WTSB Headline News

"Where the Stories Break"

1090 AM ~ Smithfield, NC 

Johnston Man Facing Federal Child Porn Charges
A Johnston County man has been arrested on federal child pornography charges. Douglas James Owens, 35, of 770 Highway 210, Smithfield was arrested at his home on Wednesday.  Owens had been the focus of a criminal investigation since December 2007. That’s when Smithfield EMS paramedics were summoned to a medical call in his home and reportedly saw pornographic images of children in the residence.  Smithfield Police returned with a search warrant and reportedly seized numerous child porn images including pictures and DVD’s.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office adopted the case and on Wednesday charged Owens with 17 counts of receiving child porn and one case of possession of child sex images.  He is being held by federal authorities without bond.  








Benson Teen Charged With Rape
A Benson teenager was arrested Wednesday on sex offense charges. Seventeen year-old Jeffrey Dentoa Lane of Marler Road was charged by Johnston County sheriff’s detectives with two counts of statutory rape.  The victim in the case was a 14 year-old female acquaintance.  Authorities said the alleged assault took place on June 30. Lane was jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.










5 Sought In KFC Robbery
Benson Police have arrested one person and are looking for five others in connection with the June 13 armed robbery of the KFC Restaurant.  Veronica L. Robinson of Dunn, an employee at the restaurant, was charged by police with conspiracy to commit armed robbery.  Benson Police have obtained warrants for five other suspects: Thomas Matthew Davis, 20, of Dunn; Travis Akeem Davis, 19, of Benson; Victor Lamar Scott, 19, of Angier; Shatara Janelle Melvin, 23, of Benson; and Shaneshia Pearl Davis, 17, of Benson.  They are wanted on charges ranging from conspiracy, kidnapping and armed robbery.  Police consider the suspects to be armed and dangerous.  More arrests and charges are possible as detectives investigate a similar robbery at the Country Mart convenience store in Benson last month.  Chief Kenneth Edwards thanked the public for numerous tips that helped investigators with the case.  Similar armed robberies are also under investigation in Harnett and Sampson counties.

Cabbage Anyone?
Third grade students at Four Oaks Elementary School participated in a  gardening project this spring. Students were given a cabbage plant to take home and grow in the garden. Instructions were also given stating how to care for the cabbage and to enter it in the state contest. Third grade student, Cory Roberts, has taken great pride in his cabbage that weighed in at 16 lbs. The cabbage was planted in early March and harvested May 31. Cory is the class winner from Mrs. April Smith’s class. His 16 pound cabbage will now be entered into the state competition. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one winner in the state. Cory’s secret including using fertilizer, Seven Dust, and building a small fence to keep the rabbits away.  Once the cabbage was harvested, the family cooked and ate it. Cory’s mom, Tracy, said that despite the size of the cabbage, it was very good and tasted like any other cabbage normally would. Cory is the son of Richard and Tracy Roberts.

Fire Damages US701 Home
The Johnston County Fire Marshal and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the origin of a five alarm house fire.  Crews from the Four Oaks, Benson, Elevation, Smithfield and Strickland’s Crossroads Fire Departments were summoned to a blaze at the home of Jo Ann Johnson on US701 South at 10:22pm Wednesday.  Investigators believe the blaze started in the kitchen area in the vicinity of a stove, but still aren’t certain what sparked the fire.  No injuries were reported. 

Metal Dectectors In Place At Courthouse

(L to R) Deputies Donald Medlin and D.C. Medlin assist Mary Anderson as she walks through a newly installed metal detector at the Johnston County Courthouse on Thursday. WTSB Photo

Security has increased at the Johnston County Courthouse. Metal detectors were installed at four main entrances to the courthouse on Wednesday.  No security problems prompted the installation of the detectors, rather it was a proactive step to ensure the safety of visitors and employees at the public building. Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell received unanimous support from county commissioners, Chief District Court Judge Andy Corbett, Superior Court Judge Thomas Lock, District Attorney Susan Doyle, and Clerk of Court Will Crocker.  Two new metal detectors were purchased at a cost of $8,100, Sheriff Bizzell said, and two existing metal detectors were moved from the entrance to the courtrooms to two main entrances. Johnston County is one of the last counties in the region to install detectors, which are already being used in Nash, Harnett, Wayne, and Wake Counties.  County employees who have a swipe card can still gain access through private entrances.  “We’re taking the next step to provide to courthouse visitors and workers a courthouse where they are safer,” Bizzell told WTSB.

6 Of 7 Suspects Apprehended In Operation Poison Oak
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 6 of seven suspects in Operation Poison Oak.  The 4-1/2 month long undercover investigation targeted street level drug sales of prescription pills, cocaine, and marijuana in the Four Oaks area. Narcotics Captain A.C. Fish said a majority of the street level trafficking occurred in a five-block area.  The seven suspects are facing a combined total of 56 drug related offenses, Captain Fish told WTSB.  The six suspects arrested thus far include: Luther Andrew Smith, 21, Four Oaks; Denise Dawson Beasley, 40, Four Oaks; Stephanie Vennice Smith, 24, Selma, Ontario Elliott, 22, Four Oaks; James Lee Tyson Jr., 28, Four Oaks, and Megan Christina Beasley, 17, of Four Oaks.  Deputies are still searching for 23 year-old Jamael Tavarus Williams, 23, from the Four Oaks area.








Child Abuse Charges Filed Against Accused Impaired Driver
Child abuse charges have now been filed against a woman reportedly caught driving drunk Tuesday with three children in her car.  Kimberly Faye Davis, 35, of Highway 231, Wendell was arrested by deputies after they pulled over her white 1985 Chrysler for exceeding a safe speed.  Officers said Davis had three children, ages 8, 12, and 14 in her car.  She later registered 0.17 on the Breathalyzer, deputies said, more than twice the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina.    Davis was initially charged with driving while impaired and driving while her license was revoked.  On Wednesday, she was served with warrants charging her with three counts of child abuse.  She was released from custody after posting a $3,000 bond.

Selma Parks & Rec Renovating Harrison Gym
The Selma Parks and Recreation Department hopes to expand the programs they offer to the community after completing a major overhaul of the Richard B. Harrison gymnasium.  The total renovation project will cost in excess of a half million dollars. Half of the money came from commissioners. The other half is being funded by a state grant.  Among the improvements are installing a new central heating and air conditioning system, new flooring, bleachers, new bathrooms, and a paved parking lot.  The Parks & Recreation Department has owned the gym for the past 17 years but until now did not have the funding to make any substantial upgrades.

Johnston County Schools Announce Personnel Changes
During a special session of the Johnston County Schools Board of Education on Tuesday, a number of personnel changes were made. Tracey Peedin Jones, assistant principal at Cleveland Middle School, was named principal at Smithfield Middle. Anne Meredith, the current principal of Smithfield Middle, will become a planning principal for Cleveland High School, which is scheduled to open in August 2010.  Edward Holmes, principal at Middle College, was named principal at North Johnston High School. Ross Renfrow (pictured), the current principal at North Johnston High School, will become planning principal for Corinth-Holders High, which will also open in the fall of 2010. Holmes will be replaced by Ray Stott, who is currently serving as principal at North Johnston Middle School.  The new principal at North Johnston Middle School will be Jarvis Ellis, who is currently serving as assistant principal at North Johnston High School.  Betty Bennett, principal at Corinth-Holders Elementary, will replace Tamara Barbour as principal at Benson Elementary.  Tamara Barbour was named principal at Wilson’s Mills Elementary during a special session Board of Education meeting on May 28.  Dee Edmundson, current principal at Wilson’s Mills Elementary, will be the Director of Title I Instruction. Amy Renfrow, assistant principal at Glendale-Kenly Elementary, was named principal of Corinth-Holders Elementary.  Replacements for Tracey Peedin Jones and Amy Renfrow have not yet been named by the School Board.

Couple Charged With Abuse For Handcuffing 4 Year-Old
A Smithfield couple has been arrested on child abuse charges after allegedly binding a child with handcuffs and rope. Kimberly Ann Britt and Linwood Maurice Stancil, both age 30, and both from Finney Drive were arrested on child abuse charges following an investigation by Smithfield Police into the alleged incident last month.  A witness reported the incident to officers alleging Stancil handcuffed a 4 year-old's arms and bound his feet with rope and placed him in a room as a form of punishment.  Authorities did not disclose how long the child was left bound, only saying it was for a short period of time.  The Johnston County Department of Social Services is investigating the incident has reportedly placed two children that were in the home into the custody of relatives.  Both Stancil and Britt were released from jail after posting a $1,000 bond pending their next court appearance.

Rotary Club Raises $40,000 For Scholarships

(L to R) Rotary Club President Joy Callahan, Steve Gillikin, Betty Jones, Linwood Byrd, Teresa Daughtry, Barbara Williford, Landis Bullock, Vicki White, Neal Davis, Ted Godwin, Rudy Sasser, 2009 Golf Committee Chair Tad Deaton.

The Rotary Club of Central Johnston County held its 20th Annual Golf Tournament recently to raise money for scholarships for students at area high schools and Johnston Community College.  This year the tournament raised over $40,000.00 to help students obtain their goals of attending college.  Over the last 20 years, the tournament has raised over $380,000.00 for scholarships.  The tournament was deemed a big success this year, with the help of contributing sponsors. 

CenturyTel and EMBARQ Complete Merger
Serves Approximately 7.5 Million Customers in 33 States
CenturyTel, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) and Embarq Corporation (NYSE: EQ) announced Wednesday that they have completed their merger. The combined company, which will be known as CenturyLink, serves more than 2.1 million broadband customers, more than 440,000 video subscribers and approximately 7.5 million access lines in 33 states, based on operating results as of March 31, 2009. “The completion of this merger is a significant event for our customers, communities, investors and employees,” said Glen F. Post III, president and chief executive officer.  “CenturyLink has the advanced networks, the people and the financial stability to deliver the reliable and innovative services that our customers want and need. We look forward to this exciting new chapter in our company’s history.” While the company’s corporate identity will immediately change to CenturyLink, customer-facing operations and communications will continue under the CenturyTel and EMBARQ brand names until a full brand conversion occurs later this year.  The company intends to formally change its name to “CenturyLink, Inc.” upon receipt of shareholder approval, which it expects to solicit in May 2010.  The company’s stock continues to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CTL.”  The corporate headquarters of the company will remain in Monroe, La.  Regional operating headquarters will be located in Las Vegas, Nev., Wentzville, Mo., Orlando, Fla., Wake Forest, N.C., and La Crosse, Wis.  The company also maintains a significant presence in the Overland Park, Kan. area, the former location of EMBARQ’s corporate headquarters. 

Overstock.com Drops Internet Advertisers in North Carolina
States’ Tax Plans Backfire as Prominent e-tailer Cancels Contracts
Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSTK) notified all of its affiliate advertisers Wednesday in California, Hawaii, North Carolina and Rhode Island that it is dropping their services owing to eminent passage of laws requiring internet retailers to collect taxes if they have local affiliate advertisers.  In May 2008, Overstock.com similarly canceled the contracts of over 3,400 of its New York advertising affiliates and sued the state when New York enacted the first of these anti-internet advertising laws. The suit is still pending along with a sister suit brought by Amazon.com. “It’s awful to have to terminate these relationships with affiliates, simply because they live in states where unconstitutional laws are being passed,” said Patrick Byrne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Overstock.com.  “However, politicians have to remember that a tax is a price that government charges for a service, and when they raise their prices, we're going to buy less of their services.”  Overstock.com’s action comes on the heels of Amazon’s recent termination of its own North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Hawaii internet ad affiliates.  A handful of other states have considered similar laws which attempt an end-run around U.S. Supreme Court decisions requiring that a company have “physical presence” in a state before it can enforce sales tax collection obligations.  The laws in question seek to designate local, independent internet advertisers as constituting sufficient physical presence in a state to justify the imposition of collection obligations. When asked what will happen if states continue to put pass these laws, Byrne replied, “Sadly, the business of internet advertising will be one more good U.S. business that will eventually migrate overseas.”

Fraud Suspect Arrested
A woman wanted on fraud charges has been arrested.  Smithfield Police had been searching for 21 year-old Ashley Jeanette Cargill since she allegedly stole checking belonging to an elderly man then attempted to forge and cash the checks at a local bank.  Cargill was arrested by Selma Police at a location on North Webb Street late Tuesday.  She is facing 8 charges including forgery, uttering a forged instrument, possession of stolen property and obtaining property by false pretenses. She was placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $102,500 bond.

IRS Asks For Simplified Rules On Employer Provided Cell Phones
The Internal Revenue Service has asked Congress to simplify rules related to employer-provided cell telephones.  The current law, which has been on the federal tax books for years, is considered by the IRS to be burdensome, poorly understood by taxpayers, and difficult to be administered consistently.  The IRS says contrary to belief they are ‘cracking down” on employee use of employer-provided cell phones, they are seeking changes to clarify the rules so there will be no tax consequence to employers or employees for personal use of work-related devices provided to employers.  Advances in technology and the nature of communication in the modern workplace have rendered the current law obsolete. 

Clayton Woman Charged With Doctor Shopping
A local woman has been charged following a Doctor Shopping investigation by Clayton Police.  Police said they were alerted about the incident by an insurance provider.  Patricia Ann Evans, 56, of Willowhill Lane, Clayton was arrested June 25 after voluntarily surrendering to authorities.  Police alleged Evans procured over 150 narcotic prescriptions from more than 50 physicians over a three-year period.  Evans was charged with 46 felony counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud. In each of the 46 cases, Evans reportedly received a prescription, which was then filled at various pharmacies in Clayton during overlapping 30-day periods dating back three years.  Evans was confined in the Johnston County Jail under a $461,000 bond. Additional charges are possible by other law enforcement agencies.  Doctor Shopping is the term used to describe the practice of a patient requesting care from multiple doctors, often simultaneously, which may stem from a patient’s addition or reliance on prescription drugs.  Sometimes patients fake or exaggerate the extent of their true condition or withhold information about care they are receiving from other medical providers.       

Clayton Considering Curfew Ordinance
The Clayton Town Council is asking the public to weigh in on a proposed youth curfew ordinance being considered. Town Manager Steve Biggs said city officials have recently performed research and formulated some ideas on a youth curfew, and the council is interested to learn community preferences. “We have not had a critical incident involving youth that provoked a look at the concept but rather it is being looked as a proactive step to prevent problems that can often arise when youth are not adequately supervised,” Biggs told WTSB. A public forum to gather input from residents will be held on Monday, July 20th at 7:30pm in the Council Chambers.

Amber Alert Cancelled, Father Arrested
Sampson County authorities have arrested a man who allegedly assaulted his pregnant girlfriend and her 8 year-old son before abducting and fleeing with their 4 year-old child. Jose Ramon Torres Ventura, 31, was arrested after returning home with the young boy.  The child had been the focus of a statewide Amber Alert early Tuesday. Ventura allegedly threatened to cause physical harm to the child if his girlfriend called police. Ventura was charged with two counts of assault, communicating threats, and damage to property.  He was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center without bail.   

81 Bus Drivers Honored For Perfect Attendance
The Johnston County Schools Transportation Services recognized 81 bus drivers and monitors who had perfect attendance for the 2008-09 school year. They were honored on June 11, at West Smithfield Elementary. The drivers and their schools include: Cooper Elementary – Jackie Danisevich; East Clayton Elementary – Deborah Flowers, Barbara Hedrick; Powhatan Elementary – Carolyn Parker, Loan Such; Riverwood Elementary – Mercedes Adams; West Clayton Elementary – Connie Lillie; Corinth Holder – Teresa Jernigan, Martha Beichner; Glendale Kenly Elementary – Shannon Brock, Jo Ann Barnes, Aileen House, Toni Lee, Cindy Jones, Sandy Laughinghouse, David Williams; North Johnston Middle – Minnie Brown, Virginia Pearce; North Johnston High – Patricia Mayhew, Johnny Price;  Princeton Elementary – Melba Woodall; Princeton High – Rebecca Hines, Renee Rhodes, Michelle Martin; River Dell Elementary – Crystal Torres, Darlene Flythe, Reagan Walker, Sheila Batten; Selma Elementary – Therisa Ruffin, Yamel Mason, Sheila Capps, Jennifer Sullivan; Selma Middle – June Creech, Julie Adams; Smithfield Selma High – Leslie Richardson, Bonnie Warren; South Smithfield Elementary – Julia Ricks, Terri Hinshaw, Peggy Powell; West Smithfield Elementary -  Ruth McNeil; Wilson’s Mills Elementary – Alicia Johnson, Brenda Spain, Jacqueline Kent, Eugenia Taylor, Heather Reason, Angelia Wiesner, Crystal McKnight; Four Oaks Elementary – Shirley Massengill, Jill Kirsch; Four Oaks Middle – Wanda Kuehner; Meadow Elementary – Joyce Massengill, Frances Bass; South Johnston High – Betsy D. Creech; Cleveland Elementary – Patty Furlong; Sheila Rudd, Renee Hood, Lisa Swann-Estep, Maureen Jackowski, Franca Grillo; Dixon Road Elementary – Felicia Holder, Maria Lawson, Patricia McKethan, Sheena Tate; McGee’s Elementary – Mandy Bowden, Claudia Flint, Tomeika Williams, Juanita Jeeter, Norma Langdon; Polenta Elementary – Vicky Bennett, Valeria Vann; West View Elementary – Debra Mason, Christa Dunn; West Johnston High – Charlotte McLamb, Kenneth Brault. Contributed photo  

 

Highway Patrol Encouraging Motorists To Be Safe During July 4th Holiday
The N.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as they enjoy the July 4th holiday.  Motorists who slow down and travel at posted speeds will not only increase their chances of arriving at their destination safely they will also conserve fuel.  There will be an increased presence of Troopers on the interstates and major four lane highways. Speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatalities in the state.  State Troopers will be cracking down on speeders during the holiday and will be using LIDAR and other speed timing devices to assist them in enforcing the speed laws. Additionally Troopers will increase patrols on all interstates and major four lane highways during the holiday.  Last year in North Carolina, eight people died and 634 were injured over the July 4th holiday period.  The 2009 July 4th holiday begins at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 2nd and ends at midnight, Sunday, July 5th.  Troopers will also increase their efforts to enforce the state’s litter laws. 

Passengers Arrested Following High Speed Chase
Two female passengers in a car that led officers on a ten-mile high-speed chase are facing criminal charges, while the search for the driver still continues.  Drug agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle early Sunday morning but the car sped away before the driver eventually jumped and ran on foot.  A K-9 unit brought to the scene was not successful in locating the driver.   Two women in the car were charged by officers. Serenity Amanada Hendryz, 18, of Newton Grove and Brooke Pamela Stevison, 31, of Dunn were charged with resisting a public officer.  Hendryz was also charged with probation violation. 

Fast Food Worker Facing Drug Charges
A fast food restaurant employee was arrested on felony drug charges during a traffic stop on Highway 301 South in Smithfield late Friday.  Keith Warren Hamilton, 18, of Josephine Lane, Benson was arrested after narcotic agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office reportedly found 6 small bags of suspected marijuana in his vehicle.  Hamilton was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bail was set at $11,000.

Cocaine Found During Traffic Stop
Deputies reportedly seized a small amount cocaine during a traffic stop on Mallard Road at 10:15pm Friday.  Billy Ray Higgins, 57, of Yelverton Grove Road, Smithfield was charged with felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Higgins bail was set at $11,000. 

SJHS Freshman Orientation August 10
South Johnston High will hold its Freshman Orientation on Monday, August 10.  The morning session will begin at 8:00 and will consist of an orientation to the South Johnston Campus guided by our senior Trojan Ambassadors.  The freshmen will take part in a general welcome program in the auditorium and will participate in a variety of activities during the morning session.  They will have chances for question and answer sessions with their Trojan Ambassador mentors and a relaxed chance to get to know what to expect as a freshman entering our school. Parents are invited to the 1:00pm session for the “Making It Count” program and the closing session, which will end around 3:00 pm. For more information, contact the school office at 919-894-3146.

Man Charged With Vandalizing Mailbox
A Dunn man is accused of vandalizing a mailbox on Denning Road outside of Benson.  Derick Scott Buskirk, 21, was arrested June 26, two days after deputies alleged Buskirk used a steel pipe to destroy a mailbox.  Authorities did not say how they linked Buskirk to the vandalism.  He was charged with damage to property then released on a written promise to appear in court. 








   

Police Disarm, Arrest Man Brandishing Knife
A Four Oaks man is accused of approaching several people in an aggressive manner while holding a knife.  The incident happened early Sunday morning outside the N&N Sports Bar on South Equity Drive in Smithfield. Smithfield Police charged 51 year-old Freddie Van Pilkington of Britt Road with going armed to the terror of the public, resisting arrest, and being intoxicated and disruptive.  Pilkington was placed in the Johnston County Jail under $7,000 bail.      

Southern Gospel Singing Tradition Carries On For 89 Years

The Grand Champion of the 2009 Benson Sing was Called Out Ministries of Clayton, a male quartet.
From left, David Bledsole, Donald Bledsole, Darrell Austin and Randall Payne. Photo by The Daily Record

Amateurs, professionals and gospel music fans all gathered in Benson’s oak-shaded singing grove over the weekend to partake in the 89th State Annual Singing Convention.  Harmonies enabled Called Out Ministry to win their first Grand Champion Trophy Sunday afternoon. The male quartet of Gibsonville, consisting of David Bledsole, Darrell Austin, Donald Bledsole and Randall Payne, has been performing for four and a half years and competing for three years. “The best part was meeting the people and to fill His spirit when we were singing,” David Bledsole said. Fortress won the consolation trophy for the second year in a row. The trio, consisting of tenor Jeff Moore, baritone Michael Brooks and lead singer Tim Davis, is from the Clayton area. The Precious Jewels of Godwin, consisting of Brittney Knowles, Leah Williams, Logan Baggett and Taylor Brown and lead by Sibyl Godwin, won the junior division with the support of a few devoted fans. Four Heart Harmony of Broadway, consisting of Elaine Hathcock, Meghan Hathcock, Patsy Wells and Mary Low won the female quartet division, while Arise of Raleigh, consisting of Brendan Parker, Ralph Pugh, Chris Parker and Charles Parker won the male quartet division.

Other winners included Joey and Robin Maples of Benson in the duet division; Craig Allen, Scott Johnson and Tracie Johnson of Angier in the trio division and in instrumental live accompaniment; and The Dennis Family of Dunn, who won in both the mixed quartet and family divisions.

The three-day event began Friday evening with a concert featuring six groups, including last year’s grand champion, The Taylors of Lillington. Competition took place Saturday and Sunday, with groups required to perform both days to be considered for a trophy. Singing convention vice president Norman Dunn said the format change improved the sing. “I think it’s been one of the best,” Dunn said. “It’s kept some of the crowds here longer.” Convention president Danny Holland, who said he has been attending the sing for 50 years, looks forward to next year’s event, and for good reason. “We’re going to try to do it bigger and better for the 90th anniversary,” Mr. Holland said.

SHP: Head-On Collision Caused By Impaired Driver
The Highway Patrol is investigating a head on collision Sunday afternoon on Barber Mill Road near the intersection of Government Road outside of Clayton.  The 5:40pm crash occurred on the Swift Creek Bridge on Barber Mill Road after a burgundy Chevy and white Toyota SUV collided head on.  Trooper D.S. Mazotta said the driver of the Chevy, 62 year-old Warren Stanley Barnes of Clayton failed to stop for a stop sign on Government Road and crossed the centerline on Barber Mill Road striking a Toyota driven by 75 year-old William Hobson of Clayton. Hobson and his wife, Cecily, 71, were both injured.  Barnes had to be extricated from his SUV. All three accident victims were taken to WakeMed for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Trooper Mazotta charged Barnes with driving while impaired and driving left of center.  Clayton and Smithfield EMS responded to the scene along with the Clayton and Cleveland Fire Departments. WTSB Photo

 

Clayton Mother Killed In Motorcycle Crash
A Johnston County employee died in a weekend motorcycle accident in Randolph County.  Lori Beth Key, the GIS operations manager for Johnston County, sustained fatal injuries in a motorcycle crash at 11:15am Sunday.  Key, 38, was riding with a small group of motorcyclists, including her husband, Brian, when she ran off Caraway Mountain Road in a curve and struck an embankment west of Asheboro. Trooper Williams Dees estimated Key was traveling at 45mph on the winding road when her motorcycle ran off the right side of the highway, about a half mile from the intersection of Mt. View Church Road.  She died at the scene. Key leaves behind two children, ages 6 and 3.  Key had worked for the County since September 2000 according to her boss, Technology Director Terry Ellis.  “She was very professional and had a strong work ethic,” Ellis told WTSB.  “She was willing to help anybody (and) loved her kids.”  A viewing for Lori Key will be held Tuesday at 2:30pm at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. A graveside service will be held at McLaurin at 3:30pm Tuesday. 

Pedestrian Fatally Injured By Train
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of a Micro man struck and killed by a train early Saturday morning. The victim has been identified as 35 year-old Joe Miller of Fayetteville Street in Micro.  Authorities said Miller was laying on the railroad tracks around 2:46am Saturday when he was struck by a CSX freight train.  Authorities said alcohol appeared to have played a factor in Miller’s death.  The incident is still under investigation.

Glover To Lead Highway Patrol
Gov. Bev Perdue has appointed Lt. Col. Randy Glover to the position of colonel of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Glover, who currently serves as director of field operations, will assume his new role August 1. Glover replaces Colonel Walter J. Wilson, Jr., who is retiring. In addition, Gov. Perdue appointed Major Wellington Scott to fill the position of lieutenant colonel vacated by Glover. Scott will assume his new role on Aug. 1. Lt. Col. Jamie Hatcher will remain in his current position as deputy commander.  Glover, a Nashville native, has served on the Patrol since 1980 when he was first assigned to Harnett County.  Glover is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute in Louisville. Glover is a member of the Southern Police Institute Association.  Scott, a Washington, D.C. native, has served on the Patrol since 1985 when he was first assigned to Troop C in Wake County.  Scott attended Shaw University and is a member of the Body of Christ Church in Raleigh.  The North Carolina State Highway Patrol was created in 1929 to make the highways of North Carolina as safe as possible.  The Patrol now employs 1,823 troopers to cover more than 78,000 miles of North Carolina roadways.

“Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker” Campaign Kicks Off
State and local law enforcement officers will be out in full force over the Fourth of July holiday as part of the “Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker” campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be conducted now through Sunday, July 5, across the state in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the roads.  “Too many people fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident, nor is it a victimless crime,” Gov. Bev Perdue said. “Law enforcement officers will crack down on impaired drivers, ensuring that everyone is celebrating the holiday responsibly.” There were 377 alcohol-related crashes, 322 with injuries and 12 that resulted in fatalities, over the Independence Day week last year.  Officers charged more than 1,900 North Carolina motorists with driving while impaired during the 2008 “Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker” campaign. More than 5,700 stepped-up patrols and checkpoints were held. WTSB File Photo

Fraud Suspect Captured After 5 Year Search
A woman on the run from authorities for more than five years was captured Sunday after someone spotted her photo on Johnston County’s Most Wanted on the WTSB website.  Anitra Johnson Dubose, 29, was found hiding in the bedroom of a home on North Fourth Street.  Deputies and Smithfield Police had been looking for Dubose since 2004. Dubose was reportedly working as a home health care worker at the time and had allegedly taken checks belonging to an 83 year-old patient, forged then cashed them at a local bank, authorities said.  Dubose was charged with medical provider fraud, forgery, and uttering forged checks. Bail was set at $161,500.  

Teens Accused Of Using Homemade Explosives To Destroy Mailboxes
Three teenagers were arrested early Monday morning on charges of going armed to the terror of the public. Their arrests came after deputies stopped a speeding car in eastern Johnston County that was later connected to several mailbox vandalism cases overnight in the vicinity of Bizzell Grove Church Road. Officers said they found items used to make a homemade explosive inside the vehicle, items authorities believe was possibly used to damage at least three mailboxes.  Lucas Charles Watkins, 16, of Selma, Monique Jeanette Joyner, 17, of Middlesex, and Jennifer Nicole Davis, 18, of Middlesex were charged with felonious possession of a weapon of mass destruction.  Watkins, the reported driver, was also charged with reckless driving and driving on a revoked license.  Bail for Joyner and Davis was set at $50,000 and $51,000 for Watkins. 

DOT Swat-A-Litterbug Program Sees Increased Reporting
The N.C. Department of Transportation continues to see an increase in the number of roadside littering incidents reported through its Swat-A-Litterbug program in 2009. More than 5,100 littering reports were made from Jan. 1 through June 11, which is nearly 2,000 more reports than were submitted during the same time period last year.  “The Swat-A-Litterbug program aims to educate motorists who fail to secure their loads or intentionally dispose of unwanted trash onto the state’s roadways, while also promoting the state’s efforts of reducing roadside litter,” said Transportation Secretary Gene Conti.  NCDOT’s Office of Beautification Programs and the N.C. State Highway Patrol administer the Swat-A-Litterbug program. Motorists seen littering are sent a letter signed by the colonel of the State Highway Patrol, which notifies recipients they were observed littering and informs them that littering is an illegal and fineable offense. Fines for littering range from $250 to $2,000 and can include a point on the offender’s driver license, as well as community service work.  Information required to make a report includes the vehicle's license plate number, date and time of the incident, street name, city, county and type of littering offense observed. A report can be submitted through the mail, over the phone or online through the Office of Beautification Programs’ Swat-A-Litterbug web site. 

Female Burglar Charged In Storage Unit Break-Ins
A Clayton woman was arrested early Monday morning a short time after deputies said she broke into several storage units at Wilson’s Mills Mini Storage on Strickland Road.  The owner of the business heard a loud banging sound just before 2am and alerted deputies.  The suspect, later identified as 24 year-old Krystal Marie Sinclair, allegedly broke into three storage units then as she fled, struck the building causing $4,000 in damage.  Sinclair reportedly drove off Swift Creek Road and was arrested by deputies before she could flee.  Sinclair was charged with felony burglary, felony attempted larceny, damage to property, and driving on a revoked license. Several items taken from the storage units, including golf clubs, clothing and 7 purses were recovered in her vehicle, according to Tammy Amaon, a spokesperson for the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. Sinclair was placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $42,000 bond.

Teen Burglar Caught By Home Owner
A Franklin County teenager is jailed on felony charges after allegedly being caught by a Johnston County homeowner trying to flee from his residence.  Tony Moore told deputies he was returning to his residence on Unity Church Road outside of Four Oaks late Sunday when he spotted a man walking out of his front door.  Moore said the intruder dropped to his knees and begged him not to contact authorities.  Deputies arrived and arrested 16 year-old Harley Devin Hughes on felony burglary charges.  Officers reported Hughes stole a silver lighter from the home, but allegedly claimed he was at the residence looking for an ex-girlfriend, a story officers allegedly did not believe.  Bail for Hughes was set at $20,000.           

 

Unemployment Rate Increases In 82 NC Counties
Johnston's Jobless Rate Climbs To 10.2 Percent
Unemployment rates increased in 82 North Carolina counties in May, as the Tarheel state continues to be challenged by the recession.  A total of 72 counties now have jobless rates at or above 10 percent.  Johnston County’s unemployment rate increased from 10.1 percent in April to 10.2 percent in May.  During the same time, the statewide unemployment rate jumped from 10.5 percent in April to 11.1 percent in May.  Approximately 505,445 people in North Carolina are currently without jobs. In Johnston County, about 7,827 people previously with work are now unemployed.  Harnett County’s unemployment rate is now at 11.7 percent, Wilson 13.6%, Wake 8.6%, Wayne 9.2%, Nash 13.5%, and Sampson 8.4%.  Between June 2008 and May 2009, $45,959,522 has been paid to unemployed workers in Johnston County. WTSB File Photo 






   

Teen Indicted For Kidnapping, Felony Assault
A Johnston County teenager has been indicted by a Johnston County Grand Jury for the violent beating of his girlfriend. The alleged incident happened between May 5 and May 6 at an address on Braswell Road.  Nineteen year-old Terrill Covington is accused of beating the 18 year-old woman with plastic pipe, a belt and his fists, then allegedly cutting the victim in the face, arms and legs with a steak knife.  Johnston County sheriff’s deputies said the teenage victim was kidnapped by Covington and held against her will. Covington was indicted on three counts, including kidnapping, assault on a female, and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury. The victim was treated and later released from Johnston Medical Center. Authorities never released a motive for the alleged attack.     

Potassium Deficiency Spotted In Local Tobacco
Rainfall during the month of June and high fertility levels have resulted in a very rapidly growing tobacco crop in Johnston County.  But when tobacco grows quickly, it is not unusual to see potassium deficiency, especially on sandy soils.  Potassium deficiency can even occur if adequate to excessive fertilizer potassium has been applied, according to agriculture officials.  Potassium deficiency causes slight mottling and brownish-yellow spots on leaf tips.  Potassium deficiency is currently a widespread problem in many Johnston County tobacco fields.  In most cases, the appearance of potassium deficiency is not an indication that additional potassium fertilizer is needed.  The plant is just growing so fast in some cases that the roots cannot absorb enough potassium to meet the plant needs. If this problem is noted growers should continue to manage the crop as normal.  Early topping may be the best remedy, officials say, as it will allow the plant to transport necessary nutrients to harvestable leaves and not to a worthless flower.

Search Expands For Missing 13 Year-Old
Local authorities have expanded their search for a missing teenager they say could be endangered.  Thirteen year-old Brenda Pantaleon was last seen May 26 at her home in Smithfield.  Pantaleon may possibly have left home with a male companion and could still be in the local area or possibly headed to Tennessee.  She has not contacted her family since she disappeared and authorities are concerned for her safety.  Pantaleon is a Hispanic female, 5 foot 9, 145 pounds, with black hair. She has a birthmark between her eyebrows and on her neck.  Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Smithfield Police at 919-934-2121 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).