Update: Goldsboro PD Expands Efforts to Locate Missing Man

Update: Goldsboro PD Expands Efforts to Locate Missing Man

November 15, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Goldsboro Police Department is intensifying its search for a missing 21-year-old man and is now asking the public for help.

Officers first received a report on Nov. 10 around 4:25 p.m. regarding Tra’sond Marquail McNeil, who was last seen two days earlier on Nov. 8. McNeil was last spotted in the 600 block of Sherard Court.

He is described as a Black male, standing 5’10”, and was last seen wearing light blue jeans, blue and white shoes, and a black hooded sweatshirt.

In an updated statement, the department’s Investigative Services Bureau announced that a dedicated hotline has been established for tips related to McNeil’s whereabouts. Anyone with information can call 919-750-2224, where investigators will be available 24 hours a day.

Tips may also be submitted to Wayne County Crime Stoppers by phone or online through p3tips.com. Crime Stoppers allows callers to remain anonymous and may offer rewards for information leading to a resolution.

The Goldsboro Police Department urges anyone who may have seen McNeil or has relevant information to come forward immediately.

Communities Supporting Schools Launches Free Arts for Youth Series

Communities Supporting Schools Launches Free Arts for Youth Series

November 15, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County is launching a new cultural arts initiative aimed at inspiring creativity and global awareness in local children. The organization announced the debut of its Arts for Youth Series, beginning this winter with an “Around the World Holiday Arts Series” for children ages 5–12.

The classes are free to attend, with donations welcomed to support future programming. Sessions will introduce young participants to artistic traditions and celebrations from cultures across the globe, blending hands-on creativity with cultural learning.

Families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to register now and attend a floating information session during Downtown Lights Up on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 5–7 p.m. The session will be held at the Communities Supporting Schools office at 111 S. Center Street, where all classes in the series will also take place.

Organizers say they are eager to welcome young artists and bring more accessible arts opportunities to the community.
“We can’t wait to create!” the group shared in its announcement.

WCC Hosts Global Leadership Student Conference

WCC Hosts Global Leadership Student Conference

November 15, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College recently hosted a meeting for students of all backgrounds to learn about global leadership.

The North Carolina Association of International Educators (NCAIE) Global Leadership and International Engagement Student Conference connects both undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about working across cultures and further developing a global mindset. The conference helps them gain knowledge and build relationships so they can further engage in global leadership.

Several members of WCC’s Scholars of Global Distinction attended the conference. As Global Scholars, these students learn to work effectively across international contexts and industries through globally intensive courses and activities.

The 2025 conference theme was “Ignite the Change: Lead Local, Impact Global.”

The conference began with story circles, where students and instructors engaged in dialogue to share their perspectives on different themes. The participants, many of whom were international students, connected with those in their group by learning more about their unique stories.

Breakout sessions featuring interactive presentations were held throughout the day as well.

The NCAIE student conference is organized and executed by a small group of students from various North Carolina colleges and universities. WCC student Diamond Simmons was on the student leadership team and was responsible for helping plan the event.

Simmons was also selected to present at the conference. Her presentation was titled “Ignite the Mission: Unlock the Leader Within.”

“I enjoyed being able to present and have a leadership role,” Simmons shared. “In my session, we did a group activity where students wrote down ways to improve education, health, and the economy globally and locally. I had an amazing time being able to speak about leadership and why it matters.”

Goldsboro Encourages Residents to Take Part in New Citywide Survey

Goldsboro Encourages Residents to Take Part in New Citywide Survey

November 15, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The City of Goldsboro is inviting residents to help shape the community’s future by participating in its first-ever citywide community survey.

City officials say they want to hear from residents in every City Council district to ensure all voices are represented as they plan for future services and priorities. The survey is now live and can be accessed at goldsborosurvey.org.

Mayor Charles Gaylor encouraged residents Friday during an interview with Jeff Farrow on WGBR to take a few minutes to share their honest feedback. He said the information gathered will help city leaders better understand the needs and expectations of the people they serve.

City Council members say the input collected will guide decision-making and help identify community priorities. Residents are encouraged to participate and to share the link with neighbors so responses reflect the full community.

Traffic Advisory Issued for Sunday’s 35th Annual Wayne County Toy Run

Traffic Advisory Issued for Sunday’s 35th Annual Wayne County Toy Run

November 15, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Drivers across Wayne County should expect temporary road closures and delays this Sunday as the 35th Annual Wayne County Toy Run rolls through the area.

The Toy Run, hosted by American Legion Riders Post 11, will take place Sunday, Nov. 16, beginning at Berkeley Mall at 12 p.m., with kickstands up at 2 p.m. Motorcyclists from across the region will ride in support of local children and families in need during the holiday season.

A traffic advisory has been issued for several major roadways from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., including:

  • Berkeley Boulevard
  • Ash Street
  • Center Street
  • New Hope Road
  • Patetown Road
  • U.S. 117 South

Roadways and intersections along the route may be temporarily closed to ensure riders can pass safely. Officials say closures will be brief and managed with safety as the top priority. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid affected roads if possible.

Participants in the Toy Run are asked to bring one unwrapped toy or a $10 donation, with proceeds benefiting Wayne Uplift Domestic Violence Center, the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County, and local families in need. A celebration will follow at American Legion Post 11, located at 2973 S. U.S. Alt Hwy 117.

Warriors Roll Into Week 3; Rosewood and Princeton Seasons End

Warriors Roll Into Week 3; Rosewood and Princeton Seasons End

November 15, 2025 Amy Roux

Wayne County, NC – Week 2 of the NCHSAA high school football playoffs brought mixed results for three local teams fighting to stay alive in the hunt for a state championship.

Eastern Wayne delivered the standout performance of the week, traveling to face Southwestern Randolph and dominating in a decisive 49–0 victory. The Warriors controlled the game from start to finish, earning a spot in Week 3 of the playoffs. They will now prepare for a matchup against perennial powerhouse Reidsville as they continue their postseason run.

Rosewood saw its season come to an end Friday night, falling to Warren County 36–6. Despite the loss, the Eagles closed out a strong year that secured their playoff berth.

Princeton also wrapped up its playoff journey, coming up short against Pasquotank County in a high-scoring battle, 54–41. The Bulldogs put up a strong offensive effort but were unable to keep pace late in the game.

Eastern Wayne now remains the lone area team still in contention as Week 3 approaches.

Register Now for WCC’s Spring 2026 Semester

Register Now for WCC’s Spring 2026 Semester

November 13, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Registration is now open for Wayne Community College’s spring 2026 college credit classes.
New and current students can sign up for the spring semester on WCC’s website or on the College’s campus at 3000 Wayne Memorial Drive in Goldsboro.

Spring classes begin Jan. 8.

Over 600 courses will be held in the spring. WCC’s classes are available in seated, online, and hybrid formats.

Students are encouraged to register as soon as possible to get the courses and schedule they want.

Tuition for the spring semester is due Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. Last-chance registration for spring classes will be held Jan. 6 from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. and Jan. 7 from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. with tuition due by 4 p.m. on Jan. 7.

Application steps for new students, course schedules, and tuition and fees information can be found on WCC’s website.

Contact WCC’s Admissions office with any questions at [email protected].

Full November SNAP Benefits to Be Issued by Friday, NCDHHS Confirms

Full November SNAP Benefits to Be Issued by Friday, NCDHHS Confirms

November 13, 2025 Amy Roux

North Carolinians can expect full SNAP benefits by Friday after days of uncertainty.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says full November SNAP benefits will be loaded onto EBT cards by Friday morning, ensuring roughly 600,000 households receive their complete allotment after days of uncertainty caused by the federal government shutdown.

The announcement follows swift action in Washington, where both the U.S. House and Senate approved a resolution late Wednesday to reopen the federal government. The USDA issued updated guidance Thursday allowing states to distribute full benefits.

Governor Josh Stein praised state officials for moving quickly.
“I am grateful to NCDHHS for working around the clock to ensure North Carolinians get their full November benefits as quickly as possible,” Stein said. “People will be able to go to the grocery store this weekend to purchase the food they need to keep their loved ones healthy and strong.”

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai said staff began processing payments immediately after receiving federal authorization.
“As soon as we received authorization from the federal government, we immediately began working to get benefits out to the nearly 1.4 million people who depend on SNAP to keep food on the table,” Sangvai said. “I am thankful that we will be able to make food benefits available on Friday, and to our team for their unwavering commitment to fight hunger.”

For weeks, SNAP distribution nationwide had been unclear, with shifting USDA guidance and lawsuits challenging the decision not to use federal contingency funds to sustain the program. North Carolina signed onto one of those legal challenges.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said the court ruling helped ensure families receive all November benefits.
“It was wrong and unlawful for the federal government to use our children as political pawns during the shutdown,” Jackson said. “Now that the government has reopened and we’ve won our case against USDA for breaking the law, North Carolinians will get the rest of their November SNAP payments.”

On Nov. 7, after initial USDA instructions, NCDHHS issued only partial benefits—about 65% of the maximum allotment—to more than 586,000 households. Those who typically receive the maximum saw a 35% reduction, while others received even less or no benefits at all due to the program’s formula. All impacted households will now receive the full amount by Friday, and some will get their November benefits earlier than usual. December benefits will be issued on the normal schedule.

NCDHHS is updating its website with new information and FAQs and is communicating directly with affected households. SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their EBT balances through the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling the number on the back of their card.

Anyone needing immediate food assistance can call 2-1-1 or visit the NCDHHS food access webpage to find nearby resources.

House Fire Contained on Oleander Avenue; No Injuries Reported

House Fire Contained on Oleander Avenue; No Injuries Reported

November 12, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Firefighters with the Goldsboro Fire Department quickly contained a blaze Tuesday night that broke out at a home on North Oleander Avenue, preventing the fire from spreading beyond the room where it started.

Crews were dispatched at 9:12 p.m. on November 11, 2025, and arrived on scene five minutes later to find smoke and flames showing from the first floor of a two-story single-family home.

Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack, successfully holding the fire to its room of origin. Three adults were able to escape the home safely before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.

Investigators determined the fire was accidentally caused by heat from a wood stove igniting nearby materials.

A total of 15 personnel responded from Engines 1, 4, and 5, along with Tower-1 and Car-2. Firefighters remained on scene until 10:44 p.m. to assist residents and complete salvage and investigation efforts.

The Goldsboro Police Department, Wayne County EMS, and Duke Energy also assisted at the scene.

Goldsboro Police Searching for Missing 21-Year-Old

Goldsboro Police Searching for Missing 21-Year-Old

November 12, 2025 Amy Roux

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Goldsboro Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man last seen over the weekend.

Police say 21-year-old Tra’sond Marquail McNeil was reported missing on November 10, 2025, after his family told officers they had not seen him since Saturday, November 8.

McNeil is described as a Black male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, and was last seen wearing light blue jeans, blue and white shoes, and a black hooded sweatshirt. His last known location was near the 600 block of Sherard Court in Goldsboro.

Anyone with information about McNeil’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Goldsboro Police Department at 919-580-4216.

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