A Kenly man won't face criminal charges in the shooting death of his wife's boyfriend. The Johnston County District Attorney's Office has ruled the fatal shooting an act of self-defense.

Smithfield police say Marvin Ralph Richardson Jr., 27, of Kenly shot Terry Young Jr., 24, of 54 Iris Drive, Four Oaks, during a July 7 fight outside the home of Richardson's sister, who lives on North Sixth Street in Smithfield. Young died after being taken to a hospital.

Detective Keith Powell said the two men had an ongoing dispute about Richardson's wife, who was in a relationship with Young. Young had made violent threats against Richardson before he came to the house on July 7, Powell said.

"Mr. Young had violent intentions and was seeking a confrontation with Marvin Richardson," Powell said.

According to police, Young pulled out a gun during the fight and tried to shoot Richardson. Richardson left and came back with a gun and shot at Young. One of the shots bounced off a vehicle and hit Young.

Police found a 12-gauge shotgun in Young's car, Powell said. The State Bureau of Investigation took part in the probe.

Benson drops sweepstakes rules

Benson commissioners last week dropped plans for zoning regulations on Internet sweepstakes, following the state legislature's move to ban the businesses.

The planning board had voted to approve the new rules, which would have given the town control over their hours of operation by requiring a special-use permit. The proposed rules also banned sweepstakes from operating within 1,000 feet of a residence, day-care center or school.

But with sweepstakes parlors set to close Dec. 1 under a new state law, Benson commissioners decided to drop the measure. They could take up the rules again if sweepstakes operators are successful in winning a reprieve through the courts.

Benson's approach to sweepstakes regulation would have differed from what other Johnston towns have done. Clayton and Smithfield recently voted to tax the businesses. It's unclear now whether they will gain any revenue from the move.

Staff Writer Colin Campbell

Andrews named to Wake Tech post

Art Andrews of Smithfield has been named vice president of financial and business services for Wake Technical Community College.

Andrews, a former community college controller and state auditor, will manage the $100 million budget of North Carolina's second largest community college. He will also oversee all financial and business-services operations.

"It's a big job - no question about it," said Dr. Stephen Scott, president of Wake Tech. "But with his extensive experience in community college finance, Art is uniquely qualified to help Wake Tech meet the budget challenges of unprecedented enrollment growth."

Before coming to Wake Tech, Andrews was controller at Johnston Community College, where he was named Staff Person of the Year in 2008. Before that, he was an auditor for the State of North Carolina for 15 years. Andrews is a certified public accountant, with a master's degree in business administration from Baker College in Michigan and an undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University.

He began at Wake Tech on June 15, taking over for Ward Preston, who is retiring after 28 years of service.

Open house at day-care center

An open house is scheduled from 10 till 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 24, at the Johnston Health Early Learning Center, which is behind the Johnston Medical Mall on North Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield. Smithfield police officers will fingerprint children as part of the Ident-a-Kid safety program. For more information, call 938-7578.

Fundraiser aids Project Access

A Raleigh-based charity has raised $12,000 for Project Access of Johnston County, the physician-led program that provides free health care to low-income, uninsured residents.

Project Access was one of three health-care programs benefiting from the Race of Grace Weekend. The three-day event included a five-kilometer run/walk in downtown Raleigh, a bike race at Louisburg College and a golf tournament at the Neuse Golf Club in Clayton.

The proceeds were divided equally among Project Access, the Franklin County Volunteer in Medicine Clinic and the Open Door Clinic of Urban Ministries of Wake County.

"We're thrilled to be able to accept this donation to further help the uninsured of Johnston County," said Georgia Anthony, the interim director of Project Access.

Project Access of Johnston County started in January of 2008. Today, a network of 50 health-care providers, including Johnston Health, treats about 800 patients enrolled in the program. Its administrative office is in Clayton.

For more information, visit johnstonhealth.org and click on the Project Access page or call 550-0011.

Lottery winner

A Smithfield man is among the latest winners in the N.C. Education Lottery. Willie Smith won $10,000 in the July 13 Mega Millions drawing.

Lottery games

The N.C. Education Lottery has introduced three new scratch-off games.

"World Series of Poker" is a $5 game with more than $9.6 million in prizes ranging from $5 to eight top prizes of $100,000.

"Break The Bank" is a $2 game with more than $7.4 million in total prizes ranging from $2 to eight top prizes of $20,000.

"Quick 6's" is a $1 game with $3.3 million in prizes ranging from $1 to eight top prizes of $6,000. Each card offers up to six chances to win.

Meeting notices

The Area Mental Health Board meeting scheduled for July 27 has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Correction

A July 7 article on energy-saving tips incorrectly quoted Marvin Woll. Woll does not recommend using cold water in dishwashers, but he does suggest washing clothes in cold water.