Site plans sent to the city are reviewed by the fire department, public works, Dominion Energy, the state Department of Transportation and Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District.

“We’re assessing the comments to get them back to the applicant,” Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said today.

The site plans submitted to the city show Dollar General plans for a prototypical building design.

It is expected the building will have a brick facade. Lasky said the facade would be shown in construction drawings “and we can stipulate the exterior of the building be consistent or complementary to the historic district.”

The site plans do not give a construction deadline but do indicate the existing building on the lot is to be removed. The building was once home to the Roanoke Rapids Social Security office.

While objections to the store’s proposed location were registered at a city council meeting in May, the project does not have to gain a recommendation for approval from the planning board or an OK from city council to be built.

The store is located on property which is zoned B-1.

Since Councilman Wayne Smith’s motion to approve the rezoning of around 8 acres of land failed on a 3-2 vote, council this evening did not move forward with a public hearing on a conditional use permit for the land.

Smith’s motion to approve a statement of consistency was also shot down on a 3-2 vote.

“I don’t know,” cemetery owner Sandy Showalter said when asked what her course of action would be, “We didn’t want to put a cemetery in their backyard.”

She was referring to the several residents in the Southgate community who spoke against the proposal during a public hearing on the rezoning.

Showalter said she was dumbfounded by the decision. “It was a win-win,” she said.

Trudy Jones, who works with Showalter, said “We’ve been more than accommodating.”

Rejection of the motion to rezone the land came as Showalter presented news to council the state Department of Transportation indicated there could be access to the site of the proposed expansion directly from Smith Church Road instead of funeral traffic having to access the site through Anna Louise Lane.

Smith said information on the road and the fact Crestview would have to install screening high enough to conceal the cemetery from the adjoining residences was what prompted him to move forward with the motion to approve the rezoning.

Asked what recourse Showalter might have, Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said, “They can appeal to superior court.”

Carl Ferebee, one of the three council members who voted against the rezoning, said after the vote was taken, “I truly understand Crestview. It’s a good cemetery, but I don’t think it fits where they’re trying to go.”

Carol Cowen and Ernest Bobbitt voted with Ferebee.

Showalter sought the rezoning and conditional use at a time when she is trying to expand the perpetual care cemetery off Smith Church Road.

An effort to expand the cemetery in 2015, which received approval from city council then, ended up failing because the intended land was wetlands and would cost more than $120,000 per acre to mitigate, she said.

The rezoning request at issue before council and previously the planning board last month was to rezone the approximately 8 acres of land on the west side of Anna Louise Lane from B-3 commercial to R-40 residential. Five lots encompass the 8 acres, which are part of the Chockoyotte Professional Park.

Those particular lots, Realtor Jenger Adams told council this evening, have been listed now for 2,335 days with no offers made.

Vegetation has grown up, she said. “In my opinion, it would be the best use to use the land (for the cemetery expansion).”

Several people who live in the Southgate community disagreed. “I will have a cemetery in my backyard,” said Agnes Moody. “I will be literally living in Death Valley. There’s not many people who want to live in a graveyard.”

Pattie Alford simply asked council, “Would y’all give us a permit to bury (a loved one) right in our backyard?”

Thelma Mason said, “I’ve been here 47 years. I’m scared of graveyards, I’m scared of woods. I don’t want it in my backyard.”

Betty Shaw told council, however, “My husband is buried there. I would like to know there will be somewhere for my children to be buried. I hope my children will have somewhere to go.”

The rejection of the rezoning put the kibosh on moving to the next step in the process — a public hearing on the subsequent conditional use permit.

It would have been during that process opponents to the proposal would have had to present compelling evidence beyond irrational fears of living next to a graveyard or perceptions their property values would decline as reasons they were against the CUP.

Sandy Showalter, owner of the cemetery, presented compelling evidence on why the rezoning should have been approved and the CUP should have been approved as well.

Instead, council thwarted the possible expansion of a longtime business.

We get it. People aren’t necessarily crazy about living next to a cemetery. But it’s an irrational fear and Crestview is not a typical cemetery.

Visit there and you don’t see the tombstones. You see a well-kept memorial garden which could deceive the unsuspecting into thinking it’s just another pleasant park we have in the city.

Showalter, her employee Trudy Jones and her Realtor Jenger Adams came armed with the necessary information which should have made council not hesitate to approve the rezoning and the CUP.

Showalter learned she would be able to plan for access directly from Smith Church Road to the area of Anna Louise Lane and the 8 acres of land, eliminating the need to impact the medical offices located there.

From the start of the process she was amenable, and would be required, to put up screening to shield the land in question from those whose property would abutt the proposed expansion area.

Then there is the question of the five plots of land which make up the approximately 8 acres Showalter has been eyeing for the expansion.

Adams told council the land in question has been listed for 2,335 days and no offers have been made.

She said the vegetation has grown up. Had the rezoning and CUP passed it would have been an undertaking to get the land prepared for the expansion.

Now the only recourse Showalter has is to take the matter to superior court for an appeal or wait another year and take the matter through the process again.

Showalter had plans to make the land as pleasant and appealing as the main grounds of Crestview currently are — well-maintained and a peaceful place for the families of the deceased to come and visit their loved ones.

Now we wonder how long the land for the proposed expansion will go undeveloped. Will it be another six years?

Crestview needs the expansion. In five years it is estimated they will be out of room. Stacking graves, as one person suggested during the rezoning hearing, is not an option and it is not in keeping with the style of the perpetual care cemetery.

An effort to expand in 2015, an effort which council backed, failed because of wetlands in the proposed expansion area. It would have cost Showalter more than $120,000 per acre to mitigate the wetlands issue, an exorbitant amount when you consider there is land across Smith Church Road which is available and would be well-suited for the endeavor.

We don’t believe opponents to the project would have been able to produce anything remotely close to legally binding evidentiary arguments had the proposal reached the CUP phase Tuesday.

Just saying not in my backyard isn’t enough. Just saying I’m scared of graveyards isn’t enough. Just ignoring the plans and the intentions of Showalter to accommodate the residents whose property adjoins the site isn’t enough.

The owner of Crestview earnestly stated during the planning board meeting and again during city council she was willing to make concessions.

Now she has to go back to the table, rethink her plans for expansion or face the harsh reality of closing her facility when five years pass and land which has sat idle for six years is readily available simply because council erred when it turned down the rezoning request — Editor

The game is set for 8 p.m. on July 18 at Grimsley High School in Greensboro. The game will be played at Robert B. Jamieson Stadium at Grimsley.

Chart showing previous Northampton all-star participants.

There will be fireworks at halftime.

The first East-West All-Star Football Game was played in 1949.

The football game has featured hundreds of future NCAA Division I stars and many of the boys who have suited up have gone on to successful careers in the NFL.

More than 3,400 North Carolina boys have had the chance to wear the royal of the East or the scarlet of the West in the rivalry.

Jack Glasure, senior vice president of French West Vaughan said on the day of the July 23 closing a new website with a new URL will be launched.

The new name of the theater, which will highlight Roanoke Rapids, will also be released.

Looking at a map now, Glasure said, the area where the theater is can be considered a black dot. “We want it to be a red star. We think the name will pop.”

On July 24 the new owners take over and on July 30 the new administrative staff of the theater begin their duties.

The theater will partner with Etix and on August 10 the first show tickets will go on sale.

The acts will encompass Motown, country, comedy and cirque performances as well as tribute concert events and other entertainment opportunities, Glasure said.

A job fair is planned for August 17. “It’s going to be interesting to see who is excited and who’ll want to work in entertainment.”

September 15 will be a soft opening event with a piano bar and on September 21 will be the first live performance. Officials are still in the process of hammering out the contract and Glasure declined to immediately name the act.

There will be Friday and Saturday evening shows for the first live performance and a Saturday matinee may also be in the works. “It will be heavily advertised beginning in mid-August,” Glasure said.

On November 10 the official grand opening is set to coincide with Veterans Day. Glasure said the theater is working in conjunction with Collier Harley-Davidson for a Veterans Day salute with a prominent Nashville recording artist. The theater will be engaging non-profit, charitable partnerships for the event.

The theater has entered a partnership with EastCoast Entertainment, which is based in Richmond and has a Raleigh office along with other offices on the East Coast.

“What’s nice is we’re bringing Elizabeth Branham back to help EastCoast get on track,” Glasure said.

Etix, Glasure said, has “been very impressed with the service to transfer the domain.”

Outdoor advertising is targeted for a 30-mile radius north and 60 miles south. “The billboard presence will consist of very compelling creative and art. We have to create an impact to drive people to the exit.”

There will be a heavy social media presence and the presence of digital messages. There will also be ads created for music apps such as iHeartRadio and Spotify.

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Mayor Emery Doughtie, who attended the briefing along with City Manager Joseph Scherer and Councilman Wayne Smith, said, “I’m kind of overwhelmed with gratitude. Since I’ve been mayor we’ve had many come to us and say they’re here to help us. No one has rose to the level you have. We realize the theater is a tremendous opportunity. We see that it is has potential to rise.”

Doughtie said he is more excited about the possibilities. “We have things going on to the make the town better.”

Mr. McLean said, “We do think there is great entertainment potential here. I think it will be good for all of us.”

Mrs. McLean said, “We’re excited about the opportunity. I think it will be a benefit for all of us.”

Helping to bring the sale of the venue to the point it is now is Beau Petty, Mrs. McLean’s son.

“Really, Beau started the process,” Mr. McLean said. “He found there was a possibility. He realized there’s an untapped potential. Now it’s like we’re rounding third base and approaching home plate.”

While there will be the potential for development around the theater, Petty said getting theater running is the immediate goal. “We’re trying to kick start that. It would be great to see businesses complementary to the theater. Right now the focus is getting the theater on the ground. I believe success will beget success. We think Exit 171 is a big, big deal. You have a special piece of property.”

Petty said earlier in the meeting, “We’ve been busting our butts with bands. It helps to have Elizabeth.”

He also credited the help of Halifax County Tourism President and CEO Lori Medlin.

Petty said the theater plans to provide a variety of entertainment and the North Carolina Symphony is on the shortlist of performers to bring back to the venue, along with comedians and illusionists. “Christmas is going to be big,” he said.

The aim is to have activity six to seven days a week, he said.

Another aim, Glasure said, is not only to serve the community, but to reach some of the quarter of a million people riding the interstate daily.

Glasure said another idea still being worked on is allowing performers traveling the interstate to use the venue for rehearsals and allow the public, perhaps for a cover charge or if the bands agree, to watch the rehearsals free of charge.

Smith, who is has been vocal about the city selling the theater, said, “I’m really excited about what’s happening with the theater. We have an excellent mayor, an excellent city manager. I’m looking forward to it.”

Branham, who was responsible for bringing Old Crow Medicine Show to the theater in 2010, said, “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to participate. It’s humbling to be part of something so significant.”

Said Medlin: “It’s going to be a new destination for the East Coast. The Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau is delighted to be a part of this.”

Born in Halifax County on September 23, 1948, he was the son of the late Lloyd E. Finch, Sr. and Mary Frances Finch. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ginny Parrish Finch and his sister, Carol Hanna.

Lloyd was a millwright, having worked at Georgia-Pacific. He loved to work on cars and motorcycles, especially rebuilding engines. He could fix most anything he touched.

Lloyd also worked for several years at J.P. Stevens Patterson Plant as a loom fixer.

He also attended Liberty Pentecostal Holiness Church.

He is survived by two sons, Blayden Earl Finch of the home, and Bryan Eugene Finch and his fiancé, Christy of Roanoke Rapids; his step-son, Joseph Lambert of Raleigh; his grandson, Bryson Finch; his sister, Joyce Balmer of Roanoke Rapids; and his sisters-in-law, Debbie Morris and her husband Michael and Lisa Dickens and her husband Edward of Roanoke Rapids; a special friend, Denise Beam and close friends, Sambo West and Joey McAllister.

The funeral service for Mr. Finch will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 14, 2018 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service, with Pastor Tony Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Friday, July 13, 2018, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Liberty Pentecostal Holiness Church, Building Fund, 151 Easton street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be left at hockadayfs.com

That investigation led to other charges being filed against Wade Carter III, including three sexual assault counts.

A search warrant was granted to collect evidence soon after Carter allegedly broke into the residence of the elderly victim.

“It allowed us to get his DNA,” Hasty said. “The DNA tied him to the other crimes so it was very crucial.”

Investigator Obert Wiltsie applied for the search warrant on May 24 after the police department received a call in the 500 block of Raleigh Street about a burglary which occurred shortly before 3:30 a.m.

“(The victim) advised she shot the male when he was in her home,” Wiltsie wrote in the application for the search warrant.

Investigators discovered the entry point to the victim’s house was the backdoor  “where the suspect used a flat type instrument such as a screwdriver to gain entry.”

Victim hears noise

Wiltsie wrote the victim heard someone walking in her home and went to investigate the noise. “(The victim) says she saw a male walk down her stairs wearing black clothing and white gloves.”

That’s when the victim, an 88-year-old woman, pointed her revolver at the man. He raised his hands exposing the white gloves and the victim fired a shot.

The suspect ran past the victim toward the bedrooms of the house where there was no exit and the victim fired another shot.

The suspect then ran past the victim toward the back door “which is the point of entry and the point of exit,” Wiltsie wrote.

Investigators responded and collected evidence from Raleigh Street — specifically blood found in the hallway, floor and carpet.

The blood trail leading out of the house, Wiltsie wrote, disappeared, which gave evidence Carter left the area by means other than walking.

HRMC notification

Halifax Regional notified law enforcement about a person who came to the hospital shortly before 10:45 that morning “claiming he injured his hand in an accident at his home” the search warrant says. “Wade Carter III advised he hurt his hand working on a lawn mower.”

He told the nurse he was turning a wrench on a lawn mower blade “when he slipped and cut his finger.”

But the nurse and nurse practitioner told officers after they viewed the X-ray it was apparent the injuries weren’t consistent with cutting flesh.

Both the nurse and nurse practitioner believed the X-ray showed metal fragments consistent with bullet fragments. “This is also consistent with information the victim provided with the suspect putting his hands up when she shot. The nurse stated the injury to the finger did not look like a cut but was macerated and mangled.”

Taylor Street

At Carter’s residence in the 300 block of Taylor Street officers made contact with someone there.

Captain Bobby Martin observed a bicycle leaned against the front porch with blood on the seat.

Martin and Investigator Chris Babb also observed a trash can behind the residence with blood on it.

Investigators seized two buccal swabs and two vials of blood from Carter.

Aftermath

Analysis of the evidence seized from Raleigh and Taylor streets and evidence collected at other crime scenes matching the same MO led to further charges being lodged against Carter.

The charges are as follows:

Burglary, first-degree rape, kidnapping and larceny after breaking/entering, for a crime reported on December 9, 2017, in the 300 block of Taylor Street. The victim reported they were awakened by a suspect standing over them. The suspect then sexually assaulted the victim, and before the suspect left, he took items from the residence.

Attempted burglary and injury to property, for a matter at the Raleigh Street victim’s house from December 23, 2017. The victim reported finding damage to their door, where someone had unsuccessfully tried to break into the residence.

Burglary, attempted first-degree rape, common law robbery, assault inflicting serious bodily injury and kidnapping for an April 14 crime in the 300 block of Monroe Street. The victim reported waking up to their alarm going off and finding the suspect standing over them. The suspect then attempted to sexually assault the victim and demanded money. Before the suspect left, he physically assaulted the victim by hitting them in the face and causing injury.

First-degree rape, common law robbery and kidnapping for a May 15, crime in the 800 block of Jackson Street. The victim reported they were awakened by footsteps inside the residence coming up the stairway. The victim attempted to close the bedroom door, but the suspect forced his way inside. Once inside the bedroom, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim and then demanded cash from the victim. The suspect wanted the victim to drive him to get more cash from an ATM. When they went outside to get in the vehicle, the victim was able to drive off and report the crime.

According to the state court calendar, Carter has an August 27 court date tentatively scheduled for the May Raleigh Street crime and a September 24 court date for the latest charges.

Sherrod leads store associates to help customers and businesses select the best plan and devices to meet their data needs.

Sherrod has four years of wireless experience.

“I am excited to have Duane join the Roanoke Rapids team, and I’m confident that his leadership skills will guide our local team to help customers in the area with their technology needs,” said Jeremy Taylor, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in eastern North Carolina. “At U.S. Cellular, we have friendly, engaged and knowledgeable associates who focus on providing an unmatched customer experience and helping you make the best wireless choices for your needs.”

Sherrod most recently served as a retail wireless consultant at the company’s Winterville location. He lives in Winterville.  

Narcotics division

Captain A.M. Harris reported on Tuesday shortly before 11:30 p.m., Agent D.J. Epperson conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near Cardinal Drive.

The driver was identified as Albert Lee Simmons Jr., 28, of Roanoke Rapids.  

During the search, agents located a user amount of cocaine in Simmons’ probation paperwork in the center console.

Epperson arrested and charged Simmons for felony possession of cocaine, maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for a controlled substance and window tint violation.  

He received an August 18 court date.

Agent D.W. McKeel, Sergeant D. Newsome and Corporal A. Cash assisted.

Simmons was placed on probation last August for 18 months for misdemeanor simple assault/affray in Halifax County.  

He was ordered not to possess or use controlled substances and is subject to drug screenings.

On Tuesday shortly before 6:30 p.m., McKeel noticed a suspicious man in the parking lot of Zaxby’s.

The man was identified as Cornelius Strong Jr., 41, of Roanoke Rapids.

McKeel noticed marijuana and cigar wraps in plain view inside Strong’s vehicle.  

McKeel seized marijuana, cigar wraps and a glass container.

Strong was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possessing marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.  

He received an August 27 court date.

On July 6 shortly after 8:30 p.m., Harris was following up on a drug complaint in the Enfield community.  

Harris stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation in the area of McDaniel and Bell streets.

Harris identified all individuals inside the vehicle and could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.  

Harris requested assistance and Corporal P. Moyer and Officer Jerry Shoemaker of the Enfield Police Department arrived to assist.

During the search, approximately 26 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a collapsible rifle was seized.

Harris cited Rockell Wilkins, 18, of Enfield, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possessing one-half ounce but less than one and one-half ounces of marijuana.  

Wilkins received an August 22 court date.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected drug activity by calling the sheriff’s office narcotics division at 252 535-1257, Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252 583-4444 or log on to www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip.

Other arrests

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported the following:

On July 7 around 12:15 a.m., Deputy Casey Sherrod stopped a vehicle on Ferguson Street in Littleton for a motor vehicle violation.

The driver was identified as Alonza High, 46, of Roanoke Rapids.  

After a positive alert was given by canine Fino, a search led to the discovery of a clear plastic bag containing cocaine, as well as two smoking pipes. High was arrested by Deputy Sherrod and charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia, and resist, delay and obstruct.

High received a July 18 court date and a $2,500 bond.

The Littleton Police Department assisted with the traffic stop.

On June 28 a breaking and entering was reported in the Darlington area.

Detective Matt Brown began an investigation and found James Thomas Livingston, 24, from Warren County, broke into the residence and stole a firearm.

Brown charged Livingston with felony breaking and entering, larceny of a firearm and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.

Livingston was arrested on July 3 at Halifax Regional Medical Center.

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

The stolen property has not been recovered.

His tenure as deputy chief in Elizabeth City is planned to take effect August 13.

In a detailed prepared statement Avens said he is looking forward to a new beginning in Elizabeth City and is up for the challenge.  

He said he brings with him experience as deputy chief as well as chief of police.  

He said “he strongly believes he can be an asset to the Elizabeth City Police Department, with the knowledge and skill sets he has gained in serving in both of these top executive positions.”  

In the statement Avens said the decision to leave Weldon and move to Elizabeth City was not done in haste. “A lot of thought and consideration was given to the matter.”

He credits the support of his wife Christie, their three children and family in helping him to finalize his plans to move forward in this manner.  

He also said he prayed about the decision and received counsel from his pastor, saying in the statement he “feels that sometimes one has to leave home to see what else the world has to offer.”

He added in the statement he “will always consider Weldon to be home and there has been lots of good memories made here in Weldon.”

Avens helped bring a 21st Century Policing concept to Weldon under former Chief Mark Macon’s leadership. “Both men really grasped the concept of community policing, and as a result implemented many outreach programs in the town,” he said in the statement.

He said he “feels a sense of achievement knowing that the Weldon Police Department was the first in the county to implement a body worn camera program. In addition, Weldon’s 2016 crime rates were the lowest in almost 30 years — a huge accomplishment that is attributed to being fully staffed and heavily involved in the community.”

He closed the statement saying he “wholeheartedly believes that one is only as effective as the quality of people he or she has serving the citizens, along with building the trust and support of the citizens.”

He said in a phone interview this afternoon, “This is an opportunity. I’ve always wanted to go to a bigger agency.”

There are no other issues in the decision at play other than advancing his career. “I think we have a great mayor, board and town administrator.”

Avens said it will be his recommendation that Lieutenant Chris Davis be named chief. “He has been a great asset for the police department over the past 15 years and is instrumental in criminal investigations and the town’s community policing efforts.”

Avens will be working as deputy chief under another Roanoke Valley native, Eddie Buffaloe Jr., who is chief of Elizabeth City police.

Buffaloe said, “We believe his experience, his training and managerial style will be a tremendous asset to our department and community. We were highly impressed with his community involvement and the community policing initiatives he put into place in Weldon.”

Buffaloe said Avens is approachable. “He’s trying to bridge the gap between police and the community. We do that here. We needed someone to come in with that scope and framework.”

Avens was named chief last year following the resignation of Macon.

Avens began his career as a law enforcement officer a few weeks after 9-11, serving as a patrol deputy with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. In 2004 he became a narcotics officer and left in 2005 to become a school resource officer at what was Northampton County High School - East.

He came to Weldon as an investigative lieutenant in 2006 and during that time finished what he started after high school, earning a bachelor degree in business administration from St. Paul’s College and earning a master’s of science in administration in 2012 from Central Michigan University.

When he got his bachelor degree in 2010 he was made captain and since then has earned numerous certifications, including one as an instructor, which allows him to teach at the college level.

He is married to Christie C. Avens who currently serves as the Halifax County Register of Deeds and the couple have three children: Langston, who is currently serving in the United States Navy; Amber who is a 2018 graduate of the Roanoke Valley Early College and who will be attending North Carolina Central University in the fall; and James III, who will be a freshman at Roanoke Valley Early College in the fall.

He said his wife will continue to be register of deeds and has no plans to step down.

Leaders, physicians and clinicians from Halifax Regional recently gathered to celebrate the Center of Distinction award, which was given to The Wound Care Center by Healogics, the nation’s leading and largest wound care management company.

The Wound Care Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a wound healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days.

Out of 340 Centers eligible for the Robert A. Warriner III Center of Excellence award, 268 achieved this honor in 2017.

In 2017 the center treated 413 new patients alone — not including existing patients — and achieved a healing rate of 93 percent.

The Wound Care Center is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 800 Centers, with access to benchmarking data and proven experience treating approximately 2.5 million chronic wounds.

The Wound Care Center at Halifax Regional offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time.

Some of the leading treatments offered at the Wound Care Center include hyperbaric oxygen chambers, negative pressure wound therapy, debridement, application of cellular-based tissue or skin substitutes to the wound, offloading or total contact casts and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

“It’s a great honor for our staff to have received this award,” said Mick Olesnevich, program director. “They have worked extremely hard to achieve these high metrics while helping our patients experience improved healing rates by providing excellent and compassionate care.”

For appointments, assessments, questions, or a tour, call the Wound Care Center at 252-535-2350.

On Thursday shortly after 2:45 p.m., Harris followed up on a drug complaint in the area of Zoo Road and Highway 158 about drug use and transactions taking place in the area.

Harris encountered two men in a vehicle reportedly attempting to shoot up cocaine in a parking lot.  

Harris requested assistance due to the driver swallowing a substance in a lottery ticket.

Corporal R. Chin arrived to assist.

The driver was identified as Christopher Sanders, 40, of Roanoke Rapids.  

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Sanders was in possession of cocaine in a blue plastic top, several opened syringes, a spoon and a silver container which contained the ends of cotton swabs and several straws with white residue in his lap.

The passenger was identified as Bryan Lee Herring, 37, also of Roanoke Rapids.  

Herring had two opened syringes which contained a clear liquid substance, a spoon, container with cotton swab ends, a silver container with razor blades and straws with white powder residue.

The white powder substance and the other items with white residue tested positive for the presence of cocaine.

Sanders was arrested and charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting a public officer.  

Sanders received an August 15 court date.  

Herring was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of drug paraphernalia and received an August 22 court date.

Agents of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office narcotics division will continue to follow up on this complaint.

On Thursday shortly before 7:30 p.m., Harris was following up on a complaint at a local hotel near Interstate 95.  

Harris encountered a vehicle in the parking area and could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.  

The two occupants of the vehicle handed over the marijuana to Harris. Approximately 14.5 grams of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia was seized.

Harris cited Joseph Allen Palmer, 24, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possessing one-half ounce or less of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Jonathan Earl Chavis, 35, of Pembroke, was cited for possessing one-half ounce or less of marijuana and both men received August 22 court dates.

Agents D.W. McKeel, D.R. Radford and D.J. Epperson assisted.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected drug activity by calling the narcotics division at 252 535-1257, Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252 583-4444 or log on to www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip.

On Wednesday at approximately 9 p.m., Sergeant D. Jenkins conducted a traffic stop for a violation on Becker Drive near East Tenth Street.  

The driver, Megan Elizabeth Herring, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.  

Herring was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

She was cited for driving while license revoked and fictitious tags.

Master Officer G. Colson and Officer H. Marshall assisted.

On Thursday at approximately 2 a.m., Lieutenant J. Baggett conducted a traffic stop for a violation at West Fourth and Jackson streets.   

The driver, Najee Dejesus James, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.

James was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, fictitious tags and no insurance.

He received a $2,500 bond and August 1 court date.

Officers J. DeSare and E. Ellington assisted.

Kenneth was born August 20, 1947 in Halifax County to the late James C. and Fay Knight Daniel. He was a furnace operator at Lee Brick in Sanford.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis M. Daniel; his son, Claude Kenneth Daniel; four grandchildren; his brothers, Robert Earl Daniel and Keith Daniel; his sister, Gail Britt.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 16, 2018 at Cedarwood Cemetery, Weldon, NC, with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement one person, a man, was found deceased and another male victim who was shot multiple times was transported to a trauma center and was listed in critical condition.

The sheriff’s office received the call of a shooting shortly after 4 this morning. Grant Drive is located south of Roanoke Rapids off Highway 48.

No further details were immediately available as of this report.

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

Formed in January of 2015, the task force brought together agents from the sheriff’s office, Roanoke Rapids Police Department and Weldon Police Department.

Weldon withdrew from the task force because of budgetary restraints, Tripp said, and Roanoke Rapids wanted to explore different avenues.

Roanoke Rapids Chief Chuck Hasty confirmed Tripp’s explanation of why his department withdrew.

Tripp said Chris Parker, a Weldon officer who had been an agent with the joint task force, will come to work for the sheriff’s office narcotics division on August 15.

Tripp said the breakup of the task force will not impede narcotics work within the county and will still mean joint efforts among other county law enforcement agencies. “We will continue to work with Roanoke Rapids and Weldon as we always have. We will continue to enjoy mutual cooperation.”

Tripp said he believed the task force in its three years was effective. “Any time we can pool resources together it’s always good. I understand budget constraints and wanting to explore different avenues. It’s always our goal to want to get drug dealers off the street.”

In this budget year, Hasty received funds from city council to form a proactive community engagement team to not only work with the police department’s two narcotics agents but to concentrate on gangs and violent crimes.

Hasty said the department is currently working on filling the two proactive engagement team investigator positions as well as any other open positions.

The position left open by the retirement of Deputy Chief Andy Jackson became an investigator position with the promotion of Master Officer Jamie Hardy, he said.

Camp is Monday July 23rd through Thursday July 26th 9AM-12PM for boys and girls ages 8 to 14 years old.

The camp will be held at Doyle field behind TJ Davis Recreation Center.

There is a $45 registration fee and registration form to be filled out by Friday July 20th at TJ Davis.

Please bring, Water, cleats, shin guards and soccer ball.

Manley originally committed to Shaw University in Raleigh NC, but after a finding out that Shaw University did not have a men's track team, Manley decided to visit Livingstone and JCSU.

Ultimately deciding on Johnson C. Smith because of the campus size, the academic culture and the opportunity to play Football and run Track.

Manley broke numerous records at NorthWest CTA in football and Track & Field surpassing 2,000 total yards in a season and over 3,000 total career yards as well as 22 TD'S in his senior year, as well as breaking the school record for Men's Track in the 100m.

Manley was named all-conference, as well as male athlete of the year. He contributes his success to God first and his Mother Ylonda, Father Terrance and Grandparents Jennifer Manley and Brenda and Leon Davis and Apostle Dr. Randy L. Beale and Pastor Barbara Beale. Also his coaches. Jeffery Mills, (Owner of Grandpa's Kitchen) Derrick Basnight, Antonio Richardson, Eric Jones, Cody Rodgers, Larry Simmons, Corneilus Watson and Ernest Jones.

Basnight, Mills and Richardson has coached Manley since 7th grade at William R. Davie Middle. Also to his great Athletic Director Angela Sessoms and Principal Mr. Mark A. Barfield.

Tyrell would like to thank the community for always supporting Northwest Athletics and prays for continued support in the future.

The murder victim, the man arrested this morning and a surviving shooting victim currently hospitalized and being treated for critical injuries, were all acquainted, Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said this afternoon.

In a statement Tripp identified the murder victim as 23-year-old Daquinn Fernando Blount, a former Roanoke Rapids resident who was living in Georgia.

No one living at the Grant Drive residence where the murder occurred was harmed, the sheriff said.

He said in the statement while investigators have a clearer understanding of what happened this morning, they are waiting for confirmation on ballistic evidence before charges related to the murder are filed.

During investigation today, a narcotics search warrant was served at the residence by the narcotics division of the sheriff’s office.  

During the search of the property approximately 372 grams of marijuana, 10 dosage units of heroin, 84 dosage units of oxycodone and several items of drug paraphernalia were seized.

Based on that discovery, sheriff’s office narcotics agents arrested and charged Claude Luther Celestine, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, with possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of heroin and common law obstruction for delaying and obstructing deputies as they conducted their investigation. Tripp declined elaboration at this point.

Celestine, who has no apparent ties to the area, received a $10,000 bond with an August 15 court date.

Tripp said as soon as the ballistics test comes back he would be able to go into more detail.