The "Southern Soul Concert will be August 6, 2016 with Terry Wright, Tucka, Maurice Wynn and Black Diamond.

Tickets starting at $40 in advance with tickets going on sale Friday May 20th.

Keep a check on www.BarnBurnerNC.com

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RRHS will graduate 226 seniors at its June 10 commencement.

A story will post later on rrspin.

“It would allow us to better fill the needs,” at the center, Simeon said of the position. “It's causing some personnel issues. The parks maintenance supervisor is filling in day to day.”

Simeon said he would have to find $12,000 within his budget to fund the difference the two salaries. The T.J. Davis supervisor position is slated to be $51,000. “I'm working on the $12,000,” he said. “I expect it to be a wash.”

Councilman Ernest Bobbitt recommended waiting another year before funding the position while Councilman Carl Ferebee asked Simeon whether he believed he could find the $12,000 in his budget.

“I'm looking through that,” Simeon said. “I don't have that answer.”

With the exception of the maintenance line, Simeon said he believed there were line items he could pull from to make the proposal work.

“I don't have a problem with that,” Councilman Wayne Smith said.

Meanwhile, Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky reiterated the need for a city planner.

The upcoming fiscal year is going to be a major year for building permits with construction of the new Manning school, the new State Employees' Credit Union and the MaSuki Apartments in Villages at Cross Creek.

The estimated building permit fees are expected to be around $57,600 for the $19,200,000 school, she said. The estimated building permit fee for the $3 million SECU is $9,000 while the estimated building permit fee for the $13 million apartment complex is estimated to be $39,000.

Lasky said the estimates do not include other fees which will arise during construction of the projects, which total $36,759,903.49. The value of these projects tops a high in 2007 when valuation was at $36,508,350.

“If we can't get additional staff, we're going to have to look at issuing building permit quotas,” she said. “If we can't keep up with demand, we can't issue permits.”

Lasky is looking at around $54,000 to fund the planner position.

“The Manning permit would pay the planner salary the first year,” Smith said.

Lasky anticipates the remainder of this fiscal year and the upcoming fiscal year to be a strong.

A staff planner, she said in an April budget meeting, “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.”

Said Mayor Emery Doughtie, “I think the community deserves to have more enforcement.”

“I think we ought to go ahead and put that on the table,” Smith said.

Ferebee said, for himself, it depends on the bottom line. “Personally, I don't have a problem with it. If the numbers are not right, I may say no. It all depends on the numbers.”

Davis said the shooting, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on McWiggin Street, was the result of a dispute between the man sought, Kendell Antione Taylor, and other people. Davis did not know the nature of the dispute.

In a statement, Captain Dreher Bozard said Taylor, of Enfield, is wanted for going armed to the terror of the people and discharging a weapon in town limits.

Taylor frequents the surrounding county areas as well as Rocky Mount.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Willie Murphy Jr. at 252-578-8566; the police department at 252-445-5122 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

While department heads indicated they were pleased overall with what they could possibly be getting for the upcoming fiscal year, there were discussions of funding positions for the parks and recreation and planning and development departments.

(The city will present the entire budget summary Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street)

As proposed now, the city would seek loans for the following:

Four Ford Interceptors for the police department at $160,000.

A refuse vehicle for public works at $190,000.

Mower replacement

— two each for public works and parks and recreation — at $36,000.

Eight air packs for the fire department at $60,000.

A vehicle for planning and development at $25,000.

A parks and recreation truck at $25,000.

A parks and recreation tractor at $15,000.

Major items not sought for funding through loan proceeds include the following:

Three entry-level positions for public works at $120,000.

Trash carts at $30,000.

Road maintenance at $100,000.

Parks and recreation facility improvements at $25,000.

Guns for the police department — 25 — at $12,500.

Library carpet at $12,000.

Public Works Director said he had no issues with the items he requested and fire Chief Stacey Coggins said, “I'm with Larry. I'm content with the air packs.”

Police Chief Chuck Hasty said, however, he would rather get two new dogs if he couldn't get the 50 handguns he needs.

Councilman Carl Ferebee opened the door to discussion which could lead the police department to getting 50 handguns to replace its aging arsenal. “Somehow, I have a different view. If you need the guns, you need the guns. I would hate to see them fail at the wrong time. If you need the guns, you need the guns.”

“I would prefer guns,” Hasty said.

Councilman Wayne Smith said, “Some of the things like guns could be added in. It's not going to be that much more.”

Councilman Ernest Bobbitt suggested the city fund the weapons and the air packs, which would give the fire department a total of 15 for the upcoming fiscal year. “Some things are more important than others.”

Councilwoman Carol Cowen, however, expressed concern with the loan idea. “I'm getting an uncomfortable feeling and the borrowing, borrowing, borrowing. We're not generating extra dollars.”

City Manager Joseph Scherer has said he is planning the budget with no tax increase proposed and possibly pulling close to $1 million from the city's fund balance. The city currently has about $4.3 million in fund balance, he said.

With the high school's band leading a processional through the halls of its two elementary schools, the graduating class marched through a gauntlet of young well-wishers holding banners and extending their little hands for exchanges of high and low fives.

“They're really big,” one elementary student was overheard saying as graduates made their way through Belmont halls.

(A photo gallery of the event at Belmont is available by following this link. )

Behind the early exercise of pomp and ceremony was the thought of inspiring the youngsters at Manning and Belmont they will one day be in black cap and gowns with the gold tassels hanging from the mortar boards.

“We're really pushing graduation,” said Roanoke Rapids Graded School District spokesman Les Atkins. “The teachers begin talking about graduation at kindergarten. It's to inspire the younger children and for them to have an impressionable moment for them to see they can achieve.”

The event was also an impressionable moment for members of the graduating class.

“It was fun,” said Juanita Webb, who will be attending UNC-Greensboro. “It was really fun for us to be there. I wish they would do this every year.”

David Langley, who will be attending Appalachian State, said, “It was just awesome. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. Everybody should get that opportunity.”

The walk through the halls of Belmont was nostalgic for Jamie Conner, who will be attending East Carolina. “It definitely was to walk in those halls with my cap and gown. I really liked it. It was really exciting. I would definitely like to see the community do this again.”

The second bear sighting in a week, the approximately 2-year-old cub then took an evening siesta in the wooded area behind Interstate Storage around The Store Next Store, said Roanoke Rapids Police Department Deputy Chief Andy Jackson after efforts were renewed this morning to drive the animal back to the river.

“We utilized sirens and cars to change his direction,” Jackson said this morning.

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Sometime this morning, the bear left the area around Fifth Street and wandered to the area of Seventh Street and Park Avenue, climbing up a tree. Sightings of the cub around the area of the high school and Manning elementary brought students inside, system spokesman Les Atkins said.

The bear lingered in the tree as the police department waited for Wildlife to arrive.

Sergeant Dustin Durham advised the patrol cars and people watching from a distance to back off.

His advice worked as the bear finally made his way down as Durham steered him in the direction of River Road.

The bear heeded for the most part, running behind houses adjacent to River Road and then veering to Canal Walk where he could be seen in tall grass before heading into the wood line.

“This time of year they're pushing their cubs out,” Durham said while the bear was still in the tree. “They're pushing their cubs away.”

It is also breeding season, Durham said.

The bear sightings will most likely continue through mating season. “Not too long ago they had the same thing at Elon College. They're trying find food, dog food, tipped over trash cans.”

The bear's aim was to get back to the woods. “Trust me, it didn't want to be in Roanoke Rapids.”

Jackson said the same. “This time of year they're coming out of hibernation. Their moms are splitting with their cubs. We encourage people not to feed them. There's quite a few in the area.”

Thus far the Halifax County Sheriff's Office has arrested two people — Shabrina McGee, 18, of Weldon, and Dajuan Davis, 22, of Woodland, Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement.

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However, warrants have also been filed for four other people in the shooting, according to the statement.

Detective Robert Hale said those wanted and those charged appear to be related through gang ties, but to say the shooting is gang-related is something yet to be determined. “I can't speak on that,” he said. “It's likely to be tied to a previous dispute.”

Hale the sheriff's office is still trying to determine who actually did the shooting the evening of March 29 at Three Flags.

McGee has been charged with attempted murder and felony conspiracy. Davis faces the same counts as McGee as well as a charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. McGee is scheduled for a May 31 court appearance while Davis is scheduled to appear in court on July 20, according to court records.

Meanwhile, Hale said the sheriff's office is still trying to locate the other four — Fabian Sexton, 25, of Woodland; Tamera Anderson, 18, of Halifax; Kvon Lassiter, 21, of Murfreesboro; and Keshara Boone, 18, of Weldon.

Sexton, Anderson and Lassiter face charges of attempted murder and felony conspiracy while Boone has an outstanding warrant for felony conspiracy.

At the time, the sheriff's office reported the victim was shot multiple times but was in stable condition.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Hale at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Breaking and entering arrest

Meanwhile, Hall reported Corporal Josh Langley Wednesday arrested and charged Kenneth Leon Ellis, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, in a residential breaking and entering which was reported in the Littleton area January 4.

Continued investigation by Langley led to the arrest of the man on charges of larceny of a firearm, felony breaking and entering, and possession of stolen goods.

He received a $5,000 secured bond and July 20 court date.

Captain Bobby Martin said when the boy was caught Tuesday he went through juvenile services and was taken into juvenile detention.

In a statement, Martin said the first call was around 9:30 a.m. Monday and Investigator Chris Babb responded to Roanoke Rapids High School, where it was reported someone was attempting to go through vehicles there.

When confronted by witnesses, the boy fled to Roanoke Avenue.

Investigator Gorton Williams located the boy on Monroe Street and released him to guardian custody. Petitions were drawn up for attempted breaking and entering and attempted larceny.

The following day, Martin said in the statement, the police department was called to the Aquatic Center around 11:30 a.m. to a vehicle break-in, which was in progress. The juvenile fled again down a back alley toward Seventh Street and was then spotted in the 1000 block of Jefferson Street where he was caught after a foot chase.

The juvenile was identified as the same boy from Monday and was placed into secure custody for breaking and entering a motor vehicle, attempted breaking and entering a motor vehicle and two counts of resist, delay and obstruct.

Sergeant Mike Moseley, investigators J.K. Davis and Williams, and officers Jeffrey Mason, Alex Green and Ryan Cross worked together to take the juvenile into custody.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., Lieutenant Jeff Baggett conducted a traffic stop on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near I-95 for a violation.

Baggett noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and during a search, drug paraphernalia was found.

Baggett cited Jasmane Terrell Clements, 25, of Garysburg, for fictitious registration and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was released until his July 11 court date.

Master Officer Adam Salmon assisted.

At approximately 5 p.m., Lieutenant C.L. Vaught responded to a report of breaking and entering and kidnapping which occurred on Monday around 11:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Monroe Street.

The victim reported Kelvin Gabriel Broady, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, kicked in the door of the residence. When the victim attempted to run away, Broady allegedly caught the victim and would not let them leave.

Broady allegedly questioned the victim about an upcoming court date where the victim was to testify against him.

The victim escaped when Broady fell asleep.

Vaught obtained warrants for Broady’s arrest after speaking with the victim.

When the victim returned home Broady was leaving the residence.

Vaught notified patrol officers of the vehicle description and direction of travel.

Sergeant Mike Moseley located the vehicle going into Gaston and conducted a traffic stop on Craig Street.

Broady was taken into custody without trouble and charged with breaking and entering, kidnaping, intimidating a witness, communicating threats, assault on a female and injury to property.

Broady was held without opportunity for bond and has a June 15 court date.

Officers Alex Green and Ryan Cross assisted.

Wednesday May 25, 2016

At approximately 9 a.m., Investigator Gorton Williams arrested Stacey Nicole Carpenter, 31, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants.

The charges stem from an investigation by Williams reported on May 19.

The victim reported while shopping they left their wallet on the counter. It was gone when they returned to find it.

After further investigation and review of surveillance video by Williams and loss prevention, Carpenter was developed as the alleged suspect.

Carpenter was charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

She received a $500 bond and July 20 court date.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., Salmon responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Jesse Lee Spates Jr., 27, and Jaiana Aaliyah Fleming, 19, both of Roanoke Rapids, took items.

They face charges of larceny and possession of stolen goods.

They received $500 bonds and June 17 court dates.

Officer Jeffrey Mason assisted.

Thursday May 26th, 2016

At approximately 10:58 p.m., Officer D. Daniels arrested Demetrick Clark, 38, of Garysburg, on an outstanding order for arrest for failure to appear from Northampton County.

The warrants were for assault with a deadly weapon. Clark was arrested in the 100 block of Roanoke Avenue and jailed on $2,000 bond with a June 30 court date.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., Lieutenant Perry Parks arrested Stephanie Barber, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants related to a felony probation violation.

Parks saw Barber at Food Lion on Roanoke Avenue and approached her. She gave Parks a fake name. Parks found her in possession of drug paraphernalia and arrested her on the OFA, a probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia and resist, delay and obstruct.

She received a $5,000 bond and June 13 court date.

At approximately 8:01 p.m., Officer Jamie Hardy arrested Antonio Baker, 34, and Cassandra Jacobs, 52, both of Roanoke Rapids.

The charges and arrest stem from a complaint Hardy received about a vehicle driven carelessly and recklessly through the 100 block of Madison Street.

Hardy located the vehicle and stopped it near Second and Madison.

Baker gave Hardy a fake name and date of birth because he had no drivers license.

Hardy discovered they were driving with marijuana, pills and paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Baker and Jacobs were arrested and charged with simple possession of schedule II, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of schedule VI.

Baker was also charged with no operator’s license and Jacobs was charged with allowing an unlicensed person to drive.

Baker was placed under a $600 bond with a July 15 court date and Jacobs received a $500 bond and the same court date.

Parks and Daniels assisted.

At approximately 6:41p.m., Parks arrested Michael R. Crowder, 32, of Roanoke Rapids.

The arrest stems from an OFA/FTA for DWI and driving while license revoked.

Parks went to the area of the 700 block of Charlotte Street to find him.

Crowder was located and arrested without trouble.

He received a $3,000 bond and June 10 court date.

Sergeant Daniel Jenkins and Hardy assisted.

At approximately 3:48 p.m, Officer Dale Strickland arrested Kristopher Cherry, 25, of Roanoke Rapids. The arrest stems from a warrant for damage to property out of Nash County.

He received a $1,000 bond and June 2 court date in Nash County.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the sheriff's office said in a statement Terrick Hyman, 17, of Roanoke Rapids, faces charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, felony conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, assault inflicting serious injury and assault by pointing a gun.
Hall said this afternoon robbery is the apparent motive in the case and others, who he declined to immediately name, are also wanted.
The charges stem from a case investigated by Detective D.C. Dickens of the sheriff's office after the victim reported he was robbed of his money and assaulted on Lincoln Street before being driven to another location.
Captain Bobby Martin said in the Roanoke Rapids Police Department's twice-weekly blotter report, Officer Dale Strickland arrested Hyman shortly before 10:45 a.m. after locating him at a residence in the 1000 block of Cedar Street.
Hyman was jailed on $100,000 bond and received a July 27 court date.
Hall said investigation continues.

According to the Halifax County Board of Elections office, voters who wish to vote early may do so at the board of elections office located in the Historic Courthouse in Halifax at 10 North King Street.

Early voting, with the exception of Monday when county offices are closed for Memorial Day, will continue Tuesday through next Friday.

(A sample ballot is included as an attachment at the end of this story)

The Tuesday through Friday early voting will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be another opportunity for early voting on Saturday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On election day, June 7, regular polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Voters who wish to register and vote same day may do so during the One-Stop Voting period.

An acceptable form of ID will be required when presenting to vote in person. There are other voting options for voters who may not have any of the acceptable forms of ID. Acceptable forms are: NC Driver’s License/Permit, NC Identification Card, US Passport, Military Identification Card, Veterans Identification Card, and certain Tribal Enrollment Cards.

For questions, contact the Board of Elections Office at 252-583-4391.

This year's awards included five full four-year college scholarships.  

Addie Nixon was named the 2016 Valedictorian.  Salutatorian is Joan Navarro.

First responders were dispatched to the area of Highway 48 in Gaston shortly before 11:45 a.m. after people passing by his residence heard his screams and pulled him free.

He was treated on scene by Gaston EMS technicians and Northampton County paramedics before being flown from the scene by Vidant EastCare.

Porter said it is not clear what the man's condition is as of this report and it was not clear whether there would be a law enforcement investigation since the matter occurred in his backyard.

The Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer reported the 17-year-old, who was visiting, drowned while swimming with friends.

Roanoke-Wildwood Volunteer Fire Chief Lorenzo Wilkins told the newspaper emergency responders were dispatched to Roanoke Drive in the Webb Gate neighborhood of Henrico.

Gaston Fire and Rescue Chief Ed Porter Jr. said in a statement his units were called for backup after 5 p.m. to help search for the teenager who was missing in the water.

Porter said, according to the eyewitness accounts, the boy was in a paddleboat with a friend when it began to sink.

Both exited and began to swim to a boat dock.

The 17-year-old complained he was becoming exhausted and went under water. His companion made it to shore unharmed

Rescue boats and public safety scuba divers were deployed to the scene.

Scuba divers from Gaston Fire and Rescue performed an underwater search near the point the boy was last seen and within 10 minutes recovered him from the water.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is assisting the sheriff's office.

Northampton County EMS, Northampton County Emergency Management, Gaston EMS, Conway-Severn Rescue Squad, and Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad also responded.

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Two people described as black males entered the residence wearing ski masks.

The two men stole approximately $1,500 worth of various items, which Jackson declined to list in detail.

Sergeant Daniel Jenkins and his dog, Pocock, ran a track which went went cold at Kemp Avenue and Fifth Street.

No further physical descriptions were immediately available.

The injured victim was treated at the scene by EMS.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Charles Vaught at 252-533-2819 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The budget will also pull $1,271,000 from fund balance. Part of the money from fund balance — $611,000 — will be used for installment financing to purchase bigger ticket items for police, fire, public works and parks and recreation. The remaining $660,000 would be used to balance the budget, Scherer said in his budget message to council. The fund balance will remain at around 20 percent.

The city's property tax rate of 65.1 cents per $100 of valuation remains the same. Employees will receive a 2 percent cost of living adjustment.

(The budget public hearing will be held June 14 at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall)

Scherer said in his budget message, “Achieving a balanced budget remains a challenge to provide effective services to our citizens … The state's economy is at its strongest since the recession ended over six years ago, yet the pace of growth here at home remains below average. We anticipate the economy to continue on a slow and steady path, as we did last year. Little change in this scenario is expected over the next 12 months.”

Council did express concern over an 11 percent jump in the cost of the city's group health insurance, with criticism coming from Councilman Wayne Smith the package was just finalized today. “It's ridiculous,” he said, saying it was time to seek bids from outsider vendors.

Mayor Emery Doughtie asked Scherer to explain to employees they have a choice to seek outside sources for coverage of their family members.

Smith did ask what would happen if council delayed consideration of the budget, Scherer responding it has to be in place July 1 or the city can't operate.

Smith said afterward, “Anything can happen. I don't think that will be the case (delaying). I just want a chance to look at everything in here.”

In closing the budget message, Scherer said, “We continue to strive to present a recommended annual budget that is balanced, protects the investments made in the past, fosters a work environment that ensures the safety of those who serve the city and provides services as economically and efficiently as possible.”

The high school had a moment of silence in Turner’s memory this morning, the paper reported.

Gaston Fire and Rescue Chief Ed Porter Jr. said in a statement Sunday his units were called for backup after 5 p.m. to help search for the teenager who was missing in the water.

Porter said, according to the eyewitness accounts, Turner was in a paddleboat with a friend when it began to sink.

Both exited and began to swim to a boat dock.

Turner complained he was becoming exhausted and went under water. His companion made it to shore unharmed.

Rescue boats and public safety scuba divers were deployed to the scene.

Scuba divers from Gaston Fire and Rescue performed an underwater search near the point theTurner was last seen and within 10 minutes recovered him from the water.