Chaloner Stats:

Wayne Wilkins scored 17

Jamari Edwards 13

Lazarus Bell 9

Austin Geary 6

Ethan Sledge 2

Doug Merritt 2

Josiah Morgan 2

Sauvion Cole 2

Shaheed Moore 1

Brayden Mills 1

Chaloner boys are 3-0 (3-0 in conference)

Today three commissioners took about a two-and-half hour tour of Klausner 2, which is located off Highway 301 on Piper Lane.

Commissioners Linda Brewer, Vernon Bryant and Carolyn Johnson were shown the facility, which is not yet operational despite an original startup date in June, along with County Manager Tony Brown, Finance Director Mary Duncan, economic development commission Executive Director Cathy Scott and EDC board member Chip Fouts.

Commissioners requested a tour of the plant at a meeting earlier this month.

Klausner President of International Business Development Thomas Mende guided the group through the sprawling plant, which is in the stages of ramping up for production.

“I’m very cautious,” Johnson said before having to leave for another appointment. “I’m seeing few employees on the ground.”

Asked her feelings if Klausner meets its March or April startup date, Johnson said, “I’ll be a happy camper.”

Asked if it doesn’t, she replied, “I’m just going to be optimistic.”

Brewer had no comment.

Funds outside the company’s own investment of $100 million are around $14 million, Scott said before the tour. The $14 million includes local, state, federal and Golden Leaf monies, she said. “I would say progress is being made and they have continued that progress. They paid $850,000 in taxes last year.”

Mende said production at the company’s Florida facility is going well now after initial startup issues. The facility is shipping 35 percent to countries such as India and other foreign locations.

Once the Enfield facility is in production, Mende said the company will be serving New York, Baltimore and other locations in the Northeastern United States.

The company, he said, uses all parts of the tree. In Florida there is a company which buys all its bark.

Brown said the purpose of the tour was, “We wanted the commissioners to get a better understanding, see the dimensions and how large it is. I think they learned their lessons from Florida and are bringing folks to train here.”

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Bryant, chair of the commissioners, said, “I’m optimistic. They’ve got a long way to go.”

On the anticipated start-up date, Bryant said, “We have to take them at their word. Touring, they’ve still got a way to go but I’m hopeful.”
Scott said the rail spur at the plant is complete as is the infrastructure.

At tour’s end, Fritz Klausner, who heads Klausner Group, spoke with members of the tour.

“Thank you for your support,” he said. “I think everything is in place. I think Mr. Trump is helping us.”

Mr. Klausner said location to the United States was crucial for the company. “It’s tougher to get raw materials in Europe. The quality of logs and timber (in the U.S.) is very good.”

Lumber prices are 20 percent higher in Europe, Mr. Klausner said. “Thank you for your understanding, thank you for your patience.”

Said Scott: “We need jobs. We appreciate your investment. We’re going to look back and be proud of what we’ve created.”

Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service is taking care of arrangements where services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, December 22, 2017, in the Chapel with Rev. Randy Martin and Rev. Julian Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Thursday evening, December 21, 2017, from 7:00 until 8:30 and at other times at the residence at 107 Clark Street, Gaston, NC.

The Tournament is to raise funds for the late coach Mike Newsome Scholarships for High school senior athletes at Halifax Academy, KIPP High and Roanoke Rapids.

This years event will have girls and boys games with teams from Weldon Middle, Gaston College Prep., Wyatt Middle and William R. David Middle Wednesday December 20th and the losers games Thursday December 21st followed by winners Championship games:

The cost is $5.00 per person and Five and under children are free. Halifax County Sheriff Department will be working security. Weldon Middle will have concessions open.

Sometime between midnight and 5:15 a.m. Chief Chuck Hasty found his locked vehicle was broken into and a rifle, bullet-proof vest and gun magazine were taken.

Captain Bobby Martin said a vehicle in the vicinity of another law enforcement officer’s house was also broken into but nothing was taken. That break-in occurred within an hour of the Hasty B&E.

Hasty declined comment on how entry was made into his vehicle and said the police department is trying to determine whether law enforcement is specifically being targeted.

The value of the items taken from Hasty’s vehicle is about $1,000, he said.

Martin said the department is looking to see whether law enforcement vehicles are being targeted.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Martin at 252-533-2820 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“It’s great to see children looking after children,” said Phil Hux, a member of the Angel’s Closet board. “It’s hard for kids to part with toys. We’re thankful they have looked after us. It’s a whole lot more than last year.”

Hux said the school’s efforts are part of what he described as the area’s giving nature. “The people of the Roanoke Valley look after people. I’m glad the young ones are doing this now.”

The list of children the ministry helps gets longer every year, Hux said, and the area helps out.

“We’ve got a ton of bicycles. The (Roanoke Rapids) fire department refurbished almost 50 bikes.”

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This is the fourth year Belmont fifth-graders have organized the schoolwide stuffed animal drive, Roanoke Rapids Graded School District spokesman Les Atkins said.

The drive, called Cuddles for Christmas, collected more than 400 new and gently used animals, Atkins said in a statement.

"That's the most we've ever collected," said Adrienne Powell, a Belmont fifth-grade teacher.  

Said Belmont Principal Terrell Jones: "This completely student-led initiative demonstrates our students' caring and concern for fellow children.  We are extremely proud of them for their leadership and for partnering with the Angel's Closet to help brighten the holidays of children in our community."

Said Hux: “It’s Christmas. You think about what Christmas is about — joy, that’s what.”

A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday evening, December 22, 2017, at Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral Home, from 7:00 until 8:30.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, December 23, 2017, at Rosemary United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve McElroy and Minister Greg Hand officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Rocky Mount Prep Scoring and Stats:

Scoring

Weldon Scoring and Stats:

Scoring

Weldon scoring and Stats:

Scoring

Three-Pointers

Two-Pointers

Free Throws

Rebs, Asst, Steals and TOs

Blocks, Charges and Fouls

The website Fighting Crime in Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson and Halifax reported this morning Nash County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the break-in of a patrol vehicle at a deputy’s residence.

The website reported at least one firearm was taken. The website reported investigators are not sure whether the Nash County break-in is related to the one in Roanoke Rapids or whether patrol vehicles are being targeted.

“We have communicated with Nash County,” Hasty said this morning.

Hasty said it is a possibility law enforcement vehicles are being targeted but not definite until investigations are completed.

Hasty said the theft of a rifle, bullet-proof vest and a gun magazine stolen from his locked vehicle remains under investigation.

The items stolen during the break-in were out of view and the rifle was in a locked case.

The police department’s only policy regarding the storage of weapons in vehicles is they are to be removed when the vehicles are being serviced.

In light of the Wednesday morning break-in and larceny from his vehicle, Hasty said he sent out a directive stating weapons stored in vehicles when officers are not on duty are to be removed.

Hasty said investigators are still trying to determine how his vehicle was broken into. He said the hood to the vehicle was opened but is not sure why.

The break-in of Hasty’s vehicle Wednesday occurred between midnight and 5:15 a.m.

Captain Bobby Martin said a vehicle in the vicinity of another law enforcement officer’s house was also broken into but nothing was taken. That break-in occurred within an hour of the Hasty B&E.

Anyone with information on the Hasty break-in is encouraged to call Martin at 252-533-2820 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Anyone with information on the Nash County break-in is encouraged to call 252-459-4121.

Lieutenant Charles Vaught said in a statement the larceny occurred around 12:45 a.m. and electronic speakers, baby formula and a tricycle were taken.

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

Games tip-off Friday night at Weldon High with Weldon, Brunswick County Virginia, Northampton County and Northwest Halifax.

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A warrant served today in the 200 block of Taylor Street netted 82 grams of marijuana, some of it packaged in 29 individually wrapped bags, Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement.

The Taylor Street raid, which occurred around 10 a.m., resulted in the arrests of Mack Shearin and Brenda James.

Investigation by Agent D.J. Epperson led to the search warrant and the patrol division of the Halifax County Sheriff’s assisted in the service.

Epperson arrested and charged Shearin, 55, and James, 50, for felony possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.

Street value of the seized marijuana is approximately $410.

The couple received January 17 court dates.  

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Around 2 p.m., agents and members of the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at a residence in the 900 block of Franklin Street where marijuana and a digital scale was located.

Agent C. Babb cited Travis Webb, 38, of the residence, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Webb received a February 21 court date.

While at the 900 block, agents received information of a person with outstanding warrants in the 1000 block.

Agents went to the 1000 block and located the man with the outstanding warrants.

He was turned over to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

During the search of the vehicle, due to the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside, approximately 31.5 grams of marijuana and a handgun was seized.

Agent D.R. Radford cited Joel Kendrell Clayton, 30, of Highway 903, Roanoke Rapids, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana more than one ounce but less than one and one-half ounce.  

He received a February 21 date.

On Wednesday around 5 p.m. agents returned to the 200 block of Maria Avenue, a residence which has been under continuous investigation.

The search warrant was based on an investigation by Agent C.A. Parker and sheriff’s office investigators assisted in its execution.

During the search of the property agents located approximately 8.7 grams of cocaine and approximately 32.5 grams of marijuana.  

There were nine men inside this residence during the execution of the search warrant.

Parker cited one, Wilson Green, 22, of Weldon with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.  

He received a January 17 court date.

Harris said Parker will continue the investigation of the residence, which is located in the Brandy Creek subdivision.

Estimated street value of the cocaine is approximately $522 and $162 for the marijuana.

HCC President Michael Elam said this evening the grant will double the school’s welding program and expand other programs within its industrial systems curriculum.

The United States Department of Commerce announced the awarding of the grant today.

The department said in a news release the project is expected to create more than 120 jobs and nearly $19 million in private investment.

“A key focus of the Trump Administration is ensuring that American workers have the skills to succeed in the face of global competition,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in the statement. “The new Halifax Community College Advanced Manufacturing and Corporate Training Center will help provide local businesses with an able workforce, stimulating future growth in the community.”  

The department said the training center will house curriculum and short-term training programs for industrial systems technology, welding technology, and automotive systems technology.

It will also serve as a venue where area businesses and industries can upgrade the skills of their current employees as well as new hires, and schedule other training needs.

“I’m just elated,” Elam said this evening. “It’s a great opportunity for the county and the college.”

The grant will allow the college to expand the welding area and its industrial systems program which includes solar training, robotics and computer training, Elam said.

The grant could also lead to an expansion of the school’s automotive technology area, which could lead to programs in diesel technology.

“It will create initial construction jobs,” Elam said. “In terms of long-term plans, we will be able to provide training for a lot of people for jobs they can keep.”

Elam is hopeful the grant will allow the college to initiate an HVAC program.

First, however, he said, “Now we have to focus on the planning process. We’re two years from planning to construction. It’s a two-year timeframe. If everything goes ideally we’ll work through 2019 to 2020 when we ought to be able to have a ribbon-cutting.”

According to the news release, the project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments.

EDA funds Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

Roanoke Rapids police investigators reportedly tied Mahkhi Bynum to the case through fingerprints lifted from Chief Chuck Hasty’s vehicle, Captain Bobby Martin said.

Bynum, who has multiple court dates in January and February on pending counts, was charged with breaking, entering and larceny of a motor vehicle, larceny of a firearm, felony possession of a stolen firearm, misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Hasty said Bynum, who has no fixed address, was jailed on $10,000 bond and has a January 3 court date.

Earlier this evening police executed a search warrant in what is traditionally called the no-hundred block of Madison Street where the case containing the rifle stolen from Hasty’s vehicle was recovered. The rifle, magazine and bullet-proof vest stolen from the vehicle have not been recovered, Martin said.

Hasty credited “hard, dedicated work by investigators” for bringing a quick resolution to the case.

Martin would not say whether he believed Bynum was targeting law enforcement. “I have an opinion, but will reserve that for later.”

Hasty said investigators are still trying to determine how access was gained to the vehicle and why the hood of the vehicle had been opened. The vehicle was locked and the items were out of view.

Hasty said the arrest will not change a directive he issued which states from now on officers are to remove weapons stored in vehicles when off-duty. The previous policy was weapons are to be removed when vehicles are being serviced.

Martin credited the work of investigators Jeff Davis, Gorton Williams and Obert Wiltsie in solving the case, in which more arrests are expected. “It’s good to get it solved. It would be better if we had the items recovered. We still have work to do.”

Chief James Avens said in a statement Motique Jackson, 24, is considered armed and dangerous and frequents areas of Roanoke Rapids and Weldon.

He is currently wanted for an armed robbery which occurred shortly before 9:15 p.m. in the 700 block of Maple Street. The police department is seeking two others in the crime who have yet to be identified.

The robbery occurred when the victim was approached in the streets and followed into their residence. The three men, two of them armed, demanded money and left with an undisclosed sum. No one was injured in the robbery, Avens said.

Weldon officers responded to the area and spotted two people matching the description. They fled into a wooded area near Ninth Street.

Leads in the investigation reportedly linked Jackson to the crime and warrants were obtained for his arrest on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering with intent to terrorize and possession of a firearm by felon.

In addition to his past criminal record, Jackson has a pending January 3 court date in Halifax County for assault by pointing a gun and breaking and entering to terrorize. Avens said those counts were not crimes investigated by Weldon police.

Jackson has been entered into national criminal databases and police continue to investigate to determine the identity of the others involved.

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

Jami Landen is being sought for the use of the checks in October.

Investigator Obert Wiltsie said about four checks were passed and around $100 worth of goods were purchased. Landed also got cash back.

Wiltsie said Landen frequents the South Rosemary area.

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

Deputy Chief Andy Jackson reported on Thursday shortly after 3 p.m., Officer A.J. Green attempted to conduct a traffic stop at West Eleventh Street for fictitious tags.

The driver did not stop and continued down Eleventh Street to the 1000 block of Cedar before stopping.

The front seat and rear seat passenger fled from the vehicle and ran toward Vance Street.

Green pursued the rear seat passenger and noticed an object fall. Green continued the chase and caught the person.

Green located a bag of marijuana and Master Officer Jamie Hardy and his dog, Storm, located a second bag.

One bag contained 2.6 grams of marijuana and a second bag, with two bags inside, contained 62.9 grams.

Jamazia Tillery, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with resist, obstruct and delay, possession of paraphernalia, felony possession of marijuana and  possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

He was jailed on $6,000 bond and has a January 3 court date.