July 2018 archives

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Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Missing teen found safe in Dudley

Ashanti Dyzare Harper, the 15-year-old who was reported missing by her family more than a week ago, was found safe Tuesday afternoon.Detective Pat Matthews, with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, said that a passerby spotted Ashanti at the Bojangles restaurant...

Threat of flooding continues

For Wayne County's tobacco, soybean, cotton and sweet potato farmers, the rain that has fallen over the past week has been a multimillion-dollar event.But it has not come without problems, and Wayne County remains under the threat of isolated flooding...

Public reviews downtown streetscape development plans

The city of Goldsboro hosted two public input meetings to discuss updates to the third phase of the Center Street Streetscape project on Monday.Residents had the opportunity to voice their opinions on the designs available for the project, as well...

Fruit stand a family tradition

PIKEVILLE -- If you've driven through Pikeville at any point in the last decade, it's likely you've seen Country Fruit Stand No. 3.The bright-yellow stand has offered fresh, local produce just outside of Pikeville since 1992."It's all good. I mean...

Deputies seize 300 grams of cocaine

Wayne County sheriff deputies seized 300 grams of cocaine and charged three people for drug-related offenses Sunday.Deputy Kaitlin Martinez, with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, was reportedly on patrol in the southern area of the county Sunday when she stopped...

Wayne County Public Schools goes digital to entice volunteers

Wayne County Public Schools is accessing digital and mobile tools for the upcoming school year to promote family and community engagement.The Online Volunteer Application System will be launched districtwide. Family and community members interested in volunteering at a school will...

Monday, July 30, 2018

Mount Olive welcomes new UMO president

MOUNT OLIVE -- University of Mount Olive President Dr. David Poole and his wife, Mary, were honored Thursday night during a town-hosted reception at Steele Memorial Library.Poole began his duties July 1 as the university's fifth president following the retirement...

Operation 500 collecting book bags, supplies

Two men who have been friends since middle school banded together recently over their interest in making the community a better place.David Rodgers and James Shivar became co-workers at Buddy's Home Furnishings and are developing a nonprofit with several goals...

Good Samaritans: Four strangers worked together to help save a life

A quick trip to Walmart and a willingness to get involved may have saved a life recently.Cari Harrison Cruse, a certified nursing assistant, at ReNu Life, is in the profession to help others."Every day I ask God to help me...

Family of missing teen searches for answers

The father of Ashanti Dyzare Harper, who went missing a week ago, describes his daughter as a typical teenager who was excited to have her first summer job working at her aunt's food trailer business.William Harper, the father of the...

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Travelin' man

Holly "Cargo" Harrison, 58, decided he wanted to go for a walk -- not to the corner or around the block or even across town.Instead he set off on a grueling 14,500-mile odyssey from the southernmost tip of Argentina to...

Missing teen search continues

Wayne County sheriff deputies have identified a person of interest related to a missing teenager officers believe ran away from home last weekend.The sheriff's office recently released photos of a man who may be connected to the missing teen, Ashanti...

Brantley seeks Democratic nomination for Senate

Retired Chief District Court Judge David Brantley will seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican state Sen. Louis Pate of Mount Olive in the Nov. 6 general election.Barbara Dantonio, the current Democratic candidate, has withdrawn from the race.Brantley, who retired...

Mount Olive search nets drug arrests

MOUNT OLIVE -- A search of a Mount Olive area home has resulted in several drug charges.Gregory Scott Harrison, 38, of 677 Pineview Cemetery Road, has been charged with one count of possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin,...

New Hope High School Class of 1955

The New Hope High School Class of 1955 recently held its 63rd reunion at K&W Cafeteria. Front row from left are Betty Coker Webber, Nancy Corbett Scott, Mary Elizabeth Strickland Darden, Katherine Wells Smith and Betty Jean Parks Moore. Second...

Health career training offered

Several Wayne Community College courses that prepare students for careers in health care will begin in August.Medical billing and coding is an online course that is taught in two parts across the fall semester. It leads to a certificate from...

Comatha Johnson honored for dedication, service

Comatha Boyette Johnson has been awarded the Continental Societies' Cornerstone Award and President's Award.Johnson received the awards at the organization's recent national conclave in Hampton, Virginia.The Cornerstone Award is presented for unconditional commitment to Continental Societies Inc.The President's Award is...

Charles B. Aycock High School Class of 1962

The Charles B. Aycock High School Class of 1962 recently celebrated its reunion with 38 members attending. They were the first class to graduate from CBA. Pictured on front row from left, Mary Lee Sasser Fulghum, Frances Hardison Wiggs, Janice...

Cosmetology information sessions planned

Information sessions for Wayne Community College Workforce Continuing Education's fall nail, hair and cosmetology courses will be held in the next few weeks.Anyone interested in enrolling in natural hair care, nail technology or cosmetology classes must attend a free hourlong...

Man charged with indecent liberties

A Goldsboro man has been arrested for alleged indecent liberties with a child.A victim reported the sexual assault to police that had allegedly taken place multiple times during a two-week period, according to Goldsboro police.James Frank Johnson, 61, of 1306...

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Flash flood warning in effect for Wayne County

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for east central Wayne County until 9 p.m., as heavy rain continues to fall across the area.The NWS issued the warning at 5:53 p.m., stating that Goldsboro, Walnut Creek, Elroy...

Friday, July 27, 2018

U.S. 117 overpass to be open by November

The new O'Berry Road overpass over U.S. 117 South at Dudley should be open to traffic around the end of October or the beginning of November.Traffic that normally would use O'Berry Road is currently being detoured along U.S. 117 Alternate...

Chamber of Commerce welcomes new teachers with breakfast

New Wayne County educators were welcomed in style Thursday morning, with a breakfast at Lane Tree Golf Club and a tour of historical sites in the area.The breakfast and tour were sponsored by Wayne County Education Network in partnership with...

Rockin' beach music

After a week full of heavy rain and gray skies, the weather finally cleared up for a hot summer evening full of music and dancing Thursday night, as nearly 200 people came out to hear the rockin' beach tunes of...

Arts Council director resigns

Wendy Snow Walker has resigned as the executive director of the Arts Council of Wayne County, and today is her last day.She took the position in November 2016 when then director Sarah Merritt moved out of state."I came here specifically...

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Summer youth job program offers high school students hands-on experiences in the workforce

When Jayla Coates was first placed at Robert E. Fuller's law firm for the Goldsboro Summer Youth Employment program, she was elated.As a sophomore from Eastern Wayne High School with dreams of becoming an attorney, Coates could not have been...

Purple Heart Foundation Banquet planned for Aug. 3

Less than 100 tickets remain available for the seventh annual Goldsboro/Wayne Purple Heart Foundation Banquet and Ceremony to be held Friday, Aug. 3, at the Maxwell Center.A private reception for the honorees will start at 5 p.m. followed by the...

Wayne County Public Schools announces administrative changes

The Wayne County Board of Education approved seven principal changes and a smattering of administrative moves during its Monday evening meeting.Rosewood Middle School principal Brian Weeks will take over the role at Norwayne Middle. He replaces Lisa Tart, who had...

Wayne Community College boasts positive fiscal year

The year 2018 has been a good one so far for Wayne Community College, the school's president told its board of trustees Tuesday night.From a master plan still in its infancy stages of potential construction projects and preparing a strategic...

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

ABC board to build fence at new store near school

The Wayne County ABC Board has agreed to build a fence behind its new store on Wayne Memorial Drive after hearing from Elisha Artis, a parent who was concerned about the new store's close proximity to Tommy's Road Elementary School."Their...

One-stop voting schedule announced

One-stop early voting hours and sites have been announced for the Nov. 6 general election.One-stop voting will begin Oct. 17, and be available at the Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E. Ash St.; room 104 in the Walnut Building on...

Wayne County Public Schools greets new teachers

More than 300 new educators will enter the classroom this fall, categorized as either lateral entry or beginning teachers, said Dr. Yvonne Mason, assistant superintendent for human resources for Wayne County Public Schools.The district makes a concerted effort to provide...

Driving can be hazard during heavy rainfall

With heavy rainfall expected across much of North Carolina through today, the N.C. Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that the rain and potential for flash flooding can create hazardous driving conditions.The weather system also has the potential for strong...

Traveling the world with wine

Downtown Goldsboro will have the opportunity to tour the world through wine in September with the grand opening of Barrique -- a new wine bar and boutique steakhouse.After more than a year and a half of renovations, Eli Wuest, owner...

Wayne Christian School hires administrator

A new administrator has been hired at Wayne Christian School.Paul Brenner and his family had spent the last 17 years living and working in Columbia, Tennessee. They had deep roots in the community and were not looking to leave, he...

UMO receives $300,000 from Kenan Charitable Trust

MOUNT OLIVE -- The University of Mount Olive has received a $300,000 grant from the William R. Kenan Charitable Trust.The 1-to-1 matching grant will be used over the next three years to support a newly created Homegrown Teacher Academy.The academy...

This program is GREAT

For the first time ever, the Goldsboro Police Community Police Services division is hosting a two-week summer camp for area youths.The camp is known as GREAT, which stands for Gang Resistance Education and Training. The camp provides an opportunity to...

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Sheriff's office searching for runaway teen

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a missing teen whom law enforcement says ran away from home over the weekend.Fifteen-year-old Ashanti Dyzare Harper has been missing since Sunday, July 22, according to a...

Board discusses drug testing, demographics

The Wayne County Board of Education discussed a set of new policies during its monthly meeting on Monday, including two involving a comprehensive demographic study over Wayne County for redistricting purposes and a drug testing program for students who participate...

Wayne County under flood watch

Wayne County is under a threat of flash flooding over the next two days, with 2 to 4 inches of rain expected and 5 inches possible locally as a pattern of rainy weather settles over eastern North Carolina through next...

Finding forever homes

Staff members at the Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center are hoping to find forever homes for all of the shelter's dogs and cats during this year's Clear the Shelter event.The adoption event will take place Aug. 18 from...

Stuff the Bus returns Aug. 8

Save the date: The annual "Stuff the Bus" drive to ensure every child in Wayne County Public Schools has essential school supplies will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 8.The bright yellow school bus will pull into the News-Argus parking lot...

Monday, July 23, 2018

Wayne County under flood watch

Wayne County is under threat of flash flooding over the next two days, with 2 to 4 inches of rain expected and 5 inches possible locally as a pattern of rainy weather settles over eastern North Carolina through next weekend.The...

Dental clinic serves the uninsured

Billy Harvey arrived at the Bear Creek Missionary Baptist Association headquarters around 6:45 a.m. Saturday.He was determined he would be seen at the free dental clinic, even though it wasn't scheduled to start until 9:30 a.m."After I got here, I...

Man dies after being struck by vehicle

A 79-year-old Goldsboro man died after being struck by a vehicle on N.C. 111 early Sunday morning.Howard Lee Birdwell Jr., of 210 Spring Creek Road, was crossing the highway near Dollard Town Road at 1:16 a.m., when he was struck...

FEMA selects Mackenzie Hinson for Youth Preparedness Council

Mackenzie Hinson of Mount Olive is one of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's 15 national selectees for the 2018--2019 Youth Preparedness Council.Mackenzie, 14, was 10 when she founded the Make A Difference Food Pantry in 2015 with the help of...

$25K reward offered in Evans murder case

FREMONT -- A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered in the murder investigation of former Fremont Mayor Floyd Anthony "Andy" Evans.Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce beat the pavement Wednesday, going door to door and passing out yellow fliers...

Sunday, July 22, 2018

U.S. 117 sections close Monday

Sections of U.S. 117 South will be closed overnight Monday and Tuesday while concrete girders are installed at the new O'Berry Road bridge/overpass at Dudley.The northbound lanes between Country Club Road at Mount Olive and U.S. 117 Alternate, just south...

Crops suffer from heat, lack of rain

Wayne County Extension Director Kevin Johnson pulls a stunted ear of corn off a parched stalk and pulls back the husk to reveal its poor development.He repeats the task two more times with the same result.The field is located in...

Property buyout meeting planned

A meeting could be held as early as the end of July for the owners of the 84 Wayne County properties slated for a buyout through the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.The acquisitions could begin this fall, and the intent...

Training for crisis

Local law enforcement, emergency personnel, firefighters and airmen suited up and engaged in an active shooter drill at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Friday morning.Just one day after a well-attended Crisis Preparedness, Response and Communications training in the city, area...

Friday, July 20, 2018

Three injured in wreck

Three people were rushed to the hospital after a vehicle accident on Antioch Road Wednesday.Ronald Colving Narron II, 56, of Bakers Chapel Road in Princeton, was traveling north on Antioch Road when he began having mechanical issues with his 2005...

Exploring animal science careers

For middle school children who are interested in potentially pursuing a career in animal science, the Animal Science Career Exploration Camp at Wayne Community College is the perfect opportunity to learn just what the field is all about.From Monday through...

School, public safety receive active shooter training

Education prevents shootings -- that is the reason R.J. Allen, a Charles B. Aycock High School teacher, attended the Crisis Preparedness, Response and Communications Symposium Thursday morning.Close to 350 school teachers, law enforcement agents and emergency first responders attended the...

Wayne County Public Schools holds summer graduation

Thirteen candidates from four area high schools were given the opportunity to participate in the summer commencement exercise for Wayne County Public Schools Wednesday.This marked the second year for the additional ceremony, held in Moffatt Auditorium at Wayne Community College,...

Thursday, July 19, 2018

County hires new economic director

Lenoir County Economic Director Mark Pope has been hired as president of the Wayne County Development Alliance effective Sept. 4.The hiring was finalized Wednesday by Wayne County Manager Craig Honeycutt.The office had been vacant since May following the resignation...

Commissioners again question disaster relief pace

As far as Wayne County Commissioner Ed Cromartie is concerned, North Carolina might as well be waiting for the next major hurricane to hit before victims of Hurricane Matthew receive the help they need.After all, they have been waiting...

She rocks

Ashley Blevins has found a way to parlay her love of rocks, minerals, gems and fossils to good use -- as a sideline business making jewelry on Etsy.The teacher-turned-data-manager at Wayne Preparatory Academy formerly supported the online marketplace as...

Indian Springs Crime Watch awarded Silver Slammer

Crime Stoppers Executive Director Stephanie Brown presents the Crime Stoppers Silver Slammer Award to the Indian Springs Crime Watch for the generous donation they make yearly to the Crime Stoppers Reward Program....

Car wash linked to drug arrest

Deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office drug unit recently made an arrest at a car wash where illegal drugs were allegedly being sold.Elvin Geovanny Flores, 41, of 207 Devonshire Drive, was arrested and charged with three counts of...

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Don't forget to hug your child: Nonprofit seeks to eliminate community violence

Eighty-eight parents have signed a pledge to hug their children and tell them they love them daily in an effort to decrease the epidemic of anti-social behaviors in their communities.The pledge, known as the Hug and Love Key, was...

Council approves purchase of golf carts

The Goldsboro City Council approved the purchase of 50 golf carts for the Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course Monday despite one councilman suggesting that it may be time to look at shutting the course down.In June, Goldsboro Parks and Recreation...

Bodies displaced at Elmwood remain unidentified

When Hurricane Matthew pounded eastern North Carolina with heavy rain nearly two years ago, the storm displaced both the living and the dead.The heavy flooding caused by the storm disturbed 36 gravesites in the city owned Elmwood Cemetery, a...

Voters to decide on sales tax increase

Wayne County voters will decide in November whether to support an increase in sales taxes to support local education needs.The Nov. 6 general election ballot will include a referendum to increase the local option sales tax by one-quarter cent,...

Wayne County landfill days, hours to change

The Wayne County landfill at Dudley will begin operating on a new schedule effective Tuesday, Sept. 4.The change could be followed sometime later by new schedules for the county's 13 convenience sites, although that has yet to be determined.Currently,...

Stones and Bones

Jonathan Fain presented a "Stones and Bones" program for children Thursday at Steele Memorial Library. Fain, who has been interested in fossils since he was 8, showed the children a variety of fossils and stones from his collection, all...

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Farmers market promotes local produce

Go Wayne Go and the Goldsboro Family YMCA have teamed up to offer a new farmers market as a way to promote healthy eating and increase access to fresh, local produce."It's an educational opportunity as well as a nutritional...

Book a Librarian offers one-on-one appointments

Pastor Donnell Cromartie just needed a little help.The blind minister had a computer and smartphone but struggled with how to use them.So when he learned about the Book a Librarian program at Wayne County Public Library, he took advantage...

Williams claims conspiracy behind residency dispute

To hear Goldsboro City Councilman Antonio Williams put it, the controversy surrounding his residency in District 1 is best left in the past.Other council members seemed to agree, to varying degrees, at the council's Monday meeting, the first since...

Board of Elections office moves

Instead of counting votes, the staff at the Wayne County Board of Elections has been busy counting the screws as they put together chairs and tables for their new office.The elections office has moved diagonally across the street from...

Man charged with sexual assault

Wayne County sheriff deputies arrested a Goldsboro man for the alleged sexual assault of two girls that were in his care.Terry Douglas Brake, 59, of 102 Wesley Drive, has been charged with first-degree statutory sexual offense, attempted first-degree statutory...

Monday, July 16, 2018

Voting for Reader's Choice Awards extended

The date for voting for area businesses as part of the Reader's Choice Awards has been extended to the end of the month.Originally, the last day to vote in the popular Goldsboro News-Argus online competition was set for July 20....

Moses family reunion celebrates history

Eddie Lee Moses recalled a family reunion about 20 years ago, but it was only attended by a handful of people. Then his son, Tony, came along and suggested they make it more expansive. The plan all came together this past weekend,...

Commissioners eye sales tax increase

Wayne County voters could decide the fate of a possible one-quarter cent sales tax when they go to the polls this November.Wayne County commissioners are expected to start the process Tuesday when they consider approval of a resolution directing the...

N.C. Poultry Festival band lineup, activities announced

Several bands plan to take center stage during the annual N.C. Poultry Festival, previously known as Beak Week, in downtown Goldsboro in September.Event organizers announced headliner Jerrod Niemann, a country singer known for his attention-grabbing lyrics and chart-topping hits, will...

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Goldsboro High School: Meet the principal

Several opportunities to meet the new Goldsboro High School principal will be held this week around the community, Wayne County Public Schools officials announced.Christopher Horne, who took over the administrative role this past week, is scheduled to be at...

Petroleum magnate legacy remembered

Businessman and petroleum entrepreneur Emmett Judson "Buddy" Pope Jr. is being remembered as personifying the hard-nosed and astute businessman, but also as someone who loved his family and community.Pope, whose family owns E.J. Pope Inc. and its subsidiaries, Handy...

Helping the horses

N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Bennie Grady loves horses.When he and wife, Pamela, were building their new home in the northern end of the county, the intent was to build a house and use the land for the couple's animals...

Silver Whistle Award

Crime Stoppers board member Rick Sutton, right, presents the Crime Stoppers Silver Whistle Award to Tommy Tillman with Tillman's Restaurant Equipment and Supplies for the annual donation made to the Crime Stoppers Reward Program....

Airman graduates from basic training

U.S. Air Force Airman Khadija J. Faison recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values,...

LaGrange woman drowns in pool

A 65-year-old woman died from an apparent drowning Friday evening in LaGrange.Wayne County sheriff deputies and Wayne County Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to 1961 E. New Hope Road, in LaGrange, at approximately 9:53 p.m. after receiving information of...

Long Leaf Pine presented to Goldsboro native

An attorney and Goldsboro native was recently recognized by Gov. Roy Cooper with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards presented by the governor of North Carolina.T. Diane Surgeon, a Goldsboro High School...

Friday, July 13, 2018

Seymour Johnson airman dies after being injured Sunday

A Seymour Johnson Air Force Base airman has died in a hospital in Germany after a "non-combat related incident" left him injured, according to a press release from Seymour Johnson public affairs.Staff Sgt. James T. Grotjan, a member of the...

Feeding the hungry

Standing in the cafeteria at Charles B. Aycock High School, Maxwell Cooper watched from afar as a fellow student asked others for their leftovers.Even though he had already eaten his own lunch, the student walked around the cafeteria and tried...

U.S. 117 South to close for road work

Sections of U.S. 117 South will be closed on alternating nights later this month to allow a construction company to set concrete girders at the O'Berry Road bridge/overpass in Dudley that will go over the highway.The northbound lanes between...

Vehicle crash results in power loss at mall

A two-vehicle wreck near Berkeley Mall knocked out an electric transformer and led to several stores losing power Thursday afternoon.Just before noon, the accident took place at the south end of the mall entrance.Goldsboro police cited Rhonda Elmore, of...

Four arrested on drug charges

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office Aggressive Criminal Enforcement team arrested four people on drug charges during a traffic stop along N.C. 55 East in Seven Springs Monday.During the search of the vehicle, deputies located two handguns, one which was...

House fire on Knollwood under investigation

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office along with the Grantham, Thoroughfare and Mar-Mac fire departments are investigating a fire that engulfed a double-wide modular home on Knollwood Drive Wednesday evening.At around 10 p.m. Wednesday, a fire was reported in a...

3HC files CON for Cumberland County office

Home Health and Hospice Care is one of two companies that have filed competing certificate of need applications to develop a hospice home care agency office in Cumberland County.The other application is from Well Care Hospice of the Eastern...

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Residents decry coal ash recycling proposal

Speakers at a Tuesday night public hearing on Duke Energy's application for a state permit for a coal ash recycling project at its H.F. Lee Plant left no doubt that they do not trust the company.Several speakers suggested that alternatives...

A lifetime of caring

In years past, the large colorful inflatables in the front yard of Dr. Kenneth Wilkins Sr.'s Mulberry Street home celebrated different holidays and his family.This week, his family is using those same decorations to celebrate the life and legacy...

Outpouring of support

When Sandy Thornton learned her 17-year-old daughter had cancer a few months ago, she had no idea how she would put one foot in front of the other -- much less how she would juggle treatments, doctor appointments and...

Voting for Readers' Choice Awards begins

It's time to once again cast a vote for your favorite businesses in the community.The popular Goldsboro News-Argus Readers' Choice Awards provide a chance to recognize goods and services befitting of loyalty.Cast your vote in more than 100 categories...

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Health Department nets $150,000 to combat opioid crisis

Wayne County Health Department is working to make good use of state grant funding received to tackle the opioid crisis in this community.Gov. Roy Cooper announced last month that 12 communities would split $1.5 million in grant awards to...

Officers conduct raid, shut down liquor house

For the second time in less than a year, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement of Wayne County has raided the same Goldsboro home for running an illegal liquor operation.On July 6 at 7 p.m., ALE, Goldsboro police and Wayne...

Empowered for success

For five years, the Project YESS summer camp program has worked to encourage young children to reach for success by offering daily science, technology, engineering and math focused activities at Rebuilding Broken Places."The overall goal of Project YESS is...

Board declines to pursue councilman residency

The saga of Goldsboro City Councilman Antonio Williams' residency may have come to an end Tuesday afternoon, as the Wayne County Board of Elections unanimously decided not to pursue a formal hearing to determine if Williams resides in his...

The King returns

Elvis is back.Stephen Freeman, an Elvis tribute artist, will be in concert at the Paramount Theatre Aug. 24 to raise funds for United Way of Wayne County. With him will be his Echoes of a Legend show band."It's a...

Carrying on a family tradition

MOUNT OLIVE -- Perched on a stool in front of the oven, Gaynell Brock stirs an ancient cast iron skillet of bubbling corn.She watches for the tell-tale signs that the corn is properly blanched.At the sink, her daughter, Debbie...

Olympian claims bronze medal at USA Games

Scott Britt fared well at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games held recently in Seattle, Washington.Representing Special Olympics Wayne County, he participated in the bocce competition in three events.He earned third place in singles, netting a bronze medal, as...

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

City names public information officer

A Goldsboro native with nearly 20 years of experience in journalism, social media management and public affairs started as the city's public information officer Monday.LaToya Henry, formerly the public information specialist for the city of Norfolk's Department of Utilities...

American Red Cross experiencing blood shortage

The American Red Cross is experiencing a critical blood shortage following the July 4 holidays."We had a really rough week following Independence Day," said Maya Franklin, external communications manager with Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region of which Wayne...

Bozeman installed as state BPW leader

Wayne County photographer Barbara Bozeman of Dudley has been installed as state president of Business and Professional Women/NC.The organization is also known as the N.C. Federation of North Carolina Business and Professional Women Clubs.Bozeman, who was installed June 24...

Fun at the playground

Military family to receive new home

Wade Jurney Homes and Operation Homefront are awarding their third home in two years to a military family in Wilson in September.Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization that provides homes for military families and has awarded more than...

Cancer fundraising golf tournament set for Lane Tree

For the 30 teams that will compete Saturday at Lane Tree Golf Club, the prize won't be so much posting the winning score as it will be helping someone in need.The Tee It Up Fore Clint fundraising golf tournament...

Home break-in suspect arrested

Wayne County sheriff deputies arrested a Goldsboro man following an investigation stemming from a home break-in that took place in March.Darius Lamar Little, 22, of 3668 Wayne Memorial Drive, was recently charged with felony larceny, felony possession of stolen...

Monday, July 9, 2018

Three jailed on drug charges

Three people were booked in the county jail Saturday for drug-related offenses with combined bonds set near $1 million.Goldsboro police from the department's selective enforcement unit made a traffic stop on Royall Avenue, which resulted in a vehicle search.A...

The latest scoop: Java Hut and Creamery serves up ice cream, coffee

PIKEVILLE -- Heard the latest scoop?A new ice cream shop has opened on the main street of Pikeville, arriving just in time to quench effects of the recent heat wave.The move made perfect sense to owner Desiree Autrey, double...

From addiction to recovery

Clay Worrell's recovery story is compelling.He grew up poor but determined to make something of himself, becoming a top salesman in real estate and later mobile homes, amassing financial success by his mid-20s."My whole identity was money -- my...

Councilman wages garnished for delinquent tax bill

A delinquent property tax bill led the Wayne County Tax Office to garnish Goldsboro Councilman Mark Stevens' council paycheck.The tax office lists Stevens as owing $1,479.29, a mishap Stevens said happened after he did not receive the paperwork notifying...

Hinson completes agricultural leadership program

Wayne County student Jacob Hinson, second from right, from Rosewood High School, was recently recognized for completing the N.C. Farm Bureau's Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders program. He is pictured with N.C. A&T State University Dr. Antoine Alston, N.C. State...

University gives $5,000 to Habitat's Mount Olive Build 2018

Dr. Philip Kerstetter, left, former president of the University of Mount Olive, presents Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne Executive Director Matthew Whittle with a $5,000 donation from the university to the Mount Olive Build 2018 project. The first home at...

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Duplin to receive elevation funding

Hurricane Matthew survivors in Duplin, Pitt and Johnston counties and the city of Wilson will be receiving hazard mitigation grants.Meanwhile, state officials said it will be the end of July before Wayne County storm victims receive any of the...

Being the change: Philanthropic effort results in new sound system for Goldsboro High School

Margaret Baddour wouldn't describe herself as a fixer or a fund raiser but recently she found herself taking on both roles.The retired Wayne Community College instructor and veteran performer took center stage after discovering a need for a sound...

Carver alumni celebrate 36th annual reunion

MOUNT OLIVE -- For more than three decades, the Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association have been a constant presence in Mount Olive and southern Wayne County, providing outreach to those in the community and fellowship to those...

Teen resilient in cancer fight

For the past four months, Sandy Thornton has worked hard to stay the course in the aftermath of learning her 17-year-old daughter Sarah Jernigan has cancer.The news on March 6 that the Southern Wayne High School student has hypodploid...

Cemetery cleanup

Members of the Goldsboro Rifles, South Central Brigade, Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 760 initiated the first round of a cleanup project of the Flowers-Bundy Cemetery in Mount Olive on June 23. The grave of CPL Furney Flowers, Company H,...

Friday, July 6, 2018

Wayne County to get nearly $8 million in disaster funding

Nearly two years after historic flooding left parts of Wayne County under water, North Carolina has been awarded nearly $8 million in federal disaster aid to help local storm victims with their recovery.The money will be used to buy out 84...

Sprinkler Fun Day

Amy Johnson runs through the water with her daughter Xander, 3, during Sprinkler Fun Day at Cornerstone Commons Thursday afternoon. Firefighters set up the giant sprinkler every Thursday at 3 p.m. for an hour so that families and groups can...

Few details released in Evans murder; suspect still at large

Few details have been released in the murder investigation of former Fremont Mayor Floyd Anthony "Andy" Evans.Evans, the town mayor from 1998 to 2003, was found dead by a family member on June 16 at his property on Evans...

Hurricane Matthew recovery centers open, survivors encouraged to apply

There has been an uptick in activity at the Wayne County ReBuild NC Application Center following a recent visit to the county by N.C. Emergency Management Director Michael Sprayberry.More than 200 applications have been filed thus far for help...

Man arrested for rash of break-ins

A suspect wanted in connection with a rash of break-ins in the Mount Olive area was arrested Sunday by Wayne County sheriff deputies.The break-ins were reported throughout the town from June 5 through 29, according to Mount Olive police.An...

Wayne Community College partners with Western Governors University to fill skills gap

Wayne Community College and Western Governors University North Carolina, an online nonprofit university, have established a partnership that will increase access to affordable education.The institutions recently signed an agreement that will provide WCC graduates and faculty with a 5...

College awarded $2 million grant

KENANSVILLE -- James Sprunt Community College will receive a $2 million grant to construct a workforce training facility that will expand its licensed practical nursing and registered nursing programs.According to the college estimates, the project is expected to create...

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Wayne students attend Governor's School

Three local students have been chosen to attend the 2018 session of Governor's School this summer.The rising seniors are representing Wayne County Public Schools at the prestigious school.Chosen to participate were Weston Hersey from Charles B. Aycock High School,...

Siratt named Cliffs of Neuse superintendent

As a boy, Eric Bradley Siratt loved being outdoors, and he also loved history.He combined both of those loves into a career as a state park ranger. Now he's taken it a step further, having recently being named superintendent...

Suspect charged in failed jewelry kiosk robbery

A Goldsboro man accused of trying to steal jewelry from a Berkeley Mall kiosk Sunday was arrested by police in the mall parking lot.Goldsboro police responding to a trespassing call at about 9:50 p.m. arrived at the mall and...

Yates assumes command of 4th Fighter Wing

For Col. Donn C. Yates, assuming command of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's 4th Fighter Wing was like a homecoming.Yates was previously stationed at the base in 1999 for F-15E Strike Eagle pilot training, 2003-2005 as an instructor pilot,...

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

N.C. Pickle Festival sets earlier 2019 date

MOUNT OLIVE -- The N.C. Pickle Festival will be held a little earlier than normal in 2019 -- two weeks earlier, to be exact.It will be Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, to avoid a conflict with Seymour Johnson Air...

Mount Olive welcomes back Hardee's

MOUNT OLIVE -- Cars were in line for the drive-through by 5 a.m. Monday when Hardee's opened for business.And by 10 a.m., the parking lot was full and a steady stream of customers filed through the restaurant.But it was...

Safety first on the Fourth of July

Most fireworks are illegal in North Carolina, but there are still some options for anyone interested in celebrating the Fourth of July at home.Much like any other year, a fireworks tent is stationed in the Walmart parking lot along...

Business owner hosts gun buyback

A local businessman hosted a gun buyback program over the weekend in an effort to reduce violent crimes in Goldsboro.Such events, aimed at getting weapons off the streets, are more commonly held by local government. But Bobby Harvey, a...

Pikeville Lions celebrate

The Pikeville Lions Club held its annual awards and installation banquet June 25. From left, Danny Newcomb, director; Robert Hooks, lion tamer; Hank Stewart, director; Gene Goetz, second vice president and membership chairman; Billy Herring, third vice president and secretary/treasurer;...

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Record-breaking Fourth of July travel expected

Despite higher gas prices this year, a record number of travelers plan to hit the road during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.More than 1.3 million North Carolinians will travel more than 50 miles away from home during the...

Seeking redemption: Expungement clinic offers second chance

Ever since the city of Goldsboro began receiving grants earmarked to address poverty, community members have upped the ante to find ways to address the needs, says Shycole Simpson-Carter, community relations director."Everyone knows that criminal justice as well as...

Teens earn scholarships for public health essays

Dalton Ira is like most teenagers with a cellphone and other electronic devices.It's a necessity, but nothing to lose sleep over.Easier said than done, as the recent Rosewood High School graduate stayed up into the wee hours of the...

Health officials: 'Fight the Bite'

RALEIGH -- There were 896 cases of tick-borne diseases in North Carolina last year and 95 cases of domestically acquired and travel-associated mosquito-borne diseases.And as temperatures continue to warm up, state health officials are advising North Carolinians to "Fight...

Fourth of July closings and celebrations

Local, state and federal offices, banks and post offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.The News-Argus office will be closed July 4, and there will be no newspaper that day.All Wayne...

Joe Scott leads economic development board

Mount Olive Mayor Mount Olive Mayor Joe Scott has been elected chairman of the Wayne County Development Alliance.David Perry, owner of Goldsboro Builder's Supply, is the new vice chairman.Scott is no stranger to economic development having served on the...

Help pets destress before fireworks explode

Most people get a thrill from watching colorful fireworks explode in the night sky on the Fourth of July.But the noise and bright colors can sometimes stress out Fido. However, there are precautions pet owners can take to make...

Olympian to compete in USA Games

Herman Park Center was abuzz on Thursday morning in anticipation of Scott Britt's arrival for his surprise "send-off party" before heading to the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, Washington.Summer Camp kids lined the hallway. Strains of the popular Olympics...

Wayne Community College graduates visit, donate on 40th anniversary

Members of the Wayne Community College Dental Hygiene Class of 1978 recently gathered for its 40th anniversary reunion.While on campus, the classmates toured the college's dental facilities which were new to them as they had studied on the "old...

Retired School Personnel Association presents scholarships

The Wayne County Retired School Personnel has presented three scholarships totaling $6,000.The scholarships are presented to graduating high school seniors who plan careers in education.The Dale Gainey Scholarship was awarded to Jasmin Brown of Rosewood High School. She plants...

Carver Alumni 36th annual reunion

The Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association will celebrate its 36th year during its alumni reunion weekend Thursday, July 5, through Sunday, July 8.The theme will be "Saluting A Tradition of Pride and Achievement" with special recognition given...

Wayne Community College aviation campers launch rockets

Wayne Community College's Aviation campers were able to launch rockets they made during the camp that concluded Thursday.The four-day camp, attended by youth in sixth through eighth grades, explored aviation through classroom and hands-on experiences at the college's facilities...

Applications sought for emergency food, shelter

The application period is open for governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations to apply for a share of Wayne County's Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds.Local human service agencies and charities may apply through July 20 for a portion of...

Judge Heath unopposed in re-election bid

District Court Judge Beth Heath of Kinston is unopposed in her re-election bid for the 8th Judicial District seat.Filing for judicial offices to be decided in the Nov. 6 general election ended at noon Friday.There are several statewide judicial...