Roanoke Rapids Police Department

Police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred Sunday night around 11 in the area of the 700 block of East Littleton Road near Windchase Apartments.

Officers found the victim on the ground. The victim told officers they were approached by two armed people. The victim said they attempted to run away but fell and sustained a leg injury. The armed suspects reportedly took items from the victim. Chief Chuck Hasty declined to say what was taken.

The suspects may have fled the area in a sport utility vehicle.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator G.L. Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported on Saturday around 10 p.m., Deputy Brandon Council stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation on Eighth near Church street in Scotland Neck.  

Through further investigation Council conducted a search of the vehicle and its occupants when he located cocaine inside a cigarette.

The passenger, Keshia Renee Clark, 32, of Scotland Neck, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Clark received a December 13 court date and was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $2,500 secured bond.

The driver was issued a citation for displaying a revoked North Carolina license plate and was released.

Makerspaces are extensions of the classroom and provide a creative place where students can gather to invent, explore and discover using various tools and materials.  

The room is equipped with several interactive electronic tablets and video boards for learning.

“These Makerspaces are popular in elementary schools,” school system spokesman Les Atkins said. “They allow students to learn words, colors and math skills which enhance critical thinking. It’s really an extension of the classroom.”

A student who struggles learning words might play an interactive digital game in the Makerspace targeting specific reading skills.

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Larry Catalano, Claire Hearne director, said, “This technology-rich environment is all about fostering critical thinking, creativity, and student collaboration. The room was created through several combined efforts of the staff, including coming in over the summer, painting the room in inviting and exciting colors, and assembling the room so that we have an inviting environment.”

Belmont Elementary added a Makerspace a few years ago which includes a 3D printer and an introduction to computer coding and robotics.

“We’re already seeing results and that’s what’s important,” Catalano said.

By the time the register reached the single-purchase limit they were at $3,409.

Following a dash to reach the limit, the tale of tape showed $3,560.22 was spent to help children in the Enfield and Hollister areas have a better Christmas this year.

The $3,552 was the Halifax County Deputy Toy Drive’s share of auction proceeds this summer from a 2017 Civic R Type at Honda of Roanoke Rapids.

“They did a pretty good job,” said dealership General Manager Michael Sterzer of the deputies and Honda employees who went on the Walmart shopping spree this afternoon.

The toy drive received an extra bonus from two out-of-town shoppers who were so impressed by the effort they bought two bicycles to add to the items, Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the sheriff’s office said.

(The next effort in the Deputy Toy Drive is a 48-hour shopping marathon on November 30 in which the public is encouraged to participate by purchasing new toys for girls or boys aged 6-12. The event, sponsored by First Media Radio and White Motors, will be held at Walmart, where the sheriff’s office will have a trailer set up for the toy donations. There will also be sheriff’s office, fire and EMS vehicles on display for the children’s enjoyment, the Sheriff Wes Tripp said. The event starts at 6 p.m. November 30 and ends at 6 p.m. December 2. All the radio stations will be broadcasting simultaneously and there will be representatives from the sheriff’s office and White’s at the drive)

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At Walmart, the deputies and Honda employees bought toys for boys and girls ages 6 through 12, Tripp said.

The Enfield Lions Club will distribute the toys destined for Enfield while Hollister REACH will be responsible for the items there.

The third toy drive under Tripp’s watch, the first two saw toys delivered in Hobgood and Scotland Neck. “Eventually we’ll make a complete loop around the county,” the sheriff said.

The toy drive is part of the sheriff’s Benefitting the Children of Halifax County program. “This is my way of giving back.”

For Stephanie Shotwell of Honda, the shopping spree was worth the time. “I think it’s great. There’s a lot of kids in the community it will help.”

Jill Carter, also a Honda employee, expressed similar sentiments. “I think it’s a great way to help the children. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Vincent Mollicone of Honda said, “It’s a good thing to do to make sure the kids are happy.”

Eight people did the shopping and the goal was to fill each cart with $418 worth of toys.

Corporal Phillip Moyer of the sheriff’s office sought toys for boys.

Moyer said the shopping spree was a good release from what can be a stressful job. “You get to shop for the kids and do something for the community. It’s about helping the kids know we’re not just out there to lock up the bad guys.”

Sterzer watched as the shopping carts began filling up. “I’m happy we could be a part of this. It allows us to give back to the community and help the sheriff.”

Stacy Richardson of Honda was pleased. “I feel real good. Maybe it will help somebody out.”

Deputy Casey Sherrod was the first to fill his shopping cart. “A lot of kids are going to get a lot of toys,” he said. “I got everything I would have wanted when I was a kid.”

The decision comes after no upset bids were submitted against a $3 million offer to buy the building by the 5 p.m. deadline Monday.

City Manager Joseph Scherer this morning confirmed there were no upset bids submitted.

City council meets at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street.

While surprised there were no other bids submitted, Doughtie said, “The people buying it made a real offer. I think they made a genuine offer.”

Doughtie said from conversations he has had, it appears Thomas and Evon McClean “have a plan for development. They have a plan to make this a business venture to help our city move forward.”

Said Doughtie: “To look at the big picture, getting it in private ownership with the possibility of other things to come will offer that venue a chance to reach its full potential.”

The mayor said the potential sale of the venue will give the city dollars to pay on the remaining debt and will eliminate the city spending money on the day to day and month to month costs of keeping the theater open.

Councilman Wayne Smith, who has been a staunch advocate of selling the building, said the potential sale, “Will be a benefit to the taxpayers and do away with the $180,000 in upkeep.”

Sexual battery

A man who has been previously arrested for indecent exposure was arrested last week for allegedly grabbing a victim’s buttocks.

On November 15 at approximately 1:30 p.m., police received a call about an assault in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue.

The victim told Sergeant T. Tyler Henry Kareem Franklin, 32, of Roanoke Rapids, came in the business and was looking around.

After speaking to Franklin the victim started walking toward the front of the store.  

Franklin allegedly grabbed the victim on the buttocks twice.

When the victim said she was calling the police, Franklin left the store.

Franklin was spotted by Animal Control Officer P. Wilson on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway and was taken into custody by Lieutenant P. Parks and Officer J. Shelburne.

Franklin was charged by Captain B.L. Martin with sexual battery and assault on a female.

He received a $3,000 bond and December 20 court date.

He has pled guilty at the district court level each time he has been charged.

He has been charged in March and July.

Loud music

On Monday at approximately 1:30 p.m., Officer C. Hagbourne and Master Officer J. Hardy conducted a traffic stop for loud music from a vehicle on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.  

During the stop an odor of marijuana was coming from inside the vehicle.

A search was conducted and narcotics and paraphernalia were found.

Timothy Earl Green Jr., 20, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance.

He received a $5,000 bond and December 6 court date.

That period allows Thomas and Evon McClean to review documents, inspection reports, the building and its systems before signing.

Both City Manager Joseph Scherer and City Attorney Gilbert Chichester said following tonight’s city council meeting the due diligence period is not expected to take that long.

“They’ve done an excellent job maintaining the facility,” Scherer said of the public works and recreation departments.

Chichester said, “They don’t anticipate it taking the full 120 days.”

City council unanimously adopted a resolution which approves the final bid offer of the McCleans to buy the theater for $3 million. They have already made a $150,000 down payment. There were no upset bids made at close of business Monday, Scherer confirmed earlier today.

Councilman Wayne Smith made the motion to adopt the resolution and Ernest Bobbitt made the second.

Part of the resolution approved says, “Roanoke Rapids City Council deems it advisable and in the best interest of the city to sell its interest in the subject property to the successful bidder and convey its interest in said property by special warranty deed.”

Scherer and Chichester will be working on the contract Wednesday, the attorney said.

Scherer said the McCleans “have a good business plan to develop” the theater as well as the entertainment district off Highway 125.

The prospective owners are expected to reach out to media by public relations representatives next week, Scherer said.

Scherer said conversations with the McCleans have indicated they want to develop adjacent properties around the theater for “what it was originally intended. I think the private ownership will lead to additional efforts to draw more out there.”

Once the sale is complete Scherer said the venue will put around $50,000 in taxes back in the city’s books although he anticipates the new owners may ask for a tax revaluation. The theater is currently valued at $8 million.

The city manager said he is “very hopeful it will lead to very positive development in the district next to the interstate.”
Councilman Carl Ferebee said, “I’m just glad to see it move forward.”

Smith said, “I think it’s going to benefit the taxpayers over a period of time.”

Tonight she did it publicly as she presented firefighters Bryan Hollowell and Carter Rowland their certificates of commendation for rescuing her son Zachary Tillery during a house fire on Franklin Street last month.

Chief Stacy Coggins handed the certificates to Sexton so she could present them to the firefighters during city council’s meeting. “It meant a lot to her to present them as it did to the firefighters,” Coggins said.

“Without you guys, Zachary would not be here,” Sexton told Hollowell, a lieutenant, and Rowland, an engineer.

After the presentation Sexton said her 24-year-old son remains under sedation. “He has lung issues.”

He still needs two to three more skin graft surgeries, she said. “The main concern is his lungs, but he’s still here fighting.”

His mother says doctors at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill say his stay at the facility will be from six months to a year. “It’s a long road to recovery.”

The family plans to go see him this weekend. 

She is appreciative of what the firefighters did the morning of October 12. “I’m very appreciative. I’ve thanked them before. My family has thanked them as well.”

The certificate Coggins and Sexton presented to the firefighters reads, “For an act of heroism and lifesaving on the 12th of October while serving as a firefighter for the city of Roanoke Rapids. On this date you responded to a report of a structure fire … During the primary search of the residence a fire victim was located and rescued from the structure.

“Without hesitation you and your coworkers … used your skills, training and determination. Working together as a team, you gave the victim a chance of survival … This commendation is bestowed upon you for an act performed in the line of duty, which through your professional dedication and prompt alert action resulted in saving a life.”

Battalion Chief Richard Cook said following the presentation, “They did what they were trained to do. I’m proud of them.”

Said Coggins afterward: “I’m just extremely grateful for the dedication and loyalty of the employees of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department who make it such a great organization.”

The charges levied against Katoe Harris today following a search of his residence at the intersection of Thirteenth Street and Virginia Avenue are not expected to affect terms of his registry listing, Captain Anzell Harris of the City County Drug Task Force said at the scene.

The indecent liberties with a child count he was sentenced on in 1998 ran consecutive with numerous cocaine charges of which he was found guilty, state Department of Public Safety records show.

He was placed on the state sex offender registry in May of 2002 for a minimum period of 10 years for an offense which took place when he was 25 and the victim was 15.

This morning’s search warrant was based on an investigation by Agent D.R. Radford and it led to the discovery of cocaine throughout the house. Paraphernalia was also seized.

Captain Harris said in a statement Radford has been investigating the residence for the past seven weeks based on citizen complaints.

Agents had not weighed the cocaine as of this report and Captain Harris said investigation of the residence will continue.

Radford charged Katoe Harris with felony possession of cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $10,000 bond and December 6 court date.

Investigator Jonathan Benthall of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said the card was last known secure by its owner at Texas Steakhouse,

The card was used around noon on November 17 at Little Caesar’s off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

Benthall said the card has also been used at Big Al’s, Domino’s for a delivery order, Walmart and Family Dollar.

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The total charges on the card are at $392, Benthall said.

The photos are from Little Caesar’s surveillance system.

Anyone with information on the two women in the photos or the vehicle caught on the footage is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810, Benthall at 252-533-2898 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

State Representative Michael Wray and Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant presented the plaque to Deese at her final board meeting on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper.  

She attended Rosemary Elementary School, and Roanoke Rapids High School.  She graduated in 1955.  

After high school, she attended Saint Mary’s College (1955-1957) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1957-1959).  

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She graduated in 1959, and began her teaching career in Lynchburg, Virginia.  

She taught at EC Glass High School, and then became Art Supervisor for Lynchburg City Schools.  

During that time, she taught art classes on TV.  Her students winning multiple awards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd  along with several honorable mentions) in Art Contests and the Keep Virginia Green contest was the highlight of her teaching career.

She later completed her M.Ed at Lynchburg College and East Carolina University.  

She moved back to Roanoke Rapids where she taught art for Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools and Halifax County Schools.

She married Ed W. Deese on June 24, 1970. They had one daughter, Sarah.

She retired in 1989 after 30 years of teaching from Northwest Halifax High School.  

After her retirement, she ran for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District School Board of Trustees in November of 1989, and served 28 years.  

She has been active in her tenure on the board, serving on many committees.  A major contribution to the district has been serving as the Chairman of the Policy Committee for many years, ensuring the district is in compliance with Federal and State laws.

She has attended countless North Carolina School Board Association conferences and district meetings through the years.  

She has been an active member of the Halifax County Arts Council, the Women’s Club, and the Roanoke Rapids High School Alumni Association.

“Ms. Deese has dedicated nearly 60 years of her life to serving children. I cannot think of a better person to receive this honor,” said Board Chair Jay Carlisle.  

In a lighthearted remark, Deese presented the board with a framed one dollar bill saying she wished RRGSD and the board the best and wanted them to always have money on hand.  

Created in 1965, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is unique to North Carolina, and its recipients are chosen based on their contributions to their communities, extraordinary careers and many years of service.

Lieutenant Charles Vaught of the Roanoke Rapids confirmed the information this evening and said numerous tips and calls aided in the investigation, which continues.

The names of the two women will be released upon completion of the investigation, chief Chuck Hasty said.

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Last Thursday Champ escaped from his kennel while Morris was away on training. A car struck the dog and the driver did not stop. Champ died shortly after Officer Scott Blythe found him.

The memorial service today included the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, Taps and brief remarks from Chief Chuck Hasty and Morris.

Hasty said in the time Morris and Champ were partnered, they located $83,466 in cash; 7 grams of cocaine; 5.3 grams of crack; 14 grams of heroin; 61.4 grams of marijuana; various amounts of paraphernalia; two stolen stolen guns and located two people, one who was responsible for 90 B&Es in the city and 10 in the county.

Battalion Chief Kevin Hawkins said firefighters responded to the residence shortly after 1:30 p.m. and found the residents on the porch with a garden hose in hand. Light smoke drifted from the residence.

Firefighters Clay Barmer and Gabe Fanara entered the residence and discovered thick, black smoke coming from the kitchen.

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The cabinets and microwave above the stove were burning. Firefighters extinguished the fire and removed the stove, microwave and cabinets from the wall to check whether flames had entered the wall. A slight fire in the walls was extinguished, Hawkins said. “We did salvage and overhaul to keep the damage to a minimum and ventilated the residence.”

Hawkins said there was heavy smoke damage throughout the house and the kitchen was burned.

With having to buy a new stove, redoing the walls and cabinets and repainting the rooms, Hawkins estimated the damage at $20,000. “Our response time possibly saved the residence from devastating loss.”

The origin of the fire was the stove but firefighters could not determine whether the stove was on or off and the residents said they were not cooking at the time.

Three pets were recovered from the smoke-filled house, Hawkins said.

The investigation, based on complaints of drug traffic and sales at a residence on Kelsey Circle, also yielded evidence which tested positive for cocaine, Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement.

Agents of the task force along with Lieutenant J. Bozard, Corporal M. Bishop and Deputy S. Stansberry of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office went to the residence shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Agent D.R. Radford obtained a search warrant based on several complaints.

Bozard and his dog, Fino, assisted agents in seizing marijuana, paraphernalia and the evidence which tested for positive for cocaine.

Paul Frank Lynch, 41, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.  

He has a January 17 court date.

Trooper R.P. Dennis of the State Highway Patrol said Sandra Lee Britt of Straight Road was driving south on the highway when Sergio Torres Batres of Rockville, Maryland, crossed left of the centerline around 9 a.m.

Batres’ Dodge Challenger struck Britt’s 1996 Thunderbird. Britt died at the scene.

The crash occurred just past the Shell gas station and convenience store.

Batres, 20, was traveling an estimated 70 miles per hour when the vehicle crossed the centerline.

Dennis said distracted driving may be a factor in the crash because there was no evidence of braking. He could not say with certainty whether the distracted driving was because of a cell phone or something else in the vehicle.

Batres sustained serious injuries in the crash and was airlifted to Vidant in Greenville for treatment.

He faces pending charges of careless and reckless driving which reflects the speeding and driving left of center.

Dennis said he plans to consult with the district attorney’s office on whether to possibly charge him with felony death by motor vehicle.

Trooper Levern Bynum of the state Highway Patrol said Sam Kearney “immediately took action and jumped in the creek and pulled the elderly woman out of the creek,” after the car she was a passenger in careened down a steep embankment near Walnut Grove Road in the Roanoke Rapids area.

“There was no hesitation,” Bynum said. “When I got on the scene everyone was pointing him out.”

The single-car crash occurred shortly before 1:30 p.m. when Rachael Wells, 78, and her son, Bruce, 53, were leaving services at Carter Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

Bynum said Mr. Wells became distracted and tried to swat at a yellowjacket which was in the vehicle, taking his eyes off the road.

Lydia Kearney, Sam’s mother, said they were behind the vehicle when the crash occurred. “I saw him get in the grass and get further (off the roadway). The car disappeared.”

Sam said, “I saw the car in the water and knew I had to do something because it could turn the wrong way.”

After jumping in, Sam observed Ms. Wells was tangled in her seat belt. “Her head went under water a little bit. What I knew was I had to stay calm. I feel like we were at the right place at the right time. God helped get them free from the car.”

Mrs. Kearney jumped in to help the Wells who were banging on the windows and calling for help.

They loosened mud from around the doors to pop them open and then helped with getting Ms. Wells untangled from her seat belt.

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Sam has been swimming since he was at least 12, he said. They made it back up the embankment by fashioning toe holes and crawling.

Sam was scratched by sticky briars and so was his mother. His iPhone was destroyed but his mother said, “He doesn’t care. I told him he just saved two people’s lives.”

Mrs. Kearney is a full-time student at Halifax Community College in the human services program who also helps several elderly people within the church.

Sam plays the drums at church and is taking further music lessons. He is also on the Northwest football team.

“My son is a hero today,” Mrs Kearney said. “I know God placed that care in his heart for all people.”

As the decision was made to jump in, she said, “He looked in my eyes and said, ‘Ma, I got to do it.’”

She said, “My son is a caring, loving, respectable son. He’s a down to earth 14-year-old. He’s very cool and calm and mature for his age. He’s the man of the house, takes out the garbage, takes care of the cars and yard and takes care of his grandma. He’s a rock. Just to be able to save a life is the most wonderful feeling you can have.”

Said Bynum, “In my opinion it sheds good light for the younger generation to see a young man display that heroism. It speaks volumes for the future.”

Bynum said Mr. Wells will be cited for failure to maintain lane control.

Ms. Wells was taken to Halifax Regional for treatment and is expected to be OK, the trooper said.

Sequan Jamel Robinson, 25, was arrested around 7 p.m. by officers D. Hundley and C. Batchelor for breaking and entering a motor vehicle, larceny and possession of stolen goods for the June 2010 crime which was initially investigated by Investigator G.L. Williams.

During the initial processing of the vehicle a partial print was located and submitted to the Automated Fingerprint Identification System for comparison.

The AFIS is a national database.

In September, the system was upgraded and a reverse lookup matched Robinson’s prints.

He was jailed on $5,000 bond and has a December 6 court date.

Hasty said the work Williams did on the case, “Shows we do process but it takes some time. He took the initial report. It shows he’s a hard worker and is trying to solve these cases.”

Assault suspect  

On Wednesday at approximately 4 p.m., Carson McBride Rawles III, 24, of Garysburg, came to the department to have warrants served.

Rawles was arrested for breaking and entering, assault inflicting serious injury and two counts damage to property.

He received a $6,000 bond and January 3 court date.

The charges stem from an investigation by Officer J. Mason into a report in June of 2016 where the victim reported several people kicked in the door and assaulted the victim.

The victim required medical attention for the injuries.

Rawles was the last person wanted in the case.

Santravean Lavar Watson, 25. surrendered October of 2016.

Dashawn Jamal Harris,18, was arrested on a traffic stop by North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper J.D. Warren on February 9.

Alleged shoplifters caught with drugs

On Sunday at approximately 9 a.m., the department responded to Walmart about a person who  allegedly attempted to take items from the store and was fleeing in a vehicle.

Lieutenant  J. Baggett spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Premier Boulevard.

He encountered Kristie Lee Reynolds, 39, of New York, and Steven Vincent Masciarelli, 48, of Florida, inside the vehicle.  

During a search of the vehicle narcotics and paraphernalia were found.

Masciarelli was arrested and charged with larceny, attempted larceny, no operator’s license and open container.

He received a $1,000 bond and December 8 court date.

Reynolds was arrested and charged with aiding and abetting larceny, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no operator’s license and open container.

She received the same bond and court date as Masciarelli.

Officer H. Grimes assisted

Colonel Glenn M. McNeill Jr., commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Erik A. Hooks, secretary of the Department of Public Safety will present several employees and a retiree with awards from the highway patrol in a ceremony 10 a.m. at the State Bureau of Investigation Auditorium, located at 3318 Old Garner Road.

Trooper Dustin Efird will be presented the Samaritan Award for his actions on July 23 when he came to the aid of a woman in Halifax who had crawled out of her tub after falling and used her vehicle remote to signal for help.

The woman, Renee Washington, a nurse at the Halifax County Detention Center, has not returned to work yet.

(Narratives of all the awards are contained in an attachment at the end of this story)

First Sergeant M.O. Silveri said he will be attending the ceremony.

While Efird has since transferred, the sergeant said, “It means a lot to us we had a trooper of his caliber working with us.”

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp and Jail Administrator Jay Burch will also attend.

“It was a blessing for Efird to be patrolling on main street in Halifax and being alert in his diligence to notice the car alarm going off. Because of that it is my opinion he saved a life.”

Halifax County commissioners honored Efird in September.

The Highway Patrol Samaritan Award is an award bestowed to a member of the patrol who went beyond the call of duty to aid or assist a fellow citizen.

The narrative on Efird’s actions read as follows:

On Sunday, July  23, Trooper Dustin P. Efird  was traveling north on US 301 in Halifax County near the town of Halifax.

He noticed a vehicle parked in a private yard with the four-way flashers on. He traveled just beyond the home before turning around, feeling something just didn’t sit right with him about the situation.

As he traveled back by the home, he rolled his window down to listen for the alarm and heard the vehicle’s horn.

After pulling into the home’s driveway, he heard a female voice call out for help. He notified the Comm Center of his location and walked towards the house.

Efird was unsure of what he was walking into. As he approached, he noticed a female lying against a storm door who asked for help, saying she was injured.

He immediately contacted Communications and asked for an ambulance to respond to his location.  

While they were waiting for EMS, she stated that she was a nurse at the jail. Efird then called the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office to let them know what was going on.

The next day, Efird was contacted by Major Jay Burch of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office thanking him for what he had done.

He stated that Ms. Washington had gotten into the shower around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20th and that is all she remembered.

She had apparently fallen while in the shower and became unconscious. When she woke up it was daylight and she was unable to move.  

Hours later, she was able to get her leg over the tub and crawl to the door. She found her keys and began locking the car, making the horn sound every time a car went by.

Major Burch relayed that Ms. Washington was very grateful and believes Efird saved her life.

The effort has involved elected officials and staff and a common thread among the three towns with a strong core of history and historic sites significant not only to the state but to the entire nation.  

The three towns agreed that by working together and highlighting their nationally significant histories they could offer more reasons to visit, while sharing marketing costs and reducing competition among themselves for heritage travelers.  

The focus on just a few historically significant towns was intentional.

Even though each town maintains its unique identity, they are able to differentiate themselves from other historic towns in North Carolina.  

The town of Halifax will host its launch of the History Worth Repeating effort on December 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Historic Halifax State Historic Site visitor center, located at 25 Saint David St.  The launch is part of a full day of activities during the annual Christmas in Halifax event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which features the town’s Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. along King Street.  

“It was fun and exciting to be part of a revolutionary marketing idea,” said Sharon Vick, Halifax town clerk.  “It’s not often an idea creates such enthusiasm.”  

Each town has examples to discover history worth repeating.   

Edenton with its Tea Party was a political protest organized by women in response to the Tea Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1773.   

Halifax with its Resolves was the first official action by an American Colony calling for independence from Great Britain.  

Warrenton, home of the first architect of North Carolina, blended architectural styles while sending his work force of sixty craftsmen to build colleges in Raleigh, Oxford and Randolph County.  

“The Council liked the idea of Edenton working with other historic towns,” said Edenton Town Manager Anne-Marie Knighton. “They loved the tagline of Discover History Worth Repeating.”  Warren County Manager Robert Davie said, “I believe this effort marks the first time municipalities have crossed local and regional boundaries to jointly promote themselves in North Carolina.”

Warrenton Interim Town Manager Meredith Valentine called the effort “a unique collaboration that will benefit all three towns.”

The passport tour leads visitors through the participating towns.  

Passports are stamped at each historic, merchant, or artisan location.  

Hands-on activities in each town are tailored for children and adults: Resigning the resolves in Halifax, building architectural elements in Warrenton and cruising the bay where the Tea Party occurred in Edenton.  

Passport holders share their experiences online and register for giveaways and prizes.   

For more information or to print a passport visit www.historyworthrepeating.org.  

Preprinted passports are available at any of the following locations:

Edenton:   

• Historic Visitors Center – 108 N. Broad Street
• Penelope Barker House – 505 S. Broad Street
• Edenton Bay Cruises – S. Broad Street on the water
• 309 Bistro & Spirits – 309 S. Broad Street
• Downtown Café and Soda Shoppe – 301 S. Broad Street
• Edenton Coffee House – 302 S. Broad Street
• Waterman’s Grill – 417 S. Broad Street
• Edenton Bay Trading – 407 S. Broad Street
• Chowan Arts Council and Gallery Shop – 504 S. Broad Street

Warrenton:

• Jacob Holt House – 122 S. Bragg Street
• Quilt Lizzy – 117 E. Market Street
• Town Hall – 133 S. Main Street
• Hardware Café – 106 S. Main Street
• Robinson Ferry Restaurant – 111 N. Bragg Street
• Scarlet Rooster – 117 N. Main Street
• Friends Two – 126 S. Main Street

Halifax:

• State Historic Site – 25 Saint David Street
• Halifax Town Hall – 24 S. King Street
• The Hen and the Hog Restaurant – 16 S. King Street
• Bass House Antiques – 13 N. King Street

On Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. a choir will march from the post office to mural park, which will serve as a lead-in to the annual Christmas tree lighting.

Mayor John White will give his welcome and Christmas greetings.

There will be refreshments and a visit from Santa and event organizer Frankie King said organizers will have ornamental snowflakes for attendees to put on the tree.

Next week on December 9, Christmas traditions will be rekindled during Christmas in Halifax.

Decorated homes and churches, living history, along with the annual Christmas parade down King Street will all be held. The parade steps off at 2 p.m.

Christmas in Halifax will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be tours of several of the Historic Site’s buildings, decorated with natural materials.

Other buildings and churches not regularly open to the public can be toured, including the 1890 Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 1852 Glen Ivey House, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The visitor’s center will have a complete schedule and map.

At 10:30 a.m., the Halifax launch of the Discover North Carolina History Worth Repeating will be announced.

Throughout the day, businesses along King Street will open for shopping and the Halifax County Library will show short holiday films from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will make an appearance at 11 a.m.

Following the parade children can visit Santa Claus in the Historic Halifax Visitor Center.

A soup and sandwich luncheon will be served at the Halifax United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fee.