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Filing Period For Municipal Elections Begins

Top Photo (L to R): Rep. James H. Langdon Jr., Rep. Leo Daughtry, Clerk of Court Will Crocker, Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod, and Register of Deeds Craig Olive file for election. All the candidates filed for their respective seats expect for McLeod who has filed for NC Senate District 12. (Below) Sheriff Steve Bizzell, Commissioner Cookie Pope, and Commissioner Chair Wade Stewart file for re-election on Monday. WTSB Photos


The filing period for the 2010 municipal elections opened at noon today with a flurry of activity.  In Johnston County, Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod, a Democrat, filed for the NC State Senate seat in District 12, covering Johnston and Wayne counties, currently represented by David Rouzer.  Rouzer, a Republican from the McGee’s Crossroads community, is serving his first term in District 12.  McLeod, a small business owner, was first elected to the Mayor’s office in 2004 and was re-elected in 2008.  Before serving as Mayor, McLeod was on the Clayton Town Council for 4 years, including two as Mayor Pro Tem. McLeod currently serves on the Johnston County Economic Development Board and the Johnston County Community College Foundation Board.  “As a Main Street, small business owner, I understand the difficult times faced by the middle class and working families throughout Johnston and Wayne counties,” said McLeod.  “I look forward to working with the leaders of our state to continue to bring economic recovery to the middle class and working families throughout Johnston and Wayne counties.  I am committed to work with anyone and everyone to ensure the people of Johnston and Wayne counties have jobs, their children can get the best public education possible, and that everyone can have access to affordable health care coverage.”

Johnston County Clerk of Court Will Crocker filed for his 9th term. Crocker has served as Clerk of Court since 1978.  Representative Leo Daughtry filed for his tenth term in the NC House District 26.  Previously, Daughtry served two terms in the NC Senate.  Representative James H. Langdon Jr., a retired educator, filed Monday for his fourth two-year term in the NC House District 28.  Register of Deeds Craig Olive of Clayton filed for his third term.   Chairman of the County Board of Commissioner Wade Stewart of Four Oaks, who has served for the past 12 years representing District 3, filed for his fourth term, while Commissioner Cookie Pope of the Cleveland community filed for her fifth term.  Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell filed for his fourth term.  Butler Hall and Dorothy Johnson filed for re-election to the Johnston County Board of Education.  The filing period will remain open until Friday, February 26 at 12 Noon.

 

Attorney, Economic Development Positions Filled With Part-Time Workers
Due to the current budget situation, Johnston County officials have filled two former full-time positions with part-time workers, at least temporarily.  Peggy Anderson is working part-time as the Economic Development Director for Johnston County, replacing Michael DeSherbanin who retired last year. Anderson is a retiree of the NC Department of Commerce where she worked in economic development, according to County Manager Rick Hester.  She will be paid $60 an hour.  Also, local attorney David Mills will work part-time as the County Attorney, replacing Mark Payne who was the former full time attorney.  Mills, who works at a Smithfield law firm, will be paid $160 an hour for his work with the county.  As to whether the two jobs will ever become full-time again, Hester said Commissioners will evaluate the positions in the future and choose the direction they want to go.    

Woman Charged With Ramming Car On US70
A Smithfield woman is facing child abuse and assault charges following an incident January 29 on Highway 70 near Princeton.  Johnston County sheriff’s deputies arrested 20 year-old Sumer Nichol Crawley following an incident involving her ex-boyfriend, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon.  Crawley was allegedly chasing her ex-boyfriend in a car and struck his vehicle while chasing it, Amaon said, even though Crawley’s one year-old daughter was in the back seat of her vehicle.  Crawley was charged with child abuse and assault with a deadly weapon and released on $3,000 bail pending her next court appearance. No injuries were reported.   

Trent Price Appointed To Smithfield Planning Board
The Smithfield Town Council has appointed Trent Price of Brookwood Drive to a seat on the Smithfield Planning Board.  In a letter to the Council, Price said, “I am a long time resident of Smithfield and I believe I would add value to the current board.” There are several other vacancies on town boards, including four vacancies on the appearance commission, 2 open seats on the Historic Properties Commission, two positions on the planning board, plus one ETJ position on the planning board.  

Town Applies For $9,120 Mosquito Control Grant
With the cold weather, it is not a time we would normally think about mosquitoes. However, the Smithfield Public Works Department is doing just that.  Superintendent Lenny Branch received approval last week from the Smithfield Town Council to apply for a state grant seeking $9,120.39 or about half of the cost to control the mosquito’s population this summer.  The town normally sprays a 12.2 square mile area each year to control the annoying insects.

Vandals Strike Elementary School For Fifth Time
Clayton Police are asking for help in identifying the person or persons who has vandalized Powhatan Elementary School on Vinson Road at least five times in the past year.  On February 2, officers reported the interior to a school bus had been set on fire.  On January 24, windows to a school bus had been broken.  On April 16, 2009, a video surveillance camera captured the images of two young persons on campus after hours that may be related to some of the vandalism acts.  Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact the Detectives Division of the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-461. Additionally, anyone with information about the location of these suspects may also contact Clayton Crime Stoppers at 359-TIPZ (8479).  A cash reward is available for information that leads to the arrest of these suspects.  Callers can remain confidential.

Man Invites 5 Undercover Drug Agents To Motel To Smoke Marijuana
An Angier man picked the wrong group of people to strike up a conversation with last week at a Benson area restaurant.  Five plain-clothes undercover drug agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office were on their meal break when 29 year-old Anthony Whidby reportedly took a seat next to them.  Whidby and one of the officers reportedly began a friendly chat and after a short while allegedly invited the five men back to his motel room to smoke marijuana.  The undercover officers gladly accepted his offer and after arriving at his room were shown the marijuana. One officer was even asked to roll the marijuana into a joint, according to Tammy Amaon, a spokesperson with the Johnston County Sheriff’s office.  Whidby was reportedly shocked to learn the five men in his room were undercover narcotics officers.  Whidby was cited for marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession.    





  


Two Sewer Spills Reported Saturday
Intense rainfall is being blamed in part for two sewer spills in Johnston County on Saturday. About 5,000 gallons of wastewater escaped from a manhole on Industrial Drive in Selma. The spill flowed into an unnamed tributary of Buffalo Creek. Also on Saturday, about 13,500 gallons of wastewater flowed into Moccasin Creek after an overflow at the Pine Level pump station on Pine Level-Micro Road in Pine Level.  County officials said the overflow was caused by excessive storm water infiltration and inflow in the Town of Pine Level wastewater collection system.   Both spills were reported to the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Division of Water Quality.  Citizens with questions about the incidents can contact the Johnston County Department of Utilities at 919-989-5075.

Republic Women Install New Officers
The Johnston County Republican Women installed 2010 Officers during their January meeting at McCall's Seafood & BBQ Restaurant in Clayton. Pictured (left to right) Dr. Patricia Brady Harris of Smithfield, Treasurer; Denise Rentz of Garner, Secretary; Teresa Grant of Garner, Vice President; Joy Paul of McGee's Crossroads, President. For more information about the Johnston County Republican Women contact Joy Paul.

Second Arrest Made In 2009 Soft Drink, Candy Thefts
A second arrest has been made in a break-in last summer at the Blackmon’s Crossroads Recreation Center.  Justin Lee Hix, 16, of Raleigh Road, Benson was charged January 27 with felony larceny.  In July 2009, Jacob Whittington was charged with the June 27 incident where someone kicked in the door to a concession stand and reportedly took soft drinks and candy. 

JCC Country Music Showcase Held
Even with cold, rainy weather last weekend, patrons turned out for the seventeenth anniversary JCC Country Music Showcase performance of “Home Is Where The Heart Is" at the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium in Smithfield. Tina Seldin Cash was the co-emcee. Guest performers included: Alvin Smith, Kaitlyn Flythe, Mary Surles, Mel Thompson, Sarah Disorbo, and Scotty McCreery. JCC CMS members included Chris Raynor, Debbie Elam, Sandy Millard, Yvonne Wheeler, and the Showcase Band. The next JCC CMS show " Country Hall of Fame " will be held April 9 - 10, 2010. Tickets are available at the JCC Box Office by calling 919-209-2099 or on their website. Photo by Robin Stallings

Superintendent Shares Life Lessons With McGee’s Students
Superintendent of Johnston County Schools Dr. Ed Croom visited the McGee's Middle School AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students January 25, the first day of second semester. Students enjoyed hearing about Dr. Croom's life lessons and how he personalizes success.  The students asked questions and introduced themselves to him after the presentation.  The students also learned several interesting facts about Johnston County Schools budget as well as how Dr. Croom's wife helped him to stay on track at one point in his educational pursuits.  All of the students left with a feeling of excitement about the new semester.  Many of the students commented that they liked how Dr. Croom emphasized staying focused because it is such a crucial part of the AVID program.

NJ Senior Advances To Poetry Out Loud Competition Results

Pictured L to R: Syntina Nesbitt and Sahraya Hunter. Contributed photo

On January 21, two students participated in the Johnston County School District Poetry Out Loud Competition. Sahraya Hunter, a sophomore at the Early College Academy, and Syntina Nesbitt, a senior at North Johnston High School, recited two poems from memory before a panel of judges. Both students were nervous but performed phenomenally well. Decided by the narrowest of margins, Sahraya Hunter was chosen to advance to the state competition on February 28 at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. She will be representing Johnston County Schools in what will certainly be an intense competition. One winner from the state competition will be invited to represent the State of North Carolina at the National Finals in Washington, D.C. on April 27, 2010. Fifty students will compete for the grand prize of $20,000.  The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with State Arts Agencies of the United States to support the expansion of Poetry Out Loud, which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. This exciting program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. 

 

Governor Appoints Gilchrist To 11th District Court Bench
On Friday, Gov. Bev Perdue appointed Charles “Winston” Gilchrist of Lillington to the 11th Judicial District Court Bench, which covers Johnston, Harnett, and Lee Counties.  The seat was created by the General Assembly in 2008.  “Winston Gilchrist’s experience in civil and criminal court, as well as his experience in juvenile court matters, have prepared him well for service on the District Court bench,” said Perdue. “He has earned the respect of his peers as a thoughtful and able advocate.  Gilchrist, a former Harnett County Democratic Party chairman, will take the bench in the next several weeks after some of his ongoing cases are completed.  He is one of several people from the three counties who expressed interest in the position. Gilchrist said he is glad to have the opportunity to serve. “I am excited and honored to get this appointment,” he said. He will quickly find himself in the middle of the political season, however. The seat will be up for election in the November general elections this year. Because he will no longer be allowed to practice law, Mr. Gilchrist will have to give up his position as Lillington town attorney. He has served in that position for 13 years. Gilchrist is a native of western Harnett County and a graduate of Western Harnett High School. He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Also Friday, Gov. Perdue appointed Keith O’Brien Gregory to the 10th Judicial District for Wake County. Gregory is a senior a partner in the law firm of Gregory and McClinton, PLLC in Raleigh. He began his legal career as an assistant public defender in Cumberland County. Photo courtesy The Daily Record  

Etheridge Announces Deputy Chief of Staff
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge has announced a senior staff hire in his Washington office.  Etheridge has appointed Patrick Devlin to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff.    Devlin previously served more than a decade in Etheridge’s office as Legislative Director and Budget Committee Associate for one year and most recently served as Communications Director in the U.S. Senate, where he also served on the Board of the Senate Press Secretaries Association.   Devlin will oversee policy and communications and the day-to-day operations of the Washington office in coordination with Etheridge’s North Carolina-based Chief of Staff.   “I’m glad to bring Pat back on board.  He’s a veteran public servant who brings extensive experience in public policy and knowledge of North Carolina to our team,” Etheridge said. “I look forward to his help as we move forward with common sense plans to improve educational opportunities and create jobs for North Carolina’s working families.”  Devlin is a graduate of Virginia Tech and brings more than 20 years of Capitol Hill and professional experience to the office.  Patrick and his wife Helen Devlin live with their two sons in Virginia.

Husband Charged With Stabbing Wife
A Benson man was arrested Friday morning hours after he allegedly stabbed his wife.  Larry Alan Smith, 51, of 2308 Benson-Hardee Road is accused of stabbing his 40 year-old wife in the abdomen with a knife during an altercation.  Smith reportedly told officers he was lying in bed around 2:00am when his wife approached him with a knife. He allegedly took the knife away from her and stabbed her in the abdomen, authorities allege. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.  Smith was jailed on felony assault with a deadly weapon charges.  

$7,000 Worth Of Cocaine Seized In Benson Drug Bust
Two Harnett County men were jailed under $1 million bonds each Wednesday night following their arrests on cocaine trafficking charges.  Narcotic agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office allegedly seized 70 grams of powder cocaine, with an estimated street value of $7,000, following an undercover drug buy in the parking lot of the Food Lion in Benson.  Noe Lopez Hernandez, 28, of Bayleaf Road, Coats, and Aaron Alvarez, 23, of Spencer Road, Lillington were arrested.  Both men are charged with 5 counts each of trafficking cocaine and one count each of conspiracy to traffic cocaine.  Hernandez was charged with an additional count of maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance.  Narcotics Captain A.C. Fish said the arrests followed a two-month drug investigation involving the suspects.  

Three Teens Charged In Break-In, Alcohol Theft
Three Johnston County teenagers have been arrested on felony charges in connection with a break-in discovered February 1 at a home on Lakeside Circle in Willow Spring.  Alcohol worth $10 was stolen from the residence. Robert Daniel Elliott, 19, of Clayton, Raynard LaGrant Harrington, 18, of Willow Spring, and Ryan Christopher Humphreys, 17, of Benson were arrested on second-degree burglary charges. Elliott and Harrington are also charged with breaking into another western Johnston County home about six miles away.  Elliott and Harrington are also under investigation for several other unsolved car break-ins in the same area, according to Johnston County sheriff’s detectives.  Harrington and Humphreys are both students at West Johnston High School, according to authorities.   

Council Approves Britthaven Expansion
Decision On West Smithfield Storage Yard Postponed
The Smithfield Town Council has approved a request to allow Britthaven, an assisted living facility on Barbour Road, to expand.  In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the Council authorized a 9,000 square foot expansion to the existing 60,000 square foot building. The addition will allow another 10 rooms to be built.  An additional 27 parking spaces will also be added.  Britthaven has also purchased an adjacent piece of property behind their existing location to add an additional buffer surrounding the addition.  The Council postponed a request to allow Arthur Stephenson to operate an outdoor storage yard for wrecked and salvaged vehicles on property he owns on US70 Business West near Wilson’s Mills Road behind Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant.  Officials questioned whether the business would be a good fit next to the Sunset Memorial Cemetery, which has nearly 9,000 burial sites.  The Council will revisit Stephenson’s request as early as there March 2 meeting.     

Princeton Resident Graduates From Basic Training

Air Force Airman Andrew R. Peters graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Connie and Ron Peters of  Princeton. Peters is a 2006 graduate of Pathway Christian Academy in Goldsboro.

Store Clerk Charged With Stealing Money
A Smithfield man was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing from his employer.  Arnold Joseph Berry, 24, of Mill Street had been employed as a cashier at Murphy’s Gas on Highway 42 West.  When money came up short, a manager reportedly reviewed a video surveillance camera and saw Berry take $163 from the cash register.  Berry was charged with felony larceny by an employee and confined in the Johnston County Jail under $5,000 bail.  

ALG Condemns Rep. Etheridge For Raising National Debt By $1.9 Trillion
Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson has condemned Congressman Bob Etheridge for voting to increase the national debt ceiling by nearly $2 trillion, saying “the American people are under absolutely no obligation to borrow yet more money to pay for Congress’ unsustainable level of spending that threatens the nation with true default.”  The final vote in favor of the debt increase was 217 to 212. “Moody’s has warned that the United States’ Triple-A debt rating could be in jeopardy if the current upward trend in government debt were to continue and become irreversible, Wilson said. The President’s proposed 10-year budget will add $10.6 trillion to the national debt, totaling $25.77 trillion in total debt by 2020.  That averages $1.06 trillion every year added to the nation’s debt. An by 2020, the interest on the national debt will be $840 billion each year, or 17.8 percent of total government revenue.  The current national debt is equal to each American owing $37,000. And by 2020, projections are the debt will increase to $43,000 for each American.









Man Charged With Torching Three Occupied Homes Since 2007
Late last month a Sampson man, along with his father, knocked on a neighbor’s home to alert the family inside that their home was on fire. Less than two weeks later that same man has been charged with torching the home as well as setting fire to two other homes and a car over the past four years. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Durwood Bradley Horne, 42, of  Autryville, charging him with arson in four fires dating back to 2007.

His arrest came following a Jan. 24 fire in Clement at the home of Elwood and Ann House. The fire was reported at 2:30 a.m. The couple was reportedly asleep, even though their fire alarm was sounding and were only able to make it out of their burning home when the neighbors, Mr. Horne and his father, George Horne, beat on their window, waking them up. The fire reportedly started under the carport. The home and two vehicles were completely lost with damage estimated at around $90,000. Both the home and the couple’s vehicles were insured.

At first officials would not say what caused the fire or whether it was suspicious, though neighbors believed the fire had been set on purpose. Horne’s arrest seems to corroborate that belief. He is charged in several other fires, including two Sept. 29, 2007, fires at 544 Howard Road and 467 Howard Road. Like the most recent fire, residents at both homes were inside the home when the fire was started. Mr. Horne was also charged in a Jan. 20, 2010, burning of a vehicle at 316 Howard Road. 

He was charged with three counts each first-degree arson and burning personal property and was held at the Sampson County Detention Center under $350,000 bond. He is also considered a suspect in several other fires still under investigation, including a fire January 31 at the home of Brent and Renee Jackson on Old Wrench Road.  The family was at home but managed to escape from their resident, which sustained $80,000 in damage. Authorities have yet to determine a motive.

Sledding Accident Victim Dies
A Johnston County woman badly injured in a sledding accident on Sunday has died as a result of her injuries.  The Highway Patrol confirmed Thursday the death of 52 year-old Kathy Kay-Steely Brown of Hinnant-Edgerton Road, Kenly.  Troopers said Brown was being pulled with a tow rope on a car hood used as a sled behind a pickup driven by John Michael Barnes, 44, of Kenly around 12:50pm Sunday.  Trooper J.S. Partin reported the sled slid off the roadway and struck a utility pole. Barnes was thrown off the sled and critically injured. She was airlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill where she died this week.  Troopers estimate the truck was traveling at 20mph at the time of the incident along an ice covered stretch of Princeton-Kenly Road, about two miles east of Kenly.  At last report, no charges have been filed in the incident, which remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.  WTSB Photo    

Mickey Buffaloe Honored As Main Street Champion

(L to R) Mickey Buffaloe and his wife, Cindy, at the 2009 Main Street Champion Awards Dinner in New Bern. Contributed photo

Mickey Buffaloe has been honored as a 2009 Main Street Champion. Buffaloe, the former owner of the Howell Theatre in Downtown Smithfield was recognized last week at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in New Bern. Buffaloe was selected for the recognition by Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) in appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. Along with Champions from 33 other communities, Buffaloe received a certificate commemorating his designation, presented by N.C. Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco, Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll, Assistant Secretary for Community Development Joseph D. Crocker, Division of Community Assistance Director Gloria Nance-Sims and Office of Urban Development Director Liz Parham. In 1999, Buffaloe purchased the historic theatre on South Third Street and quickly became a leader and advocate of small businesses, according to DSDC Executive Director Chris Johnson.  Main Street is a downtown revitalization program for smaller towns based on economic development within the context of historic preservation. The North Carolina Main Street Program, which provides technical assistance to its communities, is part of the Office of Urban Development in the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance. To learn more about the NC Main Street program, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation or other downtown Smithfield merchants please call Chris Johnson with the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation at 919-934-0887 or visit them on the web at www.downtownsmithfield.com.

Blackmon's Crossroads FD Receives $94,107 Federal Grant
The Blackmon’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department was one of 35 fire departments across the state notified on Thursday they will receive a share of $3.5 million in funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.  US Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) said,” I am thrilled that 35 North Carolina fire departments will benefit from this investment. So many local budgets are struggling in this economy, and smaller communities struggle to pay for their departments. Our firefighters put their lives in danger each and every day to help keep our communities safe, and this funding means giving them the tools, training and equipment they deserve. I will continue working to make sure our firefighters across the state have the resources they need to protect North Carolina.”  The AFG program is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Grants are awarded to fire departments and EMS organizations to boost their ability to respond to emergencies.  Blackmon’s Crossroads Fire Chief William Grantham said the $94,107 the department will receive would help replace out of date equipment and purchase new equipment such as hoses, air packs, and training equipment. The Bailey, Garner, and Wilson fire departments were also awarded funding. WTSB File Photo






  


Suspect Charged In 2009 Creekside Subdivision Break-Ins
Johnston County authorities have arrested a Benson man in connection with a number of car break-ins reported in February 2009 in the Creekside Subdivision.  Sheriff’s deputies said they questioned 21 year-old Victor Reubel Frazer about the incidents last year.  Later, Frazer was deemed a suspect in five car break-ins and was supposed to have surrendered to authorities but allegedly never did.  Frazer was arrested by a Wilson’s Mills police officer during a traffic stop Wednesday.  He was charged with five counts of breaking into a motor vehicle, six counts of larceny, and three counts of identity theft.  Frazer was jailed in lieu of a $122,000 bond.

Stolen Pickup May Be Linked To Church Break-In
Detectives are still searching for a stolen pickup truck taken following a break-in discovered Wednesday morning at Banner Chapel Advent Christian Church on Highway 50 South of Benson. Around 8am, a church member discovered where someone had kicked in a door and stole electronics, kitchen utensils, and food.  Detective Lt. A.R. Benson said a disabled car was located on Highway 50 a short distance away from the church. Some of the stolen property was found inside. The abandoned car had been stolen hours earlier from an elderly couple in Fayetteville. A short time later, a pickup was stolen from a residence near the church. Benson Police located the truck Wednesday morning but lost sight of the vehicle following a short chase.  Authorities are still looking for the vehicle today. It is described as a dark green 1997 Nissan pickup with an amber light bar on top. The name “Wheeler Escort” is on the side window. The truck has a NC license plate PSK2971.    

Student Receives 28 Stitches From Attack On School Bus
A Southern Wayne High student has been charged with cutting another student in the face during an altercation on their bus Wednesday morning.  Kierra Mitchelle Minor, 16, was arrested on assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury charges.  Wayne County deputies said Minor and another student were involved in a confrontation when the victim, Ancila Smith, was cut with some type of object. Smith was treated and released at Wayne Memorial Hospital and received 28 stitches.  Minor was later released from jail after posting a $500 bond.  

 

Smithfield Moving Closer To Youth Curfew

Smithfield Police Housing Authority Officer B.K. O'Branovich talks about the benefits of a youth curfew ordinance with members of the Smithfield Town Council on Tuesday night. WTSB Photo

The Smithfield Town Council is moving forward with plans to adopt a youth curfew ordinance.  Tuesday night, the council unanimously agreed to allow Town Manager Eric Williams and Town Attorney Robert Spence to work on a draft ordinance that would be presented to the board for their review in March.  A public hearing on the curfew could be held as early as April. Some council members would like to see the ordinance in place by the summer, while Councilman Andy Moore said it shouldn’t be rushed. 

Police Chief Mike Scott, who has been on the job for three months, said as the father of four children all of whom were raised in a community with a similar curfew, he believes it will protect youths and hopefully cut down on a growing gang problem.  Councilman Bill Jordan said, “We have got to have a curfew to help control this. We won’t stop all of this, but we’ve got to do something.”  Mayor Daniel Evans said he was in support of the curfew as long as it did not affect law-abiding teens.  In September 2009, the Clayton Town Council voted unanimously against a similar curfew ordinance that would have keep youth under age 16 from being on the streets late at night.  The idea initially drew support but waned in weeks before the September vote as officials decided there were other possible options.  The Smithfield Town Council said they want feedback from the public before they vote on the issue.       








Four Inducted Into Smithfield Society Of 1777

(L to R): Carolyn Williams, Irene Dublin, Mayor Daniel Evans, and Betsy Royal. Not pictured is Rev. Jason Hurt. WTSB Photo

Mayor Daniel Evans and members of the Smithfield Town Council named the first four members to the Smithfield Society of 1777 Tuesday night.  Receiving the public recognition was the family of the late Richard Williams who was involved in the local Methodist church and youth of the community for many years.  Mayor Pro Tem Vic Ogburn said of Williams, “He loved God first. He loved his church and his family and then the community. That was his life and his legacy.”  Williams widow, Carolyn, and their son, Jason, accepted the recognition.  Irene Dublin was also named to the Society. She was recognized by Councilman Charles Williams for her work in East Smithfield.  Betsy Royal was selected by Councilman Perry Harris. Mrs. Royal came to Smithfield in 1949 as a school teacher and has been an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church since that time.  She still sings in the church choir.  Mrs. Royal and her late husband, Dr. Luby Royal Jr., raised three children. Councilman Zack Crocker recognized Rev. Jason Hurt from West Calvary Baptist Church. Hurt has served as pastor of the church in West Smithfield for the past seven years.   

 

Church Group Packages Meal For Haiti Relief Efforts
Associate Pastor/Minister of Students at Wilson's Mills Baptist Church, Tim Brown, along with students Jesse McLeod and Draper Stallings, assist in packaging meals for Haiti relief efforts. The event took place at Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center in Clayton and was coordinated by the Clayton & Garner Rotary Clubs. In a time period of 2-1/2 hours, over 41,000 dry meals were packaged that consisted of soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, a vitamin tablet and rice. Each meal will serve approximately 6-8 people for a total of about 245,000 people that can be fed. WTSB Photo

Sewer Spill Reported Near Clayton
The Johnston County wastewater transmission system experienced a sewage spill on Anna Drive in Clayton on Wednesday.  An estimated 2,000 gallons of wastewater flowed into White Oak Creek, just downstream of Highway 42.  The spill resulted from a broken small diameter force main. The incident has been reported to the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Division of Water Quality.

Man Held In 2x4 Lumber Assault
A Selma man was arrested Tuesday on charges of assaulting his girlfriend with a 2x4 piece of lumber during a domestic altercation at their home last month.  On January 16, the 46 year-old victim contacted deputies after she was allegedly beaten in the head and legs with the lumber.  The victim said the altercation occurred over a shopping trip she had taken, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon.  Halbert Lanzro Sanders, 52, of Highway 96 North, was arrested and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.       

Home Invasion Reported At Residence Of 89 Year-Old Man
Sheriff’s investigators were called to a home invasion on Princeton-Kenly Road on Monday.  An 89-year-old man said he was sleeping Sunday night or early Monday morning, someone kicked in the door to his rural home and rummaged through his house.  The elderly victim was not harmed and didn’t discover the burglary until he awoke.  Authorities believe the intruder forced open a back door to gain entry.        

Arrest Made in Thefts Of $11,000 In Cell Phones
Dunn Police have charged a man with using company accounts at two Dunn pest control businesses to order nearly $11,000 worth of high-tech cellular phones. Eric Rafi Diaz, 33, was charged with felony embezzlement following an investigation by Dunn Police Detective Sgt. Scott Epperson. On Jan. 4, an employee with Lee’s Pest Solutions reported receiving a bill from Nextel for $8,233.65 for charges on 15 phones and headsets. The phones were sent to addresses in Dunn and Raleigh. More than a week later, on Jan. 13, an employee with Holloman Exterminators in Dunn reported the business was contacted by Sprint’s fraud division and told someone used the business to open a Sprint account. The suspect had reportedly purchased $4,000 worth of “hi-tech cell phones” using the store’s account. Following an investigation in cooperation with the Raleigh Police Department, Diaz was charged in both incidents. Diaz was allegedly selling some of the phones on Craig’s List and others on the street.  Sgt. Epperson said he expects another arrest is forthcoming.









Two Arrested In Thefts of School Steam Radiators
The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two Roseboro men for allegedly stealing radiators from the old Plain View School. Arrested were Lee Dell Boykin, 55, and Freddy Melvin, 55, both of separate addresses in the 2000 block of Claudes Drag Road. Both were charged with four counts each of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods, according to the arrest reports. Investigators said they arrested the men at Sampson Salvage in Clinton after they tried to sell as scrap metal five cast iron steam radiators allegedly stolen from the school last Thursday. Both men were held under $75,000 bond each. The former Plain View School, once the only school in the community, has sat empty for more than a decade after the opening of Plain View Elementary School just down U.S. 421.

SBI Investigating Fire At Home Owned By Mayor
The SBI has been called in to assist Smithfield Police and the Smithfield Fire Marshal following a suspicious fire at a home owned by Mayor Daniel Evans.  Firefighters were called to a vacant home at 505 North Fourth Street Monday night and extinguished the flames.  Police said the home had been vacant for about six months and the damage was extensive. Authorities are not saying how they suspect the fire began.  Mayor Evans told WTSB the incident was upsetting. “I am frustrated with people committing crimes and damaging other peoples property who are working hard trying to make a living. Mayor Evans did say he didn’t think the fire was set because he was the town’s mayor. “I don’t think it is a targeted situation. I think it is somebody who has ill will towards the world… and they probably don’t even know who I am.” WTSB Photo  

School Make Up Days Announced
Johnston County School students will have to make up for Monday’s missed day of classes this Saturday, February 6. Tuesday’s snow day will be made up on Friday April 9. Although this Saturday was not on the adopted calendar, it was chosen for several reasons, schools officials said. First, it is still very early in the winter season. Any days missed the remainder of the year will utilize the three remaining days of April 8, April 7, and April 6 at spring break.  Second, the law prevents students and staff from attending school more than five consecutive days in a week, which is the reason Saturday of this week was chosen. Additionally, the only other Saturday that could have been used is the Saturday after Memorial Day, which was not a viable option. Also, state law requires the academic calendar be completed by June 10, 2010, which is the last scheduled day for students. In making the decision, school leaders said safety takes top priority. Photo by Carter Rabil

Report: Solid Waste Disposal Down In Landfills Across The State
A state report finds that people disposed of less solid waste in North Carolina landfills last year than any previous year in nearly two decades, due largely to the economic recession.  Solid waste was disposed of at a rate of 1.07 tons per capita in 2008-09 – a sharp decline from the previous year and the lowest disposal rate since 1995-96, according to the North Carolina Solid Waste Management Annual Report. The report also found that more glass, plastic and aluminum containers were recycled last year.  The report recommends increasing oversight of disposal facilities and transfer stations to prevent the disposal in landfills of banned materials. North Carolina has increased the number of banned items to encourage greater recycling and keep harmful materials out of landfills. To prevent contamination, the annual report also calls for actions to reduce the amount of mercury-containing waste from being placed in unlined landfills. WTSB File Photo 








Pets To Breathe Easier In Clayton

A Clayton firefighter demonstrates how a new pet oxygen mask can help save pets following house fires.

Both fire stations in Clayton received a donation that will help prevent pets from falling victim to smoke inhalation due to fire.  Invisible Fence of Raleigh donated pet oxygen mask kits to the Clayton Fire Department this week.  “We hope that by donating pet oxygen mask kits, we will contribute to saving more pets and hopefully protect pet owners that may risk their own life to save a pet in a fire,” said Bill Swayne, owner, Invisible Fence of Raleigh.  It is estimated that in 2006, more than 40,000 pets died in fires; most succumbed to smoke inhalation. In most states, emergency responders are unequipped to deal with the crisis. The donation of these specially designed and potentially lifesaving pet oxygen mask sets will enable Clayton first responders to efficiently administer oxygen to a stricken animal.  “We want to thank Invisible Fence for their generosity and believe that these kits will help us save more pets; we can all recall a fire from the past where these kits would have helped save a pet,” said firefighter Matt Sutphin with Clayton Fire Department. 

Inmate Charged With Malicious Conduct
A Kenly man arrested last week on burglary charges is facing new charges following an incident in the Johnston County Jail.  Jessie James Daughtridge, 61, is accused of throwing a cup of urine on a detention officer making a routine check of inmates. When a second detention office went to remove Daughtridge from his cell he also had a cup of urine thrown on him, according to an incident report.  Daughtridge was charged with two counts of malicious conduct by a prisoner. His bond was increased from $40,000 to $120,000.

Business Owner Helps Catch Accused Thief
The owner of a business helped deputies catch an accused thief.  Sheriff’s deputies arrested 22 year-old Tyler Ronald Barbour of Clayton after he allegedly stole $1,200 worth of HVAC parts from behind Odd Jobs Inc. on Saturday night.  The owner of the business reportedly followed Barbour’s car until it was stopped by Clayton Police on Highway 42 East.  Barbour was charged with felony larceny and confined in the Johnston County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.  Authorities are also looking for a second suspect in the incident.

Drugs, Gun Found In Wilson's Mills Traffic Stop
Three small bags of suspected marijuana and a handgun were reportedly found during a traffic stop on Fire Department Road in Wilson’s Mills on January 23.  Nicholas Ross Lockamon, 23, of Raleigh was charged with felony drug possession, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed weapon by a Johnston County sheriff's deputy, according to Public Information Officer Tammy Amaon.  Lockamon was released on a $10,500 bond. 

Winter Weather Scenes

 

 

 

 

 

Frankie Vaughn pulls his stepsons Jordan and Mason Stansfield around the parking lot of the Jack Marley Park in Angier on a four-wheeler.

Tim Stock delivers mail in Erwin despite snow and ice. "It's like the old
motto says," he said. "The mail's gotta go through."

 

This car was one of hundreds that slid off the roadway, or were
involved in accidents across the state, due to the winter storm.

 

Photos courtesy The Daily Record

 

 

Shooting Victim In Stable Condition
A Smithfield man is in stable condition at Wake Med after being shot Sunday night.  The incident happened at a home on Black Creek Road off Highway 210.  Mark Thornton, 35, told sheriff’s deputies he answered a knock on his door around 10pm and saw a Hispanic male standing outside.  The suspects reportedly said a few words in Spanish then shot Thornton in the shoulder.  Thornton was unable to give authorities a description of the assailant.  Investigators said two of Thornton’s relatives were inside the home at the time of the shooting but allegedly did not hear or see anything.  Smithfield EMS paramedics rushed the victim to a WakeMed air ambulance at the Johnston County Airport where he was airlifted to the hospital.  Johnston County sheriff’s detectives are still investigating the incident. Photo by Carter Rabil      

Summers Named Kenly Town Manager
The Kenly Town Council has hired Billy Summers as their new town manager. Summers, 37, had been a senior planner for the Town of Wake Forest. He will begin his duties in Kenly on March 1, replacing Scott Shelton who resigned last year.  Former Smithfield Town Manager Pete Connet had been the interim town manager since Shelton’s departure. 

Dias Named Selma Police Officer Of The Year
Dominic Dias has been named the Selma Police Officer of the Year.  His fellow officers selected him for the honor.  Dias, 24, worked as a security officer and then a reserve military police officer before joining the Selma police force.  Dias is a graduate of Clayton High School.

Accused Street Level Drug Dealer Arrested
Smithfield Police have arrested a man they consider to be a street level drug dealer after a reported search of his home revealed nearly an ounce of marijuana, 24 prescription pills, and a handgun.  Alphonso Ellis Kirkwood, 33, of Broadway Street was jailed under a $75,000 bond. Kirkwood is charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance, according to Police Detective Lt. Keith Powell.