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Boil Water Advisory Issued For Town Of Four Oaks

Town of Four Oaks workers make repairs to a broken water line on Grady Street Thursday afternoon. A second break occurred in a water line on US301 South, disrupting water service to the entire town. WTSB Photo

Two nearly simultaneous water line breaks caused the majority of customers served by the Town of Four Oaks to be without water Thursday afternoon.  Only a few customers had water service and even then the pressure was very low.

In response, the town immediately issued a boil water advisory for customers effective for 48 hours, ending at 1:00pm on Saturday.

The areas affected by the water outages and boil water notices included all in-town water customers, along with utility customers on US301, US701, Black Creek Road, and Old School Road, served by the Town of Four Oaks.

Water service was interrupted at Four Oaks Middle and Elementary Schools.  Fortunately, lunches had already been prepared and the town shipped tanks of water to the schools so the bathrooms could operate.  The Johnston County Health Department said there was no health risk to students or staff and the two schools operated on a normal schedule Thursday afternoon.    

 

County Budget Proposal Keeps Tax Rate Unchanged
Johnston County Manager Rick Hester has released his proposed new fiscal year budget that holds the line on property taxes, while increasing employee salaries by two percent. If approved by commissioners, it would be the first cost of living increase for county workers in four years.

The $172 million budget proposal is up from the current $165.5 million 2011-12 fiscal year spending plan.  The majority of the increase is to cover the cost of taking over Princeton and Clayton EMS on July 1.  The budget includes the hiring of an additional 36 full-time and 20 part-time EMS employees for those two EMS districts.  Another possibility is Johnston County taking over Smithfield EMS on July 1. If that happens, Hester said approximately 35 more full and part-time employees would need to be hired.

Johnston County Schools had requested $52.8 million, but the budget proposes $49.2 million in funding. Johnston Community College has requested $6.1 million. The proposed budget includes $4 million, the same funding level as the current fiscal year.

The budget keeps the 78 cents tax rate per $100 valuation unchanged.  Only slight increases are proposed to the wholesale and retail water and sewer rates. 

Hester said the budget was the most difficult spending proposal he has ever put together with his staff. “It has been a challenge with so many moving parts.”

Among the uncertainties in the budget is how much lottery proceeds the State of North Carolina will share with Counties next year.  Hester is hoping for $3.8 million in lottery proceeds in 2012-13.  “The last two years we were hit by the loss of $4 million from the state on lottery funds.”

The budget is subject to the Board of Commissioners approval. A Public Hearing on the Budget will take place on June 4.    

 

Princeton Man Charged With Making Meth
Princeton Police and Johnston County deputies arrested an Elm Street man Wednesday on charges he was manufacturing methamphetamine. Following a search warrant, Waylon Lee Gray was arrested. Police Chief Tyrone Sutton said officers received a tip of an active meth lab in their city. 

During a search of Gray’s residence, Chief Sutton said “key components of a methamphetamine lab” were located, along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  The SBI was called to assist in the clean up of the toxic materials.

Gray was charged with manufacturing meth, possession with intent to sell and deliver meth, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Johnston County Jail under a $61,000 bond.

 

Consumers To See Changes In Ethanol Labeling June 1
Raleigh – Starting June 1, consumers will notice changes to the way ethanol-blended gasoline is labeled at their local gas station.
On Thursday, the N.C. Rules Review Commission approved changes adopted by the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board that regulate the way ethanol and other oxygenated gasoline blends can be labeled.
“These changes will not affect the type of fuel provided by gas stations, but it will require station operators across the state to clearly define any blends they sell,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Consumers will be able to use the labels to make a more informed decision when they fill up at the pump.”

Across the state, 95 percent of gas stations carry some form of ethanol-blended gasoline. Several of those gas stations already display some type of labeling voluntarily. The new rules will require all gas stations to provide labeling for pumps that dispense blended gasoline.

Under the changes, gasoline containing 10 percent or less by volume of ethanol will be required to include a label that states “may contain up to 10 percent ethanol” or similar wording. For blends containing between 10 and 15 percent ethanol, the label will state “contains up to 15 percent ethanol” or similar wording. Any blend containing between 15 and 85 percent ethanol will be required to include a label stating the exact volume percentage of ethanol. E85 blends are not affected by the changes. WTSB File Photo

 

Driver Caught With Marijuana Plants In His Car
A Johnston County SAFE Team deputy arrested a driver Wednesday afternoon allegedly caught with two marijuana plants inside his vehicle.  Mikael Christian Durham, 24, of Christmas Light Road, Kenly was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 222. Officers said as they approached the vehicle they could detect an odor of marijuana, according to Detective Lt. J.R. Gerrell.   After the plants were allegedly found, Durham was charged with manufacturing marijuana and maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance. Bond was set at $20,000.


Arrest Made In Kidnapping, Rape Investigation
A 29 year-old man is in the Wayne County Jail after deputies there allegedly linked him to the sexual and physical assault of a woman on May 12.  Alvaro Cruz Rocha of Bonnie Place, Goldsboro was arrested in connection with the incident on Highway 13 South.  Detective Darren Craig charged Rocha with first-degree kidnapping and second-degree rape.  Investigators did not release any additional details about the victim or the alleged crime.   


Sex Offender Arrested
A sex offender who allegedly did not register with authorities as required during his sentencing has been arrested.  Timothy Delone Gay, 24, of Liberty Lane, Clayton was arrested by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.

Captain A.C. Strickland said Gay was convicted of sexual battery on August 4, 2011. As part of the condition of his parole, he was required to register as a sex offender, which authorities say he did not.  Gay was located and charged with failing to register as a sex offender, which is a felony in North Carolina. Gay was confined in the Johnston County Jail under a $25,000 bond.


Felon Charged In Home Break-In, Gun Theft Held Under $501,000 Bond
A self-employed carpenter is facing more than a dozen criminal charges for a residential burglary reported on March 26 outside of Kenly. Phyllis Rose told authorities someone broke into her home on Old Dam Road, stealing five guns and a flat screen TV.  One of the weapons was an antique military rifle. 

Robin Lee Johnson, 43, of Stevens Chapel Road, Smithfield was arrested by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the break-in.  Johnson was charged breaking and entering, felony larceny, obtaining property by false pretenses, felony conspiracy, and multiple counts of larceny of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon.  Johnson is currently in jail under a $501,000 bond.

According to the NC Department of Corrections website, Johnson has prior convictions for breaking and entering, larceny, forgery, damage to property, and trespassing dating back to 1988. 

 

Suspect Charged With Trying To Pass Forged Checks
A Durham man is facing felony charges after authorities allege he tried to defraud two banks on Tuesday.  William Evan Greene, 23, is accused of going into the BB&T Bank on Mast Drive, near the I-40/NC42 interchange, and attempting to cash a check that had been altered from $250 to $2,550.  After being unsuccessful, Greene allegedly went to a nearby State Employees Credit Union location and tried to cash another check that had been altered from its original amount of $251.66 to $1,251.66.  A teller called deputies and an officer who was nearby apprehended Greene before he could leave the bank parking lot.  Greene was charged with two counts of uttering a forged instrument, and two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses.  He was booked into the Johnston County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 secured bond.


Two Neighbors Charged In Theft
Two Benson men were arrested a short time after officers allege they stole metal from a neighbor’s farm.  The suspects, Christopher Douglas Barnes, 31, and Michael Shane Barnes, 28, both of Holly Grove Church Road, were located by Dunn Police a short time after the theft was reported on Monday.  The men were charged by deputies with felony larceny after the stolen items were found in their vehicle, according to Tammy Amaon, spokesperson for the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.


JCS Honors Cafeteria Manager And Assistant Of The Year
Johnston County Schools honored their Cafeteria Manager of the Year and the Cafeteria Assistant of the Year during an annual banquet for Child Nutrition Service employees on May 3 at Smithfield Selma High School.

Dean Britt (left) from Meadow Elementary was named the Cafeteria Manager of the Year. Britt has worked for Johnston County Schools for 16 years and is described as a dedicated and hard working managers who makes sure the needs of the students are met daily. 

Helen Neal (right) from North Johnston Middle School was named the Cafeteria Assistant of the Year.  Neal has been with Johnston County Schools for 14 years. She is described as a tem player who also has had perfect attendance this school year.    

 

SBI Agent Found Dead In Home

SBI Special Agent Christopher Haas (right) and Crime Scene Investigator Concita Simmons examine evidence from a chase and shooting in Caldwell County last year. Agent Haas was found dead in his Caldwell County home on Monday. Haas was a SSS High graduate and a former Smithfield Police Officer.  Photo courtesy The Hickory Daily Record

The Granite Falls Police Department is investigating the death of an SBI agent, who has ties to our local area.  Agent Christopher Richard Haas, 47, was found dead in his home in Caldwell County on Monday.  He was assigned to the SBI Hickory District.

Haas was a 1983 graduate of Smithfield Selma High School and worked for several years as a Smithfield Police Officer before joining the SBI.

According to the Hickory Daily Record, Haas’ wife, Cynthia, dialed 911 when she got home from work Monday afternoon and found smoke coming from the home.  Firefighters found Haas inside. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy will take place this week in Winston Salem to determine the cause of death.

The Caldwell County Fire Marshals Office and the NC SBI are assisting with the investigation to determine how Agent Haas died.    

Investigators said the home sustained $8,000 in damage.

Haas is survived by his wife and two children.  Photo courtesy The Hickory Daily Record

 

Former Coach Charged With Sexually Assaulting Players
A former volunteer baseball coach and member of a gospel group has been arrested on charges of taking indecent liberties with some of his former players.

Ray Peace, 50, of Rocky Mount was arrested May 7 by the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s deputies received information last December that Peace, a former coach with the Rocky Mount City baseball league had taken indecent liberties with at least two of his former players between 1982 and 1997.  At the time of the alleged incidents, the victims were between the ages of 11 and 15. Peace stopped volunteering with the city about 5 years ago. 

Peace was charged with seven counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor.  He turned himself in to the Nash County Sheriff’s Office and was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.


Thief Who Stole Christmas Presents Sentenced To Prison
A driver who led a state trooper on a high-speed chase with stolen Christmas presents in the back seat of his car has been sentenced to prison.  On December 13, a trooper stopped a car for speeding on Highway 39 North. While talking with the female driver in his patrol car, a male passenger jumped in the driver's seat and sped away. A chase ensued, reaching speeds of 100mph, before the suspect collided with another car on Highway 42.  Miguel Cordell Chestnut, 24, of Wilson was arrested following a subsequent foot chase.

Authorities said the car was filled with wrapped Christmas gifts taken from a home a short time earlier on Price Road near Selma.  Authorities say Chestnut and a second suspect, Gloria Ann Foust, 32, of Selma, had just broken into the home minutes before being stopped by the trooper.  

In court, Chestnut was found guilty of fleeing to elude arrest, felony burglary, felony larceny, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of stolen property. 

Chestnut was sentenced to serve between 48 and 76 months in the NC Department of Corrections. 2011 Photo by Carter Rabil

 

Judge Sentences Habitual Felon To 88-115 Months In Prison
A judge sentenced a Smithfield man to a lengthy prison term on Tuesday after being convicted for felony possession of cocaine and for being a habitual felon.  Judge Shannon Joseph sentenced Tremayne Cameron to 88 to115 months in prison.  Assistant District Attorney Lori Goins prosecuted the case.  Cameron was represented by Attorney Stephen Walker.

In August 2011, Smithfield Police searched a home on Second Avenue where Cameron was residing. At the time, Cameron was on probation for a prior felony cocaine charge.

Cameron had prior convictions for second-degree rape and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.


School Board Announces Several Personnel Changes
Following a closed session on Monday, the Johnston County Board of Education has approved several personnel changes.

John G. Bell, (top left) currently an assistant principal at North Johnston High, will become the principal at Selma Middle effective July 1. Melissa Hubbard, (top right) an assistant at Corinth Holders Elementary, will become the principal at the school in July.  Both Bell and Hubbard were approved for two-year contracts.

Jennifer Moore, (lower right) currently a principal at Selma Middle, will replace Tracey Peedin Jones, who is joining the Office of Public Information in July. 

Michelle Turnage was hired as the Senior Executive Director for Technology effective July 1. She currently is the Director of Educational Support Technologies at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro.

Rodney Peterson, (lower left) the Executive Director of Support Services will become the Chief Academic Officer in July, replacing Kim Wellons who is retiring. 

The School Board also approved a title change for Robin Little to Chief Business Officer because the Office of Finance will be combining with the Division of Human Resources. 

Officials said the salary information for the employees has not yet been determined. 

 
DOT Awards $10.4 Million To Replace 12 Johnston County Bridges
Raleigh – NC Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has awarded a design-build contract to replace 12 bridges in Johnston County.

The $10.4 million contract was awarded to S.T. Wooten Corp. of Wilson. Work can begin as early as May 29, with construction completed no later than Nov. 1, 2015.

The contract is among 17 to be let by June 2012 using a new concept called express design-build, which allows construction to go from zero to completion in eight months. The concept is more efficient than traditional methods of design-build projects in that it does not require a technical proposal; the contract award winner is selected solely on low bid. The projects will replace about 175 bridges across all 14 highway divisions.

The following bridges will be replaced in Johnston County:

This is one of 24 contracts totaling $117.6 million awarded by Conti following NCDOT’s April contract letting for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 17.5 percent, or $25 million, below NCDOT estimates. WTSB File Photo

 

Brian Lawrence Named Garner’s Top Cop
The Garner Police Department has named Brian Lawrence as Officer of the Year.  Other finalists were Officer Jason Jones and Officer Preston Charles.

Officer Lawrence received the Rob Apple Officer of the Year Award during the department's annual awards banquet.  Officer Lawrence is assigned to the traffic division and has served as police officer for eight years.  Brian was also recognized by MADD this year for all his work with underage drinking prevention at Garner Magnet High School.

There were several other awards given out during the banquet including: Officer Eric Ankarstran was awarded a Department Citation for his efforts in locating, pursuing and arresting a B&E suspect. Sergeant Mike McIver was awarded a Department Citation for his efforts with PAAL. Officer Brian Lawrence was awarded a Department Citation for his efforts with traffic safety programs at GMHS.  The members of the Traffic Safety Team were awarded a Unit Commendation for their traffic safety efforts.  Lieutenant Bob Stevens was awarded a Department Certificate of Merit for his career-spanning efforts in Traffic Safety. Sergeant Chris Clayton was recognized by the B Platoon for his leadership while with the Platoon.

The Auxiliary presented plaques to Investigator Christina Pappas in memory of K9 Jordy and to Officer William Hinson in memory of K9 Bojar.

Mayor Ronnie Williams issued a proclamation declaring May 13th as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week of May 13th as National Police Week.

The officer of the year award is given out annually at a banquet sponsored by the Garner Optimist Club. 


Pull A Fire Truck For Chuck
The Pull A Fire Truck For Chuck Event was held this past Saturday at Wilson's Mills Baptist Church.

The event is one of the many fundraisers
being held to raise $70,000 for Charles Humphries, a 17 year old Selma athlete, who is in need of a prosthetic knee.

Teams of six completed to see who could pull a fire truck 50 feet in the shortest amount of time. The Selma Fire Department team came in first place and the team from the Johnston County Sheriff's Department came in second. Pictured are the first and second place teams with Charles Humphries.

 

Four Oaks Resident Named Johnston Health Ambassador
April Barbour Matthews of Four Oaks has been recognized as the Johnston Health Ambassador for February. She is a social work case manager for medical patients at Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield.

It’s her job to link patients to the community resources they may need after leaving the hospital. She also helps patients and families make difficult decisions about issues such as care, rehab and placement.

The Ambassador program recognizes employees who go and beyond the call of duty. Criteria include the employee’s effort in delivering quality care, customer service, teamwork and contributions to the financial strength of the health care system.

During a recent presentation, Johnston Health CEO Chuck Elliott said Matthews “goes to extremes” to get the right care and resources for patients. 

Beverly Legath, director of case management, says Matthews has a passion for her work. “It’s reflected by her strong knowledge base, skills at communicating and art of listening. She works through complex issues with patients and families, often during periods of crisis, and does so with compassion and empathy.”

Matthews works with end-of-life patients, too, and has a passion for helping them die with dignity and for helping their families cope with loss. “I consider it an honor to help patients,” she says. “It’s truly a pleasure to serve them and their families.”

Matthews is also the volunteer chief of 11 years at Four Oaks EMS. With the help of members and the board, she oversees contracts, training, fundraisers, personnel and the operating budget.

Matthews has two children, Joey, 16, and Maegan, 13. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing poetry and attending her childrens sporting events.


Princeton Lions Club Celebrates 60 Years
In the height of World War II, 18 business and civic leaders in the Princeton area helped to charter the Princeton Lions Club.  Sponsored by the Goldsboro Host Lions Club, the Princeton Lions Club was chartered in May of 1942.

The Princeton Lion Club is a part of Lions International, which is a service organization whose primary mission is assisting the sight impaired including diabetes care and prevention.  As well as working on Lion International projects, the Princeton Lions Club has been involved in the Princeton Community.  They are the sponsoring organization for the Boy Scouts, built the original and second Princeton Community Building, and played major roles in the organization of the Princeton Little League and the Princeton Swimming Pool.

The Princeton Lions Club will celebrate their 60th year celebration on Monday May 21 at 7:00 pm at the Princeton Community Building.  Former Lion Governor Keith Peedin will be part of the program.  For further information, please contact Lion President Don Rains at 919-936-3141 or Lion Secretary Jerry Rose at 919-936-2158.

 

JCC Awards Record 547 Degrees And Diplomas

(Right) Sarah Beth Fair of Princeton receives her nursing pin from Amy Feaster, director of nursing programs at JCC.

Johnston Community College celebrated its 2012 graduates with commencement ceremonies at 7 p.m. Monday, May 14 and Tuesday, May 15 in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium on the main campus. JCC awarded a record 547 associate degrees and diplomas to students who completed their study in the summer 2011, fall 2011, or spring 2012.

Renee Batts, education consultant-health sciences academic programs from the North Carolina Community College System, delivered the commencement address to Monday’s health sciences graduates. Dr. Barry Drum, chaplain and religious studies instructor at North Carolina Wesleyan College, gave the general commencement speech at Tuesday’s ceremony. James Hodge of Newton Grove, who earned an associate degree in paralegal technology, received the President’s Award for his scholastic achievement and leadership. Marjorie West of Dunn, who earned associate degrees in medical office administration and office administration, received the Citizenship Award for her leadership and service to fellow students.

The following are JCC’s graduates listed by town of residence and then alphabetized by program of study.

Angier
Kevin Paye, Advertising and Graphic Design; Amanda Lynn Ennis, Associate in Arts; Christine Lackey, Bioprocess Technology; Joseph Bradley Gutierrez, Criminal Justice Technology; Dale Matthews Mangum, Diploma Medical Assisting; Krysti Lynn Seals, Diploma Medical Assisting; Dale Matthews Mangum, Medical Assisting; Krysti Lynn Seals, Medical Assisting; Solimar Marina Bardill-Pepler, Paralegal Technology; and Tracy Leigh Pleasant, Radiography.

Apex
Mark Anthony Sanchez, Diploma Nuclear Medicine; and Caroline Michelle D’Aurelio, Medical Sonography.

Auburn, KS
Natasha Leigh Johnson, Pharmacy Technology.

Bailey
Dietra Evette Sessoms, Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; and Megan B. Bunn, Diploma Cosmetology.

Benson
Kristina Amber Bradley, Associate Degree Nursing; Leah Kathryn Higgs, Associate Degree Nursing; Tammy Sluik Rose, Associate Degree Nursing; April Alina Nash, Associate General Education; Amber Nicole Barefoot, Associate in Arts; Brandon Neil Barefoot, Associate in Arts; Stephanie Delguercio, Associate in Arts; Matthew A. Guin, Associate in Arts; Malisa Donnelly Jones, Associate in Arts; Alexander Charles Kamholz, Associate in Arts; Cynthia Laporte, Associate in Arts; Christopher Ryan Lasky, Associate in Arts; Joseph Kevin Lorenzo, Associate in Arts; Rebecca Anne Smith, Associate in Arts; John Wylie, Associate in Arts; Taylor Ann Barbour, Associate in Science; Ashlee Amber Wheeler, Associate in Science; Henry Michael Williams, Bioprocess Technology; Kristopher Gerald Allen, Business Administration; Teresa Archer, Business Administration; Krystal Nicole Cline, Criminal Justice Technology and Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; Kristy Marie Smith, Diploma Medical Assisting; Molly Leigh Tart, Diploma Medical Assisting and Medical Assisting; Mary E. Collins, Diploma Pharmacy Technology; Reshauna L. McArthur, Diploma Therapeutic Massage; Silvia E. Romero, Early Childhood Associate; Jody A. Hudson, Emergency Medical Science; Katherine Gray Burnette, Medical Office Administration; Martha Elizabeth Jones, Medical Office Administration; Wanda Johnson Williams, Medical Office Administration; Brittany Nicole Barham, Radiography; and Kristie Danielle Smith, Radiography.

Cary
Erin Downey, Associate Degree Nursing; Rachel Elizabeth Justice, Cardiovascular Sonography; Chelsea Ann Parker, Nuclear Medicine Technology; and Thomas Charles Stribling, Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Clayton
Natalie Leiner, Associate in Arts-Pre-Business Administration; Brianna Aileen Rigert, Associate in Arts-Pre-Business Administration; Mary LeeAnn Casey, Accounting; Kelli Lynn Roberts, Advertising and Graphic Design; Peter Berry, Associate Degree Nursing; Casaundra C. Driver, Associate Degree Nursing; Karin Elizabeth Rackley, Associate Degree Nursing; Lateefa S. Young, Associate Degree Nursing; Michael G. Smith, Associate in  Science; Adam Bales, Associate in Arts; David Jonathan Bingham, Associate in Arts; Monica E. Calhoun, Associate in Arts; Miles Parker Canady, Associate in Arts; Sarah Elizabeth Carrion, Associate in Arts; Michele Marie Clark, Associate in Arts; Kayla Chanel Crenshaw, Associate in Arts; Marcella D. Crider, Associate in Arts; Kayla Nicole Davis, Associate in Arts; Jaynie Disney, Associate in Arts; Richard Walton Dupree, Associate in Arts; Brandon Alexander Ford, Associate in Arts; Corey Steven Gunter, Associate in Arts; Helen Hobbs, Associate in Arts; Jordan McKenzie Hughes, Associate in Arts; Jennifer Tew Jackson, Associate in Arts; Charlene A. Johnson, Associate in Arts; Eric Austin Johnson, Associate in Arts; Nathaniel Andrew Jones, Associate in Arts; Crystal  Ann McClain, Associate in Arts; Darryl Jerome McLee Jr., Associate in Arts; Aaron James Merlino, Associate in Arts; Brittany Dale Parks, Associate in Arts; Kelli L. Picard, Associate in Arts; Whitney Renee Pilotte, Associate in Arts; Jordan David Pursell, Associate in Arts; Steven Ray Rhodes, Associate in Arts; Ryan Rzany, Associate in Arts; Brandi Nichole Shuman, Associate in Arts; Matthew Stephenson, Associate in Arts; E. Cooper Stratton, Associate in Arts; William Taylor Throckmorton, Associate in Arts; Crystal Johnson Timm, Associate in Arts; Richard Matthew Wilkinson-Roberts, Associate in Arts; Scott Thomas Winberry, Associate in Arts; Cameron Wayne Brewer,  Associate in Fine Arts-Music; Megan Click, Associate in Science; Elizabeth Aida Edwards, Associate in Science; Christopher L. McNichol, Associate in Science; Ashlee Rochelle Stallings, Associate in Science; Jimmy Vann, Associate in Science; Kenneth W. Duncan, Associate Welding Technology; Sean L. Evans, Bioprocess Technology; Raymond Charles Jones, Bioprocess Technology; Wesley Lewellen, Business Administration; Charles Vann, Business Administration; Pamela L. Register, Cardiovascular Sonography; Lillian G. Alicea Anderson, Community Spanish Interpreter; Enid Margarita Badillo, Community Spanish Interpreter; Jami Lynn Nickolauson, Computer Programming; Teresa J. Romano, Computer Programming; Kevin Levester Cook, Criminal Justice Technology; Amber D. Coons-Lopez, Criminal Justice Technology; Sophirene Hinton, Criminal Justice Technology; Christina Nelms Jones, Criminal Justice Technology; Jessica Reneé Lands, Criminal Justice Technology; Paul Alexander Lorbacher, Criminal Justice Technology; Erika Renee McKown, Criminal Justice Technology; Sabrina Bryant Davis, Diploma Cosmetology; Dorothy R. Dyson,  Diploma Medical Assisting; Victoria Vernee Howell, Diploma Medical Assisting; Tramesha Lynn Toler, Diploma Medical Assisting; Rose Marie Williford, Diploma Medical Assisting; Christin Nicole Wilson, Diploma Medical Assisting; Shelley Walker Frye, Diploma Paralegal Technology; Sophronia Mae Harrington, Paralegal Technology; Alisha Ellis, Early Childhood Associate; Hollie Ann Lamb, Early Childhood Associate; Jamie L. Sanders, Early Childhood Associate; Robert Drew Wagner, Heavy Equipment and Transportation Technology; Nancy Dennis Held, Horticulture Technology; Parker Jordan Casey, Industrial Systems Technology; Joseph Daniel Wright, Industrial Systems Technology; Jason L. Crickenberger, Landscape Gardening; Dorothy R. Dyson, Medical Assisting; Victoria Vernee Howell, Medical Assisting; Tramesha Lynn Toler, Medical Assisting; Rose Marie Williford, Medical Assisting; Christin Nicole Wilson, Medical Assisting; Brandi Michele Adkins, Medical Office Administration; Terika Shamarra Hooks, Medical Office Administration; Viridiana Olvera, Medical Office Administration; Christina Marie Selph, Medical Office Administration; Nicole Karen Grey, Medical Sonography; Victoria Morgan Johnson, Medical Sonography; Willis Wayne Hodges, Networking Technology;
Barry Lee Starr, Networking Technology; Antonella Martinez Ramos, Office Administration; Peggy Jo Baker, Paralegal Technology; Kayla Nicole Davis, Paralegal Technology; Sean Guenther, Paralegal Technology; Kristen Leigh Parker, Paralegal Technology; Jennifer L. Kirby, Radiography; Amanda Michelle Leathers, Radiography; Kirby Brooke Moore, Radiography; Michele T. Nagy, Radiography; and Michelle B. Putnam,  Radiography.

Clinton
Carla Marie Wallace, Medical Office Administration; and Jena Nicole Warren, Radiography.

Coats
Lewis Joshua Lucas, Accounting; Tabitha Suzanne Avery, Associate Degree Nursing; Ayla M. Burgett, Associate in Arts; Valerie T. VanLengen, Associate in Arts; Debra Ann McArthur, Associate in General Education; Cody Daniel Hodges, Bioprocess Technology; and Lewis Joshua Lucas, Business Administration.

Dudley
Heather Reason Bridgers, Associate in Arts; and Christie Mitchell, Diploma Cosmetology;

Dunn
Kristy Diana Page, Associate Degree Nursing; Tearra Nicole Williams, Associate Degree Nursing; Brittany Ladell Baker, Associate in Arts; Alexis Chambers, Associate in Arts; Christopher David Jackson, Associate in Science; Brittany Howard Williford, Associate in Arts; Thomas Edward Evans, Bioprocess Technology; Christen Baggett Strickland, Business Administration; Erica Hernandez, Community Spanish Interpreter; David Joseph Paul Johnson, Criminal Justice Technology; John Christopher Williford, Criminal Justice Technology; Megan Marie Pebbles, Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; Chelsea Nicole Thompson, Diploma Medical Assisting; Lauren H. Ford, Diploma Therapeutic Massage; Gina Kay Allen, Early Childhood Associate; Chelsea Nicole Thompson, Medical Assisting; Jessica Dawn Burch, Medical Office Administration; Marjorie West, Medical Office Administration and Office Administration; Erica Suzanne Gallion, Paralegal Technology; Brittany Morgan Lee, Paralegal Technology; and Jennifer Rose Wade, Radiography.

Erwin
Stephanie Nicole Johnson, Diploma Pharmacy Technology; Crystal Katina Galindo, Paralegal Technology; and Stephanie Nicole Johnson, Pharmacy Technology.

Fairmont
Maryam Amiri, Cardiovascular Sonography.

Fayetteville
Tomas Francis Avila, Associate in Arts; Malissa E. Ellis, Cardiovascular Sonography; and Han Joon Kim, Radiography.

Four Oaks
Tracy McLamb Barbour, Accounting; Ruben Ramirez, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology; Amber Lachelle Adams, Associate Degree Nursing; Morgan Blythe Sasser, Associate Fine Arts – Arts; Jonathan Daniel O’Neill, Associate Fine Arts-Art; Tyler Clint Benson, Associate Fine Arts-Arts; Jessica Mae Stanley, Associate in  Arts; Cameron Dwayne Bass, Associate in Arts; Angela Denise Beasley, Associate in Arts; David Wayne Canupp, Associate in Arts; Spencer Kapral, Associate in Arts; Victoria Nicole Mitchner, Associate in Arts; Dianne Thompson Noel, Associate in Arts; Brittney Rebecca Stanley, Associate in Arts; Andrew Harding VanHoy, Associate in Arts; Denise Cole Williams, Associate in Arts; Kristen M. Wollenweber, Associate in Arts; Stephanie Paige Woodall, Associate in Arts; Johnathan D. Parker, Associate in Science; Casey Austin Allen, Associate in General Education; Lisa Marie Stanley, Bioprocess Technology; Lauren Elizabeth Bradley, Computer Programming; Wilbert Hardy, Computer Programming; Shelia A. Parker, Criminal Justice Technology; Marty G. Reardon, Diploma Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration; Samantha René Pilkington, Diploma Pharmacy Technology; Melanie Dunn Allen, Early Childhood Associate; Kimberly Ann Page, Early Childhood Associate; Jennifer Lynn Gales, Early Childhood-School Age; Amber Kay Williams, Medical Office Administration; Brian M. Fogleman, Networking Technology; Bryan N. Taylor, Networking Technology; Angelica Rosio De La Cruz, Paralegal Technology; and Ricardo Pacheco, Radiography.

Fremont
Johnny Ray Kear, II, Computer Programming and Craig Allen Overman, Criminal Justice Technology.

Fuquay-Varina
Reece Verburg, Associate in Fine Arts-Music; Ashley C. Nichols, Associate in Science; Toni Hall Curtis, Cardiovascular Sonography; and Elizabeth P. Peele, Radiography.

Garner
Angela Rich Kime, Accounting; Kevin Joseph Martin, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology; Karie Angelyn Hodges, Associate Degree Nursing; Loretta Young Holt, Associate Degree Nursing; Debra Lynn Paige, Associate Degree Nursing; Paige Elizabeth Thompson, Associate Degree Nursing; Amanda Brittany Castles, Associate in Arts; Suzanne Elizabeth Creasy, Associate in Arts; Lavonda Anne Crocker, Associate in Arts; Christopher Craig Hodges, Associate in Arts; Allison Nell Johnson, Associate in Arts and Diploma Therapeutic Massage; Jennifer Lynn Konkol, Associate in Arts; Daniel Steven McFall, Jr., Associate in Arts; Chelsea Elizabeth Moore, Associate in Arts; Rahmatu Kou Zengbean-Cramer,  Associate in Arts; Clementina I. Oguejiofor, Associate in Science; Jennie Hall Parrish, Associate in Science; Jacob Sawyer, Associate in Science; Claret C. Oguejiofor, Associate in Science; Jesse Austin Lee, Business Administration; Iwona Maria Michael, Cardiovascular Sonography; Sherry T. Johnson, Diploma Cosmetology; Colette F. Strati, Diploma Medical Assisting; Kimberly Ann Cattani, Diploma Pharmacy Technology; Christy Mangum-Clark, Early Childhood Associate; Celeste Marie Williams, Early Childhood Associate; Brenda Carol Holt, General Occupational Technology; Holly Danielle Blake, Medical Office Administration; Jamiee Friebal, Medical Office Administration; Staci Ross, Paralegal Technology; Kimberly Ann Cattani, Pharmacy Technology; and Jessica Michele Moon, Radiography.

Godwin
Amy Lee Tart, Paralegal Technology.

Goldsboro
Eduardo Daniel Meza Sosa, Community Spanish Interpreter; Deborah Evangeline Hargrove, Criminal Justice - Latent Evidence and Criminal Justice Technology; Brittney Nicole Cabala, Diploma Therapeutic Massage; Brittney Hill Asbill, Paralegal Technology; Kasey White Gagliano, Radiography; and Kathryn J. Perry, Radiography.

Hanover, Pa.
Annette M. Eltz, Associate Degree Nursing.

Holly Springs
Daphaine Monique Chambers, Associate in Science.

Hubert
Allison B. Hines, Associate in Arts.

Kenly
Kevin Stefan Steinfort, Accounting; Adam E. Webster, Accounting; Stephen Joel Edwards, II, Associate in Arts; Ashley Michele Price, Associate in Arts; Bobby Allen Barnes, Bioprocess Technology; Cynthia Annette Crocker, Business Administration; Ashley M. Karwick, Business Administration; Adam E. Webster, Business Administration; Heather Bass, Diploma Therapeutic Massage; and Cynthia DeBruine, Radiography.

Knightdale
Morgan Reneigh Doyle, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Alicja Magdalena Korbecka, Associate Degree Nursing; Sarah Dodson Martin, Associate Degree Nursing; and Cynthia D. Johnson, Associate in Arts.

LaGrange
Georgia Michelle Farley, Associate Degree Nursing.

Lillington
Holly Price, Associate Degree Nursing.

Louisburg
Kelsey Erin Sledge, Associate Degree Nursing.

Lucama
Jason Douglas Tolson, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Brandon Michael Knight, Advertising and Graphic Design; Heather Jo Morris, Associate in Arts; Windy Lynn Lee, Criminal Justice Technology;

Micro
Carla Nicole Parnell, Diploma Therapeutic Massage.

Middlesex
Brittany M. Lane, Associate in Arts; Brooke M. Mikuski, Associate in Fine Arts-Music; Lindsey Michelle Bullock, Diploma Medical Assisting; Charlotte Elaine Whitley, Early Childhood Associate; Sue Ann Braswell, Early Childhood-School Age; Lindsey Michelle Bullock, Medical Assisting; and Brandy Leigh Raney, Radiography.

Morrisville
Kari Anne Spencer, Associate Degree Nursing.

Mount Olive
Ann Cree English, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Kent Barry Keen, Computer Programming.

New Bern
Crystal Mae Temple, Accounting.

Newton Grove
Elizabeth J. Moore, Accounting; James Allen Thornton, Jr., Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology; Hope Monique Warren, Associate in Arts; James L. Hodge, Paralegal Technology.

Pikeville
David Keith Rose, Associate Degree Nursing; Latoria D. Newsome, Medical Office Administration; Jordan Chase Parnell, Networking Technology; Latoria D. Newsome,  Office Administration; and Kristopher Adam Millard, Radiography.

Pine Level
Adam Gray Hicks, Associate Degree Nursing; Patricia L. Skeritte, Business Administration; Crystal Faircloth, Diploma Cosmetology; and Kelly Jo Capps, Medical Sonography.

Pittsboro
Lindsey Melissa Pugh, Medical Sonography.

Princeton
Brent Wayne Evans, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Justin McKenzie Rinehart, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Wendy J. Williams, Accounting; Miles Dwight Wellons, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology; Sarah Beth Fair, Associate Degree Nursing; Lisa Allison Bailey, Associate General Education; Tabitha Lynn Anderson, Associate in Arts; Sarah Marie Eonta, Associate in Arts; Fay-Ann L. Forbes, Associate in Arts; James D. Grice, Associate in Arts; Matthew Hunter Leverette, Associate in Arts; Peter Doyle Peedin, Associate in Arts; Joy L. Pope-Williams, Associate in Arts; Jeremy S. Rowsey, Associate in Arts; Christine S. Sande, Associate in Arts; Antoinette Schmidt, Associate in Arts; Morgan Lee Smith, Associate in Arts; Nathan Dexter Smith, Associate in Arts; Jenny Mooring Wiggins, Associate in General Education; Darrell Scott Hamilton, Bioprocess Technology; Tunisia Sanders, Business Administration; Amber Dawn Harper, Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; Mechelle Helena Huff, Diploma Cosmetology; Samantha W. Warren, Diploma Therapeutic Massage; Candice Leigh Radford, Early Childhood-School Age; and Rose Ellen Lopez Ramirez, Medical Office Administration.

Raleigh
Daniel A. Schultz, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Denise Michelle Holder, Accounting; Nathaniel William Smith, Advertising and Graphic Design; Preston Lee Andrew, Associate Degree Nursing; Michael Paul Hough, Associate Degree Nursing; Karla Houyoux, Associate Degree Nursing; Tansy J. Newton, Associate Degree Nursing; Amy Marie Rudy, Associate Degree Nursing; Melissa Privette Schwartz, Associate Degree Nursing; Arabia S. Dover, Associate in Arts; Brenda Grace Garner, Associate in Arts; Matthew Richard Michael, Associate in Arts; Shawn Nicole Patterson-Brodie, Associate in Science; Walter Gorham, III, Bioprocess Technology; Donna Allison Minear, Bioprocess Technology; William Benjamin Sorrell, Bioprocess Technology; Brendae' J. Hughes, Business Administration; Christina Boyette, Cardiovascular Sonography; Ashley Lynn Worley, Cardiovascular Sonography; Alaina Lois Garner, Criminal Justice Technology; James Lee Strickland, Criminal Justice Technology; Alaina Lois Garner, Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; Kimberly Stephenson Brumbles, Diploma Cosmetology; Charity M. Miyato, Diploma Pharmacy Technology; Julie Woodring Francis, Medical Sonography; Chelsey Newcomb McCann, Medical Sonography; Arika Noelle Riffel D’Loughy, Medical Sonography; Amanda Ogburn Shawver, Medical Sonography; Sharon Carol Bryan, Nuclear Medicine Technology; Kristie Paige James, Office Administration; Marie Antoinette Myatt, Paralegal Technology; and Shannon Tessari, Paralegal Technology.

Roanoke Rapids
Shannon Rose Futrell, Diploma Nuclear Medicine.

Roseboro
Ricky Derek Page, Associate in Science; Ashley C. Horne, Medical Sonography.

Salemburg
Jennifer Caroline Lane, Radiography.

Sanford
Hannah King, Cardiovascular Sonography.

Selma
Mary Frances Humphries, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Veronica Alvarez, Accounting; Albert Creech, Accounting; Susan Forbes, Accounting; Tracey Regina Offu, Accounting; Jamie West, Accounting; Waynel Renee Anderson, Associate Degree Nursing; Nicole Michelle Chapin, Associate Degree Nursing; Jessica Renee Helms, Associate Degree Nursing; Sidney Marie Brannan, Associate in Arts; Daniell H. Dodge, Associate in Arts; Ray Blake Hocutt, Associate in Arts; Sydney Elizabeth Levick, Associate in Arts; Allisan Rose Tyndall, Associate in Arts; Jacob Winchell, Associate in Arts; Kameron Alexandrea Wood Kimble, Associate in Arts; Deatha Kirkland, Associate in General Education; Glenn Robert Bass, Bioprocess Technology; Donnie Ray Best, III, Bioprocess Technology; David Allison Creech, Jr., Bioprocess Technology; Susan Forbes, Business Administration; Tracey Regina Offu, Business Administration; Jamie West, Business Administration; Adriana Martinez Peńa, Community Spanish Interpreter; Dawn Marie Stancil, Community Spanish Interpreter; Francisco Javier Alvarez, Criminal Justice - Latent Evidence; Stefanie Baldetti, Criminal Justice - Latent Evidence; Jermaine L. Booker, Criminal Justice Technology; James Calvin Council, Criminal Justice Technology; Andy Ray Jernigan, Criminal Justice Technology; George Bryant Perry, Jr., Criminal Justice Technology; Jacob Michael Whittington, Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; Rita Ann Brown, Diploma Medical Assisting; Carla Wennette Darden, Diploma Pharmacy Technology; Alisa L. Williford, Diploma Therapeutic Massage; Marci Thames, Diploma Therapeutic Massage; Mauricio R. Cortes C., Diploma Welding; Lisa Renee Barnes, Early Childhood Associate; Rhonda S. Harper, Early Childhood Associate; Kellie L. Jackson, Early Childhood Associate; Whitney Hall, Early Childhood-School Age; James A. Medlin, Heavy Equipment and Transportation Technology; David Lee Eichinger, Industrial Systems Technology; Donna A. Baker, Medical Office Administration; Alicia Champney, Office Administration; Margaret E. Darden, Office Administration; Shari Elizabeth Stancil, Paralegal Technology; Carla Wennette Darden, Pharmacy Technology; and Coty Brian Shiflett, Radiography.

Sims
Becky Louise Baker, Associate in Arts.

Smithfield
Viviana Callejas, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Tatiana Franco Ramirez, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Tarsha LaVerne Stevens, Accounting; Jan White Waters, Accounting; Sean Erdrich, Advertising and Graphic Design; Leo K. Blum, Jr., Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology and Diploma Welding; Arthur D. Ivey, Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology; Randy Scott King, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology; William Shane Mathis, Diploma Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology and Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology; Crystal F. Bagwell, Associate Degree Nursing; Lisa Donner,  Associate Degree Nursing; Dawn Boyette McBride, Associate Degree Nursing; Tracy Lynn Thompson, Associate Degree Nursing; Samantha Dawn Hinton, Associate Fine Arts –Arts; Tonya Lanette Davis, Associate General Education; Patricia Ann McClain, Associate General Education; Ashley N. Alvarado Rodriguez, Associate in Arts; Alyssa Ann Best, Associate in Arts; Andrew Scott Bolomey, Associate in Arts; Susan Ellen Dodson, Associate in Arts; Andrea Eberhart, Associate in Arts; Laura Sutton Hurt, Associate in Arts; Chris Lamark Johnson, Associate in Arts; David Kevin Lewis, Associate in Arts; Analy Guadalupe Lopez, Associate in Arts; Robert McKeel, Jr., Associate in Arts; Hannah Abdalla Mohamad, Associate in Arts; Chrystal Jane Mohn, Associate in Arts; Sara Mellissa Price, Associate in Arts; Cullen Sharpe, Associate in Arts; Kegan Turner, Associate in Arts; Jennifer Elaine Watkins, Associate in Arts; Kristen Renah Williams, Associate in Arts; Heather Renee Benson, Associate in General Education; Courtney Elizabeth Caple, Associate in General Education; Cindy Vanessa Avila Garcia, Associate in Science; Dirk Edward Langdon, Jr., Associate in Science; Donald Banks Wallace, Associate in Science; Darwin Wade Barton, Bioprocess Technology; Jeremy Shade Jones, Bioprocess Technology; Haley Nicole Adams, Business Administration; Julianne Nicole Edmonds, Business Administration; RoAnn Carlyle Hobgood, Business Administration; Amy Lynn O’Neil, Business Administration; Eric Ray Smith, Business Administration; Courtney Nichole Vann, Business Administration; Angela Tameka Jones, Cardiovascular Sonography; Linda Pearl Trujillo, Community Spanish Interpreter; Patricia Ann Wall Ward, Criminal Justice - Latent Evidence; Cassie Earp, Criminal Justice Technology; Erikka Nichols, Criminal Justice Technology; Miguel Angel Renteria, Criminal Justice Technology; Cassie Earp, Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; Erikka Nichols, Criminal Justice-Latent Evidence; John William Blackman, Jr., Diploma Heavy Equipment and Transport Technology; Amber Sue Anderson, Diploma Medical Assisting; Dora J. Meeks, Diploma Medical Assisting; Jose M. Gonzalez-Martinez, Emergency Medical Science; Amber Sue Anderson, Medical Assisting; Dora J. Meeks, Medical Assisting; Amanda Beth Hall, Medical Office Administration; Jenny Lee Hedgecock, Medical Office Administration; Rebecca Lynn Kujawa, Medical Office Administration; Suzanne Elise Zipf, Medical Office Administration; Patricia A. Baker, Office Administration; Tari Lyn Johnson, Paralegal Technology; and Elizabeth Ann Rathburn, Paralegal Technology.

Stantonsburg
Lindsey Nicole Parnell, Associate General Education; Adam Michael Mangum, Business Administration.

Wade
Bobbi Jean Munsey, Diploma Medical Assisting and Medical Assisting.

Warsaw
Sara Rose Cavenaugh, Medical Sonography.

Wendell
Lauren Leigh Hicks, Associate Fine Arts –Arts; Lauren Elizabeth Broadwell, Associate in Arts; David Kelly Durand, Associate in Science; Mary Massenburg, Early Childhood Associate; Althea Swinson, Nuclear Medicine Technology; and Deborah K. Mitchell, Paralegal Technology.

Willow Spring
Michele Corcoran De Smet, Associate Degree Nursing; Amanda Wall Fipps, Associate in Arts; Alice Karanja, Associate in Arts; David Lance Williams, Associate in Arts; Meagan Cawthorn, Associate in Science; Ivy Dean, Associate in Science; Gerald Lee Wiggins, Bioprocess Technology; Patricia Ellen Rhodes Childers, Criminal Justice - Latent Evidence; Yun Blair, Diploma Cosmetology; Jill M. Bennett, Diploma Paralegal Technology; Kim Sullivan Karaszewski, Medical Office Administration and Office Administration.

Wilson
Rachel Jean Whitley, Medical Sonography; and Candace A. Lamp, Radiography.

Wilson’s Mills
Jennifer Frazier Allen, Bioprocess Technology.

Zebulon
Don Cornelius McCullers, AA-Pre-Business Administration; Lisa Eatmon Stokes, Accounting; Sarah Ward Dunn, Associate General Education; Mary Smith Hicks, Associate General Education; James Michael Hatcher, Associate in Arts; Katie Elizabeth Hinton, Associate in Arts; Blair Elizabeth Sauls, Associate in Arts; Brittany Leanna Turner, Associate in Arts; and Kelly H. Kimball, Nuclear Medicine Technology.

 

 

Runoff Called For In Local State Senate Race
The second-place finisher in last week’s Republican primary for the North Carolina Senate is calling for a runoff election.

Political newcomer Ronald Rabin of Anderson Creek said he intended to file paperwork calling for a rematch between himself and Don Davis of Erwin. Mr. Davis was the first-place finisher in a four-man contest that also included Harnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tim McNeill of Johnsonville and Daniel Glover of Coats.

The state Senate race for District 12 includes portions of Johnston County and all of Harnett and Lee counties and is presently represented by state Sen. David Rouzer, who is running for Congress.

Mr. Davis failed to get the 40 percent of the vote that would have prevented a runoff election.

Election night totals showed him with 37 percent compared to 30 percent for Mr. Rabin. Those numbers changed slightly after errors in Johnston County increased Mr. Davis’ lead. The difference is now 38 percent for Mr. Davis and 28 percent for Mr. Rabin.

Mr. Rabin said the difference doesn’t scare him and he is confident he will win.  “I know I am the best candidate for Harnett County,” he said. “I am filing for a recount because I don’t want to disappoint the people who supported me and I think I will win.”

Mr. Davis is supported by both Mr. Glover and Mr. McNeill. Mr. Rabin said that doesn’t matter.  The primary will be held July 17.

Mr. Davis said he had not yet heard Mr. Rabin had decided to request a runoff election, but said he’s ready to go. “If that’s what he’s doing, that’s what we’re gonna do,” he said. “I’m ready to stick in there and I’ll be campaigning hard.”

Typically, few voters return to the polls to cast ballots in runoff elections. In 2008, voter turnout across the state went from 37 percent in the primary election to just 1.83 percent for the runoff, which included one statewide race.

Other Runoffs
Across the state, there have been at least nine additional candidates who have requested a July 17 primary runoff.

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, Tony Gurley, has requested a runoff against Dan Forest. Mr. Gurley, who received 25 percent of the vote, is calling for a rematch against Mr. Forrest, who topped the 33 percent mark during last Tuesday’s primary election.

Kenn Gardner, a Republican candidate for Secretary of State, is planning a runoff against Ed Goodwin. With no concise Republican winner of last week’s primary, Mr. Gardner with 30 percent and Mr. Goodwin at 36 percent, the two will face each other in July. The victor of the Republican primary will battle incumbent Secretary of State Elaine Marshall of Lillington during the November general election.

In the state Commissioner of Labor’s race, Democratic candidate Marlowe Foster, with 33 percent of last Tuesday’s primary vote, has requested a second primary election against John Brooks, who received 37 percent of the votes.

The Republican candidate for the Superintendent of Public Instruction post, Richard Alexander, has notified the state board of elections, requesting a runoff against Wake County school board member John Tedesco. During the primary, Mr. Tedesco placed first with 28 percent of the vote while Mr. Alexander garnered a close 24 percent of the final tally. Story courtesy The Daily Record


Johnston County Airport Receives $150,000
Money to be used for airfield, terminal improvements

Raleigh -- As part of the NC Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to improving aviation in North Carolina, the N.C. Division of Aviation has awarded $9.6 million in Vision 100 funds from the Federal Aviation Administration to several general aviation airports across the state.

The Johnston County Airport in Smithfield, Harnett Regional Jetport in Erwin, Mount Olive Municipal Airport, Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport, Sampson County Airport in Clinton, and Triangle North Executive Regional Airport in Louisburg each received $150,000.  

Airports can use the funds for general airfield improvements, runway safety, runway extensions or, in the case of Duplin County Airport in Kenansville, be put toward construction of a new terminal. The Division of Aviation, as a participant in the annual Federal Block Grant Program, administers the funds and manages the associated projects provided to the 63 general aviation airports. Normal airport operational costs such as salaries, mowing equipment and supplies are not eligible for funding.

Vision 100 funds are distributed by the FAA to states through the passage of the Wendall H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century in 2003.

Kinston Regional Jetport at Stallings Field received $189,270 for airport signage, fencing and terminal improvements. 2006 File Photo Johnston County Airport

 

3 People Robbed At Gunpoint Outside Their Home
Three people were robbed at gunpoint Monday night while standing in the front yard of their home. It happened around 10pm on Glenn Street, off South Fifth Street. 

Smithfield Police said three men were standing outside talking when a car stopped in front of their home pretending to need directions.  Lt. Keith Powell said two of the three men in the vehicle got out, brandished firearms, and robbed the victims of their cash and cell phones.  No injuries were reported.

The suspects were described as black males. They fled in a gold or tan four door passenger car.  Lt. Powell said the incident appeared to be random.

Anyone with information about the armed robbery or suspects is asked to contact the Smithfield Police Tip Line at 919-989-8835. Callers can remain anonymous.  

 

Pharmacy Employee To Serve 20-36 Months For Pill Theft
A former employee at a Smithfield pharmacy began her prison sentence on Mother’s Day after being convicted of stealing nearly 700 hydrocodone pills from her employer. 

Kimberly Jane Smith, 27, of Baker’s Chapel Road, Smithfield was convicted in court last week to attempted trafficking of a controlled substance, embezzlement of a controlled substance by an employee, and identity theft.

Smith was employed at Carroll Pharmacy in January when Smithfield Police said she used the password of a co-worker to attempt to conceal the after hours theft. 

Johnston County deputies later recovered a majority of the stolen pills from Smith’s home and also arrested her husband, Christopher Bryan Smith, 42, on trafficking and conspiracy charges. 

Smith was sentenced to serve between 20 and 36 months in prison and ordered to complete a controlled substance assessment followed by the recommended treatment. She was given credit for 3 days in jail.  A judge allowed her to spend some time with her family before reporting to jail at 5pm on Sunday.  


Judge Sentences Couple To Prison For Abusing Baby
A Johnston County couple has been sentenced to prison for abusing their 6 week-old daughter.  The incident happened in August and Selma Police arrested the couple in December.  Norberto Velasco Lopez, 26, and Claudia Hernandez Nava, 19, both of West Noble Street, Selma were charged with child abuse. The baby sustained 5 broken bones, including a broken arm and leg.  

Last week, Lopez was convicted of negligent child abuse and was sentenced to serve 19 to 32 months in prison. He was given credit for 160 days in custody while awaiting trial.  Nava was convicted of misdemeanor child abuse and was sentenced to 45 days in jail. 

Social workers took custody of the child following the incident.  


Town Crew Landscapes Traffic Island
Smithfield Public Works Director Lenny Branch and crew install landscaping Monday afternoon on the Brightleaf Blvd traffic islands between Brogden Road and Wellons Street.

The plants were donated by the Smithfield Appearance Commission, Smithfield Mayor Dan Evans, and Smithfield Councilman Perry Harris.

Lanny Thomas of Swift Creek Nursery and Carroll Pharmacy are also donating crepe myrtles for one of the islands. Donations from the public are welcome, as more beautification projects are on the drawing board. Photo by Carter Rabil

 

Money Taken In Church, Residential Break-Ins
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two break-ins. On May 11, Manuel Ayala, 58, of Harper House Road, Four Oaks reported someone broke into his home and stole $15,000 in cash and $2,000 in copper wiring. 

On May 12, members of the Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church, located at 3750 Highway 301 North, Selma, discovered a break-in. Someone entered through a back door. Once inside the church, the suspect stole $10 in change. 


Neighbor Charged In Break-In While Family Was Vacationing
A Smithfield woman was arrested Friday on charges she broke into her neighbor’s home while they were vacationing in Myrtle Beach. Josephine Loretta Byrd, 32, of Cleveland Road, was charged with the April 29 break-in at her neighbor’s home.

In the break-in, a 46-inch TV, phone, battery charger, and two air compressors were reported stolen.  Byrd was charged with felony possession of stolen goods and felony accessory. Johnston County deputies said a second arrest is pending.

 
Driver Charged With Operating Vehicle Under Influence Of Medication
A Four Oaks man was charged with driving under the influence of prescription medication.  A deputy said he stopped a car for speeding and reckless driving on US70 near Princeton around 8:45am Friday. The driver, identified as Billy Rickie Raynor, 62, of Keen Road, Four Oaks, was charged with driving while impaired, speeding, and aggressive driving.

Tammy Amaon, spokesperson for the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, said Raynor was transported to Johnston Medical Center where a blood test was given after the officer suspected Raynor was driving while under the influence of medication.

Raynor was later released from the Johnston County Jail on a $1,000 bond.

 

Teens Charged With Armed Pizza Robbery
Two Clayton teenagers have been charged with the armed robbery of a pizza deliver driver. It happened April 18 as a driver for 3 Olives Pizza & Deli was making a delivery on Mail Street.  The victim said two people came from behind a residence and robbed him of the two pizzas he was about to deliver. No money was taken, but the victim said one of the suspects was carrying a rifle.

Clayton Police have now charged Alexander Dayquan Means, 16, and Robert Dijon Morrisey, 18, both of Dogwood Avenue with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery.  

Means was also wanted on similar charges by Garner Police.  Both suspects were placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $100,000 bond each.

 

Clayton Police Make Two DWI Arrests
Clayton Police make two weekend drunken driving arrests.  Police stopped a car on US70 Business around 2:51am Friday and charged the driver with DWI.  Emily Lynn Bauer, 22, (right) of Raeford, NC registered 0.26 on the Breathalyzer, more than triple the legal limit of 0.08, according to a Clayton Police arrest report.

Around 2:05am Saturday, officers arrested Shawntel Lee Pichardo, 33, (left) of Raleigh for driving while impaired after stopping a 2005 Cadillac  on O’Neil Street.  Police said Pichardo registered 0.18, more than double the legal limit of 0.08.  Pichardo was also charged with failure to stop for a stop sign, reckless driving, and having an open container of alcohol in her vehicle, according to an arrest report.

Bauer was released on a $2,000 bond. Pichardo posted a $2,500 bond.

 

Johnston Residents Claim Three Statewide Awards
Three Community and Senior Services’ Volunteers Receive 2012 NC Governor’s Award

On May 1, Joan Bohn and Mary Perdue of Clayton along with Sadie Tedder of Smithfield received recognition as recipients of the prestigious 2012 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Each person was recognized for their service as a volunteer for Community and Senior Services (CSS) of Johnston County. The volunteers contributed their time and energy in various capacities including meal delivery for the Home Delivered Meal program, lunch preparation and service for the Congregate Meal Program, and activity implementation for the Senior Activity Center program. The award ceremony took place at the CSS main office on West Market Street in Smithfield.

The award selection process was competitive. Each of North Carolina’s 100 counties nominated up to five potential recipients to the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. From these nominations, the Commission selected recipients for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award based on specific selection criteria. The award honored volunteers by recognizing individuals, groups, and businesses who contributed to their community through volunteer service. The volunteers from CSS stood out as some of North Carolina’s finest volunteers for their unwavering service within the Johnston County senior community.

Community & Senior Services of Johnston County, Inc., formerly Johnston County is Council on Aging, is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide services that enable older adults to lead quality lives of dignity and independence. This mission is fulfilled through the provision of senior services, housing, and transportation programs throughout Johnston County. CSS is currently focused on expanding access to its services. The agency depends heavily upon its volunteers to assist in realizing its mission. Along with the generous donations of its many sponsors, volunteers play a crucial role in the creation and delivery of quality programs. They enable CSS to maximize its positive impact on the senior community of Johnston County.


Teens Charged With Trafficking Cocaine
Two Selma teens are facing serious cocaine trafficking charges following an undercover operation involving Selma Police narcotic agents.  Around 1:30am May 9, police allege the two suspect delivered one ounce of powder cocaine to a location on West Waddell Street before their car was surrounded and they were arrested. 

Oscar Rene Seriano, 19, of Center Street, and Lucas E. Mazzo-Gonzalez, 19, of Shadow Bend Court, were charged with trafficking cocaine and each was confined in the Johnston County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

Detective S.C. Richardson said the drugs had a potential street value of $1,200.  Richardson said the teens did not realize they were talking with an undercover officer when they were setting up the drug deal, reportedly as a way for the two fast food workers to make extra money.  The new Selma Police Department K-9 “Gin” was also used in the takedown. 

 

$1 Million In Cocaine Seized During DWI Checkpoint

(Right) Deputies search the door panels of a car during a DWI Checkpoint Saturday night in Princeton. 10 kilos of cocaine were found inside the door panels. Photo by Carter Rabil (Below) The cocaine, cash, and other items seized from the vehicle.

A DWI Traffic Checkpoint Saturday night on US70 Highway in Princeton led to just one DWI arrest, but a vehicle that passed through the checkpoint was found to have been carrying 10 kilos of cocaine with a street value of $1 million. 

Daniel Rabiela Gonzalez, 33, and Everardo Rabiela, 29, of Auburn, Georgia were arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine. Each was being held Monday in the Johnston County Jail under a $5 million bond each.

Agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division said the drugs were concealed inside the door compartments of the vehicle.

Over 40 law enforcement officers participated in the Princeton Police Department checkpoint, including the Kenly, Pine Level, Selma, Clayton, and Smithfield Police Departments, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, NC Highway Patrol, and Johnston County Probation.  

Other charges include: 1 DWI arrest, 17 no operators license, 11 driving on a revoked license, 10 expired registration, 3 inspection violations, 3 fictitious registration, 2 fictitious information to law enforcement officer, 1 allowing unlicensed driver to operate motor vehicle, 1 possession of non-tax paid liquor (moonshine), 2 no insurance, 2 wanted persons. 



Campbell Baseball To Hold Johnny Parker Day On Friday
As many people in the Campbell Baseball family know, Johnny Parker, father of standout scholar athlete Colin Parker (Class of 2011) is battling cancer. Several of the fathers of Colin's teammates, along with Coach Goff and the Campbell Athletic Department, have decided to hold "Johnny Parker Day" on Friday, May 18th when the Fighting Camel baseball squad hosts Presbyterian College at 6 p.m.

Tim Johnson, Ricky Lowry and Stuart Watlington, whose sons Zach Johnson, Blake Lowry, and John Watlington were Campbell teammates with Colin, have put together a raffle with some great prizes to raise funds for the Johnny Parker campaign. The three grand prizes are: two lower level tickets to see the Carolina Panthers host the Denver Broncos on November 11, 2012, with two hotel nights included at the Hampton Inn in Charlotte, a Holland Grill valued at $1,100, and a Pearl Jewelry set valued at $800. 

The day is not only a fundraiser, but a way that the Campbell Baseball family can let Johnny, Colin and the rest of their family know how much his involvement and support means to the Campbell Baseball family, and let them know that they are constantly in our prayers.

"Johnny has been an outstanding friend of the Fighting Camels. He is always a joy to be around at the ballgames," Stuart Watlington stated. "Ricky, Tim and I feel like this effort on behalf of the Campbell Baseball family is a small way of showing our support to Johnny and his family in the battle they are dealing with. More than anything, we are praying for Johnny, who is presently hospitalized, to be healthy enough on May 18th to make it to "The Creek" on the day that we are holding in his honor."

"We have had some wonderful friends donate some fabulous gifts for the raffle, and the proceeds from the raffle will hopefully help Johnny with his increasing medical bills," Watlington further stated. "Tim Johnson and Ricky Lowry have worked so hard on this event and I sincerely hope that Johnny's many friends and the Campbell Baseball family will show up on May 18th in great numbers to help us let Johnny know that we are on board and battling with him in spirit and prayer."

Special thanks go out to Pat and Cathy Daly of Danville, Va. for donating the Panthers/Broncos weekend, to Hudson Hardware of Garner for donating the Holland Grill and to Evans Jewelry of Smithfield for donating the Pearl Jewelry Set. The raffle drawing will be conducted during the seventh inning stretch at the May 18th game, and raffle tickets can be purchased on site up until the seventh inning on that day.

Ticket holders do not have to be present to win, and any one wanting to purchase raffle tickets now may contact Tim Johnson at 919-796-8640, Ricky Lowry at 919-612-8611 or Stuart Watlington at 434-250-0720.


Man Shot During Hit And Run Accident
Garner Police are asking for the publics help in locating a driver who shot a motorist following a hit and run accident Sunday morning on Jones Sausage Road. 

Police said a car was rear ended by another vehicle around 1am. A passenger in the car that was hit, Macario Bustos of Raleigh, got out and spoke with the operator of the other vehicle.  The driver of the suspect vehicle asked the victim not to call police. When Bustos refused, the suspect shot him four times and fled from the scene.

Bustos, 27, is in stable condition at WakeMed where he underwent emergency surgery and is expected to recover.

Police are looking for witnesses to the crash and information on the suspect’s vehicle, a red late-model sedan.  The suspect operating the vehicle was a Hispanic male.   

Witnesses are asked to call Garner Police at 919-772-8810 to provide information.


Two Wanted In Motel Money Theft
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance identifying a man and woman who stole an undisclosed amount of money from the Super 8 Motel on Leone Court, near the Highway 42 / I-40 interchange around 10am on Saturday, May 5.

The suspects arrived in separate vehicles. While at the front desk, the clerk walked away momentarily, during which time the suspects took cash from a register then fled.

The first suspect is a black male, 6 foot tall, who arrived and left the hotel in a white Chevy Monte Carlo.  The second suspect, a white female, 5 foot 5, 180 pounds with long frizzy strawberry colored hair, wearing black frame glasses, arrived and left in a green Chevy Lumina. 

Both were last seen traveling on Cleveland Crossing Drive towards Highway 42 West.

Anyone who recognizes either suspect is asked to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5010. Callers can remain anonymous.   

 

Kenly Chamber Director Resigns
The Kenly Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new executive director.  Susan Phillips resigned as executive director of the Kenly Chamber effective Friday.  According to chamber president Dale Moore, the Kenly Chamber Executive Officers have assumed all responsibilities of Phillips' duties including rental operations of the Kenly American Legion Building. 

An officers meeting was held Monday afternoon to begin the search for her replacement.  “We thank Susan for her work with the Chamber and wish her success in the future,” President Moore wrote in an email to chamber members. 

 

NC42, Cleveland Road Intersection To Be Upgraded
The N.C. Department of Transportation has started an improvement project at the intersection of N.C. 42 and Cleveland School Road in Johnston County, southwest of Clayton.

Crews with Fred Smith Co. of Raleigh will construct a second left-turn lane on N.C. 42 West at the intersection with Cleveland School Road. A 1,000-foot lane will also be added on Cleveland School Road to accommodate the second lane of traffic turning left from N.C. 42 and signals will be updated on N.C. 42 West for the additional lane.

N.C. 42 and Cleveland School Road will remain open to traffic with lane closures in place. Crews can work seven days a week; however, no lane closures can take place between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m., and between 3 and 7 p.m. on weekdays. The entire project will take approximately four months to complete. Photo by Carter Rabil

 

Garner Named Educational Office Professional Of The Year
On May 10, Wanda Garner, the NC Wise Data Manager at Wilson’s Mills Elementary, was awarded with the district’s highest honor an educational office professional can receive, the JCAEOP (Johnston County Association Educational Office Professional) Education Office Professional of the Year Award.

Ms. Garner has been a member of JCAEOP for the past 22 years. She is currently serving in her first year at Wilson’s Mills Elementary, but she brought a wealth of experience working in Johnston County Schools in various roles for the past 27 years. She has served as Secretary/Bookkeeper at Corinth-Holders Elementary and in the Johnston County Schools Child Nutrition Department.

Her principal, Mr. Jamie Stoke says that she has demonstrated tremendous professionalism, dedication, and a willingness and determination to learn as she has transitioned into her new role at Wilson’s Mills Elementary School. “She knows how to solve problems and how to find answers. If she does not have an answer to a question being asked, she will kindly state, ‘I don’t know, but I will find out!’ She always does find the correct way to handle every challenge sent her way,” Stokes said.

Ms. Garner is a life long learner as demonstrated by her attendance at all state conferences, district meetings, and almost all local meetings since 1990. Ms. Garner states that her involvement with JCAEOP has provided many opportunities to improve personally and professionally. She achieved her Advanced Associate I Certificate in 1997 through the organization’s Professional Standards Program and has continuously renewed every five years. She has served on numerous committees, and was honored with the Achievement and Appreciation Award for Enthusiasm and Effort for Excellence in Education in 1997.

 

Area Student Selected For NC Pottery Center Ceramics Exhibit
High school students made that?” is a common remark after seeing the outstanding ceramics made by students for this exhibit. 
Nicholas Daunoy, a senior at West Johnston High School, will have his hand-built piece "March of the Bees" on display in the exhibit.
  
The North Carolina Pottery Center presents “NC Ceramics Student Exhibition I: High School”, featuring ceramics done by high school students from across North Carolina.  Students from all NC high schools were invited to submit entries.  The pieces selected for the exhibit are quite impressive and will be on display at the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove. 

Starting with an Opening Reception held last Friday, May 11, the exhibition will run through July 28.   More than 130 spectacular and imaginative pieces from whimsical to functional will be on display, highlighting the talents of NC high school students. 
 
The mission of the North Carolina Pottery Center is to promote public awareness of and appreciation for the history, heritage, and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina. The Center is located at 233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC. Hours of operation are Tues - Sat 10 am - 4 pm. For more information, please call 336-873-8430


Don Lassiter Appears On 1090-AM WTSB
Don Lassiter, the co-founder of Heartland Payment Systems, was recently at WTSB. Heartland Payment Systems embraces the "swipe card technology" and employees about 2,500 people. Mr. Lassiter is from the Micro area, where he resides with his wife, Linda. He enjoys giving scholarships to needy qualified students and giving back to the community, the church, and Johnston Community College. WTSB Photo


Town Manager: Code Enforcement Initiative To Begin Soon
Smithfield Town Manager Paul Sabiston has informed council members the Town will begin a new code enforcement initiative beginning in the next 45 to 60 days.  Dozens of code enforcement complaints have gone unanswered by the Town, something Sabiston wants to change.

The first step will be the hiring of a new code enforcement officer.  The officer will focus primarily on residential properties, which tend to be general complaints about debris and trash, vegetation issues, vehicle abandonment, and minimum housing violations. Sabiston says he wants the planning department to work with the police department and public works department in a joint initiative to bring properties up to code.

Sabiston said he wants the Council on board with the plan because normally increased code enforcement tends to generate complaints from the public. 

"I expect codes to be enforced," Mayor Pro Tem Emery Ashley said. “It will be a nice change of pace to get complaints from enforcement rather than non-enforcement.”  Ashley also requested the Manager report to the town board each month the number of code enforcement complaints received, the types of complaints, and how many have been resolved.

Sabiston said in a memo to the Council, the new code enforcement officer will canvas the entire town for code violations. After a code violation is noted during the enforcement campaign, the property owner will be contacted directly alerting them to the violation.  After a reasonable period of time – approximately 30 days, if the owner has not addressed the problem, a violation notice letter will be issued starting the clock on when the violation must be resolved.

Sabiston said if the letters are not successful then enforcement would be pursued “strongly and without hesitation.” 

One possible idea being considered is limited free debris removal and pickup.  Sabiston estimates the cost could range from $8,000 to $20,000 a year for the limited service, but it would likely prompt property owners to tackle larger eyesores such as dilapidated backyard sheds and the like. 

"We will be fair, we will be consistent," Sabiston said. Photos by Carter Rabil 


Superintendent Named Administrator Of The Year
At the annual Johnston County Association of Educational Office Professionals (JCAEOP) Awards Banquet held on Thursday Superintendent Dr. Ed Croom was named the JCAEOP Administrator of the Year.

Dr. Croom has been superintendent since March 2009 and was Deputy Superintendent under the leadership of previous superintendents, Dr. Jim Causby and Dr. Tony Parker. Before stepping into that role, Dr. Croom served as Workforce Development Director in Johnston County Schools. Before coming to Central Services, he was principal at South Johnston High School. As a former Career and Technical Education Teacher at Charles B. Aycock School in Wayne County and Princeton High in Johnston County, Croom has a deep commitment to success for students, teachers and administrators at the school site.

Dr. Croom was deeply humbled by the award and stated that it is indeed an honor to be nominated and recognized by the people you work with every day. He states that the true honor belongs to those Educational Office Professionals who work tirelessly to assist in the day-to-day operations of the school system. Without those, it would be impossible for Johnston County Schools to maintain the reputation of being one of the best school systems in the state and nation.”


JCC Hosts Annual Legislative Breakfast

Student ambassador Katherine Robbs of Clayton, who plans to study nursing, told the audience JCC was always one of her top choices for college.

Johnston Community College held its annual Legislative Breakfast Monday, May 7 in the Great Hall of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium on the main campus in Smithfield.

Federal, state, and county leaders, community college representatives, JCC students, and faculty and staff attended the event, including N.C. Rep. Leo Daughtry, N.C. Rep. James Langdon, and Jeff Carver, vice chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. Also in attendance were district representatives for U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and Congresswoman Renee Ellmers.

The audience heard testimonials from student ambassadors Kameron Wood of Selma, Katherine Robbs of Clayton, and Rebecca Cook of Princeton who shared how JCC is helping them to achieve their educational and career goals.

“JCC and the student ambassador program have been a wonderful experience this past year,” said Robbs, who will graduate with an associate in science degree in May 2013. “I’ve gotten the chance to meet many new people and although I am sad to say this coming year will be my last at JCC, I can honestly say that this is only the beginning of my educational journey.”

JCC President David Johnson thanked the legislative guests for their support and stressed the need for state leaders to restore in the upcoming budget some $80 million in recent management flexibility cuts to the state’s 58 community colleges. If restored, JCC’s portion of these cuts could be used to hire more full-time faculty and improve facilities and equipment among other priorities, Johnson said.

Representatives Daughtry and Langdon pledged support for community colleges, but said budget decisions will be difficult. “It’s about priorities, and our community colleges are one of the best priorities we have,” Langdon said.



A Look Back To 1949
It's 1949, and this is the Selma Legion Junior team.

First Row - Charles West, Clarence Bailey, Maurice Canaday, Bobby Pittman & Billy Rackley.

Second Row - John Kernoodle, Delon Barbour, Elvin Johnson, Dick Adams & Charles 'Shotgun' Poole.

Third Row - P. B. Johnson, Boyce 'Dero' Davis, Dennis Parrish, A. G. Askew & Norman Edgerton.

Fourth Row - Bat Boys Charles Upchurch, Billy Parrish, Jimmy Fowler, Billy Thompson, Coach Johnny Colones, Business Manager Ed Creech & Scorekeeper James Poole.

Photo by Herman D. Lawson. Contributed by CarterRabil@gmail.com

 

Miss West Johnston High School Crowned
School Club Supports Relay for Life With Miss WJHS Crowning

On April 28, the West Johnston High School HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association) club held their annual Miss West Johnston High School Pageant.  The event has been a tradition for several years with the platform of the reigning Miss WJHS focusing on raising funds for Relay for Life.  The winner this year was Zophia Jackowski. 

Miss Jackowski, who is a freshman at West, also won the Talent Award.  She will represent the school in several events throughout her reign and will plan and organize the Womanless Pageant in the fall as well as the following Miss West Johnston Pageant of 2013. 

Ashton Davenport won the Sponsorship Award. Talia Vanderbeek was the runner-up.

The pageant this year raised over $2,700 for Relay for Life.

The Relay for Life will be held June 1-2 at Smithfield Selma High School.

 


Heritage Center Publishes Book Listing 1867-1900 Local Marriages
The staff of the Johnston County Heritage Center has compiled a book of Johnston County marriage records for the years 1867-1900.

Data in the book was compiled from microfilm and other materials on file at the Heritage Center and then checked against original handwritten marriage registers kept in the Johnston County Register of Deeds Office.

This 1867-1900 Register is the second in a series produced by the Heritage Center’s staff. An earlier volume covers Johnston County marriages during the years 1901-1920.

The Marriage Register books may be purchased for $40 each, including sales tax, at the Heritage Center, located at 241 E. Market Street in Downtown Smithfield, or ordered through the center’s website.



Princeton Elementary – Building Our School With Kindness

Front row from left to right: Mason Rose (Rose Hayes 2nd grade class), Austin Lett (Kristal Smith Pre-K), Mason Griggs (Bonnie Barber Kindergarten), Emmanuel Richardson (Jan Bullock’s 1st grade), Back row from left to right: Daniel King (Crystal Marcum’s 4th grade), Josh Huffman (Helen Brannan’s 2nd grade), Lamarr Wilkins (Cynthia Vetrano’s 5th grade), and Jared Jones (Neva Worley’s 3rd grade).

Princeton Elementary School is proud to finish the year off with the children sharing acts of kindness. Our school is using an activity from the SEFEL (Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning) program to encourage our students. This program helps build students self-esteem and encourages them to show kindness and compassion to their classmates. The activity is called “Building our School with Kindness.” This has been a great activity that involves the entire school.

Each time a teacher sees a student demonstrating a kind or compassionate act the child is given a brick. The teacher will write the students name and the act the child demonstrated on the brick and the brick is then placed on the schoolhouse. We will continue our “Kindness” campaign until the end of the school year.

We as a staff have already seen students behaving in better ways toward their peers and we have also seen students that get their name on the school just beam with pride. This is a great way for students to see that kindness and compassion are great character traits. We are proud of all the students for their acts of Kindness. Keep up the good work!

 


Homeless Man Severely Beaten
Smithfield Police are investigating the beating of a homeless man found on Franklin Drive off US301 South Wednesday afternoon.  Jose Hernandez, 50, was rushed by ambulance to WakeMed in Raleigh for treatment of serious injuries.

Police Lt. Keith Powell said three black male suspects beat Hernandez during a robbery attempt.  Hernandez did not have any money or valuables for the suspects to steal.

Officers said the robbery happened Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. It took several hours before someone located Hernandez and called police. 

Anyone with information about the robbery, including anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area after 9pm Tuesday, is asked to contact the Smithfield Police Tip Line at 919-989-8835. Callers can remain anonymous. Photo by Carter Rabil



Arts Council Announces Winners From Arts & Food Festival

(Top right) Casey’s Floral and Catering Service won Best Presentation at the JCAC Arts and Food Festival Gala. 

(Lower right) McKinley's Pub and Restaurant won Best Dessert.

The Johnston County Arts Council hosted its third Annual Arts and Food Festival Gala on April 27 at the Johnston County Agricultural Auditorium. 

Twenty-eight artists participated in the juried art show.  Judge Tim Postell and judge Doug Van de Zande said, “the quality of art work was excellent and it was difficult to choose the winners”. The following were awarded in the painting/ mixed media:

1st Place: Maria Baluis- Three’s a Crowd;  2nd Place: William Breazeale – View from East Martin St.; 3rd Place: Laura Bailey- Roses in a Red Dress; Honorable Mentions:  Janie Prete-Beneath; Carolyn Howard- Tree of Life/Family of Man;  and Jim Whitfield- Sunlit Detail.

Winners for the photography: 1st Place: Wayne Dockery- Twinned Oaks in Snow; 2nd Place: Frank Dziepak- Winter Barn; 3rd Place: Wayne Dockery- Anonymous Tobacco and Honorable Mention: Joseph Hester- Black Mr. Dahlias.  First place winners received $100, second place-$50, and third place- $25. 

Fourteen Johnston County restaurants offered samplings of their signature dishes for judges from Wake Technical Culinary School with the following restaurants receiving awards:

Best Entrée- Imposimato, the Traveling Chef of Smithfield; Best Dessert- McKinley’s Irish Pub and Restaurant of Clayton and Best Presentation-Casey’s Floral and Catering Service of Princeton.  TerraFin Station of Clayton received the People’s Choice Award for Best Restaurant as determined by vote of festival attendees.

The fundraiser generated monies to assist the Arts Council with funding for Artists-in-the-Schools program, in providing scholarships for Johnston Community College students studying Fine Arts and community programming.




Jean McHone Selected As Volunteer Of The Year
The Clayton Center honors Scene Stealers at annual banquet


Jean McHone (far right) receives The Clayton Center’s 2012 Scene Stealers Volunteer of the Year Award from Nikki Dyke, volunteer coordinator.

Clayton – Jean McHone of Clayton was honored as The Clayton Center’s 2012 Scene Stealers Volunteer of the Year on May 7 during the Center’s annual volunteer appreciation event.

The Scene Stealers are a group of volunteers who assist during Palladian Series and other performances at The Clayton Center. They greet patrons, work as ushers and ticket takers, pass out programs and sell concessions during the shows.

McHone has volunteered with the Scene Stealers for several years. “Jean is a dedicated volunteer and a wonderful ambassador for The Clayton Center,” Heidi Stump, Center executive director, said. “She has helped us to recruit new Scene Stealer members over the years, and we appreciate her commitment to the Center and the Palladian Series.”

Stump added, “We are grateful to all of the Scene Stealers for the wonderful job they do ensure that our patrons have an enjoyable experience at The Clayton Center.”

In addition to receiving an award of her own, McHone’s name will be engraved on the Scene Stealers perpetual plaque that hangs outside of The Clayton Center box office.

Individuals interested in volunteering with the Scene Stealers can call Nikki Dyke, volunteer coordinator, at 919-553-1737.



Reward Offered In Smithfield Convenience Store Robbery
Smithfield Police have released images from a security camera in hopes the public might be able to help detectives identify two men who robbed the Kangaroo convenience store at 1137 North Brightleaf Boulevard around 1:57am on the morning on Tuesday, May 1.

One of the men was wearing a mask and a blue Duke sweatshirt. The other was wearing a hoodie.  One of the men was armed with a gun. He took an undisclosed amount of money from the clerk and a cell phone before fleeing on foot.  No injuries were reported.

Police Lt. Keith Powell said a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and convictions of the suspects. Anyone who has information about the robbery is asked to contact Smithfield Police at 919-934-2121 or the Smithfield Police Tip Line at 919-989-8835.