Violet Sledge was also charged with possessing cocaine as she was booked at the Halifax County Detention Center.

Her arrest began as Halifax County Sheriff’s Office corporals Roy Ball and Austin Holland went to a residence in the Shelton Road area around 2 a.m. to follow up on a drug complaint, task force Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement.

The deputies could reportedly smell marijuana coming from the residence and contacted task force agents.

Agent D.R. Radford applied for a search warrant and with assistance of the Criminal Investigative Division of the sheriff’s office, deputies seized 744 dosage units of Xanax, marijuana, Mason jars with marijuana residue, a bong, a glass smoking pipe, and two blunt splitters.

Harris said this morning Sledge had lived at the residence for about two months.

Radford arrested and charged Sledge with possession with intent to sell and deliver schedule IV controlled substance, felony possession of schedule IV controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

As she was being processed into jail, a detention officer found her in possession of cocaine and she received additional charges of felony possession of cocaine and possess a controlled substance at a prison or jail premises.

She received a $5,000 bond for that charge after receiving an original $5,000 bond for the charges stemming from the search of her residence.

Radford also cited Sledge’s cousin, 19-year-old Aaron Hammond, for possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

He and Sledge both have November 15 court dates.

Investigation continues, Harris said.

Bystanders got the chain away from Quinton Cordovas Squire but when officers attempted to arrest him at the Plaza Shopping Center, the 56-year-old man, refused to put his hands behind his back and allegedly struck the officers.

Officer A. Green and Master Officer J. Hardy received minor injuries in the scuffle with the man, Chief Chuck Hasty said.

The events which led to Squire’s arrest began Tuesday at approximately 3:30 p.m. when police received a call about Squire reportedly making threats to a New Dixie Mart clerk at the store in the 1900 block of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway, Hasty said in a statement.

There was no known relationship between the clerk and Squire, Hasty said.

The employee told Hardy Squire came to the store Monday night and made threats to harm her. He returned and threatened her again.

Hardy located Squire in the Plaza Shopping Center, where Lowe’s Home Improvement is located.

That’s when Squire allegedly made threats to the officer while wielding the chain.

Squire was eventually taken into custody and charged with communicating threats, assault on a female, two counts of resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer and two counts of assault on a government official.  

The assault on a female charge, Hasty said, reflects the threats allegedly made to her and not a physical assault.

Squire received a $10,000 bond and December 22 court date.

Sergeant M. Moseley assisted.

For orthodontists, the Halloween season is all about helping patients avoid potentially sticky situations.

October is the perfect time of year to learn about orthodontic health and how an orthodontist helps patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Besides, everyone knows that Halloween candy can give any orthodontist a scare.

Here are five timely tips to help protect braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances while protecting teeth from decay:

Let sticky foods RIP

If it’s hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy, stay away.

Avoid caramel, taffy, bubble gum, licorice, gummies, or any snack that can damage brackets or wires.

Also, be sure to say “boo” to hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips, and popcorn — especially unpopped kernels.

Choose “spooktacularly” soft foods

Opt for soft chocolates, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups, or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.

Dare to take extra care

Sweets can cause cavities, which is why brushing and flossing are even more important than ever during the Halloween season.

Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing immediately after eating sugary or starchy foods.

Set yourself up for success

I encourage parents to keep acceptable treats on hand to substitute for “off limits” candies for trick-or-treating.

Parents can also find free, Halloween-themed recipes such as Quirky Quesadillas for Halloween, Delightfully Devilish Deviled Eggs, Mummy Pizza Biscuits, Spooky Spider Web Bean dip and other fun recipes, on the American Association of Orthodontists website.

Commit to oral health

Deciding to avoid hard and chewy sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break brackets and wires.

We want kids to have fun on Halloween. And there’s no need to feel left out. Patients are free to enjoy acceptable treats in moderation.

The payoff is a healthy, beautiful smile. It’s always worth it in the end.

About the author

Dr. Courtney opened an orthodontic practice in Roanoke Rapids this past summer. She graduated from UNC School of Dentistry and completed an additional two-year, advanced, accredited educational program in orthodontics at the University of Louisville.  

She currently sees patients at 551 Becker Drive, Roanoke Rapids, which is her temporary location until the grand opening of her new office building in early 2018.

She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said Matthew James Scott, 19, surrendered to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department today.

The sheriff said Scott has not made a statement about the shooting death of 20-year-old Sequan Flemming, whose murder he is charged with.

The sheriff has declined to discuss motive in the murder, which occurred in the Branch Avenue and Bowser Street area of Roanoke Rapids.

Deputies responded to the call around 6 p.m.

Flemming was rushed to a hospital by family members and was pronounced dead by medical staff.

Tripp said said the city police department was instrumental in the case. “They helped us tremendously. They have assisted us greatly in the apprehension of the suspect.”

Scott has a November 15 court date.

A diving save by Roanoke Rapids High school's senior goal keeper Thomas Merritt on a penalty kick with 3 minutes left in second overtime gave Roanoke Rapids momentum, leading to a game-winning goal by Jake VanDam a minute later and a 3-2 win over Granville Central.

Jackets Goals: Carson Neal, Emerson Escobar, Jake Van Dam

Jackets Assists: Cameron Wilson, Chase Johnson and Carson Neal

Thomas Merritt had 20 saves in goal

Post match comments by Jackets head coach Craig Jean, "First off, Granville Central is a great soccer team, very well coached, and I wish them the best in the playoffs. I'm certain they will be one of the teams to beat in the 1A playoffs. As for our team, I can't say enough good things about them. I've been praising their work ethic to anyone who would listen since last year. We give our best effort every single day and tonight was no different. They changed a few things about how they defended us tonight and we jumped on them super quick as a result. Having a 2 goal lead with 60 minutes to go, I knew would be hard to hold. Their first goal was off of silly mistakes that should have never happened and we basically gift wrapped it for them. Neither team had many chances for long stretches. When they tied it up in the 2nd half, it put so much pressure on every touch going forward, but I thought it made us play better. It was an emotional
roller coaster late. I thought Emerson's goal was a game winner, only to be taken back due to a Granville Central foul. When we had a PK called against us with 2 minutes to go in the 2nd overtime, it looked like game over for us. Thomas Merritt made the save of his life, which says a lot considering he averages over 250 saves a year. Our guys crashing in to keep them from scoring the rebound was the boost we needed. We were able to turn around and score quick after that. Our set pieces worked well and were worth the time we spent on them this week. Chase Johnson to Emerson Escobar for the 2nd goal and another good serve for the 3rd goal was critical to our victory. I have got to give the back line a lot of credit. They made a lot of non goalie saves. Gray Draper had one nonkeeper save that stands out that was out of this world. We've put so much hard work into this. Our boys
wanted this so bad, not just tonight, but for some for the past 4 years. What you saw tonight was a combination of hard work and a refusal to lose. We accomplished one of our goals, which was winning the conference championship. Next on our list is the 20th win of the year. But, we are definitely going to take a day and fully enjoy this one. My boys deserve it. Playoffs start next week. We will be playing at home and I promise there is no place my team would rather be. "

NCHSAA State Championship play-off brackets will be released later and the Jackets should open on its home field.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp confirmed Simms, 25, was served the warrants for the four murders at the detention center in Halifax where he is in custody on $500,000 bond for skipping a June court date for the 2015 murder of Jarshamel Cambridge in Enfield.

He was taken into custody for failure to appear in the Cambridge case in September, nearly a month after the Glenview murders.

Other than confirming Simms was served the warrants for the murders of James and Janice Harris and James and Peggy Whitley, Tripp declined elaboration on details of the case as it remains under investigation. “We continue to work diligently on this case,” he said.

The four murder counts means he remains in jail with the condition now of no opportunity for bond.

Tripp, who said in a previous statement the murders of the four elderly people was gang-related, would not confirm Simms was a gang member. He declined to confirm whether the motive of the case was specifically to rob Harris, a retired gunsmith, of weapons.

In past statements the sheriff has said items of value were missing from the residence and the motive is robbery.

The four were shot through a glass door while they sat playing cards at the dining room table. All the victims died at the table after they were shot multiple times.

In the Cambridge case, Simms had originally been jailed without opportunity for bond after he was found hiding in a suitcase in November of 2015.

Sometime afterward, his bond was lowered and he was able to post  bail. That timeframe is not immediately clear as of this report.

Simms will have a first court appearance Friday.

Tripp said family members of the four victims have been notified. He declined comment on their reactions.

The cost is $15 for residents and $45 for non-residents.

Ages 8-18.

Registration forms can be picked up at the TJ Davis Recreation Center.

For more information call 533-2847.

Offensive leaders for GCP:

Amarion Hardy had 11 carries for 80 yards and a 3 yard touchdown run.

Jayden Whidbee had 4 carries for 70 yards.

Tre’Quail Hardie had 5 carries for 60 yards and a 45 yard touchdown run. He also had 1 two point conversion.

Jamieon Garner had 1 carry for a 25 yard touchdown run.

Defensive leaders for GCP:

Chicar Ward - 9 tackles

Amarion Hardy - 5 tackles and 1 fumble recovery

Jamieon Garner - 5 tackles and 1 sack

Jay Burchette - 4 tackles and 1 fumble recovery

Ke’Mahgae Graham - 4 tackles

Tre’Quail Hardie - 3 tackles and 1 fumble recovery

Da’montae Hedgepeth - 2 tackles

Jaylin Lashley - 2 tackles

Rasheed Keene - 2 tackles

Justin Williams - 2 tackles

Ja’cari Jones - 1 tackle

Everton James - 1 tackle

William R. Davie beat Rocky Mount Prep 24-6.

The girls finished 3rd overall while the boys finished 6th. Morgan Hudomint Kate Starnes, and Whitney George led the girls.

Thomas Garrett, Jacob Harris, and Kris Carter paced the boys.

Morgan Hudomint and Thomas Garrett earned All-Conference honors. Morgan Hudomint and Kate Starnes earned Top 10 Championship Meet honors.

The Vikings had a good showing setting some personal records and finishing the conference season strongly.

They will compete in the State Championships today October 27th.

District Court Judge Brenda Branch today read Simms, 25, of Enfield, the first-degree murder charges lodged against him in the shooting deaths of James and Janet Harris and James and Peggy Whitley.

The four were shot through a glass door while they sat playing cards at the Harris family’s dining room table. All the victims died at the table after they were shot multiple times.

She explained to Simms if found guilty he could be sentenced to life or receive the death penalty. She also told him, “You will not have a bond.”

Simms asked Branch, “Who do I talk to about a speedy trial?”

Branch told him to discuss that with his attorneys.

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The man’s first appearance since being charged Thursday evening was held after Branch made a ruling about TV news crews being allowed to use cell phones to record the brief proceeding. rrspin.com had made an earlier request to be allowed to bring in a digital camera, which was approved by Branch and the district attorney’s office.

Branch ruled against allowing cell phones being used to record the proceedings but did allow TV cameras.

Two members of the Harris family, who had no immediate comment following the first appearance, were in the courtroom.

As Simms prepared to leave the courtroom, Branch said, “Good luck to you sir.”

District Attorney Valerie Asbell would only say afterward, “It’s an ongoing investigation and I’m bound by ethical obligations to not discuss the case further.”

Simms was served the warrants for the four murders at the detention center in Halifax where he was in custody on $500,000 bond for skipping a June court date for the 2015 murder of Jarshamel Cambridge in Enfield.

He was taken into custody for failure to appear in the Cambridge case in September, nearly a month after the Glenview murders.

However, evidence presented in the plea hearings of Dexter Taylor and and Tony Hill show none of the other co-defendants in that case, including Simms, had weapons or got out of the car.

That evidence showed Taylor was identified as the shooter. He was convicted of the June 22, 2015, manslaughter in August. He was sentenced to six years and two months, a concurrent sentence to a charge of criminal street gang activity.

Since his admission date on August 7, he has had two infractions — one for gang involvement and another for assaulting a person with a weapon, according to state Department of Public Safety records.

Tony Hill received a suspended sentence of 32 months probation after he pled to discharging a firearm into an enclosure to incite fear in the Cambridge case.

Other defendants in the Cambridge case have pending court dates.

The first arrest in the shooting, in which Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement struck a house and a vehicle, was made Thursday morning.

Hasty said Master Officer J. Hardy conducted a stop on Wallace Fork Road for a traffic violation.

Jeffrey Leonard Purnell, 50, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested on outstanding warrants and for driving while license revoke.

The outstanding warrants were for attempted murder, discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling, damage to property and possession of firearm by felon.  

Purnell received a $200,000 bond and December 6 court date.

Tearance Purnell Moody, 49, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested around noon today at a residence on Wilkins Street by Lieutenant J. Baggett, Master Officer G. Colson, and officers M. Hunsucker and H. Grimes without trouble.

Moody was charged with attempted murder, discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling or vehicle, communicating threats and damage to property.

The shooting, according to the report, stemmed from an argument between the two men which occurred four or five years ago. The nature of the argument was not known.

Investigator G. Williams investigated the case.

Shots fired reports

Hasty reported on Thursday around 10:30 p.m., officers received a report of shots fired on Carter Street.

When officers arrived they did not locate any suspects, but located numerous shell casings in the area.  

While processing the scene officers heard more shots fired in the area of South Rosemary.

When officers arrived they found an occupied vehicle on Oak Street and Gordon Drive had been shot, but nobody was injured.

The suspect in the Carter Street shooting is described as a light-skinned male wearing dark colored clothes.

There was no suspect description in the shooting into the vehicle.

Hasty said the shootings may be related.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Simmons received a $3,000 bond and December 6 court date.

Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement the charges stem from a report filed on October 3 when Halifax County Adult Protectives Services made a report the victim was made to cosign for a loan for Simmons.  

The victim did not have the mental capacity to sign any legal documents.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant G. Evans assisted with the arrest.

On Thursday shortly before 4 p.m., Agent Chris Babb conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near Smith Church Road for a violation.

During the search of the vehicle, with assistance from Roanoke Rapids police Master Officer Jamie Hardy and his dog, Storm, a personal amount of cocaine was seized along with drug paraphernalia.

Babb cited the driver, James Brigman, 52, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for an open container.  

Babb arrested and charged George Brigman, 39, for felony possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

George Brigman received a $2,500 bond and both received November 15 court dates.

On Thursday at approximately 9:22 a.m., agents and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Green Street.

During the search of the residence, agents located marijuana, a marijuana grinder and a crack pipe.

Agent D.W. McKeel cited Amanda Yarborough, 37, of the residence, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possessing marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.  

She received a November 15 court date.

Library Advisory Committee

Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room.

City Council (Cancelled)

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2017 has been CANCELLED due to the lack of agenda items.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:   

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

Property Maintenance Worker (Parks & Recreation)

An employee in this position assists with the maintenance of parks and recreation property.  A high school diploma or GED is required and a valid NC Driver’s license. 

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) 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

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES at TJ Davis Recreation Center on October 31^st:

Trunk or Treat at Doyle Field (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) FREE Kids 12 & under.

Halloween Carnival (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.) FREE Kids 12 & under.

Haunted House (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.) Admission is $2. Suggested for ages 12 & over.

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES at Chaloner Recreation Center on October 31^st:

Halloween Party (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.) FREE Kids 12 & under.

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

The Girls placed 4th overall while the Boys finished 3rd.

Morgan Hudomint finished 2nd and was awarded the State Runner-Up medal with All-State honors.

Thomas Garrett took 4th in a field of 96 to earn All-State recognition.

The girls were paced by Hudomint, Whitney George, Kate Starnes, and Kate Forsht.

The boys' top scorers were Garrett, Jacob Harris, Kris Carter, and Ted Fleming.

Halifax coach stated, "This State Championship Meet and our CIC Championship last week marked strong finishes to an outstanding season. Our team members worked to positively impact the team and to improve their times. They encouraged one another en route to accomplishing these goals. Many set personal records over the last 2 meets."

How Aaron Hammond allegedly obstructed justice in the murder of 20-year-old Sequan Flemming is something Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said this morning remains part of the investigation in the fatal shooting in the Branch Avenue area of Roanoke Rapids.

In a statement this morning the sheriff said, “Aaron Keith Hammond played a role in obstructing the course of the investigation.”

Hammond. A photo of of Shearin was not available.

He was charged with common law obstruction of justice and received a $20,000 bond and November 15 court date.

Matthew James Scott was charged in Flemming’s murder and surrendered to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department Wednesday.

Tripp said others are expected to be arrested in the case for either hindering or obstructing the investigation.

Flemming’s murder appears to be retaliation over an undisclosed dispute and on Friday the sheriff’s office arrested Trevathan Shearin, 17, for intimidating a state’s witness.

Shearin already has court appearances set for Wednesday as well as November 7 for charges of discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling or moving vehicle, misdemeanor injury to real property and disorderly conduct. The Wednesday court date involves the first two charges.

Shearin was arrested in the Allendale Drive area of Roanoke where Tripp said deputies have responded to numerous calls in the past.

Shearin was taken into custody around 8 p.m. after Corporal P. Moyer and deputies C. Carman and J. Comeaux located him.

The outstanding warrants were based on an investigation by Detective S.A. Bryant.

Shearin received a $200,000 bond and Wednesday court date.

Roanoke Rapids beat Warren County 62-35.

KIPP High beat Weldon 22-20.

Northeast-Hobgood Academy beat Wayne Christian 58-44.

Northampton County - bye week

Southeast Halifax beat Northwest Halifax 49-14.

Northwest Halifax stats:

Passing

Jyrelle Alston- 5/8 for 56 yds 1TD 2Int

Lawrence Corley- 1/2 for 3 yds 1Int

Rushing

Tyrell Manley- 18 carries for 113 yds

Anthony Allen- 5 carries for 23 yds

Jyrelle Alston- 16 carries for 3 yds

Receiving

DJ Squire- 1 reception for 18 yds 1TD

Anthony Allen- 2 receptions for 34 yds

Tyrell Manley- 2 receptions for 3yds

Kick Return

Tyrell Manley- 1 KR for 65 yds 1TD

Defense

Jyrelle Alston- 9 tackles 1 asst tackle

Alexton Messiah Andrew- 7 tackles

Brent Richardson- 3 tackles 1 sack

Tyler Hedgepeth- 2 tackles 1 Fumble Recovery

Terrence High Jr. - 2 tackles 1 Fumble Recovery

Cody Edgin- 3 tackles

Tyrell Manley- 2 tackles

Anthony Allen- 2 tackles

Dexter Deloatch- 1 tackle

Jaquarius Alston- 1 tackle

Lawrence Corley Jr.- 1 tackle

 Mikenzie Harris Taniyah Washington Sameylah Sledge

A Visitation for Mr. Fleming will be held from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm, with the Funeral Service following the Visitation, beginning at 1:00 pm, on Sunday, October 29, 2017, in the Roanoke Rapids Chapel of H.D. Pope Funeral Home, 520 Smith Church Road in Roanoke Rapids, NC. The Interment will take place immediately after the Service in the London Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

These professional services have been entrusted to H.D. Pope Funeral Home, located at 520 Smith Church Road in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Charlotte, a native of Northampton County, was the daughter of the late Frank Norfleet and Nettie Jenkins Smith. She was also preceded in death by her son, William “Bill” Wheeler, her sister, Regina Dickens, and two brothers, Mark and Carroll Smith.

Charlotte was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a long time member of Jackson Baptist Church where she was the treasurer for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Otis Wheeler, her daughters, Angie Wheeler and her fiancée’ Jeffrey Blanton of Jackson and Nettie W. Edwards of Roanoke Rapids; five grandchildren, Chad Wheeler, Hunter Wheeler, Trevor Edwards, Babriel Wheeler and Colby Edwards; her sister, Dezma Medlin of Florida, her brother Gerald Smith and his wife Betty of Trenton, Ga., and several Nieces and Nephews.

A Memorial service will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 2 P.M. at the Jackson Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Cox and Rev. Warren Heitzenrater officiating.

Interment will follow in the Jackson Cemetery.

The Family will receive friends Wednesday from 7-8:30 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services Jackson Chapel, 313 W. Jefferson Street, Jackson, NC.