Wilson County Coverage

Crash shuts down I-795 near the border of Wilson, Wayne counties for hours

More than a dozen cars are involved in the crash, including a tanker truck. WRAL spoke with drivers on the interstate who believe the accident was caused by a fire in a nearby wheat field, which made visibility on the road difficult.

I-795 reopens hours after 24-car crash shut down the road in both directions

Drivers at the interstate said the accident was caused by a fire nearby, which created poor visibility on the interstate.

Eric MIller, WRAL multimedia journalist

At late son's vigil, mother pleads for children to be careful who they hang around

A vigil was held Thursday night to honor the life of 14-year-old Bernard Williams.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

State works to replenish rural NC's supply of COVID-19 tests

Four counties in eastern North Carolina say they've been completely out of COVID-19 tests from the state for a number of days. State leaders say their rapid tests are just a small part of the options available for people to get tested, but some rural healthcare leaders say those tests still matter.

Three NC counties completely out of state-provided COVID-19 tests

Four counties in eastern North Carolina say they've been completely out of COVID-19 tests from the state for a number of days.

Keenan Willard, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

New interstate hopes to bring access to Greenville

A stretch of U.S. Highway 264 between Wilson and Greenville is becoming the new Interstate 587. It's the first interstate to bring access to Greenville.

Keenan Willard, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

Elm City has first Black mayor, Black board of commissioners in town history

The 57 percent Black community of Elm City now has the first majority-Black Board of Commissioners in Elm City history.

Elm City elects first Black woman mayor, first majority-Black board of commissioners

This week the Wilson County town of Elm City elected its first Black woman mayor along with the town's first majority-Black board of commissioners.

Keenan Williard, WRAL Eastern North Carolina Reporter

Feds, Wilson County settle lawsuit over 911 operator's sexual harassment, firing

The U.S. Department of Justice and Wilson County have agreed to settle a lawsuit over the firing of a 911 operator who had complained about being sexually harassed on the job.

8 NC schools nationally recognized for exceptional academic performance, improvement

The U.S. Department of Education announced the National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021 on Tuesday. The 39-year-old program awards schools with "exemplary" performance on state or nationally distributed tests or in closing "achievement gaps."

Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

Wilson Co. schools proposal would OK searches of students' cell phones for texts, pictures

Parents in the Wilson County school district are calling a proposed rule that would allow student's phones to be searched in school a breach of privacy.

Keenan Willard, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

Wilson County students mask up, prepare for new year

The first day of school in Wilson County, after more than a year, was a success.

First day of school a success in Wilson County

Teachers at Springfield Middle School in Wilson County were working hard to make sure students' first day back at school was special and safe.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Justice Department sues Wilson County over 911 operator's sexual harassment, firing

The U.S. Department of Justice filed suit Wednesday against Wilson County, alleging that a 911 operator was fired after she complained about being sexually harassed on the job.

Only on WRAL: Wrongfully-convicted man who spent 43 years in prison says Wilson County's reimbursement isn't enough

"It makes me still want to cry, how much time I spent in prison," Charles Ray Finch said.

Keenan Willard, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

Silver Alert canceled for Wilson County man

Frederick Luranza Jones was last seen on the 400 block of East Nash Street. Jones, 40, was wearing a tank top and gray sweatpants at the time of his disappearance.

Teacher of the Week: Marquyse Jackson

Marquyse is in his second year of teaching full-time at Toisnot Middle School in Wilson. He's glad to see students back in the classroom.

Wilson County becomes model for mass vaccinations

Unlike some counties where vaccination efforts led to appointment scheduling difficulties and people turned away after waiting in long lines, Wilson County not only didn't send anyone home without a shot one day last week, officials actually asked more people to come out.

Indira Eskieva, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

Wilson County vaccinated 2,200 people in one day

Unlike some counties where vaccination efforts led to appointment scheduling difficulties and people turned away after waiting in long lines, Wilson County not only didn't send anyone home without a shot one day last week, officials actually asked more people to come out.

Wilson County implements new system to help with COVID vaccine calls

To get a vaccine in Wilson County, you must call a hotline set up by the Wilson County Health Department and schedule an appointment.

Indira Eskieva, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

Wilson County works on registration delay for COVID vaccines

A vaccine in the arm - is the magic elixir so many are after. In some counties, it's a long line, in other counties long wait times by the phone.

Former Gov. Jim Hunt urges people to get vaccinated

Former Gov. Jim Hunt and his wife were among those who had appointments Wednesday for coronavirus vaccine shots in Wilson County.

Jammed phone lines create problems with Wilson County's vaccination effort

Although North Carolina remains focused on vaccinating health care workers and residents and staff in long-term care facilities against coronavirus, some area counties are also starting to vaccinate people ages 75 and older.

Vaccine rollout causes confusion, frustration across central NC

Although North Carolina remains focused on vaccinating health care workers and residents and staff in long-term care facilities against coronavirus, some area counties are also starting to vaccinate people ages 75 and older.

Sloane Heffernan and Amanda Lamb, WRAL reporters

Three local school districts participating in coronavirus rapid testing pilot program

Three central North Carolina school districts were selected to participate in the pilot program of COVID-19 rapid testing in K-12 Public Schools.