Goldsboro Hospital defends travel expenses

A state official says safeguards are in place after a report showed that employees at a Goldsboro mental hospital used money from drug companies and foreign medical schools for overnight travel.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Sunday that in less than four years, administrators at Cherry Hospital approved more than $139,851 for travel to more than 100 medical conferences and professional events. Hospital director Jack St. Clair said the spending helps attract and retain qualified professionals.

Cherry Hospital lost Medicare and Medicaid funding last month after a patient choked, hit his head and was then left sitting in a chair for 22 hours before he died.

Meck briefs

Charlotte

An east Charlotte home sustained about $20,000 in damages this weekend after firefighters said food was left cooking on the stove.

The fire, which occurred before 9 p.m. Saturday at a home on Briar Hill Drive, was ruled accidental. No injuries were reported, but fire officials said the smoke alarm in the home did not activate. One person was inside at the time of the fire, but was able to escape unharmed.

The fire department said it is important to have a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

Regional briefs

Catawba County

For the first time, Latinos represent the biggest minority population in Catawba County, eclipsing blacks.

Area leaders expected the historic milestone to happen, since Latinos continue to move to the Catawba Valley for work or to live near relatives already established here.

The change occurred despite continued job losses in the manufacturing sector, in which many Latinos have worked.

Gaston County

A 49-year-old Shelby man died this weekend in a motorcycle crash in Gaston County.

The N.C. Highway Patrol said Ricky Ivey was traveling west on state Highway 279 about 1.5 miles east of Cherryville when he attempted to pass a car and struck another vehicle head on. The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

One other person was injured in the wreck, but details about that person and their condition were unavailable. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, the Highway Patrol said.