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JANUARY 18, 202 6 Volume 3, Issue 24

NEWOLDNORTH.COM

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Ken Fine

EDITOR Renee Carey

DESIGN DIRECTOR Shan Stumpf

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Casey Mozingo

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melissa Hamilton

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New Old North Media LLC

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WAYNE WEEK (ISSN 2993-9666) is published weekly — except the week of Christmas, Easter, and July 4 — for $125 per year by New Old North Media, LLC, 219 N. John Street, Goldsboro, NC, 27530.

Periodicals postage paid at at Goldsboro, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to WAYNE WEEK, 219 N. John Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

4 Primary officially kicks off

The Wayne County Board of Elections has begun sending mail-in ballots to local voters, a measure that officially began what is expected to be a hotly contested March primary election.

6 More violations in Mount Olive

Mount Olive was notified by the state Jan. 7 that the town, in both October and November, violated North Carolina General Statute — and could face up to $50,000 in fines.

8 Homeless count is near

Last year, more than 80 homeless residents were documented during the national point-in-time count, but in 2026, Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West believes the number will be substantially lower.

11 Our take

Now that some voters have their ballots in hand, it is time to have a real discussion about why, in our view, Wayne County residents should support the quarter-cent sales tax increase.

15 Our take

Tent City might be long gone, but the homelessness crisis in Wayne County remains.

16 Cover story

Thanks to an official from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Mount Olive residents now have all the information they need regarding the flow moratorium and Special Order of Consent.

22 Public Notices

COVER DESIGN BY SHAN STUMPF

NEWS + VIEWS

Some ballots are on the way

The primary election has officially kicked off as mail-in ballots are on the way to local voters.

The battles in what are expected to be several hotly contested Republican primary elections are officially underway, as absentee ballots have been mailed, by the Wayne County Board of Elections, to those residents who have chosen to vote that way.

In fact, it is likely that the first wave of ballots are, as of press time, already in the hands of some voters.

But that is not the only election news that will impact Wayne County during the March primary, as the State Board of Elections recently voted to eliminate Sunday from the early voting calendar.

That means there will be only two weekend days — Saturday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 28 — available for those who typically make their selections outside of the traditional work week.

And many believe the stakes this March could not be any higher.

Not only will voters have a chance to weigh in on whether or not Wayne County should adopt a quarter-cent sales tax increase, but if history repeats itself, the winners of three significant primary races could very well coast to victory in November.

Typically, the Republican candidate whose name appears on the fall ballot for sheriff, district attorney, and the at-large seat on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners run unopposed or enjoy comfortable wins.

And while it remains to be seen whether or not that changes in 2026, those facing off in less than two months are campaigning as if the March race is the end all.

Two Republicans, Ricky Hooks and Steve Howell, have filed to challenge incumbant Sheriff Larry Pierce for the party's nomination.

And two current members of District Attorney Matthew Delbridge's staff, Jeff Cannon and Mike Muskus, are hoping to replace their boss, who decided against seeking another term.

But an unexpected battle has emerged, too, after the death of Commissioner Wayne Aycock left his seat vacant — prompting former Board of Education member and local GOP chairwoman Jennifer Strickland and former Wayne County Cooperative Extension Director Kevin Johnson to throw their names into the hat. n- Ken Fine

WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (AT-LARGE)

Ricky Hooks

Jeff Cannon

Kevin Johnson

Steve Howell

Mike Muskus

Jennifer Strickland

Larry Pierce

Mount Olive, again, violates General Statute

The penalty for discharge missteps could be as much as $50,000.

BY KEN FINE

Mount Olive has, again, violated North Carolina General Statute — and this time, it could cost the distressed municipality up to $50,000.

A letter sent to Town Hall this month by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that was obtained by Wayne Week contained two attachments — notices that advised leaders that the town’s wastewater treatment plant had discharged nitrogen and ammonia at levels well above the state limit.

And the Biochemical Oxygen Demand concentration — a low BOD suggests cleaner water — was nearly five times the legal limit.

The “Notice of Violation & Intent to Assess Civil Penalty” for both October and November 2025 were dated Jan. 7 and warned that “a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.”

This is not the first time in recent months that Mount Olive has been reprimanded by NCDEQ.

In fact, according to a “Notice of Deficiencies” sent by the state to Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland June 23, the town violated the North Carolina Administrative Code — and was warned that failure to comply with state rules that govern public water systems “may result in enforcement actions, including civil penalties.”

From a lack of the ability to contain “very hazardous” chemicals at “either water treatment plant” to iron concentrations in treated water “consistently near or above” the “Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level,” state officials recommended immediate action be taken.

In the interest of transparency, both notices are included in this package. n - Ken Fine

9 1 9 - 2 9 9 - 4 0 5 8

Homeless count is on the horizon

As they do every year, volunteers and local law enforcement officers will soon take to the streets — and woods — to try to account for every homeless Wayne County resident with an eye on funding for those trying to eliminate the crisis.

BY KEN FINE

Almost exactly a year ago, a group of volunteers and members of the Goldsboro Police Department forged the cold to participate in the national “pointin-time” homeless count — searching wooded areas, approaching park benches, and navigating known encampments to document Wayne County’s unhoused crisis.

And they did so knowing that an accurate accounting was critical should the community hope to see a slice of the federal funding distributed to the region for use in combating the issue.

What they discovered took GPD Chief Mike West by surprise.

He assumed, based on his intimate knowledge of the former Tent City encampment — and crime statistics and his officers’ interactions

with other members of the unhoused community — that a few dozen people living in Wayne County might meet the criteria to be counted as a part of the effort.

“What I’m seeing is (a homeless population) of 20 to 40,” he told Wayne Week last year.

And West also believed that because Tent City had been shuttered by law enforcement at the direction of city leaders, it would be more difficult to locate those who would ultimately be included in the final number.

But when the count was over, 83 individuals ended up on the list.

That is why one volunteer said Monday that “it’s anyone’s guess” what this year’s count will reveal when she and others participate in the 2026 initiative that is scheduled to take place

But that also meant fewer resources were available for the non-profits working to improve their lives.

“Homeless service organizations do not have enough shelter, housing and services to meet everyone’s need,” the organization said. That is why before the 2025 count, United Way Executive Director said it was so important to ensure an accurate accounting took place locally.

Knowing the real need in Wayne County, she said, was the only way to become eligible for limited dollars that could arm local non-profits with the ability to make a change.

“The more our numbers are realistic, that’s going to increase the dollars that are sent down to our county,” Archibald told Wayne Week. “If we’re not having adequate numbers — and accurate numbers — we’re not getting enough money in the whole region to even apply (for the money).”

Wayne County’s homelessness crisis has been well documented by Wayne Week since the first few weeks of the paper’s existence.

But West and other local leaders say the issue, while still an important one, is not as dire as it once seemed.

In fact, the chief said he believes that this year, based on his knowledge of the “regulars we interact with on a daily basis,” the count will only reflect, “somewhere between a dozen and 15.”

And as far as how he would characterize the local homelessness crisis, he has seen a drastic change since the days when the Tent City located beyond the tree line off Royall Avenue was watercooler talk across Goldsboro.

“It’s not nearly as bad as it was a few years ago, but it’s still not great,” West said. “We’re still getting calls. We’re still seeing larcenies in the areas where we know they are camping out. And a few months after Tent City was shut down, a lot of them migrated away from Spence Avenue and the center of the city. Well, now, because of a need for resources, they’re back.”

the week of Jan. 28.

Despite West’s surprise, the 2025 numbers were consistent with findings across the nation, as many communities reported an increase in their respective homeless communities.

And according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a nonprofit that identifies itself as a “non-partisan organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States,” those increases make sense in light of the nation’s “affordability crisis.”

The organization has, it says, seen a dramatic increase in need for services for the unhoused.

“Homeless response workers are connecting more people with housing and shelter than ever before,” the group’s 2025 “State of Homelessness” concluded.

Among those areas where new encampments are popping up are Stoney Creek Park and Quail Park.

“It’s frustrating because again, the 12 or so folks who are responsible for most of the stuff we have to get involved in, they’re digging in. Their mentality is, ‘We don’t care if we’re on city property or private property. If they tell us to leave, we’ll just move on down the road,’” West said. “Unfortunately, it’s hard to help people like that because they know the help is there but have made it clear they aren’t interested in changing their lives.”

Note: This is a developing story and homelessness is an issue the paper will continue to cover. To that end, once the point-in-time count is completed, the number of homeless residents identified in Wayne County will be published in Wayne Week. n

Stl YOUR Conservatve Voice !

Grounded in faith, service, Conservative ideals and family values, I will NEVER stop fighting for Wayne County!

Please vote JENNIFER STRICKLAND in the March Primary so we can win the County Commissioner At-Large battle, together, come November.

{ our TAKE }

A TAXING ISSUE

Sometimes it feels like we spend a great deal of time going over and over, explaining and showing charts and cajoling, tweaking officeholders and bureaucrats, and calling out the same old red flags, uncomfortable facts, and same old, same old missteps every week.

You might feel that way, too.

But there is a reason that we are going to tell you — again — how important it is that you pay very, very close attention to the upcoming primary vote and to the other question on the ballot.

Because this time, your future and your kids’ futures are on the line.

And we are going to emphasize — again — that if you sit this one out and let the rest of the county make a decision that could have a profound impact on your community’s economic future, you are making a costly and long-lasting mistake.

So, let’s get to it, particularly now that many absentee ballots have already been mailed out to those of you who are going to vote by mail in the coming days and weeks.

When you head to the polls in March, there will be a question about a sales tax increase in Wayne County.

Now, in the past — and for some of us who have a little more gray than usual on our temples — the immediate reaction to any proposal to increase a tax rate from any government or bureaucrat would be met with an immediate and emphatic “NO!”

And we get why.

All you have to do is look back at the mismanagement, the unchecked spending, the shady deals, and the less-than-competent personnel choices — at all levels of government by the way — and your reaction is justifiably, “Get your house in order first.”

There will be the usual arguments.

Local families are struggling.

Prices are too high.

Most Wayne County residents cannot take on another bill.

We get that, too, by the way.

Our wallets are a little tighter these days, as well.

But that is not the end of the argument.

Not this time.

Here’s why:

All you have to do is look a little closer at what has happened in this community, especially over the last 12 months.

You have read, right here in Wayne Week , about the announcements — new business investment, more jobs, increased interest in residential development, more attention from Raleigh, and a whole lot of people willing to think bigger.

That did not happen by accident.

There was a time when Goldsboro and Wayne County were not on anyone’s list for the best spot to build or to expand.

In fact, we came darn close to losing what has been a de-

cades-long good neighbor, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

And it wasn’t because the people in other communities are better.

We have said a thousand times that some of the finest people in North Carolina call this community home.

It was because our schools were failing, and there was a significant spending and debt problem within our local governments.

Our city was the butt of jokes because of the daily soap opera that was the Goldsboro City Council and even Pikeville had its own scandal.

And that’s not even including the federal indictment and guilty plea drama in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office which, by the way, was statewide news.

We were there for all of it.

In fact, we found it and shared all of it with you.

And we admit, even we were shocked at how bad things had gotten.

Those discoveries, of course, had consequences.

None of it screams, “Invest here. You can trust us to be good stewards of your money, and we have a vision for the future.”

But then, something wonderful happened.

This community and its leadership got serious.

We put our foot down and held the county school district accountable.

Continued on page 12

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Voters and taxpayers spoke up.

And elected officials, to our delight, responded.

Out with the bad managers and those who were not doing the job they needed to do and in with consultants, experts, and new personnel with a focus on getting back on track.

And as you have read over the past few months, the numbers are in, and Wayne County has a school district that is improving — significantly — and Goldsboro has a City Council laser-focused on responsible spending and making public safety a priority.

A brand new Pikeville mayor and a board and community that stood up for their town’s future and a whole bunch of people in Mount Olive who decided they were not going to sit back and just shrug their shoulders anymore kept the positive momentum going.

Add to that state legislators, one representative in particular, who are still delivering for this community and keeping its name in the minds of the powers that be in Raleigh, and you have what can only be described as a significant leap forward.

And we aren’t the only ones noticing.

There is renewed confidence that Seymour Johnson might be here for a while and that investment just might be a possibility in the future.

We owe that to a dedicated crew of volunteers and power brokers who are determined to make sure that relationship stays strong.

And there have been numerous announcements of massive business investment and jobs coming to the region — with more in the pipeline — thanks to a Board of Commissioners and economic development team that have been doing the tough work that it takes to get our county on those lists.

All of that means we are at a crossroads.

And that is why this next vote matters, a lot.

There will be some who will be unphased by the recitation of how far we have come and how much potential is still unrealized.

They will care only what any change or forward-thinking will do to their monthly nut.

Again, we get it.

Times are tight.

But a sales tax increase is not a blank check to government at the taxpayers’ expense.

It is a way to spread around the cost of moving forward.

Despite what you hear these days, it takes money and commitments from outside investors for a community to grow.

A town without possibilities is a town where a house’s value drops like a stone.

And that is not good for anyone.

We think a sales tax increase will give this community the extra money it needs for

some vital projects.

It is primarily focused on putting more safety features in local schools — ways to prevent crime and to make sure that our children will be protected in case of an emergency.

And if that money is used to fund school resource officers, it’s a win for community policing initiatives that are making a real difference in crime statistics, too.

Yes, it is too bad such measures are necessary, but, sadly, in today’s climate, they are.

We do not want to lose even one child because we waited to do what the experts say is the best way to prevent a tragedy in a county classroom or school building.

Just ask one of those towns that is mourning lost children because of something as simple as doors that were not properly protected if they would do something differently if they could.

And that is not all this money will buy.

The school district is also considering more vape sensors, a way to stop the use of those dangerous products in schools.

You know that matters — even if you think adults should have the right to make those choices themselves.

Vaping has consequences — health wise and on academic performance.

We need our kids sharp and focused.

But even if the benefits that would come with a “yes” vote on a sales tax increase are not enough to convince you, this final push should.

A sales tax increase is a more reasonable way to fund growth.

The burden does not just fall on property owners.

Anyone who makes a purchase in this community will help foot the bill.

Just like you do when you make a purchase in Johnston County, Greenville, or Raleigh.

All of them have healthy sales taxes — and those funds have been used to improve the lives of their residents for decades.

It is time that we take advantage of that revenue stream, too.

So, if you are considering staying home for this next vote, because, after all, it is just a primary, think again.

Those who cannot see why any tax increase is necessary — who do not understand why growth matters — will be out in force. They will argue against spending an extra 25 cents per 100 dollars.

So, it is important that those who have a vision and an interest in this county’s future come out, too.

Wayne County, Goldsboro, Wayne County Public Schools, Pikeville, and Mount Olive residents have made all the right moves.

Now, it is time to join them so that together, we can take the next step. n

Time for some meaningful progress

The good news is that the eyesore and criminal hotbed that once was the Royall Avenue Tent City is no longer.

And once that area, long an embarrassment for the community, was evacuated and cleaned up, residents noticed a difference.

Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West says some of those who were removed from that area have either moved on or gotten help.

But he also said the homelessness crisis in this community is not a thing of the past.

You see, the homeless and the problems they bring to Wayne County are not gone.

There is a core, West says, of people who are chronic and determined that not only will they not get help, but that they will continue committing crimes in this community.

And they are coming closer and closer to town.

MoratoriumMount Olive's #1 best seller!

Editor’s note:

For much of 2025, a decade-old flow moratorium placed on Mount Olive by the state dominated our coverage of the town, as residents’ frustration boiled over inside Town Board meetings — particularly after the state, during the summer, threatened criminal charges after it learned its ban on additional wastewater flow had been violated. So, when a North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality official hosted two information sessions regarding the moratorium, and the consent order the state entered into with the town, to provide town residents with a crash course in what led to the restrictions — and what it would take to have them lifted — it presented us with an opportunity to unwrap the crisis. In this package, we will do just that.

Substantial fines from the state are still being accrued because project deadlines have not been met.

There are 13 miles of sewer lines to “investigate” and, likely, repair.

And until Mount Olive officials complete every mandate outlined in the Special Order of Consent the town entered into as a result of wastewater woes that have plagued the municipality for more than a decade, it will remain under a flow moratorium imposed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in 2015.

That means no new hookups — no new development.

And because many of the public comment periods during 2025 Town Board meetings were dominated by residents airing grievances and demanding answers about the moratorium, the DEQ official who oversees the town’s progress on the SOC hosted a pair of public information sessions inside Town Hall Jan. 12 to give them a more complete understanding of the challenges facing their community.

But even DEQ Project Manager Caroline Bari, the Mount Olive resident who delivered the presentation, said the 13 miles of poten-

tial problems that could be lurking under Mount Olive roads — and the amount of time the funding process takes should state money be approved for completion of that potential work — makes it difficult to put a date on the end of the flow moratorium.

And while a potential assist offered by the Wayne County government during the morning meeting — an offer that drew applause from those in attendance — could reduce the time it will take for Mount Olive to get back to business as usual, one member of the Town Board told Wayne Week she believes the moratorium will last for years to come.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Bari explained that Mount Olive is permitted by the state to discharge treated wastewater — that a portion of it can go into the Cape Fear River and a portion of it “can be sprayed on some hay fields” that the town owns.

But restrictions on the amount of flow to the wastewater treatment plant exist.

“They can’t treat unlimited wastewater,” she said. “They are only allowed to release a certain quantity a day.”

Those limits are designed, Bari added, to

THE 80 / 90 RULE

“protect human health and the environment.”

“We don’t want untreated sewage going into a river where you’re swimming or fishing and wildlife is drinking the water,” she said. “And we don’t want wastewater bubbling up from manholes or backing up into your house.”

For those reasons, NCDEQ utilizes what is known as the “80/90 Rule,” which states that when a plant’s yearly average flow exceeds 80 percent of its permitted capacity, the state gets involved, and before it reaches 90 percent, it must submit a plan for system expansion.

Exceeding those triggers or failing to plan for expansion can lead to a moratorium, a measure Mount Olive has been under since 2015.

The town’s flow problem, in part, is a result of an aging system Bari said, as cracked pipes and other damage leads to rainwater getting in — adding to the flow generated by more typical daily events like toilet flushes.

“So, every time it rains, it increases the flow into the wastewater treatment plant, and it exceeds the capacity of the plant to process the flow,” she said. “So, that can cause some problems. … It can cause you to release more

Continued on page 18

flow than you’re allowed.”

That, she said, became a regular occurrence more than a decade ago — one that led to numerous notices of violation from the state.

“Because of the number of violations, they put you on a flow moratorium,” Bari said.

And when, despite the moratorium, the flow metrics did not improve, the state entered into a Special Order of Consent with the town — a contract that spelled out work that needed to be completed by specific deadlines to avoid hefty fines that “may be an appropriate course of action if a facility is unable to consistently comply with the terms, conditions, or limitations in an NPDES Permit.”

But that roadmap, which was first implemented in 2021, was not adhered to.

“Unfortunately, for many reasons, the town wasn’t able to maintain the schedule,” Bari said. “They missed milestones, and it became apparent in early 2024 that they weren’t going to hit upcoming milestones. So, the town started getting fined.”

And ultimately, the state decided to try, again, to help Mount Olive — renegotiating the SOC in 2025 to set new deadlines in hopes that Town Hall could get back on track.

But since that new contract was implemented, the town has violated the SOC twice — racking up tens of thousands of dollars in fines along the way.

WHAT’S BEEN DONE, WHAT REMAINS

Bari detailed, for those in attendance, the list of “activities” required by the state under the SOC — and the deadlines the town was/is required to meet to avoid penalties.

And those fines are not small.

Failure to meet a deadline carries a $100 per day fine for the first seven days and a $500 per day penalty thereafter.

The activities the town was/is responsible for include:

1. On or before September 30, 2020, submit complete plans and specifications for the WWTP repairs along with the appropriate permit applications and fee. (MET)

2. On or before March 31, 2021, begin construction on the WWTP repairs or modifications. (MET)

3. On or before December 31, 2021, adopt a Short- Term Monitoring Plan for Headworks Analysis with appropriate practicable quantitation levels, PQLs. (MET)

4. On or before March 31, 2022, update and submit a map of the collection system which

includes pipe size, pipe material, pipe location, flow direction, pipe age, and each pump station identification, location, and capacity, and submit a Capital Improvement Plan. (COMPLETED)

5. On or before April 30, 2022, adopt a Sewer Use Ordinance, a Enforcement Response Plan, and submit the Industrial Waste Survey to the Washington Regional Office. (MET)

6. On or before April 30, 2022, a soil evaluation shall be submitted per permit conditions 1. Schedules Items 4. and. 5. per Permit No. WQ0029169. (MET)

7. On or before June 30, 2022, complete construction of Contract I on the WWTP repairs or modifications which includes new reclaim water irrigation mains and spray guns, new field control valve stations (3 total) and sprigging Coastal Bermuda on all fields. (COMPLETED)

8. On or before June 30, 2022, repair all broken or uncapped cleanouts, broken lines, unsealed manholes, connected storm drains and culverts and unknown defects outlined in Appendix A of the AIA Report prepared by McGill dated April 2021. (COMPLETED)

9. On or before June 30, 2022, evaluate the 55 manholes that could not be evaluated per the AIA report prepared by McGill dated April 2021. (COMPLETED)

10. On or before February 28, 2023, complete construction of Contract 11 on the WWTP repairs or modifications which includes a new 18 inch force main from inlet pump station to headworks, install new adjustable weir gates, install new transfer pump station which includes new electromagnetic flow meter to monitor and log effluent sent to the storage and upset ponds, new irrigation pumps and control panel, new Parshall flume structure and ultrasonic level transducer for effluent flow, rebuild existing sand filters 1 and 2 with new underdrain system and backwash carrier bridge components, two six inch plug valves on sand filters 3 and 4, and replace 8 inch plug for effluent line on Clarifier 1. (COMPLETED)

11. On or before May 31, 2023, achieve compliance with permit conditions in Permit No. NCO020575 and Permit No. WQ0029169. (COMPLETED)

12. On or before October 31, 2025, repair all offset pipe connections, plugged inverts, and cracked pipes per Appendix B of the AIA Report prepared by McGill dated April 2021.

13. On or before March 31, 2025, twenty percent of the collection system shall be smoked tested and videoed (Note: twenty percent shall include line that has not been smoked tested or videoed during the AIA study.)

14. On or before July 31, 2025, repairs shall address all problems found for item 13 of the schedule.

15. On or before January 31, 2026, twenty percent of the collection system shall be smoked tested and videoed (Note: twenty percent shall include line that has not been smoked tested or videoed during the AIA study or for item 13.)

16. On or before July 31, 2026, repairs shall address all problems found for item 15 of the schedule.

17. On or before October 31, 2026, twenty percent of the collection system shall be smoked tested and videoed (Note: twenty percent shall include line that has not been smoked tested or videoed during the AIA study or for items 13. and 15.)

18. On or before April 30, 2027, repairs shall address all problems found for item 17 of the schedule.

19. On or before July 31, 2027, twenty percent of the collection system shall be smoked tested and videoed (Note: twenty percent shall include line that has not been smoked tested or videoed during the AIA study or for items 13., 15., and 17.)

20. On or before January 31, 2028, repairs shall address all problems found for item 19 of the schedule.

Bari said that the items marked “met” and “complete” showed that the town had shown “good faith efforts,” despite the fact that two deadlines Mount Olive failed to meet in 2025 will likely result in the fines spelled out in the SOC.

But while she also applauded Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland and other town leaders and elected officials for getting serious about the agreement, the unknowns lurking beneath the surface make it, she said, difficult to predict just when the conditions of the SOC will be met so the moratorium can be lifted.

“The real question is, we have 13 miles left to investigate, and we just don’t know,” Bari said. “We don’t know how bad the sewer pipes are and how many repairs we’re going to need and so forth. With the 13 miles, we have no idea what the condition of the pipes are because they haven’t gotten there yet.”

And once those unknowns become knowns, funding whatever repairs might be necessary will be the next obstacle to overcome.

That is why, after sitting through the meeting — and hearing residents, again, express their outrage — Commissioner Gena Messer-Knode told Wayne Week it was hard to see an end to the decade-long saga in sight.

“People need to know we are nowhere near getting off the moratorium,” she said. n

DEQ Project Manager Caroline Bari

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF JOHN F. WILLIAMSON, JR.

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against John F. Williamson, Jr., deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of March, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 28th day of December, 2025.

Natalie K. Williamson, Executor of the Estate of John F. Williamson, Jr. 1705 East Elm Street Goldsboro, NC 27530

Published December 28, 2025, January 4, 2026, January 11, 2026, and January 18, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF MARY MAXINE SUGGS

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Mary Maxine Suggs, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of April, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 4th day of January, 2026.

Gwendolyn Pate, Executor of the Estate of Mary Maxine Suggs 974 Hinnant Road Pikeville, North Carolina 27863

Published January 4, 2026, January 11, 2026, January 18, 2026, and January 25, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF NINA STROUD ROUSE

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Nina Stroud Rouse, late of Wayne County, NC, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned c/o Atty. John E. Ryan III, PO Box 569, Mount Olive, NC 28365, on or before the 4th day of April 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate shall make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 4th day of January 2026.

Robert Rouse Executor of the Estate of Nina Stroud Rouse c/o Atty. John E. Ryan III PO Box 569 Mount Olive, NC 28365

Published January 4, 2026, January 11, 2026, January 18, 2026, and January 25, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF MARJORIE L. BLIZZARD

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Majorie L. Blizzard, Deceased, of Wayne County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before April 4, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to the decedent or estate shall please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 4th day of January, 2026.

Jeff C. Blizzard Executor of the Estate of Marjorie L. Blizzard 4914 Richardson Drive Wilmington, NC 28405

Published January 4, 2026, January 11, 2026, January 18, 2026, and January 25, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF BETTY BELL

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Betty Bell, deceased, late of Wayne County, NC, all persons having claims against the estate must present them, duly verified, to the undersigned by April 15, 2026, or the claims will be barred. All persons indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This 11th day of January, 2026.

Pamela Jones

Administrator of the Estate of Betty Bell 100 Orpington Landing Pikeville, NC 27863

January 11, 2026, January 18, 2026, January 25, 2026, and February 1, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF SHIRLEY W. PATE

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Shirley W. Pate, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of April, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 18th day of January, 2026.

Chris Anthony Pate, Executor of the Estate of Shirley W. Pate c/o Mark J. Hale, Jr. Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale, P.C. Attorneys for Estate P.O. Box 916

Goldsboro, NC 27533-0916 (919) 735-7275

Published January 18, 2026, January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, and February 8, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODFOR THE GOLDSBORO URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING WORK PROGRAM

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Planning Work Program for Fiscal Year 2027 of the Goldsboro Metropolitan Planning Organization has been released for a 30day public comment period.

The 2026-2027 Draft Planning Work Program (PWP) outlines the tasks and associated funding sources to include activities that will permit the City of Goldsboro, the Village of Walnut Creek, Town of Pikeville, Wayne County, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to continue transportation planning for the Goldsboro Urban Area.

The goal of the Goldsboro MPO is to ensure a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive approach for transportation planning for the metropolitan area, both short and long-range. Depending on the specific funding source, tasks funded through the PWP are eligible for reimbursement of 80-90% of their cost from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration through the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The Draft FY 27 PWP can be viewed at its entirety on the City’s website:

https://www.goldsboronc.gov/ planning/goldsboro-mpo/

Hard copies are also available for review. Please contact Roy Publico, Senior Planner in the City of Goldsboro Planning Department with any questions. Any comments you may have can be directed to Roy Publico at cpublico@goldsboronc.gov or 919-580-4388. The public comment period will close on February 12, 2026.

ROY PUBLICO SENIOR PLANNER

Published January 18, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE GOLDSBORO URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION — LOCAL INPUT POINT METHODOLOGY FOR PRIORITIZATION 8 (P.8) PROJECTS

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Local Input Point Methodology of the Goldsboro Metropolitan Planning Organization has been released for a 30-day public comment period.

Prioritization 8 (P.8) refers to the prioritization process that guides the development of the 2028-2037 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), the main vehicle for transportation improvement funding in the state as set by the State Transportation Investments (STI) Law. This process is anticipated to begin in Summer of 2025.

The goal of the Goldsboro MPO is to ensure a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive approach for transportation planning for the metropolitan area, both short and long-range.

The Draft Local Input Point Methodology for Prioritization 8 (P.8) Projects can be viewed at its entirety on the City’s website:

https://www.goldsboronc.gov/ planning/goldsboro-mpo/

ROY PUBLICO SENIOR PLANNER

Published January 18, 2026

WAYNE COUNTY CITIZENS — PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing Tuesday, February 3, 2026 to consider a proposed amendment to the Wayne County Zoning Map. The hearing will be held at 9:30 am in the Wayne County Commissioners Meeting Room, Wayne County Courthouse Annex, 224 East Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC. The item to be discussed:

Z-25-02 – Amend the Wayne County Zoning Map by rezoning 2.817 acres from Community Shopping (CS) to R-10. The property is in Grantham Township at the intersection of Paul Hare Road and US Hwy 13 S and is listed in the Wayne County Tax Office as Parcel Number 2546734961.

The public is invited to attend and speak at this hearing and/or submit any comments. Written comments before the meeting may be submitted to the Wayne County Planning Department, PO Box 227, Goldsboro, NC 27533 or berry.gray@waynegov. com. Questions may be directed to the Planning Department by calling 919-731-1650.

CAROL BOWDEN CLERK TO THE BOARD

Published January 18, 2026, and January 25, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

OF EDGAR GURLEY, JR.

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Edgar Gurley, Jr., late of Wayne County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the address below on or before April 18, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 9th day of January, 2026.

Christopher L. Gurley, Administratorof the Estate of Edgar Gurley, Jr. c/o L. E. (Trey) Taylor III, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, L.L.P. P.O. Box 1616, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616

Published January 18, 2026, January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, and February 8, 2026

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Walter Howard Jones, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of April, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 18th day of January, 2026.

Michael Lewis Jones, Administrator of the Estate of Walter Howard Jones 1093 Mill Creek Loop Leland, NC 28451

Published January 18, 2026, January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, and February 8, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ADEEN LEWIS GEORGE

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Adeen Lewis George, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of April, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 18th day of January, 2026.

Judice George McAdams, Executor of the Estate of Adeen Lewis George c/o Mark J. Hale, Jr. Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale, P.C.

Attorneys for Estate P.O. Box 916

Goldsboro, NC 27533-0916 (919) 735-7275

Published January 18, 2026, January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, and February 8, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE UNDERSIGNED, Tony Brent Best, having duly qualified as Executor of the Estate of Kenneth Brent Best, deceased, late of Wayne County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned at 106 Ridgecrest Drive, Mount Olive, NC 28365, on or before the 20th day of April, 2026, said date being three (3) months from the date of first publication hereof, or this notice will be pleaded in bar to their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 18th day of January, 2026.

TONY BRENT BEST EXECUTOR ESTATE OF KENNETH BRENT BEST 106 RIDGECREST DRIVE MOUNT OLIVE, NC 28365

Published January 18, 2026, January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, and February 8, 2026

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CONTENTS

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HOW IT HAPPENED

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF JOHN F. WILLIAMSON, JR.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF MARY MAXINE SUGGS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF NINA STROUD ROUSE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF MARJORIE L. BLIZZARD

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF BETTY BELL

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF SHIRLEY W. PATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODFOR THE GOLDSBORO URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING WORK PROGRAM

WAYNE COUNTY CITIZENS — PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ADEEN LEWIS GEORGE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS