April 30, 2009, RALEIGH – Gov. Perdue is taking additional steps to ensure the state’s budget is balanced by June 30, 2009.

This move comes in response to an analysis by the Office of State Budget Management that indicates the budget shortfall for fiscal year 2008-09 will likely exceed $3 billion. The Governor recently signed Executive Order 11 which implements a flexible furlough program for all state employees, which equates to $65 million this year. All teachers’ and state employees’ compensation will be reduced by an annualized amount equivalent to 0.5 percent for the remainder of the fiscal year, and each employee will receive 10 hours of flexible time off in exchange. In addition, she has identified funds to close the remaining budget gap which include capturing more special funds, tapping the state’s Savings Reserve Account, and utilizing federal recovery dollars.

April 30, 2009, GOLDSBORO – The Wayne County Regional Fair Grounds will host antique farm equipment days, Friday and Saturday, May 1 and May 2, from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening, on both days. There will be displays and operation antique farm equipment, homemade ice cream, food, kiddy tractor pull and race, a garden tractor pull, and crafts.

April 30, 2009, GOLDSBORO – The Cornerstone Commons Goldsboro, which is on the corner of Center St. and Chestnut St, will host a Multicultural Festival for the community and car show, Saturday, May 2 from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening.

April 30, 2009, GOLDSBORO – You still have a few more weeks to view paintings Jeffery Boyette. The art work will be on display until May 29 in the T.A. Loving Gallery, which is in the upper level of the Arts Council of Wayne County located on E. Ash St.

April 30, 2009, GOLDSBORO – More than a dozen F-15E Strike Eagles, two DC-10s and a C-17 Globemaster departed Seymour Johnson en route to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, Wednesday, April 29.

Approximately 350 deploying Airmen from the 336th Fighter Squadron and 4th Maintenance Group will spend the next four months providing close-air support for Operation Enduring Freedom, which began in October 2001 in response to the terror attacks of September 11.

As part of the Obama administration’s plan to stabilize Afghanistan, an additional 21,000 service members are joining the fight. The resulting boost in ground operations should keep the Airmen busy throughout the summer with close-air support requirements. And, in light of U.S. Central Command commander Gen. David Petraeus’s recent comments on insurgent activity in Afghanistan, there will be no shortage of opportunities for the Strike Eagle to prove its worth. Wing Commander Colonel Kelly said he is confident his Airmen are up to the challenge.

April 30, 2009, GOLDSBORO – This week is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and the theme this year is 25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act. And the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network held a ceremony Wednesday, April 29th at the Crime Victim Memorial Garden in Raleigh.

Reuben F. Young, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, spoke at the ceremony. He said, “This year, Governor Perdue awarded more than $12 million to victim services programs throughout the state. Services range from around-the-clock crisis lines, court advocacy, crisis intervention, victim notification, therapeutic intervention, mentoring, free legal services, help with domestic violence protection orders and transportation. This funding is crucial to helping victims get back on their feet.”

April 29, 2009, GOLDSBORO – You have one more day to view artwork from the artists of Carolina Artist Studios in Morehead City, which is the largest gallery representing North Carolina artists. You can find the exhibit in the lower level gallery of the Arts Council of Wayne County located on E. Ash Street.

April 29, 2009, GOLDSBORO — The Partnership for Children of Wayne County is hosting a Lobster and Shrimp Fest Fundraiser, Friday, May 1, from 2 until 6 in the evening at 800 North William Street. Cost is $25 per tickets and all proceeds will help to provide college scholarships for child care providers.

The Partnership for Children of Wayne County, Inc. is a non-profit organization designed to provide programs and services for families and children in Wayne County, North Carolina, by providing or connecting families with early care & education, health, and family support services needed for young children.

April 29, 2009, GOLDSBORO — April is designated as the Month of the Military Child nationwide, and the U.S. Department of Defense said this designation underscores the important role military children play in the armed forces community.

The Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and challenges they overcome. Military children face many obstacles unique to their situation, such as having a parent deployed for extended periods of time and frequently being uprooted from school, and Charles B. Aycock High School will celebrate with a Military Family Celebration today, April 29 at 9 in the morning in the new gym.

April 29, 2009, GOLDSBORO — You have two opportunities to donate blood and save a life, Thursday, April 30 at local Red Cross Blood Drives.

Drives will take place at Rosewood High School and Wayne Community College from 9 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon. And as a thank you for participating all presenting donors get to enter in a drawing for a seven day cruise for two, and all donors get an Adam’s Car Wash Coupon!