Following are new books at the Wilson County Public Library. To place a hold on these titles, call 252-237-5355 or visit www.wilsoncountypubliclibrary.org ADULT FICTION “Blood Moon” by Sandra Brown “Colton Gray, Deputy U.S. Marshal” by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone “Death in the Dressing Room” by Simon Brett “The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits” by Jennifer Weiner “If Tomorrow Never […]
WT – Local news

Church news: Congregations will celebrate Mother’s Day
First Missionary Baptist, Lucama First Missionary Baptist Church of Lucama will have service at 8:45 a.m. Sunday, May 11. Pastor Jeffrey Simms will speak. Music will be presented by the FBL Ladies Chorus. Rountree Missionary Baptist Rountree Missionary Baptist Church will have a Mother’s Day service at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 11. Guest preacher is the Rev. Shirley Cooper. Rountree […]

Child’s belt buckle marks lead to charges
Wilson police have charged a city man with felony child abuse after authorities say school officials discovered an injury on his son. Henry Bernard McLaurin, 49, is charged with felony intentional child abuse inflicting serious injury, according to Sgt. Eric McInerny, public information officer with the Wilson Police Department. McInerny said police were called to Wilson Preparatory Academy at 11:36 […]

Frazier named Wilson Parks and Recreation director
Richard Frazier, a 25-year Wilson Parks and Recreation employee, has been named as the department director following a regional recruitment process. “The Wilson Parks and Recreation Department has been a big part of my life in Wilson,” Frazier said in a news release. “I look forward to continuing to provide the citizens of Wilson with great recreation opportunities and leadership. […]

Lentz will focus on continued city growth
Wilson’s new City Manager Rodger Lentz is getting a new desk, a new computer and a new set of responsibilities, but what’s not new to the former assistant city manager is the job ahead. “There’s been so many people out in the community that have reached out to give words of encouragement and congratulations. I thank all of them. It […]

Duplex fire displaces 7 residents
Seven residents were displaced due to a residential structure fire Tuesday evening. Deputy Fire Chief James P. Campbell of Wilson Fire/Rescue Services, said the call was dispatched at 6:51 p.m. for a structure fire at 3712 Ashbrook Drive NW. “Crews arrived on the scene and found a single-story, 2,709-square-foot duplex with dark brown smoke coming from the roof line of […]

For Your Health: Nurses Week celebrates the strength of health care heroes
Each year, from May 6 to 13, we observe Nurses Week, a time to recognize the dedication, skill and leadership that nurses bring to their profession and the communities they serve. This year, Nurses Week is particularly significant to me as it marks my first Nurses Week with the team at Wilson Medical Center. In my time here, I have […]

Leaders serve up lunch for Teacher Appreciation Week
Jones Elementary School teachers were in for a treat Wednesday thanks to Teacher Appreciation Week. Wilson County Board of Education Chairman Blake Boykin and Wilson County Schools Superintendent Lane Mills cooked a pig, while school board member Beverly Boyette made desserts. Together, they served lunch to 100 teachers. Wilson County Commissioner Michael Wetherington joined in to help deliver the meals. […]

Henry Mercer honored for 50 years of service to Wilson County Schools
For 50 years, Henry Mercer has been a steady presence in classrooms and boardrooms, shaping the lives of countless students. This week, Mercer was honored for his unwavering commitment and dedication to Wilson County Schools during a celebration at Wilson Academy of Applied Technology. Mercer, a retired educator who represented District 4 on the Wilson County Board of Education for […]

‘An incredible teacher’: Campbell named Wilson County Schools Teacher of the Year
History teacher Shannon Campbell thought Wednesday’s fire drill at Wilson Early College Academy was routine. But as soon as she spotted Wilson County Schools staff and her family, she started to cry. Campbell, who teaches American history and Advanced Placement U.S. history at the early college, was named Wilson County Schools 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. “I’m literally shocked and […]

Goings looks back at economic development here
Former City Manager Grant Goings joined the Wilson Economic Development Council board one final time Tuesday morning to give an update on the downtown baseball stadium project and say his goodbyes to the board he’s had a seat on for the last 21 years. “Things are going very well,” said Goings, who serves as a consultant to the stadium project. […]

Hills Machinery expanding Wilson operations
Hills Machinery is partnering with Hydex USA to upfit water tanker trucks right here in Wilson. “Dust suppression and access to water is a growing demand throughout North America as job sites get bigger, mines and quarries get busier and as local regulations become more restrictive,” said Jim Hills, president Hills Machinery and Hydex USA. “The combination of the popular […]

Fairgrounds adding more restrooms
The Wilson County American Legion Fairgrounds will have new restrooms ready in time for the county fair. Mick Rankin, president of the fairgrounds board, said the new 1,050-square-foot, cinder block structure is currently under construction. Rankin said the board voted in January to construct the $359,000 project, which is being built by Battleboro-based R&L Builders and Sons. Rankin said having […]

K-9 Tank to retire after a decade of service
Wilson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Tank is headed for retirement, but not before completing one final assignment. Next month, he’ll sweep high schools ahead of graduation to help ensure everyone’s safety. During Monday’s monthly meeting, Wilson County commissioners approved Sheriff Calvin Woodard’s request to retire Tank, who has serviced the community and agency for a decade. Woodard said the office […]

Tobs unveil TaterHogs alter ego
For six games this summer, the Wilson Tobs will shed their usual black and gold color scheme in favor of a new orange and blue look to celebrate Wilson’s other agricultural icons: sweet potatoes and pork. Other teams in the Coastal Plain League will also be taking on an alternate mascot and branding for some games this season. The new […]

Prosecutor: Driver texting when he hit troopers
A prosecutor said Monday that a Rocky Mount man was texting while driving when he struck the back of a North Carolina State Highway Patrol cruiser, injuring two troopers in 2021. Peyton Luke David, 23, made an Alford plea of guilty to felony obstruction of justice in a plea arrangement in Wilson County Criminal Superior Court. […]

No county property tax hike in manager’s proposed budget
Wilson County’s proposed budget holds the line on property taxes, keeping the current rate in place for another year. County Manager Ron Hunt presented the proposed spending plan to commissioners during their regular monthly meeting Monday. He also outlined priorities for the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year. The current property tax rate of 59.5 cents per $100 in property valuation remains […]

Service to others endures at FWB Children’s Home
CommentaryMIDDLESEX — A sizable crowd gathered last week on a crest near the shoulder of Buck Deans Road, a skipped rock south from the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, milling about a slate of Astroturf dotted with folding chairs. Some were dressed in slacks and blazers. Some in blue jeans. Some nodded and mouthed hello. Some […]

Work by Barton seniors featured in gallery show
Opening reception is Thursday from 5-7 p.m.The Barton Art Galleries will open the Spring 2025 Senior Exhibition on Thursday, May 8, in Case Art Building on the Barton College campus. An opening reception will take place that evening from 5 to 7, with a gallery talk scheduled for 6. The event is free and open to the public, and all members of the community are invited […]