Lieutenant Tommy Myrick of the Littleton Fire Department said the wood-frame house overlooking the lake was engulfed when firefighters arrived after receiving a call around 5:30 p.m.

There were no injuries and the homeowner and a friend got out safely. They tried to extinguish the flames but the fire “became too big for them to handle it,” Myrick said.

It took Littleton firefighters, who received help from Davie, Rheasville, Longbridge and Churchill-Five Forks, “a good hour” to bring the blaze under control.

Warren County Rescue and Halifax County EMS were on scene as well.

Firefighters stayed at the scene until 1:30 this morning and came back out around 5:30 to touch up hotspots, Myrick said.

The fire caused minor damage to two homes beside in the form of vinyl siding melting and cracked windows on one.

The occupants escaped with the clothes they had on and got their vehicles out of the way.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated but Myrick said it is not believed to be suspicious. It appears the fire started at the back of the house facing the water.

The American Red Cross provided assistance.

There was total content loss.

The larceny of chainsaws and hand grinders occurred at a private shop in the area.

Anyone with information on the man in the video is encouraged to call Detective R.B. Biggerstaff at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“Everyone here had some impact on this project,” Roanoke Rapids Mayor Emery Doughtie said. “Traveling up and down the road it’s been sad to look at the empty building for a long time.”

Doughtie credited Plant Manager Billy Rodgers for his work in reviving the plant. “It’s another step to progress in our county.”

Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant said, “We thank Culpeper. It really comes from the bottom of my heart. We appreciate you bringing the plant to Roanoke Rapids.”

Bryant said the company had to work through environmental issues before becoming operational and bringing 20 new jobs and a $2.7 million investment to the city. “We’re very excited and happy to have you here.”

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Jonathan Jenkins, president of the company, said, “We’re happy to be here. We thank (Halifax County Economic Development Director) Cathy Scott and the economic development group for working with us. We thank the city of Roanoke Rapids, the state and county.”

Jenkins said Rodgers assembled a team of veterans in the industry to make the opening of the facility a reality.

The company, he said, provides lumber to private and family-owned lumber yards. “The mom and pops. We’re not a lumber storage business. We’re moving this lumber. I think back to when we bought the property a lot had to happen.”

Rodgers said, “The only thing here was a shell.”

From plumbing to electrical, vandals took it out, he said. “There’s been a lot of work here.”

That work included soil borings and developing stormwater plans. “There are a handful of people with 100 years of lumber experience in that office.”

State Representative Michael Wray said, “Today is a blessed day to put the puzzle together. We thank you guys for building a dream team. It’s about a community giving back and creating jobs.”

Ronnie Locke, chair of the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, said, “Thank you all for choosing Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County.”

Fighting arrest

On Saturday at approximately 6:45 p.m., Lieutenant C. Burnette and Sergeant M. Peck were working an off-duty assignment at the Roanoke Rapids High School basketball game when a fight started between two girls in the stands.  

The officers separated the two girls.

Latina Jamil Moore, 17, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with simple affray and a 14-year-old juvenile will be petitioned for the same charge.

They were both released to a responsible person until their courts dates.

The reason for the fight was not known.

Parade participant struck  

On Sunday at approximately 2 p.m., Peck was notified a juvenile was struck by a float in the parade line-up area.  

The juvenile was next to the float, lost their footing, fell and struck.  

The juvenile was transported by Halifax County EMS to Halifax Regional for treatment and is doing OK.  

Assault call 

On Sunday at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Elm Street about an assault.

Officer J. Spragins found the victim bleeding from the head.

Halifax County EMS transported the victim to Halifax Regional for treatment.

Spragins arrested Felicia Smalls, 51, of Roanoke Rapids, for assault inflicting serious injury.

During the arrest Smalls spit on, kicked and head butted Spragins.  

She was additionally charged with assault on a government official, resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer and interfering with emergency communications.

She received a $3,000 bond and January 12 court date.

Officer J. Shelburne assisted.

Domestic charges

On Monday at approximately 11:30 a.m., Officer J. DeSare responded to a 911 hang-up call at Chockoyotte Park.

DeSare spoke with several witnesses and the victim about the matter.

DeSare arrested Albert Lee Simmons Jr., 28, of Roanoke Rapids, for assault on a female.  

He was jailed without opportunity for bond and has a December 8 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett assisted.

Domestic warrant

On Monday at approximately 11:45 a.m., Officer H. Grimes was attempting a warrant service in the 300 block of Jefferson Street for domestic assault.  

When Grimes knocked on the door someone peeked through the window blind and closed it.

Grimes could hear footsteps inside the house.  

Officer M. Hunsucker was at the back door when he saw Jeremy Scott Haines, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, walking towards the back of the residence.

When Haines saw Hunsucker he ran towards the center of the house.

Officers knocked on the door several more times in an attempt to get Haines to come to the door but he refused.  

Officers entered the residence and arrested Haines on the outstanding warrant.

He was also charged with resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

He was jailed without opportunity for bond and received a December 8 court date.

The assault on a female charges stem from an investigation by Master Officer G. Morris into a matter reported on November 27.

Baggett and Sergeant D. Jenkins assisted.

Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon told city council this evening he plans to submit the application in February.

Council, with Carol Cowen absent, unanimously accepted the Highway 158 masterplan which targets improvements at Chaloner Recreation Center, Wheeler Park and Martin Luther King Park.

The improvements in the Highway 158 corridor were subject to a stakeholders meeting in October.

That forum came after council determined in August its funding options for a new pool at Chaloner were all but exhausted.

Part of the plan includes removing the failing pool at the recreation center and replacing it with a splash pad.

Simeon said after the meeting he was not yet sure how much the funding request would be.

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Meanwhile this evening Judge Alma Hinton swore in Mayor Emery Doughtie and council members Suetta Scarbrough and Wayne Smith. The three ran unopposed in the November municipal election.

In another matter council elected Carl Ferebee as mayor pro tem.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement Charlie Andrew Lynch, 29, has been charged with second-degree sex offense, breaking and entering with intent to terrorize, assault on a female and damage to property.

The charges stem from a domestic disturbance call investigated by Officer H. Grimes Tuesday around 6 p.m. in the 1300 block of Virginia Avenue involving a disturbance between Lynch and his estranged wife.

Lynch came to the residence to retrieve items and accusations were made which prompted an argument and an alleged assault on the victim.

The victim got away from Lynch and locked herself in the bedroom.

Lynch, however, reportedly kicked the door open and assaulted the victim again. He also reportedly damaged more property before leaving.

Grimes obtained warrants for Lynch’s arrest and this morning he was located in the 1400 block of Trueblood Road by deputies Corporal D. Newsome and Deputy E. Johnson of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office along with Grimes and Lieutenant J. Baggett of the police department.

Hasty said Lynch reportedly damaged the victim’s cell phone, ring and debit card. The sex offense involved inappropriate acts.

Lynch was jailed without opportunity for bond and has a January 3 court date.

Assault

This morning around 4:30, police responded to a fight call at Walmart.

Sergeant T. Tyler located a victim with several lacerations to his abdomen and shoulder.

The victim was transported by Halifax County EMS to Halifax Regional for treatment.

The victim gave a description of three men who left on a silver Nissan.

Hasty said it is still under investigation whether all three participated in the stabbing. It is not clear whether a knife or other sharp instrument was used.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810 or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Fugitive located

On Tuesday at approximately 11:15 p.m., Officer J. Spragins located a fugitive from Virginia in the 300 block of Taylor Street.  

Carlesha Reed, 30, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested on a fugitive warrant for probation violation out of Lancaster County.

She received a $50,000 bond and December 20 court date.

Officer J. Shelburne assisted.

The investigation Monday at a Weldon motel room led to the arrest of 20-year-old DaQuan Harris and warrants obtained for the arrest of Tyshon Jamill Alston, who was charged in September, 2014, murder of Wilton Lee Cotton. Also charged in the Cotton murder were Rodney Joyner and Ketrell Hawkins.

Joyner is serving active time for the Cotton murder which occurred on Gordon Drive in Roanoke Rapids near the Oak Street intersection. Hawkins received a suspended sentence.

Captain A.M. Harris of the task force confirmed Alston, 21, of Garysburg, was one of the defendants in the Cotton murder.

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In the drug sting, Captain Harris said in a statement agents received information from Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp drug sales were taking place at a Weldon motel near Interstate 95.

Captain Harris confirmed Mr. Harris and Alston allegedly set up at the motel to sell drugs.

Agents arrived at the hotel shortly after 1:30 p.m. to investigate the tip. They located the room and conducted what Captain Harris referred to as a knock and talk, Mr. Harris coming to the door.

With the strong smell of marijuana coming from the room, three people were detained and agents applied for a search warrant, which was granted.

Agents located approximately 138 grams of marijuana, two handguns, and several items of drug paraphernalia which included Mason jars, a box of plastic bags, two digital scales and a book bag.

Agent C.A. Parker arrested and charged Mr. Harris, 20, of Mulberry Street, Weldon, for felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. He received a January 17 court date.

Parker also obtained warrants for the arrest of Alston for felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper S.R. Corn and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office canine Corporal D. Newsome and Lieutenant R. Keeton assisted.

Alston is currently on active probation for the robbery with a dangerous weapon charge stemming from the Cotton murder. He was convicted August 11.

The children and participants will meet at 10 a.m. next Saturday, December 16, at Chick-fil-A on Premier Boulevard for breakfast before heading to Walmart.

“It’s by far the most successful year in the history of Christmas for Kids,” Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said.

Jackson and Chief Chuck Hasty credit the success of this year’s program to the donations local businesses and citizens in the community have made.

(There is still time to donate to the Christmas for Kids program. Next Wednesday is the deadline and donations will be accepted at the police department. A $250 donation helps a child with an ample supply of clothes, food and toys)

With other activities going on to help children across the area this holiday season, Hasty said he is impressed with the outpouring for each endeavor. “The community is supporting all of them.”

Officers and others who assist with the department’s annual program get to see the mark it leaves on the participants and recipients, Jackson said. “They have seen how special it is to make a kid’s day. It reminds us Christmas is about giving and not receiving.”

What Jackson has observed is the reaction of the recipients. “I have seen children that really have good family values wanting to share gifts with their siblings and parents.”

The donations by residents and businesses are emotional as well, Jackson said. “It warms your heart to realize the love within the community.”

The program has been in existence since the early 2000s, Jackson said.

It started with with about 10 children and has grown to nearly 40.

Jackson recalled one child who went straight for the basketballs. “You could see him doing imaginary basketball shots. You could see it made his day.”

On Friday the Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Department will host Christmas at the Canal and on Tuesday night will host the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band which will perform a free holiday concert at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.

Christmas at the Canal

The free event will be held both inside and outside the Roanoke Canal Museum.

It runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be a fire pit outside with s’mores, hot chocolate and coffee available, said Ryan Newsome, cultural resources leader for the city.

The Roanoke Rapids High School Chorus will perform outside by the fire.

This will be the second year consecutive year of the event. “It went really well good last year,” Newsome said. “We had over 200 people.”

One of the highlights of the event is attendees will be able to have photos taken with Santa free of charge. The Grinch can also be seen at the event.

Inside the museum there will Christmas-related crafts and games for children. The children can make cinnamon stick ornaments, play pin the nose on the snowman and play a game of throw the marshmallows in the Christmas wreath.

Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon the event was “one of the best Christmas program we had in our department. I think it’s the outside activities combined with the inside activities.”

Concert

Simeon said there are approximately 100 tickets left for the Holiday Memories in Blue show at the theater. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

The free tickets can be obtained at T.J. Davis, the police department, the Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum and the theater.

The Heritage of America Band contacted the city saying it wanted to do a free concert for the community. “This is a great opportunity for the community to come out and participate in a military Christmas show,” Simeon said.

The concert is expected to be the final one held under the city’s ownership of the venue. “I think having a free concert, especially a Christmas show, is a nice way for the city to show its appreciation for support of the theater,” he said.

The concert will highlight 70 years of Air Force holiday memories.

Traditional and new music will be performed by several of the Heritage of America Band’s ensembles, featuring holiday selections from each decade of Air Force history.

Additionally, a multimedia presentation featuring stories of America’s veterans will be highlighted during the concert.

The band was one of the original Army Air Corps bands, created by order of the Secretary of War on October 1, 1941, and assigned to Barksdale Field, Louisiana. In June 1946, after a short stay at Brooks Field, Texas, the band arrived at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, its current home.

“Kicking off the Christmas Home Tour at Creative Designs, then visiting the festively decorated homes will give you a head start on the holiday spirit,” said Treva Neville, event coordinator. Neville said there are all types and sizes of homes featured on this year’s tour.

Maps will be distributed at the opening reception held at Creative Designs on Becker Drive starting at 1:30.

Each person with a ticket will receive a map so participants can visit the homes in whatever order they choose.

Neville said this year’s homes vary in charm from cute and quaint in-town homes, beautiful transitional homes, to an elegant farmhouse on sprawling acreage located right outside of town.

(Tickets are $15 each or two for $20 in advance. The two for $20 advance special is to encourage guests to bring a friend. Tickets may also be purchased at the day of the tour at the opening reception held at Creative Designs for $15)

Participants are also invited to enjoy a 10 percent discount off one item the day of the tour at the opening reception at Creative Designs. Refreshments will be available as well as holiday music. Tammy Jean, owner of Creative Designs, has been a loyal supporter of the DYW program for many years, said Neville.

Each home will also host two or more of this year’s participants of the program, as well as Sarah Rightmyer, the current Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley. Sarah will go on to represent the Roanoke Valley in the North Carolina state DYW program in January.

The girls will be assigned to different homes to meet and greet home tour guests.

“This is a great way for the community to get to know the young women, as well as a great way for the girls to practice their public speaking skills,” Neville said.

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The Distinguished Young Women of Roanoke Valley home tours have raised more than $4,500 for college scholarships for participating young women in the Roanoke Valley during the past four years. “This year’s scholarship program will be held in August with 18 young women from the Class of 2019 participating for thousands of dollars in college scholarships. These young ladies attend several different schools in the Valley,” said Neville. “This is a very smart, talented and well-versed group of amazing young women. We anticipate awarding more scholarship money on stage this year than any year before.”

Neville is the co-chairperson of the Roanoke Valley DYW program along with Casey Harris. Serving on the Distinguished Young Women committee are several women in the community: Kendall Rightmyer, Cory Dill, Marcie Greene, Lindsey Goble, Lori Medlin, Sheri Rightmyer, Mandy Clark, Lauren Wright, Denise Beaver, Kelsey Short, Shannon Dickinson, Beth Phelps, Michelle Pageau, Emily Lyles, Natalie Robertson, Tabitha Grimes, Heather Merritt, Jeri Hernandez, and Kristy Wright.

Tickets for the Home Tour may be purchased at various locations around town: Creative Designs, Joy J’s Boutique, Mirror Mirror Hair Salon and M.J. Price Construction.

For more information, call Neville at 252-532-1516 or by email at roanokevalleync@distinguishedyw.org

On Saturday at approximately 3 a.m., Corporal M.A. Bishop stopped a vehicle in the Roanoke Rapids area for a registration violation and identified the driver as James Williams Jr., 27, of Roanoke Rapids.

Further investigation led to the request of assistance from Lieutenant John Bozard and his dog Fino to assist with a sniff of the vehicle.

After a positive alert for narcotics a search led to the discovery of marijuana.

Williams was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, and driving while license revoked.

Williams was reportedly in possession of cocaine during his arrest.

He has a December 20 court date.  

On Friday shortly after 11:15 p.m., Corporal Brandon Council stopped a vehicle for a stop sign violation in the Roanoke Rapids area.

Council identified the driver as Alfonso Williams, 29, of Halifax, and the passenger as Audwin Parker, 28, of Roanoke Rapids.

Council suspected illegal drug activity and requested a canine respond to assist.

Bozard and Fino arrived on scene and completed the sniff of the vehicle.

After a positive canine alert on the vehicle, a search revealed 38 grams of marijuana, two digital scales, numerous vacuum sealed bags along with multiple vacuuming devices, a prepackaged counterfeit narcotic, and multiple open containers of alcohol.

Council cited Williams with failure to stop at a stop sign and possession of an open container of alcohol pending a January 8 court date.

Council arrested and charged Parker with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and distribute marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and possession with intent to sell and distribute a counterfeit controlled substance.

Parker was cited on Church Street last month and arrested last month during investigation of a reputed trap house on Zoo Road.

He has a December 20 court date pending.

On Friday at approximately 8 p.m., Bishop received a call a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Deer Run Drive in the Roanoke Rapids area.

The pedestrian left the scene and was inside his residence.

While checking on the victim Bishop discovered a bag of crack cocaine laying on a table inside.

The victim, later identified as Anthony Watson, 31, of Roanoke Rapids, was treated on scene by Halifax County EMS for minor injuries, and then arrested for possession of cocaine.

He has a December 20 court date.

The shooting of the male child occurred in the 700 block of Elm Street shortly after 8:15 this evening, Weldon police Chief James Avens said.

The child was shot after he was transitioning from one room of the house to another.

It was not clear how many shots were fired. Avens was headed to the crime scene after departing Halifax Regional as of this report. He has called the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to process the crime scene.

Avens said he doesn’t believe the shooting was random. Motive is unclear at this point.

The chief said the police department has several people of interest in the case.

Weldon police Chief James Avens confirmed the death of Jaxson Clay via text message this morning. He could not immediately be reached for further comment.

Avens said in the message the boy would have turned 2 on December 23. He said investigation continues.

The child, Avens said Thursday night, was airlifted from Halifax Regional to an undisclosed medical facility in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head in the wake of a drive-by shooting.

The shooting of the male child occurred in the 700 block of Elm Street shortly after 8:15 p.m. The child was shot after he was transitioning from one room of the house to another.

It was not clear how many shots were fired.

Avens said he doesn’t believe the shooting was random. Motive is unclear at this point.

The chief said the police department has several people of interest in the case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestopper at 252-583-4444.

According to Deputy Chief Andy Jackson, officers responded to a call of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle shortly after 8:15 p.m. Thursday.

The 62-year-old pedestrian was struck by a car on Highway 48 near Medlin Street.

The victim, who Jackson declined to immediately name, was taken to a medical facility for treatment.

He said it appears alcohol use by the victim may be a contributing factor.

Charges are not expected to be filed against the driver.

According to Captain Bobby Martin, officers responded to a fight call at Chockoyotte Park shortly before 12:45 Thursday afternoon.

Officers located suspects as they tried to flee the area and contacted those reportedly involved in the fight, in which no serious injuries were sustained.

Two of the people had active orders for their arrests and officers also discovered marijuana and a stolen handgun during the interactions.

The stolen handgun was located in the vehicle Tyrik Ivey and Jawuan Arrington were in.

Officer H. Grimes and her dog Jimi conducted the search which helped locate the weapon.

Grimes charged Arrington, 24, of Weldon, with possession of a stolen firearm and the order for arrest. He was placed under a $2,285 bond with a January 3 court date.

Officer M. Hunsucker charged Ivey, 20, of Roanoke Rapids, with possession of a stolen firearm and an outstanding order for arrest. He received a $2,000 bond and January 3 court date. Investigator G.L. Williams cited Sceva Kendall, 18, of Pleasant Hill, for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. He received a January 29 court date.

Lieutenant Charles Vaught , Lieutenant J. Baggett and Master Officer G. Colson assisted

“I believe it was a very professional and profitable meeting. I look forward to a new, positive chapter in the entertainment district development,” Scherer said this afternoon.

The city manager said the meeting wasn’t part of the due diligence process Tom and Evon McLean are going through before the final purchase of the theater. “It was more of them moving forward with putting together different parts of their business plan.”

Charles Upchurch, of Raleigh-based French West Vaughan, the theater’s designated public relations marketing firm, said in a statement the ownership group met with representatives of East Coast Entertainment to explore strategies for talent booking.

ECE, Upchurch said in the statement, is the largest independent full service entertainment booking agency in the country. Executives from the company came to the theater Thursday from their Richmond and Raleigh offices. “East Coast Entertainment will be making recommendations to the theater for an initial line-up of shows and an overall strategy for year-round entertainment offerings,” he said.

In addition to ECE, the group heard recommendations from a group travel marketing expert specializing in bus tour bookings.

In attendance were the ownership group including the McLeans and Beau Petty, along with Mayor Emery Doughtie, Scherer, City Attorney Gilbert Chichester, and marketing executives from French West Vaughan.

The Hermie Sadler Slip-In and IHOP Express site was ranked #1 in the entire Eastern Seaboard region, as well as overall  product volume, having pumped over 1.5 million gallons of gas since opening in February of 2017.  

The state of the art C Store is open 24 hours, and features complete Convenience store products and services such as Lottery and ATM, and has recently added beer and wine sales.

Task force Captain A.M. Harris said agents believe Nijen Alfredo Stephens, 35, rented the house in the 800 block of Zoo Road North to sell drugs from.

Harris said whether he sublet the house to other drug dealers is a matter which remains under investigation. He said Stephens was “very familiar” with the people who have been arrested at the house in previous operations.

In a statement released today, Agent D.R. Radford said Stephens released the keys on November 8, the day of the second search warrant execution at the house. He had also removed furniture from the residence.

The rental agreement between the property owner and Stephens began on October 12 and stipulated if criminal activity or the tenant became a nuisance to the community the tenant would be asked to leave the premises immediately.

On November 14 agents D.W. Mckeel and D.J. Epperson both obtained warrants for the arrest of Stephens for maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for a controlled substance.

During the follow-up investigation agents discovered Stephens rented the property which allowed several known drug dealers in the community to manufacture and sell heroin, cocaine, marijuana and pills from the residence.

Stephens was arrested and served with the warrants by Deputy J. Comeaux on November 31.

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Deer Run Drive

A Roanoke Rapids man and woman were arrested today following execution of a search warrant in the area of Deer Run Drive.

Radford said the search warrant was based on drug complaints.

Agents and members of the patrol division of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence around 10 a.m.

As the agents approached the residence the occupants fled out from the back of the house, Radford said in a statement.

Crystal Saner, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, was detained by Sergeant Roy Ball of the sheriff’s office.

A man Radford described as her friend, Travis Johnson, fled to a wooded area and was apprehended a short time later on Radar Circle.

Agents seized one dosage unit of Alprazolam and three dosage units of Oxycodone from Johnson, 41.

During the search of the residence agents seized user amounts of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia which included several syringes and sandwich bags.

McKeel arrested and charged Johnson with felony maintain a vehicle/dwelling/place for a controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine, felony possession of heroin, simple possession of schedule IV controlled substances, simple possession of schedule II controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resist/delay/obstruct a public officer. He received a January 3 court date.

Saner was also arrested and served with an outstanding order for arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia and has a January 26 court date.

Radford and his dog Tony, Deputy S. Stansberry, Lieutenant John Bozard with his dog Fino, and Roanoke Rapids Police Master Officer Jamie Hardy with his dog Storm assisted.

The arrest stems from an investigation by Detective S.A. Bryant.

On October 30 a report was filed alleging Bass failed to do any work on a roof after the victim paid them.

The victim paid Bass, who is the owner of Roofs R Us, in excess of $2,000.

No work ever began or was completed.

Bass received a $5,000 bond and has a January 17court date.

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Current Operations Manager Yvonne Long-Gee has been promoted to deputy director and will oversee Rural Health Group’s operations.  

“It has been an honor to lead Rural Health Group over the last 13 years. I leave with the knowledge that we have a strong clinical, operational, financial and leadership team that will continue to grow this organization to meet the needs of the people we serve,” said Harris.  

Under Harris’ leadership Rural Health Group expanded from five to 15 clinics with more than 300 employees.  

Founded in 1974, Rural Health Group grew out of a community collaboration of concerned citizens to provide low-cost and free health care services to people living in Northeastern North Carolina.

“I leave an organization that is in the top 12 percent of federal grantees with over $6.1 million in federal grants, a $35 million annual budget and cash reserves.  This organization is phenomenal because of the people who work here and give of themselves to make RHG a leader in community health,” Harris said.  

Long-Gee is a registered nurse of 31 years with 30 years of experience in healthcare management.  

She has been employed with RHG for more than 20 years and has served as a senior leader for the past 13 years.  

“As deputy director, I am fully invested in the mission, vision and values of our organization and remain excited to lead Rural Health Group in this transition with our clinics across eastern North Carolina,” Long-Gee said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to share in the charge of providing excellent primary medical, dental, behavioral health care for the over 33,000 patients we serve.  “With the support and leadership of the board of directors, our amazing staff, providers and senior leadership, we will keep the momentum of this great organization going. Rural Health Group’s designation as a national quality leader, plans for judicious expansion opportunities and stabilizing our workforce in 2018 remains our goal.”

The RHG Board of Directors has begun the search for a new CEO.  

Harris, who begins his new role in March, will continue to serve as a RHG consultant during the transition.  

Chief James Avens said Jaxson Clay, who would be 2 on December 23, was running around the house playing at the time bullets came through the house in the 700 block. “We are working diligently to bring some closure and have justice for Jaxson,” he said.

Avens said multiple shots were fired into the residence in what he described as a drive-by shooting investigators do not believe was random. He declined to discuss motive or give reasons why officers working the case believe the shooting, which occurred around 8:15 p.m., was a targeted drive-by.

Avens declined to say what type of weapon was used. He said investigators are still trying to determine how many might be involved. Investigators are still trying to find a vehicle description.

The police department announced early Friday morning the child died from a bullet wound fired during the drive-by.

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As investigators continue their probe into the child’s murder, the Outreach Committee of Weldon Baptist Church on 609 Washington Avenue is accepting donations through the rest of the month to go to funeral expenses for the boy.

There was no answer at the church this afternoon but in a message on its Facebook page, it encouraged members and followers of the social media outlet “if it is in your heart,” to make a donation by check or money order to Weldon Baptist Church with Jaxson in the memo. The address is Weldon Baptist Church, 609 Washington Avenue, Weldon, NC 27890.

After the funeral expenses are covered, the excess funds raised will be donated in Jaxson's name to the Weldon police and fire department's Holiday Dinner with a Hero fund, a dinner and gift event for the homeless youth of Weldon.

“I’m very appreciative and  just overwhelmed with joy of the support we’ve been getting,” Avens said.