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WILSON’S LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTION SINCE 1896

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 …

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.

Wilson County sees 16 new virus cases

Wilson County reported 16 newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases on Friday, none of which were facility-related. That brings the total since the pandemic began to 1,492 cases, according to county …

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 …

A family is placed in a vehicle after a water rescue on a flooded portion of Lane Stret by Wilson Fire/Rescue Services Thursday evening. Drew C. Wilson | Times

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 …

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 …

This is a concept diagram on the city's future plans for the Wiggins Mill Park project. Commissioners approved transferring four county-owned land parcels to the city on Monday as a part of the project. Contributed

County gives land to city for Wiggins Mill Park project

Wilson County commissioners unanimously appr oved the transfer of four county-owned properties to the city of Wilson this week. The move will help the city expand recreational opportunities as part …

Lucama residents voice concerns about high electric bills Monday afternoon at Town Hall. Pictured from left are Gladys Martinez, Sylvia Carter, Vanessa Anderson, Dorothy Bunch and Brenda Carter.

Lucama admits 'honest errors' on residents' electric bills

LUCAMA — The town’s mayor pro-tem says mistakes on residents’ electric bills were “honest errors” that weren’t intended to affect any particular group of …

Tim Duncan responded this week to serve as a disaster health services volunteer in an American Red Cross shelter at Bertie High School this week. The Raleigh nurse was deployed to help those affected by Hurricane Isaias.

Shelter volunteers needed ahead of next disaster

As Hurricane Isaias plowed toward North Carolina this week, the American Red Cross received a flurry of interest from residents wanting to help. “I was on the phone day and night until the …

Volunteers Jenna Wagoner, left, and sister Alyssa Wagoner help Luncheon Lions Zelle Phelps and Freddy Massimi, right, during the seventh annual Tobs' Home Run for Hunger Celebration at Fleming Stadium in June 2019.

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

Despite having to end the baseball season early due to COVID-19, the Wilson Tobs are still gathering food for the annual Home Run for Hunger campaign. On Sunday, the Tobs will host a …

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 Wilson. She quickly signed a lease and moved into Whirligig …

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Isaias left Wilson largely unscathed

Free Wilson escaped major damage from Hurricane Isaias as it swept through the state late Monday and early Tuesday, leaving several inches of rain in its wake. Peak wind gusts reached 43 mph at …

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LOCAL HEADLINES

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

Sallie B. Howard School meals offered to the public

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

Eddie Hopkins was on the job for 61 years

Williams, Fyle named Wilson Community College trustees

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

Man unhurt when car overturns

Maze reopens after storm flattens sunflowers

North Carolina surpasses 2,000 COVID-19 deaths; Wilson County adds 11 cases

Weathercast: Warm days and scattered storms ahead this week

Lucama residents protest electric bills

Nash County commissioners adopt modified gun rights resolution

Free coronavirus tests available in Bailey; Nash County's death toll reaches 13

Police relations improved in town where man went missing

County board's Sunday split means state will choose Nash early voting days

Community supports Landon Davis with birthday parade

New COVID-19 cases continue in Wilson County, but recoveries are increasing

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

Fat & Skinnys food truck gets creative

Workers transfer from BB&T towers

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: Summer pattern of hot days, afternoon storms continues

The Wilson Times area is forecast to continue with hot temperatures and varying chances of mostly late afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Highs will likely reach within a degree or two of 90 at …

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Most recent videos:

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

Members of the Wide Awake Riders pedal along Nash Street to bring attention to voter registration on Monday.

Riders saddle up for voter registration

Wilson’s Wide Awake Riders rode for registration Monday — voter registration, that is. “Our ancestors fought very hard to … Read More

Peninsula's Tommy Bell, right, slides in safely as the throw to Wilson Tobs catcher Brady Garrison is far too late in the ninth inning of Saturday's Coastal Plain League game in Fleming Stadium. Garrison homered in the third inning, but the Tobs saw their four-game winning streak ended with a 7-2 loss.

Bullpen falters as Tobs win streak ended by Pilots

Twelve Coastal Plain League games are now in the books for the Wilson Tobs, and the Peninsula Pilots team they encountered to open the … 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

Viral photos more vexing than a virus?

In only the first week of fall classes, a suburban Atlanta school made national news for negligence and then further damaged its reputation by punishing whistleblowers and threatening …

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

Friday, August 7, 2020

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BEST OF

NCISAA pushes start of competition back to Sept. 8

The North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association will push the start date for “low-risk sports” back one week in response to Gov. Roy Cooper’s extension of Phase 2 …

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, …

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 …

In this photo from the Aug. 7, 1972 edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Fike High graduate and middle linebacker Billy Rodgers (56) tackles a North ball carrier during the 10th annual North-South Boys Home Bowl at Ficklen Stadium in Greenville. The South, inches from a tying touchdown as time expired, lost 13-7.

Fike graduates Rodgers, Barnes produce in North-South Boys Home Bowl

Time ran out on Fike High graduates J.C. Barnes and Billy Rodgers in the 10th annual North-South Boys Home Bowl contested at East Carolina University’s Ficklen Stadium. Barnes, …

In this photo from the Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Amy Otteson shot a 67 to set a new girls record for the Larry Pittman Memorial/Wilson Junior Golf Association Championship.

Junior championship heating up

Amy Otteson set new tournament — and family — records as she shot a 5-under-par 67 in the second day of the 30th annual Larry Pittman Memorial/Wilson County Junior Golf …

Beddingfield High graduate Kelvin King keeps his eye on the speed bag during a training camp session. King, after a layoff in excess of 500 days, will be back in the ring Aug. 15 against Charleston Pou in Daytona Beach, Fla.

After 500-plus days, layoff finally nearing an end for Kelvin King

When Aug. 15 finally rolls around, it will be 539 long days since Beddingfield High graduate Kelvin King stepped foot inside a professional boxing ring. A temporary shift in …

Sports home

College Sports

Fox retires as Tar Heels baseball coach; Forbes takes over

CHAPEL HILL — Mike Fox has retired as North Carolina’s baseball coach after seven trips to the College World Series, with the school promoting longtime assistant Scott Forbes to …

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

Barton turns to Woodhull-Smith to lead swimming programs

School Sports

James takes competitive drive from tennis court into accounting

Nick James can still rattle off the names of old high school tennis adversaries with the best of them. Chaz Fitzpatrick. Russell Turner. The list goes on. But it was a freshman year singles …

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

Team Elite thumped in playoff opener

EDITORIALS

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

When you see an unfamiliar face, your subconscious forms a first impression in less time than it takes to blink. Neuroscience tells us the human mind’s hardwired to interpret facial expressions …

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

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