Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement Officer E. Johnson conducted the stop around 1:45 a.m. on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway at Interstate 95.

Narcotics and a stolen firearm were located inside the vehicle and Johnson discovered Kvon Montrell Lassiter, 23, of Murfreesboro, had outstanding warrants.

The outstanding warrants against Lassiter were based on an investigation by Lieutenant C. Boden of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Lassiter was served warrants for burglary, larceny after breaking and entering, common law robbery, injury to property, assault on a female, assault and possession of stolen goods. Johnson charged him for no operators license and failure to stop for a red light or stop sign.

He received a $10,000 bond and August 15 court date.

Johnson charged Kameron Lamont Pugh, 19, of Woodland, for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a stolen firearm. The firearm was reported stolen out of Hertford County, Hasty said.

Pugh received a $1,500 bond and September 5 court date.

Michael Lamar Majette, 20, of Murfreesboro, was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. He received a $1,500 bond and September 5 court date.

Master Officer D. Hundley, Officer C. Bachelor and Officer H. Grimes and her canine partner Jimi assisted.

Cobbler Drive is located outside Roanoke Rapids in the P&J community, according to Chief Deputy Scott Hall.

Hall said in a statement the plants were found after Lieutenant J. Bozard, Sergeant R. Ball and Detective M. Brown were following up on a drug complaint.

Investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on the residence.

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The deputies seized a total of five marijuana plants, numerous items of marijuana paraphernalia, and personal use marijuana.

A total of 392 grams of marijuana was seized. Hall said the 392 grams account for the plants seized as well as marijuana found inside the residence.

It was not clear how long the plants had been growing or whether the marijuana was being grown for personal use or sale on the street.

Brown arrested and charged David Allen Medlin and Mark Thomas Walker, both 55, with felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling place to keep a controlled substance, manufacture marijuana, simple possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Both men received $8,000 bonds and August 15 court dates.

Whitaker, a former resident of Enfield living in Decatur, Georgia, was arrested around 8 p.m. after the police department responded to the area of Taylor Street about a juvenile sexual assault, Captain Dreher Bozard said in a statement.

Investigation by detectives Willie Murphy Jr. and Teo Antunez Jr. determined Whitaker had allegedly assaulted an 11-year-old victim.

The juvenile reported to their grandparent they had allegedly been sexually assaulted.

Whitaker was jailed on $5,000 bond and has an August 15 court date.

It is an effort which will benefit several charitable organizations either directly through proceeds or indirectly through vendor booths organizations will set up.

The decision to do the festival was a direct result of the sponsors of the Virginia Pork Festival deciding to end its longstanding event, said Chuck Marsh, general manager of First Media Radio. “We planned to have it when it’s cooler,” he said.

The event is scheduled for October 6 and will feature Colt Ford as the headliner and serve as a reunion for Sidewinder, Marsh said.

(Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at https://www.oinktoberfestnc.com/

Lake Gaston Pizza in Littleton; The UPS Store in Emporia; 102.3 Maverick Studio in Weldon; Sheriff Wes Tripp; Jack Boseman Nationwide in Roanoke Rapids; Big Time Pawn in Roanoke Rapids; White's Chevrolet in Roanoke Rapids and Whitley's Barbecue in Murfreesboro. No tickets will be sold at the gate)

​Sidewinder hadn’t done any large scale performances in a while and Cleve Baker, a First Media Radio personality, talked them into doing the reunion.

“We want to do this on a yearly basis to keep entertainment dollars in the area and turn the entertainment dollars into charitable dollars,” Marsh said.

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Toy Drive will benefit from the event, Marsh said.

“We have enjoyed a long-term working relationship with First Media Radio,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said. “It’s been a good fit because the sheriff’s office and General Manager Chuck Marsh are all about giving back to the community.”

Last year the toy drive resulted in more than 1,000 toys being distributed to children in the county, the sheriff said.

The American Legion will not only get the rental fee for the event but will get half the proceeds of beer sales.

Shriners will be doing pizza sales and the Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum will have a booth.

Included in the price of the $35 ticket is not only the entertainment — the headliner Ford; the 7100 Band; Tommy McCoy and Sidewinder — but all you can eat barbecue pork, chicken and sides catered by Hermie and Elliott Sadler’s Fosho based on recipes by Bill Ellis Barbecue.

The gates will open at 2 p.m. and live music starts at 3 p.m., starting with the 7100 Band. Tommy McCoy will take the stage next followed by the Sidewinder reunion at 6 p.m. Ford will take the stage for an 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. headline performance.

The last day to order tickets is September 28.

Budweiser products will be sold for $4 per beer.

“We’ll have some pretty cool raffles that will be available,” Marsh said, including a rifle raffle.

Limited edition Maverick radio stations T-shirts will be available as will limited Magic 97 T-shirts.

Marsh said he is appreciative of all the sponsors of the event. “They love the community so much and see the value.”

There are 10 radio stations advertising the event and Marsh is doing paid social media posting to promote the event. “We hope to get 3,000 people to come which means tickets are limited.”

As the 3-3 deadlock between Halifax County commissioners ended the chance of putting new laws on the books, it also ended the opportunity for animal control to get an additional enforcement officer through a grant offered by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The awarding of the grant was contingent on the passing of the proposed ordinance banning tethering, County Attorney Glynn Rollins said.

PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch said rejection of the ordinance by commissioners today would not compromise other field work the organization does in the county such as providing straw and dog houses.

Commissioner Marcelle Smith, Rives Manning and Patrick Qualls voted against the proposed ordinance. Chairman Vernon Bryant and commissioners Carolyn Johnson and Linda Brewer voted in favor of the new regulations, which would have mirrored tethering ordinances in place in Enfield, Roanoke Rapids, Scotland Neck and Weldon.

Manning said he is for the humane treatment of animals and appreciates the work PETA does in the county. He said, however, “I don’t want money from PETA coming in for the county.”

According to a memo from county Health Director Bruce Robistow contained in today’s agenda packet, PETA requested the county consider certain amendments to ordinances regarding the care and treatment of animals, particularly with regard to the tethering and confinement of dogs. “In addition, PETA has offered to make a grant to the county to defray the cost of hiring an additional animal control officer to enforce the amended ordinance, as well as certain expenses related to that position,” Robistow wrote.

The grant was for a two-year period. Under terms of the grant PETA would have given the county $122,280 over two years. The first installment, according to a copy of the contract, would have been for $75,610 and then one for $46,670.

The position, the contract stated, would be an enforcement officer specifically tasked with enforcing existing county animal welfare ordinances and regulations proposed in the failed ordinance which covered the ban of tethering, setting standard for pens — 10-feet by 10-feet for one dog and 50 additional square feet for each additional dog.

Smith said while he supports the humane treatment of all animals he had concerns of what the costs would be to residents of the county when they began building pens had the ordinance passed. He also said the county already has laws on the books addressing animal cruelty.

Qualls said, “Passing more laws doesn’t make up for not enforcing the ones you have.”

Referring to photos which passed which showed the affects tethering has on chained animals, Qualls said, “In every case of every picture shown to me we already have laws addressing this.”

Bryant said afterward: “I’m disappointed in the three-three vote. I was hoping it would pass. As a county we need to do a better job in taking care of our animals. As a commissioner and as chair I respect the decision that has been made by the board and will move forth with that.”

In  a statement released this afternoon, Nachminovitch expressed disappointment with the vote. “Like all the many groups and residents who came out in overwhelming support of the proposed animal welfare ordinance this morning, PETA is disappointed that the commissioners passed on the opportunity to advance animal welfare in Halifax County at no cost to taxpayers.

“The ordinance had the support of Rainbow Animal Rescue, the Halifax County Health Department, Halifax County Animal Control, and every compassionate area resident.”

Said Nachminovitch in the statement: “This vote condemned countless dogs to remaining tethered day in and day out, with no exercise, companionship, or respect. PETA's Community Animal Project will continue to assist Halifax County residents and their animals. We would like to remind commissioners and all dog owners that for man's best friend a life on a chain is no life at all. Dogs who are chained 24/7 are forced to eat, sleep, urinate, and defecate all on one small patch of land and deprived of everything that is natural and important to them. Please remember that your dog depends on you.”

A diverse range of artists and special events will be featured, beginning Saturday, September 15 with a soft opening to welcome the community back inside the landmark entertainment destination located off Interstate 95 in Roanoke Rapids at Exit 171.  

The official Grand Opening ceremony is set for Saturday, November 10, and will be headlined by the Charlie Daniel’s Band with a special Veteran’s Day salute to the military.

“The entertainment staff has strived to book a broad and diverse range of talent to showcase this marvelous entertainment destination,” said Jack Glasure, spokesperson for the new owners, Tom and Evon McLean, who closed on the purchase of the theatre less than two weeks ago. “They want to offer something for everyone with amazing performances and festivals encompassing country, rock, blues, beach, jazz and R&B, as well as a variety of performing art shows such as plays, cirque, magic, comedy, murder mystery dinners and more.”  

The Roanoke Rapids Theatre plans to open every day at 9 a.m., except Sunday at 11 a.m., and the restaurant will be open to serve lunch and dinner during operating hours following the Grand Opening November 10.  

A brand-new sports lounge will adjoin the restaurant, with multiple televisions broadcasting big games like Monday Night Football.  

Every weekday afternoon the venue will offer Live After Five specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

On Wednesday evenings, the venue will feature beach music on the main stage; and on Fridays, when a touring act has not been booked, a variety of live and recorded music will be showcased for Club Nite, featuring rock, country, R&B or pop.   

Corporate sponsorship packages for all shows are available, providing interested companies with numerous levels of advertisement, promotion and hospitality.  In addition, the entire venue can be booked for private events.

More information on sponsorships or private events is available through Elizabeth Branham at 1.844.RRT.LIVE or EBranham@RRTLIVE.com

Tickets: Available online at RRTLive.com or the Roanoke Rapids Theatre Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–6 pm.  

The decision comes after Scott Aman of New Dixie Oil spoke with commissioners today. He will also speak with Roanoke Rapids City Council on the matter Tuesday at their 5:15 p.m. meeting.

Aman addressed his concerns with commissioners at their meeting this morning and also wrote his concerns to board Chair Vernon Bryant in a July 19 letter included in the agenda packet.

“As a longtime business owner, I support the expansion of NC Highway 125,” he wrote. “However, the construction of the center median to eliminate left turns except at controlled access areas will have a devastating and negative impact for my business and for other property owners that hold hope for the sale of their properties for new business development.”

He said existing businesses such as Rural Health Group, the state Department of Motor Vehicles license office and others are likely to be less sensitive to access changes “than businesses that rely primarily on pass-by traffic such as gas stations and convenience stores.”

He said in the letter, “I am deeply concerned about the long-term negative impact the improvements to NC Highway 125, as planned, will have for the Shell/New Dixie Mart that I own at the intersection of NC Highway 125 and Interstate 95.”

While not a truck stop, Aman noted the store and gas station at the Highway 125 location does receive and serve 18-wheelers. “For over a year, we have been developing plans to expand our building and footprint and add diesel truck fueling infrastructure and we have shared these plans with NCDOT. Having smooth clear open access for trucks to this area is critical.”

Aman said the current plans for a divided highway and center median which mostly eliminates or controls left turns will negatively impact existing businesses and limit future development.

He said in the letter he believes the plans are over-engineered and include plans for sidewalks in an area which is not envisioned as a walking area.

Aman said in the meeting and in the letter DOT’s original plans for the highway would work better. “Continuing the highway layout from the vicinity of Wendy’s and Touchstone Bank as a five-laned highway with a center turn lane will save state transportation funds and greatly reduce the impact to property owners,” the letter said. “Most landowners along this corridor I have spoken with do not want a divided highway that restricts access and controls left to and from their properties. Controlled access will likely impact business interest in this area as well as future commercial property values.”

For his own business, Aman said the plans will eliminate the ability of his customers leaving Roanoke Rapids and headed to Halifax, Halifax Academy and the interstate to conveniently turn left into his business. “This is a significant portion of my business. As a convenience store, if the customer cannot conveniently gain access to our property, they will go where access is more convenient. I am very concerned about the negative impact this will have on my established business.”

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Aman said he has continually expressed these concerns to state DOT representatives. “One consideration recently shared by NCDOT as a potential option is a crossover allowing a left turn that aligns (or centers) on my far property line — closest to Roanoke Rapids — and that of the neighboring property owner.”

Aman said he believes this is not acceptable for several reasons. “First, I would lose one of two drive openings directly in front of my business,” he wrote. “Secondly, it would add a drive to my far property that I must share with a future unknown development.”

He likens this situation to the one on Premier Boulevard in which Chick-fil-A and Starbucks share a drive. “They create bottlenecks and confusion,” he wrote.

Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott said while the design has become a standard now, she said the county economic development board is crafting its own resolution addressing Aman’s concerns.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said he has his own concerns about the plans currently being considered. “The media would slow down response time.”

Commissioner Linda Brewer said she has concerns about EMS response. “I want to support you and support the others.”

Commissioner Rives Manning said, “I think what they’ve proposed now is idiotic.”

Commissioner Patrick Qualls offered a motion to draft a resolution based on the concerns registered by Aman, concerns about EMS and other first responder issues as well as how the plans might concern other property owners.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will also participate in the event which be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Garysburg Community Center, the former Garysburg school.

“This is our fifth annual event and each year more and more people come out to show their support,” Garysburg police Chief Melvin Garner said. “I’m very excited because this event continues to build relationships with the community in a positive way.”

Said Garner: “Not only will the Garysburg Police Department have our officers present but we were able to get officers from every department in Northampton County to participate this year and I’m thankful and blessed about that as well. So, not only will we have residents from Garysburg but the entire county.”

Mayor Roy Bell will welcome all visitors.

Sergeant Wallace Ransom of the Garysburg Police Department will give the purpose.

Derrick Squire, a former resident who grew up in Garysburg, will provide uplift to the youth. Entertainment again will be provided by Garysburg resident Jake Rice and his wife.

Amusement for the children will be provided by Anytime Party Rentals. Atlas Transportation will provide free blood pressure checks for all ages.

Volunteers from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will be present.

Garysburg and Gaston fire departments will be present as well as Garysburg Crime Watch.

There will be food vendors and information shared by other county organizations as well.

The Northampton County Sheriff's Office will provide free hot dogs and which will be served by the ladies from the Garysburg Police Department.

The Garysburg Police Department will provide free drinks and continue to pass out literature on gun safety and other programs as well as information on their new dog ordinance with assistance from People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Door prizes will be given away as well.

Garner said the event will begin promptly at 6 p.m.

Assault investigations

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported on Saturday around 2 a.m., deputies responded to the area of White Oak outside Enfield regarding an assault.

Further investigation by Detective L.E. Mann led to warrants being issued against Darius Alexander Silver, 20, of Enfield.

Investigation revealed the victim was assaulted with a beer bottle after a verbal confrontation. The victim was transported to a local medical facility and later transferred to a trauma unit for serious head injuries.

Silver surrendered to the sheriff’s office Monday where he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflict serious injury.

Silver was released on bond and awaits an August 15 court date.

On Sunday around 7:30 a.m., Deputy Hunter Wheeler responded to a Heathsville Road address in Enfield regarding an assault.

Through Wheeler's investigation, he learned the suspect allegedly broke into the victim’s residence with the intent to assault them.

Wheeler obtained warrants on Brandon Jermayne Pollard, 26, of Rocky Mount, for breaking and entering with intent to terrorize/injure, injury to personal property, simple assault, and injury to real property.

Pollard was arrested following in Edgecombe County following the crime and later transported to the Halifax County Detention Center where he is being held without opportunity for bond pending an August 15 court date.

Drug arrests

Captain A.M. Harris reported over the weekend agents of the narcotics division conducted several follow-ups on drug activity in several areas of the county.  

Agents conducted foot patrols, knock and talks and saturated patrols in areas of the complaints. One follow-up led to the execution of a narcotics search warrant. Twenty-two charges were filed during the investigations.

Marijuana seizures

On Friday at approximately 5:52 p.m., narcotics agents D.J. Epperson and D.W. McKeel were in the area of a store when they observed what appeared to be a hand to hand drug deal in the parking lot on Highway 48.

McKeel stopped the vehicle on Rhea Smith Road near Highway 48.  

The driver of the vehicle, Roger Payne Lee, 65, of Roanoke Rapids, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.  

The passenger, Heather Dawn Stansbury, 37, of Roanoke Rapids, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Lee and Stansbury received October 8 court dates.

Corporal Andy Cash and Roanoke Rapids officers H. Marshall and M. Hunsucker assisted.

At approximately 7:50 p.m., McKeel and Epperson were following up on a drug complaint in the area of East Eleventh and Sycamore streets in Weldon when they encountered Antonio Maurice Story, 32, of Weldon.

Agents seized marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia.  

Epperson cited Story with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Story received an October 8 court date.

Cocaine seizure

At approximately 11:33 p.m., McKeel conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 158 near Zoo Road for a motor vehicle violation.

McKeel requested assistance of Corporal Brandon Council and his canine partner Bosco. During the search of the driver, Cass Yelardy, 72, of Roanoke Rapids, cocaine was seized.

McKeel arrested and charged Yelardy with felony possession of cocaine and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for a controlled substance. Yelardy was given a written warning for speeding.

He received a September 19 court date.

Epperson also assisted.

Reynolds Circle

The narcotics, investigative and patrol divisions executed a search warrant on Saturday at approximately 2:14 a.m. at a Reynolds Circle home.

McKeel had received several complaints of possible drug activity at this residence.  

McKeel identified the alleged suspect as 32-year-old Travis Manley.  

Agents are familiar with Manley and had executed several search warrants at his previous homes in the Roanoke Rapids area.

During the search of the residence agents seized cocaine, marijuana, clonazepam pills, a handgun, several items of drug paraphernalia and currency.

McKeel arrested and charged Manley for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell/deliver schedule IV controlled substance and resisting a public officer.

Manley received a September 19 court date.

Other arrests

On Saturday at approximately 2:45 p.m., McKeel stopped a vehicle for a motor vehicle violation on West Ridgecrest near West Tenth streets.

The driver, Robert Guy Hester Jr., 21, of Roanoke Rapids, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for a stop sign violation, driving while license revoked, fictitious registration number plate and window tint violation.

He received a September 10 court date.

At approximately 4:55 p.m., agents D.R. Radford, McKeel and Epperson followed up on a drug complaint at a residence on Davie Smith Street.  

The complaint was for several different cars coming and leaving the residence all times of the night.

Epperson cited Charles Delaney Walden, 34, of Gaston, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

He received an October 8 court date.

Agents will continue to follow up on this residence.

At approximately 9:09 p.m., McKeel conducted a traffic stop on Highway 561 near Evans Road in the Hollister area for a motor vehicle violation.

The driver, Brandon Jeremy Rubin, 38, of Louisburg, was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for failing to notify DMV of address change.

He received a September 10 court date.

At approximately 9:48 p.m., Epperson encountered Jason Terell Love, 25, of Rocky Mount, in the parking lot of a convenience store in the Medoc community.

Love was cited with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and received a September 10 court date.

On Sunday shortly after midnight, Radford was on foot patrol on East Eleventh Street in Weldon when he encountered Tyrone Junior Clements, 36, of Garysburg.

Clements was found in possession of marijuana.  

Radford cited Clements with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.

He received a September 10 court date.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected drug activity by calling the sheriff’s office narcotics division at 252 535-1257, Crimestoppers at 252 583-4444 or log on to www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip.

Enfield Police Department

Captain Dreher Bozard reported that on Saturday at approximately 3:30 a.m., Officer Jerry Shoemaker with the assistance of Detective Teodoro Antunez Jr. arrested Joe Lee Caudle of Enfield.

While Enfield officers were doing a business check they noticed Caudle walking nearby and apprehended him.  ‘

Caudle had two orders for arrest for failure to appear for misdemeanor second-degree trespass. Caudle received a secured bond of $1,100 and two court dates — August 28,and September 4.

She is a rising senior at KIPP Pride High School and is the daughter of Tony and Elrena Darden. She received $11,500 in cash scholarships Saturday night, placing in fitness, talent, scholastic, and won the overall interview award.

Toni will now compete for the state title, traveling  to Greensboro in January to participate in the Distinguished Young Women of North Carolina state program.

The Roanoke Valley DYW scholarship program event was held at The Centre on the campus of Halifax Community College and showcased 16 young women from several schools throughout the community.

Sarah Rightmyer, Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley for 2018, chose the theme Sweet Southern Soul for the program.

Sarah is a rising freshman at East Carolina University.

Runner ups

First Runner Up was Olivia Kidd. She is a rising senior at RRHS and is the daughter of Lynn and Julie Harrison. She received $4,750 in cash scholarships, placing in the self-expression, interview, and scholastic categories.

Second Runner Up was Bailey Robertson. She is a rising senior at Halifax Academy and is the daughter of Rodney and Trina Robertson. She won $4,000 in cash scholarships placing in interview, fitness, talent, and scholastics.

Third Runner Up was Cassidy Goff. She is a rising Senior at RRHS and is the daughter of James and Jeany Flythe, and the late Royce Goff. She won $4,000 in cash scholarships placing in interview, scholastic and self expression. Also included was the entrepreneur award which was worth $1,000.

Fourth Runner Up was Lily Brewer. She is a rising Senior at RRHS and is the daughter of Chris and Beth Brewer. She received $2,000 in cash scholarships placing in the fitness, self expression, talent and interview categories.

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Individual category

Individual Category award recipients and donors are as follows:

Fitness - Toni Darden, Cassidy Goff, Emli Edwards, Lily Brewer and Bailey Robertson.

Fitness awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Spartan Gym, Southern Smiles Orthodontics, Ben's Creek Nursery, and New Day Fitness.

Self Expression - Olivia Kidd, Cassidy Goff, Sydney Connell, Kendall Qualls, and Lily Brewer.

Self Expression awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley Scholarship fund.

Talent - Toni Darden, Cassidy Goff, Lily Brewer, Bailey Robertson, and Macie Hasty.

Talent awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Myrick's School of Dance, Given's Dance, Progression's Dance Studio, Little Caesars Pizza, and Redwine's Garage & Part Sales.

Interview: Olivia Kidd, Emli Edwards, Lily Brewer, Zianne Richardson, and Bailey Robertson.

Interview Awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Kapstone.

Overall Interview: Toni Darden

Overall Interview Award winner received a $750 cash scholarship and was sponsored by Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley Scholarship fund.  

Scholastic: Toni Darden, Olivia Kidd, Cassidy Goff, Kendall Qualls, and Bailey Robertson.

Scholastic Awards were valued at $250 each and sponsored by Drugco.

Overall Scholastic: Alexis Carter

Overall Scholastic Award winner received a $750 cash scholarship sponsored by:

Distinguished Young Woman of Roanoke Valley Scholarship fund.

Entrepreneur Award: Cassidy Goff

The Young Entrepreneur award recognized a young woman for her hard work and dedication throughout the Distinguished Young Woman program through fundraising and overall service to the program as well as the community. The award was sponsored by Enviva Pellets of Northampton.

Cassidy Goff, the winner of the award, received a $1,000 cash scholarship.

Spirit Award: Blair Bracey

The spirit award is a long time coveted award by participants across America. The young lady chosen is selected by her fellow participants and is viewed to have the attributes that a DYW

should have and is given to the one they think embodies the Distinguished Young Woman program.

The Spirit scholarship was sponsored by The Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship fund and Rightmyer Machine Rentals. Blair Bracey, the winner of the spirit award, received a $750 cash scholarship.

Two "Be Your Best Self" Awards: Dianna Ricks and Alexis Pearcey

The Be Your Best Self awards are given to the young women who embody the BYBS message empowering young people with valuable tools to face the challenges of negative peer pressure, drawing on their own personal experiences. Each participant submitted an essay for this

award. Each recipient won a $500 scholarship sponsored by M.J. Price Construction.

Leadership Award: Macie Hasty

The leadership award recognizes a young woman for her large array of characteristics, such as values, character, motives, habits, traits, competencies, style, behaviors, and leadership skills throughout the program, as well as, in her school and community.

The winner received a $500 scholarship sponsored by Sheriff Wes Tripp.

Asked if he had anything to say he simply said “innocent” as detectives S.A. Bryant and Travis Clark took him inside. Asked to expound, he said, “I didn’t do it.”

Celestine was brought back this evening from DeKalb County, Georgia, where he fled to following the shooting death of an associate, Daquinn Blount, the morning of July 16 on Grant Drive outside Roanoke Rapids.

Another associate, Donovan Gonsalves, remains at large and is believed to be in Georgia, Sheriff Wes Tripp said this evening.

Asked for comment on Celestine’s proclamation of innocence, Tripp said, “As we all know, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.:”

Celestine had waived extradition to North Carolina after he was caught in Georgia last week by the sheriff’s office there and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force.

Celestine was being booked in Blount’s murder this evening and no bond information was immediately available.

Prior to the murder warrant being lodged, he had been charged with obstruction of justice and drug charges.

Marc Anthony Solomon-Cartagena, who lived at the Grant Drive residence where Blount was shot and killed and Gonsalves was injured, had posted bond for Celestine’s release on the obstruction charge while a bondsman posted his bail on drug charges.

Tripp has previously confirmed not only did all four men know each other but evidence shows there was a dispute between Blount and Gonsalves.

While council this evening did not take a vote on the matter, the panel gave its consensus for City Manager Joseph Scherer to construct a resolution and bring it back for the August 21 meeting.

Scherer said following the meeting he and City Attorney Gilbert Chichester would work on the draft.

Halifax County commissioners Monday agreed to draft a resolution opposing the current project as well and will use arguments posed by businessman Scott Aman of New Dixie Oil as well as those made by Sheriff Wes Tripp.

Aman proposed the resolution to commissioners Monday and to council this evening. The Halifax County Economic Development Commission has drafted a resolution but it has not yet been approved by the board, county Economic Development Director Cathy Scott confirmed following the council meeting.

Aman presented the same arguments to city council as he did to commissioners Monday. “I’m supportive of the improvements,” he said, adding, however, he believes the state Department of Transportation oversized the plans as they now stand.

DOT held a meeting in October to discuss the plans to widen the highway from Interstate 95 to Old Farm Road as a way to reduce congestion and improve highway access for residents and businesses. The proposed design widens the highway from two to four lanes with a 23-foot median. The outside lanes would accommodate bicycles and a 5-foot sidewalk is proposed for the east side.

Aman said the current plans for a divided highway and center median which mostly eliminates or controls left turns will negatively impact existing businesses and limit future development.

“They need to finish 125 like they started from Wendy’s to the State Employees Credit Union,” he said.

That section does not have a median.

Aman said in letters to both county board Chairman Vernon Bryant and Mayor Emery Doughtie, “Continuing the highway layout from the vicinity of Wendy’s and Touchstone Bank as a five-laned highway with a center turn lane will save state transportation funds and greatly reduce the impact to property owners. Most landowners along this corridor I have spoken with do not want a divided highway that restricts access and controls left to and from their properties. Controlled access will likely impact business interest in this area as well as future commercial property values.”

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rrspin.com covered the events in Weldon at Halifax Community College and the event in Littleton.

Video link for Tim Cifers Band at 2018 National Night Out in Littleton:  https://youtu.be/SM2K_hkWk6c

Video link for Jim Quick and Coastline at 2018 National Night Out in Weldon:  https://youtu.be/RdGbPto6CUc

Sergeant G.M. Moore of the state Highway Patrol, citing an initial report by Trooper W.C. Wheeler, said 76-year-old Jung Yoon of Flushing, New York, was struck by a pickup. Yoon was struck in the travel lane near the centerline.

Moore said it is not clear why Yoon stopped his vehicle before darting into the travel lane at the 162 mile marker in the Halifax area around 9:15 p.m. The collision occurred in the northbound lane.

No charges are expected to be filed.

The students were greeted by North Carolina Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders, who not only encouraged the students to pursue their academic goals and dreams but spoke about Governor Roy Cooper’s School Supply Drive.

For students Lorenzo Santarina and Lee Given, the early college, which is housed in the Armory, is a chance to get a jumpstart on their education.

“Doctors are embedded in my family,” Santarina said.

His goal is to become a cardiologist or nephrologist. “There are a lot of years in medical school. Getting a jumpstart is something I want to do. In the long run it will be easier for me.”

Given, who wants to study law, said coming out of early college with an associate degree will give him a jump as well as he plans to do a two-year mission through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before studying to become an attorney. “I want to become a lawyer as quickly as I can. I want to be a lawyer like my uncle (Franklin Jones). I want to practice law like he does.”

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The early college on the campus of Roanoke Rapids High School is something Superintendent Dain Butler envisioned upon his arrival.

The 71 students who have enrolled were beyond his expectations and he hopes to see that number double next school year.

He believes it will help students. “They’re in a school system in a Tier 1 area that deserves better pathways. There’s a lot of costs obtaining a four-year degree. This cuts the costs in half. It shows the school system is growing.”

The Roanoke Rapids Early College High School is run in conjunction with Halifax Community College where the students will earn their associate degree as well as a high school diploma.

“It’s a great day,” said HCC President Michael Elam. “We want to make sure the students have a wonderful opportunity for the future.”

The Roanoke Rapids Early College is the third, Elam said, and there will be a fourth with Halifax County Schools in the spring. “I like it because it accelerates the opportunity for learning and achievement. It’s a springboard into the future to get into careers a lot sooner.”

Said HCC Board of Trustees Chair Michael Felt: “There’s excitement about this partnership.”

After a tour of the Armory, Sanders said she was impressed with renovations done to the historic building to pave the way for the early college. “I’m impressed to see the diversity and feel the energy from the teachers. I’m very excited at what this school is offering. It gives me hope.”

Butler told the students assembled in the Armory gym, “We worked very hard to get to this day. We believe in you and that you will be catalysts and trendsetters.”

Sanders told the students they were part of 125 other early colleges in the state. “This partnership is exceptional and is providing you a jumpstart. It saves your family time and money. It speaks volumes of your community. We applaud you and your new school.”

She also spoke on the governor’s school supply drive which is being conducted in partnership with State Employees’ Credit Union. Bins are set up at SECU locations across the state and more information can be found at this link.

On the the opening of the Roanoke Rapids Early College High School, Sanders said, “This a bridge to a brighter future, a bridge to opportunity.”

Roanoke Rapids Police Department

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Captain Bobby Martin reported the police department is attempting to identify two people involved in the theft of a generator from Lowe’s Home Improvement Monday.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call criminal investigations at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Enfield Police Department

Captain Dreher Bozard reported on Monday around 8:30 p.m,, Corporal S. Coates along with Officer W. Hammiel arrested Douglas Silver of Enfield for an order for arrest for failure to appear to court.  

He received a $2,000 bond and October 12 court date.

On Sunday Coates and Hammiel arrested sisters Tamela Barnes and Roxanne Hardy of Enfield.

Barnes was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and assault inflicting serious injury and was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond. Hardy was charged with simple assault and released on a $500 unsecured bond by a magistrate.

Charges for the sisters are related to a matter which happened earlier in the week where Detective T. Antunez was dispatched to Halifax Regional regarding a stabbing victim.

Barnes and Hardy were both named as the accused individuals.

They have August 14 court dates.

Paperwork which documents the sale of the land to Showalter was expected to be filed in the Halifax County Register of Deeds Office today, she confirmed Thursday evening.

Roanoke Rapids City Council last month rejected rezoning the land and ended the opportunity for a conditional use permit hearing on the matter.

An attorney had advised Showalter it would cost around $20,000 to go through an appeals process and it would have probably taken a year before the matter was heard in court.

She said she didn’t ask the attorney whether she might have had a case against the city. “It never crossed my mind to sue the city. My mind doesn’t work that way.”

Showalter eyed the land for expansion because the main grounds of Crestview are expected to run out of lots in five years.

The purchase of the land, she said, “Gives me five years to clean up.”

It also gives her the right to put up fencing.

She also plans to put in a road like she proposed to city council the evening her rezoning request was rejected. She had learned the state Department of Transportation indicated there could be access to the site of the proposed expansion directly from Smith Church Road instead of funeral traffic having to access the site through Anna Louise Lane.

Showalter said she financed $140,000 for the purchase on a 15-year term.

“The purchase will give me the time I need to get the land cleared and fence up so that people could see there will be a pretty cemetery across the street,” she said. “I have a vision for it, maybe this will help. I still have to wait for planning board and city council approval. If I still can’t get the approval for the cemetery expansion I could close the existing cemetery and no more plots would be sold to people who want to bury their children there and I can sell the property I just purchased and the land will already be cleared and developed for something else for whatever the city deems appropriate.”

She said she would still have to go back to the city once she is ready to begin the expansion for the rezoning of the land as well as a conditional use permit.

Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky confirmed Showalter would have to go through the rezoning and conditional use permit process again once she decides she is ready to start expansion.

For the meantime, Showalter said, “I can start cleaning up and put up a fence.”

At the time of the July 10 council meeting where the rezoning was rejected the property had been listed for 2,335 days with no offers made.

On Monday at approximately 10 a.m., investigators G. Williams and O. Wiltsie were out following up on cases when they spotted Eric Shane Lassiter in a vehicle traveling on Highway 158 near Highway 48. Lassiter had outstanding warrants.  

The investigators conducted a traffic stop and took Lassiter into custody.

He was found in possession of drug paraphernalia during a search.

Lassiter was arrested and served outstanding warrants for safecracking, larceny by removing anti-theft device and larceny. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.  

He received a total bond of $12,500 and a court date of September 5.

The safecracking, larceny by removing anti-theft device and larceny charges stem from an investigation by Officer M. Worrell into a report filed on July 23 by loss prevention of Walmart.  Lassiter allegedly broke into a locked display and took items.

On Tuesday at approximately 2:30 p.m., Wiltsie and officers N. Velazquez and C. Batchelor responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

They located a group of people and arrested the following:

Malikah Jackie Perry, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, for shoplifting and an outstanding order for arrest.

She received a total bond of $1,500 and an August 31 court date.

Alnasha Shavon Torres, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, for larceny, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana.

She received a total bond of $2,000 and a September 7 court date.

Anastasha Perry, 20, of Irvington, New Jersey, for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was cited and released until her September 5 court date.

Captain B. Martin, Lieutenant C. Burnette, and Sergeant M. Peck assisted.

On Tuesday at approximately 10:45 p.m., Lieutenant J. Baggett conducted a traffic stop for a violation in the 1200 block of Bolling Road.

The driver, Corey Lamar Bynum, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, had an outstanding order for arrest, was driving on a revoked license and had narcotics in his possession.  

Bynum was served the outstanding warrant and charged with speeding, driving while license revoked and possession of marijuana.

He received a total bond of $400 and an August 15 court date.

Master Officer G. Colson and Officer H. Marshall assisted.

On Wednesday at approximately 5:45 p.m., Officer H. Grimes responded to a report of a person acting erratic at the East Tenth Street Hardee’s.

Grimes found Michael Lawrence Fahey, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, asleep inside a vehicle on the parking lot.  

Fahey was found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.

He was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a $1,500 bond and September 5 court date.

Batchelor and Velazquez assisted.

On Wednesday at approximately 10:30 p.m., Baggett conducted a traffic stop for a violation in the 1000 block of East Tenth Street.

The driver, Kehaad Cornelius Hawkins, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, had narcotics in his possession. Hawkins was cited for concealing registration, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was released until his September 10 court date.

Colson and Marshall assisted.

Chief Chuck Hasty said at the scene on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway the search warrant was based on complaints of prostitution at the business.

He said investigators will be working in conjunction with the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.

Asked whether undercover operations were used during investigation which led to the search warrant, Hasty said, “We used all investigative techniques available to us.”

As of this report no one had been arrested or carried away from the establishment. More information is expected to be forthcoming.

Hasty said investigators were collecting evidence from the establishment but he declined to elaborate.

Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky arrived at the scene as investigators were working.

After a 2011 investigation, Lasky said the planning department “made it clear” the business was not to be used as a residence.

She said in her observations inside the business today she saw two rooms which appeared to be bedrooms. “I can order removal of the beds,” she said, but added, “I’m not going to take any action until I get a comprehensive report.”

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An October 3, 2011, letter from the planning department said the business can only operate within its business use application.

The therapeutic massage services stated in the 2011 application include Swedish massage, acupressure, deep tissue, reflexology, prenatal massage, hot stone massage, medical massage, medication massage, hydrokinetic treatment, body rub and sport massage.

The business hours are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week and any changes to the permit would require written authorization from the planning department, the letter written then stated.

The property is not to be used as a residence and the permit does not authorize or imply the use of the business as an adult establishment or sexually oriented business.

The operation was organized by Agent D.R. Radford and was conducted during a 12-hour total time period.

During the duration of the traffic checking station agents cited the following:

Two for no operator’s license

One for not having proper vehicle insurance

Five for driving while license revoked

Two for child restraint violation

One for displaying a fictitious registration

Two for not being a licensed driver

The following citations were issued:

Michael Dwayne Thornton Jr., 20, of Rapidan, Virginia, for possess one-half ounce or less of marijuana.

Ramadan A. Abdelaziz, 26, of Jersey City, New Jersey, for possess one-half ounce or less of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Raymond Willie Height, 62, of Nashville, for possess one-half ounce or less of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Jose Malave, 30, of New Britain, Connecticut, for possess one-half ounce or less of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Jessica Spivey, 36, of Rocky Mount, for possess one-half ounce or less of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Agents seized 32.06 grams of marijuana, with eight vehicle searches and four canine deployments.

Radford and his canine partner Tony, agents D.W. McKeel and D. J. Epperson, and Captain A.M. Harris participated in the operation.

Sergeant D. Newsome and his canine partner Duri, Corporal D. Moore and Deputy C. Sherrod of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division also assisted when time allowed.

Radford said in a statement assistance by the state Department of Transportation and Halifax County E-911 was appreciated.