Whitney George scored the lone goal unassisted for the Lady Vikings.

"It was a tough match Friday night against a strong non-conference opponent. Wilson Christian had a very good goalie along with some very skilled players on the field. It gave our girls a chance to continue to try and improve against very good competition. We played well in the first half as we were only down 2-1, but couldn't keep up with them in the second half. Hopefully we'll be ready to play Tuesday against conference opponent Community Christian in Wilson." stated Vikings coach Tim George.

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Goody’s

Lieutenant Charles Vaught said investigators are looking for two men who entered Goody’s on Saturday shortly after 6 p.m. and grabbed approximately $500 in Nike merchandise and left the store.

The suspects were last seen fleeing the area in a mint green Nissan Altima with South Carolina license plates.

Walmart

Vaught reported on March 17 around 8:15 p.m. a man entered Walmart and stole sunglasses and fishing lures worth $25.

The suspect exited the store and fled toward Arby’s.

Responding officers were unable to locate the suspect.

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Beer theft

On March 16 at approximately 3 a.m. at New Dixie Mart an unknown female entered the store and went to the beer cooler and picked up two six packs of Corona valued at $25 and exited the store.

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Credit card fraud

The police department is currently investigating a case in which a debit card was stolen from someone’s purse inside Roses and used it at various locations around town.

Vaught said approximately $280 in merchandise was charged on the card after it was stolen on March 9.

The suspects took the purse while the victim was not paying attention. It was later recovered on a shelf elsewhere in the store. The victim’s debit card was missing.

The victim contacted her bank and learned the debit card had already been used.

Two suspects went to Walmart and made several purchases.  

A third suspect later went to Sarah’s Beauty Supply and used the stolen debit card. This suspect purchased several sets of hair extensions. She was wearing an Adidas jumpsuit.

Finally, the suspects went to the New Dixie located at Oakland Shopping Center and attempted to use the card to buy gas. The card was declined.

They were in a white four-door passenger car.

Computer larceny

Vaught reported on February 27 shortly before approximately 6:45 p.m an unknown man entered Walmart and requested to purchase a desktop computer.

The clerk retrieved the computer and kept it behind the counter while the suspect reportedly shopped for other items.

When the clerk was distracted the suspect went behind the counter and loaded the computer and keyboard in a cart and walked out.

The computer and keyboard has a total value of $1,430.

Anyone with information on the credit card fraud is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810; Investigator Jonathan Benthall at 252-533-2898 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Anyone with information on the other crimes is encouraged to call Vaught at 252-533-2818 or the police department or Crimestoppers number.

Mr. Lewis was born October 18, 1959, in Halifax County to the late Kindred Elton Lewis and Peggy Cannon Lewis.

He was a sweet and loving husband, attended Calvary Baptist Church and worked at Kapstone for 28 years.

Mr. Lewis is survived by his wife, Shasha Zhang; his father-in-law, Jian Guo Zhang; his mother-in-law, Suzhen He; his brothers, Steve Lewis and his wife Janna and Stan Lewis and his wife Sue; his sister, Sherry Conner and her husband Kenneth; his aunts and uncles and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

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

She was born, January 8, 1932, in Roxobel, NC, to the late Clarence and Nell Bryant.  

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Drake was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Drake and her two brothers, Clyde and Charles Bryant.  

Mrs. Drake was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed every moment with family and friends.

Surviving are her children, Joan Massey and husband, Tommy, and son, Michael Drake. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jeff Massey and wife, Brook, Jason Massey and wife, Alyssa and Garrett Drake. In addition, she has three great grandchildren, Everett, Emma, and Avery Massey.

She was a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church where she was the church pianist for many years and a devoted church member.  

The family will receive friends at Askew Funeral Service- Jackson Chapel in Jackson, NC, Tuesday, March 27, 2018, from 7-8:30 pm and other times at her daughter’s home at 1115 Bethel Church Road, Pleasant Hill, NC

Kenny Bryant, nephew of Mrs. Drake, will conduct services Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 2:00 pm at Rehoboth United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.askewfs.com

At the plate for Halifax, Ashton Garner had four Singles and two RBI's;  Candice Smith had two Doubles, one Single and five RBI's;  Ashlyn Cooke had a Double and a Single and two RBI's;  Ashlyn Liles had three Singles and one RBI;  Morgan Hudomint had a Double and a Single and one RBI;  Sydney Smith had a Double, Emerson Poole had a Single and two RBI's;  Margaret Hudson had a Single.

Sydney Smith pitched the five innings striking out ten batters.

Halifax Academy 2018 season

Southampton Academy      Loss    (0-1)

Roanoke Rapids                Win     (1-1)

Parrott Academy                Win     (2-1)

Wayne Christian                Win      (3-1)

Oakwood School               Win     (4-1)

Parrott Academy                Win     (5-1)

Lawrence Academy           Win     (6-1)

Faith Christian                   Win     (7-1)

3/27   Away    Community Christian

4/10   Home   Community Christian @ 6:30 PM

4/11   Home   Oakwood School

4/16   Home   Wilson Christian

4/18   Away    Brunswick Academy

4/20   Away    Wayne Christian

4/24   Home    Ridgecroft

4/27   Away    Rocky Mount Academy

4/30   Away    Cape Fear Christian Academy

5/2    Home    Brunswick Academy

Goals for the Yellow Jackets were Catherine MacNichol with a hat trick three goals, Ella King with two goals while Elena Miller, Morgan Davis, Taylor Epps and Dunya Qasem had one goal each.

Jackets with assist were Elena Miller with two and Morgan Davis, Catherine MacNichol and Aseel Qasem with one each.

Hannah Moseley had one save in goal.

2018 Lady Jackets 

Granville Central        7-1     Win     Overall record  1-0

Louisburg                   9-0     Win     Overall record  2-0

Southern Vance        10-1    Win     Overall record  3-0

South Granville          2-0     Win     Overall record  4-0

Bunn                          4-1     Win     Overall record  5-0

Northern Vance         9-0     Win     Overall record  6-0

Jake Van Dam pitched the complete game, striking out 9 batters, to pick up the win.

The Yellow Jackets had hits from Colin Long, Carson Neal, Aaron Jackson, Cameron Medlin, Peyton Jackson, Cameron Salmon, and Caleb Johnson.

Coach Mark Snead stated, "This was a good win for our team.  Jake pitched well and we finally got some key hits with runners in scoring position.  I am happy with how we played, but we know we must continue to get better if we want to reach our goals as a team."

RRHS improves to 6-3 overall and 5-1 in the Northern Carolina Conference.  The Yellow Jackets will be at home Tuesday as they host JF Webb.

The Ethel W. Crawley Memorial Education Fund Scholarship directs a scholarship selection committee to award a full four-year scholarship that will cover tuition, room, board, school fees, and books.   

In addition to the scholarship, the recipients will receive additional money to purchase a computer.

Chau, who is member of the National Honor Society, captain of the school’s Quiz Bowl team, and president of the Student Helping Students organization plans to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall and major in English and Education.  

She currently volunteers with the district’s English as a Second Language program and says she would like to one day become a teacher in a similar program.  

“I’m grateful to the committee for choosing me and all the people who have supported me through this process. I’m excited to begin my college education and what the future holds for me,” Chau said.  

Ethel Crawley died April 11, 1998, and was a lifelong resident of Littleton, teaching music for 28 years at Littleton High School.  

Her scholarship has benefited dozens of Roanoke Valley students over the years.  

“Alison is an outstanding student and student leader,” said Tammie Williams, RRHS principal.  “Last year our students earned more than $4 million in scholarships from various organizations.  This is the kind of success we want for all of our students. We wish her all the best.”

Avens said he couldn’t say with certainty if the one received today was related to one received last Tuesday.

Today’s bomb threat was called in to the Halifax County 911 Center, the college said in a statement, and the school was alerted to a possible explosive device on campus.

The call last week was made directly to the school.

In the statement, HCC said today’s threat was deemed low-level by college administration, but proper protocol was followed.  

“Despite the fact that the threat was considered low-level, our procedure dictated that we do a complete sweep of campus,” said HCC President Michael Elam said in the statement. “Upon investigation, both by law enforcement and campus personnel, no threat was found.”

HCC remains on its normal operating schedule. No evacuations or lock downs were initiated or necessary.

Avens said officers did an assessment of the entire college. “I just hope whoever’s doing it realizes the seriousness and consequences.”

The one last week remains under investigation as well as the one today, Avens said.

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

In one case Shaunette Monique Shearin of Garysburg faces charges of misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods for allegedly stealing two six packs of Corona from New Dixie Mart on March 16, Lieutenant Charles Vaught said today.

She had similar warrants from Northampton County.

In the other case, Walmart took out warrants on Donald Irven of Northampton County for larceny and possession of stolen goods stemming from a case where the man allegedly stole fishing lures and Sunglasses on March 17.

The police department still needs help in solving the following crimes:

A case where two men who entered Goody’s on Saturday shortly after 6 p.m. and grabbed approximately $500 in Nike merchandise and left the store.

A case in which a debit card was stolen from someone’s purse inside Roses and used at various locations around town.

A case on February 27 in which an unknown man entered Walmart and requested to purchase a desktop computer and later carried the machine out.

Surveillance photos and further details from the unsolved crimes may be found by following this link.

Anyone with information on the credit card fraud is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810; Investigator Jonathan Benthall at 252-533-2898 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Anyone with information on the other crimes is encouraged to call Vaught at 252-533-2818 or the police department or the Crimestoppers number.

Roanoke Rapids High School JROTC members presented the colors at home plate for the playing of the National Anthem while Roanoke Rapids Police officers Dan Bybee and Hannah Grimes  took to the pitching circle.

Grimes a Roanoke Rapids Alumni threw out the first pitch and was presented with game ball signed by all the Yellow Jackets players.

The Roanoke Rapids Yellow Jackets fell to 1A/2A Northern Carolina Conference 7-0 JF Webb Warriors 13-3 in seven innings.

The Jackets at the plate:  Camden Bierbauer 2-3, 2 singles, stolen base, RBI, Lily Curtis 1-3, single, RBI, Abbi Carpenter 1-4, RBI single, fielders choice, Makayla Pair 1-3, single, Caitlin Bobbitt had 2 stolen bases pinch running, Hannah Taylor had a stolen base, Cassidy Dickens BB, Kalyn Long 1-2, single.

In the Circle for the Jackets were Cassidy Dickens pitching 4 innings, 13 hits, 6 earned runs, Lily Curtis pitched 1 inning, 3 hits, 1 strikeout, 3BB, 2 earned runs, Camden Bierbauer pitched 2 innings, 3 hits, 1 strikeout, 2 earned runs.

Game Photos by Randy Wrenn

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Game #9 6:00pm Loser Bracket Game

#6 seed Georgia Pacific  46   VS     #8 seed Drugco/HRMC  42

Game #10 7:00pm

#1 seed Lowes Distribution   54  VS        #3 Pepsi  38

Wednesday March 28th games

Game #11 6:00pm Winners Bracket

#4 seed City of RR     VS     #2 seed Reser's

Game #12 7:00pm Lossers Bracket

#6 seed Georgia Pacific     VS     #1 seed Lowes Distribution

What impact this has on the lack of a one-stop or early voting precinct in Roanoke Rapids next month remains to be seen, but county elections Supervisor Kristen Scott said she would be consulting with the state board on the matter.

Late Tuesday, the state board approved the nominations of Clarence Pender, Annie McCollum, David Hines and William Croisetiere to the county board. Pender, of Scotland Neck, and McCollum, of Roanoke Roanoke Rapids, are the democratic party representatives to the board. Hines, of Littleton, and Croisetiere, of the Lake Gaston-Littleton area, are the Republican party representatives to the board.

Pender has served previously on the board.

They have until noon on April 2 to be sworn in.

Scott said she is not sure when the new board will hold its first meeting. “We’re waiting on a response on one-stop (from the state) to see if the new board can address the one-stop (issue in Roanoke Rapids).”

Scott said it is not her plan to to take any one-stop sites away ahead of the May 8 primary but look to see whether a one-stop site can be added in Roanoke Rapids.

The city is currently without a one-stop site following oversight which made the Neighborhood Resource Center on Jackson Street unavailable.

"Being down 4-1 at halftime with the normal defense making a few missed plays which resulted in goals, we decided to mix it up and go for broke in the second half. We allowed the newer girls to try and shut down their offense while just trying to outscore them by overloading the offensive line," said Halifax coach Tim George.  The strategy worked with the score being tied 6-6 at the end of regulation.

"The defense really stepped up and played well, while the offense looked great scoring in flurries. We just couldn't keep up in overtime. These girls played with heart and emotion and  never gave up till the end. I can't ask for anything more  than the effort I saw last night," added George.

Whitney George led the offense with a hat trick and two assists, while both Abby George and Maddie Suiter netted two goals to go along with two assists apiece. Kate Starnes scored her first goal of the season while providing the spark to lead the comeback in the second half.

The Lady Vikings are off for two weeks for spring break and return on Tuesday April 10th for what should be an exciting home re-match against Community Christian.

The vest is embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of K9 Diezel, Umass Amherst Police Department.”

“Vested interest has saved the taxpayers money by providing this service and equipment to our canine partners which will keep them safe,” Chief Chuck Hasty said.

Vested Interest in K9s is located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, and its mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged officers.

Vested Interest has provided more than 2,800 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $2.4 million.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the United States with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age.

New graduates, as well as dogs with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement dog is $950.

Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement dogs throughout the United States.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or through mail at P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

On Saturday shortly before 3 p.m., Officer Q. Godley responded to the area of Third Street and Washington Avenue about two people fighting.

Godley spoke with the victim and following his investigation arrested Albert Lee Simmons Jr., 28, of Weldon.

Simmons was charged with simple assault. He has a May 23 court date.

On Sunday shortly before 3:30 a.m., Officer N. Coles was working an off-duty assignment at a local restaurant when he noticed a vehicle pull in.

It appeared the female and male occupants were arguing.

Coles approached the vehicle and then noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.

Coles noticed the passenger, Tierra Andrew Jordan, 34, of Weldon, reportedly put something under the passenger seat.

During the search Coles located a Mason jar containing marijuana and a plastic bag containing powdered cocaine.

Jordan was arrested and charged with possession of schedule II, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He has a May 2 court date.

Sergeant  L. Melton assisted.

On Sunday shortly before 1:30 p.m., Godley conducted a traffic stop in the area of Fourth and Sycamore streets.

The female driver exited her vehicle before Godley approached and started cursing the officer.

The female then got back into her vehicle and drove off.

Godley pursued the vehicle and stopped it again at Sixth and Sycamore streets.

The woman exited her vehicle again and was placed under arrest.

Godley charged Jessica Shonese River, 30, of Weldon, with flee/elude arrest with motor vehicle, resisting a public officer and driving while license revoked.

She has an April 23 court date.

Arrangements are incomplete, and will be announced by Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service.