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.

Halifax-50

Bethel Christian-30

Halifax Academy Offense:

Cameron Podruchny was 3 of 6 passing for 40 yds and 1 TD and 1 Int.

Harrison Hardee had 2 receptions for 30 yds and 1 TD.

Donovyn Gary had 1 reception for 10 yds.

Jared Byrum had 18 carries for 201 yds and 2 TDs.

Donovyn Gary had 8 carries for 155 yds and 2 TDs.

Evan Dail had 2 carries for 12 yds with four 2 pt conversions made.

Cameron Podruchny had 2 carries for 4 yds and 1 TD.

Harrison Hardee had 2 carries for 2 yds.

JC Branham also had 2 carries for 9 yds.

Halifax Academy Defense:

Eli Harris had 22 tackles

Cameron Podruchny - 18 tackles

Harrison Hardee - 13 tackles with 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception

Jared Byrum - 12 tackles

Donovyn Gary - 12 tackles with a 50-yd fumble recovery for a TD

Chad Keeter - 9 tackles

Cody Wood - 6 tackles

Evan Dail - 3 tackles

JC Branham - 2 tackles

Justin Conner - 2 tackles

Conner Lynch - 2 tackles

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}HAFB92217{/gallery}

The 2017 RRHS graduate and former Yellow Jackets football player, Dre' Terry has put the Valley in the position to be proud.

With no regrets Dre' made a conscious decision to become a Mathematics major at Chowan University in Murfreesboro this past fall for the opportunity to do the one thing he live for which is playing football. He was recruited as Safety because that seemed to be the position that would suit him however, after no more than 6 weeks Dre' had made quite an impression on the Chowan coaching staff as a result he made all three special teams, the travel squad and was moved from safety to the position of strike.

Three losses into the season Dre' expressed his frustration to unarguably his number one fan which was Mom and he received the same advice from her each time "remain humble and stay in position to receive your blessings".

Taking heed to this advice he was able to share the news that in game four of the season he would be starting as a weak side linebacker.

Dre has put us in position of making his hometown proud because as a true freshman 6' 2, 215 lbs he had 13 tackles 8 of which were solo, 1 sack, 1.5 tackles for losses and a pass break up which no doubt contributed to the Hawks first win of the season. When Terry was asked what was his thoughts on the game he stated "I Waited patiently for my chance to come and when the opportunity was given to me I didn't miss my chance to show out."

The team played well and #47 stood out amongst them.

Job well done by former Roanoke Rapids High School's Yellow Jacket Dre' Terry.

Trooper S.D. Parrish of the state Highway Patrol noted in a preliminary report, Stephen Lisi of Fairfax Station was driving his vehicle south in the interstate’s northbound lane when the crash occurred shortly after midnight. The crash occurred in the Roanoke Rapids area between highways 903 and 125.

His vehicle sideswiped the trailer of a truck which swerved to miss him. Lisi then lost control of his vehicle and struck a tractor-trailer.

It was unclear why Lisi was traveling in the wrong lane or how long he had been doing so.

The trooper’s report cites operating a vehicle in a reckless manner as the contributing factor.

There were no other injuries in the crash.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brandon Council initiated the stop around 10:30 p.m. for a movement violation on Airport Road.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement the driver, identified as Rondell Lavaris Garner, turned into a driveway and exited the vehicle as it was still moving.

The 35-year-old Roanoke Rapids man headed to a wooded area but was caught by the deputy.

Sergeant Josh Langley and Deputy Logan Capps secured the vehicle and Earl Gregory Alston, 34, a passenger in the vehicle.

{gallery}hcso926{/gallery}

Garner was arrested and was charged for possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, and failure to attach registration license plate to a vehicle.

He received a $4,000 bond and November 15 court date.

Alston, also of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of an open container of alcohol.

He was also listed as wanted out of Wake County on parole violations.

He received the same bond and court date as Garner.

Mr. Lee was born July 16, 1945, in Halifax County to the late Henry Edward Lee and Jenny Wood Lee. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Emma Jean Lee; his grandson, T.J. Nelson.

He was a member of First Baptist Church. He loved fishing, NASCAR, music and helping with the Eagles Club. He retired from J. P. Stevens and Bibb Company with over thirty years of service.

Shorty is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Lee and her fiancé Douglas Keeter, III and his children, Douglas Keeter, IV and Caimen Keeter; his sister, Carolyn Carter and her husband Roy all of Roanoke Rapids; his nephew, Kenny Ray and his wife Tammy; his great nieces, Ashley Casey and Tiffany Ray; his special friend Rosie.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses, Kitchen staff and Housekeeping staff at Liberty Commons and Cindy Elam.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Cedarwood Cemetery with Rev. Michael Little officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 – 12:30 P.M. Wednesday at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home of his daughter, 503 West 4^th Street, Roanoke Rapids.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

She was the daughter of the late William Dallas and Beulah Blondie Cross Merritt.

Glenyce was a member of First Christian Church. She also had been with Ralph’s Barbecue since 1984.

Glenyce is survived by her three sons, Jay Haigler of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Brandon Haigler of St. Petersburg, Fl, and Houston Haigler of Roanoke Rapids, NC; her niece, Tracy Haigler Carter of Cary, NC; her special cousins, Kim Amerson and her husband, Bill, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Christina Cross of Chicago, IL, Gavin Woodruff and his wife, Melissa, and many other Cousins and Special Friends.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church with Minister Bane Angles officiating.

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday September 29, 2017 from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Glenyce to the First Christian Church 836 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Roanoke Rapids won the match 9-0.

Roanoke Rapids goals were scored by Carson Neal with 4, Emerson Escobar with 2, while Zach Carter, Cameron Wilson and Josh Miller all with 1 each.

The Jackets goals were assisted by Cameron Wilson with 3, Emerson Escobar, Carson Neal and Gray Draper with 1 each.

Thomas Merritt had 5 saves in the goal and AJ Pearson had 2saves in goal.

Post match comments from Jackets head coach Craig Jean, "We played pretty good after taking a few days off. I wanted them to take a few days recover from our games last week. Since we have 3 games this week and tonight is our only conference game, it was important to take care of business and we did that. I am glad to get a conference win and now we will get ready for a 4:30 road game tomorrow against Henderson Collegiate"

2017 Men’s Soccer  

Date                Oppt                        Site                  Time

8/17                    Currituck                     Away                  Win

8/21                    Louisburg                    Away                  Win

8/28                    JF Webb                      Home                 Win

8/30                    S Vance                       Away                  Win 5-0

9/5                      Northeastern                Home                 Win 6-1

9/13                    Warren County            Away                   Win 9-1

9/14                    Northeastern               Away                   Win 8-1

9/18                    Bunn                           Home                 Win 5-0

9/20                    Granville Central         Away                    Tie 1-1 (Double OT)

9/25                    Louisburg                    Home                  Win 9-0

9/26                    Hend. Collegiate           Away                  4:30

9/28                    Currituck                     Home                  5:00

10/2                    JF Webb                      Away                  6:00

10/3                      S. Granville                 Away                  6:00

10/4                    S. Vance                      Home                  6:00

10/9                    S. Granville                 Home                  6:00

10/11                  Hend. Collegiate        Home                    6:00

10/16                  Warren County          Home                    6:00

10/18                  Bunn                          Away                   4:00

10/25                  Granville Central         Home                   6:00

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said Sally Everette McClintock, 39, was in charge of watching two other children — a 14-year-old and 1-year-old — as well as the 15-year-old.

Officer J. DeSare responded to a call received around 10:30 p.m. after a parent or guardian of one of the children discovered the 15-year-old in a near-unresponsive state and throwing up, Hasty said.

McClintock was facedown on the floor although DeSare’s report notes she denied consuming alcohol or any other impairing substance.

Alcohol was found throughout the residence, according to the report.

It was not clear how the children were related although two have the same last name, the report indicates.

Hasty declined to reveal the gender of the children.

The juvenile and McClintock were transported for treatment and McClintock was then transported to jail where she received a $2,000 bond and October 27 court date to answer to charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and child abuse.

Officer J. Fortier assisted.

Former tenant charged with B&E

On Sunday, Master Officer G. Colson arrested Maria Faison Barbrey, 36, of Roanoke Rapids, with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and damage to property.  

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

The charges stem from an investigation by Investigator G.L. Williams into a crime reported September 18 at a residence in the 1000 block of Franklin Street.  

The victim reported Barbery was evicted from the residence on September 13 and sometime between September 16 and September 18 the residence was entered and items were taken from the residence.

In that role Ferebee will help oversee the advocacy and membership service efforts of the League, which represents more than 540 cities, towns and villages across North Carolina.

The selection was made by league members during the organization’s annual conference, CityVision 2017, held last week in Greenville.

“I’m just pleased for them to think I was a good candidate for that,” Ferebee said today. “I have served on other committees in the past.”

Roanoke Rapids is in District 5 of the league, which is made up of Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Nash, Northampton and Warren counties.

Serving on the board, Ferebee said he is a representative of not only District 5, but cities and towns which encompass all 12 districts.

League Executive Director Paul Meyer said he looks forward to working with Ferebee and is confident his contributions will continue to help NCLM better enable cities and towns across North Carolina to better serve their residents.

CityVision 2017 brought more than 600 attendees to the Greenville Convention Center. The event included programming focused on entrepreneurial solutions for economic development, regional approaches to municipal challenges, and Smart Cities technology.

Attendees of CityVision 2017 also heard from National League of Cities President Matt Zone, State Treasurer Dale Folwell, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Linda McGee and state Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jackson.

Fred Dykstra and Scott Scheeringa were the winners of the three cars — a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, a Corvette Stingray and a Mustang Shelby GT 350.

Dykstra decided on the Hellcat and Scheeringa decided on the Corvette. They will most likely sell the Mustang to pay taxes.

The men, who have been friends for 12 years, found out about the drawing through the internet and Scheeringa talked Dykstra into purchasing the $100 tickets for a chance at winning the cars.

“I’m speechless,” Dykstra said today as he and his friend looked over the cars, which in all total more than $200,000. “I’m taking the Hellcat. He’ll take the ‘Vette.”

Scheeringa said they bought four tickets.

Dykstra, who works at an oil pipeline terminal, said after learning he had won, “The phone’s been blowing up. It hasn’t sunk in.”

He said he has reserved a spot in his garage for the car, but it will be driven. “I’ll take it out. I plan on driving it quite a bit.”

{gallery}muscle{/gallery}

The Hellcat, White Internet Manager Joey White said, produces 707 horsepower and is the fastest production car on the highway. By comparison, the Shelby produces 526 horsepower and the Stingray 460.

Scheeringa said his Snapchat has blown up since posting photos of the cars.

The men decided they will drive the Hellcat and the Corvette back to Indiana while the Shelby will be delivered.

“I love it,” said Lawrence White, who owns the dealership with his brother Bill. “When we called to tell them they won they were flabbergasted.”

Lawrence said the company decided to do the drawing as a way to help the Roanoke Valley, Lake Gaston and Northampton chambers.

Both he and Bill say they will do another drawing and choose another charity to help as well as the type of vehicles to be included.

The Hellcat and Shelby are limited production cars, Bill said. “They’re very rare. Most dealers get three a year. We’re lucky to get one.”

Currently both a Shelby and a Hellcat wide body are on the way to the dealership. “Most of the time these cars will be sold as soon as they hit the internet,” Joey White said.

Raquan Omar Williams was arrested Monday, Captain Patrick Jacobs said in a statement.

He is currently being held without opportunity for bond in the murder of 49-year-old Edward Phipps, who Sheriff Jack Smith said was a former resident of Littleton but maintained an address in Arrowhead Mobile Park in Woodland where he was murdered in a home invasion shortly before midnight.

Smith declined comment on motive other than there was a home invasion and robbery at the residence.

Jacobs said in the statement deputies responded to Arrowhead after receiving a shots fired call.

The deputies discovered Phipps had been shot and died hours later from the injuries received.

The sheriff declined to discuss the type of weapon used.

With assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Williams was arrested Monday.

He has been charged with first-degree murder; eight counts of first-degree kidnapping; three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon; first-degree burglary; larceny after breaking and entering and injury to personal property.

Smith said the kidnapping counts reflect at least eight people inside the residence were held against their will. He said children under the age of 16 were inside the residence.

The investigation continues and more arrests are expected, Jacobs said in the statement.

Smith declined comment on how many people investigators and the SBI are looking for.

In the statement Smith thanked the SBI and his investigators “for their hard work and thorough investigation in this case.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-534-2611 or Crime Stoppers at 252-534-1110.

Captain A.M. Harris of City County Drug Task Force said investigation began after Agent C. Babb and Corporal M. Bishop of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office received complaints of drug activity in the 3000 block of Sam Powell Dairy Road.

Harris said those complaints included vehicles coming in and out of the area and heavy activity associated with drug sales.

Babb applied for a search warrant based on his investigation and the information Bishop received.

The search warrant was executed shortly before 9:30 this morning.

Agents seized approximately 11 hits of crack cocaine, marijuana and several items of drug paraphernalia including syringes, straws, a razor blade, marijuana grinder, two homemade crack pipes and a digital scale with cocaine residue.

Agents also noticed several electrical and lawn and garden items. Detective M. Brown of the sheriff’s office applied for a property search warrant and investigation is ongoing to determine whether the property is stolen..

A U-Haul car transport trailer was recovered in the backyard of the residence. The trailer was entered as stolen by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department in April.

{gallery}taskforce926{/gallery}

Babb cited the following with North Carolina Uniform Citations:

Kahaad Cornelius Hawkins, 25, of the residence, for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tray Montel Mayo, 23, of Bowers Street, for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Grady Jefferson, 49, of Eaton Ferry Road, for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hawkins, Mayo and Jefferson have October 18 court dates.

Babb arrested:

Jasper Cornelius Hines, 66, of the residence, for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of stolen goods.  Hines has an October 4 court date.

Erin Elizabeth Roberts, 41, of the residence, for an outstanding Halifax County order for arrest for failure to comply with fine and cost. She was issued a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.  

She received a $255 cash bond for the order for arrest and has an October 17 court date.

Agent D.R. Radford and his dog, Tony, assisted with the search.

Delores was born in Suffolk, VA, December 23, 1956, to the late Otto and Mary Carpenter Asbell. 

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family. In addition to her parents, Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Gene Peele and brother, Rusty Asbell. 

Surviving are her daughters, Deborah Mays and husband, Michael, Kitty Parker, Cynthia June Cook and husband, “Fred” Cook, all of Roanoke Rapids; brother, Timothy Asbell and wife, Virginia, of Faber, VA; sisters, Ann Thomas and husband, Phillip, of Chuckatuck, VA, and Sheila Smith of Elizabeth City, NC; grandchildren, Timothy Roger Shearin, Jr., Harley Renee Shearin, Dallas Wayne Walton, Emily Morgan Shearin, Austin Gene Walton, Briana Mays, Toma’s Mays, ones she loved like her grandchildren: Braxton Harrell, Tyler Garner and Morgan Walker; great grandchildren, Kolson Michael Shearin, Sophia Lula-Paige Epps, Braylin Scott Johnson, and “one on the way,” Baleigh Jane-Lynn Edwards. Also surviving are her dog, Paco, special friend, Elaine Cummings and several nieces and nephews.

Rev. Randy Martin will conduct a service remembering Delores’ life, Saturday, September 30, 2017, in the chapel at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service at 11:00 am. The family will also receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service beginning at 10:00 am.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made to: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, External Affairs Office, UNC-CH CB# 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295.

Online condolences may be sent to  www.hockadayfs.com

The Yellow Jackets beat Henderson Collegiate 5-2.

Roanoke Rapids goals by Emerson Escobar with 2, while Carson Neal, Cameron Wilson and Josh Miller all with 1.

Jackets assist were by Emerson Escobar, Cameron Wilson, Thomas Merritt and Carson Neal.

Thomas Merritt had 7 saves in goal

Jackets head coach Craig Jean post match comments, "This was the first time in a year or so that we really played terrible as a team. We have had some games where we didn't finish good, but still had shots, or one aspect of our play was off. Today, we were flat out terrible for 75 of 80 minutes. There was a lazy effort, lack of focus and panic with our touches on a small field. We have seemed to look past opponents we think we will beat when a big game is looming. I think that's what happened today with the guys thinking about Currituck coming in on Thursday. I hope this is the wake up call that we need without losing. We need to get back to playing the way we can and get back on track before we cost ourselves a conference game the second time around that we should win".

2017 Men’s Soccer  

Date                Oppt                        Site                  Time

8/17                    Currituck                     Away                  Win

8/21                    Louisburg                    Away                  Win

8/28                    JF Webb                      Home                 Win

8/30                    S Vance                       Away                  Win 5-0

9/5                      Northeastern                Home                 Win 6-1

9/13                    Warren County            Away                   Win 9-1

9/14                    Northeastern               Away                   Win 8-1

9/18                    Bunn                           Home                 Win 5-0

9/20                    Granville Central         Away                    Tie 1-1 (Double OT)

9/25                    Louisburg                    Home                  Win 9-0

9/26                    Hend. Collegiate           Away                  Win 5-2

9/28                    Currituck                     Home                  5:00

10/2                    JF Webb                      Away                  6:00

10/3                      S. Granville                 Away                  6:00

10/4                    S. Vance                      Home                  6:00

10/9                    S. Granville                 Home                  6:00

10/11                  Hend. Collegiate        Home                    6:00

10/16                  Warren County          Home                    6:00

10/18                  Bunn                          Away                   4:00

10/25                  Granville Central         Home                   6:00

Tonight Wednesday September 27th at Roanoke Rapids High school's Historic Hoyle Field, the Seniors and Sophomores at RRHS will take on the Juniors and Freshmen in powderpuff football.

This game is sponsored by RR Football.

Game time is 6:30, admission is $5.00, and concessions are available.

Please come out and support these young ladies and be apart of RRHS 2017 Homecoming!

This is a fast paced version of dodgeball played in total darkness where the players and the balls glow in the dark!

This program is FREE and open for anyone age 12 and older.

Must wear blacklight reactive clothing.

Participants under 18 must have registration form signed by parent.

Participants 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information call 533-2847.

Conway   0-0-8-0 Final 8

On Friday, the Down East Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence of 36- year-old Donald Whitaker.

He was charged with possession of firearm by felon, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received an $11,000 secured bond and Friday court date.

On Saturday, 22-year-old Eric Vaughan Jr. of Woodland was found hiding in a residence.

He was arrested and served outstanding warrants for robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault on a handicapped person.

These charges were filed by the Rich Square Police Department.

He received a $250,000 secured bond for the Rich Square crimes and was jailed without opportunity for bond on a parole violation warrant.

On Monday the sheriff’s office located and arrested 21-year-old Shameek Williams of Woodland.

He was arrested and served outstanding warrants for first-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, assault inflicting serious bodily injury with minor present, three counts of assault by pointing a gun, possession of firearm by a felon, two counts of injury to personal property, felony larceny, and injury to real property.

This arrest was the result of an investigation by Jacobs into a home invasion which occurred Monday on Griffintown Road in the  Woodland area.

Numerous items were stolen and several people were assaulted.

Williams received a $705,000 secured bond and Friday court date.

“As a result of this investigation Captain Patrick Jacobs was able to obtain warrants against Shameek Williams to bring justice for the victims and get him off the streets,” Sheriff Jack Smith said in the statement. “Our agency will go as far as we need to go to apprehend individuals and bring those responsible for crimes of this magnitude to justice.”

Christopher Van Skipper’s court appearance is scheduled before Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank at 10 a.m.

In a statement, Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said City County Drug Task Force agents arrested Skipper today.

He said the charges stem from an investigation by Lieutenant Joseph Sealey of the sheriff’s office and the Department of Homeland Security which began in April.

{gallery}childporn{/gallery}

Skipper was taken into custody without trouble by task force agents and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security agents.

Tripp said this afternoon he could not comment beyond the statement.

In the indictment, which was returned September 8 and is now contained in the electronic court record, the grand jury charges in counts 1 through 10 — receipt of child pornorgraphy — Skipper, beginning on April 14, did knowingly receive digital and computer images in files which had been mailed, shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

According to the indictment, the productions involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and were depictions of such conduct.

In count 11 — possession of child pornography — the grand jury charged Skipper knowingly possessed media containing digital and computer images, the production of which involved the use of one or more prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and which images visually depicted such conduct.

The indictment notes should Skipper be convicted of any of the counts he must forfeit to the United States any visual depiction or book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which contains any such visual depiction alleged in the document.

He must forfeit  any property, real or personal, constituting or traceable to gross profits or other proceeds obtained from the offense or offenses and any property, real or personal, used or intended to be used to commit or to promote the commission of such offense or offenses.