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WILSON’S LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTION SINCE 1896

New apartments going skyward

Motorists along Raleigh Road Parkway may have noticed progress being made on the new Evolve at Heritage Apartments. Just west of the Hubert Vester Chevrolet dealership, carpenters are framing up …

Wilson police seize 5 kilos of meth; 2 charged with trafficking

Two men were jailed after Wilson police seized 5 kilograms of crystal meth in a traffic stop earlier this month. Police arrested 32-year-old Irving Gomez-Herrera of Atlanta and 42-year-old …

This illustration reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.

Wilson County reports 30 new COVID-19 cases

Wilson County reported 30 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases Friday. Officials say one case involves a Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center employee. Longleaf is one of four congregate living …

2nd suspect charged in shooting that injured 5 people

A second suspect faces attempted first-degree murder charges in connection to a Sept. 12 shooting that left five people injured. Twenty-two-year-old Cameron Malik Hill of Wilson is charged …

Man charged in July shooting

Police arrested a Wilson man Thursday in connection to a July shooting that left a man injured. Jeremy H. Guion, 29, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. …

Automatic extinguisher quashes cooking fire

A cooking fire was extinguished before firefighters arrived thanks to a stovetop-mounted fire extinguisher. “This is the second fire within three weeks that was successfully …

Alisia Ratliff, technical director at Avient Biosciences' analytical laboratory, holds two grades of distillate being produced from hemp at the company's new Wilson facility.

Industrial hemp plant opens doors: ‘In Wilson, we will be selling to the world’

Avient Biosciences, an industrial hemp research and extraction facility launched in Wilson this week, expects to double the number of employees in the next three months as it ramps up production at …

Barnes Elementary School Principal Claudia Spencer watches as Ava Spruill, a kindergartner, waves to her parent after being dropped off at school Thursday.

Students return to classroom: It’s their first time back since March 13

For the first time in more than seven months, Wilson County Schools classrooms were occupied with children, albeit mask-wearing children. The district’s schools have been vacant of their student …

Wilson County has received a $900,000 community and COVID-19-specific grant to enhance the Wilson County Senior Activity Center on Goldsboro Street. Improvements will include a carport, drive-thru testing areas, wellness and clinic rooms and social distancing areas.

Senior center receives $900,000 grant

Big changes are on the horizon for the Wilson County Senior Activity Center thanks to a nearly $1 million grant. The funding will allow the center to add new services, expand existing ones and add …

Butterfield: Legalize marijuana and expunge pot convictions

Rep. G.K. Butterfield says Congress should remove federal restrictions on marijuana and North Carolina should legalize adult use and purge pot possession from criminal records. Butterfield, …

Khalilah Hamlett is CEO of 252 Black Wall Street, which is holding a Sunday networking event in downtown Wilson.

252 Black Wall Street plans Sunday networking session

252 Black Wall Street will hold is second annual “Together We....” event from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday. The Together We Win networking event will be held outside the Family Car Wash at 600 Nash St. …

From left, Krystal Lane Cox, Willis Lane, Angela Lane and Ashley Lane Davis are pictured with Willboy's Barbecue Sauce, which the Wilson family sells online.

Family of educators launches barbecue sauce

Each bottle of Willboy’s Barbecue Sauce promises to not only deliver down-home flavor, but entrepreneurial inspiration to area students. Principal Krystal Lane Cox said each year, Wilson Academy …

Superintendent Lane Mills is pictured during the Wilson County Board of Education's regular meeting Monday.

Board approves $1 million in school improvements

The Wilson County Board of Education approved $1 million in capital improvements during its regular meeting Monday. Improvements include $110,000 to replace the chiller at Lee Woodard Elementary …

Rotary's polio eradication efforts persist through pandemic

While polio is no longer a concern for Wilsonians, local Rotarians are doing their part to eradicate the paralyzing disease Saturday through World Polio Day. “It is an ongoing …

ELECTION 2020 CENTRAL

Your vote counts, so make a plan to cast your ballot

The stakes in this election are too high to wait until the last minute to vote The late civil rights icon and my friend and colleague John Lewis used to say that, “the vote is the most …

COVID, classrooms and corporations frame Cooper-Forest race

In final debate, Trump and Biden spar over raging virus, climate and race

US officials: Iran sent emails intimidating American voters

Sparks fly in state treasurer debate

Republicans courting Black voters

Wilson Democrats banking on blue wave

County has record-breaking voter turnout Thursday

Justice in selecting judges

For election coverage, newspapers get my vote

Trump rallies supporters

Voters face long lines to cast ballots early

Trump rally is Thursday in Greenville

Early voting begins Thursday

Sheriff Calvin Woodard, DA Robert Evans endorse Stein in attorney general race

Follow our ongoing coverage of Cannon Hinnant

VIDEO

Chargers click in runaway win over Cramerton Christian

With an adept display of passing, particularly within the opponent’s 18-yard line, Wilson Christian dazzled Cramerton Christian 9-0 in a mercy rule-shortened quarterfinals match in the North …

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LOCAL HEADLINES

Pet of the week: Lucy seeks loving home

Deed transfers: Who bought, sold property in Wilson County?

Weathercast: Mild temps, clear skies until midweek

Preparing for the surgery (degree)

We must start being honest with ourselves

New film has Wilson connection

2 deaths, 51 more cases confirmed

Flu vaccine, blood donation both help save lives

Grandchildren’s youthful joy, frozen in time

Plastic twist ties useful, versatile and at risk

Broken specs set stage for a day of bad luck

Deed transfers: Who bought, sold property in Wilson County?

State remains in Phase 3 as COVID-19 cases surge

3 robbery suspects captured

Wreck sends 2 to hospital

Drive-thru business expo set for Saturday

Wilson County reports 14 new coronavirus cases; hospitalizations increase

Greenlight ups package speed, services

Weathercast: Warm, sunny days expected this week

Nash County surpasses 3,000 positive COVID-19 cases

White Dragon Games caters to all ages

Schools detail virus precautions

Schools, youth center team up for grant

Virus spread traced to family, friend gatherings

Firefighters wanted: Silver Lake featured in volunteer recruitment efforts

Marriage licenses: Who tied the knot in Wilson County?

Community Briefs: Motorcycle ride for breast cancer awareness scheduled

Wilson County Public Library announces new books

Early voting grows in popularity

Woodforest National Bank opens Wilson branch

Videos, blogs round out new tourism website

City holds off on changes to mural ordinance

Weathercast: Jet stream brings chilly overnight temps

Wilson County's COVID-19 cases continue to climb

More local news

SPOTTED: Deans Farm Hayrides

THE BLACK EXPERIENCE

Randolph Sessoms, who served as Wilson County Schools' first African American superintendent, is pictured at his home near the Buckhorn community.

Leveling the playing field in education: Sessoms reflects on career in leadership

As the youngest of nine children in a rural Wilson County tenant farming family, Randolph Sessoms grew up to be Wilson County Schools’ first African American superintendent. “We grew …

Dante Pittman listens to Ruth Baines, curator at the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum, which celebrates African American history in Wilson County.

Black history often untold: Wilson native says museum helps fill educational gaps

Since moving back home to Wilson, Dante Pittman has visited the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum several times. “I am always blown away when I walk in and read,” Pittman said. The …

Bettie Applewhite of Wilson spent 25 years working in and around Washington for the federal government and the private sector before returning to Wilson in 2004.

Raising a child on a maid’s wages: College instructor’s mother was live-in domestic worker

When Bettie Applewhite was about 9, she remembers discovering that it was awfully hard to find a Black kid on television. Her rural Wilson County family had just installed a black and white …

Wilson resident Joan Pender Davis holds racial segregation placards she's collected over the years.

Segregation left lasting impressions

Joan Davis remembers the way things were when she was growing up in Wilson. The 77-year-old said the railroad tracks that slice through downtown Wilson were a line of demarcation with white on the …

Paul Sherrod, 86, stands in the mezzanine of The Boykin Center. Before the civil rights movement, African-Americans had to watch movies and shows from the top floor.

Sherrod sees changes upon return to Wilson

Civil rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis’ recent death caused Paul Sherrod to think about how far the nation has come and how far it has to go. Sherrod grew up trucking tobacco and picking …

SLICES OF LIFE

Last walk across a century-old bridge

Bridgersville Road residents Emmalane Webb, Susie and Michael Sikes walk across the century-old N.C. Department of Transportation bridge spanning the Town Creek in rural Wilson County on Wednesday afternoon. The three had walked down from their homes to see and walk across bridge No. 105 perhaps one last time before it's torn down and replaced by a new span. The bridge was built in 1920. “It's a dangerous bridge because it is so narrow,” said Michael Sikes.

Great-grandfather time

Three-year-old Calle Batts passes the day on a bench with great-grandfather Henry Brice, 68, of Wilson, at the corner of Tarboro and Nash streets on Sept. 24.

Playing with the puppies

Irma Molina plays with her three puppies, Nico, Z and Zeus, in the Toisnot Reservoir dog park on Saturday. Molina was there with her husband Darwia to run their young German shepherd and Siberian husky mix puppies.

Routing the runners

Barbara Taylor, a Wilson County resident who lives on Hornes Church Road, weaves fresh butterbean runners back through the vines in her garden under the hot sun Thursday. "Last year we didn't have much luck, but this year looks a lot better," Taylor said. "We planted the runner kind because they are easier to pick."

The last angler

Wilson resident Anthony Edwards fishes on Lake Wilson as the amber hues of sunset fade away on July 15.

Changing the marquee

Bella Johnson, an Arts Council of Wilson volunteer and intern, changes the Edna Boykin Cultural Center marquee on Sunday to promote the art show "Healing" by Juan Carlos Duron-Martinez.

Sunset on the pier

Brenly Yencho and Patricia Luy, both of Wilson, sit on a pier together as the sunset fades away over Lake Wilson on July 15.

Catching air at the skate park

Nine-year-old Brooks Johnson of Wilson performs skateboard tricks while his father Brandon Johnson takes pictures of daughter Bria Johnson, 14, at the Toisnot Park skate park Sunday.

'Push me, Mommy'

Rachel Kimbrell of Wilson pushes her 2-year-old daughter Penelope Brock on the swing Sunday at Toisnot Park.

Father and son time

Darnell Jackson and his son Trevien enjoy an afternoon of fishing in Wilson as rainwater spills over the Wiggins Mill dam on June 17.

Playtime at the park

Danny and Heather Stapp of Wilson play ball with their sons, 5-year-old Jackson and 2-year-old Carter, on the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park stage.

Trail riders

Families mount up for a ride together near the city of Wilson's Equestrian Trail at the end of Sullivan Road near the Buckhorn Reservoir banks in late April.

Calling the play

Wilson Rough Riders football player Kuvante Griffin, right, and brothers Jay and Dominique Hinnant practice on the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park grass Sunday.

Fishing the Buckhorn Reservoir

Stephen Chambers and son Kaiden Chambers bring in a fish while angling on the Buckhorn Reservoir at the end of Johnson Farm Road outside Kenly in rural Wilson County.

Feathered friends

Sisters Morgan and Megan Hall feed the Canada geese at the Toisnot Reservoir on Sunday.

A lazy afternoon

Dillon Lee of Stantonsburg and Kristen Henderson of Wilmington relax in the grass at downtown Wilson's Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

Paddling on Lake Wilson

Kayakers Jessica Phillips, Martha Jo Stanley, Tammy Hooks and Summer Hooks paddle onto a placid Lake Wilson on Sunday.

Family enjoys fishing trip

His hands full, Emerson Watford helps his wife Kiara and their children, Tiffany, Xavier, Emily and Kinsley, rig their fishing poles at Wilson's Toisnot Reservoir on Sunday.

A stroll in the park

A couple walks hand-in-hand around Lake Wilson Park on Sunday afternoon.

Waiting for a bite

As the Town Creek's tannin-colored backwaters creep by, Alvin Williams and his 6-year-old fishing buddy Kevin Johnson of Elm City angle for freshwater fish off the new 75-foot-long bridge finished in April along Rock Quarry Road near Elm City.

Fishing for that pot of gold

Abraham Alonzo of Wilson, an avid fisherman around the local fishing holes, walks his tricycle up South Street as a rainbow arcs toward the ground ahead last Friday.

Wedding on the run

Alexander Hayman of Boston, left, and Suzanne Michalak of Durham walk down the steps of the Wilson County Register of Deeds after getting their marriage license Monday afternoon just in time for their wedding Monday night at the home of her parents, Daniel and Paul Michalak of Wilson. The couple had planned to hold and Asheville wedding, but that had to be canceled due to COVID-19. "We didn't want to wait another year to get married," the bride said. His parents are Bill and Radhia Hayman of Houston.

WEATHERCAST

Weathercast: Mild temps, clear skies until midweek

While Canadian air, featuring way below normal temperatures and substantial snowfall, blasts the upper Midwest this weekend, it is going to take a while before any part of that system makes it to the …

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Wilson Christian's Hailey Carnes, right, runs into the block of Vandalia Christian's Natalia Rubio during Saturday's NCCSA 2-A quarterfinal at Wilson Christian. The Lady Chargers prevailed in four sets.

Lady Chargers withstand Vandalia to reach state semifinals

One of the maturation processes of a championship-caliber team is the ability to weather the best efforts and plans of an inferior, … Read More

Greenfield’s Jacob Wiggs (23) battles with Joseph Knott of Kerr-Vance for control of the ball during Friday’s NCISAA 1-A playoff match at Greenfield’s Forbes Field. The Knights won 9-0.

Knights kick off playoffs with 9-0 rout of Kerr-Vance

The three-game skid by the Greenfield School boys soccer team seemed a lot further than a month ago after the Knights kicked off the … Read More

Greenfield's Luisa Lee moves in for a forehand poach at the net as teammate Mae Pridgen looks on during Friday's NCISAA 1-A quarterfinal against Cape Fear Christian at Laura Leslie Crudup Tennis Complex. Pridgen and Lee swept their singles and doubles matches to ignite Greenfield in a 6-3 victory.

Grit and grind of Lady Knights produces trip to semis

Throughout the 2020 season, Greenfield School girls tennis coach Robin Morrison has praised the numbers that her Lady Knights have … Read More

Wilson Christian's Jocelyn Bailey hits around the defense of Sydney Enslen (11) of Fayetteville Berean Baptist Academy during Thursday's NCCSA 2-A first-round match at WCA. The Lady Chargers won in three sets.

Like ‘a well-oiled machine’: Wilson Christian thumps Berean Baptist in playoff opener

The potential lethality of the Wilson Christian varsity volleyball team came to the forefront during the second set of Thursday’s … Read More

Greenfield's Sebastian Partida (6) controls possession against Wayne Country Day's Thad Moye (2) and Tanner Willman (19) during Friday's match on Forbes Field. Greenfield won 2-1.

Heads up: Powell lifts Greenfield past WCD 2-1 on Senior Night

Despite being a popular header target on corner kicks for the Greenfield School varsity boys soccer team, senior Will Powell estimates … Read More

RESTORATION NEWSMEDIA

THE ENTERPRISE

Highway Patrol probing roadside brutality claim

ROCKY MOUNT — Although no official complaint has been filed, the N.C. State Highway Patrol is investigating social media claims that trooper brutalized a Black woman during a recent traffic …

County OKs zoning for biomass plant: Power Resource Group plans to buy Masonite building

Spring Hope is focus of new feature film: Native directs love letter to town

Nearly $1 million in Nash County Detention Center repairs complete

Giant pumpkins tip scales in Spring Hope: National weigh-off to become annual tradition

JOHNSTONIAN NEWS

Son to face murder charges in parents’ deaths

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office plans to charge a 53-year-old man with murdering his parents. On Oct. 4, sheriff’s deputies went to 960 Olivia Way, Selma, to conduct on well-being check …

Former Kenly police officer pleads guilty

With Smithfield surgeon’s help, a Golden Knight aims to soar again

Virtual learning begins to fray parent, teacher relationships

Roundtable to tackle racism in education

FUN STUFF

COLUMN

Scary laws won't make Halloween safer

The prospect of police scouring suburban streets to enforce trick-or-treating bans gives a whole new meaning to the term “witch hunt.” From New England to the California coast, cities …

LIFE

Students learn on 3D anatomy program

In the Barton College anatomy lab, shelves are filled with giant eyeballs and ears, cutaway brain models, dismembered and skinless arms and legs and a box of bones sitting next to a skull on a …

E-EDITION

Friday, October 23, 2020

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BEST OF

Knights, Cyclones set to kick off NCISAA postseason play this week

Take note, fellow varsity boys soccer teams in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A postseason. With the regular season in the books, Greenfield School …

Tampa Bay Rays' Manuel Margot is tagged out at home by Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes trying to steal during the fourth inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday, Oct. 25, in Arlington, Texas.

Kershaw stops steal of home, hands Dodgers 3-2 Series lead

ARLINGTON, Texas — Clayton Kershaw’s glittering career lacked two of the most satisfying accomplishments: a win deep in the World Series and a championship ring. He took …

In this photo from the Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005, edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Hunt sophomore Astin Barnes runs during the 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference cross-country championship meet at Hunt. Barnes won for the eighth time in as many conference meets to capture the league crown.

Hunt’s Barnes wins individual honors at ECC

Hunt High’s Astin Barnes ruled the 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference cross-country championship meet at Hunt, giving the sophomore eight wins in as many ECC meets on the …

North Carolina running back Javonte Williams (25) runs the ball for a touchdown against North Carolina State during the second half of a game in Chapel Hill on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Tar Heels win the turf war with Wolfpack

For North Carolina head coach Mack Brown, his then No. 14-ranked Tar Heels 48-21 rivalry romp over No. 23 North Carolina State on Saturday in Chapel Hill wasn’t a perfect performance …

Greenfield swept by Kerr-Vance in quarterfinals

HENDERSON — The Greenfield School varsity volleyball season came to a close Friday afternoon with a 25-12, 25-16, 25-15 loss to defending North Carolina Independent Schools …

Area Calendar, Oct. 26-27

Monday, October 26 No events scheduled. Tuesday, October 27 High School Boys Soccer NCISAA 1-A playoffs, semifinals — Woodlawn School at Greenfield, 5 p.m.; …

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) scrambles past New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport as offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks in the first half of a game Sunday, Oct. 25, in New Orleans.

Bridgewater nearly sinks Saints in return to Superdome

NEW ORLEANS — Teddy Bridgewater took a sack when he could least afford to late in the fourth quarter against the Saints. It was about the only mistake he made in his return to New …

Cars sit on pit road during a red flag period due to misty rain during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, Oct. 25. After just 52 laps, the race was postponed to Monday, Oct. 26.

Misty, drizzling day postpones Cup race in Texas on Lap 52

FORT WORTH, Texas — NASCAR’s Cup playoff race in Texas was postponed Sunday night after 52 laps on a misty day that slowly deteriorated to drizzle while it never actually …

Sports home

College Sports

Thomas accounts for 5 TDs as App State beats Arkansas State

BOONE — Zac Thomas tied a career high with four passing touchdowns and he added a 60-yard rushing score to lead Appalachian State past Arkansas State 45-17 on Thursday night. Appalachian …

No. 14 Tar Heels, No. 23 Wolfpack meet in instate rivalry

Hurt bulking up for sophomore season with Blue Devils

Despite loss, Pirates show resistance to Navy triple option

No. 5 Tar Heels look for 4-0 start in trip to Florida State

School Sports

Unbeaten weekend pushes ‘06 Explosion into Piedmont Conference showdown

IRMO, S.C. — A 2-1 victory and a scoreless tie over the weekend of Oct. 17-18 left the Wilson Youth Soccer Association ‘06 Explosion undefeated in U.S. Youth Soccer’s National …

Wilson City Little League Glance

The fish are still smarter but I’m learning

Lake Wilson 14U beginners cap unbeaten season

Mulligans Fore Kids golf tourney endures

EDITORIALS

Free, independent press is a uniquely American concept

Religion, speech, press, assembly, petition. If you can recite that list from memory, you’re ahead of 96% of American adults, according to the Freedom Forum Institute’s 2019 State of …

Our Opinion: Stealing signs squelches voters' political speech

Our Opinion: Cooper-Suggs, Rankin share their Raleigh road maps

Our Opinion: King's dream should convict, challenge and unite us

Our Opinion: Wilson benefits from frank talk on race relations

Our Opinion: Crime coverage doesn't require mug shot gallery

Our Opinion: Political clothing offers no excuse to mistreat guests

Our Opinion: Wilson can relax mural, sign rules to boost business

Our Opinion: Farmer-Butterfield gave Wilsonians a voice in government

Our Opinion: Founding principles still inspire America

Our Opinion: Mask mandate drafts cashiers, clerks as Cooper's cops

Our Opinion: Lunch shaming finally off the menu for Wilson County Schools

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR