Thirteen officers will participate, she said, and there will be also be food for sale as well as luminaries, purple bows and baked goods.

Davis, who began participating in Relay as a child, says she enjoys the annual event, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society to be used locally. “Everything goes for a good cause. I enjoy seeing people in the community getting together and the survivor's banquet. It keeps them fighting.”

The main event on April 22 will begin at 6 p.m. at the Halifax Community College fitness track in Weldon. The event continues through April 23 at noon.

The survivor's walk begins at 6 p.m., followed by the caregiver walk and the team walk to the theme song Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.

The Oak Grove Baptist Church praise dance team will perform and at 9 p.m. the luminary ceremony will be set to the song Every Candle has a Name.

After the luminary ceremony, Mike Telliga and his band The Deep will play from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

At 11 p.m. a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt will be held.

Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, a sunrise service will be held with Annie Smith and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. the Tillery Baptist Church praise dance team will perform.

Davis said at 10 a.m. there will be a kid's walk in which the participants will receive goodie bags and their own T-shirts. A raffle will be held afterward.

Davis said the goal this year is $71,000. “I know we are already over $20,000.”

Throughout the event there will children's games, a bounce house and cartoon characters as well as a fire truck visit. There will also be food and snacks for sale.

Other events

Saturday, Stanley White Church on Ashton Street at Bolling Road is having a stew sale for $8 a quart. Pickup is at noon and more information may be obtained by calling 252-537-3896.

On April 9 the church is having a $5 bag yard sale.

On April 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., all proceeds from sales at Zaxby's on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway will go to the kid's walk.

Gaston Fire and Rescue Chief Ed Porter Jr. said in a statement released late Thursday night the woman was in stable condition.

The fire department responded shortly before 4:15 p.m. and found the home engulfed.

The deck, carport, two vehicles, two motorcycles, and an ATV were also found to be on fire. Ammunition from inside of the home was firing off upon arrival.

(A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family)

Porter said using hand lines, firefighters contained the fire within 10 minutes of arrival.

Bystanders advised they heard what sounded like an explosion.

A female occupant was found outside of the home and was treated on scene by firefighters and paramedics.

The occupant stated she was awakened by her dog and she exited while seeing bright orange glows.

Two dogs were able to safely escape the fire, while one adult dog and nine puppies were found deceased on scene.

Fire crews remained on scene for more than three hours performing salvage and overhaul.

Mutual aid assistance was provided by Garysburg Fire Department and firefighter rehab was provided by Gaston EMS and Northampton County EMS.

The American Red Cross was contacted and will be providing assistance to the displaced residents.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Thomas secured a search warrant for the property and as a result Joyce Daye Sneed, 64, was arrested for possession with intent to sale and deliver marijuana and felony maintaining a dwelling place for the purpose of storing a controlled substance.

Daye was found in possession of 24 grams of marijuana.

There were several other family members present at 108 Flythe Street residence, Thomas said.

Damien Lamont Daye, Sneed's son, was charged on a North Carolina Uniform Citation for simple possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Daye received an April 19 court date.

Brandon Daye, a close relative, was also charged on a citation for possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and received an April 19 court date.

This operation was a cumulative investigative effort between the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Conway Police Department. The Jackson Police Department and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office were vital to the success and execution of this search warrant, Thomas said. Sheriff Jack Smith commended Thomas as well as the agencies involved in the investigation. “The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate all illegal drug activities and will continue to work with all law enforcement agencies in this county and surrounding agencies.”

Blotter

Captain Courtney Williams reported the following:

March 24

At approximately 9:50 a.m., Detective Sergeant J. Jenkins located Dajuan Davis, 22, of Woodland, in the 100 block of Jefferson Street in Jackson.

Davis had several outstanding orders for arrest and a warrant for injury to personal property.

He received an April 14 court date.

At approximately 5:39 p.m., Captain D. Simmons located James Pope, 57, of Columbia, South Carolina, in the 100 block of Jefferson Street in Jackson.

Pope had several outstanding orders for arrest for speeding, driving while license revoked, DWI and possession of an open container as well as a violation of a court order.

He received a $5,220 secured bond and an April 22 court date.

At approximately 6:40 p.m., Deputy C. Exum located Cameron Moody, 41, of Seaboard, in the 100 block of Jefferson Street in Jackson.

Moody had an outstanding warrant for disorderly conduct and communicating threats and received a $1,000 secured bond and an April 19 court date.

March 25

At approximately 10:20 p.m., Deputy T. Antunez responded to call about a 911 hang up at a residence on Big John Store Road in Pleasant Hill.

Antunez discovered there was an altercation between Tyrone Garner, 28, and Christopher Huestuess, 30, both of Roanoke Rapids.

Garner pointed a gun at Huestuess.

Antunez arrested and charged Garner with simple assault, assault by pointing a gun and possession of a firearm by felon.

Garner received a $6,500 secured bond.

Antunez also arrested and charged Huestuess, who received a $500 secured bond and April 19 court date, with simple assault.

Smith commended Antunez for his in-depth investigation to the case. “Any time you point a weapon at any person that is a serious violation and a life could easily be lost.”

March 26

At approximately 7:45 a.m., Deputy M. Walton located Demetrice Clark, 38, of Garysburg in the area of Washington and Monroe streets in Garysburg.

Clark had an outstanding warrant for assault inflicting serious injury and received a $500 secured bond and an April 19 court date.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., Sergeant W. Ransom located James Joyner, 56, of Conway, on Highway 158 in Conway.

Joyner had an outstanding warrant for fraud disposal mortgage and received a $500 secured bond and an April 19 court date.

March 28

At approximately 2:40 p.m., Sergeant A. Roye located Lakita Clark, 41, of Rich Square, in the 100 block of Jefferson Street in Jackson.

Clark had several outstanding orders for arrest for failure to appear and received a $1,020 secured bond and an April 7 court date.

March 29

At approximately 2 a.m., Exum responded to a domestic call on McLee Lane in Garysburg.

Exum noticed injuries to the victim and arrested and charged Katherine Jackson, 38, of Garysburg with domestic simple assault.

Jackson was jailed without opportunity for bond due to the domestic nature of the matter and received an April 19 court date.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Exum located Parker Britt, 27, of Conway, in the 100 block of Jefferson Street in Jackson.

Britt had an outstanding order for arrest for failure to appear and received a $20,000 secured bond and an April 14 court date.   

(The accompanying photo gallery shows employees gathered around the equipment as well as a demonstration of the thermal imaging camera)

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His donation provided the fire department a new thermal imaging camera as well as two rapid intervention packs.

Roanoke Rapids Fire Chief Stacy Coggins said the donation gives the fire department a second camera and enables it to have two rapid intervention packs on each engine.

The camera enables firefighters to find trapped occupants in smoke-filled structures and locate fires and hotspots, Coggins said.

The rapid intervention packs contain spare cylinders, said Jason Patrick, assistant chief of logistics, as well as a spare mask. “They are specifically designed to help trapped firefighters,” he said.

Coggins said he was appreciative of the donation. “We are truly thankful and grateful for the Overton family and businesses for their generous donation. It will go a long way in keeping our citizens and firefighters safe.”

Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement the charge stems from a matter on March 30 at 9:15 p.m in the area of Apollo Circle.

Officers responded to a disturbance call and found the victim with a head injury.

The victim was transported to the hospital and was treated and released.

An investigation by Officer Scott Blythe led to the warrants.

Ashe is encouraged to come to the police department and take care of the matter.

Anyone with information on Ashe is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Blotter

The police department reported the following, according to Hasty:

Monday, March 28, 2016

At approximately 10 a.m., Master Officer Adam Salmon and Officer Natara Velazquez arrested Donald Ray Burgess, 42, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants after he turned himself in at the police department.

Burgess was charged with larceny, conspiracy and possession of stolen goods,which stem from two different crimes last year.

Investigator J.K. Davis investigated a matter last April where the victim’s tax refund check was stolen and cashed. Clarence Burgess and Dorian Fleming were charged and arrested in this case earlier.

The second crime took place last December when a residence was broken into on Chase Avenue.

Davis determined Burgess had possession of some of the stolen property.

Darius Lewter and Rashon Woodley were arrested for the breaking and entering of the residence on

March 19.

Burgess received a $10,000 bond and an April 20 court date.

At approximately 1:45 p.m, Officer Jeffrey Mason responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Unique Rajaee Tillery, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, and a juvenile took items from the store.

Mason arrested and charged Tillery with larceny, possession of stolen goods, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

The juvenile will be petitioned to court for larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Tillery and the juvenile were both released to a responsible person pending an April 15 court date.

Tuesday March 29, 2016

At approximately 2 p.m., Officer Dale Strickland responded to an assault call in the Shoe Show parking lot on East Tenth Street.

Halifax Central notified Strickland the person in question was Boris Dessa Bullock, 23, of Roanoke Rapids, and there was an outstanding warrant for assault on a female.

Bullock was leaving the parking lot and Strickland located him on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near Stancil Street.

Upon further investigation, officers learned Bullock allegedly assaulted the victim and took a cellphone when the victim was trying to call 911.

Strickland charged Bullock with assault on a female, larceny, possession of stolen goods and interfering with an emergency communication.

Bullock was jailed without opportunity for bond and has an April 15 court date.

Sergeant Mike Moseley assisted.

Wednesday March 30, 2016

At approximately 9:45 a.m., Lieutenant Charles Vaught arrested and charged Dominique Marquette Boone, 23, of Roanoke Rapids, after he turned himself in at the police department.

Vaught’s investigation and charges stem from a report on March 11 when the victim reported their cell phone was stolen from a business.

During the investigation Vaught developed Boone as a suspect with the help of the victim and security surveillance video.

Boone was charged with larceny and received a $1,000 bond and April 20 court date.

At approximately 4 p.m., Lieutenant Jeff Baggett responded to a call at the skate park of loud music, cursing and drugs.

Baggett arrived at the park and was on foot when a group started cursing.

Baggett went over and warned them about their language and told them that if they didn’t stop they would have to leave the park.

Within a few minutes it started again and Baggett gave another warning.

William Everett Murwin Jr., 17, of Roanoke Rapids, spoke up and said they didn’t have to leave because it was a park.

Baggett told him he needed to leave but Murwin continued to curse.

Baggett arrested and charged Murwin with trespassing and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

Murwin received a $500 bond and a May 13 court date.

At approximately 6 p.m, Mason responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Leon Maurice Gray, 40, of Roanoke Rapids, took items without paying and left the store on a vehicle.

Mason stopped the vehicle on Gregory Drive and arrested Gray for larceny, possession of stolen goods and trespassing.

Gray received a $3,000 bond and an April 8 court date.

Moseley and Investigator Chris Babb assisted.

Thursday March 31, 2016

At approximately 9:15 a.m., Officer Alex Green arrested Jaquarious Khalil Williams, 17, of Roanoke Rapids, on an outstanding warrant for larceny from a person.

The charges stem from an investigation by Investigator Gorton Williams after the victim filed a report on March 28 that while at Emry Park Jaquarious Williams allegedly asked to use the victim’s cell phone, but ran off with it.

Williams, who was out on other charges, received a $50,000 bond and has an April 20 court date.

One of the highlights, said Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle, will be the arts council's student art show featuring the works of students from KIPP, Northwest Halifax and Roanoke Rapids high schools. That show will be at the arts council's building.

Throughout the 1000 block, businesses will have either performers, artists or photographers.

“It's a fun way for the public to see the many talents of the area and the stores,” Caudle said.

david's will be running an $8.95 special that evening.

Caudle will be at 1026 Roanoke Avenue, the area slated eventually to be a green space, where under a tent Main Street will have maps of the block. “It will tell you where to go and what to see.”

There will also be artists performing or displaying their works in some of the vacant buildings. “We feel like that will show the potential they have and we encourage developers or people interested in opening a business on the avenue to see the prime real estate.”

Response to the event on social media has been positive, Caudle said. “We've had a lot of public feedback. We think it will be a lot of fun and bring life to the avenue.”

The following businesses will be participating:

Les Atkins Photography will have Ann Meadows performing and will showcase the business owner's photography.

S&L Pet Shop & Grooming will showcase the photography of Julia Paxton.

1020 Roanoke Avenue will feature artists Joanne Tripp, Rhonda England and Sarah Bolduc as well as photographer Donna Hodgins.

The Quality Shop will feature artist Mary Ellen Jones.

1032 Roanoke Avenue will feature artists Maggie Chalifoux and Agnes “Dukie” Barner.

Lily’s Boutique will feature musician Megan Keim.

The Renaissance Salon & Spa will feature photographer Kelly Parnell and artist and designer Autumn Wenger.

Pepper & Doughtie’s Antiques & Gifts will feature musician Ethan Warren.

Shannon Golden Designs will feature author and artist William Michael McDonald as well as the business owner's design work.

David's will feature musicians Jackie Ruffin and Matt Chambers.

Tillery Designs will feature the works of artist Karen Vaughan and jewelry designer Leigh Griffin.

Brian’s Billiards will feature musician Donald Casey.

Lieutenant C.L. Vaught said some of the clothing was returned but not all of it.

The woman in the photo may be accompanied by two small children.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Vaught at 252533-2819 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Pat Yarborough gave her story of surviving Cancer while Judge Brenda Branch was master of ceremonies.  A big thank you to the local officers who participated in this fun event. Officers Bobby Martin, Chris Davis, Lee Mason, Joe Sealey,Bo Forsht, Jamie Warren, Preston Dennis, Tare Davis, Mark Oakley, Chief Chuck Hasty and Weldon PD Deputy Chief James Avens. Roanoke Rapids PD Captain Bobby Martin won the event, with Weldon PD Sargent Lee Mason earning second and Lieutenant Chris Davis earned third place.

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}Relay2016pageant{/gallery}

Pat Yarborough gave her story of surviving cancer while Judge Brenda Branch was master of ceremonies.

 A big thank you to the local officers who participated in this fun event. Officers Bobby Martin, Chris Davis, Lee Mason, Joe Sealey,Bo Forsht, Jamie Warren, Preston Dennis, Tare Davis, Mark Oakley, Chief Chuck Hasty and Weldon PD Deputy Chief James Avens. Roanoke Rapids PD Captain Bobby Martin won the event, with Weldon PD Sargent Lee Mason earning second and Lieutenant Chris Davis earned third place.

Photos by Randy Wrenn

{gallery}Relay2016pageant{/gallery}

For Tickets & Info: www.mrac-arts.com 434-634-6001

LeAnn Rimes is one of the most successful entertainers with a career spanning more than two decades. With 44 million albums sold, two Grammy Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards, she has made her mark in the world of music. Unstoppable from the age of 11, LeAnn was the youngest person to ever win a Grammy Award and was the first country artist to win the Grammy for Best New Artist.

LeAnn had her first national hit at age 13 with the 1996 release of Blue, which remained at the #1 spot on Billboard's country albums chart for more than 3 months. With this release LeAnn gained national acclaim for the similarity to Patsy Cline's vocal style. She has had 42 singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart and her version of "How Do I Live" is the second-longest charting song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

County commissioners today agreed to hold the public hearing following a presentation by Roanoke Valley Southern Christian Leadership Conference seeking to change the distribution method from ad valorem to per capita.

The Coalition for Education and Economic Security endorses this change, which would, according to the Reverend C.E. McCollum of the SCLC, promote equal funding per person regardless of the area of the county in which they live.

McCollum addresses the board.

McCollum has brought up the issue in previous meetings and today he said he appeared, “To make yet another attempt to appeal to your moral consciousness and humbly ask you to reform local sales and use tax distribution from ad valorem to per capita to enable all school children, including those enrolled in the Halifax County school district, to receive a fair and equitable share in the distribution of the sales tax proceeds.”

McCollum said, “Your vote in April can change the educational and economic destiny of all children in Halifax County and its constituent members by providing municipalities and all school districts — not just two — with greatly needed resources. A well educated citizenry is vital to today's advanced, industrialized society.”

Mills presentation

The proposal, James Mills of the SCLC said, is based on discussions commissioners held at their December retreat and centered on what the 22 taxing districts could have received last year from both methods of the nearly $12 million distribution..

“The change to the per capita method will enable all school children countywide to receive the same financial support from the county,” Mills said. “All towns and our county government will receive an equal amount of sales tax revenue per person living in their district.”

Since taxes are paid by all citizens countywide, Mills said, “that is the same way they should be distributed — per person or per student county. Distribution of countywide sales and use tax revenue by the ad valorem method is distribution determined by the taxing district's wealth as measured by the taxing district's wealth as measured by property value and not related to where the taxpayer lives or where in the county the taxes were collected. The per capita distribution method treats all county residents equal — regardless of where.”

Studying the funding differences, Mills said “the biggest winner is the county,” which would receive 5.3 percent more revenue — $628,370, by the proposal. “Why? Because of the large population living in the county.”

The SCLC proposes the extra county funds be allocated fully to supplement the board's current expense appropriation for education. “This will provide approximately $96 per pupil for all of Halifax County's students in our three public school districts,” Mills said. “Equal and fair distribution of sales taxes for education will be accomplished.”

The Roanoke Rapids and Weldon school systems have received $7.9 million of sales tax distribution over the last 10 years while the county school system has received none of the sales taxes countywide. “This is not an equitable distribution,” Mills said. “Halifax County has changed since 1973 when local sales taxes were instituted to generate needed services and the ad valorem method was chosen by Halifax County as their distribution method.”

He explained, “Rural Halifax towns are smaller, poorer, with fewer methods to generate revenue. County and municipal tax rates have been increased numerous times trying to generate revenue for basic services.”

Tax rates in Enfield, Scotland Neck and Littleton are higher than Roanoke Rapids and other rural municipalities in surrounding counties, he said. “Our small towns have not been able to increase their tax base or population. Our small towns are experiencing negative growth. With extra revenue provided by a per capita sales tax distribution, the towns could afford more services, improving their overall economy — increasing revenues and their tax base. This would benefit both the municipalities and the county.”

Said Mills: “This annual flexible discretionary revenue can lead to tax reductions as well as a rebirth of the local economies and local economic development initiatives.”

Taxing districts which would be impacted are county fire districts and Our Community Hospital in Scotland Neck, Mills said. From calculations presented at the December retreat, Mills said one-third of the fire districts and OCH could adjust their supplemental property taxes by less than 2.2 pennies per $100 valuation and two-thirds of the fire districts would have to adjust taxes less than 1.5 pennies per $100 value to obtain the equivalent revenue to the current system. “A one-and-a-half pennies adjustment would be $15 per year for a $100,000 property.”

Explained Mills: “No plan would provide more revenue for all, but the majority of Halifax County would have more revenue based on today's 21^st Century economy with a change to per capita distribution.”

Mills said the report given to commissioners in December and the SCLC's own analysis show “changes are necessary to adequately fund countywide growth. By statute, commissioners must vote in April to change to a per capita distribution of sales taxes … This vote will show citizens that changes can be made which are more equitable to all county residents and students. This equalizing change will help to remove roadblocks from the past, providing our municipalities and school districts with greatly needed resources.”

Chart contained in today's agenda packet showing the gains and losses of the proposal.

Commissioner discussion

Commissioner Rives Manning presented a chart to his fellow board members to demonstrate what the change in the tax distribution would bring about and said this afternoon, “I don't believe the taxpayers can stand that kind of increase. If there was a change and it was given equally to the schools then I believe there would be a tax increase from the county as well. Not only would the districts have to increase their tax rates but the county would have to increase its tax rate under the proposed plan.”

Commissioner Marcelle Smith said he supported Mills' argument. “We have talked about this as a board. Reverend McCollum has been here before. We've had an opportunity to look at the materials. This I do support.”

As the chief of the Tillery Volunteer Fire Department, Smith said he understands fire departments may have to adjust their rates. “I would definitely like to hear from those communities.”

County Attorney Glynn Rollins said the county does not have to have a public hearing on the matter. “If you do change the method all the taxing districts will have to come back with a readjustment.”

Board Chairman Vernon Bryant agreed a public on the matter was in order.

County Manager Tony Brown said the town of Weldon, the only town expected to lose from the proposal, has concerns on the matter.

But Mills said, “The town of Weldon has a great deal of property. With a small tax adjustment Weldon would have a very easy way to increas revenues.”

The board recognized the retirement of Jeanette Jordan after 32 years of service within the county department of Social Services.

She retired as an income maintenance supervisor II.

Mark Rigsby was recognized for his retirement from the sheriff's office as was Bruce Temple. In addition to gifts from the county, they received their service weapons and badges.

{gallery}recognitions{/gallery}

The county recognized the retirement of Josh, one of its dogs, who will live in the home of Harold Phillips, his handler, who has since left the sheriff's office.

Ken Wilson, president of the Halifax Resolves Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution requested adoption of a proclamation recognizing Saturday's upcoming observance of the signing of the Halifax Resolves.

Register of Deeds Judy Evans-Barbee presented County Manager Tony Brown the Silver Award for the county's participation in the 2016 United Way campaign.

Officials said high wind and waves could have played a role in the situation, the newspaper reported.

Friday April 1, 2016

At approximately 1:15 p.m., Officer Chris Biggerstaff responded to a larceny call at Food Lion on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

Loss prevention reported Michael Joseph Corren, 20, of Littleton, allegedly took money from the store by refunding himself through Coinstar receipts already paid out.

Biggerstaff arrested and charged Corren, who received a $2,000 bond and May 18 court date, with larceny by employee.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., Sergeant Mark Peck and Officer Joey Spragins responded to a disturbance call in the 1900 block of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

They came encountered Debra Nichole Stanley, 27, of Smithfield, who was found in possession of a license plate reported stolen March 3 from the town.

Spragins arrested and charged Stanley, who received a $750 bond and May 6 court date, with possession of stolen goods.

At approximately 11:15 p.m, Peck and Smith responded to what is traditionally called the no-hundred block of Franklin on an assault call.

Once at the residence officers spoke with several people there who claimed nothing happened.

The officers then heard yelling and cursing coming from the residence by Sheshaarkey Ikeieleya Gills, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, who came out.

Officers attempted to get her to stop and calm down but she continued to yell and curse.

Smith cited Gills with a criminal summons for intoxicated/disruptive and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

She was released until her May 6 court date.

He was charged following an investigation which showed the 47-year-old victim asked him for $10. Harrell reportedly told her if he would come and clean his house he would give her the money.

When she completed the work, Harrell allegedly held the victim, with whom he was familiar, against her will.

The police department received the report around 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

Harrell was arrested later that day by Seaboard Officer Jaquan Britt with assistance by Garysburg Officer M. Goffington and Northampton County Sheriff's Office Deputy C. Exum.

Powell said while Harrell resides in Margarettsville, he maintains a weekend residence in Seaboard.

Putney has multiple orders and warrants for arrest and is also wanted for questioning in the larceny of a firearm, according to a statement from Major Scott Hall.

According to records, he is scheduled to appear in court April 27 on charges of felony breaking and entering, felony larceny of a firearm, felony possession of a firearm, misdemeanor injury to real property as well as several traffic infractions.

He is known to frequent Amos Jones Road in the Littleton area and is believed to live at 684 Huckleberry Bottom Road with his girlfriend.

Hall said in the statement Putney will attempt to elude law enforcement.

Anyone with information is encouraged to Detective B.R. Nutt at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The land is adjacent to the eastern right-of-way of Highway 125 and to the north of Dickens Farm Road.

Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky told council the B-3 zoning would not impact Mid-Atlantic's plans and would allow the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, which owns the land, to construct a church if the plans for the eye care center expansion fell through.

Brian Crichlow, who owns Mid-Atlantic, was the only person to speak at council's public hearing.

“There is a tremendous need for eye care in the community,” he said. “We recognize the need to expand services and do our work in a more timely fashion.”

To provide retinal and surgical care, he said, requires a larger facility. “We have safety concerns for our current patients and want to expand the site for better parking.”

The expansion would also open opportunities for employment, he said. “We want to provide more care, offer additional services, additional access for safety and additional employment opportunities.”

Crichlow said following the meeting there is no specific timeline for the expansion and he continues his due diligence on the proposal.

Morris, who is trained in crisis intervention, established a rapport with the man over the course of the two-hour ordeal.

Cross and Smith also had conversations with the man to calm him down and ease the tensions. “Morris used de-escalation from his training,” Hasty said. “If we rushed in he could have fallen or had severe injuries.”

The officers would have risked injuries themselves, the chief said. The fire department on standby. Hasty said the man “was concerned about going to jail although he did nothing criminally wrong. They showed compassion for the man. We don't always come to lock people up, but help them find the services they need.”

Hasty, who presented the officers certificates for their actions, said the man was taken to the hospital for evaluation. “We are having more officers trained in crisis intervention.”

Hasty, left, with Williams, center and Martin.

Hasty also recognized Captain Bobby Martin and Investigator Gorton Williams for their graduation from the Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Management Institute in Wilson.

The department heads made the requests during a budget work session held Tuesday afternoon.

Another budget session with the police and fire department will be held this afternoon at 3 p.m.in the first floor conference room of city hall. One scheduled for Thursday has been cancelled.

Lasky noted in a memo to City Manager Joseph Scherer she is seeking to have the full-time planner position reinstated in the financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

The position has gone unfunded since March of 2009 due to lay-off, she said in the document. She is requesting $54,088.52, which represents a base salary of $40,000 and the remainder made up of benefits. “The department requests that the city council reinstate funding for the position of planner to assist the director in ordinance administration, enforcement and inspections,” she wrote.

She noted current levels of service are low due to one person — herself — being responsible for handling all land use requests. “Operation on a complaint basis creates the perception that staff does not treat everyone the same — if my neighbor can do it, why can't I?”

She said the department relies on either existing contractor, developer or owner's prior knowledge to obtain zoning permits. “Existing staff members have made every effort to respond to complaints, however, as a result, they are pulled away from their assigned job duties.”

A staff planner, she noted, “will improve the overall efforts to achieve code compliance through active inspections to improve the community appearance and preserve property values. Funding of this position will allow the director the time needed for long-range planning efforts and department management.”

Meanwhile, Chalker requested three entry-level positions.

“Some say we are nine people short,” Chalker said, while his own analysis shows the department is 15 people short.

He told council if the positions are funded the people hired would be responsible for running lawn mowers and doing other work required.

They would be paid $10.55 an hour. He is seeking approximately $98,000 for the positions, which includes fringe benefits.

Ashe, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, was jailed on $3,000 bond and received a May 20 court date.

The charge of assault inflicting serious injury stems from a disturbance call where officers found the victim sustained a head injury.