14-Year-Old Beaten Unconscious On Walking Trail At Smithfield Community Park

EMS workers load a 14-year-old into an ambulance after he was beaten unconscious on a walking trail at Smithfield Community Park Thursday afternoon. The victim told police he did not know his attackers.

The beating of a 14-year-old boy on the walking trail at Smithfield Community Park Thursday appears to be an isolated incident. The youth was on an isolated part of the trail around 4:35pm when he was attacked from behind and beaten unconscious. Smithfield Police said when the child regained consciousness, he summoned help. The victim was only able to tell police the suspects were two black males. Officers believe a wooden object was used to beat the youth, who was transported by Smithfield EMS to Johnston Memorial Hospital . Due to a lack of leads, the investigation is currently at a standstill, but a detective has been assigned to the case. The victim’s name was not released by police because of his age.

Rumors Of School Violence Started By Students

Johnston County school officials said students started rumors of school violence on Friday. Public Information Officer Crystal Roberts said there were no credible threats. Activities at Smithfield Selma High went on as usual. Friday marked the eighth anniversary of the Columbine school shooting, and the Virginia governor declared Friday as a day of mourning for the victims at Virginia Tech. With so much talk of school shootings, Johnston County school officials said a number of rumors were circulated between students Friday morning of violence on local school campuses. Crystal Roberts, Public Information Officer for Johnston County Schools (JCS), said parents had been calling their children’s schools all day, but there were no credible threats. Students apparently got the rumors started by text messaging one another, Roberts said. Some parents chose to pick their children up from school early on Friday. At Clayton High School , Principal Jerry Smith elected to call in additional officers to stand by on campus.

Man Confesses To Molesting Niece Before Crime Is Reported

A man who allegedly molesting his 14-year-old niece turned himself into authorities, giving a complete confession, even before the victim reported the assault. In an usual turn of events, James Herman Butler showed up at the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and reportedly told an officer worker he was there to turn himself in for inappropriately touching his niece. When deputies couldn’t find any warrants or a report naming the 45-year-old man as a suspect in any case, a detective began interviewing him. Butler allegedly confessed to assaulting his niece over a period of time, including several times when they were riding a four wheeler. Authorities believe Butler knew the victims parents were about to report the incidents and he decided to surrender. Based on his confessions, Butler was charged with 13 counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. He was jailed under a $200,000 bond. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

Four Oaks Man Charged In Clayton Wal-Mart Bomb Threat Hoax

Clayton Police have arrested a Four Oaks man in connection with a bomb threat phoned into Wal-Mart early Thursday morning. Travis Ray Overcash, 21, of 208 Austin Street , is charged with making a false bomb report. Police Chief Glen Allen said the motive for the hoax was to somehow harass an ex-girlfriend who may have been an employee at Wal-Mart. Overcash was also wanted by authorities on domestic assault charges. He was jailed under a $20,000 bond on the bomb report charge, and was held without bail on the assault warrant. In the meanwhile, Smithfield Police are still investigating a bomb threat phoned in Wednesday night to Flanders Precision-Aire on Wal-Pat Road .

Reward Offered In Clayton Gang Graffiti Vandalism

Police are looking for the persons responsible for spray painting gang-style symbols on signs and businesses in Clayton. Six paintings were discovered from West Stallings Street to near Clayton High School on April 12. Five gang signs were discovered from the US70 Underpass to the Alta and Clayton Estates Mobile Home Parks on April 2. And back in February, 5 reports of gang symbols came in from Highway 42 East to the West Main Street area. Police are asking for the publics help in finding the vandals. Clayton Police is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of these offenders. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clayton Police at 919-553-4611.

Cost Of To Mail A Letter Increasing May 14

The cost of mailing a letter will go up next month. The price to mail a first class letter will rise 2 cents from 39 to 41 cents on May 14. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the increase two months ago. The US Post Office had requested a three cents increase. The commission also approved issuing the forever stamp, which will be valid postage for mailing a first class letter no matter what the postage rate. For those sending letters that weigh more than one ounce, you could actually see a cost savings. The first ounce will cost 41 cents, but each additional ounce will cost 17 cents, down 7 cents from the current rate of 24 cents. A rate increase for mailing newspapers and magazines will go into effect on July 15. The last postal rate increase was in January 2006.

Fortune Teller Scam Costs Store Clerk $140

A clerk at a local convenience store said she was scammed out of $140 by a woman pretending to be a fortune teller. The woman entered the Kangaroo Express on Brogden Road Thursday night. She told the clerk she was a fortune teller and could tell the 19-year-old clerks future by reading a $100 bill. The clerk pulled the money from the register and handed it across the counter. The fortune teller then asked for two $20 bills to reveal even more of the clerk’s future. When the clerk became distracted the woman fled from the business. Police are reviewing video surveillance in hopes of identifying the scam artist.

Selma Car Classic This Saturday

Thousands of people will be in Selma on Saturday for the fifth annual Selma Car Classic. Over 200 classic cars and trucks will be on display. A dozen car clubs are expected to participate in the annual event that runs from 10am until 4pm. One of the highlights of the Car Classic is a show where a Model T car is disassembled and reassembled in 10 minutes. There will also be vendors and live music throughout the event, which takes place in downtown Selma . File photo by Carter Rabil

Black History Committee Establishes Annual JCC Scholarship

The Black History Committee at JCC has established an annual scholarship. The inaugural scholarship is named in honor of Lloyd Barnes Jr. of Wilson ’s Mills, a mentor for many minority students at JCC. Pictured from left are committee members Flora Brundage; Beverly Gibson; Shelia Jefferson, chair; Lloyd Barnes; Dawn Dixon; and Pam Harrell, dean of student services. The Black History Committee at Johnston Community College has established an annual scholarship to help students further their education at the College. Named the JCC Black History Committee Scholarship, the scholarship will be administered by the College Foundation and awarded annually in honor of a local distinguished citizen. The inaugural scholarship is named in honor of Lloyd Barnes Jr. of Wilson ’s Mills. A member of the Black History Committee, Barnes volunteers many hours on campus with the Minority Male Mentoring program, which teaches leadership skills and strives to increase graduation rates of minority male students. A retired firefighter with the City of Raleigh , Barnes has served the community through various organizations. He is a member of the Wilson ’s Mills Planning Board and the Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce and holds leadership positions in Union Hill AME Church . Barnes said he was humbled by the honor. “Children are my passion,” Barnes said. “They give me incentive to move forward and do for others. What I receive in my life (through mentoring) is much greater than the time that I give.” Dawn Dixon, chair of the scholarship subcommittee, said committee members used a cash award they received for last year’s Black History Month activities as seed money for the scholarship. “We have tried to expand our programming at JCC, and when some additional outside funds became available to use the committee decided it would be a wonderful opportunity to expand our outreach to students and provide them an opportunity to further their education by providing a scholarship,” Dixon said.

Simpson Is Finch 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. John and Frances Finch Hobart present Tamra Simpson the Dr. William Anderson Finch Jr. Endowment Scholarship. Simpson of Clayton is pursuing an associate in science degree. Also pictured is Simpson’s mother, Yvonne Simpson. 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.

Christopher Johnson Named NJHS Student Of The Month

Left to right: Phillip Smith with Market Street Advisors, Sonya Kiser, nominator, Christopher Johnston, North Johnston Student of the Month, and Jarvis Ellis, Assistant Principal. Christopher Johnson has been selected Student of the Month at North Johnston High School . Market Street Advisors, which presents the monthly award, will give Christopher a $50 savings bond and a trophy for his accomplishment. Students are selected based on their strong work ethic, positive attitude, enthusiasm to accept challenges, being respectful to others, and their reliability.

Commissioner Says Litter Forum Was A Positive First Step

Commissioner Tony Braswell (right) was the co-chair of an anti-litter forum held this week at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield. Braswell said a number of great ideas were suggested by the public. A second forum is expected to be held in July or August.

Nearly 50 people attended a forum this week with county commissioners to discuss ways to curb the growing problem of litter. Commissioner Tony Braswell, co-chair of the anti-litter forum, said there were a lot of great ideas and suggestions presented. Braswell said since the media began covering the litter problem a month ago, he believes some improvements can already be seen, but more are needed. Commissioners are looking at a number of ideas, including one suggestion to educate elementary and middle school students about the litter problem, which in turn will help educate their parents. Officials were also made aware there were no easily identifiable signs in Johnston County showing the fines for littering. Braswell said more publicity for littering penalties is also needed. Braswell, who co-chaired the forum with Commissioner Ray Woodall, said he hopes the county can have an anti-litter plan in place before the Department of Transportation’s annual clean up in late-September. Commissioners would also like to form a citizens committee to continue with the anti-litter campaign. The board plans to hold their next forum on the litter problem in July or August, Commissioner Braswell said.

Driver Dies From Injuries Sustained In Weekend Accident

State Trooper R.B. Maynard takes notes at the scene of a single vehicle crash Saturday night on Zacks Mill Road. The driver, 26-year-old William Derrick Perry of Benson, died Wednesday from injuries sustained in the collision. Photo by Carter Rabil

A Benson man badly hurt Saturday night when his SUV overturned seven times on Zack’s Mill Road , died Wednesday at WakeMed in Raleigh . The Highway Patrol said 26-year-old William Derrick Perry of Elevation Road was speeding when he ran off the roadway in his Chevy SUV and flipped multiple times. Perry was ejected. Trooper R.B. Maynard estimated Perry was traveling 75mph in a 55mph zone at the time of the 10:30pm crash. The Highway Patrol also said alcohol appeared to have been a contributing factor.

Clayton Woman Pinned Inside Overturned SUV

A Clayton woman was seriously injured in a single car crash while driving home from work Wednesday afternoon. Alejandra Fabiana Soria, 34, had just left her job in Smithfield when she was involved in an accident on US70 near Buffalo Road . Witnesses to the wreck assisted Soria, who sustained a severe head injury, and was briefly trapped inside her overturned SUV, until Selma fire and EMS crews arrived. State Trooper C.E. Butler said Soria was traveling westbound at the posted speed limit when she ran off the roadway to the right, came back onto the highway, and overturned. Her 2001 Suzuki came to rest in the median. Soria was airlifted to Duke Medical Center . No charges have been filed, but the accident still remains under investigation.

Arrest Made In Sexual Assault Of Handicapped Woman

A man wanted for questioning in connection with the alleged rape of a mentally handicapped woman last September in Benson has been apprehended. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office located Derek Tremayne McEachin at an address on Josephine Road in the Cleveland community late-Wednesday. Officers reportedly found a small amount of marijuana in his possession. McEachin was later charged by Benson Police with first-degree rape. The 22-year-old man is accused of raping a young handicapped woman in a Benson Housing Authority apartment during the Mule Day weekend, but the assault had nothing to do with the festival. McEachin was jailed under a $201,000 bond.

Bomb Threats At Two Locations Prompt Evacuations

Two bomb threats less than ten hours apart forced the evacuation of two locations in Johnston County . The first bomb threat was phoned in just before 8pm Wednesday at Flanders Precision-Aire on Wal-Pat Road in Smithfield . The facility was evacuated after someone called saying there was a bomb inside. Emergency workers searched the building before allowing employees back inside. As a precaution, train traffic was temporarily halted near the facility. Just before 6am Thursday, Wal-Mart on US70 in Clayton was briefly evacuated following a telephone bomb threat, according to Police Chief Glen Allen. Chief Allen said investigators have a suspect in the Clayton hoax. At this time, there is no evidence connecting the two incidents.

Carolina Hurricanes Grant $5,000 To Johnston Artists-In-The-Schools

The Carolina Hurricanes Jersey signed by the 2006-07 team was donated earlier this year for the Johnston County Arts Council’s 35th Anniversary. The Johnston County Arts Council has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Carolina Hurricanes Kids ‘N Community Foundation for the 2007-08 Artists-in-the-Schools program year. Doug Warf, Executive Director of the Kids ‘N Community Foundation, stated that the foundation “appreciates the efforts of the Johnston County Arts Council and is proud to be able to contribute toward the future development of our young people.” Earlier in the year, the Carolina Hurricanes demonstrated their support of the Johnston County Arts Council by an in-kind donation of a hockey jersey signed by the entire 2006-07 team. This jersey was included in the silent auction held in conjunction with the Arts Council’s 35th Anniversary Celebration on March 22, 2007 and of the 25 items up for bid, the jersey generated the highest bid for a single item at $325. The Kids ‘N Community Foundation was established by the Carolina Hurricanes to support organizations and charities that have a heart to enhance the lives of children in North Carolina . Available for all students grades K–12 at each of Johnston County ’s 36 public schools, the Artists-in-the-Schools program focuses on using the arts as a tool for learning and cultural enrichment. Supported by a strong community partnership between JCAC, Fred Smith Company and Johnston County Schools (JCS), over $900,000 has been raised since the program’s start in 1999.

College Foundation Announces New Scholarship Program

The Johnston Community College Foundation will offer a new program of scholarship awards for students attending JCC in the fall 2007. Due to considerable growth in the number of scholarships made available to students through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and corporations, the College Foundation has created a new program of scholarship opportunities called Opportunity Plus. Funded by private gifts donated to the College Foundation, the program is available to local residents as a plus to ongoing scholarship awards. Students may apply for the Opportunity Plus scholarship awards from April 15 through May 31. The scholarships will be announced by the end of June. Approximately 100 awards will be made, typically at $500 per award, to be used for the fall 2007 semester. To be eligible, students must register and be enrolled at JCC for a minimum of six (6) credit hours and demonstrate a need for financial aid. A current student applicant must have attained a minimum 2.5 grade point average in all coursework completed. “The College Foundation has had a wonderful year in generating new scholarship opportunities, and they wanted to initiate a new program that would provide some support for students who decide to go to the College a little later than our typical April 1 cut-off for financial aid,” said Dr. Don Reichard, College president. “We will be offering about 100 more scholarships this fall than we were able to provide last fall, and the Foundation has also started a new program of providing scholarships for the spring semester.” Application materials may be acquired from the Financial Aid Office or on the Johnston Community College website under the Financial Aid/Scholarships link.

Man Who Picked Up Child From Middle School Arrested

A Selma man who allegedly picked up a 15-year-old girl from Smithfield Middle School earlier this year, saying he was a relative, has been arrested. Carnell Johnette Atkinson, 30, is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Atkinson pretended to be a relative when he showed up at the school to sign the girl out of class, according to Smithfield Police Det. Lt. Keith Powell. The teen reportedly left willingly with Atkinson, but authorities said he still broke the law. Atkinson was later released after posting a $2,500 bond.

North Johnston Senior Named Park Scholar

Anna Rains, a senior at North Johnston High School , has just learned that she is the recipient of the prestigious Park Scholarship from North Carolina State University in Raleigh . The Park is a four-year scholarship for full tuition, room, and board, expenses and enrichment programs. Anna is the daughter of Danny and Judy Rains. Anna has served as Co-President of the National Honor Society, treasurer of Key Club, chairperson of large events for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, scorekeeper for Varsity Girls Basketball, and was a Section Leader in the band. Anna also served as a volunteer at Johnston Summer Academy as a Teacher Assistant for 3rd -5th grade ESL. She has volunteered at Exploris, Social Services APP Summer Camp, and at Special Olympics. The Park Scholarship is an innovative, year-round program offering one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the United States .

Teen Charged With Stealing Firearms During Burglaries

A Wayne County teenager is facing charges for allegedly burglarizing two homes in the Rosewood community, stealing firearms. The first burglary happened in February. The second incident occurred on April 7. Jacob Everette Carr, 17, of Goldsboro is charged with two counts of breaking and entering and two counts of felonious larceny. Bail was set at $100,000. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office did not rule out the possibility of additional arrests in the case.

Kresge Foundation Grant

Campbell University has received a grant in the amount of $1 million from the Kresge Foundation. The grant will be used toward the construction of the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center , the university’s 109,000 square-foot entertainment and sports venue expected to be completed by fall 2008. According to university president, Dr. Jerry Wallace, Campbell was able to meet the foundation’s challenge—to raise $34 million by June 1, 2007—months ahead of the deadline. The $34 million total includes building construction costs plus a $5 million maintenance endowment. “The grant from the Kresge Foundation was instrumental in leveraging the support that allowed Campbell not only to meet rising construction costs but to surpass its initial campaign goal of $30 million,” said Wallace. “We are grateful to all of our supporters and to the Kresge Foundation for helping to make the largest capital campaign in our history a success.” The realization of a long-held dream, the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center brings student, athletic and community events into one dynamic structure and represents a valuable resource for both campus and community. The modern, but stately architecture of the building is expressed through stone arches and cornices, shaded colonnades, sweeping palladium windows and a barrel vaulted roof. Inside, the Gilbert Craig Gore Arena contains seating for up to 5,000 people. In addition, the building is home to a Sports Hall of Fame, academic classrooms, hospitality and practice suites, faculty offices, locker rooms, and a 5,000 square-foot student fitness facility. “The John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center will become a cultural and athletic center for students, alumni and residents of Harnett County and surrounding areas,” Wallace said.

Sheriff Reopens Unsolved 1972 Murder Of Bonnie Neighbors

(Right) The December 1972 murder of Bonnie Neighbors of Benson made headline news in the Daily Record in Dunn. Thirty-five years later the case is still unsolved. Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell announced on WMPM Radio on Wednesday the reopening of the case by a newly formed Cold Case Squad. (Below) (L-R) Sheriff Bizzell, Captain Buck Pipkin, Public Information Officer Tammy Amaon, and Detective Lt. Fred Dees review the Bonnie Neighbors case file.

Sheriff Steve Bizzell announced on WMPM Radio Wednesday afternoon the reopening of one of Johnston County ’s oldest unsolved homicides. The first case for a newly formed Cold Case Squad is the December 1972 unsolved murder of Bonnie Wheeler Neighbors of Benson. The 33-year-old mother of two disappeared on December 14, 1972 while on the way to school to pick up her son, Ken Neighbors III, who was 7 at the time. Her 3-month-old son, Glen Neighbors was with her. The search for Bonnie Neighbors, the wife of former accountant Kenneth Neighbors of Benson, began immediately. On December 15, her station wagon was found abandoned on Market Street in Benson. On Dec. 17 at 12:30pm, her lifeless body was found in a labor camp six miles south of Benson, off what is know known as Holley Grove Church Road . A farmer, Olen Lee, heard pleas on local radio stations for landowners to search their property for the missing woman. Lee’s son, Sherward, heard a baby cry as he approached the unoccupied migrant camp and ran back to get his father. Bonnie Neighbors infant son was lying unharmed beside her. Mrs. Neighbors had been fatally shot twice in the abdomen and suffered a blow to the head. She had been blindfolded and her feet and hands were bound with cloth baby diapers. For the first time in North Carolina history, the state medical examiner, Dr. Page Hudson and his investigator, Dr. Bill Brinkhouse, were flown on a state helicopter to a crime scene. “The case alarmed the community,” Sheriff Bizzell told WMPM on Wednesday. “People thought there was a killer on the loose. Folks were in shock.” Then Sheriff Raeford Oliver, assigned two deputies, Fulton Moore and Lemay Penny, full-time to the case. John Twisdale was the district attorney in 1972. Thousands of man hours were spent following leads, interviewing hundreds of people, and searching for evidence linking Bonnie Neighbors to her killer. Sheriff Steve Bizzell said the newly formed Cold Case Squad consists of himself, along with Captain Buck Pipkin, Lt. Fred Dees, SBI Agent Blane Hicks, former SBI Agents John Richardson, David Dunn, and the lead SBI case agent on the Neighbors case in 1972, Roger Allen. Former DA Twisdale will be an advisor to the Cold Case Squad. Sheriff Bizzell said new technologies are now available that could help solve old cases, including the use of new forensics and DNA evidence. Bizzell said his officers have plenty of work to do but added, “Everyone I have talked to feels like this case merits attention. We are going back to take a fresh look at this and maybe other unsolved cases.” A special tip line for anyone with information on the 1972 unsolved murder of Bonnie Neighbors of Benson has been established. The number is 919-989-5017. Callers can remain anonymous.

Kenly's New Top Cop Is Youngest Johnston County Police Chief

Kenly’s new top cop says he has a zero tolerance for drugs and prostitution. Josh Gibson was named the new Kenly police chief this week. He also becomes the youngest police chief in Johnston County . Gibson said, “I want to give back to the community what they have given to me and my family. I want to work with the community to make Kenly a safer place.” Gibson promised a zero tolerance policy for drugs and prostitution. The new chief said offenders caught will not be given a citation, but they will be taken to jail. Kenly Town Manager Scott Shelton says Gibson may be young, just shy of his thirtieth birthday, but he comes with a lot of experience. Gibson, a Wilson ’s Mills native, joined the force in May 2001 and worked his way up from patrol to K-9 officer, then to sergeant and lieutenant. Gibson took over as interim chief last October when David Mangum was fired for allegedly misusing a town issued credit card. Mangum is still awaiting trial on those charges. Gibson was selected by Shelton after interviews conducted with the town council and a citizen’s advisory committee. Shelton said, “The decision was based primarily on work he had done in the last six months as acting chief. All the finalists were good candidates. Josh will do an excellent job. He is learning every day. He has the potential to be a good chief and leader. We look forward to having him for many years.” Gibson will be paid an annual salary of $36,200, slightly lower than former Chief Mangum, who was making $38,375 when he was terminated. Gibson, a 1995 graduate of South Johnston High, will oversee the 9-member department, and one administrative assistant, including the agency's half million dollar budget.

Illegal Immigrant Sentenced To Prison For Drug Trafficking

An accused large scale drug trafficker, in the United States illegally, who sold two ounces of cocaine to an undercover agent in the parking lot of a Kenly truck stop last September, has been sentenced to prison. Domingo Sloache Yanez, 38, of Kenly was apprehended by plain clothes Johnston County sheriff’s deputies who were waiting nearby. Yanez was sentenced to serve 36 to 42 months in prison following his conviction on four counts of trafficking cocaine. Yanez was an illegal immigrant, authorities said, who was deported from the United States but later returned. A second suspect, Rolando Anaya-Barajas was arrested during the same investigation.

Clayton Man Will Spend Less Than 1 Year In Jail For Selling Cocaine

A Clayton man arrested on cocaine trafficking charges last year following a month-long investigation by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office narcotics division, will spend less than a year in prison. Juan Garcia, of Corbett Road , was reportedly caught with two ounces of cocaine and marijuana in May 2006 at a home on North Shiloh Road . Under a plea arrangement, Garcia pled guilty to one felony charge of trafficking cocaine by sell. A conspiracy charge was dropped. A judge sentenced him to serve from 9 to 11 months in prison for the crime.

More Eastbound I-40 Lane Closures In Store For Motorists

Eastbound lane closures on Interstate 40 in Johnston and Wake County have been extended through at least Friday. The Department of Transportation will shut down the outside eastbound lane of I-40 between US70 (Exit 306) and NC 42 (Exit 312) from 7pm each night until 3pm each afternoon. All lanes will be open from 3pm until 7pm for afternoon rush hour traffic. The lane closure is necessary to allow construction crews to continue paving operations for the US70 Clayton Bypass. The $123 million project was awarded to S.T. Wooten Corp. and is expected to be complete in June 2009. File photo by Carter Rabil

Benson Fire Department Holds Open House

(L to R) Assistant Chief Troy Byrd, Chief Anthony Byrd, and Benson Mayor Jerry McLamb hold a ceremonial check for $1,405,000, funds the department received from the USDA Rural Development to pay for a new Benson Fire Station. The public toured the facility during an open house held Sunday afternoon. Photo by Carter Rabil

The Benson Fire Department held an open house for their new six-bay fire station Sunday afternoon. Town folks had the opportunity to drop by the new station and see the new facility, paid for with a $1.3 million low interest loan and a $100,000 grant from the USDA Rural Development. Area Director Garland Burnette and Congressman Bob Etheridge presented a ceremonial check for $1.4 million to Benson Mayor Jerry McLamb during the open house. Mayor McLamb said, “I would like to officially and personally thank Rural Development for making it possible for us to have a beautiful new building for a fine, dedicated group of personnel such as the Benson Fire Department.” Several Johnston County officials were on hand including Commissioners Cookie Pope, DeVan Barbour, and Tony Braswell. The new fire station will house all the departments’ apparatus including a decontamination area. Parts of the adjoining old Benson Middle School were also renovated for classroom, training, administrative, and overnight areas for emergency personnel. The Benson Fire Department serves 7,000 residents in the Town of Benson and the Banner Rural Fire District.

Sex Offender Arrested Twice In Two Years

For the second time in two years, a registered sex offender in Johnston County has been arrested for reportedly not meeting the condition of his release from prison. Cedrick Vaughn Hall failed to notify authorities of his new address in March 2006 and then again in March 2007. Hall was arrested last year for the first offense, and charged this week for the second alleged violation. Selma Police located the 27-year-old man on Robin Circle . Hall was added to the NC Sex Offender Registry in 1997 following his conviction for the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Gunman Robs Selma ABC Store

Police are looking for a gunman who robbed the ABC Store on Highway 301 in downtown Selma this week. A lone black male armed with a small handgun entered the business, told the clerk “You know what to do,” pulled out a plastic bag and ordered him to fill it with money. Police said the suspect took $659 in cash before fleeing. The suspect was in his 30’s, 5 foot 8, 210 pounds, and was wearing a blue long sleeve polo shirt and dark pants. Anyone with any information on the armed robbery is asked to contact Selma Police at 919-965-8189.

Pizza Shop Owner Says Prank Orders Are Costly

The owner of a local pizza delivery business says prank phone calls are costing him hundreds of dollars and he has asked Selma Police to help. Khaled Sabri, the operator of Pizza Express on US301 in Selma , said he has received numerous pizza delivery orders to fictitious addresses. The calls started on February 28 and are still continuing, Sabri told police. Some of the calls have been traced to a payphone at a local middle school. Sabri estimates he has lost over $500 in pizza delivery orders in the past few weeks.

Three Teens Caught By Homeowner Inside Residence

Three teenagers are facing burglary charges after reportedly being caught by a homeowner inside his residence. David Satterfield told authorities he returned to his home on Russ Road in Smithfield around 7pm Monday to find the three suspects in his kitchen. The youths, ages 14 to 17, allegedly told deputies they thought the house was abandoned and were just looking around, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon. Greg Maxwell Haines, 16, and Willy Damreh, 17, both of Smithfield were charged with breaking and entering. The 14-year-old will face similiar charges in juvenile court.

Waste Products Spill From Overturned Truck

This Friday afternoon accident on Shotwell Road , at the Johnston-Wake County line, caused quiet a smell. Waste products spilled from the overturned City of Raleigh truck. The highway was blocked for more than two hours while the wreckage was towed away and the waste cleaned up. The driver was briefly entrapped in the wreckage. He was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Clayton Fire, Clayton EMS, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the NC Highway Patrol responded to the scene. Photo by Carter Rabil

80-Year-Old Woman Facing Shoplifting Charges

An 80-year-old woman is facing shoplifting charges. Employees at Belk’s in Smithfield reportedly witnessed the elderly woman cut price tags off $143 in merchandise and place the items in her purse. Louise Barefoot Temple of Highway 96 South, Four Oaks was cited for shoplifting by Smithfield Police Officer A.J. Brown. Among the items Temple allegedly tried to steal were three wallets, six rings, earrings, a bracelet, a hand towel, and a candle. Detective Lt. Keith Powell said the elderly woman paid for some other merchandise in the store, but didn’t pay for the items she had allegedly removed the price tags.

More Law Enforcement Agencies Testing Abilities To Respond To School Shootings

(Right) First arriving Dunn Police Officer Jeff Williams assesses the situation to find victims down at the entrance to Dunn Middle School during a mock school shooting exercise conducted Saturday to test the response of Dunn emergency workers. The “victims” are volunteers from Central Carolina 's EMT class. (Below) Officials gather in Smithfield before a mock exercise begins April 10 to test Johnston County authorities ability to respond to a school shooting and hostage situation.

The exercise was led by the Johnston County Sheriff's Office. The deaths of 33 people in a shooting Monday on the campus of Virginia Tech have many wandering just how safe our children are in local schools. On April 10, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office conducted a mock hostage situation at the South Campus School in Smithfield . The daylong exercise tested the department’s response to a school shooting and hostage standoff, where chemicals were dispersed by the hostage taker. Ironically, members of the Dunn Police, Fire and EMS departments conducted their own mock school shooting and bombing on the campus of Dunn Middle School last Saturday. The mock scenario involved an upset parent shooting a deputy and taking a classroom hostage. A special response team forced their way into the school during the exercise and took control of the suspect. However, Monday’s massacre at Virginia Tech was for real. Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell said his job was 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 last week. In addition to the mock exercise, Johnston County deputies are assigned to all high schools. Other officers randomly walk-thru other public school buildings during school days.

April 17 Tax Filing Deadline Is Here

C. Keith Peedin, a CPA in Smithfield, looks over a last minute tax return on Tuesday. Tuesday is the tax filing deadline. Peedin said Monday was his busiest day ever, and that his CPA firm had to file extensions for about 150 clients.

For those of you who procrastinate on filing your income taxes, today, April 17, is the final day to file. The Internal Revenue Service suggests filing electronically this year. Its fast, accurate and easy. The electronic filing program also checks for errors, and your refund will be issued in about half the time it would take if you file a paper return. About half of all federal tax returns have been filed electronically this year. The IRS also reminds taxpayers not to overlook the telephone excise tax refund this year. This is a one-time refund of long distance excise taxes available on 2006 income tax returns. Taxpayers may be eligible to claim the earned income tax credit. Earned income of less than $39,000 in 2006 may qualify a taxpayer to claim the earned income tax credit. This credit could be worth up to $4,536. If you are filing a paper return, the IRS suggests to double-check your figures, sign the forms, and don’t forget to write down your full social security number. And if you can’t have you tax returned prepared by today’s (April 17) deadline, be sure to file an extension. Taxpayers can get an automatic six month extension, but must submit the request by April 17. The extension gives taxpayers until October 15 to file. However, an extension of time to file does not give you an extension of time to pay. A taxpayer can request an extension from 30 to 120 days depending on the specific situation, but you could still be subject to a penalty and interest. C. Keith Peedin, a Smithfield CPA, said this has been one of his busiest years ever. Peedin says he had to file extensions for nearly 150 clients. “Monday was our busiest day ever,” he said. Remember, if you are filing a paper return, it must be postmarked with today’s (April 17) date. On Friday, the IRS learned of a new tax scam on the Internet that lures taxpayers into filing tax information on a site masquerading as a member of the Free File Alliance. The alliance is a partnership between 19 tax software companies and the IRS. However, a website claiming to be with the alliance accepts taxpayers information, changes their bank account numbers to their own, and then files the return through a legitimate Free File partner.

Tree Toppled By High Winds Heavily Damages Church

A tree rests on the roof of the Stancil Chapel Holiness Church on Barnes Lake Road. Church members are still assessing if the building can be saved. Photo by Carter Rabil

The toll from Monday’s storm damage in Johnston County is still being tallied. Members of the Stancil Chapel Holiness Church on Barnes Lake Road discovered a large tree had crashed into the roof of their church during Monday’s storm. The storm produced wind gusts of 39mph in Smithfield . High winds also caused a tree to fall across three cars in the parking lot at the Johnston County Department of Social Services in Smithfield , totaling a Nissan car valued at $10,000. Winds also caused a section of tin roof to blow off a building on Front Street . Gusts downed numerous trees and resulted in widespread power outages across the region.

120 Day Jail Sentence For Man Who Forced 9-Year-Old To Perform Sex Acts

A Johnston County man who allegedly forced his nine-year-old daughter to perform sex acts will spend only 120 days in jail for the unthinkable crime. Michael Billy Jack Williams of Benson was arrested last October. The alleged offenses happened in July 2006, and came to light three months later when the victim confided in her mother. The 30-year-old man was originally charged with first degree sex offense and taking indecent liberties with a child. Under a plea, Williams was convicted of taking indecent liberties and the first-degree sex offense charge was dropped. Williams was sentenced to 16 to 20 months in prison, but under a split-sentence was only ordered to spend 4 months in jail before he is released. Afterwards he will be on probation for 5 years.

First Of Two Cemetery Vandals Sentenced

The first of two Smithfield teenagers accused of vandalizing dozens of tombstones in Sunset Cemetery in Smithfield in March 2006 has been sentenced. Justin Travis Byrd pled to 25 misdemeanor counts of vandalizing grave markers and two additional felony counts of vandalizing grave markers. In return for his plea, Byrd was given deferred prosecution, meaning if he completions several conditions set by a judge, prosecutors will voluntarily dismiss the charges in 24 months. The conditions include: performing 300 hours of community service work, remain on probation, not violate any laws during that time, and pay $15,000 in restitution. Byrd has already paid the restitution for the damages to the tombstones. A co-defendant, John Weldon Taylor, is still awaiting trial. Sunset Cemetery is where film star Ava Gardner is buried, however, her grave marker was not damaged.

Man Driving To Visit Mother Critically Injured In Crash

State Trooper J.M. Dorsey (in patrol car) and Trooper Chris Bell investigate a single vehicle accident Monday night that critically injured John Edward Kelly, 50, of Princeton. The wreck happened on Holt's Pond Road while Kelly was on the way to see his mother. Kelly was airlifted to UNC Hospitals.

A Johnston County man on the way to see his mother was badly hurt in a single vehicle accident Monday night on Holt’s Pond Road near Princeton . John Edward Kelly, 50, of 6655 Princeton-Kenly Road, Princeton ran off the roadway in his pickup and struck a driveway culvert. Kelly sustained a severe head injury and was airlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill . A hospital spokesperson said Kelly was in critical condition Tuesday afternoon. State Trooper J.M. Dorsey said a medical condition may have played a contributing factor. Witnesses said Kelly’s truck ran off the roadway to the right in a curve as if he never tried to turn his vehicle. Alcohol and speed were not factors, and Kelly was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

Utility Truck Overturns While Doing Power Restoration Work

A wrecker from Cox Repair pulls a Progress Energy truck from a ditch after it overturned on its side Monday afternoon. Photo by Carter Rabil

A wrecker pulls a Progress Energy truck from the ditch Monday afternoon after it overturned on its side while doing power restoration work on Highway 210 near Smithfield . The truck was driven away from the scene and no injuries were reported. Smithfield police and sheriff’s deputies temporarily blocked Highway 210 near Cleveland Road while the truck was being up righted.

BB&T Bank Robbers Captured

Two men are accused of robbing the Stantonsburg branch of BB&T Bank on Monday. Statonsburg Police and Wilson County sheriff’s deputies found a vehicle disabled in a ditch on Highway 222 West, interviewed the driver, and initially determined he wasn’t involved in the robbery. After a wrecker towed the car away, two men emerged from a nearby wooded area and attempted to car jack two Town of Stantonsburg utility workers at gunpoint. The workers managed to flag down a deputy who called in two K-9 units who tracked the suspects down. Within 90 minutes of the robbery, William Henderson Bethel, 62, (bottom) and Jomain Eugene Morgan, 35, (top) were arrested. Authorities also recovered the stolen money and a handgun believed to have been used in the BB&T robbery. Both men are in the Wilson County Jail under a $250,000 bond each. The FBI assisted in the investigation.

Police Seeking Man For Questioning In Rape Of Handicapped Woman

Benson Police are asking for the publics help in locating a man wanted for questioning in the alleged rape of a mentally handicapped woman. The incident happened last September in a Benson Housing Authority apartment. The victim, police said was in her early-20’s, was sexually assaulted on Mule Day’s Weekend, but the attack had nothing to do with the festival. The man police want to talk with, 23-year-old Derek Tremayne McEachin of the Garner-area, has returned to Benson several times since the alleged rape but police only learned about it several days later. Anyone with any information on Derek McEachin is asked to contact Benson Police at 919-894-2091. Police reiterate he is only wanted for questioning and he has not been charged with the assault.

High Winds Cause Widespread Damage

High winds caused trees to topple, metal to rip off roofs, and scattered power outages Monday. (Right) A tree fell across three cars in the parking lot of the Johnston County Department of Social Services. (Below) Smithfield firemen responded to Front and Market Street after metal starting coming off the roof of a vacant building.

A powerful storm system brought rain and thunder on Sunday, followed by gusty winds. The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning for the area on Monday. Sustained northwest winds of 25 to 35mph were forecast, along with occasional gusts near 50 to 60mph. Gusts nearly 50 mph were reported before noon Monday in the area. Due to recent rains, soils are soft and trees could be easily uprooted. Winds caused a tree to fall across a power line near Selma Sunday night causing an outage. On Monday, numerous downed trees were reported, including a large limb that fell across three cars in the parking lot of the Johnston County Department of Social Services. One of the vehicles was a total loss. High winds also caused a section of tin roof on a building at Market and Front Street s to dislodge. A small section of the roof at the Neuse Little Theatre was damaged. Trees fell across several roadways, even the train tracks, causing delays for many.

3 North Johnston Students Hurt In Accident

Three North Johnston High students were injured in a near head-on collision late-Saturday at rural intersection outside of Kenly. Around 6pm, a Ford Taurus pulled from the intersection of Richardson-Bass Road and Princeton-Kenly Road into the path of a Ford Ranger truck. The car spun around in the roadway and the truck veered off the highway and crashed into a metal barn. The News & Observer identified the driver of the car as Trevor Freedman, and his passenger as Wesley Brook. Both were transported to WakeMed. Another person, Brandon Trevor Oliver was airlifted to UNC Hospitals and was in stable condition, at last report. On January 21, two North Johnston students, Nicholas Ryan Creech and Reece Leighton Richardson, were killed in a head-on collision near Kenly. A third student, Travis Whitley Foster, was badly hurt but recovered from his injuries.

Brian Maynard Named Johnston County Trooper Of The Year

Sgt. J.A. Starling (left) congratulates Trooper Brian Maynard (right) after being named Johnston County Trooper of the Year, during an awards banquet, sponsored by Clayton American Legion Post 71.

State Trooper Brian Maynard has been named the Johnston County Trooper of the Year. Maynard, who has been stationed in Johnston County since 2003, received the recognition from the Clayton American Legion Post 71. He was chosen from the field of 22 troopers, who work from the Smithfield District Office. Highway Patrol Sgt. J.A. Starling said Maynard was an outstanding trooper. “He is a hard worker and a great asset to the Highway Patrol, and especially to the district. I wish I had ten of him. He is an excellent trooper,” Sgt. Starling said. In 2006, Trooper Maynard issued over 3,000 citations, made 66 drunken driving arrests, and investigated over 200 collisions. Of the 3,000 citations issued, 1,829 were for speeding violations. Maynard, who is a Harnett County native, graduated from East Carolina University , and worked two years with the SBI before joining the Patrol in 2003. Maynard told WMPM, “It is an honor to be recognized as Trooper of the Year. I never expected to receive the award. I do what I do because I want to make a difference.” During the awards banquet, Dana Wilkinson, a former trooper, was selected by the American Legion as the Johnston County Deputy of the Year.

Bengie Gaddis Promoted To Sheriff's Patrol Captain

Sheriff Steve Bizzell (left) congratulates Bengie Gaddis on his appointment to captain of the 40-member patrol division. Gaddis will train under current Patrol Captain Mardy Benson who will retire early next year.

Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell has appointed Bengie Gaddis to the rank of captain. Gaddis will oversee the 40 member patrol division. Gaddis will train under current Patrol Captain Mardy Benson who will retire early next year. Gaddis told WMPM, “I am honored the Sheriff had the confidence and belief in me to put me in this position.” Sheriff Bizzell said he tapped Gaddis due to his leadership abilities and his caring personality. “He cares about his fellow man and has a deep appreciation of the office of sheriff and our goals,” Bizzell said. “He likes to help people and to make a difference.” Gaddis, 32, graduated from North Johnston High School in 1993, and worked for 17 months under Sheriff Freddie Narron. He served brief stints with the Goldsboro , Clayton and Selma police departments before returning to work for Sheriff Bizzell in January 2000 as a detective. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2004, and to the major crimes division in 2006. As captain of the patrol division, Gaddis will oversee one of the busiest sections of the sheriff’s office. The patrol division responds to a call for service on average of every 14 minutes, and receives approximately 153 criminal and civil papers to serve each day. Gaddis, who lives in Smithfield , is married to Jennifer Gaddis. They have two children, an 8-year-old daughter, Madison, and two-year-old son, Jaxon. A lifelong Johnston County resident, Bengie is the youngest of seven children. His parents, Willie and Grace Gaddis, reside in the Shoeheel community. Gaddis is also a volunteer with the Smithfield Fire Department.

Drain Cleaner Explosion Seriously Injures Maintenance Worker

Smithfield paramedics load a 49-year-old maintenance worker into the back of an ambulance. The worker was injured Friday, at Johnston Court Apartments, after drain cleaner exploded in his face.

A maintenance worker sustained serious eye injuries after drain cleaner exploded in his face. It happened at 2237 Kay Drive in the Johnston Court Apartments in Smithfield Friday afternoon. The 49-year-old worker reportedly placed drain cleaner in a sink to unclog the drain and it came in contact with a cigarette lighter in the drain and somehow exploded. The victim was rushed by Smithfield EMS to Johnston Memorial Hospital . Smithfield Fire also responded to the scene.

Benson Man Critically Injured After SUV Flips 7 Times

The Highway Patrol says speed and alcohol were factors in a serious single car accident Saturday night on Zack’s Mill Road near McGee’s Crossroads. Troopers said the driver, 26-year-old William Perry of Elevation Road , Benson ran off the roadway in his Chevy SUV, overturned seven times, and was ejected. Perry was transported to WakeMed where, at last report, he was still in critical condition. Trooper R.B. Maynard estimated Perry was traveling 75mph in a 55mph zone at the time of the 10:30pm single vehicle crash.

Alcohol A Factor In Buffalo Road Wreck

Alcohol played a factor in a serious single car accident Sunday morning on Buffalo Road near Selma . The Highway Patrol said a 1995 Chevy, traveling north on Buffalo Road near Sullivan Road , ran off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, 26-year-old Maximiliano Sanchez Salas, of 15026 Buffalo Road , Clayton was badly hurt. He was taken to WakeMed by Selma EMS. Trooper R.B. Maynard charged Salas with driving while impaired and exceeding a safe speed.

Gene Watson Performs At The Clayton Center

Country music star Gene Watson performed Friday night at the Clayton Center . Watson worked at an auto repair shop in Texas while singing. His first success came in 1974 with his hit “Love in the Hot Afternoon”. Other hits followed, including” Where Love Begins, Paper Rosie, Farewell Party, and Fourteen Carat Mind. Watson, one of seven children born in Palestine , Texas , still owns his own body shop. He delighted the crowd with stories of his travels across the world, including Ireland , and a recent incident where he was accidentally locked in the bathroom stall at a truck stop. Watson, who said he was too big to fit under the stall, said he used his pocket knife to free himself.