January 2017 archives

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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Charges filed against teen driver in fatal wreck

The N.C. State Highway Patrol has charged 16-year-old Devin Ryan James, of Dudley, with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle in a Monday night wreck near Mount Olive that killed another teenager. Both James and another 16-year-old were sent to the...

Dudley man arrested for possession of marijuana, handgun

A Dudley man was arrested for possession of a stolen handgun and 14 grams of marijuana Monday, according to a report from the Goldsboro Police Department. Rakim Karim Johnson, 22, of 111 Forest View Drive, Dudley, was arrested Monday around...

Board of education holds work session

The Wayne County Board of Education held a work session Monday where members discussed various policies and went over a new program for keeping up with school improvement plans. The public meeting, which began at 10 a.m. and ran...

Base exercise enters second day

Thirteen airmen with 4th Fighter Wing simulated a chemical attack under the supervision of the Commander's Inspection Program during a mock-deployment Monday afternoon at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The two-day Operational Readiness Exercise began with Staff Sgt. Darrell Bowers...

Police: Man shot in big toe 'doing fine'

A man shot in the big toe Monday night is recovering, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said today. Tyonne Mckinnon, 19, of 411 Summerlin Drive was shot at his house. He was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital, Maj. Tom Effler...

Mount Olive teen killed in wreck Monday

A single-car wreck near Mount Olive late Monday night killed one teen and injured two others. The wreck took place at about 8:45 p.m. and shut down the southbound lane of U.S. 117 at Country Club Road for hours. Right-rear passenger Matthew Hunter...

Monday, January 30, 2017

Missing student found unharmed

A student who walked out of class at Rosewood Middle School today and couldn't be found afterward prompted a large emergency response from law enforcement and caused the school to be put on lockdown for around two hours. The student...

Group supporting local youth celebrates 55 years

Members of the Goldsboro Chapter Continental Societies, Inc. commemorated 55 years of service to children and youth in Goldsboro and surrounding counties at a luncheon recently held at the Holy Ghost Drawing Center-Community Crisis Center. The theme for the historic...

Two men charged in theft of four-wheeler

Two men are facing larceny charges for allegedly stealing a trailer with a four-wheeler on it from someone on the Mar Mac community Jan. 8, according to a press release. The release said a Mar Mac resident reported to the...

Gas station robbed at gunpoint Saturday

A man held a Circle K employee at gunpoint as she opened the store Saturday morning and robbed the gas station of  an unknown amount of money, according to a Goldsboro police report. The report said a man approached 44-year-old...

Police: City residence shot into twice in one month

Police are investigating a shooting at 408 S. Leslie St. that took place Sunday night. The incident marks the second time the house has been shot into this month. Multiple shots were fired into the home Sunday, but nobody was...

WCC students earn distinction

Wayne Community College has been ranked ninth in the nation for certifications earned by students last year. The distinction is part of the NC3, or National Coalition of Certification Centers, a national ranking of educational institutions, officials said. WCC...

Man dies in wreck

A man died in a car crash at  2:27 a.m. Saturday on U.S. 70 Bypass after another driver traveling the same direction rear-ended him, according to the state Highway Patrol. Thomas Akers, 58, of Goldsboro, died after 24-year-old Jordan Perry...

Historical Glimpses program outlines beginning of UMO

MOUNT OLIVE -- There was a sense of excitement. A building had been found to serve as the first home of the fledgling Mount Olive Junior College. But Rose Raper was not impressed when she saw the dilapidated building...

Sheriff's Office: Meth dealer mistakes deputy for dope buyer

A Wayne County sheriff's deputy arrested a man for methamphetamine possession after the man flagged him down with a flashlight Saturday night, mistaking the deputy for the person he was trying to sell methamphetamine to, according to a press release....

Wayne County joins program for early literacy

Wayne County has been accepted into the National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, or NCGLR, becoming one of six communities in the state participating in the effort to increase early reading proficiency. READ Wayne, along with an effort in Nash and...

School career fair needs businesses

Help Wanted: Business and industry representatives needed to ensure success of upcoming middle school career fair. Nearly 3,000 students, potential future employees, will soon be checking out job options that will be available in Wayne County. "There are a lot...

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Cookie time

Yasmin Ohnmeiss, left, 10, and Jamilla Thompson, 9, sell Girl Scout cookies for Troop 3422 in front of Wal-Mart on Spence Avenue Saturday. With five years experience selling cookies, Jamilla's favorite cookies are Peanut Butter Patties and Peanut Butter Sandwich....

Shamrock to stay open

A little bit of nostalgia and an interest in keeping a successful downtown business alive led Chris Yones to enter into a purchase agreement to buy The Flying Shamrock Irish Pub and Restaurant. The Flying Shamrock, originally planned to close...

Superintendent says classroom size bill would cost too much

A bill introduced by the N.C. General Assembly to reduce class sizes has potential, but it would be a "train wreck" if implemented as-is, Wayne County Public Schools Superintendent Michael Dunsmore said Friday. The bill, which mandates that state...

Vendors still being sought for N.C. Pickle Festival

MOUNT OLIVE -- Vendor applications are being accepted for the 31st annual North Carolina Pickle Festival. Also, a new festival website has been launched offering easier page navigation, highlighting individual festival events and featuring many more pictures and images....

Saturday, January 28, 2017

ACA repeal with no new plan could hurt Wayne County

With the new administration's rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act and with no real plan to replace it, some residents in Wayne County are clamoring to purchase affordable health coverage before it is out of their reach.The deadline to...

Luck o' the Irish; the Flying Shamrock finds a buyer

A little bit of nostalgia and an interest in keeping a successful downtown business alive led Chris Yones to enter into a purchase agreement to buy The Flying Shamrock Irish Pub and Restaurant. The Flying Shamrock, originally planned to close...

Bus system to extend hours for some routes

The Goldsboro-Wayne Transporation Authority will be extending service by two hours on the Purple, Blue and Green routes beginning Monday, Feb. 6 and running through Saturday, May 6. Visit the website ridegwta.com and click on the maps section for more...

Friday, January 27, 2017

Dunsmore: Classroom size bill has merit, but as-is would be "train wreck"

A bill introduced by the N.C. General Assembly to reduce class sizes has potential, but it would be a "train wreck" if implemented as-is, Wayne County Public Schools Superintendent Michael Dunsmore said Friday. The bill, which mandates that state public...

Cops: Break-in suspects caught while smoking pot down by the river

Authorities arrested two men Thursday morning accused of breaking into a business eight days earlier and stealing multiple items. Deputies reportedly came across the men smoking marijuana inside cars parked near a boat ramp on Bill Lane Boulevard and connected...

Base exercise beginning Monday will cause noise, traffic congestion

Residents who live in the area of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base can expect increased noise and activity Monday morning through late-Tuesday evening. A press release issued Friday by the base's 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office said a two-day...

Wayne to share in disaster funding

Wayne and three other of the counties hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew will benefit from nearly $159 million in federal grant funding. The recovery funds will help communities with housing, economic development, infrastructure and efforts to prevent further damage....

Jones sentencing given to new judge

WILMINGTON -- Former Superior Court Judge Arnold O. Jones II's sentencing hearing on a 2016 conviction of bribing a federal agent will be delayed for a second time as the case was assigned to another judge this week. The hearing...

Man charged with stealing church guitar

Authorities arrested a man Tuesday accused of stealing a bass guitar from a church, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office press release. Joseph Edward Joyner-Sturgeon, 21, of 105 Miller St., is charged with obtaining property by false pretense, larceny...

Al King among those honored at Chamber of Commerce awards banquet

A longstanding community leader who has given his life to public service was presented with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's most prestigious award Thursday. Former Goldsboro mayor Al King received the 2017 Cornerstone Award during the chamber's annual banquet...

Base/Community Council discuss common interests

The F-15E Strike Eagle turned 30 years old on Dec. 11. But the aircraft still has a bright future and will be around for some time to come, said 4th Fighter Wing Vice Commander Brian Armstrong. "That is a big...

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Police seek help in identifying women suspected of ID theft

The Goldsboro Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying two women accused of opening lines of credit in another person's name at stores and purchasing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. Maj. Anthony Carmon, head of the...

Albertson fox hunt is truly about fellowship, and food

ALBERTSON -- Food, fellowship and fun -- not foxes -- are the real trophies at the annual Washington's Day Fox Hunt and Dog Trials. The Saturday, Feb. 18, event at the Albertson Ruritan Community Building has been a tradition for...

Counterfeit money passed in Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- Two men allegedly passed counterfeit money at Joseph Mart in Mount Olive this week. Unlike previous incidents, the money has not been reported to be of motion picture use at this time. According to a report from...

Federal grants add to hurricane recovery

Wayne and four other counties will benefit from nearly $159 million in grant funding to help families and communities recover from Hurricane Matthew. Gov. Roy Cooper announced this morning that the state will receive more than $198 million with the...

Mount Olive police charge Wal-Mart employee with steaing money

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Walmart employee allegedly stole $350 by placing the money on store gift cards. According to a report from the Mount Olive Police Department, K'nyam'yshell D'nyse Mathis, 19, of 101 Sunnyside Road, Dudley, placed $100 on a...

Jones' sentencing delayed again as federal judge, 88, removed from case

WILMINGTON ---- Former Superior Court Judge Arnold O. Jones II's sentencing hearing on a 2016 conviction of bribing a federal agent will be delayed for a second time as the case was assigned to another judge this week. The hearing...

Flying Shamrock

The Flying Shamrock Irish Pub and Restaurant is scheduled to close its doors by the end of January pending any last-minute purchase offer for the longstanding, popular downtown business. Co-owner Wayne Turner has been meeting with at least two potential...

NAACP decries Facebook posting

The Goldsboro/Wayne branch of the NAACP is calling on city leaders to take disciplinary action against Police Chief Mike West for a Facebook photo they say is unprofessional and offensive. The organization held a Wednesday press conference to demand action...

If guilty, alleged guitar thief will face the music

Authorities arrested a man Tuesday accused of stealing a bass guitar from a church, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office press release. Joseph Edward Joyner-Sturgeon, 21, of 105 Miller St., is charged with obtaining property by false pretense, larceny...

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

NAACP press conference calls for action from city leaders

Between 50 and 75 people attended a press conference Wednesday evening at Rebuilding Broken Places in Goldsboro called by the Goldsboro/Wayne branch of the NAACP.At issue was a since-removed Facebook post uploaded by Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West with what...

Police: Man headed to court from jail had marijuana on him

Authorities found marijuana on a man being taken to court from the Wayne County Detention Center Monday to face other marijuana-related charges, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Tomnis Yahyme Cox, 25, of 904 Devereaux St., is charged with...

Sláinte! Goldsboro's longstanding Irish pub, The Flying Shamrock due to close if not sold

The Flying Shamrock Irish Pub and Restaurant is slated to close its doors by the end of January pending any last minute purchase offer for the longstanding, popular downtown business. Co-owner Wayne Turner has been meeting with at least two...

WCC offers bonus courses

Wayne Community College is offering "Late Start" and "Spring II" classes for those who still want to attend Wayne Community College this spring. Registration is ongoing for the late start college credit courses, most of which begin in the first...

Southeastern Medical Oncology Center expands

Southeastern Medical Oncology Center is able to serve more clients with the recent expansion of its chemotherapy department, SMOC, at 203 Cox Blvd., has added an infusion area for non-chemotherapy clients. The new area was added into previously used office...

Police arrest man in Tuesday night shooting

Police arrested a man Tuesday night for shooting a gun at someone inside a house on Spearwood Drive. Officers also found heroin in the man's possession while arresting him, said Maj. Anthony Carmon, head of the Goldsboro Police Department's Investigative...

Pediatric dental service opens in downtown Goldsboro

Downtown Goldsboro now has a pediatric dentist serving the community from a new location on South Center Street. Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, at 300 S. Center St., recently opened in the former Carolina Power and Light building, after completing...

Historical Glimpses to talk about UMO's impact on the east

MOUNT OLIVE -- Memories of Mount Olive College (now the University of Mount Olive) and its influence on eastern North Carolina will be the focus of Thursday's Historical Glimpses program at the university. Sponsored by the Mount Olive Area...

Mental Health Association discusses challenges, changes in coming year

From the time the Mental Health Association in Wayne County was chartered in 1962, its goal has been to provide residents with access to mental health services. Much has happened in the nearly 55 years since, president Emily Peacock said...

Crime of the Week

On Wednesday, Jan. 18 at approximately 1:30 a.m. officers of the Goldsboro Police Department responded to the 400 block of South Hollowell Street in reference to a shots fired call. Upon arrival officers discovered Tyreek Moody, a 26-year-old man...

Changes made in 2017 to N.C. Pickle Festival

MOUNT OLIVE -- The 31st annual North Carolina Pickle Festival will feature not only a new approach to the award-winning festival's Friday night activities, but a novel way to help visitors navigate Saturday's full day of events as well. Sponsored...

Rear Admiral to speak at UMO

MOUNT OLIVE -- Rear Admiral Nicholas S. Makrides, D.M.D., M.A., M.P.H., will speak to University of Mount Olive students, faculty, staff, and the public on Monday, Feb. 6. Makrides is the chief dental officer with the U.S. Public Health...

NAACP concerned by police chief's post on Facebook

Leaders of the Goldsboro/Wayne branch of the NAACP expressed concern this week to city leaders about a President Donald Trump likeness photo that appeared on the police chief's Facebook page. Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West confirmed Tuesday that he added...

Sign of honor

Chaplain Bill Boyd runs the tip of his fingers softly over the date engraved on the black, granite headstone. The birth date of the veteran interred holds significance for himself, as well. Five years ago, as Boyd knelt at the...

Goldsboro Disaster Recovery Resource Fair Saturday

A Goldsboro Disaster Recovery Resource Fair will be held Saturday for homeowners, renters and business owners with flood damage from Hurricane Matthew flooding. Information and guidance regarding the next step of recovery will be offered at the fair, which will...

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The sky was on fire: 56 years after two nukes fell on Faro

For most people traveling Big Daddy's Road the field just down from the Northeast Fire Station looks no different than any of the many others lining the road. Bruce Thomas Jr. sees something different -- the night of Jan. 23-24,...

Leaders respond to state marches

Alongside the Women's March in Washington, D.C., that came a day after President Donald Trump's inauguration Friday, sister marches were held in state capitals and large cities across the country.. In North Carolina, thousands poured into downtown in Raleigh --...

Coal Ash Coalition holds vigil

Residents of the Rosewood community and members of the Down East Coal Ash Coalition came together Monday night to plant a pink dogwood tree as part of the Statewide Day of Action for Climate Justice, sponsored by the North Carolina...

Arnold Jones sentencing continued

WILMINGTON -- Former Superior Court Judge Arnold O. Jones II will wait another two months to learn his fate after a sentencing hearing originally scheduled to take place Monday was postponed until March 27, said Don Connelly, Public Information...

Teenager charged with break-ins

A 14-year-old is facing felony charges after authorities say the juvenile broke into Rosewood High School and another business on U.S. 70 West in the same day. According to a press release, the white, male teenager stole $1,600 worth of...

Man faces larceny, other charges

Authorities charged a homeless man with larceny Monday for an incident that reportedly happened earlier this month. Patrick Shawn Grady is facing charges of felony larceny and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense after allegedly stealing things from...

Kinston man charged with drug possession

Authorities arrested a man for various drug charges after searching his vehicle during a traffic checkpoint this weekend. Shawn Douglas Taylor, 23, of Kinston is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and felony maintaining a...

Student accused of selling drugs during game

A 15-year-old is accused of selling drugs during a basketball game at Spring Creek Middle School Thursday evening, according to a report filed with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. A deputy working a basketball game at the school was approached...

Remembering the bombs: 56 years after two nukes fell on Faro

Wayne County residents woke up and went about their daily routine on Jan. 24, 1961. None had any idea how close they had come to being consumed in an overnight nuclear holocaust. It was just after midnight Jan. 23-24 when...

Man charged Friday in drug case from December

A man is facing drug distribution charges after being arrested for allegedly having 33 dosage units of heroin at a local motel in December, according to a press release. Emanuel Pigford IV, 25, of 1000 N. John St., is charged...

Monday, January 23, 2017

Police: Surveillance of local businesses leads to drug arrest

 A local teen is facing drug charges after allegedly being seen selling marijuana to someone in front of a local business Friday, according to a press release. Darius Jermaine White, of 315 Randall Lane Apt. C, whose date of birth...

Local group seeks to hold Duke Energy accountable, energize community movement

The Down East Coal Ash Coalition will be planting a red dogwood tree and holding a prayer vigil at 5:30 this evening across the street from the H.F. Lee Plant entrance. The event is being hosting in collaboration with a...

Woman robbed at gunpoint Saturday

Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place Saturday night while a woman was waiting in her car to pick up a friend. According to an incident report, Shantel Charese Atkinson, 26, was waiting in her car in the...

Grand jury indicts man for murder, woman charged in plea deal

A Goldsboro man has been indicted by the Wayne County grand jury on a charge of first-degree murder. Billy Renaldo Hamm, 44,  of 912 N. John St., was arrested in April in Silver Spring, Maryland, for the Jan. 9, 2016,...

City begins work to reconnect power to homes

City of Goldsboro inspectors plan to start working to get electricity reconnected to homes that sustained water damage following Hurricane Matthew in October. In an effort to get residents back into their homes, the Goldsboro City Council decided last...

Pikeville man is charged in larceny

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office charged a man Sunday for allegedly breaking into a Goldsboro residence that same day. Michael Christopher Fields, 31, of 109 Clifton Ridge Drive, Pikeville, is charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and...

Man shoots self in leg accidentally

A man allegedly shot himself in the leg when he was putting on his work boots. According to a report from the Goldsboro Police Department, Jonathan Sean Davis, 24, of the 1000 block of Slaughter Street, arrived at Wayne Memorial...

Scholarship application deadline is March 1

High school seniors in Wayne, Duplin and Lenoir counties are invited to apply for one of 215 Golden LEAF college scholarships available for the 2017-2018 school year. The awards, valued at $12,000, or $3,000 per year for up to...

Teaching the arts: Rosewood art in Raleigh

Amy Kennedy grew up wanting to be an art teacher. She chose a different direction after someone offhandedly mentioned she'd have to take a test. "I did not know that with every degree you get, there's an end-of-whatever test," she...

Wet weather lingers another day

Rain will continue throughout the morning following a weekend of torrential storms that moved northward across the Southeast. Most of the wind and rain is now passing through the Northeast as a nor'easter, but the storm pattern spawned several tornadoes...

Sunday, January 22, 2017

New jail dedicated to late sheriff

The late Sheriff Carey Winders would be pleased to see the soon-to-be opened jail on North William Street that bears his name, his widow Teresa said. "It is a wonderful facility," Mrs. Winders said following Friday morning's ribbon cutting...

Wayne Community College arts, humanities programs gear up for spring

There is more to look forward to this spring than the thaw and warmer weather -- Wayne Community College Arts and Humanities program promises a lineup of heartwarming and innovative events. From discussions about the rise of ISIS to...

Public invited to meeting on mental health

The Mental Health Association in Wayne County will hold its annual membership meeting on Tuesday at St. Luke United Methodist Church, starting at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required. The program...

Displaced Seven Springs EMS needs home of its own

The village of Seven Springs has been without its in-town EMS crew for around 100 days. Its old rescue station is in ruins after Hurricane Matthew-generated flooding devastated the town in October 2016. The EMS unit that had been...

County wants more joint ventures with city

Wayne County commissioners Wednesday morning said they would like to expand the number of joint ventures the county shares with the city of Goldsboro. During their daylong planning retreat Wednesday at the Goldsboro Event Center, commissioners included three such...

New officers for firefighers association

The new officers for the Wayne County Firefighters Association were sworn in recently during a banquet at Lane Tree Golf Club. From left, the new officers are James Jones, vice president; Mike Aycock, chaplain; Steve Harrison, past president; Ken Jones,...

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Goldsboro Police Department adds Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle to its fleet

The Goldsboro Police Department acquired a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected military vehicle this week with the intention to use it for high-water rescues, SWAT and Emergency Response Team operations and to conduct video surveillance in high crime areas, Police Chief...

A little love sewn in

Minnie Dixon has always believed young girls ought to wear dresses. The mother of three daughters, Dixon clothed her children in sundresses with bright, flowery patterns. Her daughters are now grown, but Dixon knows there are girls out there for...

Friday, January 20, 2017

Success coaches program in county schools stays afloat

Two new success coaches have been hired at middle schools in Wayne County Public Schools.  As the program continues to stay afloat, the executive director of Communities in Schools keeps an eye on potential funding streams. "We are in the...

Woman sentenced in murder plea, four others still charged

Jennele Lea Howard Wall, 36, pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder and other related charges for her part in the January 2016 killing of 47-year-old Carlos Cesar Vasquez Luna. Wall also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon,...

Man shoots, kills wife coming home from work early

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a woman early Friday morning after her husband accidentally shot her in the neck, according to a sheriff's office press release. According to the report, deputies were dispatched to 108...

King forum held at Wayne Community College

"From Here to the Dream," a forum held Thursday at Wayne Community College to provide an open discussion on how we, as a community and country, can move toward accomplishing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream, drew a...

More vehicles broken into

Police are investigating more than 40 vehicle break-ins, all of which took place in less than a week, and all within a mile radius of each other. Officials say they do not yet know whether the break-ins are connected. Thirteen...

Fremont receives sewer grant

FREMONT -- The town of Fremont has received a $1.2 million Connect N.C. grant, town officials said Thursday, money the town intends to put toward fixing its aging sewer system. The town has applied for the grant before -- five...

Open house Sunday at Farrell Farms on Gin Road

The public is asked to attend an open house Sunday at 4 p.m. at Farrell Farms at 200 Gin Road near Goldsboro. Farrell Farms is a non-profit organization that produces artisan snack products to support the KW Methodist Children's Home...

2017 Relay for Life kicks off

CeCe Thornton held up a photograph taken the day she was out with friends and removed the "beanie" that adorned her head throughout chemo and subsequent loss of her hair after being diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept. 2014. She...

Fremont might finally see fix to costly sewer lines

The town of Fremont has received a $1.2 million Connect N.C. grant, town officials said Thursday, money the town intends to put towards fixing its aging sewer system. The town has applied for the grant before -- five times --...

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Vehicle break-ins continue on city's west side

Police are investigating more than 40 vehicle break-ins, all of which took place in less than a week, and all within a mile radius of each other. Officials say they do not yet know whether the break-ins are connected. Thirteen...

Home sprayed with gunfire

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating shots fired into a home and at several vehicles on Summerlin Drive early Wednesday morning, according to an incident report. Several people were inside a house at 411 Summerlin Drive when they...

No early leads in shooting death

Police have no early leads in the homicide of 26-year-old Tyreek Dominick Moody, who was shot and killed in the 400 block of South Hollowell Street early Wednesday morning. Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West said police responded to a...

County will pay $3.8 million in cash for 911 center

Wayne County will pay approximately $3.8 million in cash to build a new 911 call center. The final design for the center has not yet been approved. The funding decision was made Wednesday morning by Wayne County commissioners during a...

Rescued puppies nursing at shelter

After nearly being buried alive in a grave with their dead parents Sunday night, five, two-week old pit bull-mix puppies are recovering at the Wayne County Animal Shelter with a nursing mother. Once they reach 8 weeks old, said shelter...

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Trailer shot, nobody injured

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a Friday night shooting in which a bullet struck a woman's trailer on Indian Springs Road but nobody was injured. Emily Mazur, 32, of 1795 Indian Springs Road, Mount Olive, reported to...

Redistricting and special election from representatives

The U.S. Supreme Court last week temporarily blocked a three-judge appellate panel decision to redraw 28 legislative districts in North Carolina. Wayne County is home in part to a few of those gerrymandered districts for which, had the lines...

Pete Gurley dies at age 80

Former Wayne County Board of Education member R.G. "Pete" Gurley died Tuesday. He was 80. Gurley, who lived in Mount Olive, graduated from Rosewood High School and attended East Carolina University. During his 36-year career in public education, he...

County measure on junk vehicles and mobile home parks passes

Changes to county ordinances regulating abandoned and junked vehicles and mobile home parks Tuesday morning were unanimously approved by Wayne County commissioners. No one spoke against the proposed changes during public hearings before commissioners, but one speaker had to...

No Wayne County Reads 2017

Wayne County Reads is taking the year off. The annual program has for several years running chosen one book a year for the community to read, and then planned programs around that book. But this year, for a number of...

Council approves permit in split vote

The Goldsboro City Council was divided in its decision but voted to allow Brookside Mart to remain open in a low-income area of the city. The council spoke about their concerns and support during a work session and its...

Fremont finally passes ordinance that imposes fines for trash

After six months of discussion, continuous tabling, a committee meeting and a public hearing, the Fremont Board of Aldermen pushed through one last roadblock Tuesday evening to pass an amendment to the town code of ordinances which sets in...

FEMA deadline drawing near

Less than a week remains for victims of Hurricane Matthew to apply for disaster assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The deadline 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, to file for federal assistance and to submit applications for...

Crime of the Week

On Monday at 1:35 p.m., Goldsboro Police Department responded to 214 Holly Road in reference to a breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. The victims, Cynthia and Donald Ballard, said at about 2:30 a.m. they were awakened by their...

Congressman Butterfield won't attend inauguration

U.S. House of Representative G.K. Butterfield, D- Dist. 1, announced Tuesday that he will not be attending president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. He has become the first representative from North Carolina to boycott the event with Rep. Alma Adams, D-Dist....

Police investigate early morning homicide

Police are investigating the first homicide of 2017 after responding to shots being fired around 1:30 a.m. today and finding a 26-year-old shot to death in the 400 block of South Hollowell Street. Tyreek  Moody, 26, was pronounced dead at...

Early morning shooting results in homicide

Police are investigating the first homicide of the year after responding to a shots fired call around 1:30 a.m. today and finding a 26-year-old shot to death in the 400 block of South Hollowell Street. Tyreek Moninick Moody, 26, was...

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Mount Olive man dedicated his life to educating, advocating for students

Longtime Wayne County educator, coach, principal and assistant superintendent, R.G. "Pete" Gurley, of Mount Olive, died today at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. He was 80 years old.Gurley, who also served 12 years as at-large member of the school board until...

Gun and drug charges for man who ran from police

Police arrested a man on gun and drug charges Saturday after responding to a call of shots fired and drug activity on Olivia Lane, according to a press release. Joseph Cumberlander, 21, of 700 Marygold St., is charged with felony...

Father, son charged with meth possession leaving area hotel

Authorities stopped a father and son as they left a local hotel Friday and arrested them for methamphetamine possession after searching the vehicle they were in, according to a press release. Vincent Jerry Weaver, 46, and Dustin Shane Weaver, 27,...

Sheriff's Office: Man and woman shot, killed two adult dogs, tried to bury five live puppies along with them

When deputies arrived to a call Sunday night in the 600 block of Antioch Road, all they knew was a 911 caller had seen two people digging a hole in a field and firing three shots into it. In the...

Eastpoint to consolidate operations with Cardinal

BEULAVILLE - Eastpointe Human Services announced today that it has entered into a letter of intent to consolidate operations with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare based in Kannapolis, effective July 1. The consolidated organization will operate as Cardinal Innovations Healthcare. Sarah N....

Speaking on Silence: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Luncheon speaker challenges audience

The speaker at the 29th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Luncheon Monday didn't focus on the slain civil rights leader's "I Have a Dream" speech. Instead, he centered his message on words King spoke during the Vietnam War --...

'Father of the Bride' to lift the community

"Father of the Bride" will not only make the audience laugh, but will also raise money for Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. It was the brainchild of local attorneys Geoff Hulse and Helen Baddour. "Downtown Goldsboro is my favorite thing," Hulse...

Monday, January 16, 2017

Police: Nearly 30 vehicle break-ins in one night

Police are investigating nearly 30 motor vehicle break-ins reported over the weekend. The bulk of the reported break-ins took place between Saturday night and Sunday morning on the west side of the city in a roughly one-mile radius, spanning from...

Home invasion robbery

Goldsboro police are investigating an armed robbery that took place Saturday night on Rose Street. Aarion Nichelle Coley, 25, reported to police that she was sitting on her couch eating dinner around 8:30 p.m. Saturday when two black men kicked...

WCC to offer interactive talk on MLK's 'I Have a Dream'

Wayne Community College is taking a different approach to Martin Luther King Day this year -- through an interactive discussion of how we as a country can move toward accomplishing the "dream of the dreamer." Dr. King's prolific "I...

Sanderson Farms opens new processing plant in St. Pauls

Sanderson Farms recently opened a new $155 million processing plant and wastewater treatment facility in St. Pauls, N.C. The new 180,000-square-foot plant will accompany the existing 65,000-square-foot hatchery located in Lumberton as well as a feed mill in Kinston, making...

Board to talk junk vehicle ordinance

The public Tuesday morning will have the opportunity to comment on proposed changes to Wayne County's abandoned and junk vehicle ordinance and its mobile home park ordinance. Wayne County commissioners will hold public hearings on the changes at 9:30...

Honoring King's legacy

MOUNT OLIVE -- Judge Carl Fox remembers the large Ku Klux Klan billboards that used to stand at Smithfield and praying that his car would not breakdown anywhere between them. Years later after being appointed to the Superior Court bench,...

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Sunday fire destroys trailer

A Sunday afternoon fire destroyed an abandoned trailer at 3118 Central Heights Road Lot 4. Assistant Goldsboro Fire Chief Eric Lancaster said on the scene the cause of the fire remains under investigation and is not currently ruled as being...

U-Haul

U-Haul Company of North Carolina is pleased to announce that Security Mini Storage has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Goldsboro community. Security Mini Storage at 2724 U.S. Hwy. 117 S. will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers,...

Scholarship recipient named

Patience A. Hill of Goldsboro was selected to receive a Duke Energy Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $3,500 for the 2016-2017 academic year. Miss Hill, a senior at Meredith College, is majoring in mathematics. Duke Energy scholarships are...

Student films hit silver screen at Praxis

The Praxis Film Festival returns next month, this time with the entire lineup of short- and full-length independent films being shown downtown. This is the seventh year for the event, which began at Wayne Community College and was later...

North Carolina dialects will be subject of Old Dobbs meeting

Members of the Old Dobbs Genealogical Society invites the public to join them on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. for their first meeting of the new year The meeting will be at the Wayne County Public Library at 1001...

Mount Olive open house Monday

MOUNT OLIVE-- The University of Mount Olive will hold open house on Monday, Jan. 16, for high school juniors and seniors and their parents to see first-hand what the University has to offer. Prospective students will have the opportunity to...

More than 2,600 drunken drivers arrested

RALEIGH - The annual Governor's Highway Safety Program's Holiday Booze It & Lose It enforcement campaign removed thousands of impaired drivers from roadways. State and local law enforcement arrested and charged 2,664 drivers for driving while impaired, of which 2,400...

Civil rights pioneer to visit city to give keynote address for MLK event

A civil rights pioneer engaged in the struggle for equality since the early 1970s will visit Goldsboro Monday for the 29th annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The Rev. Kojo Nantambu, director...

UPDATE: Man charged in airman's death

The Goldsboro Police Department charged a man Friday night in connection to the July 31, 2016, murder of U.S. Air Force airman Ryan Apollo Morgan, who was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base when he was killed. Bobby Mandrell...

Lopez Duo to perform at UMO Jan. 26

MOUNT OLIVE- The University of Mount Olive will host the Lopez Tabor Duo on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall located at 207 Wooten Street in Mount Olive. The event is a part...

UPDATE: Kitchen fire injures two children on Murphy St.

A quick-burning fire on a kitchen counter inside 1609 Murphy St. around noon Saturday left two children injured, each with significant burns to their face and chest. Assistant Goldsboro Fire Chief James Farfour said two children, ages 8 and...

Federal, state and local offices to close Monday

Federal, state and local government offices, banks and post offices will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Wayne County offices including the landfill and convenience sites, libraries and senior center will be...

Council to discuss new Herman Park Center

The Goldsboro City Council is set to consider design plans that could one day lead to construction of a new 52,000-square-foot, two-story Herman Park Center on Ash Street. The council will consider the plans Tuesday during its regular meeting,...

Woes continue for Slocumb Street grocer

The owner of Brookside Mart, who is seeking to move the convenience store to a larger site on South Slocumb Street, was convicted in May for selling alcohol without an ABC permit. Owner Ismail Qandeel was charged in 2015...

County hires new assistant manager

Craig Honeycutt will begin work March 13 as Wayne County's new assistant manager. Honeycutt, a Duplin County native, has served as county manager for Alamance County since April 2005. The local position has been vacant for several months following...

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Man robbed in parking lot of AutoZone

Police are investigating a robbery that happened in the parking lot of AutoZone at 137 N.C. 111 South Thursday night.According to an incident report, someone assaulted Sandro Chay, 34, of Seven Springs, while he was at the store and took...

Two children injured in kitchen fire

A quick-burning fire on a kitchen counter inside 1609 Murphy St. around noon today left two children injured, each with significant burns to their face and chest. Assistant Goldsboro Fire Chief James Farfour said two children, ages 8 and 12,...

Wayne County Public Schools announces adminsitrative changes

Several administrative changes were made by Wayne County Public Schools this week, including an interim principal being named at Mount Olive Middle School and two returning district retirees. Tammy Keel, principal at Mount Olive Middle since 2010, has been named...

Friday, January 13, 2017

Suspect charged in July murder of Seymour Johnson AFB airman

The Goldsboro Police Department charged a man today in connection with the July 31, 2016, murder of U.S. Air Force airman Ryan Apollo Morgan, who was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base when he was killed. Bobby Mandrell Williams,...

School bus driver charged in morning wreck

Update ----The North Carolina State Highway Patrol filed charges Friday in a wreck involving a school bus at Genoa Road and Robin Lake Drive around 7:10 a.m. that sent three people to the hospital. No students were injured in the...

Meeting addresses the future of Seven Springs

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The post office will reopen in this flood-ravaged village. Even though no timetable was mentioned the nearly 70 people attending a town-hall style meeting Thursday broke into applause when that announcement was made just minutes after...

Residents talk grants, buyout for property damaged by hurricane

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Residents in the riverside town devastated by major flooding twice in less than 20 years Thursday night wanted to know about grants to buy out their property or to elevate their homes. And several said they...

Schools look to improve relations

Improved communication techniques were a major topic of discussion at the Wayne County Board of Education meeting Thursday night, as the board viewed a presentation detailing plans for greater transparency and ease of access to information for parents and...

Haulin' Hog ABC permit revoked

A former downtown business owner already charged with kidnapping and rape after an alleged sexual assault took place inside his restaurant can also add ABC permit violations to his list of charges. John Crawford Kearney, of 900 Community Drive, the...

Drug charges filed against man

A Pikeville man is in custody after officers discovered drugs and a stolen weapon in his car in late December, according to a press release from the Pikeville Police Department. On Dec. 29, Pikeville police officers pulled over Dequinta...

Wreck involving school bus sends three to hospital

A wreck involving a school bus at Genoa Road and Robin Lake Drive today around 7:10 a.m. sent three people to the hospital, but no students on the bus were injured. North Carolina State Highway Patrolman L.J. Bunn said the...

Wayne County Public Schools bus involved in wreck

A school bus involved in a wreck with another vehicle on Genoa Road and Robin Lake Drive this morning has been evacuated. All students are off the bus. The wreck happened at about  7 a.m. The N.C. Highway Patrol is...

MLK Day holiday closings

Federal, state and local government offices, banks and post offices will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Wayne County offices including the landfill and convenience sites, libraries and senior center will be closed....

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Pikeville drug arrest

A Pikeville man is in custody after officers discovered drugs and a stolen weapon in his car in late December, according to a press release from the Pikeville Police Department. On Dec. 29, Pikeville police officers pulled over Dequinta Laquell...

Dollar General on Genoa Crossing robbed at gunpoint

esmith@newsargus.com The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a Tuesday night armed robbery of the Dollar General at Genoa Crossing Drive off of U.S. 117. According to an incident report, a black man wearing all black walked from around the...

Hospital names chief medical officer

Dr. Anthony Bruno of Chambersburg, Penn., has been named as the new chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs at Wayne UNC Health Care. He will assume his duties by mid-March, Wayne UNC Health Care President and CEO...

City councilman's home demolished due to damage

Goldsboro Councilman Mark Stevens knows first-hand the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. A house Stevens was living in on East Chestnut Street was demolished this week after the two-story home was condemned due to flood and hurricane...

Make-up days for WCPS

Wayne County Public Schools announced make-up days for the days missed earlier this week. The inclement weather and icy roadways forced officials to cancel classes Monday and Tuesday. After reviewing several options, administrators developed the following make-up schedule for the...

Fog and warmer weather Thursday, cloudy and cool on Friday

Patchy fog, dense in some areas, greeted commuters this morning as temperatures continue to warm back up following the weekend snow storm. The forecast today calls for a high near 69.The day should remain partly sunny, but clouds will move...

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Three charged with attempted murder in December shooting

The Goldsboro Police Department arrested three people Tuesday night for attempted first-degree murder charges stemming from a shooting in December. On Dec. 18, at 5:10 p.m., Kenya Artis reported he was shot while behind 911-B Fairview Circle. After being shot,...

Dollar General at Genoa Crossing Drive robbed at gunpoint

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a Tuesday night armed robbery of the Dollar General at Genoa Crossing Drive off of U.S. 117. According to an incident report, a black man wearing all black walked from around the corner...

90 days later, Part VII: The limitations of FEMA assistance

Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistant External Affairs Officer Mike Wade said the help that can be provided through the agency can only go but so far. "We can never make them whole again," Wade said. "We want to make...

90 days later, Part VI: Waiting in recovery

Betty Wellington does not know if she will be able to stay in Goldsboro. After Hurricane Matthew swept through Wayne County in October of last year, her home on Bunche Drive was condemned. The floodwaters reached as high as...

90 days later, Part V: Living in the aftermath

Carlton "C.V." and Betty Rose Sutton watched as their Hood Drive home of 39 years flooded twice. Destruction from Hurricane Floyd in 1999 left nearly $72,000 in damage, and they rebuilt. The damage from Hurricane Matthew was much worse....

YMCA offers diabetes class

The Goldsboro Family YMCA is offering the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program later this month to help adults make lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. The program is an evidence-based program...

Getting it all down

The Malpass Brothers have played their music everywhere from the Shetland Islands to Ryman Auditorium to Merlefest. They have toured with the late Don Helms, former steel guitarist for Hank Williams, and they have opened for music legend Merle Haggard....

Judge Fox to speak at Martin Luther King Day event

MOUNT OLIVE -- Superior Court Judge Carl R. Fox will be the keynote speaker for this Sunday's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration sponsored by the Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association. The program celebrating the life and...

The 'fun' in fundraising for the arts is in the creativity

A Mystery Masterpieces fundraiser will give people the chance to help the Arts Council of Wayne County and also take home a work of art. "Mystery Masterpieces is an awesome opportunity for people in town to get involved in the...

Local author offers healing through her words

Pamela Young captured negative thoughts in her mind with a written decree. Her penned proclamation at age 28 to apprehend thoughts of sadness and loneliness, however, only occurred after a friend knocked on Pamela's door. "I was going through a...

WATCH receives relief

WATCH is among clinics in five eastern counties receiving part of a $135,000 grant aiding in Hurricane Matthew recovery. The North Carolina Association of Free an Charitable Clinics was awarded  the financial assistance to provide disaster relief to free and...

Wayne Community College inducts 48 new members to international honors society

Wayne Community College's Upsilon Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, inducted 48 new members recently. Phi Theta Kappa members represent the top 10 percent of students enrolled in two-year schools. To be invited...

New jail hits snag with software issues

Software problems at the new Carey A. Winders Detention Center have delayed the training of detention officers at the new facility as well as the final state inspection. "The electronics control the mechanisms that open and close cell doors and...

90 days later: Living in the aftermath

Carlton "C.V." and Betty Rose Sutton watched as their Hood Drive home of 39 years flooded twice.Destruction from Hurricane Floyd in 1999 left nearly $72,000 in damage, and they rebuilt. The damage from Hurricane Matthew was much worse.After 4 feet...

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Man stabbed Friday night outside convenience store

Police are investigating a Friday night stabbing that left one man injured. According to police reports, 23-year-old Adrian Laroy Howell drove to Donel's Express Mart at 518 E. Elm St. to buy some Black & Mild cigars around 11:50 p.m.,...

Bowden sworn in as clerk to board of commissioners

Carol Bowden, 54, has been sworn in as the new clerk to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Mrs. Bowden takes the place of Marcia Wilson who recently retired after 26 years with the county. Mrs. Bowden, a Goldsboro...

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base exercise slated for Wednesday

An active shooter exercise will take place at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Wednesday morning, according to a press release. The release said the exercise will test the response times for active duty and reserve airmen of the 4th Fighter...

Honoring the youngest fallen

Phil Kastner knelt at the creek beside Elmwood Cemetery. Something beneath the fallen leaves and underbrush had caught his eye. Kastner stood, holding in his hands two tarnished American flags. He wiped them off as best he could, and...

Wayne Community College honors three for academics

Wayne Community College's Adult High School Program has honored three students for outstanding academic achievement. Bailey Jewel Evers of Fremont and Manuela Braach Kenny from Goldsboro were named to the Honors List for the first fall 2016 session. To...

Debutante pageant Jan. 28

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter of Goldsboro, will sponsor its 63rd annual Debutante Pageant on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. The theme for the event is "Poised for Perfection." A special...

Armed robbery suspect arrested

Goldsboro police have arrested the man they say robbed the Aggie's Grill Station on Cashwell Drive, Monday night. According to a news release, the suspect walked into the restaurant at 2814 Cashwell Drive at 9:40 p.m., hinted that he was...

Shots fired into a home in Dudley

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating shots fired into a home in Dudley early Saturday morning that left nobody injured. According to an incident report, 54-year-old Tomas Reyes was lying in bed at his home at 111 Georgia Farms...

Monday, January 9, 2017

Man dies in Duplin County wreck

One man is dead and another is facing charges after a wreck in Duplin County Sunday evening in which a car ran off the road and flipped over twice, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.Billy John Hannah, 34,...

N.C. Highway Patrol responds to 40 wrecks in Wayne County over the weekend

The North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to 40 wrecks in Wayne County over the weekend during the wintry storm that passed through the area.First Sgt. Jerry Burton said troopers handled 40 crash calls, eight stranded motorist calls and three calls...

City roads mostly clear after snow, ice over weekend

Subfreezing temperatures left patches of ice on roads but most throughout the city of Goldsboro were clear this morning. City crews worked throughout the weekend, applying salt to roads, trouble spots and main thoroughfares, said Rick Fletcher, Goldsboro public...

FEMA extends deadline 14 days

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved the North Carolina's request for a 14-day extension for Hurricane Matthew survivors to apply for federal disaster assistance. The new deadline is Monday, Jan. 23. It had been today. The new Jan....

Temperatures to remain low until Tuesday

Wayne County residents can expect to continue to shiver as sub-freezing temperatures linger through Tuesday morning. But by the time Thursday arrives residents will be able to trade in their winter gear for beach wear as highs are expected...

90 days later, Part IV: County residents and businesses get nearly $17 million in disaster aid

As of close of business Thursday nearly $17 million in disaster aid had been approved for Wayne County residents and businesses. That amount includes $8,811,948.73 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and $8,044,800 in Small Business Administration Loans. The...

Lee-Jackson banquet Jan. 21 in Kinston

KINSTON -- The annual Lee & Jackson Banquet to celebrate the birthdays of Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson, will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m. at King's Restaurant on U.S. 70 bypass in Kinston....

90 days later, Part III: Fate of Seven Springs

SEVEN SPRINGS -- "I am planning to come back. I will be here God willing," Seven Springs Mayor Stephen Potter said Friday morning as he stood in his gutted Main Street home. Potter is rebuilding following the historic flooding...

90 days later: Fate of Seven Springs

"I am planning to come back. I will be here God willing," Seven Springs Mayor Stephen Potter said Friday morning as he stood in his gutted Main Street home. Potter is rebuilding following the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew...

Winter weather advisory effective until Tuesday

Wayne County will continue to be under a winter weather advisory until Tuesday. Temperatures today will reach into the lower 30s with winds coming in at 5 mph. It will be mostly sunny during the day and clear, but temperatures...

Sunday, January 8, 2017

90 days later: Part II Property owners in city sustain $15.7 million in hurricane damage

Property owners in the city of Goldsboro sustained close to $15.7 million in flood and storm-related damage from Hurricane Matthew in October. The city of Goldsboro also experienced a cost -- estimated near $2.4 million -- for its preparation, response...

90 days later: Part I Condemned in recovery

Rudolph Jennings lugs a 10-gallon container of gasoline under his carport; fuel for a generator acting as the only source of electricity to his Brock Street home. Jennings has been without electricity since Hurricane Matthew hit the area hard on...

READ Wayne continues to make strides

READ Wayne is continuing efforts to improve school readiness and literacy skills, developing a plan to be submitted to the state to position Wayne County as a member of the National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Allison Pridgen was recently...

Shots strike house while family at home

Shots fired at 12:01 a.m. New Year's Day in celebration of the calendar change entered a home on Pleasant Pines Drive, according to a report filed Thursday with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Aydee Pacheco, 23, who lives at 202...

Goldsboro native joins Gov. Cooper's Cabinet

A Goldsboro native has been tapped to join Gov. Roy Cooper's Cabinet. Michael Regan, Cooper's nominee for secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, grew up in Goldsboro. He attended Goldsboro High School, and his parents, other family and friends...

Home renovations a small ordeal, all things considered

Mary Lindsey Edwards, after a 25-week stint in a Florida rehab facility being treated for mold toxicity, is home. But not in her house. That is being completely overhauled -- knocking out walls, painting, even getting rid of furniture to...

City human resources director takes Raleigh post

Goldsboro Human Resources Director Faye Caviness has accepted a position with the city of Raleigh and will step down from her post on Jan. 27. Caviness, a city employee of 16 years, will start as a human resources business...

Twins share 90 years of service

A willingness to do the job turned into a 45-year-long career for twin brothers Albert and Allen Jones who, by the time their surprise retirement party rolled around Tuesday, said working for four-and-a-half decades as first responders was their calling...

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Suspect identified in robbery/shooting

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office has released new information on a shooting that left one man injured in Dudley Friday morning. According to a Sheriff's Office press release, Kelly Sharone Garner, 30, of 103 Scott Circle, is wanted on charges...

No major incidents as snow continues to fall across Wayne County

City officials asked residents to stay off the roads if at all possible Saturday, as a winter storm covered the county in a quarter-inch of ice and under an inch of snow. With temperatures hovering just under 30 degrees, Goldsboro...

More snow and ice likely

It is currently 29 degrees in the area surrounding Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, according to the National Weather Service. Snow and ice accumulation overnight fell on the low side of early prediction models which forecast anywhere from 1 to...

Friday, January 6, 2017

Man shot in Dudley Friday, police searching for suspect

DUDLEY -- Deputies are searching for a suspect in connection with a Friday morning shooting that left one man injured. Det. Sgt. Jonathan Griffin with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said 32-year-old Omar Vann was shot in the shoulder around...

FEMA disaster relief center to close early

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief center located at W.A. Foster Center will close early today due to weather conditions. The winter weather predicting inches of snow to possibly fall in Wayne County is the reason the center will...

Bee school postponed

A basic beekeeping class that was scheduled to begin Saturday has been delayed a week because of an expected winter storm. Classes now will be held on Saturdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 and Feb. 4 and 11, from 9 a.m....

Wayne County could see 2 to 4 inches of snow

Portions of Wayne County could be covered by 2 to 4 inches of snow tonight into Saturday while areas south could see more rain gradually mixing with sleet and snow and possibly freezing rain. However, National Weather Service officials...

Conference talks gangs, human trafficking, drugs

MOUNT OLIVE -- Around 200 law enforcement and social work professionals converged on the University of Mount Olive Thursday for the 11th annual Eastern North Carolina Gang Conference. The daylong event covered subject matter ranging from human trafficking, drug abuse...

N.C. Highway Patrol urges caution during winter weather

In anticipation of the incoming winter weather, the Highway Patrol asks motorists to use caution when traveling throughout several areas of the state. Driving conditions could possibly deteriorate over the weekend, as snowfall is projected to accumulate due to...

Mount Olive prepares for snowstorm

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive Police Chief Tommy Brown and the town have prepared for the weekend's snow storm. Brown watched the weekend's forecast on the Weather Channel with Town Manager Charles Brown earlier this week to make appropriate...

City crews ready plows and salt for possible accumulation

City of Goldsboro crews are preparing snow plows and salt trucks and gearing up for any possible accumulation of snow or sleet today and tomorrow. "We're going to have 20 people on standby," said Rick Fletcher, Goldsboro public works...

Everyone's a Star

Seventeen local "stars" danced the night away Thursday, as the sixth annual Dancing Stars of Wayne County took place at the Paramount Theater. The fundraiser for education, which pairs residents with students from local dance studios, had originally been planned...

Snow to hold off until morning

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Raleigh for the area surrounding Seymour Johnson Air Force Base calls for light rain beginning today at about 1 p.m.Conditions will deteriorate from there as rain turns to sleet later in...

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Winter storm watch to take effect Friday

Wayne County and the rest of central North Carolina are under a winter storm watch from 7 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Saturday. However, the predictions of the storm's duration and possible accumulation amounts continue to evolve. The National Weather...

Four flats and arrested: Police use stop sticks to end chase

A police chase that ended along I-795 with spiked strips strewn across the highway to flatten the fleeing suspect's tires started in Johnston County, according to a news release. The incident took place Dec. 30, at about 2:50 a.m. The...

Fayetteville man charged in local break-in from August

A Fayetteville man is in custody in Cumberland County after breaking in to a Goldsboro man's office area, according to a Wayne County Sheriff's Office press release. According to the release, a resident of Yearling Drive noticed a light in...

Kmart to close in March

The Kmart at 201 N. Berkeley Blvd. will close at the end of March. Employees at the store were informed of the closing Wednesday morning. The number of employees at the store is not publicly available, said a spokesman...

Up to 6 inches of snow expected

The first winter storm of the season could leave Wayne County buried under four to six inches of sleet and snow this weekend. However, as of this morning, some degree of uncertainty remains about the developing system. The accumulation...

Dancing Stars will be tonight

Dancing Stars of Wayne County will be tonight at 6:30 at the Paramount Theatre. The annual fundraiser, originally slated for Nov. 4, was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. The event raises money to support Wayne Education Network, a partnership...

Fire consumes birdhouse, several birds killed

A fire in a woman's birdhouse near 2052 Piney Grove Church Road killed numerous birds that were inside the structure when the blaze broke out Wednesday night. Assistant Seven Springs Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chad Sutton said the woman who...

Winter storm update

The National Weather Service in Raleigh expanded its forecast Thursday, indicating the central and eastern regions of North Carolina could face more snow this weekend than initially predicted. A chart shows Goldsboro/Wayne County lies within a zone estimated to receive...

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Ahead of snow, WCPS nixes events Friday afternoon and Saturday

Wayne County Public Schools announced Wednesday afternoon the cancellation of all after school events Friday and all events scheduled for Saturday in advance of a looming storm likely to bring snow to the area. So far no school closures or...

Kmart closing Goldsboro location

The Kmart at 201 N. Berkeley Blvd. is closing. Employees at the store were informed of the closing Wednesday morning. Kmart and Sears stores are owned by Sears Holding Co. that Wednesday morning told employees at 78 Kmarts and 26...

Forecast threatens weekend snow

Brining trucks were being put through their paces Wednesday on some of Wayne County's back roads in preparation for a possible weekend storm that could dump a wintry mix and snow on the area. "We had a few pieces of...

U.S. 117 included in draft road plan

MOUNT OLIVE -- U.S. 117 from Lee's Country Club Road to Old Smith Chapel Road would be upgraded to freeway standards under the state's next draft 10-year transportation plan. That project would include constructing a new connector road along U.S...

She was a mother to many

MOUNT OLIVE -- Clara S. Price had three children of her own, but was also a mother for the generations of local children who attended her Tiny Tots Nursery and Preschool. Mrs. Price died Wednesday, Dec. 28, at home surrounded...

Brandon Lee honored for academic excellence

MOUNT OLIVE -- A student sitting beside Brandon Lee whispered he hoped to win the money. "I looked over and I said, 'I know they ain't going to call my name,'" Lee said. He never thought Dr. David Hines, vice...

Donations sought for giveaway

MOUNT OLIVE -- Donations of non-perishable food and new or gently used toys and clothing are being sought by Widows and Widowers New Beginnings for its third annual after-Christmas giveaway. The giveaway will be held from 2 to 5 p.m....

Board spars over appointments

Jack Best, Dr. Samer Kasbari and Bob Jackson Tuesday morning were named to the Wayne Health Corp. board of directors in what continues to be a thorny appointment issue for Wayne County commissioners. Wayne Health Corp. is the parent...

Ribbon cutting for jail slated for Jan. 20

A ribbon cutting for the new approximately $10 million Carey A. Winders Detention Center is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 20. "Of course none of the residents will be on site at that particular time," Wayne County Commission Chairman Bill...

Two arrested for gun and drug charges

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office arrested two people Thursday on gun and drug charges after pulling them over and searching the vehicle they were in on Lincoln-Mercury Drive. According to a press release, sheriff's deputies were responding to a...

Brookside Mart decision put on hold

Brookside Mart will continue to operate, at least another two weeks, as the Goldsboro City Council considers whether to allow the business to stay open on South Slocumb Street. The council, during its Tuesday meeting, decided to defer its...

Fight at Maynard's on New Year's Eve leaves man severely injured

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A fight at Maynard's Night Club around 1 a.m. New Year's Day left one man with broken ribs, lacerations to his face and air in his lungs, according to a report filed with the Wayne County...

Tractor-trailer takes out power lines in city

A tractor trailer turning into the parking lot behind a business at 401 N. William St. ensnared some power lines on the rig and pulled down several lines and poles Tuesday. The accident, which happened around noon, knocked out...

FEMA center to close Friday

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center in the W.A. Foster Recreation Center will close Friday, Jan. 6, at 6 p.m. Visits to the center have decreased so FEMA and the state will close the center, FEMA officials...

Crime of the week

On Tuesday at approximately 1:30 p.m., Goldsboro police officers responded to 1002 Sunburst Drive, Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge's overflow lot, which is the old Sunburst Foods facility, in reference to a break-in and larceny. Employees had found that someone had...

First baby of 2017

Parents of the first baby born in the New Year, Chelsea and Curtis Bowick of Goldsboro had a quiet evening planned Saturday, going out to eat dinner. "We just got home at maybe 12:10 (Sunday) morning," Ms. Bowick said. "We...

Swearing in: Judge Curtis Stackhouse

As of 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, Curtis Stackhouse became Wayne County's newest district court judge. Stackhouse bested opponent Annette Turik in the Nov. 8 general election by nearly 14,000 votes, and was sworn in by former Wayne County district court judge...

Swearing in: Judge Will Bland

With a little help from his wife and children, Will Bland Tuesday afternoon donned for the first time the black robe he will wear as Wayne County's new resident superior court judge. Nearly 200 people filled the historic Courtroom No....

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Deputies find guns, drugs during traffic stop

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office arrested two people Thursday on gun and drug charges after pulling them over and searching the vehicle they were in on Lincoln-Mercury Drive. According to a press release, sheriff's deputies were responding to a report...

New Year's confrontation leaves one man injured

SEVEN SPRINGS -- A fight at Maynard's Night Club around 1 a.m. New Year's Day left one man with broken ribs, lacerations to his face and air in his lungs, according to a report filed with the Wayne County Sheriff's...

Police force door, arrest shooting suspect

Update ---- Police have identified the person arrested following Monday night's robbery/shooting outside a home on south Andrews Avenue.   According to a Goldsboro police report, Roger Alvester Geddie Jr., 16, of Four Oaks, is charged with assault with a...

Pedestrian struck and killed in the fog

Update ---- Officials have released the name of the pedestrian struck and killed while walking in the roadway in LaGrange Monday night. The victim was Dallas Sutton, 26, of LaGrange. Initial report ---- Poor visibility and a lack of reflective...

Finding healing in art

Robert Jones never lent much consideration to butterflies. Nor did he put any stock in omens. But, facing his own mortality following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2009, Jones would be moved to appreciate both for their distractive powers in...

Monday, January 2, 2017

A marathon for the new year

Scott Edwards returns a shot during his first- ever game at the second annual Pickleball Marathon at the Herman Park Center Saturday night. When the event started there were 28 people registered to play, but people came and went as...

Fate of store to be decided

The fate of Brookside Mart, on South Slocumb Street, could be resolved during Tuesday's Goldsboro City Council meeting. The council will meet at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 214 N. Center St. Ismail Qandeel, owner of the small convenience...

Board to hear update on ash

Wayne County commissioners Tuesday morning will be updated on a proposed coal ash project at Duke Energy's H.F. Lee Plan just west of Goldsboro. They also are scheduled to hear from Bobby Jones of the Down East Coal Ash...

WorkKeys tests scheduled for January

The WorkKeys tests for the National Career Readiness Certificate will be offered just three times in Wayne County in January 2017. The Wayne Occupational Readiness Keys for Success (WORKS) program will provide testing sessions 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Jan....

Violence mars Christmas for some

Several violent incidents happened on Christmas Day in the county, ranging from a shots fired incident and domestic assaults to an assault on two sheriff's deputies. Deputies were attempting to serve warrants on James Matthew Brogden, 31, of 107 Lindsey...

Man is stabbed during Thursday robbery

A Goldsboro man was stabbed during a Thursday night robbery on East Ash Street. When Goldsboro police responded to the call shortly before 9 p.m. they found George Hart Lawrence III, 58, of Goldsboro, lying near a tree behind...

Mt. Olive Pickle Co. drops into 2017

MOUNT OLIVE -- Brad Vest has seen a possum drop in Brasstown, a Hershey's Kiss in Pennsylvania and a peach in Savannah, Ga. On Saturday, he drove from the snowy mountains in Boone to Wayne County just to see the...

Rain today and possibly overnight

Rain will be heavy at times throughout the morning today as showers are expected to last into the evening. A thunderstorm might even be possible before 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, as temperatures arr expected to reach...