Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement Officer E. Johnson conducted the stop around 1:45 a.m. on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway at Interstate 95.

Narcotics and a stolen firearm were located inside the vehicle and Johnson discovered Kvon Montrell Lassiter, 23, of Murfreesboro, had outstanding warrants.

The outstanding warrants against Lassiter were based on an investigation by Lieutenant C. Boden of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Lassiter was served warrants for burglary, larceny after breaking and entering, common law robbery, injury to property, assault on a female, assault and possession of stolen goods. Johnson charged him for no operators license and failure to stop for a red light or stop sign.

He received a $10,000 bond and August 15 court date.

Johnson charged Kameron Lamont Pugh, 19, of Woodland, for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a stolen firearm. The firearm was reported stolen out of Hertford County, Hasty said.

Pugh received a $1,500 bond and September 5 court date.

Michael Lamar Majette, 20, of Murfreesboro, was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. He received a $1,500 bond and September 5 court date.

Master Officer D. Hundley, Officer C. Bachelor and Officer H. Grimes and her canine partner Jimi assisted.

Cobler Drive is located outside Roanoke Rapids off Three Bridges Road.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement the plants were found after Lieutenant J. Bozard, Sergeant R. Ball and Detective M. Brown were following up on a drug complaint.

Investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on the residence.

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The deputies seized a total of five marijuana plants, numerous items of marijuana paraphernalia, and personal use marijuana.

A total of 392 grams of marijuana was seized. Hall said the 392 grams account for the plants seized as well as marijuana found inside the residence.

It was not clear how long the plants had been growing or whether the marijuana was being grown for personal use or sale on the street.

Brown arrested and charged David Allen Medlin and Mark Thomas Walker, both 55, with felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling place to keep a controlled substance, manufacture marijuana, simple possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Both men received $8,000 bonds and August 15 court dates.

Whitaker, a former resident of Enfield living in Decatur, Georgia, was arrested around 8 p.m. after the police department responded to the area of Taylor Street about a juvenile sexual assault, Captain Dreher Bozard said in a statement.

Investigation by detectives Willie Murphy Jr. and Teo Antunez Jr. determined Whitaker had allegedly assaulted an 11-year-old victim.

The juvenile reported to their grandparent they had allegedly been sexually assaulted.

Whitaker was jailed on $5,000 bond and has an August 15 court date.

It is an effort which will benefit several charitable organizations either directly through proceeds or indirectly through vendor booths organizations will set up.

The decision to do the festival was a direct result of the sponsors of the Virginia Pork Festival deciding to end its longstanding event, said Chuck Marsh, general manager of First Media Radio. “We planned to have it when it’s cooler,” he said.

The event is scheduled for October 6 and will feature Colt Ford as the headliner and serve as a reunion for Sidewinder, Marsh said.

(Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at https://www.oinktoberfestnc.com/

Lake Gaston Pizza in Littleton; The UPS Store in Emporia; 102.3 Maverick Studio in Weldon; Sheriff Wes Tripp; Jack Boseman Nationwide in Roanoke Rapids; Big Time Pawn in Roanoke Rapids; White's Chevrolet in Roanoke Rapids and Whitley's Barbecue in Murfreesboro. No tickets will be sold at the gate)

​Sidewinder hadn’t done any large scale performances in a while and Cleve Baker, a First Media Radio personality, talked them into doing the reunion.

“We want to do this on a yearly basis to keep entertainment dollars in the area and turn the entertainment dollars into charitable dollars,” Marsh said.

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Toy Drive will benefit from the event, Marsh said.

“We have enjoyed a long-term working relationship with First Media Radio,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said. “It’s been a good fit because the sheriff’s office and General Manager Chuck Marsh are all about giving back to the community.”

Last year the toy drive resulted in more than 1,000 toys being distributed to children in the county, the sheriff said.

The American Legion will not only get the rental fee for the event but will get half the proceeds of beer sales.

Shriners will be doing pizza sales and the Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum will have a booth.

Included in the price of the $35 ticket is not only the entertainment — the headliner Ford; the 7100 Band; Tommy McCoy and Sidewinder — but all you can eat barbecue pork, chicken and sides catered by Hermie and Elliott Sadler’s Fosho based on recipes by Bill Ellis Barbecue.

The gates will open at 2 p.m. and live music starts at 3 p.m., starting with the 7100 Band. Tommy McCoy will take the stage next followed by the Sidewinder reunion at 6 p.m. Ford will take the stage for an 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. headline performance.

The last day to order tickets is September 28.

Budweiser products will be sold for $4 per beer.

“We’ll have some pretty cool raffles that will be available,” Marsh said, including a rifle raffle.

Limited edition Maverick radio stations T-shirts will be available as will limited Magic 97 T-shirts.

Marsh said he is appreciative of all the sponsors of the event. “They love the community so much and see the value.”

There are 10 radio stations advertising the event and Marsh is doing paid social media posting to promote the event. “We hope to get 3,000 people to come which means tickets are limited.”

(All City meetings are open to the public):

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

Planning Board Meeting

Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:   

The City of Roanoke Rapids is accepting applications for the following positions:

(Part-Time) Building Supervisor (Parks & Recreation Department)

An employee in this position will have a set schedule on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 8am – 12pm (Noon) at the Senior Center.  Duties will include answering phones, greeting patrons, picking up supplies for programs, taking registrations for programs and helping with program set ups.  This employee will also be asked to work flexible hours on nights and weekends at TJ Davis Recreation Center & Kirkwood Adams Community Center. During the flexible hours the employee will answer phones, take registration for programs and parks.  Must be able to provide excellent customer service to patrons during building rentals and excellent customer services is a priority.

(Part-Time) Public Works Worker (Public Works Department)

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

Police Officer (Roanoke Rapids Police Department)

An employee in this class performs a full range of general law enforcement duties to protect life and property in the City.   Basic Law Enforcement Training is preferred but not required.

Code Enforcement Officer (Building Inspector) (Planning & Development)

An employee in this class must perform inspections of construction projects to enforce local and state laws, ordinances, specifications, and standards.  Assist in review of construction plans, correspond/meet with contractors to review specifications, inspect construction in progress and upon completion. Position requires considerable knowledge of construction techniques, processes and materials and the corresponding laws and standards.   Is responsible for issuance of permits; the inspection of construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical installations with code compliance and the records task associated with inspections. Reviews site plans, blueprints and specifications and receive applications for permits. Must have considerable knowledge of state building codes and local laws, and the City’s ordinances.  Must have the ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms. Must have skills in reading and interpreting plans and specifications. Employees not meeting the Level II certification requirements for this class at salary grade shall be hired at lower salary grade as a “work against” until the Level II qualifications can be met. Must also possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

All Positions are Open Until Filled

The City of Roanoke Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Applications may be obtained at www.roanokerapidsnc.com or may be picked up at City Hall – 1040 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Kathy A. Kearney – HR Manager – City of Roanoke Rapids

Phone: (252) 533-2845 – Fax (252) 537-2097

https://roanokerapidsnc.com/employment-application.html

MEETING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids Planning Board will hold a public meeting Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall located at 700 Jackson Street to hear the following items:

1. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request from Timothy Kirby (Property Owner) for an accessory apartment to the existing single-family residence at 56 Strauther Drive (Halifax Co. Parcel 0902182).
2. A CUP request for “church” use of property at 839 Jackson Street (Halifax Co. Parcel 0900064); the prior use was a funeral home. The CUP applicants are Beulah and William H. Deloatch.

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

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

BRIEFS

COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  

Contact Traci Storey, City Clerk, at (252) 533-2840 for committee information.

►Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (ETJ)     

►Library Advisory Committee

►Senior Center Advisory Committee                  

►Beautification Committee                  

►Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

ROANOKE RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Emery G. Doughtie     Mayor Pro Tem Carl Ferebee          

Council Members:  Ernest C. Bobbitt, Suetta S. Scarbrough, Carol H. Cowen, Wayne Smith

Joseph Scherer, City Manager    Gilbert Chichester, City Attorney

Traci V. Storey, City Clerk  Kathy Kearney, Deputy City Clerk

When funeral arrangements are complete, this notice will be updated.

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

She was born in Bertie County and grew up and lived in or near the Roanoke Rapids area her entire life.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband James Edward “Ed” Hodges, former husband Bruce Durham Jenkins and parents William Gilbert Rountree and Paline Jernigan Robertson.

She is survived by her sons Mike Jenkins of Roanoke Rapids, Chip Jenkins & Eddie Hodges of Jacksonville, FL, and stepdaughters Diane Cobb & Deborah Hodges of Greensboro, NC.; Sisters: Lizzie Jenkins (Woodland, NC), Vickie Jones (Richmond, VA), Brothers; Bill Rountree (Roanoke Rapids, NC), L.G. Rountree (Jacksonville, FL). Grandchildren Jennifer, Bruce Wayne, Nick, Logan & Madison. Great-grandchildren Christopher, Cullen & Parker. One Niece & Several Nephews.

Grace worked in Fabricating at JP Stevens for 35 years before retiring. After retiring she continued to work as a cashier with New Dixie Oil.

Grace loved keeping busy at home by cooking, cutting grass, sewing, reading or relaxing on her porch, drinking coffee and watching the wildlife behind her house. She enjoyed keeping a close family by hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas and Springtime Pig Pickings. She always had an open door and food waiting for anyone that came to spend time with her.

Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 pm Monday at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The funeral service for Mrs. Hodges will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service, with Rev. Randy Martin presiding.  

Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers please donate in her name to Community Home Care & Hospice of Roanoke Rapids or the American Lung Association.

Online condolences may be left at hockadayfs.com

He was a native of Jackson, NC, and was the son of the late Joseph T. and Margaret V. Brown Archer.

He was also preceded in death by his wife Mary Nadine Williams Archer, a son Keith Dean Archer and several Siblings.

Robert proudly served his Country, and Retired from the United States Air Force. He was a member of East 10th street Church of Christ.

He is survived by his son Bob T. Archer of Littleton.

Graveside Services with Military rites will be held Wednesday August 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, with Minister Dave Chapman officiating.

The family will receive friends after the service.

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services 731 Roanoke Ave Roanoke Rapids.

RRHS Varsity Football Schedule 2018   

Date         Opponent                    Location         Time

Fri. 8/10 Scrimmage                      Home             6:30

Fri. 8/17 Northampton County        Away              TBA     (Endowment Game)  

Fri. 8/24 Southeast Halifax             Away              7:00

Fri. 8/31 Weldon                           Home             7:00

Fri. 9/7 Granville Central                Away              7:00

Fri. 9/14 Open  

Fri. 9/21 Vance County                 Home               7:00

Fri. 9/28 JF Webb                         Away               7:00

Fri. 10/5 Louisburg                       Home               7:00  (HOMECOMING)  

Fri. 10/12 South Granville              Away               7:00 

Fri. 10/19 Rocky Mount Prep          Home              7:00

Fri. 10/26 Warren County              Home              7:00  (Senior Night)   

Fri. 11/2 Bunn                             Away               7:00 

RRHS JV Football Schedule 2018   
Date Opponent Location Time
Thur. 8/23 Southeast Halifax Home 6:00
Wed. 8/29 Southampton (VA) Home 6:00
Thur. 9/6 Granville Central Home 6:00
Thur. 9/20 Vance County Away 6:00
Thur. 9/27 JF Webb Home 6:00
Thur. 10/4 Louisburg Away 6:00
Thur. 10/11 South Granville Home 6:00
Thur. 10/25 Warren County Away 6:00
Thur. 11/1 Bunn Home 6:00

RRHS Men's Soccer Schedule 2018   
Date Opponent Location Time
Sat. 8/11 Scrimmage Away TBA (at Granville Central) 

Mon. 8/20 Currituck Home 5:00

Wed. 8/22 Granville Central Away 6:00

Mon. 8/27 Louisburg Home 6:00

Wed. 8/29 Currituck Away 5:00

Wed. 9/5 JF Webb Away 6:00

Mon. 9/10 Vance County Home 6:00

Wed. 9/12 South Granville Away 6:00

Wed. 9/19 Warren County Home 6:00

Mon. 9/24 Bunn Away 6:00

Wed. 9/26 Granville Central Home 6:00

Mon. 10/1 Louisburg Away 6:00

Mon. 10/8 JF Webb Home 6:00

Wed. 10/10 Vance County Away 6:00

Mon. 10/15 South Granville Home 6:00

Mon. 10/22 Warren County Away 6:00

Wed. 10/24 Bunn Home 6:00

RRHS Cross Country Schedule 2018  
Date Meet Time
Wed. 8/15 Non-conference meet at Home 5:00
Thurs. 9/6 NCC meet at Granville Central 5:00
Tues. 9/11 NCC meet at Vance County 5:00
Tues. 9/18 NCC meet at Louisburg 5:00
Tues. 9/25 NCC meet at Granville Central 5:00
Tues. 10/2 NCC meet at Bunn 5:00
Tues. 10/9 NCC meet at South Granville 5:00
Tues. 10/16 NCC Conference Meet at Home TBA
Sat. 10/27 NCHSAA 2A East Regional  TBA
Sat. 11/3 NCHSAA 2A State Meet TBA

RRHS Varsity Football Schedule 2018   
Date Opponent Location Time
Fri. 8/10 Scrimmage Home 6:30
Fri. 8/17 Northampton County Away TBA
 (Endowment)  
Fri. 8/24 Southeast Halifax Away 7:00
Fri. 8/31 Weldon Home 7:00
Fri. 9/7 Granville Central Away 7:00
Fri. 9/14 Open  
Fri. 9/21 Vance County Home 7:00
Fri. 9/28 JF Webb Away 7:00
Fri. 10/5 Louisburg Home 7:00
 (HOMECOMING)  
Fri. 10/12 South Granville Away 7:00
Fri. 10/19 Rocky Mount Prep Home 7:00
Fri. 10/26 Warren County Home 7:00
 (Senior Night)  
Fri. 11/2 Bunn Away 7:00

RRHS JV Football Schedule 2018   
Date Opponent Location Time
Thur. 8/23 Southeast Halifax Home 6:00
Wed. 8/29 Southampton (VA) Home 6:00
Thur. 9/6 Granville Central Home 6:00
Thur. 9/20 Vance County Away 6:00
Thur. 9/27 JF Webb Home 6:00
Thur. 10/4 Louisburg Away 6:00
Thur. 10/11 South Granville Home 6:00
Thur. 10/25 Warren County Away 6:00
Thur. 11/1 Bunn Home 6:00

RRHS Men's Soccer Schedule 2018   
Date Opponent Location Time
Sat. 8/11 Scrimmage Away TBA
 (at Granville Central)  
Mon. 8/20 Currituck Home 5:00
Wed. 8/22 Granville Central Away 6:00
Mon. 8/27 Louisburg Home 6:00
Wed. 8/29 Currituck Away 5:00
Wed. 9/5 JF Webb Away 6:00
Mon. 9/10 Vance County Home 6:00
Wed. 9/12 South Granville Away 6:00
Wed. 9/19 Warren County Home 6:00
Mon. 9/24 Bunn Away 6:00
Wed. 9/26 Granville Central Home 6:00
Mon. 10/1 Louisburg Away 6:00
Mon. 10/8 JF Webb Home 6:00
Wed. 10/10 Vance County Away 6:00
Mon. 10/15 South Granville Home 6:00
Mon. 10/22 Warren County Away 6:00
Wed. 10/24 Bunn Home 6:00

RRHS Volleyball Schedule 2018   
Date Opponent Location Time
Tues.8/14 Granville Central Away 5:00
Thur. 8/16 Louisburg Home 5:00
Mon. 8/22 Halifax Academy Away 4:00
Tues. 8/21 South Central Away 4:30
Thur. 8/23 JF Webb Away 5:00
Mon. 8/27 Hertford County Home 5:00
Tues. 8/28 Vance County Home 5:00
Thur. 8/30 South Granville Away 5:00
Thur. 9/6 Warren County Home 5:00
Tues. 9/11 Bunn Away 5:00
Thur. 9/13 Granville Central Home 5:00
Tues. 9/18 Louisburg Away 5:00
Tues. 9/25 JF Webb Home 5:00
Thur. 9/27 Vance County Away 5:00
Mon. 10/1 South Central Home 5:00
Tues. 10/2 South Granville Home 5:00
Mon. 10/8 Hertford County Away 4:00
Tues. 10/9 Warren County Away 5:00
Thur. 10/11 Bunn Home 5:00

RRHS Women's Golf Schedule 2018  
Date Opponent Location
Mon. 8/27 NCC Schools Roanoke Rapids
Mon. 9/10 NCC Schools South Granville
Mon. 9/17 NCC Schools Bunn
Mon. 9/24 NCC Schools Vance County
Mon. 10/1 NCC Schools Roanoke Rapids
Mon. 10/8 NCC Conference South Granville
 Championship 

RRHS Women's Tennis Schedule 2018   
Date Opponent Location Time
Thur. 8/16 Northern Nash Home 4:00
Tues. 8/21 Northeast Academy Home 4:00
Tues. 8/28 Northern Nash Away 4:00
Mon. 9/10 Northeast Academy Away 4:00
Thur. 9/13 Granville Central Away 4:00
Tues. 9/18 Louisburg Away 4:00
Thur. 9/20 Bunn Home 4:00
Tues. 9/25 JF Webb Home 4:00
Thur. 9/27 South Granville Away 4:00
Tues. 10/2 Warren County Home 4:00
Thur. 10/4 Vance County Away 4:00

As the 3-3 deadlock between Halifax County commissioners ended the chance of putting new laws on the books, it also ended the opportunity for animal control to get an additional enforcement officer through a grant offered by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The awarding of the grant was contingent on the passing of the proposed ordinance banning tethering, County Attorney Glynn Rollins said.

PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch said rejection of the ordinance by commissioners today would not compromise other field work the organization does in the county such as providing straw and dog houses.

Commissioner Marcelle Smith, Rives Manning and Patrick Qualls voted against the proposed ordinance. Chairman Vernon Bryant and commissioners Carolyn Johnson and Linda Brewer voted in favor of the new regulations, which would have mirrored tethering ordinances in place in Enfield, Roanoke Rapids, Scotland Neck and Weldon.

Manning said he is for the humane treatment of animals and appreciates the work PETA does in the county. He said, however, “I don’t want money from PETA coming in for the county.”

According to a memo from county Health Director Bruce Robistow contained in today’s agenda packet, PETA requested the county consider certain amendments to ordinances regarding the care and treatment of animals, particularly with regard to the tethering and confinement of dogs. “In addition, PETA has offered to make a grant to the county to defray the cost of hiring an additional animal control officer to enforce the amended ordinance, as well as certain expenses related to that position,” Robistow wrote.

The grant was for a two-year period. Under terms of the grant PETA would have given the county $122,280 over two years. The first installment, according to a copy of the contract, would have been for $75,610 and then one for $46,670.

The position, the contract stated, would be an enforcement officer specifically tasked with enforcing existing county animal welfare ordinances and regulations proposed in the failed ordinance which covered the ban of tethering, setting standard for pens — 10-feet by 10-feet for one dog and 50 additional square feet for each additional dog.

Smith said while he supports the humane treatment of all animals he had concerns of what the costs would be to residents of the county when they began building pens had the ordinance passed. He also said the county already has laws on the books addressing animal cruelty.

Qualls said, “Passing more laws doesn’t make up for not enforcing the ones you have.”

Referring to photos which passed which showed the affects tethering has on chained animals, Qualls said, “In every case of every picture shown to me we already have laws addressing this.”

Bryant said afterward: “I’m disappointed in the three-three vote. I was hoping it would pass. As a county we need to do a better job in taking care of our animals. As a commissioner and as chair I respect the decision that has been made by the board and will move forth with that.”

In  a statement released this afternoon, Nachminovitch expressed disappointment with the vote. “Like all the many groups and residents who came out in overwhelming support of the proposed animal welfare ordinance this morning, PETA is disappointed that the commissioners passed on the opportunity to advance animal welfare in Halifax County at no cost to taxpayers.

“The ordinance had the support of Rainbow Animal Rescue, the Halifax County Health Department, Halifax County Animal Control, and every compassionate area resident.”

Said Nachminovitch in the statement: “This vote condemned countless dogs to remaining tethered day in and day out, with no exercise, companionship, or respect. PETA's Community Animal Project will continue to assist Halifax County residents and their animals. We would like to remind commissioners and all dog owners that for man's best friend a life on a chain is no life at all. Dogs who are chained 24/7 are forced to eat, sleep, urinate, and defecate all on one small patch of land and deprived of everything that is natural and important to them. Please remember that your dog depends on you.”

A diverse range of artists and special events will be featured, beginning Saturday, September 15 with a soft opening to welcome the community back inside the landmark entertainment destination located off Interstate 95 in Roanoke Rapids at Exit 171.  

The official Grand Opening ceremony is set for Saturday, November 10, and will be headlined by the Charlie Daniel’s Band with a special Veteran’s Day salute to the military.

“The entertainment staff has strived to book a broad and diverse range of talent to showcase this marvelous entertainment destination,” said Jack Glasure, spokesperson for the new owners, Tom and Evon McLean, who closed on the purchase of the theatre less than two weeks ago. “They want to offer something for everyone with amazing performances and festivals encompassing country, rock, blues, beach, jazz and R&B, as well as a variety of performing art shows such as plays, cirque, magic, comedy, murder mystery dinners and more.”  

The Roanoke Rapids Theatre plans to open every day at 9 a.m., except Sunday at 11 a.m., and the restaurant will be open to serve lunch and dinner during operating hours following the Grand Opening November 10.  

A brand-new sports lounge will adjoin the restaurant, with multiple televisions broadcasting big games like Monday Night Football.  

Every weekday afternoon the venue will offer Live After Five specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

On Wednesday evenings, the venue will feature beach music on the main stage; and on Fridays, when a touring act has not been booked, a variety of live and recorded music will be showcased for Club Nite, featuring rock, country, R&B or pop.   

Corporate sponsorship packages for all shows are available, providing interested companies with numerous levels of advertisement, promotion and hospitality.  In addition, the entire venue can be booked for private events.

More information on sponsorships or private events is available through Elizabeth Branham at 1.844.RRT.LIVE or EBranham@RRTLIVE.com

Tickets: Available online at RRTLive.com or the Roanoke Rapids Theatre Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–6 pm.  

The decision comes after Scott Aman of New Dixie Oil spoke with commissioners today. He will also speak with Roanoke Rapids City Council on the matter Tuesday at their 5:15 p.m. meeting.

Aman addressed his concerns with commissioners at their meeting this morning and also wrote his concerns to board Chair Vernon Bryant in a July 19 letter included in the agenda packet.

“As a longtime business owner, I support the expansion of NC Highway 125,” he wrote. “However, the construction of the center median to eliminate left turns except at controlled access areas will have a devastating and negative impact for my business and for other property owners that hold hope for the sale of their properties for new business development.”

He said existing businesses such as Rural Health Group, the state Department of Motor Vehicles license office and others are likely to be less sensitive to access changes “than businesses that rely primarily on pass-by traffic such as gas stations and convenience stores.”

He said in the letter, “I am deeply concerned about the long-term negative impact the improvements to NC Highway 125, as planned, will have for the Shell/New Dixie Mart that I own at the intersection of NC Highway 125 and Interstate 95.”

While not a truck stop, Aman noted the store and gas station at the Highway 125 location does receive and serve 18-wheelers. “For over a year, we have been developing plans to expand our building and footprint and add diesel truck fueling infrastructure and we have shared these plans with NCDOT. Having smooth clear open access for trucks to this area is critical.”

Aman said the current plans for a divided highway and center median which mostly eliminates or controls left turns will negatively impact existing businesses and limit future development.

He said in the letter he believes the plans are over-engineered and include plans for sidewalks in an area which is not envisioned as a walking area.

Aman said in the meeting and in the letter DOT’s original plans for the highway would work better. “Continuing the highway layout from the vicinity of Wendy’s and Touchstone Bank as a five-laned highway with a center turn lane will save state transportation funds and greatly reduce the impact to property owners,” the letter said. “Most landowners along this corridor I have spoken with do not want a divided highway that restricts access and controls left to and from their properties. Controlled access will likely impact business interest in this area as well as future commercial property values.”

For his own business, Aman said the plans will eliminate the ability of his customers leaving Roanoke Rapids and headed to Halifax, Halifax Academy and the interstate to conveniently turn left into his business. “This is a significant portion of my business. As a convenience store, if the customer cannot conveniently gain access to our property, they will go where access is more convenient. I am very concerned about the negative impact this will have on my established business.”

{gallery}8618hwy125{/gallery}

Aman said he has continually expressed these concerns to state DOT representatives. “One consideration recently shared by NCDOT as a potential option is a crossover allowing a left turn that aligns (or centers) on my far property line — closest to Roanoke Rapids — and that of the neighboring property owner.”

Aman said he believes this is not acceptable for several reasons. “First, I would lose one of two drive openings directly in front of my business,” he wrote. “Secondly, it would add a drive to my far property that I must share with a future unknown development.”

He likens this situation to the one on Premier Boulevard in which Chick-fil-A and Starbucks share a drive. “They create bottlenecks and confusion,” he wrote.

Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott said while the design has become a standard now, she said the county economic development board is crafting its own resolution addressing Aman’s concerns.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said he has his own concerns about the plans currently being considered. “The media would slow down response time.”

Commissioner Linda Brewer said she has concerns about EMS response. “I want to support you and support the others.”

Commissioner Rives Manning said, “I think what they’ve proposed now is idiotic.”

Commissioner Patrick Qualls offered a motion to draft a resolution based on the concerns registered by Aman, concerns about EMS and other first responder issues as well as how the plans might concern other property owners.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will also participate in the event which be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Garysburg Community Center, the former Garysburg school.

“This is our fifth annual event and each year more and more people come out to show their support,” Garysburg police Chief Melvin Garner said. “I’m very excited because this event continues to build relationships with the community in a positive way.”

Said Garner: “Not only will the Garysburg Police Department have our officers present but we were able to get officers from every department in Northampton County to participate this year and I’m thankful and blessed about that as well. So, not only will we have residents from Garysburg but the entire county.”

Mayor Roy Bell will welcome all visitors.

Sergeant Wallace Ransom of the Garysburg Police Department will give the purpose.

Derrick Squire, a former resident who grew up in Garysburg, will provide uplift to the youth. Entertainment again will be provided by Garysburg resident Jake Rice and his wife.

Amusement for the children will be provided by Anytime Party Rentals. Atlas Transportation will provide free blood pressure checks for all ages.

Volunteers from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will be present.

Garysburg and Gaston fire departments will be present as well as Garysburg Crime Watch.

There will be food vendors and information shared by other county organizations as well.

The Northampton County Sheriff's Office will provide free hot dogs and which will be served by the ladies from the Garysburg Police Department.

The Garysburg Police Department will provide free drinks and continue to pass out literature on gun safety and other programs as well as information on their new dog ordinance with assistance from People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Door prizes will be given away as well.

Garner said the event will begin promptly at 6 p.m.

He was born in Greensville County, VA, to the late Jack Rook and Rosa Ellen Rook and was preceded in death by his Sister, Elsie R. Livesay.

Phillip is survived by his wife Dawn T. Rook of the home, his son, Jackey Ray Rook and his wife, Sonya of Wendell, NC; his Brother, John B. Rook of Chester, NC; his sisters, Margie Ann Horvath of Gaston, NC, and Carol Ann Daniel of Enon, VA.

Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in the Rook Family Cemetery in Gaston, NC with Rev. Jeremy Kobernat officiating.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Askew Funeral & Cremation Services of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

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

Assault investigations

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported on Saturday around 2 a.m., deputies responded to the area of White Oak outside Enfield regarding an assault.

Further investigation by Detective L.E. Mann led to warrants being issued against Darius Alexander Silver, 20, of Enfield.

Investigation revealed the victim was assaulted with a beer bottle after a verbal confrontation. The victim was transported to a local medical facility and later transferred to a trauma unit for serious head injuries.

Silver surrendered to the sheriff’s office Monday where he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflict serious injury.

Silver was released on bond and awaits an August 15 court date.

On Sunday around 7:30 a.m., Deputy Hunter Wheeler responded to a Heathsville Road address in Enfield regarding an assault.

Through Wheeler's investigation, he learned the suspect allegedly broke into the victim’s residence with the intent to assault them.

Wheeler obtained warrants on Brandon Jermayne Pollard, 26, of Rocky Mount, for breaking and entering with intent to terrorize/injure, injury to personal property, simple assault, and injury to real property.

Pollard was arrested following in Edgecombe County following the crime and later transported to the Halifax County Detention Center where he is being held without opportunity for bond pending an August 15 court date.

Drug arrests

Captain A.M. Harris reported over the weekend agents of the narcotics division conducted several follow-ups on drug activity in several areas of the county.  

Agents conducted foot patrols, knock and talks and saturated patrols in areas of the complaints. One follow-up led to the execution of a narcotics search warrant. Twenty-two charges were filed during the investigations.

Marijuana seizures

On Friday at approximately 5:52 p.m., narcotics agents D.J. Epperson and D.W. McKeel were in the area of a store when they observed what appeared to be a hand to hand drug deal in the parking lot on Highway 48.

McKeel stopped the vehicle on Rhea Smith Road near Highway 48.  

The driver of the vehicle, Roger Payne Lee, 65, of Roanoke Rapids, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.  

The passenger, Heather Dawn Stansbury, 37, of Roanoke Rapids, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Lee and Stansbury received October 8 court dates.

Corporal Andy Cash and Roanoke Rapids officers H. Marshall and M. Hunsucker assisted.

At approximately 7:50 p.m., McKeel and Epperson were following up on a drug complaint in the area of East Eleventh and Sycamore streets in Weldon when they encountered Antonio Maurice Story, 32, of Weldon.

Agents seized marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia.  

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

Story received an October 8 court date.

Cocaine seizure

At approximately 11:33 p.m., McKeel conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 158 near Zoo Road for a motor vehicle violation.

McKeel requested assistance of Corporal Brandon Council and his canine partner Bosco. During the search of the driver, Cass Yelardy, 72, of Roanoke Rapids, cocaine was seized.

McKeel arrested and charged Yelardy with felony possession of cocaine and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for a controlled substance. Yelardy was given a written warning for speeding.

He received a September 19 court date.

Epperson also assisted.

Reynolds Circle

The narcotics, investigative and patrol divisions executed a search warrant on Saturday at approximately 2:14 a.m. at a Reynolds Circle home.

McKeel had received several complaints of possible drug activity at this residence.  

McKeel identified the alleged suspect as 32-year-old Travis Manley.  

Agents are familiar with Manley and had executed several search warrants at his previous homes in the Roanoke Rapids area.

During the search of the residence agents seized cocaine, marijuana, clonazepam pills, a handgun, several items of drug paraphernalia and currency.

McKeel arrested and charged Manley for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell/deliver schedule IV controlled substance and resisting a public officer.

Manley received a September 19 court date.

Other arrests

On Saturday at approximately 2:45 p.m., McKeel stopped a vehicle for a motor vehicle violation on West Ridgecrest near West Tenth streets.

The driver, Robert Guy Hester Jr., 21, of Roanoke Rapids, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for a stop sign violation, driving while license revoked, fictitious registration number plate and window tint violation.

He received a September 10 court date.

At approximately 4:55 p.m., agents D.R. Radford, McKeel and Epperson followed up on a drug complaint at a residence on Davie Smith Street.  

The complaint was for several different cars coming and leaving the residence all times of the night.

Epperson cited Charles Delaney Walden, 34, of Gaston, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

He received an October 8 court date.

Agents will continue to follow up on this residence.

At approximately 9:09 p.m., McKeel conducted a traffic stop on Highway 561 near Evans Road in the Hollister area for a motor vehicle violation.

The driver, Brandon Jeremy Rubin, 38, of Louisburg, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for failing to notify DMV of address change.

He received a September 10 court date.

At approximately 9:48 p.m., Epperson encountered Jason Terell Love, 25, of Rocky Mount, in the parking lot of a convenience store in the Medoc community.

Love was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and received a September 10 court date.

On Sunday shortly after midnight, Radford was on foot patrol on East Eleventh Street in Weldon when he encountered Tyrone Junior Clements, 36, of Garysburg.

Clements was found in possession of marijuana.  

Radford cited Clements with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.

He received a September 10 court date.

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

Enfield Police Department

Captain Dreher Bozard reported that on Saturday at approximately 3:30 a.m., Officer Jerry Shoemaker with the assistance of Detective Teodoro Antunez Jr. arrested Joe Lee Caudle of Enfield.

While Enfield officers were doing a business check they noticed Caudle walking nearby and apprehended him.  ‘

Caudle had two orders for arrest for failure to appear for misdemeanor second-degree trespass. Caudle received a secured bond of $1,100 and two court dates — August 28,and September 4.

She is a rising senior at KIPP Pride High School and is the daughter of Tony and Elrena Darden. She received $11,500 in cash scholarships Saturday night, placing in fitness, talent, scholastic, and won the overall interview award.

Toni will now compete for the state title, traveling  to Greensboro in January to participate in the Distinguished Young Women of North Carolina state program.

The Roanoke Valley DYW scholarship program event was held at The Centre on the campus of Halifax Community College and showcased 16 young women from several schools throughout the community.

Sarah Rightmyer, Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley for 2018, chose the theme Sweet Southern Soul for the program.

Sarah is a rising freshman at East Carolina University.

Runner ups

First Runner Up was Olivia Kidd. She is a rising senior at RRHS and is the daughter of Lynn and Julie Harrison. She received $4,750 in cash scholarships, placing in the self-expression, interview, and scholastic categories.

Second Runner Up was Bailey Robertson. She is a rising senior at Halifax Academy and is the daughter of Rodney and Trina Robertson. She won $4,000 in cash scholarships placing in interview, fitness, talent, and scholastics.

Third Runner Up was Cassidy Goff. She is a rising Senior at RRHS and is the daughter of James and Jeany Flythe, and the late Royce Goff. She won $4,000 in cash scholarships placing in interview, scholastic and self expression. Also included was the entrepreneur award which was worth $1,000.

Fourth Runner Up was Lily Brewer. She is a rising Senior at RRHS and is the daughter of Chris and Beth Brewer. She received $2,000 in cash scholarships placing in the fitness, self expression, talent and interview categories.

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Individual category

Individual Category award recipients and donors are as follows:

Fitness - Toni Darden, Cassidy Goff, Emli Edwards, Lily Brewer and Bailey Robertson.

Fitness awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Spartan Gym, Southern Smiles Orthodontics, Ben's Creek Nursery, and New Day Fitness.

Self Expression - Olivia Kidd, Cassidy Goff, Sydney Connell, Kendall Qualls, and Lily Brewer.

Self Expression awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley Scholarship fund.

Talent - Toni Darden, Cassidy Goff, Lily Brewer, Bailey Robertson, and Macie Hasty.

Talent awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Myrick's School of Dance, Given's Dance, Progression's Dance Studio, Little Caesars Pizza, and Redwine's Garage & Part Sales.

Interview: Olivia Kidd, Emli Edwards, Lily Brewer, Zianne Richardson, and Bailey Robertson.

Interview Awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Kapstone.

Overall Interview: Toni Darden

Overall Interview Award winner received a $750 cash scholarship and was sponsored by Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley Scholarship fund.  

Scholastic: Toni Darden, Olivia Kidd, Cassidy Goff, Kendall Qualls, and Bailey Robertson.

Scholastic Awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Drugco.

Overall Scholastic: Alexis Carter

Overall Scholastic Award winner received a $750 cash scholarship sponsored by:

Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley Scholarship fund.

Entrepreneur Award: Cassidy Goff

The Young Entrepreneur award recognized a young woman for her hard work and dedication throughout the Distinguished Young Woman program through fundraising and overall service to the program as well as the community. The award was sponsored by Enviva Pellets of Northampton.

Cassidy Goff, the winner of the award, received a $1,000 cash scholarship.

Spirit Award: Blair Bracey

The spirit award is a long time coveted award by participants across America. The young lady chosen is selected by her fellow participants and is viewed to have the attributes that a DYW

should have and is given to the one they think embodies the Distinguished Young Woman program.

The Spirit scholarship was sponsored by The Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship fund and Rightmyer Machine Rentals. Blair Bracey, the winner of the spirit award, received a $750 cash scholarship.

Two "Be Your Best Self" Awards: Dianna Ricks and Alexis Pearcey

The Be Your Best Self awards are given to the young women who embody the BYBS message empowering young people with valuable tools to face the challenges of negative peer pressure, drawing on their own personal experiences. Each participant submitted an essay for this

award. Each recipient won a $500 scholarship sponsored by M.J. Price Construction.

Leadership Award: Macie Hasty

The leadership award recognizes a young woman for her large array of characteristics, such as values, character, motives, habits, traits, competencies, style, behaviors, and leadership skills throughout the program, as well as, in her school and community.

The winner received a $500 scholarship sponsored by Sheriff Wes Tripp.

Asked if he had anything to say he simply said “innocent” as detectives S.A. Bryant and Travis Clark took him inside. Asked to expound, he said, “I didn’t do it.”

Celestine was brought back this evening from DeKalb County, Georgia, where he fled to following the shooting death of an associate, Daquinn Blount, the morning of July 16 on Grant Drive outside Roanoke Rapids.

Another associate, Donovan Gonsalves, remains at large and is believed to be in Georgia, Sheriff Wes Tripp said this evening.

Asked for comment on Celestine’s proclamation of innocence, Tripp said, “As we all know, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.:”

Celestine had waived extradition to North Carolina after he was caught in Georgia last week by the sheriff’s office there and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force.

Celestine was being booked in Blount’s murder this evening and no bond information was immediately available.

Prior to the murder warrant being lodged, he had been charged with obstruction of justice and drug charges.

Marc Anthony Solomon-Cartagena, who lived at the Grant Drive residence where Blount was shot and killed and Gonsalves was injured, had posted bond for Celestine’s release on the obstruction charge while a bondsman posted his bail on drug charges.

Tripp has previously confirmed not only did all four men know each other but evidence shows there was a dispute between Blount and Gonsalves.

While council this evening did not take a vote on the matter, the panel gave its consensus for City Manager Joseph Scherer to construct a resolution and bring it back for the August 21 meeting.

Scherer said following the meeting he and City Attorney Gilbert Chichester would work on the draft.

Halifax County commissioners Monday agreed to draft a resolution opposing the current project as well and will use arguments posed by businessman Scott Aman of New Dixie Oil as well as those made by Sheriff Wes Tripp.

Aman proposed the resolution to commissioners Monday and to council this evening. The Halifax County Economic Development Commission has drafted a resolution but it has not yet been approved by the board, county Economic Development Director Cathy Scott confirmed following the council meeting.

Aman presented the same arguments to city council as he did to commissioners Monday. “I’m supportive of the improvements,” he said, adding, however, he believes the state Department of Transportation oversized the plans as they now stand.

DOT held a meeting in October to discuss the plans to widen the highway from Interstate 95 to Old Farm Road as a way to reduce congestion and improve highway access for residents and businesses. The proposed design widens the highway from two to four lanes with a 23-foot median. The outside lanes would accommodate bicycles and a 5-foot sidewalk is proposed for the east side.

Aman said the current plans for a divided highway and center median which mostly eliminates or controls left turns will negatively impact existing businesses and limit future development.

“They need to finish 125 like they started from Wendy’s to the State Employees Credit Union,” he said.

That section does not have a median.

Aman said in letters to both county board Chairman Vernon Bryant and Mayor Emery Doughtie, “Continuing the highway layout from the vicinity of Wendy’s and Touchstone Bank as a five-laned highway with a center turn lane will save state transportation funds and greatly reduce the impact to property owners. Most landowners along this corridor I have spoken with do not want a divided highway that restricts access and controls left to and from their properties. Controlled access will likely impact business interest in this area as well as future commercial property values.”