1270 WMPM News Blog

Officials Want Hastings House Recognized As National Historic Landmark

2007-05-03T13:11:00.000-05:00

The Hastings House in Smithfield is one of the most historic landmarks in Johnston County , yet it is not designed by the NC Department of Cultural Resources as a historic site. Town officials hope that will soon change. The Smithfield Historic Preservation Commission has submitted an application seeking to have the house, now located on Front Street , included in the National Register of Historic Places. This week, the Smithfield Town Council adopted their own ordinance declaring the property as having historic value. The building is currently being used by the Parks & Recreation Department but will be vacant later this year when rec workers move to a location on Buffalo Road . In March 1865, the Hastings House served as Confederate Headquarters of General Braxton Bragg and Joseph E. Johnston. It is also the oldest surviving Greek Revival home in Smithfield . The house was built in 1854 for William Hastings, his first wife Lucy Anne McCullers, and their daughters, Julia and Sarah. It was originally located at Second and Johnston Streets, but in 1941, in order to make room for Overby Funeral Home, the house was moved to Front Street . Except for the kitchen and dining rooms, which were removed in order to relocate the building, the Hastings House is still in its' original shape. Currently, no money is set aside for restoration or renovation work for the Hastings House, which was bought by the Town of Smithfield in 1965.

Bill Phillips Sworn In As Smithfield District 4 Councilman

2007-05-03T13:10:00.000-05:00

W.O. “Bill” Phillips was officially sworn in as the newest member of the Smithfield Town Council this week. Phillips, who is 78, was surrounded by his family as he took the oath, administered by Clerk of Court Will Crocker. He will fill out the unexpired term of Tom Bell, in District 4, which expires in 2009. Bell stepped down in March saying his work and out-of-state travel prevented him from devoting the time and attention he felt was necessary to serve the citizens. Phillips has been a business owner in Smithfield for the past 47 years. Previously, he served two terms on the West Smithfield Sanitary District, and served several years on the Smithfield planning and zoning board. In 1998, Phillips also served on the Mayor’s Advisory Board.

Autopsy: Murder Victim Shot To Death

2007-05-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

An autopsy has determined a man found alongside Contentnea Creek near Stantonsburg on Sunday died from gunshot wounds. Authorities have also been able to identify the victim as 33-year-old Salvardor Salinas. His next of kin in Mexico has been notified of his death. An off-duty state trooper and his family fishing in the Creek discovered his body around 3pm Sunday. On Thursday, Major John Farmer with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office said no arrests had been made but the murder investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office at 252-237-2118.

No Trace Of Woman Missing Two Months

2007-05-03T13:07:00.000-05:00

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the publics help in finding a woman who has been missing for two months. Regina Dorette Herring was last seen on March 7 in the Goldsboro area. The 42-year-old woman has not been heard from since. Herring’s sister reported her missing on April 19. No vehicles are missing and detectives say the divorced woman was not on any known medication. Herring was arrested on drug and burglary charges in 2005 and spent 30 days in jail in 2006 for violating her probation, but she has not been in trouble in Wayne County since then. Herring is described as a white female, 5 foot 5, 120 pounds, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone who may have any information about the missing woman is asked to contact the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office at 919-731-1480

Driving Adjusting Dress Causes Collision

2007-05-03T13:06:00.002-05:00

A section of Highway 42 near Interstate 40 was closed for an hour Thursday following a near head-on collision on a bridge crossing Swift Creek. The driver of one of the vehicles, Rachael Holley, 33, of Clayton, told troopers she was adjusting her dress, caught under her shoe, when she ran off the right side of the highway striking the bridge railing. Her Pontiac veered across the roadway and crashed into a Dodge truck. The truck drivers name and condition was not immediately released. Trooper D.L. Braswell charged Holley with reckless driving. The Department of Transportation inspected the bridge for damage before allowing it to be reopened to traffic. 50-210 EMS and Cleveland Fire also responded to the scene.

Middle School Soccer Game Cancelled After 3 Players Injured

2007-05-03T13:06:00.001-05:00

A Smithfield EMS ambulance leaves the campus of Smithfield Middle School with one of three players injured during a soccer match on Tuesday. WMPM Photo A soccer game between Smithfield and Cleveland Middle schools was cancelled Tuesday after three players were sent to the hospital with injuries. One of the players sustained a broken collar bone. Another player was reportedly suffering from the heat, according to school officials. Smithfield EMS transported all three players to Johnston Memorial Hospital . Afterwards, the game was cancelled in part due to the three players’ injuries and because of the 90 degree weather.

2007 & Yam Court Crowned

2007-05-03T13:04:00.000-05:00

PICTURED L TO R: FRONT ROW: HAILEY HUDSON, TINY MISS; LOGAN CREECH, MINI MAJESTIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE YOUNG MISS; KASSIDY YOUNG, MINI MISS; KAYLI STRAIN, LITTLE MISS; TARA PARKER, MAJESTIC; MORGANN HABHEGGER, NATIONAL AMBASSADOR; BACK ROW: KATE BAREFOOT, MISS; ADDISON WOOD, WEE MISS; CASEY HOBBS, JUNIOR MISS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE MISS; HOPE OVERBY, MRS.; MOLLY TART, TEEN MISS; AND MARTINA MARLER, YOUNG MISS

Ham The new 2007 Smithfield Ham and Yam Court were crowned on April 21. The contestants raised $4,108 for the Me Fine Foundation. The winners will be kept very busy during the upcoming year. The will be donating their time at the Hope Thrift Store on Saturday. The young ladies plan to donate over 100 teddy bears to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office to give to children at crime scenes, work at the Kiwanis Club Ham-n-Yam Supper, participate in the Toys for Tots campaign, and volunteer during the Coats for Kids. Any civic or non-profit group that would like the young ladies to volunteer or help in any way should call 919-291-7344, according to Deborah Rosenberg, Director. These young ladies love to serve their community, Rosenburg said.

Police Seize $11,788 In Cash, Pound Of Marijuana

2007-05-03T13:03:00.002-05:00

Police recovered $11,788 and a pound of marijuana after being called to a home on Wilson ’s Mills Road on Wednesday. A woman told officers she found a diaper bag hidden behind her home. Inside, Police Detective Lt. Keith Powell said, there was a pound of marijuana and several rolls of money totaling $7,490 in cash. Shortly after police arrived, the woman’s grandson reportedly arrived and claimed ownership of the diaper bag. Daniel Allen Blan, 21, of Garner was searched by Smithfield Police and an additional $4,298 was seized, Lt. Powell said. Police said the woman saw a person hide the bag out behind her house and didn’t recognize the individual as her grandson. Blan is facing multiple charges.

Town To Sell House On Booker Dairy Road

2007-05-03T13:03:00.001-05:00

The Smithfield Town Council has declared a house on a lot they recently purchased, at 406 Booker Dairy Road , as surplus property. The board voted unanimously Tuesday night to accept sealed bids on the house and outbuildings which are appraised at $25,390. Once sold, the new owner will have 60 days to remove the house and all debris from the lot. If relocated within the city limits, the owner will have a set period of time to have it repaired and occupied. Town Manager Pete Connet was authorized by the council to accepted sealed bids on the 908-square-foot house. The property was formerly owned by Cynthia Hamilton, but was purchased by the Town to expand Smithfield Community Park .

Ribbon Cutting Held At Newly Remodeled Golden Corral

2007-05-03T13:02:00.000-05:00

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held at the newly remodeled Golden Corral in Smithfield . Chamber and community leaders gathered on Thursday as Smithfield Mayor Norman Johnson cut the ceremonial red ribbon. The new pavilion-style prototype was opened to the public afterwards. The restaurant will feature new “stations” offering guests prepared selections from scratch, a “Greenhouse” fresh salad bar and the “Brass Bell” bakery-dessert cafe. The restaurant is managed by Eric Brownlee, District Manager, and Jerrel Carter, the General Manager. “ Smithfield and Golden Corral are a perfect match,” Brownlee said. “The folks here appreciate Golden Corral and our tradition of variety and quality food.” Golden Corral has been at its current location in Smithfield for the past 11 years. Raleigh based Golden Corral Corporation is privately held, and operates 480 company and franchise restaurants in 40

Charges Dropped Against Ex-Hotel Clerk

2007-05-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

Prosecutors have dropped felony charges against a former Jameson Inn hotel clerk who was accused of stealing $3,000 last year. Darik Norris (pictured right) says his name has been tarnished because of the incident. Photo by The Daily Record The Harnett County District Attorney's Office has dismissed charges against a man accused of stealing $3,000 from the Jameson Inn hotel where he worked in Dunn. Darik James Norris, 37, has been cleared for felony counts of larceny by an employee and obtaining property by false pretenses. Investigators say the decision to drop charges was arrived at due to credibility issues with the person who filed the complaint against Norris. “Basically, I wanted to tell the city of Dunn that I did not do this,” Norris said. “My name has been tarnished with the hotels for the last nine months and I have not been able to get a job."

West Smithfield Music Teacher Amanda Huerta Named First Year Teacher Of The Year

2007-05-02T14:38:00.000-05:00

Amanda Huerta (center) has been named Johnston County Schools First Year Teacher of the Year. She is congratulated by Superintendent Dr. Tony Parker and Terri Sessoms, Lead Teacher with School Improvement.

Amanda Huerta is Johnston County Schools' new First Year Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008. A K-5 music teacher at West Smithfield , Huerta is hailed as a teacher who identifies her students' strengths and gifts and builds upon them, generating a "very positive and nurturing relationship with the student body." In fact, says her principal Todd Holmes, "Amanda Huerta represents all that is positive at West Smithfield Elementary." Huerta can be found routinely in her room working alongside students on the floor, at a music station, or demonstrating a dance or choreography step. Her focus is on success for every student rather than on being a great singer or musician. She is creative, consistently maintains positive, two-way communication with teachers, the administration, and parents, regularly participates in West Smithfield 's Manners Matter lunches to celebrate positive behavior, leads the school chorus Eagle Center Stage, and consistently generates new ideas on behalf of the students. Vanessa Watson, Media Coordinator for West Smithfield and Huerta's mentor, sums it up: "I am amazed at Ms. Huerta. I think she was a teacher in another life...I feel that I've won the mentor lottery because I'm blessed to have her as my mentee."

Funeral For Local Solider Killed In Iraq Set For Thursday

2007-05-02T14:37:00.000-05:00

Funeral services for a Johnston County solider killed in Iraq on April 23 will be held Thursday in Benson. Staff Sgt. William Clint Moore was 27. Moore was one of nine paratroopers who died when two trucks filled with explosives blew up near a patrol base. Twenty others were injured in the suicide-bombers attack. One of the trucks exploded near the base of a building, causing the second floor of the building to collapse, resulting in most of the solider casualties, according to a US military statement. A 1998 graduate of South Johnston High, Moore enlisted in the Army after graduation, and was currently a member of the Bravo Troop 5th Squadron, 73rd Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division. Funeral services will be held at 11am Thursday at the Benson Grove Baptist Church . Burial will follow at the Banner Chapel Church Cemetery with full military honors. Staff Sgt. Moore is survived by his father Ronnie S. Moore, and his sister Leanne M. Moore. His mother, Gwen Baker Moore preceded him in death. The family of Staff Sgt. Moore will receive friends at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson on Wednesday from 6pm until 9pm. Flowers are welcomed, however the family suggests memorials be made to Holly Grove Advent Christian Church, 2050 Holly Grove Road, Benson, NC 27504, or Pleasant Hill Christian Church, 4639 NC Highway 50 North, Benson, NC 27504. Condolences can also be emailed to the family. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

National Guard Unit Trains In Mississippi -

2007-05-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

(Above) Battery A ,113th Field Artillery Paladin Howitzer moves into its firing point during annual training at Camp Shelby Miss. Battery A Guardsmen are based in Lincolnton and Statesville . (Below) Company C, 252 Combined Arms Battalion Tank Commander SSG Edward Strickland and his new Abrahams Tank on the gunnery range. Company C is based in Southern Pines. NG photos by Staff Sgt. Al Hunt and SPC Steve Chadduck, 30th HBCT PAO)Smithfield

The 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team is winding down three weeks of annual training at the Joint Forces Readiness Center where gunnery training was a key focus. The training provided an opportunity to test the 30th’s capability to mobilize its soldiers, deploy high mobility vehicles, and exercise its command and control elements. All these skills play a unique roll for Guardsmen since they are needed to respond to natural or manmade disasters and remain ready for federal service. The 780 mile convoy moved hundreds of vehicles, equipment and personnel to southeast Mississippi. Camp Shelby was chosen last year due to the wide variety of gunnery ranges to accommodate the 30th’s M1 Abrahams Tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, and Paladin Howitzers. Although the 30th was the first National Guard Brigade Combat Team to deploy to Iraq , it has not been alerted for any future mobilization. Since their return from Iraq in early 2005, the 30th has been undergoing a massive transformation to the new “modular” formation dictated by the Army. This will make the 30th identical to Heavy Brigade Combat Teams in the active duty. This formation has realigned equipment, personnel and many different military occupational specialties. The 30th HBCT consists of about 3300 soldiers and about seventy percent are veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Forty-five of the solider who trained in Mississippi are based out of the National Guard Armory in Smithfield. The 30th includes combat and support units based throughout 42 other communities in North Carolina.

Over 1 Million Gallons Of Water Used To Extinguish Fire At Scrap Metal Plant

2007-05-02T14:34:00.002-05:00

Firefighters used over 1 million gallons of water to extinguish a fire that burned hundreds of scrap cars that covered an area the size of three football fields. As much as 2,000 gallons of water a minute was being sprayed on the fire. What started the fire Monday afternoon at Atlantic Scrap & Processing on Wal-Pat Road remains under investigation, according to Smithfield Fire Marshal Paul Whitehurst. Officials speculate a piece of hot metal kicked out of a machine that grinds down the scrap cars started the inferno, the second major fire at the facility since October. Unlike the first fire that burned an area the size of a football field, the fire on Monday had an upper hand on fire crews. Smithfield Police said company employees were trying to put the fire out themselves instead of immediately calling for help. Because of the large amount of water used to fight the fire, Johnston County and the Town of Smithfield issued a mandatory water conservation advisory. On Wednesday, the water conservation measure was reduced to voluntary. “The voluntary water conservation notice simply asks residents to be mindful of any non-essential water use, according to Johnston County Manager Rick Hester. Atlantic Scrap is based in Kernersville , NC , and they operate several scrap metal recycling plants across the state. Photo by Carter Rabil

Girl Mauled By Pit Bull

2007-05-02T14:34:00.001-05:00

A 7-year-old Harnett County girl suffered over 200 bites and required staples to close her wounds after she was viciously attacked by a pit bull. She was taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for treatment. Harnett Animal Control identified the victim as Kenlie Thomas. The girl’s stepfather, Tom Still, said the 1-year-old male dog named Chopper was apparently spooked by the sound of a battery-operated motor vehicle the girl was riding and attacked. The animal has been seized by animal control, where it will be quarantined and euthanized. No charges are expected to be filed.

Police File More Charges Against Reporter Arrested At Accident Scene

2007-05-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

Photographer Carter Rabil was arrested April 26 by Smithfield Police Lt. Ryan Sheppard (left) and Captain Bruce Gentry (right) at an accident scene on US70. Police filed more charges against Rabil on Tuesday. Officers said he was interfering with the crime scene when he shot his photos (picture below), outside crime scene tape.

More charges have been filed against a reporter arrested at the scene of a fatal accident on Highway 70 in Smithfield last Thursday. Mitchell Carter Rabil, an independent photographer, was arrested at the scene for disorderly conduct and resisting a police officer. The charges were filed by Lt. Ryan Sheppard, although witnesses said the incident involved another officer, Captain Bruce Gentry. On Tuesday, Rabil was charged with a second count of resisting a police officer. Those charges were issued by Captain Gentry. Rabil was taking video of the accident scene when an alleged confrontation ensued with Captain Gentry. During the arrest by the two officers, police threatened to use their taser gun on Rabil unless he dropped his camera equipment. Police Lt. Keith Powell said the latest charges stem from the same incident, just from another officer. “He refused to back out of a crime scene,” Powell said. This is not the first time Rabil has been accused by police of being too close to a crime scene, but when Rabil was arrested he was clearly outside the boundary of the crime scene tape. Complaints have also been filed against Captain Gentry in the past by the media. Rabil is free on a

Ham & Yam Goes High Tech In Battle Against Rain Legend

2007-05-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

Leave it once again to the creative minds at the Ham & Yam Festival to come up with another way to put an end to the perception that it always rains at the Ham & Yam. It has rained on 11 of the past 21 festival weekends. Several years ago, the Ham & Yam Festival constructed a large rain gauge to ward off the dark clouds during the weekend festivities. This year, officials have added an official Ham & Yam Rainmaker. “If you can’t beat mother-nature, you might as well join her,” chuckles Chris Johnson, Executive Director of the nonprofit organization. “I stated that I wasn’t going to get all wrapped up in looking at the extended forecast for the weekend. Well, after completing the Rainmaker, I have been told by everyone in the town that it looks like we are going to have perfect weather. Maybe the sun will shine on this pig’s tail after all!” The Rainmaker is currently positioned on Market Street in front of the DSDC offices at 222 East Market and will be set up in the middle of the festival area during the weekend. Well-wishers are encouraged to stop by, have their photos taken with it and throw as many coins in the pool as they would like. As for keeping his word on jumping into the Neuse , Johnson claims he will hold true to his challenge that he will jump into the river as soon as the festival is over on Sunday, provided that it doesn’t rain during the festival. “As I said before, it just wouldn’t be a Ham & Yam Festival if I wasn’t wet,” claims Johnson. “I have had a ton of people approach me to ask if I was going to jump from the bridge. Listen, I may be crazy but I am not that crazy. With the river being as low as it is, it will be from the banks or from a boat.” The Ham & Yam Festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday.

Driver Hurt After Car Lands In Creek

2007-05-02T14:30:00.000-05:00

Selma Fire Chief Joe Price (left) and Officer A.G. McLamb survey a wreck scene Tuesday on Oak Street. A car ran off the roadway into a creek, briefly entrapping the driver. WMPM Photo A Selma man received minor injuries after his car ran off West Oak Street and landed in a creek. It happened Tuesday afternoon. Selma Fire and EMS workers had to remove Sellam El Gani, 32, of North Sumner Street , from his convertible Saab. Gani told eyewitnesses to the crash he passed out moments before the accident, according to Officer A.G. McLamb.

Radiography Students Earn Top Scores

2007-05-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

Pictured from left are Lindsey Simmons, Patricia Vidal, Elizabeth Jones, and Lisa Marie Thrower. Students in the radiography program at Johnston Community College recently participated in the North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologist annual mock registry and four seniors produced four of the top five scores among students from across the state. Elizabeth Jones of Goldsboro had the highest score and received the Winslow Cup, a trophy given in honor of Betty Winslow, director of Wilkes Regional Medical Center ’s radiography program. Patricia Vidal of Middlesex earned the second highest score and Lindsey Simmons of Apex and Lisa Marie Thrower of Raleigh tied for the third highest scores.

Will They Be Our Next Superstars?

2007-05-02T14:28:00.000-05:00

From left, Wee Wan, Jeff Enoch and James Capps, of Benson.

James Capps, of Benson, Wee Wan, and Jeff Enoch don’t have million dollar contracts or stretch limos yet, but it’s only a matter of time, according to Miriam Anderson, adjunct professor of voice at Campbell University . Extremely enthusiastic about the talent of these students, Anderson is eager to let the rest of the world in on it. “These guys certainly have star quality,” she said. “All three are really putting Campbell out there.” Wee Wan, a senior mass communications major from Ipoh , Malaysia , is a budding pop star in his country. He just cut a demo CD, and a song he composed for a Malaysian talent competition similar to “American Idol” not only won the competition but was recorded by famous Malaysian pop singer Michael Wong. Lanky James Capps, who lives in Benson, and is the son of WMPM DJ Robert Capps, could pass for a younger version of country music artist George Straight. Capps’ clean-cut appearance and “Aw shucks” style make him a natural for the country music stage. A junior mass communications major who grew up singing and playing acoustic guitar with his dad and brothers’ country /blue grass band, Capps is a traditionalist who likes the melodies and lyrics of artists Randy Travis, Johnny Cash and Alan Jackson. “I’ve been playing and singing since high school,” he said. “It’s been more of a hobby than anything else.” Within the past two years, Capps’ uncomplicated style and mellow voice have gained regional notoriety, however. He has been a featured performer on the “Country Music Showcase,” sponsored by Johnston Community College , and has made dozens of appearances at community events such as Harnett County Relay for Life. “If I could make a living making music, that’s what I’d love to do,” he said. “Just making people feel good, that’s what I really enjoy.” The father of two small children, senior theatre major Jeff Enoch plans to move his young family to Orlando, Fla., where he has just been signed to a six-month contract with Walt Disney World. Enoch will play “Bloat the Blowfish” in “Finding Nemo,” the new Disney musical eventually headed for Broadway. “My six-year-old daughter is in a great school in Apex,” Enoch said. “I hate to uproot them for such a short time.” The job could lead to roles in Disney productions in New York , however. Once Enoch works professionally, he can receive his Actors Equity card and possible entré into New York theatre. “It’s a great stepping stone,” he said. “I love acting.”

Teens Charged After Firing Paintballs At Home

2007-05-02T14:27:00.000-05:00

Three teenagers are in trouble after reportedly being caught firing red paintball pellets at a home on Campground Road near Selma Tuesday night. Alex Garcia, 17, and Samuel Gomez, 16, were arrested by a Johnston County sheriff’s deputy who spotted their car near the scene of the incident. A witnessed who phoned 911 helped authorities make a quick arrest. A 13-year-old was also charged with the incident. Detective Lt. Chris Strickland said several other homes outside of Selma , in the Revell Road area, were also vandalized Tuesday after being shot with paintball pellets. Strickland said those cases remain under investigation.

Man Charged With Helping Teen Run Away

2007-05-02T14:26:00.000-05:00

An 18-year-old Sampson County man has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after he allegedly helped his 16-year-old girlfriend run away from home and hide from her parents. Jonathan Price was taken into custody in Lauren County, South Carolina, Friday after he and his girlfriend, Desirae Davis, allegedly hid in the woods for eight hours to elude the girl's stepfather. Both teens attended Midway High School in Sampson County . Price quit school and moved to South Carolina after he and Davis allegedly got into trouble for inappropriate behavior at the school. Davis ran away two weeks ago to meet Price in South Carolina .

Fire At Smithfield Scrap Metal Plant Contained -

2007-05-01T14:52:00.000-05:00

Smithfield firemen watch over a fire at Atlantic Scrap & Processing that continued to burn Tuesday. Eighteen departments battled the fire, first reported at 5:12pm Monday, that burned the size of three football fields of crushed cars. WMPM Photo Fire At Smithfield Scrap Metal Plant Contained - A massive fire that erupted Monday afternoon at Atlantic Scrap & Processing on Wal-Pat Road in Smithfield was contained on Tuesday, but Smithfield Fire Chief Patrick Harris said smoke from the blaze will likely billow for a couple more days. A total of 18 departments and more than 100 personnel battled burning piles of hundreds of crushed cars at the facility between US301 and Interstate 95. Chief Harris said the first call came in at 5:12pm Monday. When crews arrived on the scene, heavy fire was already showing. A police officer said company workers were trying to contain the blaze with on-site firefighting apparatus, but the flames were too intense. Unlike the last fire at the same plant in October, Chief Harris said the fire had a big jump on firefighters. In October, Harris said a pile of junked cars about the size of a football field burned, taking 20 hours and 11 departments to contain. This time, the fire burned an area the size of three football fields. Johnston County emergency management and state air quality officials monitored the fire, testing air quality levels in Smithfield and Selma for several hours. The public was never in any danger from the thick black smoke. Due to the large amount of water used to contain the fire, Johnston County and the Town of Smithfield have issued a mandatory water conservation advisory until further notice. Chief Harris said after October’s fire, the Smithfield fire marshal had started working with the Atlantic Scrap to prevent another massive blaze. “We’re going to set down again and assess the lessons learned and look at what we can do different,” Chief Harris told WMPM on Tuesday. Harris went on to say there is a certain amount of risk in the process of grinding metal. However, Smithfield fire investigators want to know how the blaze spread so rapidly this time. “It had a tremendous head start,” Harris added. No injuries were reported.

Fire At Selma Home Being Treated As Arson

2007-05-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

A fire that heavily damaged a home just before midnight Monday in Selma is being treated as arson. Flames were already showing when fire crews arrived at the home at 522 Millbrook Street . Four people lived in the home, but no one was injured. A witness reported seeing a woman inside the residence set the fire, but the person named as the suspect was talking with a police officer on another matter at the time of the suspicious blaze. The house that burned Monday night is located adjacent to the old Selma Cotton Mill that burned last year. The rental house was owned by Ricky Lee Klein of Selma . The Johnston County Fire Marshal and Selma Police are still investigating the set fire.

Selma Police Investigating Second Home Invasion Within A Week

2007-05-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

Selma Police are investigating their second home invasion within a week. On Monday night, two robbers armed with a shotgun burst into a house on East Lizzie Street . One of the two persons inside the home fought back, struggling with one of the robbers before they fled. Police recovered a black and white bandana and black toboggan left behind at the scene. On April 24, three victims were robbed during a home invasion on West Oak Street . The getaway vehicle used in the robbery was later recovered in Wilson ’s Mills. In the latest incident, police think the suspects fled in a white Ford pickup.

3 Injured In Collision On US70 Near Pine Level

2007-05-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

Three people were injured in a two-car collision Monday evening on Highway 70 at Steven’s Chapel Road . Rosa Irma Tejero-Gudierrez, 56, of Highway 301, Selma , reportedly disregarded a stop sign on Steven’s Chapel Road and pulled into the path of a car, driven by Amber Shae Wood, 16, of Princeton , which was traveling westbound on US70. Tejero-Guiderrez had to be cut from her car, which was struck in the driver’s side door. Both drivers were taken to Johnston Memorial Hospital , along with a 15-year-old passenger in Wood’s car. Tejero-Guiderrez was charged by Trooper J.M. Dorsey with failing to yield. Selma EMS and Pine Level Fire responded to the scene, which shut down one lane of US70 in each direction for one hour.

Store Clerk Accused Of Giving Away Merchandise

2007-05-01T14:48:00.001-05:00

A convenience store employee is accused of giving away merchandise. Managers at Handee Hugo on Highway 70 in Selma called police after reviewing a video surveillance tape that allegedly showed an employee give items away to several customers. In one incident, the clerk allegedly charged a customer for a cup of ice when he purchased a six pack of beer. Tiffany Marvett Bradshaw, 32, of Smithfield was charged with felonious larceny by an employee

Man Beaten, Cut, Robbed

2007-05-01T14:47:00.002-05:00

A Dunn man walking home from a local convenience store was attacked by three men, beaten and cut with a knife, and robbed of about $80, according to police. Ronnie Wayne Barefoot, 53, was walking home from McLamb's Party Beverage store about 11 p.m. Monday when the attack occurred. Barefoot suffered a laceration to his wrist, puncture wound over his left eye and lacerations to his elbow. He was treated at Betsy Johnson Hospital . Dunn Police are asking for anyone with information to call 910-892-2222.

JCC Foundation Announces CMS Scholars

2007-05-01T14:47:00.001-05:00

JCC Foundation Announces CMS Scholars - The Johnston Community College Foundation recognized the spring semester scholarship donors and recipients at a breakfast held recently in the lobby of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. Debbie Elam, associate director of performing arts, center, congratulates Amy Grady of Garner, left, and Sharon Griffin of Clayton on being the recipients of the Country Music Showcase Endowment Scholarships. Grady is a student in the nursing program and Griffin is studying medical office administration. 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.

Candace Tynes Named North Johnston High Student Of The Month

2007-05-01T14:45:00.002-05:00

Left to right: Phil Smith, Market Street Advisors; Candace Tynes, Student of the Month; Brent Walston, Nominator.- Congratulations to Candace Tynes, a student at North Johnston High School . Candace has been named the Student of the Month for April. She was nominated for the award by her teacher, Brent Watson. Candace will receive a saving bond and a trophy. Students are selected for the monthly award for expressing a positive attitude, striving to achieve their fullest potential, being cooperative and respectful, and being reliable.

Doctors Office Employee Charged With Prescription Fraud

2007-05-01T14:45:00.001-05:00

An employee at a Wake County doctor’s office is charged with prescription fraud and trafficking controlled substances. A pharmacy worker at CVS on Highway 42 at I-40 called a Cary physician after Jill Whitfield tried to get a prescription for hydrocodone filled a day early. A doctor reportedly told the pharmacist the prescription was counterfeit. Whitfield, who worked as a medical assistant for the same doctor, was arrested at the pharmacy on multiple charges including obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance, and two counts of trafficking a controlled substance. Johnston County deputies said they seized 117 hydrocodone tablets and a bottle of hydrocodone cough syrup from the 35-year-old woman. Whitfield, of Garner, was jailed under a $100,000 bond.

Activity Bus Stolen From Four Oaks Middle Campus

2007-05-01T14:44:00.001-05:00

If you see a large white school activity bus in a place that it shouldn’t be, you’re asked to contact Four Oaks Police. A Johnston County Schools activity bus was stolen overnight Monday from the campus at Four Oaks Middle School . Police Chief Danny Toppings said there are no suspects in the theft. The full-size white bus has Johnston County Schools marked on the side. Anyone with any information about the stolen bus is asked to contact Four Oaks Police at 919-963-3112. WMPM File Photo

13-Year-Old Won't Be Charged For Bringing Knife Onto Campus

2007-05-01T14:43:00.000-05:00

A Four Oaks Middle student won’t face any criminal charges for allegedly bringing a knife onto school grounds. The incident happened April 20. School officials said the 13-year-old student had a four inch pocket knife in his possession, which he reportedly had been showing to other students in his class. Administrators asked the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office not to file any charges against the youth.

Milk Truck Driver Cited In Accident

2007-05-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

A milk truck driver has been charged with causing an accident Monday near Four Oaks Middle School that blocked a section of Boyette Road for several hours. The Highway Patrol said Jason Lee Edwards, 40, of Clinton was operating a Pet milk truck, when he ran off the roadway, overcorrected, and overturned in the roadway. He received minor injuries in the accident. The truck, owned by Dean Transportation Corporation of Indiana , was loaded with milk products. Trooper D.W. Green charged Edwards with failing to maintain lane control and a registration violation.

Firemen Battle Blaze At Smithfield Recycling Facility

2007-05-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

A massive fire erupted at a scrap metal recycling facility in Smithfield late-Monday and it continues to burn today (Tuesday). More than a dozen fire departments, along with emergency management officials, responded to Atlantic Scrap & Processing on Wal-Pat Road . Smithfield firemen used a ladder truck to try and contain the initial blaze, but it spread too rapidly, forcing crews to pull back. Smoke from the burning piles of crushed cars could be seen for miles away. The fire did not create any air quality concerns, although state air quality officials were closely monitoring the situation. Due to the large amount of water being used to fight the fire, mandatory water conservation measures have been put into place for customers served by the Smithfield and Johnston County water plants. Residents are being asked to limit non-essential water use until further notice, according to County Manager Rick Hester. Smithfield Police temporarily shut down traffic on US301 Monday night, between Packing Plant and Brogden Road, but that section of US301 has now reopened. The Highway Patrol and DOT are still monitored traffic on Interstate 95 for any possible problems. Monday’s fire at Atlantic Scrap is the second major fire at the same business in six months. Last October, eleven departments battled a similar fire that took 20 hours to contain. The exact cause of Monday’s fire has not been determined. Atlantic Scrap & Processing is based in Kernersville , NC , but has several metal recycling facilities like the one in Smithfield , scattered across the state.

Clayton Man Charged With Trying To Kill Girlfriend

2007-05-01T10:32:00.001-05:00

- On April 15, a 40-year-old Clayton woman was rushed to Johnston Memorial Hospital with a gapping stab wound to her chest. The victim told medical workers she was walking up the steps when she fell forward on a steak knife. Doctors told Johnston County deputies her injuries were not consistent with her story. Her injuries were so severe she was transferred to Pitt Memorial in Greenville for further treatment. Following an investigation into the incident, Lyle Bernard Parrish, 49, of Matthews Road , Clayton was arrested Sunday and charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and first-degree kidnapping. Parrish was the victim’s boyfriend, according to Tammy Amaon, a spokesperson for the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. This is not the first time Parrish has been arrested. In 1987, he was convicted for assaulting a woman and in 1991, he was found guilty on drug charges. Following his latest arrest, Parrish was jailed under a $100,000 bond.

Murder Victim Found Near Wilson County Creek

2007-05-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

Wilson County sheriff's investigators converge on a wooded area beside Contentnea Creek outside of Stantonsburg on Sunday after the body of a Hispanic male, who reportedly had been murdered, was found by an off-duty state trooper and his family who were fishing nearby. Photo by Carter Rabil - The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office is trying to identify a man who was found murdered in a wooded area near the Contentnea Creek near Stantonsburg on Sunday. An off duty state trooper and his family were fishing in the creek around 3pm Sunday when they found the body of the unidentified Hispanic male. Authorities are treating his death as a homicide. Detectives don’t believe the victim was a legal resident of the United States and investigators are seeking to identify him and where he lived. Anyone who may have any information about the victim or the homicide is asked to contact the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office at 252-237-2118.

Person Of Interest In String Of ATM Thefts Apprehended

2007-05-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

A man considered to be a person of interest in ATM machine thefts in Selma, Princeton, Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, and Garner in the past several weeks has been arrested. Robert Blake Strother was taken into custody by Clayton and Wilson ’s Mills Police on Monday at a location on Fire Department Road . Strother has been formally charged with stealing an entire ATM machine from Bojangles on South Wilmington Street in Raleigh last Wednesday. Strother allegedly backed a Dodge pickup truck up to the window, broke out the glass, and then wrapped a chain around the ATM, which he drug outside with the truck. News coverage of the surveillance photos from the crime scene led to the suspect’s identification, according to Raleigh Police. Clayton Police Chief Glen Allen said Strother was a suspect in the theft of an ATM machine on April 26 at 2:45am Howard’s Mini Mart. The 20-year-old man is also a person of interest in similar ATM thefts in several other cities across Johnston and Wake counties . Additional charges and arrests are anticipated, according to Chief Allen. This is not Strother’s first brush with the law. In January, he was charged by Wilson ’s Mills Police with using his older brother’s identity during a traffic stop. His brother has been in the military for the past four years, and at the time of his younger brothers arrest, hadn’t been in North Carolina in two years, police said at the time.

West Johnston High Open Guard Places Seventh In Nation In World Championship Finals

2007-05-01T10:27:00.004-05:00

West Johnston High Guard Members (front row L to R) Katie Nyberg, Ashley Lovejoy, Mindy Pleasants, Amanda Smith, Taylor Jarrett (2nd row L to R) Amy Broderick, Christy Lee, Katie, Dicicco, Amber Hewko, Jesse Walker, Amber Workman (Top row L to R) Courtney Jones, Lily Hurr, Phillip Franklin, Taylor Hewitt, Stuart Morgan, Javion Echols, Brandi Suggs. Photo by Elizabeth Tenzca
- West Johnston Open Guard placed seventh in WGI World Championships Finals on April 14th in Dayton , Ohio following three spectacular performances. Eighteen West students performed their show “J. Edgar Hoover” and brought the house down. The directors and kids were stopped throughout the 3-day competition and in Dayton to receive personal congratulations and praise. 193 units were competing from all over the country and Japan , Canada , Great Britain and France . The Clayton High Winterguard was a semifinalist. West Johnston has been WGI regional finalists or champions in all WGI regional competitions since 2004. West Johnston Open Guard has also been AIA (Atlantic Indoor Association) gold medallists in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. David Duffy, assistant director of bands at West Johnston said, “The kids were simply amazing. I’m so proud of them. They came together as a team and provided the audience with great entertainment during 3 phenomenal performances.” Lance Britt, director of bands at West Johnston said, “These 18 students are shining examples of our youth and that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Their commitment and dedication to this activity is remarkable and once again they have represented our school, county and state with pride and dignity.”

Johnston County Hires New Clerk To The Board

2007-05-01T10:27:00.003-05:00

Paula Woodard is the new clerk to the board for Johnston County . The Board of County Commissioners hired Ms. Woodard last week to replace April Byrd, who resigned earlier this month. “We are so excited to have Paula as our new clerk. She has done a great job in the Economic Development Office for 13 years. Her skills and understanding of our county will be a great asset,” stated Cookie Pope, chairperson of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. Ms. Woodard has worked in the Johnston County Economic Development Office since March 1, 1994. She is a graduate of Johnston Community College , and is married to Tommy Woodard. They have a three-year old son, Cameron.

1 Killed, 2 Seriously Hurt After SUV Flips On I-95

2007-05-01T10:27:00.001-05:00

One person was killed, and two others, including a small child, were badly hurt after their SUV overturned on Interstate 95 near Benson early Sunday morning. The Highway Patrol said the driver, Carlos Torres, of Pennsylvania, was killed. Two passengers, Alexis Leiva, who is 2-1/2 years old, and Rosa Leiva, 20, were seriously hurt. Two others in the SUV were not injured. Trooper C.J. Bell said it appeared the SUV ran off the roadway, overcorrected, then overturned, striking the median guardrail. Torres, was wearing a seat belt, but was still ejected and fatally injured. Troopers believe speed played a factor in the accident. Benson Fire and EMS , along with Four Oaks EMS, responded to the scene. Photo by Carter Rabil

Truck Loaded With Milk Overturns

2007-05-01T10:26:00.001-05:00

No one was injured after a milk truck overturned Monday morning on Boyette Road near Four Oaks Middle School . The driver apparently ran off the roadway and overcorrected, causing the fully loaded Pet milk truck to topple onto its’ side. One lane of Boyette Road was closed for several hours while the wreckage was cleared. Four Oaks Police, Fire, EMS responded to the scene. The NC Highway Patrol is still investigating the 10:05am accident.

Father And Son Accused Of Growing Marijuana

2007-05-01T10:25:00.000-05:00

A Princeton father and his son are accused of growing marijuana in their home. Deputies were summoned to the residence of William Rowdy “Button” Hill Jr., 44, on Old Rock Quarry Road Saturday for a domestic incident. When officers arrived, they reportedly saw a marijuana plant growing on the kitchen table. Hill and his son, Adam Corey Hill, 16, are accused of trying to flush the plant down the toilet before being arrested by officers. Authorities also recovered a stolen utility trailer from behind the residence and additional charges are possible. The father was jailed under a $51,000 bond, while his son was incarcerated under a $10,000 bond.

Johnson To Jump In Neuse If It Doesn't Rain On Ham & Yam Festival

2007-05-01T10:24:00.002-05:00

Perception or reality, there is a growing local legend that lives along the banks of the Neuse River in Downtown Smithfield. And just like clockwork, around this time every year the tale seems to grow bigger. The bizarre tale that will send chills down any outdoor event planner is that it always rains the weekend of the Ham & Yam Festival. To save the 2007 Ham & Yam Festival from washing down the drain, Chris Johnson, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and host organization of the annual town celebration, is offering up his body as a way to ward off the evil spirits. At the conclusion of the Festival, as soon as the Relay for Life Duck Race is over at 5:00PM on Sunday afternoon, Johnson will jump from the banks of the Town Commons into the Neuse River if it doesn't rain during the Ham & Yam. "You cannot imagine how many people come up to me and joke that they'll be sure to not wash their car this week, or that they'll plan to cut their lawn on Wednesday, cause it will surely rain during the weekend of festival," states Johnson. "I was eating at Zack’s Char-grill last week and over heard the next booth state something to the effect…"well, Ham & Yam is next weekend, so I had better plant my garden next week." I first thought they were having a little fun at my expense, but then I realized, they didn't know who I was, or that my organization put on the event!" To educate the public, the Ham & Yam Festival turned to Wingate Lassiter, Director of the Johnston County Heritage Center , and one of the founding event organizers in 1985, to help dispel the persistent rumor. According to Lassiter, here are the facts from official records kept in the Heritage Center: Since 1985, when the first festival was held, through last year's event: measurable precipitation was recorded at Smithfield on 14 of 38 days when outdoor Ham & Yam activities were scheduled; 11 of 21 festival weekends had at least one day of rainfall – ranging from 3.5 to 0.02 inches within a 24-hour period; and 4 of 21 weekends had measurable rainfall every day outdoor events were scheduled. "When the festival was held on the third weekend April, everyone was begging us to move it to May because it always seemed to rain," states a perplexed Lassiter. "Five years ago, during the Town’s 225 Birthday Celebration, we moved the Festival to May. Since then, the original April weekend has had prefect weather, and we have had measurable precipitation on the May date!" Johnson states he is unaware if the bookies in Vegas are putting any odds on the "splash spectacle" and avoids looking at any long range weather forecast. "After doing this for 7 years, the way I figure it, it just wouldn't be a Ham & Yam Festival if I wasn't wet," Johnson quickly jokes. "Two years ago we built a big 10 foot tall rain gauge and set it up in the middle of the festival area to poke a little fun at ourselves. This year we hope to have a more up to date model. Stranger things have happened. I can always hire myself out to Midwest farmers during their drought season. I've been told I could make a lot of money!"

Children's Lending Library Now Open In Clayton

2007-05-01T10:24:00.001-05:00

Dawn Winn-Burdo, Resource Librarian at the Children’s Lending Library, explains to Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen how developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning toys like this color sorting kit help a child learn and grow. The Partnership for Children’s Lending Library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am – 3pm in the offices of Clayton Counseling, 9921 Olde Town Square on Hwy. 70. Call the Children’s Lending Library for more information at 919-631-4807.

JCC Foundation Awards Early Childhood Scholarship

2007-05-01T10:23:00.002-05:00

The Johnston Community College Foundation recognized the spring semester scholarship donors and recipients at a breakfast recently in the lobby of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. Joe and Shirley Whitley congratulate Heather Dicus on being named the recipient of the Whitley Early Childhood Annual Scholarship. Dicus of Clayton is a student in the early childhood education program. 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.

Thousands Attend Beach Music Festival

2007-05-01T10:23:00.001-05:00

An estimated 10,000 people attended the ninth annual Texas Steakhouse Triangle Beach Music Festival on Saturday. Thousands gathered at Bryan Farms off New Bethel Church Road outside of Garner for the annual event. This year’s performers included the Chairmen of the Board, Band of Oz, Jim Quick and Coastline, Craig Woolard Band, and the Fantastic Shakers. Photo by Carter Rabil

Benson Woman Arrested For Food Stamp Fraud

2007-05-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

An unemployed Johnston County woman is facing food stamp fraud charges. In March, Yadira Ocampo of Benson reported her food stamp card never arrived in the mail, yet someone was using her card ringing up $932 in purchases over a two month period. On Friday, Angel Nadine Hatten, 29, of Beaver Creek Drive , Benson, was charged with two counts of identity theft and one count of financial card theft. All three charges are felony offenses.

73-Year-Old Driver Injured In Micro Accident

2007-05-01T10:21:00.000-05:00

A 73-year-old woman escaped with only minor injuries after her car ran off Highway 301 at Hawkins Road , near Micro, Saturday night and came to rest in a deep ditch. Sadie Hooks Price of Selma was taken to Johnston Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. One of Price’s neighbors, who went to the accident scene, said she had just left home and was on the way to pick up her daughter when the accident occurred. No other vehicles were involved. State Trooper L.T. Robinson is still investigating the accident.

Man Arrested After His Birthday Party Ends

2007-05-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

A Smithfield man was arrested by police shortly after his birthday party ended early Sunday morning. Smithfield Police Detective Lt. Keith Powell said Troy Sheldon Broadhead, 33, of Greenwood Circle became angry after people left the party and allegedly pushed his stepdaughter into a wall. Broadhead then allegedly got into an altercation with his wife and knocked her to the floor, Lt. Powell said. Police were called and after arresting Broadhead, reportedly found a small amount of marijuana on him. He was charged with domestic assault on a female and possession of a controlled substance. He was held without bond pending a court appearance before a judge on Monday.

Legend Visits WMPM

2007-04-27T19:03:00.000-05:00

Don Helms, steel guitar player for Hank Williams, and the man that created the very special Hank Williams sound, visited WMPM on Friday. Don appears Saturday night at the Selma Ice and Coal Plant. Helms, pictured left, was on WMPM Radio with promoter Billy Yeargin, right. The two are also working on a Hank Williams documentary.

Fire Damages Clayton Home -

2007-04-27T19:02:00.000-05:00

These two young fire victims share flowers with Clayton firefighters Bennie Cherry following a blaze that damaged their Horne Street home. The children, Shawn and Disani Flowers, are wearing Cary and Benson EMS shirts given to them by emergency workers summoned to the scene. Photo by Carter Rabil A man and his two children escaped injury after flames broke out in their Horne Street home Thursday night. Clayton Fire Chief Lee Barbee said the fire began at the stove in the kitchen area of the home and quickly spread into the cabinets. The homeowner used a fire extinguisher to help contain the fire until crews arrived. Chief Barbee said firefighters had the flames out in less than a minute after arriving on the scene.

Teen Formally Charged With Arson In Smithfield Church Fire

2007-04-27T13:56:00.002-05:00

On Friday, a Smithfield teen was formally charged with setting a fire that destroyed Whitley Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday. Alvin Lee Parrish, 17, has been in custody since Sunday morning. He was originally charged by Smithfield police detectives with breaking into the church and a nearby convenience store, stealing three cases of beer. After the arson charges were filed, police announced they believe Parrish set the fire in the back of the sanctuary, near the office area, with materials that were readily available. Bail for Parrish was also increased to $140,000.

Fire Destroys Popular Country Store

2007-04-27T13:56:00.001-05:00

A large fire destroyed J.R.'s Country Store Thursday night. The store is located on Green Path Road near the Johnston-Sampson county line. A kerosene tank exploded just as the first fire engine was arriving at the scene, and a nearby mobile home and car were damaged by the intense heat. The business was owned by William Junior Johnson, but the building was owned by Marie Holmes, 78, and her family, who built the store in 1957. When Marie's husband, J.T. Holmes, died in 1998, she began leasing out the building. Marie's grandson, Landon Holmes, noticed a dark-colored, four-door car parked outside the store Thursday night just before midnight. About a half hour later, he received a call that the store was on fire. Landon said he didn't think anything about the car parked out front at first, because people sometimes used the store as a meeting place. However, he now thinks the car and the fire are related. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fire, but officers won’t say if they suspect arson.

Agricultural Issues Forum Held In Smithfield

2007-04-27T13:55:00.002-05:00

Nearly 100 people attended an Agricultural Issues Forum on Friday at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield . The Business of Farming: 21st Century Challenges and Opportunities forum featured a number of speakers, including Congressman Bob Etheridge, NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, County Commissioners Cookie Pope, Wade Stewart, and Ray Woodall. Commissioner Chairwoman Pope said, “ Johnston County is proud of its farm community and the contributions made by those associated with agriculture and/or agribusiness. This business called ‘farming’ has supported families throughout the generations and continues to be the number one income producer for the State of North Carolina .” The forum was held to discuss ways for the dwindling numbers of farmers to make a profit. New housing developments are now being built where tobacco and other products once grew. The forum also discussed bio-fuels, agribusiness and agritourism. Pope who also serves on the NC Association of County Commissioners Agriculture Steering Committee added, “Serving on this committee gives me, an old farm girl, an opportunity to voice my opinion and to stay abreast of the opportunities and possibilities for farm families.”

Car Slams Into Tree Near Benson

2007-04-27T13:55:00.001-05:00

The Highway Patrol is investigating whether a problem with a tire led to a serious accident Thursday evening on Hannah Creek Road near Interstate 95. Danielle Lynn Price, 23, of Benson was traveling down the roadway in her Mazda when it veered sharply off the roadway and slammed head-on into a tree. The crash was so violent it took rescue crews from Benson Fire and EMS forty minutes to extricate her from the wreckage. Trooper D.E. Edwards told WMPM a witness to the accident was traveling behind Price and said they saw a tire on her car blow out at the same time Price lost control of her car. Another witness said he heard a loud pop before hearing the crash. Price was taken to WakeMed for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, Trooper Edwards said.

Moped Driver Run Over By Log Truck

2007-04-27T13:54:00.000-05:00

A Smithfield man was killed after his moped collided with a fully loaded log truck Thursday afternoon on Highway 70 at Oak Street . Witnesses said the moped, driven by 58-year-old Pedro Franco Ramirez of Buffalo Road , was traveling westbound, but weaving in the roadway, when a tractor trailer driven by Alton Hoges, 49, of Washington , NC , also traveling westbound, tried to pass him. As the truck was passing the moped, witnesses told police the moped swerved into the trailer just in front of the rear tires. The witness, who checked Ramirez for a pulse, said she detected a strong odor of alcohol on his body. Smithfield Police are still investigating the accident and haven’t ruled out the possibility of charges.

Police Captain Arrests Photographer At Accident Scene

2007-04-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

You decide. Is photographer Carter Rabil (right) doing anything wrong when he was arrested by Police Captain Bruce Gentry on Thursday? Captain Gentry claimed the photographer was disorderly and resisting a police officer. Rabil was behind police crime scene tape when he was handcuffed. Rabil was later released from custody under a $5,000 bond. WMPM Photo.

A Smithfield police captain is accused of overstepping his authority during the arrest of a photographer at the scene of Thursday’s fatal accident on Highway 70 in Smithfield . Mitchell Carter Rabil, an independent photographer, was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting a police officer. Rabil, and WMPM News Director Mickey Lamm were at the accident site taking pictures when Captain Bruce Gentry reportedly asked Rabil to “step back out of the immediate area,” according to Police Chief Steve Gillikin. At the time, police had not placed any crime scene tape at the scene, and were actually asking the media to stand farther away from the accident than the general public and bystanders, according to Lamm. “After Carter moved behind the crime scene tape that was erected, Captain Gentry continued to harass him,” Lamm said. Captain Gentry summoned Lt. Ryan Sheppard over and the two officers arrested Rabil. During the arrest by the two officers, Captain Gentry reportedly threatened to taser Rabil unless he dropped his camera equipment. This is not the first run in between Captain Gentry and the media, nor is this the first time Rabil has been accused by police of overstepping his bounds. Lamm said Smithfield police officers have attempted to hamper him at two other scenes this month alone. Rabil later posted a $5,000 unsecured bond and was released pending a May 24 court date. Rabil does independent photography work for 1270wmpm.com and other local media outlets, but was not covering the story for WMPM on Thursday when the incident occurred.

3 Robbed At Gunpoint During Midday Home Invasion

2007-04-27T13:52:00.002-05:00

Selma Police are looking for three suspects in connection with a home invasion. It happened around noontime on Tuesday. The suspects entered a residence on West Oak Street and at gunpoint robbed three victims, including one victim who was briefly kidnapped. The suspects reportedly made away with TV’s, jewelry, cash, even firefighter and EMT certifications belonging to one of the victims. A getaway vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects was later recovered in Wilson ’s Mills. Anyone with any information about the home invasion is asked to contact Selma Police at 919-965-5889.

Six Car Chain Collision Caused By Speeding Driver

2007-04-27T13:52:00.001-05:00

A total of six vehicles were involved in a chain-collision accident Thursday afternoon on Highway 70 at US301 in Selma . Police said a Ford van driven by Freeman J. Sullivan, 33, of Selma failed to reduce speed and slammed into the back of a truck driven by Don Faulk, 45, of Selma . The truck was then pushed into a Honda driven by Keri Gilchrist of Clayton. Her car was forced into the back of a Dodge operated by Sharon Denise Jones, 31, of Selma , and then into a Chevy driven by Sherman Ray Howell Jr., also of Selma . A sixth vehicle, operated by Douglas Anthony Stephenson, 18, of Benson was also struck. Officer A.G. McLamb’s accident report indicated Sullivan was traveling at approximately 50mph in a 35mph zone when he crashed into Faulk’s vehicle, which was traveling at 10mph, causing the chain-collision. Selma EMS treated at least one driver for minor injuries.

Clayton Man Wins $100,000 In Education Lottery

2007-04-27T13:51:00.002-05:00

Allen Pulley of Clayton is $100,000 richer. Pulley, who has worked for 47 years as an auto painter, won the money playing the NASCAR themed instant scratch-off ticket in the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL). Pulley purchased his winning ticket at the Hasty Mart on Highway 42 West in Clayton. When he discovered he had won his first words were, “Thank you Lord for blessing me.” The NCEL is waiting to award a $240,068 prize to a “Carolina Cash 5” player who purchased a ticket for Tuesday’s drawing at Country Store & Grill in Lillington. The top prize was won by a single ticket matching all five balls. The NCEL has yet to hear from the winner as of Friday morning.

Man On Drug Diversion Program Arrested For Growing Marijuana

2007-04-27T13:51:00.001-05:00

A Smithfield teenager is facing felony charges for allegedly growing marijuana, in violation of an agreement he signed in court in February not to violate any laws. Herman Verrand Daniels II, 19, was arrested Wednesday after narcotics agents went to a Jon Drive home and reportedly found 3 marijuana plants growing beside the house. A small amount of marijuana and a large quantity of drug paraphernalia was allegedly found inside the residence. Daniels appeared before District Court Judge Andy Corbett on February 22 on felony marijuana possession charges. Daniels agreed to enter a drug diversion program and not violate any laws. In return, the case against him would be dismissed in February 2008. Court documents from February indicate Daniels admitted to possession marijuana and drug paraphernalia on two occasions. Daniels is now facing two new felony and two misdemeanor drug charges. He was placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $27,500 bond.

Two From JCC Are Academic Excellence Winners

2007-04-27T13:50:00.000-05:00

JCC students Erica Massey, left, and Kelly Jo Capps are recipients of the 2007 North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award. Two students from Johnston Community College have been selected as winners of the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award. Kelly Jo Capps of Pine Level and Erica Massey of Smithfield were chosen based on their academic achievements and outstanding leadership. Capps, of Pine Level, is pursuing her associate’s degree in medical sonography from JCC. After graduation, she plans to study at Mount Olive College and earn her Bachelor of Science degree. The daughter of Ken and Connie Capps, she served as a student ambassador this year. “It was truly an honor to receive the Academic Excellence Award for 2007,” Capps said. “By receiving this award it proves that studying hard doesn’t go unrecognized.” Massey of Smithfield will graduate from JCC’s radiography program in May. She plans to work at Wayne Memorial Hospital while she continues her education in the nuclear medicine program at JCC. The daughter of Michael and Debbie Massey, she served as a student ambassador for two years and is a member of the Radiography Club. “It is a great honor to be the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award,” Massey said. “I have been working very hard on building my career in radiology at Johnston Community College and this award is a great way to represent the college wherever I go.” Dr. Don Reichard, College president, praised the students for their hard work and academic success. “We at JCC are so proud of the outstanding achievements of Kelly and Erica,” Reichard said. “We are very fortunate to have students with their academic accomplishments and initiative representing the College, and we wish them continued success in the future.” Capps and Massey were two of 116 students enrolled in community colleges across the state to receive the award. They were honored Tuesday at a luncheon at the Hilton North Raleigh.

Moped Driver Killed In Collision With Log Truck

2007-04-26T15:34:00.001-05:00

Smithfield Police are investigating a fatal accident between a log truck and a moped. It happened just after 1:00pm Thursday on Highway 70 at College Road . The name of the moped operator who was killed was not immediately released, pending notification of the next of kin. Smithfield Police Captain Bruce Gentry said it appeared the log truck and moped were both traveling westbound when the two collided. Traffic was rerouted around the crash site for more than an hour.

Purolator Plant Could Soon Have New Owner

2007-04-26T15:33:00.002-05:00

There are reports the Purolator Plant in Kenly could be sold and a new company take over the facility later this year. Officials said the facility is currently under contract to be sold within 60 days. The plant is located on Johnston Parkway , in the Kenly Industrial Park , adjacent to Interstate 95. Last September, CLARCOR Air Filtrations Products, which owned the Kenly plant, announced the facility would close on November 6, displacing 160 workers. The plant has been vacant since that time. . Kenly Town Manager Scott Shelton told WMPM on Thursday, “It would certainly help the Kenly area if a business moved into the old Purolator site and employed several people. The local economy would benefit in a variety of ways. I trust that Mike DeSherbenin and the rest of the staff at the county economic development office are doing all they can to bring a business there.” Officials, who are working with the potential buyer of the site, won’t disclose any specific information about the type of company looking to buy the property. Purolator’s closing last year came just months after Eaton Corporation in Selma , a manufacturer of electrical products, announced their closing, eliminating 200 full and part-time workers.

Injury Of 4-Month-Old Baby Investigated By Police, DSS

2007-04-26T15:33:00.001-05:00

A 4-month-old baby boy was rushed to Johnston Memorial Hospital last week after being badly injured. Now the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Smithfield Police want to find out how the infant was hurt. Police said x-rays revealed broken bones, including a broken arm on the 4-month-old little boy. Police said the parents live in Smithfield , but they would not release their names. Authorities also aren’t saying who has custody of the baby. Hospital officials alerted social workers about the infant’s injuries. They, in turn called police.

Two Arrested Following Burglary, Hit and Run Accident

2007-04-26T15:32:00.002-05:00

Witnesses to a hit and run accident Wednesday afternoon on Brogden Road told officers the occupants of a car fleeing from the scene tossed two TV’s, a video game system, and a pair of boots from the car as it made a quick getaway. Johnston County deputies located the hit and run vehicle abandoned on Yelverton Grove Road but found the two suspects walking nearby. Jordan Tolieto, 18, and Martell Toleito, 22, of Packing Plant Road , Smithfield are accused of breaking into a home on Brogden Road , and as they fled from the burglary, crashed into an innocent motorist’s car. Both men are facing felony charges.

Benson Teen Charged With Rape

2007-04-26T15:32:00.001-05:00

A Benson teenager was arrested in District Court in Harnett County on charges of statutory rape of a person under 12 years of age. Zachary Everett Goodwin, 19, of Sunset Drive, Benson, remains in the Harnett County Jail in lieu of $100,000 secured bond. According to arrest reports, Goodwin admitted to being a member of the Bloods street gang.

Driver Escaped Injury After Semi Flips

2007-04-26T15:31:00.002-05:00

Surprisingly no one was hurt after an 18-wheeler, carrying salvaged cars, flipped and ended up in a Johnston County resident’s yard Wednesday just outside Angier on N.C. 210. The driver of the twisted cargo, who was sipping on a can of Pepsi under a shade tree, was amazingly unharmed. He did not want to make a comment. The truck is owned by Young’s Auto Salvage out of Benson. The 50/210 Fire Department responded to the call. Assistant Chief Andy Penny reported there appeared to only be one vehicle involved with no injuries. Members of the fire department directed traffic on Highway 210, which was reduced to just one lane of travel until the wreckage was cleared. Photo by Wendy Spears/The Daily Record

Man On Drug Diversion Program Arrested For Growing Marijuana

2007-04-26T15:31:00.001-05:00

Two From JCC Are Academic Excellence Winners

2007-04-26T15:30:00.002-05:00

CC students Erica Massey, left, and Kelly Jo Capps are recipients of the 2007 North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award. Two students from Johnston Community College have been selected as winners of the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award. Kelly Jo Capps of Pine Level and Erica Massey of Smithfield were chosen based on their academic achievements and outstanding leadership. Capps, of Pine Level, is pursuing her associate’s degree in medical sonography from JCC. After graduation, she plans to study at Mount Olive College and earn her Bachelor of Science degree. The daughter of Ken and Connie Capps, she served as a student ambassador this year. “It was truly an honor to receive the Academic Excellence Award for 2007,” Capps said. “By receiving this award it proves that studying hard doesn’t go unrecognized.” Massey of Smithfield will graduate from JCC’s radiography program in May. She plans to work at Wayne Memorial Hospital while she continues her education in the nuclear medicine program at JCC. The daughter of Michael and Debbie Massey, she served as a student ambassador for two years and is a member of the Radiography Club. “It is a great honor to be the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award,” Massey said. “I have been working very hard on building my career in radiology at Johnston Community College and this award is a great way to represent the college wherever I go.” Dr. Don Reichard, College president, praised the students for their hard work and academic success. “We at JCC are so proud of the outstanding achievements of Kelly and Erica,” Reichard said. “We are very fortunate to have students with their academic accomplishments and initiative representing the College, and we wish them continued success in the future.” Capps and Massey were two of 116 students enrolled in community colleges across the state to receive the award. They were honored Tuesday at a luncheon at the Hilton North Raleigh.

Withrows Establish Annual JCC Scholarship

2007-04-26T15:30:00.001-05:00

Jerry and Pam Withrow of Norman , Oklahoma have established an annual scholarship through the Johnston Community College Foundation to be awarded to a student with financial need. Residents of Oklahoma since 1989, the Withrows have many relatives in Johnston County and visit the area often. For 20 years, Mr. Withrow owned and operated Pizza Hut restaurants in North Carolina , including those in Smithfield and Selma , as well as South Carolina and Georgia . He also partnered in TeleDrift, Inc., an international oil equipment company in Oklahoma City . With assets over 3.4 million, the College Foundation has created and manages 78 named endowment funds and 25 named annual scholarship funds. For more information about giving opportunities, contact the College Foundation at 209-2115.

Three Arrests Now Made In $25,000 Jewelry Theft

2007-04-26T15:28:00.002-05:00

Two local high school students are charged with breaking into a home near Clayton on April 11 taking more than $25,000 worth of jewelry. Brent Biggs, 16, (left) a student at Clayton High, and Michael Kennedy, 17, (center) a student at West Johnston High, were arrested Wednesday. A day earlier, 18-year-old Michael Anthony Rea (far right) was charged with the burglary. Johnston County deputies allege after the trio broke into the home of Candy Linton, Biggs and Rea took the stolen goods to a Clayton jewelry store and sold the merchandise. Authorities said the jewelry store owner did not know at the time the property was stolen. Rea was jailed under a $110,000 bond. Kennedy was held under a $40,000 bond, and Biggs was incarcerated under $60,000 bail.

Suspect Sought In Bojangle's ATM Theft

2007-04-26T15:28:00.001-05:00

Raleigh Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a thief who broke into Bojangle’s on South Wilmington Street early Wednesday morning stealing an ATM machine. A review of surveillance photos and evidence shows that a light-colored truck was backed up to the business, a window was smashed, a chain was wrapped around the ATM, and the truck was used to pull the machine from the building. The ATM was then taken from the scene in the bed of the truck, which may be an older model Dodge with a dent in its door. Anyone with information that might assist the investigation of the case is asked to call the Raleigh Police Department’s Detective Division at 919-890-3555 or CrimeStoppers at 919-226-Crime (226-2746).

Drugs Found Following Chase

2007-04-26T15:27:00.000-05:00

A brief chase led to the arrest of a Wayne County man on felony drug charges. Deputies tried to stop a car driven by Robert Eric Dobson because it matched the description of a vehicle seen at a residential burglary minutes earlier. Dobson tried to elude arrest but was eventually stopped. The 30-year-old man wasn’t charged in the break-in, but officers did arrest him for allegedly having cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.

3 Additional Persons Of Interests Interviewed By Police In Church Arson Investigation

2007-04-26T03:14:00.002-05:00

Smithfield Police have now interviewed three persons of interest in connection with a fire intentionally set Sunday morning that destroyed the Whitley Memorial United Methodist Church on Wilson ’s Mills Road . Lead Detective Dale Wood told WMPM News on Wednesday it was too early to determine if any additional persons would face charges. Seventeen-year-old Alvin Lee Parrish was arrested minutes after the fire was first discovered. He is charged with breaking into the church, but he has not been charged with setting the fire. The SBI and ATF are assisting in the investigation. Detective Wood said Parrish was at a residence behind the church while the fire was being fought. While walking behind the church, a paramedic spotted a cut on Parrish’s hand and began treating the wound. When Parrish learned police were on the way to the fire, he ran but was chased down by responding officers. Detective Wood believes Parrish broke into Dunn’s Convenient Mart and stole three cases of beer. In the process, he cut his hand on a glass door. Afterwards, police believe he broke into the church. Although investigators

9 Tips Received In First Week After Unsolved 1972 Murder Is Reopened

2007-04-26T03:14:00.001-05:00

It’s been a week since Sheriff Steve Bizzell announced the reopening of a 35-year-old murder investigation. A newly formed Cold Case Squad is hoping to solve the 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 youngest son. On December 17, her body was found at remote labor camp on Holley Grove Church Road . She had been shot twice in the abdomen. Her 3-month-old son, Glen Neighbors, was found beside her, unharmed. Since Sheriff Bizzell made the announcement on WMPM Radio on April 17, nine tips have been received. Sheriff’s Captain Buck Pipkin said each tip is being investigated. Captain Pipkin went on to say that new forensic technology now available to homicide investigators, that wasn’t available in 1972, will be used to reexamine all the evidence in the case. A special tip line has been established for those who might have information about the death of Bonnie Neighbors. The number is 919-989-5017. Callers can remain anonymous.

Pound Of Marijuana Found In Motel Room

2007-04-26T03:13:00.000-05:00

Narcotic agents seized a pound of marijuana, plus a small amount of cocaine and ecstasy pills after raiding a room at the Village Motor Lodge in Smithfield Tuesday afternoon. Damien Lamar Dublin, of Sussex Drive , Smithfield , the only occupant in the room, is facing numerous charges. Dublin , a convicted felon, was released from prison in 2001 after serving time for selling a controlled substance. The 28-year-old man had also served time for possession of stolen goods. Dublin was jailed under a $101,000 bond.

Diamond Thief Ordered To Pay $17,445 In Restitution

2007-04-26T03:12:00.000-05:00

A New Jersey man caught minutes after he stole a $17,445 diamond ring from a jewelry store won’t spend any time in jail, but a judge has ordered 34-year-old Jose Reyes to pay full restitution. On March 12, Reyes was captured by Smithfield Police on Industrial Park Drive . Moments earlier, Reyes had entered Zale’s Jewelers, snatched a 1.5 carat diamond ring from an employee and fled in a car. Police believe Reyes tossed the ring out of the car before being pulled over by officers, but the expensive ring was never found. Reyes was placed on probation for 5 years. Photo by Carter Rabil

Teen Charged In $25,000 Jewelry Theft -

2007-04-26T01:43:00.000-05:00

A Clayton teenager is accused of breaking into a home on Cornwallis Road , taking over $25,000 worth of jewelry. Michael Anthony Rea, 18, of 2967 Jack Road , was arrested Tuesday in connection with an April 11 burglary at the home of Candy Linton. More arrests are anticipated. Authorities were able to identify the suspects after they reportedly sold some of the stolen property at a Clayton jewelry store, according to Tammy Amaon, a spokesperson for the Johnston County Sheriff's Office. Rea was charged with felonious breaking and entering, felonious larceny, and obtaining property by false pretenses. He was jailed under a $110,000 bond.

Father Of Girl Injured In Accident Will Be Charged With Beating Other Driver

2007-04-26T01:42:00.002-05:00

Benitez Fernando Manuel Pereyra, 22, of Smithfield was driving this burgundy Dodge Saturday night when it was struck by a car, operated by Simon Wmysall of Goldsboro. Pereyra's 9-year-old daughter was ejected onto the highway. Afterwards, Pereyra allegedly attacked Wmysall. Pereyra will be charged with felonious assault for the beating, Wilson's Mills Police Chief Steve Little said.

Wilson ’s Mills Police will file charges against a motorist who attacked another driver following a collision that injured his daughter. Police Chief Steve Little said Benitez Pereyra, 22, of Snowberry Lane, Smithfield, was stopped for a red light on Swift Creek Road at US70 Saturday night. His 9-year-old daughter, riding in the back seat, asked her mother, Maria Perez, if she could unbuckle her seat belt and lay down. Less than 30 seconds later, Chief Little said, Pereyra’s car was the third vehicle to cross the intersection, but as he did, an eastbound Chevy Impala, driven by Simon Anthony Wmysall, 48, of Goldsboro, ran the red light crashing into the side of the Dodge. Nine-year-old Melanie Lopez was instantly ejected out a side window and onto the pavement. Pereyra ran to check on his daughter and though she was dead, Chief Little said. He then ran over to Wmysall, who was not yet out of his crushed car. Pereya reportedly began beating him in the face breaking six bones. Wmysall told police he did not remember the accident nor does he remember being assaulted afterwards. Wmysall said the last thing he remembered was stopping at Bojangle’s in Clayton, police reported. Chief Little said Pereyra will be charged with felonious assault inflicting serious bodily injury. Police do not consider Pereyra a threat to public safety and don’t plan to arrest him until his daughter is out of the hospital. Wmysall was charged with running a red light. The injured 9-year-old girl was airlifted to Duke Medical Center following the 9:10pm accident. She sustained a fractured skull, and severe cuts to her head and arm, but none of the injuries are said to be life threatening.

Ham & Yam Seeks Volunteers For May Festival

2007-04-26T01:42:00.001-05:00

The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and Ham & Yam Festival Committee is seeking citizens interested in volunteering during the for the 2007 Ham & Yam Festival. “We are especially excited about the 2007 Ham & Yam Festival,” states Tara Dunn, Festival Volunteer Coordinator, and DSDC Board member. “With the continued growth we have seen with the festival, each year requires us to have more and more volunteers. An hour of your time is all we are asking, but if you have more, we will take that too!” The 2007 Ham & Yam Festival is supported by area businesses and is hosted by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation. The 2007 event will take place the weekend of May 5 and 6, 2007. If you would like to be a volunteer, please contact Tara Dunn at Memory Lane Frame Shop at 938-2900 or by email.

State Funds Help Johnston County Protect Land And Water

2007-04-26T01:41:00.002-05:00

North Carolina's land and water conservation trust funds provided more than $1 million for projects in Johnston County in 2006, according to the annual Green Book report released by Land for Tomorrow. The majority of the $1 million went to Smithfield Community and Aquatics Center , and preservation of Bentonville Battleground. Since 1993, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Natural Heritage Trust Fund, and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund have spent more than $10.1 million in Johnston County to help conserve land and water. In the 1980s and 1990s, the General Assembly created the trusts to help support diverse environmental improvement projects. Funding for the trusts comes through a combination of appropriations, personalized license plate sales and portions of the deed transfer tax. Despite the funding of some key conservation projects, the funds allocated have not been sufficient to keep up with the needs of the state. Last year, the trusts received nearly 500 applications from local governments and conservation nonprofits totaling $540 million, but were able to provide funding of only $205 million. Recently, Land for Tomorrow asked the General Assembly to provide $200 million per year for five years to preserve and protect the state's land, water and special places before they are irreversibly lost. Just last year, the number of growing communities in North Carolina pushed our population ahead of New Jersey . More than 100,000 acres of forests, farms, stream banks, wildlife habitat and wetlands are being developed annually. North Carolina leads the nation in loss of family farms. More than 3,000 miles of streams and rivers don't meet clean water standards. "If we don't act now, we may not recognize our state in twenty years," Dixon said.

Accused Robber Rearrested After Skipping Court Date

2007-04-26T01:41:00.001-05:00

One of the suspects charged in connection with last November’s armed robbery at Smithfield Chicken N Barbecue on North Brightleaf Boulevard has been rearrested after reportedly failing to show up for his court date. Smithfield Police picked up Jamal James English at a local fast food restaurant where he worked as a cashier. The 19-year-old man is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. At the time of the reported robbery, English was on probation after being convicted months earlier on larceny and break-in charges stemming from a July 2006 burglary at the Brightleaf Flea Market.

Lowe's Cashier Facing Embezzlement Charges

2007-04-26T01:40:00.002-05:00

A cashier at Lowe’s Home Improvements in Smithfield is facing embezzlement charges. Ida Mae Lee, 39, of Highway 701 South, Newton Grove was arrested at the business on Tuesday after allegedly being caught stealing money from her register. Smithfield Police Captain R.J. Cuddington said store officials began watching Lee after noticing shortages at her register. On Tuesday, Lee allegedly stole $40. She was charged with felonious larceny by an employee and jailed in lieu of a $5,000 bond.

West Johnston Student Suspended After Being Caught With Knife

2007-04-26T01:40:00.001-05:00

A student at West Johnston High won’t face any criminal charges for bringing a knife onto school grounds. On Friday, school officials got a tip the student may have a gun. After searching the student and his vehicle, only a knife was found in his car. The student, who was not named, was suspended from school. He could also face additional disciplinary action.

AWOL Marine Arrested Near Kenly

2007-04-26T01:39:00.000-05:00

A Johnston County solider who reportedly went AWOL from the US Marine Corp Base in Camp Lejeune has been captured. Thomas Edward Webb Jr., 20, of Tedder Road , Kenly was located Tuesday after a Johnston County deputy stopped his car for a traffic violation on Antioch Church Road . Webb was placed in the Johnston County Jail without bail until he could be turned over to military police officials.

Trio Facing Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

2007-04-26T01:38:00.000-05:00

Three people were arrested on drug charges by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office following a traffic stop on Swift Creek Road near Smithfield . Narcotics agents said a total of 7 grams of powder cocaine and marijuana was seized from the suspects. Nikita Lynette Finch, 28, of Clayton, Ashley Yvone Brown, 22, of Smithfield , and Shamarh Mikale McNeil, 22, of Smithfield were arrested. Brown and McNeil are charged with felony possession of cocaine. Finch was charged with maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.

Selma Man Facing Cocaine Charges

2007-04-26T01:37:00.000-05:00

A man wanted by narcotics agents following an alleged undercover cocaine buy in January on Big Pine Road outside of Clayton has been apprehended. Johnston County deputies located Larry Jermaine Session, 22, of Selma during a traffic stop on Britt Street in Smithfield . While being arrested, officers reportedly found a small amount of marijuana. Session is charged with felonious possession of cocaine, conspiracy to sell cocaine, and misdemeanor marijuana possession. Bail was set at $101,000.

Kenly Teen Facing Felony Marijuana Charges

2007-04-24T21:57:00.000-05:00

Following alleged complaints about illegal drug activity at an apartment on Alford Avenue in Kenly, narcotics agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office went to the location on Friday. In plain view from the front door, agents said they saw marijuana lying on a coffee table. John Perry Wise, 19, of 605 E. Fremont Street , Kenly was arrested on felony drug charges. Officers reportedly seized 14 grams of marijuana from the apartment.

Cocaine, Handgun Found During Traffic Stop

2007-04-24T21:56:00.000-05:00

Deputies reportedly found cocaine and a loaded 38 caliber handgun during a traffic stop on Braswell Road Saturday afternoon. Andrew Jackson Rose, 26, of Smithfield was arrested and jailed under a $16,000 bond. Deputies said they found the drugs in his pants pockets.

Local Lawmaker Asks US Attorney General To Expedite Claims For Emergency Workers

2007-04-24T21:55:00.000-05:00

US Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) is urging U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to expedite all outstanding claims under the Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefits Act. Three years after the bill, first introduced by Etheridge, became law, the Department of Justice has approved only two claims out of almost 250 applications. "It is unacceptable for the families of our nation's first responders to be treated with such disregard. They have waited too long," Rep. Etheridge said. In a letter to Gonzales, Etheridge expressed concerns that the Department of Justice may be intentionally misinterpreting the intent of Congress by rejecting 38 claims and failing to issue decisions on 210 others. Etheridge asked Gonzales to expedite all pending claims and to explain why more than three zones of the applications have been rejected. The law extends federal survivor benefits to the families of firefighters, police officers and emergency workers who die of heart attack or stroke in the line of duty. Many families have been waiting for a decision from the department on their claims since the bill became law in December 2003. The legislation was intended to create a presumption that the heart attack or stroke was caused by work in the line of duty, unless there was clear evidence to the contrary. However, the Department has placed an unnecessary burden on applicants by requiring 10 years of medical history. Heart attacks and strokes account for nearly half of firefighter deaths each year. A study published by the Harvard School of Public Health on March 22 found that firefighters face a much higher risk of death from a heart attack than the general population - up to 100 times greater when battling a fire. Etheridge's bill was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the International Union of Police Associations and the Congressional Fire Services Institute. The legislation is rooted in North Carolina , born out of a letter written to Etheridge by Mike Williams of Bunn Level, who worked as the assistant chief of Flat Branch Volunteer Fire Department and in the Office of the State Fire Marshal, who was inspired by the death of a North Carolina firefighter.

Johnston County Soldier Killed In Iraq

2007-04-24T21:54:00.002-05:00

Army Sgt. Clint Moore, 27, of Benson was killed Monday in Iraq. Moore, pictured here in Sept. 2003, was removing a yellow ribbon placed over the entrance to South Johnston High School. Officials put the ribbon up when Moore, a 1998 graduate, left for his first tour in Iraq. They made him promise to take the ribbon down when he returned. Moore was on his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

A Johnston County man was killed while serving in Iraq on Monday. Army Sgt. Clint Moore, 27, of Woods Crossroads Road , Benson, and the son of Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Moore of Benson, was a 1998 graduate of South Johnston High School . He joined the army that same year. His death was confirmed Tuesday by his uncle, Ricky Moore of Benson. The family is still awaiting more details from the Department of Defense. During his first tour of duty in Iraq, the staff at South Johnston placed a yellow ribbon over the entrance to the school, with the stipulation he take it down when he returned home. Moore did as he promised, and took the ribbon down in September 2003. At the time, Moores ’ heart was still with the men and women still fighting in Iraq . “Don’t forget them. Keep them in your prayers,” he said. Sgt. Moore told the media that day ambushes were worse than battles. “The worst part is waiting for it because you know it’s coming.” Associate Superintendent of Johnston County Schools, Dr. Ed Croom, was principal at South Johnston the year Moore returned to take his ribbon down. Dr. Croom told WMPM, “Clint was a very outgoing student. If you needed someone to step up and help you do something, that was Clint. It is really a tragic loss.” Sgt. Clint Moore is not the first local casualty in the war in Iraq . Spc. Robert T. Johnson was killed in January 2006 when his Humvee was hit by a civilian vehicle. Pvt. Joseph Guerrera died in October 2003 when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Sgt. Marvin Miller died in April 2004 after being shot while in traffic patrol. Staff Sgt. Eric Steffenery died from an explosion and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Whitley Church Fire Officially Ruled As Arson

2007-04-24T21:54:00.001-05:00

A fire that destroyed Whitley Memorial United Methodist Church on Wilson ’s Mills Road Sunday morning was officially ruled arson on Tuesday. Officials said the possibility of any electrical problems was ruled out before making the announcement the blaze was intentionally set. Alvin Lee Parrish, 17, who lives within sight of the church, is charged with breaking into the sanctuary Sunday morning minutes before the 5-alarm fire was reported. However, Parrish has not been charged with setting the blaze. Smithfield police detectives spoke with two persons of interest on Monday, and are looking for at least one other individual for questioning, but so far only Parrish has been charged in the church break-in. Parrish is also implicated in another break-in Sunday morning at the nearby Dunn’s Convenient Mart where 3 cases of beer were stolen. The teen remains in the Johnston County Jail under a $100,000 bond. Photo by Carter Rabil

Clayton Fire Burns 60 Acres

2007-04-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

A NC Forestry Service bulldozer plows a line around a fire that burned 60 acres of land off Cornwallis Road on Monday.

Clayton Fire Chief Lee Barbee says a grass and woods fire that started Monday afternoon burned nearly 60 acres of land. The NC Forestry Service is still trying to determine what sparked the fire around 4:30pm, but Clayton Fire Marshal Tony Atkinson doesn’t believe the origin is suspicious. When fire crews from Clayton, Cleveland and Garner arrived on the scene, about 5 to seven acres were already burning, Chief Barbee said. Forestry officials brought in two plows to contain the blaze behind the Hillington Estates Subdivision off Cornwallis Road near the Johnston-Wake County line. Although the fire was contained Monday night, Clayton firemen returned to the scene Tuesday to put out some hot spots still smoldering.

Highway Patrol, DOT Kick Off Work Zone Enforcement Campaign

2007-04-24T21:52:00.000-05:00

State Trooper D.J. Hare sits in his unmarked cruiser looking for violators. Troopers will use unmarked cars, helicopters, and motorcycles during Operation Drive Smart 2007 that kicked off Tuesday in Johnston County. The Highway Patrol and NC DOT are working together to reduce the number of work zone crashes across the state.

The Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation kicked off Operation Drive Smart 2007 on Tuesday at the US70 Clayton Bypass work zone in Johnston County . Drive Smart is an effort to reduce the number of traffic accidents in work zones across the state. Troopers will increase enforcement and crackdown on excessive speeders in some of the busiest work zones. According to the DOT, there were 4,478 work zone crashes resulting in more than 1,500 injuries in 2005. Of those crashes, 30 were fatal. Speed and distraction are among the leading causes of the accidents. “Safety is the department’s number one priority and we must continue our efforts to increase work zone safety education and awareness across the state,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett. “The Highway Patrol is determined to reduce fatal collisions in these work zones, and going after speeders who recklessly endanger the public will help us do that,” said Bryan Beatty, secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. “ Operation Drive Smart 2007 is an effort to reverse the trend of increasing speeds in work zones by irresponsible drivers.” Operation Drive Smart 2007 is a campaign that will concentrate solely on speeding, aggressive driving and other traffic violations in work zones. Although there are more than 200 work zones across North Carolina, highway construction zones that will be targeted during the operation include: the US70 Clayton Bypass in Johnston and Wake Counties, I-95 in Cumberland and Robeson counties, I-85/I-40 in Guilford County, I-85 in Rowan County, I-77 in Yadkin County, I-40 in Buncombe County, I-77 in Mecklenburg County, and the US17 Bypass in Bertie County. During a similar operation in 2006, troopers issued more than 800 citations for speeding in work zones across the state.

Rotarians Raise More Than $50,000 For Scholarships

2007-04-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

(L to R) $2,000 sponsors of the Rotary Golf Classic include Andrea Martin of Quality Therapy Services, Linwood Byrd of Byrd Surveying, Carlton Pernell of Carrier/Pernell Inc., and Tad Deaton of RBC Centura. Proceeds will fund scholarships.

The Rotary Club of Central Johnston County has raised more than $50,000 for scholarships in advance of the club’s 18th annual Rotary Golf Classic scheduled this weekend. Half of the proceeds will fund scholarships for graduating seniors at each of Johnston County ’s six high schools. The other half will fund scholarships for students of all ages attending Johnston Community College . This year’s fund-raising campaign is a major expansion of the club’s previous efforts. Over the past 17 years, more than $200,000 had been raised for scholarships – an average of almost $12,000 annually. Most of that money was used for scholarships awarded high-school seniors. Under the leadership of Golf Classic Chairman Linwood Byrd, the Rotary Club decided this year to stretch the fund-raising drive to a higher goal and include Community College scholarships. Four Oaks Bank gave this year’s campaign an early boost by committing $10,000 as the Golf Classic’s “Title Sponsor.” Five other firms are donating $2,000 each as “Co-Sponsors.” They are Byrd Surveying, First Citizens Bank, Carrier/Pernell Inc., RBC Centura, and Quality Therapy Services. Another 18 contributors are putting up $1,000 apiece as “Platinum” sponsors. In celebration of the campaign’s success, Central Johnston ’s Rotary Golf Classic will be played on Friday, April 27 at the Country Club of Johnston County with a full field of more than 30 four-member teams of golfers. An opening ceremony to thank the scholarship sponsors will be held at noon near the golf course’s first tee.

Newton Grove Man Arrested On Drugs, Weapons Charges

2007-04-24T21:40:00.000-05:00

A 22-year-old Newton Grove man faces weapons and drug charges after he was stopped by Sampson County Sheriff's deputies this week. Marcus Antwan Jacobs was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon and marijuana possession. The Chevrolet Caprice Jacobs was driving was stopped by deputies for a routine traffic stop. A drug-sniffing dog reportedly identified marijuana in the vehicle, which was found during a search by the deputy. No stranger to authorities, Jacobs has already served time in prison for armed robbery, possession of firearm by a felon and breaking and entering. The robbery conviction stemmed from a 2004 holdup at a Clinton convenience store.

Smithfield Town Council Approves Involuntary Annexation Of 96 Acres Off US301, US70

2007-04-24T01:28:00.000-05:00

Town Manager Pete Connet (right) looks on as Mayor Norman Johnson calls for a vote Monday on the involuntary annexation of 59 tracts of land, totaling just over 96 acres. The property annexed is along US301 South near Holt's Lake and US70 East near I-95.

In a special meeting, that lasted only four minutes Monday afternoon, the Smithfield Town Council voted unanimously to annex 55 tracts of land off Highway 301 South and four parcels near the US70/I-95 interchange. The largest area annexed on Monday was 78 acres on the southwestern side of the current town limits. It includes 40 dwellings and approximately 92 residents from US301, at Galilee Road, southward to Holts Lake . The annexation includes Holt’s Lake Barbecue , Blackmon’s Mobile Home Park , and the Johnston County School Bus Garage. The annexation will generate about $28,798 in additional property tax annually for the Town of Smithfield . Monday’s annexation did not include the Huntington Ridge Subdivision off Country Club Road , which had previously been considered for annexation several years ago. Four businesses and just over 18 acres of land, near the US70/I-95 interchange were also forcibly annexation Monday. They include the Village Inn, Village Restaurant, Tobacco Shop, and the Johnston County Board of Education Central Office. Annexation of the four businesses will add approximately $8,399 in property taxes annually for the town. Public hearings, held in March and April, on the involuntary annexations drew some opposition from residents who weren't interested in becoming a part of the city. Councilman Andy Moore was not present for Monday’s vote. Earlier this month, the corporate limits of Smithfield grew by an additional 10 acres, when East Carolina Farm Credit (ECFC) requested voluntary annexation of land they purchased on US70 East at Yelverton Grove Road . ECFC plans to build a new office at that location.