Wednesday, April 30, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Owen James Wilson, Jr. as a result of dementia.


			
				                                Mount Olive town commissioners met in closed session for about an hour on Friday, April 4, to discuss the search for a new town manager. Mayor Pro-tem Barbara Kornegay, who presided over the session, called it a productive session, but could not comment since it involved personnel. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Town board meets in closed session to dicuss town manager search

The Mount Olive Town Board met behind closed doors for about an hour on Friday, April 4, to begin its discussions about the search for a new town manager.


			
				                                Bob Kornegay

Kornegay named to NC Community Foundation Board

Mount Olive native Bob Kornegay has been named a member-at-large on the North Carolina Community Foundation Board of Directors.


			
				                                Kim Kornegay selects her rake while her daughter, Kim, considers her choice. The Kornegays were among the 20 or so volunteers who turned out Saturday morning at Westbrook Park for a Community Clean-Up Day at the park. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Volunteers clean up Westbrook Park so others can safely play

Kim Kornegay stood before the row of rakes and shovels, scanning back and forth before bending down to grab her choice.


			
				                                Legendary coach Doyle Whitfield was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame Friday night during a ceremony at Southern Wayne High School. (Robert P. Taylor|Mountolivetribune.com)

Whitfield honored with NCHSAA Hall of Fame induction

Southern Wayne High School celebrated a monumental moment Friday night, honoring legendary coach Doyle Whitfield for his induction into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Hall of Fame. The event, held between the JV and varsity baseball games, drew a crowd of former players, family, and community members eager to pay tribute to a coach who dedicated decades to shaping young athletes.


			
				                                Kinzely Sloan, (#11), pauses at third base during softball action against North Johnston Thursday. (Robert P. Taylor|Mountolivetribune.com)

North Johnston overwhelms Spring Creek in 14-1 victory

SEVEN SPRINGS — North Johnston asserted dominance early and never relented, securing a 14-1 victory over Spring Creek’s Lady Gators Thursday on. Despite a brief spark from the home team, the visiting Panthers controlled the game with aggressive baserunning and timely hitting.


			
				                                Spring Creek’s Rosa Cabrera Flores (#7) sprints downfield as a defender launches into the air, showing off incredible athleticism in pursuit of the play. (Robert Taylor|Mountolivetribune.com)

Gators lose hard-fought battle to N. Johnston

Spring Creek hosted North Johnston on a cool evening in Spring Creek. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze drifting across the field, making for ideal playing conditions. The field, though slightly damp from rainfall earlier in the week, was firm enough for quick passes and sharp movements.


			
				                                An estimated 2,000 FFA students from across North Carolina, and some from South Carolina, along with their advisors and ag teachers, attended the University of Mount Olive’s 10th annual AgFest Thursday on the UMO campus. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

AgFest educates, entertains FFA students while planting the seed for potential new students

It is not unusual to see someone fry pickles — that is unless they are using a high-voltage transmission line.


			
				                                A new sign was unveiled on US 117 marking the Patrolman Isaac T. Moore Bridge. (Courtesy photo)

New bridge signs in memory of fallen trooper unveiled

The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced the unveiling of a new sign naming a bridge in memory of a fallen trooper.


			
				                                Patricia Warren, right, instructs dancers during a Dance For Christ rehearsal. Beside her is daughter Tara Lancaster. Together, the women produce, direct, and choreograph the Christian dance ministry, which has upcoming shows at the Paramount Theatre April 4-6 and April 11-13. For more information, go to goldsboroparamount.com or call 919-583-8432. (Lindsay Crawford|Courtesy photo)

Dance ministry to ‘plants seeds’ of the Gospel during annual show at the Paramount

GOLDSBORO — It’s a courtroom scene unlike any other you’ve probably seen in movies or on TV. In this enactment, three souls are on trial, with Satan as the prosecutor, Jesus as the defense attorney, and God as the judge.