The county doesn’t have regulations like Nash and Northampton does, County Attorney Glynn Rollins said.
If zoning amendments are eventually approved, “it will be too late for this,” Rollins said, referring to the Three Lakes establishment of Highway 158.
A conditional use permit issued for the establishment regulates its hours of operation to be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, county Planning Director Chris Rountree told the board. There are no Sunday hours. “They want more hours and more days,” he said.
Passion Collins and Susan Watson who live in the area sought help from the board during a community issues portion of the meeting.
Their item of discussion was “to call attention to the Halifax County Board of Commissioners the need to protect residents of Halifax County from electronic gaming or internet cafes within close proximity of permanent residences, churches and schools.”
Their research of county tax maps shows the nearest residence is 111 feet from the establishment. Collins lives 324 feet from the business while Watson lives 2,150 feet away.
The closest existing property line distances are 50 feet.
Oak Grove Church is a half-mile away; Calvary Methodist is seven-tenths of a mile away and Cornerstone Church is 2,797 feet, they told the board.
Their research shows Warren County doesn’t allow internet cafes or electronic gaming anywhere in the Lake Gaston area.
Northampton County doesn’t allow the establishments within one-half mile of a place of worship or recreational area used by residents or a group of homeowners. Northampton has also established a quarter mile restriction for a building used as a residence.
Nash County’s rules don’t allow the establishments in an unincorporated area within 500 feet of a church, school, existing residence, or residentially zoned lot.
Collins told the board people seeking to open the establishments are “taking advantage that we don’t have anything.”
Commissioner Marcelle Smith said he is “concerned about the lack of ordinances on the books.”
He said he wants the county to take a look at what it can do legally, research and come back with suggestions. “There is some concern in Raleigh on how this plays out.”
Commissioner Carolyn Johnson said there “a lot cropping up” in her area.
Commissioner Patrick Qualls said, “Time is of the essence. They’re just pouring through the Hollister area.”
Sheriff Wes Tripp told the board that sweepstakes, internet cafes and internet gaming operations are illegal in the state.
However, there are two software companies which have entered temporary restraining orders against North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, which is charged with enforcement of the operations.
One of those TROs has been filed in Halifax County. “After constant consultation with ALE we’re beginning to work the software which does not come up in the TROs which means we are going to start aggressive enforcement soon. I believe the only difference in sweepstakes and the educational lottery is the state says one is legal and one is illegal. Both are games of chances, but I’m sworn to uphold the law.”

This year, Finance Director Mary Duncan told the board of commissioners today, was the first time the department received proficient marks in every category.
The grading category covers 17 areas, according to information contained in the agenda packet.
The award is presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada and was presented to the county for its comprehensive annual financial report, according to a news release contained in the packet.
Benita Demery, director of financial services for the city of Greenville, presented the finance department with the certificate.
“We have an amazing staff,” Duncan said. “I cannot do this without them.”

In the gallery: Commissioner Rives Manning honors the retirement of Shell while Duncan and the finance department are honored in the next two photos

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In another matter today, the board adopted a resolution for the retirement of Betty Shell from the department of Social Services.
Shell retired from the department after 30 years of service at the end of May.

Elladeane, known as “Deanie” to most, was born in 1925 in Columbus, GA., to the late Heath and Gladys Lee.

Deanie, who grew up in Roanoke Rapids, NC, received her “Early Childhood Education” degree from Marjorie Webster Junior College in Washington, DC.

Returning to Roanoke Rapids after graduation, Miss. Deanie,as she was known to her students, opened the “Jack and Jill Kindergarten”. After marrying and moving to Jackson, NC in 1950, Miss Deanie taught at Eastside Elementary School.

Upon retiring from teaching, Deanie continued in her love of service by volunteering with jail and prison ministries, Hospice, and Meals on Wheels. Deanie also served as a Guardian Ad Litem, and was a member of both the “Patient Advocacy Board” for Cherry Hospital, and the Northampton Education Board. Education was an important part of Deanie’s life, and she served as a tutor in after school programs and with “ Northamption Smart Start”.

As a United Methodist Church Lay Pastor, Deanie continued to give sacrificially to anyone that was in need. She was deeply loved by many, and was especially loved by the little children in her life.

Deanie is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Robert Gray Bowers, of the home, and her sister Gladys Lee, who resides in Glendale, CA. She is also survived by two daughters - Lee Bowers of Durham, and Heath Bowers Cox of Raleigh, grandsons, William Cox (Jamie), Dan Cox (Bethany), Sam, Stephen and David Cox, and three great grandchildren, Charlie, Ian and Lillian. She is predeceased by her son, Robert Gray Bowers Jr.; sister, Lillian Lee and son-in-law, Charles Cox.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Jackson United Methodist on June 18, at 3:00 PM.

Memorials gifts may be sent to Jackson United Methodist Church. Deanie's family would also like to extend their sincere thanks to Pruit Health Hospice and the many neighbors and friends who helped during this time.

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

She was born on March 16, 1925 to Ernest and Mamie Howell Cross.
Annie was predeceased by her Husband of 72 years, Curtis Bullock, her son, Dennis (Pedro) Bullock of Emporia VA, her grandson, Curt Garner, her brothers, Linwood Cross, Zalph Cross, Ernest Cross Jr. and Thurman Cross and her sisters, Blondie Merritt and Vivian Woodruff.

Ann’s True passion in life was her family and friends. She enjoyed making beautiful embroidery pieces and sharing with family and friends.

Annie is survived by her son, Jerry (Bunny) Bullock, of Roanoke Rapids, her daughter, Maria Bullock, of Spokane WA, her daughter-in-law, Nancy G. Bullock, of Emporia, VA; her special daughter, Sue Chinn, of Spokane WA; her Sister-in-law, Evelyn Hunnicutt, of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Brian (Missy) Bullock, of Emporia, VA, Kevin (Tracy) Bullock, of Emporia, VA, Kathy Kikendall, of Fuquay Varina, NC, Stacy (Kevin) Powell, of Angier, NC, Alison (Gary) Powell, of Willow Springs, NC, Laura (Steven) Ellis, of Roanoke Rapids, NC; great-grandchildren, Lee Bullock, Courtney (Dustyn) Sampson, Matthew Bullock, Hunter Bullock, Graden Bullock, Kyle Kikendall, Kimberly Kikendall, Kelly Kikendall, George Powell, Lilly Powell, and Jack Ellis; great-great-grandchildren, Trey Bullock and Seth Sampson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Grave Services will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Bob Dowlings officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or Community Hospice, 525 Becker Drive. Side A Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Players of the game were Jayden Hale of Chichester Law Office and Trip Garner of Askew Funeral Services.

ABC2​ WORLD CHANGERS

The purpose of this research study is to examine the relationship between traditional exercises and contemporary exercises to create a model  which increases physical activity for teens/adolescents in school, home, and school.

To participate in this research You Must:

1. Be a Student living in Halifax County.

2.  Be between 12 - 18 years old

3.  Have the ability and desire to be active.

Participation in this research study involves:

* Attending the Summer Fitness Program Each Friday 6/16 - 8/11

* Keeping a Weekly Journal

* Playing Video Games

* Making Healthy Cool

* Providing Feedback on Specific exercises

* Plan & Participate in a CosPlay Fitness

* Have FUN FUN FUN!

* You will earn a special field trip upon completion of the Summer Fitness Program. 

To find out more information about this research study, please contact:

Chester B. Williams, MS

Documents filed Monday in the police corruption case show the attorney for Thomas Jefferson Allen II has asked for a continuance to help his mother relocate.
Allen is scheduled for sentencing on June 15 at 1 p.m. in Greenville.
His attorney, W.H. Paramore III, said in a motion Allen currently resides with his elderly mother, a cancer survivor, in the Gaston area. His mother’s condition continues to be followed by oncologists.
“The defendant’s mother currently lives on a large farm … the farm and home place have been held for several generations by the defendant’s family. Ms. Allen has lived on the farm in the home place for 49 years.”
The defendant’s only sibling lives in the Wilmington area and is unable to assist in their mother’s relocation. “Ms. Allen has sold the home place and forty acres of the family farm with a closing set on July 6.”
Ms. Allen will relocate to Tennessee to be close to her older brother who has significant health issues. “Ms. Allen is asking your honor that her son, the defendant, be allowed to assist her with this relocation – not only does this relocation include moving furniture and belongings, but this relocation out of North Carolina will require new doctors, an attorney to prepare estate documents and a power of attorney for the defendant, banking matters, and other contacts that need to be made and in place before the defendant starts any period of incarceration in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
“The defendant and his mother have been unable to determine how much time it will take after the relocation to resolve all the issues created by this permanent relocation ... The defendant is aware of the possibility of self-surrender and has discussed this in detail with counsel and knows that it is in the complete discretion of your honor and just does not know at this juncture whether all matters concerning the relocation and establishment of a care plan for his mother, in his absence, can be completed in 30 days.”
Allen has remained in compliance with the United States Probation Office regarding supervision pre-plea and pre-sentencing. “The defendant, through counsel, has reached out to the Assistant United States Attorney by phone calls and with voice mail and a personal visit to the federal building in Raleigh but has not heard from the government about its position on this motion, but would assume that the government would oppose same.”

Tillmon motion

Meanwhile Monday, Tillmon’s attorney, Paul K. Sun Jr., filed a motion requesting a new trial.
Tillmon was the only defendant in the case to not enter a guilty plea. He is scheduled for sentencing in September.
Sun contends the government intended to and did unfairly prejudice the jury against Tillmon by scripting a scene to portray him as complicit in planned murders and that evidence weighed heavily against the verdict.
That evidence came in the form of a video and transcript of a person only identified in court documents as Tee talking after a trip to Maryland in March of 2015. “The video evidence showed that Tee paid Mr. Tillmon and that Mr. Tillmon confirmed that he was carrying a firearm. The government had already presented evidence that Mr. Tillmon was paid on March 26 following the trip to Maryland and that he was armed on that date, making the video evidence on these points cumulative.”
The rest of the video evidence consisted of Tee telling Tillmon he wanted a small revolver so he could sneak up on his victims and shoot them without leaving shells as evidence and then throw away the gun.
The transcript quotes Tee as saying, “I’m trying to get like a thirty-eight, something small, a revolver that don’t need no shells, know what I mean ... I just walk right up on ‘em and keep rolling … But when I’m bang off that, I’m banging just a bunch of people ... I need somebody, you know, how you boom-boom and then throw that @hit away and I ain’t worried about it no
more.”
Tillmon objected to the video evidence and the court ruled it was inadmissible. “The government persisted in its effort to admit the evidence,” Sun wrote. “After Mr. Tillmon testified, the government again sought to admit the video evidence. Mr. Tillmon again pointed out that except for the cumulative evidence that Mr. Tillmon had been paid and was armed, the video evidence was not relevant to any of the charges against him and was highly prejudicial.”
Sun wrote the government argued that the evidence was relevant to the charge in Count 2, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime as charged in Count 1. “Tee, however, makes no reference to drug trafficking; he expresses interest in obtaining a firearm only so he can shoot his victims. As the government noted in its closing, Tee was asking for ‘a gun that wouldn’t leave evidence behind when he used it in a violent crime,’ not during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The government cannot use the video evidence to prove a crime — using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence — that was not charged in the indictment.”
Concluded Sun, “The weakness of the government’s case is manifest in the government’s argument that the ‘most incriminating’ evidence was the irrelevant video of Tee and Mr. Tillmon in the Corvette. As the thirteenth juror, the court has the discretion to weigh the evidence, assess the effect of the government’s improper evidence and argument, and determine that the interest of justice requires the grant of a new trial.”

The man, Derrick Jermaine Priest, 31, of Saint Pauls, apparently described the potency of the treat, the City County Drug Task Force said in a statement. “Priest stated that you eat a little bit at a time during the day, never eat it all at once. It’s very potent.”
The bar is made with cannabutter, which is the THC extracted from the plant and infused with butter.
Monday morning was one of the rare times the task force encountered an edible derived from the THC contained in marijuana, Captain A.M. Harris said.
Priest, who was cited with possession of marijuana up to a half-ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia, bought the bar from a friend in Fayetteville, Harris said. “We want to make the parents aware that’s it’s out there, that marijuana is not only sold in a form to be smoked, but can be made into edible forms.”
The stop occurred shortly after 6:30 as agents and deputies of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office were conducting interdiction on the interstate.
During the encounter with Priest, Harris requested the assistance of Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Corporal P. Moyer and dog Bosco.
During the search of the vehicle, marijuana, a mason jar with marijuana residue, rolling papers and a marijuana grinder were seized.
During the search of the luggage, Agent J.R. Matthews located the cannabis bar, wrapped in wax paper then wrapped in plastic sealed with a piece of tape. A smaller piece was found in the center console.
Priest has a July 26 court date.

Chief District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Kay Weeks Fisher, 67, to six months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine for making material false statements.
According to the criminal information and information in the public record, Fisher was aware of an ongoing federal grand jury investigation and took steps to help another farmer conceal the sales of hidden tobacco and encouraged the farmer to provide false testimony to federal agents.
The case is tied to one involving Gary Amerson of Cove City and Jody Ordess of Bailey.
Both took pleas in 2011 and have since been sentenced, according to a statement released then.
Amerson pled guilty to one count of making false statements in connection with the Federal Crop Insurance Program, aiding and abetting the same and one count of making material false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Ordess pled guilty to one count of conspiring to make false statements, to make material false
statements, to commit mail and wire fraud, to structure transactions, and one count of structuring transactions to evade federal reporting requirements.
While the farmers charged in the matter eventually told the truth, the United States Attorney’s Office said Fisher’s criminal conduct obstructed the investigation and ultimately judicial proceedings.
Amerson was a farmer who, in 2006, paid off an adjuster to inflate his crop insurance losses. The payment was made through other previously convicted co-conspirators.
Amerson thereafter filed or caused to be filed claims for federal crop insurance, federal crop disaster, and private crop hail insurance and in each instance, failed to disclose his true crop production for the 2006 crop year.
Ordess ceased farming operations in 2006, but agreed to sell hidden tobacco for a co-conspirator.
He sold the hidden tobacco through the Raynor Warehouse and arranged for the warehouseman to structure the payments to him in amounts under $10,000 so he could evade federal reporting requirements.

Rev. Randy Martin will conduct a graveside service Friday, June 09, 2017, at 11:00 am in Crestview Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 8, 2017, at 306 Carolina St., Roanoke Rapids from 6-7:30 pm.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

On Friday around 10:30 p.m., officers responded to an attempted burglary call in the 900 block of Monroe Street.
Occupants of the residence reported a person described as black male entered the enclosed back porch area reportedly armed.
The suspect fled when one of the residents stepped onto the porch.

On Monday, police responded to two car break-ins in the area of Gregory Drive.
The windows of both cars were broken out and purses removed. “The police department once again would like to remind everyone not to leave anything of value in your car,” Jackson said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2811 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Michelle Taylor, who with her daughter Mindy King, is opening Gold Mine Cafe, said she hopes to have the business started within a week.
King said there are some modifications which still have to be done.
Mall General Manager Chrish Medicharla said he was pleased council passed the conditional use permit request. “I hope it will bring more people around and open it up to have more business.”
In a May 31 letter to the city, Medicharla said he had no problem if customers use the main entrance and the restrooms after hours.
The mall has its own security from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Taylor and King will have their own security for after hours. The establishment plans to be open from 10 a.m.to 2 a.m.
Roanoke Rapids attorney James Walker represented the Gold Mine owners during a public hearing on the permit. He said the material presented by the city was well organized. “On behalf of the applicants, I feel like they’ve done a good job of getting organized.”
Walker confirmed the owner’s intent to have their own security inside the business during regular mall hours and to have after-hours security.as well as security outside.
He said there was no intent to use the mall’s emergency doors and agreed with a suggestion by police Chief Chuck Hasty to use only one of the mall’s main entrances. “The goal is to provide adequate security.”
Walker told council Taylor obtained insurance and an insurance binder. “Mall management is satisfied it will be a viable business for the mall.”
With news of J.C. Penney closing reported earlier this year and news of JustSave closing reported last week, Walker described Taylor and King as local entrepreneurs. “She and her daughter want the opportunity to expand business potential.”
With approval, Walker said, there is the potential the mall doesn’t fall into disrepair.
There will be no alcohol sold and admission is for those 18 and up. They will serve coffee and snacks.
Taylor said she was OK with a 10 a.m. opening time. “Ten would be fine,” she said, “Not to have the 2 a.m. option would hurt our business.”
Hasty said he had no problems with the hours of operations. “Others serve 24 hours a day. I don’t see any issues.”

Ricky was born April 21, 1953 in Halifax County to the late Robert Willis Nowell and Virginia Dare Walker Nowell.

Ricky retired from Halifax Community College and continued working for Piedmont Service Group where he was planning to retire on June 30. He loved fishing with his cousin Lin and his son Robin. Ricky also loved cooking and hanging out with his cousins, Tony and Lin Walker and his best friend Raymond Conner, friend and neighbor Lisa Cain and other close friends.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Nowell of the home; his son, Brian Nowell and his wife Nicole; his daughter, Jessica Nowell both of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren, Natalie, Addison and Ava Nowell; his sister, Brenda Nowell of Littleton; his niece and nephew, Christie Edwards and Bo Nowell; numerous cousins and close friends.

The family will have a memorial service to celebrate Ricky’s life Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. James Jenkins officiating and Military honors will also be presented. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the future college needs of his daughter and grandchildren, c/o Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service, 507 Hwy 158, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

This year’s BARC scholarships of $500 each were presented to Naiser M. Jones, son of Lakeshia Jones of the public works department, and William Harris III, son of firefighter B.J. Harris and his wife, Emily.
Jones is a graduate of KIPP Gaston College Prep, city Human Resources Director Kathy Kearney told council.
He is a member of the KIPP LEO Club and Beta Club.
He has been involved in community service projects from neighborhood cleanups, Smart Start, Families Supporting Families and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to school and community involvement, he also holds a part-time job.
Jones plans on attending East Carolina University to become an accountant.
His favorite subject in school was math and because of the love for the discipline accounting would prevail above any other major, he told the scholarship committee.
He also plans on taking as many extra courses as possible, travel to conferences and continue his path as an accountant. He would like to perfect his craft in accounting to better himself and help his family financially. “I will be studying accounting because I am passionate about numbers, finances, and logic.”
Harris is a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School.
He has been taking fire service related classes since January of last year, sponsored by Halifax Community College.
He has almost completed his 1403 Fire Fighter Certification which will be recognized by the State of North Carolina after his 18th birthday. He also belongs to Davie Volunteer Fire Department where he tries to make a contribution as an active junior member. He also plans to work part-time this summer.
Harris plans on attending Halifax Community College for one year to complete any general education and prerequisite classes needed for an associate in science degree for fire protection technology.
Once completed he plans to apply to Wilson Community College or Wake Technical Community College to complete the associate degree in fire technology. His goal is to obtain a bachelor of science in fire protection technology.
“I have visited the local fire department since I was old enough to remember.” he said. “The fire service has been a part of my family and family traditions. After my 18th birthday I plan to apply for a full time position as an entry level firefighter. I would like to enter the fire services with the idea that I will grow in rank in the profession and someday retire from the fire department.”

Hardy, left, and Wiltsie, listen as Hasty reads the citation.

Police department

Meanwhile, Chief Chuck Hasty honored officers Jamie Hardy and Obert Wiltsie with lifesaving awards.
The citations stem from the early morning hours of April 22 and a drug overdose call, Hasty told council.
A male victim was not breathing. Hardy administered Narcan and then another dose Wiltsie brought.
In nominating the officers for the award, Sergeant Mike Moseley wrote, “Officer Hardy began to administer chest compressions on the male victim because he had no noticeable pulse. Upon my arrival I could see Officer Hardy over the male victim trying to get him to breathe. After a short time the male (began) to come out of the heroin overdose and began to take some breaths. Both officers’ quick response and knowledge of first aid prevented the possible death of the overdose victim.”

Photo gallery of Tuesday's games by Randy Wrenn

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In Tuesday night action, Citizens Community Bank beat Reesers 10-1.

CCB stats: Cassidy Dickens 3-4, 1 RBI;  Karlee Hammack 2-3, 2 RBIs, triple, BB;  Kalyn Long 3-4, 3 RBIs, double;  Paige Turner 1-3 RBI, FC;  Meagan Beam 2-3, RBI, double: Kayla Gaertner 1-2, 2RBIs, HBP;  Brianna Vann 2-2, BB;  Hana Brown 1-3, 2 RBI's, FC;  Kendal Powers 2-2, BB.

Cassidy Dickens pitched 6 innings with seven strikeouts and one walk.

Roanoke Rapids Police Department Deputy Chief Andy Jackson declined to release the victim’s name. He did confirm the boy was local.
It was unclear how the boy drowned, both Jackson and Chief Chuck Hasty said.
Hasty said a witness told police the boy and a friend had been swimming outside the designated swimming area off the beach at Roanoke Rapids lake park.
Jackson said the police department received the call just after 1:35 p.m., the call coming in about a person who had been swimming and went under.
The boy’s body was recovered around 3:05 p.m. Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad recovered the body and took it to an awaiting ambulance.
Police cars could be seen down a drive leading to the beach and an RVRS and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission enforcement boat were seen in the water during search efforts.

Crane graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1950 and later from the Pan American School in Richmond.
She was secretary to the principal of Roanoke Rapids High School for 51 years and a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir.
Crane also was a member for several years of the Roanoke Rapids Junior Woman’s Club and the Down-to-Earth Garden Club, in which she held a number of offices.
She also sang with the Roanoke Rapids Oratorio Society in their performances of The Messiah.
Crane was honored on October 17, 2001, the actual date of her 50 years as secretary to the principal of Roanoke Rapids High School with a reception where she received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award and letter of congratulations from Governor Michael Easley. Mayor Gene Minton also issued a proclamation for Joyce Lewis Crane Day that day. She retired, due to her illness with throat cancer, December 31, 2002, with 51 years of service as secretary to the principal. The Roanoke Rapids Board of Education honored Crane on Sunday, May 18, 2003, for her 51 years of service with the dedication of the Joyce Lewis Crane courtyard and memorial. She also was honored several times by the Roanoke Rapids City Schools as Support Person of the Year. On October 21, 1997, she was honored by the Roanoke Rapids Business and Professional Women’s Club with a plaque for recognition of outstanding performance and dedication that extends beyond the call of duty.
An avid Yellow Jackets fan, Crane did not miss a home or away football game for over 20 years.
She also served as the faculty cheerleader sponsor for several years and was chaperone for the RRHS chorus on many out-of-town trips.
She attended 53 Junior-Senior proms.
The RRHS Ro-Rap honored her in 1970 with the yearbook dedication which read, “As the days go by at RRHS, we find a person whose influence and contribution has outdistanced mere responsibility. This person, by surpassing the boundaries of her duties, has evoked in us a sincere appreciation for her devoted service to both students and teachers. She supports our endeavors, boosts our spirits, and remains pleasant herself, despite the barrage of problems with which she is confronted daily. In gratitude for her patient and understanding nature, we, the members of the Ro-Rap staff, dedicate the 1970 Ro-Rap to Joyce Lewis Crane.”
Crane was a breast cancer and throat cancer survivor, and she always commented on how much she appreciated the people of Roanoke Rapids and the employees of Roanoke Rapids City Schools who took her to Raleigh daily for throat cancer treatments.
She loved the Carolina Tar Heels and collected basketball calendars and other memorabilia yearly.
Former principal Michael Hurst wrote a departing note to Crane which said, “Thank you for being a loyal executive secretary to the principal. I will never forget your commitment to RRHS and me. You have had perhaps more impact than anyone I know on this school and the children of Roanoke Rapids.”
Jenna Minton, student body president in 2002, gave Crane a music box which said, “Some people touch your lives only briefly while others leave a lasting impression and are not forgotten.” In a farewell speech to students, Minton told Crane, “If I could choose a grandmother to adopt, you would definitely be my choice. Thanks for always greeting me with a smile the many times I had to visit your office and for being generous to me. You are an extraordinary lady, and I will miss our frequent conversations.”
Long-time friend Mary Fran Fisher one time wrote, “Joyce took lemons and made lemonade.”
Many RRHS students and graduates have remained special to Crane, but she expressed deep appreciation to some who stayed in touch with her for many, many years: John Bass, Catherine Bell, Gail and Tim Biesecker, the William Branch family, Ben Braswell, Vernon Bryant, Lucy and Bob Clary, Sheldon Cohen, Murphy Doyle, Trudy and Billy Duke, Merle and Fred Etheridge, Marie Fields, Mary Fran Fisher, Linda Garner, Christina Gregory, Peggy Howard, Joey Hudson, Richard Hunnings, Sarah Johnson, Kathy Laws, Patti and Lynn Little, Betsey and Tom Merritt, Jill and Steve Mitchell, Dennis Monds, Rodney Nelson, Brenda Newton, John Parker, the Portela family, Linda Ray, Paula and Billy Rogerson, Rex Stainback, Annette and Mal Stallings, Roma Taylor, Lou and Roger Warren, Randall Warren, the Bill White family, the Frank White family, Glenn Wiggs, Bob Williams, Jim Williams, Lib Wilson, and Barb and John Zsebehazy, and others.
Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Monday June 12, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joe Sandoval officiating. Receiving will take place from 11:30-12:45 at Wrenn, Clarke, and Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service prior to the service. Burial will follow the service in Cedarwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Roanoke Rapids Education Foundation—Joyce Crane Scholarship, PO Box 675, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, or to The Presbyterian Church, 16 East 5th Street, Roanoke Rapids NC 27870.
Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com.

T-BALL

Players of the game were Bret Peterson for Kapstone and Daniel Clemmons for Subway.

Players of the game were Alayna Lovr for New Life Church and Nick Ramsey for Chichester Law Office.

COACH PITCH

Players of the game were Brody Salmon for Chichester Law Office and Peyton Richardson for Kapstone

Players of the game were Curtis Evans for Welcome Finance and Noah Brown for Chichester Law Office.