T-BALL

Players of the game were Bryson Butler for Chichester Law office and Zavilon Manley for Kapstone.

Players of the game were Makala Bynum for New Life Church and Jordan Huff for Kapstone.

Players of the game were Addy Bissette for Rough Riders and Gasrrett Spatorico for Subway 

COACH PITCH

Players of the game were Tyler Keesee for Welcome Finance and Caleb Allen for Chichester Law Office,

This was the first budget process in at least two years in which fund balance was not used, city Finance Director Leigh Etheridge said in response to council questions.
The upcoming fiscal year roadmap also uses no installment financing and is $810,000 less than the current plan, Etheridge said.
“I think that’s a good start in the right direction,” Doughtie said. “Maybe we can look at some things we’ve not been able to do … We need to be able to grow our tax base. The next four years have a lot more promise.”
Councilman Wayne Smith noted this was the first year the city hasn’t borrowed any money.
In presenting his message before council unanimously adopted the $15,648,682 budget, City Manager Joseph Scherer told the panel, “It is a balanced budget that does not reduce services, rather, it reflects our commitment to provide quality services to our residents while reestablishing our organizational short and long-term goals.”
Scherer said the budget fulfills the operational objectives requested by department heads while balancing council’s goal of narrowing the gap between recurring expenses and revenues, making use of undesignated fund balance unnecessary.
“The financial roadmap is essential to the future of Roanoke Rapids,” Scherer said. “The policy document represents our continued commitment to prudent fiscal management and effective service delivery.”
He praised department heads and managers, calling them an outstanding group “that constantly look at how they can serve the community in the most efficient manner possible.”
In thanking council for its work on the plan, Scherer said, “I know you do not take the responsibility of being good fiscal stewards lightly. Your concern for the particulars and constructive guidance help validate our budget.”
The city manager told the panel, “As a collective group, you employ worthy displays of a leadership and a true sense of teamwork when navigating through the challenging issues you are faced with on council.”
That trait, he said, “Feeds throughout our organization and enables our team to do their job in the most effective manner possible. Thank you for setting the example and having confidence in me and the management team’s ability to do the best for the Roanoke Rapids community.”
The budget contains no tax increase and will give employees a 4 percent cost of living increase.
The list for capital items includes a new vehicle for planning and development; a leaf machine for public works; two commercial mowers and an increase in funding for street repairs.

Mrs. Whitman was born, December 15, 1921, in Blackstone, VA to the late Robert Elwood and Mable Chessie Coburn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Robert Whitman; brother, William Coburn and sister, Marie Weathersbee.

Surviving are her sons, Kenneth Wayne Whitman, of Youngsville and George Elwood Whitman and wife, Betty, of Louisburg, John Stanley Whitman and wife, Esther, of Zebulon and daughters, Sandra Whitman Borrell of Roanoke Rapids and Bonnie Loy and husband, Donny of Gibsonville, NC and sister, Lida Alexander. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

She was a member of Roanoke Rapids First Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Raleigh Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC with Pastor Matthew Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Home Health and Hospice of Halifax, 1229 Julian R. Allsbrook Hwy, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, with a special “Thank You” to the entire staff.

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Mr. Davis was born in Johnston County, November 18, 1932, to the late Joseph Oliver Davis, Sr. and Lole Nerron Davis. He served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years. In addition to his parents, Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his wife, Frances “Sally” Davis; daughter, Angela Faye Davis and son, Gary Joe “Beau” Davis.

Surviving are his sons Joseph D. “K.C.” Davis and Robert Earl Davis; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family will hold a gathering of friends to remember Mr. Davis’ life Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service from 5-7 pm.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Powell had an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer Monday.
He and Lamonte Lloyd face conspiracy counts in the murder of Jimmy Ray Daniels Jr. in Scotland Neck and the murder of a woman in Gastonia.
Lloyd has already entered a not guilty plea in the case.
Records filed in the federal court system show Powell was advised of his rights and charges, filed a financial affidavit and was appointed counsel.
The government moved for detention and Powell was remanded to custody pending the Thursday hearing, which is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Lloyd waived his detention hearing and was remanded to custody earlier this month.
Lloyd entered not guilty pleas on nine counts against him. Most of those nine charges reflect the murders of Daniels and Cheeontah Howard in Gastonia.
The original indictment in the case alleges the murders were based on racketeering activity by Lloyd, who goes by the street name Murder Mo and Moo, and Powell, of Charlotte, 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.
In all, 83 members of the group were indicted following a five-state raid.
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.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy B. Council began an investigation after the remains of the house were discovered on property off Terry Lane outside Halifax.
Council developed James David Williams, 43, as the suspect. Williams was arrested and charged by Council Friday, Chief Deputy Scott Hall said.
The house was demolished elsewhere and the debris was dumped on the Terry Lane property.
North Carolina law says felony littering involves the dumping of more than 500 pounds of debris.
While Hall could not give a definitive motive in the Terry Lane case, he said, “Often times when people illegally dump refuse or building material on property belonging to others it is an attempt to avoid fees associated with proper disposal.”
Williams, who posted a $750 bond, awaits a July 24 court date.

Order for arrest

Sunday around 9:45 p.m., Kendrick Lamont Williams, 30, of Weldon, was brought to the sheriff's office by a bail bondsman for avoiding his court date.
Deputy M. Bishop served an order for arrest on Williams and later found a small piece of crack cocaine in his sock.
Williams was charged with felony possession of cocaine and placed in the detention center under $1,000 bond and $25,000 bond for the order for arrest.
He has a July 5 court date.

Cell phone larceny

On April 24 the sheriff’s office received a report of a cell phone larceny from a convenience store on Highway 48 in the Roanoke Rapids area.
Further investigation by Detective R.B. Biggerstaff led to warrants on Terence Wyche, 26, of Rocky Mount, for extortion, felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense, larceny and possession of stolen goods.
Wyche was arrested Friday and has a July 19 court date.
Biggerstaff said the extortion charge allegedly reflects a demand on Wyche’s part to return the phone to the victim in exchange for money.
The phone was eventually returned without the exchange of money, Biggerstaff said.

“The donation is a great asset to us,” Northampton County Sheriff’s Office Captain Patrick Jacobs said. “It will give benefit to the canine that’s needed.”
Tommy is a 2-year-old Dutch shepherd, trained in narcotics detection tracking and criminal apprehension.
Hamm and Tommy trained at Ventosa Kennels in Scotland Neck, completing the program last September.

(For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718)

The vest Tommy will receive is inscribed with embroidery “In honor of Tommy Rudowicz, to protect this K9 hero.”
Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s is a charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with potentially life-saving body armor.
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 2,400 protective vests in 50 states through private and corporate donations at a cost of more than $2.1 million.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the United States with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age.
The donation to provide one protective vest is $1,050.
Each vest has a value between $1,795 to $2,234, a five-year warranty, and an average weight of four to five pounds.
There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement dogs throughout the United States.

Thursday June 13th

CCB 12     RRPD 2

CCB Stats:  Cassidy Dickens 1-1, 3BB;  Karlee Hammack 1-1, 3BB, RBI;  Kalyn Long 2with -2, single, double, 1BB, HBP;  Meagan Beam 2-3, Sac, 4 RBIs;  Paige Turner 1BB;  Kayla Gaertner 3-4, 2 singles and double, 3RBIs;  Brianna Vann HBP, 1BB;  Jessica Baird 1BB.

Cassidy Dickens pitched 4 2/3 innings with 8k's, HBP.  Kalyn Long 1/3 inning pitched.

Tuesday June 20th

CCB 7     Rotary 2

CCB Stats:  Cassidy Dickens 1-2, BB;  Karlee Hammack 1-2, BB, RBI;  Kalyn Long 3-3, 2 doubles, 3RBIs;  Meagan Beam 3-3, double, 3RBIs;  Paige Turner, HBP;  Hana Brown 1-2, single;  Brianna Vann BB.

Cassidy Dickens pitched 5 Innings with 3K's, 2BB

Wednesday June 21st

CCB 10     Northampton County Hampton Farms 5

CCB Stats:  Cassidy Dickens 3-3, RBI;  Karlee Hammack 2-3, Double 3RBIs;  Kalyn Long 1-3, RBI;  Meagan Beam 3-3, 3RBIs;  Paige Turner 1-2, HBP, RBI;  Hana Brown 2-3, Double, RBI;  Kayla Gaertner 1-2;  Brianna Vann 1-2, Fielders Choice;  Jessica Baird, BB.

Cassidy Dickens pitched 4 innings pitched with 6Ks, 2BB

United States Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer signed the three-page order in Charlotte.
Powell, of Charlotte, and Lamonte Lloyd, of Scotland Neck, are charged in the murders of Jimmy Ray Daniels Jr. in Scotland Neck and Cheeontah Howard in Gastonia.
In a brief section of the order contained in the federal court record, Cayer notes, “Defendant is charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering and eligible for the death penalty.”
Cayer checked off a section which says, “There is a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required and the safety of the community …”
The magistrate judge also noted Powell has not introduced sufficient evidence to rebut the presumption and determined, “By clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community.”
Cayer also factored in the following in denying pretrial release:

Lengthy period of incarceration if convicted

Prior criminal history

History of violence or use of weapon

History of alcohol or substance abuse

Lack of stable employment

Lack of significant community or family ties to the district

Prior violations of probation, parole of supervised release

Lloyd entered not guilty pleas on nine counts against him. Most of those nine charges reflect the murders of Daniels and Howard.
The original indictment in the case alleges the murders were based on racketeering activity by Lloyd, who goes by the street name Murder Mo and Moo, and Powell, of Charlotte, 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.
In all, 83 members of the UBN were indicted following a five-state raid.

Blitz, according to Captain Patrick Jacobs, is a full patrol dog and is being handled by Deputy Timothy Worrell.
The dog is trained in bomb detection, tracking and criminal apprehension.
“The addition of K-9 Blitz to the daily patrol is a significant benefit to the efficiency of patrol units in responding to numerous calls,” Jacobs said. “It is a great asset to the sheriff's office and to the citizens of Northampton County.”
The sheriff’s office acquired Blitz at the first of the month. Blitz and Worrell attended training at American K-9 Interdiction in Carrsville, Virginia.
Blitz is the second dog to join the sheriff’s office since Tommy, a Dutch shepherd, and Deputy Christopher Hamm completed training last September.
Discussions are in place to have a total of four dogs, one for each patrol shift, Jacobs said.

Angela was born in Suffolk, Virginia.

She was a graduate of Ferrum College, with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Angela formerly worked in the Home Health Care Industry. She was dedicated to her family and friends. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.
Angela was preceded in death by her father, Emmitt Ferrell.
Surviving are her husband, Chris Griffin, of the home; her mother Frances C. Ferrell, of Pleasant Hill, NC; two sons, Justin Ferrell and Cody Williams, both of the home; daughter, Destiny Griffin, of the home; sister, Jackie Dean and her husband, Joe, of Pleasant Hill, NC; other special family are Dennis and Debbie Griffin, Heidi Crowley, Tiffany and Lee Pilgrim, all of New Bern ,NC, Holley Griffin, of Gaston, NC, Jonathan Griffin, of Greenville, NC, Morgan Cameron, of Greenville, NC; numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jimmie Cox officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following services at the cemetery and residence.
Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service is taking care of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to www.wrennclarkehagan.

T-BALL

Players of the game were Carson Griffin for Chichester Law office and Joseph Hardy and Kayls Dennis for New Life Church.

Players of the game were Bryson and Lillian Griffies for Subway and Brady Arthur and Taylor Walter for Kapstone.

COACH PITCH

Players of the game were Leland Ricks for Welcome Finance and Caleb Allen for Chichester Law Office.

Players of the game were Noah Dill for Chichester Law Office and Gabriel Lyles and Brock Richardson  for Kapstone

The shooting occurred in the area of West Thirteenth and Franklin streets around 1:30 this morning, Hasty said in a statement.
Officers located a victim with multiple gunshots. The victim was shot in the torso. It was not immediately clear what kind of weapon was used.
The victim was transported to Halifax Regional by county EMS and then flown to an undisclosed trauma center.
Hasty said in the statement the victim was walking along West Thirteenth Street when approached by a dark vehicle driven by a person described as a black male. Another person described as a black male exited the vehicle and began firing at the victim.
Hasty said investigators are still trying to determine motive in the case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“On behalf of the Massey family we received word that he passed away at approximately 8:30 this morning,” Roanoke Rapids attorney Gilbert Chichester said.
Chichester and his associate, Geoffrey Davis, were representing Massey in a criminal case where the funeral director had been indicted on 10 counts related to child sex offense counts.
Chichester said Massey’s health started to decline soon after the charges were filed and he began having lengthy hospital stays. “He was having health issues focused on his heart. There were hopes that he could get surgery but he didn’t get strong enough to go through that.”
Chichester said he will talk with the district attorney’s office today. “What happens is I will be filing a motion to have the charges abated or dismissed.”
Chichester said he believed, “Based on the information myself and attorney Davis have, we feel like a jury would have found him not guilty and his name would be vindicated.”
A Halifax County Grand Jury in March indicted Massey on three counts of indecent liberties with a child; three counts of statutory sex offense and four total counts of statutory sexual offense by adult. Those four counts involve the same alleged sex acts but in different years.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office charged Massey in January after a lengthy investigation.

In all, 20 campers learned about the fundamentals of baseball as well as some important life lessons. 

The campers were divided into age and skill groups so that each player could get the most out of the camp. Players learned about proper hitting, throwing, fielding, and pitching technique as well as defensive and base running situations.

The camp was run by RRHS Baseball coaches Mark Snead, Tyler Snyder, and Aubrey Coker as well as former players Colby Warren and Clay Lockamon.

Coach Mark Snead stated, "This was a great week of camp. The campers worked really hard and seemed to have a great time. They really enjoyed listening to Clay and Colby who they know and look up to. I can't thank those two enough for coming out to help. We coaches had a good time working with  the kids on baseball fundamentals and teaching them about four key words: sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, and character.  It was a really fun week."

Camp Photos

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Weldon police

Lieutenant Chris Davis reported on Thursday around 10:58 p.m., Officer W. Wheeler conducted a vehicle stop on Caroline Avenue near Elm Street for a tail light violation.
Wheeler located two open containers of alcohol, drug paraphernalia and crack cocaine inside the vehicle.
Wheeler arrested and charged Michael Daniel, 59, of Halifax, for the tail light violation, open container, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a schedule II controlled substance.
Daniel also had an outstanding warrant for assault on a female and communicating threats.
He received a $1,000 secured bond and July 5 court date.
Officer Q. Godley assisted.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported George Lewis Hubbard,65, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested by detectives Tuesday.
Hubbard’s arrest stems from an investigation by detectives B.C. Griffin and S.A. Bryant into a report Hubbard had inappropriate online conduct as a registered sex offender.
Griffin charged Hubbard with failure to inform the sheriff of any new or changed online identifier. He received a $100,000 bond and has a July 19 court date.

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

Street Maintenance Worker I (Public Works)

An employee in this class performs a variety of semi-skilled, and manual labor tasks related to the maintenance of streets, storm drains, driveways, cemetery, and public buildings and grounds

Essential duties and tasks include but are not limited to:

-Performs a variety of maintenance tasks such as cutting lawns, painting, using power hand equipment, repairing driveways, replacing storm drain pipe, repairing curb and gutters
-Work may include performing various horticultural and ground maintenance practices, performing building maintenance tasks and operating some light equipment
-Responds to public requests and questions with courtesy and tact

Requirements:

-Must have good communication and customer service skills
-Must possess a valid Class C North Carolina Driver’s License


Street Maintenance Worker II (Public Works)

An employee in this class performs a variety of semi-skilled, and occasionally skilled labor tasks in the construction, maintenance and repair of streets and storm drainage. Work involves operating heavy equipment such as backhoes in tight situations.

Essential duties and tasks include but are not limited to:

- Operates backhoes, loaders and other equipment in situations requiring skill and care such as around underground and overhead utility lines and other situations
- Performs minor preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment
- Responds to public requests and questions with courtesy and tact
- Patches asphalt with gravel, hot asphalt, cold patch and other materials; operates air hammers, rollers, and other light equipment; etc

Requirements:

- Must have good communication and customer service skills
-Must have a working knowledge of tools, materials and equipment used in general construction and maintenance work
-Must possess a valid Class C 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

NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION

July 5, 2017 City Council Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 5, 2017 has been cancelled due to the lack of agenda items.

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

CITY OF ROANOKE RAPIDS

BY: TRACI V. STOREY
CITY CLERK
BRIEFS

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

Saturday June 24th Halifax county Community Youth Basketball League results.

Junior Varsity (Age group 7-11)

Cleveland Cavs scorers: 

Jamarcus West 2 pts

Jerry Johnson 2 pts

Golden State Warriors scorers:

Darbie Edmonds Jr. 7 pts

Tashaun Cowan 8 pts

Kyra Vincent 6 pts

Jermione Rook 2 pts

OKC Thunder  9     Vs     Boston Celtics  13

Boston Celtics scorers: 

Jermauri Evans 3 pts

Marquis McDonald Jr. 2 pts 

Justin Wills 2 pts 

Jihad Baker 2 pts 

Nizzir Stevens 2 pts

D'Andre Jones 2 pts

OKC Thunder scorers: 

Christian Battle 2 pts

Jamari Artis 2 pts

Jayvion Peebles 5 pts

Varsity (Age group 12-15)

Houston Rockets  50     Vs     OKC Thunder  55

Houston Rockets scorers:

Nykim Stevens 8 pts

Shamarjah Davis 11 pts

Jaydens Hendricks 4 pts

Terrence High Jr. 22 pts

Ke'von Burgess 2 pts

Isaiah Cain 2 pts

OKC Thunder scorers:

Tomias Price 2 pts

Kevin Providence 15 pts

Cadrilyus Squire 20 pts

Malik Boyd 8 pts

Megan Cobb 2 pts

Marshawn High 5 pts

Javarez Wills 3 pts

Chicago Bulls  47     Vs     LA Lakers  55

Chicago Bulls scorers:

Jamarion Jones 2 pts

McArthur Hendricks Jr. 6 pts

Tj Richardson 35 pts

Tyrell Broady 2 pts

Amarie Crawford 2 pts

LA Lakers scorers:

Lance Woolfolk Jr. 23 pts

Jamarious Moore 12 pts

E'mari Mills 3 pts

Chase Blackburn 5 pts

Antron Johnson 7 pts

Tra'Viyus Ussery 5 pts

Game photos by Randy Wrenn

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The Roanoke Rapids 10U Allstars won their opening game 11-5 against Laurinburg. After falling behind 0-4 early the guys battled back to tie the game 5-5 in the 6th inning. In the 7th inning the Roanoke rapids team outscored Laurinburg 6-0 and won 11-5.

Innings pitching for Roanoke Rapids team: Gannon Deberry 2, Seth Tickel 2 1/3, Carson Duncan 1 2/3, Collin Elias 1.

Offensive Leaders for Roanoke Rapids: Collin Elias 3/4, Landen Briggs 3/4, Connor Hammack 2/3 with a double, Carson Duncan 1/2 with a HR.

The Roanoke Rapids 10U Allstars won their second game of the day 17-7 in 4 innings against Warren County. After falling behind 0-7 after the top of the 2nd inning, Roanoke Rapids out-scored Warren County 17-0 over the next 3 innings.

Innings pitching for Roanoke Rapids team: Collin Elias 1 1/3, Seth Tickel 2/3, Caleb Hall 2

Offensive Leaders for Roanoke Rapids: Ayden Brantley 2/2, Collin Elias 2/4 with a double, 1 hit each for Gannon Deberry, Caleb Hall and Carson Duncan.

The Roanoke Rapids 10U Allstars advance to the Winner's Bracket championship Sunday at 3 pm against the winner of West Raleigh and Deep River.