A private service was held at Cedarwood Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Persons wishing to upset the offer that has been received shall submit a sealed bid with their offer to the office of the City Clerk located at the J. Reuben Daniel City Hall & Police Station, 1040 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., by 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 20th. At that time the City Clerk shall open the bids, if any, and the highest qualifying bid will become the new offer. If there is more than one bid in the highest amount, the first such bid received will become the new offer.

A qualifying higher bid is one that raises the existing offer to an amount not less than $3,150,000.

A qualifying higher bid must be accompanied by a deposit in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid; the deposit may be made in cash, cashier’s check, or certified check. The City will return the deposit on any bid not accepted, and will return the deposit on an offer subject to upset if a qualifying higher bid is received. The City will return the deposit of the final high bidder at closing.

The buyer must pay cash at closing.

The Roanoke Rapids City Council must approve the final high offer before the sale is closed, which it will do within 30 days after the final upset bid period has passed. The City reserves the right to withdraw the property from sale at any time before the final high bid is accepted and the right to reject at any time all bids.

Further information may be obtained at the office of City Clerk or at telephone (252) 533-2840 during normal business hours.

(All City meetings are open to the public):

Roanoke Rapids Area Planning Board

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:   

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

Administrative Assistant I (Records Division) – (Police Dept)

Must be able to perform administrative, clerical, and recordkeeping duties -Must be currently certified in DCI (Division of Criminal Information) or meet the criteria to become certified within 6 months of employment

Must have or be able to meet criteria for NCAware and CJ Leads certification  -Must have the ability to multi-task -Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. -Must have a good understanding of NC Public Information Laws – Applications for this position are due to HR no later than 5pm on Thursday – November 30^th. 

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.

(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. 

(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

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NHA beat Halifax Academy 25-24 Saturday in Kinston for the championship title. The two teams had played each other twice during the regular season. Halifax won both of those games, but NHA won the one that earns the 1A NCISAA Staye Championship title.

Roanoke Rapids lost to Randleman 43-7 in the 2AA.

Southeast Halifax beat South Creek 14-7 in the 1A.

Northampton County Jaguars with a first round bye will host Southeast Halifax in the second round playoffs Friday  night November 17th in Gaston with a 7:30PM kickoff.

Vernon was born, January 23, 1932, in Halifax County to the late Sterling Wilson and Mattie May Morgan Pittard.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, uncle and friend, who loved the outdoors, especially, working in his yard and garden. 

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred, Dorothy, Annie, Catherine and brother, George Pittard.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Janice Hawkins Pittard, of the home; sons, Mike Pittard and wife Jean, of Roanoke Rapids and Randy Pittard and wife, Debbie, of Zebulon, NC; brother, Dock Pittard; sister, Julia Hawkins, both of Roanoke Rapids and grandchildren, Gregory and Eric Pittard. 

The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers, Beverly Norman, Tony, Ted, Patricia, Mary and Lynn. Also, a special thanks to his physical therapist, Teresa Myrick, who went beyond expectations to care for Vernon. 

The family will receive friends at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service Monday, November 13, 2017 from 6-8 pm. 

Rev. Sid Collins will conduct funeral services at Hawkins Chapel UMC Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 2:00 pm with interment to follow in the church cemetery. 

Online condolences may be sent to  www.hockadayfs.com

Chief James Avens said in a statement the customer discovered the keypad had a cover over it. It was later discovered the cover had a camera attached to it so keystrokes and customer PINs could be observed.

The customer discovered something out of sorts with the machine around 2 p.m. Sunday. Avens said it is not yet clear how long the keypad cover and card skimmer had been in the machine.

Avens said the police department has received one call of someone’s financial information being used by another but it was not immediately clear whether it could be linked to the placement of the skimmer.

The police department is sharing the information with other law enforcement agencies and is working in conjunction with State Employee’s Credit Union on the matter.

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Officer Noland Coles responded to the location of the machine after the customer noticed something was wrong.

Police contacted SECU which dispatched a technician to the location.The technician removed the skimmer from the machine.

The skimmer records the financial information associated with the account.

The Weldon CashPoints, which is in the vicinity of the former Interstate Inn is a “very popular” ATM, Avens said.

Avens said people using ATMs should exercise caution and be observant. “Most ATMs don’t have a cover on the keypad.”

If unsure or if something looks out of place, he said it is better to conduct transactions inside a financial institution.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The meeting also marked the end of presidency for Ken Wilson who turned over the gavel to new President David B. Gammon.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure serving as your president for the past two years,” Wilson said. “ … This chapter, I believe, will continue to grow and participate in activities in our community and state. Through the efforts of our membership we were recognized as the small chapter with the best overall program in the SAR for 2016 as well as receiving several other awards.Earlier this year we received an astounding 62 brochure entries and 49 posters. Recently we also received a record 40 Knight Essay submissions from Roanoke Rapids High School and Nash Central. Our flag retirements with Roanoke Rapids High School are continuing on a one per semester occurrence. Classroom presentations have increased.  Plans have already been made for the poster and brochure contests.”

Said Wilson: “This chapter is one of, if not the most, active small chapter in North Carolina. I believe this will continue for the foreseeable future.  The community is now more aware of this chapter than in years past and I believe we will be called on in the future by other organizations to participate in events and ceremonies.  

“As I pass the reins to David, I will not be leaving him or the chapter without support and advice if called upon. There are several projects, in both the chapter and state, already in the works that I hope to be of assistance in seeing to fruition.”

North Carolina SAR President George Strunk, who is also president of the General George Washington chapter in Greenville, oversaw the oath of office for Gammond, Vice President Geoffrey Pittard and Chaplain Duncan Jones. Secretary-Treasurer Steven F. Avent was absent.

Awards

Ladies of the Halifax United Methodist Church were honored in recognition of the support given the Halifax Resolves Chapter. Linda Presley accepted the award.

Pittard was honored in recognition of the support given chapter.

Rives Manning and Ernest Bobbitt were presented the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal — a multi-purpose award designed to recognize individuals whose community achievements at the local and state level are noteworthy.

Gammon, Jones and Avent were presented the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal for a compatriot in recognition of, and in appreciation of, outstanding services rendered to a Chapter.

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First responder awards

In presenting the awards, Wilson said, “Tonight’s recipients have consistently placed their subordinates above themselves.  It’s now time for us to recognize them.

When the decision was made to give these awards, I was astounded at the additional activities these men have undertaken. Each activity gives something back to the community.”

The Fire Safety Commendation Medal was presented to Roanoke Rapids fire Chief Stacy Coggins. “He represents the excellence, spirit and dedication of the ideal supervisor and team leader,” Wilson said.

The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal was presented to Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty and Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp. Major Neil Aycock accepted the award for Tripp.

Of Hasty, Wilson said, “He is a true professional whose courage of conviction and strong moral character fosters high morale, esprit de corps and a winning attitude within the department.”

Of Tripp, Wilson said, “His professionalism, strong moral character, and willingness to overcome the sometimes overwhelming challenges of his office are a credit to the members of his office and the county of Halifax.”

Captain Bobby Martin said officers responded to the RR Business Center at Oakland Shopping Center near Big Lots Sunday around 5:30 a.m. on an armed robbery call.

A person described as a black male standing 5-feet, 8-inches with a medium build pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded money. Martin declined to say whether the man wore a mask.

The employee complied and left the establishment with an undisclosed amount of money.

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Credit card

Investigator Obert Wiltsie reports a woman using a stolen credit card bought $1,600 worth of money orders and MoneyGram orders at Food Lion on August 25.

The card was stolen from Rocky Mount.

Stolen check

Wiltsie also reported the police department is seeking a woman who bought a small amount of items and received change after presenting a stolen check at a local business on October 23.

Anyone with information on any of these cases is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810, Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or for Wiltsie’s two cases 252-533-2823.

Rev. Randy Martin will conduct a graveside service in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke Rapids, NC, Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm.

Online condolences may be sent to  http://www.hockadayfs.com

Amarion Hardy led GCP offense with 10 carries for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ke’Mahgae Graham had 1 carry for 60 yards and 1 touchdown. Tre’Quail Hardie had 10 carries for 37 yards and two 2 point conversions. Amontae Parker had 5 carries for 31 yards.

Amontae Parker was 2-6 passing for 11 yards.

Jamieon Garner had 2 receptions for 11 yards.

GCP Defense was led by:

Chicar Ward-11 tackles.
Jamieon Garner-5 tackles and 1 blocked punt.
Amarion Hardy- 3 tackles and 1 interception return for 7 yards.
Michael Walton-3 tackles and 1 fumble recovery for 50 yards.
Tre’Quail Hardy-1 tackle, 1 Pass Deflection and 1 interception for a return of 19 yards.
Ja’Cari Jones-1 Pass Deflection and 1 interception for a return of 18 yards.
Freeman Harvey-1 interception for a return of 20 yards.
Amontae Parker-2 tackles and 1 sack.
Ke’Mahgae Graham-2 tackles.
Rayvon Harrison-1 tackle.

Rasheed Keen had 1 punt return for 13 yards.

Enfield

Police Chief Tyree Davis reported on Monday Officer Thomas J. Vesce Jr. arrested Rakeem Bryant on an outstanding warrant.

The warrant was for injury to real property, injury to personal property and domestic assault on a female.

Bryant was held on a 48-hour domestic violence hold.

Weldon

Lieutenant Chris Davis reported on Friday around 1:15 a.m., Officer C.M. Byrum responded to a residence in the 1200 block of Snead Street on a fight call.

Byrum determined Aaron Sanchez Stewart Jr., 23, of Weldon, allegedly assaulted his mother and brother inside the residence.

Byrum arrested and charged Stewart with communicating threats, assault on a female and assault with a deadly weapon.

Stewart was taken before a magistrate and received a $2,500 secured bond with a December 12 court date.

Sergeant L.K. Melton assisted.

On Friday around 1:30 p.m., Officer N.L. Coles conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Sycamore and Sixth streets.

Coles recognized the driver and knew her license was revoked.

Coles arrested Jessica Shonese Rivers, 30, of Weldon, and charged her with driving while license revoked.

She was taken before a magistrate and given a $1,500 secured bond with a November 15 court date.

On Saturday around 6:45 p.m., Sergeant T.L. Mason was in the 200 block of Mills Street attempting to serve a warrant for arrest.

He located Bryan Ozell Jones, 19, of Weldon, and arrested him on charges taken out by Trooper J. Keeter of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Jones was charged with driving with no operators license, failure to wear seat belt and reckless driving to endanger.

Jones was taken before a magistrate and given a $750 unsecured bond with a December 11 court date.

A native of Northampton County, she was born to the late Charlie Mitchell Gay, Jr. and Janie Rose Gay.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, George L. “G.L.” Thompson, Jr.; her daughter, Kathleen Thompson; and her sister-in-law, Vivian Browder.

Marian is survived by her daughter, Melinda Thompson Doty and her husband, James of Winterville, NC; her two grandsons, Elijah and Brian, her sister-in-law Bessie Mae Morris and her husband, Bernard of Littleton, NC; her brother and sister-in-law, Lynwood and Dorma Thompson of VA; her brother-in-law Don Browder of Weldon, NC and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Hawkins Chapel United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids, NC with Rev. Sid Collins and Rev. Bob Rose officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

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

Avens said he is hopeful a video showing the installation at the CashPoints on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near the old Interstate Inn may help the department gather leads in the case.

“We’re working closely with the bank,” he said this evening. “We have made contact with several agencies across the county and state. We have contacted the Secret Service and SBI.”

Avens said he was not in a position to make a judgment call on whether the ones who installed the devices, which are designed to steal PINS and account information are local.

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Thus far two people have come forward saying they used the machine during the time the devices were installed. It is not clear whether their financial information was compromised.

It is also not clear how many people may have used the machine. Those possibilities remain under investigation, Avens said. “The best thing to do is to deactivate your card, get a new one with a new PIN.

“If you used this ATM machine between 8 p.m. on Friday, November 10,  and 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, please contact your financial institute to be sure that your account has not been compromised.”

Anyone with information on the suspects is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Halifax Academy traveled to Lawrence Academy opening the season with a win 41-8.

Halifax leading scorers:

Candice Smith scored 13 points

Emerson Poole scored 8 points
Maddison Suiter scored 8 points
Ashton Garner scored 7 points
Ashlyn Liles scored 4 points
Margarett Hudson scored 1 point

Halifax Academy traveled to Lawrence Academy opening the season with a win 56-18.

Halifax leading scorers:
Kal Liles scored 21 points
Eric Williams scored 12 points
Donovyn Gary scored 8 points
Luke Keeter scored 6 points
Eli Harris scored 5 points
Harrison Hardee scored 4 points

Herr’s Chips won the championship game against Express Signs 36-24 Tuesday night at Doyle field.

The Herr's Chips team is made up of: Juvontay Hawkins, McKeon Hart, Skylar Moore, Kennan Ferrell, Matthew Forbes, Lucas Campbell, Jayden Flemming and Connor Moseley and their coaches are Dan Dixon and Doug Dixon.

The Roanoke Rapids Recreation Department would like to say thank you to all of the 2017 Flag Football Sponsors which include Herr’s Chips, Express Signs, Fred’s Boat Sales and Service, Mill’s Roofing and Cogar Remodeling.

There are two legitimate fundraising efforts planned for the family of 19-year-old Mallori Louise Reagan, who lost her life in a Northampton County car crash earlier this month, said Jay Barnes, who is helping in planning a December 2 poker run. A December 9 plate sale is also planned, he said.

Captain Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department identified the man who is reputedly raising funds as 53-year-old Alonzo “Smut” Scott.

(A flyer of the poker run is included as a PDF at the end of this story)

Barnes said Scott is using a flyer for the plate sale with his name written in pencil as a contact.

Martin said police became aware of Scott when he reportedly entered City Electric Supply at 1010 Charlotte Street claiming to be a representative of the fundraiser dedicated to Reagan, saying he would turn the money over to organizers.

When the business owner told him they were already collecting money, he hurriedly left the business, Martin said in a statement.

In an attempt to add legitimacy to his claim, Scott had money and what appeared to be a personal check in his hand he indicated was donated by others.

“We’re just trying to find out if anyone has given him money,” Martin said. “This kind of solicitation is frowned upon, particularly under the circumstances in which it’s being held.”

Barnes said fundraiser organizers are angered by the misrepresentation. “My biggest thing is it’s disrespectful to the family. They’re overwhelmed with the expenses of the funeral and medical bills. One-hundred percent of the funds are going to the family.”

Of Scott, Barnes said, “The more people who know about him the less he will get.”

The legitimate fundraisers include the December 2 poker run, which will depart from Collier Harley-Davidson.

Registration is from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The ride begins at noon.The registration fee is $15 per bike and $5 per passenger.

For more information contact Barnes at 252-578-1438 or Brandon Wilson at 252-538-1491.

Meanwhile, on December 9 a barbecue chicken plate sale will be held at the VFW on Thelma Road at noon. Plates are $7 and include barbecue chicken, boiled potatoes, baked beans, green beans and a roll.

Martin said anyone who believes they have been scammed is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810; Investigator J. Benthall at 252-533-2898 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The hearing had been set for this morning but the district attorney’s office said there have been no motions filed to move forward with the proceedings.

The DA’s office declined comment on whether it would seek a grand jury indictment against Simms before a probable cause hearing is held.

Meanwhile, a status hearing on the cases of Simms and Taphil Yancy in the 2015 murder of Jarshamel Cambridge is scheduled for December 13 in Halifax County Superior Court.

Status reports on all murder cases in the county are also expected to be given.

Simms is currently in prison after his probation was revoked earlier this month.