Celeste Smith
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Articles by Celeste Smith
Preparation underway for Lexington Barbecue Festival Original
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — Getting ready to feed thousands of hungry festivalgoers is no small task. With the 42nd Lexington Barbecue Festival just days away, participating local restaurants are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the year. Three restaurants are participating, including Speedy’s Barbecue, The Barbecue Center and Stamey’s Barbecue of Tyro.
Burlington businesses prepare for downtown revitalization project
BURLINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) -- Downtown Burlington is getting a major facelift as the city continues its efforts to improve downtown with a new streetscape project set to start early next week. With businesses already navigating ongoing construction, many are wondering if this could present additional challenges. The city is investing in a downtown that's more pedestrian-friendly with wider sidewalks, new benches, trees and improved lighting. “We know it's been ...
Burlington businesses prepare for downtown revitalization project Original
BURLINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — Downtown Burlington is getting a major facelift as the city continues its efforts to improve downtown with a new streetscape project set to start early next week. With businesses already navigating ongoing construction, many are wondering if this could present additional challenges. The city is investing in a downtown that’s more pedestrian-friendly with wider sidewalks, new benches, trees and improved lighting.
Greensboro City Council hears from universities about data centers Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The Greensboro City Council is continuing its review of data centers as a temporary moratorium remains in place. At a work session on Tuesday, university experts weighed in on perspectives on emerging technology, workforce development and AI research. This was the fifth of six scheduled work sessions. “A lot of times, we conflate the data center development with AI, but data centers are not just about AI.
ABSS leaders discuss future of historic Sellars-Gunn property Original
ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — The future of a historic property in Alamance County is up for discussion. The Alamance-Burlington School System is considering what’s next for the Sellars-Gunn Educational Center, a property with a rich history. ABSS school board is still in the early stages of this process, and while no decisions have been made yet, school board leaders are hoping this historic property can be preserved.
Guilford County makes final preparations ahead of early voting starting in 2 days Original
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Early voting in Guilford County begins in just two days, with some big federal, state and local races on the ballot for the midterm elections. That includes the U.S. Senate race and congressional races. “The good news is we’re set up and ready to go. We’re just doing the final poll worker trainings,” Guilford County Board of Elections Director Charlie Collicutt said. The Guilford County Board of Elections said that around 600 poll workers will help during early voting.
Montgomery County hit by tornado, National Weather Service confirms
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — A tornado touched down in Montgomery County over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists say preliminary findings show the tornado that hit Candor was at least a high-end EF-1, with a path stretching about one-third of a mile. Three tornado warnings were issued in Montgomery County and Randolph County on Sunday. No serious injuries have been reported, but the storm damaged a business and a home in Montgomery County.
13-year-old NC girl weighed 35 pounds when she died, officials say; mother charged with murder year later
HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — A woman who was recently charged with murder nearly a year after her daughter was found dead appeared in court on Friday. Kymberli Tiesha Bowden, 44, of High Point, was charged with first-degree murder. In 2025, she was charged with two counts of felony child abuse and concealing a death after her 13-year-old daughter, identified as ZT, was found dead at a home on East Farris Avenue in October of 2025.
13-year-old High Point girl weighed 35 pounds when she died, officials say; Mother charged with murder year later Original
HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — A woman who was recently charged with murder nearly a year after her daughter was found dead appeared in court on Friday. Kymberli Tiesha Bowden, 44, of High Point, was charged with first-degree murder. In 2025, she was charged with two counts of felony child abuse and concealing a death after her 13-year-old daughter, identified as ZT, was found dead at a home on East Farris Avenue in October of 2025.
Greensboro landlords face tougher fines for unsafe rental conditions Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Higher penalties for landlords who fail to fix unsafe living conditions could mean new hope for Greensboro renters. Six months ago, the city council approved tougher fines aimed at holding property owners accountable. While the council approved the changes back in April, they didn’t take effect until late July, and now, the city says no new penalty letters have been issued, but it expects to send them within the next 30 days.
Man accused of rape, kidnapping in Greensboro at Bravo Inn appears in court
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A man who faces multiple felony charges, including rape and kidnapping, appeared in court on Wednesday. On Aug. 1 around 4 a.m., Guilford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Bravo Inn on Osborne Road in Greensboro for a reported rape and robbery, according to a GCSO news release. The victim reported being raped and robbed at gunpoint of about $200.
Accused Royal Banquet shooter appears in Greensboro court, granted no bond Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A teen charged in connection with shooting 10 people at Royal Banquet Hall in Greensboro had his first court appearance on Wednesday. Greensboro Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced on Tuesday that Taiwan Howard Jr., 19, of Greensboro, had been charged with ten counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injuries and one count of felony discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear.
Greensboro program aims to tackle neighborhood traffic problems; applications now open Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — If you’ve ever watched cars fly down your street or use your neighborhood as a shortcut, now’s your chance to get help from the City of Greensboro. The city has opened its third round of applications for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. People on David Caldwell Drive say one of their chief complaints was the number of cars that cut through the neighborhood, and recent traffic-calming measures have helped.
Guilford County Sheriff’s Office investigating embattled Greensboro cemetery
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is launching a criminal investigation into an embattled Greensboro cemetery. The North Carolina Cemetery Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter to National Vault Services, which appears to own Piedmont Memorial Park Cemetery on McConnell Road, on Sept. 10. “We believe that National Vault Services may be operating the Piedmont Cemetery illegally,” the state commission said in the letter.
NC man ‘extreme danger’ to children after sex crime allegations, prosecutor says
HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — A High Point man facing more than 60 charges related to the alleged sexual exploitation of minors made his first court appearance on Friday. Spencer Allen Kearns, 31, is facing over 60 charges relating to the possession or dissemination of child sex abuse material. The investigation began in June when the High Point Police Department detective assigned to the Triad ICAC Task Force received reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Guilford County Sheriff’s Office investigating embattled Greensboro cemetery Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is launching a criminal investigation into an embattled Greensboro cemetery. The North Carolina Cemetery Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter to National Vault Services, which appears to own Piedmont Memorial Park Cemetery on McConnell Road, on Sept. 10. “We believe that National Vault Services may be operating the Piedmont Cemetery illegally,” the state commission said in the letter.
No response from Greensboro cemetery after state issues cease-and-desist order Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A cease-and-desist letter to the owner of a Greensboro cemetery went unanswered as the deadline to respond passed, according to the North Carolina Cemetery Commission. The North Carolina Cemetery Commission issued the cease-and-desist letter to National Vault Services, which appears to own Piedmont Memorial Park Cemetery on McConnell Road, on Sept. 10.
Gun Stoppers reward increased for tips about illegal guns in Greensboro, Guilford County Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A program aimed at getting illegal guns off Greensboro and Guilford County streets is now doubling the cash reward for tips. Greensboro Guilford Crime Stoppers announced today that its Gun Stoppers initiative is increasing the reward for each qualifying illegal firearm recovered. Leaders with Crime Stoppers say this boosted reward amount, which takes effect immediately, is not a response to one specific act of violence.
NC A&T State University police prepares for large crowds for milestone 100th GHOE Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — North Carolina A&T State University’s 100 Greatest Homecoming on Earth, fondly known as GHOE, is just over four weeks away, taking over the last week of October, with game day set for Oct. 31. The university estimates crowds will reach more than 200,000 people, and campus police say safety planning is ramping up as they prepare to welcome the influx of people to campus for the milestone homecoming.
NC A&T State University police prepares for large crowds for milestone 100th GHOE
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) -- North Carolina A&T State University’s 100 Greatest Homecoming on Earth, fondly known as GHOE, is just over four weeks away, taking over the last week of October, with game day set for Oct. 31. The university estimates crowds will reach more than 200,000 people, and campus police say safety planning is ramping up as they prepare to welcome the influx of people to campus for the milestone homecoming.
Man accused of shooting 2 at Caraway Speedway in Randolph County in court Original
RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — A Guilford County man accused of shooting two people at Caraway Speedway in Randolph County on Saturday faced a judge for the first time on Monday. Cameras weren’t allowed in the courtroom, but 22-year-old Derek Marshall appeared virtually from jail. The judge advised him that he was being held without bond. Marshall faces two felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.
Man accused of shooting 2 at Caraway Speedway in Randolph County appears in court
RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — A Guilford County man accused of shooting two people at Caraway Speedway in Randolph County on Saturday faced a judge for the first time on Monday. Cameras weren't allowed in the courtroom, but 22-year-old Derek Marshall appeared virtually from jail. The judge advised him that he was being held without bond. Marshall faces two felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.
Jamestown mail issue resolved after months of uncertainty
JAMESTOWN, N.C. (WGHP) -- Homeowners in a Jamestown neighborhood are feeling relieved after a months-long mail delivery problem has now been resolved. FOX8 first told you about the problem at the Kinsley neighborhood off Mackay Road back in June. At that time, homeowners said their addresses were not showing up in the US Postal Service’s system, which impacted their mail and billed services. “You move into your dream house only to be told that's not a valid address. ... It was really liberating ...
Jamestown mail issue resolved after months of uncertainty Original
JAMESTOWN, N.C. (WGHP) — Homeowners in a Jamestown neighborhood are feeling relieved after a months-long mail delivery problem has now been resolved. FOX8 first told you about the problem at the Kinsley neighborhood off Mackay Road back in June. At that time, homeowners said their addresses were not showing up in the US Postal Service’s system, which impacted their mail and billed services. “You move into your dream house only to be told that’s not a valid address.
Greensboro cemetery faces cease-and-desist order as state commission alleges illegal operation Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The North Carolina Cemetery Commission has issued a cease and desist letter to a Greensboro cemetery as local families voice concerns over the conditions on the grounds. “We believe that National Vault Services may be operating the Piedmont Cemetery illegally,” the state commission said in the letter sent to National Vault Services Inc. on Sept. 10.
VIDEO: Fallen tree damages Greensboro apartment homes; 2 displaced Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A pair of people are displaced and several apartment homes are damaged after a tree fell on them in Greensboro on Wednesday afternoon. The tree fell at around 2:17 p.m. on Wednesday and two people were displaced as a result, according to the Greensboro Fire Department. The Red Cross is helping them get housing. The tree service company assisting with the clean-up says that people were in the unit when the tree fell; however, they were not injured.
Thousands of absentee ballots sent out as Guilford County prepares for early voting Original
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Election day for the midterm elections is six weeks away, but voting is already underway for some Guilford County voters, with early voting sites scheduled to welcome voters in three weeks. Guilford County Board of Elections Director Charlie Collicutt said that while thousands of absentee ballots have already gone out, there’s still a lot happening behind the scenes right now as they’re preparing to welcome voters to the polls in a few weeks.
Thousands of absentee ballots sent out as Guilford County prepares for early voting
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Election day for the midterm elections is six weeks away, but voting is already underway for some Guilford County voters, with early voting sites scheduled to welcome voters in three weeks. Guilford County Board of Elections Director Charlie Collicutt said that while thousands of absentee ballots have already gone out, there’s still a lot happening behind the scenes right now as they’re preparing to welcome voters to the polls in a few weeks.
Guilford County commissioners discuss data centers
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) -- The hot topic of data centers was touched on in Thursday’s Guilford County commissioners' work session. On Thursday afternoon, county staff gave commissioners an overview of data center development, including land use, infrastructure, utilities, economic development and possible policy options. The goal was to give commissioners information on data centers and get feedback on what steps the county should take next.
Guilford County commissioners discuss data centers Original
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — The hot topic of data centers was touched on in Thursday’s Guilford County commissioners’ work session. On Thursday afternoon, county staff gave commissioners an overview of data center development, including land use, infrastructure, utilities, economic development and possible policy options. The goal was to give commissioners information on data centers and get feedback on what steps the county should take next.
Hagan-Stone Park still closed after weekend storms Original
PLEASANT GARDEN, N.C. (WGHP) — Nearly two weeks after a severe thunderstorm brought significant damage to areas across the Triad, one Guilford County park remains closed with no reopening date, Hagan-Stone Park is still dealing with the impacts left behind from a Sept. 4 storm. “I’ve been in parks and recreation for 19 years, and I’ve never seen damage to this extent that we’ve had from this one storm system,” Hagan-Stone Park Supervisor Joshua Avalos said.
Hagan-Stone Park still closed after weekend storms
PLEASANT GARDEN, N.C. (WGHP) -- Nearly two weeks after a severe thunderstorm brought significant damage to areas across the Triad, one Guilford County park remains closed with no reopening date. Hagan-Stone Park is still dealing with the impacts left behind by a Sept. 4 storm. “I've been in parks and recreation for 19 years, and I've never seen damage to this extent that we've had from this one storm system,” Hagan-Stone Park Supervisor Joshua Avalos said.
Man missing since 2016 found dead in Lexington scrapyard in 2025 was shot, beaten: Autopsy Original
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — An autopsy report has been released in the homicide of a Charlotte man who had been missing for 9 years prior to his remains being discovered at a Lexington scrapyard. Then 44-year-old Lee Anthony Funderburk was reported missing on May 31, 2016, by his family and was last seen on March 25, 2016. On May 14, 2025, deputies came to Leonard Salvage on 4471 Old US 52 after an employee found human remains during their shift.
Man accused of attempted rape in front of young girl at Greensboro depot
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A Greensboro man made his first appearance in court facing several charges after allegedly attacking a woman in front of her young daughter at the depot in downtown Greensboro on Thursday. Police say they responded to East Washington Street in Greensboro after getting reports of a suspicious person around 9:25 a.m. Wednesday.
Randolph County communities face collapsed trees, powerlines after brutal weekend storms Original
RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Some in the Piedmont Triad have a lot of work ahead of them as they survey damage from weekend storms on Labor Day. FOX8 spoke with two men who live on Randolph Avenue in Asheboro, where a pair of trees collapsed across the roof of a home. One man said he was inside during the terrifying moment when the first tree came down. The damaged has forced them to find somewhere else to stay.
Greensboro man charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A Greensboro man was charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder along with several other charges from an altercation that occurred on Aug. 23. Michael Wade Hargett, 64, of Greensboro, was served Saturday morning with warrants for his arrest on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Kathryn Binkley, 73, and Margaret Collins, 76. All were neighbors on Creswell Court in Greensboro.
Changes coming to high-risk pregnancy services in Forsyth County Original
FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Hundreds of Forsyth County families who rely on care management during high-risk pregnancies for at-risk children could soon see a major change in how they receive those services. The biggest question is what that connection to that care will actually look like after the transition.
Greensboro families concerned about care of cemetery where loved ones are buried: ‘We deserve better’ Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — For several families with loved ones buried at Piedmont Memorial Park Cemetery in Greensboro, a visit to their loved one’s resting place has turned into something else: manual labor. They bring lawnmowers and equipment to clear grass and weeds overgrowing on graves. This isn’t FOX8’s first time visiting the cemetery over similar concerns. FOX8 reported on the cemetery back in 2017, when it was under different ownership.
Burlington community reacts after man accused of indecent exposure at park: ‘Disgusting’ Original
BURLINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — A Burlington man accused of exposing himself to children at Springwood Park in Burlington remains behind bars with a bond set at $1.5 million. Police say 48-year-old Miguel Angel Muniz was arrested and charged on Sunday. “It makes me not want to come to the park. That’s for sure. And when I do, not to take my eyes off my children because that’s disgusting. It’s creepy,” said Jamie Hawkins, a parent.
Witnesses react to downtown Greensboro shooting involving police Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The suspect in a deadly officer-involved shooting in downtown Greensboro on Sunday has died. Police say he allegedly shot a woman on McGee Street before running away and firing toward an officer responding to the call. It all came to an end when Hovis was shot near the railroad tracks. Greensboro City Manager Nathaniel Davis released a statement on Monday that reads in part: Over the past several weeks, our community has experienced serious acts of violence.
Loved ones remember 2 women shot, killed in Greensboro: ‘Very giving people’ Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Loved ones are remembering two women killed in a Greensboro neighborhood shooting on Sunday. Police say 73-year-old Kathryn Binkley and 76-year-old Margaret “Maggie” Collins died after being shot on Creswell Court. Police arrested 64-year-old Michael Wade Hargett in connection to the shooting. Their loved ones described them as caring, giving and full of life. “They were very similar in lots of respects. … They were both very giving people. Very caring.
Ex-Greensboro officer charged with assault appears in court Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A former police officer appeared in court on Thursday afternoon after being charged in a shooting. Hayden Isaiah Hughes, 31, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, after Avery Long was shot during an arrest. On Dec. 23, 2025, just after 10 p.m., Greensboro police officers responded to Van Allen Circle after getting a report of a person experiencing a mental health crisis.
Universities are helping drive Greensboro’s economy Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Our Community focused on how research, innovation and data could help move the city forward. “We have big strategic partners that want to come here because of the talent pipeline, but because of the ability of the universities, which by definition have a bigger graduate pipelines and graduate students tend to stay put when they graduate.
Congregation returns to Saxapahaw United Methodist Church for first time since flood Original
SAXAPAHAW, N.C. (WGHP) — More than a year after floodwaters from tropical storm Chantal severely damaged a church in Alamance County, its congregation has finally returned home. On Sunday, Aug. 23, Saxapahaw United Methodist Church reopened its doors for worship after a long recovery.
NC girl rescues little sister during house fire
Posted: Aug 23, 2026 / 10:02 AM EDT Updated: Aug 23, 2026 / 10:02 AM EDT LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — A 12-year-old Lexington girl described the frightening moment as she got her younger sister out of their burning home and then tried to go back for her great-grandmother. Firefighters ultimately rescued the woman, who remains in the hospital. That family is now facing what comes next with the community stepping in to help.
North Carolina girl rescues little sister during house fire
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — A 12-year-old Lexington girl described the frightening moment as she got her younger sister out of their burning home and then tried to go back for her great-grandmother. Firefighters ultimately rescued the woman, who remains in the hospital. That family is now facing what comes next with the community stepping in to help.
Lexington girl rescues little sister during house fire Original
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — A 12-year-old Lexington girl described the frightening moment as she got her younger sister out of their burning home and then tried to go back for her great-grandmother. Firefighters ultimately rescued the woman, who remains in the hospital. That family is now facing what comes next with the community stepping in to help. Gracie Hoyle, 12, said she was taking a nap inside their home off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard when a smoke alarm went off.
Greensboro crossing guards prepare for kids to return to school Original
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The first day of school is just days away for Guilford County Schools. Students return to class on Monday and the Greensboro Police Department is making sure crossing guards are ready to help get them there safely. “I’m excited about meeting the children. When they’re saying good morning, and I say a good morning, good morning, good morning, how are you this morning, and they are excited,” said Sharon Anderson, a Greensboro crossing guard.
State investigates after about 250 fish found dead in Gibsonville; no ‘abnormal’ conditions found Original
GIBSONVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — State officials have investigated after a few hundred fish were found dead in Reedy Fork Creek in Gibsonville. According to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the Winston-Salem Regional Office investigated the water at Northeast Park on Tuesday, a day after receiving reports of dead fish.
Dozens of dead fish prompt questions at Northeast Park in Gibsonville Original
GIBSONVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — Dozens of dead fish have appeared at Northeast Park in Gibsonville, and officials with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have not yet been able to provide an explanation. On Wednesday, NCWRC officials say they submitted a report to the Division of Environmental Quality for review and possible investigation. A county law enforcement officer is expected to visit the scene this afternoon.
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