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WILSON’S LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTION SINCE 1896

Friday funeral planned for fallen Nash deputy

NASHVILLE — The Nash County Sheriff’s Office has announced funeral arrangements for a deputy who died in a Thanksgiving Day crash. Jared Michael Allison, 26, died Tuesday from injuries …

This illustration reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.

Wilson, state see record COVID case counts; free drive-thru testing offered Friday

Wilson County set a record for newly confirmed coronavirus cases this week. Officials reported 66 new cases on Thursday and 68 the day prior. Patients identified in Thursday’s positive …

Manual Physical Therapy owner Kelly Vitale has lit up her home at 7952 Bridgeview Road south of Rocky Mount for the holidays and is inviting folks to enjoy the music-synched show while donating to Veterans Residential Services of Wilson. The light show runs from 5 p.m. to midnight every day with free hot chocolate served on Saturdays.

Merry with a mission: Holiday light show gives back to area veterans

What started as family fun for a Wilson business owner has grown into a fundraiser for area veterans with an elaborate light show. “The biggest thing for us is we have fun, but 100% of what …

Butterfield to succeed John Lewis in House leadership role

WASHINGTON — Rep. G.K. Butterfield will serve as one of two top lieutenants to Majority Whip Jim Clyburn when the 117th Congress is installed next month. Butterfield, D-Wilson, joins …

Thomas Webb stands in a recently harvested field of corn that was irrigated with a pivot, which helped him produce one of Webb Family Farms' best-ever corn crops.

Crop diversity keeps guest workers busy

STANTONSBURG — Wilson County farmer Thomas Webb understands the value of crop diversity, managing labor and sharing equipment across two farming entities. Armed with a field crops technology …

Janet Holland, Wilson land development manager, speaks during a Tuesday planning board meeting about a rezoning request for a half-acre of land along Baybrooke Drive. Engineer Robert Bartlett also spoke during the meeting.

Rezoning request would unite 11-acre parcel

A half-acre portion of the Walkers Trace subdivision received an initial rezoning Tuesday to unite with a larger parcel’s residential mixed-use zone. “At the request of the N.C. …

Gov. Roy Cooper arrives for a June press briefing on the COVID-19 virus at the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh.

Wilson County reports 2 COVID deaths; North Carolina planning for vaccine

Wilson County reported two new deaths associated with COVID-19 on Tuesday. Officials say the patients were Accordius Health residents. One was a woman in her late 70s, while the other …

Elm City Emergency Services Capt. Michael Lamm stands next to one of the agency's two ambulances. Operated since 1983, the agency closed its doors on Thanksgiving Day.

Elm City Emergency Services, Stantonsburg EMS close doors; agencies struggled to find volunteers

Emergency medical services agencies in Elm City and Stantonsburg have ceased operation due to membership declines and funding issues. In a Nov. 26 Facebook post, Elm City Emergency Services Inc. …

‘Ultimate sacrifice’: Nash County deputy dies from crash injuries

A Nash County deputy injured in a Thanksgiving Day crash has died. Jared Michael Allison, 26, who’s been hospitalized at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville with brain damage since Nov. 26, …

Billy Ray Marshall, 54, was found dead on June 25 on the 1200 block of Ward Boulevard near Buddy's Home Furnishings and the Speedway convenience. His autopsy indicates Marshall died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.

Autopsy: Man died of stab wound

A Wilson man whose body was found on Ward Boulevard in June died as a result of a stab wound to the neck, his autopsy report states. Billy Ray Marshall, 54, was found June 25 on the 1200 …

Tasha "Tott" Williams, 43, has been found safe. Contributed photo

Police: Missing woman found safe

Police say a woman who was reported missing in November has been found safe. Officials say 43-year-old Tasha L. Williams, who goes by the nickname “Tott,” has returned home. …

Officers investigate Sunday shooting

Wilson police are investigating a Sunday night shooting. Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Hines Street just before 7 p.m. and found 23-year-old Antonio D. Anderson with a gunshot wound …

Students gather around Frederick Douglass Elementary School fourth grade teacher Courtney Beckstead's computer in the pre-COVID-19 days during the 2019-20 school year's first nine-week grading period.

46% of Wilson County Schools students failed a class in 1st grading period

In the first nine weeks in this school year, 46% of Wilson County Schools students in grades 3-12 failed a class, according to data supplied by the district. Students were in remote learning during …

Samora Naturals store associate Briona Chavis hand-mixes a batch of Coffee Lovers Face & Body Scrub while shop owner Shawna Moses pours in one of the ingredients.

Entrepreneurs wanted for Wilson business accelerator program

When Shawna Moses was accepted into a business accelerator program in February, she never imagined how invaluable the assistance would be. “Before COVID hit, business was definitely very, …

Drop-in day care center a dream come true

Wilson parents looking for impromptu child care have a new option with Ms. Knight’s Drop-In Playhouse. The Airport Boulevard business has been a dream of owner Tawana Knight’s since she was a …

Murder convict could be paroled in husband’s killing

A woman who’s spent three decades in prison for fatally beating and torturing her elderly husband in a Wilson hotel is eligible for parole. A Wilson County jury convicted 78-year-old …

A worker walks under the BB&T towers as an excavator works to smash out the first-story glass facade on one tower Tuesday in preparation for the eight-story buildings' December implosion.

BB&T towers’ demolition scheduled for Dec. 19

Decades after becoming an iconic sight in historic downtown Wilson, the BB&T towers will fall to the ground in a simultaneous implosion at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. “Many city departments …

Wilson County charts spike in suicide attempts

In the wake of a pandemic, social unrest and financial instability, Wilson County has seen a rise in suicide attempts in 2020. The Wilson Police Department and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office …

ELECTION 2020 CENTRAL

Why Democrats did poorly in North Carolina

Thirty days out from North Carolina’s 2020 elections, we now have greater perspective on what happened. Cut it and slice it any way you want, the elections were a disaster for Democrats who …

Voters say no to discrimination

When political shorthand gets it wrong

‘Defund the police’ undid the Democrats

States, voters share uneasy balance of power

Follow our ongoing coverage of Cannon Hinnant

VIDEO

Hanging on to first place: Hunt holds off Fike in Big East battle

Whether the Hunt High varsity volleyball team knew its winning streak against Fike stretches back to 2014, the Lady Warriors found themselves in quite a struggle to win for a 14th straight time …

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LOCAL HEADLINES

Wilson County COVID cases soar: 1 death, facility outbreak reported

Community Briefs: Free coffee for veterans offered

Celebrating successful food drive

She adds a twist to fitness routine

Barton gives back to community

Weathercast: Temps to plunge as high pressure takes hold

Wilson reports virus death, 159 new cases; Jones Elementary halts in-person classes

Wilson City Council approves 4 items in 4 minutes

Nash deputy fighting for his life after Thanksgiving Day crash

Heed the call of Christmas' spirit of giving

Wilson native earns engineering degree

Barbershop, nonprofit feed 300

Registration open for Save-A-Youth computer program

Weathercast: Low pressure to increase shower, storm chances

College honors faculty, staff members of the year

Pet of the week: Friday the cat gets along with big, small dogs

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

Winstead named to NC A&T alumni council

Community Briefs: Firehouse to host blood drive

DSS: Brighten holidays for older adults and youth

Who was convicted in Wilson County Superior Court?

‘A little bit of light in these dark times’: Annual light show starts Friday

Wilson County Public Library names new books

Nash deputy in critical condition after traffic stop crash

Thanksgiving is one meal, and yet so much more

Thanksgiving baskets delivered

Supreme Court blocks NY governor's coronavirus limits on houses of worship

Tacos join turkey for couple’s Thanksgiving food giveaway

Salvation Army starts holiday fundraising, Angel Tree campaigns

Stores work to keep holiday shoppers safe and happy

Pocket confetti

Collection day doubles pesticide poundage

Officials urge Wilson to follow mask mandate; executive order includes criminal penalties

'We're doing it for Cannon': Boy’s family funds playground renovation, Miracle Field

More local news

SPOTTED: Whirligig Festival Outdoor Events 2020

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

Daydreaming on the merry-go-round

Five-year-old Jaliya May, left, and 6-year-old London Jones, right, let the day roll by as they spin around on the merry-go-round Sunday afternoon in Wilson's Pender Street Park.

Students retire the colors

Lee Woodard Elementary students Giovanni Boseman, left, and Carlos Valdivizio join Gracie Skinner, not pictured, in the daily duty of lowering the United States and North Carolina flags at the end of the school day Tuesday.

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: Temps to plunge as high pressure takes hold

A strong Canadian high pressure system is forecast to build into the Wilson Times area Tuesday, keeping high temperatures in the upper 40s. A west wind around 10 mph, occasionally gusting to 15, …

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UPPER MATH TEACHER

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Southern Nash's Taylor Bailey (2) tries to hit around the defense of Hunt's Alex Williams, left, and Rachel Westbrook (10) during Monday's 3-A Big East Conference game at Hunt. Williams and Westbrook paced the Hunt attack on offense as the Lady Warriors coasted to a three-set win.

From all angles, Hunt sweeps aside Southern Nash

Rare will be the night during the 2020 season where the Hunt High varsity volleyball team has a setter that flirts with the 25-30 … Read More

North Johnston’s Lanie Croft, left, wins this battle at the net against Beddingfield’s Mackenzie Howard during Monday’s 2-A Eastern Plains Conference match at Beddingfield. Looking on are Myah Stevens, left, of the Lady Panthers and Emilee Moss of the Lady Bruins, who lost in three sets.

Lady Panthers 3-0 after sweeping Beddingfield in its opener

The difference in experience, both overall and immediate, was apparent between varsity volleyball teams from Beddingfield and North … Read More

Gracie Farmer (1) of Wilson Christian tries to get a step on Greenfield's Serenity McNair during the second half of Thursday's game at Wilson Christian. Farmer knocked down four 3-point shots, one in each quarter, to help propel the Lady Chargers to a runaway 53-28 victory.

Lady Chargers shackle Greenfield for third straight win

Brian Trull would much rather talk about his team’s defense. But if the Wilson Christian varsity girls basketball team can … Read More

Firefighter Jordan Childress from the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department sprays water into the Silver Lake Growers Cotton Gin trash building on Tuesday.

High winds spread fire at cotton gin

ELM CITY — Some 50 firefighters from five departments fought a stubborn cotton waste fire adjacent to the Silver Lake Growers … Read More

High winds cause fire to leap from burn pile at Silver Lake Growers Gin on NC 58

High winds cause fire to leap from burn pile at Silver Lake Growers Gin on NC 58 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

‘COVID shaming’ targets virus patients

My first cousin, Beth, has found herself the victim of COVID-19 — twice. First, she contracted the virus, despite following recommended precautions, then, when her affliction made it …

LIFE

Full services return in classroom: In-person learning benefits county’s exceptional children

Exceptional children resource teacher Lisa Harrison could see her fourth grade student was having trouble with the reading lesson. With in-the-moment precision, Harrison made eye contact, helped …

E-EDITION

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

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BEST OF

Let them run: NCHSAA cross-country season opens Monday

As the North Carolina High School Athletic Association lifts …

Washington Wizards guard John Wall works out prior to an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 24 in Washington. The Raleigh native was traded to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday in a deal for all-star point guard Russell Westbrook.

Rockets, Wiz make Westbrook-Wall deal; Lakers extend LeBron

HOUSTON — Russell Westbrook is headed to the Washington Wizards and John Wall is moving to the Houston Rockets in a significant swap of point guards — one an MVP, the other …

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, right, dunks the ball in front of San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl during the second half of game Aug. 9, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Zion Williamson moving past injuries, inhibitions in second year

NEW ORLEANS — Zion Williamson expects to unleash a version of himself that is healthier, more demonstrative and less restrained in his second NBA season with the New Orleans …

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs off the field after their 52-17 win over Pittsburgh at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., on Nov. 28.

In the ACC, even without fans, there’s no place like home

Clemson’s Death Valley does not have as many signs of life on game days. Hard Rock Stadium is often very quiet when Miami scores. Lane Stadium isn’t shaking atop its …

Chicago Cubs' Kyle Schwarber was one of 59 players released by their teams before Wednesday's contract deadline.

Cubs’ Schwarber, Bradley among 59 cut in pandemic fallout

NEW YORK — Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. were cut loose by the Chicago Cubs after helping the team win its first World Series title in more than a century, among 59 players …

Texas guard Matt Coleman III (2) takes aim at the basket between North Carolina guard Leaky Black (1) and guard R.J. Davis (4) in the first half of the championship of the Maui Invitational on Wednesday in Asheville. Texas won 69-67. Coleman was the MVP with the winning basket and high score of 22 points.

Coleman, No. 17 Texas beat No. 14 UNC 69-67 for Maui title

ASHEVILLE — It wasn’t long after Texas arrived for the relocated Maui Invitational that coach Shaka Smart pointed out the banners hanging above the court to recognize the …

JUNIOR VARSITY RECAP: Lady Warriors sweep Fike to reach 5-0

The service game of freshmen Allison Moore and Jolie Sogluizzo sparked the Hunt volleyball team to a 25-15, 25-22 sweep of host Fike on Wednesday. The victory left the Lady Warriors …

C.B. Aycock High senior Karlyn Ray signed a National Letter of Intent to play tennis for the University of Mount Olive during a signing ceremony at Aycock on Nov. 21.

Aycock’s Ray to play tennis at Mount Olive

While she considered a change of scenery to the North Carolina mountains, C.B. Aycock High senior Karlyn Ray ultimately opted for a move to the other side of Wayne County …

Sports home

College Sports

The waiting game: Barton players return home before whirlwind season begins

For the first time in his memory, visions of zone presses and boxing out weren’t dancing through Ron Lievense’s head at Thanksgiving. So the Barton College men’s basketball coach …

Black helps No. 14 UNC top Stanford 67-63 in Maui semifinals

Izzo, Spartans finally win at Cameron

Davis, Brooks help No. 14 UNC top UNLV 78-51 in Maui tourney

Gonzaga, Baylor stay atop AP Top 25; Va. Tech, Richmond in

School Sports

Lake Wilson 12U seizes Downeast Fall League title

Sweeping each match in its final two outings, the Lake Wilson Tennis Club 12U Beavers concluded its Downeast Fall League Junior Team Tennis season with a championship by throttling their final two …

‘Bow therapy’ can be needed stress reliever at times

McGuire, Sutton cop WSCC women’s titles

No harm, no foul

Lake Wilson 12U, 18U Green both improve to 5-1

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