Jobless claims fall to five-year low

The Associated Press | May 3, 2013 - 10:02am

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to seasonally adjusted 324,000, the lowest since January 2008.

Halle buys Ford’s Colony golf course

By John Henderson | May 2, 2013 - 10:20pm

A Maryland company that bought out the former Ford’s Colony in Rocky Mount has purchased a contiguous golf course that was under bank ownership.

Duke Energy to market Middlesex industrial site

By John Henderson | May 1, 2013 - 11:11pm

Duke Energy will be hiring a nationally known consulting firm to evaluate and market an industrial site in Middlesex to potential industries.

Downtown restaurant aims for June opening

By Brie Handgraaf | May 1, 2013 - 11:10pm

While the smells coming from the Thorpe Building on the Douglas Block are construction-related now, tenant Ed Wiley III said he is eager to have the smoky aroma of fall-off-the-bone barbecue replace paint smells in about a month.

Auto makers report surge in sales

The Associated Press | May 1, 2013 - 5:55pm

DETROIT — Ford, GM, Chrysler and Nissan all reported double-digit U.S. sales increases last month, signaling the best April for car and truck sales in six years.

Consumers boost spending in March

The Associated Press | April 30, 2013 - 12:42am

WASHINGTON — Americans kept increasing their spending in March and their income grew, further indication that consumers are shaking off higher taxes.

Female auctioneer leads car sales in High Point

By Mark Wineka
Salisbury Post | April 28, 2013 - 10:29pm

HIGH POINT — By the time Becky Tarlton takes her position behind the counter, elevated above the No. 3 Express Lane at the Mendenhall Auto Action, she already has warmed up her vocal chords.

Company sets sail in rough times

By John Henderson
Staff Writer | April 26, 2013 - 4:43pm

Woody Riddick said he’s found his niche in life – building boats.

Drop in gas prices benefits motorists, economy

The Associated Press | April 25, 2013 - 11:18pm

NEW YORK — A sharp decline in the price of oil this month is making gasoline cheaper at a time of year when it typically gets more expensive.

U.S. Cellular offers free network trial

By John Henderson | April 25, 2013 - 11:04pm

U.S. Cellular has chosen the Rocky Mount area as one of the first in the country to implement a new program offering consumers a free trial of its network at no cost.

Dunham's Sports to open in Golden East Crossing

By John Henderson | April 24, 2013 - 4:04pm

Dunham’s Sports will fill most of the anchor space in the Golden East Crossing that was vacated by Sears nearly two years ago, a press release from the mall states.

Couple’s business finds new uses for old barns

The Associated Press | April 23, 2013 - 11:50pm

RALEIGH — Vines creep along the gaps in the barn’s aged boards, the wood bowed but firm beneath a roof streaked silver and red.

Retiree takes a shot at owning business

By John Henderson
Staff Writer | April 21, 2013 - 8:00am

Roy Spain has opened a shop that focuses on his passion of shooting sports.

Google to invest $600M in Lenoir data center

The Associated Press | April 19, 2013 - 8:28pm

CHARLOTTE — Google said Friday it will invest more than $600 million in its North Carolina data center and take part in a new renewable energy program being developed by Duke Energy.

N.C. unemployment rate drops in March

The Associated Press | April 19, 2013 - 8:27pm

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s unemployment rate fell to 9.2 percent in March, its lowest level in more than a year, but other data in the monthly report by the state Commerce Department Friday signaled job prospects were barely improving.

Smithfield's to re-open but no word on Madison

By John Henderson | April 18, 2013 - 7:20pm

As one local eatery that was damaged by a fire last summer prepares to reopen, the fate of another that closed at the beginning of the year remains a question mark.

Bank of America to settle class-action lawsuit

April 17, 2013 - 12:58pm

NEW YORK — Bank of America has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by investors who bought mortgage investments from Countrywide Financial, the California-based lender it acquired in 2008.

Stock market rebounds after worst day of year

The Associated Press | April 16, 2013 - 10:12pm

NEW YORK — A strong report on housing and good quarterly earnings from several major companies helped the stock market rebound after its worst day of the year.

USA South championships pack local hotels

By John Henderson | April 15, 2013 - 10:28pm

Ten local hotels reported being booked up with athletes and their families during the USA South Conference Spring Sports Championships that concluded Sunday.

Homebuilders group marks 50th anniversary

By Jenny White | April 15, 2013 - 5:26pm

Local home builders recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Rocky Mount Area Home Builders Association, which traces its genesis back to 1963 and several iconic craftsmen from the area.

Restaurants, shops to open at Barkley Square

By John Henderson | April 14, 2013 - 9:24pm

A new shopping center being built on Sunset Avenue across the street from Harris-Teeter will feature several eateries.

Range tests clays shooters’ skills

By John Henderson
Staff Writer | April 14, 2013 - 8:00pm

People exiting their cars on weekends at the Rose Hill Conference Center in Nashville often hear shotguns in the distance.

Longtime pharmacy to stop dispensing drugs

By John Henderson | April 12, 2013 - 8:26pm

Thompson Pharmacy will stop dispensing prescription drugs at the end of this month.

Social media rescues Lexington restaurant

The Associated Press | April 11, 2013 - 7:11pm

LEXINGTON — Bridge construction for most people would just equate to finding an alternate route to their destination, but for Lexington Style Trimmings that construction has meant hard financial times.

Owner, city disagree over Subway closing

By John Henderson | April 10, 2013 - 9:30pm

A Subway restaurant in the Douglas Block project has closed after only a year and a half 
in business.