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The crime occurred October 5 around 7:30 p.m.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810, Investigator Obert Wiltsie at 252-533-2823, or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Cafeterias system wide will be serving up fresh collard greens, squash and apples during the month of October.

The school system is participating in the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Farm to School program which works to put locally grown fruits and vegetables into schools.

The schools also feature special in-cafeteria promotions highlighting locally grown foods served throughout the year. October is recognized nationally as Farm to School Month.

The Farm to School program has continually grown since its start in 1997, with a $100,000 increase in sales from 2008 to 2010.

The 2011-2012 school year was the biggest for the Farm to School program, with more than $1,200,000 in total sales to local schools.

“Our school system has been a longtime supporter of the Farm to School Program and we have been happy with the results,” said Joseph Otranto, Halifax County Schools food nutrition director. “Our kids look forward to having North Carolina products on the food line. Strawberries and watermelons are among some of their favorites. Plus, I like knowing we are helping support local farmers.”

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler appreciates the schools’ support, too, and sees the program as a positive step in helping fight childhood obesity.

“We are fortunate in this state that farmers produce so many fruits and vegetables, so school kids have plenty of healthy and nutritious choices,” Troxler said. “It doesn’t get much fresher than being grown in your own state.”

NCDA&CS Food Distribution and Marketing divisions coordinate the Farm to School program.

In addition to collard greens. squash and apples, school systems are able to purchase other commodities throughout the year, including watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, cabbage, sweet potatoes and broccoli.

Food Distribution coordinates deliveries of the commodities from the farms to the school systems, and the marketing division works with farmers to fill orders.

For more on the Farm to School Program, contact Heather Barnes, NCDA&CS marketing specialist, at (919) 707-3127 or go to www.ncfarmtoschool.com/.

 (All City meetings are open to the public):

 Senior Center Advisory Committee

Monday, October 16, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. at the Jo Story Senior Center.

Beautification Committee

Monday, October 16, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

City Council

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:   

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

Equipment Mechanic (Public Works)

An employee in this class serves as a skilled mechanic in the garage. The employee performs responsible and specialized skilled mechanical work on a variety of automotive, construction and specialized equipment which will include, but not limited to, mechanical work repairing gasoline and diesel motors and engines, and performing preventative maintenance, particularly on heavy equipment.  The work requires operation of various test equipment and hand tools in order to support the work in both inside and outside environments.

Qualifications include graduation from high school supplemented by course work in repair and maintenance of heavy equipment and engines and considerable experience in the automotive and heavy equipment repair.  Must hold a valid NC Commercial Driver’s License.

(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. 

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

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

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810, Lieutenant Charles Vaught at 252-533-2819, or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Additionally, Lieutenant Charles Vaught of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said a 15-year-old girl will be petitioned to juvenile court on the same charges.

Vaught was expected to file the new warrant against Mahogany Person this evening. That warrant will be for obtaining property by false pretense after she reportedly passed a $100 counterfeit bill at a Becker Drive nail salon on September 29.

She already faces a charge of obtaining property by false pretense for allegedly passing a counterfeit bill at a nail salon on East Tenth Street last week.

The juvenile will face petitions for the East Tenth Street and Becker Drive crimes as well.

Person was arrested around 9 a.m. Thursday by Officer H. Grimes on outstanding warrants for larceny and possession of stolen goods and was also served the original nail salon warrant.

The larceny and possession of stolen goods charges against her stem from a warrant taken out on her for allegedly stealing a cell phone.

Vaught said movie prop money was used to pay for the manicures.

Roanoke Rapids (7-2) lose to South Granville 42-14

Northampton County beat Northwest Halifax 50-6

Weldon High beat Rocky Mount Prep. In Overtime 34-28

Halifax Academy beats Community Christian  30-16

Northeast -Hobgood beats Bethel Christian 70-64

Shemar O’Neil Tillery, 17, of Enfield, was charged Thursday on counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharge a weapon into an occupied moving vehicle and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

Detective Willie Murphy Jr. said this afternoon the robbery attempt is not related to other acts of violence committed in recent months in the town and is not believed to be related to alleged gang activity.

He declined comment on how the victim in the case was lured to a residence in town where the robbery attempt occurred on October 4 around midnight on Southeast Railroad Street.

Investigation began when the victim escaped gunfire by driving to a safe place and notifying law enforcement.

Murphy said in a statement the victim was led to the residence by Tillery where the robbery attempt, carried out by three masked men, later occurred.

Murphy confirmed there is evidence linking others to the crime and investigation continues.

Tillery ws jailed on $50,000 bond and is scheduled for court on November 1.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or Central Communications at 252-583-1991.

A native of Roanoke Rapids, he was the son of the late Charlie L. and Eleanor Jean Parkes Johnson. 

He was a Man of God, and spent many happy hours coaching and watching his children and grandchildren play ball.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bettie Smith Johnson, two daughters, Teresa Long and her husband Rabbit, and Shelia Wood and her husband Jimmy. Two sisters, Gloria Dean Dunlow of Roanoke Rapids and Carolyn Jean Johnson of Tennessee, one brother Jackie Wayne Johnson of Tennessee, four grandchildren, Danielle Long Maynard and her husband Chris, Jessie Long Lynch and her husband Aaron, Courtney Gray Wood, and Hayley Cheryl Wood, four great grandchildren, Blake, Brody, Logan and Harper.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 17 at 2:00 P.M. in the Wrenn Clarke and Hagan Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ricky Jordan officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, October 16, from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., other times at his home.

Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com

Bicycle getaway

On Friday at approximately 11:45 a.m., Walmart loss prevention reported a person stole a bike and left the store riding it.

Sergeant M. Moseley spotted the suspect on the bike on East Tenth Street near Georgia Avenue and attempted to stop him.  

The man weaved in and out of traffic on Tenth Street and went behind several businesses in an attempt to get away from law enforcement.  

Master Officer J. Hardy and Officer C. Fortier caught Kevin Earl Elrod, 26, of Garysburg, in the backyard of a residence in the 900 block of Raleigh Street.

Elrod was found in possession of narcotics.

He was charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods, resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer, damage to property and possession of marijuana.

He received an $8,000 bond and October 27 court date.

Employee charged with theft

On Friday at approximately 5:30 p.m., Hardy responded to a report of employee theft at Dunham’s.

Loss prevention reported Jordan Brigman, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, allegedly took cash and merchandise from the store.

She was arrested and charged with larceny by employee.

She received a $1,000 bond and December 6  court date.

Disturbance calls

On Saturday at approximately 3:30 p.m., Lieutenant B. Norton and Fortier responded to a residence in the 400 block of Madison Street about a disturbance.  

They found a woman was assaulted and had visible injuries.

Travis Dill, 64, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with assault on a female.

He received a $500 bond and October 27 court date.

On Saturday at approximately 6:30 p.m., Officer S. Blythe  responded to a disturbance call in the 1900 block of Roanoke Avenue.  

Blythe found Clemmon Maurice Alston, 53, of Roanoke Rapids, intoxicated and trespassing on posted property.  

He received numerous warnings to leave the property. He refused to leave and began yelling and cursing.

Alston was arrested and charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

He received  a $1,000 bond and October 27 court date.

Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement the victim reported around 4:30 p.m. Friday they fell for a bail money scam.

The victim received a phone call from someone they thought was a grandchild, asking them for money to get out of jail and to pay for damages the grandchild caused.

The caller asked the victim to get gift cards from Walmart to pay the money. The victim did what was asked and the caller called the victim back to get the information from the cards.  

After the victim completed the transaction they received another call telling them the amount was not enough to pay for everything.

The victim told the caller that they couldn’t send any more money.

The total amount of cards purchased was $4,500, according to the report.

Here are some ways to avoid these scams from the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office:

• Don’t answer calls from phone numbers you don’t recognize or emails from addresses that aren’t familiar to you.
• Beware of anyone who asks you to send money immediately, no matter the reason.
• Don’t share information about you or your family with anyone you don’t know who calls, emails, or contacts you through other means.
• If you get a call or a message asking for help, hang up or log off and contact the person directly at a number you know is theirs to make sure the request is legitimate.
• If someone claims to be a loved one, ask the person questions that only your real family member would be able to answer.
• Share carefully on social media. Make sure your privacy settings prevent strangers from accessing information about you or your family.
• Never wire or send money in response to a phone call, email or online message. Once the money has been received by a fraudster, it’s almost impossible to get it back.

Here are a few more websites for tips to avoid being a victim of scams

http://www.ncdoj.gov/Consumer/Tips-for-Seniors/Grandparent-Scams.aspx

http://www.ncdoj.gov/Protect-Yourself/2-4-6-Avoid-Consumer-Scams.aspx

http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-07-2012/grandparent-scam-wa1889.html

Commissioner Marcelle Smith made the suggestion the board review its plan at its yearly retreat scheduled in December. “I’m asking for us to add (discussions of the plan) to the retreat and revisit our plan as it relates to school improvement.”

In looking over minutes for the Weldon High School issue, Smith said he reviewed documents going back to 2009. There will were also discussions going back to 2010 and 2012. “All those I had gone through talk about Weldon City Schools. The last plan lists schools not in existence right now.”

Commissioner Carolyn Johnson suggested the school systems, which have their own school improvement plans, could help the board by sharing their documents. “We need to know what’s in the school facility plans.”

Said Smith: “I’m operating on old information.”

As far as Weldon’s request for funds, commissioners agreed to take $38,000 from the county contingency fund to allow the system to pay for a study which could lead to recommendations on whether the high school should undergo renovations or whether a new school should be constructed.

System Superintendent Anitra Wells told the board this evening the school board agreed last week to request commissioners allocate the funds for the study and it had no preference what firm would be used.

The $38,000 was the price quoted by Raleigh-based Davis Kane Architects.

The company, in a July 21 letter to County Attorney Glynn Rollins, stated its goal would be to determine whether the school should be renovated or a new building should be constructed on a new or existing site.

In determining the options, one of the deciding factors would be coming up with probable costs as well as determining program needs compared with the needs to state Department of Public Instruction standards.

Roanoke Rapids beat Warren Co 8-0.

Goals for Roanoke Rapids were scored by Carson Neal with a hat trick 3 goals, Anderson Castillo with 2 goals , Billy Ricks with 1 goals, Cameron Wilson with 1 goal, Jake Van Dam with 1 goal.

Jackets assists by Emerson Escobar with 2, Josh Miller with 2, Jake Van Dam with 1 and Justin Mitchell with 1.

Thomas Merritt had 4 saves and AJ Pearson had 5 saves in goal.

Post match comments by head coach Craig Jean, "We had fun tonight. We need to now focus on what is in front of us. We've got 2 big games left in the regular season and that's just to get to the playoffs and determine the seeding. We need to have a playoff mindset starting right now."

2018 Roanoke Rapids High School Men's soccer team seniors:

Zach Carter- #13. Son of Tammy and Perk Perkinson. This is his fourth year on yellow jackets soccer team. He is currently serving as a team captain. He has 2 goals so far this year and a 4 year total of 2 goals and 8 assists. Zach plans to attend a 4 year university.

Devonte Hyman- #12. He is the son of DeVonte Hyman and Rashida Bowser. This is his first year on the yellow jackets soccer team. He trained and played indoor soccer during the entire off season. He earned his spot on the team by his attitude and effort.  He has made a tremendous impact on the team by his positive energy boosting overall team morale. His future plans are to enlist in the military.

Chase Johnson- #5. He is the son of Marcia Greene and William Johnson. This is his fourth year on the team. He has 3 goals and 1 assist for this season and a 4 year total of 10 goals and 5 assists. His future plans are to attend Cape Fear Community College and majoring in Fire Protection Science and becoming a Fire Marshall.

Thomas Merritt- GK #35. He is the son of Tad and Marci Merritt. This is his fourth year on the team. He has served as a captain for the past 2 years. He was awarded All Conference in the 2016 season. He currently has 5 assists and 132 saves this season and over 380 saves in the past two years alone. His future plans are to attend North Carolina State University and major in Mechanical Engineering.

Camden Parks- #10. Son of Sandy Odom and Perry Parks. This is his 4^th year on the team. He is currently serving as a team captain. Camden has 1 goal and 4 assists this year and a 4 year total of 10 goals and 7 assists. His future plans are to attend a 4 year university.

Billy Ricks- #7. Son of Michelle Ricks and Billy Ricks,Jr. This is his 4^th year on the soccer team.  Billy has 2 goals and 1 assist so far this season and a 4 year total of 7 goals and 3 assists. His future plans are to enlist in the military.

This team holds a current season record of 17-0-1.

When asked about these 2017-18 team seniors, Roanoke Rapids Yellow Jackets head coach Craig Jean stated, “They are a very special group- they didn’t give up on the program when it was tough.  They are the definition of perseverance.  They have worked extremely hard to turn this program back around from a 12-27 record their first 2 years to a 33-7-1 record so far their last 2 years.  I can not stress enough how hard they have worked while always keeping a positive attitude. Our program is by far better as a result of each of these men.  It has been a joy and an honor to coach them.”

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                  Win 5-2

10/2                    JF Webb                      Away                  Win 4-0

10/3                      S. Granville                 Away                 Win 9-2

10/4                    S. Vance                      Home                 Win 6-1

10/9                    S. Granville                 Home                  Win 7-2

10/11                  Hend. Collegiate        Home                    Win 7-0

10/16                  Warren County          Home                    Win 8-0

10/18                  Bunn                          Away                   4:00

10/25                  Granville Central         Home                   6:00

The Patriots host the CAANC Conference Thursday and Friday at Gaston Middle school in Gaston with Cornerstone playing at 5 Thursday.

The meeting will be in the RRHS gym this Thursday October 19th at 7:00 PM.

Christopher Paul Stanfield, 44, was served warrants Monday for three counts of obtaining property by false pretense and three counts of larceny by employee.

Investigator Obert Wiltsie of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said the latest counts against Stanfield involve him allegedly using a company credit to purchase gas for his own use.

Stanfield had been the maintenance attendant at River Towne Manor on West Becker Drive before he was charged in June with numerous counts related to break-ins and thefts of pills at the facility.

Wiltsie said the charges filed Monday are related to the original investigation.

Stanfield received a $10,000 bond and November 1 court date.

He has an October 30 court on the original counts.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said there was reason to believe the driver, Tiffany Nicole Lee, 21, was allegedly under the influence of an opioid when the crash occurred around 7 p.m.

In a statement Hasty said Lieutenant Charles Burnette responded to a call of an erratic driver heading west on Seventh Street.

When Burnette located the vehicle he and other officers found Lee unresponsive and a newborn inside.

The report is unclear whether Lee was the child’s mother.

The passenger window was broken so responders could get inside the vehicle.

EMS and firefighters administered Narcan to Lee. She declined further medical treatment after she came to.

Lee was arrested and charged with driving while impaired and child endangerment.

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

Sergeant M. Peck, Master Officer A. Salmon and Officer Joey Spragins assisted.

Identity theft

On Monday at approximately noon, Lieutenant C.L. Vaught arrested and charged Cynthia Marie Tillery, 38, of Cockeysville, Maryland, on outstanding warrants for identity theft and obtaining property by a false pretense after she was extradited from Sussex County, Virginia.

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

The charges stem from an investigation into a report filed in December of 2014.

The victim reported Tillery allegedly used their information to obtain electrical service and then failed to pay the bill.

Tillery was arrested by Virginia State Police on October 9 in Sussex County.

“We averaged four or five yesterday,” Captain Bobby Martin said. “To me that’s high. The majority are left unlocked.’

The break-ins were reported across the city, he said, ranging from Old Farm Road and Becker Drive to Roanoke Avenue.

There was one larceny of a vehicle in which the keys were left inside.

People have left weapons in their unlocked vehicles as well, Martin said.

In a statement on the break-ins Martin said, “We are asking the citizens to take the time to lock your car doors to prevent items being stolen from your vehicle. There are a few things we can do to prevent your car from being broken into.”

The police department advises the following:

Protect your belongings:

Most car break-ins occur because someone has left something of value in their car. You can prevent most car break-ins by keeping your valuables and belongings out of sight. You want to make your possessions as unnoticeable as possible so thieves will move on. Lock your doors.

Remove all belongings from the car:

Take your valuables with you instead of leaving them in your car when you park. If you don’t give a thief anything to go after they will move on. If your belongings are visible, it dramatically increases the likelihood a thief will target your car.

Electronic items, duffel bags, purses and shopping bags left in your car will definitely draw attention to those who pass by.

Whether you are stepping away from your vehicle for just a minute or parking for several hours doesn’t make a difference. It only takes a thief a couple of seconds to smash a window or enter an unlocked vehicle and grab your belongings.

Hide your valuables well in your car:

If your valuables are not in plain sight, a thief will probably pass your vehicle by.

Put small items in the glove box or console so they are out of sight. Put larger items in the trunk so thieves can’t see them.

Do not leave money in your car:

Do not leave loose change, wallets, or credit cards on the dashboard or in cup holders. Leaving change and wallets in the vehicle is an invitation to a thief. If a thief is able to steal your wallet with your credit cards, not only can there be significant financial repercussions, there can be identity theft involved which can trouble you for years.

Do not leave Weapons in your vehicle:

Do not leave any type of weapon in your vehicle. Thieves are looking for money and guns most of the time when they break into vehicles. If you carry a weapon in your vehicle, take it with you when you go inside for the night.

“These are just a few things we can do to help slow down vehicle break-ins. Remember a thief is looking for an easy target, so let’s lock our doors and keep valuables out of sight,” Martin said in the statement. “If you see someone walking late at night and you believe it’s suspicious then call for an officer to come and check that person out. You never know, you could be preventing a theft.”

Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle told the panel the program is not included for funding in the upcoming fiscal year federal budget. “If the federal credits are eliminated, state tax credits will also be eliminated.”

State historic tax credits legislation is written as a piggyback credit to the federal program, she said.

Since 1981, the credit has leveraged more than $131 billion in private investment, created more than 2.4 million jobs and preserved more than 42,000 historic buildings “that form the fabric of our nation.”

The program has been used successfully in Weldon.

(A fact sheet on the tax credit program is included as a PDF at the end of this story)

In Roanoke Rapids, which has the second largest historic district in the state, there are 1,163 contributing historic properties which could be eligible for federal and state historic tax credits. “These credits are a valuable economic development tool as many projects become financially feasible with use of these tax credits,” Caudle said.

Under the current program, properties deemed income-producing are eligible for a total of 40 percent in historic tax credits — 20 percent federal, 15 percent state and a 5 percent bonus for a Tier 1 county. Non-income producing properties are eligible for a 15 percent historic tax credit.

In a resolution which was unanimously adopted by council, the document notes, “ … the Roanoke Rapids City Council supports the efforts of the city’s Main Street program that advocates for utilizing uptown and downtown Roanoke Rapids historic buildings as a catalyst for economic development.”

A healthy, vibrant downtown “makes all of the economic development initiatives in the community easier to achieve,” the resolution says. “Many private investors have made significant investments in the community by investing in older, often vacant buildings.”

Says the resolution: “ … Roanoke Rapids City Council understands the importance and wealth of historic structures that offer unique opportunities by differentiating Roanoke Rapids from other communities and … (the) Roanoke Rapids Historic District may benefit from large and small historic preservation tax credit projects that could increase our tax base.”

Federal historic preservation tax credits could make otherwise unsuccessful projects an enormous success “and benefit to our community.”

The document, which is to be sent to the local federal legislative delegation and other partners involved in historic preservation projects, encourages the inclusion of the tax credits in the proposed 2017-18 federal budget.

Councilman Carl Ferebee said he would also present the resolution to the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

Caudle said North Carolina Downtown Development is doing lobbying on the state level. “A lot of things on the state level are occurring,” she said.

City manager bonus

In another matter this evening, council, after a closed session, agreed to give City Manager Joseph Scherer a $5,000 bonus.

The bonus was based on the city manager’s last evaluation. “I’m very honored council placed confidence and trust in me to manage the city’s administration,” he said.

Scherer is in his fifth year as city manager.

Following a song by the school choir, pink balloons were released.

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