The Hurricanes won tournament championships back on March 18-19th in South Hill Virginia, on April 29th in Greensboro North Carolina and  also on May 6th in Ahoskie North Carolina.

Team members are: Nasir Doyle, Lazarus Bell, Antron Gray, Wayne Wilkins, Jaylan Ellis, Darrion Ellis, Jamari Blake, Tony Garner, Joshua Squire and Coached by Anthony Ransome and Christopher Ellis.

If approved by council at its June 6 meeting following a public hearing, the business would be located in the former Gold Mine arcade. Council’s meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. in Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.
While planning board members had concerns over the hours of operation as well as security when the business would be open beyond normal mall hours, board member Henry Ford recommended sending the matter to council for consideration, letting them decide whether to attach conditions should the panel approve the matter. His motion received a second from Terry Campbell. Sherry Mills and Dom Fenner voted against his motion.
Michelle Newsome Taylor submitted the CUP application to the city’s planning and development department and she and her daughter, Mindy King,have a contract with the mall, Planner Joe Hatch noted in his presentation to the board.
Hatch said in his report there is “No negative effect that an electronic gaming business would alter mall development or impede any potential improvements.”
However, he said, “It should be noted that the applicant proposes hours of business until 2 a.m. There is a concern about hours of business outside the general mall hours of business.”
The concern centers around the mall’s configuration and issues resulting from customers having access to the mall interior when no other businesses are open, he said. The mall’s hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Taylor said she set the hours of operation because she wasn’t sure the hours customers will come. “We’re really not sure until we operate.”
King said they plan to put more lights for security at the back of the mall.
Taylor said they plan to hire security when the business is operating after mall hours. “Safety is my main issue,” she said.
Hux said she had concerns with the hours. “I would feel much better if it operated with the regular mall hours. My main concern is safety and consistency with mall hours.”
Fenner indicated he was concerned with safety. “I’m concerned if you win big someone will mug you.”
Taylor and King are proposing the business will have 30 computer stations, up to 15 standup gaming machines and two fishing arcade tables.
King explained afterward the games are intended for adults and customers will have to be at least 18-years-old to play. No alcohol will be served but there will be snacks and coffee.
Taylor said while she doesn’t want to change the hours, “If we have to, we have to.”

Captain A.M.Harris said in a statement the Weldon bust yielded 27 hits of crack cocaine.

Weldon

At approximately 5:50 a.m., agents and the patrol division of the Weldon Police Department executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Elm Street.
The investigation was conducted by Agent C.A. Parker.
Parker received information the traffic at this residence stopped after a search warrant execution in April but within recent weeks started back.
Parker continued the investigation and a search warrant was granted.
During the search of the residence with the assistance of Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Corporal D. Newsome and his dog, Duri, agents located marijuana and approximately 27 hits of crack cocaine.
Parker arrested and charged Wade Anthony Gray Jr., 34, for possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, felony possession of cocaine and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.
Gray was also served with an outstanding Halifax County order for arrest when he failed to appear in court in April for possession of a counterfeit instrument.
He received a $5,000 bond and a June 21 court date for the drug charges and a $1,500 bond for the order for arrest which has a June 12 court date.
Sontorya Artis, 23, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.

Roanoke Rapids

At approximately 8:18 a.m., agents of the task force with assistance from Newsome executed a search warrant in the 900 block of Great Falls Circle.
The investigation was conducted by Agent J.R. Matthews due to citizen complaints.
During the search of the residence with Duri, agents seized eight individually wrapped bags of marijuana, additional marijuana, and several smoking devices.
Matthews arrested and charged Carroll Beckelman III, 28, for possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
He received a $2,500 bond with a June 7 court date.

At Approximately 5:46 p.m., agents of the task force with the assistance of the patrol division of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department executed a search warrant in the 400 block of Harris Street.
This investigation was conducted by Matthews.

During the search of the residence with assistance of Roanoke Rapids Master Officer G. Morris and his dog, Champ, marijuana, hydrocodone pills and several items of drug paraphernalia were seized.
Matthews cited Jo Ann Garner, 47, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce, simple possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia.
She received a June 7 court date.

Other news

Agents assisted deputies with a call for service on Matthews Street.
During the encounter with Shakilya Renea Johnston, agents seized marijuana.
Central Communications confirmed Johnston had an outstanding warrant for arrest for injury to personal property and cyberstalking.
Johnston was arrested and received an $800 bond with a June 27 court date.
Johnston was cited by Agent D.R. Radford with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.

She was born November 30, 1932, in Halifax County to the late Vernon Lee and Evelyn Keeter Lee. She was also preceded in death by her husband, E.A. “Pro” Lewis.

Mrs. Lewis was a member of Roanoke Baptist where she also taught Sunday School. She was a loyal servant to this community as a Registered Nurse for many years.

She is survived by her son, Paul Lewis and his wife Jane of Nara Visa, NM; her daughter Kim Kincaid and her husband H.B. of Raleigh; her grandchildren, Dixie Lee Lewis, Heather Alford and her husband Ronnie and Kelcey Mustian,and her husband Jon Sr.; her great-grandchildren, Kadelyn Alford, Payten Alford and Jon Mustian, Jr.; her two favorite dogs, Gracie and Diliah.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Cedarwood Cemetery with Rev. Rick Rogers officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:30 P.M. at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Roanoke Baptist Church, 101 Henry Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or BSA 144, 1002 Cleveland Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

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

Players of the game were Parker West of Chichester Law Office and Dylan Dixon of Askew Funeral Services.

The #1 seed Lady Vikings (15-5) beat the #4 seed Ridgecroft (13-5) 11-4 to advance to play the semi-final game at 4PM today against the winner of scheduled Noon game against the #2 seed Lawrence Academy (17-4) vs the #3 seed Oakwood School (16-7).

Sydney Smith pitched the complete seven innings with four strike-outs.

Cousins Candice Smith and Ashton Garner each had two doubles and a single, Morgan Hudimont had a double and a single, Drew Rose and Sydney Smith had twosingles each, while Logan Oakley and Karen Alston each had a single

The arrest of 25-year-old Rashon Shaquise Woodley occurred after a foot chase when a report was received around 8:30 this morning of a person in the area of Vine street armed.
Officer R. Cross, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement, observed the man later identified as Woodley standing in a yard.
Hasty said it was not clear why he was allegedly armed while standing outside.
Woodley ran after Cross approached him but was caught a short distance away behind a residence.
Cross charged the man with possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. He was served warrants for the pizza delivery robbery, which charge him with robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen goods.
Hasty said money and a warmer bag with food inside was taken during the robbery.
The matter remains under investigation and more arrests and charges are expected.
Woodley received a $20,000 bond and June 7 court date.

The indictments, which were handed down Tuesday and sealed until arrests were made Thursday, name the two men charged in the murder of Jimmy Ray Daniels Jr.
The 163-page indictment also names two people with ties to the Rich Square area and one with ties to Bertie County.
In all, 83 members of the group were indicted following a five-state raid.

Scotland Neck, Gastonia murders

The men charged in the January 2016 Daniels murder, Tyquan Powell of Charlotte and Lamont Lloyd of Scotland Neck were also indicted federally for the February 2016 murder of a Gastonia woman, according to court documents filed in the North Carolina Western District system.
The murder of Daniels in Scotland Neck and the murder of Cheeontah Howard in Gastonia were based on racketeering activity by Lloyd, who goes by the street Murder Mo and Moo, and Powell, also known as Savage, who allegedly killed Daniels and Howard with premeditation and deliberation.
Daniels was shot and killed while sitting in his vehicle at Grace and Eleventh streets in Scotland Neck. The state had planned to call Daniels as a witness in the case of Jimmel Horton, which ended in a mistrial. Horton had been charged in the 2013 murders of Monte Hines and Chris Harrison.
Count 2 of the indictment charges Lloyd and Powell with murder in aid of racketeering in the death of Daniels.
Count 3 also reflects the death of Daniels and charges the men with use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Count 4 charges them with murder in the aid of racketeering in the shooting death of Howard. Count 5 reflects the death of Howard and is the same as the Count 3 charge they face in the murder of Daniels.
In Count 12 they face attempted murder charges in aid of racketeering stemming from the Daniels murder where two other people were injured and in Count 13 face use of a weapon counts tied to the attempted murder count.
They face the same counts tied to attempted murder in Howard’s death.
They are also charged in Count 1 of the indictment which is the racketeer influenced corrupt organization count, commonly referred to as RICO.
The indictment notes Lloyd and Powell allegedly conspired to rob Howard.

Northampton County ties

A source familiar with the investigation said David Earl Watson, also known as Gunz, and Bianca Kiashie Harrison, also known as Lady Gunz, were tied to the Rich Square area.
They were high up in the United Blood Nation, the source referring to them as shock collars.
They were indicted on racketeering and racketeering conspiracy counts, according to the indictment and were arrested by the Down East Drug Task Force, which compromises Bertie, Hertford and Northampton counties.
The indictment shows Watson paid gang dues on at least five occasions from at least 2010 to 2015 and in 2014 with Harrison and another person indicted conducted a gang meeting inside the New York State Department of Correction.
Harrison also conducted a gang meeting on her own inside NYDOC, the indictment says.
In 2015 she conducted another meeting with another person indicted within the NYDOC and twice conducted a gang meeting in Mecklenburg County.
Watson reportedly conducted a gang meeting by phone and was sent a message discussing a Blood member who might be cooperating with law enforcement.
The indictment notes Harrison in 2016 conducted a gang meeting by phone and last month “attempted to locate a witness who cooperated with law enforcement about other gang members.”

Bertie County

Shakira Monique “Lady Rage” Campbell, who was also arrested by the DETF, allegedly attempted to rob an ABC Store with a weapon.
The attempt occurred June 9 at an ABC store in Charlotte.

Western District U.S. Attorney press release

United States Western District Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose said in a news release the charges were related to federal racketeering conspiracy charges and charges related to murder, attempted murder, violent assault, narcotics distribution, firearms possession and Hobbs Act robbery.
A number of defendants are also charged with bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to financial crimes.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving more than 600 federal, state and local law enforcement officers who executed the arrest warrants in Charlotte, Cleveland County, and eastern North Carolina.
Arrests were also made in Florida, South Carolina, New York, and Virginia. Of the 83 defendants charged, 10 are not in custody.
“This morning’s arrests are the result of a joint law enforcement investigation targeting alleged leaders and members of the Nine Trey Gangsters faction of the UBN. These defendants participated in a racketeering conspiracy, committing multiple violent crimes, including at least six murders and five attempted murders in North Carolina,” Rose said in the statement. “Today’s law enforcement action delivered a serious blow to the leadership structure throughout the ranks of this criminal organization. And this is only the beginning. The investigation and prosecution of violent gangs is a priority for this office. Our goal is to curb the influence of violent street gangs, to protect the people of this district from gangsters’ criminal activity and to restore our neighborhoods as places where all citizens can live and prosper.”
The press release notes, as alleged in the indictment, the Bloods were formed in the 1970s in Los Angeles when a group of seven individual street gangs united to form a larger unit.
The gang quickly spread to surrounding areas, eventually expanding its influence across the United States.
In 1993, a single Bloods entity, the UBN, was created on the east side of Rikers Island Prison. Membership of the UBN is estimated to be between 7,000-15,000 members along the East Coast, with ultimate authority for gang decisions still maintained in New York and members currently incarcerated in the New York prison system.
The Nine Trey Gangsters is one of the original factions of the UBN, with a large gang presence in North Carolina.
Over the course of the investigation, agents and officers seized, among other evidence: 36 firearms and ammunition, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, MDMA, prescription pills and other narcotics and drug paraphernalia, counterfeit checks, credit cards and gift cards, and credit card making devices.

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS

(All City meetings are open to the public):

City Council (Special Meeting)

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 (City Council members will depart from the J. Reuben Daniel City Hall at 9:00 a.m. to tour various City facilities. Following the facilities tour, City Council will hold a Budget Meeting at 1:30 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room in the J. Reuben Daniel City Hall, 1040 Roanoke Avenue.)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

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

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. Previous applicants should contact Kathy A. Kearney, HR Manager, to update their information at (252) 533-2845. (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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids City Council will hold an evidentiary public hearing on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall located at 700 Jackson Street to hear the following item(s):

1. A Conditional Use Permit request from Michelle Newsome Taylor (Applicant) and Becker Village Mall, LLC (Property Owner) to conduct Electronic Gaming Operations (Internet Sweepstakes) in Suite 145 of Becker Village Mall at 1620 E. 10th Street (Halifax County Tax Parcel 0900046). The requested use for electronic gaming operations is proposed to operate daily from 8:00am – 2:00 am. The tenant space was previously occupied as “Goldmine.”
The decision to determine if the project meets the standards is quasi-judicial and subject to procedural due process requirements. Once an applicant makes the showing that the standards have been met, the burden shifts to those who oppose permit issuance to present countervailing substantial, competent, and material evidence that the standards would not be met. When there is substantial evidence on both sides, the City Council makes its determination as to which is correct when making its final decision.

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

ARTS ON THE AVENUE: Thursday, May 25th, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Uptown Roanoke Avenue. For more information call (252) 676-9686.

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

►Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

►Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (ETJ)

►Canal Museum Advisory Committee

►Beautification 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

Bishop Randall Lawrence will conduct funeral services Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 am at River City Church on Washington St. in Roanoke Rapids.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

The Lady Vikings kicked the day off Friday in Greenville beating Ridgecroft 11-4 advancing to the semi-final game against Lawerence Academy. Halifax won that match-up 3-1 to head to Saturdays Championship game. #1 seed Halifax (17-5)will face the winner of Saturday mornings 10AM game against the host team Oakwood School vs Lawrence Academy.

Sydney Smith pitched the seven complete inning with three strike-outs.

At the plate for Halifax, Drew Rose  had a two run homer over left field fence, while Emerson Poole, Sydney Smith and Ashlynn Liles each had a single.

Post game comments from Vikings head coach Steve Hamill,"They are the best defensive team I ever had. Sydney Smith pitched both complete games."

In Friday's 11-4 win over Ridgecroft.

Sydney Smith pitched the complete seven innings with four strike-outs.

Cousins Candice Smith and Ashton Garner each had two doubles and a single, Morgan Hudimont had a double and a single, Drew Rose and Sydney Smith had twosingles each, while Logan Oakley and Karen Alston each had a single.

The Red Sox (Don Poncho) beat the Giants (Askew Funeral Service) 11-1. No game info reported.

No other game info reported to RRspin Sports

Photos by Randy Wrenn

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A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The Roanoke Rapids Fireman's club is raising funds to purchase and install a Heating/Air Conditioning Unit for the Earl Telliga Press Box at Roanoke Rapids High's Hoyle Field.

The bags will consist of two BBQ sandwiches, Slaw and Chips for a $8 donation.

Please contact any Roanoke Rapids Fireman for tickets or stop by either Roanoke Rapids fire station.

Stats will be posted ASAP

Drew Rose, Candice Smith, Sydney Smith and Ashton Garner named to All-State team. 

Vann who set a Roanoke Rapids High school record with a 5ft 4in high jump in the  Northern Carolina Conference meet last week, jumped a 5ft 2in in the State Champion. There were sixteen students competing in the 2A High Jump State Championship.

Junior Quincy Vann finished thirteenth in the men's long jump with a 20ft 5in jump in the 2A Long Jump State Championship.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty declined to release the names of the two people who died or the three others injured in the crash.
The police department and state Highway Patrol, which was assisting in the investigation, were still on the scene as of this report and Hinson Street was closed.
The two people who died were in an older model Crown Victoria which was on its side and blocking both travel lanes of Hinson Street. Another person in the Crown Victoria was injured.
A Honda SUV was on the side of the roadway, its front crumpled and facing the street. Two people in the SUV were injured.
Troopers were taking measurements at the scene.
Hasty said police received the call around 9:15 p.m.
The ages of the child and the adult who died were not immediately available Saturday evening. Those injured were taken for medical treatment by Halifax EMS and Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, with assistance from the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, performed extrication.
Hasty said the investigation continues. He did say speed may have been a contributing factor in the wreck. Investigation will determine who was at fault.
The Crown Victoria was headed west on Hinson Street while the SUV was headed east when the collision occurred.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp this morning declined to say how Nestor Salazar Moctexuma, 51, a year-round farm worker in the county, died.

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He did say in a statement the motive was robbery and investigators are looking for Sheena Kay Riley, 29, and Jovonte Jacqus Boone, 25.
Tripp declined to elaborate on the relationship between Riley and Boone. He did say they were familiar with the victim and frequent the Roanoke Rapids area.
Tripp said in the statement at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a call of a death at a mobile home.
Upon investigation and following up on leads, deputies developed Riley and Boone as persons of interest.
Further investigation led to evidence being found and deputies obtained warrants for murder on them.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Girls 100 Meter Dash NCHSAA 1A

3rd SaaNaudia Deloatch 9 Northampton County 12.72

Girls 200 Meter Dash

3rd SaaNaudia Deloatch 9 Northampton County 26.15

11th Keyyana Womack 10 Kipp Pride HS 27.32

Girls 400 Meter Dash NCHSAA 1A

7th Keyyana Womack 10 Kipp Pride HS 1:02.34

14th SaaNaudia Deloatch 9 Northampton County 1:07.07

Girls 4x100 Meter Relay NCHSAA 1A

8th Northwest Halifax 'A' 53.01 2 1

1) Jalen Mills 11

2) Jiona Mills 12

3) TaKiyah Bogues 12

4) Sierra Davis 11

13th Weldon 'A' 54.03 1

1) Kenayz'shia Curry 10

2) Karisma Battle 11

3) Nia Pace 9

4) Ken'Dreall Copeland 12

Girls 4x200 Meter Relay NCHSAA 1A

7th Northwest Halifax 'A' 1:50.60 1 2

1) Jalen Mills 11

2) Jiona Mills 12

3) TaKiyah Bogues 12

4) Sierra Davis 11

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay NCHSAA 1A

8th Kipp Pride HS 'A' 4:29.13 1 1

1) Keyyana Womack 10

2) Tamar Jeter 9

3) Diamond Scott 12

4) Destiny Rooks 12

Girls Long Jump NCHSAA 1A

14th Sierra Davis 11 Northwest Halifax 14-09.00

Girls Triple Jump NCHSAA 1A

4th Sierra Davis 11 Northwest Halifax 34-10.00

13th Bryonna Woofter 10 Northampton County 31-00.00

Boys 100 Meter Dash NCHSAA 1A

8th Rodney Grant 12 Northampton County 11.48

Boys 200 Meter Dash NCHSAA 1A

13th Rodney Grant 12 Northampton County 23.66

Boys 400 Meter Dash NCHSAA 1A

6th Jaylin Pierce 12 Kipp Pride HS 51.74

Boys 110 Meter Hurdles NCHSAA 1A

7th Naijuan Kennedy 10 Northampton County 16.23

Boys 300 Meter Hurdles NCHSAA 1A

3rd Naijuan Kennedy 10 Northampton County 40.75

Boys High Jump NCHSAA 1A

8th Jaylin Pierce 12 Kipp Pride HS J5-10.00

Boys Triple Jump NCHSAA 1A

13th Naijuan Kennedy 10 Northampton County 40-01.00

"The girls battled to the end, but they just weren't able to create nearly enough offense today against a strong defensive unit from KVA," stated Vikings head coach Time George.

This was the third time these two teams have met this year with the teams splitting the series in conference play.

"Our girls played with a lot of heart, not just today, but especially down the stretch as we fought through some tough games to get to the finals. This was a great group of girls to coach who really enjoyed being together as a team. These girls have nothing to hang their heads about today as they finish a season to remember," stated coach George.

Girls on the 2017 Halifax Academy Lady Vikings soccer team include: TJ Etters, Kallie Barnes, Allison Green, Abbey Eason, Holly Forsht, Chloe Alston, Whitney George, Maddie Suiter, Brittany Milan, Karley Eason, Maria Liles, Abby George, Kate Starnes, Anna Garrett, Hailey Eason, Jordan Strickland, Madison Owens along with team manager Natalie Watts, assistant coaches Kailyn Smith, Ron Garrett and coach Tim George.