The request came in the form of a two-part letter to United States Senior Court Judge Malcolm Howard and was recently entered into the electronic court record.

The second part of the letter deals with the appeal while the first part deals with the drug treatment program.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Wednesday assigned a case number and appointed Mitchell Glenn Styles to represent Ponton.

{gallery}pontonletter{/gallery}

In the handwritten letter to Howard, Ponton wrote, “I would like to appeal my plea because I truly believed I could have gotten a better plea.”

Ponton notes he was sentenced to 48 months “but there was another person in my case receiving less than a year and my involvement was lesser than hers.”

Crystal Pierce, the only civilian in the police corruption case, was sentenced to 6 months; Tosha Dailey 24 months and Alaina Sue-Kam-Ling 36 months. Ponton does not name the person in the letter, which was sent from an Atlanta prison where he is incarcerated.

“I believe my offense level was entirely too high for my involvement in my case. Can I please get an appeal for (the sentence) I got. I believe my lawyer could have done more. He didn’t let me know I couldn’t get in any trouble if I used drugs/alcohol in the past.”

Ponton closes the letter saying, “Finally, I’m writing from my heart because I know if I can get help now it will better me in the future. I don’t know anything about appeals but I have heard about it, that’s why I’m asking.”

In the first part of the letter, which was received September 5, he asks to be put on the Residential Drug Abuse Program. “I need someone to help me so I can help myself to become a better husband, father, grandfather and son because I don’t want to never come back to prison again.”

Joie was born in Punxsutawney, PA, June 6, 1975, to James Paropacic and Karen Agnello Tanner. In addition to her father, Joie was preceded in death by her brother, Joshua Green.

Surviving are her mother, Karen E. Tanner and husband, William; son, Frankie G. Scott; daughters, Sierra Hall and husband, Steve, September Appleton and Izabella Appleton; boyfriend, James Scott; special friend, James Appleton; brothers, Jeb Green, Job Green and wife, Lacey, sister, Faith Taylor; step sisters, Shannon Golden and Lacey Tanner; grandson, Gabriel Hall; special aunt, Aunt “Lily.” 

Also surviving are her nephews, Evan Green and Noah Green and nieces, Monica Green and Sophia Taylor.

Rev. Wayne Marshall will conduct services at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services beginning at 1:00 pm. 

Online condolences may be sent to  www.hockadayfs.com

Rocky Mount Prep   0-0-0-0 Final 0

Roanoke Rapids beat Rocky Mount Prep 31-0

William R. Davie Middle beat Weldon Middle 10-6

Gaston Middle beat Conway Middle 8-0

Enfield Middle beat Halifax College Prep 22-0

Enfield middle S.T.E.A.M. Academy Stats

Trevell Jones 2-2, 70 yds passing 2 tds.

Terrence Richardson 2 rec. 70 yds 2 tds

Kashawn Smith 10 carries for 52 yds

Marquavious Davis 8 carries 46 yds, 1 td.

Teravion Hunter 4 tackles

Jamaal Jones 3 tackles

Saquan Tillery 3 tackles, one fumble recovery

The RV Power team played in the "USSSA Summer's End" tournament.

RV Power's won both pool games Saturday and were seeded number 1. The girls lost the first bracket game Saturday to the Cleveland Angels (03), but returned on Sunday and fought back to the Championship winning 3 bracket games.

The RV Power team fell short once again and were defeated in the Championship by Cleveland Angels (03) earning the second place in the tournament.

One of the biggest fundraisers comes next Friday with the Jail and Bail in which arrestees raise $250 to post bond, money which adds to the effort to provide the graduating seniors a place to celebrate their accomplishments.

“It’s to provide a safe environment for kids after graduation,” said Christy Johnson, one of this year’s chairs. “It’s an alcohol-free party. It provides a variety of activities and entertainment.”

This year’s lineup includes a hypnotist, inflatable amusements, a bull-riding machine, a photo booth and DJ.

Food and drinks for the event at T.J. Davis are provided by businesses.

(For more information on the Jail and Bail or other upcoming events in the fundraising effort contact Johnson at 252-676-9749, Tammy Colston at 252-532-9187 or Susan Baker at 252-203-4001)

“Project Graduation is a totally self-supporting program. It receives no funding from the school budget,” says this year’s donation solicitation letter for the event. “It is only through the generosity of parents, town’s people, the Roanoke Valley businesses, businesses in surrounding communities and the religious community that we have been able to host Project Graduation.”

Next Friday, in conjunction with the school’s homecoming festivities, the jail will be set up across from the high school. Jail and Bail will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Forty-five people have already volunteered to be jailed, Johnson said, and the organizers are looking for more. Once arrested, the arrestee must post $250 to get out, either by posting the money themselves or by calling friends to help them out. “You’re doing it for the community,” Johnson said, “To help our students have a safe post-graduation evening.”

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office helps out, Johnson said.

The fundraising efforts continue at the homecoming game that evening with Tracy Storey collecting funds as he wears a prison jumpsuit.

While one of the biggest fundraisers for the June 8 project, other efforts are already underway and more will be upcoming.

There is a candy drive ongoing. There will also be a raffle ticket sale for a $165 gift bag the night of the homecoming game.

The Belk Fall Charity Sale is underway and organizers have tickets for that event.

On October 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a car wash and bake sale at New Dixie BP on Old Farm Road. Also on that day at the New Dixie-Dairy Queen on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway students will be on hand to pump gas and clean windshields for donations. “We are very appreciative of Scott and Renee Aman of New Dixie for allowing us to do the car wash at the Old Farm BP and allowing us to have the students at the store on Julian R. Allsbrook,” Johnson said. “We are extremely grateful they are allowing us to have 10 percent of the Dairy Queen sales, gas sales and the automatic car wash sale.”

A barbecue sandwich bag lunch sale is planned October 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvest Temple on West Tenth Street. Turkey barbecue sandwiches will also be available.

Also ongoing is an email solicitation effort where students enter up to 10 emails for donations.

The annual Thanksgiving pie sale is upcoming later in the fall.

Roanoke Rapids is only one of six schools in the state to carry on the Project Graduation tradition, Johnson said.

Project Graduation meetings, held every other Tuesday, have seen good turnout. The next meeting is October 3 at the media center of the high school at 6 p.m.

Planning begins before school starts and the involvement of parents has been a key to its success. “These parents work hard for these kids. This has been nonstop even before school starts. It’s hard work. It consumes most of our free time but it’s worth it for the kids,” Johnson said.

National Gold Star Mother’s Day was created to recognize and honor those that have lost their son or daughter while serving our country in the United States Armed Forces.

A gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the line of duty while serving the United States Armed Forces. During World War I, a practice developed across the country: Families displayed flags featuring a blue star, a sign that a family member was fighting in the war. Some flags would display more than one star.

The exact origins of this tradition are not fully known, but at some point, gold star flags would go up to signify the family member had died on duty. The term “Gold Star Family” went into the national vocabulary thanks to the sacrifices of men and women serving in uniform.

In 1936, the 74th Congress declared, “the last Sunday in September shall hereafter be designated and known as ‘Gold Star Mother’s Day’, and it shall be the duty of the President to request its observance as provided for in this resolution.”

I ask you to say a prayer for our gold star mothers and their families this weekend and take a moment to remember them.

Joseph Scherer

Roanoke Rapids

Pair facing drug charges

On Tuesday at 11:30 p.m., Officer A. Green conducted a traffic stop at Highway 158 and South Street for a narcotics investigation.  

Master Officer J. Hardy and his dog, Storm, conducted a sniff of the vehicle and an indication was given to the presence of narcotics.  

Narcotics were during the subsequent search.

Arrested were:

Terrant Gemayel Broady, 33, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession of suboxone, possession of marijuana and maintaining a vehicle.

He received a $20,000 bond and October 20 court date. He has also two other court dates in October on outstanding charges, according to state court records.

Tracey Aaron Brooks, 50, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of an open container.

He received a $2,000 bond and an October 20 court date.

Sergeant M. Moseley and Officer S. Blythe assisted.

Virginia fugitive located during a suspicious person call

On Wednesday, Officer J. Shelburne responded to  Roanoke Clinic on Medical Center Drive about a suspicious person.  

Shelburne located Dextra Lamont Chew, 25, of Manassas, Virginia, on the property.

Shelburne discovered Chew was wanted by the Colonial Heights Police Department.  

He was arrested and charged with being a fugitive from justice and was wanted for fleeing to elude arrest and reckless driving.

He received a $5,000 bond and October 4 court date pending extradition to Virginia.

Two arrested, one sought on breaking and entering charges  

Investigator G.L. Williams led an investigation into a residential breaking and entering in the 300 block of Franklin Street reported September 13.  

He obtained warrants on three people:

Cassandra Sabra Pitt, 26, of Pleasant Hill, was arrested and charged Tuesday for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, damage to property and was served an outstanding warrant for communicating threats.  

She received a $5,000 bond and November 1 court date.

Troy Antwan Herring, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested Wednesday and charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, damage to property, conspiracy and violation of a domestic violence protection order.

He received a $12,000 bond and November 1 court date.

Eric Lamonz Hilton, 30, of Roanoke Rapids, for his alleged involvement in this crime.

Hilton is asked to come to the police department to take care of these matters.  

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call Williams at 252-533-2821 or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Investigator O.L. Wiltsie, Lieutenant P. Parks and Officer J. Spragins assisted.

New toys are needed to help fill the shoeboxes.  

Other items needed include school supplies, non-liquid toiletries such as soap and toothbrushes, washcloths and similar items.  

The main items are toys boys and girls ages 2 through 14 would enjoy.  

Toys have to be new and at a size that will fit into a shoe box.  

Liquids are not allowed to be shipped in the boxes.  

Shoebox Gifts are shipped to disadvantaged children all over the world.

Each Shoebox Gift costs $9 to ship so donations are also being accepted.  

Local businesses have also agreed to help troops with this endeavor.  

Both Texas Steakhouse and Chick-Fil-A have agreed to be drop-off locations for toys and donations.  Barrels for the toys will be in place to drop off donated items as well as to leave monetary donations.  

This project will last through the month of October as the boxes will be packed in early November so they have time to be shipped and arrive in the hands of the children for Christmas.  Anyone with questions can contact the troop at 1-252-536-9280.

Recruitment meeting

Monday night Trail Life USA and the American Heritage Girls will hold a recruitment night for youth who might be interested in joining or learning more.  

The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. until 8:30 pm at 715 Jackson Street in Roanoke Rapids beside the Jo Story Senior Center.

Weekly meetings will be held after this and those unable to attend this coming Monday night can come any other Monday.

All boys and girls ages 5 to 18 are welcome to attend.  

For more information call 252-536-9280 or refer to recruitment poster attached as a PDF at the end of this story.

The City of Roanoke Rapids is now accepting applications for the following positions:

(Part Time) Aqua Zumba Instructor

An employee in this class plans, coordinates and provides instruction for Aqua Zumba fitness program activities.  Qualifications:  - Zumba and/or Aqua Zumba Certifications (Preferred, but not required) – High School Diploma or GED – Must have excellent people service skills – Ability to provide service with integrity – Must have good verbal and written communication skills. 

 (Position is Open Until Filled)

(Part Time) Public Works Worker (Public Works)

An employee in this position performs skilled technical and trades work in the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, facilities, and equipment. Job duties include but are not limited to grass cutting, leaf collection, street sign maintenance, and other duties necessary in the Public Works Department.

(Part Time) Building Supervisor (Parks & Rec).  An employee in this position supervises scheduled activities and is the City’s point of contact during these activities.  Hours are mainly evenings and weekends according to activities that are scheduled. 

Library Operations Supervisor (Roanoke Rapids Public Library)

Duties:  Supervises the part-time Library Assistants; trains and answers questions; discusses performance issues; and assists in the interviewing processing.

Delegates tasks and schedules duties for employees; Coordinates computer input and operations for the library; Compiles and prepares the statistical reports of library use; Maintains administrative files and records for the library; Keeps inventory current; Coordinate at least four major programs annually including the Summer Reading Program in June & July, the Holiday Reading Event in December and two others to be assigned by the Head Librarian; Serves as administrative support staff to the director; Performs special projects or tasks. Works with the public to explain library policies, fines etc; Assists in maintaining order in the library, which may include behavioral problems; Answers telephone, refers calls; and works with public directly at the desk: Attends Library Advisory Committee meetings; Works at Parks and Recreations events as assigned by the Parks & Recreation Director; Performs related duties as required.   

Qualifications:  Master’s degree in library science from an accredited ALA library school and some supervisory experience and experience in library work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional qualifications:  Considerable knowledge of library practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of library subject matter and information available; ability to plan and administer library administrative operations; ability to organize work area and provide leadership with other employees and patrons using the library; ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the widely varying demographic groups and their special needs.

Salary:  $41,000 plus benefits.

ALL POSITIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Roanoke Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color,

religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status,

or any other legally protected status.

Applications may be obtained at www.roanokerapidsnc.com or may be picked up at

City Hall – 1040 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 

Kathy A. Kearney – HR Manager – City of Roanoke Rapids 

Phone: (252) 533-2845 – Fax (252) 537-2097

BRIEFS

SAMMY KERSHAW CONCERT at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  

Contact Traci Storey, City Clerk, at (252) 533-2840 for committee information.

►Historic Preservation Advisory Committee         

►Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (ETJ)

►Canal Museum Advisory Committee 

ROANOKE RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Emery G. Doughtie    Mayor Pro Tem Carl Ferebee            

Council Members:  Ernest C. Bobbitt, Suetta S. Scarbrough, Carol H. Cowen, Wayne Smith

Joseph Scherer, City Manager   Gilbert Chichester, City Attorney

Traci V. Storey, City Clerk   Kathy Kearney, Deputy City Clerk

Ralph, a native of Boston, MA, was the son of the late Ralph Lester and Stella Howell Tarbox. Ralph served his Country in the United States Air Force retiring as Master Sgt.

Ralph was a member of Rosemary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Tarbox, his step sons, Steve Mincher and his wife Robin of Roanoke Rapids, Greg Mincher and his wife, Ester of Rocky Mount and Tony Mincher of Rocky Mount; his sister Carolyn Siegel of Malden, MA; eight step grandchildren and 2 great step grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday at 3 P.M. in the Chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Dr. Layne Wallace and Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Rosemary Baptist Church 936 Jackson Street Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

She was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids, except for a few years in Richmond, Virginia, after marriage.

Carol was the most loving and caring Christian women you could ever hope to meet.

She was a prayer warrior with a strong faith in God.

She took her first steps in church as we grew under the Ministry of our grandmother, Rev. Mollie J. Finch.

She worked hard all of her life until many health issues prevented it.  

She loved singing gospel music with her sister Joyce and Mitzi Cahoon.

She also played keyboard for Morris Cannon and the Virginia Laymen for several years.

Carol was very much loved by the staff and residents at Liberty Commons, who all came to her on a regular basis for prayer or just to talk.

She was known there simply as Hanna or Mama Carol.

She was dearly loved by all the transport people in her life who took her to the doctors and dialysis.

Carol was a member of Liberty Pentecostal Holiness Church and formerly Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Sr. and Mary Francis Finch, and her daughter, Deborah H. Hale, her grandparents, Hubert and Mollie Finch, and her sister-in-law Ginny Finch.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth E. Hanna of Ashland, Va., her sons, Kenny Hanna and his wife, Rachel of Palm Coast, Florida, and Garry Hanna and his wife Pam of Roanoke Rapids; her faithful son-in-law Ron Hale of Halifax, who stood by and cared for her as his own Mother; grandsons, Justin Hale and his wife Emily of Panama City Beach, Florida and Matthew Hanna of Roanoke Rapids; one great grandson, Adam Hale, son of Justin and Emily; her sister, Joyce Finch Balmer  and her brother, Lloyd Finch, Jr., both of Roanoke Rapids;  nephews, Blayden Finch, Bryan Finch and David Balmer; nieces, Missy Balmer Walthall and Janie Balmer. Her close cousins, Barbara Matthews,  Derenda Clements, Gloria Ellis and Joyce King Wiggins and several others.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday September 26, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Askew Funereal and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Tony Smith and Rev. Ken Arrington officiating.

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

The Family will receive friends Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Roanoke Rapids (6-0)     35

Northern Vance              10

Weldon High (1-3)            41

Northwest Halifax (0-4)     32

Halifax Academy (2-3)  50

Bethal Christian           30

KIPP Pride High (0-6)     6

North Edgecombe         50

Northampton County (5-1)    50

Rocky Mount Prep                 0

Bye Week

Southeast Halifax (2-3)

Northeast/Hobgood Academy (1-3)

Senior Candice Smith, daughter of Richard and Scarlett Smith was crowned the "2017 Halifax Academy Homecoming Queen".

Photo by Megan Orren

Weldon outlasted the Vikings winning 41-32.

Northwest Halifax Offense:

Tyrell Manley 12 carries for 130 yds 2 TD's

Anthony Alston 5 carries for 35 yds

Jyrelle Alston 12 carries for 13 yds 1 TD 1 Fumble 1 2pt conversion

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}nwweldonfb92217{/gallery}

Weldon outlasted the Vikings winning 41-32.

Northwest Halifax Offense:

Tyrell Manley 12 carries for 130 yds 2 TD's

Anthony Alston 5 carries for 35 yds

Jyrelle Alston 12 carries for 13 yds 1 TD 1 Fumble 1 2pt conversion

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}nwweldonfb92217{/gallery}

Weldon outlasted the Vikings winning 41-32.

Northwest Halifax Offense:

Tyrell Manley 12 carries for 130 yds 2 TD's

Anthony Alston 5 carries for 35 yds

Jyrelle Alston 12 carries for 13 yds 1 TD 1 Fumble 1 2pt conversion

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}nwweldonfb92217{/gallery}

Weldon outlasted the Vikings winning 41-32.

Northwest Halifax Offense:

Tyrell Manley 12 carries for 130 yds 2 TD's

Anthony Alston 5 carries for 35 yds

Jyrelle Alston 12 carries for 13 yds 1 TD 1 Fumble 1 2pt conversion

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}nwweldonfb92217{/gallery}

Weldon outlasted the Vikings winning 41-32.

Northwest Halifax Offense:

Tyrell Manley 12 carries for 130 yds 2 TD's

Anthony Alston 5 carries for 35 yds

Jyrelle Alston 12 carries for 13 yds 1 TD 1 Fumble 1 2pt conversion

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}nwweldonfb92217{/gallery}

Pair facing drug charges

On Tuesday at 11:30 p.m., Officer A. Green conducted a traffic stop at Highway 158 and South Street for a narcotics investigation.  

Master Officer J. Hardy and his dog, Storm, conducted a sniff of the vehicle and an indication was given to the presence of narcotics.  

Narcotics were during the subsequent search.

Arrested were:

Terrant Gemayel Broady, 33, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession of suboxone, possession of marijuana and maintaining a vehicle.

He received a $20,000 bond and October 20 court date. He has also two other court dates in October on outstanding charges, according to state court records.

Tracey Aaron Brooks, 50, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of an open container.

He received a $2,000 bond and an October 20 court date.

Sergeant M. Moseley and Officer S. Blythe assisted.

Virginia fugitive located during a suspicious person call

On Wednesday, Officer J. Shelburne responded to  Roanoke Clinic on Medical Center Drive about a suspicious person.  

Shelburne located Dextra Lamont Chew, 25, of Manassas, Virginia, on the property.

Shelburne discovered Chew was wanted by the Colonial Heights Police Department.  

He was arrested and charged with being a fugitive from justice and was wanted for fleeing to elude arrest and reckless driving.

He received a $5,000 bond and October 4 court date pending extradition to Virginia.

Two arrested, one sought on breaking and entering charges  

Investigator G.L. Williams led an investigation into a residential breaking and entering in the 300 block of Franklin Street reported September 13.  

He obtained warrants on three people:

Cassandra Sabra Pitt, 26, of Pleasant Hill, was arrested and charged Tuesday for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, damage to property and was served an outstanding warrant for communicating threats.  

She received a $5,000 bond and November 1 court date.

Troy Antwan Herring, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested Wednesday and charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, damage to property, conspiracy and violation of a domestic violence protection order.

He received a $12,000 bond and November 1 court date.

Eric Lamonz Hilton, 30, of Roanoke Rapids, for his alleged involvement in this crime.

Hilton is asked to come to the police department to take care of these matters.  

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call Williams at 252-533-2821 or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Investigator O.L. Wiltsie, Lieutenant P. Parks and Officer J. Spragins assisted.