Wayne Week — Feb. 1, 2026

Wayne

WEEK FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Long before Jarran Reed and his Seattle Seahawks teammates punched their ticket to this year's Super Bowl, the NFL defensive star was making an impact in his hometown — by giving back to Goldsboro residents and showing some of the city's most at-risk youth that with hard work and an eye on a dream, they, too, could find a future outside of Wayne County.

A L R E A DY A N I N S P I R AT I O N STORY BY KEN FINE

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CONTENTS 4 F-15Es could be safe for decades FEBRUARY 1, 2026 Volume 3, Issue 27

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

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melissa Hamilton

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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.

4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Morgan Lohse told community leaders that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's Strike Eagle fleet would be intact for the forseeable future — but Goldsboro Mayor Charles Gaylor says he will not be satisfied until he can help secure "the next airframe" for the city's installation.

7 Whichard talks 2026-27

Wayne County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard gave a partial wish list to members of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners Wednesday — and unwrapped the uncertaintly around future state and federal funding.

10 Davis irks both parties

A vote to fund ICE and, a few days later, a social media post questioning some federal agents' tactics, left Congressman Don Davis on the outs with Wayne County residents from both political parties.

16 Our Take

The fact that supporters of some of the candidates who will be on the ballot in the March Republican primary are resorting to sign-stealing and voter intimidation should, in our view, give every Wayne County resident pause.

18 Cover story

Former Goldsboro High School football star Jarran Reed and his Seattle Seahawks teammates are heading to the Super Bowl. But to many Cougars, the defensive star was a legend and a hero long before he earned a shot at an NFL title.

22 Public Notices COVER ILLUSTRATION BY SHAN STUMPF ILLUSTR ATION REFERENCE PHOTO: JEFFREY BEALL / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS newoldnorth.com

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NE WS +VIEWS

Lohse: F-15Es will be here “for decades to come.”

Mayor Charles Gaylor said given what has unfolded over the last two years, hearing 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Morgan Lohse confirm that Strike Eagles would remain at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for the foreseeable future left him “as jazzed as I can possibly be.”

N

early two years ago to the day, Goldsboro Mayor Charles Gaylor was in a state of disbelief.

He had just heard from a Wayne Week editor that then-4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Lucas Teel had confirmed to the paper that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base would be losing a fighter squadron, some of its F-15E fleet, and that the storied fighter wing would be changing to a training-only unit.

And if the headline, itself, was not bad enough, he was angry that the news had not been delivered by the consulting firm the city and county had been paying to lobby on the community’s behalf.

“We’re going to have to reassess who some of those downstream relationships are with. There’s no doubt about it,” Gaylor said then. “We can’t be caught off guard on something this big.”

So, when, at the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the Military event Jan. 22, Col. Morgan Lohse announced that a robust Strike Eagle fleet would be housed at the Goldsboro installation “for decades to come,” the mayor was among those overjoyed because he has firsthand knowledge of the work it took since 2024 to ensure the Air Force reversed course.

“Make no mistake. Two years ago, that was not the official Air Force plan,” Gaylor said Tuesday. “And we did this. We 100 percent did this.”

It started when he was able to sell members of the City Council on his idea to cut ties with The Roosevelt Group and move forward with a contract with Crossroads Strategies.

But Gaylor knew that simply changing lobbyists would not be enough — that elected officials and members of Friends of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base would have to ensure they were in constant contact with — and taking marching orders from — the boots on the ground in Washington.

“We went after a high-powered consultant, but we also took their advice,” he said.

“We laid it on the line. We made trips. We went into Senators’ offices and into represen-

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BY KEN FINE

tatives’ offices. We went to the Pentagon.”

Their commitment paid off.

And with the help of Sen. Tedd Budd and Rep. Don Davis, by December 2024, the planned divestment of Strike Eagles was officially off the table.

A month later, Gaylor and other local leaders got another reason to celebrate when Air Combat Command officials said the 333rd Fighter Squadron would no longer disappear — and that the 4th’s mission would not be changing.

“What that taught us is that these things can happen, but when they do, we have shown we know how to respond,” Gaylor said.

And it also compels the mayor to avoid resting on his laurels just because Lohse confirmed 90 F-15Es would grace the Seymour Johnson flight line “for decades to come”

— a result of older 4th Fighter Wing Strike Eagles being replaced by jets from other locations — a fight to fund maintenance of those aircraft will still be necessary, “so that when they land, they can be kept airworthy.”

“We fully look forward to getting other people’s F-15Es, but let’s not forget that these are not new jets, so we’ve got to continue to lobby for the dollars to pay for them,” Gaylor said.

And while he acknowledged the future of the base is somewhat secure because the Air Force has designated Seymour Johnson as “the schoolhouse” for all F-15E operations, the mayor still believes Goldsboro should, one day, house the airframe that will one day replace the aging Strike Eagle.

“I’m looking forward to continuing these efforts because I’m in no way done. I want

to secure Seymour onto whatever the next platform is,” Gaylor said. “So, yes, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has been officially designated the schoolhouse for all F-15E operations for the foreseeable future. So, that means that even if you’re going to fly an F-15EX, you’re going to learn how to do that at Seymour. We are very much a key cog in this machine. I’m thrilled with that outcome.

But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop fighting for what this base could be.”

Because for him, as he said nearly two years ago to the day, ensuring military jets are always streaking through Goldsboro skies is personal.

“If we land (a future aircraft) you have secured the future of Seymour Johnson to some degree into my child’s adulthood,” Gaylor said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

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Whichard talks to commissioners about 2026-27 needs

Wayne County Public Schools’ superintendent said millions of dollars would be needed for capital improvements — and to cover the Exceptional Children’s Program shortfall created because of a state funding cap.

BY KEN FINE

made great strides with you walking together with us to be able to make those improvements in our facilities for safety and security. We have moved very quickly on putting in security vestibules at all of our school facilities to be able to restrict access for individuals that may want to cause harm in our facilities. But we still have areas that we would like to enhance and improve.”

That, most in the room seemed to agree, is where millions in projected revenue from the quarter-cent sales tax increase that will be on the March primary ballot could come in handy.

Along that front, Whichard said he was taking “every opportunity” he is given to sell the idea to voters ahead of Election Day — from stumping at sporting events and community gatherings to engaging in one-on-one conversations with residents he comes across on a daily basis.

“The sales tax is one of the fairest taxes that can be levied because it’s all paid equitably. And as I’ve shared with folks, for this type of tax increase from the business that you shop at, you’re very likely to find that money in the parking lot layContinued on page 8

WCPS CAPITAL NEEDS — 2026-27

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e talked about the progress Wayne County Public Schools has made since he took on the district’s top leadership position — how WCPS had leapfrogged nearly 30 districts in the state rankings; how the number of low-performing schools has been cut in half; how local public schools are outperforming every charter in the area.

He thanked county leaders for providing an unprecedented windfall in their 2025-26 budget to complete additional capital projects and reward educators, administrators, coaches, and other staff for their role in that progress with increased stipends.

But when Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard addressed members of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners Wednesday morning during Day 1 of the board’s annual planning retreat, he also unwrapped some sobering needs for the 2026-27 school year — projects and initiatives he said would come with a hefty price tag.

And he lamented what he characterized as increasing “uncertainty” related to what the federal and state government would be contributing to Wayne County education in the future.

“To sum up in a single word, I would say two words: Signifi-

cant uncertainty,” Whichard said. “We just don’t know. I know you don’t like that. I can assure you, I don’t like that.”

On the capital outlay front, Whichard said should every project be funded, it would require a nearly $8 million investment, $5.5 million more than the county appropriated in 2025-26.

And while some of the money would go toward critical needs like new windows at Eastern Wayne High School — Whichard said in some cases, the existing windows at the school are so far gone, that if “you were to lean on them … you would risk the entire window coming out of the threshold” — the superintendent noted he was also realistic.

“That is the total ball of wax for our capital outlay request for the upcoming school year. Now, we are also realists. We, like all governmental agencies, will have to triage these needs and make adjustments in our budget request,” he said. “But we don’t want to have not because we asked not. So, we put that on the table as what our needs are.”

Another one of those needs is more money for additional security upgrades across the district.

“That is a paramount situation in this day and time that we face in educational environments,” Whichard said. “We have

Spring Creek High Chiller Replacement

$300,000

Paving/Repaving Projects

$500,000

Safety and Security Projects

$500,000

Greenwood Middle School Hallway Upgrade

$150,000

Bleacher Replacement (Three Schools)

$400,000

Eastern Wayne High Switchgear Replacement $200,000 Roofing Projects

$500,000

HVAC Controls

$1,000,000

Goldsboro High/WSE Soccer Field Renovation

$75,000

Recoating Gym Floors

$120,000

Activity Bus Purchase

$160,000

Service Vehicle Needs

$100,000

Operations Equipment

$50,000

Charles B. Aycock High Track

$500,000

Eastern Wayne High Walkway/Windows

$1,000,000

Northeast Elementary Hallway Lighting

$100,000

WSE Gym Renovation

$2,000,000

Service Contracts

$200,000

TOTAL: $7,855,000 newoldnorth.com

. Wayne WEEK . 7

WCPS’ EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAM CONUNDROM: North Carolina caps funding at 13%. That means they will only fund a district’s E.C. population if it is at or below 13% of the total student population.

In Wayne County Public Schools, 15.3% of students are designated as exceptional children, which leaves a funding shortfall that WCPS has to find a way to cover.

As of Dec. 1, WCPS had 2,587 E.C. students. The state funds 2,191 of those students. That leaves 396 unfunded students.

At $5,593.34 per student, WCPS has to cover a $2.2 million shortfall just on E.C. students.

For the 2026-27 year, the district is asking the county to fund $750,000 of that shortfall.

Continued from page 7

ing on the ground for what that’s going to cost you for that increase in the sales tax,” he said. “That small increase means a lot to us in terms of the revenue that it’s generating. So, yes, we’re working hard to talk with people, to engage with folks, to share information. The first response is, ‘Oh, a tax increase? No. I’m against any kind of tax increase.’ But when you stop and talk with people about what it means — what will be taxed, what won’t be taxed, and what it will actually cost you — people are amazed. And I’ve heard a lot of people that said, ‘I voted against it last time I’m going to vote against it this time,’ and I spent a few minutes sharing with them go, ‘Oh, I’ll vote for that. That makes sense.’ So, my job is to keep educating people.”

But educating them on what he believes is a worthwhile return on a potential tax increase-funded investment is not the only information he feels Wayne County residents need to know ahead of the next school year.

He also felt compelled to share the challenges associated with funding the Exceptional Children Program — an initiative that is federally mandated but not fully covered by state dollars.

So, Whichard explained that North Carolina caps E.C. funding, sending dollars that cover only the cost if a district’s E.C. pop-

ulation is at or below 13 percent of its total enrollment.

And that leaves districts like WCPS, which has 15.3 percent of its population identified as E.C., in the red — by millions of dollars.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to fund the needs of our exceptional children’s population of students,” Whichard said.

“And every single one of our schools is required under state and federal law to serve every student that comes to our doors. And we’re glad to do it. Every student, no matter how wealthy, how disadvantaged, whatever disability you might have, we serve those students. But the exceptional children’s budget is not keeping pace with state appropriation and federal appropriation.”

That, he said, is why he will be asking commissioners to fund $750,000 of the more-than-$2 million shortfall next year.

But while Whichard knows the specifics of that particular ask — and the capital outlay needs — much of what he will present to the county in the coming months remains unknown.

Creating a final number, the superintendent said, is simply not possible until the unknowns from the state and federal government come into focus.

And when they do — and Whichard returns to the Board of Commissioners with his final 2026-27 ask — those details will be provided in a future edition of Wayne Week. n

“We just don't know.

I know you don't like that.

I can assure you, I don't like that.”

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. Wayne WEEK . newoldnorth.com

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. Wayne WEEK . 9

WEATHER ALERT: A NOTE ABOUT NEXT WEEK'S PAPER

Should a significant weather event indeed impact Wayne County this weekend, there is no telling what that could mean for production of the Feb. 8 edition. So, with that said, here is what we are going to do: As soon as we know how we will proceed, we will provide those details on the New Old North and Wayne Week Facebook pages. So,

Davis hit by both sides over ICE funding vote, Facebook post

Congressman Don Davis is taking heat from Democrats and Republicans.

H

BY KEN FINE

e broke ranks and supported a spending bill that has drawn the ire of his Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives because it provided billions of dollars for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

But then, after a man was killed by federal agents in Minnesota, Congressman Don Davis’ posted on Facebook that immigration laws “can and must be enforced with respect for life and dignity” — and said the Trump administration “must take immediate and decisive action to bring an end to this violence and disorder that have taken lives and undermined public trust.”

And despite the fact that he justified his support of ICE funding by noting that the legislation also included money for FEMA and the U.S. Coast guard — saying in a statement that, “strong, reliable support for disaster relief is non-negotiable” — the juxtaposition of the vote and the hard line against the actions of ICE officers in Minnesota left the representative from the 1st Congressional District taking criticism from both sides of the political spectrum this week.

Many of those who excoriated Davis live in Wayne County.

Some subscribe to Wayne Week.

And while they reflect opposing political views, they came together to sound off against Davis on social media.

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There were calls by Democrats for the congressman to “resign” for “voting against the values we elected you to uphold” — with some going so far as to say he had “blood on your hands.”

At the same time, others, who identified as Republicans, condemned Davis for “attacking federal officers who are just trying to do their jobs,” despite the fact that he was one of a handful of Democrats to vote to fund ICE. And there were also those who opined that the congressman had “changed” because in the coming months, he would be “trying to win a Republican district” in light of his decision to run in the newly drawn 1st Congressional District.

Davis, though, has a record of working across the aisle.

In fact, according to the “Bipartisan Index” released by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, he ranked as the second-most bipartisan U.S. House Democrat and the fifth-most bipartisan member of either party in the U.S. House,” a designation he wore as a badge of honor in 2024.

“When I served our country in the U.S. Air Force, our focus was always our mission, not our political party,” he said when the index was published. “These principles continue to guide me in my elected service.” n

if you have not already followed those pages, now might be a good time to do so.

But know that we will do everything in our power to maintain our regular schedule — and we will, as always, keep you informed.

With that, stay safe out there, everyone, and if it falls, enjoy the snow.n - Ken and Renee

newoldnorth.com

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T

{ our TAKE }

STOP FANNING THE FLAMES!

here used to be a time when we could have talked about what is happening in Minnesota and across the country regarding enforcement actions against illegal immigration and protests against ICE. And before we get into it, yes, this is a local issue.

There are undocumented immigrants living in Wayne County.

We have talked to some of them, and many are afraid.

And there are taxpayers — and legal immigrants who followed the rules — who live here as well.

Our conversations with them have revealed a point of view, too.

Many of them do not think that anyone should be able to walk across the border with impunity.

And there are many of us on both sides of the political aisle who would like to have a reasonable discussion about what kind of behavior we should expect from federal agents and those who choose to exercise their right to protest the government.

All of us, save a few, would likely welcome the opportunity to explore the topic of illegal immigration and how to fix a problem that did not just pop up yesterday.

We would like to be able to discuss facts unfettered by screaming, name-calling, irrational threats on social media, crazy rants, and more of the same scary behavior that we all used to condemn.

And there are many of us out there who don’t claim either side — people who, in the past, would have been part of a heartfelt examination of what kind of policies we should have as a nation whose roots are about freedom and rule of law.

We aren’t part of either extreme — and we are not about a broad-brush painting of the motives of either side.

We aren’t irrational, ill-informed radicals without sense who get their world view from social media memes and conspiracy theories.

We really, truly, want a solution that works for everyone.

Years ago, we could have looked at both sides and discussed the truth, the lies, and the AI-generated “fake news” and ginned up outrage.

We could have acknowledged what is wrong and what to do now to stop the violence and to hold those who are fanning the flames accountable.

We could have agreed on setting standards and limits federal agents should follow and what objectives we should have for immigration enforcement officials.

We could have had a discussion about what we are trying to accomplish and how we could get the job done which, ultimately, would be to uphold our nation’s laws and to get rid of the real criminals who slipped across the nation’s open borders while coming up with some way to deal with those who truly came here in search of a better life.

We would be prepared to discuss some hard facts — that illegal immigration has been a convenient labor source for some businesses in this community; that we do have an assimilation problem; that there has been massive fraud and misuse of American tax dollars by some; that we need to be more careful of whom we employ to be federal agents.

And together, we could certainly agree that the disgusting, vile talk on social media is simply not acceptable and should not be tolerated.

We could talk about all of that — and we used to.

But the sad reality is that there are many of us now who are too afraid to say what we really think or to have a real, Continued on page 15

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n s o e C r v a R t i U v e O V Y o ice ! l l i t S 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.

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Continued on page 12

Continued from page 13

honest discussion.

We are scared about the name-calling, the insults, and the threats.

We are tired of arguing without the other person really hearing — and considering — our point of view.

And we feel, all too often, that life would be simpler if we just kept our mouths shut.

That is why there really is no vocal “middle” anymore.

But in our view, the extremes on both sides of the political spectrum are destroying our country and sending more and more moderates into hibernation.

Need some local proof?

We saw a perfect example this week.

Congressman Don Davis broke ranks and voted for a budget bill that included funding for the Department of Homeland Security — and ICE. He did it because he thought it was the right thing to do to avoid another government shutdown.

And he did it because wrapped into that package was money for FEMA. Well, you can probably guess what happened next.

Davis got hammered by many of his fellow Democrats for supporting “facism.”

But then, after a federal agent killed a U.S. citizen in Minnesota, the congressman expressed outrage — saying, essentially, that we should expect more from those charged with executing the nation’s immigration laws.

Well, now he is getting lambasted

by Republicans for not standing up for law enforcement.

Do you see what we mean?

Davis can’t win.

Oddly enough, he has always been a moderate.

He has, on numerous occasions, crossed the aisle when he felt it was the right thing to do.

But there is, as he just found out, no more room for those who refuse to “take sides.”

And when, like many of his fellow politicians, he tried to walk a line, he found out there is no real line anymore.

We feel his pain.

Davis could have done what so many politicians do these days — just shut up and go along to get along, parrot whatever comment is trending, and espouse whatever wind the polls support.

He could have voted with the other members of his caucus to avoid infighting or a headache.

But we think too many people are doing that — that they, frankly, are exacerbating the kind of divide that widens with every passing day.

Common sense is a thing of the past, and so, too, are reasonable disagreements and trying to find common ground.

And it’s destroying our country.

Having spoken to many of you in recent weeks, we think you agree.

We think you know that we have to be able to talk, to ignore the chatter, and to look for real facts, not just AI- and social-media generated spin.

We think you, like us, understand that we have to be very, very careful about the media we consume.

We think you recognize that there are too many “mistakes” that never get corrected and too many activists spouting agendas instead of real journalism.

And yes, all of that matters.

So, we wish we had a magic wand — an answer that would erase the vile words, the closed minds, and the sick deviants that have taken over political discourse today.

But we don’t.

All we can do is remind those who live among us that there is no time to sit back anymore — that we all need to be a little braver, to stand up to those who seek to overpower the discussions, to listen a little more, and remember that some of the people we are being told to hate, to discount, and to cut out of our lives are the same friends, family members, and neighbors we have always counted on in the past.

How many families have been destroyed — how many decades-long friendships scuttled — because of politics?

How many solutions have been bypassed because people were too busy arguing for their side to work together to find common ground?

And how many times has someone who could have been a leader sat back and said nothing when it really counted?

That is how the bad guys win.

They shut down our communication and make us distrust each other.

Well, if we want to save our country — to address its flaws while celebrating how much we have already accomplished — we have to shut out the noise from the extremists on both ends.

We have to acknowledge a really hard fact — that no side, neither one, has a monopoly on decency or spot-on decision-making.

And yes, we have to be involved in the process and remember that our voices matter at home and across the state and nation.

We can start here at home, by modeling for our children and grandchildren how we address differences and tackle problems.

We can condemn those who can’t seem to get the message that there is an appropriate and inappropriate way to disagree.

We can seek the truth — not spin or activist ranting.

And if we do those things, perhaps we can return to the days when we could argue with the goal of finding real solutions to our problems.

Wouldn’t that be something?n

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Sign of the times

W

e have been covering elections for decades and every year, it is the same thing.

Local races heat up and, invariably, some well-intentioned — or not so well-intentioned — supporter for one of the candidates comes up with the brilliant idea that rather than having a responsible and honorable campaign, the best decision is to fight dirty.

You know how it works.

First, some false narrative is leaked to the community, usually an inuendo or a cherry-picked statement designed to mislead voters on what the opponent stands for.

And then, the shenanigans begin.

This year is no exception.

There is a Republican primary this year — and there are a couple of contested races that are becoming contentious.

Of course, the rhetoric is bitter.

Of course, there are some pretty big consequences for those candidates who cannot pull off a victory.

And of course, there is some dirty pool going on.

That last part, by the way, is pretty scary really when you realize that one of the races in question is for sheriff.

Oh, the irony.

We suspect that more than one of you

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out there has come face to face with the rather zealous crew running one of those campaigns.

OK, so we already know that you have because we have heard the stories from you.

You know, that there is an elected official “running” one of the campaigns and leaning on business owners who have “the wrong sign” in their parking lot.

But there is another little scuffle going on and now, one of the candidates for the at-large seat on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners is scratching their head trying to figure what is happening to their signs across the county.

They are disappearing — like hush puppies at a barbecue dinner.

What a mystery.

We are being “ironical,” of course.

The candidate has a pretty good idea what is happening to their signs, and one of the candidates vying to be the Republican choice for sheriff, well, he is pretty sure he knows who is using some ethically shaky tactics to get residents to vote against him, too.

That’s right, those same “supporters.”

So, while we cannot believe we are saying this — that we still have to say it after decades of election coverage in Wayne County

— here is the bottom line.

Stop it.

Right now.

It is beneath any campaign to steal signs, to browbeat potential voters, or to otherwise try to manipulate the vote.

And we hope that the candidates involved — you know who you are — are unaware of the shenanigans being engaged in by their loyal followers.

But now that they are, we expect — and every voter in this county should expect — that the behavior that would be too much for even a high school student council election will be dealt with swiftly.

Here’s why: Local elections are important.

The people we choose for these jobs do not only decide how much of your money they will spend and where to spend it, but they also are in charge of setting the direction for our community.

So, picking the right one, well, that is a pretty important task.

And any candidate who is so insecure that he or she thinks he or she cannot win without dirty pool — and does not put his or her foot down about running an honorable and respectful campaign — is not someone you want in office.

Any office.

So cut it out — and send the message to everyone associated with your campaign that you will not tolerate behavior like this.

And then, rather than scheming about how to swing the election in your favor, actually come up with some words of wisdom, some ideas, and a platform that let people know what you would do if they pick you to be their sheriff, commissioner, or any other public servant.

Engage in debate with your opponent and highlight any differences while acknowledging common ground.

Accept the invitation this paper — and perhaps other news organizations — will

soon send you to make your case to our/ their readers.

Then, let the voters decide whose vision most aligns with theirs.

That’s it — an honest and respectful race.

That’s all we ask.

And keep this in mind, too.

We have been watching how the candidates in the upcoming primary are behaving, how they are conducting their business, and what they have been saying — or doing — to make sure they get across the finish line in first place.

Some have set a standard and a line they will not cross despite having plenty of dirt on their opponent, while others give the very distinct impression that they don’t think they can win without tossing decency out the window.

In our view, we should not accept the latter.

No way.

Our community’s future is too important.

And remember this as well.

All the words you have read from us so far have been pretty mild — a gentle hint that this sort of behavior is beneath a serious candidate.

In the future, as we prepare our endorsements, they won’t be if we continue to get reports that certain candidates are behaving less-than-ethically.

And just in case some still haven’t gotten the message, here it is one more time.

Leave the juvenile tactics at the school room door.

If you think you are the right person for the job, stand up and tell us why.

And if you cannot control your “fan base,” we are going to make sure the voters know just what kind of campaign you are running.

It is the least we can do.

After all, you will be in charge of our future, too.

And there is no way we are just going to sit back and watch you make a mockery of it. n

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. Wayne WEEK . 17

ALREADY AN INSPIRATION Long before Jarran Reed and his Seattle Seahawks teammates punched their ticket to this year's Super Bowl, the NFL defensive star was making an impact in his hometown — by giving back to Goldsboro residents and showing some of the city's most at-risk youth that with hard work and an eye on a dream, they, too, could find a future outside of Wayne County.

I

STORY BY KEN FINE

t was supposed to be a fairly basic assignment — an introductory lesson in feature writing passed to a group of teenagers by a first-year teacher who was, at the same time, a working journalist running a Wayne County news website with an eye on, one day, realizing the dream of launching the newspaper you are currently reading.

But when a 17-year-old aspiring artist handed me her journal and I read her answer, I realized just how complex the lives of many who attend Goldsboro High School really are.

The prompt was nothing special.

Tell me, I said, the name of a Goldsboro native you believe would make a good profile feature — and why.

And despite a lifetime of playing and watching sports, I had no idea who Jarran Reed was until I saw his name on the first page of her journal.

The name, though — and the fact that in more than a decade covering news in Wayne County, I had no memory of hearing it — was not the only thing that gave me pause.

It was her “why” that has stuck with me all these years later.

“Because he got out,” she wrote. “He made it.”

A few moments later, I Googled “Jarran Reed +

Goldsboro” and learned that he was a GHS graduate — that he had won a national championship as a member of the University of Alabama football team and been drafted by the Seattle Seahawks.

So, the next day, armed with my newfound expertise, I asked that young woman why an aspiring artist who told me she “hated sports” when we had discussed photojournalism earlier in the week would pick an NFL player to profile.

She asked for her journal back and told me she would justify her pick in writing.

And by the time I was finished reading it, it became clear that the results of a Google search could never do Reed justice.

It turns out she had heard some of Reed’s story from a previous teacher — how unlike many who end up in the NFL, he did not go straight from high

ILLUSTRATION BY SHAN STUMPF 18

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Continued on page 20

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. Wayne WEEK . 19

Continued from page 18

school to a Division I school.

He was forced, she wrote, to “make a decision” after graduating from GHS about whether he was willing to “humble himself ” at a junior college — if he had the hunger to work his way into a program that could help him achieve his dream of playing professional football.

So, the fact that he fought his way to the University of Alabama impressed her.

She wrote that she had gotten used to seeing potential thrown away by family members, neighbors, and peers.

Reed was, in other words, the perfect profile feature interview because his story was imperfect.

Just like hers.

If you are an educator, you know that every teacher has a story like this one.

Some have many.

These moments are the ones that take you aback — the ones that make you think about the young people under your care on a deeper level.

And a handful of you might, like me, still be in contact with some of those

20

. Wayne WEEK . newoldnorth.com

students who made as much of an impact on you as you made on them.

But more on that later.

L

ess than a year after I came to learn about Jarran Reed, I got to see him up close.

It was a sweltering summer day, but the NFL star was back on the Goldsboro High School football field — a whistle hanging from his mouth.

Dozens of youths — many from atrisk communities — were laser-focused on the towering figure standing on the 50-yard line.

For them, it was an opportunity to show off their football skills in front of a hometown hero who had made it.

But for Reed, it was a chance to give back.

The Jarran Reed Youth Football Camp was not a one-off, either.

In fact, droves of young people look forward to the event every summer.

Like that journalism student, it gives them a moment to think about goals that seem larger than life, yet are, somehow, attainable.

Sometimes, I wonder if Reed even

KEVIN

JOHNSON COMMISSIONER AT-LARGE knows just how much of an impact that event has on his community.

His giving, of course, does not stop there.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he rented out a food truck and fed some of the most economically challenged neighborhoods in Goldsboro.

And had I never read that 17-year-old’s journal entries during my first year as a GHS teacher, that act would have likely been a blip on the “good news headline” radar — shining brightly for only a second before it was forgotten.

Fortunately, it represents, for me and many others, just another star on Reed’s helmet — one that will define his local legacy far more than being a member of an NCAA championship team, the NFL season during which he recorded 10.5 sacks, or the moment, if it happens next weekend, when he hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

T

hat aspiring artist who educated me on Jarran Reed?

I texted her after the Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams to punch their ticket to the NFL championship game.

“Did you watch the game?” I asked.

“I missed it,” she replied. “Got busy.”

Maybe it was the two children she has had in the years since I met her that kept her away from the TV that night.

Maybe she was getting ready for another Monday in her corporate job in New Jersey.

But whatever the reason, I wanted her to know that ever since the day she wrote Reed’s name down in that composition notebook with a marbled cover, I have tried to catch as many of his games as I could — even if he never wore the uniform of my Carolina Panthers.

“Watching Jarran celebrate made me think of you,” I wrote. “Made me proud, kiddo. You got out, too. You made it.

Thought it might make a good feature.”

Her last word — she always has to have the last word — didn’t come until the next day.

“LOL. Glad you finally get it, Fine,” she said. “Starbucks next time I’m in the Boro.”

Who knows?

Maybe over coffee we can talk about Jarran Reed’s Super Bowl — and hers.

Kevin Johnson is a Wayne County conservative leader committed to protecting agriculture, supporting military families, and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars through practical, results-driven leadership.

VOTER EARLY OR MARCH 3 FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE AT KEVINFORWAYNE.COM/VOTE

PAID FOR BY KEVIN JOHNSON FOR WAYNE COUNTY

n

newoldnorth.com

. Wayne WEEK . 21

NO T ICE S 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 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

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. Wayne WEEK . newoldnorth.com

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Mildred Koonce Parsons, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 25th 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 25th day of January, 2026.

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Vernell C. Casteen, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 25th 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 25th day of January, 2026.

Roderick Eugene Parsons, Executor of the Estate of Mildred Koonce Parsons 7312 Cateswood Court Apex, NC 27539

Crystal Casteen Pullen, Executor of the Estate of Vernell C. Casteen 113 Valley Road Mount Olive, NC 28365

Published January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, February 8, 2026, and February 15, 2026

Published January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, February 8, 2026, and February 15, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF NED A. COTTLE

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Patricia Ann Steele, 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 25, 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 25th day of January, 2026.

James Arthur Steele, Executor c/o Henry C. Smith, Attorney Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 (919) 734-1841 Published January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, February 8, 2026, and February 15, 2026

Having qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of Ned A. Cottle, late of Wayne County, North Carolina, the undersigned do 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 25, 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 20th day of January, 2026.

Joy Dawn Cottle and Ron Ervin Cottle, Co-Executors of the Estate of Ned A. Cottle 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 January 25, 2026, February 1, 2026, February 8, 2026, and February 15, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Redia Cannon Best, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of May, 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 1st day of February, 2026.

Rita Best Linville, Executor of the Estate of Redia Cannon Best 251 Meadow Beauty Drive Apex, NC 27539 Published February 1, 2026, February 8, 2026, February 15, 2026, and February 22, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF SYLVIA BURROUGHS SASSER

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Sylvia Burroughs Sasser, 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 May 1, 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 28th day of January, 2026.

Ronald Ransom Sasser IV, Administrator of the Estate of Sylvia Burroughs Sasser c/o Caroline Taylor Phillips, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, L.L.P. P. O. Box 1616, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published February 1, 2026, February 8, 2026, February 15, 2026, and February 22, 2026

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