Wayne Week — March 30, 2025

M A RCH 3 0 , 2 02 5

WEEK

"THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE"

COMING FROM AN ELECTED OFFICIAL

N E WOL DNORT H .C OM

DISAPPOINTMENT

Wayne

In no way was a threat made or inferred

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

Mischaracterization at best and a lie at worst

Concern

MALICIOUS

Inaccurate, harmful statements The president of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation's Board of Directors wrote a 15-page letter to members of the City Council to defend the non-profit.

No Words

By KEN FINE p. 14

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CONTENTS MARCH 30, 2025 Volume 2, Issue 30

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

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4 Top three chosen in manager search The Goldsboro City Council — after two marathon special-called meetings that were held in closed session — has selected a "top three" list of candidates that will advance to the final round of the city manager search process.

6 Bell eyes more Rosewood funding Thanks to State Rep. John Bell, the N.C. House passed a bill that includes an additional $4.1 million for the Rosewood Middle School project — funds Bell said would go toward renovation of the campus gymnasium.

8 Eureka wastewater still flowing

Fremont threatened to no longer accept wastewater from the town beginning March 23, but Goldsboro Interim City Manager Matthew Livingston said that a cutoff is not going to happen — and that the county seat remains committed to, in the long term, helping Eureka.

12 Cover story

Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation Board of Directors President Grayson Hussey wrote a 15-page letter to members of the Goldsboro City Council to express his disappointment in the wake of what unfolded during the council's March 17 meeting.

14 Weeks responds to letter

Councilwoman Beverly Weeks said she remains committed to ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely — and asking questions about the DGDC and its relationship with the city's Downtown Development Department.

20 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 annual St. Baldrick's event brought in more than $32,000 this year — and event organizers said they are still counting.

COVER DESIGN

BY SHAN STUMPF

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NEWS +VIEWS Goldsboro manager search down to three

According to sources with intimate knowledge of the process, Interim City Manager Matthew Livingston is still in the running for the seat vacated by Tim Salmon in February 2024 — as are two “out-of-state” applicants.

BY RENEE CAREY

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ore than a year after then-Goldsboro City Manager Tim Salmon agreed to “part ways” with the city, two marathon special-called meetings that were conducted exclusively in closed session this month have resulted in the Goldsboro city manager search being narrowed to a “final three.”

And while sources would not reveal the identities of two of them — saying only that they resided “out of state” — they did confirm that Interim City Manager Matthew Livingston, the man who took over after Salmon’s departure, is among the finalists.

Providing the public with access to the names of applicants to allow for vetting of the city’s potential future chief executive was never an option members of the City Council sought to pursue, as the board chose, based on a recommendation from search firm Developmental Associates, to conduct its manager search in private to ensure applicants who might otherwise not apply for fear of retaliation from their current employers to throw their names into the hat without hesitation.

And while some have questioned that decision — pointing to the February public forum held in Raleigh during which the finalists for the state capital’s police chief job met residents and answered questions to ensure the public felt an open process had taken place — the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled on the matter in 1992.

In Elkin Tribune, Inc. v. Yadkin County Board of Commissioners, the court determined that the newspaper, which wanted to know the identities of county manager applicants for vetting purposes, was not entitled to them because applicants are not “employees” as defined by N.C. General Statute.

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In November 2024, the council decided, nine months after Livingston took on the post in an interim capacity, to hire Developmental Associates to help them with a formal search.

But the move did not come without resistance — particularly from District 2 Councilman Chris Boyette, who was outspoken about 4

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Sources did tell Wayne Week that the top three are expected to endure face-to-face interviews — and meet-andgreet sessions with county leaders — in April.

his position that Livingston had proven himself to be a competent manager.

He also noted that the board had asked the interim manager to present them with a contract, one Boyette characterized as a “sweetheart deal.”

“I just really would like to see us come together and approve Matt’s contract that we asked him to get together,” Boyette said. “I just can’t see doing (a search) when we have the caliber of person that’s willing to continue service to the city.”

Councilwoman Beverly Weeks agreed.

But Livingston’s performance was only part of her reasoning.

A group of department heads had fought for their current boss — and expressed concerns about replacing him — she said.

“We had department heads that came to us and said, ‘If you continue with this search, it’s going to push back some of the projects that we’ve been working on as a team,’” Weeks said.

And the cost associated with seeking a different leader would be “six figures.”

“You’re not just talking about the search fee,” she said, adding that her calculations revealed a price tag of “anywhere between $115,000 and $125,000.”

Weeks talked about the fact that, should a candidate who resides outside of North Carolina be identified, taxpayers would be forced to take on the burden of relocation expenses in addition to whatever salary package was offered.

And while the council, by a 4-3 vote, would proceed with a formal search anyway, should one of the “out of state” candidates be offered the position, it would appear she was correct.

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As of press time, the timeline for a final decision on whom to offer the position remains unclear.

But sources did tell Wayne Week that the “top three” are expected to endure face-toface interviews — and meet-and-greet sessions with county leaders — in April.

Just how the council would ensure the identities of the two out-of-state applicants would, at that time, remain anonymous, is also unknown. n

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Bell eyes Rosewood funding, cell phone ban State Rep. John Bell said Raleigh is abuzz as legislators take aim at creating a budget and tackling key issues.

BY KEN FINE

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classrooms as a result of the superintendent’s bold action.

“Dr. Whichard stood up and took the lead on this issue and it’s paid dividends,” Bell said. “And those results are being felt through a lot of other school districts that have followed his lead.”

The bill will, after it was passed Tuesday, move on to the Senate, where lawmakers have been considering their own, stricter version of the ban.

And even if a compromise is needed, Bell said he feels confident a ban — in some form — will happen.

“We still have a way to go, but I think we’ll come up with something we can advance to the governor. We’ll work out our differences,” Bell said. “And this was a priority for him, too, so I do think we will see something on that issue signed into law soon.”

tate Rep. John Bell told Wayne Week Tuesday that “the bills are starting to fly” inside the North Carolina Statehouse, and that while most would likely never become law — and that at the moment, working on a budget that delivers for his constituents and all North Carolinians is his top priority — he is confident that at least two pieces of legislation that have a Wayne County connection are gaining momentum and will ultimately secure the signature of Gov. Josh Stein.

ROSEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Thanks to Bell, it has already passed the House and is currently sitting in the Senate’s Committee on Rules and Operations, but should it get through that chamber — and gain Stein’s approval — HB74 would see an additional $4.1 million sent to Wayne County to ensure a gymnasium “worthy of the Rosewood community” is constructed as part of the construction of the new Rosewood Middle School.

Bell said he is confident that bill will, at some point in the near future, become law.

And he stressed that while it is true that he is always looking for ways to bring tax dollars home to Wayne, this particular decision was a no-brainer — and was a chance to honor a pledge he made when he began pursuing funding for a “much-needed” school in a community he has personal ties to.

“With the project, I made the commitment to try to secure as much funding as possible,” he said.

And while more than $20 million has already been secured to that end, he felt the additional funds were necessary.

“So, I was able to secure the extra $4.1 to finish off the renovations of the gym,” Bell said. “I would hate for you to have a brand-new school and an old gym. That just doesn’t make any sense.”

Particularly given just how much the existing facility is used.

“That gym is not just used by the middle school. It’s used by the community,” Bell said. “A lot of youth sports happen there.

So, it’s just a staple of the Rosewood community and I was proud to fight for it.”

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“AN HONOR TO SERVE”

CELL PHONE BAN

Bell said voting with the other 113 lawmakers who gave a thumbs up to statewide ban on phones in schools was an easy decision because he has seen the benefit of doing so since Wayne County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard implemented the policy locally as one of his “non-negotiables.”

“I saw what happened in Wayne County Public Schools and there has been a big impact. And it’s a complicated issue and you have to decide how you’re going to thread that needle … but at the end of the day, putting those phones away and avoiding those distractions during instructional time, I think, is key to learning,” he said. “And it was extremely popular with parents, teachers, and administrators across the board.”

So, while he quipped that it might not “make me very popular” with his daughter’s friends, Bell said he was proud to follow Whichard’s lead — and tell the story about the progress made inside WCPS

Bell noted that even after all these years in Raleigh, he still feels the same excitement when the Legislature is in session because it gives him a renewed sense of hope that the battles he wages on behalf of Wayne County will bear fruit.

“My core values have stayed the same since the beginning,” he said. “You know, I love our community, and I support our community, so I try to secure every dollar I can to bring back. I’m very blessed to be in the position that I’m in.”

And he feels fortunate to be one of the “lucky few” who work to ensure “everybody in North Carolina” gets a fair shake during budget negotiations like to those he will soon fully engage in.

“This time of year, I always take a moment to look around the House floor and just say, ‘Wow. I get to be one of 120 people out of 3 million who get to do this,” Bell said. “So, I always keep that perspective of why I’m here, and I always remember that I’m one of the fortunate ones who gets to be close enough to be able to go back and forth from Raleigh to home — so I can still be a dad and a husband and a member of this great community.” n

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Deadline has passed, but Eureka wastewater is still flowing

Goldsboro Interim City Manager Matthew Livingston said service would not be disrupted unless Fremont officials “do something crazy.”

BY KEN FINE

A

s of March 22, Eureka was supposed to have been prohibited from discharging wastewater into the Fremont system that ultimately runs to Goldsboro.

But Goldsboro Interim City Manager Matthew Livingston said Fremont officials “really can’t” follow through on their threat.

“That’s not a way to do business, and I’ve also said to them that they should make sure the people of Eureka know that,” he said. “The city is not going to stop the flow, nor would we want to.”

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Goldsboro

EUREKA: Population 200

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Fremont officials issued a warning to Eureka last year: Pay your outstanding water bill or get cut off.

But Livingston said that while the town of a few hundred people had, indeed, racked up a debt, a significant contributing factor was the rate Fremont was charging Eureka for service.

Here is how it works: Fremont has an interlocal water and sewer agreement with Goldsboro.

Eureka is Fremont’s customer.

So, when it is time to collect payment for the services provided by Goldsboro, Fremont foots the bill.

But Fremont decided to charge Eureka more than twice what Goldsboro charges Fremont — a price, Livingston said, that is not sustainable for Eureka given the town’s “inflow and infiltration” problems.

“So, Fremont is paying their bill, but what they’re not doing … is paying Eureka’s bill,” he told Wayne Week earlier this year. “And they’re saying to us, ‘Well, Eureka isn’t paying us so we can’t pay you, Goldsboro, for Eureka’s flow.’”

State Rep. John Bell said the fault, in many ways, lies with Fremont — and the Local Government Commission — because back in 2019, Eureka was notified by the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer that the state intended to take over the town’s finances — a move justified by then-Treasurer Dale Folwell as being necessary over concern about how the town was managing its sewer system funds.

But the town did not, thanks to Bell, have to declare bankruptcy — and was, instead, the recipient of a $200,000 bailout courtesy of a bipartisan legislative effort, Senate Bill 691, which allocated emergency operating funds 8

Freemont

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WAYNE COUNTY

we’ll know exactly what Eureka’s flow is,’” he said. “As of January, we have started monitoring (Eureka’s) flow so we can give them pseudo bills — what they would be paying us at the reduced rate. That way, we can reach an agreement. So, when they do disconnect (from Fremont) we’ll start billing using a separate agreement with Eureka to charge them for their flow.”

And he is confident — not only that Eureka can afford the cost of doing business with Goldsboro, but also that town officials are ready to put the money the WCDA is holding to good use to fix what he characterized as a “poorly designed” and “poorly engineered” system.

“Eureka is doing their due diligence in understanding what’s going on with their system.,” Livingston said. “And they have more than an adequate amount of money to get done what they need to do.”

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for small towns with utilities issues.

And instead of dissolving, Eureka was given a five-year suspension of its charter.

With the Local Government Commission in charge of the town, Bell said he felt good about seeking $20 million to ensure Eureka’s faulty system — one that allowed for infiltration that generated far too much flow to Goldsboro via Fremont — was replaced.

He was wrong.

“They just failed. They failed this town,” Bell said. “They had four years. They couldn’t do it in four years.”

Instead, they did not — twice during a fiveyear period — apply for access to the emergency fund created, essentially, for Eureka.

“I raised hell,” Bell said. “And I withdrew the $20 million that was carved out for the Town of Eureka because the Local Government Commission failed to do anything with it. It was just sitting there.”

But when the town was nearing the end of its takeover in the summer of 2024 and seemed poised to get its charter back, he “clawed back” the $20 million and gave it to

the Wayne County Development Alliance.

“I trust that they’ll get the job done,” Bell said. “And now, they’ve tapped into even more funding, and we’ll be able to create a regional system. Now, we’ve just got to deal with Goldsboro and we’re moving forward.”

Dealing with Goldsboro means figuring out a way to ensure Eureka can weather their current issues with Fremont — a problem Bell said was a result of greed.

“You’ve got Fremont jacking their rates up and you’ve got a lot of people living there on fixed incomes and it’s a community that isn’t growing. The math just doesn’t work,” he said.

“Now, it looks like Fremont has said, ‘Hey. We’re cutting you off.’ It’s ridiculous. So, now, we’re looking at a pathway to how do we do this and just go around Fremont? That’s why we’ve been working with (Livingston) and his team in Goldsboro.”

That plan, according to Livingston, is fairly simple — and still in the works.

“So, what the city has said is, ‘OK. It goes through the same pipes. We’re going to start reading the meter (where Eureka ends) so

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A deal with Eureka to do just that was on the Goldsboro City Council’s March 17 agenda — but was scrapped at the last minute as it became apparent that more negotiations were necessary.

“Still working with Eureka and Fremont on trying to figure out the dilemma that we have with their major inflow and infiltration issues. Trying to work with the state, as well, on that,” Livingston told the council. “We’re kind of at an impasse on agreeing with what the charges Fremont would charge for using their transmission line.”

But until that deal is reached, he made it clear that the residents of Eureka have nothing to worry about — that their wastewater would continue to flow to Goldsboro for treatment.

“Nobody is going to get cut off here,” he said. “Unless (Fremont officials) do something crazy that’s out of our control.”

And as for the outstanding bill?

Goldsboro’s interim city manager said he hopes cooler heads will prevail — and that the city is open to a payment plan or, perhaps, providing “assistance” if necessary.

But Fremont officials, he added, need to get on board. “(Fremont) needs to understand that getting something from (Eureka) is better than nothing,” he said.n

2025 PROPERTY REVALUATION Wayne County is conducting a property revaluation to ensure tax assessments reflect current market values, as required by North Carolina law.

Revaluation does NOT determine your tax bill. The Board of Commissioners will set the tax rate later.

Property values are assessed fairly based on real market conditions.

You have the right to appeal if you believe your assessed value is incorrect.

Revaluation notices will be mailed in late February - early March.

LEARN MORE AT WAYNEGOV.COM/REVALUATION newoldnorth.com

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{ our TAKE }

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fter months of waiting and years of controversy and unrest, Goldsboro is one step closer to having a new chief executive at the helm.

That’s right. It is down to three.

You already know quite a bit about one of them.

Matthew Livingston has been the interim manager for more than a year, and we — and you — have kept a close eye on not just his qualifications and temperament, but also his decisions over the last few months.

Sure, at times, we have been critical.

When you’re the boss, it comes with the territory.

But we have also been appreciative of his ability to meet the moment time and time again — to secure significant victories for this city and earn buy-in from his staff.

With that said, we still contend that doing a search was important.

We needed to be sure, and to his credit, Livingston seems to understand that.

He showed us — all of us — something special when he threw his name in the hat after seemingly being gutted by a vote to conduct a formal search that could have easily felt like a vote of no confidence.

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ALMOST TIME TO PICK A WINNER And that took guts and said a whole lot about his commitment to this community.

But here’s the problem: Livingston is the only candidate we have met.

We don’t know the names of the other finalists because, on the advice of the consultant facilitating the search, their identities are being kept hidden.

The idea is, of course, that should the identities of the candidates become public, their employers would learn of their application elsewhere and would retaliate in the event they did not get the job.

Many qualified candidates, the theory goes, would not even attempt to apply for the job because of the risk.

So, to attract the best candidates — and to maximize the number of applications for the position — advisers suggested that anonymity would be the best course of action, and a way to make sure the pool of applicants was as deep as possible.

In our view, it is an antiquated perspective — set into judicial precedent in 1992, when a North Carolina newspaper sued to get the names of candidates seeking a public position.

The state Supreme Court said no — that applicants for a public job were not, yet,

public figures.

So, that’s why we are not getting a heads-up on the other people who are seeking to lead our city.

We don’t blame City Council members for following the advice.

Why would you pay a consultant if you weren’t going to listen?

But we do think that the concept should be rethought with this in mind: Nothing is really done “in secret” anymore.

There are eyes — and social media — everywhere.

Chalk it up to a less-than-desirable consequence of a mobile, modern, and uberconnected society, or a decision that was made at a time when the world moved at a different pace with a much different view of the value of privacy.

Heck, these days, you can’t walk through a grocery store without your phone dinging you a coupon.

So, in reality, the two out-of-town candidates will not be anonymous when they come to visit Goldsboro next month.

They will meet “movers and shakers” and be introduced around town.

And believe it or not, there will be other

people who see them — and those zooming in for a closer look with their cell phones.

Think they are going to worry about anyone’s privacy — or hold back on their opinions on the potential candidates after doing their own “research”?

Not a chance.

So, we wonder whether we should really be so secretive — or if we really want someone who requires hiding his or her application for a position with our community — at least if they are to be included in our final three.

Council members say they are doing what the public asked to them to do, what we elected them to do — to make decisions that are in the best interest of the citizens and the city’s future.

And that is a noble pursuit, and we have been pleased with how most of them have handled many of those critical decisions so far.

They have made some calls that were far from easy — and faced a good bit of heat and second-guessing because of them.

And for that reason, we challenge them to do it again.

Let the community be a part of this process.

Let the experts do some proper vetting.

Because, you see, we don’t want just a

handful of people making the decision about our future anymore because it has not worked out so well for us in the past.

We have learned that we cannot sit back and just let others make these choices for us — that we cannot just trust and hope for the best.

Because, as you probably remember, we have had multiple examples of just what happens when you don’t pay attention right here in Wayne County.

And you probably also remember how expensive it was to clean up after those bad personnel decisions.

By the way, we are not alone.

More and more communities aren’t sitting back in silence anymore.

So, increasingly, “regular people” are becoming more interested in becoming part of the process.

They have questions, concerns, and opinions.

And yes, they matter more than ever.

We want a new city manager who is not afraid to talk to more than just the people with money, power, titles, and influence.

We want someone who will listen to us — every single one of us.

That, by the way, is why we have so much faith in the majority of the members of our City Council.

They are, for the most part, just those sorts of people.

They understand, perhaps more so than many other people on local boards, whom they work for.

Hopefully, they will consider that before the final step of this incredibly significant process.

With that said, there is a caveat to a public vetting.

It cannot become a free-for-all, or a chance for a bunch of grandstanding or political power-brokering that dissolves into an embarrassing spectacle.

And those who are asking the questions and/or meeting the candidates cannot be shining their own shoes for attention or retribution.

We have seen what happens when local leaders cannot divorce their own personal self-interest from honest assessments.

That’s right. We said it.

There is simply no more time for the backdoor dealings and political backscratching that have characterized so much of local politics across the country recently.

So, perhaps there is a way to get some public input on the candidates who are vying for the chance to lead this community.

And, perhaps, we should make a more widely available job interview a key part of

the process.

After all, it worked pretty well for Raleigh.

You see, North Carolina’s capital was hunting for a police chief.

And its leaders opened up the process — no secret applications, no anonymous picks until reveal day.

The same court ruling, by the way, governs that community, but its leaders made a different decision.

Makes you wonder.

So, we have talked about it ad nauseum — that Goldsboro is on the cusp of some pretty important chances at a secure and profitable future.

And make no mistake, decisions made now will absolutely affect the course of future industrial and residential development, the future of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and whether or not our children and our children’s children will be able to make a go of raising a family in this community.

Those who are in charge of making those decisions matter — and the consequences of making the wrong choice are significant.

We have already started turning a very large ship back to the right course, and now is not the time to throw the map to the wind.

Sure, there will be some people who won’t give a hoot about who is leading the city of Goldsboro. They will continue to simply complain from the comfort of their couch while the rest of us get up and become part of the process.

And there will also be some in the leadership of the city and county who don’t want a strong leader in any of our communities.

That way, you see, their gravy train and attention-seeking can continue unchecked.

But then, there are the rest of us.

We have finally gotten the message that our voices matter, and we are not going to sit back and wait, watch, and shake our heads.

We want to be part of the decisions that are made — both at the ballot box and when we are at a significant fork in the road in our city and county.

Let’s hope that the City Council and the mayor get that.

Because the truth is, the loudest voices with the most influence right now should be those from the people who live, work, and raise their families in this community.

And let’s consider one last thing, too.

Livingston has no choice but to be judged for the work he has performed for the last year-plus — the vast majority of it stellar, by the way — since he took over a defunct City Hall left by his predecessor.

Is it fair to him that he is the only “top three” candidate who has been laid bare in front of this community? n

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No Words

The president of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation's Board of Directors wrote a 15-page letter to members of the city council to defend the non-profit.

By K EN FI NE

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he president of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation’s Board of Directors sent members of the City Council a scathing rebuke of comments made by District 5 representative Beverly Weeks — characterizing statements she made during the board’s March 17 meeting as everything from “inaccurate,” and “harmful” to “divisive” and “disappointing.”

But Grayson Hussey did not simply defend the DGDC — the non-profit arm of the city’s Downtown Development Department Weeks demanded accountability and transparency from that Monday.

He also claimed she levied personal attacks that had the potential to jeopardize his reputation and career.

Hussey’s 15-page email, which was obtained by Wayne Week via a fulfilled records request, reflects the continuing fallout from what unfolded after members of the DGDC board’s executive committee presented the non-profit’s “impact report” to the council.

Inaccurate and harmful statements were made, and we feel that we must respond to Council directly.

“The presenters were intent on keeping the message constructive and positive, understanding that engaging in a tit-for-tat discussion in response to negative statements would be distracting and unproductive,” he wrote. “That said, inaccurate and harmful statements were made, and we feel that we must respond to Council directly to clarify misunderstandings and reaffirm the integrity of our work.”

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t first, after members of the DGDC unwrapped a list of accomplishments — they included everything from the organization’s recruitment of a cadre of volunteers who “add capacity” to the city through thousands of service

hours and the many events that draw tourists, and tourism dollars, downtown, to its historic building rehabilitation efforts and multi-million dollar capital projects — Councilman Chris Boyette and Weeks praised their efforts.

The latter characterized the report as “excellent” and said it was “no secret that you guys are doing an amazing job in our city.”

But then, as she spelled out grievances — emails that allegedly got “taken back” without her permission; DGDC website content that, once she questioned it, was deleted; an initial unwillingness from the non-profit and its executive director, Erin Fonseca, and board chairman, Hussey, to disclose financial information — the conversation quickly

spiraled into a back and forth.

Weeks even said that her pursuit of accountability and financial transparency from the “partnership” that is the DDD and DGDC came with threats.

“I have been threatened,” she said. “I have been warned not to speak.”

And while Fonseca was content to address those concerns while, at the same time, painting the picture of a public/private partnership that should be lauded — noting that in the 41 years since it was formed, Goldsboro has “benefitted” with more than 470 new businesses, 2,493 new jobs, 224 new residential units, 548 building rehabilitations, and more than $100 million in private Continued on page 15 newoldnorth.com

. Wayne WEEK . 13

Councilwoman Beverly Weeks' response

A

s a devoted Christian, my primary goal as District 5 City Councilmember is to lead with biblical principles, serving and guiding the wonderful citizens of Goldsboro. I am dedicated to prioritizing the needs of everyone in our community while exemplifying the character and integrity of Christ and honoring God’s authority in all I do. One biblical teaching that resonates strongly with me is from Matthew 18:15, which offers a valuable approach to resolving conflicts among friends: it encourages open and honest communication when there is a disagreement. I believe that through this process, we can foster unity and understanding, creating a stronger, more compassionate community for all.

Therefore, if my past words have upset anyone, I seek reconciliation with you. I genuinely value our community and the diverse perspectives that shape it. That said, I firmly believe it’s essential to address the tough, sometimes uncomfortable questions about how taxpayer dollars are spent. This commitment is not just a duty—it’s my mission. I will relentlessly champion transparency and accountability as long as I have the privilege to serve in this role. Together, we can work to ensure our community’s resources are utilized not just wisely, but effectively, for the betterment of everyone. Let’s embark on this journey together!

I became aware of Mr. Grayson Hussey and Mr. Doug McGrath’s recent letter addressed to the Mayor and Council content thanks to an email from Interim City Manager, Matt Livingston, sent late Tuesday afternoon. In his message, Mr. Livingston informed us that the letter had accidentally landed in the spam folder, and he also highlighted that several council members had not received it. Upon reviewing the letter, which Mr. Livingston graciously resent to all Council members, I felt it necessary to reiterate my previous insights for clarity and to ensure that we are all aligned moving forward. Not out of political necessity, but as scripture wisely reminds us: a brother who feels offended is more difficult to plead with than a fortified city, and these misunderstandings can act like the strong barriers of a castle. By prioritizing clear, rational thinking in problem-solving, you pave the way for more effective solutions and prevent mis-

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understandings from escalating. Emotions by Mr. Grayson Hussey, DGDC President, can obscure our judgment, disrupt commu- and Mr. Doug McGrath, Past President, has nication, and lead to biased decisions. Let’s not communicated the facts and details as accurately as intended. It’s crucial that we all focus on unity and understanding instead.

I want to clarify that my previous ques- strive for clarity and truth in our discussions tions and concerns raised with the council, about financial matters.

My questions and concerns that I have staff, and members of DGDC, as well as in earlier emails and phone conversations dat- presented in numerous inquiries via emails, ing back to January 2025, are in no way in- meetings, and phone conversations with the tended as an attack against the DGDC. This council, staff, and members of DGDC, were all related to finances remarkable non-profand were not slanderous it has done incredible or accusatory and the work for our downtown letter provided by Mr. area, and I have many Hussey and Mr. McGrath friends who currently is substantially inconsisserve on its committees tent with information and Board of Directors. previously been shared I consistently acknowlwith me as a result of my edge and promote the inquiries, or additional amazing, positive impact emails and conversations that the DGDC and its not noted in the responsdedicated volunteers es, and information that have had on our city, was previously on the particularly in the DownDGDC’s website until I town Goldsboro District. asked the questions, and My intention is financial District 5 Councilwoman Beverly Weeks the information was imtransparency to foster mediately taken down. a constructive dialogue I would like to take a moment to clarify that can help us all work together for the continued success of our community. While the points I’ve raised in my previous comfinancial transparency in government may munications—whether through emails, be uncommon today, it is more crucial than meetings, or phone discussions. My inquiever. I have consistently stated, when local ries have consistently focused on financial governments prioritize openness, they can matters; they have never been intended as make more informed decisions that truly slanderous or accusatory. However, I must reflect the needs and concerns of their con- express my concern regarding the letter stituents. This transparency not only fosters issued by Mr. Hussey and Mr. McGrath. It trust but also enables citizens to hold their appears to present significant discrepancies elected officials accountable for the prudent with the information I have received in the management of public funds. This includes past as a result of my inquiries. Additionally, financial transparency between the city and it seems that there may be emails or connon-profit organizations, in which the city versations that have not been accounted supplies in-kind or financial resources to for in the letter provided. I have complete support public services or benefits provided access to those emails and can easily share the details of my conversations I had with by non-profit organizations.

This is why it was disheartening to see all parties involved. Furthermore, I noticed that a former city employee, who also held that certain information previously available the position of Executive Director at the on the DGDC’s website and was removed DGDC non-profit, wrote a letter in a recent shortly after I posed my questions has been issue of Wayne Week that, while undoubt- excluded from the letter.

The City and the DGDC non-profit have edly passionate and intended to persuade, misrepresented my intentions and state- been working together without a Memoments regarding my advocacy for financial randum of Understanding (MOU) in place, transparency. Additionally, the letter signed which creates ambiguity about our col-

laborative roles and responsibilities. This situation not only raises questions about transparency but also complicates the accountability to the taxpayers the allocation of in-kind or financial resources for supporting public services and benefits provided by DGDC and possibly other non-profits. To address these concerns and ensure clarity moving forward, I strongly recommend the immediate drafting and implementation of an MOU. As our interim city manager noted in a previous email, establishing this agreement will help us all better understand and align our expectations and responsibilities as we move forward together. Let’s take this important step to strengthen our partnership and enhance our impact on the community!

It should not be viewed as controversy, working to pursue financial transparency of taxpayers’ dollars or how taxpayers’ dollars are used as in-kind to support a non-profit. I have already engaged in constructive conversations with the Mayor, Interim City Manager, and Director Erin Fonseca to address my additional questions. My ultimate goal is to ensure that our city’s resources are allocated in a way that maximizes the impact of our public spending. I am eager to continue collaborating with our council, the Mayor, the Interim City Manager, and the Director Erin Fonseca, along with the DGDC non-profit arm. Together, we can draft a MOU that will undoubtedly strengthen the partnership between our city and its residents, paving the way for a brighter future..

I may not fit the mold of a traditional politician, and I am a flawed human being.

But I ran for city council only because I felt God was calling me for this season to serve my city in this capacity. When you have a calling by God you can’t dismiss it. My obligation is not only to my constituents in the District 5 but to this entire community. I am held accountable by my God for my actions, motives and my service. In addition, I am accountable to the taxpayers for how their tax money is being spent or utilized as in-kind.

I ask for your prayers for godly, divine wisdom and discernment as I continue to serve my God and this beautiful city.

Grateful, Beverly Weeks

Continued from page 13

investment — Hussey, after the meeting, felt it was important to speak about each Weeks soundbite in writing to address what he claimed were “false accusations.”

“I’m writing to express concern and disappointment at the divisive narrative that was presented by certain members of the GCC during Monday’s presentation,” he wrote.

“Not only does this divisive questioning damage the relationship to no less than 75 volunteers, it (also) calls into question the reputation of all who have come before us.”

The following reflects statements made

by Weeks and Mayor Charles Gaylor during the March 17 meeting and the DGDC’s “response” as outlined in Hussey’s letter. (Note, Hussey’s responses were pulled directly from his letter and have not been edited): WEEKS: “We contribute roughly about a $300,000 salary package. And it was on their website that we provided a full-time staff for this non-profit. It was on the website until I contacted you (Livingston) and then it was immediately taken down. We’ve had conversations about this.”

HUSSEY: “The City does not provide a $300,000 salary package to the DGDC. City staff is city staff. The DGDC is a non-profit organization who works with City Staff to add capacity to their day and help to achieve

Not only does this divisive questioning damage the relationship to no less than 75 volunteers, it also calls into question the reputation of all who have come before us.

city initiatives. Our website was created by a third-party vendor. The text noting a “fulltime staff” was financially supported by the city was misleading, and an oversight by the Board chair and executive committee. It was, however, properly stated on the “About Us” page on the Downtown Goldsboro website.

The website was updated, and the Director reached out to Councilwoman Weeks for clarification, but the call was not returned.”

WEEKS: “I just met with one of their staff members at our retreat and the staff member told me that over 60 percent of their time was dedicated to the non-profit.”

HUSSEY: “The staff member is not working on DGDC initiatives, or at the direction of DGDC, 60% of the time. Rather, the staff member is working on City initiatives while being assisted often by volunteers of the DGDC. The DGDC is here to add capacity to City Staff, and all the work done by the volunteers for DGDC is focused on priorities set by the City. This point has been made and reiterated during email exchanges starting in January.”

WEEKS: “That (Union Station stabilization) grant, that $600,000, cannot go to a non-profit. It actually has to go to a city entity.”

HUSSEY: “The $612,500 grant will go to the City, which was presented to Council Continued on page 16

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. Wayne WEEK . 15

Continued from page 15

in January. The grant application was written pro-bono by Julie Metz, on behalf of the DGDC. Additionally, the DGDC committed to make the required match of $37,500. The partnership with DDD and the City of Goldsboro were driving factors for the N.C. Department of Commerce. The extensive history of recognizing the great work this partnership has completed as a result of being a Main Street Community was a contributing factor. Without the public/private partnership, these funds would not have been awarded to the City of Goldsboro.”

WEEKS: “Can you tell me who owns 100, 117, 119 West Elm Street; 419, 425 South Center Street; 402, 410 South John Street; and 212 West Mulberry Street? … We cut their grass — 17 cuts per season. Our staff is advised to cut all these properties. None of this is being logged anywhere.”

HUSSEY: “The properties were acquired by the DGDC to help the City with blight as part of the Neighborhood Plan Task Force. The fact is, the City wanted to acquire the properties for neighborhood clean-up efforts, but were unable to obtain them. The DGDC was asked to partner in the effort by presenting a tax-deductible donation to the former property owners. … For the sake of argument, mowing the grass of these 8 properties 17 times per

season would equate to the following: 8 properties multiplied by 17 cuts/season = 136 cuts. 136 cuts multiplied by 30 minutes/ cut = 68 hours/season.

68 hours multiplied by $50/hr = $3,400.

The 17 cuts fall short of the $5,000 (in-kind donation) threshold.

The DGDC, however, provides at no expense to the city approximately 2,400 square feet of office space for the DDD Staff. At $12/sq ft this is a savings/gift to the city of $28,800 per year to support a fiscally responsible budget.”

WEEKS: “I have been threatened. I have been warned not to speak.”

HUSSEY: “We would like to know who threatened Councilwoman Weeks so that we can begin the process of investigating the claim. The DGDC takes threats in both private and public settings seriously. We have a zero-tolerance policy to threats made to any individual or group.”

WEEKS: “I called and asked to see a copy of your finances and I was denied originally.”

HUSSEY: “Councilwoman Weeks was never denied DGDC financials.”

WEEKS: “When (Interim City Manager Matthew Livingston) called Erin, you advised her it was in her best interest that she give us that financial information. But she couldn’t because then, there was a conflict of interest because she has a board chair over here who

said, ‘No. We’re not going to release this information.’ (Erin) is your employee and I’m asking to see a copy of these finances and I’m not even allowed to see the finances.”

HUSSEY: “That is simply not true and a mischaracterization at best and a lie at worst.”

GAYLOR: “Councilwoman Weeks and I, you know, are aligned in that we both want to see increased documentation and transparency.”

HUSSEY: “What additional Transparency is council requesting? There is, and has been, tremendous oversight as we have had a city council member and city manager on our board for over 10 years now. In every board meeting, financials are provided and we dedicate time for anyone to ask questions. Additionally, Erin presents the numbers to council annually. To suggest that more is required only furthers the false narrative that there is something not right.”

W

eeks’ contention is that, as she said during the council meeting, while she supports the DGDC, she feels strongly that city residents deserve to know the details of the partnership between the DDD and DGDC — and that she has a duty to ensure taxpayer dollars are being allocated responsibly.

“My argument has never been if the DGDC is doing great things. They are mak-

ing a huge impact in our downtown district.

That is very evident,” Weeks told Wayne Week March 18. “My argument is strictly a financial one. Our taxpayers deserve financial transparency in every area. There is no true financial dollar amount that has ever been associated with the operations of this department and non-profit partnership. We do not even know a cost in dollars for shared services and staffing.”

But Hussey has argued that from an accountability and transparency perspective, the DGDC more than clears the standard — noting that city leaders, elected officials, and representatives from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base sit on the non-profit’s board.

“We don’t operate in a vacuum,” Hussey said during the March 17 meeting. “We have the city manager on our board … and every time we have a board meeting, financials are provided at that point in time.”

And Fonseca provided a different take — that scrutinizing a partnership with a track record of success dismisses the many victories she feels that the data demonstrate.

“I think our stats show that we are delivering with what we have,” she said.

“We have been operating very well on a staff of three and I think our stats show that we are delivering a return on investment of city dollars.” n

SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS Want to sound off on the issues we’re covering?

Send your thoughts to letters@newoldnorth.com and we just might publish them in a future edition of Wayne Week. Word count is not overly important, but please identify yourself by name and the city or town you reside in.

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newoldnorth.com

. Wayne WEEK . 17

NO T ICE S NOTICE OF SERVICE

BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAYNE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO: 23 CVD 516 WAYNE COUNTY and the CITY OF GOLDSBORO, Plantiffs vs.

THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SABRINA MCINTYRE; VIVICA MCINTYRE and SPOUSE, if any; ALEASA SAPPINGTON and SPOUSE, if any; SEAM MCINTYRE and SPOUSE, if any, Defendants & TIME INVESTMENT CORPORATION, Defendant Lienholder TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SABRINA MCINTYRE TAKE NOTICE THAT: A pleading seeking relief has been filed in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication will begin on March 30, 2025.

The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on real property located in Wayne County, North Carolina and described as 147 Woods Mill Road, Goldsboro, NC (PIN:3529980546) and 1912 Elton Drive, Goldsboro, NC (PIN: 3600056694), which is more completely described in the complaint; to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes. Plaintiffs seek to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you or others may have in said property.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than (40) days after the date of the first publication of notice, March 30, 2025, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 21st day of March, 2025.

Andrew J. Neal Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 227 Goldsboro, NC 27533 (919) 705-1713 Published March 30, 2025, April 6, 202, and April 13, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Raymond Murphy Davis deceased, late of Wayne County, 18

this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 7th 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 3rd day of March, 2025.

Sherri Davis Creech Administrator for the Estate of Raymond Murphy Davis, 2067 Warrentown Road, Snow Hill, North Carolina, 28580 Published March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF JACQUELINE RHEW

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Jacqueline Rhew, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 7th 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 3rd day of March, 2025.

Capen Rhew, Executor of the Estate of Jacqueline Rhew 4741 Delta Lake Drive Raleigh, NC 27612 Published March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF JIMMY LEWIS ADAMS

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Jimmy Lewis Adams, 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 June 9, 2025, 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 9th day of March, 2025.

Jimmy Lewis Adams, Jr., and English Adams Albertson, Co-Executors c/o Henry C. Smith, Attorney Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 (919) 734-1841 Published March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

. Wayne WEEK . newoldnorth.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF GILBERT WRIGHT BROWN

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Gilbert Wright Brown, 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 June 9, 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 3rd day of March, 2025.

Samuel Craig Brown, Executorof the Estate of Gilbert Wright Brown c/o L.E. (Trey) Taylor III, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF NANCY JEAN KUHN

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Nancy Jean Kuhn, 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 June 9, 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 3rd day of March, 2025.

Robert Warren Kuhn, Administratorof the Estate of Nancy Jean Kuhn c/o Caroline Taylor Phillips, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Evelyn Dolores Hood, 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 7th 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 4th day of March, 2025.

Doug Hood, Administrator for the Estate of Evelyn Dolores Hood, 473 Falling Creek Church Road, Goldsboro, North Carolina, 27534 Published March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF DEBORAH SUE YELVERTON

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Deborah Sue Yelverton, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 9th 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 is the 9th day of March, 2025.

Cara Yelverton Davis, Administrator of the Estate of Deborah Sue Yelverton 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 March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF SHIRLEY DAVIS GARDNER

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Shirley Davis Gardner, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 9th 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 is the 9th day of March, 2025.

Timothy Milton Kearney, Executor of the Estate of Shirley Davis Gardner 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 March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Kelly Ann Smith, 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 7th 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 5th day of March, 2025 . Grover Allen Smith, Administrator for the Estate of Kelly Ann Smith, 103 Quailcroft Drive, Goldsboro, North Carolina, 27534 Published March 9, 2025, March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, and March 30, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF HELEN CARLTON

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Helen Carlton, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th 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 6th day of March, 2025.

Marsha King Executor of the Estate of Helen Carlton 507 Durham Lake Road Dudley, NC 28333 Published March 16, 2025, March. 23, 2025, March 30, 2025, and April 6, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Vickie Marie Waters, 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 14th 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 11th day of March, 2025.

Tiffany Maddox, Administrator for the Estate of Vickie Marie Waters,

304 Carew Drive, Goldsboro, North Carolina, 27530 Published March 16, 2025, March 23, 2025, March 30, 2025, and April 6, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF SANDRA GINN PARKS

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Sandra Ginn Parks, 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 June 23, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 13th day of March, 2025.

Pamela Parks Creech, Executor of the Estate of Sandra Ginn Parks c/o L.E. (Trey) Taylor III, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 23, 2025, March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, and April 13, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF WILL R. SULLIVAN

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Will R. Sullivan, 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 June 23, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 13th day of March, 2025.

Rhonda Sullivan Taylor, Executor of the Estate of Will R. Sullivan c/o L.E. (Trey) Taylor III, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 23, 2025, March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, and April 13, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ALFONZO MANLEY, SR.

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Alfonzo Manley, Sr., 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 June 23, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 18th day of March, 2025.

Alfonzo Manley, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Alfonzo Manley, Sr. c/o Caroline Taylor Phillips, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 23, 2025, March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, and April 13, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF DONALD VINCENT TUCKSON

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Donald Vincent Tuckson, 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 June 23, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 18th day of March, 2025.

Tonya Bell Ferrell, Executor of the Estate of Donald Vincent Tuckson c/o L.E. (Trey) Taylor III, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 23, 2025, March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, and April 13, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF REBECCA S. MANLEY

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Rebecca S. Manley, 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 un-

dersigned at the address below on or before June 23, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 18th day of March, 2025.

Alfonzo Manley, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Rebecca S. Manley c/o Caroline Taylor Phillips, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1616 Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 Published March 23, 2025, March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, and April 13, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF EMMA G. OVERCASH

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.

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 TO CREDITORS OF THOMAS W. SCALES

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.

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.

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

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 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

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 decedent 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, Taylor & 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 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 Published March 30, 2025, April 6, 2025, April 13, 2025 and April 20, 2025

IS NOW AN OFFICIAL PAPER OF RECORD! If you would like to join the Wayne County government and make Wayne Week the new home of your public and legal notices, you can: SEND US an email to notices@newoldnorth.com CALL US at 919-648-9905 STOP BY our downtown Goldsboro office, located at 219 North John Street

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the SPECTATOR

Heads shaved and pars saved Left: The annual St. Baldrick's event saw more than $32,000 raised. Right: Members of the Charles B. Aycock golf team compete at Lane Tree Country Club.

PHOTOS by KEN FINE and COURTESY OF UNC HEALTH WAYNE 20

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Congratulations to the BEST team in NORTH CAROLINA!

The Wayne County Clerk’s Office was one of only six offices in the state to achieve an “Effective” audit opinion for our internal audit — the highest opinion given, which indicates excellence in minimizing potential risks.

I feel so blessed to work with all of you.

Thank you for helping Wayne County shine!

Sending you love and best wishes as we take on this new year together as a community!

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Julie Whitfield, Wayne County Clerk of Court

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JERICHO FA R M S

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EASTERN NC’S PREMIERE WHOLESALE GROWER OFFERING A WIDE VARIETY OF TREES AND SHRUBS 3 GALLON - 25 GALLON