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WILSON’S LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTION SINCE 1896

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, …

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 …

In this May 5 file photo, then-Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, and now Director of National Intelligence testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. Officials say Russia and Iran have obtained some voter registration data, aiming to interfere in the November election.

US officials: Iran sent emails intimidating American voters

BOSTON (AP) — Iran is responsible for emails meant to intimidate American voters and sow unrest in multiple states, and Tehran and Moscow have also obtained voter registration with the goal of …

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper listens to a question during a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic at the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, May 28, 2020.

State remains in Phase 3 as COVID-19 cases surge

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in Phase 3 for the next three weeks because the state’s charted an increase in hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases in recent …

3 robbery suspects captured

Authorities say a traffic stop led to the arrests of three Wilson men wanted on armed robbery charges in Selma. Wilson County sheriff’s deputies arrested 22-year-old Marcus …

Franklin Johnson, right, leans against the Freightliner tractor-trailer he was driving when state troopers say it struck a Chrysler Town & Country outside Stantonsburg on Tuesday afternoon. Two women in the minivan were taken to the hospital.

Wreck sends 2 to hospital

STANTONSBURG — Two women were taken to the hospital Tuesday after a minivan flipped over on N.C. 58. The wreck happened at 2:47 p.m. about 1 ½ miles north of Stantonsburg in …

A Carolina Breast Imaging representative speaks with a visitor during last year's Wilson Chamber Expo. The center will be among the 28 vendors at Saturday's drive-thru expo at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.

Drive-thru business expo set for Saturday

Visitors at this weekend’s fall expo will have the opportunity to learn about area businesses without having to leave their cars. “Mass gathering and other public health restrictions …

This illustration reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.

Wilson County reports 14 new coronavirus cases; hospitalizations increase

Wilson County reported 14 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases Tuesday. Of those cases, three involve Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center residents, according to county health …

Greenlight Community Broadband fiber optic technician Zach Bullock pulls new lines Tuesday for service on the 700 block of Privette Street.

Greenlight ups package speed, services

Recent upgrades to Greenlight’s second-tier internet plan has been well received by customers. “These services launched in August, and prior to that, we saw 10% of customers take a …

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.

Virus spread traced to family, friend gatherings

Seventy-eight Wilsonians were diagnosed with COVID-19 over the weekend. “Our numbers continue to be high,” said Teresa Ellen, Wilson County health director. “The sources of contact are …

A faculty member walks down the hallway at Jones Elementary School on Monday.

Schools detail virus precautions

With some elementary and middle school students returning to face-to-face learning Thursday, Wilson County Schools and the Wilson County Health Department have established protocols to protect …

Samuel Farmer was among the 2,132 Wilsonians who cast a ballot Thursday on the first day of early voting. The county's three early voting sites are open daily through Oct. 31.

Early voting grows in popularity

More than 9,200 Wilsonians have already cast their ballots for the Nov. 3 election. Lines were long at the county’s three early voting sites — the Board of Elections office at 112 Douglas St. …

Volunteer firefighters train at Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department last week.

Firefighters wanted: Silver Lake featured in volunteer recruitment efforts

The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department is one of 15 all-volunteer fire departments in the state to share in a $708,000 federal grant. With only 31 members, Silver Lake is among departments in dire …

White Dragon Games owner Robert Cunningham helps a customer during the Peppermill Drive shop's Saturday grand opening.

White Dragon Games caters to all ages

A Wilson native has turned his online business into a brick-and-mortar shop in Eagle Farm Crossing. White Dragon Games celebrated its grand opening Saturday with customers of all ages flocking to …

Teacher Deanna Sellers, right, leads a group of students to the cafeteria after an outside activity at The SPOT, where the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant has just started.

Schools, youth center team up for grant

Wilson County Schools and The SPOT will collaborate over the next three years to administer a $400,000-per-year grant for third through fifth graders. “Our overall vision for the plan is to …

Lieutenant governor candidate Mark Robinson rallies Republicans at the Wilson County GOP's oyster roast fundraiser held Saturday at Scott Farms.

Republicans courting Black voters

LUCAMA — Mark Robinson says President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda is about patriotism, not prejudice. “From where I’m sitting, he’s the …

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-Wilson, addresses participants during the Wilson County Democratic Party's virtual Fall Fling fundraiser on Thursday.

Wilson Democrats banking on blue wave

Rep. G.K. Butterfield’s clothing choice sent a message to Democratic voters and volunteers. The congressman wore his “Eastern North Carolina for Obama ‘08” polo shirt …

Wilson County Tourism Development Authority members discuss changes to the agency's website during a recent meeting at the visitor center in downtown Wilson.

Videos, blogs round out new tourism website

Wilson tourism got a virtual facelift with a new, more interactive website that encourages visitors to let their imagination go. EverWondr Network owner Darrell Kanipe said he wanted to bring …

Wilson Chief Planning and Development Officer Rodger Lentz, far right, speaks about the city's mural ordinance during a Thursday night council meeting. City Attorney Jim Cauley, Councilman James Johnson and City Manager Grant Goings are also pictured.

Wilson City Council

City holds off on changes to mural ordinance

The Wilson City Council opted in June to delay changes to the mural ordinance until after a presentation from city staff. On Thursday, however, staff recommended tabling the discussion until legal …

ELECTION 2020 CENTRAL

Sparks fly in state treasurer debate

RALEIGH — The person who manages most of state government’s financial assets — the $107 billion pension fund for state and local employees, for starters — is not an appointee …

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

The irony of Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis

He's human after all

Candidates clash on reopening schools

Trump diagnosis changes pandemic politics

Chaotic first debate: Taunts overpower Trump, Biden visions

Lieutenant governor rivals differ sharply

Follow our ongoing coverage of Cannon Hinnant

VIDEO

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 his weighted grade-point average at 4.79. Should it have the …

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LOCAL HEADLINES

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?

Weathercast: Warm, sunny days expected this week

Nash County surpasses 3,000 positive COVID-19 cases

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

Woodforest National Bank opens Wilson branch

Weathercast: Jet stream brings chilly overnight temps

Wilson County's COVID-19 cases continue to climb

Want a medical office degree? Wilson Community College has options

Community Christian, Wilson Christian schools report COVID-19 cases

ENCSD opening to in-person instruction

Wilson County Public Library announces new books

Students return to classrooms Thursday

Community Briefs: Plant sale is this weekend

Construction should improve Barnes St. parking lot

Authorities stress precautions to slow COVID-19 spread

Crews working to prep towers for demolition

COVID-19 shapes debate on worker safety

Read before you dive into the kitchen

Theater reopening with increased sanitation

Get counted: 2020 census ends this week

East Wilson pharmacy to close next month

Wilson County reports 2 dozen new COVID-19 cases

Wilson Arts Center takes shape

Museum has new exhibits, makes improvements

3 men sentenced in death of 16-year-old

Wastewater spills into Hominy Swamp

13 cases added to COVID-19 total here

Man faces charges in two robberies

EC students want more instruction

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: Warm, sunny days expected this week

Pleasant temperatures, a few degrees toward the warm side, appear set for the Wilson Times area through Saturday. Highs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday under partly cloudy skies should reach …

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Most recent videos:

Greenfield's Ryann Jennings, right, watches her shot go over the net as partner Libby Eagles looks on during Wednesday's match against Wayne Country Day at Laura Leslie Crudup Tennis Complex. Jennings-Eagles won 8-1 as part of Greenfield's 5-4 victory.

With full squad, Lady Knights trim WCD in rematch, 5-4

This time, there were no defaults or forfeits standing in the way of the Greenfield School girls tennis team. Six days following a … Read More

Wilson Christian's Ethan Mitchell (10) contemplates a move on the attack in the first half of Monday's game against Alamance Christian. Mitchell had a first-half goal for Wilson Christian as it built a two-goal lead, but Alamance rallied to defeat the Chargers 4-3.

In potential title preview, Chargers foiled by Alamance rally

Given the opponent, coy was the preferred approach from the Wilson Christian varsity boys soccer team Monday night. Facing an … Read More

As Deja James of Durham Liberty Christian (32) attempts to block the swing of Greenfield's Mackenzie Landers (20), Greenfield teammates Mia Spagnoletti (14), Ysabella Saldi (3) and Jeallen Holland (12) look on during Friday's match at Greenfield. The Lady Knights remained in second place in the CPIC standings with a 3-0 victory.

Greenfield wins third in a row, sweeps Liberty Christian to maintain 2nd in CPIC

The prevailing book on the 2020 Greenfield School varsity volleyball team has been that of a defense that is ahead of its … Read More

CCS quarterback Landon Beamon (3) takes off through a hole as teammate Graham Norville (8) looks on during Friday's season opener against Lawrence/Albemarle at CCS. Beamon took most of the snaps at quarterback after an injury to Noah Pierce in a 32-14 victory for the Cyclones. In the picture for Lawrence/Albemarle are Mason Worrells (3) and Waylon Clifton (21).

Getting the W: Cyclones survive ironman football, defeat Lawrence in season opener for first victory in 2 years

Three minutes into the 2020 season for the Community Christian School eight-player football team, Cyclones head coach Andy Jackson had … Read More

Wilson Christian's Jocelyn Bailey hits around the defense of Goldsboro Faith Christian during Tuesday's match at WCA. The Lady Chargers won in three sets.

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 … 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

Don't mistake moderators for censors

With so-called censors like these, who needs publicists? Facebook and Twitter are under the microscope for suppressing links to an unverified news story alleging Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden …

LIFE

Robotic welder at Wilson Community College ‘can do some perfect work’

Wilson Community College has invested more than $116,000 to purchase robotic cutting and welding machines to expose students to the next generation of metal manufacturing …

E-EDITION

Tuesday, October 20, 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' Brandon Lowe watches his home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in Arlington, Texas. Lowe homered twice as the Rays won 6-4 to tie the Series 1-1.

Lowe homers twice, Rays hold off Dodgers 6-4 to even Series

ARLINGTON, Texas — Brandon Lowe busted out early and Tampa Bay’s bullpen hung on late. Rays and Dodgers, tied after two in Texas. Lowe shook loose from his extended …

Wilson City Little League Glance

Results Games from Oct. 13-15 Single-A Minor League Ages 5-6 Team R H Rocky Mount Toyota 7 12 Building Blocks 10 16 Leading Hitters — …

Bennett Durham fishes for trout with his fly rod at Wilson Creek in Caldwell County.

The fish are still smarter but I’m learning

As I approach my 55th birthday (hello, senior-citizen discount!), I’ve come realize that what I don’t know far outweighs that which I do. Maybe that’s part of the …

Area Calendar, Oct. 22-23

Thursday, October 22 High School Varsity Volleyball NCCSA 2-A playoffs, first round — Wilson Christian vs. TBD, TBA High School Junior Varsity Eight-Player …

In this photo from the Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1946, edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Ted Saxon, center, is helped off the track after wrecking his car as part of the Jack Kochman Hell Drivers show at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh. Saxon recovered from his injuries and was scheduled to perform in the Hell Drivers show at the Wilson County Fair that week. Another Hell Driver, Stacey Pennington, was still in a local hospital with injuries.

1,000 Bulldog followers are coming here for grid battle

A huge crowd was expected for Charles L. Coon High’s football showdown with Fayetteville at Municipal Stadium in Wilson. The Bulldogs, situated atop the Eastern AA Conference, …

Harrison Lamm, a 2010 Hunt High graduate and an all-state defender for the Warriors in 2009,, will be the next boys soccer coach at Hunt after coaching boys and girls soccer at Springfield Middle for four years.

Lamm eager to revive Warriors’ winning tradition

Harrison Lamm isn’t the first former Hunt High boys soccer player to return as head coach at the school, but the 2010 Hunt graduate is elated to be back in blue and silver. Lamm …

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson (11) catches a pass while Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) chases during the second half of a game in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Robby Anderson proving he’s more than just a deep threat

CHARLOTTE — Robby Anderson is proving he’s more than just a deep threat. The Carolina Panthers 27-year-old wide receiver has been one of the biggest free-agent success …

Sports home

College Sports

Hurt bulking up for sophomore season with Blue Devils

Matthew Hurt played the AAU circuit as a 5-star basketball recruit, meaning he faced plenty of top recruits in competition. He played attract enough offers to narrow his list of schools to three blue …

Despite loss, Pirates show resistance to Navy triple option

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

Resurgent Wolfpack, upbeat Duke revisit rivalry Saturday

Blue Devils to face Wolfpack for first time since 2013

School Sports

Lake Wilson 14U beginners cap unbeaten season

The brotherly tandem of Aiden and Cyan Bonner boosted the Lake Wilson Tennis Club 14U beginner squad to a resounding 24-2 over Greene County Tennis Association last week to conclude the Downeast Fall …

Mulligans Fore Kids golf tourney endures

Wilson City Little League Glance

No rest by the river

‘06 Explosion moves into second place in Piedmont Conference

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