Selma Votes To Forcibly Annex 220 Residents, Including McCormick Heights

This house in McCormick Heights is one of dozens of houses the Town of Selma forcibly annexed this week. The council narrowly approved the annexation of 5 areas, totaling almost 700 acres, in a 3-to-2 vote. The annexation will generate $92,000 in additional tax revenue annually.

In a split 3-to-2 vote, the Selma Town Council went against the objections of dozens of residents this week when they annexed five areas, including the McCormick Heights Subdivision. Council members Jeff Weaver and Jackie Lacy were the only board members to vote against the forced annexation. The five areas annexed include over 200 residents and 700 acres of land. Along with McCormick Heights , the forced annexation includes property on US301 and Webb Street , two sites near Interstate 95, and nearly 280 acres near the new Sysco facility. The annexation should generate an additional $92,000 in tax revenue to Selma annually.

Firemen Save Taxpayers Money By Upfitting New Fire-Rescue Truck Themselve

(L to R) Smithfield firefighters Justin Otto, Chuck Lee, Lt. John Blanton, Larry Hodge, Chief Patrick Harris, and Mayor Norman Johnson are pictured with Rescue 2. The department bought the basic truck, and firemen spent hundreds of man hours upfitting the truck with radios, lights, a generator and pump, saving taxpayers $65,000. Chief Harris said the project created a lot of pride for firefighters, who worked as late as 2am in the morning on the project.

Members of the Smithfield Fire Department are very proud of a brand new rescue-fire truck completed and put into service two weeks ago. To save taxpayers money, Fire Chief Patrick Harris purchased the bare truck and body, while firefighters, in their spare time, did all the upfit work. “It turned out awesome. They did an outstanding job,” Chief Harris said, referring to the hundreds of man hours put into the truck, called Rescue 2. Firemen installed the radios, lights, wiring, generator and pump themselves. Even the design of the truck started from scratch from firefighter Lt. John Blanton. The department paid $85,000 for the truck. By doing the work in house, the town saved $65,000 in the price of the upgrades. Chief Harris said firemen went above and beyond their call of duty. “It’s certainly not in their job description!” The yearlong project ended this month when the truck was put into service. Rescue 2 will be the first truck to leave the fire station when responding to all motor vehicle accidents in town, and will be the first truck to respond to brush fires. The 2006 Ford F550 is four wheel drive, has a crew cab, and holds 250 gallons of water. It will complement the larger Rescue 1 fire engine, and should help prolong its lifespan. With the new rescue-fire truck completed, the Smithfield Fire Department is now in the process of being certified as a Heavy Rescue provider. When the certification is obtained, they will be the first department in Johnston County to achieve that status.

DA Won't Seek Death Penalty Against Wife Charged With Killing Husband, Dumping Body In SC

District Attorney Susan Doyle will not seek the death penalty against a woman accused of murdering her husband last October, then dumping his body in a convenience store parking lot in Dillon , South Carolina , about a mile off Interstate 95. The trial for Penny Dierickx of Clayton will be a non-capital case. Dierickx is accused of killing Larry Dierickx, whose hands and mouth had been bound with duct tape. The couple had lived in the Cooper Farm Subdivision off Archer Lodge Road .

Father Sentenced To 6-8 Years In Prison For Critically Injuring 2-Month-Old Son

A father accused of critically injuring his 2-month-old baby in January will spend the next 6 to 8 years in prison. Jason Edward Thompson, 22, of Clayton was arrested days after taking his infant son to the emergency department at WakeMed with life-threatening injuries. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has never released specific details on how the child was injured. Thompson entered an Alford plea to the charge of felony child abuse causing serious injury. Prosecutors agreed not to press additional charges against Thompson if the child ever dies.

Police Find Drugs, 5 Children In Apartment

Benson Police Officer M.G. Smith searches a baby’s diaper bag for narcotics. Five children were present during the search. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

Benson Police didn’t expect to find five small children in a home during a drug bust this week. Marcus McNeil, 25, and his wife, Shanika McNeil, were charged with possession of cocaine and maintaining a home to distribute cocaine. Chapman “Champ” Dale Carroll, 23, who reportedly sold drugs to an undercover agent from the same address a day earlier, was also arrested on felony drug charges. Police found five children, ages one to 7, inside the suspect’s home in the Ridge Apartments. Police searched two vehicles parked outside and seized unknown white tablets, and a loaded handgun reported stolen in Dunn.

Driver Injured After Car Strikes Tree

One person received minor injuries after a Ford Taurus struck a tree Friday afternoon in the 2000 block of Shoeheel Road , near Browns Pond Road , outside of Selma . Bethany firemen and North Johnston EMS responded to the scene, following the 12:58pm accident. The driver was transported to Johnston Memorial Hospital. The NC Highway Patrol is still investigating.

Drug Dealer Asks For Jail Sentence Instead Of Probation

A drug trafficker caught with a quantity of Ecstasy pills, PCP, LSD, marijuana, and $7,979 in cash last November told a judge this week he had rather spend time in prison than be on probation for three years. Darren “Derek” Sadok of Florida had been charged with trafficking narcotics, but pled to a lesser charge of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. Sadok was sentenced to 36 months probation, which was immediately revoked. The 28-year-old man was then sentenced to serve up to 6 months in prison for the offense. Sadok was arrested last November by Deputy Jason Crocker after stopping his 2001 Honda Civic for speeding on I-95 near Benson. Officers found the drugs in luggage and in the glove box.

Runion Is Benson Lions Club Scholar

The Johnston Community College Foundation awarded 52 new scholarships for the spring semester and recognized the donors and recipients at a breakfast on March 27 in the lobby of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. Don Johnson, member of the Foundation Board of Directors, congratulates Zachary Runion on being named the recipient of the Benson Lions Club Endowment Scholarship. Runion of Four Oaks is pursuing an associate in arts degree. In the fall, the College Foundation plans to award more than 220 scholarships compared to 137 scholarships presented in fall 2006. With assets over 3.4 million, the College Foundation has created and manages 78 named endowment funds and 25 named annual scholarship funds.

Smithfield Man Wins $25,000 In Education Lottery

A Johnston County man won $25,000 in the NC Education Lottery this week. Kenneth Duncan of Smithfield won the money playing King and Queens . Tiffany Thayer of Spring Hope won $5,000 in Extreme Green. Sylvia Ferrell of Raleigh won $50,000 in Monday’s “Carolina Cash 5” drawing. One hundred percent of net proceeds from the lottery are used for pre-kindergarten programs for at risk youth, reduction of class size in early grades, school construction and college scholarships for need-based individuals.

Cigarette Robbers Hold Clerk At Gunpoint

Smithfield Police are looking for a pair of cigarette robbers. The suspects, a black male and a white female, held a clerk at the Wilco Hess convenience store, on North Brightleaf Boulevard , at gunpoint early Thursday morning, while taking a large quantity of cigarettes. No money was taken. The clerk was not injured during the 3:38am holdup.

Commissioner, Firefighter Denies Claims Of Slow Response To Fire In Minority Neighborhood

(Right) Commissioner Will Chandler (center) says race never plays a role in responses times by Benson firemen. (Below) Phyllis Alford addressed the council this week after hearing rumors it took firemen 30 minutes to respond. The actual response time was 8 minutes. Photos courtesy The Daily Record

A Benson woman has questioned the response time of the Benson Fire Department to a house fire in her neighborhood. Town Commissioner Will Chandler, a 32-year veteran of the fire department, said race has never played an issue in crews responding to fire calls. Phyllis Alford appeared before the Benson Town Council this week saying she had heard it took firemen 30 minutes to arrive at a house fire on East King Circle and when they arrived, they found a broken fire hydrant out front. Chandler said fire departments are heavily regulated and when they are dispatched by the Johnston County 911 Center, they only receive the address and whether the structure is occupied. “When we get a page and we’re busting our butts, it does not say white, black, etc.” Commissioner Chandler told Alford. Chandler went on to say firefighters were being called “white MF’s” by a bystander as they attempted to douse the flames, which were already showing when they arrived. Johnston County 911 Director Jason Barbour told WMPM the response time to the March 20 call by Benson firefighters was 8 minutes and 16 seconds. The department’s average response time to every call they answered in 2006 was 8 minutes and 19 seconds. Town officials heard concerns about a broken fire hydrant following the house fire, but utility officials found the hydrant to be working properly. Fire hydrants are tested twice each year in Benson, Chandler told Alford. Mayor Jerry McLamb said Benson had one of the best fire departments in the nation.

Crack Used To Entertain Women, Suspect Tells Police

Michael Cameron of Benson, front, said he keeps a few rocks of crack cocaine around to attract women. Cameron and Jesse Jones (background) are being escorted by Benson Lt. Jimmy Thrower after their arrest. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

A Benson man is charged with keeping cocaine in his home to attract women. Benson Police arrested Michael Cameron, 56, and Jesse Jones, 59, of Branch Street , Benson during a police raid. The raid was conducted based on information officers received during a drug roundup in December. Cameron reportedly said he kept the drugs in his home to entertain women. “I’ll be honest,” he said. “I keep it for the women and this one little gal in particular. That's what they want so that’s what I have for them.” Benson Police recovered 3 grams of crack valued at $226 from the scene.

12 Year Prison Sentence For Man Who Stabbed Pregnant Girlfriend

A Selma man who allegedly stabbed his pregnant girlfriend just days before Christmas has been sentenced to serve up to 12 years in prison. James Gregory Martin, 23, was arrested in December after stabbing 22-year-old Heather Ann Peedin of Smithfield in the chest while at the Howard Johnson’s Motel on Mallard Road . Smithfield Police said the stabbing occurred after a disagreement between the couple. Martin was convicted on a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Judge Jack Hooks Jr. sentenced Martin to serve up to 149 months in prison for the stabbing. Peedin later recovered from her injuries.

Search For Police Chief Narrowed To Four Finalists

The search for a new Kenly Police chief has been narrowed to four finalists. Among them is acting Police Chief Josh Gibson. Town Manager Scott Shelton is expected to make a decision on a new chief in a matter of days. The Kenly Town Council met in closed session this week interviewing the finalists. The board recently sought the input of a citizen’s advisory committee on selecting a chief. Gibson has been the interim chief of police in Kenly since former chief David Mangum was fired last year for allegedly misusing a town issued credit card. Mangum was later arrested by the SBI on criminal charges.

DOT Plans I-40 Lane Closure Thru Friday Afternoon

NCDOT TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE A LANE ON I-40 IN WAKE AND JOHNSTON COUNTIES

The Department of Transportation will temporarily close the outside lane on I-40 East between Exit 306 ( US 70) and Exit 312 (NC 42) in Johnston and Wake counties, beginning at 7 pm on Thursday, through 3pm on Friday, April 13, weather permitting. Motorists traveling on I-40 should expect delays during the lane closures and are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible. The posted speed limit for this work zone is 60 mph and will be reduced to 55 mph during lane closures. The closures are necessary to perform paving operations as part of the U.S. 70 Clayton Bypass, currently under construction. The $123 million project was awarded to S.T. Wooten Corp. and is expected to be complete in June 2009. Photo by Carter Rabil

Town To Spend $166,985 To Buy New Electric Line Truck

The Town of Smithfield will spend $166,985 to purchase a new electric line truck. Smithfield Utility Director Earl Botkin told the town council only one bid was submitted for the truck after being advertised twice. Altec Industries submitted the only bid. The multi-functional truck will be able to dig holes for the installation of utility poles, as well as accommodate a bucket for workers to do line work. Botkin said he spoke with several vendors and they felt they could not be competitive on the equipment and did not submit bids against Altec. The electrical department had budgeted $150,000 for a new truck. The additional money will come from the capital outlay budget. The town council, in a unanimous vote, agreed to move forward with the purchase. The new truck will replace a 1990 Digger Derrick line truck that is in poor condition.

Woman Who Impersonated Doctor Arrested For Prescription Fraud

A convenience store worker is accused of impersonating a doctor to call in a prescription for a narcotic painkiller. Melinda Murray Baker, 42, of Clayton was arrested Monday as she tried to leave CVS Pharmacy on Highway 42 near I-40 with the medication. Baker is facing prescription fraud charges, a felony offense.

Cocaine Seized During Traffic Stops

Johnston County deputies reportedly seized cocaine from two men during separate traffic stops on Tuesday. Gregory Devon Obey (top), 23, of Smithfield was charged with resisting arrest and possession of cocaine after being stopped on US70 near Clayton. Jerry Lacy Daniels (bottom), 66, of Godwin, Lake Road Dunn was arrested on McLamb Road near Benson. Officers said they found cocaine wrapped in a napkin in his pocket. Daniels was also charged with giving fictitious information to a law enforcement officer. Daniels, a farm worker, initially told deputies his name was Otis Daniels and that he didn’t know his birth date. Deputies later determined his real identity.

Hallmark To Open Southeastern US Distribution Center in Clayton

National retailer Hallmark is expected to confirm within a few days they will open a southeastern US distribution center in Clayton. Hallmark is reportedly planning to lease space in the former Winn Dixie warehouse on Guy Road , off US70. It remains uncertain how soon the Kansas City-based company plans to occupy part of the facility, or how many jobs it will create. The warehouse was opened in 1997, but closed in 2004, resulting in the layoffs of several hundred Winn Dixie employees. Two years ago, Smithfield Foods leased a portion of the facility. A logistics firm, Kuehne and Nagel, leases another part of the warehouse. Hallmark currently has two other distribution centers in the United States , in Connecticut and Missouri .

General Surgeon Joins Johnston Memorial Medical Staff

Robert P. Hennon, MD, has joined the medical staff of Johnston Memorial Hospital (JMH). Dr. Hennon is board Certified in General Surgery and has earned fellowship status with the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hennon, a native of Pittsburgh , PA , graduated from Lafayette College in Easton , PA in 1986. He received his medical training at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed residencies at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and at Children’s Hospital in Washington , DC . For the past ten years, Dr. Hennon was actively involved in private practice, while associated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). “There’s a significant amount of growth in Johnston County and a great need for physicians of all specialties,” said Dr. Hennon. “The hospital is also experiencing strong growth and I look forward to being a part of their future plans.” Dr. Hennon’s move to Smithfield will see him continue in private practice, located at 712 Wilkins St. near JMH. His office is in the same building as JMH-associated physicians Dr. Alicia Selden (general surgery) and Dr. Craig Carter (vascular & thoracic surgery). Dr. Hennon is now accepting patients and accepts most insurance. To contact his office, call 919-934-9129. Johnston Memorial Hospital (JMH), a 175-bed facility located in Smithfield , NC , offers the residents of Johnston and surrounding counties quality medical care in a warm, caring and compassionate environment. Established in 1951, JMH has enjoyed impressive growth, which includes numerous building projects resulting in a modern, technologically advanced facility. The hospital recently began the construction of a Central Energy Plant, the precursor to building a new patient tower, which will bring the total bed capacity to 199.

School Hostage Drill Tests Law Officers, First Responders Skills

A school teacher is accused of sexually assaulting a female student. He takes his classroom hostage, dispenses chemicals that makes students and law enforcement officers sick, then starts shooting. A training exercise to test the abilities of local agencies responding to a school shooting and hostage situation was held Tuesday at the South Campus School in Smithfield . It’s the third such training exercise conducted by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in recent years. Sheriff Steve Bizzell says it all too common to see school shootings on the national news. “My job as sheriff is to ensure public safety. When it comes to students in school, deputies and others need to be prepared. We have to prepare for what might or could happen,” Bizzell told WMPM on Tuesday while standing outside the departments’ common post near the school. Dozens of deputies, SWAT Team members, the SBI, Johnston Memorial, Johnston County Health Department, Smithfield Fire, Smithfield and Selma EMS, and Johnston County school officials participated in the daylong training exercise. SBI hostage negotiators critiqued how the six hostage negotiators with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office handled the drill. Officials decided to conduct the drill this week since students were out of school on spring break. Johnston deputies conduct training every month, but not always to this large scale. Officials plan to conduct their next training exercise around the scenario of a flu pandemic. “Training prepares us for whatever situation there is,” Sheriff Bizzell concluded.

Elderly Woman Seriously Hurt In Accident

Selma Fire and EMS crews work to remove three accident victims from this Lincoln that was struck on NC96 North Tuesday afternoon.

A 90-year-old woman was seriously injured in a two car accident Tuesday afternoon on Highway 96 near Selma . The Highway Patrol said the collision occurred after 28-year-old Alysia Mayhut of Selma pulled her 2001 Saturn from a stop sign on Old Beulah Road into the side of a 1988 Lincoln traveling north on NC96. All three occupants in the Lincoln were injured, including the driver, Shirley Whack, 64, and two passengers, 90-year-old Lenetta Knight and 72-year-old Annie Sanders, all of Selma . Mayhut was cited by Trooper J.C. Goins with failure to yield. Trooper Goins estimated Whack was traveling northbound at 55mph, when Mayhut pulled from the stop sign, and was traveling at 10mph, at the time the vehicles collided.

Police Putting Brakes On Large Truck Traffic On Residential Street

No Thru Truck signs have been posted on Strickland Drive in West Smithfield following complaints by residents. Police are now enforcing the regulation.

Smithfield Police are putting a stop to large trucks driving on one residential street. In February, Public Works Director Marty Anderson contacted Police Chief Steve Gillikin after receiving complaints from residents on Strickland Drive about large truck traffic. Chief Gillikin said he observed log trucks, in transit from work sites to a lumber mill on Market Street , use Strickland Drive as a shortcut from Wilson ’s Mills Road to Market Street . Gillikin told the town council he felt the truck traffic was inappropriate for the residential neighborhood. Anderson said he had concerns the heavy trucks would damage the pavement, resulting in high repair costs to the town. The Town Council approved the designation of Strickland Drive as a “No Thru Truck” street. Signs went up on Strickland Drive last week and police will now being enforcing the regulation.

Oswald Finds New Home, Makes National News

Remember Oswald the alligator who showed up at the home of Frank Howell near Micro last week? We have an update on Oswald who ended up making national news following his capture by Johnston County Animal Services April 5. The 5 foot long, 50 pound gator was released on Monday in Green Swamp along the Bladen-New Hanover County line. A state biologist relocated Oswald, nicknamed by his captors, to a more natural environment. There have been gator sightings in creeks and streams off Old Beulah Road near Micro for about a year, Animal Services Director Ernie Wilkinson told WMPM last week. Officials aren’t sure if Oswald was alone in Johnston County , but since his capture there haven’t been any additional sightings. Oswald’s capture was covered by the Fox News Network this week.

JCC Celebrates Week Of The Young Child

Jaxie Bryan, librarian at Johnston Community College , reads a story to children in the JCC Preschool in celebration of the Week of the Young Child. The purpose of the annual celebration held in April is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. JCC offers an associate’s degree, diplomas, and certificates in early childhood education as well as staffs an instructional preschool for children ages 3 to 5.

Student's Mom Accused Of Assaulting School Counselor

The mother of a student at Wilson ’s Mills Elementary School is accused of assaulting a school counselor following an incident on campus last month. Jennifer Everhart Wood, 36, of Whitley Drive , Smithfield is charged with assault on a school employee and disorderly conduct. Wilson ’s Mills Police Chief Steve Little said Wood’s child was sent to the counselor’s office following an incident in the classroom. Based on statements the child said, the counselor felt they need to talk with a parent, Chief Little said. When Mrs. Wood arrived, Chief Little said, she allegedly got into a verbal confrontation with the counselor and blocked the doorway so she couldn’t leave. When Officer Roy Aycock arrived, Chief Little said Wood was in a verbal confrontation with the principal. After consulting with School Attorney Jimmy Lawrence, Chief Little said the school system requested charges be brought forward in the case. Wood was arrested at her residence then later released on a $1,500 bond.

Suspicious Disappearance Of Clayton Mother Investigated

The search is underway for a Johnston County woman who disappeared following a traffic stop in Bladen County . Relatives say it is unlike Bobbie Christina Spittle of Clayton to leave her two children with family members and not contact anyone. The last contact with the 26-year-old woman was on March 22 when she was stopped for speeding. A few days later, her blue minivan was found abandoned at a construction site in Brunswick County . There were signs the ignition to her van had been damaged. Spittle was very close with her two children, but she hasn’t contacted them in almost two weeks. Bobbie Spittle is described as a white female, 5 foot 3, 130 pounds, with a frog tattooed on her right shoulder. Authorities think she might be in the company of Richard Chad Owens, 34, of Raeford. Clayton Police Detective Nancy Harvey is asking anyone who might have encountered Spittle since March 22 to call 919-553-6074. Spittle lives in Johnston County but frequents locations in Brunswick , Cumberland , and Hoke counties in North Carolina and Horry County , SC.

Etheridge Legislation Will Provide $25 Billion For School Construction Bonds

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) has announced that he will introduce legislation to provide $25 billion for school construction bonds. Etheridge made the announcement at Aversboro Elementary School in Garner, which has 10 trailers and is 200 students above capacity. Following the announcement, Etheridge toured the school's facilities to see the effects of crowding first-hand. "This is a win-win proposal for our schools, our children and our communities. It will help us to build new schools and get our children out of trailers and into quality facilities where learning can flourish," said Etheridge. The America 's Better Classroom (ABC) Act of 2007 will provide a federal tax credit to bond holders to pay the interest on local school bonds. The state or school district would only be responsible for repaying the principle. The bill will provide federal support in partnership with local officials to leverage about $25 billion in bonds for school construction, which could provide millions in interest-free school construction bonds for new schools in North Carolina . The legislation will be deficit-neutral and will not result in new taxes or more borrowing from foreign countries. It will meet all pay-as-you-go requirements passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in January. North Carolina would receive approximately $448 million under the legislation. For each $1,000 of school bonds, states or local school districts would save as much as $500 in total payments.

Johnston 911 Director Appears Before Congress

Johnston County 911 Director Jason Barbour, who also serves as President of the National Emergency Number Association, appeared before Congress Tuesday to discuss the nationwide 911 system. Barbour discussed the future of 911 during a hearing before the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Barbour said investments need to be made to advance 911 technologies to not only serve citizens now but in the future. Barbour was referring to how outdated the nation’s 911 system is, having been built on 1970’s technology. Barbour said teenagers have text messaging devices to text message one another, but they can’t text message a call for help to 911. “Also today’s deaf and hearing impaired community has the technology to message among themselves, as well as video relay one another, yet this technology can’t interface with today’s 911 infrastructure... An IP enabled emergency communication system can do just that.” An average of 200 million 911 calls are made each year, and 79 percent of the nation’s geography, representing 99 percent of the population, has access to basic 911 service. “The ability to call for help in times of an emergency is not ‘voluntary’ – it’s mandatory,” Barbour said. The hearing was held as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, a Congressionally recognized week honoring the important work of 911, and public safety professionals.

Clayton Police During Operation Slow Down

Clayton Police stop a car on North O'Neil Street during Operation Slow Down. Police issued 209 citations during the campaign.

209 Cited By Clayton Police During Operation Slow Down - Clayton Police issued 209 citations during Operation Slow Down – No Need To Speed last week. The campaign ran from April 2 to April 8. Officers issued 141 citations for speeding, 5 for driving with a revoked license, 2 DWI arrests, and 2 drug arrests. Police Chief Glen Allen said officers participated in seven special emphasis patrols and concentrated on areas of Clayton that had consistent speeding and/or collision problems such as Lombard Street , O’Neil Street , and US70. In Clayton and statewide, speed and irresponsible driving are the leading causes of automobile collisions. “Hopefully, this and similar traffic safety campaigns will help drivers focus their attention on observing posted regulations long after Operation Slow Down has concluded. Motorists need to be careful at all times, not just during these special operations,” Chief Allen stated.

Drugs, Stolen Car Seized During Traffic Stop For Speeding

A Wake County man is facing a long list of charges after reportedly being caught with drugs and a stolen car. Officer Kenneth Lunger stopped Antonio Terrell Hill, 18, of Raleigh for speeding 55mph in a 35mph zone on Main Street just before 8pm Monday. Police quickly learned the car had been reported stolen hours earlier in Raleigh . Officers said they found marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a subsequent search. Hill is facing numerous charges, according to Captain Jon Gerrell.

Daryle Singletary, Jeff Carson To Perform At 2007 Ham & Yam Festival

The 23rd Annual Ham & Yam Festival is going back to its country roots on May 5-6, with the announcement of booking the “Red, Hot, and Blue Country” tour featuring Nashville recording artists, Daryle Singletary and Jeff Carson. Beginning at 8:30pm on Saturday, May 5, the free concert under the stars at the Neuse River Amphitheater will cap off the night of the outstanding entertainment line-up at the 2007 festival. The event, hosted by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, will also feature crafts expo, food from local restaurants and nonprofits, and fun activities for the entire family. “We have had Country acts in the past, but Singletary and Carson is the first true “tour” we have ever had here," said Chris Johnson, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and Ham & Yam coordinator. "With the Eddie Money concert last year, we really set a high bar for our organization in 2007. We wanted to make sure we did not step back in the entertainment. We are thrilled with the tour we've been able to land. The festival will swing like never before," Johnson said. Among the hits racked up by Singletary include, “My Baby’s Lovin’,” “Used to Be’s,” “Workin It Out,” “Let Her Lie,” and “I'm Living up to Her Low Expectations.” For Carson , his self-titled debut album, which was released in early 1995, saw the single "Not on Your Love," rocket to No. 1. It was then followed by the Top 10 hits “Holdin' On to Somethin'” and “The Car.” “The Car” also won CMT’s video of the year. Carson has spent the past year writing and looking for songs to complete his fourth album “Greatest Hits”, for Curb Records due out in early 2007. Jeff's forthcoming first single from the album, "When You Said You Loved Me", written by Craig Wiseman, has just been released. Other known singles are, "Real Life (I Never Was the Same Again)" which peaked at No. 14 and his rendition of “Butterfly Kisses.”

Gauge Wins State Championship

Matt Behe of Smithfield poses with his 13-month-old Boykin Spaniel named "Gauge" and the championship trophy they won Friday at the NC State Flushing Dog Competition in Catawba.

As the saying goes, “A man’s best friend is his dog”, but in this case it is also his state champion dog. Smithfield resident Matt Behe and his dog, Gauge, won the North Carolina state championship Flushing Dog Competition held Friday at the White Farm Hunting Preserve in Catawba. Gauge, a 13-month-old Boykin Spaniel, was the youngest dog in the competition, Behe said. The dogs and hunters worked as a team in the competition. Dogs, which included labs, springer spaniels, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, and Boykin spaniels, were judged on finding and retrieving birds. The quicker the birds were bagged, the higher the score. Behe and Gauge have competed in more than 20 competitions since September and had won smaller events in Indiana and Ohio . Behe said the Catawba win was the biggest thus far. Behe has owned Gauge since he was just 8 weeks old.

Alleged Gang Member Facing Drug Charges

Wilson ’s Mills Police stopped 5 members of a Harnett County gang Friday night. Police Chief Steve Little stopped the gang member’s car for speeding 62mph in a 45mph zone on Uzzle Pond Road . The driver, identified as Andrian Graham of Dunn, did not have a license, Little said. During a search of his car, police found a small amount of cocaine and marijuana. Graham allegedly admitted the drugs were his. Chief Little said the four other gang members were not charged. The five men told police they were affiliated with a Harnett County based gang, but declined to be more specific.

12-Year-Old Among 9 Charged With Trespassing At Aero Contractors

Nine people were arrested Monday for trespassing at Aero Contractors at the Johnston County Airport . A 12-year-old girl was among those charged. The protestors were apparently trying to see three pilots and hand deliver “citizens arrest” warrants to them. A dozen deputies responded to the business after the protestors showed up. The American Civil Liberties Union and several human rights groups continue to call for a state investigation into Aero Contractors. They have accused the company of transporting terrorist suspects for the CIA to countries that allow torture during interrogations. Two dozen state lawmakers have joined the groups in calling for a state investigation. So far, Gov. Mike Easley has declined to investigate. The nine people arrested Monday were charged with second-degree trespassing after they refused deputies orders to leave the airport property. Photo by Carter Rabil

Easter Morning Fire Damages Church

An Easter morning fire heavily damaged a Wilson County church. Members of the Deans Chapel Church on Bloomery Road found their church in flames Sunday morning. It took crews from four departments to put out the blaze. Officials think a wall-mounted heater might have played a role in the fire. Members spent Sunday salvaging items from the church, including the pulpit and pews. The church owns another building in Zebulon. They plan to hold worship services there next Sunday. Photo by Carter Rabil

Groundbreaking Held Sunday For New Wilson's Mills Baptist Church

Four of the oldest members of Wilson ’s Mills Baptist Church prepare to dig the first shovels of dirt during groundbreaking Easter Sunday for a new Wilson ’s Mills Baptist Church . Pictured left to right, Zelda Wood , Frances Stephenson, Ethyl Turnage and Ola Brown.

Over 300 people filled a large tent on Swift Creek Road near Smithfield on Sunday, which will be the future home of the Wilson ’s Mills Baptist Church . The church used Easter Sunday to hold groundbreaking ceremonies for the new building. Senior Pastor Rev. Billie Lawson, gave a history of the church’s 12 original charter members, followed by the progression of the church until the present. Special music and dinner on the grounds followed the groundbreaking. The church plans to start the building project immediately. Rev. Lawson is the senior pastor. Rev. Tim Brown is the associate pastor.

Highway Patrol Report Released In Fatal Princeton Accident

The Highway Patrol has confirmed a Princeton School student killed in a traffic accident last week was behind the wheel of the SUV. James Stuart Cooke, 20, of Kenly died after failing to stop for a stop sign and was hit by a pickup truck traveling westbound on US70 in Princeton . Cooke and a passenger, Jeremy Pennell, 17, of Brogden Road , Smithfield , were on their way to pick up tuxedos for their prom. Pennell, who was ejected as the SUV overturned several times, was airlifted to Duke Medical Center . Cooke was trapped in the wreckage and died a short time later at Pitt Memorial. Trooper D.W. Green’s accident report indicated inattention and disregarding a stop sign were the main factors in the collision. The report also indicated both teens were not wearing seat belts, and their SUV was traveling at 55mph at the time of the collision. The driver of the pickup truck, Patrick Dale Rawls, 42, of Powhatan Road , Clayton was treated for minor injuries. Photo by Carter Rabil

Gas Prices Rising

Gasoline prices were $2.77 a gallon Monday at Han-Dee Hugo's BP on US70 in Selma. The local average was $2.74 a gallon Monday, a nickel below the national average.

Gasoline prices continue to climb. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded self-serve gasoline is $2.79 a gallon. Locally, the average is $2.74. The highest prices in the nation are in California , as high as $3.89 a gallon, while the lowest prices are in Barnwell , South Carolina at $1.99. Crude oil prices have dropped in recent days in trading, however processed fuel prices have increased. Analysts blame the price increases on instability in oil producing countries and increased consumption. Demand for gasoline is up 1 to 2 percent over last year at this same time. Compared to last Easter, prices are down 8 cents, but in the past month, have increased almost 19 cents a gallon, and up 36 cents a gallon since Christmas. Even with higher demand, prices at the pump are forecast to remain below $3 a gallon this summer in North Carolina .

100MPH Chase Ends With Crash

A Wake County man is facing multiple charges following a high speed chase that ended with a crash. Jevron Lamar Scott, 27, of Raleigh reportedly wrecked his car in front of the Archer Lodge Ball Park following a chase with Johnston County deputies that reached speeds in excess of 100mph in a 45mph zone. Scott was charged with speeding, fleeing to elude arrest, driving with a revoked license, reckless driving, and possession of marijuana. Bail for the unemployed man was set at $12,500.

ATM, Cash Register Stolen In Smash And Grab Burglary

It only took thieves a matter of seconds to break into a convenience store Monday morning taking an ATM machine and cash register. Selma Police responded to a burglar alarm at Stancil’s Food Mart on South Pollock Street at 3:08am. Moments later, when they arrived, they found a broken glass door and no signs of the suspects. Police said a video surveillance camera captured the burglary. They are reviewing the footage in an effort to identify the suspects.

Two Charged With Possessing Drugs

The occupants of a rental car got a deputy’s attention Sunday night, on Boyette Road near Four Oaks, after reportedly tossing something out the window. Officers stopped the vehicle, smelled an odor of marijuana, and during a search of the car allegedly found marijuana and cocaine. (botton photo) Kimberly Lashane Stacker, 35, of Four Oaks and Darrieus Todd-Navonn Neal, 24, (top photo)of Smithfield were arrested on felony drug charges.

Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Babysitter

A Smithfield man is accused of sexually assaulting his babysitter. Police have charged 24-year-old Aaron Vitela of North Fourth Street with sexual battery following the alleged incident on Saturday. The 19-year-old Pine Level woman babysat for Vitela and his girlfriend, according to Police Captain R.J. Cuddington. The victim also slept at the residence some nights. When the woman went to sleep on Saturday, Vitela allegedly got in bed with her and began touching her, Cuddington said. Vitela was jailed on a $5,000 bond.

I-40 Lane Closures Start Monday Evening

The Department of Transportation will temporarily close the outside lane on I-40 East between Exit 306 (US 70) and Exit 312 (NC 42) in Johnston and Wake counties next week. The lane will be closed from 7 o’clock Monday night until 3pm Wednesday afternoon. All lanes will be open each day from 3 until 7 o’clock each afternoon to help with rush hour traffic. Drivers on I-40 will experience heavy delays during the lane closures and should use an alternate route if possible. The posted speed limit for this work zone is 60 mph and will be reduced to 55 mph during lane closures. The closures are necessary to perform paving operations as part of the U.S. 70 Clayton Bypass, currently under construction. The $123 million project was awarded to S.T. Wooten Corp. and is expected to be complete in June 2009. Photo by Carter Rabil