Halifax Academy fell to Kerr-Vance 52-83.

Halifax leading scorers:

Harrison Hardee scored 2 points

Eli Harris scored 1 point

Eric Williams scored 29 points

Thomas Garrett scored 5 points

Kal Liles scored 5 points

Donovyn Gary scored 8 points

Conner Lynch scored 2 points

Halifax Academy Varsity Boys Basketball 2017-18 schedule

Tues, Nov 14

Lawrence Academy

Win

1-0

Thur, Nov 16

Kenston Forest School

Home

2-0

Mon, Nov 20

**Community Christian

Home

2-1

Tues, Nov 21

Kenston Forest School

Away

2-2

Tues, Nov 28

**Kerr Vance Academy

Home

2-3 

Fri, Dec 1

**Community Christian

Away

Tues, Dec 5

**Oakwood School

Away

Wed, Dec 6

Ridgecroft School

Away

Fri, Dec 8

**Epiphany School

Home

Mon, Dec 11

Southampton

Home

Fri, Dec 15

**Faith Christian School

Home

Fri, Dec 29

Brunswick Academy

Home

Fri, Jan 5

**Rocky Mount Academy

Home

Mon, Jan 8

Wilson Christian

Home

Fri, Jan 12

**Saint Thomas More

Away

Tues, Jan 16

**Oakwood School

Home

Thur, Jan 18

Lawrence Academy

Home

Fri, Jan 19

**Faith Christian School

Away

Wed, Jan 24

Ridgecroft School

Home

Fri, Jan 26

**Kerr Vance Academy

Away

Tues, Jan 30

Wilson Christian

Away

** Indicates CIC Conference Games

Tues, Feb 6

CIC Tourn 1st round @ higher seed

Thurs, Feb 8

CIC Semi-Finals JV @ Faith Christian

Fri, Feb 9

CIC Semi-Finals Vars @ Faith Christian

Sat, Feb 10

CIC Championship @ Faith Christian

Tues, Feb 13

First Round State Play-Offs @ Higher Seed

Thur, Feb 15

2nd Round State Play-Offs @ Higher Seed

Sat, Feb 17

State Play-offs quarter-finals @ Higher Seed

Fri, Feb 23

State Play-offs Semi-finals @ Calvary Day School

Sat, Feb 24

State Play-offs Finals @ Forsyth Country Day School

Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said it was not clear whether Lexie Ann McLeod, 21, of Littleton, and Nicole Lynn Blanton, 27, of Roanoke Rapids, allegedly posted the images directly onto the victim’s timeline or whether they were sent via private message. The photos were reportedly of the victim, he said.

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Motivation was not clear, Hall said.

Their arrests stem from a November 23 investigation by Deputy Comeaux around 2:30 a.m. when the victim reported pornographic images were posted on their Facebook page.

Investigation led to charges of felony disseminate obscenity, disclosure of private images and felony conspiracy against both women, who have December 20 court dates.

Lieutenant Perry Parks with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department assisted with the arrest of Blanton.

Halifax Academy beat Kerr-Vance 49-31.

Halifax leading scorers:

Emerson Poole scored 19 points

Candice Smith scored 20 points

Maddison Suiter scored 5 points

Ashton Garner scored 1 point

Ashlyn Liles scored 2 points

Margarett Hudson scored 2 points

Halifax JV girls fell to Kerr-Vance

Halifax leading scorers:
Lizbeth Dickens scored 7 points
Callie Barnes scored  7 points
Tara Simmons scored  2 points


Halifax Academy Varsity Girls Basketball 2017-18 Schedule
Tues, Nov 14

Lawrence Academy

Win

1-0

Thur, Nov 16

Kenston Forest School

Home

2-0

Mon, Nov 20

**Community Christian

Home

3-0

Tues, Nov 21

Kenston Forest School

Away

4-0

Tues, Nov 28

**Kerr Vance Academy

Home

 5-0

Fri, Dec 1

**Community Christian

Away

Tues, Dec 5

**Oakwood School

Away

Wed, Dec 6

Ridgecroft School

Away

Fri, Dec 8

**Epiphany School

Home

Mon, Dec 11

Southampton

Home

Fri, Dec 15

**Faith Christian School

Home

Fri, Dec 29

Brunswick Academy

Home

Fri, Jan 5

**Rocky Mount Academy

Home

Mon, Jan 8

Wilson Christian

Home

Fri, Jan 12

**Saint Thomas More

Away

Tues, Jan 16

**Oakwood School

Home

Thur, Jan 18

Lawrence Academy

Home

Fri, Jan 19

**Faith Christian School

Away

Wed, Jan 24

Ridgecroft School

Home

Fri, Jan 26

**Kerr Vance Academy

Away

Tues, Jan 30

Wilson Christian

Away

** Indicates CIC Conference Games

Tues, Feb 6

CIC Tourn 1st round @ higher seed

Thurs, Feb 8

CIC Semi-Finals JV @ Faith Christian

Fri, Feb 9

CIC Semi-Finals Vars @ Faith Christian

Sat, Feb 10

CIC Championship @ Faith Christian

Tues, Feb 13

First Round State Play-Offs @ Higher Seed

Thur, Feb 15

2nd Round State Play-Offs @ Higher Seed

Sat, Feb 17

State Play-offs quarter-finals @ Higher Seed

Fri, Feb 23

State Play-offs Semi-finals @ Calvary Day School

Sat, Feb 24

State Play-offs Finals @ Forsyth Country Day School

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These operations will include the use of a flare stack which could produce a loud noise and result in a tall flame being visible to nearby neighborhoods and businesses.

People in the area also may notice a whistling sound or the smell of natural gas.

Flare stack operation is a controlled process that will be managed and monitored by Piedmont Natural Gas personnel in cooperation with local fire department resources.

These pipeline activities are key to ensuring Piedmont’s safe, reliable service and preserving Piedmont’s commitment to supporting the growth of its communities and meeting the increased demand for natural gas.  

As part of the normal communications about these inspections, the company is reaching out to local law enforcement and first responders in the event they receive 911 calls from residents who are not aware that the inspection process is routine, safe, and monitored closely by Piedmont employees and local fire department personnel.

Gene was born June 1, 1935 in Johnston County, NC to the late Vernon Worth Hales and Hazel Minshew Hales. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby, Randall and L.V. Hales.

He was a member of Quankie Baptist Church and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Gene is survived by his wife Janice Hux Hales of the home; his daughters, Valerie Henley and her husband Terry and Vanessa Turner and her husband Rock both of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren, Amanda and Magen Henley, Justin Turner, Brandon Williams and Spencer Turner; his great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Kaydence Robinson; his brothers, Donald Hales and Larry “Tim” Hales and his wife Janice both of Roanoke Rapids; numerous nieces and nephews, brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, December 1, 2017 at Quankie Baptist Church with Dr. Lavelle Waters officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home of his daughter, Vanessa Turner, 702 Pine Drive, Roanoke Rapids.

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

The charges reflect the number of times Brittany Rose Bradley and Morgan Bree Ann Wheeler, both 17, allegedly used or attempted to use a credit card reported stolen at various locations throughout the area, Chief Chuck Hasty said.

It remains unclear how the Roanoke Rapids girls reportedly came into possession of the card, which had last been known secured by its owner at Texas Steakhouse.

A report on the matter last week indicated nearly $400 in charges had been made on the card. That total, according to Hasty, now stands at more than $1,000 in charges which were either made or attempted to be made.

Bradley met with Investigator J. Benthall at 8 a.m. and received a $17,000 bond and December 6 court date, Hasty said in a statement.

Wheeler met with Benthall at 9:30 a.m. and received a $10,000 bond and the same court date as Bradley.

The investigation began on November 17 when the victim discovered their bank card was stolen and transactions that they did not make began showing up.

They were identified through photos released to media last week and within minutes of the posting the department received numerous calls, texts and messages on their identity.

Employee charged with theft

Johnson responded to Lowe’s Home Improvement on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway and met with the loss prevention about a larceny.

Tyrone was working as a cashier and had allegedly been taking money from the register she was working over a period of time.

She received a $10,000 bond and January 3 court date.

Hasty said the amount of money taken totalled around $900.

Breaking and entering, assault charges

On Wednesday around 9:45 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of Lewis Street.

The victims told Officer M. Hunsucker they were involved in a hit and run crash and the suspects followed them to the residence and assaulted one of the victims.

The victim ran into their residence to seek safety and the residence was broken in an attempt to get the victim.  

The suspects fled the area once the victims called 911.

Hunsucker identified one of the suspects as Joshua Patrick Brown, 31, of Roanoke Rapids.

Brown had an outstanding order for arrest.

Hunsucker located Brown on Riverview Court and attempted to arrest him for the outstanding order for arrest.

During the arrest Brown reportedly assaulted the officers by elbowing and head-butting them.

The officers did not require medical attention, Hasty said.

Brown was taken into custody and served the outstanding order for arrest.

He was also charged with breaking and entering to terrorize, two counts resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer, two counts assault on a government official and hit and run with property damage.  

Brown received a $5,450 bond and Friday court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett, Sergeant D. Jenkins and Master Officer G. Colson assisted.

Help in identifying suspect

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Investigator G.L. Williams is currently investigating a larceny which occurred on November 7 around 1:45 p.m. at Label Shopper on Premier Boulevard.

Anyone with information on the identity of the individual is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810, Williams at 252-533-2821, or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

City County Drug Task Force

Captain A.M. Harris reported this morning shortly after 7:30, agents and the patrol division of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of Walnut Street in Roanoke Rapids.

During the search of the residence agents seized marijuana and a marijuana grinder.  

The investigation was conducted by Agent C.A. Parker.

Parker cited Morante Tremanye Brown, 35, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.  Brown received a January 17 court date.

On Wednesday shortly after 5:30 p.m., agents seized 48 individually wrapped bags of marijuana from a residence in the 200 block of East Fourteenth Street in Scotland Neck.  

The drug investigation was conducted by Parker, who arrested and charged Phillip Themes, 32, for possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for a controlled substance.  

He received a $60,000 bond with a December 20 court date.

Themes is also scheduled to appear in court on other marijuana counts as well as a weapon count in January, according to state court records.

Weldon Police Department

Lieutenant Chris Davis reported on Saturday shortly 9:30 p.m., Sergeant T.L. Mason responded to a trespasser call at a business in the 500 block of West Second Street.

Mason identified the trespasser as Willie Lee Demory, 65, of Weldon.

Demory left the premises and then returned after being told not to while Mason was still on the scene.

Mason placed Demory under arrest and took him before a magistrate where he was charged with trespassing and resisting a public officer.

Demory received a $1,000 secured bond with a December 11 court date.

On Sunday shortly after 10 a.m., Officer Q.L. Godley responded to a business in the 100 block of West Second Street on a shoplifter call.

Before Godley’s arrival the suspect left the business but was located at the corner of  Third and Walnut streets.

He was identified as Ricky Nelson, 58.

Godley discovered Nelson was in possession of stolen goods and also had outstanding orders for his arrest.

Nelson was placed under arrest and taken before a magistrate where he was charged with misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

He was also served the outstanding orders for second-degree trespassing, breaking and entering, forgery of an instrument, felony uttering a forged endorsement, felony obtain property by false pretense and felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense.

He received a $5,300 secured bond with a first court date of December 6.

On Tuesday around 12:30 a.m., Officer C.M. Byrum responded to a hit and run call off of West Third Street near Washington Avenue.

While in route to the scene of the hit and run, Byrum spotted the accused vehicle after receiving  a description.

Byrum conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Travis Dean Barclift, 29, of Hertford. Byrum determined the vehicle was involved in the hit and run.

Barclift had a revoked license and he was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Barclift was placed under arrest and taken before a magistrate where he was charged with DWI, driving while license revoked, careless and reckless driving, injury to personal property and hit and run.

He received a $1,000 secure bond with a December 15 court date.

When they read his iPhone was destroyed in the rescue effort the Honda of Roanoke Rapids salesmen chipped in to get the 14-year-old a new one.

“I was impressed by his actions,” said Scott. “He’s a remarkable young man.”

Said Robinson: “I think it was a heroic effort. It’s not something you hear every day. I think this young man has a bright future ahead of him. I felt it was the only thing he could do.”

While Sam was presented the phone Wednesday, Scott didn’t have a chance to meet him so the Northwest Halifax student and his mother, Lydia, came back to the dealership on Premier Boulevard today.

For the Kearneys, the events on Sunday have been a whirlwind of congratulations and praise.

When Sam went back to school Tuesday he said classmates and staff told him, “They were proud of what I did. Everyone said it was the right thing.”

As far as the gift by Robinson and Scott, Sam said, “I was very thankful.”

Mrs. Kearney said people have come up to her and told her, “You’ve got a good boy. He did the right thing.”

Mrs. Kearney said, however, she and her son still don’t take the credit for what happened in the aftermath of the crash on Highway 903 near Walnut Grove Road when the vehicle Bruce Wells was driving careened down the embankment with his mother, Racheal, 78, as a passenger. “God had something for that man and woman to do … We were in the right place at the right time. The glory belongs to God.”

The Kearneys met the Wells Wednesday night at a church meeting, Mrs. Kearney said. “She’s out walking and talking. They hugged our necks, they gave us a warm hug.”

After Madelyn Caudle, daughter of Rob and Christina Caudle, pressed the switch to light the tree, the Roanoke Rapids High School Chorus serendaded a record audience of 200 to 250 people.

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Charles was born on May 14,1938, in Metter, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Birdell Boulineau; as well as his daughter, Wendy Boulineau.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. After 23 years of service, Charles retired as a Master Sergeant.

Following his career in the United States Air Force, he went on to dedicate 20 years of service to KapStone. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Boulineau; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy Harsh and Patrick Falwell; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Katie Boulineau of Greenville; grandchildren, Megan Edmondson, Amber Williamson and husband, Jacob, Tyler and Natalie Boulineau of Greenville; great-grandchildren, Jade Edmondson, TJ Edmondson and Emma Kate Williamson; sister, Jeanette Consos of Ricon, Georgia; nephew, Stephen Consos of Ricon; nieces, Connie Consos of Ricon, Kay Greene, Marty Medlin, Kathy Pierce of Roanoke Rapids, and Kim Fitugh of Boca Raton, Florida. Charles is also survived by many extended family members, Patricia Hayes, Reggie and Joann Nicholson, Ann Nicholson. He was loved deeply by family and friends. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

The family will receive visitors from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 1 at Wrenn, Clarke & Hagan Funeral Services in Roanoke Rapids. The Rosary will be said at 7 p.m.

Services will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, December 3, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Pius Wekesa officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Betty was born October 22, 1947, in Halifax County to the late James A. Moody and Agnes Taylor Moody.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Nikki Batten.

Betty is survived by her husband, Willie Ferguson of the home; her son, Chad C. Ferguson; her daughter, Shannan F. McKenzie; her brothers, William C. Moody, Andy J. Moody and Danny R. Moody; her grandchildren, Toren Boss, Cameron Korkmaz, Natalie Korkmaz, Chloe McKenzie, Brittany Brown Poole, Nevyn Ferguson and Trevynn Ferguson; her great-grandchildren, Liam Poole and Jacob Poole.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 4, 2017 at Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to hockadayfs.com.

Charles Upchurch of the Raleigh-based PR and marketing firm French West Vaughan said in a statement this process is “required for the complex to move forward with a new vision in 2018.”

The McLeans have retained the firm to represent the theater.

“With the sale under contract, work is underway to develop a comprehensive event and entertainment schedule for the multi-purpose facility that is considered one of the finest live performance venues on the East Coast,” Upchurch said in the statement.

Additional information, including a fully revamped event and show calendar, will be released in January.

The management team has also announced it will host a job fair at the property to begin filling a variety of positions. Details of the event will be announced later this month.

Upchurch said the management team is still trying to determine the positions it will have to fill.

He said he anticipates the McLeans looking to serve the “broadest possible target audience” as far as live events.

From Elle the Pit Bull to numerous police dogs, Askew used the animals and their owners or handlers to teach students about community service.

As a way to give thanks to the dogs who have come through her classrooms in Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County and Warren County, she decided to give back and through her retirement dinner raised money to provide City County Drug Task Force Agent Danny Radford’s dog Tony a vest.

Askew taught for 32 and canine officers never hesitated when she asked them to come in her classrooms. “Why not give back?” She said this week.

So instead of gifts for her retirement dinner, she asked for donations for Tony, a Belgian malinois.

Askew taught Radford when he was in the fourth grade.

“I love it,” Radford said. It keeps him protected. He’s my partner. I’m very pleased.”

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Tony has been on the streets with Radford since August after an eight-week training program at Ventosa Kennel in Scotland Neck.

Tony made an impact his first day on the job, sniffing out a trafficking amount of cocaine.

Since he began working the canine has located 83.2 grams of cocaine; 5,130 dosage units of heroin and 104.84 grams of marijuana.

He has also located drug paraphernalia such as smoking pipes, scales and razor blades.

Tony is trained in tracking, narcotics detection, article searches and criminal apprehension.

“I’m very appreciative of this donation,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said. “It helps keep our dogs safe.”

Askew would like to see others in the community find ways to raise funds for a canine vest. “Each dog needs a canine vest,” she said. “This dog will protect him (Radford) better than another man. Each time they get a new dog, they need a new vest.”

The donation will pay off the accounts through around the first of the year, Roanoke Rapids Graded School District spokesman Les Atkins said.

The donor wished to remain anonymous, the school system said in a statement.

“Parents sometimes find themselves short at the end of the month and don’t have the money to pay for their child’s lunch which in turn results in mounting unpaid balances,” said Michelle Puckett, the school system’s child nutrition director. “I know this donation is a welcome relief to many of our parents right here at the holidays.”

The RRGSD Board of Trustees instructed school nutrition staff several years ago to provide students with a hot lunch regardless of accumulated balances.  

“This enables our students to be able to focus on the instruction in the classroom,” said Superintendent Dain Butler. “Throughout the year school administrators and community outreach liaisons work with our school nutrition staff to identify students that have growing balances. Our school teams work with those parents to pay down lunchroom debt and identify community services the family may need.”

Additionally, free and reduced lunch applications are sent out at the beginning of each school year to all students in the RRGSD. All completed applications returned are submitted.

“Acts like this should remind us there is still a lot of good in this city if we just focus on it,” said Belmont PTA President Justin Fender. “Anything to lighten the burden on the parents of students, especially this time of year, is such a blessing.”

Detective L.E. Mann of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting was the result of a verbal dispute between Herbert Debrew and the victim.

No one was injured and both the vehicle and housed sustained minimal damage from the man reportedly using firing a rifle and handgun, Mann said.

In a statement Mann said the sheriff’s office received a report of a shooting in the area of River Road in Scotland Neck.  

Debrew was charged with discharging a weapon into occupied property, assault by pointing a gun, injury to personal property — the vehicle — and injury to real property — the residence.  Debrew received a $5,000 secured bond and December 20 court date.

The event is called Cover a Child with Love & Soup for the Soul.

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Kelcey Short, executive assistant, said donations of new blankets and canned soup will be accepted through December 15.

(All City meetings are open to the public):

 Roanoke Rapids City Council

Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 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:

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

 ROANOKE RAPIDS CHRISTMAS PARADE: Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 2 p.m.

 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 Jackets got off to great start, posting 2 big wins in conference play.

Tuesday night, new comer, Granville Central came to The Hive to kick start the season. The final score was 55 - 25. Anna Vann led the way with 31 points. Elena Miller added 8, Michelle Stewart 6, Taylor Medlin 7, Cassidy Dickens 2 and Abbi Carpenter 1.

Game #2 had the Jackets traveling to Louisburg for our second conference contest in this early season. The outcome was very positive with a 60 - 21 win. The scoring was much more balanced, Anna Vann 16, Michelle Stewart 13, Abbi Carpenter 6, Taylor Medlin 7, Camden Bierbauer 3, Elena Miller 8, Kamryn Little 2, Janet Roberson, 3, Taniyah Greene 2. Every girl on the roster got significant playing time in this one.

Defensively, this team rock solid and has shown to be very aware of where each other is on the court. We are way ahead in the "team jelling" aspect of the game over last year's team. The core of last year's team has returned this year and we have some new additions that have all been impact full. We have senior leadership in Taylor Medlin, Camden Bierbauer, and new comers Elena Miller and Katina Lundy. The best news for this year's team is the addition of youth that has immediate talent and can contribute in the big games.

Jackets head coach Jim Whitmire stated, "We have a full 15 player roster and the future looks very bright for this program. Our team is solely focused on defending the conference championship."

The Jackets go outside of thier conference to host KIPP in a rare Saturday contest. The game is scheduled for 3:30pm. PLEASE come out and support the is team's efforts to bring another championship to RRHS. See you at the Hive.

More than 3,000 toys have been donated along with more than $1,000 in monetary donations, Sheriff Wes Tripp said.

The toy drive runs through 6 this evening where the sheriff’s office First Media Radio and White Motorsare gathered at Walmart to accept new toys for boys and girls age 6 through 12 or monetary donations.

“It’s better than last year,” Tripp said before he and First Media General Manager Chuck Marsh prepared to deliver bikes and toys to Hollister Elementary School where Twin County Cruisers were holding a car show and toy drive. “I attribute it to First Media Radio helping us promote this. The citizens of the Roanoke Valley didn’t let us down. It’s hard to put in words how thankful we are.”

The toys delivered to Hollister and those collected at the car show will go to Hollister REACH. Toys from the drive will also be presented to the Enfield Lion’s Club for distribution there.

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Throughout the 48-hour effort there have been heartfelt moments, the sheriff said.

Junior Champion, a Gasburg child born with inoperable cysts on his brain, used $30 in birthday money to buy toys for the cause. A teenager who sold a motorcycle used that money for the drive.

Marsh said it’s natural for the radio stations to be involved. “The radio station’s license is based on serving the community. We decided to serve the community together. The media has a responsibility to do service for the community. That’s why the government gave us a radio license — to serve the community. This is what it’s all about.”

Marsh said it was hard not to get emotional when Junior made his donation or when the teen used the proceeds from the sale of the bike. “The young teen’s dad teared up and said, ‘I’m really proud of my son.’ He said, ‘I was one of those kids who used to have to get toys from charity.’”