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WILSON’S LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTION SINCE 1896

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87; served quarter-century on high court

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a diminutive yet towering women’s rights champion who became the court’s second female justice, died Friday at her home …

Wilson City Council members debated allowing the construction of about 60 houses in a commercial district off Wooten Boulevard during a Thursday meeting.

Wilson council debates rezoning requests for planned restaurant, 60 new homes

Wilson City Councilman James Johnson sided with existing properties in two rezoning cases Thursday. “Just like when we’re protecting a neighborhood from a restaurant that wants …

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 reports 28 new COVID-19 cases

Wilson County reported 28 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases Friday. Patients include a Brian Center resident and a Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center employee, according to county health …

Students eat lunch at Wilson's Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education in 2019.

Sallie B. Howard School to continue remote instruction through year's end

The Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education says it will continue remote instruction through Dec. 22. School spokeswoman Saptosa Foster said in a Friday news release that the decision …

Samuel Ruiz, right, tosses a pumpkin to Dawson Batts as a truckload of Wilson-grown pumpkins arrives Friday at Nash Street Produce.

Wilson-grown pumpkins arrive at market just in time for fall

Growing pumpkins in Wilson County is essentially a roll of the dice. “Other guys have said if you grow them four years, you will have one good year and three bad ones. The stars will align …

Jana Winder, music teacher at Lucama Elementary School, suggests her students use stuffed animals as beat buddies to help them keep time while practicing their lessons remotely.

Cooper: Grades K-5 can return to classrooms for full-time, face-to-face learning

Gov. Roy Cooper cleared the way for North Carolina’s elementary schools to open full-time, but it’s up to each district to decide which option works best. Cooper announced …

Elm City Middle School band and general music teacher Adam Schultz said remote learning has given him the opportunity to focus on individuals rather than the band as a whole.

Teachers get creative with lessons: Virtual learning has its challenges

Elm City Middle School band and general music teacher Adam Schultz knew teaching by remote learning would be difficult at the beginning of this school year. So he just shifted his focus from the …

3 charged in Wilson man’s killing

Three Wilson men have been charged with first-degree murder in the July killing of 24-year-old Tylyike A. Pigford. Wilson police and U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force members …

Jose Lopez, left, and Cisco Reyes of Lopez Handyman remove the upper part of a bench set to comply with Wilson city codes.

Changes brewing at Casita in effort to safely open beer garden

After a few weeks of attempting to reach a compromise, Casita Brewing Co. owners have chopped the tops off the beer garden cabanas and are hiring workers to make the space accessible for …

Three men charged in 24-year-old’s July killing

Three Wilson men have been charged with first-degree murder in the July killing of a 24-year-old Tylyike A. Pigford. Wilson police and U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force …

Grady "Bucky" Robbins, right, listens to Norman Harrell, director of Wilson County's N.C. Cooperative Extension office, during an agriculture meeting in 2018. Robbins died Tuesday at age 73.

Bucky Robbins remembered as a friend to Wilson

Friends, relatives and colleagues remember Grady “Bucky” Robbins as a statesman with a heart full of love who wanted to help Wilson achieve what was best for all its people. Robbins, …

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.

THE BLACK EXPERIENCE

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.

THE BLACK EXPERIENCE

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.

THE BLACK EXPERIENCE

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 …

Wilson County has applied for a community grant to add a carport and drive-thru testing area at the front of the Wilson County Senior Activity Center on Goldsboro Street.

Wilson County seeks $900,000 grant for senior center project

Wilson County is seeking a $900,000 community grant that will rehabilitate the Wilson County Senior Activity Center on Goldsboro Street. The funding is COVID-19 specific, and if the county …

Wilson County Board of Education and Wilson County Board of Commissioners members are shown during a joint March 2019 tour of high school athletic facilities.

Commissioners want more discussion on high school track decision

Wilson County commissioners disagreed with the county school board’s Monday morning decision to build six-lane tracks at Beddingfield and Hunt high schools. During their own meeting Monday …

Wilson police seize 2 kilos of heroin

Two men face drug trafficking charges after Wilson police seized 2 kilograms of black tar heroin Sunday. Police stopped a vehicle after observing traffic violations around 11:30 a.m. on the 4300 …

Police: PCP seized in drug raid

Two Wilson men face criminal charges after police seized drugs including PCP on Saturday. Police responded to a 10:11 a.m. disturbance call in the 3900 block of Nash Street. Officers spoke to …

ELECTION 2020 CENTRAL

With war chests, candidates can support local news

Viewers tune them out; voters hate them; and researchers call them ineffective. But attack ads continue chewing up airtime as the slow march to Election Day becomes a six-week sprint. Campaigns …

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

Answers to early voting, election questions

Cooper seeking too much power

Conventions were upended, but still told a story

Study political 'recipes' to make your vote count

Needed: People to work the polls

Catholics' moral obligations in voting

Follow our ongoing coverage of Cannon Hinnant

VIDEO

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 all the difference in the world. After collecting a …

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LOCAL HEADLINES

Pet of the week: Siamese kitten loves attention and is constantly purring

Weathercast: Cooler temps mark first week of fall

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

Wilson Community College offers free student resources

Car hits utility pole

Hominy Creek improvement projects receive federal boost

Wilson County Superior Court

Community briefs: Alumni plate sale planned

Wilson DSS earns financial management award

New hemp processing facility operational: DEA rule changes viewed as an industry concern

‘Live Life in Color’ run goes virtual

Wilson County reports 19 new COVID-19 cases

Kenly museum to reopen Sept. 24

Judd achieves Eagle Scout rank

Pandemic brings changes to job market

Wilson County reports 2 COVID-19-related deaths

Man injured in motorcycle wreck

New COVID-19 cases include 8 Brian Center residents

Weathercast: Mild temps provide sneak preview of spring

Firemen's Day a smokin' success: Middlesex VFD sells 1,800 plates

Teachers’ group backs Cooper-Suggs for state House

Community briefs: Alumni plate sale planned

Dual photo exhibits showing downtown

Wilson County Public Library announces new titles

Housing market rebounds from brief COVID-19 dip

Teachers asked to return to their classrooms

Floods prompt Nash County to form advisory panel

Wilson County reports another COVID-19 facility outbreak

Barton ranks highest in state for value among regional colleges

Pet of the week: OJ's a 'sweet lap cat who wants to be close to people'

More local news

SPOTTED: A Saturday at Casita Brewing Co.

#ICYMI - IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Daniel Franklin Heath, 33, appears in Wilson County District Court on May 10, 2019. Heath, who pleaded guilty to a child pornography charge in October, was sentenced to roughly 11 years in federal prison on Friday.

Former Wilson pastor sentenced in child porn case

A former Wilson pastor who pleaded guilty to coercing an underage Texas girl into creating child pornography will spend roughly a decade in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan …

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 …

Louretha Virginia Renfrow Johnson looks over genealogical charts detailing the lineage of Rocky Branch United Church of Christ members.

Church celebrates 150th anniversary

Five years after the Civil War ended, a handful of former slaves established a worship place under a “bush shelter” near a rocky stream in western Wilson County. Members of Rocky Branch United …

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 …

Evan's Snack Cabinet owner Evan Tucker, 12, checks in with Chick-N-Stix owner BetiJo Ballin, who's teamed up with the young entreprenuer to sell his gourmet popcorn and candied nuts at her Wilson restaurant.

12-year-old’s love of snacks turns into business

Family and friends know Evan Tucker as the “snack monster.” “I love snacks,” the 12-year-old said. With a little help from his parents, Tasharra and Nick Tucker, the young …

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: Cooler temps mark first week of fall

The Wilson Times area should enjoy very stable conditions at least Saturday through Tuesday, with cool temperatures and lots of sunshine. A high-pressure system dropping from the Great Lakes to …

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MULTIPLE POSITONS

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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

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

Wilson Christian's Chloe Willard initiates the offense for the Lady Chargers during Friday's game against Durham Liberty Christian. WCA lost in 4 sets.

Lady Chargers can’t crack Liberty Christian defense, falter in 4 sets

There’s something to be said about a defense that simply won’t permit a rally to end. With each ball returned over the net, the … Read More

Wilson Christian's Nestor Castro (6) retreats after scoring the first of his two first-half goals Tuesday against Greenville Christian in the season opener for both teams. The Chargers won 9-0 after invoking the mercy rule at halftime.

Chargers make short work of Knights in opener

As far as debuts go, the 2020 opener for the Wilson Christian varsity boys soccer team was settled in short order. Needing just 40 … Read More

Sophia Nesbit led Wilson Christian with 11 kills on Tuesday in its four-set conquest of Greenville Christian in the seaosn opener for both teams. Looking on is Paige Barnes (20).

Lady Chargers shake off rust, defeat Greenville in 4 sets

The new lineup for the Wilson Christian varsity volleyball team was put to the test early Tuesday night. Facing Greenville … 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

Attack ads, Trump rhetoric weaken our democracy

The collegiate and professional football leagues started their delayed seasons last weekend, and, if it means anything, I was glad to see the new seasons begin. But the Saturday and Sunday games were …

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

Friday, September 18, 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' Anthony Davis (3) shoots a 3-point basket over Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic (15) at the end of Game 2 of the Western Conference finals series Sunday, Sept. 20, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Lakers won 105-103.

Davis hits 3 at buzzer, Lakers edge Nuggets for 2-0 lead

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Anthony Davis made a 3-pointer as time expired to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 105-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night and a 2-0 lead in …

In this photo from the Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1994, edition of The Wilson Daily Times, Hunt’s Chris Hill, right, is defended by Bryan Register of Beddingfield during a match at Bruin Stadium. The Warriors won 4-0.

Hunt blanks Bruins, 4-0

Playing under the lights of Bruins Stadium, the Beddingfield High varsity boys soccer team couldn’t utilize the homefield advantage in a 4-0 loss to county rival Hunt. The …

Mariah Polk of WYSA ’06 Explosion dribbles the ball as a NCFC Gold North player pursues her during the opening game of the US Youth Soccer’s National League Piedmont Conference U-15 Girls on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Mills Park in Cary. The match ended in a scoreless tie.

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

CARY — Playing in a real match for the first time in months, players from both the Wilson Youth Soccer Association’s ‘06 Explosion and North Carolina Football …

N.C. State running back Zonovan Knight (7) runs for a 30-yard touchdown during the first half of N.C. State's game against Wake Forest at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh on Saturday, Sept. 19. Knight, a Southern Nash High graduate, finished with 97 yards on just 11 carries as the Wolfpack won its season opener 45-42.

Off and running: Knight, Person lead Wolfpack past Wake Forest in opener

Bolstered by a three-headed platoon at tailback and an experienced offensive line, N.C. State ran wild Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium. Ricky Person finished with 99 yards …

Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the fourth tee during the final round of the US Open Golf Championship, Sunday, Sept. 20,, in Mamaroneck, N.Y. DeChambeau overcame a two-stroke deficit to leader Matthew Wolff starting Sunday to win by six strokes for his first major championship.

DeChambeau blasts way to Open crown

MAMARONECK, N.Y. — Call him a mad scientist in a tam o’shanter cap. Call him a game-changer in golf. Any description of Bryson DeChambeau now starts with U.S. Open …

Area Calendar, Sept. 21-22

Monday, September 21 High School Varsity Boys Soccer Hilltop Christian at Wilson Christian, 6 p.m.; Fayetteville Academy at Greenfield, 6 p.m. High School Varsity …

Boston College defensive back Deon Jones (5) forces Duke quarterback Chase Brice (8) to fumble as Eagles defensive back Mike Palmer helps to make the tackle in the third quarter of the game Saturday, Sept. 19, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. Boston College won 26-6 in its opener, dropping the Blue Devils to 0-2.

Cutcliffe takes blame for Blue Devils’ underwhelming offense in loss to BC

When Duke head coach David Cutcliffe retires and writes his book on his football life, he needs to include a chapter for people in their mid-60s with advice on workout and diet …

Sports home

College Sports

Maui Invitational moving to Asheville during pandemic

ASHEVILLE — The Maui Invitational is moving to the mainland during the coronavirus pandemic. One of the premier preseason tournaments on the college basketball schedule, the Maui …

NC State hosts Wake Forest with families allowed in Carter-Finley Stadium

NC State hosts Wake Forest in Wolfpack's delayed debut

Second time around: Former Firebird Knight ready for more after breakout rookie season at NCSU

NCAA basketball season set to open day before Thanksgiving

School Sports

Rediscovering his focus: Herring lights up future home course with twin 64s

Coaches are there to inspire and motivate their players but for Jake Herring, the words of Press McPhaul, his future golf coach at North Carolina State University, have been pure gold. By his own …

Abrams back on top at Wilson County Amateur

Tobs high school fall league looms large in pandemic

Wet Wedgewood, strong field could make for tough 42nd annual Wilson County Amateur Championship

Mulligans Fore Kids benefit golf tourney to continue, but no auction in 2020

EDITORIALS

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

Fifty-seven years ago today, Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream of equality, justice and unity with a quarter million people in the nation’s capital. Delivered from the Lincoln …

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

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