Lieutenant Charles Vaught said motive has not been established in the Friday night shooting, which occurred in the 200 block of Franklin Street around 9:45.
Two men were shot inside a vehicle, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.
Officers learned the victims were shot while they were at a stop sign. A white vehicle pulled up behind them and shots were fired into the vehicle the victims were in.
Vaught said no further physical description of the suspects or a further description of their vehicle was immediately available.
The victims were transported to the hospital by EMS and then a trauma center for further treatment.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Vaught at 252-533-2819 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Sunday calls

Around 3 p.m., Officer R. Cross responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 1300 block of Carolina Street.
During the investigation officers learned there was a custody dispute and Chavez Weaver, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, had an outstanding warrant for assault on a female.
Weaver was taken into custody on the warrant and Cross found him in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.
Weaver was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and was served the outstanding warrant.
He was jailed without opportunity for bond on a domestic hold and received a May 19 court date.
Lieutenant P. Parks and officers J. Spragins and H. Grimes assisted.

Around 11 p.m., Officer A. Green conducted a traffic stop for a violation on East Tenth Street and Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.
The passenger, Donald Lee Yellorday, 40, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics and had an outstanding warrant for communicating threats.
Yellorday was charged with possession of marijuana and served the outstanding warrant. He received a $300 bond and May 26 court date.
Sergeant M. Moseley and Master Officer G. Morris assisted.

Hazel was born in Roanoke Rapids on September 22, 1923, the second of nine children. She was a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School in 1941 and Campbell University in 1969, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She had careers as a high school teacher, bookkeeper in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and ,most importantly, a homemaker raising three daughters. She was the wife of former Roanoke Rapids mayor and city councilman, the late R. Allan Welch to whom she was married for 62 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Hazel was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend. She cherished her close relationships with her family as her greatest legacy.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Annie Hancock, husband R. Allan Welch, siblings Doris Harrell, Calvin Hancock, Roland Hancock, Betty Sanderson, Thelma Kasper and Margaret Brown, brothers-in-law Grover Harrell, William Sanderson, Pete Kasper and Jerry Brown, Pender Lee Smith, nephews Michael Brown and David Smith and son-in-law Earl Yates.
She is survived by her daughters Linda Yates of Rockingham, NC, Nancy Crowe of Roanoke Rapids and Martha Allen (Lea) of Pantego, NC; Grandchildren Amy Yates Bryan (Rupert) of Raleigh, Allan Yates (Dawn) of Granite Falls, NC, Julie Allen Kolikas (Tommy) of Pantego, Jenny Allen Brown (Gary) of Washington, NC, Susan Yates McDonald (Eddie) of Hamlet, NC, Elizabeth Crowe Mitcham (Jason) of Charlotte, NC and Leamon Allen (Julianna) of Pantego; Great-grandchildren Sarah-Kathryn Bryan, Marlea Harris, Wesley Yates, Jenny Bryant Harris, Adrian Yates, Ethan McDonald, Luke Brown, Cooper McDonald, Lane Brown, Drew Mitcham, Harrison Allen, Carly McDonald, Lily Allen, Kate McDonald and Lauren Hazel Allen; sisters Alma Lanier of Roanoke Rapids and Joann Smith of Emporia; sister-in-law Peggy Hancock of Pittsboro, NC; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke Rapids on Tuesday, April 25th at 11:00 AM with a graveside service immediately following at Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the Loy Memorial Building at the church at 10:00 AM preceding the service. The family invites all those who wish to visit Hazel to do so at Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Roanoke Rapids First Presbyterian Church.

“I feel honored I was nominated,” Davis said last week. “I appreciate the recognition for the work I’ve done and appreciate all the agencies that report.”
Davis is responsible for making sure all agencies in Halifax County report their data to the program, Weldon Deputy Chief James Avens said. He has been the coordinator for the past seven years, overseeing the reporting of checkpoints and different campaigns held throughout the county.
“I’m proud of him and his accomplishments and hard work as county coordinator,” said Avens. “He’s done a great job with that position.”

A native of Sussex County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Clifford and Mattie Harrell Richardson. A great lover of the outdoors, she spent many hours tending to her garden and flower beds at her home. When not outdoors she loved to cook for her family and friends. A longtime member of Rosemary Baptist Church, she enjoyed her Circle friends and her Sunday School Class. Mrs. Barnes retired just a few years ago after 35 years as a Sales Associate with J.C. Penney.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Barnes was predeceased by her Husband of 45 years, Lowray Barnes and her son Randall L. Barnes; five brothers, James, Jesse, Rueben, Clifford, and Calvin Richardson.

She is survived by her daughters; Joan B. Potter (Calvin) of Roanoke Rapids and Betsy B. Ramsay (Allan) of Wilmington, a sister Thelma Simmons of Jarratt, Va. Grandchildren; Jeff Potter (Meagan), Beth Evans (Scott), Lindsay Lanier (Brett) all of Wilmington, and Randall Barnes Jr. of Roanoke Rapids, Great Grandchildren; Madison Potter and Jackson Lanier.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday April 26, 2017 at 2 P.M. in the Wrenn, Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service Chapel with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating.

Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 P.M. until 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.wrennclarkehagan.com

The Nationals scored four runs in the failed comeback on a fielder's choice by Jack M and a double by Colin C. 

The Nationals kept tying the game up, but could never get over the hump. The Red Socks eventually took the lead for good thanks to a fielder's choice in the fifth inning. 

The Red Socks captured the lead in the first inning. Anibil's sac fly scored one run for the Red Socks.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Nationals tied things up at four. An error scored two runs for the Nationals

Jack M took the loss for the Nationals. He tossed two innings, surrendering two runs, three hits, striking out six, and walking zero. Colin C started the game for Nationals. He went two innings, giving up two runs, one hit, striking out three, and walking zero.

Colin, Jordan H, and Hayden all had one hit to lead Nationals. Nationals tore up the base paths, as two players stole at least two bases. Hayden led the way with two.

The Red Socks collected six hits. Matthew and Anibil each collected multiple hits for Red Socks. Matthew led Red Socks with four stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with seven stolen bases.

"Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved." 

Registration forms can be picked up at the T J Davis recreation center.  

Early registration ends April 30th.  Late registration will continue.

We do accept girls and boys

t-ball ages 4 - 5- 6

coach pitch ages 6 - 7- 8

Jones finished the week with fix hits, six rbi and five runs in eight at bats. She had a 1.25 slugging percentage and .625 batting average over the three games.

Jones and the Yellow Jackets won a double-header against Roanoke on Saturday. In game two, Jones had two hits for six total bases and five rbi.

On Thursday’s game at Bridgewater, the game was suspended in the top of the sixth inning due to storms. After six innings, Jones had three runs in three at bats with two hits.

Jones also had 15 put outs in three games playing at first base. She currently is sixth in the ODAC in runs batted in in ODAC games with 17. Jones is fourth in the ODAC in home runs this season, hitting five out of the park.

R-MC will finish the regular season with a continuation of the Bridgewater game on Wednesday, with the game scheduled for a 4 p.m. start. The ODAC Tournament will begin on Friday, April 28.

Macon said his resignation is effective May 1 and he has no immediate plans for a future career path.
“I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep my (law enforcement) certification. More than likely I probably will not be going to work for any other agency or municipality.”
Macon has been town administrator since 2015 and this September would have marked his 11th anniversary as police chief.
He said his decision to leave town government was not based on the expected hardship the closing of Roanoke Valley Power Facility will create for the town. “I have resigned for personal reasons. It has nothing to do with the town of Weldon or those associated with the town of Weldon.”
Macon did say, “It’ll be difficult to wake up on May 1 and not see the people I thoroughly enjoyed working with. I’m sure I’ll have some withdrawals but I’m sure my wife will keep me busy around the house. I’m going to spend more time with my family, concentrate on my wellness and concentrate on myself for a while.”
Macon said he hopes he is leaving the police department with core values which have been developed through his work and the work of the officers in the department. “We’ve got a full staff, great employees and good policies that will help the organization head to greatness.”
He says he would support Deputy Chief James Avens as chief of the department. “James is more than capable of being chief. He will have my full support.”
In his two years as town administrator, Macon said he was able to hire good employees and maintain retention of them. “In my first year we were able to implement a new personnel policy along with new pay schedules and grades and some internal overhauls. We completed two budgets that the town was able with good oversight and supervision to manage their budget. They didn’t go over it the last two years.”
Macon said he is appreciative of the support he has received during his tenure in the town. “I appreciate the elected officials and their support and just believing in me. Being police chief and transitioning into a dual role, I had a great supporting cast. I’m appreciative of the opportunities I had to develop and grow.”
As far as jumping into a another municipal government position, Macon said, “I just want to take time and enjoy my family and be more active in my church and be more successful.”

At the time he accepted a plea deal in February, the location of the sentencing had not been set.
He is scheduled to appear before District Judge Terrence W. Boyle at 10 a.m. on that date, a notice of hearing filed Monday confirms.
Motions to continue must be electronically filed by noon on May 3, the notice says.
At his February arraignment he entered a guilty plea on the first of the three counts lodged against him and the government agreed to dismiss counts 2 and 3.
Count 1 says on or about July 8, Coles did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a
firearm, in violation of United States Code.
The two counts which will be dismissed upon sentencing charged him with aiding and abetting another who made false and fictitious oral and written statements in his attempt to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop and that Coles made written deceptive statements on a federal firearms form.
Roanoke Rapids Police Department Investigator Chris Babb and the ATF investigated the pawn shop case which led to the federal indictments.
Coles was arrested in Hopewell, Virginia, on December 8 after a federal warrant for his arrest was issued in early November.

Danny was born in Halifax County, November 21, 1948, to the late Jesse Bernard and Jewell Wall Harris.

He was a Vietnam veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps and was a part of the Tet Offensive in 1968. He also was the recipient of two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. Danny was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing; he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by brother, Joe Harris.

Surviving are his son, Danny F. Harris, Jr. and wife, Lynn, of Roanoke Rapids; daughter, Kathy Suzette DeBerry and husband, Chris, of Darlington; brother, Carlton Harris of Roanoke Rapids; sisters, Geraldine H. Tripp of Roanoke Rapids, and Vicky Harris of Ahoskie, NC; grandchildren Faith and Jaxon Harris, Storm Harrell, Amber and Dillion Ruble; great grandchildren, Brett Peterson, Chloe Ruble, Emily Grace Harris, and Aiden Harrell. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews whom he loved with all his heart.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Thursday, April 27, 2017, at 2:00 pm at Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the service at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

This is Roanoke Rapids third straight conference championship and their third straight undefeated season in the conference.

Investigators at the scene this morning declined comment but Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement Miranda Thacker of Valentines was found deceased.
Tripp said she has ties to the area.
Asked whether foul play or natural causes was suspected in her death, Tripp said, “Further investigation will determine the cause of death.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“They used to do a muddle day event years ago,” said Ryan Newsome, cultural resources leader for the city. “We wanted to recreate it.”
Newsome is hoping the Canal Festival, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum on Jackson Street Extension, will become an annual event and give the public a chance to tour the museum as well as the trail.
“People who use the trail may not have been in the facility and many people who use the trail may not realize the history behind it,” said Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Manning. “It will help people learn the history of the trail, Roanoke Rapids and the community they live in.”
There will be a 5K Rockfish Run starting at 10 a.m. The top 10 finishers will receive one-year free membership to Spartan Xfit on Roanoke Avenue. Registration is $25 and participants receive a free T-shirt. The run begins at the museum and goes to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam and back. Registration information can be found by following this link.
Throughout the day Buddy High, dressed in period attire, will tell visitors about the batteau used to transport goods through the canal while Greg Wright will be serving Rockfish muddle samples, Newsome said.
Scott Hall will have a concession stand for barbecue sandwiches which will benefit the Roanoke Rapids Youth Baseball Association.
There will be a bounce house, rock wall and face-painting as well as a fish-tossing game using toy fish. There will be four divisions for those 15 and older and 14 and under. Prizes will be awarded to the top tossers, Newsome said.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will be on hand as will the North Carolina Forest Service.
The Underground Railroad Committee will be at the event explaining the role the canal had in helping slaves escape to freedom.
Throughout the day the band Wild Country will perform.
Friends of the Canal will hold a raffle with a surprise grand prize; a one-year membership to Friends of the Canal and a signed Napoleon Hill print.
Manning credited the sponsors for making the event possible. “It really shows the community support here to the recreation department. We couldn’t do it without the sponsors. We had to have the sponsors to support us.”

The event will be held at Kirkwood Adams Civic Center on Hamilton Street.
There will be food for sale and a bounce house for children.
At 6 p.m. the events start with the survivor walk, caregiver walk and team walk.
At 6:45 p.m. the theme song, Lord, I Lift Your Name on High, will be performed.
From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Donald Casey will provide musical entertainment and from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Vernon Futrell will perform.
The luminary ceremony begins at 9 p.m. and from 9:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Lavontae Wilson will present line dancing.

Saturday schedule

8 a.m. — sunrise service by Annie Smith
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. — Tillery Chapel Baptist Church Praise and Dance Team
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.— Oak Grove Baptist Church Praise and Dance Team
11:30 a.m. — drawings
Noon — closing ceremony

Marie Cannon Hatem, 85, died peacefully on April 24, 2017 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., after a brief struggle with cancer.
Marie was born January 24, 1932 in Farmville, North Carolina, the daughter of proud Lebanese immigrants, Karim Cannon and Rosine Farris Cannon.
Marie enjoyed music. She began playing the piano at 8 years old and served as the organist for all services including early morning daily Mass at her church in Farmville.
She attended Farmville High School graduating in 1950. She then attended East Carolina Teacher’s College.
In 1952, she married Joseph N. Hatem. They operated a clothing store in Roanoke Rapids for over 20 years. In addition to raising their four children, she was an active volunteer in the community.
She was President of the Junior Woman’s Club and represented the club at the state level. She was a longtime member of the PTA, an avid bridge player and was a wonderful cook.
Marie enjoyed traveling, and made trips to China, Panama Canal, and Medjugorje. She wrote poetry and enjoyed reading English Literature.
Her hobbies included taking walks, baking delicious cookies for her family and friends, and watching Jeopardy. Spending time with her grandchildren gave her great joy. She was a teaching assistant at Clara Hearne Elementary School for five years and after retirement she returned to tutor as a volunteer.
Marie was proudest of her service to the Catholic Church, serving as organist for over 50 years, much of that time at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Roanoke Rapids.
She received the Benemerenti Medal, an honor awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church, and in particular for her service to the church as organist and Catechism instructor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents, Karim and Rosine: and two brothers, Raymond Cannon and Mitchell Cannon.
She is survived by two sisters, Claire Cannon of Alexandria, Va., and Emilie Cannon of Farmville, N.C.: one brother, Albert Cannon of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and four children, Dr. Joseph P. Hatem and wife Tish, of Southport, N.C., George M. Hatem of Raleigh, N.C., Marie Hatem and husband Chris Long of Carrboro, N.C., and their children Paula Long of Queens, N.Y., and Moe Long of Carrboro, N.C., and Gregory P. Hatem and wife Samantha and their two children, George and Salma Kate, of Raleigh, N.C. She also leaves behind numerous loving cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 28, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Roanoke Rapids with a graveside service to follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 27, at Wrenn, Clarke & Hagan Funeral Home from 7 – 9 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m.

This win makes eight straight victories for the Lady Vikings.

"This was a good way to get back on the field as the girls have been off for two weeks with spring break behind them so it was good to see them come back ready to play tonight," stated Vikings head coach Tim George.

"All of the girls contributed well tonight with Abbey Eason and Kallie Barnes both showing great development as the season has progressed," coach George added.

Defenders Kate Starnes and Brittany Milan both notched their first goals of the season. Anna Garrett and Whitney George contributed a goal apiece as well as Maddie Suiter having two. Abby George scored a hat trick within the first eight minutes of the match.

The next match will be a strong challenge against defending conference champs Kerr Vance being played at Halifax this Friday night, April 28th at 5pm.

Halifax Academy 2917 Lady Vikings Soccer Schedule.

The Yellow Jackets beat the Raiders 2-1.

The Roanoke Rapids goals by Ella King and Morgan Davis Assisted by Morgan Davis.

Kristy Price had 14 saves in goal for the Jackets.

Post match comments by Jackets head coach Craig Jean, "My team fought hard and overcame a lot of obstacles to get the win. Abby Acree stepped up big and saved a penalty kick with 90 seconds to go in the game to seal the win. I am very proud of my team's effort and how they handled the adversity tonight."

The 2017 Roanoke Rapids Lady Yellow Jackets Soccer scheduled.

WIN                    Hertford Co.   0          RRHS   9          (1-0)

LOSS                   DSA   4                     RRHS   0          (1-1)     Conference (0-1)

LOSS                   South Granville   4      RRHS   0          (1-2)     Conference (0-2)

WIN                     Hertford Co.   2         RRHS   7          (2-2)     Conference (0-2)

WIN                    Southern Vance   1     RRHS   2          (3-2)     Conference (1-2)

LOSS                   Franklinton   1           RRHS   0          (3-3)     Conference (1-3)

WIN                    NHS   1                     RRHS   4          (4-3)     Conference (1-3)

LOSS                   Bunn   6                    RRHS   1          (4-4)     Conference (1-4)

LOSS                   DSA   5                     RRHS   0          (4-5)     Conference (1-5)

WIN                    Northeastern   0         RRHS   2         (5-5)     Conference (1-5)                    

WIN                    Southern Vance   1     RRHS   2         (6-5)     Conference (2-5)   

Thurs. 4/27             NCSSM                Away             6:00 

Fri. 4/28                 NCSSM                Home             6:00

Mon. 5/1                Franklinton           Away             6:00

Tues. 5/2               South Granville     Home             6:00

Wed. 5/3                Bunn                   Home             6:00

{gallery}rrbe{/gallery}

The crime occurred around 9:45 p.m. Police declined to disclose the name of the store or the general area where the business is located.
Anyone with information on the identification of the person in the photos is encouraged to contact law enforcement; the police department at 252-533-2810; Investigator G. Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The women will depart from the Hilton Garden Inn for the 170-mile run to Surf City at 8 a.m. on May 4.
Called the North Carolina Icebreaker Run, the women will speak openly about their stories and highlight causes for action.
The women participating in the run have been affected directly or through family members by depression, suicide, addiction, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues.

(More information may be found on the Team Inspire Facebook page)

The event was conceived by Team Inspire, a group of women in Hampstead who have grown together over the past few years into advocates for mental health issues, raising awareness through physical activities, sharing and connecting.
They include Dana Little, 52, who started training for her first marathon when she was 40 after best friend died from cancer. “When I crossed the finish line at the Walt Disney World Marathon, I was hooked. I’ve ran numerous marathons, triathlons and eventually ultra distance marathons in the past decade.
“At each event I leave with more than I brought to the start line. Running has always put me in the right place at the right time.”
Jessica Blackburn, 51, struggled with eating issues due to low self-esteem and anger. “My faith in God has pulled me through to where I am today. Am I complete, no? But by the grace of God I carry on. I have always enjoyed running, so when I started back in my late 40s I felt so free and alive.” Caryn Sutton, 38, is a Surf City resident who found running a form of therapy in the daily struggles of being a working mother with anxiety and daily tension.
Running became her outlet. “I would joke with my husband and instead of telling him I was going out for a run, I’d say I was heading to the shrink.”
Sutton is mother to a 7-year-old boy and over the past few years has ran four half-marathons, countless 5-10Ks, and several triathlons. “The Team Inspire group of amazing ladies has motivated me with continued strength, faith, passion and dedication. I know with every stride I take, I make a difference within myself and hope to inspire others.”
Hampstead resident Christine Whiteley’s family has been impacted by alcoholism, substance abuse, mental illness and suicide.
She has been trained in Mental First Aid, is an active member of several groups to support people who have lost loved ones to suicide, and recently attended a panel discussion on suicide awareness and prevention for LGBTQIA youth. "It is extremely difficult for me to talk about personal experiences. But I try to become knowledgeable and keep my hand out so if anybody needs to grasp it, I am ready."
Kim Martin, 31, of Wilmington, is the wife of one of the pioneers of the Icebreaker Run, Chris Martin.
Her father died of a heroin overdose after battling addiction his whole life.
Rebecca Moxey, 55, a Hampstead resident, is planning the event. She is a recovering alcoholic who has suffered anxiety and PTSD.
She grew up in a family filled with addiction, violence and suicide. She has adult children who have struggled with bipolar and addiction.
In the past year, she has found a purpose and passion in helping others find their road to recovery, as she did. “I found a new family last year with the Icebreaker Runners, Charlie Engle, Chris Martin and Pam Rickard. Defeat the Stigma Project believed in Team Inspire and challenged us to run across North Carolina. We are taking this challenge and using it for good work.
“These people who have recovered and went on to advocate for others through the Icebreaker Run, THP and Defeating the Stigma, have helped me be proud of how far I have come, no longer ashamed, and ready to help others find resources for recovery.”
The run will include a relay of some 10 runners, completing various segments as they cross the state.
The run ends on May 7 at Surf City’s Sound Side Park with a finish party from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement the autopsy of Miranda Thacker, 33, of Valentines, Virginia, was performed in Greenville today with detectives in attendance.
“We need the medical expertise of the pathologist to determine cause of death,” the sheriff said this evening. “In any of the cases we work, we need medical evidence that determines natural causes or foul play. We’re at the point in this investigation where the cause is undetermined.”
Pathologists plan to conduct more tests, the sheriff said, declining to elaborate.
Tripp Wednesday said Thacker has ties to the area.
Detectives continue to investigate the case, he said, and anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.