Members of the group visited Halifax Regional Medical Center for a check presentation and meeting with hospital administration.

The donation will be used to support a Cancer Care Fund, which assists with the transportation needs of cancer patients throughout the community.

The fund also helps qualifying patients with meals and other travel expenses following their appointments.

The Cancer Care Fund was started in 2015 and has touched more than 150 cancer patients since its launch.

The Ladies of the Lake organization raises money by hosting fundraising events such as home tours, bunko and other events around Lake Gaston to make this donation possible.

Participating providers and clinics collaborating with the Cancer Care Fund project on behalf of the Halifax Regional Foundation include Halifax Regional Mammography, Dr. Michael Sorensen at Roanoke Valley Cancer Center, and Roanoke Valley Surgical Associates.

The Halifax Regional Foundation is committed to supporting Halifax Regional Medical Center in its mission to improving health care in the Roanoke Valley.

The Foundation continuously seeks to build relationships with community and business partners interested in participating in programs to further the work of the Foundation’s fundraising and education efforts.

To get more information on how you or your organization can help this worthwhile cause, contact Halifax Regional Foundation Coordinator Betsy Morris, at 252-535-8476 or visit www.halifaxregionalfoundation.org

No stats reported at this time. Northwest Halifax hosted, Southeast Halifax, North Edgecombe, KIPP Pride, Weldon, Rocky Mount Prep and Northampton County attended the event.

Photos by Randy Wrenn

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The Yellow Jackets (21-1) took Game 1 by a score of 10-0 in five innings, and completed the sweep with a 4-1 victory in Game 2 over the Eagles (11-13).

Whittemore (10-1) did not walk a batter and struck out seven in five innings. She faced one over the minimum. Whittemore retired the Eagles in order in each of the first three innings before a leadoff single in the fourth gave UMW its only base runner in Game 1.

R-MC started its scoring in the first. Junior Kerstin Roth (Yorktown, Va./Grafton) drew a leadoff walk, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a groundout by junior Savannah Wood (Tappahannock, Va./Essex) to give the Yellow Jackets a 1-0 lead. Sophomore Sami Davidson (Stafford, Va./Brooke Point) also walked and came home on a double by freshman Kaitlyn Deeter (Roanoke, Va./Lord Botetourt) to make it 2-0.

The Yellow Jackets would erupt for six in the second. Roth and Wood delivered RBI singles and Deeter added a two-run double as the lead grew to 8-0.

R-MC added two in the fourth as Jones walked and scored on an error, while Deeter reached on an error and came home on a groundout by freshman Lauren Richardson (Stafford, Va./North Stafford) as the Yellow Jackets went up 10-0.

Deeter went 2 for 3 with a pair of doubles, two runs and two RBI. Roth and Davidson both scored twice.

Freshman Madie Rhoads (Portsmouth, Va./Nansemond River) was the starting pitcher in Game 2 for R-MC. She worked six innings and allowed two hits and three walks while striking out 10.

The Yellow Jackets got the offense going in the third. Wood had a one-out single, stole second and came home on a double by Jones. It was the 100th RBI for Jones in her four-year career to give R-MC a 1-0 advantage. Jones scored when Deeter struck out and reached on a passed ball as the lead grew to 2-0.

Deeter and Jones hit back-to-back homers to left in the fifth, giving the home team a 4-0 cushion. It was the third dinger of the season for Davidson and the sixth for Jones.

Jones went 3 for 3 with two runs and two RBI. She was a triple short of the cycle. Wood, Davidson and sophomore Maddie Stone (Glen Allen, Va./Glen Allen) each had two hits.

Randolph-Macon returns to ODAC action on Saturday, March 31, for a 1 p.m. home doubleheader with Lynchburg.

On Wednesday at approximately 11:30 a.m., Master Officer G. Colson was assisting serving a warrant in the 1100 block of East Tenth Street when he noticed an odor of marijuana coming from a parked vehicle.  

During the investigation Levi Scott Simms, 17, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics.

Colson cited Simms for possession of marijuana.

He was released until his May 14 court date.

On Wednesday at approximately 12:45 p.m., the police department’s Criminal Investigative Division and Nash County Sheriff’s Office went to a residence in the 600 block of Pine Street and arrested and charged Brian Lee Dunlow, 44, of Roanoke Rapids, with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and possession of a firearm by felon.  

The charges stem from a domestic-related shooting in Nash County Friday.

Dunlow received a $50,000 bond and June 12 court date.  

On Wednesday at approximately 3:45 p.m., officers M. Hunsucker and J. DeSare responded to a dispute call in the Roanoke Rapids High School parking lot on Jefferson Street.  

The officers located those involved in the dispute and Cody Alexander Cooke, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, told them he had a handgun in his vehicle.

Cooke was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on educational property.

He was released to a responsible person and has an April 4 court date.

This morning at approximately 12:30, Lieutenant P. Parks conducted a traffic stop for a violation in the 1100 block of Hamilton Street.  

The driver, Marceles Joshua Hawkins, 27, of Roanoke Rapids, was found to have outstanding warrants and a revoked driver’s license.

Hawkins was arrested and charged with obtaining property by false pretense, uttering a forged instrument, driving while license revoked, expired registration and expired inspection.  

He received a $2,000 bond and May 14 court date.

The obtaining property by false pretense and uttering a forged instrument charges stem from an investigation by the Spring Hope Police Department.

A court date for the Nash County charges has not yet been set.

Officer M. Worrell assisted.

This morning around 1:30, Worrell conducted a traffic stop for a violation in the 100 block of Emry Street.

A passenger, Henry Doumaine Stephenson, 38, of Weldon, was wanted for probation violation and had several outstanding warrants.

Stephenson was arrested and charged with four counts obtaining property by false pretense, resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer and served with an order for arrest for probation violation.

He received a $9,500 bond and April 9  court date.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy J. Comeaux charged Derrick Anthony Younger, 35,  with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver schedule II; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver heroin; maintaining a vehicle, place or dwelling for a controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting a public officer.

He was also served with an outstanding warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The events which led to his arrest began around 2 a.m. today when the sheriff’s office and Weldon Police Department were conducting a checking station at Second and Sycamore streets in Weldon, Captain A.M. Harris of the City County Drug Task Force said in a statement.

Comeaux encountered Younger and central communications advised he had the outstanding warrant.

As Comeaux attempted to arrest Younger, the man fled from the checking station but was caught after a brief foot chase.

Younger was found in possession of 10 vials of crack and three bindles of heroin.

He received a $10,000 bond and May 2 court date.

Sergeant T. L. Mason and Officer T. Revis of the Weldon Police Department and Corporal M. Zughbi and Deputy G. Keel of the sheriff's office assisted.

District Judge Terrence Boyle on March 20 sentenced Christopher Van Skipper, records in the online case file show.

Upon completion of the sentence Boyle recommended five years of supervised release with a special assessment of $100.

Skipper pled guilty to receipt of child pornography, which was listed as Count 2 in the indictment.

The judge dismissed Count 1 filed against Skipper as well as counts 3-11.

Boyle recommended Skipper serve his time at the federal prison in Petersburg.

In addition to the supervised release requirement and the assessment fee, Boyle ordered Skipper to cooperate in the collection of DNA and comply with requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

In the original indictment, which was returned September 8 of last year, the federal grand jury charged in counts 1 through 10 — receipt of child pornorgraphy — Skipper, beginning on April 14 of last year, did knowingly receive digital and computer images in files which had been mailed, shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

According to the indictment, the productions involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and were depictions of such conduct.

In count 11 — possession of child pornography — the grand jury charged Skipper knowingly possessed media containing digital and computer images, the production of which involved the use of one or more prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and which images visually depicted such conduct.

The meeting will be held in the old commissioners building, which is the red brick building beside the Historic Courthouse on King Street.

Board of elections Deputy Director Spinosa Clements said the main purpose of the meeting will be to swear in new members.

She said, however, “there is the strong possibility” the issue of the lack of a one-stop voting precinct for Roanoke Rapids ahead of the May 8 Democratic Primary will be discussed.

In the notice sent out this afternoon the document says, “This will be the board’s organizational meeting as well as discussion of election related matters for the upcoming May Primary.”

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.

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

In addition to her parents, Savannah is survived by her brothers; Wyatt Mason and Robert Richardson, grandparents; Bo and Rhonda Hardy, Ricky and Sissy Holcomb, and Tony and Gayle Stamper, great grandparents; Wilbur Casey, Nancy Hardy, and Vivian and Earl Stamper.

Savannah was predeceased by great grandparents; Bonnie Casey, Bo Hardy Sr., Ruth Holcomb, and Dorothy Brock.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 1:00 P.M. at the Hardy Family Cemetery with Dr. Dennis Gregory officiating. The family will receive friends after the service.

Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com

A Lee County native, she was born January 21, 1942, the daughter of James Clifton Osborne and Minnie Lovegrove Osborne.

Mrs. Carter was retired from American Enka Textiles; and, was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.   

She enjoyed being a wife, mama, grandma and homemaker, as well as growing and taking care of flowers.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Vernon Ray Carter; daughters, Juanita Rahuba (Gene) of Greensboro, Cynthia Pike and Faye Woodruff (Eddie) all of Roanoke Rapids, Susan Godsey of Manteo; brother, Robert Osborne; and cousin, Mildred Staton , both of Scotland Neck; grandchildren, Peggy, Linda Gail, Diane, Randy, James, Michael, and Bobbi Sue; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Hilda and Ray Moore; brothers, Jimmy Osborne, Haywood Hackney, Theo Hackney; and nephews, Jimmy Osborne, Jr, Randy Osborne, and David Moore.

The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm Friday at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service.

The funeral service will be held at 3 pm Saturday in the Hockaday Funeral Home Chapel.  

 Interment will follow in Corinth United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Condolences may be left for the family at hockadayfs.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service.

(All City meetings are open to the public):

Roanoke Rapids City Council (Regular Meeting)

Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

Parks & Recreation Trust Fund Grant Meeting for Chaloner Park Improvements

Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Chaloner Recreation Center. Citizens are encouraged to stop by anytime between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. to view the final site plans and give comments.

Senior Center Advisory Committee

Monday, April 9, 2018 at 12:15 p.m. in the Jo Story Senior Center.

Roanoke Rapids Planning Board

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids Planning Board will hold a public meeting Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Halll located at 700 Jackson Street to hear the following item(s) and provide a recommendation to City Council.

1. Consideration of a Resolution in support of an application by the City for grant funds from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) for substantial improvements to the Chaloner Recreation Park.
2. A Zoning Map Amendment (rezoning) request from Travis Whitby (applicant) and Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Living Trust/Trustee (property owner) to rezone a 0.713-acre undeveloped parcel with approximately 185± feet of frontage along Chockoyotte St at intersection of 4th Ave from B-4, Commercial, to R-6, Residential District. The property is identified as Halifax County parcel 0919963 in the City’s Planning & Zoning Jurisdiction.

The property is located adjacent to the east of Chockoyotte Park. The requested R-6 district allows single-family residential uses.

Related information is available for public inspection in the Planning and Development office at the J. Reuben Daniel City Hall, 1040 Roanoke Avenue. Any person, firms, organization or corporations interested in this matter are urged to attend the meeting.

The City of Roanoke Rapids will provide reasonable accommodations and services for any qualified disabled person interested in attending the meeting. To request the above you may call the Planning and Development at (252) 533-2844 no later than three (3) days prior to the date of the meeting.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:   

The City of Roanoke Rapids is now accepting applications for employment for the following vacancy.

(Part Time) Public Works Worker (Public Works Dept)

An employee in this position performs skilled technical and trades work in the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, facilities, and equipment.  Job duties include but are not limited to grass cutting, leaf collection, street sign maintenance, and other duties necessary in the Public Works Department.

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

HYDRANT TESTING: The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department began testing hydrants March 12, 2018. Please check your tap water for discoloration before drinking, bathing or washing clothes. If your water is discolored, turn the cold water tap on until the water runs clear. We hope to finish hydrant testing by May 31, 2018. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please contact the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department at (252) 533-2880.

MUNICIPAL OFFICES CLOSED/TRASH COLLECTION: Municipal offices were closed on Friday, March 30th. Trash collection routes for Friday will be collected on Wednesday, April 4th.

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 match was called before the end of regulation due to the mercy rule, with the Jackets up 9-0 and earning the Jackets win number 7.

Goals for the Jackets were as followed, Catherine MacNichol with four goals, Elena Miller with a "Hat Trick" three goals,  Ella King and Brittany Milan with one each.

Catherine MacNichol had three assist,  Karalee Miller had two assist, Laura Brown had one assist while Morgan Davis  had two assist as well.

Hannah Moseley had two saves in goal.

Post match comments from Jackets head coach Craig Jean, "We go into spring break in the top spot in the conference  standings and the team continues to improve. The players will get a nice break and then we will get back rolling and look to finish season as strong as we have started it."

Match Photos by Randy Wrenn

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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

Northeastern            9-0     Win     Overall record  7-0

Spencer Simonowich earned the victory on the mound for KIPP.

While at the Plate for KIPP. Yobani Marin went 5-5 with three singles;  Jarvis Adams also went 5-5 with two doubles and two singles;  Spencer Simonowich was third for KIPP going 5-5 with three singles and a double.

Despite the loss, Cornerstone Christian Patriots did collect five hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, Bethel had 14 hits on the way to victory.

Bethel captured the lead in the first inning when an error scored one run for Bethel.

In the top of the second inning, Cornerstone Christian Patriots tied things up at three when Peyton Pepper singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run

Cornerstone Christian Patriots put up four runs in the second inning. The rally was led by fielder's choices by Holden Burgess and Jeffrey Petrillo, a single by Pepper, and an error on a ball put in play by Ben Schmaltz

Paul Northcott took the win for Bethel. He surrendered two runs on three hits over two innings, striking out five

Parker Bristow took the loss for Cornerstone Christian Patriots. He allowed ten hits and 19 runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two

Mason Askew started the game for Bethel. He allowed two hits and five runs over two innings, striking out three

Bristow went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Cornerstone Christian Patriots in hits.

Bethel saw the ball well today, racking up 14 hits in the game. Northcott, Colton Hoggard, Askew, and Todd each racked up multiple hits for Bethel. Northcott led Bethel with four hits in five at bats.

"Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media.

Freshman Ashton Pegram produced a two-run double in the opener and a three-run double in the second contest to pace the Lady Bulldogs. Junior Jessica Onega added three RBI in game one, and freshman Jordan Blake went 3-for-3 and scored three times in the nightcap.

Barton (17-19) received a complete-game pitching effort from Hannah Jones in the first contest, while Sierra Hearp (Roanoke Rapids) and Pegram combined on the game two effort.

Sophomore Lindsey Stigler had two RBI in both games of the doubleheader for Chowan (17-10) and collected her eighth home run of the season in game two.

Game 1 – Barton 8, Chowan 5

The Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a quick lead in the opener, scoring four times in the bottom of the first off Chowan pitcher Shannon Buchanan (8-5). A two-out, two-run pinch-hit double down the right field line by Pegram put Barton on the board, and Onega followed with a two-run single, also down the right field line.

Chowan manufactured a run in the third after Miranda Glover singled to left, stole second, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a sacrifice fly. However, Barton took advantage of a Chowan error in the third to score two unearned runs off of infield singles by Taylor Martin and Hannah Jones, increasing the lead to 6-1.

The Hawks rallied to within one in the fifth, producing four hits in the inning and collecting consecutive two-run singles by Stigler and Beth Walker to make the score 6-5. But Barton added a run in the bottom of the fifth on a single by Onega that drove in Hayley Grizzle, who had singled and advanced to third on a stolen base and passed ball.

The Lady Bulldogs tacked on a final run in the sixth when Jones walked and scored on a Hearp double off the fence in right-center. Jones then retired Chowan in order in the seventh to close out the complete-game pitching victory, her sixth of the season. Jones (7-7) scattered eight hits, struck out six and did not walk a batter in the win.

Game 2 – Barton 13, Chowan 5 (6 inn.)

The Hawks took advantage of a Barton error and two passed balls to score twice in the first inning of game two.

Barton cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second when Brittany Jacobs doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Taylor Freeman. The Bulldogs took the lead in the third, as a CU fielding error opened the door to three unearned runs by Barton.

The Lady Bulldogs gave Chowan one of those runs back in the top of the fourth, as an error and a passed ball led to an unearned run. However, Barton scored five runs in the bottom of the frame to take a commanding 9-3 lead. Hearp drove in one run with a double off the fence in left-center, and Pegram’s bases-clearing double to right produced three more.  All but one of the runs were unearned, as a two-out throwing error accounted for the second run and extended the inning for Pegram to bat.

The Hawks tallied two runs in the fifth, the first off the solo home run by Stigler, her seventh blast in the past nine games. Brittany Parson scored the other run, hitting a two-out double off reliever Pegram and coming home on a single by EmaRae Flores.

However, Barton collected a single run in the bottom of the fifth when Blake scored all the way from second base on a Grizzle infield single to second base. The Lady Bulldogs finished off the contest via the eight-run rule when they added three more runs in the sixth, two on Blake’s fourth triple of the year and the final one on a Chowan throwing error.

The Hawks committed four miscues in the game that accounted for eight of Barton’s 13 runs. Barton also produced 10 hits off starter Shelby Griffis (7-5) and reliever Flores.

Hearp (4-4) gave up four hits in four innings and one earned run, walking two and striking out five. Pegram worked two innings of relief, surrendering a pair of hits and one run.

Barton will have a brief break in its playing schedule before returning to action on April 7 at King University.

Blanche was born November 5, 1920 in Norfolk Virginia and graduated from Maury High School.

She and her second husband, Charles Price, founded Price’s Refrigeration and Heating Services, Inc. after moving to Lake Gaston in 1971.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Walton B. Holland and Blanche Hargrove Holland, by her first husband, Vernon R. Paul and her second husband, G. Charles Price.

Blanche leaves behind her daughter, Lois P. Blum and her husband, Fred D. Blum of Springfield, Virginia, her son Ronald W. Paul and his wife Virginia D. Paul of Lake Gaston; grandchildren, Janet B. Lynch and her husband, Charles of Clifton, Virginia; David Keith Blum and his wife Leesa of Fairfax Station, Virginia, Christopher G. Paul and his wife Tracie of Roanoke Rapids and John T. Paul and his wife Tonya of Emporia, Virginia and eight-great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday April 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Rick Russell officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the NC Library for the Blind&PH 1841 Caption Blvd Raleigh, NC  27635

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

David, a native of Halifax County, was the son of the late David Braswell Camp, Sr. and Onie Alene Glover Camp.

He served his Country in the United States Army. While in the Army he attended the Navy school of music. He was a member of Rosemary United Methodist Church. He retired from Champion International Paper mill with 40 years of service.

David is survived by his wife Jean Camp, his daughter, Karen Camp-White of Virginia Beach, Virginia, his son, William "Billy" Camp and his wife, Lychel B. Camp of Roseburg, Oregon; five grandchildren Christina, Victoria, Louis, Kristen and Chris; two great-grandchildren Allie and Madison; his brother, Jimmy Camp of Littleton.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 1 P.M. at Rosemary United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve McElroy officiating. Military honors will be rendered.

The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family at Rosemary United Methodist Church, 900 Jackson St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 28780.

Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements.

Lady Patriots Coach Etheridge stated, "I am very proud of girls for a hard fought game and are showing great improvement."  

At the plate for Cornerstone, Joanna Duhadaway went 1-4, Madison Etheridge went 3-4, Gracie Mason went 2-4, Leah Thomas went 2-4, Ella King went 1-3, Anna King went 1-4. 

Madison Etheridge pitched 7 innings for the Patriots with 5 strike-outs, 2 walks and 5 runs. 

Cornerstone plays again April 6th against Northeast Academy at 5:30 at Northampton High School in Gaston.

Three newly sworn-in Halifax County Board of Elections members today — two Democrats and a Republican — voted to keep one-stop voting as it is, without Roanoke Rapids having an early voting precinct.

One Republican nominated to make the board a panel of four members — Bill Croisetiere — declined the appointment, board of elections Supervisor Kristen Scott said following the meeting. She said the county GOP has submitted other names to round out the board.

After Republican David Hines and Democrats Clarence Pender and Annie McCollum were sworn in, the elections board went into discussions of the one-stop situation in Roanoke Rapids.

Scott told the board the issue has created “an uproar” in the city but it was one the panel could revisit and look at the previous board’s action.

She explained the decision which led to the city not having an early voting site. That decision was tied to oversight on the city’s part which made the Neighborhood Resource Center on Jackson Street unavailable.

The board has been using the center since 2014.

Doughtie told the board he recently met with Scott to discuss the matter in which the city was interested in securing another site. “We did have a conflict with the resource center. We have agreed to offer the Lloyd Andrews (City Meeting Hall).”

The mayor said his main concern is Roanoke Rapids has a large early voting turnout.

With the closest early voting site now at Halifax Community College, Doughtie said there is concern about the distance there and how busy the traffic on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway is. “Lloyd Andrews is convenient.”

With Roanoke Rapids typically having the largest early voting turnout, Doughtie said, “I think we should have our own area.”

McCollum replied: “We have Halifax Community College available. In my opinion it’s not very far to travel.”

Parking is an issue at the Andrews building with the heavy turnout early voting generates. “The building suggested would be unsafe,” McCollum said. “Halifax Community College is a safe area. I don’t see a problem for people voting there.”

Doughtie countered, “Most people like to do things in their hometown. You’re charged to work what’s best for the whole county.”

Pender said the situation is “not going to be any better than it is now. The state board has to approve whatever we approve. As much as I would like to see early voting in every precinct, our budget will not allow it. We’re trying to be frugal with your money.”

Scott said after the meeting it typically averages around $3,000 to run a precinct.

Roanoke Rapids City Councilman Wayne Smith told the board, “The mayor offered you a good place. You’re taking away a lot of votes from African-American people in Roanoke Rapids.”

The decision makes it harder for other to vote as well.m“Y’all need to think about what you’re doing to the people of Roanoke Rapids. You’re taking away a lot of votes that could be cast.”

After the board made decision to uphold the previous board’s vote, Doughtie said, “I’m going to look at any other options we might have. I don’t think it’s fair to not have a precinct of our own.”

Scott said any changes would have to be made by April 9 and be approved by both the local and state boards.

She said she doesn’t anticipate the same problem cropping up in subsequent elections, including the November general election. “I’m sure they’ll check first. It’s really ideal to have a voting site in Roanoke Rapids.”

To make the necessary improvements to the superior courtroom where the session will be held on October 1, commissioners today approved an allocation of $35,000 from contingency that will not only accommodate the justices but lead to other necessary improvements.

Judge Alma Hinton told commissioners Halifax was one of the original towns where the court met before having a permanent home in Raleigh. “We’re very fortunate we have had five supreme court justices” from the county.

“This is a once in a lifetime thing for our supreme court justices to preside here in Halifax County,” board Chair Vernon Bryant said later in discussion on the matter. “I think it will be a wonderful thing.”

Hinton said she has met with county operations Director Ed Johnson who has come up with a plan to host the justices as well as make renovations to the 30-year-old courtroom.

The plans for hosting the justices include removing the existing jury box and constructing a temporary platform in front of the judge’s bench.

There would be carpeting for the temporary platform and the 12-foot tables in the grand jury room would be moved to the courtroom. Adequate audio would be installed for the justices.

Permanent renovations would include a new clerk work area, court reporter area and witness box. A new security wall would be constructed and new lighting and data, including new monitors, would be installed.

“It will make the courtroom more efficient and I think it will make us very proud,” Hinton said, adding later in the discussion, “I know it’s costly. Our courtroom is 30-years-old. We could get another 30 years, if not more, with the renovations.”

Commissioner Patrick Qualls asked whether there were any funds the county could pursue to offset the costs.

“I don’t know of any funding,” Hinton said.

“They’re kind of putting the burden on us,” Qualls said.

“They were very specific in their needs,” Hinton said. “I’m not aware of any funds. A suggestion has been made to ask (United States) Congressman (G.K.) Butterfield.”