Sexual battery

A man who has been previously arrested for indecent exposure was arrested last week for allegedly grabbing a victim’s buttocks.

On November 15 at approximately 1:30 p.m., police received a call about an assault in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue.

The victim told Sergeant T. Tyler Henry Kareem Franklin, 32, of Roanoke Rapids, came in the business and was looking around.

After speaking to Franklin the victim started walking toward the front of the store.  

Franklin allegedly grabbed the victim on the buttocks twice.

When the victim said she was calling the police, Franklin left the store.

Franklin was spotted by Animal Control Officer P. Wilson on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway and was taken into custody by Lieutenant P. Parks and Officer J. Shelburne.

Franklin was charged by Captain B.L. Martin with sexual battery and assault on a female.

He received a $3,000 bond and December 20 court date.

He has pled guilty at the district court level each time he has been charged.

He has been charged in March and July.

Loud music

On Monday at approximately 1:30 p.m., Officer C. Hagbourne and Master Officer J. Hardy conducted a traffic stop for loud music from a vehicle on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.  

During the stop an odor of marijuana was coming from inside the vehicle.

A search was conducted and narcotics and paraphernalia were found.

Timothy Earl Green Jr., 20, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance.

He received a $5,000 bond and December 6 court date.

Warren was born in Warren County, NC on September 28, 1925 and moved to the tidewater area in 1945 where he & his wife resided for 55 years.  He was preceded in death by his Mother, Katie Warren Conner, a Grandson, Stephen Douglas Adkins, and a Great Grandson, Eric Warren Rightmyer. He had great passion and devotion providing for his family, fishing, and gardening. 

Warren retired after 34 years from Trailer Service as Part Owner & Service Manager in 1999. 

Survivors include his wife of 74 ½ years, Ruth Wollett Warren, daughter Joyce Warren Adkins, son Fred Alton Warren, Jr. & wife Jackie Smith Warren.  He delighted in his grandchildren, Debbie Rightmyer (Tommy), Diane McFadden (Joe), Susan Elias (Jase), and Brian Adkins (Heather), and 8 great grandchildren, and was known by all of them as G-Daddy.

The family will receive friends and guests at Harris Chapel Baptist Church, Hollister NC for visitation from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM Friday, November 24th.  Graveside service will immediately follow visitation at the church.

Donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, or charity of your choice.  The family would like to recognize the medical team who provided loving and excellent care, Trudi Rickman, MD, Patricia Cook, MD, Brian Holdaway, MD, and Lisa Pearson, RN.

Arrangements are by Blaylock Funeral Home in Littleton.

It's the second time in Williams' career to earn the honor. It follows up an Old Dominion Athletic Conference recognition as the conference Player of the Week for the week that ended on November 20.

In an upset victory of #14 Marymount, Williams lit up the scoreboard to open the season. She finished with 34 points and 22 rebounds along with six blocks and a pair of both steals and assists. She was 11-18 from the floor and 12-16 from the charity stripe and helped R-MC secure the 78-73 victory to open the season. Williams' point total is thought to be in the Top 10 for most points in a game in school history.

Williams kept it going right into the R-MC Tip-Off Classic presented by Riesbeck Contracting. She pulled in 25 boards while collecting 21 points in a 65-62 loss to Juniata to open the tournament. In the second game of the tournament, Williams helped the Yellow Jackets bounce back to a 72-41 win, going 11-21 from the floor with 25 points and 18 rebounds against the Methodist Monarchs. For her efforts in the two Classic games, Williams was named the Classic's Most Outstanding Player.

Last season, Williams was named the USBWA DIII National Player of the Week on January 10, 2017. It followed an ODAC Player of the Week recognition for the same week, her third such honor of the season. In the two games during the polling period, Williams averaged 22.5 points per game, 14.5 rebounds per game and five blocks per game. Williams recorded two more double-doubles as well, improving her tally to nine for the season, the best in the ODAC. She shot 65.4-percent from the field in the two games.

The United States Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 and is comprised of members of the media who cover collegiate basketball intimately. The USBWA is considered one of the most influential organizations in the game. 2017-18 marks the fourth season where the USBWA has recognized national players of the week from Division III.

That period allows Thomas and Evon McClean to review documents, inspection reports, the building and its systems before signing.

Both City Manager Joseph Scherer and City Attorney Gilbert Chichester said following tonight’s city council meeting the due diligence period is not expected to take that long.

“They’ve done an excellent job maintaining the facility,” Scherer said of the public works and recreation departments.

Chichester said, “They don’t anticipate it taking the full 120 days.”

City council unanimously adopted a resolution which approves the final bid offer of the McCleans to buy the theater for $3 million. They have already made a $150,000 down payment. There were no upset bids made at close of business Monday, Scherer confirmed earlier today.

Councilman Wayne Smith made the motion to adopt the resolution and Ernest Bobbitt made the second.

Part of the resolution approved says, “Roanoke Rapids City Council deems it advisable and in the best interest of the city to sell its interest in the subject property to the successful bidder and convey its interest in said property by special warranty deed.”

Scherer and Chichester will be working on the contract Wednesday, the attorney said.

Scherer said the McCleans “have a good business plan to develop” the theater as well as the entertainment district off Highway 125.

The prospective owners are expected to reach out to media by public relations representatives next week, Scherer said.

Scherer said conversations with the McCleans have indicated they want to develop adjacent properties around the theater for “what it was originally intended. I think the private ownership will lead to additional efforts to draw more out there.”

Once the sale is complete Scherer said the venue will put around $50,000 in taxes back in the city’s books although he anticipates the new owners may ask for a tax revaluation. The theater is currently valued at $8 million.

The city manager said he is “very hopeful it will lead to very positive development in the district next to the interstate.”
Councilman Carl Ferebee said, “I’m just glad to see it move forward.”

Smith said, “I think it’s going to benefit the taxpayers over a period of time.”

Tonight she did it publicly as she presented firefighters Bryan Hollowell and Carter Rowland their certificates of commendation for rescuing her son Zachary Tillery during a house fire on Franklin Street last month.

Chief Stacy Coggins handed the certificates to Sexton so she could present them to the firefighters during city council’s meeting. “It meant a lot to her to present them as it did to the firefighters,” Coggins said.

“Without you guys, Zachary would not be here,” Sexton told Hollowell, a lieutenant, and Rowland, an engineer.

After the presentation Sexton said her 24-year-old son remains under sedation. “He has lung issues.”

He still needs two to three more skin graft surgeries, she said. “The main concern is his lungs, but he’s still here fighting.”

His mother says doctors at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill say his stay at the facility will be from six months to a year. “It’s a long road to recovery.”

The family plans to go see him this weekend. 

She is appreciative of what the firefighters did the morning of October 12. “I’m very appreciative. I’ve thanked them before. My family has thanked them as well.”

The certificate Coggins and Sexton presented to the firefighters reads, “For an act of heroism and lifesaving on the 12th of October while serving as a firefighter for the city of Roanoke Rapids. On this date you responded to a report of a structure fire … During the primary search of the residence a fire victim was located and rescued from the structure.

“Without hesitation you and your coworkers … used your skills, training and determination. Working together as a team, you gave the victim a chance of survival … This commendation is bestowed upon you for an act performed in the line of duty, which through your professional dedication and prompt alert action resulted in saving a life.”

Battalion Chief Richard Cook said following the presentation, “They did what they were trained to do. I’m proud of them.”

Said Coggins afterward: “I’m just extremely grateful for the dedication and loyalty of the employees of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department who make it such a great organization.”

The Yellow Jackets moved to 3-1 on the season while the Builders fell to 2-3.

Randolph-Macon and Apprentice traded many of the first 12 points of the contest, with the Builders tying the contest at six. But a free throw and a field goal by sophomore Kelly Williams (Garysburg, N.C. / Halifax Academy) and a layup by sophomore Charlotte Woods (Richmond, Va. / Trinity) pushed the Yellow Jackets ahead 11-6. That run allowed R-MC to get a critical lead as Apprentice shot well in the first quarter – 40%. R-MC shot just a touch better at 43.8% from the field. R-MC took the 22-17 lead into the second quarter. Woods led the team with six points in the period, while Williams pulled down seven rebounds.

R-MC opened the second period with a layup by Williams with junior Jayla Wade (Newport News, Va. / Heritage) and freshman Elise Knobloch (Glenville, Pa. / Delone Catholic) adding layups within the first three minutes. R-MC struggled with turnovers in the period though – ending up with 11 in the quarter –which led to six points for the Builders. Williams finished the second quarter strongly though, with four layups in the last three minutes. They were the only points for either team in the last three minutes of the quarter. R-MC had the 42-30 advantage at halftime.

R-MC came out in the second half with a pair of big field goals that pushed the lead to 13. R-MC took its biggest lead of the game – 18 -- with 4:36 to go in the quarter on a layup and free throw by junior Kelsey Wisner (York, Pa. / Central York). But Apprentice outscored R-MC to end the period, going on an 11-4 run that brought the Yellow Jacket lead to under ten points heading into the final frame.

Apprentice kept its run going in the fourth quarter. The Builders went on a 10-2 run over the first two and half minutes, bringing the score within one. R-MC pulled away with field goals by Wisner and senior Teal Reynolds (Sterling, Va. / Potomac Falls) and a free throw by Woods. But Apprentice kept threatening, bringing the score within one again at 4:25 to go in the game. Down the stretch, R-MC matched Apprentice, each scoring six points in the final four minutes -- but the strong first half lead helped secure the victory for Randolph-Macon.

Williams finished with another double-double secured by halftime – a feat she's done in each game so far this season. She finished with 23 points and 22 rebounds. She also had three blocks and a pair of assists. Woods and Reynolds each finished with nine points. Reynolds dished out five assists while Woods pulled in five rebounds. Off the bench, Knobloch finished with eight points and a pair each of assists and rebounds. Wisner also had eight points and three assists and tallied four steals as well. Wade finished with eight points and three assists. Freshman Becca Arrington (Amelia, Va. / Amelia Academy) tallied seven points as well.

Both teams took advantage of the other's mistakes, as R-MC tallied 26 points off turnovers while Apprentice put up 22 off giveaways. In the paint, R-MC finished with 50 of its 72 points.

The charges levied against Katoe Harris today following a search of his residence at the intersection of Thirteenth Street and Virginia Avenue are not expected to affect terms of his registry listing, Captain Anzell Harris of the City County Drug Task Force said at the scene.

The indecent liberties with a child count he was sentenced on in 1998 ran consecutive with numerous cocaine charges of which he was found guilty, state Department of Public Safety records show.

He was placed on the state sex offender registry in May of 2002 for a minimum period of 10 years for an offense which took place when he was 25 and the victim was 15.

This morning’s search warrant was based on an investigation by Agent D.R. Radford and it led to the discovery of cocaine throughout the house. Paraphernalia was also seized.

Captain Harris said in a statement Radford has been investigating the residence for the past seven weeks based on citizen complaints.

Agents had not weighed the cocaine as of this report and Captain Harris said investigation of the residence will continue.

Radford charged Katoe Harris with felony possession of cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $10,000 bond and December 6 court date.

These ranks were recognized and endorsed by the International Kyokushin Karate Organization in Tokyo, Japan. Sensei Kenny Buffaloe is the official North Carolina Representative of this worldwide organization with over 20 million members in 168 countries.

In Kyokushin Karate, rank is difficult to attain due to the high level and standards required for advancement. Students are tested on their technical abilities, attitudes, seriousness in training, fighting spirit and character.

In Kyokushin style karate, the Kumite (fighting portion of the test) is the most important requirement, 70 percent of the test, which is always full-contact fighting against multiple opponents consecutively without a break.

For more information on Kyokushin Karate and area training classes, call: (252) 589 - 4281, or email: kyokarateka@aol.com.

Christian Buffaloe, Assistant,  Colweth Garner(8th Kyu), Noah Whitney (8th Kyu),  Anthony Powell III(8th Kyu),  Destiny Mims(10th Kyu), Diniyah Graham(10th Kyu), Dovari Graham(10th Kyu). Sensei Kenny Buffaloe, Class Instructor, at far right.

Investigator Jonathan Benthall of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said the card was last known secure by its owner at Texas Steakhouse,

The card was used around noon on November 17 at Little Caesar’s off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

Benthall said the card has also been used at Big Al’s, Domino’s for a delivery order, Walmart and Family Dollar.

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The total charges on the card are at $392, Benthall said.

The photos are from Little Caesar’s surveillance system.

Anyone with information on the two women in the photos or the vehicle caught on the footage is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810, Benthall at 252-533-2898 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

State Representative Michael Wray and Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant presented the plaque to Deese at her final board meeting on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper.  

She attended Rosemary Elementary School, and Roanoke Rapids High School.  She graduated in 1955.  

After high school, she attended Saint Mary’s College (1955-1957) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1957-1959).  

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She graduated in 1959, and began her teaching career in Lynchburg, Virginia.  

She taught at EC Glass High School, and then became Art Supervisor for Lynchburg City Schools.  

During that time, she taught art classes on TV.  Her students winning multiple awards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd  along with several honorable mentions) in Art Contests and the Keep Virginia Green contest was the highlight of her teaching career.

She later completed her M.Ed at Lynchburg College and East Carolina University.  

She moved back to Roanoke Rapids where she taught art for Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools and Halifax County Schools.

She married Ed W. Deese on June 24, 1970. They had one daughter, Sarah.

She retired in 1989 after 30 years of teaching from Northwest Halifax High School.  

After her retirement, she ran for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District School Board of Trustees in November of 1989, and served 28 years.  

She has been active in her tenure on the board, serving on many committees.  A major contribution to the district has been serving as the Chairman of the Policy Committee for many years, ensuring the district is in compliance with Federal and State laws.

She has attended countless North Carolina School Board Association conferences and district meetings through the years.  

She has been an active member of the Halifax County Arts Council, the Women’s Club, and the Roanoke Rapids High School Alumni Association.

“Ms. Deese has dedicated nearly 60 years of her life to serving children. I cannot think of a better person to receive this honor,” said Board Chair Jay Carlisle.  

In a lighthearted remark, Deese presented the board with a framed one dollar bill saying she wished RRGSD and the board the best and wanted them to always have money on hand.  

Created in 1965, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is unique to North Carolina, and its recipients are chosen based on their contributions to their communities, extraordinary careers and many years of service.

Lieutenant Charles Vaught of the Roanoke Rapids confirmed the information this evening and said numerous tips and calls aided in the investigation, which continues.

The names of the two women will be released upon completion of the investigation, chief Chuck Hasty said.

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Last Thursday Champ escaped from his kennel while Morris was away on training. A car struck the dog and the driver did not stop. Champ died shortly after Officer Scott Blythe found him.

The memorial service today included the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, Taps and brief remarks from Chief Chuck Hasty and Morris.

Hasty said in the time Morris and Champ were partnered, they located $83,466 in cash; 7 grams of cocaine; 5.3 grams of crack; 14 grams of heroin; 61.4 grams of marijuana; various amounts of paraphernalia; two stolen stolen guns and located two people, one who was responsible for 90 B&Es in the city and 10 in the county.

Battalion Chief Kevin Hawkins said firefighters responded to the residence shortly after 1:30 p.m. and found the residents on the porch with a garden hose in hand. Light smoke drifted from the residence.

Firefighters Clay Barmer and Gabe Fanara entered the residence and discovered thick, black smoke coming from the kitchen.

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The cabinets and microwave above the stove were burning. Firefighters extinguished the fire and removed the stove, microwave and cabinets from the wall to check whether flames had entered the wall. A slight fire in the walls was extinguished, Hawkins said. “We did salvage and overhaul to keep the damage to a minimum and ventilated the residence.”

Hawkins said there was heavy smoke damage throughout the house and the kitchen was burned.

With having to buy a new stove, redoing the walls and cabinets and repainting the rooms, Hawkins estimated the damage at $20,000. “Our response time possibly saved the residence from devastating loss.”

The origin of the fire was the stove but firefighters could not determine whether the stove was on or off and the residents said they were not cooking at the time.

Three pets were recovered from the smoke-filled house, Hawkins said.

The investigation, based on complaints of drug traffic and sales at a residence on Kelsey Circle, also yielded evidence which tested positive for cocaine, Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement.

Agents of the task force along with Lieutenant J. Bozard, Corporal M. Bishop and Deputy S. Stansberry of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office went to the residence shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Agent D.R. Radford obtained a search warrant based on several complaints.

Bozard and his dog, Fino, assisted agents in seizing marijuana, paraphernalia and the evidence which tested for positive for cocaine.

Paul Frank Lynch, 41, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.  

He has a January 17 court date.

Trooper R.P. Dennis of the State Highway Patrol said Sandra Lee Britt of Straight Road was driving south on the highway when Sergio Torres Batres of Rockville, Maryland, crossed left of the centerline around 9 a.m.

Batres’ Dodge Challenger struck Britt’s 1996 Thunderbird. Britt died at the scene.

The crash occurred just past the Shell gas station and convenience store.

Batres, 20, was traveling an estimated 70 miles per hour when the vehicle crossed the centerline.

Dennis said distracted driving may be a factor in the crash because there was no evidence of braking. He could not say with certainty whether the distracted driving was because of a cell phone or something else in the vehicle.

Batres sustained serious injuries in the crash and was airlifted to Vidant in Greenville for treatment.

He faces pending charges of careless and reckless driving which reflects the speeding and driving left of center.

Dennis said he plans to consult with the district attorney’s office on whether to possibly charge him with felony death by motor vehicle.

A native of Halifax County, Lucy was born to the late Cornelius Spurgeon and Minnie Gertrude Wheeler Outland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Goff Tippens, Sr., her son, Steven Craig Tippens and her brothers, Lester Outland, Louis Outland and George Outland; her sisters, Margaret Outland Parker and Raye Outland.

Lucy was a member of Rosemary United Methodist Church, a member of the Roanoke Rapids Senior Citizens and volunteered at the hospital for many years.

Lucy is survived by her daughter, Margo Tippens Rawlings and her husband, Robin of Shawboro, NC; her sons, Rev. Norman Goff Tippens and his wife, Nancy of Roanoke Rapids, NC James Mark Pulley, Jr.; her seven grandchildren and her fourteen great-grandchildren and one Great-great-grandchild.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, NC with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Eastern North Carolina 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612 and Community Home Health and Hospice525 Becker Dr. Roanoke Rapids, NC.

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