Halifax County Board of Elections Director Kristin Scott confirmed this morning 1,638 signatures on Silver’s petition were validated.

He collected a total of 1,945 signatures and needed 1,502.

The signatures not validated, Scott said, included those of people who were not registered to vote in the county, signatures of people who were not county residents and some duplicate signatures.

Scott said the petition would be sent to the state after it is certified.

What’s required next of Silver is that he pay a filing fee of $612. That fee represents 1 percent of the sheriff’s starting salary.

The fall election will be held on November 6.

Silver said this morning he was glad to hear his petition was validated.

He said he hadn’t made up his mind when he will pay the fee.

Asked when the deadline for the payment was he said, “I don’t feel I’ve been treated fairly by ‘the spin,'” and hung up before further questions could be asked.

Scott said state statute doesn’t specify a deadline. "But, a reasonable business practice is that he pays that filing fee when we process his notice of candidacy.  Once we can get his petition certified he can come do that. We just need to make sure everything is in place by the time we begin to work on ballots for the November election which is usually late July or early August."  

When asked this morning for reaction Silver’s petition had been validated, Tripp said, “Our work record speaks for itself. Our community service and what we’re doing for the community speaks for itself.”

A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 11:00 am at Cedarwood Cemetery.

She is survived by her son, Charles E. Barnes, and wife, Vickie, of Camden; daughter, Sara B. Crocker, and husband, Jerry, of Wilson; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and her best friend and special pet, Belle Edwards. She is survived by her sisters, Peggy Edwards, Gail Wallace, and brother Bill Edwards, and wife, Carol.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ray Marion and Sarah Jeanette Edwards, and sister Nira Wright.

Arrangements by Askew Funeral Services, 731 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

The scholarships went to Allison Clements, daughter of Sheri and Michael Clements; Isaiah Orlando Perry, son of Leyonda and Jeffrey Perry; Aaron Jackson, son of Brenda and Andy Jackson; Camden Brant Parks, son of Sandy Odom and Perry Parks Jr.; and James Eldridge Jones, son of Russell and Lori Clements Jones.

Clements

Clements graduated this year from Roanoke Rapids High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to obtain a bachelors in nursing so she can pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse.

Her quotation for BARC was, “Being a nurse is indeed challenging and also requires a lot of dedication. Nurses have the ability to change a person’s life on a daily basis.”

Perry

Perry, who graduated from KIPP Gaston College Prep this year, plans on attending Elizabeth City State University and major in music with a concentration in performance. His career goal is to become a music teacher and touring artist.

His quotation for BARC was, “I would like to use my musical talents and abilities to make something of myself, strengthen the Roanoke Valley and close the achievement gap.”

Jackson

Jackson, who was not in attendance, graduated from RRHS this year and plans to attend Cape Fear Community College and then transfer to UNC-Wilmington where he plans to obtain a bachelors to become a sports trainer.

His quotation for BARC was, “I have played all four years with the Roanoke Rapids High School Baseball team and this year will bring a close to my baseball career and hopefully open the door to a career as a sports trainer.”

Parks

Parks, who was not in attendance, graduated RRHS this year and plans on attending East Carolina University to obtain a bachelors in engineering. His career goal is to become an industrial engineer.

His quotation for BARC was, “Keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground and utilizing everything gained while in high school will give me the courage to begin a new chapter. The educational experience that I will gather at ECU will help mold me into a better member of society as well as a career individual.”

Jones

Jones graduated RRHS this year and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he plans to study music composition for a career as a composer.

His quotation for BARC was, “My future path is to head to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a school well known for its music program on an international level. It would not only be an honor to be sponsored by the city I live in, but it would be a great help with my first year of college expenses.”

The mayor sings to his daughter.

Mayor honors daughter

In another special recognition this evening, Mayor Emery Doughtie recognized his daughter, Lauren, for the help she gives him in his duties as mayor, helping him with his schedule and reminding him of appointments. “She’s a very dedicated servant to me.”

As her birthday is 33rd birthday is Wednesday, Doughtie read a proclamation to his daughter proclaiming June 13 as Lauren Doughtie Day.

The mayor then led those attending the meeting in singing Happy Birthday to her.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

Wrenn Clarke and Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service is serving the family.

Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com

Arrangements are incomplete.   

Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service is serving the family.

Jackson was born on January 7, 2016 in Halifax County.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Nancy Anne Curley and his maternal great-grandfathers, Tommy Gene Jones and Robert Lee Dunlow

Jackson is survived by his parents, Dallas and Hayley Hollowell of Roanoke Rapids; his twin brother, Lucas Owen Hollowell; his maternal grandparents, Daryl and Jeanna Dunlow of Roanoke Rapids; his Paternal grandparents, Owen and Kim Hollowell of Roanoke Rapids; his maternal great-grandparents, Victor and Judy Martin of Roanoke Rapids; his maternal great-grandmother, Faye Dunlow of Roanoke Rapids; his paternal great-grandmother, Patsy Johnson of Roanoke Rapids; his Aunt, Morgan Dunlow (Alex Boyd) of Roanoke Rapids, his Aunt, Casey Hollowell of Roanoke Rapids; his uncle Chris Curley of Roanoke Rapids ;his cousin, Greyson Boyd of Roanoke Rapids.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. in Cedarwood Cemetery with Rev. Norwood Starling officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:30 P.M. at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

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

The announcement came a day after the county board of elections validated the signatures he gathered for a petition which would allow him to run as an unaffiliated candidate in the November 6 election. The next step was for the state to validate the signatures.

In an interview Tuesday, Silver said he had not made up his mind whether he was going to pay a filing fee, part of the steps necessary to become an official contender.

In the statement on the Jimmie Silver for Halifax County Sheriff 2018 Facebook page, Silver said, “A few weeks ago I made the decision to reevaluate my campaign for Sheriff. At this time for various reasons I do not plan on continuing my run for Sheriff. I do intend on continuing my work to improve our communities. I wanted this information to come from me not a bias social or news outlet. I would like to thank God, my family and my friends for your support during my years of service.”

Incumbent Sheriff Wes Tripp, who beat challenger Tyree Davis in the May 8 primary said, “I wish my friend Jimmie Silver well and continued God’s blessings  to him and his family.”

Tripp said he was also appreciative of his supporters in the primary. “I’ve been serving the citizens of Halifax County 34 years come July 1. I’m very thankful to my supporters who voted for me to allow me four more years.”

He also mentioned Davis. “Blessings to my dear friend, Tyree Davis, and his family.”

Asked whether Silver’s announcement not to run would change his campaign strategies for the November election, Tripp said, “When you run for political office you have to treat every day as election day. You try to do your best to serve the people fairly and to serve them well and it has always been our focal point to benefit our future, the children of Halifax County.”

Today’s activities included a water slide, kickball and wiffle ball and presentations by detectives on social media safety.

Sheriff Wes Tripp said proceeds from the annual Seafood Festival, part of the Benefiting the Children of Halifax County initiative, paid the registration fee for 100 children to attend the camp held at the 4-H Rural Life Center off Highway 903. The children participating in the camp represent all parts of the county, he said.

{gallery}613camp{/gallery}

“This is the second Junior Deputy Camp,” Tripp said as he observed the kickball game. “This year it’s increased in numbers. We’ve received positive feedback from parents. Everyone seems to be having a good time.”

He credited Major Jay Burch and Chief Deputy Scott Hall for playing a major role in the event, which ends Friday. “We’ve received tremendous help from the administrative staff.”

Tripp said the third annual camp has already been planned for the same time next year. “We’re tickled to death with the partnership with Joe Long and the 4-H Center and the county.”

He also expressed appreciation to First Media Radio, White Motors and other sponsors who stepped up. “Randy Wrenn (of Wrenn Sports Graphics and Screenprinting) was very helpful in making the T-shirts.”

Major Neil Aycock of the sheriff’s office said, “It’s fun getting to know the kids from the community and getting to know they’re here having a fun time.”

Hall said, “Whenever we have positive interactions with the kids, we have positive outcomes.”

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment Tuesday night of Larry Catalano.  

Catalano has more than 12 years experience as a school administrator and most recently served as director at Clara Hearne Pre-K Center.  

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the students, families, and staff of this district,” he said. “Roanoke Rapids is a great school district that focuses on personalized learning opportunities in a safe and orderly environment for all of its students. That is something I strongly believe in and look forward to working with our teachers and staff to positively impact the lives of our students.”  

Catalano received his MSA in School Administration from East Carolina University. He was one of four finalists for the position.  

“He brings a tremendous amount of principal experience to this job,” Superintendent Dain Butler said. “He has proven his leadership capacity in the district as the director of Clara Hearne. He will be a strong asset to our principals in terms of guidance and support.”

Catalano replaces Lowell Rogers who resigned earlier this month to become assistant superintendent of human resources with Davidson County Schools.  

Child nutrition director

The board also approved the appointment of Janina Pinnicchia as the new child nutrition director.  

She has worked with the district since 2014 in the nutrition department.  “As a graduate of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, I can think of no better place to serve in this capacity.  Making sure children have healthy meals at school contributes to their overall success as students.”

Lifesaving Award — Fire department

Past chapter President Ken Wilson said, “This evening I am honored to present this award to Lieutenant Brian Hollowell, Engineer Ramah Long, Firefighter Ben Sloan and Firefighter Austin Jarrett for their actions on April 3, 2018.”

Around 10:30 p.m., first responders were dispatched to 132 Elm Street regarding a women who had passed out and was not breathing. “Upon arrival these individuals began CPR on the patient, who was in cardiac arrest. EMS arrived and after several minutes of resuscitative efforts by all personnel, the patient regained a pulse and respiration.”

The patient was then transported to HRMC for further medical attention. “Without the efforts of these individuals, this patient may not have survived.”

Fire safety commendation medal

Deputy Chief Michael Clements has 30 years of service with Roanoke Rapids Fire Department.

During his time with the department he has attained Level III Fire Officer and Live Burn Instructor. He currently oversees the department’s training and fire prevention division and is instrumental in training Roanoke Rapids firefighters as well as firefighters throughout the county.

“Chief Clements is leading a project for the first-ever training facility in the city of Roanoke Rapids. He will be retiring at the end of June with the hopes of having the training center complete.

“Deputy Chief Clements is a dedicated employee who has helped take the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department to a higher level of training and competency. This is a once in a lifetime award.”

The citation reads: “In recognition of accomplishments and/or outstanding contribution to protect human life and property by preventing injuries or casualties due to fires.”

Fire Chief Stacy Coggins said, “I am extremely proud the chapter decided to bestow the honors upon our firefighters who daily go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the citizens of Roanoke Rapids. I’m also extremely grateful the organization chose to honor Chief  Clements. He’s a been a valued member of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department for 30 years.”

{gallery}612council{/gallery}

Heroism medal — police department

“It is with great pleasure this evening that I recognize two of our local officers for their actions that took place during an incident in December 2017,” Wilson said.   

Officer Joe DeSare conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for a violation in the 1000 block of Franklin Street and during the stop he noticed an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  

Officer Matt Hunsucker arrived to back up DeSare on the stop and at this time the passenger jumped from the vehicle attempting to run away but was caught by DeSare. Almost simultaneously a second person attempted to run away but was apprehended by Hunsucker.  

The police department honored the officers in January for their actions.

In January Lieutenant Jeff Baggett wrote, “The confrontation between Officer DeSare and the offender became a fight for survival. During the struggle the officer dropped his flashlight … and the offender attempted to pick it up to use as a weapon. As the officer was struggling to gain control, the offender continued to reach into his left pants leg. The officer was unable to call for assistance because of the intense struggle.”

As the suspect continued to reach into his pants leg, DeSare drew his weapon, continued the struggle and handcuffed the man without using deadly force.

Officers located DeSare in the 1000 block of Vance Street. “A search of the offender revealed the reason the offender was reaching in his left pants leg was to grab a pistol.”

“Officer DeSare’s restraint and tenacity for justice led to the arrest of the suspect while putting himself in harm’s way in a situation that could have led to him using deadly force,” Wilson said.

“Officers DeSare and Hunsucker’s acts of heroism reflect great credit upon themselves, the department and the city of Roanoke Rapids.”

The SAR citation reads: “In recognition of outstanding bravery and self sacrifice in the face of imminent danger, thus exemplifying the high ideals and principles which motivated and sustained our patriot ancestors.”

Law enforcement commendation medal

The chapter recognized Captain Bobby L. Martin.

“Captain Martin is an exceptional leader within the Roanoke Rapids Police Department supervising the Criminal Investigative Division which is comprised of criminal investigators, narcotics investigators and an animal control officer,” Wilson said.

In addition, he assists with the daily operation of the police department with making policy, budget and personnel matters that come up throughout the department.  

The commendation includes Martin’s work with youth, including early morning basketball games and a friendship he forged with two young men.

“Captain Martin is always ready to assist any officer that has a need or advice on how to handle cases.  Bobby understands when he hears his name called from the chief’s office that something needs to be handled immediately. He and his staff are always ready to drop what is on their plate to take care of things.”

The medal is awarded “in recognition of outstanding achievement and dedication to the maintenance of law and order.”

Chief Chuck Hasty said, “I am extremely proud of Joe and Matt for their bravery and commitment to protecting our community. We appreciate the chapter honoring Captain Martin for his valuable service to the department and our citizens.”

Adam was born May 5, 1991, in Nash County to Ricky Bradley and Cynthia Wilson Bradley.

He was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandmother, Janice Honea; his Paternal Grandparents, George and Ruth Bradley.

Adam is at peace at last.

He loved playing his guitar, was an avid fisherman and also loved playing tennis. Adam had a soft spot for dogs, especially Daisy, Annabelle and Murphy.

Adam is survived by his mother Cindy Bradley of Raleigh; his father and step-mother, Ricky and LaDorne Bradley of Halifax; his sisters, Christy Hudson and her husband Danny and Tonya Hasty and her husband Chuck both of Roanoke Rapids; his nieces and nephews, Amanda Phillips, Macie Hasty, Karson Hasty and Trey Hasty; his aunts and uncles, Dianne Clary and her husband Jeff of Emporia, VA, and Carol Holton of Chicago, IL; his step-grandfather, Donald Haskins of Halifax.

A celebration of Adam’s life will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Victory Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday, June 15, 2018, at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at his father’s home.

Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church in Adam’s honor, 2360 Bolling Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

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

A native of Evanston, Illinois, Richard was the son of the late Irvin Richard McClellan and Helen Betty McEwen McClellan. He was also predeceased by a brother, Daniel McClellan.

Richard retired from the U.S. Navy as a Senior Chief Aviation Mechanic after 22 years of service.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy McClellan; sons, Robert Scott McClellan of Henrico, and Brian R. McClellan of Virginia Beach; a daughter Ginny Gregoire and her husband Jeff of Virginia Beach; brother, Stephen McClellan of Carmel, California; sister Martha McClellan of Durango, Colorado; grandchildren, Mayson, Christia, and Brandon McClellan, Alexandra, Justin, and Nicholas Gregoire; one great grandchild, Charles.

A celebration of Richards life, with full Military Honors, will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 1:00 P.M. at his home, 773 Woodcock Road, Henrico, NC.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Richard’s name to the Lymphoma Research Fund, Attention: Dr. Michael E. Williams, UVA Cancer Center, P.O. Box 800716, Charlottesville, VA  22908.

Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com

Instead, the brief conversation imploded and ended in a brief comment about our fairness.

Since the time he turned in his petition on May 8 for a shot at running as an unaffiliated candidate for Halifax County sheriff, we kept in regular contact with the board of elections office to see if Jimmie Silver collected the necessary 1,502 signatures so he could file.

On Tuesday morning we learned he collected the necessary signatures and more.

All that was left was for the state board to validate the signatures and then he could pay a filing fee.

Those were the only things left for him to do and he would be an official candidate, giving him the opportunity to run for sheriff on November 6 against incumbent Wes Tripp, who defeated challenger Tyree Davis in the primary.

It became our duty to ask him questions — how do you feel about getting the necessary signatures, when do you anticipate paying the filing fee, which was the last question we asked before the conversation quickly disintegrated.

Had the conversation not come to an abrupt end, questions about his experience and qualifications, what would make him a good, if not great, sheriff for our county would have followed.

We left one message, then a second after we received confirmation he obtained the necessary signatures.

He called after we left the second message.

We offered him congratulations on obtaining the necessary signatures and after that things fell apart.

We were left stammering after he said he didn’t believe we treated him fairly. Then our phone beeped to indicate the party on the other line had hung up.

It’s up to the reader’s judgment on the way we treated Silver.

In our estimation, until his signatures were validated, until he paid the registration fee, he was never an official candidate.

Not being an official candidate, we believed we were under no other obligation until the time came his candidacy was official.

Once the official process was complete, we would have welcomed him to submit a statement on his intentions to run. He could have chosen to answer questions we would have submitted to him and he would have been offered the chance to comment on election night whether he won or lost.

As it stands now, his social media post stating he has decided to not run makes it all moot if it wasn’t for the fact he challenged our fairness over the phone and then again with a broad stroke on his Facebook post referring to biased news or social media outlets.

If the remark referred to us, fine. We have learned patience and longsuffering since embarking on this news outlet and stand by our decision of not considering him an official candidate.

We adhere to several self-imposed standards when it comes to election time. We don’t accept invitations to social media pages of candidates, we don’t accept invitations to their fundraisers and we certainly don’t donate money to their campaigns or display their signs or stickers.

If candidates want to advertise, they are certainly welcome to, regardless of who they are.

Those are our simple bullet points when it comes to campaign coverage and we will review other issues as they arise.

Plain and simple, as it stands now, one of our policies is if you haven’t filled out the necessary paperwork, haven’t paid the registration fee, you are not a candidate.

When you become one, the questions we have of you will be earnest so our readers can have some idea of where you stand on the issues — Editor

On Saturday around 6:20 p.m., Officer T. Revis responded to the 700 block of Sycamore Street about a trespasser.

Revis determined Derek Dwight Bullock, 32, of Weldon, allegedly assaulted a woman at this residence and damaged property as well.

Bullock was placed under arrest and taken before a Halifax County magistrate.

He was charged with assault on a female and damage to real property.

He received a $750 secured bond with an August 1 court date.

Officials declined comment on what their preliminary findings were.

The deadline for compliance is July 16. Halifax County Superior Court Judge Alma L. Hinton said the consent order in April.

County Health Director Bruce Robistow said today was a preliminary inspection for compliance. He said health department inspectors were looking at issues regarding the safety of the facility on Jackson Street, its cleanliness, whether it was in good repair and its sanitary conditions.

The Carolina Inn lost its lodging permit to operate as a motel in May of 2010, according to a health department complaint investigation into the presence of bed bugs and roaches in one of its rooms.

Since 2010 the inn has operated under an exemption by renting rooms on weekly or monthly basis and only four rooms on a nightly basis. According to the complaint investigation, that meant the health department has no authority to enforce pest management.

The aim of the consent order is for the motel to again be permitted as a lodging facility rather than a boarding house.

{gallery}614carolina{/gallery}

Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said her department was looking at the facility from a standpoint of its structural soundness and what repairs were being made to bring the facility up to code. She noted re-striping of the parking lot is needed as well as it having adequate handicapped parking for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inspectors were also looking to see if the facility was adequately ventilated and if there were any electrical code violations.

“We’re just following through with the consent order,” Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said. “Any findings will be reported to the court if necessary.”

A native of Halifax County he was born to the late Warner Mason Clements, Sr. and Vivian Gertrude Claiborne Clements. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Stephanie Prince.

Mason was retired from Kapstone Paper with 38 years of service as a machinist and was a farmer and owned and operated Clements Welding Service. He was a charter member of Brink Hunting Club serving as President several times. He was also a member of Forest Hills Baptist Church.

He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and took great joy in their happiness, always giving freely of himself. He always worked fiercly, possessed a strong work ethic and took great pride in his work. Mason was a selfless, giving, generous and kind to all that knew him.

Mason is survived by his wife, Donna Dickens Clements of the home; his son, Chris and his wife, Melissa of Roanoke Rapids; his step-daughter, Chelsea Puhak of Raleigh, his step-son, Justin Leemhuis; his grandchildren, Cameron, Tyler and Madison Prince, Jarret Williamson, Colin Clements and step-grandchildren, Levi and Mia Puhak, Makenzie Leemhuis, Nicole Sasser and Davon Sutherland; his five sisters, Katie Fergason of Gaston, Frances Livesay and her husband, Wayne of Garysburg, NC, Alice Clary of Midlothian, VA, Marie Edwards and her husband, Wayne of Garysburg, Joyce Watson of Emporia, VA and his brother Wayne Clements and his wife, Rose of Emporia VA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 2:30 P.M. in the Chapel of Askew Funeral & Cremation Services with Rev. Rick Ragan officiating.

Burial will follow in Forest Hills Baptist Church Cemetery in Skippers, VA.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 6:00 until 7:30 P.M. at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services 731 Roanoke Ave. Roanoke Rapids, NC and other times at Chris’s 116 Mina Street Roanoke Rapids, NC and 1818 Gaston Road, Skippers, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Forest Hills Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 2103 Pine Long Road, Skippers, VA 23879.

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

He was 82.

A lifelong resident of Northampton County, he was born to the late Claude H. Branch and Annie Belle Wheeler Branch and was a retired farmer.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Peggy Jones Branch; sons, Thomas Hoyt Branch Jr. of the home and Michael Hoyt Branch of Gaston; daughters, Teresa Branch Clements of Pleasant Hill and Melissa Branch Rutherford of Louisburg, West Virginia; a brother, Steve Branch of Brink, Virginia; a sister, Claudette Branch Rook of Fremont, NC; grandchildren, Thomas H. Branch III, Tyler E. Branch, Taylor M. Branch, Luke Clements, Josh Clements, Ashli A. Branch, and Cody L. Rutherford; great grandchildren, Lillie Branch, Katie Branch, Logan Clements, Lyndon Clements, and Finlee Brown. The family would like to thank Tom’s devoted sitters, Vickie Reid, Barbara Jenkins and Peggy Fajna.

Graveside Services will be held Monday, June 18, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Cedarwood Cemetery with Pete Jones officiating.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 525 Becker Drive, Suite A, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com

{gallery}618search{/gallery}

Sheriff Wes Tripp said Darrieck Brinson, who is in 30s and was handcuffed with his hands behind him, is not considered to be a threat to the public.

Brinson, who has a court date scheduled on July 23 in district court for driving while license revoked, came up on the Enfield checking and fled “out of his shoes,” Tripp said.

He was apprehended.

When Deputy Michael Bishop transported him to the jail, the deputy retrieved Brinson’s shoes, and Brinson fled from the vehicle and into the woods behind the jail.

Department of Public Safety Prison Emergency Response Team members were behind the sheriff’s office on Ferrell Lane in Halifax to aid in the search for the man.

Deputies and investigators lined up on the Highway 301 bridge on the outskirts of the county seek attempting to spot him.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

On Friday at approximately 8 p.m., Master Officer J. Hardy responded to a call about suspicious activity around a residence in the 200 block of Washington Street.

The homeowner told the officer someone entered the residence and took items.

The homeowner located the suspects at another residence and detained them.

Hardy spoke with the detained people and found in their possession stolen items, narcotics and paraphernalia.  

Stephanie Brooke Barber, 28, and Natalie Sierra Adams, 33, both of Roanoke Rapids, were arrested.

Barber was charged with larceny after breaking/entering, possession of fentanyl, possession of Adderall, possession of clonazepam, possession of stolen goods, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.  

Barber received a $10,000 bond and August 1 court date.

Adams was charged with larceny after breaking/entering, possession of fentanyl, possession of Adderall, possession of clonazepam, possession of stolen goods and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

She received the same bond and court date as Barber.

Officer A. Green assisted.

On Sunday at approximately 1:15 a.m., Green attempted to conduct a traffic stop for a violation but the driver refused to stop, turned onto Oak Street then Gordon Drive before coming to a stop. The driver fled.

Green stayed with the vehicle. The passenger, Desmond Nyquan King, 23, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics.  

King was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell/deliver fentanyl.

He received a $60,000 bond and August 1 court date.

He has pending court dates next month and in August for multiple charges including cocaine, heroin and traffic offenses, according to the state court records.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.

Hardy assisted.

On Sunday at approximately 3:30 p.m., Officer M. Worrell conducted a traffic stop for a violation on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway and Cardinal Drive.  

The driver, Rodney Bernell Lassiter, 36, of Roxobel, had outstanding warrants out of Bertie County and the passenger, Michael Omar Williams, of Hampton, Virginia, was in possession of narcotics.

Lassiter was served with warrants for assault by pointing a gun, communicating threats and was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, fictitious registration, no insurance, and expired registration.

He was held without opportunity for bond for the charges out of Bertie County and a $1,000 bond for the charges in Halifax County.

He has a July 11 court date in Bertie and a July 23 court date in Halifax.

Williams was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a $500 bond and July 23 court date.

Lieutenant P. Parks and Officer J. Spragins assisted.

That means the tax rate for next fiscal year will be 77 cents per $100 of valuation.

The only adjustments made to the financial plan were an additional $75,000 allocated to Halifax Community College and making what was a part-time legal assistant within the county attorney’s office a full-time position, County Manager Tony Brown said.

Before approving the budget, commissioners addressed several changes in the county’s fee schedule.

They are as follows:

The industrial and commercial per ton tipping fee at the transfer station will be $65.51

The construction and demolition waste per ton tipping fee at the landfill will be $55.32

The transfer station tipping fee for incorporated municipalities in the county will be $65.51

Bulk construction and demolition waste at the landfill from a single source will be $50.32 for more than 2,500 tons within a 60-day timeframe

The residential collection fee will be $125.40

The availability fee per habitable dwelling will be $43.32

The disposal fee will be $52.41

The changes in the fee schedule were unanimously approved.

Budget highlights beyond the tax decrease include the following:

A 2.5 percent market adjustment for all full-time employees

Funding for each department to support and maintain current service levels

Funding for departmental unfinanced requirements

Additional school funding of $23 per student

Funding for pay for performance evaluation system

Absorption of increases such as health insurance and retirement

Some outside requests

Implementation of sheriff’s vehicle replacement plan

Funding for contingencies

Commissioner Patrick Qualls commended Brown and his staff. “It was a great job. You and your staff did a wonderful job.”

“It was a good year,” Brown replied.

Board Chair Vernon Bryant said afterward, “I’m very happy. We’ve got a lot of challenges in education and recreation, but we made the right decision with the budget. We’re giving the taxpayers a break.”