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WILSON’S LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTION SINCE 1896

Update: Police say man found safe

Update: Wilson Police say a man who was missing was found safe Thursday. Police are asking for the public’s help to find a missing Wilson man. Officers say 30-year-old Yoni Aguilar Gamas was reported missing from a home on the 1700 block of Hillcrest Drive. …

This Wilson County Schools illustration shows the district's preferred reentry plan for elementary students.

Wilson school board picks reentry plan: Some students could return to school by Oct. 22

The Wilson County Board of Education has selected a reentry plan that will move some students back into face-to-face learning. In a 5-2 vote, the board selected the fourth option Wilson County …

Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard hangs the office's CALEA certificate. The sheriff's office recently earned Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies accreditation, becoming the seventh North Carolina sheriff's office to receive the designation.

Sheriff’s office now nationally accredited

It’s official. The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office has become a nationally accredited law enforcement agency. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recently …

Coronavirus Crisis

Some restrictions eased as state reaches Phase 3

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday a plan for the state to move into Phase 3, loosening restrictions on businesses but at a reduced capacity. “While we are methodical and cautious …

A domesticated turkey walks in front of Orlando Hudson's Wilson home on Tuesday.

Neighbors enjoy visiting turkey

A turkey that flew into Orlando Hudson’s yard on Raleigh Road Parkway this week could be someone’s pet. Hudson found the large bird walking around his back yard Monday. “It …

Customers chat in the Parker's Barbecue parking lot after a Sunday meal at the popular U.S. 301 eatery. An Asheville man's frustration with staff not wearing masks the same day spurred a WRAL-TV story about the restaurant and sparked an outpouring of support.

No mask? No problem: Wilsonians support Parker’s Barbecue amid media melee

Thousands of Facebook users have rallied behind Parker’s Barbecue following a Monday night broadcast story about employees not wearing masks. “Let’s show everyone from the coast …

Local health officials ask county residents to practice the three Ws: Wear a cloth face covering when with other people, remain 6 feet apart, avoiding close contact, and wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

4 die from COVID-19, bringing Wilson County's death toll to 53

Four Wilson County residents have died from COVID-19-related causes, health officials say. Teresa Ellen, the county’s health director, said two patients were Brian Center residents …

Wilson County school board members and county commissioners meet at Beddingfield High School in March 2019.

Wilson County school board revisits 8-lane track proposal

In a 4-3 vote during a Monday special meeting, the Wilson County Board of Education voted to offer Wilson County commissioners the option of building six-lane or eight-lane tracks at Hunt and …

Sue Ray, foreground, conducts an aerobics class Tuesday at the reopened Wilson Recreation Center pool.

Rec pool reopens after COVID-19 closure

Wilson Recreation Park pool patrons rejoiced Monday when the facility reopened after being closed since the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Yesterday was the first day open. I came …

Wilson police respond to a shots-fired call Friday afternoon on the 100 block of Dewey Street. Investigators say a man accused of robbery and gun theft fired at a victim but didn't strike him.

Robbery suspect accused of attempted murder

A Wilson man is under a $1.5 million secured bond after police charged him with committing three crimes — including attempted murder — in one day. Gregory A. Joyner, 31, is charged with …

Man wanted in Sunday shooting

Wilson police are looking for a suspect wanted in a Sunday shooting that left a man injured. Officers responded to a 1:18 a.m. shooting call at Village Motor Lodge at 2929 U.S. 301. Police …

Ride driver Melissa Taylor and passenger Lida Carter chat at a stoplight Wednesday. Carter said she loves using the city's new on-demand transit system.

‘No rider left behind’: On-demand microtransit offers freedom to Wilsonians

Gas-guzzling buses on fixed routes are a thing of the past in Wilson as residents now use an app to hail rides anywhere in the city. “We’re at the beginning of week four with 40 to 50% growth …

Candidates differ on Medicaid expansion: Webb challenges Fitch in District 4

Sen. Milton F. “Toby” Fitch will face off against Republican newcomer Sammy D. Webb, a criminal defense attorney from Roanoke Rapids, at the polls Nov. 3 to represent N.C. Senate District 4, …

Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard shows the office's new smartphone app, which is available as a free download.

App puts sheriff’s office info at fingertips

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office has a new way to connect with the public. The office just launched its free smartphone app where residents can access various resources, vital information and …

High school students shared their experience with racism and prejudice. From top left are J.D. Bracamontes, Jamian Taylor, Amy Greene and Jessica Pigford. From bottom left are Lee Williams, Asa Haung, MaKylah Lucas and David Cardenas-Cisneros.

THE BLACK EXPERIENCE

Students want peace and unity

After witnessing a year of racial strife, Wilson County high school students say it’s time to talk about it so society can move on. “We have been dealing with racism for a real long …

Casita Brewing Co. taproom manager Rufus Hoffman pours a pint Sunday. The brewery at 217 South St. is launching a new beer Saturday during a party to promote voter registration and participation.

Beer and ballots: Casita beer release promotes voter education

Grab a pint and register to vote Saturday during Casita Brewing Co.’s “I Voted Today” beer release celebration. “We always get excited to vote, but we wanted to do something to inform and …

Cotton Tails Children's Boutique owner Michole Evans stands with her husband, Joey, and their children, from left, Baylor, Barkleigh and Briggs.

New owner brings new look to Cotton Tails

While Michole Evans was ready to realize her dream of opening a children’s shop, the timing just wasn’t right. “We had formed the business, chosen a location and had everything in place,” …

Fike graduate Emily Rhyne won an Emmy Award with The New York Times for a project she did on painter Bob Ross.

Fike grad wins Emmy with New York Times

When Emily Rhyne won an Emmy last week, she acknowledged her Wilson upbringing as a foundation for success, denouncing the myth that “small-town” girls could be nothing more. A 2011 Fike High …

ELECTION 2020 CENTRAL

Chaotic first debate: Taunts overpower Trump, Biden visions

CLEVELAND (AP) — The first debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden deteriorated into bitter taunts and near chaos Tuesday night as Trump repeatedly interrupted …

Lieutenant governor rivals differ sharply

Framers, pivots and defensemen: Our formulaic political debates

Wilson police investigating Trump campaign sign thefts

A 'Supreme' September surprise

Who wins the debate about debates?

House District 24 virtual candidate forum set for Wednesday

With war chests, candidates can support local news

My choice for president will change the world

State House candidates spar over campaign pledge, 'defunding' police

Teachers' group backs Cooper-Suggs for Wilson's state House seat

Trump purges politics from diversity training

Ghosts of elections past haunt Democrats

Discord may follow delayed election results

3 ways to vote in Nov. election: Wilson tops 3,000 mail-in ballot requests

Follow our ongoing coverage of Cannon Hinnant

VIDEO

Tired Lady Chargers grind past Conquerors in 3

Coming off its most comprehensive performance of the season Monday night, the Wilson Christian varsity volleyball team needed to find alternate ways to push through Tuesday’s North Carolina …

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LOCAL HEADLINES

Tee off for Wilson Community College student scholarships

Bob Thaxton leaves legacy of service and sacrifice

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

Attorney General Josh Stein: Don't fall for debt collection scams

State streamlines process for returning unclaimed property

Weathercast: Cold front could bring rain Tuesday and Thursday

Nash County's COVID-19 death toll reaches 42

Middlesex receives sewer expansion grant

Blood donors can help coronavirus patients

Civil Air Patrol squadron marks 40 years

Wilson Gastroenterology adds new doctor, Gal

Man wanted in Sunday shooting

Marriage licenses: Who tied the knot in Wilson County?

Swingset fills a special need

Community remembers lost loved ones, celebrates recovery

Wilson County Public Library announces new books

Wilson County reports 44 new COVID-19 cases since Friday

Community Briefs: State holding virtual career expo

Rainy year hurts Wilson’s cucumber crop

More jobs for older workers?

Letters pile up as lousy pen pal procrastinates

Recession, recovery or something else?

Community remembers lost loved ones, celebrates recovery

Pet of the week: Friendly pup Coral loves to run, jump and play

Family celebrates Cannon’s life

Firefighters rescue Wilson man from house fire

Weathercast: Ahead of cold front, weekend should be mostly dry

Regulators approve cost-saving Wilson Energy initiative

Nurse practitioner joins Wilson Physician Services

Wilson County reports 28 new COVID-19 cases

Students complete BB&T Emerging Leaders program

Retail lobbyist: Pandemic 'like never-ending hurricane' for businesses

Free Silver Alert for Wilson woman canceled

More local news

SPOTTED: A Saturday at Casita Brewing Co.

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

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: Cold front could bring rain Tuesday and Thursday

An advancing cold front and low pressure system will likely give the Wilson Times area showers and thunderstorms Tuesday and Tuesday night. Tuesday should also be the warmest day for the rest of …

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Wilson Christian's Ethan Mitchell hurdles a prone Daniel Lewis of Fuquay-Varina Hilltop Christian during Monday's match at Wilson Christian. Mitchell had a second-half goal in WCA's 6-1 victory.

Patience guides WCA to win in battle of Chargers

Three minutes into the second half Monday night, Wilson Christian junior Nestor Castro dribbled in the direction of the end line as … Read More

Greenfield's Sebastian Partida (6) makes his way past Wilson Christian's Ethan Mitchell during Friday's match at Wilson Christian. Partida converted a penalty kick in the first half as part of Greenfield's 3-0 victory.

Knights dictate to Chargers in 3-0 victory

For the second straight match to open 2020, an energy shift for the Greenfield School varsity boys soccer team in the second half made … Read More

Greenfield's Jeremy Alvarez collects a through ball from teammate William Smith on his way to completing a hat trick in the second half of Tuesday's season opener against Raleigh Friendship Christian on Forbes Field. Greenfield won 5-0. Defending for Friendship Christian are Seth Thompson (8), Samuel Dely (19) and Micah Soemer (21).

Defense allows Knights to overcome slow start in 5-0 opening victory

With seniors anchoring the back line of the defense for the Greenfield School varsity boys soccer team, the defending North Carolina … Read More

First responders approach a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Tuesday after its driver was thrown from the bike on Interstate 795 near the Wilson County line.

Man injured in motorcycle wreck

BLACK CREEK — A Rocky Mount man was taken to the hospital Tuesday after being thrown from his motorcycle on Interstate … Read More

Motorcyclists roll in along Parkwood Boulevard near the old Wilson Mall in honor of Cannon Hinnant, the 5-year-old who was shot to death on Aug. 9.

Motorcyclists offer support to Cannon Hinnant’s family

As Belle Waddell waited Saturday, she looked up at the sky. “I can look up there in those clouds, and I know he’s riding … Read More

RESTORATION NEWSMEDIA

THE ENTERPRISE

Murder convict in 1994 shooting death set to receive parole

A convicted killer serving a life sentence in prison will be a free man in three years. A jury convicted Benjamin Rowen Williams of first-degree murder in the 1994 shooting death of Kenneth L. …

Nash woman dies in house fire

Troopers: Tesla on ‘autopilot’ strikes Nash deputy’s car

Crime in Spring Hope mostly from out-of-towners

Nash charts 4 coronavirus deaths; county's death toll rises to 22

JOHNSTONIAN NEWS

School board abandons in-person learning for grades K-5

SMITHFIELD — A divided Johnston County Board of Education on Thursday reversed its decision to have K-5 students come to school for in-person learning. Citing safety concerns, Superintendent …

Coaches, band directors to receive supplements

Treatment plant moving forward but faces hurdles

Johnstonians don’t mind getting counted, data shows

Council OKs Powhatan Road rezoning 3-2

FUN STUFF

COLUMN

Supreme Court pick shines spotlight on American abortion debate

When Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, leaving a vacancy on the Supreme Court, the impact of her absence on abortion issues came immediately to the nation’s attention. A different Supreme Court’s …

LIFE

So many ways to use those summer tomatoes

My husband and I planted lots of tomatoes this year: cherry, Roma and big old slicing tomatoes. We grew some of the Cherokee Purple variety from seed and others from plants we purchased at a local …

E-EDITION

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

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BEST OF

Assertive Greenfield netters open season by doubling up Epiphany

Perhaps, it’s a bit mechanical and impersonal to refer to them as products of the system. Nevertheless, there’s a full-fledged girls tennis program on display at …

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, right, looks to pass while covered by Miami Heat's Duncan Robinson, left, and Goran Dragic (7) during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Lakers, LeBron roll in Game 1 of finals, top Heat 116-98

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — LeBron James finally got an easy Game 1 in the NBA Finals. A very easy one, at that. Anthony Davis scored 34 points in his finals debut, James had 25 …

Karys Wheeler of the WYSA '06 Explosion takes open field during Sunday's National League Piedmont Conference game against Furman United SC at Gillette Soccer Complex. Wilson won 3-0.

'06 Explosion girls stay unbeaten in National League with second straight shutout

The defense of the Wilson Youth Soccer Association ‘06 Explosion girls stayed strong Sunday morning as Darby Wallig collected six saves to help lead WYSA to a 3-0 victory over …

Noah Pierce of Community Christian works through an agility drill during an Aug. 25 workout at CCS. Pierce will take on a variety of roles for the Cyclones in 2020, including the majority of snaps at quarterback.

‘Time to get on the field’: Staying healthy will mean everything for CCS football in 2020

One key aspect for the Community Christian School eight-player football team is the fact that the Cyclones will be guaranteed a berth in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic …

Knights end skid with 4-0 defeat of DASH

After losing three straight games, the Greenfield School varsity boys soccer team returned to form as the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A defending champion …

In this photo from the Thursday, Oct. 1, 1992, edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Barton senior Shannon Shuskey scored a pair of second-half goals in the Bulldogs’ 5-2 comeback win at Mount Olive.

Barton rallies 5-2

MOUNT OLIVE — After a defensive lapse left Barton College trailing 2-1 in its NAIA Carolinas Conference men’s soccer match at archrival Mount Olive, the Bulldogs rallied …

Area Calendar, Oct. 1-2

Thursday, October 1 High School Varsity Volleyball Grace Christian at Community Christian (Peace Church), 5 p.m. High School Varsity Girls …

Atlanta Braves Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates driving in the game-winning run against the Cincinnati Reds in the 13th inning during Game 1 of a National League wild-card baseball series, Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Atlanta. The Braves won 1-0.

Freeman, Braves top Reds 1-0 in 13th to open series

ATLANTA — The scoreless innings kept piling up, along with the strikeouts. The shadows began to creep across the infield, and when the lights came on in a mostly empty stadium …

Sports home

College Sports

Duke turnovers pave way for loss at Virginia

Duke’s promising season-opening loss to Notre Dame now seems like it was played in an alternative universe. In a COVID-19 Twilight Zone college football season, that’s not unusual, but it …

Generous ECU offense doesn’t keep pace with No. 13 UCF

Execution woes doom Wolfpack in loss to Hokies

Defense ahead of the offense early in ACC season

Notre Dame-Wake Forest postponed after Irish positive tests

School Sports

Wedgewood Ladies Golf Association holds inaugural Member-Member tourney

The Wedgewood Ladies Golf Association held its first Member-Member tournament Wednesday, with 32 participants and 16 teams divided into two flights. Utilizing a Texas Scramble format, competitions …

A little mud on the uniform never hurt anybody

McDaniel aces Wedgewood No. 10

Low pressure makes the deer eat

‘06 Explosion settles for tie in 1st game back from long layoff

EDITORIALS

Our Opinion: Stealing signs squelches voters' political speech

It’s not a prank, a protest or political activism. Plain and simple, it’s a crime. Thieves uprooted more than 100 campaign signs for President Donald Trump from Wilson roadsides …

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

Our Opinion: Police reform must start with transparency

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR