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WILSON’S LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTION SINCE 1896

Suspect captured in child's killing

Authorities have captured a suspect accused of fatally shooting a 5-year-old boy. Police said 25-year-old Darius Nathaniel Sessoms was arrested Monday and is in the custody of Wilson Police …

Cannon Hinnant, pictured riding his bicycle in this family snapshot, died Sunday afternoon.

Family mourns 5-year-old killed Sunday: Cannon Hinnant called a 'beautiful soul'

Cannon Hinnant was supposed to start kindergarten next week. The 5-year-old had recently learned to write his name, too. “He was just a loving kid,” Cannon’s mother, Bonny …

Arthur Rogers looks at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park from properties on South Street he and AE Property partner Josh Hawn purchased recently.

Developer plans space for downtown Wilson restaurant

Work is underway to transform 217 South St. into Casita Brewing Co., but the developer said work will begin soon to prepare the adjacent properties for at least one restaurant. “We’ll do a …

J.D. Dominguez-Bracamontes looks at the place where her family sat minutes before winds from a thunderstorm knocked down a sycamore tree beside their house Sunday.

Straight line winds damage properties

Two Wilson County families sustained property damage in straight line winds from an isolated thunderstorm on Sunday. The Dominguez-Bracamontes family on had just finished grilling underneath a …

Equipment ruined by a July 22 fire at Custom Quality Packers near Bailey sits in the sun Friday afternoon.

Destroyed hog plant had slaughter violations: PETA seeks federal prosecution

BAILEY — A meatpacking plant destroyed in a fire late last month received two federal suspensions this year and had drawn the ire of an international animal rights group. Custom Quality …

Pretty My Party owner Shatyra Cassandra Barnes recently made these Paw Patrol decorations and treats for a customer.

New shop will offer balloons and party gear

Shatyra Cassandra Barnes initially just wanted to make her little boy’s birthday extra special, but the experience set the 30-year-old mother on a mission to deliver smiles at hundreds of other …

Wilson Luncheon Lions Club volunteer Steve Page helps donor Karen Morton during the Home Run for Hunger drive-thru, drop-off collection held Sunday at Fleming Stadium.

Donors offer help at Home Run for Hunger

Karen Morton knows how important it is to support local food pantries, especially now during a pandemic. “The community has been suffering a lot during the pandemic,” said …

Police: Robber posed as Facebook Marketplace cellphone buyer

Wilson police say a teenager made plans to buy a used cellphone advertised on social media, then robbed the seller at gunpoint. Police responded to a 6:31 p.m. June 10 robbery call at …

Wilson Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ron Stahl partnered with the Wilson Chamber of Commerce to offer a Thursday webinar about managing COVID-19 in the workplace. A variety of community and business leaders logged in for the presenation.

COVID crash course teaches workplace protocol: Doctor recommends employee health screenings

From testing to quarantine and returning to the office, Dr. Ron Stahl gave area business leaders an overview of managing a workplace during a pandemic. “Timing is difficult, so if somebody …

Commemorative pavers purchased for the Paul V. Berry Hickory Grove Park have been reinstalled around the fountain at the corner of Pine and Kenan streets.

Wilson reinstalls memorial bricks downtown

After nearly two years in storage, about 150 commemorative pavers have been reinstalled at the corner of Kenan and Pine streets in downtown Wilson. “We are glad to be able to reinstall the …

Wilson Community College to receive $314K for student support grants

Wilson Community College will receive $314,648 in grants to help low-income and first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities. U.S. Rep. G. K. Butterfield said Thursday that …

Gaven Mayo, assistant director of residential services, leaves Hardy Alumni Hall near a directional sign, one of many that have been placed on the campus due to COVID-19.

Barton sets framework for students’ return

Barton College’s president said every student, faculty and staff member has to do his or her part to keep the campus safe. The first day of classes is Aug. 17, and Barton has established reopening …

Hope Station volunteer Marla Parker helps bag food for distribution to agency clients. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed Hope Station's operations, but the nonprofit's shelters and food pantry remain open to serve those in need.

Helping the homeless during a pandemic: COVID-19 changes Hope Station’s procedures, but not its mission

When Brenda Washington was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she didn’t need help at first. She had a little money saved, she said. But after that nest egg was spent, she reached out to …

VIDEO

Stranded motorists rescued from flooded Wilson streets

Wilson first responders helped drivers and passengers stranded in floodwater following intense Thursday afternoon thunderstorms. Water rescues were reported on Kenan Street near its …

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LOCAL HEADLINES

Weathercast: Trough increases thunderstorm chances

Nearly 100 take coronavirus tests in Bailey

Forever friends, new acquaintances bring joy despite pandemic

COVID-19 cases drop in Wilson County, throughout state

Recalling Dennis Rogers’ childhood, career

Jim Hawley named Wilson County Democratic Party chairman

Free Police identify 5-year-old killed in Sunday shooting

Free Wilson police: Felon wanted on murder charge in 5-year-old's shooting death

Police: 5-year-old killed in Wilson shooting

Weathercast: Summer pattern of hot days, afternoon storms continues

Pet of the week: Lynx enjoys watching birds, taking cat naps

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

Interested in the sciences? Consider this biotech degree

Celebrating five years in print

Wilson County sees 16 new virus cases

Sallie B. Howard School meals offered to the public

County gives land to city for Wiggins Mill Park project

County’s active COVID-19 cases remain steady; state adds nearly 2,000 cases Thursday

Shelter volunteers needed ahead of next disaster

Lucama admits 'honest errors' on residents' electric bills

Eddie Hopkins was on the job for 61 years

Williams, Fyle named Wilson Community College trustees

Help Tobs load the bases with food donations: Collection scheduled Sunday at Fleming Stadium

2 students receive Greenfield's Beaman scholarship

Coronavirus’ effects could stretch far beyond 2020

Buckets of light give elements of surprise, hope, comfort

Cooper orders 5 more weeks of 'Phase 2' virus restrictions

More local news

SPOTTED: Greater Wilson Rotary Park 2020

#ICYMI - IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Mahalia and Ryan Witter-Merithew celebrate Casita Brewing Co.'s future home at 217 South St. with a cake from Treat Yo' Self Bakery. The business plans to open at the end of August or early September. Two collaboration beers with the nearby bakery are already in the works.

Changes brewing near Whirligig Park: Casita to replace 217 Brew Works

Casita Brewing Co. owners Ryan and Mahalia Witter-Merithew plan to spend the next month transforming 217 South St. into the embodiment of their brand, and their first order of business once the doors …

Fat & Skinnys co-owner Angelo Carlone adds cheese to his take on a Monte Cristo sandwich Thursday. The food truck is serving customers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday this week at Treat Yo' Self Bakery and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market for the remainder of the season.

Fat & Skinnys food truck gets creative

A new food truck has come to Wilson, with Angelo Carlone putting his own spin on everything from breakfast burritos to the “Top-Heavy Club” that incorporates a grilled cheese sandwich. “Fat …

Christy Boykin, radiologic technologist, checks Mark Holyoak's temperature at Wilson Medical Center last week. Like other employees, Holoyoak, hospital CEO, gets a health screening when he arrives at work every day.

Wilson Medical Center adapts to COVID-19 pandemic: Community’s cooperation can help stop the spread

They’ve lined the hallways and celebrated when recovered COVID-19 patients were wheeled out of the hospital to go back home. They’ve mourned at the bedside of patients who have died from the …

Unearthed Lucama town government records sit in the grass on the outskirts of Lucama last week. A federal lawsuit claims the records were illegally buried.

Lucama federal suit widens: Amended complaint includes buried records, electric bills

LUCAMA — Allegations that officials ordered town records buried and allowed adjustments to some residents’ electric bills are among new claims added to a federal lawsuit on Thursday. Last …

Michelle Edwards, Wilson County Schools technology coordinator, "enrolls" some of the more than 400 new Chromebooks bound for elementary and middle schools for the upcoming nine weeks of remote learning due to COVID-19.

Remote learning is virtually face-to-face: Students will be graded, checked for attendance

For Wilson County Schools students engaged in remote learning this fall, attendance will be recorded, grades will be issued and there will be daily, face-to-face virtual contact with teachers. …

SLICES OF LIFE

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: Trough increases thunderstorm chances

There is a good chance of thunderstorms in the Wilson Times area Tuesday through Saturday as a trough finds a home across North Carolina. Probabilities go to 50% each afternoon and early evening, …

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Most recent videos:

Wilson Energy worker Clay Vick cuts a limb off of a power line Tuesday morning on Albert Avenue.

Isaias left Wilson largely unscathed

Wilson escaped major damage from Hurricane Isaias as it swept through the state late Monday and early Tuesday, leaving several inches … Read More

Shanna Moore, a resident at Whirligig Station, looks at flooded portions of her apartment on the ground floor at the development on Tuesday morning. Drew C. Wilson | TImes

Isaias floods downtown Wilson's Whirligig Station apartments

It was love at first sight when Shanna Moore saw the historic beams of the tobacco warehouse turned into urban apartments in downtown … Read More

Chatting With Chip

Welcome to the inaugural edition of "Chatting With Chip," a weekly video interview with Barton College football head coach Chip … Read More

Wilson Team Elite catcher Justin Holland awaits a throw that will not arrive in time as Wayne County Jets third baseman Logan Merritt (19) scores during the first inning of Wednesday's independent summer league game at Eastern Carolina Athletic Park. Wilson lost 14-4 in five innings.

Pair of costly innings ends Team Elite’s season, 14-4

GOLDSBORO — Quickly falling into the losers bracket of a double-elimination baseball tournament can send chills down the spine of … Read More

Wilson Team Elite right-hander Chad Bean worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed five hits to keep his team in the 2020 Independent Summer League tournament with a 7-4 win over the Kinston Battleships in the first game of two Tuesday at Eastern Carolina Athletic Park.

An arms race: Strong pitching performances keep Team Elite season alive

GOLDSBORO — Wilson Team Elite has spent a good portion of the 2020 independent summer league baseball season being dictated to on an … Read More

RESTORATION NEWSMEDIA

THE ENTERPRISE

Nash commissioners approve 78-home Green Pond subdivision

NASHVILLE — After twice rebuffing efforts to rezone a 66.8-acre property in the Green Pond area near Bailey for a dense housing development, Nash County commissioners on Monday approved …

Darkside Haunted Estates scaring up 2020 cast

Obama endorses Wellons in state Senate race

Chamber cancels Pumpkin Festival due to COVID-19 pandemic

Farm offers family tours: Livestock a hit with kids and adults alike

JOHNSTONIAN NEWS

Probation officer won’t face charges in shooting, district attorney says

SMITHFIELD — A probation officer who shot an armed man in a wheelchair will not face criminal charges, Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle said on Wednesday.

Will Juneteenth become a county holiday?

Johnston Health Department warns of scam

Johnston breaks ground on newest school

FUN STUFF

COLUMN

Pandemic imperils public schools

The COVID-19 pandemic shows how we dump society’s problems on public schools, but don’t give them enough money to meet those challenges. Six months of lockdown should remind us that …

LIFE

Sweet potato muffins will remind you of fall

It’s amazing how a muffin can give you all the feelings of fall. I could smell the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves as my sweet potato muffins baked last week, and later I could taste the flavors I …

E-EDITION

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

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BEST OF

With no fall football, Bulldogs get a developmental reset

Pessimism isn’t in Chip Hester’s playbook. With freshman overwhelming what was to be the first Barton College football team in 70 years, getting the Bulldogs started …

Wilson Christian's Brant Hughes (4) tries to shield Greenfield's William Smith (7) from possession during a match Aug. 30, 2019 on Forbes Field. The NCCSA plans to return to play Sept. 8 in all of its fall sports, while the NCISAA has designs on starting girls tennis, girls golf and cross-country at that time.

NCCSA to begin play Sept. 8

The North Carolina Christian School Association now has a target date for its return to fall sports amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In releasing a statement Monday afternoon, the …

In this photo from the Aug. 11, 1965 edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Tobs pitcher Wayne McAlpin is shown. McAplin tossed a complete-game three-hitter to lead Wilson past Burlington 2-0 in Carolina League action in a battle of last-place teams in their respective divisions.

McAlpin wins 13th as Tobs blank Burlington

The Wilson Tobs may find themselves at the bottom of the Carolina League’s Eastern Division, but it isn’t due to the craftsmanship of pitcher Wayne McAlpin. McAlpin held …

Clemson transfer Chase Brice drops back to pass during Duke's first practice for the 2020 season Friday in Durham.

Amid an uncertain season, Blue Devils open practice

College football seems one COVID-19 outbreak away from shutting down without a 2020 season, but two teams that so far appear to have avoided pratfalls plaguing other campuses are Duke …

In this photo from the Aug. 10, 1982 edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Robbie Galloway displays a fist pump competing in the Ages 13-14 division at the fourth annual Wilson County Junior Golf Championship at Wilson Country Club.

Williams, Lane among leaders at county golf championship

Kent Williams and Davis Lane took the initial steps in defending age-group championships at the fourth annual Wilson County Junior Golf Championship with first-round performances at …

A different letter, for a different time

In a world free from the scourge of one particular virus, today would mark one full week since the North Carolina High School Athletic Association formally stepped back onto the field …

Southern National returns to racing Saturday night

Seven races in six divisions will take to the track Saturday night in Lucama as action resumes at Southern National Motorsports Park. The green flag will drop at 6 p.m. for the …

In this photo from the Aug. 8, 2009 edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Nickie Womble of the Wilson County Xtreme is called out at second base to end the top of the third inning as Lodi, Calif. shortstop Ally Weaver, right and second baseman Karina Krueg exit the field. The Xtreme won 10-8 to reach 2-0 in pool play at the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series at Onnie Cockrell Athletic Complex.

Xtreme rallies to start 2-0 at Babe Ruth 12U World Series

Trailing entering the top of the sixth inning, the Wilson County Xtreme used a five-run flurry in its last trip at the plate to take the lead and hold on for a 10-8 victory over Lodi, …

Sports home

College Sports

Barton’s return to football delayed as SAC postpones fall sports

The long, winding road associated with NCAA Division II football in a pandemic era has claimed the would-be debut of Barton College. Barton’s scheduling partner for its first season of …

Fox retires as Tar Heels baseball coach; Forbes takes over

Notre Dame opens ACC play against Duke, won’t play Navy

NCAA Division II cancels 2020 fall championships

Pandemic baseball was fun while it lasted

School Sports

Ethics in hunting

Let’s talk ethics. Specifically, let’s talk ethics in being a sportsman, outdoorsman, hunter, and/or angler. I was reminded of a hunt I was on eight years ago. Thinking back to that …

James takes competitive drive from tennis court into accounting

Pandemic tennis: Local USTA league adapts, overcomes

Through ups and downs, Team Elite finds its place

Lake Wilson 10U ties for Down East league title

EDITORIALS

Our Opinion: Political clothing offers no excuse to mistreat guests

Rachel Williams says a T-shirt got her thrown out of a Wilson doctor’s office. In the Charlotte suburb of Gastonia, Lydia Sturgues-Robinson said an ice cream parlor booted her over a …

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

Our Opinion: Police reform must start with transparency

Our Opinion: Open government guarantee belongs in NC Constitution

Our Opinion: What's Wilson's plan to prevent COVID-19 utility shutoffs?

Our Opinion: Cooper's church occupancy limits are unconstitutional

Our Opinion: Transparency, free speech win in NC Supreme Court battles

Our Opinion: Virus outbreak sites shouldn't be a state secret

Our Opinion: Cooper wise to avoid restricting #ReopenNC protests