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CONTENTS
4 New state law impacts WCPS Wayne County Public Schools parents will soon be able to see a list of every book housed at their child's school library — and limit which titles they can check out.
7 Livingston talks City Hall security
Goldsboro City Manager Matthew Livingston told members of the City Council that he is leaning toward recommending the city hire a private security firm to protect employees, residents, and election officials — a system currently utilized at the Wayne County Courthouse.
8 Thousands raised "for Charlie" It has been less than a month since Goldsboro Mayor Charles Gaylor and his mother gave the Saving Union Station group the authority to raise money for stabilization of the Wayne County landmark in the late Judge Charles Gaylor's name— and the fundraiser has momentum.
10 Our take
According to Wayne County Commissioner Chris Gurley, the late Sheriff Carey Winders will be honored soon, but just how remains a mystery as he said he and county leaders wanted it to be a surprise for Winders' family.
12 Cover package
Residents across Wayne County, including Pikeville and Mount Olive, voted in new leaders Tuesday with hopes of brighter days ahead.
20 Public Notices
COVER DESIGN BY SHAN STUMPF
NEWS + VIEWS
School Board, as required by new state law, hears amended library books policy
North Carolina General Statute mandates that local boards of education ensure database of school library books exists — and that parents can prevent their child from checking out certain titles.
BY RENEE CAREY
Once the Wayne County Board of Education approves a policy drafted to ensure Wayne County Public Schools complies with state law, parents will be able to learn what books are available at their child’s school library via the school’s website — and block their student from checking out titles they deem inappropriate.
As a result of a General Assembly override of Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 805, the BOE has no choice, as North Carolina G.S. 115C-98 now requires that local boards of education “provide ongoing public access through a searchable web-based catalog to the titles of any library books available at each school,” and “allow a parent or guardian of a student to identify any library books that may not be borrowed by the student.”
It is unclear when those databases will be available for particular Wayne County schools, but state law mandated that the policy take effect at the onset of the 202526 school year.
And legal experts who spoke to Wayne Week said the law technically applies to “classroom libraries,” too — and warned teachers to be careful about allowing students to take home books from their rooms if they have not submitted a list of the titles to their principal for publication.
Stein called the legislation, which also established gender-related regulations, “mean-spirited,” but many said parts of the bill, including provisions that gave parents
more of a say in their child’s education, were wins for North Carolina families.
• • •
Before the new law was passed via a veto override, Wayne County parents already had a say in what books were offered at WCPS libraries, but concerns were expressed — and addressed — in the form of a “formal challenge.”
The following is how the process works:
• A form is completed and submitted to the school’s principal.
• A “Reconsideration Committee” — a group that includes a school counselor, media center coordinator, teachers, parents, and the principal — is convened.
• Thirty days are given for the members of the committee to read the material and make a recommendation, one that is to be based on “the material as a whole and not necessarily on isolated passages, scenes, or segments.”
• A verdict is rendered and, unless the decision is appealed, holds for two years.
“If the committee determines that the challenged material is educationally unsuitable, pervasively vulgar, or inappropriate to the age, maturity, or grade level of the students, the committee shall take appropriate action, including but not limited to removing the material from instructional use or modifying student access to the material,” board policy states. n
Livingston eyes private security for City Hall
Goldsboro’s city manager has been tasked with coming up with ways to ensure everyone who visits — and works inside — City Hall feels safe in the building.
BY KEN FINE
Formal options for members of the City Council to review will not be available until December, but Goldsboro City Manager Matthew Livingston told the board Monday that staff continues to look at ways to heighten security inside City Hall — and that were it up to him, a private security firm would be hired to keep employees and elected officials safe when they are in the building.
Still, Livingston acknowledged that doing so instead of tasking the Goldsboro Police Department with the responsibility would cost money, and, as a result, require a budget amendment that would authorize what could be a nearly $100,000 a year expenditure.
“It may be better to have like a private security firm like Wayne County does,” he said, adding that during a recent trip to Fayetteville, he learned the city paid nearly $90,000 annually to secure its buildings, likely making the impending discussion in Goldsboro a “future budget issue.” •
The issue of securing City Hall has come to the fore in recent months after a member of the City Council was followed to the bathroom and berated in the hallway by a local resident — and Mayor Charles Gaylor had death wished upon him by another — during the board’s Aug. 18 meeting.
A week later, Livingston sent an email to board members.
And the note, which was obtained by Wayne Week, spelled out a series of “actions” that have been taken to “enhance the security during City Council meetings.”
They include:
• Security cameras have been installed in the City Hall parking lot to “provide increased surveillance and monitoring.”
• Reserved Parking signs have been ordered and will be installed to “designate reserved parking spaces specifically for City Council members.” Those spaces will be strategically located so that they are close to the City Hall exit near “the back elevators.”
• A Goldsboro police officer will be sta-
tioned in the City Hall parking lot “prior to and immediately following” council meetings “to provide visibility and ensure safety.”
• Two officers will be assigned to council chambers “during all meetings” and will also “be charged with escorting City Council members to their vehicles.”
But Livingston said other measures could be implemented, too, should staff find funding to do so — including installing metal detectors at City Hall and potentially hiring a private security firm to manage them.
The letter, which was dated Aug. 25, was delivered to council members the day
before Gaylor told Wayne Week he felt it was necessary to take the opportunity to remind the public that the city has a standard for behavior during council meetings, and that he has the authority to act should lines be crossed.
That authority is afforded to him by NCGS §160A-81.1, which allows for boards to establish rules “for the maintenance of order and decorum in the conduct of the hearing.”
Goldsboro’s policy, which demands speakers remain civil, courteous, and refrain from personal attacks and/or threats directed toward members of the board and public, gives the mayor — or
presiding officer — the power to remove people from meetings.
If they refuse, and willfully “interrupt, disturb, or disrupt” an official meeting, they could be found guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor (NCGS §143-318.17).
“My top priority is for council meetings to be candid, thoughtful, and safe for all involved. We expect everyone who chooses to participate in a City Council meeting to conduct themselves professionally in their interactions with one another,” Gaylor said Aug. 26. “In my role as mayor, I have the responsibility of ensuring that discourse is civil and the process of debate is respected. I never desire to gavel down conversation or remove participants from our meeting. However, I must ensure that reasonable restrictions are enforced, that meetings are efficient, participants are professional, and everyone goes home safely.”
Some members of the council said they felt additional security at City Hall was not simply an elected official issue.
In fact, Councilwoman Brandi Matthews argued that employees and residents who visit the facility have just as much right to feeling safe as those elected to guide the city.
For Livingston, a private security detail — akin to the one that mans and operates metal detectors inside the Wayne County Courthouse — would ensure everyone is afforded the same protection.
And he stressed that the other option, using members of the GPD, would put unnecessary strain on a department already dealing with an officer shortage.
“I’m leaning toward using private security because I don’t really want to use our police force when they need to be doing other things. That’s Matt’s opinion,” he said Monday. “We have a shortage in our police officers and if we’re taking them off and using them, I would rather use them for traditional law enforcement. … That seems to be what most people are doing.” n
Nearly $20,000 raised for Union Station in Gaylor’s memory
It has been less than a month since a Wayne Week cover story revealed that money was being raised in the late Judge Charles Gaylor’s name to save a Wayne County landmark — and the community is responding.
BY KEN FINE
Less than a month after Goldsboro Mayor Charles Gaylor opened up about losing his father — and confirmed that he and his mother, Rhonda, had given the “Saving Union Station” group the OK to raise money for stabilization of the dilapidated Wayne County landmark in the late Judge Charles Gaylor’s memory — city officials say more than $19,000 has been raised “for Charlie.”
That means SUS is less than $75,000 shy of its $750,000 goal — a figure that would activate a $375,000 allocation from the Wayne County Board of Commissioners that was approved with the condition the non-profit hit its fundraising mark.
And since the Goldsboro City Council has already allocated $375,000, that means the full amount needed to stabilize the station is within reach.
“This renewed energy and enthusiasm reflect Charlie’s lasting legacy and the impact he made as a leader in the Goldsboro commu-
nity,” said former Downtown Goldsboro Development Executive Director Julie Metz, a founding member of the SUS group. “Let’s keep this momentum going — and do it for Charlie.”
The late judge’s son agreed.
But for him, knowing that so many people are writing checks to honor his hero — money that will be used to save a structure the elder Gaylor cared for so deeply — is difficult to put into words.
“It still humbles and amazes me to see this response,” he said.
The effort to save Union Station has been well-documented by Wayne Week for nearly two years — since Metz learned that Birch-Ogburn & Co. had appraised the landmark and valued it at negative $791,100.
And when she learned that the company had outlined “detrimental conditions found within the property,” she was both “embarrassed” and compelled to ensure what she
considered an irreplaceable piece of Wayne County history had a future.
So, she spoke to the City Council and Board of Commissioners.
She convinced both elected bodies to invest $375,000 into stabilization of the station should SUS raise $750,000.
And she wrote, pro bono, a grant that recently netted more than $600,000 for the project.
Because for Metz, a revitalized Union Station is not just an opportunity to ensure a shot at passenger rail returning to the Wayne County seat.
It is an opportunity to see “that side of downtown” flourish — particularly now that the Arts Council has moved within a few blocks of the depot.
“You need anchor tenants. You know, malls were built on anchor tenants. You can’t just have one. You have to have multiple to create the synergy and to spur private investment for the holes in between
each anchor,” Metz told Wayne Week. “We already have Arts Council right up there. So, that’s what this building would serve, regardless of its use. Union Station would be the second anchor. It’s going to be a game-changer for this neighborhood.”
Gaylor is a believer, too.
And now that money is pouring into SUS in his father’s name, he has another reason to be one.
“Some are contributing because they truly buy into the vision for a rebuilt cornerstone of the city. Some are doing it purely because they want to pay respects in this way to a public servant who worked hard for the community — but are on the fence about if something of this magnitude can actually happen,” he said. “Both are fine, and both are appreciated more than words. I’m here to tell you that this community can absolutely pull this off, and we will be better for doing so. We are going to get this right.” n
If you believe what you heard Tuesday morning from Wayne County Commissioner Chris Gurley, it looks like there is nothing to see here.
But don’t worry, we are still watching and listening — you know, just in case.
Because, you see, Gurley announced a “surprise plan” he said he hopes will come to fruition in the next 60 days.
And when the community sees the finished product, it will leave no doubt that its leaders remain loyal to — and protective of — the legacy of the late Sheriff Carey Winders. Gurley’s statement was passionate and, at times, revealed an emotional side we don’t often see from the former commission chairman breaking through. Carey, he said, was a dear friend.
Losing him was hard to accept.
And that is why he was disappointed when controversy began to swirl after residents started to take notice that the sign along William Street bearing Winders’ name was gone.
There were reasonable explanations, Gurley said.
But instead of accepting them and being a part of discussions about a solution, people got “political.”
And that, he said, is not what the Winders he knew would have wanted.
Still, he felt the back-and-forth on social media — and the commentary that appeared in what he characterized as “other media” — warranted a response.
That brings us back to Tuesday.
Gurley announced that there is a surprise coming — that the removal of Winders’ name from its prominent display at the jail was just preparation for a bigger honor that he said would make the Winders family proud.
As you can imagine, we are very glad to hear that — and so, too, we suspect, are many of you.
When we got word — from lots and lots of you — that Winders’ name was no longer on the building, we did not just want to sit back and wait and see because we have been here before.
When less-than-honorable people want to make a
change that they are not sure will go over very well, they float it, slowly, and hope that no one notices.
And if no one makes a fuss, well, they move forward full tilt.
So, it is very important that when you see something, you say something.
And many of you saw this missing sign as an attempt to move on from the much-loved sheriff — a way to erase his good name and the memories of those who knew and respected him.
Out of “sign,” out of mind, if you will.
But as we discussed last week, there are more than a few reasons Carey Winders should be remembered — and honored.
We talked about what a good man he was, and how his passion for and dedication to his community made him a great lawman and leader.
We reminded you that he was a man who believed in law and order and fair play — that he told us the oath he took to serve and protect was more than just
words he said to fulfill a requirement to take office.
He meant them, and to Winders, serving his community was a sacred promise — and an honor.
By the way, he never took that service for granted, and he always worked as hard as he could to ensure he never let his community down.
And Winders had a heart — a big one — and, as Gurley pointed out, a one-of-akind sense of humor.
That quality made him human and kept his focus firmly on what he was there for, to keep his community safe and to make sure the law was respected and justice served.
That meant setting his ego aside and doing everything from working alongside his deputies on a scene, comforting a grieving family, and counseling a young — or repeat — offender, to taking the time to greet a few voters on the campaign trail.
Winders talked to a lot of people. Making the rounds was a part of the job. But it was doing so regardless of whether an election was on the horizon that set him apart. And it is why he was so effective. He was one of us.
Winders knew that running for sheriff was not about slick advertisements or fancy consultants.
That’s why so many Wayne County residents — people on both sides of the law, by the way — have such a good opinion of him.
That is why they refused to remain quiet about that sign.
And that is why we chose to address the issue last week.
In our experience, where there is smoke, there is usually fire.
After all, these days, politics has taken a particularly ugly turn.
So, it would not have surprised us if there had been a little bit of politicking going on, especially during what promises to be a hotly contested sheriff’s race in 2026. Gurley, though, promised the community Tuesday that there was nothing untoward going on.
And unless he gives us a reason to doubt him, we are going to take him at his word. He didn’t have to speak up at the end of the commissioners’ meeting. He could have kept his head down and hoped the controversy would die down. But instead, he did what was right.
And make no mistake. It was a standup thing to do to address the public’s concerns in such a forthright way when it would have been easier just to ignore the social media furor and the comment sec -
tions and let the controversy blow over. Gurley did neither — and that is how every politician or public official should act when his or her community expresses a concern.
But even with all that said, there is a lesson to be learned here.
It is really, really important not to stay silent, to ask questions, and to demand answers.
For decades, too many of us have sat back and watched — shaking our heads at the stuff that goes on in government buildings and council chambers.
We don’t like what we hear, but not enough of us take the time to get involved.
We just consider it a consequence of leaving politicians and bureaucrats to their own devices.
After all, someone has to run the city, the county, and the country.
And if we’re being honest, the majority of us certainly don’t want the responsibility that comes with it.
But that mentality comes with consequences.
A hands-off approach gives those bureaucrats and politicians the run of the place and a bunch of our money to spend — and a lot of stuff has happened or gotten worse over the years because we looked the other way too many times.
Well, those days have to be over.
This community’s future depends on holding those in power accountable.
Just ask the residents of Pikeville and Mount Olive.
And thanks to all of you — those who simply aren’t going to sit back and not say something — positive change is happening all over Wayne County.
In this case, it might seem like it was “just a sign.”
But it was, in fact, about so much more.
It was about the principle that those in charge should ask before they make a change like this — that when a building is named after much-loved member of our community, someone who died much too soon, it should remain a memorial and those who come after should respect that.
It is about reminding elected officials that they answer to you.
And thanks to a bunch of people who did not just whisper over a fence, that message was delivered loud and clear.
So, we look forward to seeing what the commissioners have in store for the Carey A. Winders Detention Center.
And judging by the many conversations we have had with our readers this week, should a rededication ceremony be held to unveil the “surprise” Gurley promised, we would expect the house to be packed. n
THE ROAD AHEAD
Pikeville and Mount Olive voters have spoken. Now, it's up to the men and women they elected to deliver.
our TAKE }
YOUR VOTE MATTERS. A LOT.
The results are in, and once again, there are new faces and new possibilities in Wayne County.
But, as usual, only a small percentage of eligible voters made their way to the polls. And this time, although there were some significant races — most notably in Pikeville and Mount Olive — there weren’t any battles that piqued interest countywide.
So, many voters just stayed home.
We will tell you why — if you are one of them — you absolutely have to change that position come next year, and beyond, in a few minutes.
But suffice it to say, there has never been a more crit-
ical time to be an active participant in the political process or even to consider putting your hat into the ring. And it is WAY past time to hold some of the county’s current leaders accountable.
But first, let’s start by talking about what can happen when a community makes the decision to put its foot down and vote to change its future.
Pikeville has a new mayor — and she is a young, family-oriented woman, with business and development experience.
Best of all?
She loves her community and wants to see it prosper.
Continued on page 14
ALL EYES ON 2026:
An embattled sheriff who watched his former Drug Unit chief and another high-ranking deputy plead guilty to federal drug trafficking and bid-rigging charges for actions that unfolded during his tenure as the county’s top lawman.
A district attorney who refuses to answer questions about everything from what Goldsboro police have characterized as his refusal to prosecute Tent City residents who were in possession of large quantities of drugs and a jailhouse brutality case handed over to his office by the State Bureau of Investigation to the fact that several local schoolteachers have been charged with taking indecent liberties with students and all but one avoided jail time under his watch.
A controversial former elected official who was ousted by residents but has vowed to launch a campaign for another critical office in the coming months.
And members of the Board of Education who have, by hiring a new superintendent, been a part of turning around a once-failing district.
The 2025 election might be over, but in the coming weeks, a new wave of campaigning will begin, as several significant posts will appear on the ballot — both in November and in the March primary.
And in Wayne County, the stakes could not be higher.
The offices that will appear on the ballot include:
• Wayne County District Attorney ($1,673.37 filing fee)
• N.C. Senate District 4 ($139.51 filing fee)
• N.C. House District 4 ($139.51 filing fee)
• N.C. House District 10 ($139.51 filing fee)
• Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court ($1,352.48 filing fee)
• Wayne County Sheriff ($1,034.80 filing fee)
• Wayne County Board of Education: District 1, District 4, District 5, and District 6 ($117 filing fee)
Those who intend on filing are asked to go to the Wayne County Board of Elections headquarters, located at 309 East Chestnut Street in Goldsboro, during its office hours. They should bring a valid photo ID and a money order in the amount of the filing fee and, before they arrive, ensure they meet the qualifications for running for office.
NOTE: A full listing of those qualifications can be found at www.ncsbe.gov/candidates
The following are the dates to remember:
FILING BEGINS December 1, 12 p.m.
FILING ENDS December 19, 12 p.m.
PRIMARY ELECTION March 3
GENERAL ELECTION November 3
McKayla Alves ended the rather scandal-filled and less-than-successful tenure of former mayor Garrett Johnston.
We could go over all the sordid details here, again, but let’s just say that the former mayor seemed to have an agenda that was more about power and attention than pushing Pikeville forward — and a rather healthy ego to match.
He did damage, and his constituents weren’t too happy about it, so they sent him packing by not falling for the “write me in and I’ll serve again” shtick.
And now, with a combination of new and experienced members of the town board, Pikeville has a shot to think out of the box, to capitalize on its assets and development possibilities, and to get the attention and funding it deserves.
All of that potential exists because not only did Pikeville residents speak up, they voted to make a change.
And this is where we pause for the first observation about voting.
You see, there are numerous examples of many county, city, state, and national leaders who simply think all they have to do is to press the flesh around election time, talk a good game, and then sit back and do nothing and they will be right back in their seat the following January.
The really slimy ones have figured out that most people are not paying attention anyway — so, the worst of the worst get jobs they aren’t qualified for or that they intend to use as a steppingstone to power and extra income from connections.
Well, ask Pikeville why whom you put into office matters. And ask Goldsboro what happens when you let problems fester and you don’t do anything about them.
And ask the county commissioners about the consequences of having to battle with a public official who is not only fiscally clueless, but also doesn’t have even an inkling about how to do her job properly.
Then look to see how long she was in office and the work it took to get the office she held back into shape after she was voted out.
else does, and they don’t get challenged because too many people cannot be bothered.
And that’s how we get nimrods on boards who make critical decisions that set our communities on the road to disaster.
Some are well-meaning but not qualified.
Some are just plain self-centered and awful.
None of them face challengers or even come close to answering the needs of the communities they serve.
Again, you can change that.
They make a whole bunch of promises that they do not intend to keep and they talk about how much they have done and how much more there is to do.
But it is all a charade.
They don’t care about making life better for your family. They are in it to pad their own nest.
And once you get them in, it is really, really hard to get them out — especially when so few people have any interest in running for office these days.
They stick, and they are not accountable, so they do real damage.
So, you might think that your one little vote wouldn’t have mattered — that the power brokers make the choice of who will serve and we the people have very little say about it.
And you might even think that all the political drama doesn’t affect you — that the people who take these offices have no real impact on your daily life.
You get interested in the state and national races, but when it comes down to local races you just can’t be bothered.
“What difference does it make?” you might think. “They are all the same.”
Yep, your vote matters — a lot.
For those of you playing at home, the last example was former Register of Deeds Constance Coram.
She, by the way, got into office because too many people stayed home.
It took her disastrous tenure as ROD for the community to wake up and vote to put a more qualified person into the office.
And if you want another example, take a peek at Mount Olive.
That town has new leadership, and officeholders who are promising to draw a line in the sand before the town gets taken over by the state.
That’s right, the people who had “the connections” blew it, repeatedly.
Well, now there is a sliver of hope.
But it’s also true that there was not much of a roster to choose from in Mount Olive this election season.
And that is a very important issue, too.
More people need to think about running for office. The election grifters — the people who know how to work the polls and the system and who crave influence and attention — also know that there is not much of a bench.
So, they put their names on the ballot because no one
If you have ever thought about serving on a board or running for office, now is the time to give it a try.
Your contribution could be epic — and you could be a key part of creating the type of community that will bring your children and grandchildren back home and make your mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa proud.
Now, about next year — and beyond.
Wayne County has major positions up for grabs next year — not the least of which are sheriff and district attorney.
And there will be others up for re-election, including members of the Board of Education. Your voice will matter.
And your questions and the research that you do now will be important — no, critical — to setting the right direction for the community.
There is no more time to sit back.
We mean it.
There are plenty of examples of what happens when people let a small percentage of voters make the choices.
And we have seen it here, too, with some pretty gnarly results.
Yes, you should actively research the men and women who want to represent you.
Yes, you should ask incumbents tough questions and hold them accountable for not only what they promised but what they did or did not deliver.
Yes, you should demand that they answer for the things that happened in their offices on their watches.
And yes, if you want to make Wayne County a better place, you absolutely have to take what you learned and head to the polls — not just when your favorite politician is on the ballot.
You matter. A lot.
And when you don’t pay attention, and you don’t check a box, you can end up paying a heavy price.
So, Tuesday might be gone, but election season is far from over.
The next round is already ramping up.
Make sure you are on it — really on it.
Our community and its future depend on it. n
Harlie Carmichael Jr. won Mount Olive's at-large seat.
MOUNT OLIVE OVERHAUL COULD BE ON THE HORIZON
Commissioner Delreese Simmons believes he has the support to ensure a town manager search is conducted and Town Hall employees are ready to do the work necessary to fix the distressed municipality.
BY KEN FINE
With three incumbents — Barbara Kornegay, Danny Keel, and Tommy Brown — deciding against running for re-election, Mount Olive residents knew they would be seeing fresh faces on the Town Board after Tuesday.
But now that the election is over, another familiar face might be on his way out of Town Hall, too.
Commissioner Delreese Simmons, coming off a decisive victory in the District 2 contest, said he hopes that before the end of 2025, the new board will vote to approve a new town manager search — to finish what was started earlier this year shortly after Glenn Holland was appointed to the position in an interim capacity.
And while his feelings on the issue are not personal — Simmons said he would welcome Holland submitting an application — he told Wayne Week the town is in desperate need of an overhaul.
“The search is gonna be Step One, but there are gonna be a lot of steps,” Simmons said. “We’re still in trouble, and it’s time to start fixing Mount Olive.”
It has been a rough decade for the Wayne
County municipality, as it has been unable, since it was placed under a moratorium in 2015, to get out from under the state’s thumb.
And this year, things got worse.
First, board members voted, against the wishes of Mayor Jerome Newton, to fire Town Manager Jammie Royall — a move decried as racially motivated as it came after a comment made by Kornegay that was perceived as racist inflamed tensions among residents, prompting a statement from the mayor.
“Over the last week, I have been struggling to comprehend the January 6, 2025 revelation of the term utilized by Commissioner Kornegay –“string you up” - issued to Commissioner Simmons. To date, this matter has caused a tumultuous predicament of much outrage, criticism, concern and anguish. The apology of Commissioner Kornegay, a longstanding Caucasian official, does not preclude the level of the resulting insensitivity and threat imposed upon the use of such racially charged verbiage referring to the “lynching” of an African American male official,” Newton wrote. “The statement overshadows and outweighs the proposed meeting’s intent as we have an outstanding negative atmosphere to
manage. While I know some of you would like to proceed forward (with firing Royall) the dynamics of this closed meeting has changed. We must consider the atmosphere at this time to avoid the appearance of vengeance and racism regardless of your motivation.”
Then, Town Hall was warned that the state was aware the terms of the moratorium had been violated — and that if it happened again, criminal charges could be handed down.
Finally, a few days later, the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor published a damning report that uncovered what investigators characterized as wrongdoing inside the town Water Department and at the Mount Olive Municipal Airport.
And for Simmons — and several other Election Night winners who spoke to Wayne Week during their respective campaigns — the time to turn a corner has long since passed.
C.J. Weaver, who won the District 4 seat, acknowledged that something has to give.
“We cannot go on doing business as usual,” he said. “We will not have a town. My grandbabies and my son won’t have a place to live and prosper and be happy.”
Election coverage continued on page 16
And Gena Messer-Knode, District 3’s new representative, said an overhaul — and treating the town like a business — is long overdue.
“The town is a business, and it’s being run very poorly. I think I’m the only candidate that’s talked about organizational structure. I think I’m the only candidate that has talked about qualifications for filling jobs,” she said. “I mean, the first thing I would do is I’d sit down with (staff) and I’d say, ‘Show me your plan. Show me your budget. Show me who you have in charge of what areas.’ I mean, I would treat it no different than I would any other business. And I can almost assure you that the town doesn’t have a plan. So, it’s time we had one and I think I’m the person that can make that happen.”
But ultimately, it remains unclear whether the new board will have much time to make a change, as state leaders are considering both returning to Mount Olive to perform a full audit and potentially taking over the town.
If given the chance, however, Simmons vowed to “set things right.”
“I think we have the votes to move this town forward,” he told Wayne Week. “And it’s about time.” n
From left: Gena Messer-Knode, Delreese Simmons, and Vicky Darden were all victorious on Election Day — and will help lead Mount Olive into the future.
PHOTOS BY CASEY MOZINGO
A NEW CHAPTER FOR PIKEVILLE
The town’s mayor-elect, McKayla Alves, said she is ready to help restore Pikeville’s reputation and grow the town in a responsible way.
BY KEN FINE
Last summer, when a scandal involving the town’s mayor threatened Pikeville’s image — and its ability to grow and prosper — McKayla Alves made a decision.
If nobody else was willing to challenge the incumbent, she would throw her name into the 2025 race in an attempt to replace him and set the place in which she is raising her family on a new course.
It did not matter that she had three children and another on the way.
It did not matter that she was an active member of her church and that her husband was a volunteer firefighter who, at a moment’s notice, could leave her to hold down the homefront for hours on end while he served his neighbors.
There would, in her mind, always be time for Pikeville.
leadership and honorably represent her neighbors, when necessary, in Goldsboro, Raleigh, and beyond.
Tuesday evening, voters sent her a message. She, they believed, could do all of those things and more.
And the following day, Alves told Wayne Week that she is looking forward to being a main character in the next chapter of her town’s story — particularly given the fact that residents also elected several new faces to the town’s Board of Commissioners, people who share her desire to see Pikeville “grow responsibly,” restore its reputation, and revitalize downtown.
“I think the people of Pikeville are ready for a new chapter — one built on transparency, trust, and genuine connection. Sometimes a fresh perspective helps jumpstart a fresh vision, and that’s what our town needs as we move forward together,” she said. “I may be
OTHER PIKEVILLE WINNERS TUESDAY
COMMISSIONER
• Tim Wilson, 65 votes
• Randy Langston, 48 votes
COMMISSIONER, UNEXPIRED
• Raymond W. Deck, 54 votes
• Blake Vail, 52 votes
new to this role, but I’m not new to Pikeville, and this is where my family’s roots run deep. I love this community in a big way, and I’m excited to learn how I can serve best and bring honest leadership to help Pikeville grow, all while keeping the small-town charm that makes it so special.” n
OTHER RESULTS
EUREKA
MAYOR
Billy Martin, 17 votes
COMMISSIONER (Top 2 win)
• Mary Crowder, 12 votes
• Derrick K. Seagle, 11 votes
• Write-In, 3 votes
SEVEN SPRINGS
MAYOR
• Ronda Hughes, 11 votes
COMMISSIONER (Top 2 win)
• Tony Gordon, 12 votes
• John Lee, 5 votes
• Write-In, 1 vote
And there was no time to waste, she said, as its reputation had been damaged well beyond the town limits.
State leaders and elected officials had publicly weighed in on their concerns after an ill-advised form of government change that was ultimately reversed.
Employees had grown concerned after the mayor’s would-be “Operation Clean Sweep,” an initiative that would have seen nearly all of them fired, was outed in the press.
And some, including State Rep. John Bell, said fighting for allocations that would make their way to the town would be more difficult to justify until a new person held the gavel inside Town Hall.
So, with her family’s blessing, Alves began her campaign for mayor — believing that she could provide trustworthy, steady
WALNUT CREEK
COUNCILMAN (Top 2 win)
• John Seegars, 61 votes
• Mike Daly, 46 votes
• Write-In, 5 votes
WAYNE-BELFAST-PATETOWN
SANITARY DISTRICT (Top 5 win)
• Everett Jones, 308 votes
• Ben Casey, 231 votes
• Crystal Sasser Casey, 220 votes
• John Gardner, 190 votes
• Drew Hill, 123 votes
• Arrington Anderson, 92 votes
• Janeth Marie Cerra, 56 votes
• Write-In, 6 votes
EASTERN WAYNE SANITARY DISTRICT (Top 5 win)
• Richard (Ricky) Carraway, Jr., 387 votes
• Allen Jones, 318 votes
• Brandon Gray, 306 votes
• Daryl Anderson, 284 votes
• James A. Sutton, Jr., 250 votes
• Ervin Watts, 193 votes
• Write-In, 6 votes
WAYNE-FORK TOWNSHIP SANITARY DISTRICT (Top 3 win)
• Andy G. Hartley, 148 votes
• Danny Hope, 142 votes
• Reed Lewis, 123 votes
• Write-In, 6 votes
SOUTHEASTERN WAYNE SANITARY DISTRICT (Top 5 win)
• Debony Jones, 134 votes
• Davita C. Lofton, 129 votes
• Phil Shivar, 105 votes
• Bobby Ray Outlaw, 101 votes
• Charlie M.B. Holloway, 94 votes
• James A. Taylor, 87 votes
• Write-In, 4 votes
SOUTHERN WAYNE SANITARY DISTRICT (Top 2 win)
• Scott Walker, 109 votes
• Justin Williams, 99 votes
• Mark McCary, 94 votes
• Joel Swenson, 39 votes
• Write-In, 12 votes
Pikeville Town Hall
the SPECTATOR
Go and salute!
Wayne County's annual Veterans Day Parade is happening Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in downtown Goldsboro. We hope to see you there!
PHOTOS B Y KEN FINE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ELSIE P. MOYE
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Elsie P. Moye, 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 January 19, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 19th day of October, 2025.
Robin Jackson Executor of the Estate of Elsie P. Moye 334 Leon Flowers Road Mount Olive, NC 28365
October 19, 2025, October 26, 2025, November 2, 2025, and November 9, 2025
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Barbara B. Hughey, 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 January 26, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 26th day of October, 2025.
John Danny Davis III, Administrator of the Estate of Barbara B. Hughey 157 Landis Road Stantonsburg, NC 27883
October 26, 2025, November 2, 2025, November 9, 2025, and November 16, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ROBERT JOSEPH MANISCALCO
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Robert Joseph Maniscalco, 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 January 26, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 26th day of October, 2025.
Jessica Pounds Executor of the Estate of Robert Joseph Maniscalco 142 Bennett Farm Lane Goldsboro, NC 27530
October 26, 2025, November 2, 2025, November 9, 2025, and November 16, 2025
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Charles Mercer, 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 January 26, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 26th day of October, 2025.
Kimberly Mercer Boswell, Administrator of the Estate of Charles Mercer 4064 Nahunta Road Pikeville, NC 27863
October 26, 2025, November 2, 2025, November 9, 2025, and November 16, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF LILLIAN COLEEN DAVIS BEST
All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Lillian Coleen Davis Best, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of January, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 26th day of October, 2025.
Karen Best Hobbs, Executor of the Estate of Lillian Coleen Davis Best 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
October 26, 2025, November 2, 2025, November 9, 2025, November 16, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF PEGGY JOYCE CRISP GURLEY
All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Peggy Joyce Crisp Gurley, deceased, of Wayne County, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of January, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 26th day of October, 2025.
Sharon Gurley Jeans and Carolyn Gurley Rathbone, Co-Executors of the Estate of Peggy Joyce Crisp Gurley c/o Mark J. Hale, Jr.
October 26, 2025, November 2, 2025, November 9, 2025, and November 16, 2025
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Bettye Jean Boone Lewis, 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 January 26, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 26th day of October, 2025.
Kim Lewis Howard, Administrator of the Estate of Bettye Jean Boone Lewis 10114 Sunnifa Aly Orlando, Florida 32832
October 26, 2025, November 2, 2025, November 9, 2025, and November 16, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF GARY RALPH EMERY
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Gary Ralph Emery, 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 February 2, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 2nd day of November, 2025.
Kimberly Harper Executor of the Estate of Gary Ralph Emery 129 Charlie Braswell Road Goldsboro, NC 27530
Published November 2, 2025, November 9, 2025, November 16, 2025, and November 23, 2025
NOTICE OF SALE OF MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER A LEIN
NORTH CAROLINA WAYNE COUNTY
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FILE NO: 25SP001350-950
RAGE N MISFITS GARAGE vs. WILLIAM GARLICK and CAPITAL ONE AUTO FINANCE
TO: WILLIAM GARLICK AND CAPITAL ONE AUTO FINANCE
TAKE NOTICE THAT:
A petition seeking relief to satisfy a motor vehicle lien has been filed. The nature of relief sought is to satisfy $8,101 for towing, storage, and services to a 2018 Toyota Camry VIN# 4T1B11HK4JU117006 by sale of such vehicle which is registered in your name. The vehicle is being sold pursuant to N.C. General Statute 44A-4.
Rage N Misfits Garage, 2 579 Old Smithfield Road, Princeton, NC, 27569, 10 a.m., November 24, 2025 (Location of Sale, Time, Date) This is the 2nd day of November 2025.
Rage N Misfits Garage, Petitioner 2579 Old Smithfield Road Princeton, NC 27569 919-576-5507
Published November 2, 2025, and November 9, 2025
GENERAL NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAYNE
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 23CVD001120-950
WAYNE COUNTY and the CITY OF GOLDSBORO, Plaintiffs vs. MARSHALL COLEMAN, EMMA LOIS COLEMAN, Defendants
Under and by virtue of an Order of the Clerk of Superior Court of Wayne County, North
Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled “WAYNE COUNTY and the CITY OF GOLDSBORO vs. MARSHALL COLEMAN, ET AL., the undersigned Commissioner will on the 19th day of November, 2025, offer for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction, at the courthouse door in Wayne County, North Carolina, in Goldsboro at 10:00 a.m. the following described real property, lying and being in State and County aforesaid and more particularly described as follows:
209 NEIL STREET, GOLDSBORO (PIN: 3600139151)
BEING all of Lot 88 as shown on a map entitled City of Goldsboro North End Community Redevelopment Area No. 2 Subdivision, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Cabinet H, Slide 134, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wayne County.
The sale will be made subject to all outstanding city and county taxes and all local improvements assessments against the above-described property not included in the judgment in the above-entitled cause. A deposit of 5 percent (5%) of the successful bid will be required or $750.00, whichever is greater, in the form of cash, certified check or money order. This the 13th day of October, 2025.
Andrew J. Neal County Attorney Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 227 Goldsboro, NC 27533 (919) 705-1713
Published November 9, 2025, and November 16, 2025
GENERAL NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAYNE
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 25CV002015-950
WAYNE COUNTY and the CITY OF GOLDSBORO, Plaintiffs vs. CASEY’S TRAILER LODGE, INC.; LONNIE CASEY, JR.; LONNIE CASEY, JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE LONNIE CASEY, JR. REVOCABLE FAMILY TRUST, Defendants
Under and by virtue of an Order of the District Court Judge of Wayne County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled “WAYNE COUNTY and the CITY OF GOLDSBORO vs. CASEY’S TRAILER LODGE, INC., ET AL., the undersigned Commissioner will on the 19th day of November, 2025, offer for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction, at the courthouse door in Wayne County, North Carolina, in Goldsboro at 10:00 a.m. the following described real property, lying and being in State and County aforesaid and more particularly described as follows:
TRACT ONE – 1700 S. SLOCUMB STREET, GOLDSBORO (PIN: 3508175377 )
Beginning at the fork of a ditch, Ashe Edwards and Jane Hodges’ corner, and runs thence with the said Jane Hodges’ line along the center of the ditch South 63-1/2 W. 273 feet to the head of the ditch; then the same course South 63-1/2 West 79 feet to a stake in W.A. Collins line; thence with said Collins line South 17 East 72 feet to an iron stake, said Collins corner; thence his line 73 West 714 feet to a stake; thence South 18-1/2 East 54 feet to a stake; thence South 73 West 105 feet to the Goldsboro and White Hall Road; thence with said road South 18-1/2 E. 156 to a stake
I. J. Harrell corner; thence with the ditch North 37 W. 65 feet; thence North 56 West 366 feet to the beginning, containing 8 acres, more or less; and being
the same land conveyed to Sam H. Casey (now deceased) and wife, Addie Casey, by Mrs. J. A. Summerlin and husband, David E. Summerlin, by deed dated November 9, 1940, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds of Wayne County, North Carolina, in Book 267, Page 505, to which reference is herepy made. And being the same property described in the deed dated September 25, 1954, from Addie Casey (widow) to Lonnie Casey and wife, Hazel Marie Casey, which is recorded in Book 417, Page 151 of the Wayne County, North Carolina, Registry.
TRACT TWO – HARRIS STREET, GOLDSBORO (PIN: 3508270215)
BEGINNING at a point on the Eastern edge of a ditch, said point being the Southwest corner of Casey’s Trailer Lodge as described in a deed recorded in Book 843 at Page 595 of the Wayne County Registry, and being a common corner with David Littleton et al, and runs thence along and with said ditch S. 32° 8’ 0” E. 276.50 feet to a stake in the Western edge of the water line easement; thence with the line of said easement S. 28° 24’ 01” W. 37.65 feet to a stake; thence S. 74° 32’ 06” W. 519.13 feet to the center of a ditch, a corner with Evangeline Austine and Doris Wynn property (Deed Book 729, Page 219), thence along and with said ditch N. 86° 57’ 24” W. 8.80 feet and N. 82° 26’ 10” W. 126.08 feet to a stake in the line of Goldie Williams (Deed Book 464, Page 260); thence with the Williams line N. 14° 41’ 54” W. 270.93 feet to an iron stake, a corner between Williams, Casey, and Smith; thence with the Casey line N. 74° 43’ 48” E. 588.53 feet to an iron stake and 6.97 feet to the point of beginning, containing 4.24 acres, more or less. Being the same land conveyed to Lonnie Casey, Jr. by deed recorded in Book 2590, Page 762, Wayne County Registry.
The sale will be made subject to all outstanding city and county taxes and all local improvements assessments against the above-described property not included in the judgment in the above-entitled cause. A deposit of 5 percent (5%) of the successful bid will be required or $750.00,
whichever is greater, in the form of cash, certified check or money order. This the 13th day of October, 2025.
Andrew J. Neal County Attorney Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 227 Goldsboro, NC 27533 (919) 705-1713
Published November 9, 2025, and November 16, 2025
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Willo Whitfield Jordan, 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 February 9, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 9th day of November, 2025.
Alphonso Llewellyn Jordan Jr., Administratorof the Estate of Willo Whitfield Jordan 109 South George Street Goldsboro, NC 27530
November 9, 2025, November 16, 2025, November 23, 2025, and November 30, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE — AUCTION SALE OF COUNTY PROPERTY
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners, at its meeting of November 4, 2025, pursuant to NCGS §160A-270 and NCGS §153A-176, authorized the sale by public auction of the following personal property:
• 8 filing cabinets
• 1 commercial stainless steel (SS) dishwasher
• 1 SS L-shaped counter with sink
• 1 SS 6-foot counter
• 1 SS 3-compartment sink
• Electric warming cabinet
• 2 SS handwash sinks
• 1 SS 6-foot counter with sink
• 1 SS 5 compartment warming table
• 1 SS 12-foot rolling counter
• 1 SS refrigerated counter
• 1 SS 6-foot wall shelf
• 1 SS 4-foot wall shelf
• 3, 6-foot metal clothes rack
• 1, 3-door Commercial refrigerator
• 1, 2-door commercial refrigerator
• 1 meat slicer
• 1 SS 12-foot counter
• 1 SS 5-compartment warming table
• 1 SS 6-foot counter
• 1 SS 2 compartment sink
• 1 SS 2 door warming cabinet
• 1 SS Triple sink and tray wash
• 1 SS 9-foot table with sink
• 1 SS 6-foot table
• 2 SS rolling carts
• 1 tilt skillet
• 1 SS kettle
• 2 SS double ovens
• 1 plastic warming cabinet
• Various shelving units
• Pots and pans
• 2 commercial floor mixers
• 1 commercial dishwasher
• 1 SS L-shaped counter,
• 1 SS L-shaped counter with sink
The auction will be held at 8:30 a.m. on December 13, 2025, at RDD Auction Company, LLC located at 1260 Raynor Mill Road, Mt. Olive, NC 28365. All property will be sold in its current condition, as is, and the County gives no warranty with respect to usability of the property. Buyers will be required to pay the full amount of his or her bid before the conclusion of the auction to RDD Auction Company LLC in a manner of payment satisfactory to the auctioneer. The County reserves the right to withdraw any listed property from the auction at any time before the auction sale of that property. Further information may be obtained by contacting RDD Auction Company, LLC at (919) 6899440 or (919) 222-3215 or by visiting www.rddauction.com
November 9, 2025, November 16, 2025, and November 23, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ERNEST C. KELLY
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Ernest C. Kelly, 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 February 9, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 9th day of November, 2025.
Maurice A. Kelly, Executor of the Estate of Ernest C. Kelly P.O. Box 1503 Demorest, GA 30535
November 9, 2025, November 16, 2025, November 23, 2025, and November 30, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF STEPHEN S. GRADY, SR.
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Stephen S. Grady, 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 February 9, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 5th day of November, 2025.
Geraldine Kornegay Grady, Executor of the Estate of Stephen S. Grady, Sr. 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
November 9, 2025, November 16, 2025, November 23, 2025, and November 30, 2025
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