Wayne Week — May 11, 2025

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

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City residents are facing another tax increase and utility rate hike. But the money, leaders say, is necessary to address pressing issues.

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CONTENTS MAY 11, 2025 Volume 2, Issue 37

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

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

PUBLISHER

New Old North Media LLC

CONTACTS EDITORS

kfine@newoldnorth.com rcarey@newoldnorth.com

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

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advertising@newoldnorth.com © 2025 NEW OLD NORTH MEDIA LLC All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission.

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

4 Bell pushes for tougher penalties State Rep. John Bell co-sponsored a bill that would increase the penalty for assaulting a school employee to a felony — a move he hopes will reduce the number of incidents on campuses in Wayne County and across North Carolina.

7 Goldsboro eyes Edgewood property The contract has not yet been signed, but City Manager Matthew Livingston said he plans to ask the City Council to allow him to rent the former Edgewood Community Developmental School building — and campus — from Wayne County Public Schools.

8 Pikeville hearing on tax hike set

Town leaders are considering increasing the sales tax rate to fund the Pikeville Police Department. Monday, residents will have the chance to weigh in.

9 Animal cruelty case ends in plea

Former Rosewood High School baseball standout Matthew Neal pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges after a viral video that depicted abuse led to his arrest in July 2024.

12 A transparent hand up

After reading the May 4, 2025 cover story, "The entrenched," Kriquette's Kidz founder Kriquette Davis felt compelled to share the story of how her non-profit offered a local resident a hand up.

14 Budget includes tax, rate hikes

To the naked eye, it looks like City Manager Matthew Livingston is proposing a tax decrease. He is not. In fact, he is asking f or tax and utility rate hikes to fund "critical" expenses.

18 Spectator

From the Jams Over Wayne event in downtown Goldsboro to the Wings Over Wayne Air Show, thousands of local residents — and tourists — converged on Goldsboro to look to the skies.

COVER DESIGN BY SHAN STUMPF

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NEWS +VIEWS

Bell eyes harsher punishments in schools Currently, those who assault school employees are charged with Class I misdemeanors.

BY RENEE CAREY

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uring the 2023-24 school year, a dozen Wayne County Public Schools employees were assaulted on campus — as were more than 1,600 school personnel across the state.

The year before, 11 WCPS employees reported the same.

And while the data is not yet available for the 2024-25 school year — and WCPS spokesman Ken Derksen said he would not characterize assaults on school employees as “pervasive” — Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard is among those celebrating a bill co-sponsored by State Rep. John Bell that would elevate the offense from a Class A1 misdemeanor to a Class I felony.

“Representative John Bell is a friend to Wayne County Public Schools, and we greatly appreciate his attention to matters affecting public education,” Whichard said Tuesday. “An assault on one of our school employees is a serious matter which will result in swift disciplinary action and law enforcement attention. This co-sponsored bill reflects the desire of state legislators, like Representative Bell, to help promote school safety and deter unacceptable behaviors and actions at

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school by students and visitors.”

But HB 985 does more than add jail time for those convicted of the offense.

It also protects educators and school staff who break up fights from potential civil and criminal charges — as long as they were acting “in good faith.”

“No school personnel who takes reasonable actions in good faith to end a fight or altercation between students shall incur any civil or criminal liability as the result of those actions,” the bill states.

And it forbids school and district leaders from attempting to deter the victim from reporting the incident to law enforcement.

“When a supervisor of a school employee has actual notice that the school employee has been the victim of an assault by a student … resulting in physical injury … the supervisor shall immediately report to the principal the assault against the school employee,” the bill states. “A principal, superintendent, or supervisor of a school employee shall not, by threats or in any other manner, intimidate or attempt to intimidate that school employee from reporting to law enforcement an assault by a student.” n

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City eyes former Edgewood facility

Goldsboro City Manager Matthew Livingston confirmed that the city wants to rent the grounds from Wayne County Public Schools and move the Parks and Recreation Department there.

BY KEN FINE

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ore than a year ago, dozens of families were devastated by the news that Wayne County Public Schools planned to shutter Edgewood Community Development School — and move its student body to Eastern Wayne High School at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year — as the district looked to utilize its facilities in a more fiscally responsible way.

But Goldsboro City Manager Matthew Livingston told Wayne Week Tuesday that the facility could soon get a second act — one he hopes would create a home for one of his departments and serve countless local residents in the years to come.

The contract has not yet been signed, but members of the City Council are expected to be told at their next meeting that signs are pointing toward the city leasing the Edgewood campus from WCPS and housing its Parks and Recreation Department there.

And it was clear that Livingston was excited about what he sees as “the possibilities” that would come as programming that is currently offered at the Herman Park Center — a building that would be razed once the move to Edgewood is complete — transitions to a building that comes with classroom space, an auditorium, and playgrounds.

“We’ll actually be able to do more programming at the Edgewood school,” he said.

But adding more ways to engage the community is not the only benefit to the proposed move.

Staff would no longer have to be “all crammed into that one area” inside the Herman Park Center.

The sprawling facility would not run the risk of becoming an eyesore in the neighborhood.

Recreation services would be offered in another part of the city — expanding the Parks and Recreation Department’s reach.

And taxpayers, he said, could get a “huge impact” with not a lot of spending — for a monthly rent of $1,500, taking over the Edgewood site would not be cost-prohibitive either, Livingston said.

“It checks a lot of boxes,” Livingston said.

“That’s for sure.”

School district officials see the benefits, too — with Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard characterizing the potential deal as a “win-win.”

“The proposed lease would allow the for-

mer Edgewood campus to be maintained at zero cost to the school district, with the city covering the cost of insurance, utilities, and grounds work,” he said, adding that “having a low monthly lease payment would also allow the city to be able to quickly move in and begin programming for city residents.”

And having a tenant that is reliable would also help WCPS “ensure the buildings and grounds are regularly maintained,” Whichard said, “which would be an added benefit for the residents who live near the former Edgewood campus.”

Edgewood is one of several former WCPS campuses that have been designated as surplus in recent months by the Board of Education, as leaders continue their attempt to cut down on what Whichard sees as unnecessary expenses.

The former Fremont Elementary School is another.

But during their May 5 meeting, the Board

We'll actually be able to do more programming at Edgewood.

of Education voted to reject three sealed bids that came in for that property — opting instead to potentially approve putting the property up for public auction.

Now, they just have to decide what that sale would look like — when it would take place, whether or not to set a minimum bid, and, perhaps most importantly, if they intend to accept the Facilities Committee’s recommendation to split it into two four-acre tracts. (Those decisions could be made as early as the board’s June meeting.)

The Fremont school and the former School Street School were, earlier this year, determined to be “no longer necessary or desirable for school purposes,” and first offered to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners.

At that time, Whichard said the “fair market value” for the Fremont property was $1.23 million — with School Street coming in at nearly $1.4 million and ultimately, the county expressed that it had no interest in the sites, leaving WCPS to look for another buyer.

Whether that happens for the former Fremont school will depend on whether a serious buyer attends the auction.

If not, “we still reserve the right to reject all the bids,” Board Member Chris West said.

And as of press time, there were no updates on the status of School Street. n newoldnorth.com

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BY KEN FINE

s Pikeville commissioners weigh a potential sales tax increase, town residents will, on May 12, have an opportunity to attempt to persuade them one way or another.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. — a measure endorsed by Town Attorney Hailey Kirby as a best practice given the nature of the decision the board will soon face.

The purpose of the session, according to Town Manager Tim Biggerstaff, is “discussing and receiving feedback on resetting the tax rate after revaluation for the upcoming fiscal year,” and holding a discussion on the sales tax rate “as a possible alternative if necessary.”

Board members — and the public — were first notified of the prospect of a .25-percent hike in April, when Commissioner Matt Thomas and Biggerstaff broached the subject.

Thomas said the idea was born out of “a bit of a budget crisis” facing the Pikeville Police Department, more specifically, a $20,000 shortfall facing the PPD in the coming fiscal year.

The math, he said, simply no longer worked — a result of a relatively stagnant allocation of funds by previous town boards, despite the fact that the cost of living, retirement contributions, and other expenses have increased over the years.

“While the Police Department as a percentage of the General Fund has remained relatively similar, within a few percentage points, over the years, the cost of the Police Department as it stands today has not remained the same,” Thomas said during the board’s April meeting. “Last year … we sliced by on the skin of our teeth.”

But that option will not be viable in 2025-26, he added.

And so, the town has a choice to make.

Pikeville could, he said, “just cut police service.”

“We would have fewer officers, less safety, and we can just start hacking the budget with a hatchet,” Thomas said. “But as someone who had a high-speed chase near my house where my little girls could see outside, not necessarily a huge fan (of that).”

Or the board could vote to downsize other town staff and services.

“I don’t know if you want us to cut sewage and let the sewage back up. Just raise your hand,” Thomas said, as the residents in attendance laughed. “Yeah. I didn’t think that would be too popular.”

The final choice — and one he acknowledged “hurt” to even mention — was a sales tax increase.

“The only other option we have … is to find some additional revenue. That’s taxes,” Thomas said. “It hurts my heart even saying it out loud, so I’m going to leave it for the board. But people need to understand that otherwise, we’ve got to slice and dice somewhere.”

And they also, he said, should understand that the increase would likely not even be felt by local shoppers.

“What kind of tax increase would be needed to fund the shortfall inside the Police Department? We would need .25 percent,” Thomas said. “It works out to something like one penny for every four dollars.”

Mayor Garrett Johnston also weighed in during the April meeting — suggesting that presenting the increase as necessary for Pikeville police could, in his view, present challenges.

“Does it benefit the town or is it specifically going just to the Police Department? Because if it benefits the town and we choose to pay the Police Department, that’s one thing,” he said. “If the people are hearing us, they need to hear that the tax increase is because the town needs the revenue so we can take care of our people. If it’s just money for the Police Department, plenty of people, well, a number of people, still think the Police Department is irrelevant.”

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

Thomas urged caution along that front.

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

At least one board member, Raymond Deck, has already said he was willing to throw his support behind the hike.

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

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

Right: Matthew Neal works with a dog during his time as owner of East Carolina Retrievers.

Above: Neal's mug shot after being arrested on animal cruelty charges.

Animal cruelty case ends in guilty plea Former Rosewood High School, University of Mount Olive baseball standout Matthew Neal pleaded guilty to charges filed after a video of a man abusing dogs went viral on social media.

RENEE CAREY

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former Rosewood High School baseball standout who operated a dog training business has pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals — marking the culmination of a case that began when a viral video led to his arrest.

Matthew Neal, who was charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts, was sentenced to 14 days in the custody of the Lenoir County Sheriff and probation.

But that is not all.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, must be evaluated for potential “counseling” and “treatment,” and “shall not own or professionally train dogs.”

“If defendant is found in possession of a dog, he is to be arrested,” courts documents obtained by Wayne Week state.

Ownership of his former business, East Carolina Retrievers, must also be transferred.

• It started with a video that was viewed — and shared — by tens of thousands of people on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

It depicted a man in a black hooded sweatshirt repeatedly whipping — with the object in his right hand — the face of a labrador retriever.

He used a closed fist and threw punches.

Moments later, he grabbed the dog by the neck, lifted it some six feet into the air, and slammed it onto the ground.

But that was not only video that would ultimately be disseminated on social media sites.

In another, the man relentlessly whipped another dog as it yelped — cries so loud that they drowned out the high-pitched whistle the man was blowing over and over again.

Several local residents told Wayne Week they were horrified by what they said were videos of an ECR trainer abusing dogs under his care.

One of them even pulled their puppy from the ECR program before Neal was arrested in July 2004 because they no longer wanted to be “associated” with what became nearly a dozen abuse charges against Neal himself.

Within hours of the videos being published, Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers pledged accountability — releasing a lengthy statement in response to a flood of

emotional pleas from the public.

“There has been a disturbing video depicting the abuse of an animal circulating on social media. Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers, Lenoir County Health Department Director Pamela Brown and Lenoir County Animal Control are aware of this video and the departments are conducting intensive investigations,” the statement read. “The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and Lenoir County Animal Control have conducted several interviews involving the incident. However, we are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with firsthand knowledge (videos, pictures or eyewitnesses to the abuse) is asked to contact the LCSO at 252-559-6118.”

And he assured the public that if his department could prove ECR abused dogs, justice would, he said, be served.

“While I am sheriff, I can assure the residents of Lenoir County that everyone, regardless of income level, race, social status or any other factor will be held accountable for their crimes,” he said. “I have proven in my tenure as sheriff that no one is above the law in Lenoir County.”

A few days later, the LCSO converged on Neal’s Pink Hill home.

They arrested him — charging him with nine felony counts of cruelty to animals and two misdemeanors — and “confiscated” the 11 dogs on the property.

Rogers pledged to house the dogs in a “safe location.”

According to the arrest warrant, lawmen claimed Neal beat dogs with “his fists and a PVC pipe,” used “shock collars” to the point of “causing dogs to vomit and have bloodshot eyes,” and “choked” the animals.

According to North Carolina G.S. 14-360, if any person “intentionally” wounds, injures, torments, or kills “any animal,” they are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

But if they “maliciously torture” or “cruelly beat” an animal, it rises to a Class H felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 months.

Neal was not only charged by Lenoir County lawmen but also faced penalties in Duplin County as well.

And since the videos were posted, the company’s website has been deactivated, and no new posts have been made to its Facebook and Instagram accounts. n newoldnorth.com

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{ our TAKE }

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e don’t know about you, but after hearing about all the waste and fraud in the federal government — and our past experiences simply trusting our hard-earned dollars to politicians in general — we are not up for handing out blank checks.

So, the initial response to the city of Goldsboro’s warnings that there would need to be some steep hikes in some fees for city residents (in their water and sewer bills and property taxes to be exact) understandably could have been, “Here we go again.”

But here’s why it is important to look very, very carefully before spouting off about increases in spending and calls for higher costs in the city of Goldsboro.

First, a caveat.

You are right if you have the very distinct impres10

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sion that letting politicians and bureaucrats make decisions without scrutiny is a very bad idea.

We have seen numerous examples over the last four or five years of what happens when nobody is really watching.

Frankly, that’s why we came along.

And if, very, very recently, you have had your doubts about who is in charge in the city of Goldsboro — and whether they really have the expertise and commitment necessary to make decisions that are more about the future of the city than their own personal “brand” or pocketbook — we get you.

But we have said that there is a new set of leaders in Goldsboro who — with a couple notable exceptions — seem to be very focused on making not just decisions, but tough calls that might not be popular, but are what are absolutely the best for the city’s future.

There is always a danger when a politician craves

attention and is more worried about his or her popularity or the mob’s response than saying “no” when every piece of evidence points to the need to call a halt to a bad decision.

When a political figure or a bureaucrat shows that kind of weakness, your community is in trouble.

So, like always, we encourage you and others who love and care for this city to speak up, to ask questions, and to hold politicians and bureaucrats accountable.

After all, this is your city.

With that said, let’s look at the plans for the city of Goldsboro and why taking a long hard gulp and preparing to spend a little more in the coming years is a critical decision.

There are a few qualities that are absolutely necessary when preparing a community to advance into a growth mode.

The first is infrastructure.

It does not matter how cute your downtown is.

Not if there are neighborhoods where the sewer and wastewater are not adequately managed and if the state has already warned you that you are on the verge of a moratorium because the system you have cannot handle any additional capacity.

And if, in addition to the above, you have been told by professionals that you are on the brink of disaster unless you make plans to build a new wastewater treatment plant because the necessary work to get it has gotten the “next year” pass the buck for more than a few years, you are in a real danger zone.

It won’t matter how low your tax rate is because no one on the planet is going to add residential or business development there.

When that is a reality, key things start to happen — not the least of which is property values in your community start to drop like a stone.

And that’s just the water and sewer issue.

The city of Goldsboro has some other infrastructure needs as well.

Let’s put it this way: Have you traveled across some of the roads in this city?

How often does your car’s suspension take a hit?

Roads don’t repair themselves, and this is another area where experts have told city leaders and residents that they have a significant problem that is not getting any better.

Sure, we could kick that can down the road, too.

But if we do, if we do not start working on improving our roads, the amount of work it will take to fix the problem — and the cost to accomplish it — will increase exponentially.

It is what happens when you stick a Bandaid on a wound without treating for possible infection underneath.

What could have been a quick fix turns into a hospital stay.

So, infrastructure improvement is a critical factor if we want to make sure the city of Goldsboro has the pieces in place to grow and to become more financially solid in the coming years.

And there is another key part of making this community a place where people want to live.

We have to put money into cleaning up our neighborhoods.

Extra funds to demolish dilapidated properties — and employing someone with the commitment to get that work done — is how we send the message that we aren’t going to let the city disintegrate.

We can tell potential investors and residents all we want that this is a great place to raise a family, but if their tour includes streets with abandoned and neglected properties that are now havens for drug users and criminals, we send a very different message.

So no, cleaning up is not a luxury. It is a priority.

We have already talked about the benefit such a city improvement plan will have for those who own property in the community.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room — you know, the one that boasts a U.S. Air Force insignia.

Without solid investment in the city and a very clear indication that this community is thinking with growth and development in mind, there will be no incentive for the Pentagon to continue its investment in Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

And while the base’s critics might seem to be echoing a popular refrain when they criticize money spent there, the impact of the closing of — or a reduction of force at — SJAFB would be devastating to Goldsboro and Wayne County.

No question about it.

And anyone who tells you otherwise, especially if he or she has been charged with making decisions for your community’s future, is incompetent at best or just plain “not very smart” at worst.

It all boils down to one very important concept that we have pushed for weeks now.

If you want to make sure that you are caring for the community your parents and grandparents built for you — and if you want to make sure your children and grandchildren have somewhere to come home to and to raise their families — you have to do the work.

Now is that time.

No more buck-passing.

No more saying we are “too busy” to put the right people in charge at all levels of politics and to hold those who have already taken the oath accountable.

No more poor-mouthing when we know that this investment is necessary to make sure Goldsboro and Wayne County are positioned for a strong and vibrant future.

If we believe in our community, we have to do what is right now to set it up for the future.

And in this case, that means making sure we have solid infrastructure in place.

And while it might not be as popular, that investment also includes making sure we have the right employees in place to make sure our city runs smoothly.

We cannot have a safer community and the best people running our city’s operations if we do not have competitive salaries.

That’s just how it is.

We have supported raises for police and fire.

Now we need to take care of the rest of the people running our government.

With all that we have said so far, you might think we are saying we should throw all kinds of money to city officials and not complain.

Nope.

The city needs to be held to a strict budget — and expenditures need to be examined carefully.

There is no money to waste. None.

So, there can be no ridiculous waits for audits and other unforced errors that cost us dollars and reputations.

There is no room for poorly managed departments or expenditures that are not scrutinized.

There can be no more easy decisions about where funds go because it is less stressful than telling a questionable payee “no” — even if it is a non-profit.

And, if there are any politicians whose reason for serving is to see how much fame and fortune they can swing their way, well, you know what we think should happen there.

This can’t be a blank check.

And we cannot afford to just trust that everyone in those offices on Center Street is focused on making the right calls.

Yes, we need to support additional spending when it is necessary.

But we also absolutely have the right to make sure every dollar is accounted for — and every budget item has been rigorously vetted.

So, we look forward to watching members of the City Council go line by line through City Manager Matthew Livingston’s proposed spending plan for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

We hope to hear thoughtful questions, debate, and negotiations.

And when the men and women we elected get into those work sessions, we expect them to understand that infrastructure and salaries are not the only places that will require some additional spending — not if we have any hope of putting a dent in our gun violence, opioid, and homelessness crises.

Our eyes are open now and we are watching.

Let’s see who rises to the occasion — and support them should they have the courage to recommend the difficult, but necessary, expenditures needed to solidify Goldsboro’s reputation as a player.n

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{ SOUND off }

A HAND UP FOR SASHA

Editor’s Note: In response to the May 4, 2025 cover story, “The Entrenched,” Kriquette’s Kidz founder Kriquette Davis felt compelled to share what she characterized as a success story from a local non-profit that was “transparent” and held its clients “accountable.” The following letter to the editor has not been edited:

S

asha, a hardworking single mom, found herself at a desperate crossroads.

Her young son’s ongoing illness forced her to miss a month of work, and suddenly the next rent payment loomed like an insurmountable hurdle.

Although she had kept up with rent before, missing that paycheck meant eviction was only days away.

In situations like Sasha’s, experts note that a onetime cash boost can fully resolve a short-term housing crisis. It was precisely at this tipping point that Kriquette’s Kidz stepped in with their “Light of Hope” program, guided by the ethos of offering “a hand up, not just a handout.”

By treating Sasha with dignity and respect while focusing on solutions, the organization helped turn her crisis into a new beginning.

Through the network of local helpers, Sasha’s case was vetted and referred to Kriquette’s Kidz.

In fact, Light of Hope only assists families who come through partner agencies, ensuring resources reach those truly in need.

Kriquette’s Kidz, founded by community leader Kriquette Davis, has been serving her hometown since 2020 and, to date, has helped over 1000 families with more than $350,000 in aid.

Sasha’s story fit the program’s mission: after verifying her situation, the Light of Hope fund immediately paid her next month’s rent directly to the landlord. This single payment kept Sasha and her son under a safe roof and bought the family much-needed breathing room.

Crucially, the support came with accountability and planning.

Kriquette’s Kidz staff worked with Sasha to review her budget and set clear goals. Together they outlined practical steps — like picking up extra shifts and trimming nonessential expenses — so the help wouldn’t be wasted.

This aligns with best practices in homelessness

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prevention: a one-time grant paired with a concrete financial plan can stabilize a household and avoid future crises.

Empowered by this plan, Sasha went back to work with a renewed determination. Within weeks she had covered the rent and begun tucking away a tiny emergency fund. Her son’s health slowly improved, and life at home regained stability.

Kriquette’s Kidz views every such intervention as an investment in self-sufficiency. They pride themselves on empowering families rather than creating dependency — in other words, lifting people toward sustainable economic stability, just as their mission declares.

Sasha’s outcome reflects this philosophy. With one-

time assistance and a sustainable plan, she avoided homelessness and has since been able to save a bit each month for unexpected expenses.

Throughout her journey, she was treated as a partner in the solution, preserving her dignity even in hard times.

In the end, Kriquette’s Kidz provided the opportunity for Sasha and her son to thrive again, not as charity recipients but as capable individuals getting back on their feet.

Light of Hope Program Principles • Referral and Screening: Every family must be referred by a partner agency and go through a simple eligibility check. This vetting process ensures help reaches genuinely at-risk households.

• Action Plan: Recipients work with Kriquette’s Kidz to assess income and expenses, then set specific goals (for example, increasing income or cutting costs) so they can maintain stability when the assistance ends.

• One-Time Assistance: The program provides a single rent (or emergency hotel) payment as a one-time grant to avert the crisis. Research shows that a timely one-month rent payment can resolve a short-term housing emergency for good.

• Dignity and Empowerment: Help is delivered respectfully and strategically. Families are encouraged toward long-term self-sufficiency rather than ongoing aid. By emphasizing responsibility and growth, Light of Hope gives people a true hand up and restores hope in their future.

Each year, stories like Sasha’s illustrate the Light of Hope program’s impact.

A temporary setback no longer turns into tragedy – instead, a guided intervention keeps families housed and puts them on a path to lasting stability.

This hands-on, accountable approach is how Kriquette’s Kidz prevents homelessness one family at a time, preserving dignity while building a brighter future. n

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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

SOURCE: Goldsboro-Wayne County Travel and Tourism

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D A S ' E O H A OR G B N S I D K L O O O L TG A

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City residents could soon be asked to pay more taxes — and cover the cost of higher water bills.

BY KEN FINE

T

o the naked eye, it looks like Goldsboro City Manager Matthew Livingston is recommending a tax decrease — as his proposed $93.18 million fiscal year 2025-26 budget shows a property tax rate of 69 cents, when the 2024-25 spending plan carried one at nearly 82 cents.

But because of Wayne County’s recent revaluation — and a revenue-neutral rate of just more than 56 cents — Goldsboro taxpayers would, should the City Council adopt Livingston’s plan, pay more for a second consecutive year.

And property taxes are not the only increases reflected in the budget.

Staff also recommended increasing utility fees by 9 percent — a move Livingston said was necessary to set aside money for significant water and sewer infrastructure upgrades he told council members earlier this year were coming down the pike.

The money, the manager said, simply had to come from somewhere, and utilizing the General Fund to offset those needs is not best practice.

“We’re not using fund balance anymore to balance the budget,” Livingston said. “We continue to make decisions to make our financial picture stronger.”

That, he added, is critical, as the city works to reestablish its credibility with the Local Government Commission after a series of mishaps — including falling years behind on its financial reporting obligations to the state — damaged Goldsboro’s status before his tenure as the leader inside City Hall began.

“Keep in mind, we’re still on the Unit Assistance List. So, we expect to get off of that at the next listing, but if we don’t show good faith and diligence — if they’re like, ‘They’re taking from their fund balance again’ … then we’re not going to get off that list,” Livingston said. “And it’s a real big deal for us to get off that. They want to see another year where we adopt a budget that doesn’t use fund balance.”

The following is a breakdown of some of the major expenditures that would be funded in the budget should the council agree to adopt it with tax and rate hikes included — from road paving and salary increases to additional money for demolishing dilapidated homes.

(Note: Before the council approves the final budget, its members are expected to hold several work sessions and host a public hearing.)

Continued on page 16 newoldnorth.com

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Continued from page 15

WATER PLANT Mayor Charles Gaylor tried to warn members of the Goldsboro City Council a year ago that only raising utility rates by 2 percent in the 2024-25 budget would come back to bite them — that in order to ensure money was set aside for the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, the board should follow the advice of consultants who had laid out a best-case-scenario rate chart.

“I don’t want to see the council making the same mistakes some previous councils made,” he said last June. “Let’s do something so that folks are not hit two, three years from now with some massive increase.”

Eleven months later, Gaylor’s fears have been realized, as Livingston’s recommended 2025-26 budget calls for a 9 percent utility rate hike — an increase that would raise an estimated $5.2 million in revenue that would help fund, among other things, a portion $11.4 million in design fees associated with what city leaders have characterized as a “critical” and “much-needed” expansion.

Livingston told Wayne Week that the need to create the project was not going to simply go away — that as economic and residential development continue to unfold in the Wayne County seat and more users hook on to the system, capacity must be created.

“We’ve got a huge, looming, major capital improvement need with the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant,”

ROADS

Setting aside money in the budget for road repaving was a top priority, Livingston said — because doing nothing and “kicking that can down the road” would make matters worse.

That is why $1.2 million of the revenue expected to come in should the council approve his recommended tax increase is earmarked for just that.

In January, officials from WithersRavenel left several members of the City Council speechless when they told the board that in order to get every single street in Goldsboro where they need to be would cost a staggering $51 million.

And there was more.

Were the city to continue funding paving projects at what has become its traditional rate — $500,000 per year — nearly 70 percent of city roads would fall into the “very poor” category 20 years from now when, currently, 41.8 percent hold that designation.

In short, the council has five funding choices, according to WithersRavenel.

They could keep spending $500,000 a year.

They could double the annual allocation.

They could increase it to $1.7 million or $3.2 million.

Or they could adopt “Scenario Five” — a 20-year plan that would cost $6.5 million a year for the first five, $6 million a year for years six and seven, and $3.25 million a year for the next twelve.

“What’s alarming to me from reading this and digesting it … is that Scenario One, Two, or Three, we’re pedaling backwards,” Councilman Chris Boyette said at the time. “All we’d be doing is stopping the bleeding. It’s going to take Scenario Four to move the needle. That’s just almost incomprehensible.”

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Livingston said. “So, what we’re doing now is putting aside money for the future … to have more of a piggy bank to pull from so we don’t have to raise rates dramatically.”

Earlier this year, the council heard a daunting figure from Stantec Consulting Services’ David Hyder — nearly $500 million over the next 10 years to fund expansion of Goldsboro’s water reclamation facility and to design and build a new water plant.

To get there, he added, would require substantial water and sewer rate increases.

In fact, each of the four funding scenarios Hyder provided require multiple double-digit percentage rate increases over the next 10 years.

The reason?

Still, the city, which would have to borrow the majority of the project total, has to “demonstrate that we have that level of cash and that we can meet that debt service coverage.”

It is unclear how the council will approach the manager’s recommendation in the coming weeks, as last year, many members voted against a larger rate hike because they had already asked their constituents to absorb a property tax increase to fund raises for the Goldsboro Police Department and Fire Department.

Should they follow the same logic as they work through the proposed 2025-26 spending plan, that 9-percent hike might very well not happen, as taxes are, again, going up under Livingston’s proposal.

And Scenario Five, by far the best option, would almost certainly mean a massive tax increase, he added.

“Here we are. We can all do the math. Scenario Five is looking at triple the tax increase that we just did. There’s nobody that I know of that’s gonna say, ‘Sure. Raise my taxes 30 percent to have my streets looking good,’” Boyette said. “So, what do we do?”

Soon, he and his fellow council members will have to make that decision.

The following reflect some of the highlights from the WithersRavenel report: • Each street was given a PCR rating of 0 to 100. Those that fell between 91 and 100 are “Very Good,” those that fell between 81 and 91 are “Good,” those that fell between 65 and 81 are “Fair,” those that fell between 26 and 65 are “Poor,” and those that fell between 0 and 26 are “Very Poor.” The majority of those in the “Poor” or “Very Poor” categories will require reconstruction.

• The firm compared Goldsboro to Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, Holly Springs, Cary, Kernersville, High Point, Monroe, Lexington, and Greensboro. The only city or town on that list with a worse overall PCR rating is Greensboro. (The city tied with Monroe and Lexington.)

• Currently, 6.82 lane miles of road will need reconstruction, projects that would cost $3.1 million.

• Currently, 135 lane miles require “mill and overlay” rehabilitation, projects that would cost nearly $41.16 million.

• 2.1 percent of Goldsboro’s lane miles are in “Very Poor” condition, 41.8 percent are in “Poor” condition, 29.2 percent are in “Fair” condition, 16.3 percent are in “Good” condition, and 10.6 percent are in “Very Good” condition.

SALARY INCREASES When Dr. Russell Campbell, senior advisor with Management Advisory Group International, unwrapped a salary study for members of the City Council in January, he said salaries might be a concern with attracting and keeping personnel.

Goldsboro’s numbers were compared with a statistical model that included information from surrounding communities like Greenville, Rocky Mount and Fayetteville as well as Raleigh and Durham, and county information from Johnston, Pitt, Wake, Nash, Duplin and Onslow.

The idea, Campbell said, was to compare Goldsboro’s numbers with an average of those of larger and similar size cities to see where the city’s compensation ranked.

Campbell said he was surprised that those numbers were not “in the double digits,” adding that Goldsboro’s salaries are anywhere from 8.5 percent for entry level (minimum) to 11.9 percent of market maximum (for the highest experience and qualifications) below the statistical average of the areas studied.

And while the numbers came in better than he expected, Campbell said he is not surprised that the city is having trouble filling positions.

Anything at or above 5 percent, “that is a cause for concern in terms of recruitment and retention,” he told them.

And according to his findings, to get those numbers within competitive range, the firm recommended an adjustment of $1,471,271 to get salaries in line.

Those numbers include: • 3 percent cost of living wage increases — $467,339.

• Rectifying the fact that 168 employees are not at the minimum expected for their positions — $756,422.

• Equity adjustments for the 192 employees that are below target salaries at the higher end of the experience scale — $247, 511.

Livingston told Wayne Week Tuesday that ensuring the city’s salary schedule was competitive was a main driver of the budget.

That is why $2 million of the revenue generated from his proposed tax increase would go toward a 3 percent cost-of-living increase and other salary adjustments.

The council should not be surprised.

In fact, less than 24 hours after he accepted the manager position back in April, Livingston told Wayne Week that taking care of his staff was a top priority moving forward.

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

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

And Goldsboro, in his view, deserves the best.

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

HOME DEMOLITIONS Livingston believes that big things can happen for Goldsboro residents without spending big money.

That is why he has recommended doubling the amount of money the city would spend on demolishing blighted homes in 2025-26.

And former Mayor Pro Tem and current Housing Compliance Officer Taj Polack has proven he can make significant change with the relatively small budget he has to work with.

In fact, he told Wayne Week last month that if he got the same amount of money he received in the 2024-25 budget, he could knock down at least another 10 dangerous houses.

To date, the city has leveled nearly a dozen structures Polack said presented safety hazards and provided refuge for drug dealers, prostitutes, and squatters.

And since he began his work last year — a result of Councilwoman Jamie Taylor fighting for funding for his position — he has argued that the only way to chip away at Goldsboro’s blight problem is to invest more, as hundreds of homes are currently on his radar.

“More are popping up every day,” he told

Wayne Week. “So, it’s not just about getting rid of what’s already out there hurting our neighborhoods. It’s also about keeping up with the new burn houses that seem to keep piling up on us.”

But tearing down houses is not the only reason doubling the funds will make a difference, Polack said.

With every home he demolishes, more and more residents are beginning to take more pride in their properties, he said.

And that snowball effect could help drastically reduce the number of houses currently on his list — and ones that might have appeared on it in the future were it not for the city’s new approach.

“I see more voluntary compliance now because people just know we’re serious now and it’s an incredible thing to see,” Polack told Wayne Week last month. “Our city is coming back, and I’m just blessed, and I thank God every day. He put me right in the place I needed to be to do what I’ve always wanted to do for my city.”

Should the council agree with Livingston, nearly two dozen additional structures could come down in 2025-26. newoldnorth.com

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the SPECTATOR Look up!

From Jams Over Wayne in downtown Goldsboro to the event it was created to honor, Wayne County residents — and thousands of tourists — had their eyes on the skies.

PHOTOS by CASEY MONZINGO

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NO T ICE S NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF LULA SMITH KEARNEY

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Lula Smith Kearney, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of July, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 20th day of April, 2025.

Peggy Daniels, Executor of the Estate of Lula Smith Kearney 3113 N.C. Hwy 111 North Goldsboro, NC27534 Published April 20, 2025, April 27, 2025, May 4, 2025, and May 11, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Hilda B. Jones, 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 27th day of July, 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 April, 2025.

Lisa J. Tyree, Administrator for the Estate of Hilda B. Jones, 202 Worth Drive, Goldsboro, North Carolina, 27534 Published April 27, 2025, May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ERNEST BUNN KIRBY

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Ernest Bunn Kirby, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of July, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 27th day of April, 2025.

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Casey Miller, Executor of the Estate of Ernest Bunn Kirby 141 Perry Drive Goldsboro, NC 27530 Published April 27, 2025, May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF KENNETH BRIAN ROSSMAN

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Kenneth Brian Rossman, deceased, of Wayne County, NC, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of July, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This 27th day of April, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The UNDERSIGNED, Stephanie Mackie Anderson, having duly qualified as Executor of the Estate of Jennie Mackie, 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 Stephanie M. Anderson, Executor at 217 Creekside Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534, on or before the 27th day of July, 2025, 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 27th day of April, 2025.

Shawn Patrick Rossman, Administrator c/o Whitaker & Hamer, PLLC 121 E. Main Street Clayton, NC 27520 Published April 27, 2025, May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025

Stehpanie Mackie Anderson Executor of the Estate of Jennie Mackie Published April 27, 2025, May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF LINDA C. CASH

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Terry Bryan Butler, 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 August 3, 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 23rd day of April, 2025.

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Linda C. Cash, 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 July 27, 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 23rd day of April, 2025.

Stephanie Cash Ham, Administrator of the Estate of Linda C. Cash 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 April 27, 2025, May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF TERRY BRYAN BUTLER

Ralston Daneel Butler, Executor of the Estate of Terry Bryan Butler 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 May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025, and May 25, 2025

NOTICE OF SERVICE

BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAYNE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO: 24 CVD 1681 WAYNE COUNTY, Plaintiff vs.

REGINA CLEVENGER TO: REGINA CLEVENGER 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 May 4, 2025.

The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on real property located in Wayne County, North Carolina and described as 254 Union Grove Church Road, Fremont, NC (PIN: 2695281434), 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, May 4, 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 23rd day of April, 2025.

Andrew J. Neal Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 227 Goldsboro, NC 27533 (919) 705-1713 Published May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF LUTHER NAMON HARE

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Luther Namon Hare, 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 August 4, 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 24th day of April, 2025.

Cheryl Lynn Hare, Executor of the Estate of Luther Namon Hare 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 May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025, and May 25, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF LEONARD MARK NEWSOME

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Leonard Mark Newsome, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of August, 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 4th day of May, 2025 Regina Hargrove Newsome Executor of the Estate of Leonard Mark Newsome c/o Mark J. Hale, Jr. Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale, P.C. Attorney for Estate P.O. Box916 Goldsboro, NC 27533-0916 (919) 735-7275 Published May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, May 18, 2025, and May 25, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF RICHARD E. CASEY

The undersigned having qualified as Ancillary Administrator of the Estate of Richard E. Casey, deceased, of Glynn County, Georgia, who died owning property in Wayne County, North Carolina, this is to notify all creditors of said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of August, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in a bar of recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement of the same. This is to further notify all persons having claims against said estate that they may serve the same upon Sherri Brewer of Hogan & Brewer, PLLC, Attorney for the Estate, 229 North Main Street, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792.

This is the 4th day of May, 2025.

R. Shaughn Casey, Ancillary Administrator Estate of Richard E. Casey, deceased c/o Hogan & Brewer, PLLC 229 North Main Street, Hendersonville, NC HOGAN & BREWER, PLLC, Attorney 229 North Main Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 Published May 4, 2025, May 11, 2025, May 18, 2025, and May 18, 2025

NOTICE TO PUBLIC CITY OF GOLDSBORO 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan & 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN HOUSING AN NON-HOUSING NEEDS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The public is invited to provide input on housing and non-housing needs in the city of Goldsboro for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Five Year Plan (Con Plan) and the FY25-26 Annual Action Plan (AAP). The purpose of this public meeting will be to meet with interested parties who wish to make recommendations for eligible activities for these plans. The Consolidated FiveYear Plan outlines the City’s goals and strategies for the use of HUD issued funds, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME), that will best serve the needs of the community. The Annual Action Plan outlines projects that the City will undertake with its annual allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) funds from HUD that will support the goals of the Consolidated Plan.

Date of Public Hearing: Monday, May 19, 2025 Time: 7:00 pm Location: During the regular meeting of the Goldsboro City Council at the Council Chambers at City Hall, 214 N. Center Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Accommodations for disabled, non-English speaking, or individuals needing interpreter services will be made available upon request. Individuals who are deaf and hearing-impaired may call 711 to access telecommunications relay services at no cost. For additional information, please contact the City Manager’s Office, City Hall Annex, by calling (919) 580-4330 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least four (4) business days in advance.

Anyone who is unable to attend this public hearing but would like to receive additional information or provide input toward the 20252029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan may visit the Community Relations and Development Depart-

ment, 214 North Center Street, Goldsboro, NC, 27530, or email Kmfuller@goldsboronc.gov.

The Community Relations and Development staff can be reached by phone at (919) 580-4318 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Krystal M. Fuller Community Relations & Development Specialist Published May 11, 2025, and May 18, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING — TOWN OF PIKEVILLE Notice is hereby given for the Town of Pikeville Board of Commissioners to hold a public hearing on Monday, May 12th at 6:00 PM with the purpose of discussing and receiving feedback on resetting the tax rate after revaluation for the upcoming fiscal year.

A discussion on local sales tax will also be presented as a possible alternative if necessary. The location of the public hearing will be 105 W. School Street, Pikeville, NC. Any person who wishes to be heard on the matter may appear.

Tim Biggerstaff Town Manager Town of Pikeville Published May 11, 2025

RE-ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Town of Pikeville, Owner P.O. Box 9 Pikeville, NC 27863 Separate sealed BIDS for the construction of 2023 Wastewater Improvements, Contract No. 30 — ARPA WWTP Improvements, will be received by the ENGINEER at Town Hall, 105 West School Street, Pikeville, NC 27863 until 2 PM Eastern Time, June 5, 2025, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

The CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations:

. Pikeville Town Hall,

105 West School Street, Pikeville, NC 27863

. McDavid Associates, Inc.,

109 East Walnut Street, P.O. Box 1776, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1776

. Dodge Data and Analytics,

2860 South State Highway 161, Suite 160, #501, Grand Praire, TX 75052-7361 (View online at www.construction.com)

. ConstructConnect, Attn:

DPC, 30 Technology Parkway South, Suite 100, Norcross, GA 30092 (View online at www.constructconnect.com)

. Construction Journal,

400 SW 7th Street, Stuart, FL 34994 (View online at www.

ConstructionJournal.com)

. Builders & Contractors

Exchange, Inc., 1118 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23502-5612 (View online at www.bceva.com)

RE-ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Town of Pikeville, Owner P.O. Box 9 Pikeville, NC 27863 Separate sealed BIDS for the construction of 2023 Wastewater Improvements, Contract No. 31 — Pump Station No. 2 and Sewer Replacement, will be received by the ENGINEER at Town Hall, 105 West School Street, Pikeville, NC 27863 until 2 PM Eastern Time, June 5, 2025, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

The CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations:

Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be obtained at the office of McDavid Associates, Inc., located at 109 East Walnut Street, P.O. Box 1776, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1776 upon a non-refundable payment of $255.00 for each set.

. Pikeville Town Hall,

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any and all BIDS.

. Dodge Data and Analytics,

BIDDER shall be properly licensed under Chapter 87, General Statutes of North Carolina.

Small, minority, women’s, and disadvantaged businesses and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit BIDS. This PROJECT is subject to the good faith efforts and goals for participation by minority businesses required by G.S. 143-128.2. The OWNER has adopted a verifiable ten percent (10%) goal for participation by minority businesses in the total value of the WORK. BIDDERS shall, within the time frames specified in the BID documents, submit all required affidavits and documentation demonstrating that the BIDDER made the required good faith effort in compliance with G.S. 143-128.2. Failure to file all required affidavits and documentation within the required time frames is grounds for rejection of the BID. Prospective BIDDERS who have been found guilty of discrimination within the last two (2) years are debarred from bidding.

May 11, 2025 Tim Biggerstaff Town Manager Town of Pikeville Published May 11, 2025

105 West School Street, Pikeville, NC 27863

. McDavid Associates, Inc.,

109 East Walnut Street, P.O. Box 1776, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1776 2860 South State Highway 161, Suite 160, #501, Grand Praire, TX 75052-7361 (View online at www.construction.com)

. ConstructConnect, Attn:

DPC, 30 Technology Parkway South, Suite 100, Norcross, GA 30092 (View online at www.constructconnect.com)

disadvantaged businesses and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit BIDS. This PROJECT is subject to the good faith efforts and goals for participation by minority businesses required by G.S. 143128.2. The OWNER has adopted a verifiable ten percent (10%) goal for participation by minority businesses in the total value of the WORK. BIDDERS shall, within the time frames specified in the BID documents, submit all required affidavits and documentation demonstrating that the BIDDER made the required good faith effort in compliance with G.S. 143-128.2. Failure to file all required affidavits and documentation within the required time frames is grounds for rejection of the BID.

Tim Biggerstaff Town Manager Town of Pikeville Published May 11, 2025

NOTICE OF SERVICE

BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAYNE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO: 25 CV001889-950

. Builders & Contractors

WAYNE COUNTY and the CITY OF GOLDSBORO, Plaintiffs vs.

THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SADIE REID and all assignees, heirs at law and devisees, together with all of their creditors and lienholders, regardless of how or through whom they claim, and any and all persons claiming any interest in, by, under or through the Estate of Sadie Reid; Defendants.

Exchange, Inc., 1118 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23502-5612 (View online at www.bceva.com)

Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be obtained at the office of McDavid Associates, Inc., located at 109 East Walnut Street, P.O. Box 1776, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1776 upon a non-refundable payment of $200.00 for each set.

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any and all BIDS. BIDDER shall be properly licensed under Chapter 87, General Statutes of North Carolina.

Small, minority, women’s, and

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than (40) days after the date of the first publication of notice, May 11, 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 5th day of May, 2025.

Andrew J. Neal Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 227 Goldsboro, NC 27533 (919) 705-1713 Published May 11, 2025, May 18, 2025, and May 25, 2025

Prospective BIDDERS who have been found guilty of discrimination within the last two (2) years are debarred from bidding.

May 11, 2025

. Construction Journal,

400 SW 7th Street, Stuart, FL 34994 (View online at www.

ConstructionJournal.com)

The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on real property located in Wayne County, North Carolina and described as 720 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC (PIN:3509241354), 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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ALBERT DEKALB PARROTT III

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Albert Dekalb Parrott III, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 11th day of August, 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 11th day of May, 2025.

Reid Lancaster, Executor of the Estate of Albert Debkalb Parrott III 416 Innisbrook Lane New Bern, NC 28562 Published May 11, 2025, May 18, 2025, May 25, 2025, and June 1, 2025

TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SADIE REID 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 May 11, 2025. newoldnorth.com

Continued on page 22

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NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS May 11, 2025 Name of Responsible Entity: Wayne County 134 N. John Street Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530 919-705-1851 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Wayne County.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about May 30, 2025, Wayne County will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Funding Project funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as Wayne County EMS Station 12 for the purpose of constructing a 45’ x 70’ EMS Station with a 37’x 70’ bay area at E. Elm Street and Wright Brothers Avenue in Goldsboro, NC. The project will cover approximately one (1) acre. Total Project Cost=$2,011,000.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Wayne County has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment.

Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at Wayne County Emergency Medical Services, Jeffreys Building, 134 N. John Street, Goldsboro, and Wayne County Courthouse, 224 E Walnut Street #230, Goldsboro, and may be examined or copied on weekdays from 9:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Wayne County, Attn: David Cuddeback, EMS Director, Wayne County Emergency Medical Services, 134 N. John Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530. All comments received by May 27, 2025, will be considered by 22

Wayne County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION Wayne County certifies to HUD that Chip Crumpler in his capacity as Wayne County Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Wayne County to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and Wayne County’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of Wayne County; (b) Wayne County has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required

by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD at Greensboro Field Office, Asheville Building, 1500 Pinecroft Road., Suite 401, Greensboro, NC 27407. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

. Wayne WEEK . newoldnorth.com

Chip Crumpler, Wayne County Manager Published May 11, 2025

INVITATION TO BID 2-INCH GALVANIZED WATER PROJECT FOR THE CITY OF GOLDSBORO, N. C.

Sealed bids will be received by the City of Goldsboro, North Carolina until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked on the outside with the Bidder’s name, address, license number and “Bid Documents: #FB 2024002, “PROPOSAL FOR THE 2-INCH GALVANIZED WATER PROJECT.” All proposals must be made on the blank forms provided for that purpose. Bids may be delivered by parcel service, U.S. Mail Service or presented in person to the City Hall Addition at 200 North Center Street, Goldsboro, or PO Drawer A, Goldsboro, NC 27533. It is fully the Bidders’ responsibility to ensure their package arrives before the bid deadline.

The work shall consist principally of abandonment and replacement of 2-inch water lines on various streets as shown on the schedule of drawings. Contractors must be licensed under the prevailing State Laws governing their trade.

A pre-bid conference shall be held at 10:00AM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the large conference room in the City Hall addition located at 200 North Center Street, Goldsboro. Contractors with an interest in this project are encouraged to attend.

Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check, drawn on a bank or trust company authorized to do business in North Carolina, payable to the City of Goldsboro, in an amount to at least equal five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that a contract will be entered into and that a satisfactory performance bond will be executed. In lieu of a certified check, the bidder may submit a bid bond in the form prescribed by G. S. 143-129 as amended by Chapter 1104 of the Public Laws of 1951. Contractors are notified that Legislative Acts relating to licensing of contractors will be observed in receiving bids and awarding the contract.

Plans and specifications are on file and may be examined in the office of the City Engineer, Goldsboro, North Carolina; and may be downloaded in

Adobe PDF format at the City of Goldsboro website www. goldsboronc.gov under the Bid Listings link.

The right is reserved to reject any or all bids, to add or delete work, to waive informalities, and to award contracts which, in the opinion of the City, appear to be in its best interest.

The right is reserved to hold any or all proposals for a period of sixty (60) days from the opening thereof.

This 10th day of May 2025.

THE CITY OF GOLDSBORO, NC CATHERINE GWYNN Finance Director Published May 11, 2025

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JERICHO FA R M S

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