Mount Olive, N.C. – On Wednesday, a few lucky members of the Curtis Media team had the pleasure of attending The Dill Affair, a lively and heartfelt event held in honor of the generous sponsors behind the North Carolina Pickle Festival.
Hosted at the historic Southerland-Burnette House, the evening was filled with celebration and gratitude. Guests were treated to an unforgettable atmosphere featuring live music by local favorite Zack King, delicious eats from Skullies, and an array of wine, beer, and thoughtful gifts.
The Dill Affair serves as a way for event planners and the community to say a heartfelt “thank you” to those who help make the Pickle Festival a success year after year.
It was an evening of laughter, music, and appreciation—one that certainly left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Wayne County, N.C. — The annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show brought the heat this year with some outstanding displays of skill, dedication, and animal handling. Among the standout competitors were Wade Roberson and Spate Sanderson, who took top honors in the pig showmanship and market hog categories.
Pig showmanship at the event required more than just a clean animal — competitors were judged on front, left, and right profiles of their pigs, all while maintaining eye contact with the judges. Evaluation criteria focused on the showmanship skills of the handler, as well as the market quality of the hog, including meat composition, muscle structure, and height.
Spate Sanderson earned high praise from judges for his control and composure in the ring with his hog, fittingly named Bullseye. The 247-pound pig took first place in the showmanship category, with one judge noting Sanderson’s exceptional command over his animal.
Hot on his heels was Wade Roberson, whose 250-pound hog, Washington, impressed judges as well, securing second place in the highly competitive field.
Preparation Months in the Making
The road to the livestock show began months ago for these junior competitors. Lorenda Overman, a dedicated supporter and mentor of Wade Roberson, explained the commitment involved.
“These kids get their pigs in February,” Overman said. “From that moment on, they’re responsible for feeding, training, and caring for them every single day.”
Overman highlighted just how challenging pig handling can be. “That pig every now and then acts like it’s been shot out of a barrel and just takes off running,” she said. “You’ve still got to find it in the crowd and keep the judge’s attention.”
After the Show
Once the final ribbons are handed out, most of the show pigs are sent to market. Due to strict biosecurity protocols, returning pigs to their home farms is not allowed, as it risks spreading disease to other livestock.
Overman emphasized the importance of timing. “By the time the sale happens, that pig is already mature,” she explained. “The optimum age for a show pig is six months. After that, they’re past their prime for competition and are marketed.”
Though only a few walk away with trophies, every junior competitor gains valuable experience, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for agriculture. The Wayne County Junior Livestock Show once again proved to be a shining example of youth excellence and rural tradition.
Goldsboro, N.C. — Community leaders, business supporters, and local influencers gathered this week for a special “Lunch and Learn” event hosted by La Ley, North Carolina’s leading Spanish-language radio station. The event offered guests a chance to learn about La Ley’s deep-rooted history and its growing impact within the state’s Hispanic community.
Shirley Davenport, General Manager of La Ley, opened the session by highlighting the station’s journey and the parallel growth of the Hispanic population in North Carolina. “Since 2010, we’ve seen a 40% increase in the Hispanic community,” Davenport noted. “Today, over one million Hispanic residents call North Carolina home—making up about 10% of the state’s population. In some towns, Hispanics represent as much as 35% of the local community.”
La Ley has become a cultural bridge for many Spanish-speaking residents, particularly Central Americans. While the station continues to spotlight regional Mexican music, its programming now includes an expanded variety of genres. “We offer an eclectic blend,” said Davenport. “Our DJ line-up mixes in other music styles during the week, and on weekends, we showcase international hits.”
One of La Ley’s marquee community events is the annual celebration in Greensboro, held every September—excluding Labor Day weekend. This free, sponsor-backed festival features top Latin music artists, appearances by La Ley personalities, and draws in a massive crowd. “In the last three years, we’ve welcomed more than 11,000 people to this event,” said Davenport. “It’s a true celebration of culture, music, and community.”
La Ley’s impact reaches far beyond entertainment. Radio remains one of the most powerful mediums to reach Hispanics 18 and older, and La Ley leads the way in the state—with one in every four Hispanic North Carolinians tuning in.
Recognition for the station’s excellence continues to grow. This year, La Ley is a national finalist for Station of the Year, competing against top stations in California, New York, Texas, and Chicago. Julie Garza, a veteran with nearly 20 years at La Ley, is a finalist for Program Director of the Year, and Eric Johnson is up for Personality of the Year. “This is a big deal,” said Davenport. “It shows how much we contribute to our communities, how much we entertain, and how hard our team works to make it all happen.”
La Ley also introduced a new opportunity for first-time advertisers with a three-month charter package. “We want to give small businesses and newcomers a shot at being on the air,” explained Davenport. The package includes options ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 per month, offering up to 200 commercials monthly. Each spot includes professional production, and translation services are available for a one-time $100 fee. The plan is cash-in-advance and non-cancellable.
Named one of the Top Four Hispanic Radio Stations in America by Inside Radio, La Ley continues to raise the bar—serving, celebrating, and connecting North Carolina’s growing Hispanic population.
Goldsboro, NC — La Ley, the long-standing regional Mexican radio station, officially celebrated its ribbon-cutting this week, marking 10 successful days on-air in both Goldsboro and Kinston. Broadcasting on 105.7 FM in Goldsboro and 92.9 FM in Kinston, the station has already seen an impressive gain of 54,000 new listeners.
La Ley’s expansion into Goldsboro comes in direct response to community demand for more Spanish-language media. “We heard it from listeners. We heard it from clients,” said Shirley Davenport, General Manager of La Ley. “We are excited to come and serve our listeners, to serve our clients, to be a part of the community, and entertain and educate.”
La Ley, part of the Curtis Media Group, has been a fixture in Hispanic media for over 22 years. It specializes in regional Mexican music and serves a growing Spanish-speaking population across North Carolina. Listeners can tune in via traditional FM radio, through the station’s website, or by downloading their free mobile app. As travelers head west, La Ley is also available on 101.1 FM.
Curtis Media Group President Trip Savery reflected on the station’s history, saying, “What we’ve always tried to do is serve the community. 22 years ago, John Curtis noticed that the Hispanic demographic in North Carolina was large but underrepresented on the airwaves. Together, we took a chance and built a brand to serve those voices.”
Among those recognized during the ceremony was Julie Garza, who has been with La Ley for nearly two decades. Garza was nominated last year for the Best Program Director in the United States across all Hispanic media — a testament to her dedication and leadership.
Additionally, key figures in the business success of the station include Liza Govan, Sales Manager at Curtis Media, and Jamie Evans, General Manager at Curtis Media in Goldsboro. Their behind-the-scenes work has played a crucial role in expanding La Ley’s reach and impact.
With a growing listenership and strong community roots, La Ley is poised to continue being a vital voice for Spanish-speaking residents in North Carolina.
Goldsboro, N.C. – North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai visited Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro on Tuesday to tour the facility and discuss ongoing challenges and initiatives. Cherry Hospital is one of three state-run psychiatric hospitals and serves 38 eastern counties.
Joined by senior NCDHHS leaders and hospital staff, Secretary Sangvai toured the treatment mall, patient units, and Riverbend Middle/High School on-site. Discussions focused on pressing issues, including a staffing vacancy rate exceeding 21%, with nearly 200 open positions. The shortage has limited the hospital’s operational capacity to 178 beds, though the facility can accommodate 259.
Officials also addressed the need for a budget update to cover rising staff, food, and utility costs. Cherry Hospital leadership highlighted the upcoming launch of electronic health records aimed at improving care quality and efficiency.
Additionally, the hospital is expanding its support for jail-based capacity restoration services, helping patients deemed incapable of standing trial. This follows recent program expansions in Mecklenburg and Pitt Counties, the latter falling within Cherry’s service region.
Greenville, S.C. (April 23) – University of Mount Olive senior Alan Usher earned Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season, leading a group of seven Trojans recognized with all-conference honors.
Usher becomes just the second player in league history to win the defensive honor twice. He anchored a Trojan defense that ranked second in the conference in scoring defense (9.62) and third in caused turnovers (10.08 per game). Usher started all 13 games, tallying 17 caused turnovers and 21 ground balls.
Joining him on the First-Team were senior midfielder Jack Lewis, face-off specialist Josh Mauer, and defensive midfielder Zachary Taylor. Lewis scored 23 goals, including five man-up goals, and posted a career-high seven points in one game. Mauer led the conference in face-off win percentage (.690) and collected 58 ground balls, while Taylor added 12 caused turnovers, 22 ground balls, and contributed two goals.
The Second-Team honorees included defender Cameron Norton, long stick midfielder Tanner Meijas, and goalkeeper Kurtis Lensing. Norton capped off his career with his fourth Second-Team selection, tying Usher for the team lead with 17 caused turnovers. Meijas led the team with 19 caused turnovers, and Lensing, with a .554 save percentage and 9.41 GAA, made 143 saves in 13 starts.
The Trojans’ seven all-conference selections highlight their continued strength and depth on the field. For more on UMO athletics, visit umotrojans.com.
Goldsboro, NC — Wayne Community College celebrated academic excellence, leadership, and service at its 17th Annual Student Recognition Ceremony, honoring 105 outstanding students from across the institution’s programs for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Held on campus in Goldsboro, the ceremony recognized students for achievements in academics, honors programs, student government, creative arts, and service-based learning. Awards were presented across WCC’s five academic divisions, as well as through various campus organizations and initiatives.
Outstanding Student Curriculum Awards
Each year, one student from each degree or diploma program is selected by faculty for demonstrating exceptional academic performance and dedication to their field. Awards were given across WCC’s five divisions:
Allied Health and Public Services: Included honorees such as Ericka Farrior (Associate Degree Nursing) and Alana Reeves (Dental Hygiene).
Applied Technologies: Notable recipients included Keonte Sidbury (Aviation Systems Technology) and Caleb Ramirez (Welding Technology).
Arts and Sciences: Recognized students included Samantha Macklin (Associate in Arts) and Jacob Shaver (Associate in Science).
Business and Computer Technologies: Standouts included Victor Cervantes (Cybersecurity) and Juan Medrano (Software Development).
Public Safety: Honorees included Jessica Byrd (Criminal Justice) and Aaron Miller (Emergency Management).
Academic Excellence and Honors
Keonte Sidbury received the Academic Excellence Award, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service.
Eleven students were inducted into the WCC Honors Program, including Gabriella Carrasquillo and Ty Johnson, for maintaining high academic standards and demonstrating leadership.
Phi Theta Kappa Honors
Shanequa Edwards and Miranda Jones were named Golden Opportunity Scholars.
Eight students, including Stephanie Alvarez and Trevor Reynolds, received Bison Opportunity Scholarships for excellence in the Upsilon Chi chapter.
Global Learning and Leadership
Five students, including Kitty Wang and Yuri Ponce, were recognized as Scholars of Global Distinction for completing globally focused coursework and cultural experiences.
Cesar Diaz earned Work-Based Learning Student of the Year for his innovation and professionalism in the workplace.
Student Government and Club Excellence
The 2024–2025 Student Government Association Officers were honored: Mario Lopez (President), Hannah Rhodes (Vice President), and Oscar Lugo (Secretary).
WCC Multicultural Club won the Presidential Club Award, with the Science Club and Nursing Students Association (WCCANS) finishing second and third.
Arianna Trent and Nicole Robertson earned Cover Art Awards.
Mary Truhan won the Renaissance Prose Award and the prestigious Beatrice K. Balkcum Literary Award, which comes with a $1,000 scholarship.
Other winners included Justin Oakley (Art Award) and Evan Anderson (Poetry Award).
Dallas Herring Achievement Award
Brittany Bell was named WCC’s nominee for the Dallas Herring Achievement Award, honoring students who embody the values of lifelong learning and educational access championed by Dr. Herring.
Who’s Who Among Students
Forty-three students were inducted into Who’s Who Among Students at Wayne Community College, a distinction awarded to just one percent of the student body. Honorees included Gabriella Carrasquillo, Michael Dylan Pate, Juan Medrano, Keonte Sidbury, and Mercedes Wooten.
About Wayne Community College Located in Goldsboro, N.C., Wayne Community College is a public institution serving approximately 10,000 individuals annually through more than 150 academic, workforce, and continuing education programs. With a mission rooted in accessibility and excellence, WCC aims to meet the educational and cultural needs of Wayne County and surrounding communities.
For more information on WCC programs and student achievements, visit www.waynecc.edu.
Greenville, S.C. (April 23) — University of Mount Olive sophomore Simone McCraw was named the Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year, leading a strong group of seven Trojans honored with all-conference selections for the 2025 season.
McCraw, who ranked sixth nationally with 3.13 caused turnovers per game, helped anchor a Trojan defense that led the league and ranked fifth in the nation in caused turnovers. She also earned First-Team All-Conference honors alongside Logan Hibbard, the team’s offensive leader with 68 points, and standout freshman goalie Lily Mahoney, who posted a 7.21 goals-against average.
Rileigh White and Caroline Clark were named to the Second-Team, while Kayanna Bowden and Madison Dow received Third-Team recognition.
The Trojans’ seven honorees highlight Mount Olive’s continued dominance and depth in Conference Carolinas women’s lacrosse.
Mount Olive, NC –-The aroma of slow-cooked barbecue and fresh sides will fill the air in downtown Mt. Olive this Saturday as the community gathers for a hearty cookout event. Hosted outside the Southern Bank at Center and Main Streets, the event promises delicious Southern fare, fellowship, and fun.
Taking place on April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the cookout will serve up barbecue chicken leg quarter plates featuring green beans, corn on the cob, Hawaiian bread, a cookie, and a refreshing cup of tea.
Covered seating will be available, making it a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for families and neighbors to enjoy a meal together. Plates are priced at $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
Organizers are encouraging the community to come out and support the event while enjoying some of the region’s favorite comfort foods in a laid-back setting.
Dudley, NC – The Combat Veterans Association is set to hold its 4th Annual Bike Blessing and Veterans Home Visit on Saturday, April 26, 2025, inviting riders and community members to take part in a day of remembrance, connection, and service.
The event kicks off with registration from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at American Legion Post 11, located at 2973 US 117 in Dudley. The official Bike Blessing will begin promptly at 10:25 a.m., followed by a heartfelt ride dedicated to honoring and uplifting local veterans.
The cost to participate is $20 per rider and $10 for passengers. Proceeds will support ongoing efforts to assist veterans in the area and raise awareness about their needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a supporter of the veteran community, this event offers a powerful opportunity to give back while experiencing the camaraderie and spirit that drives the Combat Vets Association.
