Wayne Week — April 20, 2025

N E W OL D NORT H M E DI A PR E SE N T S A W E E K LY N E WS M AG A Z I N E

Wayne

WEEK

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EDITOR'S NOTE: EASTER SUNDAY IS USUALLY A WEEK OFF FOR OUR TEAM. BUT THERE WERE STORIES TO TELL ...

SO HERE WE ARE!

JERICHO FA R M S

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CONTENTS APRIL 20, 2025 Volume 2, Issue 33

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EDITORIAL EDITOR Ken Fine EDITOR Renee Carey DESIGN DIRECTOR Shan Stumpf PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Casey Mozingo

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melissa Hamilton ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE McKayla Alves ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lara Landers

PUBLISHER

New Old North Media LLC

CONTACTS EDITORS

kfine@newoldnorth.com rcarey@newoldnorth.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES hevans@newoldnorth.com llanders@newoldnorth.com malves@newoldnorth.com

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4 Why we published this week

Easter Sunday was supposed to be an off week for our staff, but there were stories we felt needed to be told — so we decided to create an abbreviated edition of Wayne Week.

6 Livingston signs contract

He admits it was tough hearing the Goldsboro City Council had decided to move forward with a search for a city manager, but Matthew Livingston believed that God's will would be done — and now, he is officially Goldsboro's chief executive.

7 Auditor: Subpoenas are flying North Carolina Auditor Dave Boliek told the crowd that converged on a Wayne County church Tuesday evening that he had dropped two subpoenas as his office continues to investigate the Town of Mount Olive.

8 Bell requests $15 million

State Rep. John Bell just sponsored a bill that, should it pass, would bring millions of tax dollars back to Wayne County.

9 Pikeville to consider tax hike

Now that the town is facing a "bit of a budget crisis" — and is short of what it needs to fund the Police Department — commissioners are considering a sales tax increase.

10 Our take

Easter brings with it an opportunity for all of us to renew our hope in what is to come for our community.

12 Spectator 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.

The Rosewood Eagles took home the Wayne County Men's Golf Championship Wednesday at Lane Tree Country Club.

COVER ILLUSTRATION

BY SHAN STUMPF

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NEWS +VIEWS

Yes. We published on our weekend off.

We were not supposed to have an Easter edition of Wayne Week, but some significant developments compelled us, on the fly, to change course.

BY KEN FINE AND RENEE CAREY

E

aster Sunday was supposed to be one of the few weeks off we give our staff this year.

No paper would be published.

We would use the time to enjoy our families and recharge our batteries.

But then, we learned that it was likely that the Goldsboro City Council would formally offer Matthew Livingston the city manager position.

We attended a meeting in Pikeville where the idea of a sales tax increase was floated by the town manager as a way to raise much-needed revenue for the town’s Police Department.

We were told that State Rep. John Bell had sponsored a bill that, should it pass, would see more than $15 million allocated to the communities he was elected to serve.

We wanted a chance to highlight the young men who were competing in the Wayne County Public Schools Golf Championship at Lane Tree Country Club.

And if that wasn’t enough, we heard North Carolina’s state auditor drop a bombshell — that he had served two subpoenas as his office’s investigation into the Town of Mount Olive heats up.

So, here we are.

We felt compelled to share the above because you will notice something different about this

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week’s edition.

There are fewer stories — and our standard, 24page format has been reduced to 16.

Not to worry.

This is a one-time deal.

Limiting our content for this edition was our way of doing what we felt was necessary for our readers — providing a paper when there would not have been one — but also what was important for our team.

In other words, our incredible staff still gets a bit of a break, without it coming at the expense of access, for you, to the aforementioned developments in a timely fashion.

So, do not let the format alarm you.

When we return April 27, we will be back to 24 pages — a count that will, in the coming months, grow as we expand our mission.

Our hope is that as you read through the stories we felt compelled to share with you this weekend, it will serve as a reminder that we will always get the job we feel you deserve done — even if it means we have to adjust on the fly and make some sacrifices.

That is what you do when you believe in your work.

So yes, we all need to unplug sometimes.

Yes, we would have welcomed an extra day or two with the people we love.

But the truth is, we consider you a part of our

families, too.

And while we might live in Goldsboro, we consider every inch of Wayne County our hometown.

So, it matters that Pikeville residents have as much time as possible to process a potential sales tax increase before the public is given a chance to weigh in.

It is important that we keep an eye fixed on Mount Olive as the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor and the State Bureau of Investigation continue to probe Town Hall.

We should all want to know what Bell is asking his colleagues in the General Assembly to do for Wayne County in this year’s budget.

And every single one of us should want to know what it took for Livingston to throw his name into the hat for a job he had already been doing in an interim capacity for months before the City Council launched a search for a permanent CEO — because the Goldsboro city manager really is that important to everyone in Wayne County.

So, we hope that all of you enjoy your Easter weekend, that your days are filled with love, laughter, and memories made.

We will certainly look forward to the same — just as we look forward, every day, to being this great community’s newspaper. n

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It was "tough," but Livingston kept the faith Matthew Livingston admitted it was a challenge having to endure a search for a position he had held for nearly a year, but he believed it was all part of God's plan for him.

BY KEN FINE

H

e admits the last several months have been “difficult” — that witnessing the Goldsboro City Council choose to launch a search for a city manager when he had, for nearly a year up until that point, been serving in the position in an interim capacity, was “a challenge.”

“I think it would be challenging for anybody,” he said.

But Matthew Livingston threw his name into the hat anyway — because of his faith, his family, and his belief that he was the right person to lead the community that raised his wife and is raising his grandchildren.

Deep down, he knew his journey to Goldsboro — and taking the assistant city manager position in 2022 — was a part of God’s plan.

“The opportunity came up and it was a good step up for me career-wise,” he said. “I actually envisioned that when, potentially, (former City Manager) Tim (Salmon) retired, I would be a candidate or considered possibly for the city manager’s position.”

And he was convinced that when the dust settled on the council’s formal search, that whatever was meant to be would be.

“I do believe that God has a purpose in everybody’s life and there’s a plan out there,” Livingston said.

But it was still hard.

“After a while, it got a little tiresome to me to be introduced as the interim city manager.

This is 14 months to the day. So, the human side of me coming out was like, ‘Yeah. I’d like to get past that,’” Livingston said. “And then to be sort of like, ‘OK. We’re going to put you in there and then we think we’re gonna, you know, make you the manager, but we still need to do a search, it’s been challenging.”

And now that he has made it through the process — and formally signed a threeyear contract that will pay him just north of $200,000 a year — his faith is stronger than ever, and it will remain his north star, he said, until he ends his career inside Goldsboro City Hall.

“I hope that I’m doing what I can to follow God’s purpose and His plan for me,” Livingston said. “God has opened doors for me personally … and I hope that I can continue to lead — and I’ll do my best to continue to lead this community — in the way that God would have me lead this community.”

His priorities moving forward are fairly simple.

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First and foremost, he wants to take care of his staff.

“I’ve got a little notebook that was here when I got here. It says, ‘Employees first,’ on it,” he said. “If you’re going to lead your team out there, you want to make sure that they’re paid — that they’re compensated — in a way that they are worthy of.”

Money might not be everything, but it sends a message to current and prospective employees, Livingston said.

And Goldsboro, in his view, deserves the best.

“The city has been losing employees and I want us to keep our employees and get the best ones — the brightest ones — coming to us in the future,” he said.

There will, of course, be additional work if the Wayne County seat hopes to achieve the best possible version of itself.

Completion of the Parks and Recreation

Master Plan is at the fore.

So, too, is an Economic Revitalization Plan that would set a course for affordable housing.

He wants to honor Police Chief Mike West’s desire to get back to community policing and potentially merge departments to increase efficiency inside City Hall.

Supporting Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will always be a top priority.

Removing blight and paving roads are on the list, too.

And now, all of that work can be accomplished, Livingston said, without a cloud hanging over the community.

“The department heads here have been extraordinary. They have worked faithfully and diligently for me and the city. I don’t think the interim tag mattered to them,” Livingston said.

“I think it mattered more to the community. You know, it’s, ‘Is he going to be our city manager or not?’ It creates a, ‘What’s going on here?’”

• • • Talking to Livingston inside City Hall Wednesday — some 24 hours after he signed his contract — he took little credit for all that had been accomplished during his year-plus as the city’s interim chief executive.

Sure, Goldsboro finally got caught up on its financial reporting obligations to the state.

Yes, dilapidated homes were coming down.

Successes were, unquestionably, realized.

“We’re in a much better spot and I like the fact that, more so now than we could 14 months ago, we’re able to look forward,” Livingston said.

But he refused to take the credit — instead, deferring to his team.

And that, according to Councilman Chris Boyette — perhaps Livingston’s biggest supporter and the man who criticized the council for searching for a manager in the first place — is what, at the end of the day, will set Goldsboro’s new manager apart when his tenure is complete.

“I have never met someone more dedicated to his staff than Matt, and I believe that is why, after the council voted to launch a search, several of our department heads wanted to meet with us and tell us they thought we were making a mistake,” Boyette told Wayne Week. “So, I am so glad that in the end, the cream rose to the top and we got our guy — and that Matt was courageous enough to throw his name into the hat when he could have easily walked out the door. He’s going to fight for his staff and they are going to want to move mountains for him because of that.”

And that, he added, will make Goldsboro the “shining star” he believes it will be in the near future.

“Go ahead and hold me to this. Matt is going to be great for this city and it’ll be because of his steady hands, his expertise, and the faith he has in his team and the way they will fight for this city for him,” Boyette said. “And his ability to restore relationships outside City Hall with our local and state elected officials can’t be understated either.

So, because of all those things, over the next few years, with Matt at the wheel and this council behind him, I really do believe we are going to be able to shape the future of our city, county, and region for several generations to come. Frankly, I can’t wait to see what happens.” n

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Auditor says subpoenas are flying in Mount Olive

Dave Boliek, when speaking to a church crowd in Wayne County Tuesday evening, gave a rare glimpse into an ongoing state investigation.

W

BY KEN FINE

hen a crowd converged on Grace Baptist Church Tuesday evening to hear North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek and State Sen. Buck Newton speak, they had no idea that they would walk away from the event with a major scoop — that Boliek would reveal his office’s investigation into the Town of Mount Olive was heating up.

But according to several people who were there, that is exactly what happened.

Boliek told the crowd that he had “dropped two subpoenas” and that his team is diving into at least the last five years of Town Hall records.

And while it remains unclear just what his team has found to date — or when the results of the investigation will be announced — as calls made to the NCOSA were not returned by press time, in late 2024, auditors were in Wayne County conducting interviews and pulling documents as part of the inquiry.

Several sources who requested anonymity to avoid potential retaliation for speaking to Wayne Week said auditors came to Mount Olive just before the Memorial Day weekend to gather information.

And while they did not know exactly what documents were obtained by the state, Boliek’s team was transparent about what it is looking into.

In an email sent to then-Town Manager Jammie Royall Dec. 20, 2023, which was obtained by Wayne Week via a confidential source, Staff Auditor Jenna Murphy wrote that NCOSA had received “allegations of improper conduct” regarding the town.

“I am an investigator with the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor. OSA investigates allegations of improper governmental conduct by state agencies or state employees within our statutory authority,” the email reads. “OSA received allegations regarding the Town of Mount Olive.”

Murphy then requested a series of documents to “assist with the triage of the allegations.”

They include: • The town’s personnel policy.

• The town’s secondary employment policy.

• The town’s procurement policy.

• All open and closed board minutes from June 1, 2020, to the present.

• All of William Carroll Turner’s contract(s) of employment entered into between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023.

• All documents pertaining to the sidewalk construction performed on Church Street in 2022.

And based on a second email obtained by Wayne Week, it appears Turner, the Town Attorney whose name appears in the aforementioned list, responded by requesting specifics from the complaint — an ask that was denied

by Investigative Audit Director Katie Gleason.

“North Carolina General Statute 147-64.6 (d) states that all ‘…audit work papers and related supportive material are confidential…’ We consider the complaints received into our office to be related to supportive materials, and therefore are confidential and not to be shared,” Gleason replied. “That is why we can’t share specifics of the complaint. Further, N.C.G.S. 147-64.6B (a) states ‘Individuals who make a report under this section may choose to remain anonymous until the individual affirmatively consents to having his or her identity disclosed.’ Therefore, we can’t disclose the complainant or anything that could possibly identify the complainant.”

But Gleason did tell Turner, in general terms, the scope of the NCOSA’s investigation.

“The general topics of the complaints we received are as follows: secondary employment policy violations, conflict of interest, and procurement violations,” she wrote. n

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What would $15.76 million buy Wayne County?

A

bill sponsored by State Rep. John Bell reflects a more-than $15 million ask that, should it pass, would benefit multiple Wayne County communities and organizations.

And while he cautioned that like any proposed legislation, negotiations would be required to get it through both chambers — and gain Gov. Josh Stein’s signature — he believes that spelling out what he feels his constituents need is an important first step.

Among the highlights of H.B. 972, known as “An Act to Appropriate Funds to Wayne County for Various Public Projects,” are funding for what Bell characterized as a “much-needed” revamping of the Dillard Middle School track, a proposed $750,000 for the “Saving Union Station” project, money for water and sewer upgrades in the Village of Walnut Creek, and $1 million for the United Way of Wayne County, funds Bell said would be used by the organization to fund various non-profits across the community.n

$250,000

for the Tuscarora Council Scouting Program

HERE IS THE BREAKDOWN:

$2 million

to update the athletic track at Dillard Middle School

$1 million

for water and sewer upgrades for the Village of Walnut Creek

$500,000 for a training facility for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office

$1 million

for the United Way of Wayne County

$250,000

for Wayne County Alcoholics Anonymous

$5 million

for the Mattamuskeet Lodge Restoration Initiative

$10,000

for the Pricetown Volunteer Fire Department

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$5 million

for a capital project at Rosewood Middle School

$750,000

for the “Saving Union Station” project

Pikeville commissioners weigh sales tax increase A $20,000 budget shortfall that would impact the Police Department has Town Manager Tim Biggerstaff and elected officials looking for ways to raise revenue so they can avoid cuts.

BY KEN FINE

C

ommissioner Matt Thomas called it “a would be too popular.”

And the final choice? bit of a budget crisis” — the $20,000 “The only other option we have … is to shortfall facing the Pikeville Police find some additional revenue,” he said.

Department in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

And the numbers, he said, are a result of a “That’s taxes.”

So, he floated the idea of a sales tax increase. relatively stagnant allocation of funds by preNothing too major, Thomas said — a likely vious town boards — despite the fact that the unnoticeable .25-percost of living, retirecent hike. ment contributions, “What kind of tax and other expenses increase would be have increased. needed to fund the “While the Poshortfall inside the lice Department as Police Department? a percentage of the We would need .25 General Fund has percent,” he said. “It remained relatively works out to somesimilar, within a few thing like one penny percentage points, for every four dollars.” over the years, the But Thomas said cost of the Police he understood the poDepartment as it litical ramifications of stands today has not suggesting any tax hike. remained the same,” “It hurts my heart Thomas said Monday even saying it out evening. “Last year … loud, so I’m going to we sliced by on the leave it for the board,” skin of our teeth.” he said. “But people So, now, the board need to understand — and the commuthat otherwise, we’ve nity it serves — has got to slice and dice a choice. somewhere.”

The options, ThomMayor Garrett as said, are clear.

Johnston suggested The board could that presenting the in“just cut police service.” crease as necessary for “We would have Pikeville police could, fewer officers, less in his view, present safety, and we can challenges. just start hacking “Does it benefit the budget with a the town or is it spehatchet,” Thomas cifically going just said. “But as some- Commissioner Matt Thomas to the Police Departone who had a highment? Because if it speed chase near my benefits the town and house where my little we choose to pay the girls could see outPolice Department, side, not necessarily that’s one thing,” he said. “If the people are a huge fan (of that).”

Or they could downsize other town staff hearing us, they need to hear that the tax increase is because the town needs the reveand services.

“I don’t know if you want us to cut sewage nue so we can take care of our people. If it’s and let the sewage back up. Just raise your just money for the Police Department, plenhand,” Thomas said, as the residents in at- ty of people, well, a number of people, still tendance laughed. “Yeah. I didn’t think that think the Police Department is irrelevant.”

And other board members asked if the town could cover the shortfall with expected additional revenue from the county’s recent revaluation of properties.

“If they raise the value of your home, we are going to get more tax money at the end of the day,” Thomas said. “But without getting the county to tell us exactly what the projections are, we don’t know how much extra money. We know there’s going to be more, but we don’t know how much and how quickly.”

And while the public will ultimately get a say — Town Attorney Hailey Kirby recommended that a public hearing be scheduled as a best-practice when discussing a potential tax increase — one board member, Raymond Deck, said he was willing to throw his

support behind the hike.

“I don’t think you can do a wait and see.

You can’t budget on probably,” he said. “I don’t like raising taxes, either, but I think a penny for every four dollars is a small price to pay. I think our policemen deserve a raise.”

A raise Chief Rodney Jarman said has not been awarded in “10, that I know of ” years.

Town Manager Tim Biggerstaff has not officially announced the timing of the public hearing, but it seemed clear Monday that because of budget deadlines, town residents would have a chance to weigh in at the board’s May meeting.

Once the date of that public hearing is official, it will be published in a future edition of Wayne Week. n

“I don’t know if

you want us to cut sewage and let the sewage back up.

Just raise your hand.”

newoldnorth.com

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{ our TAKE }

A day for hope T

here is something special about Easter, especially for a community like this one that grew up in churches.

This is the time when Christians remember the power of sacrifice, the value of faith, and the everlasting, ever-present, and all-encompassing love that makes us all believe that there is a higher power looking over us.

We know the Easter story and what happened that day on the cross — and then after.

It inspires us.

And no matter how dark the day seems, and no matter how much it feels like we are alone, miracles really do happen.

All we have to do is have a little faith.

We have seen many of those miracles over the years in this community — events that absolutely had no reason to happen but did.

No explanation.

No logical progression of happenstance.

Just a blessing.

Getting there is not always easy.

And sometimes our faith is tested.

But in the moments of loss and heartache, we take comfort in the knowledge that there is a bigger plan — and that faith will get us through if we believe.

And along with the story of Easter comes 10

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the new hope and sunny skies of spring.

It is easier to think about what comes next when the blossoms are out, and new life takes its first steps.

Of course, we are looking forward to what comes next.

The sun is shining, and nature is getting ready to explode into a rainbow of colors.

It makes us ready for that new start.

And we think many of you are, too.

But as we gather with our families and friends this holiday weekend, we should also pause to remember something else — just how far we have come.

Wayne County has faced many challenges over the last few years.

We don’t have to remind those of you who have been following along as we have reported on them.

But now, there is a feeling of hope and a confidence that we have not seen in a number of years.

It is because we are finally taking those new, fresh steps toward something better for our community and for our children and grandchildren.

And we are doing it together.

It is easy to think positively about the future when all is well, and the good news just

comes rolling in.

But when it gets tough — and the prospects look dim — is when that faith kicks in.

Of course, you have to have a little faith, both in yourselves and in your leaders, but you also have to make decisions, too.

You have to make the choices that you know are necessary — even if they are not always easy.

What has always made Wayne County such a strong community is the people who live here. They are the children who grew up understanding the value of hard work and the honor of a job well done.

They came from families who taught values and integrity and expected behavior that reflected those standards.

So many of us spent our Sunday mornings in a pew and our evenings with our families — brothers, sisters, cousins, and neighbors.

We learned to count on each other, and what being part of a community really meant.

We looked out for each other, because that is what our parents taught us.

Today, it is not so easy to live those principles. Turn the other cheek has devolved into bickering matches on the internet.

Loving thy neighbor has become judgment

and discord.

We know what we learned back in those church days, but we often set it aside as the stress of life takes over.

And often we lose our way.

But that is the great thing about Easter.

It really is a second chance, a fresh start, a new beginning.

Wayne County has much to be grateful for — not the least of which is that very deep and life-changing faith that we learned at our parents’ knee.

It is what has gotten us here — and it is what will carry us through.

All we have to do is do the work.

This community needs to come together to support its schools.

They need us now to continue the good work that has been started and the promises that have been kept.

Creating a stronger district is not just the right thing to do for our children, it is a solid step in building a future that will allow generations of Wayne County residents the chance to choose to come home to raise their families.

How we do it is still in the works, but it is a step that needs to come in the coming months.

And we have to acknowledge those who are working to keep this community strong — and solvent.

It is not easy having to say no when there are so many places where money needs to be invested.

Heavy is the crown — and it has been for many of our City Council members, Town Board members, and County Commissioners this year and last.

Many of them have stood strong through some pretty tough days, especially when the haters and those whose intentions are less than honorable tried to derail their efforts.

But they did not waiver — and our community is stronger for it.

And in the process, we learned how important it is to make sure we put the right people in office — and that we hold those in charge accountable.

We can’t settle, no matter how much easier it is to just sit back and let “things happen.”

We should remember that as we are counting our blessings this weekend.

Having strong leaders is critical to our continued hope and growth.

We have to be able to count on those who have stepped up to lead to make the decisions that will keep us on the right path.

Making those hard choices is not fun — but it is how we will get to the place we need to go.

Fiscal responsibility is as important as shiny new things. We have to remember that as we move forward, too.

And this spring, we have so many people to thank for getting us this far.

We have heroes in Raleigh and in Washington, DC, whose tireless efforts to fight to bring attention and funding to this community are unwavering.

And their determination has given us another chance to make sure that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base remains a vital part of our future.

We wouldn’t be here without them.

No question about it.

But just because they got us the chance does not mean the job is finished.

And that brings us to our final charge for the community as we spend time contemplating the promise and the hope of spring.

Your voice matters.

If you don’t get engaged, if you don’t pay attention, if you don’t read the news and offer your input on important community decisions, those who do show up will determine the future of your community.

And when those positions and those decisions end up in the wrong hands, it is often hard to get the ship righted and back on course.

So, we challenge you to make this spring,

this Easter Sunday, the first day of becoming a part of the hope and promise that is the future of Wayne County.

Start by getting your neighbors, friends, and family involved.

Do your research and hold your community leaders accountable.

Vote. Speak up. And stand strong for the community that your parents left for you and that now you are holding in trust for your children and grandchildren.

Yes, your voice matters.

Yes, you can make a difference.

Yes, you are a vital part in building that future we talk so much about.

If you look back at everything that has been accomplished in the last 12 months, you would be astonished.

But while so many of you have been so kind to acknowledge the role Wayne Week and our sister publication, NewOldNorth. com have played in helping get the word out and the work done, we did not do it alone.

Having a community newspaper that is focused on holding those in power accountable is a rare beast these days.

Communities that have one have an ally and a watchdog, but there just aren’t that many anymore.

So yes, we are proud to be that for Wayne County — now officially as the community’s paper of record.

And we are equally proud of the many people who have stood up for what was right, sharing tips and information — even when it would have been easier to sit back and let someone else take the risk.

All of you have made and continue to make a difference.

Together, we will continue to work together to move Wayne County into a brighter and more promising future.

All of you are why we are here — and your strength and determination as a community are how we will move on to even better things moving forward.

We can do this. We can.

All it takes is a little courage and a whole lot of faith.

Think about that as you enjoy Easter with your families.

Be grateful for the foundations your parents and grandparents built and for the values they taught and the example they set.

And share that faith and hope for the future with the little ones running around your yard hunting for eggs and enjoying their Easter supper.

Because, after all, isn’t that why we are doing this, to give them the hope and promise of a strong future right here in their hometown?

Happy Easter to all of you. n

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the SPECTATOR

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Chasing a championship

The Wayne County Public Schools men's golf championship was held at Lane Tree Country Club Wednesday. Rosewood took home the title.

PHOTOS by KEN FINE newoldnorth.com

. Wayne WEEK . 13

NO T ICE S NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF EMMA G. OVERCASH

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Emma G. Overcash, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of June, 2025, 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 30th day of March, 2025.

Ginger A. Carvalho and Jack W. Overcash, Jr., Co-Executors of the Estate of Emma G. Overcash c/o Mark J. Hale, Jr., Attorneys for Estate Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale, P.C. P.O. Box 916 Goldsboro, NC 27533-0916 (919) 735-7275 Published March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025, and April 20, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF JAMES WESLEY BRITT

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against James Wesley Britt deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of June, 2025, 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 30th day of March, 2025.

Stephanie Wright, Executor of the Estate of James Wesley Britt 454 Charleston Place Villa Rica, Georgia 30180 Published March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025, and April 20, 2025

Darlene A. Elam, Executor of the Estate of Essie W. Carlisle 101 Ellis Drive Goldsboro, NC 27534 Published March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025, and April 20, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Junior Micah Pate Jr., deceased, late of Wayne County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of June, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 27th day of March, 2025.

George Timothy Pate, Administrator for the Estate of Junior Micah Pate Jr., 1417 Alexander Lane, Trent Woods, North Carolina, 28562 March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025 and April 20, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF THOMAS W. SCALES

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Thomas W. Scales deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of June, 2025, 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 30th day of March, 2025.

Thomas W. Scales II, Executor of the Estate of Thomas W. Scales 605 Willowwind Drive Loganville, GA 30052 Published March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025, and April 20, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESSIE W. CARLISLE

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Essie W. Carlisle deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of June, 2025, 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 30th day of March, 2025.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF PAMELA ROSE WOOD

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Pamela Rose Wood, late of Wayne County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said dece-

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dent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the address below on or before June 30, 2025, 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 26th day of March, 2025.

Gary Fenton Barefoot, Executor of the Estate of Pamela Rose Wood c/o L.E. (Trey) Taylor III, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, T aylor & Smith, L.L.P. P.O. Box 1616, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025, and April 20, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF EVELYN THOMPSON DAVIS

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Evelyn Thompson Davis deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of July, 2025, 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 13th day of April, 2025.

Michael Carroll Davis and Mitchell Neil Davis, Executors of the Estate of Evelyn Thompson Davis 406 North Chestnut Street Mount Olive, NC, 28365 Published April 13, 2025, April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, and May 4, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF LULA SMITH KEARNEY

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Lula Smith Kearney, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of July, 2025, 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 20th day of April, 2025.

Peggy Daniels, Executor of the Estate of Lula Smith Kearney 3113 N.C. Hwy 111 North Goldsboro, NC, 27534 Published April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, May 4, 2025, and May 11, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF JULIAN BOYD NELMS

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Julian Boyd Nelms, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of July, 2025, 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 13th day of April, 2025.

Julian Boyd Nelms, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Julian Boyd Nelms 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 April 13, 2025, April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, and May 4, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF JACQULINE WILLIAMS

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Jacquline Williams a.k.a. Jacqueline Williams, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of July, 2025, 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 13th day of April, 2025.

Jennie L. Williams, Executor of the Estate of Jacquline Williams 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 April 13, 2025, April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, and May 4, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF DURWOOD GENE LANIER

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Durwood Gene Lanier deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of July, 2025, or this notice will be plead-

ed in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 13th day of April, 2025.

Candace Lanier Herring, Executor of the Estate of Durwood Gene Lanier 217 Kings Way Goldsboro, NC 27530 Published April 13, 2025, April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, and May 4, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BEE JULIUS LEE

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Bee Julius Lee, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of July, 2025, 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 13th day of April, 2025.

Julie Ann Graham, Executor of the Estate of Bee Julius Lee 750 N.C. Highway 581 South Goldsboro, NC 27530 Published April 13, 2025, April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, and May 4, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF CARROLL EDWARD GRADY

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Carroll Edward Grady, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of July, 2025, 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 13th day of April, 2025.

Diana Murphey Grady, Executor of the Estate of Carroll Edward Grady 2395 O’Berry Road Mount Olive, NC 28365 Published April 13, 2025, April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, and May 4, 2025

NOTICE OF MEETINGS OF THE WAYNE COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 105-322, the Wayne County Board of Equalization and Review will meet as required by law.

PURPOSE OF MEETINGS: To hear upon request, any and all taxpayers who own or control taxable property assessed for taxation in Wayne County, with respect to the valuation of such property, or the property of others, and such business as required by law.

PLACE OF MEETINGS: Commissioners meeting room on the fourth (4th) floor of the Wayne County Courthouse Annex.

TIME OF MEETINGS: The Board will convene for its first meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 8:30 a.m. The Board will adjourn for the purpose of accepting requests on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 8:30 a.m.

Appeals must be received no later than 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025 the advertised date for adjournment.

In the event of earlier or later adjournment, notice to that effect will be published in this newspaper.

Please contact the Wayne County Tax Department for appointments.

Alan Lumpkin, Clerk Wayne County Board of Equalization and Review Room 137, Courthouse Annex P.O. Box 227, Goldsboro, N.C. 27533-0227 Telephone (919) 731-1461 Published April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025, and April 20, 2025

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