The Lady Jackets lost in five innings to the Wildcats 11-1.

It was a tough night at the plate for the Lady Yellow Jackets with only 3 hits. Makayla Pair HBP, single. Abbi Carpenter single, Kaitlin Rogerson RBI single. Cassidy Dickens BB.

Cassidy Dickens pitched 4 innings with 1 K, 2 hit batters and 2BB, with 6 earned runs. Camden Bierbauer pitched 1 inning with 1 K, 1 hit batter and 3 earned runs.

The Lady Yellow Jackets travel to Warrenton to play the Warren County HS Lady Eagles Wednesday afternoon.

Game photos by Randy Wrenn

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2018 Senior Night Video by Randy Wrenn

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RMSAA All-Conference players for GCP Middle School Softball, Kamyrn Dixon, Tyasia Stansbury, Makaila Ricks and Jazalyn Hamm

To aid in making those improvements a reality, city council appropriated $50,000 Tuesday night which will serve as matching funds to state Department of Transportation funds.

Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle said this morning DOT offered to give the city an additional $50,000 if council provided the match.

As it stands now, the $100,000 will cover the top five projects Main Street wants to see implemented during the resurfacing project. While the work is slated to be completed by fall of 2019, a start date has not yet been announced by DOT.

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The top five Main Street projects culled from a list of 18 are as follows:

A mid block crosswalk at the 1000 block of the avenue; high visibility crosswalks at Tenth Street and Roanoke Avenue; enhanced crosswalks at Ninth Street and Roanoke Avenue; high visibility crosswalks at Eleventh Street and Roanoke Avenue and high visibility crosswalks at Eighth Street and Roanoke Avenue.

The mid block crosswalk in the 1000 block will align with the 1026 urban greenspace project, which is nearing the final stages of completion.

“We want to figure out a way to stretch the money further,” Caudle said this morning. “We will continue to seek out other funding opportunities.”

Combined, the 18 priorities represent $595,000 in improvements, which Caudle said is a very rough preliminary estimate and the reason why Main Street is initially emphasizing the first five.

“We need the avenue repaired,” Mayor Emery Doughtie said during council’s meeting. “It’s been cut so many times for utility repairs.”

Said Doughtie: “We don’t want to end up paying $500,000 for $50,000.”

Caudle said, however, “We’re trying to stretch the $100,000 as far as we can to initiate those safety needs.”

Caudle said this morning Main Street will be looking at federal, state and private funding as a way to implement the remaining priorities. “Main Street and the city will be exploring different material sources that potentially will be more cost effective to implement these crosswalks at more intersections.”

The resurfacing project, in which the contract was awarded to Rose Brothers Paving in March, will see the avenue paved from Highway 158 in South Rosemary to the Northampton County line.

The resolution which council unanimously approved Tuesday notes, “The Department of Transportation Highway Division 4 has reviewed and supports the implementation of several Roanoke Avenue streetscape improvements including, but not limited to high visibility and/or enhanced pedestrian crosswalks at intersections and a mid block pedestrian crossing in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue.”

In other matters Tuesday council:

Doughtie reads the proclamation as Hasty listens Tuesday.

Approved a proclamation in recognition of National Police Week May 14 through 18.

Chief Chuck Hasty said there will be a commemoration service May 17 at Centennial Park at 6 p.m. which will recognize all fallen law enforcement officers in Halifax County.

The following day — May 18 — there will be a service sponsored by Lodge 47 of the Fraternal Order of Police at the Northampton County Courthouse in Jackson. That service is scheduled for 10 a.m.

Approved a request to rezone a .713-acre parcel of undeveloped land on Chockoyotte Street at the intersection of Fourth Avenue.

The rezoning changes the parcel’s classification from B-4 commercial to R-6 residential.

The applicant is Travis Whitby, who wants to build up to three single family houses on the land which is currently owned by Vernon T. Bradley Living Trust.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp Tuesday distributed the funds to the 4-H Rural Life Center; the Hobgood Academy Preschool; the Lakeland Summer Children’s Workshop  and the Roanoke Rapids Youth Baseball Association.

Joining Tripp for the presentation in Halifax were representatives of partners Maverick 102.3 and White Motors.

The donation of $5,500 will pay the registration of up to 100 children to attend the Junior Deputy Camp on June 11 at Rural Life Center on Highway 903 outside Halifax. Deadline for registration is May 25.

Transportation will be provided and pickup points will be announced later, Tripp said. “We’re hoping 100 children will register. Transportation is free. No child has to pay.”

Lunch is also free and participants will receive a T-shirt. A parent or guardian may attend but has to register. Tripp said space is limited. The camp is for boys and girls ages 6 to 14.

Joe Long, director of the center, said, “The partnership with the sheriff, we’re happy to do that.”

Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chair Vernon Bryant said, “This is the second year he’s put the camp on. I can’t say enough about the sheriff helping the youth of our county.”

Hobgood Academy received $1,000 for improvements to its preschool.

Julie Rawls, who is co-director of the preschool as well as a guidance counselor, said the money will be used for improvements which include a sand box, shading and toys.

Barbara Dillard, who is a board advisor and grant writer for Lakeland, said the $1,000 donation will help children who could not otherwise participate attend the summer workshop, which culminates with a performance of Annie Jr.

“Teachers notice a big difference,” when children participate in theater, she said. “They’re more confident, they learn to work together, learn music and dancing.”

Roy Pierce, chair of the Lakeland board, said the summer workshop offers a “place for every type of kid,” where they can also learn about lighting and other non-acting facets of theater. “The goal is community outreach, helping to pull some of the youth back from the brink.”

The Roanoke Rapids Youth Baseball Association is just not centered on Roanoke Rapids, Tripp said. “It’s open to kids in Halifax County and Northampton County. The association has done a lot of improvements at Ledgerwood Field.”

Todd Lockamon, president of the association, said the organization includes 36 volunteer coaches, 25 teams and some 250 children in the summer league and some 150 in the fall league.

“The main goal in baseball is trying to teach life lessons, social aspects, a way for them to experience success and how to handle adversity,” Lockamon said.

The money will be applied to a batting cage, Lockamon said.

Jerry Lancaster of White said he was appreciative of the company being a partner in the program. “Wes has always been involved in the community. We have to start with the youth.”

Mike Morgan of Great 98 and First Media Radio, told the sheriff, “We know what you’ve done in the community. In radio, it’s all about local.”

Cleve Baker, also of Maverick, said General Manager Chuck Marsh wants to be community-oriented. “We will continue to partner with Wes Tripp.”

Tripp said he was appreciative of the partnerships and the many sponsors of the seafood festival. “It’s much more to law enforcement than enforcing the laws and locking folks up. It’s more about building relationships within our communities, especially with our children and it’s been said by many and it’s very true our future is our children.”

Tripp has been doing the fundraisers since 2015 and has raised more than $43,000. “I plan on continuing to do this on into the future.”

Dwayne was born in Halifax County on September 7, 1985, the son of Christopher Don Heustess and Cheryl Naomi Tripp Heustess.  

Dwayne loved his family, most importantly his kids.

He enjoyed listening to music, and was an avid gamer.

Very artistic, Dwayne also enjoyed history and shows about aliens.  

He was proud to be an excellent welder, and was employed by Merritt Piping and Fabrication as a welder.

Dwayne is survived by his wife, Crystal; his children, Tyler, Leland and Gabi Heustess; his father, Christopher Heustess; his mother, Cheryl Tripp Lee; a brother, Patrick Heustess; a sister, Lenzie Hardin; step-sisters, Tiffany and Heather Lee; grandparents, Donnie and Faye Heustiss, and Winnie Tripp; aunts and uncles, Stacie Ruffin, Sharon and Rusty Miles, Jody Tripp; great-aunts and uncles, Ruby Lena VanDyke, Vickie and Kenny Jenkins, Catherine and Richard Smith, Patsy Heustess, Walter Wheeler and Buck Tripp; mother-in-law, Tammy Norris (Jeff Lassiter); father-in-law, Brian Norris (Crystal); and sisters-in-law, Taylor Lassiter and Sophie Lassiter.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Joe Tripp.

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

The funeral service for Dwayne will be held at 2 pm Saturday, May 5, 2018 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, with Pastor Wayne Marshall presiding.  Interment will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at hockadayfs.com

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

The Lady Jacket shutout the Bunn Wildcats 9-0 on Senior night. 

RRHS goals were by Catherine MacNichol with a Hat Trick three goals, Ella King with two, Elena Miller with two, Laura Brown with one and Abbey Acree with one goal. 

Jacket with assists were Ella King, Elena Miller, Morgan Davis with one each.

Jannah Mosley had four saves in goal for the Jackets.

Post match comments by Jackets coach Craig Jean, "We are all glad to have conference play behind us. We have had a good regular season, but we are definitely  looking forward to the challenges that we will face in playoffs. Tonight was nice to see our team & especially our seniors put Bunn away. All 4 have worked hard to help get the team where we are now (15-0 Northern Carolina  Conference Champs). We will finish out our regular season on the road tomorrow and then see where we land in the playoff seeding."

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

Granville Central      10-0    Win     Overall record  8-0

Louisburg                  10-1   Win     Overall record  9-0

Northern Vance        Forfeit Win     Overall record 10-0

JF Webb                   9-0     Win     Overall record 11-0

Southern Vance      10-1     Win     Overall record 12-0

Hertford County        9-0     Win     Overall record 13-0

South Granville         3-1     Win     Overall record  14-0

Bunn                         9-0     Win     Overall record  15-0

Piedmont Services Group edged Fowler Crop Consulting  3-1.

Fowler stats:

Cadence Bell had a homer, Peyton Barfield and Skler  Moore had 2 hits. Delaney Briggs and Hannah Allen had a hit.

No stats for Piedmont.

Parker's Transport shut out Lake Gaston Cleaning 8-0.

Parker's stats:

Kamryn Johnson, Jayden Odom and Finley had 2 hits. Teagan Hamill, Bella Sinka, Sarah and Jordan had a hit.

It was a close game until the last inning with both teams swapping lead changes throughout the game.

With the Jackets up 12-8 in the bottom of the 7th the Lady Eagles scored two, but the defense held its ground and finished with the win.

The Lady Yellow Jackets had a good offensive night with 19 hits. Camden Bierbauer had a single, triple and an RBI double. Lily Curtis had a single and an RBI triple. Taylor Wade had a single. Abbi Carpenter had a single and 2 one RBI singles. Makayla Pair had a single, triple and a BB. Cassidy Dickens had 2 one RBI singles. Riley Landen had two singles and a 2 RBI double. Kalyn Long had an RBI single. Hannah Taylor had a 2 RBI single and Kelsey Bierbauer had a single and a sacrifice hit with an RBI.

Lily Curtis started the game pitching 3 innings with 3Ks, a hit batter and a BB. Cassidy Dickens pitched 4 innings with 2Ks.

The Lady Jackets travel to Bunn Wildcats to close out their 2018 regular season.

Northwest Halifax HS Johnny Wills Field, RoanokeRapids, NC   

Caesar, the 18-year-old United States Marine charged in his grandmother’s murder and the murder of a Hollister man on April 11, has refused extradition to face a desertion charge.

Caesar had been absent without leave from his post at Fort Benning, Georgia, since April 2, Tripp said.

He still has a May 16 court date in Halifax County, where an Indigent Defense Attorney is expected to be named in the case. He has already been appointed a local attorney. That attorney, Sammy Webb, could end up being Caesar’s IDS attorney, Webb confirmed following district court proceedings earlier this week.

Evans had been reported missing and the last time she was seen or heard from was on April 24. Further investigation led detectives to look for her grandson.

Sally Copeland Evans was taking her grandson to Camp Lejeune where she wanted him to surrender to provost marshal officers for being a deserter. “A possible motive appears to be that Caesar wanted to prevent his grandmother from taking him to Jacksonville,” the sheriff said today. Jacksonville would be the closest Marine Corps base in North Carolina.

Caesar was stationed at Fort Benning. While an Army base, Caesar was in tech school there, the sheriff confirmed.

During the investigation detectives learned the grandmother’s body had been left near a creek close to her residence. Tripp declined elaboration on Evans' death other than to say she was shot.

Caesar was discovered at a Rocky Mount hotel room where evidence was collected which not only allegedly tied him to his grandmother’s murder but the murder of Roderick Bluesky Mills, the sheriff’s office has said.

Henry Kareem Franklin on April 11 was sentenced to supervised probation of 12 months by District Court Judge Teresa Robinson Freeman, court records show. A 60-day jail sentence was suspended.

As part of special conditions of his sentence, Franklin, 32, was ordered not to expose himself and get a mental health and substance abuse assessment.

Franklin, who is listed as homeless in court records and by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, apparently gave court officials an address to show residency, sources familiar with the case said today.

Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement today Franklin was arrested by Captain Bobby Martin and Lieutenant P. Parks around 11 a.m. Wednesday on outstanding warrants for two counts of indecent exposure. During his arrest, Franklin was found in possession of marijuana and was charged with that offense.

The arrest warrant contained in the court file says Franklin “willfully exposed” his “private parts in a public place” to two victims who were at a store.

Hasty said in the statement the charges stem from an April 30 matter at a business in the 1900 block of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway where he is reportedly seen on video committing the act.

He received a June 6 court date and $1,000 bond.

Between March 28 of last year and an arrest last month, Franklin had been charged five times for indecent exposure, according to department records. Within that time he has also been charged with resist, delay and obstruct and assault and sexual battery.

There is an ongoing investigation into a similar offense on April 28 in which Franklin is a possible suspect, Hasty said in the statement.

The chief today reiterated what he said last month about the case. “We don’t want it to progress to something more violent. He needs to get the help he needs.”

After receiving numerous tips on the identity of the suspect from various area media outlets, Lieutenant C.L. Vaught obtained warrants on Jacob Scott Ivey, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, for larceny and possession of stolen goods.  

Ivey was arrested Wednesday at approximately 10:45 a.m. by Vaught and was assisted by Agent C. Babb.

He received a $500 bond and June 6 court date.

The charges stem from a larceny from Family Dollar on Sunday around 9:20 p.m.

The person entered the store and grabbed a tray of disposable lighters valued at $18.78.  

On Wednesday at approximately 8 a.m., officers responded to a report of an erratic driver on Roanoke Avenue who turned onto East Tenth Street.  

During the stop Master Officer A. Salmon observed narcotics inside the vehicle and discovered the tag on the vehicle was fictitious.

Salmon charged the driver, Terrell Lamont Johnson, 40, of Roanoke Rapids, with possession of marijuana and fictitious registration.

He was released until his June 11 court date.

Officer J. Shelburne assisted.

On Wednesday, Timothy Joseph Edwards, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, surrendered to Investigator O.L. Wiltise on outstanding warrants for larceny, possession of stolen goods and obtaining property by false pretense.  

Edwards received a $1,500 bond and June 6 court date.

The charges stem from a report filed April 30 in which the victim reported items were taken and then sold at a pawn shop.

The National Main Street Center made the designations, the state Department of Commerce announced in a statement Wednesday.

It is the fourth straight year Main Street Roanoke Rapids has received accreditation, said Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle.

“We were very excited and honored to have earned this accreditation for the fourth year in a row,” she said today. “The Main Street Roanoke Rapids non-profit works diligently in partnership with the city of Roanoke Rapids to maintain this accreditation. I give continued thanks to all the board members, volunteers and city officials who work to maintain this accreditation.”

Caudle said the designation “ensures our organization is working as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Each year, the National Main Street Center and commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center partner to announce the list of all accredited Main Street America programs.

“The Main Street & Rural Planning Center expands our rural and small-town communities’ capacity to take on economic development and revitalization projects,” said Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland. “The communities accredited today have worked with the center to establish practices that will fuel their efforts to bring jobs and development to their town.”

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s 829 nationally accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to preservation-based economic development and the revitalization of their commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center. “The power of Main Street shines across the country through these vibrant communities, who have all worked to generate impressive economic returns, preserve community character, and celebrate local history.”

Each community’s performance is annually evaluated by the North Carolina Main Street staff in partnership with the National Main Street Center. The staff identifies the local programs that meet 10 national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings.

In fiscal year 2017, North Carolina Main Street programs generated $200 million in local public and private reinvestment, helped open 319 net new businesses, generated 2,000 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 259 buildings, and clocked 139,000 volunteer hours.

“We are proud of our communities that have worked hard to identify economic development strategies to transform their downtown districts through action within the framework of the Main Street Four Point Approach of Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization,” said Liz Parham, director of Main Street & Rural Planning Center.

Since 1980, North Carolina communities using the Main Street America program model have leveraged more than $2.75 billion in new public and private investment, generated 23,472 net new jobs and 5,883 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 6,000 buildings. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Monday, May 7, 2018, at the Roanoke Rapids Church of God with Rev. Jerry Waters officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 – 11:30 A.M. at the church prior to the service.

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

NCHSAA 2A State playoff brackets will be released Monday and the Jackets will see where they are seeding and find out when and who they play.

Goals for the Jackets against Hertford were by Catherine MacNichol with a "Hat Trick" three , Ella King  as well with a "Hat Trick" of three, Elena Miller with two and Victoria Johnston with one goal.

Assists were by Catherine MacNichol,  Ella King,  Elena Miller all with 2, Laura Brown and Brittany Milan 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

Northeastern            9-0     Win     Overall record  7-0

Granville Central      10-0    Win     Overall record  8-0

Louisburg                  10-1   Win     Overall record  9-0

Northern Vance        Forfeit Win     Overall record 10-0

JF Webb                   9-0     Win     Overall record 11-0

Southern Vance      10-1     Win     Overall record 12-0

Hertford County        9-0     Win     Overall record 13-0

South Granville         3-1     Win     Overall record  14-0

Bunn                         9-0     Win     Overall record  15-0

Hertford County        9-0     Win     Overall record  16-0

Lieutenant Charles Vaught said in a statement the crime occurred at Hibbett Sports at Premier Boulevard when the suspect briefly browsed and then asked an employee to retrieve some shoes from the back.

While the employee was gone, the suspect grabbed 15 Adidas T-shirts, five Adidas jackets, and 10 pairs of Adidas pants and fled the store.

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The employee described the suspect as having tattoos covering his face to include his eyelids. His nose is the only part of his face not tattooed. He also has a tattoo on the back of his neck which reads “money.”

The suspect fled the scene on a white Nissan Murano, possibly a 2009-2013 model, driven by a woman.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810, Investigator J. Benthall at 252-533-2898, or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Halifax 2018 Seniors Kate Starnes and Abby George enjoyed senior night with an early 9-0 finish at home Thursday against conference opponent Faith Christian from Rocky Mount.

"The girls came out with a lot of excitement tonight to recognize their seniors with a strong win," stated coach Time George.  "These 2 seniors have been such an important part of the soccer program at Halifax Academy for the last six years that it's going to be impossible to replace them in the coming years. I have really enjoyed watching them develop as athletes and young adults through the years and I will miss watching them on the field as they head off to college in the fall,: add George.

Abby George had a big night with a "Hat Trick" three goals and 2 assists. Kate Starnes, Maddie Suiter and Whitney George all had two goals and one assist. Holly Forsht rounded out the scoring with one assist.

The Lady Vikings finish the regular season Friday away against conference opponent The Epiphany School in New Bern before starting the state playoffs next week.

Match photos by Randy Wrenn

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