The RRSD system pressure advisory does not apply to its consumers in Roanoke Rapids or Halifax County, CEO Dan Brown said in the notice.

The advisory comes as Northampton County consumers are experiencing periods of low pressure and outages in the distribution system due to a broken 12-inch water main.  

Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increase the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system.

Out of an abundance of caution, when water service is restored consumers are advised to boil all water used for human consumption — including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation — or use bottled water.

Vigorous boiling for one minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.     

Water customers are strongly urged to conserve water whenever possible.  

This advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.  

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The larceny occurred at Lowe’s Home Improvement around 9:20 a.m. when a man took a window-mounted air conditioning unit from the shelf and attempted to obtain a cash refund for it at customer service.

The employee declined to give him the refund and the man left the store with the unit on a cart.

Employees confronted him in the parking lot and he fled. The air conditioner was recovered.

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.

Robert J. Higdon Jr., United States attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, said in a statement United States District Judge Terrance Boyle sentenced the 30-year-old Roanoke Rapids man to a 144-month prison term which will be followed by five years of supervised release.

Belfield was named in a three-count Indictment filed on December 13, 2016.

On May 9 of last year, he pled guilty to the firearms charges while a count of knowingly and intentionally possessing cocaine with intent to distribute was dismissed.

Higdon said in the statement investigation began in 2015 when the Roanoke Rapids Police Department received information Belfield was selling cocaine at his residence in Roanoke Rapids. A confidential source made three controlled purchases of cocaine from him at his residence.

On April 16, 2015, agents with the City County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence.

Belfield informed officers a firearm was in his bedroom. Officers subsequently located a .40-caliber handgun loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition, 38 bindles of heroin inside the ammunition box, a half-gram of crack cocaine, a digital scale with white powder residue, a razor blade with white powder residue, and plastic baggies in the bedroom.

“This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone,” Higdon said in the statement.

The program is also in support of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative.

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the North Carolina Crime Laboratory conducted the criminal investigation of this case.

Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

Said Roanoke Rapids Chief Chuck Hasty: “We’re pleased with the outcome of this case and continue our commitment to work with the eastern district United States Attorney’s Office to take back North Carolina and clean our streets of drugs and drug offenders.”

The advisory was specifically issued for residents in the Gaston area who are customers of the RRSD, Dan Brown said this afternoon.

The advisory does not apply to its consumers in Roanoke Rapids or Halifax County.

He said results of a water quality test will be available Wednesday.

Brown said the RRSD recommends those affected by the low pressure and outages should boil water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation or use bottled water.

The recommendation includes boiling water before the water service is restored and when it is restored until further notice is issued.

In the earlier statement Brown said periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increase the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system.

The statement said out of an abundance of caution, when water service is restored consumers are advised to boil all water used for human consumption.

Vigorous boiling for one minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.     

The advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.  

Patricia Louise “Pat” Bennett passed away on May 17, 2018 at the WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh surrounded by her children.

Pat was born on August 17, 1935, to the late Leonard “Duke” Parrish and Ellen Ray Parrish.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Graham Bennett, her sister Barbara, her brothers Tony, Robert “Bob” and Leonard “Sonny” Parrish.

Pat grew up in Altoona, Pa, and was educated in the Catholic school there.

After graduation, she met the dashing airman Ralph Bennett, who was stationed at Blue Knob Radar site just outside of Altoona.

They were married in 1953.  

Shortly thereafter began their family with the birth of Richard “Rick” Bennett.  

They soon began their world travels courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.

Pat became a homemaker and followed Ralph on tours in Japan where Michael “Mike” was born, Hampton, Virginia, where daughter Stephanie Bennett Dannenberg was born; Wiesbaden, Germany; Trenton, Illinois; Belton, Missouri and the Panama Canal Zone.

They retired in 1972 and moved to Roanoke Rapids, NC., where Michael & Stephanie graduated high school and Ralph began his 2nd career in the motel business.

In their world travels Pat & Ralph made friends that they kept for life scattered around the country.  

Pat loved her friends and family was well loved by them as well.

She was proud of all of her children and grandchildren.  

She passed her love of dance to her son Rick, her beautiful skin to her daughter Stephanie and her love of humor to her son Michael.

Pat loved cooking and baking. Her Christmas cookies bring happy thoughts to many that were fortunate enough to get them.  

Pat loved animals and had both cats & dogs throughout her life.

Pat is survived by her son Richard “Rick” Bennett and his wife Brenna Mottershead Bennett of Rocky Mount, Michael Bennett of Roanoke Rapids, and Stephanie Bennett Dannenberg and husband Scott Dannenberg of Raleigh, NC.  Pat was also survived by her grandchildren: Michael Bennett of Wilson, Josh Bennett of Roanoke Rapids, Ellie Dannenberg (recent UNC graduate) of Raleigh, and Emily Bennett of Rocky Mount.

Visitation will be on Saturday June 2ndfrom 3pm-4:30 pm at Askew Funeral  731 Roanoke Ave Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Burial will be at a later time for family.

Clary's Motor Speedway will return to racing on Saturday June 9th as the Speedway will host "Kids Night" along with five divisions of racing including Late Model, Limited Sportsman, Pure Stock V8, Super Stock 4 Cylinder, and Pure Stock 4 Cylinder. Clary's Motor Speedway will be having a Kids Power Wheels race on June 9th (All kids be sure to bring your power wheels).

Pit gates will open at 3:30 PM with grandstand gates opening at 4:00 PM. Drivers meeting will be between 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM with racing to follow.

As Clary's heads into it's next event on June 9th our current point leaders in the 2018 Season Standings are Corey Almond # 7A (PRO LM), Trevor People # 47P (LM), Jimmy Gray #1 (LS), Bryce Pearson #3 (PSV8), CJ Clark III (SS4), Blake House #8 (PS4), and Jason McCauley #34 (UCAR).

Make plans to join Clary's Saturday June 9th and don't miss out on some of the best dirt track racing in the Carolinas as five divisions battle it out around the 3/10 mile oval all trying to claim their spot in victory lane. Come feel the excitement and make Clary's Motor Speedway your home track in 2018.

Reminder tickets and wristbands from the May 26th event will be honored on June 9th.

June 9th Admission Prices:
(Grandstands) Adults: $15
(Grandstands) Ages 11-15: $5
(Grandstands) Kids 10 & Under: Free
(Pits) Adults: $30
(Pits) Ages 6-10: $10
(Pits) Kids 5 & Under: Free

For further information on Clary's Motor Speedway visit www.clarysspeedway.com .

The mishap occurred on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway at Buffaloe Street where improvements to the highway are being done.

Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Chief Stacy Coggins said the excavator broke a two-inch plastic gas line.

The immediate area was evacuated within a 100-foot perimeter in all directions.

Entrance to Julian R. Allsbrook in the area affected has been blocked at Tenth Street and Georgia Avenue, including side streets.

Coggins said the fire department has received calls noting the odor from the broken pipeline could be detected throughout the city.

The fire chief said the police department, state Department of Transportation and public works are assisting. “It’s a collaborative effort,” he said. “We’re working together to get this done.”

CEO Dan Brown said in a statement this morning the work will require lane closure from Gaston to Roanoke Rapids on the Highway 48 bridge.

The southbound lane is expected to be closed beginning this morning until afternoon on Friday. Use of the Interstate 95 bridge is recommended for a safer alternative detour during this time. Brown said the RRSD expects full water service to be restored to Gaston customers and Northampton County this weekend.

The collision occurred around 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Tenth Street, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

When officers arrived they found the juvenile on the roadway with the bike under the front tire of the vehicle and the juvenile with a serious leg injury.  

The juvenile was transported by Halifax County EMS to Halifax Regional for treatment of the injuries.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured and will not be charged, Hasty said in the statement.

Officer R. Cross was the investigating officer.

“When this collision happened we had a lot of citizens stepping up who provided care for the juvenile until fire and EMS arrived,” Hasty said in the statement. “We did not get a chance to thank them during the response and investigation. I want to personally thank them for the things they did to help this young person who had a very serious leg injury. They provided comfort, reassurance and care to the juvenile that helped the emergency responders at the scene.”

Shooting

On Tuesday at approximately 7 p.m. the department received a report of shots being fired in the 300 block of West Fourth Street.  

The victims told the officers they were inside when they heard a loud noise outside and then discovered a bullet entered the residence.  

While conducting the investigation another victim came up and told officers they had been shot at while in the 300 block of West Fourth Street.

Investigator J. Benthall and officers interviewed victims and witnesses and obtained warrants on Nazir Khadaphi Belton, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling.

Motive has not been determined and investigation continues. There is the possibility of other charges being filed.

Belton, who frequents the downtown area of Roanoke Rapids, has not been arrested and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on location is encouraged to call the police department 252-533-2928 of Crimestoppers 252-583-4444.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said Travis Deon Lynch, 38, was arrested and charged today, following an investigation which began last August.

Tripp said Lynch was familiar with the victim but declined to elaborate.

In a statement the sheriff said the child later disclosed she had been raped multiple times.

Detective L.E. Mann obtained warrants after DNA paternity testing was performed and charged Lynch with three counts of statutory of a 13-year-old child.

A magistrate gave Lynch a $100,000 unsecured bond and a June 6 court date.

As presented this evening the proposed budget calls for a one-time $500 bonus for city employees, who received a 4 percent cost of living increase last year.

The $500 bonus would cost the city $82,000.

Giving a 3 percent cost of living increase would cost the city $125,000 per percent, Finance Director Leigh Etheridge told council.

Scherer said a cost of living increase would also end up affecting subsequent fiscal year budgets.

“I think raises would be more important than a one-time $500 bonus,” Smith said.

Mayor Emery Doughtie said, “Once we give that increase it comes around next year and then the next year.”

Smith countered there were several years the city “didn’t give them anything.”

Smith suggested to pave the way for a 3 percent cost of living increase that department heads could cut 1 percent off their proposed budgets.

Etheridge said providing the cost of living increase would increase FICA, unemployment, retirement and other costs associated with salaries.

“I like the idea of a 3 percent increase,” Councilman Ernest Bobbitt said, adding, however, “We also needs roads and equipment. I don’t disagree with 3 percent but what would it affect down the road?”

Scherer estimated the cost of living increase would cost the city around $400,000. “I can look at where we can cut. Basically it would be up to department heads.”

Scherer said he would sit down with department heads over the next couple of days.

Scherer said following the meeting he couldn’t speak with certainty what impact Smith’s suggestion would have on the level of services the city currently provides. In his budget message he noted the proposed financial plan, which calls for no tax increase or use of fund balance, keeps the city’s services at minimal acceptable levels. “That’s why I need to have discussions with department heads.”

Change in public hearing date

Following the debate on Smith’s proposal, council agreed to move the public hearing date on the budget and its regular meeting to June 12 at 5:15 p.m. at Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street.

It had been scheduled for June 5 at the same location and set for the same time.

Highlights

In the budget message, Scherer noted Michael Walden of North Carolina State University reported the state’s aggregate growth in gross domestic product surpassed national growth for the third straight year yet lags slightly behind that growth in the Southeast. “He cites inflation, higher interest rates and a possible trade war as factors to watch in 2018. Although the outlook for the state economy looks positive overall, our local situation could vary widely from the statewide projections.”

Some of the factors the city manager based what he called the conservative $18,027,420 proposed budget on includes the city’s per capita income of $20,568 — the state figure is $26,779 — and its median household income of $33,844 — the state figure is $48,256. The city’s poverty level is 26.7 percent.

Said Scherer in the budget message, “This year’s budget attempts to address some of the more critical needs in law enforcement and public works resources including capital needs against flat revenue forecasts.”

The potential sale of the theater, he said, “will eliminate annual operational costs and has the potential for development revenue in out years.”

Fee increases

Scherer noted in his budget message he is recommending an increase in the solid waste user fees. The proposal would take the fee to $215.29. It has held steady at $204.50 for the past four years. “Increases are due to higher landfill and tipping fees.”

He is recommending the license plate fee be increased from $6 to $11. That proposed increase is expected to generate an additional $67,650 for the city. Additional revenue would be budgeted for street and alley repairs.

Other highlights

As far as personnel, Scherer is recommending two additional police investigators to concentrate on gang activity and drug enforcement.

In capital needs he is recommending five new police vehicles; a radar trailer and Taser package.

For public works he is recommending two dump trucks, a street sweeper and asphalt patch machine.

Other potential capital recommendations include a knuckle boom trailer, leaf machine and one to two pickups for public works and parks and recreation.

Total cost of capital needs is $900,000 and the city manager recommends installment financing which would cost the city $200,000 over five years.

Doughtie said following the meeting he still supports a sales tax increase as a way to raise extra funds for the city.

It is a matter that must be approved by legislators before a referendum can be held. “I would like to get more input from the community and make sure there is a referendum.”

5-14-18
Parkers transport beats Lake Gaston Cleaning 8-3

#30 Kamryn Johnson hit a double,hit a single, scored twice

#2 Jayden odom hit a single twice, scored twice

#10 Teagan Hamill hit a single twice, scored twice 

#7 Sarah hit a double, hit a single, scored twice

#17 Elle Gracie hit a single

#11 Finley hit a single

#14 Grace hit a single 

#8 Bella hit a single

#18 Reagan D'arco hit a single

#6 Layla hit a single

 
5-25-18 U8
Parkers Transport vs Piedmont Natural gas 4-3

#30 Kamryn Johnson hit a single 3 times, scored twice,  including winning run

#2 Jayden Odom hit a single

#10 Teagan Hamill hit a single, scored

#7 Sarah hit a single, hit a double

#18 Reagan dDarco hit a single

#17 Elle Gracie hit a single

#14 grace hit a single twice

#4 Mariah hit a single, scored

Given Nationwide -  Chase Rogers

All Trade - Garrett Spatorico

AZ Handy Man Services - Ava Aston

Eagle Landscaping - Jaxton Bradley

Chirchester Law Office -  Noah Dill Caleb Allen

Moncure Homes -  Carson keesee

Joyner-Byrum Properties -  Evan Byrum

Our fasttrack program is a two week program starting June 14 where you can earn 10 credit hours in 2 weeks, while also at the same time,  compete during our mini camp to earn a football scholarship.  Funds aside just for the fasttrack program. If needed more information on the football side of the program. 

Would you be interested in walking on to our program and having the opportunity to earn an athletic scholarship? You would be competing against incoming freshman.

Complete the attached documents by 6/1/18. Apply for FASFA 2017/2018 & 2018/2019. Information is in the documents to help assist you.  

Virginia University of Lynchburg Fast Track Program offers high school graduate students an opportunity to earn up to 10 college credits while enjoying the atmosphere of college life. Freshman will be offered Enrichment English Q.C. 099, Vocabulary Building Q.C. 098, Enrichment Math Q.C. 097, College Orientation GENL 100, Learning plus EDUC 208, Life Choices/Wellness GS 111, and Curriculum Development EDUC 208. Transfer students will be offered the following additional course from: Biology 130, Economics 207, Philosophy 230, Sociology 112, and Public Speaking COM 230. Try to complete the application ASAP. 

If you need any help in completing the documents Contact:

Kiara Hunt - Admissions 

Khunt@vul.edu

434-528-5276 Ext. 1130

Romena Morgan - Financial Aid

Rmorgan@vul.edu

434-528-5276 Ext. 1105

Their fans can help them get there by taking time to vote for their video, which is a medley of 80s pop hits.

The band already has a wide lead in the voting, which continues through June 11, and could give the group the chance to open for OneRepublic at Stadium of Fire, a concert scheduled in July in Provo, Utah.

A Roanoke Rapids native and the son of Franklin and Paula Jones, Spencer’s road led him to Gilbert, Arizona, where he had opportunities to perform music.

He has done several Cinematic Pop performances, including a cover of Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars, The Killers song Human and an original number So Low performed with the London Symphony Orchestra. “We recorded some music in London in 2016. There’s been some really cool opportunities I’ve been blessed to do. When we were in London we played 10 shows at various venues. It was an awesome experience. It was really positive and everyone was welcoming.”

The London experience was the one where the question of what’s next came up. “We hope this contest will be the next step in the process.”

The songs which make up the medley Redhill submitted for the contest are those of which Spencer said father listened to. “Dad showed me songs he listened to growing up. The 80s music had charm, they were pleasing to the ear and very catchy, just light. He grew up listening to those. I remember putting up the medlies, giving a shot out to dad for his good taste in music.”

The medley includes Your Love by The Outfield; Don’t You Want Me by The Human League and Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners. “All the responses have been positive. I think everyone loves that era of music.”

Redhill is influenced by bands such as Kings of Leon and The Killers. Michael Jackson is also an influence, Spencer said.

The three members of the band write songs, come up with ideas and work on it together. Their songs are mainly about experiences and relationships. “Lately a lot have been about chasing the dream of music, are you holding on too long or too tight. If you give up, do you miss out.”

Growing up, Spencer took voice lessons from Nancy Dudley. “She was extremely encouraging, she believed in my singing from a really young age which meant a lot to me.”

Spencer and the band hope the contest can help them reach the next stage.

If people vote, he said, “That would be unbelievable for us. I think it feels like the next step we are taking. It will open doors for us, create opportunities for a long time to come.”

RRSD CEO Dan Brown said in a statement inspections of the remaining pipes and hangers were also satisfactorily completed with the exception of one expansion fitting which was found to be faulty and must be replaced with a new section of pipe.

The RRSD is still expecting to restore full water service through the Highway 48 connection to Gaston and Northampton County this weekend. “Consumers are asked to continue conserving water for essential use only and are reminded that Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District strongly advises boiling water for human consumption until further notice; which will be dependent on the results of water quality testing in progress.”

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said the caller gave a description of the suspect vehicle, which was traveling north on Highway 48.

Lieutenant C. Boden located the vehicle and stopped it.

Inside the vehicle were a variety of tools identified as stolen.

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Katherine Brooks, 32, and Darryll Clements, 50, both of Roanoke Rapids, and Keith Richardson, 37, of Hollister, were charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny and felony possession of stolen goods.

They received $5,000 bonds and June 13 court dates.

A memorial service to celebrate Deanna’s life will be held at 3:30 P.M. Sunday, June 3, 2018, in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Chapel Services will be held on Saturday June 2, 2018, in the Askew Funeral Services Jackson Chapel in Jackson, NC at 1:00 P.M.

Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Murfreesboro, NC.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Askew Funeral Services Jackson Chapel, 313 East Jefferson Street Jackson, NC 27845.

“Water is now safe to drink and cook with,” RRSD CEO Dan Brown said in a statement.

The RRSD has also lifted its system pressure advisory for its nearly 1,000 customers in the area.

Brown said test samples show the water is safe to drink. Testing for bacteria normally requires about 24 hours to complete, depending on the type of test used.

RRSD crews flushed the system, continue to sample as necessary, and they are making positive progress. “We will continue to work in the area to ensure water quality.”

Brown said consumers may see a milky appearance in their water. This is air trapped in the water because of the recent pipeline repair and it could continue to occur weeks after the event. A clean, full, glass of water allowed to stand on the counter should clear up in just a couple of minutes. “Others may experience more immediate red or brown discolored water and should run all cold-water faucets in your home for one minute. Do not run the hot water to wash clothes, cook or bathe during times of discolored water. Be sure the water is clear before doing activities requiring the use of hot water.”

If customers are still having a problem after flushing their pipes, call RRSD at 252-537-9137 and a crew will be dispatched to the area to assist with flushing the lines around the residence or business.

The 12-inch water line attached to the Highway 48 bridge over the Roanoke River between the Roanoke Rapids and Gaston has been repaired and pressure tested.

No further lane closures are anticipated at this time.