WTSB Headline News

"Where the Stories Break"

1090 AM ~ Smithfield, NC 

 

Two Killed In Motorcycle Crash
Two people were killed when a motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck last night in Willow Spring. Jamal Thomas El-Ferkh, 24, of Polo Drive, Raleigh, and Brittany Lauren Custer, 18, of Mudham Road, Wendell, the driver and passenger of the motorcycle that hit the truck, were killed. The driver of the truck, Curtis Lloyd Price, 69, of Jackson King Road, Willow Spring, tried to turn the truck left into a private driveway in front of the motorcycle coming from the opposite direction on Jackson King Road just after 8 p.m., a highway patrol report said. Another motorcycle driven by Tony Matthew Lee Jr., 24, of Rock Service Station Road, Raleigh, was traveling behind the first motorcycle. Mr. Lee laid down his motorcycle to avoid hitting the truck, the report said. Mr. Lee and Mr. Price were taken to WakeMed with non-life-threatening injuries. Charges are pending an investigation by Trooper D.L. Mobley.

Wives Team Up To Expose Accused Bigamist
Investigators in Wake County have charged a man with being married to two women at the same time.  Police got a tip from both women whose information helped detectives arrest 30 year-old Keron Lamont Wilkins, who has addresses in both Clayton and Cary.  Wilkins is facing one felony count of bigamy.  Wilkins is accused of marrying 32 year-old Shannetta Stone two months ago, although he was reportedly still married to Chaka Wilkins of Clayton.  The Wilkins’ wed in 2000 and have two children, ages 4 and 8 months.  Police said Keron Wilkins’ double marriage was exposed when his first wife found text messages on his phone to his new bride.  Authorities are looking into reports Wilkins could possibly be married to as many as four other women in Arizona, Georgia, and Virginia.  Stone told Cary Police that her husband would often disappear for days. Wilkins isn’t expected to face more charges here, but could in other jurisdictions.      

Pound Of Pot Seized On I-95
Johnston County deputies seized a pound of marijuana plus $1,800 in cash following a traffic stop on Interstate 95 between Benson and Four Oaks Friday morning.  Officers stopped a Chevy Impala for following too closely behind another vehicle and because the driver wasn’t wearing a seat belt.  Deputy’s Jason Crocker and Danny Johnson discovered the narcotics behind the driver’s seat.  Victory Manuel Hernandez Menes, 32, of Goldsboro and Alcaraz Ochoa Santos of Mexico were arrested on felony charges. Authorities suspect the two men are in the United States illegally. WTSB Photo

Driver Reaching For Cell Phone Causes Head On Collision
Benson Police say a head-on collision Friday afternoon was caused by a driver reaching for his cell phone. The accident shut down a section of Highway 27, just west of NC50, for about an hour.  Police Lt. Greg Percy said Clifton Ray Pleasant, 28, of New Path Road, Dunn was traveling eastbound in a green Chevy Blazer when, he told officers, he reached for his cell phone.  His SUV drifted across the centerline and slammed head-on into a Buick passenger car, driven by 64 year-old Charlie Lee McLeod, of Charles McLeod Lane, Coats.  McLeod was pinned in the wreckage for 20 minutes before being extricated by Benson firefighters.  McLeod was rushed to WakeMed with serious injuries. Pleasant was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Benson EMS, Four Oaks EMS, and 50-210 EMS responded to the scene. Benson Police cited Pleasant for causing the collision. WTSB Photo   

Security Company Employee Facing Drug Charges
A security company employee is facing drug charges.  Deputies stopped a vehicle on Powhatan Road near Clayton on Thursday and allegedly found ecstasy tablets and marijuana inside.  Foncy Brandon Bennett, 26, of Marshal Lane, Smithfield was arrested on four drug charges including possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bail was set at $23,000.









FOP Donations $500 To Wilson's Mills Fire Department

(L to R) FOP Vice President Ryan Benson, FOP President Jason Hutchins, Wilson's Mills Fire Chief Ricky Barbour, and Wilson's Mills District Chief Bentley Powell. WTSB Photo

The Johnston County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has presented a $500 check to the Wilson’s Mills Fire Department to help with operations and expenses.  FOP President Jason Hutchins presented the check to Wilson’s Mills Fire Chief Ricky Barbour on Friday.  “We’re glad to help out Wilson’s Mills Fire Department,” Hutchins said. “We try to put money back in the community. It’s a good cause.”  Firemen say donations like those from the FOP help keep fire taxes low in the district.  The FOP is currently involved in a fundraising campaign. If you would like to make a donation to the Fraternal Order Of Police in Johnston County call 919-553-9124.

Kenly Woman Reports Sexual Assault
Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the alleged rape of a 48 year-old Kenly woman. The assault was reported to investigators Friday morning. The victim said she was hit in the head with an ashtray before being sexually assaulted.  The victim was transported to Johnston Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  Authorities have a person of interest in the case.  

Sheriff Says Man Used Drugs To Rape Teen
A Harnett County man allegedly used drugs to subdue and have sex with a 13-year-old Anderson Creek girl, according to Harnett County Sheriff’s Major Gary McNeill. Willie Joe Cole, 20, of McKay Drive, Spring Lake, faces charges of statutory rape, indecent liberties and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He turned himself in and was jailed in lieu of $10,000 secured bond. Maj. McNeill said the victim was an acquaintance of the suspect. “The allegations are that he gave some type of drugs to a 13-year-old and had sex with her,” Maj. McNeill said. The type of drugs Cole used was not disclosed. Cole, who lists his occupation an unemployed, made his first court appearance this week. He is due back in court Tuesday.

Clayton Man Charged In Scam
A man authorities said stole a tiller from Lowe’s Home Improvement on Tuesday then tried to return it for a cash refund on Thursday, has been arrested.  Investigators said the incident was captured on a surveillance camera.  Michael Raymond Kline, 40, of Clayton is accused of taking the $689 item from Lowe’s on Highway 42 West, then returning two days later to the same store saying he had lost his receipt for the item he wanted to return.  Kline was charged with larceny and obtaining property by false pretenses.  His bail was set at $26,000.  

Business Burglar Arrested
Smithfield Police have arrested a 30 year-old man on charges he broke into a business on Brogden Road then tried to steal money from a coin operated vending machine.  Jonathan Glenn Henry of Third Avenue was caught a short distance from the scene.  Henry is accused of entering Jesus’ Garage around 2:25am Thursday. A security guard at the Mambo Club attempted without success to detain Henry but did call police who caught the suspect minutes later.  Henry is charged with felonious breaking and entering. Bail was set by a magistrate at $25,000.

Neighbor Charged In Selma Break-In
Police in Selma have made an arrest in a May 4 break-in at a Selma Housing Authority Apartment.  Officers only had to go a few doors down from the break-in to arrest the suspect, identified as 22 year-old Curtis Tavares Curry.  Curry is accused of breaking into an apartment, while the resident was away, stealing approximately $4,810 worth of electronics, jewelry, and clothes.  Curry was charged with felonious breaking and entering and felonious larceny. His bond was set at $30,000.

Benson Holds Business Expo
More than 50 Benson area merchants and other organizations took over the American Legion building yesterday, inside and out, for the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Business Expo. “We had the most vendors we’ve ever had and the crowd was the largest ever,” said Loreatta Byrd, chamber executive director. As the morning passed into afternoon, people continued to file into the door of the American Legion building. In the end, from 600 to 650 people had visited the showcase of area businesses, according to Mrs. Byrd. Businesses gave out everything from informational brochures to free food. Photo by The Daily Record

JCC Technical Honor Society Inducts 85 Students

Several members of the Johnston Community College chapter of the National Technical Honor Society posed for a photo after the induction ceremony. Contributed photo

The Johnston Community College chapter of the National Technical Honor Society recognized a record 85 new members during a recent induction ceremony on campus. The honor society recognizes outstanding achievement of vocational and technical students who have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain a 3.5 GPA. JCC has been a chartered member of the NTHS since 1999. Advisors are Milton Hudson and Lannetta Lockhart. The following students were honored at the April 6 ceremony: Pamela Annis, Clayton; Richard Bailey, Clayton; Rachel Baker, Clayton; James Batchelor, Clayton; Doretha Beasley, Benson; Wayne Bodrick, Selma; Crystal Boswell, Kenly; Rosalie Bowers, Raleigh; Kristie Bradshaw, Goldsboro; Amy Brewer, Clayton; Joy Brewington, Coats; Debra Brooker, Linden; Susan Bunn, Kenly; Alisa Burnett, Raleigh; Tonya Callon, Goldsboro; Kelly Capps, Pine Level; Mary Coates, Four Oaks; Debra Connelly-Jones, Benson; Lori Creech, Middlesex; Linda Driver, Pikeville; Tara Dropp, Clayton; Suzanne Duckworth, Carthage; Diana Edwards, Wendell; Sukmawati Evans, Smithfield; Steven Garner, Raleigh; Brenda Gonzalez, Selma; Deborah Gordon, Spring Hope; Thomas Gunther, Wilson; Kristie Gurley, Pikeville; Brian Hare, Wendell; Julie Hartz, Goldsboro; Danielle Haydon, Clayton; Tara Hayes, Elizabethtown; Vickie Hicks, Kenly; Tracy Hill, Goldsboro; Justina Hockaday, Angier; Wanda Hodges, Selma; Crystal Horton, Garner; Cheryl Hudda, Clayton; Elizabeth Ingersoll, Clayton; Chastity Jackson, Wilson; Robert Johnson, Smithfield; Donna Joseph, Lillington; Stephanie Kelley, Clayton; Tamera Kreh, Goldsboro; Barbara Langston, Four Oaks; Travis Lassiter, Four Oaks; Lisa Lawson, Raleigh; Sheri Lewellen, Clayton; Mary Lish, Clayton; Christina Massengill, Fuquay-Varina; Ashley McLamb, Dunn; Dennis McLaughlin, Clayton; Donnie McLean, Selma; Matthew McLeod, Dunn; Marcia Murray, Wendell; Jeffrey Nelson, Fayetteville; Shari Nichols, Selma; Thomas Nichols, Goldsboro; Dee Norris, Raleigh; Teresa Parks, Garner; Gail Parrish, Selma; Crystal Peedin, Princeton; Amanda Penny, Angier; Lisa Perry, Raleigh; Byron Pierce, Zebulon; Mary Reese, Middlesex; Dustin Rogers, Four Oaks; Julie Roszko, Raleigh; Thomas Shaw, Clayton; Suzzan Solis, Erwin; Thomas Stribling, Cary; Myrla Tayborn, Zebulon; Jacenta Thompson, Kenly; Johnny Thompson; Dunn; Roberta Vann, Clinton; Pamela Jean Watkins; Benson; Sarita Weathersbee, Wendell; Rose Mary Westbrook, Wilson; Jena Whitley, Smithfield; Jennifer Whitley, Knightdale; Marisa Whitney, Clayton; Paula Williams, Cary; Myra Wills, Clinton; and Joan Wright, Garner.

 

Council Delays Action On Hefty Water Rate Increases

(L to R) Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Evans, Mayor Norman Johnson, and Town Manager Pete Connet discuss water rates at Tuesday's council meeting. The board voted to delay action on the increase until their next meeting on May 28. WTSB Photo

The Smithfield Town Council has tabled a request to increase water rates for customers for at least a few more weeks.  Public Utilities Director Earl Botkin had proposed new tier water rates that would generate about $170,000 in additional revenue annually. Botkin said the increase was needed to pay most of $970,000 in repairs and maintenance to equipment he said were needed over the next 5 years. A residential customers who uses 3,000 gallons or less per month would see no rate increase, and a commercial customer who uses 6,000 or less would avoid the higher rates. However, business customers who use 60,000 gallons or more would see a 22 percent increase.  Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Evans expressed concerns about higher rates to large volume business customers in light of the current economy. “I’m just trying to be economically feasible to our big water customers. But I know we need the repairs,” Evans said.  A motion by Councilman Vic Ogburn to approve the increase failed to receive a response.  Ogburn withdrew his motion, and a motion by Councilman Sidney Broadwell to table discussion until at least May 28 was approved unanimously.  Evans said he wants town officials to meet with the large water customers to see if they can be more efficient, so any rate increase would have less of an economic impact.       

Deaf Man Killed By Freight Train

Four Oaks firefighters at the scene of Wednesday's train fatality. Photo by Carter Rabil

A Four Oaks man died Wednesday night after being struck by a CSX train. Four Oaks Police said the mishap happened at 11:25pm between Tucker and Baker Streets.  John Elmer Gilbert Jr., 38, of Strickland’s Crossroads Road was killed instantly, according to Four Oaks Police Chief Danny Toppings.  Gilbert who was deaf, was sitting near the tracks when the train sideswiped him, Chief Toppings said.  Alcohol may have also played a factor.  Gilbert is the second person to have been killed by a train in Johnston County this year. On January 11, Alonzo Ray Brockington, 32, of Clayton was struck by a train near Harris Street in Smithfield. 

Farmer Facing Felony Charges
New charges have been filed against a Johnston County farmer reportedly caught with a 500-gallon moonshine still at his home April 22.  Rickie Wayne Norris, 52, of 7763 Strickland’s Crossroads Road was initially cited for possession of non-tax paid liquor and manufacturing non-tax paid liquor, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon.  On Wednesday, Norris was arrested for possession of a stolen track hoe loader and a tandem axle trailer, both of which had been reported stolen September 10, 2007 to Raleigh Police.  Captain Buck Pipkin said investigators had been attempting to identify the owner of the equipment since it was located on Norris’ property the day agents found the liquor still.  Agents also allegedly uncovered an indoor marijuana growing operating, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and several stolen county road signs.  Norris’ son, Jeremy Wayne Norris, 21, was charged with those offenses and released on a $52,500 bond. Rickie Norris was released Wednesday on a $70,000 bond, according to sheriff’s reports. 

Rotarians Support Smithfield Area Ministries' Food Pantry
Taking a cue from Rotary International’s focus on feeding the poor, the Rotary Club of Central Johnston County recently purchased $1,000 of staple food supplies for the Smithfield Area Ministries Pantry. The club’s funding of $500 for the project was matched by a grant from Rotary District 7710. Based on current needs of the Pantry, items purchased were bags of rice, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, powered milk, and chicken noodle soup. The Rotarians also donated large brown-paper bags that are used to distribute items to needy families. Pictured at work picking up the food items from Edwards IGA in Smithfield are Central Johnston Rotarians Vicki White (project coordinator), Ken Eubanks, Dwight Morris, Pete Connet, and Eric Sellers.

  

JMH Receives Approval For $137 Million Federal Loan
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole has announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved a $137,048,000 loan for Johnston Memorial Hospital.  The loan will be used to expand and renovate the hospital’s main campus in Smithfield, including the construction of a 101-bed tower, and to build a freestanding outpatient center and emergency room in Clayton. “As North Carolina’s population continues to grow, it is important that communities plan accordingly and have critical services, including health care, accessible to current and future residents,” said Dole.  “I applaud Johnston Memorial Hospital for securing this significant loan to bolster its ability to care for patients.  Additionally, the growth of the hospital will also increase its benefits for the local economy.” Johnston Memorial is a not-for-profit hospital with 175 beds.  Johnston County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, and the hospital’s service area is expected to grow 12.5 percent from 2008 to 2012.

Johnston Couple Held Under $1 Million Bond On Drug Charges
Two Johnston County residents are jailed under a $1 million bond each after reportedly being caught with cocaine inside their home on Massengill Pond Road, near the Harnett County line.  Narcotics agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the home of Timothy and Shirley Stephenson on Tuesday.  Officers said they found a quarter ounce of cocaine and drug paraphernalia in the residence.  Mr. Stephenson has a criminal history dating back to 1987, including convictions for selling narcotics, possession of stolen goods, and possession of a firearm by a felon.  His wife, Shirley, is currently on probation for a 2007 conviction for possession of a controlled substance.  The Angier couple was charged with a total of 14 felony offenses including manufacturing cocaine and trafficking narcotics. 

Man Who Reported Robbery Arrested For Filing Fictitious Report
A man who told deputies four people robbed him at gunpoint in March and his jewelry was stolen has been arrested on charges he lied to investigators.  Michael Paul Sasser, 32, of Pikeville was charged Wednesday with filing a false report to a law enforcement agency. Wayne County deputies said their investigation revealed the report to be fictitious and no robbery ever occurred.  Sasser was released on $2,000 bail.

Branscome Receives Langston Award
Campbell Divinity School student Linda Branscome accepts the 2008 Perry Langston Award from Bryan Harris, the 2007 award recipient. Mr. Harris is minister of education and outreach at the First Baptist Church of Smithfield. A Master of Divinity candidate, Mrs. Branscome and her husband Michael are the parents of two children, Michael Jr. and Amy, who is also a Campbell graduate. They have four grandchildren. Named after the late professor of religious education at Campbell, Dr. Perry Q. Langston, the award was originally given by the Christian Educators of North Carolina for career service as a Christian educator. It is now presented to an outstanding graduate of the Campbell Divinity School who exemplifies Dr. Langston’s great love of Christian education and his service to the community.

Pipe Thieves Caught At Construction Site By Deputies
Three Johnston County residents were reportedly caught red-handed stealing water pipes from a construction site on Old Murphy Road near Highway 96 North Tuesday night.  Johnston County deputies received a report of a suspicious vehicle at the job site and arrived to find one of the suspects using a backhoe owned by Hawley Construction of Kenly to load up 14 iron water pipes valued at $6,800. T.A. Loving Company of Goldsboro owned the pipes.  Charlie Hurdie Benton, 55, of Princeton, Timothy Earl Battle, 45, of Four Oaks, and Donnie Lee Holder, 54, of Selma were charged with two counts each of felony larceny and one count of felonious conspiracy to commit larceny. All three suspects were jailed under a $60,000 bond each.

Teens Charged With Stealing Auto Parts
An alert deputy on patrol Tuesday night spotted two teenagers taking auto parts from a storage area on Raleigh Road at US301 just north of Benson.  Deputies pulled over the suspects’ car as they tried to flee the area.  Officers said their vehicle was filled with stolen car parts including cylinder heads and radiators.  Brandon Arnold Metz and Brittani Lynette Brooks, both age 17, and both of Weeks Road, Dunn were charged with possession of stolen goods. They were released by a magistrate on a written promise to appear in court.  Deputies said the property was owned by John McNeil of Benson.     

Man Held In Meadow Area Domestic Assault
A Wake County was arrested on domestic assault charges after he allegedly assaulted a woman on Highway 96 near I-40 in the Meadow community on Tuesday.  Lawrence Dean Wright, 46, of Raleigh is accused of assaulting a female acquaintance breaking her nose and knocking one of her teeth out.  Wright, a construction worker, was charged with felonious assault inflicting serious injury and placed in the Johnston County Jail without bail pending his first court appearance. 

Cadet Squadron Receives New Cadet Commander
During a recent meeting of the Johnston County Civil Air Patrol, Cadet First Lieutenant Glen Edward accepted command as Cadet Commander. Cadet Edwards, the son of Glen and Patty Edwards of Clayton, is currently attending Johnston County Middle College at Johnston Community College, and has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since 2002.  Edwards formerly served as deputy commander.  He received command from Cadet Second Lieutenant Edward Chase, who had served as Cadet Commander since April 2007. The Johnston County Civil Air Patrol meets Tuesdays at the Johnston County Airport from 7:00pm to 9:30pm.
 

 

McLamb Wins Democratic Primary For County Commissioner
Democratic turnout was nearly double that of Republicans in Tuesday’s Primary Elections in Johnston County.  21,786 voters cast ballots in the Democratic primary compared to 10,995 in the Republican Primary.  The race for the District 4 county commissioners seat was the closest, with Glen McLamb of Benson defeating Donald Byrd of McGee’s Crossroads by 255 votes for the Democratic nod for the seat.  McLamb received 7,953 votes to Byrd’s 7,698. McLamb will advance to face Incumbent Republican DeVan Barbour, also of Benson, on November 4. 

Woodall Retains Commissioners Seat

Ray Woodall (right) is congratulated on his win by Republican State Senate primary winner David Rouzer. WTSB Photo


In the District 2 Republican race for County Commissioner, incumbent Ray Woodall retained his seat against challenger Ted Godwin.  Woodall carried 63 percent of the vote total to Godwin’s 37 percent.  Woodall received 6,176 votes to Godwin’s 3,598.  With no Democrat challenger in November, Woodall will return for another four year term.

Smith Loses Bid For Governor
In the Republican gubernatorial race, Johnston County native Fred Smith earned double the votes of rival Pat McCrory in his home county, though McCrory won the state capturing the GOP nomination.  Smith carried 37 percent of the votes statewide compared to 46 percent for McCrory.  Smith received 63 percent of the votes cast in Johnston County.   Lt. Governor Bev Perdue claimed victory over State Treasurer Richard Moore in the race for the Democratic nomination for Governor.  Perdue received 56 percent support across North Carolina, and 51 percent of the vote in Johnston County. 

Carroll To Face Rouzer For Senate Seat
Smithfield pharmacist and outgoing Board of Education Chairman Kay Carroll will face off against David Rouzer of McGee’s Crossroads in November to determine who will fill Senator Fred Smith’s vacant District 12 NC Senate seat.  Carroll won with 69 percent of the total vote over Patricia Oliver, who had 31 percent.  Rouzer, the Republican candidate, won by a similar margin over his rival Nena Reeves, carrying 68 percent of the votes to Reeves’ 32 percent.  Both candidates have promised to run a positive campaign in November for the seat, which represents Johnston and Wayne counties.  

Judicial Incumbents Successfully Defend Seats For First Time
Incumbents dominated the District 11 judicial races. Both Judges Charles Bullock (left) and George Murphy (right photo) retained their seats against two opponents.  While the top two vote-getters in each race move on to November, Judges Bullock and Murphy both led their races in the three county district by no less than 40 percent of the vote.  Bullock, a recent appointment to the bench by Gov. Mike Easley had been seen as a target by his opponents due to his short tenure on the bench. He received 46 percent showing in the primary.  “It’s been a very good day and we’re very pleased with the results. I’m just tickled,” Judge Bullock said Tuesday night.  “The citizens of this district have shown a lot of faith in me and I am definitely planning not to let them down,” he added.  In November, Bullock will face former Clayton Police Chief and Attorney Gary Ragland, who edged out Kayley Taber by just 319 votes.  Judge George Murphy of Benson held onto his seat in convincing fashion over challengers Paul Holcombe and Allan De Laine.  Murphy was appointed in 2002 by Gov. Easley and ran unopposed in 2004. This was the first year the judge has seen a challenge to his seat.  “It’s just a good feeling. I’ve never run in a political situation before and I didn’t realize how much work it is. I can’t say enough for the good people of the district who’ve helped me along in this campaign,” Judge Murphy said. Judge Murphy and Assistant District Attorney Holcombe will face off in November to determine who will take the District 11 seat.
  

Clayton Approves Street, Park Bonds
By an overwhelming margin, Clayton voters agreed to spend $7 million for street and park improvements.  Voters approved the Clayton Open Space Bond with 74 percent support. The Clayton Street Bond Referendum carried with 79 percent voter approval. A total of 33,163 votes were cast at the 37 precincts in Johnston County on Tuesday, a turnout of 35 percent of all registered voters in the county. 

County To Take Over Benson, North Johnston EMS Agencies
Johnston County Commissioners agreed this week to take over two EMS agencies.  Beginning July 1, Johnston County Emergency Services will provide emergency medical services to citizens currently being served by Benson and North Johnston EMS agencies. Officials said the goal of the transition was to continue to provide the communities served by these agencies with the best possible emergency medical care. During the transition, citizens in both areas will continue to be served with paramedic level care.  Johnston County Emergency Services Director Kim Robertson said, “I applaud the services that have been provided by Benson and North Johnston EMS and look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of these communities.”  The goal is to make the necessary changes that both communities, and especially the emergency service providers, feel a continued identity with the areas they serve. File photo by Carter Rabil 









Local Nonprofit Runs Out Of Money
A local nonprofit organization that helps the needy has had to stop offering some assistance because of depleted funds. Kenly Area Ministries (KAM) has temporarily stopped helping citizens with emergency expenses for utility and rent because the organization is out of money. The group will continue to assist local residents with food, which is collected from a local grocery store and from public donations.  KAM is also supported by area churches and schools. However, money to help people with bills is depleted.  Executive Director Lulu Joliff said that increased needs have dwindled KAM funds.  Joliff said since the organization started in 1986, this is the first time they have run out of money to help the needy make utility, water, and rent payments.  Joliff said people who have never asked for assistance are now struggling and needing help. She said requests for help have increased sharply since Christmas.  If you would like to make a donation, contact KAM at 919-284-2431, or mail a check to PO Box 1168 Kenly, NC 27542. Donations can also be dropped off at the Kenly News office. 

Four Oaks Man Charged In 2006 Sexual Assault
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a two year old sexual assault investigation.  Early Wednesday morning, detectives booked Elmer Bonilla of Webb Mill Road, Four Oaks into the Johnston County Jail under a $101,000 bond. The 29 year-old landscaping employee is accused of sexually assaulting a 16 year-old girl inside a residence near Blackmon’s Crossroads in late 2006.  Bonilla was charged with attempted second degree sexual offense, second degree kidnapping, assault, and interfering with a 911 call.

Man Accused Of Setting Fire To His Own Home
A Selma man is accused of setting fire to his own house following a disturbance at his residence.  Deputies took 23 year-old Jason Ray McKeel into custody Tuesday afternoon but not before he tried to assault two officers. McKeel is accused of placing dishtowels on a stove starting a fire at his house on Paceville Road, and then fleeing before officers arrived.  Deputies caught up with McKeel a short distance away on Brown’s Pond Road. McKeel is charged with second-degree arson, two counts of assault on a government official, and resisting a public officer. His bond was set at $35,000. Authorities said the residence sustained only minimal damage from the fire.     

Tractor Trailer Hauling $500,000 In Liquor Stolen
Clayton Police are working with law enforcement authorities in other jurisdictions trying to track down a stolen tractor trailer containing a half million dollars worth of spirituous liquors.  Last Thursday, a Cowan Systems truck driver parked his rig at a lot near US70 Business and Shotwell Road.  When he returned Friday morning, the truck was gone. The $500,000 shipment was being transported from an out-of-state location to Raleigh. The driver, a local man, said he last saw his truck in the lot behind Bojangle’s Restaurant.  The truck, a hunter green 2006 Volvo has white lettering and has Maryland registration 541F29. The 53 foot trailer has Maine license 0975737. The truck and trailer alone are valued at $100,000. Anyone with any information on the theft or the whereabouts of the contents is asked to contact Clayton Police Detective Jason Barnes at 919-553-1570. 






        


SSS Student Arrested On Campus
A Smithfield Selma High student is facing criminal charges.  Sixteen year-old Najee Barnes of Hunting Drive, Selma is accused of bringing a box cutter onto campus last Friday.  Barnes was arrested at school and charged with possession of a weapon on educational property. He was later released on $300 bail.  Barnes could also face disciplinary action from SSS administrators.   

Driver Caught With 5 Bags Of Marijuana
A Selma man is facing felony charges after deputies said they seized 5 bags of marijuana from his vehicle, containing approximately 1.2 ounces of marijuana.  Deputies had stopped a car occupied by Chatton Bryon Freeman of Massey Street, for a traffic violation on US301 North when they reportedly discovered the narcotics.  Freeman was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. He was jailed under a $10,000 secured bond. 









Trespassing Suspect Found Hiding In Closet
A Benson woman was arrested on trespassing charges after Benson Police say they found her hiding in the top of her boyfriend's closet. Debra Von Barfield Davis, 49, of West Main Street, was charged with domestic criminal trespassing after her boyfriend, Jose Ramirez, of the same address, called police. Davis had reportedly been told to leave the residence and not to return.

Car Crashes Into Voting Precinct At Fire Station
A car crashed into a voting precinct in Johnston County Tuesday afternoon but miraculously no injuries were reportedly. Around 2pm, Pine Level Police Chief Keith Sparks said 86 year-old Nancy Clark was pulling up to the Pine Level Fire Station to vote. Chief Sparks said Clark accidentally depressed the acceleration instead of the brake pedal, causing her car to lunge forward and crash through the front of the fire station where several people were voting. The voters, along with several precinct workers, escaped injury.  The fire station sustained structural damage, but the building was deemed safe enough to allow voting to continue in the back of the building.  Voting was only interrupted for about 10 minutes, according to officials. Chief Sparks said Clark would not be issued a citation. Selma Fire, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnston County Emergency Management Office also responded to the scene. WTSB Photo  

 

Four Oaks Man Revived In Church, Prayer Credited
The congregation of Glad Tidings Church is giving credit to both God and man after one of its members collapsed and nearly died but was revived during the Sunday morning worship service. According to several witnesses, longtime Glad Tidings member Earl Lassiter, 86, of Four Oaks passed out during the song service. He was not breathing and had no pulse when several congregation members with medical training responded to help him. While the church members were working to revive Lassiter, the rest of the congregation joined in prayer. It worked. ”I was sort of spellbound,” Lassiter’s friend Marietta Hartley of Dunn said. “I couldn’t believe what had happened, it happened so fast.” According to witnesses, by the time paramedics arrived on the scene Lassiter had recovered enough to help himself onto the stretcher. He was taken to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital. Glad Tidings Pastor Tim Rice said he felt it was indeed a miracle that Lassiter survived and said he thought it was a good illustration of the way God often works. “I’ve been thinking about it and I think it was a good illustration of the relationship between faith and works, how they work together,” the Rev. Rice said. “I think it was both the efforts of those who were administering first aid and the prayers of the people who really contributed to the good outcome we had.” Meanwhile, Earl Lassiter said Monday afternoon he was feeling fine and was ready to get home. “I don’t remember me passing out, but when they were over me working, I remember seeing people in the balcony all bent over all the way around, just looking down and praying,” he said. “Prayer’s what brought me through.”

Trooper Receives Commendation Award For Heroism
A Johnston County state trooper received the Commendation Award during a special ceremony held in Raleigh Tuesday morning. The award is the second highest award for heroism from the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.  On January 23, Trooper J.L. Thorpe witnessed a traffic accident on US70 at NC42 in Clayton while he was on patrol. Trooper Thorpe ran to the vehicle and found the driver was unconscious and not breathing. Trooper Thorpe started CPR on the woman and continued life saving measures until Clayton EMS arrived on the scene.  Trooper Thorpe was presented the Commendation and Samaritan Awards in a ceremony at Trooper C Headquarters in Raleigh.  “Trooper Thorpe went above and beyond the normal call of duty on this occasion in an attempt to possibly save others.  This level of service exemplifies what it means to be a State Trooper—to serve others,” said Colonel W. Fletcher Clay, Highway Patrol Commander. The Samaritan Award is presented to employees who go beyond the normal call of duty to help others. File photo by Carter Rabil

Drunk Driver Crashes Car Onto High School Soccer Field
A car crashed onto the Clayton High School soccer field on Monday, but luckily there were no students on the field at the time.  Clayton Police said a car operated by Lynwood Grady Marshburn Jr. of Clayton had stopped for a traffic light on Robertson Street at US70 when a second vehicle traveling at 55mph slammed into the back of Marshburn’s Honda.  The second car, a 1997 Cadillac, operated by Mark Dana Anderson, 56, of Raleigh, continued on nearly 200 feet, traveling up a curb, through a chain link fence, then down a six-foot embankment and onto the high school soccer field.  Anderson, who received minor injuries, was cited by Officer K.L. Lunger Jr. with driving while impaired, speeding 55mph in a 35mph zone, reckless driving, and a safe movement violation.  Damage to the high school property was estimated at $800. Photo by Carter Rabil  

South Johnston Student Hurt In Wreck
The Highway Patrol says a South Johnston High School student caused a head on collision Thursday evening on Highway 242 South of Benson.  Trooper D.L. Braswell reported that Lara Mae Jackson, 18, was traveling south on NC242 when she attempted to make a left turn onto Drag Strip Road.  Jackson turned her 1998 Saturn directly into the path of a Mitsubishi driven by 25 year-old Rose Marie Aparico DeSantiago of Catherine Street, Benson.  Jackson, a senior at South Johnston, was airlifted from the scene to Duke Medical Center. DeSantiago and three passengers in her car, including an 18 month-old baby and 3 year-old child, were transported to Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn.  Photo by Carter Rabil

Newton Grove Man Drowns In Pond
A Newton Grove man who was fishing this weekend drowned in a Sampson County pond after the boat he was in capsized. Jonathan Eugene Rackley, 38, was in a boat with Scott King, 32, of Clinton, on a pond at Kings Pond Lane when the boat turned over, according to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. “My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Rackley. To lose a loved one unexpectedly is heart wrenching,” said Sheriff Jimmy Thornton in the release. King told authorities that both men tried to swim to shore. Once he made it to shore, King looked back for Rackley but could not find him. The Sampson County Dive Team was able to recover Rackley’s body in the water about 20 yards from the shore.

WWE Wrestling Superstar Assaulted At Smithfield Bar
A WWE wresting superstar was assaulted at a Johnston County club early Tuesday morning.  Gregory Shane Helms, 33, of Smithfield, a wrestler with World Wrestling Entertainment, who goes by the name of Gregory Helms and the Hurricane, was reportedly assaulted by an acquaintance while at the N&N Sports Bar on South Equity Drive in Smithfield around 1:10am.  Smithfield Police were summoned to the business after an altercation between Helms and Dustin Curtis Narron, 29, of Selma, according to Police Detective Lt. Keith Powell.  Narron is accused of slapping Helms following an altercation.  Helms obtained a warrant for assault on Narron, which police served about an hour later.  Narron (pictured right) was released on $500 bail pending his court appearance on the charges.  Helms is a popular wrestler among WWE fans, and was the longest reigning Cruiserweight Champion in the history of the Connecticut based company.     

Angier Man Takes Command Of Army Reserve Battalion
An Angier man is the new commander of an Army Reserve battalion with units from all across eastern North Carolina. Lt. Col. Roddy Adams took command of the 362nd Quartermaster Battalion, which has units in Kinston, Garner, Rocky Mount, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Fayetteville, during a ceremony held at Fort Bragg recently. He replaces Lt. Col. Teddy Byrd of Coats, who was promoted to colonel and will attend the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania. Lt. Col. Adams’ responsibilities include command and control of full-time Reservists, making sure that the unit’s function efficiently and overseeing training and supplies.  “I would have to say that it is unique for two Harnett County guys, who live only a few miles apart, to head up the 362nd Quartermaster Battalion,” Lt. Col. Adams said. “The Army Reserve battalion spreads throughout the entire east coast of North Carolina, which makes the likelihood of our leading even more unheard of.” Ironically, both officers are also insurance agents in the civilian world. Lt. Col. Byrd is also the chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners and owns insurance agencies in Coats and Angier. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

President Clinton Makes Appearance In Smithfield
The 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, made eight campaign stops for his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, across North Carolina on Monday, who is seeking the Democratic Presidential nomination.  President Clinton made stops Monday morning in Elizabeth City, New Bern, and Jacksonville. President Clinton arrived almost an hour later for his stop on Hancock Street in Smithfield, where a crowd of 500 people were anxious for his arrival. Clinton left for stops later in the day in Zebulon, Henderson, Roxboro, and Raleigh The Solutions for America Events have drawn hundreds of supports in each city.  Photo by Carter Rabil





 

 

Tanker Truck Hauling Milk Burns Along I-40
Traffic is flowing once again on Interstate 40 in Johnston County. Around 9:20am Monday, a tractor-trailer carrying milk caught fire.  Elevation and Benson firefighters responded to the scene and put out the fire before it spread from the cab of the truck.  However, the mishap backed up traffic six miles in the eastbound lanes for several miles on I-40 before it could be cleared.  No injuries were reported. The Johnston County Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the truck fire.  Photo by Carter Rabil   

Flipping For The Festival
The 2008 Ham & Festival is in the history books.  Over 28,000 people attended the two-day festival in downtown Smithfield, the largest crowd ever. Chris Johnson, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation said two other records were set, the most vendors ever to attend and the largest crowd for the outdoor concert this year featuring the Marshall Tucker Band.  “There were no problems. It went off without a hitch,” Johnson said.  The festival, which has been plagued by rain in recent years, enjoyed beautiful weather both Saturday and Sunday.  The First Baptist Church Youth held a Yard Sale during Saturday’s festivities and raised $4,700 to go towards a mission trip.  The 24th annual Ham & Yam ended with Johnson jumping into the Neuse River.  Johnson started the tradition last year by doing a cannonball jump. This year it was a front flip.  He told WTSB he plans to do something even more unique in 2009. Plans for the 25th annual Ham & Yam Festival actually got underway last week.  Johnson said the festival was put together by many people working together,  “I would like to thank the many fine sponsors who made it all possible. I also want to thank the citizens and county employees for use of their facility and parking. It was definitely a group effort.” Photo by Carter Rabil