North Carolina Symphony Brings Holiday Pops Concert to Goldsboro

North Carolina Symphony Brings Holiday Pops Concert to Goldsboro

November 23, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO — Once Downtown Goldsboro officially “lights up” for the holiday season, the celebration continues just a few blocks away as the North Carolina Symphony brings its beloved Holiday Pops performance to the Paramount Theatre.

The festive concert—set for Tuesday at 8 p.m.—promises an evening filled with holiday cheer, featuring classic favorites, joyful carols, and rich orchestral arrangements that showcase the magic of live symphonic music.

Families, music lovers, and holiday enthusiasts can expect a heartwarming program designed to capture the spirit of the season. The annual performance has become a local favorite, offering a perfect way to continue the celebration after the Downtown Lights Up festivities.

Tickets are now on sale at the Paramount Theatre box office.

Kirby’s Second-Half Surge Not Enough as Mount Olive Falls 94–90 in Pickle Classic Finale

Kirby’s Second-Half Surge Not Enough as Mount Olive Falls 94–90 in Pickle Classic Finale

November 23, 2025 Amy Roux

MOUNT OLIVE — A dominant second-half performance from Matt Kirby wasn’t quite enough to lift the University of Mount Olive past Emory & Henry on Saturday night, as the Trojans fell 94–90 in a high-energy finale to the 60th Annual Pickle Classic at Kornegay Arena.

Kirby exploded for 19 points after halftime—finishing with a game-high 26—nearly carrying UMO to a comeback win. His scoring burst ignited a 10–0 run midway through the second half, highlighted by an acrobatic layup off the backboard and a series of clutch free throws that cut the Wasps’ lead to four.

With just over a minute remaining, Kirby drained a deep three to pull the Trojans within five, then converted a fast-break and-one to make it 87–82. Freshman Oliver Roberts and veteran Raul Perez added key free throws down the stretch, and Kirby slashed in for another late bucket to close the gap to 92–89.

But Emory & Henry responded at the line, sealing the win in the closing seconds despite a final free throw from Perez.

Perez finished with a strong double-double—18 points and 11 rebounds—while Jefferson McLamb (11) and Christopher Brown (12 points, nine rebounds) also contributed in double figures.

The Trojans now turn their focus to conference play as they travel to face Francis Marion in Florence, S.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

WCC to Hold Fine Arts Festival

WCC to Hold Fine Arts Festival

November 23, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College will host its annual winter Fine Arts Festival on Thursday, Dec. 4, highlighting the artistic talents of students in Wayne County.

The visual arts portion of the festival begins at 6 p.m. WCC students’ artwork will be displayed in the Dr. G. Herman Porter Atrium located inside the Wayne Learning Center (the main building on campus with the flag poles in front). The art projects were created by students in WCC’s Drawing I and Two-Dimensional Design I classes during the fall semester.

At 7 p.m., the festival’s performing arts section takes place in the Wayne Learning Center’s Moffatt Auditorium. The WCC choir will perform songs from a wide variety of genres, including music by Mozart, a sea shanty, contemporary gospel numbers, and holiday selections. The concert will also feature a guest choir from Brogden Primary School.

WCC’s Fine Arts Festival is free and open to the public.

WCC encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing accommodations or have questions about access, contact the Accessibility Counselor at 919-739-6729.

Trojans Roll in Pickle Classic Behind Jackson’s Career-High 25

Trojans Roll in Pickle Classic Behind Jackson’s Career-High 25

November 23, 2025 Amy Roux

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 79–42 victory over Bluefield University in the 60th Annual Pickle Classic at Kornegay Arena. The win marks the Trojans’ second straight and showcases a team hitting its stride early in the season.

Kayla Jackson led the charge with a career-best outing, pouring in 25 points on an impressive 10-of-14 shooting. Jackson knocked down three shots from beyond the arc and grabbed five rebounds, spearheading a UMO offense that dominated from the opening tip. The Trojans controlled the paint with 40 points and outscored Bluefield in every quarter.

Jerin Truesdale added 19 points and six rebounds, thriving both inside and at the free-throw line, where she finished a perfect 11-for-11. Jayla Hicks contributed across the board with eight points, six rebounds, and a team-high five assists, while Emily Wiebelhaus added a spark off the bench with 10 points on nearly flawless shooting.

UMO wasted no time seizing momentum, jumping ahead 22–10 after the first quarter and carrying a 39–18 lead into halftime. The Trojans widened the margin in the second half, stretching the lead to as many as 37 points while holding Bluefield to just 32.6 percent shooting.

Defensively, Mount Olive was dominant. The Trojans outrebounded Bluefield 45–33, forced 28 turnovers, and converted those mistakes into 30 points. Jada Priebe anchored the defensive effort with a game-high 12 rebounds while adding five points.

With the win, UMO improves to 2–1 on the season and looks to keep the momentum going as they prepare for their next matchup on the road against conference foe Francis Marion in Florence, S.C.

Governor, First Lady Stein Host Friendsgiving at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

Governor, First Lady Stein Host Friendsgiving at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

November 22, 2025 Amy Roux

Goldsboro, NC – Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein visited Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro today, hosting a Friendsgiving meal to honor and support the servicemembers stationed there. The couple helped serve lunch before sitting down with airmen for a holiday meal. Seymour Johnson is home to the renowned 4th Fighter Wing, one of the most distinguished fighter units in the world.

Governor Stein emphasized the importance of recognizing the state’s servicemembers.
“Our servicemembers show up for us every single day, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” Stein said. “It was great to meet Colonel Lohse and airmen from around the country and tour the base. Today reminded me how grateful I am for the courage and bravery of the state’s more than 135,000 active servicemembers. Anna and I enjoyed our Friendsgiving with the airmen, and I remain committed to making North Carolina the most military and veteran-friendly state in the country.”

First Lady Anna Stein echoed that message, focusing on the families behind the uniform.
“Thanksgiving is all about family,” she said. “When our troops are stationed at a new base or deployed, their families feel that impact too. I’m grateful we had the chance to visit with these brave men and women and share our appreciation for all they do for North Carolina and our country.”

North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette said the Governor’s visit highlighted strong support for the military community.
“By sharing a meal and spending time with the Seymour Johnson community, he recognizes not only their mission, but also the people behind it — their dedication, resilience, and sacrifices,” she said.

Colonel Morgan Lohse, Commander of the 4th Fighter Wing, said hosting the Governor and First Lady was meaningful for the airmen.
“Their genuine appreciation for the men and women who serve is deeply felt, and we are grateful for their continued support,” Lohse said.

Earlier this year, Governor Stein announced North Carolina’s participation in the “Do Your Part” initiative, a collaboration between Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association. The effort focuses on strengthening community support for military families, a critical component of readiness and retention.

The Stein administration continues to prioritize veteran healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity. The North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs links veterans to services and support, while workforce programs like NCWorks help connect transitioning service members to civilian careers.

Just last week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services expanded support services for veterans with extended NCServes hours and the launch of AskMeNC — tools designed to improve access to mental health care, housing, employment, and peer support for the state’s more than 600,000 veterans.

Reidsville Rallies Past Eastern Wayne

Reidsville Rallies Past Eastern Wayne

November 22, 2025 Amy Roux

Reidsville, NC – The Eastern Wayne Warriors came out strong Friday night, but the Reidsville Rams roared back to claim a 41–24 victory in the varsity boys’ football matchup on Friday.

Eastern Wayne opened the game with early momentum, jumping out to a 10–0 lead in the first quarter behind disciplined defense and a fast-moving offense. But the second quarter belonged entirely to Reidsville, as the Rams found their rhythm and swung the momentum in their favor.

The third quarter turned into a fireworks show, with explosive plays from both sidelines. Reidsville’s standout wide receiver, Deonte Neal, delivered a performance for the highlight reel, scoring five total touchdowns—finding the end zone rushing, receiving, and on kick returns. His versatility and speed proved to be the difference-maker as the Rams pulled away in the second half.

Despite the Warriors’ effort and big plays throughout the night, Reidsville’s balanced attack and second-half surge proved too much to overcome.

Eastern Wayne concludes a strong season at 8–4, marking another successful campaign for the Warriors program.

UMO Rallies Late to Win Pickle Classic Opener

UMO Rallies Late to Win Pickle Classic Opener

November 22, 2025 Amy Roux

MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive men’s basketball team launched the 60th Annual Pickle Classic with a thrilling comeback victory Friday night, defeating Middle Georgia State 94–91 in a high-energy showdown at Kornegay Arena.

The Trojans overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half, relying on balanced scoring and timely plays down the stretch to secure the win.

Jefferson McLamb led the way with 19 points—11 of them coming in the second half—providing the spark UMO needed to shift the momentum. Matt Kirby added 17 points, while Jaevian Alston delivered 14 points, including a pivotal go-ahead dunk with 2:43 remaining and another key basket in the final minute.

Middle Georgia State entered halftime with a 57–53 advantage after shooting a blistering 60 percent in the opening period. Mount Olive nearly matched that pace, hitting 57 percent as both teams traded baskets in a fast, offensive first half.

Down 82–72 with just over six minutes left, the Trojans mounted a determined comeback. A 16–5 run fueled by McLamb, Kirby, and Alston flipped the momentum, and UMO’s dominance in transition—holding a 29–17 fast-break edge—proved crucial.

Alston’s dunk at 2:43 gave the Trojans their first lead of the closing stretch at 88–87. Christian Ananaba, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds, knocked down two clutch free throws to tie the game at 89 before scoring again to push UMO ahead for good.

Kirby added late free throws to extend Mount Olive’s lead to 92–89, though Middle Georgia’s Krishen Atwal quickly answered with a layup to tighten the gap.

With one minute left, Alston delivered the dagger, driving past a defender to put the Trojans up 94–91. The Knights had one final chance to force overtime, but Atwal’s contested three-pointer at the buzzer missed, sealing the victory for UMO.

The Trojans return to action Saturday at 7 p.m. to face Emory & Henry in the final day of the 60th Annual Pickle Classic.

State Auditor Releases Critical Report on North Carolina Office of Recovery and ResiliencyState Auditor Highlights Major Failures in North Carolina’s Disaster Recovery Program

State Auditor Releases Critical Report on North Carolina Office of Recovery and ResiliencyState Auditor Highlights Major Failures in North Carolina’s Disaster Recovery Program

November 21, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — State Auditor Dave Bolick held a press conference Wednesday at the Wayne County Museum to outline the findings of a newly released report on the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency’s (NCORR) Homeowner Recovery Program (HRP). The review, conducted by the N.C. Office of the State Auditor (OSA), details significant financial, administrative, and operational failures in the state’s long-term disaster recovery efforts following Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

NCORR was responsible for managing more than $1 billion in federal and state recovery funds through the HRP. While the program did provide critical assistance to thousands of residents, the audit—ordered by the General Assembly—revealed widespread issues that caused prolonged delays, financial shortfalls, and additional hardship for disaster survivors. These failures ultimately required a $297 million bailout from the State to keep recovery operations functioning.

“The unfortunate truth of this report is the response from North Carolina to Hurricanes Matthew and Florence was a disaster,” Bolick said during the press conference. “When government decides to focus on administrative procedures ahead of boots on the ground, hurricane victims get hurt. We must develop a long-term, transparent, accountable strategy to respond to future storms.”

Key Findings from the Audit

• Poor Budgeting Practices
The report found NCORR lacked a comprehensive assessment of statewide disaster recovery needs. Inconsistent financial reconciliation across three separate systems—North Carolina Financial System, Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting, and Salesforce—left the agency unable to determine total recovery costs until after the application period ended.

• Unreliable Data and Significant Delays
NCORR spent more than $25.4 million developing its Salesforce platform, yet incomplete and inconsistent data caused widespread delays. Applicants navigated an eight-step process that took an average of 100 days per step, with grant determinations averaging 936 days. Some families remained in temporary housing for more than 1,400 days.

• Lack of Financial Oversight
The agency had no structured financial roadmap and operated reactively, making spending decisions based on available funds rather than needs or performance goals. Nearly $785 million in public funds was paid to vendors without a single reconciled financial record.

• Weak Vendor Oversight
Only one of six administrative contracts included clear performance metrics, and in some cases payments were made without full verification of completed work.

Recommendations

OSA issued both long-term and short-term strategies to strengthen the state’s disaster response. Among the most significant is a proposal to establish a SOLID partnership—a long-term collaboration between the Council of State, Department of Public Safety, and the Legislature to create a sustainable disaster recovery framework.

Other recommendations include:

Long-Term Actions:

  • Implement robust budgeting and financial oversight
  • Strengthen contract management
  • Establish strong data governance systems

Short-Term Priorities:

  • Improve financial monitoring
  • Enhance contract oversight
  • Increase data accuracy and reporting practices

OSA officials confirmed that NCORR participated throughout the review process, and the agency’s full response is included in the published report.

The audit aims to serve as a blueprint for reform, ensuring North Carolina is better prepared for future natural disasters.

Sights, Sounds, and Surprises Fill UMO Campusas Nearly 900 Third Graders Explore STEM

Sights, Sounds, and Surprises Fill UMO Campusas Nearly 900 Third Graders Explore STEM

November 21, 2025 Amy Roux

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive campus came recently alive as nearly 900 third graders from Wayne and Duplin Counties spilled onto the campus green for an unforgettable day of hands-on discovery at the 8th Annual STEM on the Green.  

Students experienced science with all of their senses. They got close enough to reptiles to feel cool, scaly skin. They heard the hum of tiny robots racing down homemade tracks. They watched Monarch butterflies flutter through the air in simulation games, and many felt the unexpected joy of seeing a rocket launch. Bursts of laughter, gasps of surprise, and shouts of excitement filled the air as students moved from booth to booth with wide-eyed wonder.

The event welcomed students from nine schools. Five came from Wayne County including Carver, Fremont, Tommy’s Road, Northwest, and Rosewood. Four came from Duplin County including North Duplin, Warsaw, Kenansville, and BF Grady.

More than 36 stations spread across the lawn invited students to touch, test, build, investigate, and imagine. New activities made a strong debut and quickly became crowd favorites. These included the Monarch Migration Game, Reptile-palooza, the UMO STEM Derby, and What’s Buggin You. The UMO Flight School added an expanded aviation area where students tried on pilot gear and learned how planes lift into the sky. WNCT’s weather van brought clouds and storms to life, and new robotics and engineering challenges encouraged teamwork and experimentation.

UMO faculty, staff, and student volunteers worked alongside an impressive lineup of community partners. Mount Olive Pickle Company shared food science demonstrations, Steele Memorial Library brought literacy into the STEM mix, the Wake Tech Bio Club introduced hands-on biology, and the Mount Olive Volunteer Fire Department provided an up-close look at emergency response tools. 

Dr. Sara Lahman, Professor of Biology and STEM Outreach Coordinator, reflected on the success of the day. “STEM on the Green has grown into a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and community. What began as a bold initiative to bring science to life for local students has become one of our most impactful annual traditions, where learning leaps off the page and into real life. Each year, hundreds of students light up as they do science, discovering the excitement of hands-on exploration. With the support of our incredible volunteers and sponsors, this event continues to expand its reach, bringing new technology, ideas, and opportunities that inspire the next generation of innovators.”

Wayne County Set for Full Slate of Christmas Parades and Holiday Events

Wayne County Set for Full Slate of Christmas Parades and Holiday Events

November 20, 2025 Amy Roux

Wayne County is gearing up for a festive holiday season with five Christmas parades and multiple tree lighting ceremonies scheduled over the coming weeks.

The celebrations begin Saturday in Seven Springs, where the town will host its annual Christmas parade at 3 p.m. on Main Street, followed by a new tree lighting at Whitehall Gardens at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature storytelling, music, hot chocolate, cookies, and letter-writing to Santa. Organizers will also collect unwrapped toys for the local elementary school.

Goldsboro’s holiday season officially kicks off with Downtown Lights Up on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The popular event draws thousands each year for children’s activities, trolley rides, and the lighting of downtown decorations and the city water tower.

The first week of December brings more celebrations across the county. Mount Olive and Fremont will hold tree lighting ceremonies on Dec. 5, with parades to follow in each community on Dec. 6, along with the Goldsboro Christmas Parade that same afternoon. Pikeville rounds out the schedule with its parade on Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

Mount Olive’s tree lighting will run from 6 to 8 p.m. downtown and include photos with Santa, cookie decorating, marshmallow roasting, food vendors, and a chance for children to enter a drawing to serve as junior grand marshal. Its parade begins Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. from Carver Elementary School.

Fremont’s eighth annual tree lighting will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 and include music, vendors, an ugly sweater contest, hot chocolate, and a reading of the Christmas story. The parade follows on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.

Goldsboro’s parade steps off at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6, with registration open through Nov. 21. Pikeville will close out the holiday weekend with its parade at Dee’s Memorial Park.

With events planned across nearly every corner of Wayne County, residents can look forward to a full lineup of holiday cheer throughout the season.

Events

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