Goldsboro High School

Four young ladies will compete for the title of Miss Goldsboro High School 2015 on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Special guests will include Miss Goldsboro High School 2014, Waverlea Brown, Miss Wayne School of Engineering,...

Sunny Sunday fun

Angelina Woolsey, 4, hula hoops in her new tutu at Sunday in the Park at Herman Park Sunday. The tutus were being sold by the Young Champions of America cheerleading group as a fundraiser for their competition in Grand...

Sunday, May 3, 2015

327 graduate from University of Mount Olive

esmith@newsargus.com Kenney Moore, the founder of Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries, was driving home after yet another 12-hour day during the first two years of his business being open. His feet hurt. He smelled like grease. And that's when...

One meal at a time

Mackenzie Hinson proves there is no age requirement to change the world. The 10-year-old opened the Make a Difference Food Pantry at Black Jack Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro April 16. Her mother, Paige Hinson, estimates that they served...

Agencies examine response to WCC shooting

An after-action assessment conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and other participating law enforcement agencies conducted in the wake of the fatal shooting at Wayne Community College on April 13 highlighted both areas of success and need for improvement,...

School committee takes up policy

The school board's policy committee has begun the process of developing a policy to deal with members using technology like Skyping and FaceTime as a substitute for attending meetings in person. While the topic could be considered a universal one,...

FFA rally at University of Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- FFA members from across the Southeast will gather Monday at the University of Mount Olive. Not only is the university serving as the host for the Southeast Region FFA Rally, but the institution is also providing...

City Council to revisit Internet cafe issue

esmith@newsargus.com The Goldsboro City Council is expected revisit requests to establish an Internet sweepstakes on Spence Avenue and construct a car dealership on West Tommy's Road during the upcoming council meeting Monday night. The public hearings on both of these...

Friday, May 1, 2015

Traffic stop results in heroin arrest

The Goldsboro/Wayne County Interagency Drug Task Force arrested a Goldsboro man for possession of heroin and marijuana Thursday, following a traffic stop. Quanterrian Yelverton, 33, 1209 Judy Place, is charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin,...

Swinging in the rain

Benjamin Smith and Priscilla Godwin sing and dance to music being played by Spare Change with Godwin's 9-month-old grandson Grayson Heath during the opening Center Street Jam concert in downtown Goldsboro Thursday night....

County to do deputies' salary study

Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce began his career with the State Bureau of Investigation making a little more than $22,000 annually -- nearly doubling his salary from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office in 1986 -- and he thought that...

3HC recognizes local volunteers at annual banquet

Outstanding volunteers serving 3HC and Kitty Askins Hospice Center were recognized for service to patients and families Thursday evening. In addition to the Goldsboro office and hospice center on the adjacent property, 3HC also has offices in Clinton, Greenville,...