Williamston-Martin County, NC Village

04/06/2025

Click Link https://amzn.to/3e0uBZk to Order or Review Solving the 1897 Airship Mystery

April 5th, 1897

It will be six years before the Wright Brothers first take flight at Kill Devil Hills. It will be another year before Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin even begins construction of the first airship, LZ-1, and it will be three more years before it flies. So just what is it that dominates the skies over North Carolina for the next three weeks?

It begins a few hours after sunset ON THIS EVENING in 1897.

Hundreds of Wilmington citizens observe "a brilliant floating mass in the heavens" above the city. It comes in from the Atlantic Ocean and passes the town opposite the Market Street dock.

Its course takes it in the direction of the Navassa Guano works. Some people see colored lights; others hear the tinkling of bells. Seen through field glasses, the light in the sky appears to have "wires and ropes about it."

A Wilmington editor after observing it muses if it might be the omen of some coming calamity.

Three nights later, the lights appear over Lumberton. Half a dozen citizens see a "brilliant electric light" moving southwest and darting up and down, disappearing for a few minutes, and then reappearing.

Also this night, the 8th, citizens of Fayetteville, one hundred miles northwest of Wilmington, spy "a big ball of fire" about the size of a football field pass directly over the town. The light seems to be a search-light of some "airship."

It moves west of Fayetteville again at about 8:00 p.m. on April 15th. This time observers also see rigging and red and green lights.

On April 13th, residents of Williamston, 140 miles northeast of Fayetteville, are startled by "a black mass against the moonlit sky, going slowly from South to North" and becoming "brilliantly illuminated."

It ascends rapidly to a great height, throwing "a brilliant light . . . far ahead of it," and vanishes.

On April 22nd at Kenly, in Johnston County, the mayor, chief of police, a prominent physician, the railroad agent, and others spot around 7:30 p.m. "very near the earth, a powerful light that for five minutes rendered "objects as distinct as day" before it shifted and disappeared.

The westernmost sighting is at Chapel Hill in mid-April. Some students at the University of North Carolina, walking at night in the suburbs, observe a "winged wonder." Its "flashlight" was lit but soon vanished, then reappears "with a dazzling brilliancy." Moving "as noiseless as . . . some terrible specter," it speeds away into the Orange County night.

So what was this "brilliant floating mass," "brilliant electric light," "a big ball of fire," "a black mass against the moonlit sky," "brilliantly illuminated," "winged wonder," "dazzling brilliancy," that for three weeks turned the North Carolina night sky into the X-Files?

We'll probably never know, but there is always this explanation from Tommy Lee Jones in the movie Men in Black:
"The flash of light you saw in the sky was not a UFO. Swamp gas from a weather balloon was trapped in a thermal pocket and reflected the light from Venus."

~Kevin E. Spencer, Author, North Carolina Expatriates

Click Link https://amzn.to/3Kg1pgU to Order or View Extraordinary Contact: Life Beyond "Intruders"

04/06/2025

04/06/2025

The state’s largest educator preparation program has seen the number of high school graduates wanting to pursue careers in the classroom decline by about 30% since COVID, deepening concerns over

04/06/2025

04/05/2025

William Henry Dixon Jr.
Obituary

William Henry Dixon Jr.
September 14, 1948 – March 29, 2025

William Henry Dixon Jr., lovingly known as "Buddy," was called home on March 29, 2025. He was Born on September 14, 1948, in Williamston, NC, Buddy was the beloved son of the late William Henry Dixon Sr. and Irene Bennett Dixon.

Buddy was a man of profound love and dedication to his family and friends. Known for his unwavering loyalty as a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and his passion for bowling, Buddy found joy in life's simplest pleasures.

He attended E.J. Hayes School in Williamston, NC, before moving to Stamford, CT, where he began his career at Capital Records.

In April 1976, he married Vallerie Ann Roberson, and the two shared a loving union until her passing.

Buddy is survived by his devoted companion Sylvia Miller; daughters, Evette Dixon-Murtha (Emmett), Trudy Skinner, and Jomya Dixon; son, and one son, William Roberson Sr. (Valaneice). His cherished grandchildren include Dante, Shawn, Legend, A'Kera, Ryan, William Jr., Tyzhae, Jarnah, Wy'Kiea, Trenisha, Darion, and Ezra, alongside 17 great-grandchildren.

He also leaves behind his brother, Allen R. Dixon (Roxie); sister Margret Brawley; uncle Richard; Aunt Ida; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Buddy was blessed with bonus sons Antonio, Rob, Andre, and Jerrod, and his dear sister-in-law Audrey Roberson. Childhood friend Elijah Ward also held a special place in his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Vallerie Ann Roberson-Dixon; son William Henry Dixon III; brother William (Clayton); and sisters Beaulah, Fannie, Dorothy, and Mary Frances.

Buddy's life was a testament to love, family, and friendship. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will forever remain in their hearts.

Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday April 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm At Cartwright Funeral Home in Wi******er, Virginia.

Viewing will be April 5, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the funeral Home.

Inurnment will be at a later date.
Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to
Cartwright Funeral Home
Wi******er, VA
cartwrightfuneralhome.com

04/05/2025

Time is near for enforcement of Williamston grass ordinance
By John Foley Managing Editor,

If the site of yellow pollen is causing residents to see red through the reaction eyes have to the irritant, they will be happy to know there may only be a few weeks left of North Carolina Pine Pollen season.

However, once the yellow coating on cars disappears, it’s time to begin measuring the height of grass. As the grass grows, so does Williamston code enforcement initiative. Grass cutting season is ramping up.

The town of Williamston’s W**d and Vegetation ordinance states the maximum height of a lawn cannot exceed 10 inches. For comparison, the average height of grass on most golf course fairways is less than half an inch. The rough in most courses is between one and three inches during the summer.

“We’re coming into the season. Code enforcement hasn’t been too busy yet, but we will get busy once the grass, the underbrush and weeds begin to grow,” said Williamston Planning and Zoning Director Andrew Brownfield.

Currently, Brownfield is overseeing the town’s code enforcement efforts since the former code enforcement officer resigned earlier in the year.

“April really begins the busy season. That’s when everything is growing rapidly,” he said.

In the past, under the former code enforcement officer, the ordinance was enforced with a certain aggressiveness that concerned some property owners.

Property owner Michael Weeks previously had raised concerns on more than one occasion about being fined for garden refuse on his property. Heavy undergrowth also comes under scrutiny.

The ordinance clearly states the occupant’s responsibilities.

According to the ordinance, heavy under growths and excessive accumulations of plant growth such as grass and weeds shall not be permitted to exceed 10 inches in height upon occupied property or vacant lots within the town.

Every owner, lessee, occupant or person in possession of property in the town shall cut down, within 10 inches of the ground, all weeds, grass or other noxious growth thereon as often as may be necessary and at least twice each year, the first time not later than June 15 and the second time not later than Sept. 15 of each year.

If the grass is not cut after a nuisance notice is given, the town can cure the condition. The property owner will be charged by the town and if not paid, the costs shall be a lien upon the land or premises where the nuisance was situated and collected as unpaid taxes.

While Brownfield is anticipating a busy grass growing season due the current weather conditions and he expects to be busy, he is pleased to report the effort to revitalize vacant buildings in the downtown district is moving in the right direction.

“Right now there are three buildings in downtown currently being worked on. There is a lot of activity in town. LaShonda (Cartwright) recently returned from a N.C. Main Street conference and gained a lot of information,” said Brownfield.

Currently, the administration is searching for an assistant code enforcement officer. The position is classified part-time at a maximum of 19 hours per week. Applicants will be required to enforce the code of ordinances. The starting hiring pay is $18.70 an hour.

To apply send a resume to Town of Williamston, P.O. Box 506, 102 E. Main Street, Williamston, NC.

If the site of yellow pollen is causing residents to see red through the reaction eyes have to the irritant, they will be happy to know there may only be

04/04/2025

The Great Ga***rd

04/03/2025

Click Link https://amzn.to/3LAfKF6 to Order or View Field Armies and Fortifications in the Civil War: The Eastern Campaigns

April 03 1863 (Friday)

Despite being trapped by Confederate forces in Washington, North Carolina, Union Department of North Carolina commander John G. Foster reports: “I am quite confident that I can hold out here till the place is relieved. I shall not leave until that time, as I consider my presence absolutely necessary.”

According to Foster, “firing on both sides has been continued at intervals since Wednesday, but without material injury or effect.”

Confederate commander Richard B. Garnett reports his position, in front of the fortifications: "My forces are in front of and below the town. I deemed these the best positions to threaten the enemy and prevent his escape.... I am satisfied that without long-range artillery to silence the enemy's batteries I cannot assail the town without great sacrifice of men, with doubtful hope of success."

However, Garnett has been able to force the Yankees back into their entrenchments, thus opening the countryside for his foragers.

James Longstreet informs Robert E. Lee of his timetable. "It will require two [more weeks] to move out to Suffolk and draw the supplies from there. Can we afford to consume this time and reach you before the enemy can move?"

Longstreet also renews his request for "two more brigades" to speed his operation, but is rebuffed by Lee who is now convinced that Burnside's Ninth Corps has been transferred to Kentucky. "You are...relieved of half the force that has been opposed to you. You will therefore be strong enough to make any movement that you may consider advisable."

HEADQUARTERS, April 3, 1863.
General R.E. LEE, Commanding:

I started down for the Blackwater for the purpose of making arrangements for crossing a force for foraging in the counties east of the Chowan [River].... I hope to be able to cross...and to forage all the counties east of the Chowan.... I believe...that a sudden vigorous attack upon Suffolk would give me that place, but I see no chance of getting the garrison unless I can get assistance from the Navy.... I shall move...across the Blackwater as soon as I can get substantial crossings, and at least make a forced reconnaissance while I endeavor to draw off subsistence and quartermasters' stores.

If more can be done without great sacrifice I shall do it.... I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

In order to take a break from his grueling daily schedule, President Lincoln plans a five-day Easter vacation. Arrangements are made for Lincoln to travel to Falmouth, Virginia, and visit Joseph Ho**er and the Army of the Potomac.

He writes: "Our plan is to pass Saturday night on the boat; go over from Aquia Creek to your camp Sunday morning; [and] remain with you till Tuesday morning." Of the reason for the trip, says Lincoln, "[Ho**er] can fight. I think that is pretty well established, but whether he can 'keep tavern' for a large army is not so sure."
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 3, 1863.

To His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I am rejoiced to learn that you have appointed a time to visit this army, and only regret that your party is not as large as our hospitality.... I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER,Major-General, Commanding.

Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. J.A. Garfield, Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland, reports “the fleet was attacked at Palmyra last night by the rebels, “who had six pieces of artillery.”

2. J.T. Copeland leads a reconnaissance from Fairfax Court-House to Middleburg, Virginia. Copeland is instructed to search “diligently through that whole section of country” for the “whereabouts of Mosby.”

Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. J.R. Chalmers’ Fifth Military District is to consist of the “two upper tiers of counties of the State of Mississippi.”

2. A.G. Blanchard is “relieved from conscript duty in Louisiana,” and ordered to report to Little Rock, Arkansas, “for assignment to duty.”

Click Link https://amzn.to/3DzTZT7 to Order or View Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General

04/03/2025

Click https://amzn.to/3XIlpBw to Order Your Bertie County Peanuts

Left Wendell heading to Aulander, saw our signs, made a screeching halt, and loaded up on Bertie County Peanuts!

04/03/2025

04/03/2025

MCHS Chefs Among State’s Best

Martin County High School’s Junior Chef Team - Cloudy With A Chance Of Pasta - took second place in the statewide competition on Friday, March 21. They were one of five teams from across North Carolina to make the final round.

Chefs Jasmine Roberson, Miley Harrington, and Ryan Windley, all seniors at Martin County High School, accepted the challenge of creating a recipe suitable for school lunch. This process began with the trio in Joyner’s Culinary Arts I class.

According to April Joyner, a Family and Consumer Science instructor at Martin County High School, the recipe must include two products grown in North Carolina. It must also meet sodium and calorie guidelines for National School Lunch Program nutrition standards. On top of everything else, the meal should be created with student tastes in mind.

The “Cloudy with a Chance of Pasta” team from Martin County High won second place and a silver medal for their delicious, comfort food Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe accompanied by a fresh salad with homemade apple cider vinaigrette.

“I've had the privilege of working with these students at different points in their high school career, I've seen them grow up before my eyes,” explained Joyner. “Their dedication to the N.C. Jr. Chef competition was inspirational; not once did they complain. I look forward to watching these seniors graduate, and I know their future is bright. I'm honored to be their teacher.”

Miley Harrington, a senior at Martin County High School, was excited about the outcome of this competition.

“As a senior, I am absolutely thrilled with our placing in this competition. I have been taking culinary classes since I was a freshman and have always enjoyed cooking and learning about the nutritional factors behind each recipe,” she said. “This competition has taught me about all the hard work that goes into meal preparation for our schools and how it is not just a simple task. I encourage everyone to take culinary or foods and nutrition because it is a very beneficial class to have to help prepare you for the future.”

Teammate Ryan Windley shared Harrington’s enthusiasm. “I'm proud I was given the opportunity to compete, and I'm very proud of my teammates and our instructors for getting so far. We may not have gotten first place, but making it to the finalists, along with the other schools' fantastic meals, is more than enough. I loved being included in this competition and can't wait to see other students from our school hopefully win first place in the coming years.”

Jasmine Roberson, the third chef on the team, came in later in the process but that did not stop her from learning.
“I’ve really enjoyed making dishes with my fellow teammates, Miley & Ryan. I joined at the last minute, so I wasn’t able to help plan the meals. Although I did love putting everything we’ve learned in Ms. Joyner's Class in action. Being in second place was a great feeling, especially since we were representing Martin County Schools. I was nervous about everything, knowing I wasn’t there in the beginning. But it came out great! I loved working with Ms.Joyner & am grateful for the opportunity!”

All the teams showcased their knowledge and skills in the culinary competition. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green offered his congratulations to all the teams.

“Congratulations to each of the NC Jr. Chef teams,” Green said. “The NC Jr. Chef Competition is a wonderful collaboration among school and community partners to offer students an opportunity to explore future career options and apply lessons learned in the classroom to a real-world application in creating recipes for appealing, nutritious school meals.”

The high school students were challenged to work with their teachers and school nutrition administrators to develop a creative recipe for a school lunch entrée that met a list of requirements: compliant with school nutrition program standards, including at least two North Carolina-grown products and one USDA Foods item, replicable by school nutrition programs and appealing to students. For the competition, all finalist teams submitted an application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) with their recipe, recipe photo, nutrient and cost analysis, a work plan for preparing the entree within 90 minutes and a video of their team preparing and plating their creation. The Jr. Chefs also participated in a virtual interview to present their entree to a panel of evaluators. Teams were evaluated on their recipe development, use of locally grown ingredients, culinary and food safety skills, organization, teamwork, knowledge of nutrition and farm-to-school, and public presentation.

“In working with their local school nutrition programs, students learn about and appreciate all that goes on behind the scenes to create recipes for school meals that not only meet required nutrition guidelines, but also appeal to students,” NCDPI’s Senior Director for School Nutrition said Rachel Findley. “In addition, they learn about farm to school and how schools and farms can work together to provide agriculture and nutrition education and incorporate locally grown foods in school meals.”

NC Jr. Chef finalist teams were recognized through a virtual awards ceremony. The students received their own NC Jr. Chef coats and hats. They also received certificates and medals based on team scores. First, second, and third-place teams received plaques to display in their schools, and the first-place team had the honor of hosting the competition trophy until the next cook-off.

Sullivan University in Kentucky will offer scholarships to the members of the top three teams.

Martin Innovative Early College Program
MCS - Career & Technical Education

04/03/2025

https://www.witn.com/video/2025/04/03/martin-general-begins-phase-one-work-get-facility-ready-be-sold-or-leased/

WITN First At Four

04/01/2025

Tickets for our first Grandfather by Night event will go on sale at 10 a.m. TOMORROW!
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! We are offering two versions of the series this year: the Twilight Hike and the accessible Naturalist Program.
In the Twilight Hike version, you’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting), embark on a night hike and experience the mountain as never before!
These events tend to sell out fast, so visit grandfather.com/event/by-night-1 to secure your tickets!
📸: Leslie Restivo Photography | GMSF

Tickets for our first Grandfather by Night event will go on sale at 10 a.m. TOMORROW!

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! We are offering two versions of the series this year: the Twilight Hike and the accessible Naturalist Program.

In the Twilight Hike version, you’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting), embark on a night hike and experience the mountain as never before!

These events tend to sell out fast, so visit grandfather.com/event/by-night-1 to secure your tickets!

📸: Leslie Restivo Photography | GMSF

04/01/2025

April Music
4/3 Open mic 6:30
4/4 Swimming with Sharks 6pm
4/5 Carolina Still 6pm
4/6 Erik Everhart 2pm
4/10 Open mic 6:30
4/11Cuz'n Kirk 6pm
4/12 JD & CLAY 6pm
4/13 Morgan Hudson 2pm
4/17 Open mic 6:30pm
4/18 Noah Jackson Cobb 6pm
4/19 Wailin' Maylon 6pm
4/20 Earl Ragland & the Ragtags 2pm
4/24 Open mic 6:30pm
4/25 Lipbone Redding 6pm
4/26 Chuck Phillipps & JB 6pm
4/27 Ronnie Cottle 2pm

4/30 The Listening Room Session with Erik Everhart & Noah Jackson Cobb has been moved to Pebble Beach from High Water

04/01/2025

You will be missed "Lil" Baby!!!!! True Hero to Gman!!!!! No better example of a Unconditional Friend thru the Good and Bad!!!! He showed Love to everyone he knew. To know "Lil" Baby was to Love Him!!! Prayers Go out To Wanda His Children and all his Family. Prayers are coming from Shaw's this morning for sure. I can tell you Gman is going to miss his Little Buddy!!!!