August 2015 archives

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Monday, August 31, 2015

Woman hit by bullets in home

A woman is recovering after being shot inside her home in the 600 block of Isler Street on Saturday night. No suspects have been developed in the case, according to a Goldsboro police report. The shooting took place at...

Longtime educator to retire from post

A veteran educator and director at Wayne County Public Schools' central office is retiring today. Debbie Durham, director of human resources, reportedly told her staff earlier in the month that she would be leaving her job -- and officials...

UMO receives $397,000 from local educator's estate

MOUNT OLIVE -- The estate of the late Wayne Bryant Roberts, a longtime educator in North Carolina schools, a lifelong Presbyterian, and a devoted civic leader, has bequeathed $339,772 to the University of Mount Olive. Much of the bequest...

Slated to be saved

Thanks to a $200,000 anonymous donation, a $30,000 gift from the Hillsdale Fund of Greensboro and the ongoing efforts of Preservation North Carolina, two historic houses in downtown Goldsboro will be getting facelifts to get them ready for sale....

Brief chase ends in arrest, drug charges

PIKEVILLE -- A Faison man is facing four felony drug charges following a late Friday night chase after he drove through a police checkpoint in the area of the 200 block of Big Daddy's Road. After a brief chase,...

County to cut ribbons on schools

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday will take part in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new Grantham and Spring Creek middle schools. The Spring Creek ceremony is at 11 a.m. followed by Grantham at 1 p.m. Also on Tuesday, Commissioners will be...

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Streetscape expected to be complete by mid-October

Goldsboro's ongoing Streetscape project is scheduled to finish about one month ahead of schedule, putting the project's completion date some time in mid- October. The downtown project began in August 2014, causing continually changing traffic patterns and headaches for...

Lawmen thwart robbery

DUDLEY -- Restraint by the first deputy on scene and the fact a homeowner was out of town helped prevent any injuries during a burglary attempt near Brogden Middle School on Thursday night, Wayne County Sheriff's Office officials said. Four...

Driver's ed in the hands of Legislature

Wayne County Public Schools' driver's education cars have been parked since June 30, with both instructors and the new school superintendent anxious to reinstate the program. The district has its own fleet of driver's education cars, with two companies...

Alzheimer's a growing problem worldwide, expert says

The cost of Alzheimer's disease -- financially as well as emotionally -- continues to be staggering, a Brody School of Medicine professor said during a caregiver education conference held in Goldsboro on Thursday. Dr. Renee Banaszak, clinical assistant professor,...

Southern Bank to break ground on new location

Southern Bank will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. to kick off the construction of a new banking facility at 2501 E. Ash St. The groundbreaking will be held at the corner of Ash Street...

Norwayne reunion this week

FREMONT -- Norwayne Alumni & Friends, Inc., will gather this week for its annual reunion. The 43rd annual event will begin Friday and run through Sunday, Sept. 4-6. This year's theme is "Memories Take Us Back - Dreams Take Us...

Slocumb Street cleanup

Volunteers collect trash along Slocumb Street early Saturday. A group of area residents concerned about the neighborhood took to the streets to improve its looks. Volunteers said it was a small step toward improving the area but that it...

Back to School Bash

Ariana Downs, a psychology student, laughs while riding a bull during the Wayne Community College Back to School Bash on Wednesday. Students and faculty gathered for the event, which drew large crowds for games, rides and food....

Michigan company acquiring Atlantic Casualty Insurance

Strickland Insurance Group has reached an agreement for Atlantic Casualty Insurance Co. to be acquired by Auto-Owners Insurance Group of Lansing, Mich. The transaction will not affect any local employees and the Strickland name will remain on the local business,...

Junior Leadership Program seeking entrants

A Wayne County Chamber of Commerce program to develop leadership qualities in students is seeking its next class of members, officials said. The Junior Leadership Program was introduced as a class project of the Wayne County Leadership Program in...

Eastern Girl Scouts name Eileen Miller new program director

The North Carolina Coastal Pines has announced the appointment of Eileen Miller to the role of program director. Wayne County is one of 31 counties in the Coastal Pines council that includes most of eastern North Carolina. Miller will be...

Duplin Hall of Fame deadline Sept. 25

KENANSVILLE -- Members of the Duplin County Hall of Fame board want to remind the Duplin community that Sept. 25 is he deadline for submissions of nominations for the annual induction into the county's Hall of Fame. Each year, the...

Assault reported on George Street

Goldsboro police are investigating an early Saturday morning assault in which the victim was also shot at on the 1700 block of North George Street. Roger Raynor, 56, 1701 N. George St., told police he was walking along the...

177 graduate from Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- Vickie Rhodes Osoria, 57, a Grantham native now living at Oak Island, said she had always known that one day she would have a bachelor's degree "of some sort or the other." That day finally arrived...

Friday, August 28, 2015

Accident on Ash Street cuts power to two schools early today

A single-vehicle wreck on East Ash Street near Oak Forest Road knocked out power in the area when a driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a utility pole early this morning. Residents, businesses and two local schools...

New traffic pattern along eastern portion of U.S. 70

Commuters traveling into and out of Wayne County from Lenoir County will have noticed a new traffic pattern along U.S. Highway 70 since last Friday. N.C. Department of Transportation officials said the shift -- part of the U.S. 70...

Waiting for takeoff

4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Mark Slocum describes the feeling of g-force to Staff Sgt. Amanda Armenti, left, and Senior Airman Andrea Spanjer, right, during a tour of the 333rd Fighter Squadron Wednesday evening. The impromptu tour happened after...

One-stop voting begins in September

One-stop early voting hours have been set by the Wayne County Board of Elections for the Oct. 6 Goldsboro municipal primary. The days and hours are: Thursday, Sept. 24, and Friday, Sept. 25 and Monday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct....

Restaurant plans expansion

Beginning in December, Ed's Southern Food and Spirits will look a little different to patrons of the restaurant. The eatery, which opened its doors at 105 N. Center St. last October, is expanding laterally into the old Goldsboro Pharmacy...

Pastor enthused about his new 'hive'

The Rev. Colby Leonard ministers like the beekeeper he is. He stands behind the "hive" of Daniels Memorial United Methodist Church and allows his parishioners to fly about as he works in the background. The 26-year-old, bow tie wearing pastor...

Thursday, August 27, 2015

School numbers reported after first week

Enrollment numbers in Wayne County Public Schools were down for the first day of school, officials announced Tuesday. Students in 31 schools on the traditional calendar returned to class on Monday, the number reflecting the district's two brand new...

Jo Jo says farewell

When Joanne Morris moved to Goldsboro in 2012, the only people she knew were family. She left a stressful job in the U.K. and moved to the U.S. for a change of pace. She and her mother, whom she...

Widening project puts squeeze on Berkeley

Lane reductions and traffic shifts have been implemented on North Berkeley Boulevard as work is under way on widening the road from New Hope Road south. Traffic will remain in this pattern until the widening project is complete in...

Woman, juvenile charged in separate shootings

Two people have been arrested by Goldsboro police in connection with recent shootings in the city that left three people injured. The suspect in one case is a juvenile. The suspect in the other case is a woman. According...

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Work is continuing on veterans' cemetery

Paving has been completed and the concrete crypts installed at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, which is on target to be completed by its Nov. 2 deadline. "It has been a busy couple of weeks, but with the...

Offenders called in for GPAC warning

Schools in Wayne County opened for the 2015-16 school year Monday. By Tuesday, 12 students identified as facing felony charges were transferred to alternative schools, Wayne County Public Schools hearing officer Allison Pridgen said. "Half of them are middle...

Community rallies to help local family

Four years ago on a trip with her FFA classmates to the Great Wall of China, few noticed that Caroline Tart had to periodically step aside to catch her breath, the result of a heart condition she had since...

WAGES observing its 50th anniversary

In 1965, the average income was $5,942. Gas was 31 cents a gallon. And Martin Luther King began the march on Selma. It also ushered in an era when then-President Lyndon B. Johnson declared an "unconditional war on poverty,"...

New nonprofit organization hopes to help homeless, elderly

dhill@newsargus.com A new nonprofit organization in Wayne County is aiming to help the homeless and other people in need of a fresh start in life to get a helping hand. MLFL, Inc., stands for Miracle, Love For Lives. It was...

Hospital adminstrator earns doctorate

Shirley Harkey of Pikeville, vice president for patient services and chief nursing officer for Wayne Memorial Hospital, recently received a doctor of health administration degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Graduating with high honors, she was inducted into...

Crime of the Week

On Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6:25 p.m., Donald Bailey reported he was walking home from Herman Park and was approached by two male suspects asking for cigarettes and money. When Bailey said he didn't have either the suspects hit him...

Back-to-school event held at H.V. Brown

Motorcycle engines revved one after another and then whined down East Elm Street. From under a pavilion, the DJ pumped music into the park. The two sounds mixed to accompany the children laughing in a bouncy castle a hundred yards...

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Armed robbery suspect caught

A Wayne County man is in custody today following a robbery Sunday during which at least one shot was fired. Dekota David Hammond, 17, 6003 Meadow Lane, is charged with one count each of robbery with a dangerous weapon...

Wayne County Public Schools chief: Day 1 went well

With the first day of school now under his belt, the new superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools says he is anxious to move forward with a new strategic plan and facilities plan. The start of a new school...

Complaint results in drug use charges

A community complaint about drug activity in a Wayne County community led sheriff's deputies to the arrest of a Raleigh teen Friday. Landon Garrett Pate, 18, of 6901 River Run, Apt. 12, Raleigh, is charged with possession of heroin...

On-time arrival

Construction of Goldsboro's new 4,800-square-foot bus transfer center on Carolina Street was expected to be completed today, and after construction crews clean the site and put the finishing touches on it, they are expected to be gone by Friday. A...

Pikeville checkpoint results in charges

PIKEVILLE -- A felony drug arrest along with 22 other charges were made during a late evening traffic enforcement checkpoint last Thursday in Pikeville. Set up in the area of Main Street and Lisa Drive, the checkpoint was conducted...

Pardon the jet noise; base conducts exercise

The jets will be louder -- their flight paths lower. And they could streak through the skies early in the morning or late at night. At least, for the next few days. The 4th Fighter Wing is currently conducting...

Ride to benefit Cures for Colors

MOUNT OLIVE -- For years M.F. McCullen Jr. has dreamed of turning his love of history and agriculture into a parade of tractors chugging along the back roads of rural Wayne and Duplin counties. He and his wife, Faye,...

Monday, August 24, 2015

Five shot in city over the weekend

Five people have been shot in the city since Thursday, according to Goldsboro police reports, including two teenagers and a man who did not know he had been wounded until the next day. Nathan Hale Faison, 51, told Goldsboro police...

Mount Olive chamber plans cake auction

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual reverse drawing fundraiser dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Wayne County Shrine Club in Dudley. The second annual "Cake Boss" competition also will be...

Man beaten, robbed at park

A man beaten in an alleged robbery told police two black men jumped him as he walked home from Herman Park Sunday. Donald Bailey, 47, of West Lockhaven Drive, said he was walking in the 400 block of Herman...

Tourism brings dollars to county

Visitors to Wayne County in 2014 had a staggering impact on the local economy, bringing in more than $151 million to the area. In a recent release from the office of Governor Pat McCrory, the governor's office announced that...

It's time for school

The first day of school. "Thank God!" Renette McKinnon said, as she arrived to the entrance of Tommy's Road Elementary School this morning. Her three children were more subdued. Anasia Phillips, 6, Shaquala Darden, 8, and Makayla McKinnon, 10,...

Sunday, August 23, 2015

District releases drop-off patterns

With the opening of the district's two newest schools on Monday comes learning new traffic patterns, officials said this week. Back to school typically signals a message for motorists to be aware that yellow school buses are hitting the...

New truck tradition

Firefighters are big on tradition. From Dalmatians to shamrocks, from the hazing of rookies -- called "Probies," or probationary firefighters -- to the unique way firefighters honor their fallen comrades with long processions, dress blue uniforms and kilts and the...

Search to begin for new judge

A three-member panel will be appointed to handle the ballots for candidates for the unexpired term of the late District Court Judge Tim Finan. Finan, 62, died June 30, and under state law, it is the responsibility of the...

Club is on schedule

Renovations worth nearly half a million dollars are well under way at the Goldsboro Country Club, and a projected completion date has been set for either late October or early November. To complete the project, the city borrowed $1.2...

Traffic stop nets cocaine arrest

A traffic stop in the 1000 block of West Grantham Street Thursday resulted in the seizure of two vehicles and a "kilo" of cocaine with a street value of $100,000, according to a Goldsboro Police Department press release. Martin Resendiz...

Community gathers to learn buzz-skill

Last spring, Allen Johnson noticed a slight change in the taste of the honey his beehives were producing. There was something new -- and also familiar -- he could not quite place. "Strawberry," Johnson said. Worker bees from his...

Elvis returns: United Way kickoff

Debbie Snyder closed her eyes and concentrated. As the music filled her ears, she was transported back to the day when she heard the real Elvis Presley live in Las Vegas years ago. But the man on the stage...

New boss takes job at center

Some Wayne County senior citizens just need a safe haven, said Paula Edwards, the county's new Services on Aging director. The county's senior center can provide that haven as well as the many other services and activities available there,...

Schedule set for Red Cross September blood drives

Here is the schedule of September blood drives for the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross: * Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wayne Community College and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at O'Berry...

New pickleball courts coming to Goldsboro

A different kind of pickle craze has hit Wayne County and, unlike Mount Olive pickles, this kind can't be eaten. Pickleball, a sport that is played on a tennis-like court with oversized ping pong paddles and a ball reminiscent...

Volunteers from store offer hands to spruce up school's courtyard

Students and faculty of Meadow Lane Elementary are going back in style this year. The school's courtyard underwent an extensive facelift as part of the Lowe's Hero Day. On Tuesday afternoon, the new courtyard was revealed to the teachers....

Meeting focuses on ag's future

North Carolina's booming agriculture and agribusiness industries were hailed Wednesday morning as the state's "new economy" that holds the potential to be as big as textiles and furniture once were in the state. Local and state perspectives on agriculture...

Students get ready for classes at Elmwood Back to School bash

AréOnna Middleton wants to be a doctor. She announced this to the crowd at the Elmwood Community Back to School Bash hosted by the Goldsboro Housing Authority. The crowd applauded her dream and encouraged her to keep her eyes...

Friday, August 21, 2015

Two shot in leg in city project

An 18-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl are both recovering from gunshot wounds to the leg today after being shot near the Grand at Day Circle housing community Thursday after 8 p.m. Ty'Quan Sutton, 18, of East Maple Street,...

Elementary students meet teachers, tour schools at district open houses

"My name is Kayden Joseph Schriver. I'm going to be part of the Little Eagles," the precocious 5-year-old seated outside Rosewood Elementary School announced proudly Thursday afternoon. Waiting anxiously for the doors to be unlocked for open house, he was...

Last jam

In addition to performances by the band Digger Foot and other fun at the last Center Street Jam of the season on Thursday, hundreds of dollars were raised for the Goldsboro News-Argus' annual Empty Stocking Fund Christmas party for...

Incentive program to boost business

Wayne County commissioners implemented an incentive grant policy Tuesday for new and/or expanding industries in the county and then just minutes later awarded the first grant. A second grant application was tabled at the request of the applicant. Commissioners...

Repreve Renewables first company to benefit from new county grants

Greensboro-based Repreve Renewables will be the first company to benefit from an incentive program unanimously approved Tuesday morning by Wayne County commissioners. The grant would be for a total of $37,284 over a five-year period, provided the company makes...

GHS grad named AAAS Fellow

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association. The AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships provide the opportunity for...

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Hospital wants $25 million expansion

It took less than 15 minutes Wednesday morning for Wayne Memorial Hospital officials to plead their case before a nearly empty room for state approval of a $25 million expansion project. Hospital President Bill Paugh and Dr. Ben Eskra,...

Open house at a new school

Delores and Manfred Hood strolled through the hallways of Grantham Middle School Wednesday evening, checking out classrooms and navigating around hundreds of others attending open house. But there was something missing from the mix -- they have no children...

Council debates country club name

The Goldsboro City Council has not been able to agree on a new name for the former Goldsboro Country Club. Renaming the facility was discussed during the council's work session Monday night, and the council was split down the middle...

One killed; one jailed in city murder

A Goldsboro man was shot to death Wednesday afternoon, and a 40-year-old faces a felony murder charge in connection to his death. Carlos Demoris Darden, of 208 Alpha Court Apt. A, was arrested by Goldsboro police officers just after...

Paramount Theatre changing way it sells event tickets

Customers buying tickets to events at the Paramount Theatre will see a change in the process. The Paramount recently changed its providing company. "We were using a company called etix, and now we've switched to one called vendini," said...

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Joyner named county Teacher of the Year

Angela Joyner knew early on that she would become a teacher. Tuesday night, her heartfelt passion earned her another title -- Teacher of the Year. "I'm a Wayne County product -- I went to Brogden Primary, Brogden Junior High...

Suspect charged in city murder

A Goldsboro man is in custody today charged with an open count of murder in connection with the Aug. 8 shooting death of Jerome Lavelle Barnes, 17, outside the Donel Express Mart at 508 E. Elm St. The investigation...

Register of deeds announces retirement

Wayne County Register of Deeds Lois J. Mooring has announced her plans to retire effective Sept. 30, after nearly 11 years in that office. However, her career in and around the Wayne County Courthouse spans 41 years, beginning in...

Cafeteria delayed

Students at Charles B. Aycock High School expecting a new cafeteria when school starts Aug. 24 will have to wait a little while longer, officials say. The school will open on schedule, but delays have forced the district to...

Disc golf becoming popular

There is no country club. The greens are covered with pine needles. The fairways are in the woods. There is a large chance a child playing soccer on the 5th hole distracts you. On some holes, you have to tee...

Girl Scouts name program director

North Carolina Coastal Pines has announced the appointment of Melissa Almodovar to the role of Program Director. Almodovar will be responsible for the new Girl Scout Mobile Program Vehicle and will be based at the Wilmington Service Center. "We...

Crime of the Week

On Aug. 10, a representative of George Foss Auto Sales, located at 4310 U.S. 70 East reported securing the business on Aug. 7 at 4 p.m. and when employees returned to the business on August 10 at 7:15 a.m. they...

Big Cat Kids Catfishing tournament this weekend

Desmond Vaughn is very patient. He stands on a dock with two poles before him. He's still too young for a fishing license, but he watches the lake with a practiced eye. The 13-year-old is silent as he waits for...

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Testing the waters

The most important thing is not to panic. Andrew Cabrera took a deep breath and stepped into the pool. He had 75 pounds strapped on his body. He might sink like a stone. He stayed calm. He had a...

Chief talks about crime

The recent rash of shootings in the city has not been random, Interim Police Chief Mike West told the Goldsboro City Council on Monday night, and the public has less to worry about than it might first appear. "These...

County weighs hire for new ag center

Wayne County commissioners are being advised by the county manager that they should hire a director for the county's proposed regional agriculture and convention center. Commissioners had initially said that the billing for events at the new center would...

UMO to sponsor concert Friday

MOUNT OLIVE -- The University of Mount Olive will join with the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce to welcome students to the Mount Olive community on Friday, Aug. 28. Events will include an outdoor concert and movie on...

Monday, August 17, 2015

Orientation schedule set for schools

Wayne County Public Schools is gearing up for another school year, releasing its open house and orientation events this week. The first day of classes for students will be Aug. 24. Open house is an opportunity to meet teachers,...

Ready for class

With one week until school starts, Wayne County Public Schools is still filling openings for teachers and preparing the newest educators for the field. It's a "mixed bag" this year, says Debbie Durham, director of human resources. "We have...

County weighs incentive program

Wayne County commissioners on Tuesday will hold a public hearing on the possible creation of an incentive grant program for the county that could award money to new businesses or an existing one that is growing. Factors to be...

Couple caught shoplifting at local stores

A man and a woman face larceny charges after they were caught shoplifting at a string of retail stores along North Berkeley Boulevard Friday. According to a Goldsboro police report, Ryan Paul Frary, 27, and Kimberly Heather Frary, 31,...

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Teacher of the Year to be named

Wayne County Public Schools will announce the district "Teacher of the Year" at a banquet Tuesday evening at Lane Tree Golf Club and Conference Center. Three finalists for the honor have been announced, representing each of the grade levels....

Sunday public record

Charges These charges were filed by the Goldsboro Police Department: * Faison Vernon, 22, 101 Ervin St., failure to appear, $500 unsecured bond. * Quamine Donshaye James, 25, 1003 Day Circle, felony possession of a firearm by a felon, felony...

Senior Democrats to organize

An organizational meeting of the Wayne County Senior Democrats will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at party headquarters at 138 N. Center St. The organization will promote issues related to seniors in the Democratic Party, provide a...

Burger battle downtown

Not many people would consider putting watermelon on their burger. Even fewer would grill the watermelon before pairing it with habenero pepper jam as a burger condiment. But that's exactly what The Village Steakhouse did at Saturday's Battle of the...

Minority business expo Saturday

The City of Goldsboro is sponsoring its first annual Minority and Women Business Enterprise Expo on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Herman Park Center at 901 E. Ash St., from 8 a.m. until noon. The public is invited to come out...

Man was shot, then arrested

esmith@newsargus.com Quamine Donshaye James, 25, of 1003 Day Circle, was shot one time in the back of his leg at about 4 a.m. Saturday morning after being approached by a group of six men wearing red bandanas across their faces....

Honeybee Day set for Saturday at Waynesborough

Beekeepers of the Neuse will host its fourth annual National Honey Bee Day celebration Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Waynesborough Park on U.S. 117 South. "We are one of the fastest-growing beekeeping groups in...

Thousands fed through feeding program

More than 7,200 Goldsboro children enjoyed meals this summer as a result of the city's 13-week pilot summer feeding program, officials say. An average of 500 children were fed per weekend day -- the program's maximum capacity, said Shycole...

EDITED downtown event

Not many people would consider putting watermelon on their burger. Even fewer would grill the watermelon before pairing it with habenero pepper jam as a burger condiment. But that's exactly what The Village Steakhouse did at Saturday's Battle of...

March bond vote urged

The Goldsboro National Guard Armory would be in line for $1,558,334 and Wayne Community College for $4,591,238 should a $2.8 billion bond package put together by the state House get on the ballot and be approved by voters. And...

City Council to meet Monday

The focus at Monday's Goldsboro City Council meeting will likely be a public hearing on a rezoning request by Dillard Academy to convert an building for office use. In order to use a building the school owns for offices...

Dillard Alumni group hosts family fun day

T'Nasia Kasey stomped her feet. A pool of water splattered around her bare feet. The 4-year-old shrieked in delight. She stood under the Goldsboro Fire Department's giant sprinkler in her play clothes, dancing around. She leapt around, sending spurts...

Health Board OKs change

The Wayne County Board of Health approved a proposal Wednesday to gradually revert the Health Department to being open five days a week. Health Director Davin Madden introduced the "Integrated Work Week Proposal" he plans to submit to county...

County work study nearly finished

A study examining Wayne County's four-day work week is expected to be completed by next month -- and some departments may stay on a modified four-day week, but will be open five days a week, County Manager George Wood...

Friday, August 14, 2015

U.S. 70 Bypass project moving along

The western leg of what eventually will be the U.S. 70 Bypass is expected to open to traffic this fall, possibly as early as October. The eastern, and final section, was scheduled to be open to traffic by early...

GPD responds to two shooting incidents

Three more shootings took place in the city overnight Thursday and into this morning, according to Goldsboro police reports. One man survived being shot at during an alleged drug deal gone bad. The suspect in that shooting is now...

For the birds

Lance Baker paints a birdhouse in the front yard of his aunt Anne Keller's house on East Elm Street last week. Keller made the decision to have the house repainted when her granddaughter, Waverlea Brown, was accepted into the...

Line repaired

A construction crew hired to work on sewer lines along North Berkeley Boulevard as part of the N.C. Department of Transportation road widening effort between New Hope Road and Royall Avenue severed a gas line Thursday morning, prompting officials...

Goldsboro police identify man wanted for murder of teenager

The Goldsboro Police Department has identified and secured arrest warrants for one of the men it says is responsible for the Aug. 8 shooting death of Jerome Lavelle Barnes Jr. outside a convenience store at the intersection of South...

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Construction begins on city's new W.A. Foster Center

Construction of Goldsboro's new W.A. Foster Center at Mina Weil Park is under way and is expected to be complete by the middle of March 2016. The site has already been cleared and graded, preparing it for the $5.8...

Alleged Spence Avenue shooter arrested by Raleigh police

Investigators with the Goldsboro Police Department have charged the man they say is responsible for opening fire on two people in a car stopped at a traffic light near the Walmart shopping center on North Spence Avenue on Monday. The...

'Play ball!'

Dontay Hooker, 12, of the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County, throws a ball to third base during a game against other local chapters on Tuesday morning....

'Person of interest' sought

The Goldsboro Police Department is asking for the community's assistance in identifying two "persons of interest" in the Aug. 8 murder of Jerome Lavelle Barnes, 17. Barnes was shot outside the Donel Express Mart at 518 E. Elm St....

Days of Caring runs Aug. 17-22

Whether it's delivering a meal to a homebound person, installing a smoke alarm in a home that doesn't have one or collecting food for the Salvation Army, Wayne County residents will be out helping their neighbors next week during...

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Hospital project on hold until hearing

A public hearing will be held Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Wayne County Public Library on East Ash Street on Wayne Memorial Hospital's proposed $25 million construction project. A certificate of need public hearing is required before...

Helping hands

John Witt stands shirtless in an insurance office in Atlanta. He has on shorts, but no socks. He makes a slow circle with his arms held wide. "My name is John Witt," he says to the claims agent. "I...

Alleged shooter arrested, club has permits revoked

One man is in custody and another remains unidentified in an ongoing investigation into a shooting last month at a local strip club that left two people injured. A patron and an employee were both wounded by shots fired in...

Local 98-year-old celebrates her birthday by realizing her 'dream'

All her life -- 98 years to be exact -- Loudell Newton had a dream. She wanted to take a cruise on a riverboat. That dream came true recently when she boarded the Henrietta 3 in Wilmington for a trip...

Crime of the week

On Aug. 8, the Goldsboro Police Department responded to a shots-fired call in the area of 800 Argo Street at approximately 12:30 am. Once in the area, officers discovered 25-year old Tyron Jones and 21-year-old Robert Cole suffering from multiple...

Local store clerk beaten

A convenience store clerk was beaten after a dispute with a customer over the amount of change given during a purchase made Sunday, according to a Goldsboro police report. The assault took place ant the D&H Mart at 500...

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Wayne Country Day School looks forward to new year

Wayne Country Day School Headmaster Todd Anderson hasn't unveiled his theme for the upcoming school year. So in the interest of time, since students return on Wednesdays, here's a suggestion -- growth. The prep school is rapidly growing, Anderson...

Rules set for garbage pickup

When new regulations for city garbage collection take effect Sept. 14, Goldsboro residents whose garbage is not collected during regularly scheduled pickup times for any reason will have to take their trash to the Wayne County landfill themselves. The...

Pikeville police find suspect in hit, run

PIKEVILLE -- Police responded to a traffic accident with injuries Thursday afternoon, Aug. 6, in the vicinity of Big Daddy's Road and Goldsboro Street. When officers arrived, the driver of the at-fault vehicle had fled the scene on foot....

Back to school

Beth Fletcher directs her first-grade students to their classroom at St. Mary Catholic School Monday. Most of the more than 200 students who attend the school have returned, but kindergarten classes will begin with partial classes on Wednesday, Thursday...

Shots fired at vehicle on Royall

No injuries were reported Monday after shots were fired at a vehicle stopped at the intersection of Royall Avenue and North Spence Avenue. According to a Goldsboro police report, the shots came from the parking lot of the Sound...

WorkKeys tests to be offered at Wayne Community College

The WorkKeys(r) tests for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) will be offered three times this month at Wayne Community College. The Wayne Occupational Readiness Keys for Success (WORKS) program will provide testing sessions at 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on...

Monday, August 10, 2015

Second murder, gunfire in city

Two men are dead, three people have been hospitalized and several homes throughout Goldsboro were struck by gunfire over the last 72 hours. The Goldsboro Police Department is currently investigating the two homicides and subsequent assaults and shots fired...

Shiny new wheels

Goldsboro has a new fire truck, but it will be a couple of weeks before the new engine answers any city fire calls. The new Pierce Arrow 2015 fire engine, which was built to the specifications of the Goldsboro...

Caroline Tart is home, with a brand new heart

Caroline Tart has a heart for people and loves hearing their stories. In recent months, though, she has been at the center of an unfolding story of her own, and the subject of many prayers. Since May 8, she...

Aquarium expert's visit is library highlight for summer

Shayne Mitchell has the power of Extreme Cosmic Poison. And flight. And X-ray vision. He stood in the lobby of the Wayne County Public Library on Ash Street wearing a plastic cape and mask. But he wasn't there to fight...

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Property tax notices in the mail

 Wayne County property tax bills started showing up in mailboxes this past week and by the end of the month all of the approximately 73,000 tax notices being mailed out by the county tax office should have been delivered....

School board to eye policies; Skyping on the list

Several school board policies up for a vote Monday night were pulled from the agenda and will be sent back to the committee for further discussion -- including a policy crafted to address board members using Skype or FaceTime...

Wayne Memorial Hospital's Paugh honored

J. William "Bill" Paugh, president and CEO of Wayne Health Corp., has been awarded the North Carolina Hospital Association's 2015 Distinguished Service Award. The award is given each year to a hospital chief executive and honors the individual's unique...

Gunshots ring out around city streets

Homes across the city continued to be hit by gunfire throughout the morning while police were still working the crime scene. • At 2:45 a.m., a woman, Angel LaShunda Ray, 35, heard shots fired in the 700 block of East...

Shootout: Man killed in gun battle early Saturday

With no suspects, no leads and no motive, the Goldsboro Police Department is asking for the community's assistance in solving an early Saturday morning shooting that left one Goldsboro man dead and another in critical condition. Several other shootings...

Pawprints for a cure

Katie doesn't mind being out front. Despite her short legs, she maintains a quick clip on most outings with her family. So it was no surprise Saturday when the Welsh Corgi/chow/Pomeranian mixed breed, led the pack during a dual-purpose...

Leaders targeting bill to get highway funding

The U.S. 117/I-795 and U.S. 70 corridors have been designated as high priorities in the six-year highway bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate. But it is not a done deal -- the House recessed before acting on its...

Beth Stovall, Miss North Carolina 2014, takes a look back at her year

Beth Stovall has been treated regally for the past three years -- as Miss Goldsboro 2013, Miss Greater Sampson County 2014 and then Miss North Carolina 2014. But when it came time to relinquish her latest title, it was...

Friday, August 7, 2015

Nominations for Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone Award sought

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the annual Cornerstone Award. Nominations are due by Wednesday, Sept. 2. The award is presented to a man or woman, living or deceased, over the age of 40, who...

Arts Council fund drive planned

The Arts Council of Wayne County is conducting its annual fund drive and hopes to raise $45,000 this year to help fund various programs and events. "The drive is the biggest piece of our fundraising," said director Sarah Merritt. "It...

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Man shot in leg while standing in driveway

Fiante Semaj Amerson, 24, of 213 Nancy Drive, Dudley, was shot in his right leg Wednesday night while standing in the driveway of 905 N. Virginia St. An unnamed suspect is wanted for felony assault with a deadly weapon...

Goldsboro high school player attacked after practice

A Goldsboro High School football player was allegedly attacked with a knife by a spectator following practice at Goldsboro High School Wednesday afternoon, according to a report filed with the Goldsboro Police Department. The 16-year-old victim told police that the...

Commission approves funding plan

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning approved funding tabled just two week ago for projects in Mount Olive, Pikeville and the county. They also agreed to hold in reserve $50,000 of $966,000 intended for the county's agricultural and convention center....

Fire training facility being built by Goldsboro Fire Department

The Goldsboro Fire Department has been busy building a facility to train new firefighters. Its first structure is expected to be ready by mid-September. The new training ground has taken a long time to develop, Chief Gary Whaley said....

Man dies in truck crash

A Faison area man was killed late Wednesday afternoon in a single-vehicle accident in Sampson County. The Sampson County Highway Patrol said Spencer Allen King, 33, of Preacher Henry Road, died as the result of injuries sustained in the...

Exhibit opens Friday at Arts Council

Mary Scott Best is an artist and her work will be part of the "Things That Move Me" exhibit, which opens Friday at the Arts Council of Wayne County. The exhibit focuses on the different pieces of art that students...

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Stuff the Bus

"I always consider the News-Argus Stuff the Bus campaign to be the official kick-off for the season," Mrs. Bennett said. "There is a need for people to continue to respond to the needs of the children in this community so...

Sacrifice honored: annual Purple Heart banquet Friday, three veterans tell their stories

A storm is coming. Sam Dixon feels it in his knee. But the former Marine's "gift" is not one he covets. If anything, it serves as a painful reminder of the day in 1968 an AK-47 round went through his...

Community, officers share evening of fun, fellowship

 The 32nd annual National Night Out in Herman Park on Tuesday  brought families together with law enforcement and city and county agencies for night of crime-free fun. Officials said more than 1,500 people passed through the park between 5:30 and...

Commissioners OK hotel tax deal with Mount Olive

An agreement that clears the way for Wayne County to levy a 1 percent countywide hotel occupancy tax was unanimously approved by Wayne County commissioners on Tuesday. The Mount Olive Town Board approved the deal at its meeting Monday. The...

Drive to help collect school supplies for local children

While you're out and about shopping for bargains and back-to-school specials, don't forget to pick up extra school supplies for students who may have none. "Anything that would help a child, whether it be notebook paper, crayons, pencils, bookbags --...

National Night Out

The 32nd annual National Night Out in Herman Park on Tuesday brought families together with law enforcement and city and county agencies for night of crime-free fun. Officials said more than 1,500 people passed through the park between 5:30...

Hotel tax deal

sherring@newsargus.com An agreement that clears the way for Wayne County to levy a 1 percent countywide hotel occupancy tax was unanimously approved by Wayne County commissioners on Tuesday. The Mount Olive Town Board approved the deal at its meeting Monday....

Firefighters battle Aycock tractor blaze for hours

An investigation is under way today into the cause of an eight-alarm fire that damaged Aycock Tractor Supply on Tuesday evening. No one was injured, and officials have so far ruled out anything suspicious. The Goldsboro Fire Department and...

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

New app will help find deals

"Do you offer a military discount?" Now, there's an app for that. The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce now offers a one-stop shop for finding out which of the 572 Chamber businesses offer a military discount or deal. Similar...

City will wait on cemetery vote

The Goldsboro City Council deferred action Monday night on a rezoning request by the Islamic Center of Goldsboro that would allow the center to build a cemetery on Fedelon Trail. In other business, Council members approved the issuance of $4.5...

Mount Olive agrees to occupancy tax deal with county

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Town Board has a new member -- and an agreement with the Wayne County commissioners on a proposed hotel occupancy tax distribution. The board Monday night appointed Thomas Preston Jr., 69, to the District...

Business broken into, safe taken

Employees at the Mooring Automotive Group, L.L.C., returned to work Monday after being off all weekend to find the business had been broken into. Unknown suspects pried open a rear door to gain entry to the business located at...

Ag school plan 'no' vote draws fire

After his motion to establish an early agriculture college high school on the University of Mount Olive campus was defeated 4-3 by the school board Monday night, school board member Rick Pridgen hurled accusations of "personal vendettas" and hypocritical...

Action deferred on Muslim cemetery, bonds approved

esmith@newsargus.com The Goldsboro City Council deferred action Monday night on a rezoning request by the Islamic Center of Goldsboro that would allow the center to build a cemetery on Fedelon Trail. In other business, Council members approved the issuance of...

Monday, August 3, 2015

Shootings and robbery reported

The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating two separate shootings and an armed robbery, all of which occurred over the weekend, according to police reports. The first incident took place Friday afternoon. Auston Robert Hobbs, 24, of Goldsboro, told police...

Student's food pantry still going strong

kballard@newsargus.com Mackenzie Hinson is a ball of energy. On Tuesday, she danced around with a broom cleaning up her new storefront. The day before, she had gotten back from a week of tap dancing in Chicago. But she doesn't have...

Lawmakers agree on hotel tax

The original bill that was introduced by Rep. John Bell would have increased the Goldsboro's hotel occupancy tax from 5 to 6 percent. It was switched to the 1 percent countywide tax to avoid a conflict with House Finance Committee...

Commissioners plan to consider funding for projects

Wayne County commissioners will revisit possible funding allocations for projects in Mount Olive, Pikeville and the county at their meeting Tuesday. Last month, commissioners agreed to use $420,000 from its Eastern Region loan for construction of a sewer pump...

Two facing charges after stops

A Mount Olive man is in custody today after being charged Friday with trafficking cocaine, according to a press release issued by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Demetrius Deshaun Cogdell, 30, of 311 W. Kornagay St., is charged with...

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Public schools' Summer Institute set for this week

MOUNT OLIVE -- Wayne County Public Schools is hosting the 10th annual Summer Institute, a free conference for teachers and parents to usher in the new school year. The three-day event will take place in Raper Hall on the...

Arrests made in shooting

With their guns drawn, Goldsboro police Friday night surrounded a house on Brazil Street where two men had fled after allegedly shooting a third man in the leg. Police pounded on the front door and the two men, Fiante...

Legislators talk taxes at chamber breakfast

"We need to avoid all kinds of issues that create a urban-rural conflict," Dixon said. "When we talk about tax redistribution we need to be very careful. We do not want to get into a situation where we are having...

Vote on Muslim cemetery might be delayed

Goldsboro's city planning commission has recommended to delay a vote on a proposed rezoning near Fedelon Trail that would allow the Islamic Center of Goldsboro to construct a cemetery next to its place of worship. If Goldsboro City Council...

Medicaid issue tough, but needs attention, legislators say

There was agreement Friday by Wayne County's five-member legislative delegation that Medicaid reform is perhaps the thorniest issue they face. They agreed as well that it could keep them in Raleigh well past the time they had hoped to...

Goldsboro woman killed by 18-wheeler

A Goldsboro woman died Friday afternoon after she walked into the path of a tractor-trailer at the intersection of N.C. 111 South and Dollard Town Road. Carrol Ann Violette, 75, of 101 Biltmore Drive, was leaving a neighborhood store...

Goldsboro Housing Authority buys property, apartment building

Goldsboro is getting a new -- and refurbished -- low-income housing area. In a deal finalized May 27, the Goldsboro Housing Authority took sole ownership of the Walnut Street Schools Apartments at 508 E. Walnut St., as well as...

Child nearly drowns at Busco Beach

A quick-thinking bystander is being credited with pulling a young child from the waters at Busco Beach and performing CPR until emergency workers could arrive. Little information was available prior to press time Saturday night, but Wayne County Sheriff's...

City Council to meet Monday

Goldsboro City Council members will talk about Goldsboro Country Club, a park, a playground -- and chickens -- when they meet Monday night. Council members will face an agenda that includes nine work session items, three presentations, 10 consent...